#let's forget all our legal trouble and look at a clock

[earl-grey-crow]

SCREAMING SOBBING WHAT DID I JUST WATCH

[chocominnie]

One Last Time 02  —  Pjm. (M)

⇢ pairing: Jimin X Reader

⇢ Genre: Idol!Jimin, Exbf!Jimin, model!reader, sad au, fluff, tons of smut, angst

⇢ Synopsis: Your idol ex boyfriend Jimin cheated on you. You two have been broken up for a while now and the media has been keeping track of you and him. You’re trying to get over him, but the things that happen inbetween makes you re-think the entire breakup, and so does Jimin…

⇢ Song : xxxxx

⇢ Previous : 00   01

⇢ Word Count :��

⇢ Warnings: dominant jimin, makeout sessions, this is honestly a sad angsty au, cheating, pregnancy, unprotected and protected sex, a bunch of sex, no really a LOT of sexual themes too, I know I’m forgetting some but sorry in advance!

⇢ Copyright: please do NOT repost, translate, or modify my works in any way, shape or form, on any platform. If found doing so , it is considered as plagiarism and appropriate LEGAL action will be taken

⇢ Authors note: This is my mini series for the summer! Get your tissues, things to take your anger out on, and sit back and watch the drama unfold. Shall we begin?

Your eyes shoot open, chest heaving heavily as you let out a blood curdling scream. Not this again. The same dream over and over again each night. It leaves you sleepless. The time on the clock on your nightstand reads 3:04 am. Just only four hours ago is when you fell asleep. But a full night’s sleep hasn’t happened for a year so why would it matter anyways.

Once you catch your breath you unplug your phone from the charger and read some of the notifications. From your window, the night-time critters sing their songs along with the persistant owl that’s somewhere around the apartment complex. You’d only noticed him, the owl, just a few months ago when your cat started meowing with his hoots. 

A missed call from your uncle. 

Immediately you unlock your phone and dial the number. Bringing your index finger to your mouth you gently nip on it waiting for it to answer, The rings are agonizing to you. If something has happened you only wish and pray it wasn’t as bad as you think. He’s the only parental figure left in your life.

‘‘ Princess! Hello I was just calling to speak to you earlier. But I realized you are five hours ahead of me and you had probably went to sleep.’‘

His soothing voice calms your emotions making you let out a tiny breath of air. Thank god.

‘’Hey Charlie.” You sigh. Looking towards your left, you spot Clara purring quietly next to you. You can’t help but to smile while bringing a hand over to rub her head with your thumb.  She’s so small under the shining moonlight from your window.

Her white coat shines brightly amongst her, making you remember the first night you had brought her home. All she did was sleep, and it worried you because you had no prior expierence caring for anything, let alone a small animal. Clara only drank kitten milk and slept back then. Occasionally being awake enough to nip at your fingers whenever you pet or touched her.

Now she’s a bit bigger and walks around the apartment like she owns the place. Quite the little attitude she has, but its too damn cute for you to scold her whenever she does something wrong. 

“ Yes I did fall asleep from after a gathering at someone’s house.’’ You continue on, bringing your knees to your chest after opening the curtain of your window fully.

The moons brightness illuminates the entire room, but not so bright for you to complain though. ‘’ Oh- was it Jimin’s? Tell him I said hell-’’

You bite your lip hard at his name. He doesn’t know and you wont even dare to let him know. Knowing him, your uncle would have a fit and oppose to come back to Seoul to ‘set the record straight.’ to Jimin. That’s the last thing you want to do, cause trouble.

‘‘ It was his brother’s house warming party.” You say, lowering your tone in your voice. You look at the nightstand for a couple of seconds just before opening the top drawer of the wooden, polished piece. Your hands shakily pull out a picture of you two together.

It was taken at  Marne-la-Vallée, France right infront of Cinderella’s castle. That was the day that you and Jimin had to went to Disneyland in Paris, France. You cant help but to think, with the picture in hand, that it was one of the best nights ever. It was also the same night your virginity was taken.

‘‘ Oh.. I know that tone. Are you two arguing at the moment.”

You shrug, “ I mean you could say that.’’

No you cant.

‘‘ Alright alright I won’t talk more of him. Let’s change the subject.” He chuckles deeply into the phone.

‘‘ How’s Europe? Anything new happening on base?”

‘‘ Same old Same old. It’s been what? 2 years since I’ve left Seoul? The food is different over here. They don’t have kimchi pancakes sadly.”

You can only imagine the frowny face he makes at you whenever he doesn’t approve or like something. It always turns out to be funny.

You giggle into the phone shaking your head slightly, “ Of course. You are in Europe Charlie. Where are you getting food from anyway if you are on base?’’

‘‘ I can go off base to a certain mileage when I am off duty. I just have to report back in time. But you do know that you can always come live on base with me...’ He trails off.

Oh boy. Here he goes. He’s always talking about moving you on base with him. Hell, he’s been talking about it since before he had to go to be based in Europe. By then you were twenty years old and old enough to live by yourself. Growing up in Daegu, Korea since you were six, you felt as if Korea was home to you and you definately weren’t ready to leave yet.

Especially, after losing your parents here. Around eight years old, your aunt and mother were on the way to pick up your father from the airport. With your mom and dad also being military and based in Korea with your dad’s bestfriend, your uncle Charlie, your father had been called to take military leave to go and be based in Korea for the National Guard.

On the way back from the airport, a drunk driver had struck the car knocking them off the road and colliding head first into the railing of the bridge. All bodies were reported dead upon collision, including your aunt. Charlie didn’t take the news well at all, and so did you. Only eight years old and still a bit new to a foreign country. It was devistating for you and Charlie. Charlie did what was right and stepped up to be your legal guardian while taking some time off from the military. Till this day, he treats you like his sacred little daughter and you can’t ask for anyone better than him.

 “You are old enough to live on your own and housing is avail-”

You jump at his voice on the line again, being too spaced out from the tragic memory. Before he can go on any longer you cut him off. ‘‘ Im fine with the apartment you left me. Im paying the bills on time and taking good care of it.”

‘‘ Alright fine. But that option is always available you hear me? I will always be ready for you to come with me.’’

‘‘ Okay Charlie” You groan.

‘‘ Alright.. sweetie it’s getting late on this side and it’s already 3 am on your side. Get some sleep okay? Don’t you have a model shoot thingy or something? You have those a lot.’‘

‘‘ Yes i actually do in a couple of hours. It’s been a while since I’ve did a shoot. Please eat and sleep well. Don’t injure yourself.’‘

‘‘ I promise. You promise to do the same right?’‘ He says, rustling movements are in the background.

‘‘ Yes I promise. Good night sleep tight..’‘ You smile as you wait for him to finish the rest.

He chuckles one last time on the other end, ‘‘I’ll always love you, goodnight‘’

Beep Beep Beep

You in a racy light pink lingerie with white duvets and sheets is the concept of your comeback. It’s supposed to symbolize the “Night After’’. Camera’s click and directors yell and praise you in your subtle yet damaging moves and facial expressions. You want.. no need for this comeback to be successful. Not only did your manager schedule this, but she is making sure that they release this same very day.

Nobody in this company’s industry has ever did this before. But you, you are sort of the special one. The special foreigner as they say. It’s not like you don’t like it but you don’t like that they label you as that. Stylists, employee’s hell even anybody who works there treat you as a princess. It’s not bad, but it’s just weird.

‘‘ One last one. Give me a sexy yet innocent look mama.’‘ Elliot, the director says, smiling wide at you.

You slip a finger into your mouth and do a little pout with your lips.

Elliot busts out into a roar of happiness with his hands clapping furiously. ‘‘That’s it mama yes! That’s just what we needed!’‘

Adjusting his microphone earpiece, he turns around to greet and thank everyone, ‘‘ Alright everybody this concludes our shooting! You all worked so hard today. Make it home safe, eat well.’‘

Finally. You sigh out in relief and close your eyes. It’s been a long day. Almost 6 hours of shooting. Three Videos, and five swap outfits for each session of shooting for the ‘’ Night After’’.  As everyone heads out and starts cleaning up you bow your head slightly and thank them.

A stylist brings you a satin robe to cover yourself in. You thank her and put it on just before getting up from the bed and walking towards wardrobe. Once you are done putting on your clothes, your manager leads you straight out the exit. Outside awaits the car that drives you everywhere. Literally everywhere.

‘‘ Tomorrow somebody has put in a special request for you to appear as the main lead girl in their music video. It’s short notice and I told them I would have to bump some things around and notify you. But they are paying us and you good money to be in it.’‘

Money? Sounds like a plan.

‘‘ It’s fine. Who am I shooting for?’‘ You say, fluffing your hair just a little while inspecting yourself in the rear view mirror.

Your makeup is still intact with no ruins and the contacts they had given you suited you very well. A hazel with a slight bit of teal. Suddenly the car moves off into the busy streets of Seoul. You can’t help but to notice every couple that walks along the sidewalks. They seem so happy, glad to be around each other.

On the floor of the car lies your little mini backpack filled with all of your items and belongings. Picking it up, you begin to dig through it looking for some hand lotion to soothe your semi-dry hands. Once you find it you gently start to squeeze the tube.

‘‘ Kim Namjoon.’‘

You freeze. Namjoon? The same Namjoon from the group? Joonie? It’s been well… a year since you’ve seen him in person. Hell since you’ve seen all of Bangtan Sonyeondan together. Except for lastnight when Hoseok and.. that guy showed up.

You sigh already knowing the answer from the question you are about to ask.

‘‘ From…?’‘ You ask then put the lotion back in your bag. Slowly you rub your hands together to moisturize.

Your manager quickly flips through the daily planner, ‘‘ Bangtan Sonyeodan but this is for one of his mixtape songs.’‘

Thank goodness.

‘‘ That’s fine. What time will the car be arriving tomorrow?’‘

‘‘ 8 am on the dot. You need to be there by 8:30. I’ll be tending to one of my other models tomorrow so you will be alone. I can send som-’‘

‘‘ No no it’s truly okay. I know how to manage things myself. Besides, I learn from you.’‘ You reassure her with one of your winning smiles, laying your head on her shoulder.

‘‘ Aigoo what am I going to do with you?’‘

The day ends very well. The movies you’ve been watching have kept you occupied. But not occupied enough for you to keep crying at all the sad parts in the chick flicks. Breakups, someone had died, someone had even just spilled something onto the floor and that was enough to send you into tears.Only because when the main lead boy rushed to help clean it up, it reminded you of Jimin last-night helping Isabel.

‘’What is going on with myself.’’ You blow your nose into a tissue for what seemed like the thousandth time today. Clara lets out one of her meows beside you then goes back to grooming herself.

You place her onto your lap and begin to run your fingers through her fur over and over again. Such a soothing effect to you as you stare into space sulking in your thoughts.

Why is it that you weren’t enough for him? Why is it that every single little thing reminds you of him? You gave him your all and he gave you his but what happened? Where did you go wrong? Cooked, cleaned, satisfied his needs. You guys had even started to plan out what you wanted out of a family. When you wanted a baby and what you would name it. It was fun. The whole relationship was fun. Right until that scandal.

Ding.. Ding.. Ding.. DI-

You unlock your phone immediately to stop that annoying dinging noise. Not surprisingly it’s a text from Jeon Jungkook.

Kookie : Im coming over I’ll be there in exactly 3 minutes.

Kookie: Don’t think about leaving either.

Kookie: Im bringing someone with me.

Kookie: We need to have a serious talk babycheeks.

You roll your eyes at the nickname he’s given you. No matter how many times you tell him you want him to change it, he declines. There’s no point in asking anymore.

Why would he want to talk anyways and who is the person he’s bringing. Eh.. it might just be Ryan they seem to do everything together as a team.

As soon as you step foot out of your bed the sound the door clicking makes your head shoot up. How in the living hell does he know the password to your house? Rage takes over you. That’s something that you hate. When people invade your personal space. In this case, personal home.

‘‘ Jeon fucking Jungkook!’‘ You scream, abruptly stomping your feet all the way to and out your bedroom door. Suddenly you stop at the sight of the two faces staring back at you.

Jungkook’s expression holds a concerned yet upset face while the other just stands there calm and cool. But you on the other hand are way besides that level.

Your eyes must be filled with rage and the expression on your face is no good. How dare he disrespect you like that? Bringing him into your home, knowing the bad blood between you two. Oh, they both have something coming towards them. You begin to walk to them again making each step make the floor shake.

‘‘ Get out. Both of you. One you invade my personal private home..’‘

You grab both boys by their collars, making sure to grip the one on the right’s harder than usual. ‘‘ Two, you fucking invite him over here.’‘ You drag each of them towards the exit. Which is going good until Jungkook rips your hands away from his shirt and takes you over his shoulder.

You’ve had enough of him and his invasive ways. Pounding on his back with your fists, you make sure to scream into his ear. “ Put me the fuck down Jeon Jungko-”

You hiss at the stinging sensation on your ass. Did he just? Jimin stands there awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. You make sure to make eye contact with him and roll your eyes. Something that always had and will piss him off.

‘‘ Hush. I told you all of us needed to have a deep talk about you.’‘

Jungkook plops your frail body onto one side of the couch in which he sits next to you. He motions for Jimin to come sit across from the both of you but you aren’t having it.

‘‘ Don’t you do it.” You glare at him. Jungkook sighs harshly only to pluck your forehead two times. You whine and rub it with your index and middle finger.

Jungkook shakes his head in disapproval, ‘‘ When are you ever going to learn? Jimin sit down now.”

‘‘ Truthfully.. I feel as though I shouldn’t be here so-”

“ Good. Get out you are unwanted.” You snap back causing him to give you one of his long stares with no facial expression at all.

Jungkook glares at you just before getting up to throw his hands in the air full of disappointment. “ Enough! “

Yelling. Something else you don’t like to hear being done at yourself. You finally sit still and quite avoiding any eye contact with the both of them.

He sits back down and clears his throat. Jungkook gives Jimin a look before continuing on.

‘‘ I gathered us here to talk about you..”

‘‘ Why. Im fine. How many times do I have to say it. Im fine im fine im fine im fucking fine!’‘ You exclaim, getting more mad by the second. When will people accept this?

‘‘ Baby.. ’‘

Your eyes shoot up to him and his soft voice. You didn’t want to but you did because his voice to you is like candy that melts into your mouth.

‘‘ Don’t call me that. You have a girlfriend at-least be loyal to her rather than what you did to me.’‘

‘‘ Fuck is anybody going to just sit here and listen? Can we at-least get to the source of the problem? Huh?’‘ Jungkook leans back into the couch clearly pissed by your attitude.

Jimin’s the first to speak and holds a firm eye contact with you, almost daring you to break away from it.

‘‘ Fine. Im just going to cut straight to it then. Why are you so jealous? You aren’t okay at all. I seen the way you looked at us yesterday. You wanted to break down so bad but you didn’t. It looks like you’ve been dropping weight day by day why aren’t you eating well?’’

You’re taken a-back by his jealous comment. Although you are you just cannot admit it. You are jealous. You do want him back. You cant bear to see him with another girl but you. But the fact that Jimin is concerned makes you really hope. Just hope that there is something left of you still in his heart.

‘‘ Jealous? Jealous tuh.” You scoff, leaning into Jungkook’s arms where you rest his head on your chest. You only do this just to see Jimin’s reaction and by the look on his face he doesn’t enjoy that move one bit.

‘‘ Yes jealous. I mean why else would you put almond extra-

‘‘ Woah. No need to go there. We established that it was a so called accident lastnight.” Jungkook does finger quotes into the air and looks down at you.

You lift your head up and furrow your eyebrows in annoyance, “ So called? So you really believe that I did it on purpose. Wow Jungkook. Escort yourself out.’’

He sighs, wrapping his arms around you securly in hopes of you settling down a  little, “ Honestly it’s not like that. I wasn’t there to see you bake them nor was I watching her eat it. Im just saying that you knew Jimin was coming and obviously his girlfriend was going to come too. It’s a little sketchy is all.”

There’s no fixing what he said. Him adding onto his explanation just made things sound worse than what he’s trying to say. You don’t have time to be ganged up on, nor like it at all. It’s best if they both just leave, to not turn nothing into something.

‘‘ Get out. Now. Before I call and tell Ryan what you said and then she’ll definitely deal with you.’‘ You say, removing yourself from off of him and onto the other side of the couch with your legs crossed.

Mad isn’t even the word to describe yourself right now. You’re just a mixture of all emotions.

Jungkook now looks of sorriness written all over his face. You bite your lip and shake your head while pointing towards the door. He sighs heavily and takes one last look at you while removing himself from the couch. You watch him slip on his coat and shoes.

Jimin gets up from his spot on the couch, ‘‘ I’ll be leav-”

‘‘ Sit down we aren’t done talking.” 

He looks at you with his eyebrows furrowed, sitting back down slowly.

Jungkook keeps his head down as he wraps his blue scarf around his neck. Poor baby, but he shouldn’t of said it. “Please better yourself and talk it out with each-other. Im leaving.”

‘‘ Make it home safely.. Kookie.” You sigh once the door closes behind him. Now you’re here. Face to face with Park Jimin.

The same Jimin who cheated on you. The same Jimin you haven’t seen in a while. You take a few moments to take in his appearance. He seems to have re-gained his muscles that are peaking through his black, longsleeve shirt. His thighs are still thick, just like his luscious lips. Of course he changed his hair color to black. But who knows, he might change it again.

‘‘ You’ve been doing well?’‘ You say, voice low but enough for him to hear. You drop your eyes to your lap instead of keeping intact with his.

‘‘ Yes. But you have not. Im disappointed in you. Why are you doing this to yourself? Don’t do this because of me.”

‘‘ Jimin you don’t know the feeling. You don’t know how it feels to be left wondering why you weren’t good enough for someone. Why they had cheated on you. You don’t understand at all and wont ever.’‘ Your voice cracks on the last sentence and you an feel the lump in your throat become sore.

He bites his lip unsure of what to say next. Those words had hit him good inside. ‘‘ Im sorry. I truly am. But you know the reason why we had to end it. I fucked up bad and the media was making the scandal bigger and messier day by day. It was better to just call it off.’‘

One by one your tears start to drop. You nose begins it’s running trip but you sniffle it back up.

‘‘ You could of denied it. You know you could of made a statement and denied it. But you felt something for her didn’t you? Didn’t you?’‘ You semi-yell, sobs already starting to take it’s way over.

He bites his lip once again and ruffles his fingers through his hair, “ Baby..’’

You wipe your tears with your hands making your face even more puffy from the crying. “ I am jealous. I am I admit it Jimin. But do you know i have been suffering for one year and two months? I can’t sleep at night because im so used to your touch at night. I look at every couple in Seoul and think to myself, Dang they seem so happy. What’s their secret?’’

Jimin sits up, making eye contact with you with tears welling up into his eyes. It hurt’s you more than yourself to see him crying. It always has.

‘‘ Please don’t do that. Don’t do this to yourself. Please get help from someone to try and move on. Please. I don’t like to see or hear you make yourself suffer.’ He begs, getting up from his seat and coming towards you.

Jimin sits next to you, hesitantly opening his arms up to you. Would it be wrong to embrace him? He’s being too sincere, but thats what you want right? You decide to just do it, and lean into him only for him to pull you in closer into his chest.You just lay there crying and sobbing while he runs his fingers through your hair. You shouldn’t be doing this. He has a girlfriend. But it feels so right.

‘‘ What does she have that I don’t? Why couldn’t you love me the same way you love her “  You cry into his chest, soaking his shirt with your tears. 

You’d been waiting for this moment to just let it out. Let everything out.

‘’ Please don’t make this harder than what it is right now. Just try and forget me and move on. Please.” Hypocritcal. How does he expect you to get over him when he’s the one whos holding you so tight right now. Soon enough his sniffles join yours in harmony.

You raise your head up and look him deep into the eyes while you wipe away his tears, “ Don’t cry Jimin. I’m the one supposed to be crying over you. Don’t cry.’’

He takes your hand away from his face and wraps his fist ontop of yours, “Please promise me you will move on okay?’’

You shake your head no, “ I can’t make that promise.”

He doesn’t say anything. He gently cradles you in his arms and lifts you up. You don’t think to where he is going. You just close your eyes and grab onto his shirt firmly not wanting to let go.

Soon enough you feel the cold sheets over your bed. He covers you in the duvet and leans down to your forehead.  A kiss. Your fist is still locked onto his shirt in which he tries to pry it away but you don’t want to let him go. He sighs and raises his arms up as he takes off the shirt revealing an extra plain white wife beater under it. Taking your other hand, he wraps your hand into another fist onto the shirt to where both of your hands are holding onto it.

‘‘ Please better yourself for me baby. Sleep and eat well. “

Is all he says before turning off the lights and walking out your bedroom door.  You can hear him putting on and zipping up his heavy coat but you just don’t make a sound.

The apartment door clicks and beeps letting you know he’s already gone.

[bartistic]

Bruce Goes To The Market!

knife tw, food cw, incredibly dumb self-indulgent concept cw, outsider (oc) pov

It is universally acknowledged that a cashier possessing free time, will be in want of an extra task to fill that free time. At least, that’s what James’ managers seemed to think. Privately, he agreed, as he found restocking the shelves to be a most agreeable pastime, one that could in fact suck up hours of his eight hour closing shift.

He was in the soda aisle, debating whether sparkling water belonged with seltzer or with the rest of the store brand items, when he noticed a broad-shouldered man in sunglasses and a Gotham University sweatshirt, inspecting the selection of diet tonic water and looking utterly flummoxed. Customer in need of assistance!

“Hi, how are you doing tonight? You need help finding anything?” Mentally, James winced at the preppy-ness of his ‘customer service robot voice’ as his favorite coworker Stephie liked to call it. Luckily, he’d thrown his voice out enough screaming to Queen karaoke the night before that his voice stayed in the normal octaves rather than shooting into the stratosphere. The man straightened up and looked down towards James, who suddenly felt very short in all of his 5’9” glory. (Well, 5’8 3/4” but who’s counting.)

“Yes, actually. I’m new to the store, could you direct me to where the soap is?” Oh god. Of all the things it had to be the one item James swore was never in the same aisle twice.

“Of course!” He lied through his teeth. “Here, right this way.” Turning, he set off towards the general direction of where the soap tended to lie, with a variation of four different aisles. Luckily, the first aisle was correct, and he watched, intrigued, as the customer gave a thorough inspection to at least 14 different bars of soap. “Anything else I can help you with?” He added, as the man finally selected a bar and placed it in his basket. The man looked sheepish.

“This is actually the first time I’ve been in a grocery store. I’m not usually the one doing the shopping. My—the person I live with gave me a list, but I honestly don’t know where or even what half of these things are.” He held out a grocery list, scrawled in an elegant cursive. It was double-sided. James checked the front of the store, where the other cashier was engrossed in his phone while trying not to appear engrossed in his phone. It was an hour and a half until they closed, and he was pretty sure there was only one other customer in the store at most.

“Sure! Alright, so our first step should probably be to hit the deli, seeing as they have the longest wait times.” After walking the man through ordering Roast Beef, Prosciutto, Pastrami, Swiss, Havarti, Gouda, and Picante Provolone (what) they moved on to the canned goods. “We should probably grab a cart, I don’t think that basket’s going to be able to hold all of this.” Turning into the canned goods aisle, James sighed.

“Caution: Hazard Detected! Precaución, ¡Peligro Detectado!” The store’s resident useless robot assistant was stuck in place, screaming at a small bit of an onion peel that had fallen to the floor.

“Batsy, I swear to god.” James went over and kicked the peel under one of the shelves, pressing the button on the robot to reboot it.

“...Batsy?” The customer sounded somewhere between bemused and amused. Perhaps just ‘mused.

“Yeah, it’s our obtuse robot that only sees what’s right in front of it and makes a big fuss over literally nothing. It can’t even clean anything up, and the few moments there actually is a spill it just skids through it and makes it worse. Technically corporate calls it Patsy, short for Patrick, because we’re Patrick’s, you know? But since this is Gotham, we call it Batsy. Short for... Batrick. I’m not the one who came up with the name, that honor goes to my coworker Stephie. She’s, uh, not working tonight.” James internally began banging his head against the shelves. Why. Was. He. Like. This. “So, do you know what brand of chickpeas your... roommate wanted?”

/ / /

Finally, after another 45 minutes of shopping, they were ready to check out. James noticed the shift had changed while he was away. “Alright, so I can actually take you at this register over here, ‘cuz I’m still logged in and all.” He gulped as the customer began to load up onto the belt. This was... a lot of food. He’d scanned around a quarter when he officially ran out of room, turning to bagging instead. “Let’s get you another cart, actually, so we can load into that without squishing what you haven’t unpacked yet.” He moved to go grab one, but the customer was faster, jogging back with another cart before he could even finish bagging all the protein shakes. There were, admittedly, a lot of protein shakes.

Scanning the meat-substitutes, James scanned his own mind for an avenue of conversation. “So, you mentioned that it’s your son who’s the vegetarian. How old is he?”

“He’s 13. It’s not religious or health-wise or anything, he just really loves animals. Our house is practically a zoo on a good day, and that’s not even counting all his siblings.”

“Oh, how many kids do you have?” It had to be a fair amount for it to be ‘all’ his siblings. The customer opened his mouth as if to answer, then shut it again. He seemed to be thinking. Did he... not know how many kids he had??

