#just wanna see people talking about how the flip side was rubbish but instead i get ‘Nicole was always a sociopath who never cared

[zebedeezing]

Sociopathy is MADE UP it is a MADE UP TERM‼️

[eimagines]

what are you afraid of? // kai anderson

pairing: kai anderson x reader genres: smut summary: you decide to spend the day at the anderson’s to watch the final presidential debate. when kai flips out and ends up getting voilent with one of winter’s other friends, and you have no way home, you spend a little time with the blue haired male instead. warnings: i mean... unprotected smut? dirty talk because I imagine kai to be a talker. also mentions of sexual harassment. word count: 4600

“Are you sure it’s okay to come around? I don’t want to intrude if you’re with other friends.” You spoke to Winter through the phone that was balanced between your face and shoulder as you fiddled with the keys to your beat up old rustic car, attempting desperately to keep hold of the bottle of wine you’d just bought.

“Of course it’s fine! You can’t come all the way out here and not come see me, I miss you!” Winter complained. “Fine, fine! Text me your address and I’ll be over soon!” “Bring wine!” Winter laughed. “Already on it.” You smirked. After you turned on the car ignition and input Winter’s address into your phone, you started on your short lived journey to the Anderson’s, smiling as you reminisced the first time you and Winter had spoken.

During the first week of your first semester at college, you’d secured yourself a job in a local bakery, and was tasked with the job of handing out promotional leaflets around campus. After successfully giving out only around ten flyers, a group of students decided it would be great fun to smack the pile of papers out of your hands, sending them flying across the ground. The wind carried them off all over the place as they shared laughter. The only person who stopped to help you as you got onto the cold concrete floor to collect the few remaining flyers was Winter. 

She bought you a coffee after that, and convinced you to skip work the next day to join her for wine and pizza; you didn't turn it down. You were fired a week later, but it was all worth it. Winter had become one of your best friends at college and since you were around her current area and knew just how into the election she was, you thought it could be fun to hang out for a while.

After your car came to a bumpy halt along the sidewalk of the Anderson household, you grabbed the wine and made your way towards the front door; the lawn sporting both right and left wing flags making you slightly more interested in the politics battle currently going on inside. 

You only had to knock twice before Winter answered, swooping you up into a hug.

“Thank god you’re here, the debate is just about to start.” Winter explained as she led you down into what you could only assume was the basement. 

Truthfully, you weren't all that interested in politics, and, although you knew who you were putting your vote in for, you really only came along to support Winter as you were very familiar with how seriously she took this election.

Once you’d been completely enveloped in the darkness of the basement Winter introduced you to her two friends who were happily nestled on the large couch, and her brother, Kai, who was typing away furiously at his keyboard.

Winter had mentioned her brother a couple of times but you’d never pictured him to look the way he did. Blue hair long in front of his deep almost black eyes. He looked strong and broad and his facial structure looked very shard and pristine despite having only the light from his laptop shining up from underneath his chin. Truth be told, Kai Anderson was hot.

Kai had watched you as you walked down the stairs to the basement, his eyes tracing every inch of your body from tip toe to thigh to waist to face. He’d not recognised you, and so he was immediately interested, not really acting as though he was paying much attention to the things you said or the way you said them, but in actuality, only focussing on them as his eyes bore holes into his computer screen.

The debate hadn’t long started and the group of girls were in fits of giggles as Trump spewed out more and more word junk. You stayed silent, choosing to do so as you felt slightly out of place and uninformed on the subject as a whole. You were actually paying a lot more attention to the blue haired man sitting in the chair across the room.

“I wonder if this is how black people felt when Obama became president.” Winter said meaningfully, to which you held back a snicker at the ridiculousness of the statement. Kai could almost feel you hold back a laugh as he slyly peered over into the conversation.

“I think Hilary is even more important that Obama.” One of Winter’s friends stated. You held back your eye-roll as her droned out voice attacked your ears. She continued to go on about Women’s rights as you stood up and walked across the room to pour yourself some wine, standing at the table Kai was so persistently typing away at. 

Kai watched you saunter over from the corner of his eye, watching the way your hips moved and hands fell delicately at your sides. The girls broke out into laughter as the two candidates threw insults back and forth and you could almost feel the annoyance radiating off of Kai. 

Winter began to speak as you finally unscrewed your wine and poured yourself a glass, “This is going to be the biggest loss in electoral history.” 

“Wanna bet?” Kai finally spoke challengingly, his eyes not leaving his laptop screen and his deep slightly raspy voice adding to the cold mysterious shroud he had himself wrapped in.

“I’ll bet!” Winter’s short haired friend spoke up, amused, “If Trump wins you can fuck all four of us!”

You slightly choked on the wine you were sipping at as Winter protested in disgust. 

“It’s never gunna happen.” 

“You guys don’t get it. Precious Obummer has shielded you from whats really going on out there.” Kai had stopped typing.

“Right. Economic anxiety, aka, racism.” Winter replied.

“People hate her,” Kai started, “She’s weak. Remember what happened a few weeks ago at the 9/11 memorial ceremony? She had to be carried to her car. Everyone knows its early on-set Parkinson's.” 

Winter rolled her eyes as Kai continued, “They hate the sound of her voice, they hate the fact she cant satisfy her husband.” This caused you to hold back a laugh to which you earned a rather nasty glare from Winter’s friends. “The world isn't this progressive happy place you think it is, okay? People tolerated the black guy but nobody wants a women president. Not even other women.”

“Who told you that? Your 4chan pepe frog fucking buddies?” Again you held back a laugh, taking a seat in your original spot to watch whatever sort of argument was currently commencing. 

Kai and Riley continued to argue over the ‘passion of the angry white man’ until Kai slammed his hands onto the table, standing up and delivering a very angry rant on voting for Trump.

“It is all about shame and humiliation for you assholes,” Riley got into Kai’s face, your heart began to race as you could clearly see Kai’s anger bubbling up from within him, “Y’know we should start some sort of government programme to get you all laid so you’ll shut up.”

