#like they didn’t even do that old Meggys

[jymic]

Extending a rotten olive branch

[writing-until-i-drop]

What's In A Name? Chapter Six

Meg Harding and Kate Carter were inseparable until their friends died five ago, then she ran to New Orleans to save lives as a paramedic. But when Javi calls on his two oldest friends to help him collect data, counting on their matching natural instincts for tornadoes, Meg goes home for the first time in years. That's where she meets Tyler and the rest of the Wranglers, the YouTube storm chasers her dad likes to watch, and finds herself fitting in more with them than with Storm PAR. Meg only plans to stay for the week but will it be easy to leave when the dust settles?

If a certain cowboy has a say in it, nothing about leaving is going to be easy.

A/N: Cathy's not playing fair

AO3 Link

Previous Chapter

“Meggy Harding, you are a sight for sore eyes,” Cathy Carter called coming from the direction of the old barn. “Come here, honey,” Meg hurried down the porch to meet her on the lawn, letting herself be swept up into one of Cathy’s strong hugs. “You’re getting skinny, have you been taking care of yourself?” 

“Been tryin’ to,” Meg let her second mom place kisses all over her face. “But I’ve been busy.” Cathy pinched her cheek, giving her a playful glare.

“Well, I’ll cook up a big dinner. You here for Kate?” 

“Always,” Meg tipped her head back to where Tyler remained on the porch, “And I brought a friend just in case my boot up her ass ain’t enough.” Cathy’s gaze shifted over Meg’s shoulder and the older woman perked up,

“Honey, he’s cute,” She said less than stealthily, wiggling her brows. “He your boyfriend?”

“Cathy, please,” Meg whined, tugging on Cathy’s arm. “Please be the one adult in my life actin’ normal about this man.” 

“Fine, fine, I’m on my best behavior.” She messed Meg’s hair, moving past her towards the porch. “And who might you be, honey?” 

“Tyler Owens, ma’am. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, especially since you brought Meggy here to see me,” Tyler’s smile was big and bright. He was every parent’s dream, standing there all handsome, every sentence coming out of his mouth starting or ending with “ma’am.” 

Meg abandoned them, wandering off to the barn where she found Kate watching her old science project make a tornado. 

“Never gets any less impressive, Katie my Lady.” Kate glanced over her shoulder with a sad smile.

“Never thought we’d be back in the barn,” Kate’s accent was a little more pronounced, heavy with emotion. “Mom never cleaned it out,” Meg looked around, taking in the plastic covered tables. Without lifting the sheets, Meg knew what was beneath each one. All of Kate’s research, Addy’s drawings, Jeb’s cameras, and my binder filled with diagrams of the human body and notes on everything that could go wrong with it. The plan back then had been to become a doctor, Meg hadn’t thought about that dream in a long time. 

“We left a lot of things unfinished,” 

“Wonder why.” Kate clicked off the simulator, leaning back against the table. “What are you doing here, Meg?” 

“I smacked Javi, Tyler stopped me before I could hit him for real.” Kate chuckled, running a hand down her face. “We didn’t kill them, Kate.” 

“I’m going back to New York,” Meg sighed. If Kate ran again, there was no getting her back, she knew that. “Don’t try and stop me.” 

“We gotta do something, Katie, and runnin’s not an option anymore.” Kate’s response was cut off by Cathy and Tyler strolling into the barn, laughing to themselves. 

“You brought Tyler?” Kate snapped, angry. Meg’s temper spiked back,

“What was I supposed to do, steal his truck?” Kate flinched, “Not everything can be solved by runnin’, Kate, sometimes you’ve gotta chase.” 

“Well, maybe I don’t want to!” Kate shouted, tears streaming down her face, “Not everyone’s okay with the people they love-”

“Kate, go set the table,” Cathy shouted over them both, “Meg, cool off.” Dying. That was the word Kate was going to use and even though Cathy had stopped her, Meg heard it all the same. Kate saw Meg accepting what had happened to their friends as her not caring? It was like a punch to the gut, Meg physically faltering where she stood. Cathy took off after Kate, who rushed out of the barn, sobbing, and Tyler crossed the room to her. 

“I’m fine,” She was not fine. “We just,” Tyler wiped away her tears with his sleeve, concern evident on his face. “This barn brings up a lot of memories.” Tyler took a good look around, “Kate’s havin’ a hard time dealing with that.” 

“Just Kate?” Meg snorted, pulling her hair out of its ponytail. “Going to be honest, darlin’, didn’t think I’d walk in here to find you two arguing.” 

“Yeah, well, we’ve known each other for a decade and I’m pretty sure that was our first,” Meg shook her head. “God fucking dammit, I never shoulda left New Orleans.” 

“Hey, hey, hey, no need for that,” Tyler smoothed her bangs back, kissing her forehead. “Friends fight. Boone and I get into it all the time, you two will be okay.” Meg wrapped her arms around Tyler’s waist, resting her head against his chest. “I promise, darlin’, everything’s going to be okay.” 

“It’s not, Ty, you can be as charmin’ as you like but I’ve got to help Javi finish getting his data and go home. It’s the only helpful thing I can do while I’m here.” 

“About that…” Tyler stroked her back and Meg’s stomach dropped.

“He’s not helping people…is he?” Tyler began to fill her in on all the dirty details of Storm PAR’s involvement with Marshall Riggs and how they took advantage of people in distress to fund their research. All her earlier fight left her body with a great sigh, broken defeat replacing it. “That’s it, I’m going home.” Meg tried to pull away but Tyler held her tight, “Ty.”

“I thought you said running wasn’t an option,” 

“Then call me a fuckin’ hypocrite and take me to the airport.” Meg pushed one more time but Tyler still didn’t budge. “You can’t hug me until I change my mind, Ty, it’s not gonna work.”

“Darlin’,” Tyler kissed her forehead again. “If you still feel that way in the morning, I’ll take you to the airport.” Meg expected to feel relieved but instead, she felt even more dejected.

“How’s it going in here?” Cathy came back through the doors, “You cooled down enough for dinner, Meggy?”

“I’m goin’ home tomorrow,” Tyler finally let her pull away, only for Cathy to take Meg’s face in her hands. A disapproving look on her face.

“Unless you’re talking about visiting your mama, I don’t want to hear it, honey.” She opened her mouth to argue but Cathy steamrolled right over her. “What you’re going to do is eat some dinner and get some sleep, then you’re going to finish putting your boot up my daughter’s ass and finish what all of you started. Do you hear me, young lady?” 

“Yes, ma’am.” Cathy turned her gaze to Tyler, pointing at him,

“And you, she tries to run, you stop her.” 

“Already on it, ma’am.” 

“Good, knew I liked you. Now come on, let’s eat.” 

It took less than a minute being back in each other’s presence for the girls to make up, throwing themselves at each other. Hugging and tearfully apologizing to each other, much to Cathy’s amusement and Tyler’s visible relief. Besides her great aunt Meg’s cooking, Cathy’s cooking was Meg’s favorite, and Cathy kept scooping more food onto her plate until she was ready to burst. 

Then the stories started, Cathy was hell-bent on embarrassing both girls and Tyler was all ears, teasing them both. His hand was resting on Meg’s knee, tethering her to him like a lifeline. Things soured quickly the second Cathy brought up their old project, Kate storming off in the most polite way possible. 

“Tyler, why don’t you go read through their old research, it’s in the white binder with the cloud on it.” 

“I don’t want to push my luck with your daughter ma’am.” Meg patted his thigh, giving him the silent approval, “If you’re sure.” 

“Come on, honey, I’ll wash, you dry.” 

Meg turned on some 90s country music on her phone to fill the silence while they washed the dinner plates, Cathy was the one to break the silence.

“He seems like a good man, Meggy.” Cathy handed her a dish to dry.

“He is,” She agreed. “Don’t tell me my dad’s got you bettin’ on my wedding too.” Cathy gave a little shrug, failing to fight a smile. “Busy bodies, I swear.” 

“What? You expect us to see you with a cowboy gentleman, who seems to love storms as much as you do, and not hear wedding bells?” Meg groaned, taking another plate to dry. 

“At least tell me you’re not in on Rabbit’s pool.” The silence was deafening, “Cathy!” 

“Well, there is only one bed in the guest room.” She didn’t know who she wanted to strangle first, Cathy or Rabbit. “And you and Kate shouldn’t be sharing a twin bed, the guest room has a full.” 

“You’re killin’ me. So, when I wasn’t looking you pulled my bag outta Kate’s room and put it with Tyler’s? Is that what you’re tellin’ me?” 

“I’ve got a hundred bucks on it happening before the end of storm season and no one said I had to play fair.” 

“Dirty, no good cheater,” Meg mumbled. They then settled into silence again, finishing the rest of the dishes.

“Has Kate been chasing again? She said she wasn’t.” Meg hummed, drying off the last dish and putting it away in the cabinet.

“Javi asked us to come down and help him collect data.” God, things had seemed so much simpler only a few days ago. “So, yeah, we’ve been out chasin’ again.” 

“I’m proud of you for coming back, Meggy, proud of all of you.” Meg leaned against the counter, staring up at the ceiling. There was a red mark in the center from where Parveen had eaten a Babybel Cheese, rolled the wax into a ball, and tossed it around. The little wax ball had stuck to the ceiling, the wax never fully coming off.

“I don’t know if I’m back yet, Cathy.” She tossed the dish rag over her shoulder with a sigh. “I want to help people and as much as I love chasin’, it ain’t as helpful as my job back in New Orleans. Those people,” She thought of the last patient she had transported before leaving. A ninety-year-old woman with chest pains, she had told Meg her whole life story in the back of the rig. She wasn’t scared of dying, no, June Bishop was perfectly content. Miss June had lived a long life, she had gotten married young and had three sons, all of whom went to serve in the military, she had lost everything in Katrina like so many others, and had lived long enough to see all of her grandchildren, and one great-grandchild born. Meg had held her hand the whole way to the hospital. “Those people I can help in a tangible way. I mean, if Kate,” Tears pricked her dry eyes. “If we could finish what we started, I think that’s the only thing besides a funeral that could get me to come back.” 

Cathy gathered her up in a hug, both of them leaning against the counter. After some time passed, Kate came down from her room, and without a word she joined them in the embrace. A little while later, Meg shot off a text to Lily.

Meg: How’s everything going?

Lily: Boone’s a bit butt hurt but he’ll get over it - you?

Meg: Touch and go

Tyler seemed surprised to find Meg brushing her teeth in the bathroom attached to the spare bedroom when she spotted him in the mirror. 

“Not that I’m complaining but I figured you’d be sharing a bed with Kate,” Tyler leaned against the door jamb of the bathroom and there was something so domestic about the whole situation that caught Meg off guard. She’d had plenty of boyfriends over the years, none lasting more than a month before either she got tired of them or they got tired of her. Sleepovers with men weren’t something she was used to though, even in a relationship she liked to sleep alone, kicking her dates out at the end of the night.

“I did too,” She replied after spitting and rinsing her mouth. “I’ve got to wash my face if you want to get changed.” 

“Yes, ma’am,” He closed the door and when he was done, opened it again, watching her dry her face with a soft, pink towel. “Are you okay with the sleeping arrangements, darlin’, or should I take the couch?” 

“I’m fine if you are, I am going to give Cathy an earful for it in the morning though.” Tyler followed her to the bed, claiming the side closest to the door. 

“Sounds like there’s more to it than a lumpy couch.” 

“Oh, there is,” Meg huffed, relaxing into the pillows, breathing in the scent of air-dried laundry. “My family’s got all sorts of bets running on us and Cathy’s bein’ a cheat.” Tyler shifted onto his side and she could feel his eyes on her while she stared at the ceiling. 

“Bets that involve us sharing a bed?” 

“Yes, sir,” She drawled sarcastically, turning off the lamp on her side of the bed. “It’s embarrassin’.” 

“Well,” Tyler sighed, “I think if I’m being bet on, I should know what for.” Why? Meg closed her eyes. Why was her family like this?

“They bet on how long, Jesus Christ,” She took a deep breath, “They bet on how long it would take me to, and I quote, ride the cowboy.” Tyler, thank God, didn’t say anything but he did chuckle and she could feel his eyes on her. Meg wanted the bed to open up and swallow her whole, her face burning with embarrassment.