“Legally I have... fffffour? Five? Yeah... that sounds right.” James tried to hide the bewildered expression in his own face, but he must not have been doing it well. “That makes me sound like such a bad father. No, I promise, I love them all, I just have quite a few of their friends living with us as well, and I’ve known those kids long enough to feel like they’re my kids too. Not to mention the whole difference between the ones I’ve adopted, the one who was my ward who I then retroactively adopted, the one I’m fostering, and the one who is legally an emancipated minor. And... the one who. Is no longer with us.” James blinked. That was indeed complicated.

“You must have a lot of love in your heart,” he settled on, finally.

“I just h— Oh, #%*$.” The blueberry container had burst open, all over the floor. James internally groaned.

“Oh no! Sorry about that, that’s the third one tonight. The packaging is just... not great. Do you want me to go get you another one?”

“No, I can get it. Thanks though.” The customer gingerly stepped through the minefield as James power walked to go get the clean up supplies. Six feet away, Batsy was screaming at a blueberry.

“Eat your heart out, Mister Miyagi,” he aimed a light roundhouse kick at the button to reboot the robot. Batsy got two feet before it encountered another world-ending-threat, danger level blueberry. James sighed and went to go clear that area first.

/ / /

Finally, almost everything was scanned. James was scanning the bread and rolls as the customer fit all the bags into the two carts, like an expert game of tetris. There were a few hiccups where James had had to explain that you probably shouldn’t bag Raid with milk, or that it was a good idea to double bag heavy items, or that you should wait until the end to put the eggs in (and there were a lot of eggs. Gaston-levels of eggs. Probably to be expected with that many kids in the house. Hah. eggs-pected.) But by the end they were working like a well-oiled machine. James bagged the last item, hit the button to total it, and watched as the customer realized he forgot his deli items.

“I’m just gonna— gonna run and go get those real quick. Is that okay?”

“Yeah, sure. Can you fill out the charity question real quick though? Th...thanks.” The customer was gone before James could question him on the fact that he’d used the custom amount option to apparently donate $1k to Gotham General’s children’s ward. It was... probably a mistake, but he’d wait around to check. He turned as he heard the beginnings of a commotion behind him, from the one other customer in the store. This guy’s whole aesthetic just screamed gross, from the white-boy dreads to the Blue Lives Matter gaiter mask. It looked as if he was having trouble at self-checkout. James was about to head over to help when his coworker passed him. He turned back to keep an eye on the clock. 10 minutes until closing. Please come back with the deli items soon. He heard an aggressive murmuring that sent chills up his spine, a distinct feeling of Not Right Bad. He turned back to where his coworker was engaged with helping the other customer. His coworker who was... very pale. Frightened. The customer whose hand glinted silver with... oh #%*$, that’s a knife. Not Good Very Bad... oh hell no, you are not hurting my coworker on my watch.

“HEY #%$&FACE, EAT BEANS!” As the aggressive customer turned to meet the container of garbanzo beans that was currently hurtling towards his face at the maximum speed a theatre-kid-who-never-did-sports could throw, the world seemed to throw down. Faintly, James could hear rational thoughts pounding at the door to his mind, begging to be let in. Thoughts like ‘They’re definitely going to fire you for attacking a customer’ and ‘They’re definitely going to fire you for cursing in front of a customer’ and ‘They’re definitely going to fire you for damaging the merchandise’ and ‘You can’t even throw a ball to save your life, there’s no way that’s going to hit him.’ Praying to Freddie Mercury, Elton John, and all other things holy, James watched as the beans sailed through the air and struck their target true— albeit a little lower than planned.”

Grossface automatically brought his hands down to protect his nethers, apparently forgetting that their was a knife in his hands. He let out a second agonized howl as he stabbed himself in the balls. Blindly, James groped around for more ammunition. Holding out a zucchini as threateningly as he could, he watched as the would-be aggressor ran out of the store as fast as he could with both hands clasping his junk. “Are you okay?” He asked his coworker, feeling his voice echo through the suddenly very-quiet-sounding store. She nodded mutely. He nodded back, then turned back to his register and oH shit there’s His Customer, holding the deli items.

“Nice shot.” Okay, this time he definitely sounded amused.

“I... am so sorry about the beans, I can get you a refund on those or I can go get you some more or—”

“No need, they definitely went to a good cause.” The customer grinned and held out the deli items. Faintly, James began to wrestle with the bag to get to the barcodes. Finally, everything was scanned, for good.

“Alright, will that be everything?” The clock read two minutes until closing.

“Yes, that should be everything. Again, thank you for all your help.” James watched as even with the membership points taken off, the total soared to over $750.

“Alright, your total is... $754.33, here’s some coupons and a survey slip. If you fill that out you get entered for a drawing to win a $500 gift card. Which... I don’t know that you’d need, but. Why not.” The customer reached into his wallet and counted out 5 $100 bills. Then he pulled out a black card. He paid off the total with the card, then handed the bills to James.

“Here you go, I wasn’t sure how much you tip cashiers.” James opened and closed his mouth a few times, like a fish.

“People don’t normally... tip cashiers...” and especially not HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS.

“Oh. Well, you were a good cashier. You deserve it. And here—” at this he pulled a crisp business card out of his wallet. “At Wayne Enterprises we could use quick-thinkers like you.” Pulling down his sunglasses, he gave a quick wink. James waved absentmindedly as BRUCE #%*$ING WAYNE walked out of the store. He looked down at the business card. Written upon it were the words: “Call here for an interview, mention Malone and they’ll know I sent you. Best of luck with the current job— BW”

James sat down. The clock was 10 minutes past closing before he remembered to look at it. There were a million thoughts running through his head. Oh my god I joked around to a billionaire. I cursed in front of a billionaire. I chucked a can of beans into a man’s nutsack in front of a billionaire.

But oddly enough, the only question that remained at the top of his mind was this:

This is because I have black hair and blue eyes, isn’t it.

[lostonehero]

Surprise the nerd isn't a nerd

Contains swearing, minor sexual themes, redneck characters, mentions of child endangerment, threats of violence and violence. Trans character.

Archie held the black box in his hand, he was so nervous, but he was confident in what he wanted. It was just as he was a he. After the whole legend fiasco, Maxie and him grew close, and two years later Archie was head over heals for the red head. He even got input from Courtney and Tabitha for the ring, all that was left was meeting Maxie's family.

Archie knew Maxie had a large family from the limited information he had, five older siblings, parents, and his grandmother was still around. The now combined magma and aqua base had more then enough room to house everyone for the holidays. His family was also coming, and he knew Maxie would have the occasional pirate jab, but his parents did like the red head enough. Hopefully there combined families will get along.

He stuffed the black box in his pocket as he headed back to the base. Steven gave them the holidays off, and gave them extra time after Archie told his plan. Steven could be a hardass sometimes but he was weak when it came to romance. Only one more week and he will be meeting Maxie's family, and proposing. Archie couldn't be any happier.

.....

"Y'ain't coming here with no guns, I ain't gettin more legal troubles." Maxie huffs. "Ma use a cane not your Betsy."

Archie couldn't help but overhear Maxie's conversation. Sure he knew Maxie was from the country, but he just assumed a small farm town, he had a funny feeling that wasn't the case anymore.

Maxie sighs. "Yah Ma will do, love ya too." He hangs up and looks over to Archie. "Ma is bringing some food over I told her it wasn't a potluck."

"Let your mom cook Maxie it's not the end of the world."

"Grandma Archie, we just call her Ma, mom is my mother."

"Oh uh ok, that's fine let the old woman cook." Archie rubs the back of his neck.

"I do miss her Chili. Anyhow you were watching me on the phone." He gets a little red. "Sorry my accent does come out talking to family."

"Its cute Maxie don't worry about it, I like that your a bit country."

"A bit?"

"Yeah you grew up in a small town right?"

"Yes and no, I grew up on a farm Archie by a small town."

"Ah...."

"Yeah don't worry my family isn't like a stereotype with being transphobic or homophobic."

Archie frowns kind of forgetting that glaring fact about the two. "Are you sure?"

"My Ma clocked me for gay before I turned 10, and one of my sisters is trans. Ma did nearly kill one of my uncles for misgendering her though." He pauses. "I got to tell mom to keep Ma from bringing Betsy."

Archie suddenly gets a bad feeling. "Your grandma nearly killed your uncle?"

"Well not nearly she missed her shot on purpose it was a warning."

"Maxie guns are illegal."

"Oh yeah.... never stopped us before."

Archie's bad feeling becomes a bad omen in his mind.

......

Tabitha looks Archie dead in the eye digesting what he was telling them. "So let me get this straight, you invited Maxie's family out for the holidays?"

Archie nods

Matt looks down at Tabitha sitting in his lap. "Why's that such a big deal again? Isn't family a good thing, I'm sure that nerd's family is as stuffy as him."

Tabitha covers his face. "I've only met one of Maxie's brothers and well Maxie only looks like a nerd. I don't like speaking poorly of Maxie but that man is a redneck, hick, a country boy of every type."

Archie begins to chuckle. "Sure he has his temper and the accent when he lets it slip but it isn't that bad."

"A hick? Tabby what are you talking about?" Matt hums

"Let me make this clear with an example of something Maxie told us." Tabitha sighs. "Maxie didn't get his first pair of glasses till he was 16."

Archie gets that bad feeling again but shrugs it off. "Isn't he legally blind without his glasses? Why did it take so long?"

Tabitha frowns. "To quote Maxie 'I'm a better shot without the glasses."

Matt pauses. "Shot? Do you mean gun?"

Tabitha nods. "He got his first gun at 13."

Archie pales and so does Matt.

Archie loves Maxie but as he learns more information he is slowly starting to fear the man.

.....

Archie smiles seeing a old woman alone, and of course he goes over to help the scowling woman. "Are you lost ma'am?"

The woman looks up and her glare sends daggers through Archie as she slams her cane down. "I am looking for my grandson, not his boy." Her accent is thick

Archie kind of freezes and stutters. "I uh"

"Straighten your back I can walk on my own." She continues foward. "Don't keep me waiting boy."

"Y-yes ma'am." Archie nods following behind her.

Archie sighs in relief spotting Maxie.

"Ma you're early I told ya wait at the train station." Maxie smiles giving the old woman a hug.

"Nonesense my baby boy doesn't need to come on out for little old me." She smiles then frowns looking back at Archie.

"Ma that's Archie he is my partner." Macie smiles softly moving to hold his hand.

"He better be worth your effort Max." She sighs

Maxie sighs. "Yes Ma he is. Do you need help with your bags?"

"Thank you kindly for you asking but I ain't that weak." She smiles "just show me to my room darling."

Maxie nods and leaves Archie to show his grandma to her room.

.....

Archie has a newfound fear of Maxie listening to stories about Maxie growing up. He is more so shocked that the man isn't dead yet, also how many guns has he hidden in the base, and why can't Archie find a single one.

"As I was saying this little prick decided to run into the camerupt pen, eight years old he goes in and runs out with an egg biggest smile on his face screaming 'I found my partner.' " his oldest sister was holding back laughter. "The brat was covered head to toe in mud so happy with himself."

Archie just looks at Maxie wide eyes. "You weren't trampled to death?"

Maxie red faced. "What no why would I be?"

"Maxie you were eight years old surrounded by camerupt." Archie looks at him wide eyed.

"Pssh wasn't the dumbest thing I did growing up." Maxie chuckles the red leaving his face his accent in full force.

"Fucker shot fireworks off the roof git jessabell to light them. That hellhound only liked him." One of Maxie's brothers snickered.

"You're the one who got the fireworks Henry." Maxie scoffed

"Yeah and? You lit them up." Henry sticks his tongue out.

Archie just nods as the stories continued, Maxie wasn't just a nerd no that was a cover, Maxie is a full redneck. He was too in love to back out now.

......

The food was way too spicy for Archie, but desert was the beat thing he had ever eaten. Granted his nerves were getting the best of him, and Maxie's grandmother was glaring at him because he refused anymore food. He took out the black box from his pocket and turned to Maxie.

"Archie?" Maxie looked back at him.

"Maxie I love you more then anything you know that right?" Archie smiles getting down on one knee. "And we've done our worst but also our best together, and I wanted that to continue, like the land needs the sea I need you Maxie." He takes a deep breath "will you marry me?"

Maxie covers his mouth and nods. "Archie is that why you asked my family out here?" He looks around then back at Archie and pulls the man into a kiss letting Archie put on the ring. "Of course I'll marry you."

Ma gives a look Archie can't decipher. "You better teach him right Max."

"Yes Ma." Maxie smiles and whispers to Archie. "She likes you."

Archie looks back to the glaring woman not being able to comprehend that fact.

[2seokfan]

Scarlet & Hazel | Ch. 4

pairings: hoseok x reader x yoongi

genre: fluff, very light angst, smut (future)

warnings: mentions of physical abuse

word count: 5.3k

chapters: ch.1, ch.2, ch.3, ch.4

summary:

Just cause you’re living paycheck to paycheck in a tiny apartment even after graduating college doesn’t mean you’re not happy. So what if your best friend is working her dream job making close to six figures every year?  So what if she’s in a loving, committed relationship with her perfect boyfriend that you’re 99% sure is going to propose to her sometime next year? It doesn’t matter that your idea of a perfect relationship is a $9.99 bottle of wine on Friday nights while you binge watch Netflix specials.

Ok so maybe you’re a teensy bit miserable. Maybe you have no idea what you’re doing with your life. Maybe all you need to do is accidentally cross paths with two hybrids who will drastically change that.

Meet “Scarlet” and “Hazel”, two of the most gorgeous hybrid men you have ever laid eyes on. With their help, you learn that life is an adventure, a roller-coaster with ups and downs, and you were too preoccupied with yourself to climb out of your own predicament. And hey, you’re not much of a romantic, but with these two, you just might change your mind.

a/n: Y/N gets the surprise of her lifetime today! Also to clarify, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is an old cowboy movie with a very famous theme song (just in case some people don’t get the reference). Thank you for being patient! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

tag list: @wilhelminalucinda @ghostkat23 @ayoo-bangtan @sadgurllayha 

How come whenever you’re excited for something, time purposely slows down?? It’s like the weekend can’t come fast enough. Each day feels like a whole week and each hour stretches like two. You swear the clock hanging on the wall of your clinic has some sort of personal grudge against you, the second hand moving at the pace of a snail.

You’re currently on the last two hours of your shift. The hustle and bustle of morning appointments have died down but that doesn’t stop the constant train of incoming calls. You wonder if there’s an award out there for maintaining a professional voice after getting asked stupid questions, because you deserve that award, exhibit A being the person you’re dealing with right now. You pick at your nails while you balance the work phone on your shoulder.

“Sorry ma'am we’re actually a hybrid clinic so no, I can’t put your son down for a checkup. Mhm. Mhm. Uh huh.” You peel off a hangnail and flick it into the trash can under your counter. “I understand you're frustrated but none of our doctors specialize in human treatment. May I suggest the hospital? Ok have a good day now. Bye.”

You hang up as a string of expletives are leaving the receiving end of your phone. What part of ‘hybrid clinic’ did she not understand?

You lean back into your office chair, vowing for the 100th time to invest in one of those lumbar support pillows for your poor, aching body. Checking today’s schedule, you see that a first-time client should be coming in any minute now. Her voice had sounded eerily familiar when she called all those days ago, but you didn’t bother to think twice.

Right on cue, you hear the clinic door open. A very familiar arctic fox hybrid is ushered in by her impatient owner.

“Hurry up won’t you! We don’t have all day!” 

Yep. That’s blondie alright.

Sylvia has already recognized you, giving you a small smile when her owner isn’t looking. You’re shocked by her appearance, small cuts and bruises adorning her face and a noticeable bandage around her left wrist. You smile back, trying to make her feel as comfortable as possible.

Blondie hasn’t noticed your presence yet, currently rummaging through her gigantic purse for a pen. She freezes when she finally looks up, making eye contact with you.

You both narrow your eyes like it’s some sort of cowboy showdown in the old west, theme song from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly playing in the background. If it weren’t for the counter in front of you you’d probably be slowly circling each other, hands ready to draw your pistols from your holsters.

Except it’s the 21st century and all you can do is clench your jaw and offer her a steely glare.

“What are you doing here?” Blondie is the first to break the silence.

“I work here,” you say matter of factly.

“Don’t you own hybrids?” Her voice is menacing, but it doesn’t mask her confusion. “How can a receptionist afford two hybrids?”

“I’m here on my off time cause I have nothing else to do.” You find it so much easier to lie to her now that you’ve successfully done it before. No harm in stretching your little fable.

Blondie huffs, having no rebuttal ready.

“Anyways, I need you to fill this out here.” You decide not to push her temper further since you’re at work and need to act civilly. You hand her the basic information form and contact the doctor about their arrival. 

While blondie is busy filling out the paperwork, you make quick eye contact with Sylvia, mouthing a silent ‘are you ok?’ to her. She gives you a tense nod but nibbles on her bottom lip and shifts her pupils in blondie’s direction. You can’t forget that look on Sylvia’s face, one of desperation and misery, and you want so badly to pull her out of this situation.

Blondie finishes and hands the papers back to you. You glance down and find her name on the forms. “And Karen,” of course her name is ‘Karen’, “how did Sylvia get these injuries?”

A flicker of panic flashes across her features but it instantly disappears into a frown. 

“She fell down the stairs.” Karen snaps, then proceeds to tap her foot impatiently. “Well? I’ve got an appointment??”

You sigh and swallow down the urge to talk back. “Dr. Lao is ready for you. Just head down the hall and into the office on your left.” 

Karen puts her pen back in her purse, then grabs her fox by the elbow and pulls her down the hallway, out of sight. When they disappear, you sit back and take the time to process what just happened.

You don’t believe for one minute that Sylvia fell down the stairs. Her injuries seem obviously inflicted by another person, most likely Karen, but you don’t want to jump to conclusions. Since you have no proof, you can’t really report the issue. Also you’re well aware of how corrupted Hybrid Services are and you don’t want to leave Sylvia in their hands. 

The phone rings, bringing you back to your senses. Oh yeah, I’m still at work. You remind yourself to google some safe hybrid help centers when you get home. There’s nothing you can do now but you’ll be damned if you won’t try.

The two emerge from the checkup after an hour or so. Karen turns to your counter, face still in her signature scowl as she approaches you.

“I need to schedule a second appointment.” Her tone sounds a little stiff, as if she didn’t want this outcome. “Sylvia will need another checkup for her wrist.” Her entire demeanor is suspicious to you at this point. When you met her for the first time, you were only focused on getting her to stop bothering your two hybrid friends. You regret not noticing her obvious physical aggressiveness.

As the two head out, Sylvia turns back and gives you a small ‘bye’. You melt at how cute she is despite all her injuries. You give her one last wave, determination welling up inside.

You head home and immediately dive to your laptop. Sylvia’s next checkup isn’t till two weeks later so you want to use that time to become as productive as you can in finding the numbers of various hybrid centers. Even though your work revolves around hybrids, you have no personal experience helping any of them out of trouble so you need the advice of professionals. You have no idea what any of these centers can do and you’re aware that your lack of information means you’re starting from scratch but you refuse to sit by and do nothing. Not when something fishy is obviously going on.

You’re surprised to find no decent hybrid centers, even though you live in a pretty big city. Most seem like shady adoption centers that put in the bare minimum amount of effort in taking care of and re-homing their hybrids. One center was so repulsive you’re surprised they’re legally allowed to operate. You click on their ‘About’ page for shits and giggles and the description makes you want to gag. ‘Having problems with your hybrid? Don’t worry! Call this number and we’ll take them off your hands!’ What the actual fuck!? It’s like one of those junk collecting commercials where they take away your old furniture except they’re talking about living, breathing hybrids, not an old refrigerator. This goes to show how little the government actually cares about hybrids and you find yourself involuntarily clenching your fists.

After a few websites that lead nowhere, you stumble across one for a Hope Hybrid Center that seems promising. The description indicates how they’re dedicated to the ‘safety and comfort of all hybrids without discrimination’. The only catch is that the particular center in your city has just been built and will not open till later this week. Nevertheless, you decide to trust this location since there are several other branches under the same name littered across the country that all have raving reviews. You bookmark the page and remind yourself to contact their main call center tomorrow.

You don’t know what’s come over you. It’s true you’ve always had a soft spot for hybrids, and you’ve always been in full support of every new law that passes, bringing them closer to citizenship. But you’ve never been this passionate about personally helping them. It’s a good feeling, being actively involved in something you care about. Saving your two hybrid friends two months ago has really opened your eyes to what human bystanders can do. Every action, big or small, can have an impact and you mentally scold yourself for not being aware of your surroundings previously. Oh how ignorant you were.

The rest of your research is futile, and you end up closing your laptop with a sigh of defeat. This is all you can do right now. Who do you think you are? Some sort of vigilante? What power do you have to make any change?? You’re just one silly receptionist against the big bad world.

Before you start mentally beating yourself up even more, you close your eyes and remember the image of Sylvia’s face. She looked so hopeless, so resigned to her fate, that all your self pity dissipates. Whatever miserable situation you’re in, you know she’s probably experiencing something ten times worse.

You think about bringing this run-in up with Scarlet and Hazel but you chicken out last minute. They’ve been pretty busy on the days leading up to your dinner doing god knows what. They’ve been polite enough to reply to you but you can tell from the short, quipped answers they supply that they have other things going on right now. You know that they’re not doing this on purpose so it doesn’t bother you too much, but you do miss the comic relief they provide in your hectic life. Guess you’ll tell them all about it when you see them on Saturday.

The last thought in your head before you shut your eyes is to call the Hope Hybrid Center as soon as you go on break tomorrow.

“Hi! Thank you for calling the Hope Hybrid Center! This is Jodie speaking, how can I help you?”

“Uh, hi yes!” Jeez why are your palms so clammy? It’s just a phone call, you do these everyday! “My name is Y/N and I was wondering if you can help me with a couple questions about hybrids, if that’s ok?”

“Of course!” Jodie sounds all peppy and excited. You wish you still had her energy when you do your customer service calls. You were like her for only a brief period all those years ago when you began at the clinic. Boy did that die down fast.

“Um,” You’re not really sure where to start. Do you just straight out say someone is hurting their hybrid? That might sound a little too accusatory. “What do I do if I think someone is abusing their hybrid? Like I have no proof but I still feel like it’s happening?” You’re not used to doing things behind other peoples’ backs, even for someone as awful as Karen, and it’s got your entire body erupting in cold sweat. You mentally reprimand yourself. I’m trying to help. This is for a good cause.

“That’s a good question.” Jodie’s voice is reassuring, like she can hear the nervousness of your tone through the call. “There are several things you can do actually! The first thing we recommend you do is observe their behavior as much as you can and try to record or take note of any signs of aggression displayed by the supposed abuser. This can be used in case any legal action is taken.”

“Uh huh.” You reach into your purse and grab your handy dandy little notebook, pull out the pen stuck in the spiral, and quickly flip to a random blank page to jot down everything she says.

“Now if you want to take direct action, that can be a little riskier but it is possible. The best option is to take one of our unique business cards and pass that along to the hybrid in need.”

“Unique business cards…?” She lost you there.

“Yes. You can find them at each of our shelters or we can mail them to you.” She answers fast, and you have a feeling she’s used to this question. “Each of our business cards contain an emergency phone number, a security code, and are coated with a unique scent that is virtually undetectable by humans. When the number is called, our first question is to ask for the security code, then confirm the matching scent of their business card. These cards work best with the majority of hybrids that contain a heightened sense of smell, such as the mammalian hybrids. We may need to adjust for certain bird or aquatic species that rely on other senses.”

Your writing arm is sore from taking all this down but you pause to answer Jodie. “She’s a fox hybrid, so that should be ok I think?”

You hear a large sigh of relief over the receiver. “Ok that makes things a lot easier.” Her tone switches to serious once again. “But remember this can only be done if the hybrid is willing to contact us in the first place. Beyond that, someone will have to catch them in the act of abuse and that can be very hard to do.”

You nod your head in agreement, forgetting that she can’t see you. “I understand. There’s a small chance this may just be nothing but I want to try and help at least.”

“That’s awesome! It takes a lot of guts to report these issues and you’d be surprised how many people let them slide under their noses.” She’s so encouraging that for a short, sweet moment, you envision the whole plan falling into place. You can see it now, a happy Sylvia free from her oppressive captors. Wow they really do a good job. Jodie deserves a raise.

“Thanks Jodie that means a lot!” You shake your sore arm, trying to relieve the pain. “I might need you to mail me a business card since the Hope Hybrid Center in my city isn’t open yet.”

“No problem! I’ll just need your full name, an email and phone number, and your address.”

You relay all your information over. By the time the call is finished, you have a whole 2 minutes left on your lunch break. You look down at your untouched PB&J sandwich and cry internally. It’s for a worthy cause you repeat again and again in your head like a mantra.

Friday. Finally. This week has been the longest you’ve experienced since midterm week of college. You received a package from Hope Hybrid Services this morning and it’s currently sitting on your bedside table. You won’t need to open that up till Sylvia’s next appointment.

You power through another hectic day at work, motivated by the prospect of seeing your two friends in person tomorrow. Both boys are now well aware of your work schedule and take extra care not to text you until you’re off.

5pm rolls around and your phone vibrates just as you enter your car and buckle your seat belt. You check and see that it’s from ‘Hazel’s Nuts’, your favorite groupchat. You gun it towards your apartment, wanting to reply to them in the comfort of your own home. You must have made it in record time and you’re surprised you didn’t get a speeding ticket. Listen, you aren’t the best driver out there but no one’s died on your watch so you count that as a win. When you arrive home you immediately jump onto the couch and unlock your phone.