Kai’s eyebrows started to knit together, his rage towering over him and you could almost see it. You stayed quiet, out the picture, sipping your wine, you weren’t involved in this and you didn't need to be. 

“Y’know you probably wouldn't even need to get fucked, just some pretty girl, smiling at you, telling you how important you are. Have you ever noticed how all the alt-righters are young men? And non of them have girlfriends?”

“Isn’t that enough now? I think you both made your points, Riley.” You interrupted, not to defend Kai just to maybe help calm down the very intense situation. 

Riley didn’t listen, only sending you a snarl over the laughter as she continued, “Hey Winter, uh, get me some lotion I’m gunna give your brother a handy so-”

Kai hand came hurtling down against Riley’s face so fast you almost felt it yourself, like a loud crack of a gunshot through thick crisp air. The silence that followed was astounding and you wished you’d have just left before this debate even happened. Kai instantly regretted his violent outburst as he attempted to correct his mistake, fawning over Riley only to be threatened with charges and receiving a harsh word from Winter. 

The three girls left to what you assumed was to take Riley home, leaving you alone with Kai, who was clearly distressed and regretful. 

“You like wine?” You asked, attempting to break the uncomfortable silence, standing up and walking over to the table to the opened bottle and glasses. Kai looked at you confused as you sat next to him on the couch, passing him a glass, “Here. Have this.”

“You’re not gunna run off or scream at me?” Kai asked, confusion etched on his face.

“I mean, I think she was being a bitch, unrightfully, but you maybe could have handled it a bit better.” You said, a small smile creeping onto your face, “I’m [Y/N] by the way.”

Kai stayed silent as he gulped down his wine and you attempted to search for your car keys. After a good solid five minutes of searching, worry started to set in as your keys were still lost, undetectable within your rubbish bin of a handbag.

“Looking for something?” Kai asked, his interest still peaked at this stranger fumbling around his room, unfased by his violent outburst. 

You sighed, “My keys, I don’t know where I’ve put them.”

“You drive here?” He asked.

“Yeah. If I can’t find my keys I don’t know how I’m getting home. Plus my roommates are all away right now so I’m living alone.” You ran your fingers through your hair and over your face in slight despair. 

“You could always stay here. I mean, the house is big enough and I’m sure Winter will be back soon.” Kai stood up from the couch to retake his position on the rounded coffee table in front of his computer, closing the lid over and adverting his attention to you.

You looked at him as you stood across the room, tossing your bag back onto the couch, finally giving up on your endless key search.

“Only if that’s okay with you and Winter? I don’t want to intrude or overstay my welcome or anything.” 

“You aren't overstaying your welcome at all. You're always welcome. And I’m fine with you staying, you don’t need Winter’s permission.” Kai explained, giving you a smile, “Come sit with me.”

You didn't even question his command, just thankful you’d have a place to stay for the night, and followed his words. You sat facing him on the rounded dimly lit coffee table. He leaned forward, his elbow on the table.

“I wanna try something,” Kai said outstretching his pinky towards you, “You in?”

After hesitating and not fully understanding what you’re supposed to do or what Kai even wanted, he explained, “When me and Winter were kids, we’d link pinkies. Once that small physical contact had been initiated we’d speak with nothing but honesty.”

You gave Kai a look of confusion as he willed you into linking pinkies, “What are you afraid of?” 

“Not you or your pinky thats for sure.” You smirk, linking your smaller pinky finger with his. He smiled at this. He wanted to know you. He wanted to know your darkest secret, your fears, your hobbies, you enemies and your friends. He wanted to know what made you, you. 

“Complete and utter truth from here on out.” Kai said with a devious smile on his face, “What are you afraid of?”

You paused to think on the question for a moment. “I don’t like bugs, but thats a dumb answer. If I’m afraid of anything, I’m afraid of myself.” 

Kai seemed pleased with your answer and pressed further, “Why yourself?”

You sighed, “Why do you wanna know?”

“Just answer the question.” Kai demanded with a look of disapproval. You realised quickly that Kai did not like to be challenged. It made you uneasy and Kai could see it.

“Are you afraid of me?”

“No. I’m afraid of myself I told you already.”

“So explain.”

You bit your lip, “I often find myself in situations that are dark or dangerous and the only reason for it is because I think chaos is sort of fun. I’m attracted to things I shouldn’t be attracted to. I’m scared that one day I’m going to take it too far, end up hurting something or someone.”

Kai smiled evilly and you knew that right now you’d done exactly the thing you’d admitted to being afraid of; gotten yourself into a dark situation with somebody who clearly wasn’t right in the head, yet, you found it thrilling.

“Like, murder?”

“Who knows, maybe. I just don’t see myself taking a liking to becoming dark and dangerous myself.”

“Why wouldn’t you like you?” Kai pressed further, “If you’re so attracted to the thought of things that aren't looked at in society as acceptable, why wouldn’t you want a piece of it for yourself?”

You knew Kai was the manipulative type. It was almost as if he was trying to get you to break, trying to turn you into the monster you were afraid of becoming. “Why would you be afraid of becoming something you find so appealing?” You kept telling yourself ‘because its not right’ but something in Kai’s dark eyes and smirk told you otherwise.

“What was your most embarrassing moment?” Kai asked, changing the subject before you could think on challenging him more.

“There’s plenty to chose from,” You sighed, “I guess the most embarrassing was in high-school. I’d been seeing this guy for a while. We’d gone to his house to ‘study’ and I’d fallen asleep. Whilst I was asleep he’d taken photos of me, photos that weren’t necessarily the most PG.”

“Asshole.” Kai commented as he listened to you intently.

“He sent them to all of his friends. And then they sent them to everyone else.”

“How did it feel?”

“It felt like everyone in the whole world was laughing at me. I was heartbroken. I was humiliated. It felt like I was all alone in this shitty shitty world.”

“Do you want them dead?”

You hesitated, looking towards the coffee table and letting out a sigh, “In the moment, I thought about it, but right now I don’t.” 

“Why not? Who are they to humiliate you and expect no justice?”