“And the other bet?” Meg took another long, deep breath before answering.

“They’re bettin’ on us getting married, Arkansas,” She flipped to face away from him. “Now go to sleep.” Tyler’s hand gripped her waist, flipping her to her other side so they were face to face. “I’m not talking about this, Ty.” 

“You’re cute when you’re annoyed,” He squeezed her hip, giving her a soft smile that made her heart beat like crazy. He was backlit by the lamp on his side of the bed, a soft, yellow light highlighting him in an angelic way. “You scrunch your nose like this,” He imitated her and he looked adorable. Meg giggled, bopping his nose.

“Stop, I’m trying to be mad and you actin’ sweet ain’t helping.” He shrugged,

“Well excuse me for not wanting my girl to be mad.” His girl. Those words weighed on her chest like a cat curling in for a nap, warm and comforting. 

“You are taking this whole thing about my family bettin’ on us having sex and getting married a little too well,” She narrowed her eyes at him. “What are you not sayin’?” He blushed, rubbing circles into her hip with his thumb. “Tyler I-don’t-know-your-middle-name-Owens, tell me.” 

“Michael,” He muttered. Meg tilted his head up with two fingers under his chin. “That’s my middle name.” 

“And mine’s Marie, now spill it.” 

“There may or may not be a similar bet going with the group,” Of course there was. 

“Bet, as in singular?” He nodded, “Which one do they have goin’?” Tyler’s blush deepened.

“Well, darlin’,” Tyler sighed, smiling sweetly. “Boone’s been planning our wedding since you tried to pool the wool over my eyes when we first met.” He cupped her face and she mirrored him, her hand resting on his cheek. “So they’re betting on the other part.” There were two ways Meg could go with this conversation, serious or teasing, and she’d be damned if she did anything serious while wearing Kate’s Hello Kitty sleep pants from high school.

“Well,” Meg stroked Tyler’s stubbled cheek. “Tell Boone I want an October weddin’ and he’s welcome at it whether you’re there or not.” Tyler shook with laughter, tugging her so she was head first in his chest like they had slept the night before.

“Oh, I’m gonna be there, darlin’,” He kissed the top of her head. “Crying while your daddy walks you down the aisle to me.” So much for avoiding serious conversation. Meg expected to feel a sense of fear or at least anxiety thinking about marrying Tyler but instead, she found herself smiling. His cologne was lingering on his sleep shirt and he was oh so warm wrapped around her. She could see him standing at the altar all dressed up in a suit and tie, Boone behind him as best man, and Preacher beside him ready to officiate like he had promised to when she was little.

“Boone share any of these wedding plans with you?” Meg slipped her leg between his, bringing herself just a little bit closer to him. “Tell me everything.” Tyler began stroking her back.

“He wants to do it outside, said he thinks you’d like to be where you can see the sky.” Boone knew her well, that’s exactly how she wanted to get married, not inside of some stuffy church. “Dani’s picking out dresses she and Lily won’t mind wearing as your bridesmaids, they’ve got one for Kate too.” 

“Sounds like they’ve got the whole thing planned out. Lily in charge of the rings?” 

“Yes, ma’am. They even roped Ben into picking out table settings and invitations, he complains but is secretly over the moon.” Tyler’s hand moved to her hair, massaging her neck. Meg groaned, not realizing how much tension had been lingering there until that exact moment.

“That feels good, Ty.” She felt herself getting sleepier, relaxing more into Tyler’s hold with each passing moment. “Keep tellin’ me about our wedding.” 

“Yes, ma’am,” He kissed her hair again. “The biggest argument is what kind of flowers to get. Boone’s a romantic so he wants roses.” That made her giggle,

“Why ain’t I surprised?” 

“Shh, baby,” Tyler teased, kissing her hair again. “You’re supposed to be falling asleep.” 

“Don’t tell me what to do, Arkansas,” Meg sassed half-heartedly. Tyler’s ministrations paused for a moment before he gently pulled her head back by her hair. He was fixing her with one of those listen-to-me looks she’d seen on her mama’s face a thousand times before, his eyes the color of greenage before a big storm. Staring into them, she wondered if her favorite color had ever truly been yellow, or if it had been green all along and she just hadn’t found the right shade until now. 

“Darlin’,” His fingers tightened their grip just a little, giving Meg a jolt of pain that only brought pleasure. “Will you please hush that pretty little mouth of yours and let me talk?” She wanted to sass him again, see what he would do but when she opened her mouth nothing but a yawn came out. He must’ve taken that as a yes, bringing her face back into his chest. He was lucky he was cute enough to get away with manhandling her like that. “Dani’s vote is on sunflowers but Ben and Lily think that lilies would be better.” Meg made an inquisitive noise, wanting to know what Tyler thought. “I’ve got a soft spot for wildflowers, especially daisies. My mama used to keep a vase of them on the counter next to the window.” Meg snaked a hand under the back of his shirt, humming in approval. “I’ll take your freezing hands under my shirt as a yes to the wildflowers.” 

Tyler kept talking about color schemes and Dexter’s thoughts on what to cater for dinner. How Ben had insisted they have live music instead of a DJ and the way Boone wanted to use bandanas as pocket squares, all while Meg drifted off to sleep. 

She woke to her phone ringing, AC/DC’s Highway to Hell breaking the silence of the night. Tyler’s arms were firm around her waist making it hard for her to retrieve the device from the bedside table.

“Hey, Hot Stuff,” She groaned. Tyler didn’t budge from his position curled around her. The man, she was learning, could sleep like the dead. But she would bet he’d be wide awake if she even thought of the word tornado.

“Hey, Honey Buns. How’s the storm hunting?” Nick must’ve been grabbing beignets, she could hear the familiar sounds of Cafe du Monde in the background in the late hours of the night.

“It’s good,” She decided to keep the life and death details to herself for now, not in the right mindset for a lecture. “How’s my baby, you treatin’ her right?” 

“She’s purrin’ like a cougar in a college bar.” Meg chuckled, “Hadn’t heard from ya so I thought I’d check in. Cecilia misses you something awful.” Cecilia was Nick’s wife of seven years, an ER nurse at University Hospital. She and Meg would sometimes get lunch together when their days off aligned but Meg knew who was really missing her. 

“Yeah, I miss you too,” Nick laughed, commenting on her ego. “The storms out here have been crazy.” Just like she predicted, Tyler stirred.

“Storm? Is that Boone?” Meg rolled her eyes, kissing him on the chin.

“It’s just Nick, go back to sleep, Sweetie Pie.” And then he was out like a light, she shook her head at him.

“Meg Marie Harding, you’ve got a man in your bed?” Nick jokingly scolded her like an older brother. “You ain’t supposed to be doin’ that outta wedlock.” 

“Says the man who tried to set me up with that fire fighter who ended up having a wife.” 

“Not my finest moment, I’ll admit,” He chuckled. “Well, Honey Buns, I’ll let you get back to sinnin’.” 

“Meanin’ your order’s ready?” Nick hung up on her without answering and she laughed softly, choosing not to fight against Tyler’s hold, putting the phone under her pillow.

She’d be back in New Orleans soon enough, riding around in the rig with Nick, going wherever dispatch sent them. But for the first time, thinking about her life there didn’t feel right, her heart constricting the point of physical pain.

Meg traced Tyler’s jaw with her fingertips, then his nose, the arch of his brow, and his bottom lip, the pain getting worse with every second. Helping people was her job, one that she loved and felt called to, but the thought of leaving Tyler was breaking her heart.

“Tyler Michael Owens,” She whispered, watching for any signs that he was awake and seeing none. “I think I just might be fallin’ in love with you.” Meg pressed a feathersoft kiss to his lips, it lasted a second, maybe less, but she felt more in that split second than she had with any of the men Nick had set her up with in the past. 

“Again, baby,” Tyler whispered, eyes blinking open. “Please.” He sounded so needy and desperate, matching her own desire for him. Meg didn’t hesitate to brush her lips against his. Tyler tilted his head into the kiss, kissing her soundly, leaving not an ounce of doubt in her mind that she loved him. It had been less than a week but Meg felt like she had known him her entire life. He made her feel safe, comfortable, and seen. The way he held her at night and couldn’t keep his hand off her leg during the day, the way he listened to her like there was no one else around, and most importantly, the way he treated her with kindness and respect. “Nick okay?” Tyler asked once they came up for air, voice raspy.

“He’s fine, just checkin’ on me.” Tyler hummed, giving her a peck on the lips once, twice, three times more. 

“And how are you doing, baby?” 

“Never better,” Meg kissed his chest, snuggling back into what was quickly becoming her favorite sleeping position. 

Taglist: @theforevermorereject @beltzboys2015-blog @writingrose @sinners-98-world @nerdgirljen @candlejuice @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby @football1921 @katiemcrae @emma8895eb @itsdesiree86 Want to be added to this list? Just ask!

Next Chapter

[atomicpaintercandy]

SMG4 Cyber World

Chapter 2:  The tuna 

—————————————

3rd person pov:

15/04/XX 10:23

 Smg4 surprisedly woke up earlier than usual, he gets up, dressed and get breakfast (bread with butter) and directly went to the “tuna”, on his way he saw a poster about the Supreme Leader that had been tagged by (probably) some teenagers.

He didn’t pay more attention than that and directly went to the area where the “tuna” was.

The old sushi restaurant who was here before was totally destroyed, actually, the whole quarter was destroyed, some people said it’s the gouvernement who burned all the street because someone was disobedient to them, but the band know it was wrong, it’s Bob who burned it when he burned the sushi restaurant.

15/04/XX 11:08

 Smg4 get in the restaurant and went to the cave, when he push the door he found some of his friends talking together.

🩵-Hi Smg4! You came pretty early today.

💙-Hi Tari! Yeah.. I don’t know why I woke up SO early

🩷-11am it’s not what I call “early” 

 The fact that Saiko was talking to 4 with a sarcastic tone means she totally forgot about the discussion of yesterday.

💜-Oh come on Saiko, you know 4 usually wakes up at like, what, 1pm?

💙-Haha keep laughing guys, anyways, where is Boopkins and Bob? They’re usually the first to be here.

🩷-Bwaa, they’re probably fleeing from the police or something likes that.

🩵-Boopkins explained to me the mafia was kinda tense those times, he thinks a conflict between the gouvernement and the mafia that takes care of zone “B” will explode soon.

💜-Am I the only one who doesn’t understand what they mean by “zone”?

🩷-They never revealed it to any of us, and I understand them! I mean.. just imagine what the mafia will do to them if they learn that two of their employees have a friend who work for the police, so I don’t want to imagine what they will do if one day they revealed to us about those “zones”.

💙-Uhf.. I wish I could work with the mafia too.. I’d finally have some adventure in my monotone life.

🩵-I don’t think it’s a good idea to join the mafia NOW, Boopkins also told me that the gouvernement were arresting more people then before they suspect to be in the mafia, even if they don’t have any good proofs.

💜-It seems like they are scared of a rebellion..

🩷-Noooo do you think there’s some people who want to change power? I mean.. good for us! But..

💜-I’m only making supposions, but it’s kinda possible.

 The silent grow, Smg4 decided to broke it.

💙-Hey, what are YOU guys doing here early too? 

🩷-We decided to meet earlier so we can talk about preparing a party for Meggy! You didn’t check your messages… don’t you?

💙-Really? Why you guys doing that? It’s not like she’s going in another country.

🩷-She’s gonna work for the police 4, that’s even worse..

 The guys were silent again and if Boopkins and Bob didn’t arrive at this moment they would probably didn’t talk until the supreme leader resign.

🤎-Hi guys! Sorry for being late.

💙-Bob! Where you guys were?

🐠-We were running away, of the police.

🩷-May I ask you for what reason this time?

🤎-Because Boopkins thought it would be a good idea to use the money for buy sugar for cakes..

🩷-Aaaannnnddd?

🤎-..and that idiot bought cocaine instead of sugar..

🐠-For my defend the two look like the same.

🩷-Aaaannnnddd?