Hazel: Hi Y/N. Sorry we’ve been so busy this week but we’re excited to see you tomorrow

You: that’s ok! I figured you were occupied

Hazel: Yep. Had to take care of some stuff but we’re all set now

Scarlet: Y/N!!!!!!! I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOOUUUU

Scarlet: (excited emojis)

You: Same!!!

Hazel: Oh yeah

Hazel: We’re meeting at La Cucina Classica tomorrow btw

You let out a small gasp of surprise. No fucking way?! La Cucina Classica is one of THE most expensive restaurants in your city. You’ve never stepped foot inside their doors because they’re usually booked months in advance. Karli’s lucky ass managed to eat there once before and she described the food as, and you quote, ‘orgasmic’. How on earth did they manage to nab a spot there?

You: No way! Really?

Scarlet: Yes way!!

You: how the hell did you manage to get a table???

Hazel: We pulled some strings

You: omg u mysterious boys

Scarlet: We promise to tell you everything tomorrow!! <3

You: ok! but don’t feel obligated or anything

You: i trust u guys

Hazel: Good

Hazel: So tomorrow. 7pm

Scarlet: Oh yeah! Also dress nice

You: you bet! It’s a fancy place so i can’t let them know i’m secretly poor

Hazel: Lol

Hazel: I have to make a call for work so bye for now Y/N

You: bye kitty

Scarlet: See you tomorrow! I can’t wait!!!

You: me too!! 

You: bye!

You set your phone down and whisper to yourself. “What does he mean by ‘work’? They have jobs??”

And they got a table at La Cucina Classica by ‘pulling some strings’, like it was no big deal to them?! Oh my god do you need answers!

You wake up promptly at 9am.

Why? Because it’s #SelfcareSaturday. And this has nothing to do with seeing the boys in person tonight at 7pm. Nothing at all.

You usually have a lot of shit to say about how crappy your little apartment is but today you’re feeling thankful because your dingy bathroom comes equipped with a little tub. You have a bath bomb that was a birthday gift from one of your college friends and you pray these things don’t expire (they do lol) because you’re about to crack this baby open for the first time.

You’ve still got 9 hours, 23 minutes, and 16 seconds till dinner tonight but who’s counting? Not me, you think as you slowly sink into the rainbow-colored tub water. The atmosphere is perfect. You’ve lit up two of your scented candles and have a lofi hip hop playlist on shuffle. You should really do this more often except, you know, water bills.

Right after bath time you decide to do one of your more elaborate skincare routines, hoping to remove the stress and fatigue from your face after a week of work. You facetime Karli so you’re not alone during the whole process.

“Hi Y/N!!” Karli’s face pops up onto the screen. It’s a little more blurry than usual and the sunlight is harsh behind her so she must be outdoors. “Why is your face all glittery?”

“Oh this?” You point to your cheeks. “Remember that fancy Japanese face mask I bought when I got my holiday bonus?”

“Oh yeah! But you said you’d only open it for a special occasion. Unless,” then she comes to a conclusion. “is it for the boys??”

“No!” You correct her too fast. “I mean yes, but also no.” There’s a blush creeping onto your cheeks. “Sometimes a girl just wants to treat herself…”

“Sweetie, your idea of treating yourself is ordering takeout and drinking wine on the weekends, but I’m not gonna pressure you.” Karli sure loves to tease.

“Shut up you don’t know me,” you pout. You’re furiously red at this point.

“Au contraire, I know you too well. You’re like that mole I have on my left ass cheek, I’ll never get rid of you.”

Classy.

“True.” She’s not wrong. You two have been through thick and thin and everything in between. It’ll take divine power to separate you now.

“Oh yeah good thing you called! I’ve got some news!” She’s raising her voice since the background noise of traffic behind her is a little deafening. 

You tilt your head, a question forming on your lips. Is it about the wedding?

“Remember that Bryce guy?”

You do now, since she brought him up. But it does bring back a few embarrassing memories. “Yeah?”

“Well he told me he has a football game coming up so he’s probably gonna text you soon to ask if you can go.” 

“I forgot I said yes to that,” you wince as you suddenly remember that night.

“I mean, you can always let him down gently,” Karli suggests.

“No, I shouldn’t. That would be mean. I did agree to go.” Just admit it. You don’t like disappointing people. 

“Ok girl, if you say so.” She doesn’t push you, probably cause it looks like she’s hurrying somewhere. “Ugh I promised to meet my coworkers for lunch but why did I wear heels downtown!”

“I don’t know girl, sounds like a ‘you’ problem.” You snicker at her.

“Hey don’t be fucking rude!” She quotes that famous Kim Kardashian meme perfectly.

“Stop! Don’t make me laugh too hard!! It’s gonna mess up my face mask!” You’re trying to keep your face still but it’s damn near impossible at this point.

The rest of the day you spend pampering yourself, the whole nine yards. You even booked an appointment with the nearby nail salon after one glance at your unkempt cuticles. God you’re a mess. All you had today was a salad you picked up after your nail appointment because you want your stomach to prepare itself for the gorging you’re about to do tonight.

As the evening approaches, you hunt in your closet once again for appropriate dining attire. The words ‘dress nice’ echo in your head. This time you do open your ho drawer, because you remember having some sort of shimmery dress that isn’t too bad and can probably pass for being presentable in such a fine dining environment. You reach into the furthest corner and finally feel the soft, silky fabric, pulling it out and hoping against all odds that it isn’t full of wrinkles. Lucky for you, the dress is still in good condition. It’s a spaghetti strap and flows all the way down past your ankles. You’ve never found the occasion to wear it, only buying it cause it was on sale and you thought it was so pretty at the time.

You put it on and glance in the mirror. Usually you have a lot to critique about your physical appearance but today you admit you don’t look so bad. The dress shows a little bit of tasteful cleavage and there’s a slit that rides up your right leg but it isn’t too revealing. Attach some chunky, strappy black heels and you’re good to go. Except makeup, you’ve gotta do that first.

As the clock ticks closer to 6:30, you finish up on your smokey eye and swipe on a little lip tint. You’re definitely taking an uber tonight because you don’t want to miss out on the restaurant's excellent drink selection. Also parking on a Saturday night? Absolute nightmare.

The place is downtown and a good 20 minutes away so once you get in the car you tell the driver to step on it, promising to tip him extra when you get off.

You can’t stop the constant drumming of your heart as the car nears the location. You feel like a kid who’s been told they’re going to Disneyland and you’re giddy with excitement. Maybe it’s better not to see them in person because you might faint on the spot.

As the car pulls up you take a deep breath. Calm down Y/N, you think to yourself, I’m just meeting two good friends for dinner.

The restaurant is located at the rooftop of one of the taller buildings downtown. You enter the elevator, smoothing your dress and your nerves at the same time.

When the doors slide open, you’re greeted by an immaculately dressed hostess. You glimpse at the restaurant behind her. Expensive is definitely the right word to describe this place. There’s dimly lit, warm lighting above each of the tables, and a live band is playing soft tunes in the corner. Waiters and waitresses are carrying loads of food on only one hand, serving each table with grace and poise.

“Name?” The hostess asks you, breaking you out of your observation.

“Um,” You’re unsure what to say. Did they put the table down under Scarlet or Hazel? That can’t be right since those are fake names. 

“Y/N?” You try with your name first to see if that’ll lead anywhere.

“Right this way Miss Y/L/N.” Holy shit, ok. Guess that worked.

You’re led past the many tables, ladened with various couples, and back into a private room. They even managed to book a private room?!?! You really feel out of place with your drugstore makeup and cheap dress.

The hostess graciously opens a door for you and-

“Y/N!!”

“Ooof!” You’re enveloped by the familiar scent of honey and cinnamon. “Hi Scar.” You try to compose yourself since he smells too good to be true. Hazel is right behind him, signature sleepy smile on his face. You back away from them, taking in their appearance

Oh. My. God.

Your jaw drops. Beautiful isn’t enough to describe what’s standing in front of you. Scarlet is in a perfectly fitted, baby blue suit that shows off his lean physique. One of his top buttons is undone, revealing his caramel colored skin and collarbones. You pry your eyes away from such sin and opt to look in Hazel’s direction but that does nothing to help you since he’s also dressed to the nines, wearing all black, silver jewelry sparkling on his neck and fingers, a stark contrast to his milky white skin. You look in between them instead, fearing you’ll drool if you stare at them any longer.

Hazel steps forward and also gives you a small hug. His scent is floral, with a spicy undertone, and you want nothing more than to drown in it.

“Hi Hazel,” God you must be blushing like crazy right now. You can’t help it since they look so delicious. Stop that! They’re your friends and they’re not interested!! You want to slap yourself for thinking such impure thoughts.

Well you say that but the way they’re taking in your outfit sends a shiver down your spine. Is it just you or did their eyes darken? The atmosphere quickly returns to normal and you start to wonder if that moment was all in your imagination.

“Look! We already have the champagne ready!” Scarlet’s tail is wagging a mile a minute as he returns to his seat. Hazel slides next to him right after, trying to swat away the offending appendage that’s taking up his spot.

“How ‘bout you control that tail of yours, hm puppy?” Hazel huffs, finally managing to sit down once he successfully shoves the tail back into Scarlet’s lap.

“Hey!” Scarlet looks downright offended. “I’m a fox, not a dog! We’re a much more sophisticated creature.” He crosses his arms and states pointedly, “just like you can’t control your purrs, we can’t control our wagging.”

Hazel only sighs. “Sometimes I wonder why I’m mated to you.”

“Because you love me. Now shut up or poor Y/N’s gonna feel like she’s being third-wheeled.”

Now this is the Scarlet and Hazel you’re used to. You sit across from them, nursing the sparkling flute of champagne that’s calling your name and trying not to snort out loud at their antics. It’s still extremely hard to maintain eye contact with either of the boys but you put in effort all the same.

“I hope you don’t mind, but we already ordered.” Hazel shifts in his seat, one hand ruffling the back of his hair.

“Actually that’s perfect!” You chuckle. “I have no idea what to get in places like these.”

“Ok, good.” His voice is now sounding a little bit shaky, which is very puzzling. Is he nervous?

You take a better look at them, temporarily ignoring their attractiveness (which is a very hard thing to do), and you notice their body language is off. Both their tails are now twitching anxiously and their ears are a little droopy. What’s going on?

“Hey guys.” You keep your voice gentle. “Is everything ok?”

“Yeah! There’s just, um…” Scarlet is twisting the napkin in his lap. “We have some very important things to ask you and-”

“Wait!” You interrupt him, putting one hand up. You need to get this across before the boys tell you anything. “Before you continue, I just want you both to know that under NO circumstances do you ever have to tell me anything you’re uncomfortable with. I understand that you have a lot of secrets to keep, being two hybrids who probably don’t have owners. I want to respect our friendship and your privacy, and if that means not knowing a lot of your secrets, then fine by me.” You’re almost out of breath from letting all this out but it’s worth it because you truly value your friendship with them. You always joke to yourself about wanting to know what they’re hiding but deep down you cherish being their friend more than anything.

Both boys glance at each other for a second, nerves having vanished, then they suddenly throw their heads back and erupt into giggles. Scarlet is full on shaking, slapping his knee while he roars with laughter. Even Hazel is cackling, gummy teeth on full display.

This throws you off and your eyebrows furrow together. What’s so funny? You were being sincere and trying to protect them from revealing secrets they don’t want to tell you.

By this time the waiter has come by with a tray of small appetizers so you grab an olive and chew on it in confusion, waiting for their laughter to die down.

“See? What did I tell you about her?” Hazel is wiping a stray tear off his face.

“You’re right, you’re right!” Scarlet nods back in agreement.

Their laughter has finally fizzled away and they both turn to face you once again.

“Um,” You’re completely lost for words so you take another sip of champagne for courage. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No not at all!” Scarlet is quick to reassure you. “In fact, we were nervous at first but you’re making this so much easier for us.”

“Easier?” If you had a penny for all the times these boys have confused you, you’d probably be a millionaire by now.

“Right.” Hazel leans into the table a little bit, a small smirk on his face. “You see, there’s something very important we want to ask you tonight.”

“But first,” Scarlet juts in, also leaning in next to Hazel, “just to clarify. You trust us right, Y/N?”

“Of course.” You say without hesitation. These boys literally have no reason to harm you. Except they’re a little too close to you now and you resist the urge to fan yourself because oooh boy do they have the prettiest eyes you’ve ever seen. And their ears! Why are their ears so fluffy looking?! You bet their super soft to touch but you dare not reach out.

“Even though you don’t know our real names?” Hazel urges you on.

“Well, I always figured you’ll tell me when you’re comfortable...” Your voice is getting smaller now, and you feel yourself getting red from head to toe. They’re too close to you and you try not to let your obvious attraction show so you look down and twiddle with your silverware.

“Excellent.” Both boys snap back into their seats, startling you.

“Y/N.” Scarlet clears his throat and tries to make his voice sound serious but he can’t hold back his smile. “We would like to officially ask you to adopt us.”

The fork you’re playing with clatters onto the table.

Previous

[imgoingtohellsofuckit]

Cocky Hero pt 4

Hawks x Reader

Warnings - nothing

Summary - The game seems to be going strong

Waking up in the guest bedroom alone was a surprise. You thought somehow Hawks would find himself in the room. But the fact you were waking up about three hours late for work was even more than a surprise. The second your sleepy eyes hit the clock on the wall you jumped from the soft bed and ran out to pull on your dress from last night. You don't have time to change to go home.

"Woah what's got you running around?" Hawks asks as you march into his living room to grab your heels.

"I'm late! Really late," You panic, "I could get fired! I could lose my job and my house!" You can feel you heart racing in fear. "Listen I have to go it's been fun but-"

"It's 8 am," He says, "you never leave before 8."

You look down at your phone to confirm it. Then you sigh loudly in relief.

"Oh my god I almost had a heart attack," You say to him, "the clock in your quest bedroom is wrong. Wow that's one way to wake up." You adjust your purse on your shoulder and look to him and smile lightly. He chuckles lightly. "I should get home tho. I need to get ready."

"Alright," He says.

"Your clothes are in the hamper in your hallway," You tell him, "last night was fun. Thanks for letting me vent to you. And then ask you personal questions."

"I'd never stop people from asking questions," He says.

"Well thanks for answering them," You tell him.

"How do you know if I answered them honestly?" He asks.

"I don't know for sure," You say, "but you just seemed real last night. Like finally I was seeing the tiniest smidge of the guy behind the title." You smile lightly. "Now at the risk of inflating your ego... I think we should hang out like friends more. Even after our game finishes. I like talking to you."

"Yeah I could get behind that," He says, "I like talking to you too."

You chuckle.

"I should get going," You tell him, "see ya around Hawks."

"See ya Y/n."

As you step through the portal into your house you can't help but smile.

You had actual fun last night. With Hawks. And you didn't mess around with him you just hung out. It's kinda crazy but then again he's a good guy. Even if he is a bit in love with himself. You could see yourself being friends with him.

After your shower and getting ready routine you arrive at your office. The first day in a bit where no one is there to harass you. Everyone already is at work. You start to wonder if somehow you actually were late. Or if this was some alternative dimension were you didn't have to lecture the heroes you work for to do what they are supposed to do. Regardless you just sit at your desk and start on your work. You smile lightly as you look over to see the flowers Hawks sent you the other day.

"He's so stupid," You say softly.

"Who is?"

You look back to see Mimic.

"You've been avoiding me," You say glaring lightly at the hero, "why?"

"I was waiting out your wrath," He says, "I thought you'd be more upset about the file but it seems like for once you're okay with me making a mistake."

"I'm distracted," You admit, "don't get used to it."

"I won't," He says, "but I will take advantage of you directing your focus off of me for a bit... So flowers? They are pretty but I never pegged you for the type to get flowers for yourself-"

"Someone gave them to me," You tell him, "Mimic don't you have patrols to do? I seemed to remember you have a morning patrol on the schedule today."

"Right I better get on that," He says, "good luck with your boyfriend Hawks."

You scoff knowing that Kami must be starting something around the office. You roll your eyes before burying yourself back into your work. You should text Hawks. Keep up with the game. So you move lifting your phone up to take a quick selfie. You look at it before you send it. Checking to see if it turned out good. It did. You look hot. So you press send and sit down the phone again.

Hawks was in a meeting with the commission when his phone buzzes against his leg. He sneaks a glance to see who sent it. He sees that its you and smiles lightly. He pulls the phone up and clicks the message to see a picture of you. You look beautiful. Soft skin, gentle features. You hair fixed like it always is. He sees that slightly unbuttoned shirt. The top of your breast exposed. He bites his lip lightly.

"Wow," He says softly.

"What?"

"Nothing," Hawks says shutting his phone off, "sorry what were we talking about."

They continue the meeting. But the second it ends Hawks texts you.

Hawks - You almost got me in trouble :l

                Very rude

Y/n - It's a pg pic you pig

Hawks - lol not that

               I was in a meeting

Y/n - Am I supposed to say sorry?

        I didn't make you check your phone during a meeting

Hawks  - :(

               ur mean sometimes

Y/n - Sorry

       Let me make it up to you

His phone buzzes. The next message isn't a message but a picture. He sees that you have your shirt unbuttoned more  revealing your bra. He bites his lip lightly. Wow. You're really trying to rile him up today.

Hawks - Aren't you at work?

Y/n  - I stepped off the floor for you

        I can unsend it

Hawks - No no

                ur good

               send more

Y/n - I don't think I will

Hawks - Oh man

                :(((

Y/n - Sorry bird boy

         Maybe if you ask nicely I'll reconsider

Hawks - Pretty please beautiful

You chuckle lightly. Who would of thought you'd be locking yourself in the bathroom on your lunch break to send Hawk a sneaky pic. Then again you didn't think he'd last this long either. You fix your clothes then look back to the picture. Just your reflection standing in your undergarments. Your finger hovers over to send button. Was this a good idea? I mean if it gets out you could get in trouble for doing this at work. You decide to shove your logic aside and just send it.

Y/n - There~

Hawks opens the pic and groans lightly.

"Fuck," He says softly. You're so perfect. So amazing. A girl like this shouldn't exist. But here she is.

Hawks - You're killing me here

                 How am I gonna fill out reports now?

 Y/n - That's a real shame Hawks

            My lunch is in five

           Maybe you should stop by

You didn't need to say more. He was already out the door flying towards Impressions building. By the time he got there you were waiting outside for him. The second he stepped towards you, you opened a portal yanking him through it. You both were in your house. You move yanking him back to your room. Pushing him against the bed.

"Oh man you are so hot," He says softly.

You toss aside your shirt and then step out of your skirt.

"I have an hour for lunch," You say, "so you better make this time worth it."