“Who am I to decide who gets to live and who doesn’t? Granted, they’re shitty people and I hope shitty things happen to them, but I don’t want that on my shoulders. Why would I want to become as bad as those who hurt me?” Kai simply only became more and more interested in you as you continued, watching every word pour out your mouth intently.

“Who do you want to win the presidential election?” Kai asked, changing the subject once again as he had received all the information he needed in your direct honest answers. Kai was slowly starting to feel as if he understood your personality.

“I’m voting Hilary, but I like Trump, in a weird way. I think he’s great at making the public angry. Do you know how much good shit has came from that?” Kai shook his head as he listened, “Did you know, since Trump has been forced into the public eye activism is motivating the masses? Pussy hats, protest signs, and weekend marches are the new normal and the arts and crafts industry is killing it! Planned parenthood has never seen so many donations. The women’s health nonprofit has been on the bubble of Congressional cuts for years, but public fury over the restrictive efforts by Trump and Mike Pence resulted in 400,000 private donations.” You ranted after having to stay so quiet around the girls earlier, finally allowing you to get everything off your chest. Kai stayed quiet, soaking in your words like a sponge to water, “Y’know people are realising affordable health care is a human right and not a wealthy privilege. Women are pursuing political office in record numbers and SNL has so much new good content. In a way, I think this country needed an asshole like Trump to scare them into getting shit done.”

“You speak with such power and passion.” Kai started, his voice quiet as he leaned forward a little more, “It’s inspiring.”

Kai knew you were smart, respectful and unpredictable. He could see you were wrathful, powerful, ambitious and knowing. He knew you would make a great alias, a great partner. Someone worth having around. He thought the way you spoke honestly was beautiful, as if he had finally found someone who could almost be his equal despite difference in views. He wanted to tap into that dark place in your mind, fully unleash you. He liked you. A lot.

Kai continued to question you from trivial things like family and studies to questions like “What is the most intense physical pain you’ve ever been in?” forcing you to delve into dark parts of your past you hadn’t thought of ever sharing with your closest friend, let alone a complete stranger. You realised Kai was manipulative from the first time Winter had spoken about him, but it wasn’t until you’d linked pinkies with the man you had understood just how deeply charming Kai could be to get information or get you to trust him completely. 

Within such a short amount of time, Kai had managed to break down any wall you had put up around yourself and your life. He already had you wrapped up in his world; trapped in the palm of his hand and he was ready to play you like a doll and use you up and yet you were fully willing. The thrill of chaos had always been there for you and when you looked at Kai you saw a hurt man. A man who was completely enveloped in darkness and for some unbeknownst reason that darkness made you weak at the knees.

Kai wanted to ask what you thought of him, whether you trusted him or not, whether you liked him or not. He decided against this, feeling he often made every situation about himself and he certainly was not going to make this one about him. He wanted to know you. All of you.

“Are you a virgin?” Kai asked out of the blue, causing you to snicker. You shook your head, “Use your words.”

“Why?” You asked.

“Because. Your words own more power and meaning than simply gestures alone, and your voice is filled with power and beauty.”

“Fine,” You smiled, “No, I’m not a virgin. Happy?”

“I mean, I guess.” Kai laughed quietly. “Did it hurt?”

“No.” You answered immediately. 

“How many guys have you been with?” Kai asked immediately back.

“Three.”

“Same time?”

“No.”

“Ever done anal?”

“No.”

“What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try during sex?”

“I mean, I guess it’s always on a bed and beds are kinda boring. Too soft. Always the same. Theres not an infinite amount of things you can do on a bed.”  

“You’d be surprised, maybe you’ve just been with the wrong guys.” 

Silence had all too quickly invaded the room, a feeling of uncertainty washed over you as you finally spoke up, looking at Kai’s face intently, “Why are you asking me all of this Kai?”

Kai’s pinky tightened slightly as your [Y/E/C] eyes challenged his own, his dark rings clouding with lust as he traced his gaze over your lips. The image of your legs and thighs walking down the stairs to the basement earlier played on his mind, his thoughts wondering to how soft your skin would feel on his, a tent growing in his pants hidden by the coffee table.

“I just want to know you.” Kai let go of your pinky and stood up from his chair, “All of you.”

You weren't stood up too, afraid you’d said something wrong and now weren't welcome, but before you could speak up you were surprisingly met with Kai’s large hands grabbing at your face and pulling you in towards his own as he backed your body up against the round coffee table. His lips latched onto yours delicately, something you would not have expected from Kai. His hands ran through your hair, one staying at the back of your neck and the other positioned on your waist as your hands found their way into his blue mop of hair. You kissed him back desperately, the closeness of his body against yours as he forced his tongue into your mouth causing you to moan slightly, the kiss deepening and the tent in his pants rubbing against you.

Kai broke the kiss, your foreheads pressed against one another as his eyes intensely looked into yours. His hands found their way to your thighs, gripping onto them as he commanded you to jump. You did as you were told, Kai lifting you onto the coffee table, his body positioned between your legs as he started to place kisses along your neck.

“You’re so much more than those stupid bitches.” He sucked a deep purple spot on your neck, you throwing your head back at the feeling, his bulge still rubbing against you teasingly, “More beautiful. More ambitious. More smart. More brave. More powerful.” He continued to kiss and suck and bite at your neck in between every compliment, “Do you have any idea how hot that is?”

Kai’s hands found their way underneath your shirt, lifting it off of you with ease and discarding it to the floor. His came off too and you ran your hand over his chest in awe. Not long after your bare skin beneath was exposed to the air was he pushing you down, your back against the table, the cold hard wood beneath making you shiver. Kai’s lips explored every section of skin they could leaving small purple bruises in their wake. The feel of his skin on yours elesiting another moan from your lips.

“I could listen to you moan all day.” Kai continued, closing his eyes in sheer bliss at your sounds, leaning up straight and stopping his path of love bites to fumble with your jean buttons, “as soon as I saw you walk down those stairs I wanted to take these off, bend you over and fuck you.” Kai admitted as you lifted your ass off the table, allowing him to pull off your jeans agonisingly slowly. 