🤎-..and the drug dealer was a policeman in disguise.

🩷-Classic

💜-What did you guys did of the policeman?

🐠-We putted him in the “hole of silence”.

🩵-W..What is the.. “hole of silence”?

💙-That’s an old building which is known because the network doesn’t pass and as no one passes there we don’t hear you screaming.

🩵-Oh.. charming..

🩷-Guys we need to focus about the party for Meggy!

🩵-Yeah you’re right!

🩷-We gonna go by teams of two, Tari and Melony you will make the cake (or buy it), Bob and Boopkins you guys find the dishes, I will call Mario and Luigi to tell them to take the diner and Smg3 and 4 you two will take the decorations, okay?

💙-Do you really cares if we’re okay or not?

🩷-Absolutely not. Now, everyone go buy your things everything have to be ready until tonight!

🤎-Wait, and what are YOU doing?

🩷-I make sure Meggy doesn’t come here until everything’s prepared.

🩵-I sent a message to Melony and she’s okay with it.

🩷-Okay then... GO, GO, GO!!

 Everyone got out of the “tuna” and went in different directions.

———————————————

15/04/XX 11:47

Smg4 and Smg3 went to “Decorpseration” 

(decoration + corpse).

It was the only store who still selling decorations in the whole Sima Ring, so everything was kinda expensive.

💙-70.^ ?!! (.^ = bucks) They think we’re rich or smt??

💜-Yeah that’s the same price then in the Loda Area.

💙-Shall we do a hold-up?

💜-For party decorations?

💙-Yeah.

💜-Fuck yeah.

💙-My apartment is not very far from here, we can go get guns and hoods and come back.

💜-Yeah sounds good.

 They got out of the store and went to 4’s apartment, on they way to it they talk about all and nothing.

💜- …Hey 4?

💙- Hm?

💜- Are you… alright? Like how do you feel about Meggy and all?

💙- I- Y- yeah… I guess…

💜-…You still feel guilty.. right?

💙-How could I’m not? I’m the reason why the world is like this. And now I’m going to be the reason why my friend’s going to die.

 Smg4 lose his cold blood and start to yelled and cried.

💜-4...

💙-All of this is because I became crazy about a stupid video.. all is my fault..

💜-4 I totally understand what you feel but try not to scream in the middle of the street, you don’t want to attract the attention of police officers..

 Smg4 did I quick look around him and saw people looking at him in a strange way.

💜-Looks it’s only 12:02, we can go to your apartment and I can cook us diner.

💙-But.. the party..

💜-It’s for tonight 4, we still have the time don’t worry.

 Smg4 quickly nods and they went to his apartment.

💜-Go sit on your couch I made the diner

 Smg3 opened a drawer and was surprised to see that Smg4’s alimentation was only made of bread when he said he only had bread.

💜-WHAT THE.. YOU ONLY HAVE SPOILED BREAD?!!

💙-Yeah…

💜-You’re such an idiot.. I’m gonna command something.

💙-OH NO YOU DONT. YOU KNOW LIKE ME HOW COMMANDING FOOD BECAME EXPENSIVE.

💜-I don’t care and didn’t ask. So, what you want? I’m kinda into some hot dogs, what about you?

💙-Take the same order as you.

💜-K if you want.

 Smg3 called the restaurant and the manager seems kinda surprised someone command food but whatever. 

10 minutes after they receive their food and ate it. 

            ——————

 During the I.G.B.P arc when Smg4 throw the USB, it fusions with the goo and made a creature half-human, half-technology and it took over the world in only 3 years, 7 years later it’s still in control and is called the “Supreme Leader”

———————————————————————————————

The end of the chap2

Code color:

💙 = Smg4

💜 = Smg3

🩷 = Saiko

🩵 = Tari

🤎 = Bob

🐠 = Boopkins

(Sorry if you’re color blind)

[captaincherrie]

Nefarious pt. 4

Aaron Hotchner x OC

summary: In a constant game of life and death, two people meet. Changing their lives and those of everyone around them.

Warning: mentions of murder, death, talk of mental health issues, angst all over (its Criminal minds after all)

AN: this is a filler chapter. Its mostly angsty but nothing really bad happens yet.. I hope you all enjoy. As always, let me know what you think!

disclaimer: I do not own criminal minds or its characters. The only thing originally mine are the characters and storylines I created!

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Where does the good go?

Janice Lee wrote ‘draw a monster, why is it a monster?’

Stepping into Natalie Baum’s home a trail of goosebumps ran over Derek’s back. He looked at Rossi, who stood next to him uneasily. As they walked in, a few things came to notice. The room held a cold grey color, not too much furniture and it was squeaky clean. If someone came along mention they had to use it as an operation room Derek would believe them.

David observed the room quietly. His hand rested on his holster, ready to act on his nerves as they were telling him something was wrong. The living room of the cute 80-year-old grandma who worked on her roses everyday held no warmth or life. There were no photographs or signs that a life had been lived in this house. Those beautiful roses outside were nowhere to be seen inside in the house.

“What can I do for you boys?” Natalie smiled at them.

Derek looked at David before answering, “Ma’am as stated before, we need to ask you some things about your neighbors.”

“Your home is very clean Natalie; it doesn’t look very cozy.” David remarked.

Natalie frowned, “It hasn’t been cozy since my husband died 2 years ago. He had a stroke, died on his way to the hospital.”

Derek and David shared a look once again before Derek took the initiative to start the conversation.

“Mrs. Baum, I wanted to ask you about your neighbors. What were you doing the night they were murdered?” Derek asked softly. He didn’t want to scare her, but he needed to confirm her alibi first. It wouldn’t have been the first time he had seen people of age surprise him.

“I was with my niece Christy; she is my sisters’ daughter. She has 3 kids, they’re such angels. We never had children of our own and when my sweet John died, I was all alone. Now I visit Christy and her kids a few times a week. We eat together and sometimes I watch the kids while she does something nice. Her husband left her a while ago, the little shit goblin.” Natalie snarled.

Before Derek could let out a laugh at the last remark, David interfered.

“Do they live nearby?”

Natalie smiled “Oh yes! They live a 10-minute bus ride away. That sweet bus driver always makes sure I’m on time. You can imagine I’m not the fasted walker at this age.”

David smiled back at her while nodding his head. He stood up from his seat to look around.

“We gathered from Ben that you sometimes babysat for the Taylors, is that correct?” Derek asked.

Her smile quickly disappeared when the Taylors were mentioned. “Yes, I do. I’ve met them when they moved here, sweet family. They started inviting us for the holidays a few years ago.”

“So, you’d say that you knew the Taylors well?” David inquired.

“I would say so, yes. Meggie even cleans my house. Poor soul needed a distraction, we talked about it over coffee once and now she comes by once a week.” Natalie answered sincerely.

This made Derek and David look at each other.

“Meggie? You mean Megan Barlow, Allison’s sister? What did she need a distraction from?” Derek asked this time.

With a sigh Natalie answered, “Oh, I don’t like to tell other people’s business. But since you’re from the FBI I’ll tell you. Megan was in a horrible accident 6 months ago. She lost her husband and her two children. I believe she was pregnant at the time too, but when their car hit the water, she was the only survivor. Took her months to recover, just got out of hospital last month. She was a stay-at-home mom, so you can imagine she wanted something to distract herself.”

With a buzz of his phone, Derek stood up and nodded to Rossi.

“Thank you for telling us, Natalie. We will be in contact if we need more information.” David said as he touched her shoulder in a comforting way.

As they made their way to the door, they heard Natalie mumble an “of course” before slowly following them.

Once Derek and David reached the car, Derek pulled out his phone.

“Hey Baby girl, Megan Barlow only got out of the hospital last month, can you send me everything you have on that please?” Derek spoke to Garcia in a rushed tone.

-

At the station it seemed like time wasted away. Emily and Spencer were still staring at a map of the area as they tried to work out a geographic profile. Hotch was still bowed over a pile of files with JJ. Josie and agent Cole stood together in the lunchroom, both a cup of coffee in hand.

Derek and David arrive at the station with a haste, smashing the door behind them. This seemed to draw the attention of a group of officers and the BAU team. In a beeline Derek and David made their way to Hotch’s office, with Spencer and Emily in tow.

With furrowed eyebrows Derek spoke, “Megan Barlow has been in an accident six months ago. Car to the water, she lost her three children and her husband. Apparently, she was pregnant too. We were just with Natalie Baum, the Taylors neighbor. She told us about it. Megan seemed distraught when she arrived here. Garcia just sent me information. Apparently, she was a stay-at-home mom and after she got out of the hospital she stayed with a friend for a month. Megan refused to speak to her sister, they only spoke at the night of murder. Hotch, I have a bad feeling about this one”

The stoic look on Hotch his face remained as he listened to the story. Once Derek was finished speaking, he grabbed his phone to dial their technical analyst.

“You’re speaking with your personal Wikipedia, you ask, I answer. How can I help you Sir?” Garcia answered cheerfully.

“Garcia, please send me all you have on Megan Barlow, including her files from the hospital.” Hotch ordered.

With a small sigh she answered, “Sir, some of these are sealed. Shall I-“

“Garcia, give me everything you have. Unseal them, I need all the information I can get.” Hotch interrupted as he hung up the phone after.

With a small sound coming from the laptop that was open on the table, the files Garcia sent started flooding in. Ready to be examined one by one by each team member.

As Hotch took a stance next to the laptop, he started giving out instructions. “Alright everyone, start searching through those files. See if you find anything that can lead us to creating a profile.”

While finishing his last sentence he made a run through the door of his office, his eyes searching for a brunette agent. He wasn’t sure if she’d be willing to speak to him again after the way he lashed out towards her last night. He had been so stressed, he missed Hailey and Jack, Jack mostly. His wife had been acting distant lately, but that wasn’t what occupied his thoughts right now. He needed to find Josie and tell them what they discovered.

There she was, seated behind a desk. Her hair now loose, no longer in the ponytail it was in this morning. With a focused look on her face, she worked on whatever was projected on her screen.

“Agent Lovejoy, can we have a word please?” He hushed as he reached her desk. In all truth, she had seen him the moment he came out of the office. However, after he had been such a dick, she decided to ignore his presence for as long as she could. Apparently, that was until now. He called her name, he wanted to speak to her. The critical look on his face didn’t make her feel any better as she nodded while standing up to follow him to the office.

Once they reached the office, agent Cole had already found her way there. She was ready to hear whatever news Hotch had to bring.

As he told them their recent discovery, Hotch saw their faces fall with a horrified expression. Too many times had they seen awful endings involving kids in trauma cases like this one.

“I would like for you to call to the social worker that has visited them. Talk to them and ask what their insides are. After that we will go to the hotel, you two should get some rest too” He finished.

An icky silence fell upon them as an anxious feeling filled the room.

Read the next part here

[slusherfamilyarts]

Generation Witch

Chapter One

         Edward Simkins sits quietly at his cluttered desk. His elbows pressed into a scattered of city maps marked with blue lines and red flags. Both hands holding a disappointed face. Unlike the busy days before, this time he was just staring at the pink slip with Friday’s date boldly printed across it. How could he tell his wife that he lost the job? He had been employed in this position since college graduation? How could he supply the needs for his two sons and his unborn daughter? She will have even greater needs than the boys.

         “Hey, Edward.”

         He looked at the door that he had forgotten to shut. He locked eyes with his secretary who looked as if she had been crying. He had forgotten the employees that worked under his supervision. They had less than he. Did they have any money saved to help them until something else opened up for them after his department on Friday?

         “Meggie, may I help you?” Edward tried to cover his own pain.

         “I wanted if you were ok?” She asked.

         “Yes I am fine.” He looks down at the desk drawer where he had the petty cash stored. “Do you have a job lined up?’

         “No, not yet.” She replied. “I have not had time to look. My daughter just got out of the hospital.“

         Edward opened up the drawer, looked past the bottle of rum, and grabbed the bank bag. He reached it to her. “I cannot do much, but I want you to take this to help you until you find something.”

         “Sir, this is too much.”

         “I wish I could do more.” Edward motions toward the door. “You can leave now. You can come back Friday to get your check.”