"Oh trust me I will," He says.

~~~

Once you are both cleaned up and dressed his eyes don't leave your frame.

"What?" You ask him.

"This game is fun," He says, "but what happens after?"

"That depends," You tell him, "I mean if you want we can still be friends. Or we can pretend all this didn't happen and go back to our lives. It's up to you."

"There is really an option where we forget about all this?" He asks. You chuckle lightly.

"Well I mean it's not like any of this means anything," You tell him, "the sex, the flirting, the flowers. It's all for the game... Don't get me wrong I'm having fun but it's temporary. One of us will win and then we'll go to do it all again with another poor soul."

"Right yeah of course," He says, "it's just a game."

You smile lightly at him. Then turn back to your mirror as you brush through your hair.

"I have to get back to work," You tell him, "you think you can head out on your own?"

"Yeah sure," He says.

So you leave through one of your portals. Leaving him sitting on your bed. He sighs deciding to move to look in the mirror. Sighing loudly at his reflection.

"What the hell am I doing?" He asks himself, "why am I doing this?" He groans running his hand through his blond hair. His mind is telling him how this game is a bad idea. How for once he might be in danger here. And even if he isn't he doesn't know if he could hurt you. And that whole just forgetting all this and moving on.  "I'm thinking too much." He decides to let it go for now. Opting to just let his thoughts melt as he leaves your apartment to head back to work.

"So where did you go for lunch?" Kami asks you.

"My place," You tell her, "I needed to get something so I just ate there."

"Yeah?" She asks, "you didn't meet Hawks?"

"And what if I did?" You ask, "my lunch hour is my hour. I'm allowed to do whatever I want- in legal grounds at least."

"You and Hawks are running around a lot," Kami says, "are you sure this is just for the game?"

"Yeah its just the game," You tell her, "I mean it's a new level. A harder level. Ya know."

"Level?"

"Yeah I mean Hawks isn't some random guy who gets attached too fast he's a player," You explain, "So it's harder than Edgeshot or the interns. It's almost a whole new game. So it takes a bit more work then the other guys."

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Kami asks, "you're talking about him falling in love with you like he's a toy. That's kinda sick."

"He's doing the same thing to me," You point out, "it's consensual. Okay so don't flip out about it. You'll make it into something it's not."

"I guess I just don't get it," Kami says, "I mean if he's the great guy you keep talking about then why play around?"

"What are you suggesting?" You ask her.

"That you and Hawks date," She says plainly. You laugh harshly.

"Yeah uh not gonna happen," You tell her, "not only do I not wanna date I also don't wanna date Hawks. Like ever. Sure he's cute but he's a hot mess and honestly he and I would never work long term like that. Neither of us take anything seriously and well I'd get bored."

"I can't believe you," Kami says, "he's a pro. He's number 2. He's a huge deal and you're just gonna let that slip by?"

"You're making it seem like just because he's a big hero that he meets my standards," You say getting slightly aggravated with her, "I mean again he's nice and he's cute. But he's not my type and I don't like him like that."

"Like what?"

"Like a boyfriend or any thing more than a hookup," You tell her.

"Then how do you like him?"

"Like a hookup or a friend," You say at once, "Kami- I don't want to fight with you about this. I mean you are being ridiculous. Honestly if you want Hawks so bad- take him. I mean it's not like I really care. I just want to win my game."

"Okay so if I went to sleep with Hawks you wouldn't mind?" She asks you at once.

"No I wouldn't care at all," You say, "because he's just a guy I'm sleeping with."

"Then you wouldn't mind giving me his number," She says, "come on he's just a hookup."

"Fine," You say grabbing your phone. You share Hawks contact with her. "Now stop acting so weird and let me get back to work."

"Fine," She says. She moves off to her desk while you just sit down at yours. That was weird. I mean why would you care what Hawks is doing? If he hooks up with someone else fine. If he doesn't. Neat. It's not like you guys are dating. And you only like him as a friend. She's being weird. But thats just like Kami. Thinking she has everything figured out when in reality she knows nothing.

Unknown- Hey Hawks! This is Kami

                     I work with Y/n

                    I just wanted to say that you are super cute and we should hang out sometime

Hawks - read

"She gave out my number?" Hawks asks softly, "and to another girl." He doesn't know why that disappoints him so much. Normally he'd be overjoyed. He'd have another girl to hookup with until he got bored. Play his game. Mess with the girls head. But now? He just frankly wants to focus on winning this game with you. He doesn't reply. Instead he just texts you.

Hawks - Me, you, dinner

Y/n - in public?

Hawks - Private table

Y/n - mm

        where?

Hawks - That fancy place by yours

Y/n - Are you trying to take me on a date?

Hawks- New approach.

               I've learned sleeping with you won't make you fall in love with me

              soooo new approach I use my charm

Y/n - ew

Hawks-  Did you just say ew to going on a date with me?

               What are you 10?

              Do you know how many girls would kill to go on a date with me?

Y/n - ask one of them

Hawks - :((((

                 u make me sad sometimes

                 ur breaking my heart

                How am I supposed to win the game like this

Y/n  - are you paying?

Hawks - Of course

Y/n - I'll check my calendar

Hawks - You're not free tonight?

Y/n - No Hawks I'm not

       I have a thing

Hawks- What thing??

Y/n - I'm not telling you

Hawks - come on I won't tease

               maybe

               okay I won't

                so spill

Y/n - I have a class

Hawks  - what kinda class?

Y/n - Cooking class

Hawks - lol you take a cooking class

Y/n -  -_-

         "I won't tease" He says

Hawks - sorry its just kinda random

Y/n  - well I mean i need to know how to cook to live

         plus ya know there is a cute boy in my cooking class

Hawks -  :(((

                 I'm a cute boy you could be hanging out with

Y/n - meh

Hawks -  T-T

                 ur mean

Y/N -  : I

Hawks - can I crash your cooking class?

Y/n - stop being so needy

        you have a night away from me

       maybe use it to fix ur strategy

Hawks - well then can we go to dinner tomorrow?

Y/n - On a friday night?  

        mmmm

       I don't know that's a prime day

Hawks - come onnnnnnn

Y/n - mkay

       but i'm getting the most expensive thing on the menu

Hawks - why of course

                hows 8 sound

Y/n - works for me

        I have to get back to work

Hawks - oh man

                don't leave me

Y/n -  sorry hot stuff

You put the phone away and move to get back to work. Sighing lightly at the amounts of work that you have to do. Going from talking to one of the most interesting people you've ever known to a bunch of boring work is a hard switch. You keep your focus on the work as best you can. By the time the shift ends you were you pretty much racing to get home.

Hawks- ur cute

Y/n - am I?

Hawks - Yeah

Y/n -  thx i guess

Hawks - How is your class going?

Y/n - Haven't left yet

       About to

Hawks - what cooking class is it?

               maybe I can crash

              it'll be fun

Y/n - you'll distract the class

        if you come there everyone will talk about you

       and well i want them to talk about me

Hawks -  ....

                fine

Y/n - I'll text you after

You move getting ready for you class. Swapping the work clothes for more casual clothes. Once you get ready you head over to the building for the class. I take my normal table.

"Hey," Haru says looking over at me, "hows your week been?"

"Eventful," You sigh lightly, "and it feels like it's getting longer. What about you?"

"Same - it's very long," He says, "but I'm getting through it. Renege is having a hard time at daycare."

Renege. It's his daughter. He's been raising her on her own since his ex passed away. Haru smiles lightly.

"She'd love to see you again."

If any guy has ever been close to the category of someone You'd be interested in. Haru has always been the closet. He's attractive, he's caring, he's nice to everyone. He's a perfect guy. And he has a super adorable daughter. The two of you clearly are at least attracted to each other. But something has always held you back. Maybe it's the responsibility of dating a single dad. Maybe it's that you aren't as interested in him as you thought.

"I've been busy," You tell him, "the agency and all. How is the office?"

"Well my boss is keeping me late," He says, "thankfully my mom is helping as much as she can. I saw the pictures of you at that Heros gala. You looked really nice."

"Thanks," You say, "the stylist the agency hired were really good. They made a whole thing more fun." He smiles.

"What are those fancy parties like?" He asks.

"I could show you next time," You say smiling light. The offer is empty but its not much of anything. He moves to his plate to start the recipe. He talks again about Renege. Sharing the stories that happened from the last time you saw him. Apparently she's been getting a little feisty with the other kids at day care. Haru says she gets it from her mother. You simply nod. Normally you'd hang onto every word of the story. You'd listen to him excitedly. Laughing lightly at the antics of his daughter.

But today. All you could think about us Hawks. You wonder if he has stories like Haru. Ones that are more domestic and less wild. Slow days. You wonder what Hawks does for fun when he isn't sleeping around. You never got a good look at his place. But from what you saw it was all bro pad.

"You seem distracted," Haru says, "is it cause you're in love with me."

"What?" I ask looking at him carefully.

"I said are you okay?" He asks.

That line was pure Hawks. God can't that bird brat get off your mind for five seconds. You sigh smiling over to Haru.

"Yeah I'm fine," You answer, "it's just work ya know."

"Yeah I get it," He says, "but you should be carefully chopping those vegetables when you're distracted."

"Right," You say carefully.

"Hey listen," He starts, "we should go on another date sometime."

"Yeah?" You ask.

"Yeah," He says, "it's been awhile and I get a break from work soon. I need to relax. I think dinner with you would be amazing."

"I mean- if you'd want to," You say to him, "what do you want to do for the date?"

"Dinner maybe Saturday?" He says.

"Yeah? Alright."

[kimannhart]

something traumatic happened to me today and i didn't know how to cope so here's a horror/thriller-esque fic that's based off of a short film script i wrote. hope you enjoy this 2.1k fic.

also since this is based off of a film script, the style in this fic is sort of different than how i usually write.

this fic is also on ao3

~~

A thumb presses down on the remote control. The sound of various channels fill the room. 

The channel surfing stops. 

“... no evidence of a body being found, Maria Stark, a local blacksmith, has been legally declared dead after her car was found crashed and burned late last evening. A memorial service is to be held by Stark’s sister.”

The television clicks off.

A WEEK LATER

Shiny, multiple robotics trophies are displayed proudly on the built-in bookshelves. Only a few of the shelves have framed photographs sitting on them. Above the mantle of the fireplace is a framed family painting of a mother and her teenage son.

Tony, a mere eighteen-year-old, has his hair neatly combed and washed. He is dressed to the nines in a black suit. Tony is sitting alone on the tufted sofas. Though, the distant sound of heels clicking on the floor can be heard in the background. 

A glum look paints Tony’s face as he stares up at the painting of his mother. Tears start to fill Tony’s eyes. He clasps his eyes shut, not wanting to let the tears fall. Tony licks his dry lips and lets out a shaky breath.

The clicking of heels gets louder, moving closer to Tony before the sound promptly stops.

A thin, well manicured hand grabs onto Tony’s shoulder.

Tony looks back to see his Aunt Peggy, who is dressed in a conservative style black dress. Peggy’s hair is styled in a simple tight bun. While her face shows minimal makeup, her lips are painted in a daring red. A black birdcage veil is pinned into her hair. 

Peggy gives Tony a sad soft smile. She gives his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I need to head back to the house soon, darling. I have to go and finish setting up. Do you want to ride with me?”

Tony shakes his head, “No, thanks.” He glances back towards the painting, his eyes lock with the painting version of his mother’s eyes. His gaze was not faltering. “I want to stay a little bit longer. I promise I won’t take too long, Aunt Peggy... I just need a few more moments.” Tony turns to look back at his aunt.

Peggy nods in understanding. She presses a chaste kiss on Tony’s forehead and leaves. 

The moment that Tony hears the front door click shut, he slumps back into the couch. He lets out a sigh, and rubs a tired hand over his face. Tony still can’t process what’s happening. 

He gets up from the couch and walks quietly towards one of the shelves. Tony grabs a gold framed photograph of his mother holding him when he was a baby. Tony’s fingers gently graze the glass. A distant look appears in Tony’s eyes. It’s clear that he is stuck thinking about a particular moment. 

The chiming of a grandfather clock from the nearby hallway snaps Tony back to reality. He sets the photograph back in place. His eyes linger for a few more seconds on the photograph. “Thanks for everything, mamma,” he softly says.

Tony walks out of the living room and out of his home with a soft click of the door.

~~

The moment that Tony steps foot into his aunt’s home, he’s greeted to a blown up photo of his mother near the staircase. A gorgeous wreath stand is placed next to the photo. Tony looks around to see various people scattered downstairs, all of whom are having quiet conversations with one another to pass time as they wait for either Peggy or Tony to give a speech.

Tony mutters his thanks every now and then when people give their condolences.

He walks into the living room and tilts his head in curiosity when he spots a photo album sitting on the coffee table. Tony grabs it, sits on one of the single sofa chairs, and starts to flip through the album. He is surprised to see that the album contains photos of his mother and Aunt Peggy from their childhood. Some photos show the two of them posing in ridiculous outfits. Other photos show the two as teenagers in various candid moments.

Tony was about to close the photo album when he notices that one of the photos is slightly thicker than the others. 

He sets the album down onto his lap. Tony slips the photo out and realizes that one photo is stuck to another. Carefully, he separates them. 

Tony notices that the hidden photo is a family photo. The photo is of his mother, Aunt Peggy, his grandfather, and grandmother. The peculiar thing about this photo, though, is that someone seemed to have scratched out his mother’s face out of the photo. 

The clicking sound of a spoon on glass draws Tony’s attention.

Tony looks up and sees his Aunt Peggy standing in the middle of the living room. He quickly places the photos back in their rightful place, shuts the album, and sets it back onto the coffee table.

Tony focuses his attention to his aunt, curious to know what she is going to say.

Peggy smiles as she patiently waits for everyone to settle down and focus their attention on her. “Hi. Thank you all for coming, it means a lot to me,” she turns her head to look at Tony, “and I’m sure to Tony as well, that you’re all here. Your presence and condolences have been so comforting during this difficult time and have served as a reminder to me just how much impact that my sister had on others.” 

A wave of emotion crashes onto Peggy. She starts to get a bit choked up. Peggy clears her throat. “Maria was honestly one of the happiest people I have ever known. Every time she would walk into a room, it would immediately brighten up. She had an affectionate smile and laugh. She was smart and such a people’s person. Growing up I was always so jealous of her because not only was she kind and able to make friends so easily, she was...”

Tony’s attention dies, and he starts to drown out his Aunt Peggy’s words.

His eyes darted back to the photo album. His hands are itching to grab the album and take out the scratched out photo. Millions of questions about the photo run through Tony’s mind. Tony was so deep in thought that he doesn’t even realize that time has passed and that his Aunt Peggy has been calling his name.

“Tony!”

Finally, Tony snaps back to reality. 

“Huh?” he replies.

Peggy looks at Tony, concern gracing her face. “Are you okay, honey?”

Tony looks back to the photo album, wondering if he should bring up what he found, but decides against it. Tony nods his head. “Yeah, peachy keen, Aunt Peggy.” 

Peggy looks at Tony, her eyes squinting at him slightly, not really believing his words. 

“I promise,” Tony adds.

Peggy sighs and drops it. She wraps an arm around Tony’s shoulders. “Come on, I want you to meet some of your mother and I’s childhood friends. I’m sure they have a bunch of embarrassing stories about your mother from when we were about your age.”

At the mention of stories, Tony becomes captivated by the thought. He becomes so interested at the possible stories he could be told that he ends up forgetting about the scratched out photograph.

Peggy guides Tony out into the backyard to a small trio. 

“Your mother and I have been friends with them for ages. I think you’ll like them.”

The two stop in front of the trio.

“Hello,” Peggy greets. “I brought someone for you to meet!” 

The trio give their waves and say their respective hellos. 

Peggy points to a man, who seems to be in his early forties and is holding one of the snacks that Peggy set out. The man looks as if he could never hurt a fly. “This is Edwin.” She points to a woman. “And that’s Edwin’s wife, Ana.” Lastly, Peggy points to the last man in the trio. He is in his early forties as well, and looks harsh looking. He looks like someone you never would want to cross. “And that’s Obadiah, or Obie as we all call him.”

Tony waves shyly. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you all.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Tony... It is Tony, right?” Edwin asks.

Tony nods in confirmation. 

Ana throws him a kind smile. “I wish we met under better circumstances.”

“I do too,” Tony agrees.

An awkward silence falls among the group. All of them a bit unsure of what they should say. 

Peggy clears her throat. “I told Tony we had some stories about Maria.” 

Obie’s eyes light up. Edwin glances over to Obie and immediately knows what’s going to happen.

“Oh no. Are you going to tell him...” Edwin starts to say before getting cut off by Obie.

“Of course I have to tell that story!” Obie looks to Tony. “Say, Tony, did you know your mother was a bit of a wild troublemaker?” 

Tony eyebrows furrow. “Troublemaker? No way.”

Obie nods. “Yes she was!”

“Oh! Tell him about that time she got in trouble with the cops during our senior year of high school!” Ana jumps in. 

Edwin shakes his head and finishes the rest of his snack. “I’m going to need a bit more food if we’re going to be sharing stories for the rest of the night.”

As Edwin walks away, Tony immediately becomes enamored with the story that Obie begins to tell. 

~~

Hours go by and mostly everyone has left. The only people left in the house are Peggy, Edwin, Ana, Obie, and Tony.

Tony is sitting on the sofa, amused by their antics. His eyes land back on the photo album. He suddenly remembers the scratched out photo. Tony goes to grab the album, but Obie beats him to it.

“Oh, God,” Obie mutters. He looks over to Peggy. “Is this your family photo album? I haven’t seen this in years!” Obie starts to flip through the album, a nostalgic look on his face. However, the more photos he goes through, the more Obie’s demeanor changes. 

Obie starts to become irritated and bit angry. He tosses the album back to where it was. Obie chugs a drink from the bottle of tequila he had brought out earlier.

“Uh, are you okay, Obie?” Tony asks.

“I hated your mother.”

Obie’s words shock Tony.

“What?”

“Your mother was a piece of shit, truly.” Obie glances at Tony. “Did you mother ever tell you how she stole my girlfriend?” 

That stuns Tony into silence. 

“I guess that’s why I stopped being friends with her. So, when I heard the news that your mother died, boy was I so fucking joyful.”

Peggy, Ana, and Edwin are all listening carefully to Obie’s words. The three adults glance worriedly at each other.

Ana hesitantly looks back at Obie, afraid to ask what she knows is on everyone’s mind. “Obie? Did you... did you kill Maria?”

Obie’s eyes widen at the question. “What? No!”

Tony pulls out the scratched photo from the album and holds it up for everyone to see. “Did you do this?”

Obie gulps and his eyes dart back and forth between everyone in the room. “I.. Um...”

~~

The sound of gravel can be heard as someone walks up to a desolate cabin late at night. 

The inside of the cabin is dim, only being lighted up by the moonlight that peaks through the slits of the curtains. There are various pieces of furniture covered with sheets. 

The sound of the door being unlocked is heard. The door creaks open. A dark figure places the keys down onto the counter. The person turns the lights on. Once the lights are on, it reveals that the dark figure is actually Peggy. Her hair is still done in a tight bun, but the veil, dress, and lipstick she had on earlier are gone. Instead, she is wearing a black sweatshirt and leggings with athletic shoes.

Peggy heads over to a door and opens it. She turns the light of the basement and starts to walk down the stairs.  A no nonsense look is on her face. She walks towards something and stops. Peggy looks down. 

Peggy is looking at a thinner and raggedy version of her sister. Maria is tied up and gagged. Her clothing is dirty and torn.

Maria looks up at Peggy, all the fight is gone from her eyes.

“Now, this wouldn’t have happened if you just joined HYDRA like I did.” Peggy walks around Maria. “So, what are we going to do about you? Hmm?”

[knamjooned]

ღ min yoongi ღ part of the Soulmate Series

34D 14H 46M 57S. 55S. 40S. The soulclock seemed to be skipping numbers, counting down much faster than the other’s soulclocks were. As it began to skip minutes, Yoongi realized he needed to find you before time ran out.

Pairing: SecuritySpecialist!Yoongi x Photographer!Reader Genre: Soulmate AU / Non-Idol AU / Thriller AU Words: 5.1K Warnings: mention of porn, mention of drugs, cursing, bit of violence, unedited

If you want time you must make it.

Having a drink after work with the guys was a regular occurrence. His boss, Kim Namjoon, shed his CEO persona and turned into your friend you’d known since the two hit puberty. Jeon Jungkook, the young intern Hoseok had to deal with, always seemed to be eager to have fun, at and away from work. Jung Hoseok, the face of the company and CFO, was reluctant to join each time, only because he couldn’t hold his alcohol.

The bartender, Kim Seokjin, knew them well by now, after all the times they’d come into the place. He placed their usual drinks in front of the four men at the bar, grinning as Jungkook showed the soulclock that was on the understand of his wrist.

10D 02H 18M 23S

“It’s almost time. Fuck, what if it’s someone I hate? Or ugly?”

Seokjin snorted as he walked away to deal with another customer.

“The whole point of this soulclock is to point to the perfect person for you, looks and personality,” Namjoon sighed, looking at the youngest as he took a swig from the glass of whiskey. He glanced at his own wrist as he sat down the drink, a thoughtful look on his face. Yoongi glanced at the numbers there, and looked back up at Namjoon’s face with raised eyebrows.

“When did it turn to zero?” He hadn’t said anything to Yoongi, but that was usual. Namjoon was the type to analyze before confirming.

“Last night.” After staying silent for a moment, Namjoon realized the other three were staring at him. A faint flush came to his cheeks as he cleared his throat and straightened his back. “It’s complicated.”

“See?” Jungkook interjected, eyes wide with worry. “He’s not happy about his soulmate!”

“I didn’t say that,” Namjoon corrected. “It’s just… inappropriate.”

“It’s the new assistant,” Hoseok gasped. He grinned, leaning forward curiously. His hands clasped the beer bottle in front of him. 

“That’s hot,” Jungkook commented, sipping at his mug of tap beer. Yoongi slapped his arm, narrowing his eyes at the intern. “What? It’s a well-told story of boss and secretary porn.”

“Shut it, kid,” Namjoon growled. Yoongi smirked as he saw the shy and amused smile on his friend’s face. Namjoon didn’t mean it in a negative way. “And yes, it is my new assistant. We’re going to talk about our situation tomorrow evening.”

Jungkook opened his mouth, but Hoseok spoke before a sound could come out.

“Mind out of the gutter, Kook!” Jungkook, looked away, muttering in annoyance as he gulped at his drink. Hoseok turned back to Namjoon. “It’ll be fine. You own the company, you make the rules.”

“How long have you been with your partner?” Yoongi asked curiously, eyeing Hoseok. 

“About two years. And they are exactly what I want and need,” he answered, looking pointedly at Jungkook. The youngest rolled his eyes with a grin.

Yoongi chuckled as he glanced at his own wrist.

45D 4H 23M 45S

You stared at the photos hanging in the dark room. They were strung above the developing station, where you liked to do it yourself instead of taking it to a professional. The room was barely lit, but the red tone was enough to know the photos you had drying were going to be trouble.

Gulping, you closed your eyes for a moment, hoping this was a freaky dream, but when you opened them, the evidence stared back at you. 

“Fuck,” you murmured, pressing your lips together anxiously. 

You had a few options. One, you could just rip them up and forget you had captured anything while shooting the alleyway. Two, you could head straight to the police with the photos. Third, you could hope no one saw you taking those photos, and still use them for the city photography competition. 

Unfortunately, it was clear the shady men your friend was talking to had noticed something. You had a few shots of him looking straight into the camera. Still, there was a slight chance you were going to be fine.

Your intuition told you otherwise, though. 

“Fuck,” you cursed again.

As you sat down in a chair near the table, you caught a glance of your soulclock. 

41D 10H 05M 12S

Something positive to look forward to, right?

Frowning, Yoongi listened to the report on the TV in the break room. Since Jimin was in the security room keeping an eye on the cameras that watched over the RM Corporations building, Yoongi had decided it was a good time to get a bit to eat. He chewed on his food slowly as the reporter spoke in a confident, factual voice.

“New studies have shown certain soulclocks may not be related to when you meet your destined soulmate. On a rare occurrence, these clocks may relate to the death of your soulmate. Fortunately, it seems to be very rare, with only 5% of the world population estimated to have this. On our screen we have provided the SoulClock Hotline for those with questions or concerns.”

Yoongi found himself looking at his own mark on his wrist. 

34D 20H 02M 44S

Which one did he have? How could you tell? He glanced back at the news, but they had moved on to another report. Yoongi shrugged to himself, going back to eating his lunch. It was rare, so there wasn’t anything to worry about. The seconds ticked down on the mark, the normal action a comfort to him.

After lunch, Yoongi had a meeting with Hoseok and Jungkook, who was only there to be a coffee boy in all honesty. They talked about the cost of updating some security equipment, and the pros and cons of actually doing it. Jungkook listened with earnest, taking notes. Yoongi was actually impressed. The kid seemed to have a hard time concentrating sometimes, but right now he was focused and calm.

After hashing out the details for that project, Yoongi found his way back to the security room, where Jimin was standing and stretching as he kept his eyes on the screens. When he saw Yoongi enter, he straightened and sat back down in the office chair at the desk of screens. Yoongi smiled and nodded as he passed Jimin, heading to his own desk a few feet away. He had a few forms to deal with before doing a few other projects.

After a few moments of silence, Yoongi jumped when Jimin started to talk.

“So did you hear about the new studies about soulclocks?” 

“Mhm,” Yoongi confirmed, eyes still on the papers in front of him. He used a pen to initial and edit some things. 

“Are you worried about it?”

“Not really. It seems to be pretty uncommon.” Yoongi kept working on a few pages, then looked up at Jimin, who was biting his lip and wringing his hands. His eyes were on the screens, but he seemed to be thinking about other things. “Why, are you worried?”

“Nah…” he squeaked, clearing his throat. Yoongi raised his eyebrows at Jimin. “I mean.. a little. There was one story about it that kind of freaks me out.”

“Eyes on the screen,” Yoongi reminded him with a soft chuckle. Jimin straightened once again and gazed at the screen with renewed concentration. Yoongi continued as they did their work. “What’s the story?”

“The clock starts to freak out. It starts to countdown faster than actual time, which tells you your soulmate is going to die, instead of meeting you.”

“It could also mean the fates have decided to push up the meeting time,” Yoongi countered, leaning back in his own office chair, taking a break from reading legal documents.

“True…” Jimin murmured, seeming to relax.

“What’s your clock at?”

“Soon,” Jimin nervously chuckled, holding up his arm.

23H 12M 05S

“I’m sorry.”

You took a deep breath through your nose, letting it out. You still were tense, anger causing you to fist your hands at your side and press your lips together tightly. Your friend stood across from you in your apartment, looking guilty as hell.

“Sorry? Sorry! Why did you go to them, Taehyung? Why didn’t you come to me?”

“Fuck, Y/N, I’m not going to get you involved with my shitty life!”

“Well, looks like I am now!” 

While you seethed, Taehyung kept his eyes on anything but your face. You could see the guilt in his features, the sad eyes and old habit of licking his lips when he did something wrong. 

“Just get rid of those photos. If someone comes to you, you won’t have anything, and nothing will come of it.”

“If someone comes to me? Are you saying they’re looking for me?” 

“Just in case! I don’t know what’s happening at the moment!”

“I love you, Tae, but you knew dealing drugs and being a middle man was going to get you into trouble. You didn’t tell me why you bailed on me for the third time this month. You didn’t tell me anything, so I followed you!”