“God, you look so good like this baby,” He spoke again, his eyes raking across your whole body as he unbuckled his belt and left his pants to fall to his ankles, his erection large and visibly throbbing through his underwear causing you to wriggle in anticipation. You attempted to create some friction by rubbing your thighs together but Kai only laughed at your neediness, spreading you thighs apart forcefully and trapping you underneath him; your legs either side of his waist, his arms either side of your head, his eyes staring deeply into yours. At this point you were desperate for any kind of friction or stimulation or touch and Kai loved seeing you so weak for him. 

“Shhh, I’m going to give you exactly what you want,” Kai cooed, moving one of his hands down towards your south, the part of you that needed attention, delicately grazing his finger over your clothed warmth causing you to mewl. “What kind of man would I be if, after everything you just shared with me, I couldn’t give you anything back?” Kai pulled your underwear to the side, slipping a finger inside of you with ease, proud of how wet you were already, your back arching off of the hard table as he watched your face contort in pleasure.

“I’m going to give everything you want.” Kai whispered, pressing his lips to yours, sucking at your bottom lip and adding a second finger into you, coaxing another sweet moan from your mouth. “Tell me what you want. Use your words.”

You opened your mouth to speak but couldn’t say a word, your head rolling back in pleasure as Kai used his thumb to rub circles on your clit. Kai used his free hand to grab at your chin roughly.

“Look at me and tell me what you want.” Kai demanded, his dominant voice going straight to your core.

“I want you.” You said shakily, your eyes now watching him play with you.

“What do you want?” Kai repeated again, removing his fingers from you and standing up fully, palming his member and removing it from its confinements. It stood fully erect; hard with pre-cum spilling from the head.

“Fuck me. I want you to fuck me.” You replied pathetically, your cheeks heating up slightly at the words that tumbled from your desperate mouth.

Kai grabbed at your already spread thighs, dragging your whole body closer to the edge of the table. He lined his length up with you, not letting you prepare at all before he slammed his full length into you. You both moaned loudly at the much needed connection.

“Fuck,” Kai bit his lip as he pulled out and slammed back into you again, “You’re so tight, God, you feel amazing!” 

Kai’s thrusts started out slow, but they were hard and deep. His hands grabbed at your waist harshly as his pace built up, his thrusts becoming faster, the sound of skin slapping against skin, moans and cusses filled the room, his thumbs digging into your skin hard enough to leave bruises.

The mere sight of sweat dripping off Kai, his long hair stuck to his forehead as he pounded into you over and over again had you a moaning mess. You sat up on your elbows to get a better look at him, the change in position angling his thrusts all the more deeper into you, both of you throwing your heads back in pleasure.

Kai could feel you tightening around his length, the ball of pleasure within you building up quickly. “Does it feel good to have me fucking you, huh? Pounding you into this table? Fuck,” Kai attempted to help send you over the edge, leaning closer to you, chests pressed together as he started kissing and biting at your neck, desperate to be closer to one another and whispering into your ear, “God you feel so good around my cock.”

Your moans continued to increase in pitch and volume. Kai reached down to stimulate your clit, rubbing in fast circles whilst still slamming his entire length into you hard, “Cum for me [Y/N]!”

You screamed out Kai’s name as his deep demanding voice and groans, the feel of him completely controlling your body, and sounds of a hard fuck sent you over the edge, coming undone with your fingers pulling at his hair and tears brimming in your eyes as he fucked you through your orgasm. The sound of his name tumbling out of your lips, the feeling of your walls convulsing against his throbbing length, the look on your face as your orgasm washed over you sent him into complete ecstasy, releasing inside of you and grabbing your hips hard, grinding his hips into yours as he rode out his own high. He groaned your name over and over until he finally pulled out, letting his head lol against your shoulder, your legs still wrapped around him and his arms finding there way around your waist tightly, both of you attempting to get your breath back.

You opened your mouth to speak, but instead, Winter’s voice boomed from upstairs, “Couldn’t you two have fucked in a bedroom at least?”

“Nah, beds are boring.” Kai called back.

A/N: I am British and know very little about the Presidential election so please forgive if I don’t make any sense, I got all my info online! Also if the cult timeline doesn't make sense as I don’t know whether this was before the cult started please forgive! First time writing smut lmao, feedback would be appreciated! I’m also open to requests!

[better-not-said]

-1-

-2-

-3-

-4-

-5-

-6-

Ophelia’s eyes are focused outside, watching the freezing rain blow sideways across the parkway.  Her father is confident in his driving skills, despite living in California for the past 13 years.

“I grew up driving in this rubbish,” Joe Dunphee had announced as they climbed into their rental car, the wind pelting the rain against the windows.

They’ve almost arrived and Ophelia is still shaking with nerves.  She feels as though the wind from outside has reached the depths of her entire being, tearing through her, destroying everything in its path.  She’s left hollow inside, feeling so fragile that one wrong move and she might fall apart.

Her dad pulls the car up beside his brother’s and they all climb out, hurrying across the parking lot and into the old folks’ home. Ophelia shoves her clammy hands in the pockets of her jacket, a hundred different scenarios running through her mind as the Dunphee’s are led to a rec room where Leo is this morning.  Ophelia bumps into Harper who’s come to a halt behind her parents.  Ophelia steps to the side, knowing exactly what she’ll see.

The Horan’s are there already, standing in disbelief, eyes flickering between Leo Dunphee and Edward Horan, sitting together on a couch, golf on the TV in front of them.

“What’s going on here?” Ophelia’s father huffs.

Niall takes a seat between the two older gentlemen, leaning his elbows on his knees.  Ophelia walks past her family to take a seat in an open chair.

“You two set this up?” Bobby Horan realizes.

“Just listen to them,” Niall pleads.

Both their families get as comfy as they can be in such an unpleasant situation.  Ophelia can see her father and her uncle look completely distressed by the whole thing and she has to focus to swallow the lump in her throat.