         “Thank you.” She said walking toward the door. Her voice nearly inaudible because of her emotions.

         “Please close the door behind you.”

         When the door was closed, he reached into the drawer for the bottle of rum. He drinks a shot from the dirty glass. Then decides that he didn’t need the glass. He felt better by just turning up the bottle much like a toddler nursing milk from his bottle.

         The next morning Edward opened his eyes. His neck was sore. He wiped the drool from his face. This was when, he knew that he had to get his family away before he takes them down a slippery slope. He knew that the big city help way too much alcohol.

Emma and Edward moved to the area to find peace from the noise of New York. Edward had lost his job as a transportation specialist, and could not make ends meet in the city any longer for his family. Unable to purchase the things needed to keep a house going, he started to drink spending what money he could make on alcohol. It seemed as though moving away from the bars would be the best solution to save a man, a marriage, and a family. With dreams of living off the land, Emma, Edward, Lee 6, and Jake 3 moved to “Nowhere”.

Emma, being eight months pregnant with Sara, wobbled holding tight to the unpainted-splintery rails as she climbed the squeaky steps up the rickety old steps to the uneven wooden door. When they first moved into the shabby little three bedroom house that had some of the windows covered up with boards, the family had dreams of a happier life together. Their two sons would grow up and be farmers, and their only daughter would be the happy home-maker.

Sara is a thirteen year old girl with red hair and freckles. She weighed 86 pounds, and she was only 4’ 11” tall. Her slender body showed little signs of becoming a woman. She was seen more dressed in dirty-torn jeans than clean dresses because she loved to play and run with her brothers. Miles of old forsaken roads and hill sides were their playground. Her family lived in a little township with the population of 350 people. She and her bothers played from sun up until sun down every day. They were happy and unaware of the pain that their mother felt from being isolated.

Emma woke up at five in the mornings. She made sure that the children were fed and off to school. The boys now worked on the farm with their father. Being twenty and seventeen, Lee and Jake worked the fields. After Sara left for school, Emma was alone with only her house work to keep her company. Day after day she longed to have friends to go out to dinner with. She only had memories of her wealthy family in New York. She was slipping deeper and deeper into a depression without anyone having time to notice.

Emma watches Sarah stroll down the dirt road to her bus stop. She was so proud of how the children have been growing strong, moral independent people. She had tears running down her eyes. In her heart, she knew that this would be the last time she would see her little red head again.

Emma looked over the back yard toward the barn. She dreaded to do the laundry in the heat. She was feeling alone as she does every day for the past thirteen years. She began her wash. One item after another, she rubbed on the washboard, shake, and hang on the line. Memories of when she would sit around the tables in the local laundry mats with other house wives, filled her mind. Even simple things like chores, were social to Emma. She would attend quilting parties. You could find her at community kitchens. Yea all those days were gone. No family. No friends. Only day in and day out cleaning and cooking all alone.

First she hands a load of under-ware on the line. Next the kids’ jeans went up. Then she reached into the basket, pulling out a blue dress. “How did that get in there?” She asked herself. When she saw the dress hanging by its shoulders, memories came flooding back of all the experiences that she took away from her children by moving into this small community. Without thinking Emma reaches for the next line to continue hanging shirts. She pulls it taunt, tippy toes to reach it, and pulls slack in the line. Then she makes a small loop in the stretchy material and pushes her head through it. There is no way Emma would know that this one act would ruin her family. Emma’s eyes turning back into her face, would never see the damage that she began in the life of her children. While she was gasping for air that could not be received, she was turning her functional family into angry people who victimize her young daughter. As her feet twitched body searching for oxygen, she could not have known what her suicide would lead to.

One day when Sara came home from school, there were no cookies on the table. There wasn’t the order of dinner in the stove. The house was as clean as it usually was, but her mother was not to be seen.

“Mom,” Sara calls as she walks from room to room in search of her mother. Not finding her, she opens the back door to walk to the bard where she hoped to find her mother grooming a horse or talking with her father.

“Oh, my God!” Sarah screamed. She ran to the clothes line where her mother had wrapped the cotton string around her neck and feel to her knees. Her eyes were open staring right toward Sarah, and one of Emma’s earrings were lying beside her. Struggle and pull as she might, Sarah could not save her mother. From that day forth, her father blamed himself for driving Emma to kill herself, but he blamed Sarah more for not saving her.

Things had changed. Her father was no longer her “Daddy”. He was her capture. Her brothers were no longer her playmates playing the games that they had once enjoyed. They had become her torturers. They played different kinds of games since the grief of losing the only woman they had learned to love. She tried to protect heart from becoming rigid with the many skeletons forming in her closet. Some were trials that could never be expressed. She had kept hidden away in her tattered heart. Since her mother died everyday was filled with guilt, but day after day she became deeper into a world of slavery and incest. She had been beaten by her dad and older brother’s. Her father lay drunk since her mother committed hanging from the same place that she once hung his clothing out to dry; her brothers exploited her as they pleased. She was their slave at times working doing all the chores or any job that they wanted completed. Late at night, she had to fulfill their needs and those of their friends in ways sister should never have any knowledge of.

         A year had passed since Emma took her own life, Sarah found someone who she felt love from. Sara was only fourteen when she married Jimmy Johnson. J.J. was a friend of her oldest brother Lee.

         He was smart. He is a straight A student. J.J. knew the BIBLE inside and out, but he was a rebellious son of Preacher. He was happy and wanted to help everyone that he met due to his religious up-bringing. He got himself into trouble because he didn’t care who his friends were.

He was the only male that treated her as if she was a young woman. He would slip into her room late at night, but not to forcefully take her as the other boys did. J.J. would wait until all the family would go to sleep. He crawled into her bed. He would kiss away her tears, and hold her so she could go peaceful to sleep. He was the only male who ever considered her as human.

         When J.J. told his parents of his young white girlfriend, James Sr and Martha Johnson was shocked. The pastor and his wife believed strongly that marrying outside their race was an unforgivable sin. This left the two young lovers only one option. J.J. would take his precious love into the next county where they could be married with no questions.

         After the long ride, Sarah loved hearing those magic words, “You may kiss the ride.” It didn’t matter that she had no dress, no cake, or even family. It wasn’t important that the only people to witness was the elderly preacher, his wife, their little Jack Russell, and of course God.

         All the couple had in cash was $35. “It won’t be much of a honeymoon.” He stood on the porch of the little white church. He points to the ratty hotel a block away. The sign read Vac_nc_ due to the fact the neon lights were not all shinning.

J.J. carried Sarah into room 33. The smell of musk filled their noses, the spread on the bed was worn, and the air conditioner didn’t work. Sarah knew that she had J.J. who loved her, and this was all that was important to her.

Sarah opens her eyes in response to the sound of pounding on the door. Who could be knocking? No one knew where she had J.J. had spent their wedding night. Then she heard a loud masculine voice, “Junior!”

         The voice woke her new groom. His face was white with fear. The face that she could only surmise was because the man behind the door was his father, the Pastor.

         The two hurried to find their clothes. “Just a minute, Dad.” J.J. replied. He whispers to his bride, “don’t worry. You are my wife and there isn’t anything he can do to change that.”

         J.J. opens the door expecting to see only his angry father with his stable mother to smooth the fire that undoubtedly burned in James eyes for his son’s betrayal. However, there stood James, but he wasn’t alone. Beside him stood Sarah’s father Edward, powered the many drinks that he consumed throughout the night. Sarah’s brother’s Lee and Jake had tagged along. Both her brothers were over six and a half feet tall. They stood over her five foot six inch husband, like mountains.

         Lee slaps Sarah knocking her to the floor. J.J. ran over to her side. With one quick kick from the strong farmer’s leg, Lee had thrown the groom against his wife. The couple lay motionless against each other until Edward grabs Sarah by the hair and pulls her to the other side of the room. He held her back to watch her brothers beat the one she loved. She screams, “James, that’s your son.” She looks at James. “They are killing him. STOP!”

         James yells to the brothers, “Stop, this is my son. I will take him far away.”

         “Daddy, Daddy!” Sarah begs her father. “Please let him go. Make them stop, and I will never see him again.”

         Lee and Jake throw him out the door. James follows after him. He helps his son back in the truck. Sarah tail lights dim as they drove off through swollen eyes. She knew that she would never see him again.

         She never saw J.J. again, but she refused to go home. When she left the room, she was dropped at the hospital. She didn’t tell anyone what had really happen, but she signed herself out to journey into the unknown.

 

Chapter Two

         Sarah spent most of her time researching for programs that to find help her for her unborn child.  Screen after screen was filled with lists of churches. “Surely,” Sarah thought, “will help me. They believe that God loves everyone.” However every time she dialed a number, she was either redirected to call another number or told that they only help those who are members of their church. Time after time, she was disappointed. Angry that she could not receive any kind of benefits that gave her hope. Sarah cried into the receiver, “Is this how your God treats his creations? I want no part of him!” Before the office secretary could utter another word, Sarah slams the ear piece of the pay phone. She slides her back down the library wall, hides her face in her hands, and sobs.

         “Are you ok?” asks a handsome man. He was well dressed, and about the age of her father. His look of concern caught her by surprise. She wipes the dampness from her eyes. “I have just had a bad day.” She uttered thankful that someone even noticed her, but she was weary to trust him.

         “When is the baby due?”

         “I am not sure.” Sarah replies as she realizes that she had never seen a doctor. She looks at her swollen belly and rubs the baby lump.

         He reaches out his hand to her. When she reached out to shake hands, Mark gently pulled her up to her feet. “My wife and I live three blocks away. She is a wonderful cook, and a great mother.” She paused. “Give me a moment to check out these movies for my kids, and I will take you to the house for a good meal, baby advice from someone who knows what it’s like to be in your condition, and possibly a night or two a week that we may need a sitter for date night.”

         Sarah agrees and follows Mark to the check-out counter.

         They arrived at the nice two story house around 3:30 in the afternoon. Mark walks into the house with her just a few steps behind him. A lovely blond woman, who looked to be around 20 or so, greeted him with a soft kiss. “Who’s our company?” She asks holding her hand out in welcome to Sarah.          

         “Sarah, we met at the library.” He explains. “She is going to be a first time mother, and I thought she could use some advice from one of the best.”

         “Nice to meet you Sarah. My name is Carol.” Carol guided the young mother to be to a large dining room. There on the table was three small plates with cookies and three glasses filled with milk. “Have a seat. The children will be home in about fifteen minutes.” Carol states as she places a plate of cookies and glass of milk there for Sarah.

         “How many children do you have?”

         “We have two children, but every day on of the twins brings home a friend. Sue brings Kammi, or Tommy brings Bill from next door.”

         “How do you know to only put out three snacks and not four or two?” Sarah asks confused.

         “It is funny, they never each bring someone home after school."

         After meeting the children, Sarah became their babysitter, but the job did not last for long.

         One week and two days later, Mark helped Sarah carry the twins to their beds. He had done this many times. This time would be different. He slowly lays his son on the race car bed, and stands there until Sarah leaves his daughter Sue in her pretty pink princess bed. He turns and blocks her exit from the room. Sarah looks up into Mark’s eyes. Even in the dimness of the night light, she could see a forcefulness that she remembered in the eyes of her brother.

         “No, “she whispers as she tries to push past him.

         He grabs her arm tighter. “You don’t want to wake the children.”

         Sarah fights back the familiar tears as Mark pushes her against the pink dresser with baby blue drawers. Holding to the top of the piece of furniture so that the sound of his thrust would not bang the wall. She wished she had not trusted this man. When the dead was done, Mark fastens his belt, kisses his children, and leaves Sarah to pull up her blue jeans. He looks back and whispers, “See you same time tomorrow night, baby.”

                   Sarah pulls up her pants as Mark releases his grasp on her waist. He turns her around, smiles, and puts his index finger in front of his lips to remind her that this was their secret. She wish that she could slap him, punch him, or put a knee right into his guilty wet member. She knew that if she did, the children would be awaken. She did not want them to be traumatized.

         Sarah runs through her room to her bathroom. She jumped into shower trying to wash all his smell and her shame down the drain. The water was all hot. Hot is supposed to disinfect, but she could did not feel as though she could get clean. She lay in the bottom of the tub. The water hit her skin, but she was numb to its touch. All she felt was the pain of betrayal once again.