“You shouldn’t have followed me!” he cried, throwing his hands up in agitation. He put them on his hips as he started to pace. You felt your anger slowly diminishing, turning into worry for your friend.

“Maybe not, but I didn’t know what else to do,” you replied quietly. You took a calming breath, finally relaxing and letting your anger go. “You ignored me everytime I tried to help, you bailed out when we had plans, and then you go down a suspicious alley?”

“I know,” he whispered, closing his eyes and shaking his head sadly. “I’m sorry, I really am. But we need to figure out what to do with these photos.”

“People could get hurt if I don’t turn them into the police.” You felt guilty for even thinking about turning in Taehyung, but this wasn’t just a little mistake. He was selling drugs to kids, and dealing with some scary people.

“People would get hurt if you do turn them into the police. They aren’t gonna like getting snitched on. Even indirectly.” He chewed on his lip nervously.

“Fine.”

“What?” Taehyung’s eyes widened. “You’ll get rid of them?”

“Yeah. I’ll get rid of them. You gotta get out of this, Taehyung. Find a way. Please.” Before you get killed, you thought.

His wrist was burning. Yoongi thought it was a dream at first, but then he woke and realized his wrist really did feel like it was on fire. Hissing, Yoongi looked at his soulclock. Blinking and shaking his head, he once again wondered if he was dreaming. As his sleepy brain began to wake up, Yoongi jumped out of bed with a curse.

“What the fuck?” 

His soulclock was doing something weird. It buzzed with whatever energy had made the soulclock. Yoongi hurried to the kitchen and put it under the kitchen faucet, letting cold water run over it. It soothed the burning enough for Yoongi to start thinking clearly.

Something was wrong. Watching the changing numbers under the running water, Yoongi’s heart beat picked up speed with panic.

34D 14H 46M 57S

34D 14H 46M 10S

34D 12H 12M 42S

33D 19H 29M 02S

Sucking in a breath, he realized with a jolt of alarm that his soulclock was counting down faster than it should, skipping seconds, then hours, then days. Trembling, he turned off the faucet, paced the room for a moment, then got out his cell to call Namjoon.

“Pick up, pick up,” he murmured, trying to steady his breathing.

On the fourth ring, his best friend picked up.

“Yoongi? Is there a problem? It’s Sunday morning.”

“I think they’re going to die.” He didn’t know why he said it like he did, but Yoongi didn’t have to sugar coat his worries with Namjoon. They’d been through too much together to accept that.

“What?” Yoongi heard rustling on the other end and a voice asking what was going on. Shit, he’d interrupted Namjoon’s time with his partner. Namjoon said something about an emergency with Yoongi, then put the phone back close to him. “What’s going on? What are you talking about?”

“My soulclock. It’s freaking out.”

“How so?”

“Counting backwards. Fast.” His heartbeat rapidly as he glanced down at his wrist. It had stopped, but he had lost a lot of time. 

12D 02H 25M 31S

Swallowing, he felt his heart slowing down. Still, his stomach turned with anxiety.

“It stopped. But I lost about three weeks of time.” Yoongi flopped down onto his couch, head falling backward onto the top cousins. 

“Lost time? That’s… impossible,” Namjoon replied. Yoongi could hear his frown.

“What if this is counting down to their death, not us meeting?”

“What if it’s not?”

Yoongi felt himself snort with amusement at remember the conversation he had with Jimin just the other day about this. What if it wasn’t what he thought, what he was panicking about? Just like he had told Jimin, it could be just moving the time of meeting up. It’s not unheard of…

“It’s not common, but it’s not rare, either. Yoongi, I’m sure everything will be fine. It stopped, right?”

“Yeah,” he answered, looking down at his wrist. The numbers were counting down at a normal speed, now. “Sorry, man. I freaked out. I didn’t mean to interrupt anything.”

“Don’t apologize. Remember, I’ve seen you in worse situations. That’s why we’re friends. Also, we were getting up anyway. Want to join us for brunch?

“if your soulmate says it’s okay. I don’t want her to kick my ass.”

You felt confident now that the photos were ripped and thrown in the trash. Taehyung decided to treat you to some food, which was always great since you were the one to constantly feed him. You teased him about it on the way. You were both laughing as you walked into the establishment and sat down at a table.

You two sat at the table near the bar, the evening crowd not quiet there yet. There was at least another hour before it started to get too crowded, which is the perfect time to eat and get a few drinks in. Taehyung wanted to do karaoke, and you supported him completely. You weren’t going to do it, though, and no matter how much he pleaded, it wasn’t going to happen.

A slight tingling sensation, like that when you loose feeling in a limb, centered around your soulclock. Frowning, you looked down, wondering what was happening. It was glowing, but nothing else. It continued to tick down in a normal manner. You stood and walked to the bar, wanting to order one more drink before having to stop to drive. As you stepped up, your shoulder brushed against another’s. You turned to apologize, and stopped as soon as you opened your mouth. 

Meeting his eyes, you wondered what caused your breath to leave your lungs. A slight throbbing, like a heartbeat, started beating at your wrist. Swallowing hard, you turned to face him. He did the same, although his look was more curious than surprised.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” You didn’t know what else to say. Your mouth became dry with nervousness. You cleared your throat as you glanced at your wrist. Frowning, you realized it had skipped a lot of time. It was now down at 0. Completely 0.

“Congrats,’ the man said softly, seeing your wrist. “It seemed you met your soulmate recently.”

“It seems so,” you replied, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. You stepped closer, then saw his own soulclock on his wrist.

07D 05H 11M 49S

You stopped yourself before you could say anything else. It wasn’t him. His clock would have stopped. He still had a week to meet his soulmate. What if the fates were wrong? What if they were right? That would be cruel, meeting your soulmate but not being able to be with them. You looked back into his soft brown eyes, your heart beating rapidly as he gave you a soft smile.

“Sorry to get in your way. Were you getting a drink?”

“Yeah.. yeah, I was.” You forced a smile on your face and turned around, trying to hide the tears that were in your eyes now.

The day after he felt his mark burn, Yoongi was back at work, doing a quick morning walk around to make sure his security guys didn’t have anything to report. As he did, he thought about you. The mark had tickled when you were in the bar, and had burned pleasantly when you had brushed his shoulder.

Something had stopped you from continuing the conversation, though. Yoongi glanced down at his own clock, and sucked in his breath as he watched it jump once again forward

06D 11H 23M 43S

05D 01H 10M 04S

He had lost another day. Pressing his lips together, he thought about you once again as he made his way back to his office and the security room. It was you, wasn’t it? His clock hadn’t stopped, but it had warmed, which was a common sign of meeting your soulmate. He hadn’t seen yours - he wondered what it had said. Did your mark stop?

“Fuck,” he murmured, causing Jimin to jump at the camera desk. He looked at Yoongi with a frown, but Yoongi waved it off. “I gotta do something. You can handle today, I think.”

As he walked out of RM Corporations, he sent a quick text to Namjoon, telling him he had an emergency and he’d be back later. Yoongi never just walked out, especially without telling Namjoon, so he hoped his boss and friend would let him do what he needed right now. The text that came a few moments later, while Yoongi was getting into his car, confirmed that Namjoon would let him be for now.

Yoongi drove to the bar they had spent time at last night, where he had first spoken to you. It was too early for it to be open, causing Yoongi to curse in frustration as he glared from his car. When he saw Seokjin around the corner, coming out of a side door, he quickly got out and made his way to the bartender.

“Seokjin! Hey, can I talk to you for a moment?”

Seokjin blinked, confused at first with Yoongi being here at this time of the morning, but quickly shook it off and smiled. His confusion turned to curious, cocking his head.

“Yoongi? Sure, what do you need?”

“Do you remember me asking about the woman last night, the one at the bar?”

“The one that ran away? Yeah, why?” He narrowed his eyes. “Look, she seemed upset. Maybe you shouldn’t be looking for her if you made her cry.”

“I didn’t! I swear,” Yoongi quickly said, shaking his head. “I think she’s my soulmate.”

Seokjin let out a huff, thinking about the request. He took a moment to look off into the distance, pursing his lips as he thought. Yoongi stared, taping his foot with impatience as he waited.

“All I know is that she is friends with Taehyung, although I’m not sure why. That kid makes some bad decisions,” Seokjin added, shaking his head sadly.

“Taehyung. Okay. Where can I find him?”

“I think he’ll be around tonight, if I heard correctly.”

Taking a mental note, Yoongi went back to work.

“Sorry, can’t make it Tae,” you sighed into the phone, curled up on your couch with your favorite ice cream and television show. Your had cried yourself to sleep last night, and now you were pathetically spending a day moping on the couch. This soulmate thing was a big deal. You felt like the something had been pulled from your grasp right before you could hold it.

“Are you alright? I know you were upset last night.” You heard him getting out of his car, probably in the parking lot of the bar. He was meeting a friend there, a friend you knew would help him get on the right path.

“I’m fine. I’ll be fine,” you rephrased, not wanting to keep secrets from your best friend. “My.. I met my soulmate last night.” A lump formed in your throat, and you swallowed to try to make it go away.

“That’s…! I mean, what happened?” 

“My clock stopped, but his didn’t.”

“Oh.” Taehyung fell silent on the other end for a moment. “Y/N, are you sure you don’t want me to come over?”

“I’m sure. You need to talk to her. She’ll help you figure some things out.”

“Okay. Text me if you feel worse, promise?”

“Promise.”

Hanging up, you blew out a breath and kept eating your ice cream as another episode started.

Yoongi was just about to confront the man named Taehyung, but he stopped as he overheard the discussion he was having with a woman. A personal confession about addiction and trying to get back on the right path. As he hesitated, the two got up and walked out. He cursed to himself, but didn’t follow them. Instead, he went to the bar and saw Seokjin. 

“Can you give Taehyung a note?”

“Sure…?” The bartender raised an eyebrow, curious but not saying anything else. Yoongi ignored the look and wrote on a napkin.

I need to speak to you about your friend. Her soulmate clock stopped but mine is still going. It’s an emergency. She only has 5 days.

He wrote his name and number on it, then folded it in half. Seokjin took it, not attempting to peek at the note at all. He was a good man, Yoongi knew.

That evening, Yoongi’s worries increased.

01D 00H 23M 21S

You didn’t know what happened. One moment you were getting into your car after work, the parking area lit up with lights that turned on as soon as the sky started to get darker. The next, two pairs of hands grabbed you, one holding you tightly and the other putting a cloth of sort to your mouth. You vaguely remember tumbling into the trunk of a car as your mind went to sleep.

Groggily, you felt yourself waking. You were in a chair, and as your mind began to slowly clear, you realized your arms were handcuffed behind you. Your legs were free, but the four big, scary men surrounding you made any sort of plan dissipate as they glared at you. You gulp, mouth and throat dry. 

“Water,” you whispered hoarsely.

“Right here, love.” The voice wasn’t one you knew, with an English accent coming through. You tilted your head up, seeing a extremely handsome man in his 50s, wearing an expensive suit. He held a class of water with a plain white straw. “Sip slowly. Trent, hold the glass for her, please.”

One of the four bodyguards came toward you and reached for the glass. The obvious leader handed it to the guy. Trent held the glass to your face, and you tentatively sipped slowly. You kept your eyes down as you sipped, taking these quiet moments to clear your mind. Something was familiar about one of the other guards.

“Thank you, Trent. Y/N, is your thirst quenched?” You nodded, trying not to shake with fright. You took a slow, deep breath. You glanced over to the guy who looked familiar. Fuck! It was the guy in the photos! “Alright, now we can get to business.”

You watched the man stroll toward you, casually starting to circle you inside the square made from the bodyguards. When he slipped behind you, out of your vision, you tensed. Nothing happened, though, and he stepped back into your line of sight on the other side of your body. The cool metal of the handcuffs intimidated you further.

Finally, he stopped in front of you. Your eyes rose to his face slowly, your heart beating fast.

“Do you know who I am?”

“No,” you said quietly.

“I didn’t think so. For some reason, it seems you have become involved enough for me to know you.”

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I run a business, the kind of business that should never be spoken about, even with those that may be trustworthy.” He tilted his head, hands clasped behind his back, studying you. You gulped and forced yourself to keep your head up. “Unfortunately, you are too curious for your own good. Where are the photos?”

“I tore them up and threw them out,” you replied quickly, squeezing your bound hands into fists behind your back and the chair. “Really! Taehyung saw them in the trash!”

“The trash,” the man repeated evenly. “You put them in the trash.”

You nodded vigorously. The man sighed, shaking his head at you, making you feel like you were missing something important. 

“Who has access to your trash?”

You opened your mouth, but shut it. Fuck, he had a point.

Yoongi’s heart pounded in his chest as he looked at his mark. Taehyung stood beside him in the empty apartment, where you lived.

01H 02M 33S

“Shit!” Taehyung cried, pacing the room. Yoongi wanted to punch the guy in the face, but that wasn’t going to help him get to you. He forced himself to keep a calm tone.

“Where would they take someone to interrogate?”

“Fuck. Shit. This is all my fault. Fuck!”

“Hey!” Yoongi cried, grabbing Taehyung by the shoulders. The man stared at him with wide eyes, quieting down. Yoongi glared at him. “Look, you believed me when I showed you my mark, told you that Y/N is in danger. I believe you know exactly where y/n is.”

“Downtown, 132nd and Ernest. Big building, car shop.” Taehyung seemed dazed, voice shaking with large eyes. “Fuck. If y/n’s hurt, it’s all my fault. I fucked up.”

“No shit,” Yoongi growled, pushing Taehyung away and hurrying to his car. It was dark now. He left Taehyung to do whatever he was going to do, breaking a few laws as he drove fast toward the place Taehyung had mentioned. He parked a few  blocks away, running through ideas in his head. 

He realized he had no plan, no back up, no information about this. Yoongi’s eyes fell to the soulclock once again.

45M 12S

Cursing, Yoongi got out of his car and started to take everything in he could see. He was in charge of securing the whole damn Kim Corporations building, he could handle this. He had experience with bad guys even before Namjoon hired him a handful of years ago. Yoongi wasn’t dumb when it came to illegal business and the things bad people do to handle their business.

After looking around for about ten minutes, Yoongi realized there was only one option in the time frame he was given.

“Poor, innocent, bystander. Curiosity killed the cat, it seems.” 

Your cheek hurt from the slap he had given you moments ago, stinging violently as your blinked your eyes to get your vision to sharpen back to normal. You tried not to make too much noise as tears rolled down your cheeks, tasting blood in your mouth. It seemed you had bit the inside of your cheek. The metallic taste made you want to gag, but you didn’t want anymore attention. He probably got off on seeing you suffering.

“if only you had burn the photos. It would have saved you so much pain. Now you’re a loose end I really need to tie up.”

“Please,” you murmured, keeping your eyes to the side and down, lips trembling. The blood in your mouth was building, so you swallowed before you could think about what you were doing. Tears continued to fall. 

“You have no worth to me.” You heard the leader of the gang take a step back, then four sets of feet slowly stepping toward you. “Trent, you and the boys take her to the back. Get rid of her.

Panic seized you whole body, causing you to stiffen in shock, shutting your eyes tightly. Maybe if you closed them long enough, everything would go away, like a dream. You didn’t want to die. You had so much to do, to see, to feel! You let out a choking sob as you waited for hands to do whatever they were going to do to you.

Suddenly, voices came out of nowhere. You opened your eyes. The voices all became a chorus of demands as the thugs that were coming toward you were tackled by men in uniforms and bulletproof vests. Relief flooded your body so quickly that you passed out.

You vaguely felt a presence next to you in a moments before you lost consciousness. Your mark tingled, a warm, comforting burn as you heard someone murmuring your name with heavy concern.

He had saved you. Yoongi had no idea what was going to happen to you if those men had been able to get to you before the police came. He was grateful he had a close relationship with people on the local police force, people who could drop everything and come to the rescue when he called. 

He watched you a few paces away, being looked at by an EMT, sitting on the curb outside the car shop. There were dozens of people around, some officers, some bystanders. Suddenly nervous, Yoongi wasn’t sure how to approach you. He had told them the truth - you were his recently found soulmate, but you had never really interacted before, so you didn’t know him. 

He wondered if the EMT had told you what he said. 

Taking a deep breath, he walked to where you were perched, the EMT nodding at you before stepping back. You had an ice pack on your cheek and a  blanket around your body. The night was only slightly chilly, and Yoongi wondered if you were really cold or if you were still in shock.

“Hi.”

“Hey,” you replied softly. Smiling tiredly, you patting the concrete next to you and gestured for Yoongi to sit there. He did, keeping a bit of space between your bodies. You closed the gap, though. The mark on both your wrists hummed and warmed pleasantly. “You saved me.”

“I got lucky,” Yoongi murmured, flushing a little. 

“What’s your name?” He told you with a chuckle. You replied with your name, then the two of you sat in silence as the people moved around you. 

It was comfortable. Yoongi reached out gently, hesitantly, toward the hand you had laid beside you on the sidewalk. As you both gazed at the stores above, his pinky touched yours. You returned the gesture by sliding your hand under his, putting your palm up, and lacing your fingers with his. 

Yoongi and you shared a glance with shy smiles, willing to enjoy the comfortable silence for a little while longer before moving forward with whatever this was going to be.

[saiilorstars]

Dare To Forget Me

Ch. 2: Novak, Witness. //Story Masterlist //

Pairings: Rafael Barba x Original female character

Warnings: Due to the nature of the series’ plots, I do have to rate this as ‘mature’ for constant mentions of rape.

Summary: Montserrat speaks to SVU about what she saw on the night of the attack.

~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~

"Right this way," Olivia helped Montserrat into Rafael's office. Rafael reached the desk first and pulled out a chair for Montserrat.

"Thank you," she said to both of them. It was a struggle to sit without having to basically drop herself down, but almost nine months into a pregnancy made every daily activity a challenge. Her dark brown eyes flickered between the ADA and the Sergeant while an awkward silence fell over the room.

The two had obviously been expecting a fierce detective willing to literally run away from them out in the hallway. Instead, they had a pregnant detective who would eventually need help getting up from her chair.

Montserrat Novak was an average height woman with fair skin. She had dark ginger hair that was wavy with straight bangs covering her forehead. "Casey mentioned your name," Montserrat said to Olivia. "She said I would have to talk to you…"

"Yes, um…" Olivia briefly glanced at Rafael, both lost on how to even begin with the woman. "I have to be honest, we are a little perplexed about this situation..."

"Because...I'm pregnant? Or because I fled from a crime scene?" Montserrat's humor relieved some of the awkwardness in the room.

Rafael smiled as he took his own seat across her. "Both."

She smiled back. "I don't run from crime scenes. I'm a Detective, but...this time it's different."

"Right, we can understand that," Olivia pulled up the chair next to Montserrat. "We've been looking for you, Montserrat."

"I'm sorry," Montserrat tucked some hair behind her ear. "I...I panicked. You understand that I'm not at my best state right now. I do more waddle than walk or... anything else at this point."

"Why did you leave?" Rafael asked the hard question she knew she'd have to face sooner or later. "We have paramedics claiming you were slashed with with a knife..."

Montserrat raised the hand that was indeed bandaged. "I took care of myself. And I just wasn't supposed to be on the street at that time. I'm..."

Both Olivia and Rafael gave her a minute for her to continue, but it seemed like Montserrat was having trouble.

"Miss Novak, we really need you to talk," Rafael's voice seemed to startle her out of her thoughts.

"I'm-I'm a...surrogate mother," she swallowed hard and looked at the two who were surprised (yet again). "We made a contract - the couple and me - and one of the rules was I needed to be home by nine."

"The attack happened at ten," Olivia recalled, slowly beginning to understand where Montserrat was getting at. "You broke one of the rules of the contract."

"It's for the baby's protection," Montserrat shrugged in her seat. "The couple are two of my friends and they just want to make sure I'm safe and...me being on the street at that time was unsafe."

"You being at that street helped that woman stay alive," Olivia thought that would ease Montserrat's guilt.

"How is she?" Montserrat hadn't been able to sleep last night thinking about the poor victim she'd left to the paramedics.

"She made it. She'll heal."

"Physically, but emotionally?"

Olivia made a sway of her head. That was always a tough question. "Listen, Montserrat, we need you to give your statement for this case. You're the only witness in the scene. Do you think you can do that?"

Montserrat nodded her head. "Of course. I'm a Detective, I know how things go."

"Really?" it was clear Rafael was referencing her fleeing the crime scene.

Montserrat accepted the jab with all her faults. She earned it after her unprofessional act. "I'm not going anywhere now. I am sorry."

"The important thing is you came back," Olivia got up from her chair. "Why don't we go to my office back at SVU and you can tell us what happened? Is that okay?"

Montserrat nodded her head. "Yes, um, yes…"

"You're going to be fine," Olivia promised her. She could see Montserrat's bandaged hand from the attack but other than that the woman herself seemed to be just fine.

"And please don't flee anymore. It would make our job just a tiny bit easier," Rafael's sarcastic request made Olivia silently scold him but Montserrat chuckled.

"These days I don't do a lot of running. Last night was just adrenaline and inattentive cops. I try to run now, you'd catch me in three steps."

"Two."

Montserrat opened her mouth but ended up laughing again. "I'm not that slow, though."

Olivia still shook her head at the ADA but thanked God Montserrat had a sense of humor.

~0~

Montserrat thought it was her walk of shame when Olivia brought her into SVU's bullpen. Employees looked up from their work and others stopped their conversations just for a moment to get a look at her. Olivia led her down the room but, to Montserrat's misfortune, she stopped by a couple desks.

"Hey, you found her," Fin was still laughing inside from the idea of what Casey Novak had to have faced for this woman to be here now.

All Montserrat could offer was a smile. The group of detectives were first and foremost taken aback by Montserrat's pregnancy. It was a detail no one disclosed about after all.

"This is Detective Montserrat Novak," Olivia introduced the woman despite it being unnecessary. They all knew who she was. "These are Detectives Tutuola, Munch, Rollins, Amaro and Carisi."

"I heard you were looking for me. I'm sorry for the trouble I caused," Montserrat sighed. She felt like a broken record apologizing to everyone but they did deserve one.

"We're just glad you're here," Amanda honestly said. "If you need anything…"

"A chair, actually," Montserrat sheepishly looked at Olivia. She had a hand on her back and was gently rubbing circles to sooth the back pain.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Olivia, in an embarrassed state, led Montserrat towards the interview room where she figured Montserrat would be more comfortable on the couch. Montserrat bid goodbye to the detectives as she followed Olivia. "I'm sorry about that," Olivia honestly apologized.

"Don't worry about it," Montserrat took a seat - fell towards the end - on the couch. "I'm a nuisance for everyone in this state."

Olivia smiled. "Not here. Can I get you anything before we start?"

"No thank you, I'm fine."

"Okay," Olivia gathered a legal pad and a pen to jot down whatever Montserrat was going to say. She just hoped it would be useful to nail the perp completely.

"Before I start, I want you to know that the reason I retracted my transfer application was because of me," Montserrat surprised Olivia with the sudden topic. "I really wanted to be here but, um...this happened…" she gestured to her pregnant stomach, making Olivia momentarily question the manner in which Montserrat had said it. It almost sounded as if Montserrat was regretful or...resentful.

"That's fine, it really is, but if anything you would have just been on desk duty," Olivia slowly said, still studying Montserrat's demeanor of the moment.

"Mhm," Montserrat stared at her hands over her stomach. There was something not right about this but Olivia decided to focus on the current case before she dug into anything else.

"So, um, is it alright if we start?"

"Yes, of course. Um, let's see," Montserrat took in a breath while she gathered memory of the previous night. "I was coming home from, um...somewhere, and it was pretty late - well, it ten o' clock. Maybe it's not that late in reality but my contract said I have to be home before dark so…" Montserrat shook her head, "Sorry. Um, I was walking down the street when I heard noises. It was a woman - she was screaming. There was a man pushing her against a wall. It was clear he was trying to attack her. He smacked her head, there was something shiny pointed at her face. She cried for him to stop but he was so aggressive…"

"Do you remember what the woman was wearing?" Olivia asked after finishing up a note. "We need to make sure we're talking about the same victim."

"I know," Montserrat nodded, not needing to remind Olivia the process wasn't new for her. "It was dark so I couldn't see a lot but she was wearing a shiny dress. It sparkled a lot. The man, he was wearing a jacket um...a beanie. He looked young, to be honest. He was lanky too."

"You got a good look at him," Olivia briefly looked at Montserrat's bandaged hand.

"Yeah, when he attacked me," Montserrat confirmed. "I wasn't carrying my gun so I was at a disadvantage apart from the pregnancy. But I couldn't walk away. The woman was screaming for him to get off her, to stop it, but the bastard didn't listen. I…" she suddenly chuckled a bitter chuckle, "It was ridiculous but...I threw rocks at him that I found over a car's hood. It was all I could do."

"It's not ridiculous," Olivia reassured her. "You probably saved her with that."

"Yeah because he turned on me with a knife afterwards," Montserrat sighed. "I got scared when he started coming for me. He said just because I had a big stomach it didn't mean he couldn't do the same to me. If there was ever a time I wish I was on the job, it was then. He came at me and I tried fighting him off - which is how I got this-" she raised her injured hand, "-and then I managed to punch him. He dropped the knife and...I guess he got scared when he heard sirens so...he ran."

"One of the neighbors made the call to police," Olivia informed her. "We haven't been able to get any pictures from him since our victim hasn't woken up yet. Do you think you would you recognize him if you saw him again?"

"Oh yeah. I could talk to a sketch artist if you want."

"That would be really helpful," Olivia smiled softly at her. "Is there anything else you remember? Anything you want to add to your statement?"

Montserrat thought about the horrendous night for another minute. "Actually, yes. I believe the man called the victim by a name."

"Her name?"

"It sounded more like a nickname. He said 'c'mon, Hales, you know you like me' while he attacked her," Montserrat was sure of it and it showed. "He had to be someone that girl knew and probably rejected at some point."

Olivia agreed. They at least now had another alternative to search for their suspect. "Thank you Montserrat. Now, I have to ask, are you willing to testify if this goes to trial? Which it most likely will."

"Yes, of course I would," Montserrat nodded. "You just give me a time and date."

Olivia lightly smiled at the woman. "Thank you."

Montserrat attempted to get up on her own but the couch seemed to suck her back in. Olivia tried her hardest not to laugh, even quietly, but Montserrat side glanced her. "It's funny, I know. Everyone laughs. Look at Montse, she can't even stand up or sit down anymore."

Olivia put down her note and pen to help her get up. "Would that be Casey by any chance?"

"Mm, I don't think I should speak ill about an ADA who happens to be my cousin."

Olivia laughed. "Alright."

"Again, I'm really sorry for not staying last night. From now on, anything you need for this case I'll be here."

"And we thank you for it," Olivia said as she walked Montserrat out of the room. "I know our victim will too."

"Where can I leave my contact information? I moved so whatever you had on file isn't up to date anymore."

"Uh, you can leave that with one of my Detectives," Olivia said as her phone buzzed in her pocket. She picked it out of her pocket and saw the text left for her. "Actually, yes, leave that with one of them while I head to the hospital." She looked up to see everyone staring at her. "Hayley Connors woke up. Nick, care to join?" Nick gave a nod and got up from his chair with his jacket in hand. "We'll be in touch," Olivia told Montserrat before heading out with Nick.