Leo and Edward share their story.  It’s short and simple; they’ve been friends for over 50 years.

“Did you tell them to say this?” Nicholas directs at his niece.

Ophelia can’t find her words. “N-no.”

“O’course not!” Niall howls and the two families begin to talk all at once.

Ophelia slumps down in her chair, her eyes meeting Niall’s, and they share an exasperated look.

It’s then that Ophelia notices the leather book in Edward Horan’s lap.  He lifts it and hands it over to his grandson who flips it open.  The bickering dies down and all eyes focus on Niall as he scans the pages.  

“There, that’s us,” Leo points, looking over Niall’s shoulder.

“Oh, this one.  That was on our trip to Scotland,” Edward reminisces.

“You guys did a lot together,” Niall murmurs, the corner of his mouth lifting in a lopsided smile.  

Everyone stares at each other, in complete awe at the fact they’ve been lied to for 50 years.  Ophelia can feel her palms sweating as she awaits a reaction from somebody.

Her mother is the first to move, stepping closer to see the photo album.  Harper follows, indulging in her curiosity.

“Here,” Niall hands her the book and stands up, allowing Harper to take his seat.  He walks over to Ophelia while their families pass the book around, occasionally asking about a picture or two.

Ophelia heaves out a breath.  She feels Niall’s hand come down to rub softly at her shoulder, still covered in her jacket.  She’s still shaking, watching the scene before her with unwavering eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Nicholas asks, a hint of resentment lacing his tone.

“It’s complicated,” Leo Dunphee sighs. “On the one hand, we wanted what was best for our families.  At the end of it, though, we realized maybe that wasn’t what was best.”

“Both pubs gained popularity as the rivalry grew stronger...but it tore two wonderful families apart,” Edward explains. “There’s no reason the pubs can’t co-exist.”

“And a reconciliation between the pubs will likely generate more publicity,” Leo adds.

“That’s...a lot to think about,” Nicholas murmurs.

“What!?” Ophelia sits forward. “It’s not that difficult!”

“Ophelia Jane!” her mother, Fawn wails. “This is not your place.”

“How about we enjoy lunch today and discuss this further at another time?” Bobby suggests. “We could host dinner at ours...say on Sunday evening when the pubs are closed?”

“That sounds very reasonable,” Ophelia’s father agrees. “C’mon, Dad, let’s go get some lunch.”

***

“They seem to really enjoy each other,” Leo muses, his younger granddaughter sitting beside him at the table the Dunphees and Horans have dined at.

“Yeah, they do,” Harper smiles, watching her cousin feed Niall a piece of chocolate chip cookie, thinking nobody is watching them. He and Ophelia had gotten up from the table and headed over to the dessert buffet for one last bite of something sweet.

“I’ve seen such a change in him since they met,” Maura sighs wistfully. “He’s had a tough time since Greg moved back to Ireland but...she’s brought out the best in him.”

“Yeh, he’s smilin’ again,” Bobby agrees.

“Ophelia’s had quite the attitude shift as well,” Joe Dunphee huffs.  His wife Fawn shakes her head.

“Quite disobedient.  She’s never been like this,” Fawn sighs.

“Well, you gave her reason to feel the need to hide this from you,” Maura points out.

“With good reason, yes!” Joe nods. “After what happened to Blake, we just wanted to protect her.”

Blake turns at the sound of his name, his eyes growing wary.

“I sure hope you’ve talked some sense into that boy. Niall’s certainly learned his lesson; I hope Blake has, too,” Bobby rustles.

“Lesson?  My son got sent to A&E three days before his rugby tournament,” Nicholas yelps.

“Did he fail to mention he sent our son into A&E for 12 stitches on the back his head?” Maura frowns.

Ophelia and Niall hear the voices rising and they start slowly making their way back to the table, unsure if it’s a good idea to approach their families.

“Blake, is that true?” his mum Lena asks.

Blake stares into his coffee. “Yeah, ‘s true.”

“Why did you lie, son?” Nicholas asks.

He shrugs. “Didn’t wanna seem like the bad guy.”

“We were both the bad guy,” Niall says, slumping back down into his seat. “It was a mad scrap.  Just...we got drunk and got outta line.”

“It shouldn’t even be a matter of discussion anymore,” Blake shakes his head. “It’s done with.”

Niall nods in agreement, looking around the table. “If we can move past that, you guys can get past this.”

***

“Where are you taking me?”

“It’s a surprise.  If I told you, you’d not want to go,” Niall squeezes Ophelia’s hand, pulling her along the busy street.

He had surprised her that Saturday morning at the doorstep of the flat her family is staying in during their visit to England. Ophelia hadn’t seen Niall since they parted ways at the old folks’ home in Brighton two days ago, but it had felt like a week apart.

She hurries to keep up with his long strides and soon, they’re walking up to a large cream-colored building with excessive brown trim.

Ophelia barely reads the word Liberty before Niall tugs her inside.  They weave through shoppers, past counters selling various things, through different rooms displaying different brands.  When they reach a room filled with sparkling jewelry, Ophelia has a guess at what’s going on.  She expects prickles of fear to creep up her spine but instead, she feels excitement begin to fill her up.

Niall stops at a counter where a woman is busy speaking with another customer.

“You ready to get your ears pierced?” he asks, smiling down at Ophelia who is already beaming.

“You set all this up?” She is in awe of him.  He didn’t have to do this for her but he knows how happy it’ll make her, how much it means to her.

“‘S all paid for and everything.  Just gotta pick out the earrings you want,” Niall hums, pressing his lips to her hairline.

“Thank you,” Ophelia smiles.  Niall nods, giving her a quick kiss.

Niall holds her hands as she gets each ear pierced, a beautiful small earring placed perfectly.  Ophelia’s eyes tear up as she admires them in the mirror.

“Happy?” Niall asks her, his eyes meeting hers in their reflection.

Getting her ears pierced and wearing earrings contains a much bigger meaning for Ophelia.  In her eyes, this simple act is just the beginning of her taking charge of her own life.  She is finished seeking the approval of her parents.  From now on, she is putting herself first.  She’ll show them she is strong and she can be independent. Looking at her brand new earrings, Ophelia has never felt more powerful.