         How could she make this go away? How could she make the pain stop? Time after time, heart break tracked her down. When she thought that things were looking up for her, something, some horrible event, would find her. Maybe her mother had the right idea. She had found a way to stop her loneliness.

         Sarah knew now how to protect herself and her unborn child from ever being hurt again. She stood up in the tub knowing the answer. She almost felt clean again. She pulled on her flannel pajamas without even drying off. Then she slowly walked down the hall. She heard Carol and Mark talking in the first floor living room as she past the stairs.

         “Where have you been?” Carol asked.

         “I went to check my business e-mail on the laptop. I left it in the bedroom when I was working this morning.” Mark explained.

                   Sarah caught herself from yelling “liar!. However, she managed to keep walking until she reached Mark and Carol’s bedroom. Standing next to their luxurious bed that Carol had bragged was a re-make of Fratelli Basile’s Hebanon’s creation. The bed noted as being the world’s most expensive. The bedroom was decorated in replica of 18th century furniture. It was trimmed with shiny gold colored metal. The canopy looked beautiful with long black curtains with gold sashes.

         Sarah reaches down and gently grasps the gold rose shaped handle of the black Hebanon bedside table. She quietly runs her hand through the contents. Fearing that the couple would retire soon, Sarah gabs the first bottle that she touched. Prescription pill bottle in hand, she opens the door to the hall way. She checks for anyone before making her way to her own bedroom.

         Sarah looked one last time in the mirror of her bathroom. The reflection didn’t seem so helpless because she felt that she had found a way out of her problems. She locked eyes with the image in the glass, poured the contents of the pills into her mouth, and drank the water that she had readied before she went to Mark’s bedroom.  “Good night,” she says to the mirror before turning to leave.

                   Sarah fell onto her bed. She read the label of the bottle. “Valium 10 mg, take three times a day, and there had to be at least 20 melting away in my stomach.” With those words, Sarah closes her eyes to sleep an eternal nap.

         “Sarah, Sarah!” a little voice said in a concerned tone. She felt a light tugging on her shoulder. There stood the little twins. “Are you all right?”

         Sarah slowly opens her eyes. She looks past the little girl who was still wearing her back pack to see the clock on the bedside table. The time read 5:39. “Why are you dressed so early for school?” Sarah asked.

         “We have already been to school, and Mom ask us to tell you that it is nearly supper time.” _________ said.

         “She was worried about you.” __________ adds looking a little worried himself.

         Sarah tries to sit up, but her body feels as if she were made of lead. She pushes her feet off the side of the bed, grabs the mattress, and slowly with unsteady lift she pulls her torso off the bed. Her head felt as if it was floating above her.

                   “Come on. Mom is fixing home-made pizza.” One of the children were pulling at her to stand up. She wasn’t sure which of the twins it was because her world was totally different than everyone else lived in.

         Sarah sat at the table with the family. Carol watched as Sarah slowly ate. Carol wondered why Sarah had been hidden away in her bedroom all day. “Are you ok?” She asked because she and Sarah had become fast friends.

         “Yea,” Sarah answered as she realized that she had not felt the baby move since she swallowed the pills. Even the little bits of chewed pizza wasn’t getting it aroused. The baby always seemed to move more when Sarah was eating. “I guess that I am just tired. I think that my baby will be coming soon.”

         “That’s right,” Carol interjected. “You haven’t seen a doctor. You have no way to know how far along you are.”

         Feeling a little offended Sarah scarfed, “I know when I got pregnant. I know the exact night.” She knew that she had only slept with J.J. that night, but she was secretly afraid that her child may indeed be her own niece or nephew because of the times that Lee had force her to have sex with him during the week before she got married. Sarah rubs her stomach. Maybe the pills had killed it for a reason. If the baby didn’t belong to J.J., it could be all kinds of deformed or worse. A tear ran down her check from that thought.

         “Sarah, I am so sorry…” Carol began. She got up from the table and hugged Sarah. “Honey, I didn’t mean that you didn’t. I guess that I was worried that you might need the care of a doctor to be sure that the baby and you are safely ready for the birth.”

         Sarah forced her lips to smile. “I know. I am so emotional these days.” She looked past Carol. Thoughts came flooding her mind. If she had killed her child with the valium, it was Mark’s fault. He was the one who raped her. He was another person that she had trusted. Another person who hurt her.

         “Tomorrow, I have to go in for my Pap smear. You can go with me. Dr. Mylon is wonderful, and she delivered the twins. You don’t have to continue seeing her, but she can give you vitamins to make sure that the baby gets the nutrients that he/she needs.” Carol reaches over to rub the baby lump. Sarah caught her hand. She knew that Carol made perfect since. She knew that she had not seen a doctor. The main reason that she agreed was that she needed to know if the baby was alright after all that it had been through. The rape, the pills, and the stress could injure it.

         “Ok! I have to go to bed so that I could get up early in the morning.” Sarah was still feeling the effect of the anti-anxiety drug still fighting its way out of her system. Sarah begins to take the dishes from the table to clean up before she retired. Carol takes the dish, “No, you go on to bed. We will take care of these. I will wash.” She looks at Mark. “Ole Mark here will dry.” She give Sarah another hug while turning her toward the stairs.

         “Hello, Ms Simkins.” Dr. Mylon greets her. “Carol here tells me that you haven’t seen a doctor yet.”

         Carol starts to leave the room to give them privacy. Sarah squeezes her hand. She had never felt so vulnerable in her life. “Its ok, Sarah.” Carol whispers. “Dr. Maylon is very gentle. She is very understanding.” Carol leaves the two women in the room.

         “Have a seat in this chair first. I have some questions.”

         Sarah sits by the little desk. “Do you eat three servings of fruit a day?”

         “Sometimes,” Sarah answers.

         “Do you take any medications?”

         Sarah looks toward the floor, “No.”

         Doctor Maylon tries to interrupt why Sarah reacted to the question the way that she did. However, she didn’t question Sarah because she didn’t want to scare her off. The baby needed to be checked out. “I will close this curtain. You put this on, and let me know when you are ready.”

         Sarah looks at the paper house coat shaped garment. She began to undress. When she placed her arms through the holes, one of them tore. She holds it together. “I’m ready.” She said nearly stammering from the cold mixed with a case of nerves.

         The doctor pulls the curtain back, but she was not alone. “This is my assistant today, Karen.” She continues, “Is it alright if she observes?”

         Sarah didn’t know what to say so she agreed in nearly a whisper.

         “Ok Ms. Simkins, sit on the end of the table.” The table was cold beneath the paper sheet and open gown. The paper crackled as she laid down. Karen pulls two arm like metal joints from the bottom of the examination table. “Put your feet here.” Karen lifted Sarah’s legs into each strip. Her hands were almost as cold as the plastic on the table. The doctor pulls a stool between Sarah’s knees. She gently pulls her legs even farther apart. “I am just having a look see. Just checking for dilation or mucus. When is the last time that you had sex?”

         “About seven months ago,” she replied. She was nerves that she had to lie, but she didn’t count the events of last night as ‘having sex’.

         The doctor pulls her fingers out of Sarah, throws away her gloves, and washes her hands while Karen pulls the paper up past her budging belly. Then the doctor covered her stomach with a gel. Then moved a machine over it. A sound, a wonderful sound filled the room. “There it is.” Doctor Maylon says with a smile.

         “What?” Sarah questions. She was excited by the smile on the doctor’s face.

         “The sound that you are hearing is a strong heart beat.” Then Keran turns a screen toward Sarah so that she could see the image on it. “This is you baby girl.”

         Sarah cries, “A girl?”

         “You are having a girl. She is strong, and looks as if she has started sucking her thumb early.” They all laughed as Sarah continues to watch the little miracle on the screen.

         After Sarah redressed, the doctor gave her a strip of paper with the first black and white pictures of her daughter. She also gave Sarah three bottles of vitamins because the doctor knew that Sarah could not afford them at the pharmacy.

         “You can give birth any time. I want you to try to relax, and remember that you can come back anytime you think you need to.” The doctor reaches her a paper. “This is my phone number. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.” The doctor looks down at her pad. She was searching her mind for the right words to say that would not offend the young mother to be. “Sarah, I know that something has happened to you. I didn’t want to bring it up with Karen there, but there was major tearing of the virginal walls, the labia is bruised, and there is traces of old blood. I am not subjecting you to having to deal with cops or court, but you do need to seek help. Remember if you need me just call.”

         Sarah was silent on the ride home. She knew that she had to protect her baby. She knew that she had to run again from a dangerous situation.

         By the next night, Sarah had moved back to the streets. Belly even bigger. If she was going to have sex with those she didn’t want to, she was going to get paid. She and the baby would not starve on the streets.

         Sarah finally decides to sale her body for money to feed her growing body. She hated sleeping on the hard cold floors at the local shelter. How could she ever bring a baby into this life style? She welcomed the nights that her clients bought a room to be with her.

[wickedlittleoz]

sigh.

imagine destiel but dustfinger

listen i get dean being more df because reckless stupid but please indulge me okay

Mo always saw himself as a reasonable guy.

He married his highschool sweetheart when he thought she was the love of his life. He pursued education and found a job that supported them. They had plans for a beautiful and bright future together.

When suddenly a vampire broke into their house and killed her while he was at work, he became a hunter to avenge her memory and protect their 2-year-old daughter.

Reasonable.

Just something every husband or parent would do.

But he never thought ‘reasonable’ meant ‘worthy’. Never thought of himself so highly. So, when he sells his soul to make sure no harm ever comes Meggie’s way, he doesn’t expect an angel to come down and rescue him from Hell. From the early ticket to damnation that he willfully dealt.

“An angel?” He squints, staring at Elinor.

“It’s what the psychic said,” she shrugs. Shakes her head. “I don’t understand it any better than you do, kid. Never had to deal with celestials myself.”

Meggie is chewing on her nail, shaking her leg. “Are we just not gonna talk about the whole ‘sold my soul to a demon’ thing?” When there’s no response, she jumps up and looks between the two adults. “Dad? Elinor?”

Mo looks down, avoids her eyes. Elinor can’t offer an answer either. And he knows he should say something, but what? She can’t understand it yet. She’s too young to know that parents would do literally anything for the safety of their children.

“I just wanted to keep you safe, Meg,” he murmurs at last. Finds her eyes. She’s fuming. “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you, like… Like what happened to your mom.”

“So you’d rather leave me alone?” Her voice hitches. “With no one to look after me?”

“You’re a big girl, now.” She’s not and he knows, but Mo was 12 when his dad bailed and his mom had to take on three jobs to keep them fed. So she has 4 years of advantage. And he thinks after all that he’s taught her well enough, not just in hunting, but also in survival. “Plus, Elinor’s always here if you need-”

“I don’t want Elinor, dad, I want you!”

He sighs, glances at Elinor – who doesn’t seem to have taken it personally, which he’s thankful for – then back at Meggie. When he goes in for a hug, she shoulders past him and marches outside.

Mo rubs his eyes. God, he’s so tired. Feels like he hasn’t had a proper night of sleep since Resa died and everything started. That was fourteen years ago, now. The years are getting to him… Maybe Hell wasn’t so bad after all.

Flashbacks flood his mind and he has to reel himself in to keep from throwing up. All the torture and pain. So little time passed here on Earth, but it felt like a lifetime down there. The memory of Meggie’s smile, the only thing that he could focus on to remind himself that it was all worth it…

But now this. Angels. An angel was sent to rescue him, to pull him back to the land of the living, because… Who even knows why. And what took them so long. And why the oh-so-mighty angel didn’t stick around to say something, anything at all. As usual, he has more questions than answers and no one’s ever around to help.

Thunder breaks out. The sound is loud, as if it fell nearby. They’re out in Elinor’s farmhouse, so he rushes to the backdoor to call Meggie back in. She’s already halfway up the stairs when he swings open the door.

“I think some… thing is here,” she whispers in a broken voice. Mo drags her to stand behind him, already pulling out his pistol, loaded with silver bullets.