"You can leave your information here," Amanda motioned Montserrat to her desk. She had a sticky note and pen waiting for Montserrat.

"Thanks," Montserrat walked over and picked up the sticky pad.

"Now when we do get the perp we'll need you to do the formal ID…" Amanda explained but Munch cut in.

"I think she knows the procedure," Munch reminded her, giving Montserrat a small smile. "Isn't that right, Detective?"

"Yes," Montserrat smiled back and handed Amanda the sticky pad and pen. "Olivia also said I could talk you about a sketch artist."

"You think you got a good view of the perp?" Finn asked, exchanging glanced with Sonny. It would be a real step up from what they had so far.

"Yes," Montserrat recognized that look of relief all too well. It was so frustrating to have next to nothing on cases. "And like I told your Sergeant, I'll do anything I can to help."

"You sure you're Casey's cousin?" Munch's question made her chuckle. "Not that Casey never helped, but..."

"My cousin has a fantastically hard attitude," Montserrat finished for him. "I tell her that and she still gets pissed off. "Maybe she gets that from her mom. We're related on the paternal side. Our fathers were brothers."

"Were?" Sonny looked at the others in case they knew about it.

"Casey's father died in the military," Montserrat figured Casey would have at least mentioned that but then again she didn't really know ADA Casey - she knew her cousin Casey. "She never mentioned me?"

"Uuh..." she heard Fin go before shrugging. "Lots of work around here, little time to talk."

"Right," she playfully rolled her eyes. "Anyways, can we do that sketch of the perp please? I have to go, so..."

"I can take you," Sonny stood from his desk, all too cheerful to do the task. "You're going to help us a lot with this."

"That's what I'm aiming for," Montserrat chuckled and followed him.

~0~

When Montserrat returned to her apartment, which was inhabited by the couple awaiting the child she carried, she was forced to tell them the truth about things. They were good people, they were her friends, and ultimately they would find out on their own.

Leah Saunders moved around the kitchen table serving lasagna to her husband, Michael, and Montserrat. "I just don't think getting yourself into that situation is the best thing right now," Leah was voicing her opinion in the kindest, civilized manner she could muster. "You're about to pop - literally - and you already got blood pressure to worry about. Is testifying and all that really necessary right now?"

"Considering this woman was raped and beaten, yes I think it is necessary," Montserrat picked up her fork to start eating. She was about to dig in when a scent caught her nose. "Is that brownies I smell?"

Leah playfully rolled her eyes. Michael chuckled in his seat. For the entire pregnancy, Montserrat experienced a series of cravings but the one that stuck throughout it all were the brownies. Leah took to making brownies daily just for her.

"Eat first," Leah pointed Montserrat to her plate. "Brownies come afterwards."

"You spoil me," Montserrat dug her fork into the lasagna.

"It's the least we can do after what you went through," Leah blurted as she took her seat. Montserrat froze just as she was about to take her first bite of lasagna. Leah's eyes widened when she realized her words and immediately set to amend for them. "Montse, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to bring that up. I'm-"

Montserrat warmly smiled at her friend. "It's okay. Don't worry about it."

"Don't say that. It is something to worry about," Leah felt terribly guilty for her careless slip.

Michael reached for his wife's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, then glanced at Montserrat. "Montse, you know that you seeing a therapist isn't grounds for breaking the contract, right? If you need a ride, Leah or I can take you."

"I should have said something, I'm sorry," Montserrat licked her lips nervously. "I just wanted to keep it away from people...I don't know. I'm sorry."

"It's difficult, I know. But please, next time just tell us."

Montserrat nodded. "I will. Thank you."

"And as for this whole case thing, we know you're not stopping-"

"-I am not."

"And we get that. It is part of your job, but take it easy, alright? We'll be there for you, anytime you need us."

Montserrat sighed with relief. "That means a lot, believe me." Her friends both smiled at her, their promise to stay with her was the leverage she needed at the moment to continue with this until she could get back on her feet on her own... literally.

[miraculoussage]

like siblings - under pressure

Rating: G Pairings: Marinette & Adrien, Ladybug & Chat Noir (No romance) Length:  ~ 4,180 words Type: Original chapter

 (Takes place immediately after Volpina)

♪~ ᕕ( ཀ ʖ̯ ཀ)ᕗ

After the trouble with Volpina, Ladybug rushed back home; school could wait, Tikki’s frantic excitement and worry had infected her. She would have to think hard to come up with an excuse that both her friends and her parents would believe. Her balcony offered refuge from prying eyes, and she slipped quietly into her room to detransform. Hopefully, Gabriel hadn’t already realized that the book was gone. Marinette’s heart tightened with anxiety when she thought about Adrien being in the proximity of Gabriel’s inevitable anger.

Tikki was already inside the chest with the book and the Peacock Miraculous by the time Marinette had unlocked and opened it, and she was flipping through the pages and frowning at the pages. “We have to get this to the Guardian.” 

“That sounds like something you’re going to have to explain to me, Tikki,” Marinette said with no emotion. She knew Tikki had to keep important secrets, so important she couldn’t even tell her Chosen, but Marinette couldn’t help the betrayal she felt when Tikki revealed something new. She supposed it wasn’t even directed at Tikki, and instead at the situation itself, the unfairness of everything.

Tikki frowned apologetically at her, and Marinette knew Tikki was unhappy to have to keep secrets as much as Marinette was. “Have a seat, Marinette,” she said softly, flitting up to sit on the backrest of the chaise, “We must hurry to visit him, but explaining some of this to you myself will be more efficient in the long run.” 

The two sat and talked, Tikki explaining who the Guardian was, what his duties were, what the Miracle Box was, and finally, what the book was. “It holds the secrets to unlocking more power and potential from the Miraculous, giving us kwami special abilities that we can pass on to our wielders for a short time. If this fell into the wrong hands, Marinette, and they were able to translate it... It could cause devastation to Paris, to the world, even to kwami ourselves.”

“And Gabriel had this, hidden in a secret vault, along with the Peacock Miraculous, who had been missing for quite a while, and is currently broken?” Marinette waited for Tikki’s confirmation that she understood the situation, then continued. “Something tells me that he didn’t only have this book for fashion inspiration... Something tells me we need to make sure Adrien stays safe.”

With Tikki’s agreement, Marinette sent Adrien a text with an open invitation to come over that night, if he wanted to. It may have been a school night, but Marinette lived close to the school, and at least Adrien’s bodyguard trusted the Dupain-Chengs enough to let him stay in their house without a chaperone. An arm wrestling match with Tom had seemed to assure him that someone with at least as much physical strength as himself would be able to protect Adrien, should it come down to it. 

Packing the book and the brooch into her school bag and sneaking down the stairs to the back entrance of the house, Marinette got out unseen. She stopped in at the bakery to let her parents know she was okay after the akuma alert; she had hidden in the supply closet, you see, because she got the akuma alert on her phone on the way back to class, and she got stuck until the maintenance worker came in for a step-ladder after classes ended. 

Thankfully, her parents bought the excuse. She let them know Adrien might come over tonight, and she explained she was going to check out a meditation lesson (an excuse Tikki had provided her with) and might not be back until it was dark, and she would have to keep her phone off for the lesson. It was good to know her parents trusted her as much as they did, though it broke Marinette’s heart that she had to lie to them. 

With explanations done, Marinette left, and let Tikki lead her through streets and alleys to the Guardian’s house.

♪~ ᕕ( ཀ ʖ̯ ཀ)ᕗ

Adrien’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He was in the middle of his piano practice, but his attention had wandered so far from the piece he was supposed to be playing that his muscle memory took over and he had switched to a song he was much more familiar with. The text alert drew him out of his trance, and he was relieved to see Marinette had invited him to come over that night. He checked the clock; his practice was over in a few minutes and then he could go find Natalie to ask her. He hoped she said yes, he didn’t want to have to sneak out and sneak back in very early in the morning as Chat Noir. 

A familiar but intense pang of emotion hit him, and he rested his forehead on the piano keys, maybe a bit to hard. The resulting discordant noise shocked Plagg awake, and he flew over from under Adrien’s covers to sit on his head. Usually, in situations like these, Plagg would make a snide remark about Adrien moping, or give him some unwanted advice that would probably get him in trouble if he followed it, or complain about a lack of cheese. Today, though, he was quiet, and while Adrien appreciated the silent comfort, he also recognized that this situation actually was as serious and bad as he thought it was. 

“Plagg, I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Plagg didn’t answer, just patted Adrien’s hair with his tiny godly paws. “If Father really is... him, what am I going to do? Mother is already gone, and what will happen to Father? What will happen to me?” 

Plagg purred, but it wasn’t the kind of purr he made when he was happy. It was the kind of purr he made when Adrien woke up covered in a cold sweat, a scream in his throat, mind reeling in fear from a nightmare. “We’ll get through it together, kid.” Adrien wished he felt as confident as Plagg sounded. 

The anxious thoughts running through his head kept coming back to one thing. Custody. If something happened to his father, would Adrien be forced to stay with Aunt Amelie and Felix? Would Natalie or the Gorilla be assigned as his new guardian? While he liked both of them, he wouldn’t want to be put under their care. What about Chloe? She would probably fight to have him live with her, and as much as she was getting somewhat better at being ni- ... well, less intentionally mean, he still would hate to spend the rest of his childhood with her stuck to his side. 

Maybe...? No, they probably didn’t... But... In a world where at least some of Adrien’s wishes could be granted, Tom and Sabine would be legally appointed his guardians. Their apartment felt more like a home than his mansion ever had, their food was better than what any of the professional chefs made for him, they even seemed to spend more time with him than his father, or even his mother, ever did. But they wouldn’t want to adopt him...

.... Would they? Marinette always joked about it, or at least he thought they were jokes, but looking back he realized that most of the times she’d said that, it was after Adrien had had a particularly stressful or harrowing day because of something his father had done. He felt tears rise for the umpteenth time that day, and pressed his hands to his eyes to try and stop them. 

She had invited him over. He wanted so desperately to go. He had to wash his face, think positively, and face Natalie. With Plagg following him like a lost kitten, Adrien packed an overnight bag with pajamas and clothes for tomorrow, his review homework, and some Camembert for Plagg- sealed securely in an airtight bag. When his bag was packed, he washed his face, practiced his smile in the mirror, and went to find Natalie. 

♪~ ᕕ( ཀ ʖ̯ ཀ)ᕗ

Master Fu wasn’t quite what Marinette expected. He was shorter, for one, and wore a more vibrant shirt than she was picturing. He knew who she was immediately, and though it took her a few moments to place it, she was familiar with him from when she brought Tikki in to be healed. Tikki, for her part, seemed to be superior to the Guardian from the way they interacted with each other. 

After official introductions and serving tea and snacks, the two humans, along with their kwami, got down to business. When Master Fu explained in more detail what Tikki had already shared, Marinette made careful note of everything. She may forget dates and times, but when it came to important information like this, something she was invested in, her memory was sharp as a tack. 

Eventually, though, Marinette had to bring up the bad news. “The book was found by Adrien Agreste in his father’s safe, along with the Peacock Miraculous. From what I know about Gabriel Agreste, he’s never been akumatized, and he’s cruel enough to his employees and his son that I wasn’t even shocked at the idea that he might be Papillon.”

“This is troubling news. I take it you and Adrien are friends, then?”

“Friends is an understatement. He’s more like a brother to me now. I trust him with my life. Oh, but! Don’t take that to mean I’m biased. Well, maybe I am, but I’m willing to look past biases. Sorry, I’m just worried about what this means for him, if Gabriel actually is Papillon.” She broke a wafer cookie in half, and though the baker in her was yelling at her not to waste her now mutilated snack, her appetite had disappeared. 

“Regardless of whether he is or not, Gabriel had the book and a Miraculous in his possession. I will personally monitor Adrien’s safety if need be. Do not worry, Marinette, you are not in this alone.”

“Speaking of which... I’d like to share what’s happened with Chat Noir. He deserves to know this too, he needs all the information I can safely share with him to keep himself safe.”

“Marinette, there is much that we cannot share with Chat No-”

“Marinette.” Tikki cut off Master Fu, who seemed shocked, with a stern look. “We are considering making you the next Guardian, if all goes well. Don’t- I can see you starting to panic, don’t do that. None of that is immediate. Take a few breaths, and listen.” She floated down to the table, resting her paws on Marinette’s hand. “Master Fu has been the Guardian for a long time now, and though he currently shares Wayzz’s power, he is human just like you and he cannot live forever.”

Though the Guardian looked worried, Tikki seemed to pay no mind to him, so Marinette gave the kwami her full attention. “We’ll train you over time, there is no rush for you to learn. You will take over when you’re ready. For now, what you need to know as the next guardian in training, is that it’s your own decision what to share with Chat Noir- to an extent. Sharing your identities is still very dangerous, even more so now that we know who Papillon may be.” 

“I wasn’t going to share my identity, just about the book, the Miraculous, and who it was taken from.” Tikki gave Marinette a smile, floating back up to eye level again. 

“Master Fu, I take it you have no objections to this?” Marinette couldn’t see Tikki’s face when she turned to talk to him, but she didn’t have to in order to know Tikki was using her Boss face. Master Fu shook his head, and bowed slightly at the small god. “Then it’s settled. Marinette, your meeting with Chat Noir is soon, do you have any other questions?”

Glancing at the clock, Marinette realized her timeblindness had gripped her again, and she nearly cursed. “For now, I think... Just one. You said there are other Miraculous. Papillon uses the Butterfly Miraculous. Are there any other ones missing?”

“The only Miraculous out of the Miracle Box at the time are the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous, the missing Butterfly Miraculous, and Dusuu’s brooch, which I will get to repairing immediately.” 

“Are the other Miraculous able to be used?” Master Fu and Tikki shared a look, before Tikki answered. 

“We mustn’t leave more Miraculous outside of the Miracle Box’s protection. However, if the need arises, you can take one out to lend to a trusted ally. Marinette, I know your mind went to Adrien immediately, but until we figure out what’s going on with Gabriel, we can’t risk making a link between Adrien and the Miraculous. You should avoid talking to him as Ladybug as much as possible, as well.” 

Marinette nodded, disappointed but understanding of the situation. “Well, thank you for tea, Master, but I have an appointment.” She stood up to go and Master Fu stopped her before she left. 

“I’d like to talk to Tikki briefly, if you don’t mind.” Marinette got the hint, and glanced at Tikki. When Tikki smiled and nodded at her, Marinette was reassured, and went outside to wait for Tikki.

♪~ ᕕ( ཀ ʖ̯ ཀ)ᕗ

Chat Noir laid flat on his back, sprawled out on the empty viewing platform of the Arc de Triomphe. It felt like he was there for hours with his eyes closed and a breeze cooling his cheeks. Logically, though, he knew it had only been a quarter of an hour or so that he’d waited for Ladybug. When he heard the wind whistle, and her light landing on the stone tiles, he sat up and looked for her. “Nice to see you again, Little Bug!” 

“Hey I’m only a few inches shorter than you,” she said with faux irritation, poking him lightly in the forehead. “I’m glad you’re here, Kitty. There’s... A lot to talk about.” She sat next to him on the cold floor, drawing her knees up and wrapping her arms around them. “Get comfortable.” 

“So, I guess, to start... You know Adrien Agreste?” 

“Yeah?”

“Well. Today, he gave me a book. He gave me a book containing ancient and secret knowledge of the Miraculous, including knowledge to give kwami and their partners special abilities temporarily, but also knowledge to control kwami. He also gave me another Miraculous, one that’s broken and has been missing for a long time.” She didn’t look at him, and Chat put his hand on her shoulder briefly.

“The thing is, Chat, he found it in his father’s safe.” 

“Gabriel Agreste.” 

“Yes.” She let out a heavy breath, and Chat Noir wished he could do the same without revealing how close he was to the situation. “So I brought the book and the Miraculous to an ally.” This surprised Chat Noir, more than hearing about Gabriel Agreste’s involvement, and he hoped it didn’t show in his body language.

“An ally? Who, another Miraculous user?” 

“Yes and no. He once was, but he’s retired from that now. He’s the Guardian of the Miraculous. My kwami introduced me to him today, and we talked about the book and... and the whole situation,” she said, with a vague wave of her hands. Chat knew how she felt- this whole thing was bigger than they’d originally thought.

“I don’t think he wanted me to talk about most of this with you, but Tikki- my kwami- she overruled him. She said, get this- she said I’m the next Guardian, in training now I guess. I went from having no idea who or what the Guardian was, or even that he existed, to becoming the successor in this line of very important people, with very important responsibilities. I’m- I’m already Ladybug! And I have a civilian life- a BUSY civilian life!” Ladybug was yelling, but Chat didn’t think she realized it. 

He put his hand on her shoulder again, turning her gently to look at him. “LB. I’m here for you, I’m here with you. You know that I’ll help you in any way I can, right? Anything you need.” He let her lean into him, giving her a tight hug, and then letting her sit up again.

She sighed heavily. “Thanks, Chat. I think I just needed to have an outburst. That hug helped, too. In any case, Tikki thinks that since I’m going to be the next Guardian,” she still sounded frazzled about that whole thing, “I should be given the responsibility to choose what gets shared with you, and I quote, ‘to an extent’. Identities still have to stay secret, especially with the new information we have.”

“That’s alright with me, Bugaboo. Is there more I should know?” 

“... Yes. There are more Miraculous than the ones we knew about, and we have access to them.” Chat Noir took a breath to speak, but Ladybug cut him off. “In certain situations. It’s important that they stay in the Miracle Box, to protect the Miraculous and the kwamis they’re home to. We can’t take a bunch out or give them to allies every battle, we have to be responsible and extremely careful. I don’t think we should both know the identities of any ally we choose, but the people we choose need to be people we trust. We need to take the Miraculous back after the battle, and return them to the Miracle Box.” 

In Chat’s mind, there were endless possibilities. How many Miraculous, how many allies? ‘A trusted ally’ immediately brought thoughts of Marinette, but fighting akumas was dangerous, and he didn’t know if he was willing to bring Marinette into the responsibilities and secrets of the Miraculous at all. Especially with Father now being involved. If he gave Marinette a temporary Miraculous, and his father and/or Papillon found out and targeted her? He wouldn’t be able to forgive himself. She was too important to him.

“I understand, Ladybug. It’s good to know we have access to allies, but at the same time, I hope we won’t ever have to use them.”

“Exactly, I’m glad you feel the same. It’s difficult trying to think of someone I trust enough to fight alongside me, that won’t directly link back to me if they were discovered.” 

“I know some people... Though, I don’t know if they’re ready yet. I guess we’ll see if it comes to it,” he said, trying to reassure Ladybug with a smile. She smiled back, but he could see the stress weighing her down. “We’re in this together, Ladybug.” 

She nodded, and the serious conversation came back. “I guess, to sum up what the Guardian, Tikki, and I talked about... Gabriel Agreste has some connection to the Miraculous and may or may not be Papillon, or an ally of him. The Peacock Miraculous that Adrien recovered is broken, but the Guardian is working on fixing it. Speaking of Adrien, we need to limit our contact with him in order to make him less of a target, and less suspicious to his father in the case of the missing tome. We have other Miraculous within reach and we can, if needed, gain a temporary ally. Our kwami may be able to gain temporary abilities that will affect our powers when we’re transformed. And, last but not least, I’m supposed to become the next Guardian of the Miraculous, some of the strongest forces in the universe, and I’m just a normal person and I don’t know how I’m going to deal with this.” By the end of the sentence, her chest was heaving and she was starting to hyperventilate. 

Chat leaned over and gave her another hug around her shoulders, resting his head on top of her shoulder. “Deep breaths, LB.” He waited until her breathing was back to normal before he released her. “Better?” 

“Better.” 

“Your kwami will help you. I’ll help you too. For now, it’s night time, and you don’t have to think about it right now.” 

With another deep breath, Ladybug stood up, and Chat Noir followed. “Speaking of night time,” she said, “I should be getting home. Stay safe, Chat.” She gave him one last hug, and swung away on her yo-yo. 

Adrien had gotten permission to stay at Marinette’s house, and his bodyguard dropped him off near the bakery earlier, though he hadn’t actually gone inside. With his duffel bag, he had transformed and went to meet Ladybug. With it getting as dark as it was, Marinette would worry if he wasn’t there soon, so he took one last look at the sky, disappointed by the light pollution blocking out most of the stars, and vaulted away towards the bakery.

♪~ ᕕ( ཀ ʖ̯ ཀ)ᕗ

The spicy-sweet smell of dinner tempted Marinette up the stairs when she got home. Adrien wasn’t there yet, but her parents were setting four spots at the table anyways. There were extra blankets on the couch, a few game controllers out, and a tray of leftover bakery treats on the coffee table. Just knowing that Adrien would be there soon lifted a weight off of Marinette’s shoulders. 

“What’s for dinner?” Tom turned around at grinned at his daughter, and gave her an almost-crushing hug. 

“Some recipes your great-uncle sent us to try! He told your mother he wanted Adrien’s opinion on them, too,” he said with a wink. “I think he likes Adrien just as much as we do!” 

There was a knock on the door, and then Adrien came in- the three residents had always told him he was welcome to let himself in, and after a year of knowing the family, Marinette was glad that he was starting to become comfortable with such casual behaviour. “Hello, everyone!” he said with a wave. Tom gave him just as big of a hug as he had given Marinette, and Adrien let out a laugh as he was released. 

“Ready for some new dishes, Adrien? Cheng Shifu is working on a cookbook and sent us some recipes to try,” Sabine smiled, and gave Adrien a comparatively gentler hug. She took his bag from his shoulder and set it beside the couch. “Both of you go wash your hands for dinner, it’ll be ready in a few minutes.” 

In the washroom, side by side at the sink, Adrien asked, “Did you just get home?”

“Yeah. I was out at a meditation lesson.” 

“They have those? You should teach me some stuff.” 

Marinette blushed and let out a laugh, “I don’t know if I would be a good teacher for it. You know how high-strung I get around the beginning of the school year.” 

“Oof, yeah, I do. Need help with anything? I brought the review work; I was looking at it earlier and I think I have most of it figured out.” 

“I could definitely use some help. The review is a good place to start, but I’ll have to figure out what my next task list is and see who can help with what, and I’ll let you know.”

“Sounds good, Mari,” he said, grinning at her in the mirror. They took turns rinsing the soap from their hands and arms, and soon they were all sitting at the table. 

“This is meant to be an appetizer,” Sabine explained, pointing at a dish of finger foods. Next she pointed to a delicious smelling soup and a salad of fresh vegetables, “and these are the main courses. There’s dessert setting in the fridge for later!” 

“Dessert?? Maman, there’s already so much stuff brought up from the bakery! How am I going to choose what to have?” Letting out a laugh, Marinette started helping herself to the food, knowing Adrien wouldn’t serve himself until everyone else had gotten some of everything. “I guess I should try Uncle’s dessert, if he needs opinions on it. You both already know that everything in the bakery is great!” 

“I second that,” Adrien said with a charming smile. He was almost able to hide the stress he was under, but Marinette could tell, even without knowing what he was going through. She was glad to have him here, to have him home.

♪~ ᕕ( ཀ ʖ̯ ཀ)ᕗ

After a boisterous dinner and dessert, some Ultimate Mecha Strike II, and some quiet work on their review work, Marinette and Adrien were both feeling better. Though they were both still too stressed for a pair of fourteen year olds, knowing this sense of home would be waiting for them every day filled them with hope. With people like this at their backs, the two superhero teens felt more prepared for what was to come. 

Meanwhile, Tikki made her way from Marinette’s bag into Adrien’s bag. Even through the plastic and the wrapping, she could smell the Camembert. Before now, she had chalked it up to coincidence, that Adrien just enjoyed the stinky cheese. Now, knowing what the Guardian told her, Tikki understood. “Plagg,” she said, covering his mouth so he wouldn’t shout when he woke up. “We need to talk.”

[dewapokerpoker-blog]

Why Do We Gamble?

Let's focus on a definition. What is gambling? Gambling is betting on something that may or might not happen in the future. When we gamble, we have a risk, choose an uncertain outcome, and bet on it. Gamblers bet on casino games, horse racing, and sports where the result can't be predicted with certainty. Some individuals will bet on anything. Remember the Seinfeld episode where Kramer bets on the arrival and departure times of airplanes at a New York City airport?

How is gambling distinctive from buying stocks and bonds? Stocks and bonds are considered investments and not gambles because we are able to reasonably expect to come out ahead in the long run. They could be risky, however, not in the exact same sense as gambling.

How is gambling distinctive from buying insurance? When we buy insurance, we are betting on something that may or might not happen in the future. We don't want to take the chance so it could happen, so we pay somebody else (the insurance company) to take the chance for us. 

When we buy homeowner's insurance, for example, we are betting our home will burn down and the insurance company is betting it won't. (Of course, hopefully, we won't win this bet.) This isn't gambling because the chance may be calculated. The insurance company uses a myriad of statistics to analyze the probability of our home burning down and fixes the premium we will pay accordingly.

Individuals have gambled since ancient times. However, society never approved of it because it absolutely was labeled an attempt to obtain money without working for it. Society believed that hard work should pave how you can financial success. It wasn't before the late 1960s that states (except for Nevada which had legalized all types of gambling earlier) started to run lotteries to improve money for worthwhile causes.

So just why do we Poker99 although we are unlikely to win in the long term? We gamble for the excitement of the uncertain outcome. Some gamble to try to make their financial dreams come true. Some individuals gamble for entertainment or enjoyment, such as an evening out with friends at the casino or a bingo game for a charitable organization or a lottery ticket. Some think they could beat the odds and make an income out of gambling. 

There are people who gamble because they just love the challenge. They look at gambling as a game title of skill or problem solving and they are sure they could win. Some like the environment or the thrill of a possible big win, or the adrenaline rush of going for a chance. Casinos allow us to socialize and pass some time. There are no clocks in a casino; we lose track of time; we forget all our troubles. It's like a therapy session! If we are timid, we are able to go to a casino and boldly take chances.

Occasional gambling maybe a soothing form of entertainment but be mindful not to obtain addicted. Addiction can result in obsession. You could lose control and become so fanatical as you are able to ruin your daily life or suffer other catastrophic consequences. So if you gamble, make sure to set limits and keep to the limits you've set.

[mrtroy]

A Tough Day

I write most of the entries on this blog with some sort of lesson, or resolution in mind. As in, the topic I’m writing about or learning about has resolved itself and I’m writing in retrospect. Usually, I like to let life play out a little – often times, the topics I write about are based on things I have learned over years of time.

Today, and in this post, I’m not going to do that. I’m going to write about today. Today was not an easy day. There is no resolution yet. I’m not sure what I’ve learned, and I’m just writing because I need to write.