“So happy.”

***

“Come on in,” Maura gestures to Ophelia who steps inside the Horan’s home with a bounce in her step.  Fawn and Joe Dunphee follow their daughter with much more hesitance. Maura is a gracious host, offering to hang up everybody’s coats.  Ophelia has always liked Maura.  She looks for the best in people and she can tell that the small Irish woman is really trying to make this work.  It makes Ophelia’s teeth grind, knowing the reluctance comes from her side of the family.

She can see that her cousins and their parents have already arrived, their coats all hanging up.  To confirm her suspicions, Blake’s laughter drifts down the hall only to be quickly overshadowed by Niall’s howling laugh.  She’s happy to find that they’re getting along after everything that’s happened but when she steps into the large kitchen, the tension surrounds her like water, cold and heavy against her skin.  Ophelia decides to ignore the way her aunt and uncle are awkwardly standing opposite Bobby Horan, and she drifts over to Niall, giving him a quick, soft kiss on his cheek.  The two of them decided not to shy away from their families.  They want them all to know that no matter what their families decide, they’re going to be together.

“Has she noticed yet?” Niall asks Ophelia quietly, his fingertip just barely brushing along her earlobe, still a little tender from being pierced yesterday.

“Nope.”

“Still love them?” he wonders.

“Still love them,” Ophelia hums.

***

Dinner had gone surprisingly well. Bobby Horan cooks a mean Sunday roast. Wine was consumed and conversation remained relatively light. Ophelia was impressed by her father and her uncle who remained on their best behavior while discussing thoughts and plans for the future of the two pubs. She was surprised how little they spoke about the pubs. They agreed on comfortably co-existing on their opposing ends of Tide Pool Lane for the time being and then the conversation drifted to golf...again. Ophelia owes her gratitude to that damn sport’s entire existence. The common ground made the night much easier.

After dessert and more enthralling conversation, the families decided it was time to part ways. Ophelia grabbed her bag from her family’s rental car and hopped into the passenger seat of Niall’s old standard.

Half an hour later, she finds herself in her pajamas, her face free of the minimal make-up she’d put on for the evening. The buzz from all the wine she had that night is starting to wear off, her eyes growing heavy as Niall lazily strums his guitar at the end of the bed.

“Tonight went well,” she hums, her fingertips toying with the pillowcase beneath her head.

Niall pauses his strumming, resting his arm on the body of the guitar and propping his chin on the back of his hand. “I can’t believe we’re doing it,” he speaks, his head bobbling up and down with the movement of his scruffy jaw. “Bringing peace to our families. Feels good, like a weight’s been lifted.”

Ophelia nods, unable to fully understand how Niall feels. He’s lived with this feud hanging over him his entire life. Ophelia hadn’t known about it till she arrived in England twelve days ago.

She decides to change the subject.

“That song you played...on New Year’s Eve, the new one...can you play it for me?” Ophelia asks, crossing her legs at her ankles beneath the sheets.

“The Tide?” Niall checks, sitting up straight again. Ophelia nods. “‘S about us, ya know?”

“I thought so,” she admits.

“I wrote most of it in my head while you were making that painting of me...” Niall tells her. “Some parts I made up to fill in some gaps but...for the most part, it’s about us.”

“I’d like to hear it again,” Ophelia smiles softly.

Niall complies and begins to play. This version is a bit more languid than when he played it live at the pub but it’s just as powerful.

When he finishes, Ophelia is still smiling at him.

“I’m going to need a recording of that before I go back to California,” she says. As soon as the words leave her mouth, she realizes the reality behind them. She is flying home in two days.

From the look on Niall’s face, he is just realizing this, too.

He leans over to set his guitar in its stand before slipping under the duvet beside Ophelia, pulling her into his arms.

“I wish I could stay here forever,” she breathes as anguish takes up residency in her heart.  There’s nothing in California for her anymore.  She’s done with school; she can quit her job at the gallery in LA.

“The gallery,” she breathes.

“Wha’?” Niall’s eyebrows knit together.

“The gallery here in London wants me to do a solo show this summer,” Ophelia’s eyes light up and Niall’s heart swells.  He wants her to always look this hopeful, to always have a dream in her eyes. “Think how much easier it’ll be to be located here.”

“It’s expensive, Ophelia, you know that,” Niall reminds her. “You know I believe in you but do your parents?  You’re going to have to work hard if your parents aren’t going to support this.” He smoothes some hair away from her eyes which are still aglow.

“I want to do this.  I want to be here...with you.”

Niall’s lips form into a smile and he nods before a fleeting thought crosses his mind.  No...he couldn’t possibly suggest that.  They’ve known each other for twelve days.  Niall feels as though this is where Ophelia’s meant to be.  Before she had arrived, Niall felt like he was swimming in circles, going nowhere.  Now, his path is clear and he won’t stray from it, no matter how rough the water gets.

“What if,” he adjusts his position nervously.  She can’t possibly agree to this. “What if you...lived here?”

“Here?  With you?”

“It’s where you said you wanted to be,” Niall points out.

Ophelia’s heart feels as though it might tear through her chest.  Her bloodstream is fizzling once again this evening.  This time, it’s not an aftereffect of alcohol.  Niall just has that effect on her.

“D-do you have room for me?”

“O’course I do!” Niall laughs. “I’d love for you to live here.”

Ophelia’s smile is impossible to ignore and Niall leans forward to give her a kiss.

“Just think about it,” he tells her. “There are still a lot of other factors.”

Niall’s right but Ophelia feels so strongly about him that it doesn’t matter to her if their parents accept her decision or not. All that matters is the two of them and if all they end up with is each other, then that is perfectly okay with them.