“Looks like we have company,” he yells at Elinor over his shoulder and hears as she scrambles to get a shotgun. When he thinks about telling Meggie to find her knife, she already has it in hand. The three of them stand, covering each others’ backs, watching and waiting for whatever happens next.

Then a blinding white light covers the land. Mo blinks a few times until his eyes are able to focus again. Marching towards them is a man. Tall, slender, very pale, with red hair and coal black eyes. He wears a long threadbare coat and an old, loose sweater, as well as ripped jeans, all in black. Mo figures he’s some demon, sent to collect him, and his spine grows cold. Terrified, even as he knows he should be down there.

Angel, he finds himself thinking, if it’s so important that I stay alive, this might be a good time to show you hecking face.

Before he’s able to move, Elinor shoots.

The man (demon?) stumbles back a couple steps, but he resumes his marching no more than a second later. His face is unreadable. He doesn’t blink, doesn’t even seem to breathe. Mo can’t tell what his intentions are, but one thing is certain: he’s coming for him.

He’s climbing up the stairs now and Mo is taking some hesitant steps back, and Elinor and Meggie are both pushing him forward, to make him hold his ground. Then it’s Meggie who lunges at the man, sinks the demon knife into his chest with all her strength. Mo pulls her back before the creature has the time to react, puts himself between them. A small smile creeps up on the demon as he pulls the blade clean off his chest, unbothered. He lets it fall to the ground with a loud clang.

After everything he’s seen and killed, Mo isn’t much religious, but he’s saying a soft prayer in his head as he puts up his gun and stares down the barrel at the creature.

“Who are you and what do you want?” He barks, trying his hardest not to let his voice waver.

Lightning cracks again and Mo’s mind fills with a memory that had been suppressed – flying out of Hell, dazed, feverish. Someone’s hand, a hard grip on his shoulder, where there’s a scar now. Wings flapping around them. And red hair.

He blinks up and the angel smiles. “Hello, Mortimer. You called for me. Twice.”

[lokilickedme]

We’re settled in at the ranch, finally.  The motel room was driving me straight up a wall and across the ceiling so for the sake of my family’s continued existence it’s exceptionally beneficial that that particular segment of our journey is complete.  I’d say it was a growth experience but in all honesty it was more like an annoying side quest where you get stuck in a repetitive puzzle loop with a bunch of nonplayable characters whose only function is to provide annoyingly nonhelpful answers and occasionally hand you a cumquat.

I’m currently in a three-story ranch house in comfy pajamas sitting in front of a huge window looking out at more snow than I’ve seen since the time I stupidly spent blizzard season in Silverton with no perceivable survival skills.  I’m finally more than eleven inches away from my children - in fact I’m not really sure where they actually are, I can hear one of them jumping around upstairs but we’ve got radio silence on the other one and honestly I’m not the least bit concerned.  And it’s nice.  My god it’s nice.  The last two weeks - has it been just two weeks since we loaded up and left? - have been a blurry surrealist dreamscape of panic and exhilaration in equal measures.  Okay, no, it’s been unevenly skewered toward panic most of the time, but the scale is leveling out and things are losing their scary sharp edge.

We may have a house soon.  We looked at two places, loved one, hated the other, couldn’t afford the first one and the second one was the sort of place where people lock themselves in the bathroom and the coroner’s van comes out two weeks later when the neighbors complain about a weird smell.  Hard pass, major frustration, the market is all in the sellers’ favor and we have just about enough money to get us a third of a decent house if we dig a few more quarters out of the couch cushions - oh no wait, I sold the couch, we haven’t got a single stick of furniture and our stray quarters all went with them.  So we keep looking...and third time’s a charm.

Old farm house, built in 1935, situated at the base of the Mesa where the orchards used to be.  Amazing views all around.  Large back plot.  Quaint, cozy, homey.  Needs work, maybe a lot of it, but we feel at home the second we walk in.  The realtor almost didn’t show it to us, she didn’t think it would appeal to us or that we’d want to take on a potential project of this magnitude.  She’s failed to realize we’re 1) desperate, 2) stupid, and 3) we’ve actually got some skills.  We can do this.  We put in an offer (embarrassingly lowball) and that night the seller says hell yeah.  It was her old dad’s place and she just wants to get it gone fast.  She throws in the horrible old furniture her dad left behind and suddenly we’ve got a contract on a house to call our own.

Fast forward to right now.  I’ve got approximately 26 to 30 days to lavish in the main house of this weird ranch pretending to be Meggie from Drogheda while we’re waiting for a closing date on our place, except there’s no hot priest hanging around rubbing his sash against the doorjambs, it’s just me and the boys (and husband when he’s off work) and the ranch hand who takes care of the horses and petting zoo menagerie (the ranch doubles during the tourist season as a learning day-camp for disabled and autistic children).  I haven’t seen the guy’s face yet, it’s bloody cold here and he’s always got the bottom half of his face covered, but he says he teaches a special needs class at the school when he isn’t at the ranch.  There’s an outer door that comes into the laundry room from outside that he uses to access the basement of the main house for supplies.  One of these evenings he’s going to scare the shit out of me while I’m in there washing towels.

You guys see where this is going, don’t you.  Yeah, you see it.  And yeah, I’ve already started writing it.  Got my faceclaims, the usual of course.  Got my plot and premise and conflict and quirky side characters all sorted.  It’s gonna be pure tripe all the way, but we love that sorta nonsense don’t we?

Anyway, I’m 1200 miles from where I started out and the adventure was a bit shaky for a while, but good things come to those who cry a little bit and then hitch their big girl panties to a pair of suspenders and get their snow boots sorted.  I found my tablet again.  Everything else that I own is packed up in boxes in a storage locker a few miles up the road, but I have a keyboard to type on and warm pajamas and a whole hell of a lot of snow to slip and fall in (yeah, done that, in town in front of onlookers unfortunately)...so here’s to a new chapter in both the literal and figurative senses :)

[soldierswar]

Shots

Bucky x Reader

Fluff. (A liiitle bit of angst if you squint.)

(Mentions of drinking).

Synopsis: It officially becomes apparent to Bucky that he is completely immune to the effects of alcohol. But without the liquid courage that he was hoping for will he have the guts to tell you how he really feels?

“Never have I ever blacked out and woken up in an unknown location.”

Bucky took three shots.

“Umm, I’m pretty sure that you’re only supposed to take one, Barnes,” you snorted.

He shrugged nonchalantly.

“What are you gonna do, arrest me?”

You rolled your eyes.

“Again, why are we playing a drinking game that you probably haven’t played since you were a college freshman?” your friend Meg slurred.

“Because Meggy, I need to see this man drunk.”

Bucky gave a mockingly shocked expression with only his eyes and a slight nostril flare.

“Well, it looks like it might take a little while,” your friend Isaac stated.

“How much have you had, man?”

Bucky thought about it and shrugged, and you giggled.

You had met Bucky a lot of times when he and Sam sometimes needed intel from the CIA. Eventually, you just became the one CIA agent that they (especially Bucky) came to nowadays. As time went by you kind of became friends, and you finally had the courage to ask him to come over for a little party that you were throwing with ten or so people. You couldn’t lie and say that you weren’t shocked when he showed up. He seemed like quite the introvert. You were even more shocked that he stayed as long as he did with only four of you left at 1 am.

“Wait,” you snorted taking a swig of your beer.

“I wanna know where the hell you woke up.”

Bucky groaned.

“You know how it goes. I was 16, one thing led to another and I woke up shirtless in a Brooklyn park. That’s never happened to you?”

You gave him a dumbfounded look.

“No…”

“Your loss,” he teased.

“Okay, well I think that Meg has had enough,” Isaac sighed checking the time and watching her head drift around like a bobblehead at times.

“This one needs to get home.”

He went to her side placed her arm around his shoulder and picked her up.

“I’m totally capable of walking, asshole,” she protested, but gave in 0.5 seconds later and held onto him a little tighter. You could tell that she might have been acting just a little bit drunker than she actually was just to play the damsel in distress that desperately needed him.

They still hadn’t had the guts to tell you that they had been sleeping together for at the very least a good month. And you knew he would most likely be staying the night with her. But just to watch over her.

“Well take a water bottle with you,” you ordered pointing to the row of them you had set out on the counter.

“Aye aye, captain,” she slurred again sloppily saluted you.

“Don’t worry,” Isaac reassured.

“I’ll make sure she gets home okay.”

“I’m sure you will,” you nodded.

He gave you a suspicious glare.

“Okay well I’ll see you on Monday Y/L/N,” he continued.

“And I’ll see you…whenever, Barnes.”

Bucky raised his drink to that and said goodbye as they walked out the door.

“Are they gonna be okay?” Bucky asked.

“They took a cab here. Do you honestly think that I’d let either one of them get in the drivers’ seat? After trying to compete with you?”

Bucky gave a slight shrug.

“Anyways,” he groaned like an old man while getting up.

“I’m gonna help you clean up.”

You looked around at the living room with multiple dirty dishes, and almost finished platter of nachos, and leftover pizza.

“It’s fine,” you reassured.

“I’ll just do it in the morning or something.”

But he protested by picking up some of your plastic cups. One thing you learned about Bucky, one could never stop him from doing what he wanted to do. So you gave in and followed his direction and began picking up.

As time passed while you were reorganizing the apartment from its party layout you learned that Bucky was actually pretty funny. He’d tell little stories about stupid things he’d done in past times and present times, along with asking you about yourself. But he was a little bit shy about it as if not wanting to pry. But you liked it. You really liked his company.

“Okay Barnes, tell me,” you inquired while wiping the last plate in the dish pile.

He was standing barely two feet away from you leaning with his back against the counter and sipping a glass of your strongest whisky.

“How are you still seemingly so sober? Are you just an insanely good actor? Or is your tolerance just impossibly good?”

Bucky sighed.

“I have a suspicion that…I don’t think I can feel anything from alcohol anymore.”

You shook your head.

“What do you mean by that?”

“What I said,” he retorted.

Okay fair enough.

“Since I’ve been…back I’ve noticed that no matter how much I drink nothing happens. I think tonight especially attested to that. Damn, I really should have asked Steve about that.”

His expression drifted off a little bit before catching himself and continuing.

“I think the only appeal is the burn now. And good alcohol still tastes good.”

You thought about what that would be like. You weren’t by any means a heavy drinker, but you wondered what drinking booze was like without feeling a buzz. Non-alcoholic beer never appealed to you one bit.

“That sounds like it kind of sucks. No more waking up shirtless in Central Park.”

He rolled his eyes and flashed a somewhat tortured smile.

“You’re telling me.”

His expression drifted off again with his eyes glazing over. And he seemed to look a little bit uncomfortable.

“Well you’re pretty fun to be around regardless,” you said.

He smiled.

“I’m glad you think so. I’m not always…great at these sorts of things.”

He took another huge gulp finishing what was left in his glass. It must just be a nervous force of habit.

“I, um…I uh…” he stuttered.

“I probably could have used a bit of liquid courage.”

Why did he seem so shy? And damn why did that shyness make your heart skip a few beats?

You looked into his beautiful blue eyes staring back at you sincerely. And for some reason, your next inclination was to sit on the counter leaving only a few inches of gap between the two of you.

“What for?”

He cleared his throat looking down for a few seconds before meeting your gaze again.

“It’s stupid,” he said shaking his head.

“Sergeant Barnes,” you said in a soft surprised tone.

“You may make some pretty stupid impulsive decisions sometimes, but I’ve known you to never say anything stupid.”

All he did was stare into your eyes making your heart flutter and beat so hard in your chest that you almost couldn’t stand it. He was not making the whole liking him without having the courage to tell him thing very easy.

He smiled looking down at the floor again.

“I uh…” he took a deep breath. You were pretty sure that he wished that he could take a real drink.

“I think that there’s something you should know.”

You were generally really good at reading people. It was pretty much your job to do so, but there was no way that you were reading him correctly at this moment.

He then reached his hand forward and pulled a stray strand of hair back.

“You want me to know that my hair’s a mess?”

He smiled and exhaled through his nose. But he didn’t move his hand. With incredibly wide pupils he stared into yours, and you kept your nervous gaze locked on him. Was this really happening?