PUNCH the KEYS as Sean Connery’s character says in my favorite movie, Finding Forrester. You write your first draft with your heart and your second draft with your head. I don’t know if there will ever be a second draft to this post, but this is very much a first draft.

--

I went to a wedding today, and if you know me well, you know that weddings are not my favorite events. For many reasons that I’ve tried to better understand, I have a lot of trouble at weddings.

However, when I woke up this morning at 6:20 AM, none of my usual wedding day jitters were there. My head was clear, none of my usual wedding-attendance anxiety was flaring up.

This wedding was for a new friend of mine, Bryan, who I have met taking the train to work and his lovely new wife, Leeann. We’ve developed a neat friendship over the last year, and I was really excited to be a part of their special day. The event was scheduled during the day, it was small, it was at a single venue and as far as weddings go, it seemed like it had all the makings to be the kind of setup that I would really enjoy.

--

I’m not much of a day-to-day planner, but I all week I’ve had it in my mind that Saturday afternoon at 2:30, I had plans. The venue would take about 40 minutes to get to, I would need to leave about an hour or so to get there – maybe I would leave a little earlier than that – call it 1:15… I was going to wear blue pants and a blue jacket. Brown shoes and belt. The comfortable blue socks I like were clean. I could wear those. The red, white and blue striped tie would look good with the jacket… I wasn’t positive which dress shirt I would wear, but I knew I had options from the last time I took stuff to the cleaners…

This might seem pretty standard, but for me, this is pretty advanced planning…

And I felt good about it.

A need for an eye doctor’s appointment popped up during the week, and the associate at the doctor’s office asked if I could do 8 AM on Saturday. Perfect. Figure 8 to 9:30 at the latest for the appointment. Drive home, and start writing. I like to include notes with cards I give at weddings, and I like to write them in the moment. So, from 10 to 11, I figured I’d write, then get washed up, shave, get ready and have plenty of time leave the house between 1 and 1:15.

--

The eye doctor went well, but it did take a little longer than expected. The brand of contacts I’ve been wearing for the last eighteen years has been discontinued, so, in the process of switching brands, it took a little longer to find something that worked. No problem, I left the doctor’s office at 9:40. Still plenty of time to get home and continue getting ready for the day.

I got home, without issue and sat down to write.

For notes I really care about, I write them on blue legal paper. Interesting, sure. I had never seen a blue legal pad before and I ended up with one, so whenever I have a note that has a little more significance – like a wedding note – I bust out the blue pad.

I spent about an hour writing a note to Bryan and Leeann, was happy with what I scribbled down, and folded the note into the card – which had a nice blue envelop to match the blue piece of paper (yes!) – taped the envelop to their gift and started to head to the bathroom to shave and get ready. I looked at the clock and saw that it was 11:50. I was about twenty minutes behind the mental schedule I wanted to be on, but knew that I still had plenty of time to work with if I was going to leave between 1 and 1:15.

Before I made my way to the bathroom, I pulled out the wedding invitation to load the address into my phone to make sure traffic wasn’t awful before driving to the venue. I figured that if traffic was awful, I could hurry up a bit in getting ready and maybe leave closer to 1 than 1:15 just to be on the safe side.

When I looked at the invitation, my whole day began to fall apart.

From top to bottom, I read the very formalized introduction from the bride’s parents inviting me to join them on March ninth, two thousand and nineteen…

I feel like the only time you ever see the entirety of a year spelled out in words is on wedding invitation…

At the bottom of the invite, I read horrifying words.

The wedding started at eleven thirty in the morning. (With a reception to follow)

--

Wait, what?

11:30?

How had I had 2:30 in my mind for weeks?

I had been telling people all week that I was going to a wedding at 2:30 on Saturday. Last night I had met for dinner with another of our friends from the train, and I probably mentioned my schedule that revolved around 2:30 at least two or three times…

11:30?!

It was already 11:51.

My heart sank. How had I done this?

I never forget dates and times. Ever. If I commit something to memory like that, it’s in there. No question.

I looked again at the invitation.

I saw the word Two and then the TH from ‘thousand nineteen,’ and I realized what had happened. I had seen the Two Th… and I had read Two Thirty and implanted that into my mind. It wasn’t actually written, but I was so non-accustomed to reading out full dates, that I assumed when I saw ‘Two Th’ that it was 2:30.

Dude. What the heck.

All the wedding-day anxieties I normally get flooded my mind.

I texted my friend to ask what I should do. I called my mom. I started doing mini-laps around my kitchen.

All my advice told me to just get ready as fast as I could and get to the restaurant as soon as possible.

So, I tried that.

I shaved – pretty cleanly, actually. An improvement over my recent shaving form…

I went to go get dressed and I realized that I hadn’t worn either of the two dress shirts I had narrowed my outfit down to since I moved last month. As a result, while the shirts hadn’t been worn since the last time they’d been to the dry cleaner, they weren’t exactly in tip-top shape to be worn to a wedding.

No problem, ironing shirts is one of my favorite things to do, I unsheathed my trusty Black & Decker ICR505 from its over-door hanger and got to work on the white button down.

The shirt was in decent shape, but as I got to the back of the right sleeve, I noticed some sort of drip-like stain. It was brownish yellow and looked like something that would not have gotten on the shirt in the course of wearing it, but more likely was something that fell on it in the course of moving apartments. I noticed another remnant of the stain on the bottom of the back of the collar and this definitely confirmed my suspicion. These stain locations were far too obscure to happen over the course of normal wear.

No matter, there really wasn’t time to be debating stain origin. I got out my Tide Stick, and started blotting. There were maybe four or five different subsections of the stain across the different locations, and except for one on the back of the collar that would be covered by my jacket, I got the rest of them out.

But, time was ticking. It was now 12:50. How had it possibly taken me this long to shave and iron a shirt? What the heck was I doing?

I put my brown belt on, found my comfy blue socks, laced up my brown shoes and started to put my tie on. I could feel myself already starting to sweat. I rarely sweat, but this was one of those times where my heartrate was elevated despite standing still. 12:55.

Under normal circumstances, tying a necktie is not a hard thing to do. Loop over, around back up under, in between and through. Pull tight, adjust. I don’t wear ties a lot, but tying them doesn’t usually give me trouble. Of course, today, it did.

Things were spiraling at this point and with every attempt I was becoming more unhinged. Finally after three unsuccessful attempts that left the back part of the tie longer than the front, I got the tie how I wanted it and went to get my sport coat, the wedding gift, my winter coat, keys, etc. so I could leave the house and begin my drive.

I went into my closet expecting to find my blue sport coat. No sport coats, no suit coats just a bunch of empty hangers next to my dress pants. Again, I hadn’t needed this stuff since I moved last month, and while I thought these items were where they had been in my last apartment, they weren’t there today.

Storage.

Okay, the coats probably got left with some of my other outdoor jackets that I don’t have room for in this current closet. Those coats are downstairs in storage.

So, I gathered all my stuff and headed into the basement of my apartment where I had a storage unit. Deep in the bowels of my old building is a creepy area with a ton of random stuff and luckily it is also the home to a lot of items that don’t fit in my small space upstairs.

After a few minutes of rummaging, I found my blue sport coat and headed back upstairs to my car. Across the way, up to the third floor of the parking garage.

As I got everything into the car, I looked at the clock. 1:31

So much for between 1 and 1:15…

But, still, after all the mishaps and misfortunes of the morning with the stained shirt, the tying of the tie having to locate the sport coat, my GPS was still telling me I could make it to the venue by 2:15. Granted, that was two hours and 45 minutes late to the wedding, but for what it was worth, it was still fifteen minutes before the 2:30 start time I had been mentally calibrating for all week.

--

I tried to tell myself that despite the circumstances, and despite the fact that I was going to be late, try not to beat yourself up over it now. There’s nothing you can do…

I failed in that regard.

The entire drive to the venue, I lambasted myself mentally for committing the wrong time to memory. I felt awful for Bryan and Leeann to invite me – to sit me with her family no less – and then to have me not even know what time the wedding was at.

My chest felt like it was going to burst with anxiety.

In my head, I knew that Bryan and Leeann were some of the more understanding people I had ever met, but I could not stop feeling guilty about what had happened.

--

It started to rain.

I looked over to the seat to my right and didn’t see my umbrella. My mom – during our earlier call – had reminded me that it was going to rain, and that I should bring it with me. I had meant to. But I had forgotten it.

URG.

That’s fine, I thought, Leeann had sent out an email a few days earlier with a reminder that the venue had a complimentary valet parking service that we could utilize for the wedding. I’ll do that, the rain won’t get me too wet in that case.

Good. Okay.

Deep breaths.

--

As the minutes ticked down on the GPS, the estimated arrival time pushed a few minutes due to the rain and a little traffic. ETA: 2:19.

In my head, I really wanted to make it before 2:30. At least, in my own mind, I would have the peace of knowing that I wouldn’t have been late at the time I was thinking the wedding started.

More traffic.

2:25 ETA.

Finally, I pulled into the neighborhood that housed the venue. It was a nice area – one I’d never been before, but definitely nice. If only for the rain. It was coming down pretty good by now.

I came to the venue, saw the valet stand, but didn’t see anyone manning it. Figures. Most of the guests probably arrived three hours ago!

Before I knew it, I was past the venue and needed to turn around and try again. I went up a few streets, made four right turns and tried again.

More familiar this time, I looked for street spots right before the venue, and the last time by, I had noticed an alley I figured I could drive down to see if there was any parking in the back of the building.

Second time by, still no parking attendant. Still no street spots. So, I turned into the alley. The alley wound around quite a bit, and there were some spots, but they all had towing signs. Plus, I was far enough away from the venue that even if I risked it and tried to park in some random spot, I would have gotten soaked in my umbrella-less walk to the venue.

So, I turned around again, and began lap three towards the restaurant. Again, no parking attendant. Again no spots.

By this time, it was 2:35 and mentally, I was fried.

I began another lap and this time I decided that I would stop out in front of the venue and try to go inside and explain to someone what I was trying to do.

Luckily as I was coming up to the building for the fourth time after my last lap around the neighborhood, I saw a guy out front in a suit flower on his lapel. Ah. He must have been in the wedding.

I rolled down my window and asked if the wedding was still going on.

He laughed a bit and said that dinner was over, and it would probably be winding down soon, but yeah, it was still going on.

I told him I was supposed to be in there and had been driving around a bit and asked if there was still a valet working that might be able to help me find a spot for my car.

He went in and found the valet who was quite surprised to find that someone was actually still arriving to the event more than three hours after it started. Was I sure I wanted to go in, he asked, the wedding would be ending in 30 minutes he told me.

Seriously?

Well, I told him, could he find me a spot, and I could at least go in, give the bride and groom my gift, and then come back out and pick up my car?

He said sure, I put on my sport coat, dodged a few rain drops, and made my way into the restaurant.

It was 2:45.

Miraculously, within ten seconds of walking into the venue, Bryan was on his way back to the main dining room and he bumped into me.

He had this huge smile on his face as if to say, you made it! (I had decided not to text him between the time I realized I was going to be late and when I arrived – figuring he either wouldn’t have his phone, or wouldn’t want to be bothered on his big day with my whereabouts)

In a few seconds, I explained what had happened, and we laughed.

A few moments later, Leeann walked over. I gave her a hug, she said thanks for coming, and started to tell her the story of my morning as well.

At that moment, the clinking of glasses could be heard from the other room, and the bride and groom ran off to go dance.

I looked around and saw unfamiliar people in all directions. Dinner was over. The seating arrangements had broken down and people were just huddled around tables as they normally are at the tail end of weddings.

I found a bathroom and went to hide and try to think about what I could do.

I had already seen the only two people I would know at this wedding, and being that brides and grooms are always super busy at their own wedding, I wasn’t sure if would see them again any time soon.

I thought about pushing my way through into the main room, but to do what? Food was done being served.

The thought of going to dance did not seem appealing. Dancing rarely seems appealing to me, and after three hours of manically trying to get to this wedding, I was not feeling it in that moment to say the least.

I left the bathroom and figured I would go back out into the venue and see if I could see Bryan and Leeann again and maybe say hi.

After two nervous mini-laps around the side of the venue, I couldn’t take it anymore.

I went outside and saw the valet walking back to the valet stand. He hadn’t even parked my car yet. It had been sitting, double parked in the street for the last fifteen minutes. I got my keys, got in the car, and started to drive away.

--

Immediately, I knew this wasn’t the adult way to handle this. I should have gone all the way into the venue again, found a table and a glass of water and sat down near someone. Soon enough, someone would have come up to me and said hi, and from there, I should have mingled for a bit until Bryan or Leeann saw me.

But I didn’t do that.

As I often do in social settings where I don’t feel comfortable, I bailed.

In that moment, I longed deeply for a partner to be going to events like this with. Someone who would have forced me to confirm the starting time, and would have helped me avoid the entire predicament in the first place.

But, at the same time, I thought back to three other weddings where my inability to feel comfortable in the types of settings they produce had led to similar behavior that had greatly turned off three different girls I had been dating. Now, I was thankful that this latest episode didn’t occur with someone I cared about to the point where I would scare her off like I had the previous lot.

Just then, Bryan texted me asking where I was at.

As I drove, I didn’t reply right away – partially for safety reasons, but also because I didn’t know what to say.

In the moments after his text, shame pile drove me into the seat of my car. I decided then and there that I would never show my face to Bryan again. I contemplated no longer taking the train we ride together. Two seconds later, I had decided to get a new job. I figured he’d come to my apartment looking for me after a while, so I decided I would need to move across the country to get away from him.

I’m not sure what stopped that avalanche of thinking, but a few seconds later, I saw myself back in my therapist’s office trying to explain to him my actions.

--

The last two months of my life before today have been really good.

I’ve felt really healthy. My mind has been clear. I’ve been eating well, sleeping well, etc. I’ve felt like I have been doing well at work, I’ve been really pleased with how things have gone since I moved, and have generally been really hopeful and optimistic about where I’m at.

--

And then, I have a day like today.

A day that started innocently enough, and then within three hours and ten minutes of finding out I’m going to be late to a wedding, I’ve convinced myself that I’m going to run away from my friend, and move across the country.

Solid, Matt. Solid.

--

I drove home, changed out of my clothes and took a nap. Upon awakening, I felt a lot better and decided I would not be fleeing my apartment after all. And while – as I stated when I started writing this post – I don’t have a resolution or lesson figured out yet, I do believe two things.

The first is a reminder I live by that says, God gives us little things to take care of in preparation for the bigger things He has in store for us.

Today reminded me that for any and every big dream I’ve got, I still have a lot way to go just to be able to do the simplest of things to be able to function in normal social settings. I thought I was further along in my progress on that front, and apparently, that wasn’t the case.

I dream one day of a wife and a family, but obviously, I’m not ready for that responsibility. I can’t even hold my own life together to the point where an honest mistake about reading the time of a wedding wrong has me slippery-slope sliding to the point where I’ve talked myself into moving across the country.

The second thing I believe is that while I may not be able to dismiss the shame I manufactured into today’s situation, God can, and He does.

And in that, I do find hope.

Deep down, I know I don’t have to carry around guilt and shame for anything – let alone something as innocent as today’s mix-up.

I’m hoping that in the coming days, I can use today’s example as a reminder of what I have just written above, and the next time I have a little thing where I am entrusted to do the right thing, I can.

--

For now, I’m exhausted. Time for bed.

Try again in the morning.

Joshua 1:9

[333kaylynn]

27 Roses / e.d.

Y/n goes to a mental hospital and Ethan visits her every day until he stops for 27 days. “27 roses for every day I missed.”

Request: nahhh fam

Word Count: 2609

uhhh i apologize for continously going from 1st and 2nd person point of view. 

I’m tagging a few people, sorry if you didn’t wanna be tagged!

@bouttogolinkurbitch

@dimply-dolan

@dolayn

@grayson-dolans-dangly-earring

@kara-dolan

@nomoregraydays

@bb-dolan

@olivia-m-dolan

@olderdolan

@justanotherdolanblog

@profanitydolan

okay im done tagging, please enjoy this bc its not the best but i meannnn

///

Day One was possibly the worst. I didn’t know anyone, nor did anyone know me. I didn’t want to sit through this stupid therapy session we had to do, but of course, I was forced. They allowed me to bring someone for the first group therapy, so I wasn’t uncomfortable. Ethan stayed with me throughout the whole thing. 

Everyone in my part of the hospital was between the ages 13-17. One girl was there for trying to commit suicide, I found out her name was Amber, and she’s 14. Elisia, 16, had gone for anger management issues. Tyler, same age as me, was there for drug use. 

To be honest, I didn’t think I belonged here. I mean, in the back of my mind, I knew knew I did, but I just felt out of the loop at the moment. Everyone already knew eachother, and I just got there. 

Ethan had to leave after therapy, and it hurt me to see him go. “I promise I’ll visit you everyday. Only 365 days.” Ethan assured you you would be okay. 

“I’m gonna miss you E.” I say, pulling him in for a hug and a kiss. 

“Okay, visiting hours are over. All friends and family must leave.” The announcement went through the speakers, and I walked Ethan to the door. 

Day Two was slightly better, I started talking to a few people, Olivia, Tyler, and Faith. Olivia and Tyler were both 17, and Faith was 16. 

Tyler had been in here for about a year before this, Olivia about 7 months, and Faith for only about 2 months before I had come. 

All we really did today was sit around and get to know eachother. We played random card games, ate, and just sat around mainly. 

Ethan came and visited again, during visiting hours. Just like he said he would.  It brought joy to my eyes too see him. 

3 to 5 o clock, every day. Those were visiting hours. 3 pm to 5 pm. 

“Hey babe. I’m here, just like I said I would be.” Ethan came through the glass doors that led to the main room of the facility. He stood in the same spot for a minute and looked around until he saw you at a table with Tyler, Faith, and Olivia. 

You stood up from the table and pulled him in for a hug. You ran your small, yet nimble fingers through his ruffled up hair, probably caused by Grayson. 

“How’s your mom doing?” You ask, pushing him off of you but still holding onto him. Ethan laughed and looked at you, answering softly, “You just saw her yesterday, y/n. Right before we came here.”

“I know, E. But hey, I have to ask how my second mom is doing. You know I do.” 

Your fingers went up and through his hair again. He smiled again and said, “I know, I know. She’s doing great. She said she might visit you on Sunday, because that’s her only day off from work. My dad might come too, and Cameron.” 

You smiled and thought of the entire Dolan family seeing you here, which brought your face to a frown. 

You didn’t want to seem weak around them. You knew they already knew you were here, but they didn’t see you here yet. It was scary, the thought of them seeing you like this. 

Maybe they’d think you weren’t good enough for Ethan. They’d make Ethan stop seeing you. You couldn’t stand the thought of that. You shook your head and looked back up at Ethan. 

He could tell something was off about you for that minute. Your troubled past caused you to space out from time to time, and it probably wasn’t going to stop anytime soon. 

“You okay?” Ethan asks, resting his hand on your shoulder and rubbing it for a minute before bringing it back down. 

“Yeah, yeah. I’m okay.” You say, smiling at him and sitting back down at the table, “These are my new friends. Ethan, Tyler. Tyler, Ethan. Olivia, Ethan. Ethan, Olivia. Faith, Ethan. Ethan, Faith.” 

You took your time introducing everyone and after your introduction, Ethan immediately went into a conversation, like the social butterfly he is. 

Tyler and Ethan had a pretty intense conversation about Tyler’s life. Ethan wanted to know more about why people choose to do drugs. In his mind, there are so many things you can do to make yourself happy besides drugs. But in Tyler’s, it’s the only thing that made him happy. 

You, Faith, and Olivia were doing an even intenser range of things. Playing a game of Skip-Bo. It happened to be your favorite game since you were about 7, your grandma being the one to start your love for the game. 

Now, at the age of 17, your love still hasn’t stopped. 

“Hey, babe, I only have 30 minutes left.” Ethan says, scooting closer to your and whispering the words in your ear as you lie down a number 2 card. 

“Do you and Tyler want to join our game?” You ask, already starting to hand the two of the boys' cards. 

Day 29. It’s almost been your first month since you’ve started here. Ethan still came every day, just as he promised. 

It was now 8 pm, meaning you had 2 hours before lights out. Everyone from ages 13-15 were required to go to sleep by nine, and everyone ages 16 and 17 were allowed to stay awake until 10 if they wanted to. 

Every Thursday they put on “movie night” where the kids got to vote on a movie and watch it together with popcorn and blankets. The movie had to be Pg 13, due to the fact some of the kids could get triggered by certain things showed on R rated movies. 

You couldn't begin to imagine the things that could cause an outburst in this place. In the past 24 hours, we've had three emotional outbursts.

"Michael, sweetie. Calm down." Mrs. DeGram said as Ms. Weiss held him down due to his frustration.

Michael's mom hadn't shown up to visiting hours, but Michael was determined she'd show up.

"No! My mom will be here, she's just running late!" Michael screamed, pushing away from Ms. Weiss. Ms. Weiss got ahold of him again and held him down gently in order to calm him down.

"Michael, you need some food and some rest. Come with me." Mrs. DeGram says, holding Michael's hand as she pulls him down the small hallway that led to the dining area, where a few of the kids were seated.

Michael's mom came today, she sat and explained to him that his younger sister, Gabriella, was feeling sick last night so they brought her to see a doctor.

Faith also had a panic attack. Her father, whom she hadn't seen in ages, decided last night would be the perfect time to see her.

Faith had to be pulled away from the tall brown headed man that sat ahead of her after she screamed and clawed at him as she called him a "dirty cheating bastard"

Olivia held her closely as she shook from under her arm, whispering things to her to calm her down as her father was kicked off of the premises.

Gabe, the newest member of the facility, was having major drug withdrawals. Him and Tyler began talking about what made them start doing drugs, which seemed to have calmed Gabe down a bit.

Gabe and Tyler began laughing about their first time trying ecstasy, as me, Olivia, and Faith were playing yet another game of skip-bo.

Day 121, about 4 months in. Ethan still came to visit everyday. Seeing his tall body walk through the big glass doors, opening his arms for the hug you greeted him with every day. 

“Y/n, baby. I’ve missed you.” Ethan states as he pulls you back in for a hug, his grip beginning to get tighter. 

“Dude, I was actually just so happy when I did it. I just wanted to do everything I’ve ever wanted right then and there.” Tyler began telling Gabe, the two of them still talking about ecstasy. 

“Are they talking about drugs?” Ethan says, looking at the two of them and back at you. 

You smiled at him and gripped onto his arms, nodding your head, “Yeah, ecstasy I think.” 

Ethan just nods and the two of you take a seat, joining in on the conversation Faith and Olivia were having. Faith was laughing at some joke Ethan had made, while you and Olivia were talking more about family life and other random things. 

Olivia’s mom passed from cancer a few years back, that’s what initially started her depression. Her dad took a tough road when it happened as well, but the two of them stuck together through it all. He visits her every Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. The other days he has to work late. 

You turned to Ethan and laughed at some joke he made once again, causing him to grin and pull you in for another hug. You continued to laugh as you thought more about it. The joke wasn’t that funny, it was just some dad joke he probably saw on a popsicle stick before coming here. 

The next hour went by pretty quick, meaning Ethan would have to leave in the next few minutes. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, right?” You ask, hugging Ethan again and kissing him before he had to go. 

“Of course you will y/n. I wouldn’t forget.” Ethan says, holding you closely as your head rested on his shoulder. 

The next few months were basically the same, a few of the kids getting out and a few being transferred to the adult facility due to birthdays and being officially 18. 

It was now March 17th. Meaning I had about 3 more months before I was officially out of this place. They told me I would have to stay in the adult facility for a few days because I joined only 5 days after my 17th birthday, so I would turn 18 before they could legally let me out. 

Eventually, 3 o clock rolled around. I sat at the normal table I did while I waited for Ethan to show up. 

4 pm and he still wasn’t here. Maybe he had something come up. You didn’t want to worry too much, but in the back of your head you were extremely scared. 

“y/n, sweetie. He’ll be here tomorrow, just ignore it okay? I’m sure everything is fine.” Olivia said, pulling me in for a hug. Faith joined in soon after, which eventually led to a group hug with Me, Olivia, Faith, Gabe, and Tyler. The four of them all knew how much Ethan meant to me and how worried I was when he hadn’t shown up for today's visit. 

Soon enough, the next day rolled around. 

Ethan wasn’t here for this visiting either. My mind seemed to be a jumbled up mess at the time, my anxiety kicking in. 

Ethan had to show up, I know he did. He wouldn’t be late unless something bad happened. It wasn’t like him to do that. 

The next 2 weeks went by slowly, each day getting more painful. Ethan still hadn’t been there. You did everything in your power to ignore it but as the days went on you seemed to have just gotten more worried and more hurt. 

27 days later. Ethan hadn’t been there. You went over to the nurses office, where you asked Ms. Weiss if you could talk to her for a minute. 

“Of course y/n. What do you need dear?” Ms. Weiss said, allowing you to come into her office. You smile at her politeness and take a seat before asking, “Can you take Ethan Dolan’s name off of the visiting list?” 

She simply gives you a “is everything alright” look and then nods before going onto her computer to delete his name from the visiting list. “Would you like to continue receiving letters from him?” 

You nod and say that it’s okay if she kept that, maybe he would be able to explain himself. 

As you leave Ms. Weiss room, Faith runs up to you and pulls you over to where Olivia and Tyler were sitting, Tyler yelling at Olivia for an unknown reason. 

“Faith, what’s going on?” You ask, whisper-yelling into her ear. She shrugs and responds with, “I think something Olivia said upset Tyler. I don’t know what! Please help.” 

You nod at Faith and pull her in for a hug before telling her to go get one of the nurses to separate the two. 

The nurse comes back and pulls the two away from eachother and brings Tyler over to another area where Gabe was seated. You and Olivia talked about what happened and Faith sat in silence for the rest of the day, probably shaken up by two of her closest friends here getting into such a big fight. 

A fight between them wasn’t a very common thing, most of the time everything was nice and dandy. 

1 week later. Ethan had tried to show up his 28th day, you saw him. But the nurse waved him off and after a bit of arguing, he left. 