***

Tuesday morning comes way too quickly.  Ophelia stands outside Niall’s building’s front door, the sun barely beginning to show itself.  Something inside of her believes the longer she waits to say goodbye, the longer she’ll remain in England.  This is just simply not true.  Her plane will take off at 10:40am regardless of how long she stands outside Niall Horan’s door.  Tears are beginning to swell in her sleepy eyes as her finger presses the buzzer. She waits and waits before finally, his crackly voice comes over the intercom.

“C’mon in,” he says.  Ophelia knows she’s woken him up but this is her only chance to say goodbye.

She makes her way inside and up the stairs to his flat. The door is already unlocked, awaiting her arrival.  Ophelia opens and closes it quietly, locking it behind her.  Niall is just settling back in his bed, fixing up the pillows beside him so Ophelia can sit down.  She sheds her coat and shoes before shuffling across the floor to climb into the bed. The paper she’s carrying drops onto Niall’s lap and she curls up into his chest, his left arm wrapping around her, bringing her close.

“Wha’s this?” he asks, his fingertips lifting the paper.

“It’s us,” Ophelia murmurs, her cheek finding a delightful spot upon his chest where she can feel the warmth of his skin seeping into hers.

Niall’s eyes take in the painting before him.  Two figures are in the center, simple black lines show them sitting together.  Despite the minimal detail, he can tell the boy and the girl are enthralled by each other. The boy is highlighted with hints of yellow while Ophelia gave accents of a sea green color to the girl. Surrounding them are tons of little dots of red and orange.

“It’s us?” he whispers.

“Mhmm,” Ophelia closes her eyes, embracing the moment for as long as it’ll last. “Those are California poppies.  There’s a whole field of them.  We’ll have to go someday when it’s sunny, or else they won’t be open.”

“We will,” Niall confirms. “I promise.” He leans down and presses an unsuspecting kiss to Ophelia’s lips.  She responds, deepening it, not knowing when she will see him next.

All too soon, Niall pulls away.

“I’ve sent you an e-mail with a recording of The Tide,” he tells her as she melts into his chest once more.

“It’s all I’m going to listen to on the plane,” Ophelia admits.  Niall chuckles quietly, giving her shoulder a squeeze.  “Mum noticed my earrings.  She likes them.  Said it was kind of you to take me to have it done.”

“I’m glad,” Niall murmurs, his lips kissing her hairline. 

“Do you have a title?  For the painting?” he wonders after a moment.  Ophelia glances down at the painting she created a few nights ago. Her mind wanders back to the night they met, inside the Irish pub at the end of the street, where they lost track of time, where Niall ignored her family name and let himself become enthralled by her.

Ophelia’s lips lift in a small smile, remembering that night so clearly.

“Tide Pool Lane.”

[happenable-blog]

Raw Review 09/04/19: A HUGE WWE Legend Returns!!

A lot was expected to happen at the Raw after Mania. Did it deliver or did it fail. Find out in the following Raw Review. New Universal Champion Seth Rollins Opens Raw The crowd is cheering and is happy for Seth Rollins. A very loud “You Deserve It” and “Thank You Rollins” chants. He said he was run over by a truck named Brock Lesnar but he got back up. Some might say he had taken a questionable path but he didn’t do anything Brock wouldn’t have done to him. Brock Lesnar can stay in Las Vegas. He is a reigning, defending FIGHTING universal Champion. He was interrupted by the New Day. They get in the ring with the new WWE champion Kofi. Big E said they are here as they couldn’t wait till SmackDown to celebrate. Kofi said that he was watching the main event later the previous night, winner take all. Kofi said how about the new Universal champion and the new WWE champion go one on one in a winner take all tonight. The crowd chanted “Yes!” and “This is awesome!”. Rollins accepted the challenge What a way to open the show. I didn’t expected the New Day to come out there. And especially challenge Rollins in a title vs title match. The crowd was super hot too. this was great opening. I thought they have booked themselves into a corner but we will see... Rating: 4.5/5 Raw Tag Team Championship Match: Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins (c) vs The Revival Dawson takes out Hawkins with a muscle buster on the outside. Hawkins blind tags himself. The Revival didn’t realize and delivered a shatter machine to Ryder but Hawkins rolled over Dawson for the win. Winner: Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder This was a fine match nothing special. I thought Revival might get their titles back here but no, Hawkins won it for the Edge-heads. Rating: 2.5/5 Baron Corbin Promo The ring announcer ran down all of Corbin’s accolade before he comes out. The crowd chanted “As*hole” and “shut the f*ck up” to him as he continues to speak. He said he deserves a gold medal of his own after last night. Kurt Angle music interrupts Corbin. He comes out and tells that Corbin did get better of him last night. While his career might be over Baron’s is just starting so he is here to wish Baron luck. Both of them shake hands when Kurt continued, “Bad Luck” and delivers an Angle Slam to Corbin followed by Anklelock. Corbin got out of the ring and I thought this is it. But Lars Sullivan came out next to face off against Angle. Lars delivers an Urinagi and a diving headbutt from the top rope to Angle to get some heat. He leaves Angle laying in the ring.

If you wanted to put over Lars he should have just faced Angle in a match. I have no problem building new talent who is really talented like Lars or any other guy from NXT but Corbin was not worthy. It will always leave a bad taste in mouth how Kurt’s career ended. Rating: 3/5 Alexa Bliss vs Bayley We saw Alexa Bliss’ tweet challenging any one of the former women’s tag champs Sasha and Bayley. It was accepted by Bayley. Bliss mocks Bayley asking where is her title. Bayley replied with a punch. Bayley drives alexa into the corner with a sitting sunset flip near the end of the match but Bliss got her hand on the rope. she came back with a DDT to win the match. Winner: Alexa Bliss A filler match does nothing for me. I thought Banks could have come out to assist Bayley at ringside at least. Rating: 1.5/5 The Man is ready for all challenges Last night replays from the main event were shown of how Becky won the titles. The crowd is super hot for Becky. “You deserve it” and “Becky” chants. She also started her own chant "Becky two belts". The Man said that for months Ronda was bragging her accomplishments but at WrestleMania, she was the one standing tall. She said whenever Ronda wants to come after her she will be here ready to knock off her empty head out of her shoulders. And McMahon family might just give Charlotte tag title shot or something to go over her defeat. She said she will break anyone’s arm off who wants to challenge her and poses with the title. Becky is about to leave but Lacey Evans come out to do her catwalk down the ramp. She stood face-to-face with Becky before punching her in the face. Becky got furious and attacked her back leading into a brawl. Lacey was fighting Becky while in heels! Becky tried to lock in the Dis-arm-her but Lacey got away. Referees ran down to stop both of them.