And before you knew it he was kissing you. And you kissed him. You couldn’t stop kissing him. The last thing you ever wanted to do was stop kissing him even if it meant never coming back for air. But eventually, he pulled away to where his lips were not two inches away from yours and gave you that devilishly charismatic smile.

“No, that’s not what I wanted to say.”

You giggled and pulled his face back to yours again and let him kiss you deeper as you held his face in one hand brushing his cheek with your thumb. There was no moment in your life that ever felt as perfect as this moment felt. And you hoped that he felt even half as much the same.

For the rest of the night, you spent time on your couch continuing to talk, and laugh, and just overall get to know each other. And of course, he or you would initiate a break by kissing some more. And next thing you knew the sun was coming up and it eventually was a bright sunny day.

You didn’t even realize when you had fallen asleep. The last thing you remembered was you sitting on his lap and talking about something that you couldn’t remember. All you knew was that you were comfortable with your head resting on his chest hearing the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the soft rise and fall of his chest. He too was asleep with his chin resting on the top of your head. You hoped that he wasn’t too uncomfortable by seemingly not wanting to wake you up. But he didn’t really seem to be. He was still as a statue.

You decided that it was time to move and scooted onto the couch in turn waking him up.

“Morning,” you whispered.

“I hope you’re not too hungover.”

Bucky chuckled sleepily and then checked the time on his watch. You both couldn’t believe that it was 9 am.

“I should get going,” he said and let out another old man’s groan while getting up and you followed him to the door.

“I uhh…I think it might go without saying that I was hoping to be able to see you again.”

You smiled because obviously, you were thinking the same thing.

“I mean…Outside of work…Like to hang out?”

You giggled. You didn’t expect him to continue to be shy and bashful the way that he was.

“Just give me a time and a place.”

His face lit up and he planted one more kiss on your lips causing you to blush.

“So I’ll see you?”

You gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Sooner than later,” you replied.

He nodded.

And as he walked down the hall you couldn’t help yourself but to yell out,

“Are you sure you’re sober enough?”

And of course, you smiled for at least ten minutes after he yelled at you to fuck off.

This man was a keeper.

[accidentalharrie]

Damn paywall! i ran out of free articles. care to spoil it for us as to the culprit?

Oh sure! Here you go - and here's a link to the actual substack.

Anon plz — but the true identities behind popular Instagram gossipmonger DeuxMoi have just been spotted on Substack. Internet culture reporter Brian Feldman’s newsletter BNet had been dormant for a year, presumably lying in wait for a worthy cause, until today, when he published an in-depth investigation uncovering the probable identities of DeuxMoi’s anonymous founder-moderators. (Full disclosure: Brian Feldman, the digital Hardy Boy in question, previously worked at New York Magazine. Now on with the goss.) Back in March, it was reported that the founder had signed a book deal with William Morrow to publish a novelization of their experience as an undercover gossip doyenne. HBO then optioned the nascent book, called Anon Pls, for an HBO Max series with Greg Berlanti. These two deals, along with numerous controversies about the account publishing celebrities’ speculative personal biz, make the people who run DeuxMoi figures of note. “DeuxMoi has chosen to tie their individual identity to their increasingly public line of work,” writes Feldman. “I support people telling their own story — which is not mutually exclusive from also believing that, at this point, the identity of whoever is telling that story is, in itself, newsworthy. DeuxMoi is a public figure.” So who might that figure be?

A couple of girlies who at least at one point worked in fashion: Meggie Kempner, granddaughter of a famed socialite, appears to have founded it with Melissa Lovallo, who allegedly still runs it. Maybe Kempner and Lovallo are more or less who you pictured when you clicked on DeuxMoi. Maybe the news is disappointing, because it isn’t some shadowy Gossip Girl man or someone actually named Cricket Lopez. Either way, an internet detective just had his J. Jonah Jameson moment, and that’s as good a story as “YOU DIDN’T HEAR IT FROM ME BUT I SAW A SPROUSE TWIN WALKING A DOG IN WILLIAMSBURG AND HE WAS MAKING HIS GIRLFRIEND HOLD THE POO BAG” or whatever.

Feldman cracked the code through entirely publicly available information, rummaging through years of posts and tags on social media, and finding an old YouTube video of the two of them in a pretty weak “disguise.” Because DeuxMoi began as a fashion blog in 2013, there was a ton of this sort of information out there just waiting to be compiled. Even so, Feldman had to fill his article with disclaimers that what he is doing is not doxing, because he only pieced together public, basic information like names and professions, and that because DeuxMoi is a public figure with increasing influence, it’s a matter of public interest to know who’s running the thing. It’s depressing that such disclaimers feel necessary after BuzzFeed journalist Katie Notopoulos uncovered the identities of the previously pseudonymous founders of Bored Ape Yacht Club and received an absolutely toxic crypto-bro pile-on. It remains to be seen if gossip girlies will do the same.

[bibbawrites]

Made Your Mark On Me, a Golden Tattoo - Single Dad!Charlie x Owen

THIS IS PART 10 OF THE SINGLE DAD!CHARLIE SERIES, YOU CAN FIND THE OTHER PARTS HERE

Request: none

Word Count: 3760 words

Summary: Part 10 of Single Dad!Charlie, Owen comes to LA to stay with Charlie, Margaux and Meghan, and the boys go on their first date

Warnings: swearing, sexual references, implied sexual content pretty sure everyone knows at this point but this does include romantic chowen, remember this is fictional, if you dont like that just dont read :)

A/N: another day another part lol, i have far too much written for this series considering there is no demand for it but i’m enjoying it so i’m gonna keep writing purely just for @happinessinthedarkesttimes​ and myself lol also! a new nickname for margaux has been unlocked haha she has far too many cause every person keeps giving her their own nickname and ive lost count of how many there are... anyways, enjoy! 

Tag List:  @happinessinthedarkesttimes @molinaroberts @joynersgoatblog @courageous-she​ @littlemissaddict @gloomybrieyxb​ @itsyagorlemmalyn @jatpxmultifan​ @moneybagmgk​ @emeliii1​ @mybradforddream​ (the strike through means it wont let me tag you)

Char sent a message to OPJ

Char owweeeennnnnnnnnnn

Char come to la

OPJ why?

Char i miss you

Char wanna kiss your pretty face

Char and your pretty lips

Char and your pretty 🍆

OPJ charlieeeeeee

Char what? i did nothing wrong

OPJ you just said you wanna suck my dick

Char i never said such a thing

Char read the messages, i only said i would like to kiss your pretty face and your pretty lips and your pretty 🍆

OPJ and we all know what that emoji means

Char get your head out of the gutter honestly

Char maybe i just love eggplant

OPJ ugh whatever

Char so will you?

OPJ will i what?

Char come to la

Char we’ve been officially boyfriends for almost three months and we haven’t even had our first date yet

OPJ when do you want me

Char right now

OPJ that’s not possible bub

Char bub?

OPJ trying something, yes or no?

Char meh i don’t hate it

OPJ i’ll keep looking then

Char anyways, i booked you a flight...

OPJ char you didn’t have to

Char i know i’m just so desperate to see you

OPJ what time and day?

Char ...

Char today 3pm...

OPJ it’s 11am now

Char you better get packing

OPJ already am 

Char oh i know you are ;)

OPJ i didnt mean it like that and you know it

OPJ you’re gonna be the death of me Gillespie

Char i know ❤️

-

The second Charlie spotted Owen exiting the gate he was jumping into the blond’s arms, glad that they both had masks on to prevent him from kissing Owen senseless with hundreds of people around.

“God I missed you.” He muttered, face pressed into Owen’s neck. 

“I missed you more.” Owen replied, pulling back slightly. “Where’s Maggie?”

“With Meghan. She’s visiting for a little bit so she offered to look after her while I came to get you.” Charlie explained, grabbing Owen’s carry on as they headed through the airport to baggage claim. 

“Is she staying with you?” Owen asked. 

“She is, but I may or may not have booked the four of us into a hotel for a few days. She leaves on Thursday so if you wanna stay after that we’ll just go back to my place.” Charlie said. 

“We’re staying in a hotel?” Owen grinned, coming to a stop at the baggage carousel, his eyes focused on looking for his suitcase. 

“Yeah! Mags is pumped, she loves hotels, especially high rise ones. We’re going back to mine to collect the two of them then we’ll head there.” Charlie said

“Does Meghan know about...” Owen trailed off, glancing over at Charlie who shook his head. 

“I didn’t tell her, I wanted to find out what you wanted to do first.” Charlie replied. Owen smiled. 

“I’m okay with telling her.” He said. 

“Or maybe we just act like a couple around her and see how long it takes her to notice.” Charlie suggested and Owen shook his head. 

“You’re evil.” He spotted his bag, leaving Charlie’s side for a few moments before coming back over, his suitcase trailing behind him. 

“Don’t think it will take long, cause the second that front door shuts behind us I’m gonna be all over you.” Charlie grinned, taking Owen’s free hand once the younger boy was back by his side, leading him out of the airport. Owen blushed slightly. 

“Can’t wait.”

-

True to his word, the second that the door was shut Charlie was shoving Owen against the wall and kissing him with so much force that he thought his lips might bleed.

“Fuck, missed you so much.” Charlie mumbled against Owen’s lips, groaning when Owen’s fingers dug into his hips.

“Char...” Owen gasped out and Charlie just kissed him harder, wanting to make up for lost time.

“When you’re done trying to swallow each other, we’re in the kitchen.” Meghan’s voice called and Charlie groaned, stepping back from Owen. He didn’t want to stop, but he knew if they kept going they wouldn’t be able to.

“We should go to them.” He said, and Owen nodded, still slightly stunned from the aggression of the kiss.

“Probably.” He agreed, but neither of them made any attempt to move, so Charlie nuzzled his face into Owen’s neck, just taking in the familiar scent of his boyfriend. 

“This hotel, how is the room situation going?” Owen asked, his hand trailing through Charlie’s hair. Charlie lifted his head up.

“I booked a two bedroom suite. Margaux and Meghan can share one room and we’ll take the other.” He said. Owen smiled. 

“Okay good.” He replied. Charlie raised an eyebrow. 

“Why?” He asked. 

“Remember your texts?” Owen smirked, and Charlie’s eyes widened at the realisation. 

“Don’t be so horny.” He muttered, hitting at Owen’s arm. Owen grinned. 

“Says the guy who just had me pressed up against a wall.” He retaliated. 

“We can hear you, you know that right?” Meghan called, and both Charlie and Owen froze. 

“We did not.” Charlie called back, and both boys decided that was their cue to head into the kitchen, where Meghan and Margaux were waiting.  

“Papa!” Margaux exclaimed the second they entered the room, jumping down off her chair and rushing over to Owen, jumping into his arms. Meghan gave Charlie a look, eyebrows raised. 

“So, finally got your shit together then?” She questioned. Charlie glanced towards Owen and Margaux, a smile appearing on his face when he saw the way the four year old was clinging to the blond boy. 

This was how things were supposed to be. 

- 

Less than an hour later the family of four had checked into their home for the next few days and travelled up to the fourteenth floor to find their room. 

Once they found it Charlie tapped the keycard against the door and pushed on the handle when the light changed to green. Margaux pushed past him, running into the room and heading straight towards the door to the balcony, pressing her face into the glass. 

“Woah!” She exclaimed, standing on her toes to try to see the road below. 

“Good view?” Charlie asked, placing the bags he was carrying down on the couch, before opening the door and letting Margaux out onto the balcony, trailing closely behind her as Margaux rushed over to the railing. 

“Look Daddy.” She grinned as Charlie squatted down behind her, placing a hand on her back gently. 

“Wow look how tiny those people are.” Charlie said, and Margaux giggled. 

“They’re ants!” She replied, leaning back into Charlie. 

“For someone who travels as much as she does you’d think she’d be used to it by now.” Meghan joked quietly to Owen as the two of them stood and watched the interaction.

“Especially since we lived in an apartment building in Vancouver while we filmed.” Owen replied. 

“Kids.” Meghan shook her head in amusement.

“You wanna see your room baby?” Charlie questioned, and Margaux nodded excitedly. 