“y/n. These are for you.” Mrs. DeGram says, handing you a basket filled with roses. You look at it for a minute, confused as to who would send you so many roses. You turn it and see an envelope, which eases your confusion for a minute. 

Y/n, the envelope said very large across the top. It was clearly Ethan’s handwriting. You ripped the envelope open and started reading. 

“Y/n. I just want to begin and say how sorry I am. I skipped the past 27 days because I needed time to think. It hurt me to see you like this and I kept on my tough guy face for you. But I couldn’t do it anymore and I didn’t want you to see me like that. I didn’t want you to worry. And I know you’re angry with me. But please, please put my name back on the list so I can talk to you. I miss you.  -E”

You were still a bit angry, but you couldn’t be mad at him for too long. You walked to Ms. Weiss’ office and asked her to put Ethan’s name back on the list. She nodded and smiled as you left the room to go back to talking to Olivia and Faith. 

Soon enough, the next day rolled around. Ethan came, right at 3 o clock. He lightly smiled at you as he walked towards you, giving you a hug. 

You weeped in his arms. You didn’t expect to be sad when you saw him. You thought you’d be angry. But it wasn’t the case. You hadn’t realized how much you really missed him til now. 

Ethan began to explain himself, and if I’m being honest, it took a lot of time and tears before he could fully get it out. 

“Ethan. Why so many roses? I mean, you could’ve just gotten me one and it would have been okay.” You ask, looking at the plentiful amount of roses that were still seated at the table they had been when you got them. 

“27 roses for every day I missed.” Ethan says, hugging you again and kissing your forehead. You smiled and pulled away. 

“I love you, doofus.” 

Ethan grinned and laughed, “I love you too, y/n. And I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. I’ll be right with you when you’re outta this place.”

[sincerelybluevase]

Fanfic Friday: Lessons In Love, Ch1: Taking Lessons

Thanks to @purple-roses-words-and-love for being my beta.

Taking lessons

Shelagh breached the topic two weeks before they were to be legally married.

They were sitting in his living room. The clock on the mantelpiece told her she had about half an hour more before Patrick would have to take her to her lodgings. Perhaps it was this timeframe of roughly thirty minutes that allowed her to be bold. Maybe it was his proximity on the couch next to her, close enough for her to feel the warmth that radiated off of him and smell his cologne. It didn’t hurt that Timothy, still on the mend from his bout of polio, was upstairs and asleep.

It’s most likely this cigarette, though, she thought, loosely putting her lips around it and inhaling shallowly before passing it back to him. There were many areas in their lives that they were yet to figure out, but the sharing of a fag, at least, was familiar.

Patrick took the cigarette from her, his rough palm brushing the back of her hand. The filter was shiny from her saliva, and pink from her lipstick.

They had been sitting in silence for a quarter of an hour now, sharing cigarettes. That was part of why she had fallen in love with him: with Patrick, there was no need to talk, to fill the silence. She could sit next to him, his right hand clasping her left one, their free hands passing cigs back and forth, and never did the quietude feel awkward or strained.

Well, until she’d thought of breaching this particular topic, of course.

A nervous energy coiled inside of her, and made her almost drop the cigarette when Patrick gave it to her. She inhaled deeply, almost coughed, and squashed the remaining stub in the ashtray balanced on the armrest of the sofa.

“Do you want another one?” Patrick asked.

“Maybe smoking three cigarettes in one evening is rather… indulgent, Patrick,” she said, not looking at him.

“You’re sharing them with me, though, so technically you’d only be smoking one and a half,” he quipped.

She gave him a weak smile, then sighed. “Go ahead.” She needed something to concentrate on.

Whilst he took a fresh Henley out of his cigarette case, clamped his lips around it, and tried to light it, Shelagh took the opportunity to say what had been troubling her. “Patrick, is there any way I can prepare for the… physical intimacy of our wedding night?” She spoke softly but swiftly, growing beet red as the words left her mouth.

Patrick’s head swivelled around so fast she could almost hear his vertebrae groan. “What did you say?” he asked, the words muffled because the cigarette was still between his lips.

“Is there any way I can prepare… Oh, forget that I asked,” she said, eyes trained on her lap. She had the sudden desire to cry, and chewed the inside of her cheek so she had a different bodily discomfort to focus on rather than her burning eyes.

“No, Shelagh,” he said. He took the cigarette from his mouth and threw it on the coffee table, then twisted on the couch so that he was facing her. He enveloped her hands with his. “Shelagh, did I hear correctly that you asked me what you can do to prepare for our lovemaking?”

She still didn’t look at him, but nodded slowly.

Patrick cleared his throat, left index finger absent-mindedly tapping the soft skin between her knuckles. “How much do you know?” he asked.

“I know the mechanics. I’m a midwife, after all, Patrick. I’ve heard the women in clinic talk about it at times, too. Some of the things they’ve said have made me think that there must be more to it than just… the movements I know of.” She spoke slowly, choosing each word with care.

She had never discussed sex with anyone before. Not like this, at any rate, not with her as a possible participant. As a teenager, she’d always thought that it was pleasurable for men to make love, and that women found pleasure in pleasing. An aunt had once told her that the best thing was to lie back and think of something else, which hadn’t inspired much desire in Shelagh to go and find a beau. Had she already wanted to become a nun then? She thought so, yes. Hadn’t her aunt told her that she wouldn’t miss out on anything much if she decided to deny herself the pleasures of the flesh?

“The thing is that you have been married before. I’m sure you have expectations of our… marital relations.” She wondered why she couldn’t just say sex. She wet her lips with her tongue. “You are used to a certain standard, and I’m terribly inexperienced. I want to please you.”

“Why do you think you won’t? We can discover things together, Shelagh,” Patrick said gently.

She blushed again. “I’d rather have a bit of… well, not experience, not exactly, at any rate, but I’d like to know more about what goes on behind closed bedroom doors than what the midwifery textbooks say.”

“So what you want is some kind of lessons in lovemaking,” Patrick said. He said it with a little frown on his face. She loved him though for not laughing at her, for not being condescending. She could kiss him.

Instead, she extracted her hands and leaned forward so she could pick up the cigarette from the table. Her hands trembled a little as she brought it to her mouth. They were both silent as Patrick lit it for her and she took the first few puffs before giving it to him.

Patrick blew out a puff of smoke through his nostrils. He took her hand in his again, lacing their fingers together. His dry, warm touch brought her some comfort. “Shelagh, please don’t take offence at my next question,” he said. He spoke slowly, too, bringing the cigarette to her mouth, then using his free hand to loosen his tie. There were red splotches of colour in his neck.

He’s very nervous, maybe even more than I am, she realised. The thought was a calming one. She was never one to panic easily, and knowing that the man she loved had some anxiety caused by the topic as well once again confirmed his deep care for her.

“How can I take offence?” she murmured after she’d taken a puff.

He didn’t answer, but took a few deep drags from the cigarette, reducing it to its filter. She took the butt from him, stroking his hairy knuckles with her thumb, then put it in the ashtray.

“Have you ever touched yourself?” he asked.

She raised her brows. “Patrick, that’s sinful,” she said, a little edge to her voice. She’d thought he was serious about this, but now…

“Is it?”

“It’s not for procreation.”

“Shelagh, what do you think lovemaking is?” Patrick sat up straight, locking gazes with her.

“Well, it’s meant to be for producing children first and foremost,” she said, but she didn’t sound so sure. Was she really about to lecture Patrick on what lovemaking was supposed to be when she didn’t have the first clue as to how it worked in practice?

“If that’s first and foremost in your mind, then let me make sure that having fun and experiencing something beautiful and intimate with someone you love takes a very close second place,” he said.

She touched his face, trying to smooth the wrinkle next to his mouth with her thumb. “I’m sure that giving you pleasure will be very satisfying to me,” she said.

He didn’t smile at her, as she’d expected he would. Instead, he wore a puzzled, slightly worried expression. “Shelagh, you do know that lovemaking when done right also brings intense pleasure to women, don’t you?”

She blinked. Did she know that? That didn’t sound much like her aunt’s lie-back-and-think-of-England advice.

But the things the women in the clinic said…

She could tell him that, yes, of course she knew that. But it wouldn’t be entirely honest of her, and now that she had come this far, it would be plain silly to keep things from him. Besides, she wanted to be honest with him, even though this topic bewildered her. “No, I don’t think I know that very well,” she said.

They both jumped when the clock on the mantelpiece chimed the whole hour.

“Hell’s bells,” Patrick muttered, standing and stretching his arms over his head. “Come, darling. We must hurry, or your landlady will think we’re up to the very thing we’ve been discussing.”

Shelagh had some time to gather her thoughts and analyse her feelings as she gathered her few belongings and let Patrick help her into her coat. The evening air was crisp and sharp as a knife, clearing her head. She was glad for the car’s heater, though. And the car also allowed her to look at the road, and not at Patrick, as she chattered about other things. She thought he must’ve forgotten all about her request for ‘lessons’ as he called it, but was proven wrong when he parked the car in front of her lodgings and killed the engine.

“Shelagh, I’m serious,” he said, turning to her, his gloved hands on the steering wheel.

“About what?” she asked, a smile on her face.

“About you touching yourself. Now hear me out,” – she had started to open her mouth in protest – “I don’t think it’s sinful at all. Think of it as an experiment, as preparation for married life. You want to be a good wife, and you think that pleasing me in bed is part of that, am I right?”

She blushed fiercely, but didn’t break eye contact. She nodded.

“Then please try it for me. There’s two more weeks till the wedding. That’s plenty of time to find out what you like. If you know what you enjoy, then our lovemaking will be easier, and more pleasurable.”

“And how am I supposed to find that out?” she whispered, the words almost inaudible because of the noise the car’s heater made.

“You can do it when you’re in bed, or when you’re having a bath. Just… just think of me, and the things you’d like to do with me. Physical things. When you feel you’re ready to try touching yourself, you can start by stroking your breasts, or your belly, or your thighs.” He cleared his throat. His voice had slipped into his professional doctor’s tone. Perhaps she hadn’t realised just how awkward it would be for him to talk of this.

“Alright,” she said. “And then?”

“There’s a little bundle of nerves between your legs, slightly to the top of where your folds begin. It’s extremely sensitive to touch. Try and rub it with a fingertip, or around it, if you find it too intense to touch. See what happens.”

She nodded.

Patrick gave her a goofy grin, then got out of the car and went around to hold the door open for her. It was too cold to linger long on the steps outside of her lodgings, so she gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. When she leaned away from him, he bent forward, and swiftly pecked her cheek. As he did so, he whispered to her, “there’s no pressure, Shelagh. Just give it a try if you feel like it. And if you do, please tell me how it felt. This is lesson number one.”

She blushed scarlet. “How many are there?” she managed to ask as she fumbled with the lock of the door.

“As many as you want, darling,” Patrick said.

As she stumbled inside and shut the door behind her, her breathing was rapid and shallow. Her belly clenched and coiled almost painfully.  

The first of my lessons in lovemaking, she thought.

It was embarrassing.

It was sinful.

And it was also darkly, wickedly exciting.

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[queen-of-deans-booty]

There’s a Time and a Place For Everything

Characters: Dean x Reader, Sam, John (mentioned), unnamed Djinn, unnamed Witch

Word Count: 3,370

Warnings: Barely there angst, some dean fluff, not that many warnings, mentions of Seasons 1-4 major plots so spoilers if you haven’t seen them.

Request: Can you do a Dean x reader where they both turn young again (or however old teen Dean was) and Sam teases them and makes crappy jokes so Dean and her go out to the impala and they fall in love there 

Author’s Note: If you want to be tagged, leave an ask or message and I’ll add you! Same goes for my Series Rewrite! If you want to request a fic, please send them in! I love writing what you guys want!

Feedback is always appreciated

Tags at the bottom

If you had to redo your entire life to even change the smallest of things, you wouldn’t do it. You loved how you grew up, you loved the people you grew up with, you loved how things eventually turned out. You were engaged to the oldest Winchester and you wouldn’t change a thing.

You grew up with the Winchesters, always travelling with them since your parents died at such a young age. John Winchester took you in and gave you a home when you had none. You met Sam and Dean and you three became best friends.

You had a ton of fun with the brothers, even on the hunts you went on. You tried to include Sam in almost everything you and Dean did. Dean was the oldest out of the three then it was you and then Sam was the youngest. It was ironic how Sam was the tallest out of the three.

You were 2 years younger than Dean but two years older than Sam. When you got the chance, you three always hung out outside of hunting, always getting into trouble and just enjoyed being a kid that had a normal life.

Not that your little fantasy would last long but you had that moment to yourself and you held onto it for as long as you could. As you three grew up, those moments became shorter and shorter until they were no more.

You and the brothers didn’t hang out together like you used to. That didn’t mean you didn’t hunt together; you did. But you wished you could escape the world for even a few hours with them.

But they could never find the time.

There was always something that had to pop up like closing the gates of Hell or dealing with the tall ex-blood junkie, or Dean going to hell or however many shits the world decided to drop on you. You’ve found yourself trying to find an escape goat to relax because if you were stressed, then you weren’t going to do your job correctly.

But then you found a case where a witch was turning the clocks back for people, making them younger, making them kids and teens again just for the sake of having a little fun. That caught your eye but that wasn’t life threatening until you found out the witches were working with a Djinn that would suck the life out of the younger people.

The witches would make people younger, only if they had a good childhood that they wouldn’t mind going back to. That gave them good memories and that gave the Djinn an opportunity to suck their life force from their bodies.

Enter Sam and Dean Winchester. They kicked ass, finding the Djinn so fast that even he had no idea what was going on. You knocked off one less Djinn in the world to deal with but now you had to find another witch because you knew they would find another monster to deal with.

You had no idea why these witches were trying to deal with other monsters but that wasn’t your job to know why. Your job was to take them all out and that is what you three were going to do.

With a little background research, thanks to Sam doing all the work, you figured out there was a bar that a few of the witches worked at but it wasn’t just any bar. It looked like a bar to normal people but there was a secret underground facility that welcomed all kinds of monsters.

You thought that is where they held their “interviews” to find new monsters. Whatever the case may be, you were here to put a stop to it.

You walked inside the lively bar and walked straight to the bar with the Winchesters on your tail. The thing you loved about hunting with the Winchesters, everyone in the Supernatural world knew who you three were. They just didn’t know what you looked like because almost none of them lived to tell the tale.

“What can I get you three?” The busty bartender asked. You smiled at her and looked at Dean so he could order for the three of you.

“Just three beers, please.” Dean said, looking at her eyes the whole time. You smiled and thought about Dean as a kid. He was always horny, getting with every girl that showed the tiniest bit of interest in him. He was a whiny ass as well, and don’t forget the time he actually tried to make a move on the older women who just laughed in his face.

You loved Dean back then but, of course, you were the shy kid, always letting people come to you first, not that confident in what you wore or who you acted so you couldn’t possibly tell Dean that you liked him. It would probably ruin your chances with him. If only you knew that Dean harbored real feelings for you back then, then maybe things would have been different.

“Sure thing.” She said with a smile, getting the bottles of beer and handing it to you and the brothers. You sat in the middle of them, just sitting down and relaxing.

“You know what we haven’t done in a long time?” You asked the brothers.

“What’s that?” Sam asked, looking at you.

“Remember back then, we used to sneak off and just pretend we were normal kids for a few hours? We let the wind through our hair and our worries would just fade away because in those moments, we had each other and that is all that mattered.” You said, remembering the good times.

“Ah, yes, who can forget the time of Dean’s bee fiasco?” Sam said with a laugh.

“Hey, at the time I didn’t know it was a bee’s nest and it was hot anyways. We were lucky that pond was there or else we would have been bee food.” Dean said, shaking his head.

“Anyways, we haven’t done that in a while.” You said, looking at Dean.

“What, fuck up a beehive?” He said with a smirk.

“No,” You said, playfully slapping his arm. “I’m talking about escaping this life we live. I’m not saying it’ bad but I think we deserve some fun, right?”

“We did have fun back then. We have so many good memories, right Sam?” Dean said.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Half the time, you two would ditch me and I would have to walk back to the room myself and explain to dad why you two weren’t with me.” Sam said, drinking his beer.

“Sorry, Sam, I tried to include you too but you were so much younger than Dean that he didn’t want a child with us while we broke the law.” You giggled.

“Good times, I’ll tell you.” Dean said with a smile.

“Okay, well we are still on a case so I think I’m going to go back to the motel room to do some more research.” Sam said, pushing his half-full beer to you so you could finish it.

“Way to be a buzz kill, Sam.” You said with a grin.

“Hey, research is what I love to do. I’ll see you guys later.” He said, leaving you and Dean at the bar.

“So, want to drink something stronger?” You asked Dean with a smirk.

“I thought you would never ask, sweetheart.” Dean said, flagging down the bartender. You and Dean did a lot of shots, making sure you were having fun. The bartender seemed to be extra nice, giving away shots for free which would have tipped you off but you were drunk as hell right now.

“Okay, I think we’re done here.” You said with a giggle, stumbling off the barstool.

“Should I call you guys a cab?” The bartender asked.

“No, we’ll have Sammy pick us up.” You said, grinning at Dean who nodded.

“Yeah, he’s missing out on all this fun we’re having.” Dean said with a laugh. You took out your phone and called Sam, hoping he was up.

“Guys, I’m busy.” Sam answered.

“Sammy!!! Hey!! Look, your brother and I need your help.” You slurred.

“Are you drunk?” He asked with a sigh.

“Yes, I am and even as drunk as I am, there is no way I am letting equally drunk Dean driving us back there so get your cute ass here so you can help us.” You said with a laugh.

“Unbelievable. Alright, I’m on my way.” He said and then he hung up.

“Man, Sam is just rude. He hung up on me.” You said to Dean who shrugged. He slung an arm around your shoulder and walked to the front door. If you would have looked back, you would have seen the bartender watching you, taking some money from a man who just smirked.

As soon as you stepped out the front door, your whole world changed. You weren’t drunk anymore. You watched as the world got bigger or as you shrunk. You looked around, confused as to where you were. The last thing you remember was taking out a werewolf with John and his boys.

You looked to your right and saw Dean standing there, equally a confused as you were.

“Dean, where the hell are we?” You asked, looking back at the bar but nothing was looking familiar.

“Hey, that’s my dad’s car.” You looked at Dean to see him walking to the Impala which you loved so much. You were always envious of the fact that John let Dean drive it but not you. Granted, Dean was 14 and you were 12 and not legally allowed to drive yet but that didn’t stop John.

“Where is John? Where’s Sammy?” You asked, walking over to the car and peering inside the backseat. No one was back there, not even a little bit of evidence as to give away someone had been sitting there.

“Let’s check inside.” Dean said, taking you to the front door of the bar. You walked in and all head turned to you, staring at you, wondering why a couple of teenagers were in here. You grabbed Dean’s hand since you cowered under their stares.

You never were good in crowds. You were shy as hell and Dean understood that. Dean took your hand happily and let you squeeze it as he made his way to the bar. The bartender looked down and you could see a faint smirk on her face.

“What are you guys doing in here? Kids aren’t supposed to be in here.” She said, cleaning the top of the bar. You looked at Dean because there was no way you could speak to a woman like that, her breasts almost falling out of her top.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, we aren’t staying long. We’re looking for someone and we were hoping you’d seen him.” Dean said, turning his charm on. He was easily 10 years younger than she was, maybe more but that didn’t stop him from flirting with her. You bit your lip and looked down, not happy with this but it wasn’t like you could just tell Dean how you felt. It didn’t work like that.

“Maybe I can help.” She said with a smile.

“Great, he’s an older gentleman, dark hair, always looked tired, answers to name John.” Dean said, not giving away too much because you never knew if there were monsters listening in. You couldn’t give yourself away.

“No, I’m sorry, there isn’t anyone here that matches that.” She said.

“What about a small child? Well, he’s only two years younger than I am but his name is Sam. He has shaggy brown hair and dimples if he smiles hard enough.” You said, worried about the Winchesters.

“Again, no child has come in here besides you two.” She said.

“Thank you.” Dean said, winking at her. He walked out of the bar again and to the Impala, leaning against it.

“Dean, we have no idea where we are and John and Sam are nowhere to be found. What are we going to do?” You asked, looking around again.

“Are you guys lost?” You looked up to see a man covered in tattoos approach you and Dean. You immediately went to his side and he put you behind him because the vibe you got from this man wasn’t good.

“No, we’re just waiting for my dad. He should be here any minute.” Dean said, looking up at the man.

“I saw you two inside, looking for a man. I think I know where he is but you would have to come with me. I saw a child with him too, looking for the two of you.” He said. You looked at Dean because you didn’t know what to do. On one hand, this man could be a monster because there was only one monster you knew who had tattoos like that.

Djinn.

“Dean? Y/N?” Your head snapped up and saw a familiar looking man walk over to you. His hair was long, down to his shoulders and he looked like someone you knew. You couldn’t place it but you felt as if you could trust him.

“Thank you, sir, but we found our dad.” You said, taking Dean’s hand and walking over to the man who you felt safe with for some reason.

“Then I must have mistaken you for someone else. My apologies.” The man said, walking off. You let out a sigh of relief and looked at the giant ass man in front of you.

“How do you know who we are?” You asked.

“I’m Sam.” He said in confusion.

“Sam? No, Sammy is 10-years-old and he’s with my dad right now. We don’t know where they are.” You said.

“Guys, what happened to you? You called me, drunk off your ass and now you’re 15?” “Sam” said, his eyes widening. “We have to go. Come on, give me the keys.”

“What? I don’t have the keys.” Dean said, finding he could trust this man. You didn’t know if this was actually Sam or what was going on but you felt as if you could trust him.

“They’re in your pocket.” Sam said impatiently. Dean fished them out and looked at them as he handed it to the man.

“Dean, that does look like Sam if he aged.” You whispered to him as you walked to the Impala.

“Yeah, I know.” Dean whispered back. You three got in the car and Sam wasted no time peeling out of the parking lot, driving down the road.

“Where are we going?” You asked from the backseat.

“Don’t worry, we’re going back to the motel room.” Sam said, driving faster.

“Where’s John?” You asked another question.

“I’ll explain everything when we get there.” Sam said, wasting no time getting to the motel room. You got out when he parked and he let you inside. You looked around to see Lore books on the table. This looked like a normal room except for the Lore books.

“Alright, give me your cellphones.” Sam said, closing the door.

“Cell phones? We don’t have any cell phones.” You said in confusion.

“They’re in your back pocket.” Sam said, sitting on one of the bed. You looked over at Dean who was already pulling out his. But that was no cell phone. You reached in your pocket and pulled out the small, thin device.

No, those weren’t cell phones. Nokia’s were cellphones and these weren’t it.

“What the hell is this?” Dean said, looking at it. Sam sighed and took them out of yours and Dean’s hands, turning them on.

“What is going on? Sam is 10 and even though you look like him if he aged, you’re not him.” You said, going to Dean’s side.

“Look, I thought about it on the way here and that bar is where the witches worked. They probably overheard you talking about how you missed being young again and then this happened. Look, that man you met was a Djinn and if I hadn’t been there, you two would have been food for him.” Sam said, not looking up as he worked.

“Hey, you’re still not answering her question. How are you Sam?” Dean asked.

“You de-aged, is how I’m Sam. You two are in your 30s and the witch did something to make you turn back into your teenage years.” Sam explained. You believed every word he said.

“So, where’s John?” You asked, afraid of the answer.

“He, uh, died 9 years ago.” Sam said quietly. You took in a deep breath and got tears. John was your adopted father and this is what you learn? You looked over at dean to see him doing that jaw thing he loved to do.

“What year is this?” Dean asked quietly.

“2015,” Sam said, giving you and Dean the phones back. “Look, I know it’s a lot to take in but I think what the witch did was she not only revered your ages, she always rewired your brain to your teenage self. What do you remember last?”

“We killed a werewolf with you and dad, the one that gave Y/N the biggest scar she ever got.” Dean said, looking at you.

“Guys, that happened 22 years ago.” Sam said.

“We lost 22 years of our life?” You asked Sam, looking at Dean with tears.

“That's not all, look at your phones.” You looked down at the phone Sam handed back to you and you gasped when you saw an older man that looked like Dean, on one knee, proposing to what looks to be your older self. Your heart raced thinking of the thought of you and Dean.

“We’re married?” You asked, looking at Dean who looked at you.

“Engaged. The reason you don’t have a ring on is because he couldn’t get one yet.” Sam said, going over to the books on the table and flipping some pages. You couldn’t take your eyes off Dean and you got tears. How embarrassing is this for you? Dean didn’t want to be with you and you could see that on his face.

You dropped the phone and ran out of the room, going inside the Impala to think. That is where you liked to be alone and everyone knew it. Not even seconds later, you heard the door opening and Dean slid next to your body.

“Dean, go away, you made it perfectly clear that you dind’t want to be engaged to me.” You said with a sniffle.

“I never said anything.” Dean said softly.

“You dind’t have to. The look on your face made it clear.” You said without looking at him. You felt two fingers pull your chin up and before you knew it, lips were on yours. Your eyes widened because not only was this your first kiss but you were kissing Dean Winchester.

Your eyes closed and you kissed him back, finally feeling at home. You knew this is where you wanted to be your entire life. But was Dean only doing this because of a picture he saw or did he actually like you? You pulled away and licked your lips, still tasting him on them.

“Dean, do you actually like me or is this because of the picture you saw?” You asked shyly. You were so nervous right now.

“It’s because I like you. I’ve always liked you. Why do you think I’ve ditched Sammy with you all those times we hung out? I wanted to be with you but you’re so damn shy that it had to be only us for me to see you for you.” Dean whispered, sliding closer to you.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” You whispered with a smile.

“Believe it because I’m not going anywhere.” Dean said, leaning in and kissing you again. He didn’t have a clue as to what he was doing but you dind’t care because any kiss that you got from Dean, you would cherish and hold onto forever.

You would get through this with Dean, hoping you were turned back soon so you can tell Dean just how much you loved him.

Forever tags:

@maddieburcham1 @ginamsmith @mogaruke @whit85-blog @inlovewithbja @spn67-sister @kdfrqqg @jarpadandjensenaremyheroes @roxyspearing @supercalifragilistic26 @mishamigose @cobrakai1967 @essie1876 @innernightwerewolf @wishedworld

Dean tags:

@akshi8278 @winchesterandpie @mega-mrs-dean-winchester @spn-dean-and-sam-winchester @spn-applepie-imagines @tahbehonest

Other tags:

@jensen-jarpad @notnaturalanahi @27bmm