This was a great promo and great brawl too. After MONTHS, Lacey Evans finally is doing something. I don’t know if she is any good in the ring as I haven’t watched her at NXT, but atleast they are progressing ahead now. Seems like she will be the next challenger for Becky. Rating: 4/5 Aleister Black & Ricochet vs Chad Gable & Bobby Roode Ricochet did a moonsault on the outside to Gable. Black takes out Roode off a hot tag. He deliver his kicks and strikes to roode. Followed by second rope springboard moonsault. Gable did a moonsault on Ricochet but Black breaks the pin. Gable went for rolling German suplex but ricochet lands on his feet. Ricochet hits chad with a kneebreaker to the face for the win. Winner: Ricochet and Aleister Black This was a good match. The crowd was busy doing their Mexican waves through the match but in-ring action was decent. After the match, I think we got a heel turn as Roode laid Ricochet out with just one strike and rolled out. I think a beatdown would have been good to solidify the heel turn. Rating: 3/5 Dean Ambrose vs Bobby Lashely never started This was advertised as Dean’s last match in WWE. Lio is not saying anything despite having the mic. Lashley just asks for the mic to tell Dean not to worry as he will take care of his wife after he is gone. This led to a brawl between the two which ended when Dean was put through the announce table right in front of Renee. She left the commentary to attend to her husband. Lashley’s insult was of the Yo mamma levels. I am thinking he has re-signed with WWE and this is leading to a storyline. Renee even left the commentary team after this. The crowd did chant “Thank You Ambrose” Rating: 2/5 We got Mojo Rawley backstage staring into a broke mirror. He also had his right side of the face painted. I don’t know where this is leading. Sami Zayn Return Sami Zayn gets on the mic and said his schedule is free so anyone of the locker room superstars wanna challenge him he is ready. This was answered by the new Intercontinental champion Finn Balor. The ring announcer also informed us that this is now for the title. Intercontinental  Championship Match: Finn Balor (c) vs Sami Zayn A great sequence between these two as Sami delivered a tornado arm drag followed by strikes and an overhead kick. This was a good match. Finn kicked out of a blue thunder bomb. The finish came when Finn drives Zayn into the corner with a shotgun dropkick followed by Coup De Grace to pin him. Winner: Finn Balor The match was good. Nice exchanges between both of the competitors. Good to see Sami back Rating: 3.5/5 Sami grabbed the mic after the match to say that it genuinely felt like people have missed him. He continued to say that he didn’t miss any of you. WWE is a toxic environment not because of McMahon or anyone in the backstage it is because of every one of you. He went onto say that we judge everyone except ourselves. He was talking a lot of things I didn’t catch. The delivery was good but the content was rubbish. He basically turned heel that’s what I got. He ends it by saying "See you in hell". Rating: 3/5 Backstage interview with Dana she congratulates Becky on being the double champ. She said there is a line forming backstage to face the champ and she may not be in front of it but she is not in the back either. She took too much pause and seemed like robotic. Elias performance Elias said that Cena has interrupted his WrestleMania performance for two years in a row. Then he demonstrates how easy it is to rap and had his last line as “The next one to interrupt me will be a deadman” which got a huge pop from the crowd cause they knew what was coming… GONG! Undertaker returned on Raw! He made his way to the ring giving us goosebumps.

At first, Elias seemed like he was leaving the ring but he ran straight to taker trying to attack him but ate a boot instead. This followed by chokeslam and Tombstone. This was great. Undertaker returns are always great. I think this sets up  match for future Saudi show? I don't know good to see Taker back Rating:4.5/5 Winner Take All: WWE Champion Kofi Kingston vs Universal Champion Seth Rollins

The crowd was split between the two champions. Seth caught the springboard cross body attempt into a dropkick. Rollins tried for the curb stomp but Kofi rolled him for a two count. Kofi is on the top rope, Rollins joined him there but got pushed down on the floor. Kofi is still at the top rope seems like he is about to dive but The Bar came from out of nowhere to beatdown both the champions. Winner via DQ: Kofi The faces stand tall at the end of the beatdown. Rollins grabbed the mic and tells Kofi that they will settle this some other time. And challenged the Bar for a tag match. The crowd booed this and called it BS. What was the motive of Bar interfering in the match? This was really BS. The Bar vs Kofi Kingston & Seth Rollins Rollins and Kofi work over the heel. Kofi hit Sheamus with an SOS but Cesaro breaks it up. He went for a trust fall on the Bar. But got caught Rollins drives them through with a suicide dive. The Bar hit Kofi with double white noise but Rollins drives Sheamus into the Cesaro to break the pin. Crowd were chanting random things and weren’t into this match at all. Trouble in Paradise followed by Curb Stomp to Sheamus for the win. Winner: Kofi Kingston & Seth Rollins The babyfaces celebrated and gave each other a fist bump to close the show. This was a very rubbish ending to an otherwise good show. I enjoyed some of the stuff on it but the main event sucked. Why would the Bar interrupt the match? Why did they book such an awesome match and then end it too quickly into a meaningless tag team match? The wrestling was good but the booking was terrible. Rating: 1/5 Overall the show was good. But just like yesterday the ending damaged a good show. Loved the opening promo, Becky segment, Taker & Sami's return. Just the ending was a bunch of BS. Raw Rating: 3.5/5 That was our Raw Review. Also, check out our WrestleMania 35 Review and stay updated with future posts and future Raw Review by following us on social media by clicking on the icons at the bottom of the page. We will be posting our SmackDown Review tomorrow. Have a Nice day! Read the full article