“Okay let’s figure it out.” Charlie stood back up, taking Margaux’s hand and leading her back into the main room. 

“Am I gonna stay with you Daddy?” Margaux asked, and Charlie shook his head. 

“No you’re gonna stay with Meggy.” He said, motioning towards his younger sister. 

“It’s gonna be like a sleepover.” Meghan grinned. Margaux pouted. 

“But I wanna stay with Daddy.” She whined. 

“You’ll be with Daddy until you have to go to sleep, okay?” Charlie told her, pushing open the door, revealing the room with the two double beds.

“And look at this nice big bed you get to stay in all by yourself. You can fit all of your toys around you.” He added, and Margaux frowned but didn’t protest. 

“Which bed do you want Mini? The window one?” Meghan questioned. 

Margaux glanced at the beds before nodding. Charlie placed her bag onto the bed, unzipping it to reveal the several stuffed toys and dolls they had packed.

“Look, we’ll put all your friends on your bed.” He said as he placed the toys out onto the bed, pulling out Margaux’s blanket last. “And your blankie, and look how nice this looks. You’ll have so much fun sleeping here.”

“And we can even sing with each other at night, or gossip about secret girl stuff.” Meghan added, sitting on the edge of her own bed. 

“What girl stuff?” Margaux questioned, climbing up next to her aunt and snuggling into her arms. 

“Butterflies and glitter.” Charlie joked, and Owen rolled his eyes at the reference, turning and leaving the room as a response.

“We’ll stay up all night talking about boys.” Meghan grinned and Charlie’s smile instantly turned into a frown. 

“Hey! No.” He reprimanded.

“I’m joking Charlie, don’t be a party pooper.” Meghan rolled her eyes. 

“You joke, but we had a full conversation a month ago about how someone wants a boyfriend.” Charlie said, and Margaux looked up. 

“I want a boyfriend.” She chimed in. Meghan laughed. 

“You’re four, why do you need a boyfriend?” She asked. Margaux frowned. 

“Daddy has a boyfriend.” She stated. Meghan smirked, looking up at Charlie. 

“Does he now?” She teased. 

“Shut the fuck up, you knew that. You literally just asked if I had gotten my shit together.” Charlie said, and Meghan rolled her eyes at him. 

“You didn’t confirm it.” She retorted. Charlie shook his head. 

“Hey Meghan, Owen’s my boyfriend.” He stated, ignoring the flutter in his chest at those words. 

“Wow! Thank you so much for telling me, that’s so nice of you!” Meghan replied, her tone thick with sarcasm. 

“Don’t be sarcastic.” Charlie retaliated. 

“What’s that Taylor Swift lyric? The one about looking at him like the stars, that’s you and him. It’s honestly about time that you got your shit together.” Meghan said, flopping backwards onto her bed, giggling when Margaux climbed on top of her. 

“Tay’s my boyfriend.” The tiny blonde stated and Charlie sighed.

“Who?” Meghan shot him a confused look. 

“Taylor Kare. Who played the young version of Bobby in the show. For some reason she’s decided she wants him to be her boyfriend.” Charlie explained. Meghan grinned. 

“I don’t blame her, he’s cute.” She said. Charlie shot her a look and she rolled her eyes before sitting up, Margaux clinging to her like a koala. 

“Hey Mini, why don’t we go get some food and bring it back while your Daddy unpacks all of your stuff.” Meghan suggested. Margaux smiled. 

“Yeah! Can we get KFC?” She asked. 

“Of course we can.” Meghan grinned, before turning to Charlie. “Want anything?”

“Just get one of those big buckets of chicken and we’ll figure it out.” He said as Meghan stood up, grabbing her mask. 

“Okay. I’m stealing your wallet.” She told him. 

“Of course you are.” Charlie rolled his eyes, but handed his wallet over to his younger sister nonetheless, before leaning in to kiss Margaux gently on the side of her head. 

“Bye baby, have fun and be good for Meggy, okay?” He said. Margaux nodded. 

“Bye Daddy, love you.” She replied. 

“Love you too.” Charlie smiled. 

Meghan and Margaux left, the four year old chattering away in her aunty’s arms about something she had seen in Bluey, and Charlie waited until he couldn’t hear their voices anymore to move. 

“Owen?” He called, starting to head across the suite to the room he and Owen were sharing. 

“Yeah?” Owen called back. Charlie pushed open the door, finding a much larger room with a large king size bed in the middle of the room, and a flat screen tv hung on the wall. Owen was unpacking his bag, hanging clothes in the wardrobe, when Charlie entered. 

“Meg and Mags went to get food.” Charlie told him. 

“Okay cool.” Owen replied, looking up after a few moments and frowning when he saw the look on Charlie’s face. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Remember the texts?” Charlie raised an eyebrow and Owen’s eyes lit up. 

“Come here.” He said, but Charlie didn’t move. 

“We’ve gotta be quick.” Charlie informed him and Owen nodded. 

“Got it.”

And with that Charlie rushed over to Owen, kicking the door shut behind him.

-

They were a naked mess of sweaty bodies and tangled limbs when Charlie decided to bring up their plans for the night. 

“Oh by the way, I have our date planned.” He said as Owen played with his hair. 

“Am I allowed to know what it is? Or when?” Owen questioned. Charlie nodded slightly. 

“Tonight. At 10:30pm.” He informed the blonde. “And it’s a surprise.” 

“10:30?” Owen repeated. Charlie hummed in response. Owen sighed. 

“That’s all I’m getting?”

“Yep.” Charlie murmured. 

“We’re back!” Meghan’s voice called through the suite and both Charlie and Owen jumped up in fear. 

“Fuck, get dressed.” Charlie instructed, tossing clothes towards Owen, before calling back to Meghan. “Coming!”

In record time they were both dressed and came out of the bedroom, trying to look as casual as possible as they walked over to the table where Meghan had placed all the food. 

“Daddy, you didn’t unpack my stuff.” Margaux pouted, and Charlie placed a soft kiss on the top of her head as an apology. 

“Sorry baby, Daddy got distracted.” He told her as he grabbed some food for her and put it on one of the plates Owen had brought over to the table. 

“Oh gross, you didn’t.” Meghan groaned, glancing between Charlie and Owen, who had turned a bright red in embarrassment. Charlie just shrugged, a guilty smile on his face. Meghan fake gagged. 

“That’s disgusting Char.” She reprimanded. Charlie shook his head. 

“It’s natural.” He retaliated. Meghan hit him. 

“Shut up, I don’t want to know anything else.” She said. The table fell silent for a moment, before Margaux decided to speak up. 

“Daddy we saw a puppy when we were walking.” She grinned, and Charlie pulled a shocked face. 

“Oh my gosh, really? Tell me all about it.” He replied, and for the entire meal Margaux rambled, telling them story after story. 

-

Just before 10:30, Charlie and Owen arrived at their date destination. Owen looked up at the sign, frowning slightly when he saw it. 

“A tattoo parlour?” He questioned. Charlie smiled, despite the fact that Owen couldn’t see it through his mask. 

“You’ve been talking about getting a new tattoo, so I figured we could get a new one together.” He suggested. Owen’s frown melted, a soft look replacing it. 

“Why is that oddly sweet?” He teased, leaning his head into Charlie’s shoulder. Charlie grinned. 

“Cause I’m oddly sweet?” He replied. Owen laughed. 

“That you are.” 

“Do you have any ideas of what you wanna get?” Charlie questioned as he held the door open. Owen gave him a small smile, walking through the door as he answered. 

“I have a couple of ideas.” He said. “Things that I think would look cool.” 

“Oh yeah? Like what?” Charlie’s eyes lit up with curiosity. Owen shook his head. 

“Secret. Want it to be a surprise.” He grinned. Charlie chuckled. 

“Fair enough.” 

After going through the basics and signing some paperwork, it was time for them to get their tattoos. The tattoo artist led them through to the backroom and for the whole time they were there Charlie and Owen didn’t once let go of each other’s hands. 

- 

The two boys left the tattoo parlour a few hours later, hand in hand and new tattoos covered in a protective cling film. 

“Do you wanna head back?” Charlie questioned, swinging their hands between them. Owen sighed. 

“Not really, but we probably should. It’s late.” He answered. Charlie nodded in agreement. 

“True. Plus the date doesn’t have to end just because we go back to the hotel... There’s a nice comfy bed and some red wine with our names on it.” He raised an eyebrow and Owen smiled. 

“Fancy.” 

“Only the best for you.” Charlie grinned, and Owen pulled him close, pulling down their masks so that their lips could meet in a rough kiss. 

And if it took them almost an hour to make the 15 minute walk back to the hotel then that was just between them. 

-

Charlie unlocked the door to the hotel room and pushed it open, frowning when he spotted Margaux sat on the ground, staring out the window at the city lights.  

“Why are you still awake Mags?” He asked as he pulled off his mask, drawing the four year old’s attention to them. 

“Missed you.” She said softly, her voice wobbling. 

“Oh baby, come here.” Charlie squatted down and the four year old ran into his arms, burying her face in his neck. Owen nodded towards their bedroom and Charlie gave him a small smile to let the younger boy know he understood. 

“You were gone but you said you wouldn’t go.” Margaux mumbled. 

“You knew I was gonna go out with Papa for a little bit, remember? It’s okay, I’m back, and I promise I’m not going anywhere. Okay?” He tangled his hand through her curls and the four year old hummed in response. 

“Okay.” She agreed, her voice no louder than a whisper. Thinking quickly, Charlie decided the best course of action would be distraction. 

“Hey, you wanna see Daddy’s new tattoos?” He asked, and Margaux nodded, moving back slightly. Charlie smiled at her. 

“First I got this one here.” He lifted his arm to show her the heart tattoo on his ribcage, the plastic mostly obscuring it. 

“And I got this one here for my favourite person in the whole entire world.” He finished, showing her the tiny cursive M inked into his wrist.

“An M for Margaux, so I always have you with me.” He said, and she peered at the tiny ink on his wrist, a small smile appearing on her face. 

“I like it.” She told him. “Can I have one?” Charlie laughed.

“When you’re all grown up, okay?” He replied, ruffling her hair. 

“Okay.” She agreed. They fell silent, and Charlie was just about to suggest that it was time for Margaux to hop into her bed when she spoke up again. 

“Daddy?” Her voice sounded small. 

“Yeah baby?” Charlie replied. 

“Can I sleep with you tonight?” Margaux questioned, already leaning back into his arms. 

“Of course baby. You got Mr Penguin?” He asked. 

She held the penguin up and Charlie grinned.

“Great, let’s go.” 

He stood up, taking her spare hand to lead her towards the bedroom, pushing the door open to where Owen was sat, already in bed with Netflix loaded on the TV. 

“Papa! I’m gonna sleep here with you.” Margaux exclaimed, diving onto the bed as Owen raised an eyebrow, looking towards Charlie with a knowing look.

“Oh really? What about your bed?” He asked.

“She was sad.” Charlie pouted, and Owen just shook his head. 

“Come on baby, in you get.” Charlie said, letting the four year old climb into the bed before climbing in after her, grinning when she settled into his arms, her head on his chest. 

It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep, and once she did, Owen spoke up, his voice soft. 

“You know one day you gotta stop letting her climb into bed with you.” He whispered. Charlie made a noise in response, his eyes never once leaving Margaux. 

“One day... just not today.” He replied. 

“The longer you give in the harder it’s gonna be for you. Cause I know it’s as much you as it is her.” Owen said, and Charlie sighed, his fingers tangled through Margaux’s curls as the four year old slept peacefully in his arms. 

“I know.” He started. “I just...” 

Owen reached out, linking his hand through one of Charlie’s and giving it a light squeeze. 

“It’s stupid.” Charlie mumbled. Owen moved slightly, placing a kiss on the side of Charlie’s head. 

“I’m sure it’s not.” He assured the older boy. Charlie was silent for a moment before talking. 

“She’s just always been with me and has always needed me to do everything for her, and now she’s getting older and she can do all of these things on her own, and I just get worried that she’s not gonna need me any more, or she’ll decide that she doesn’t want these nights where she asks to sleep with me.” He rambled. 

��You’re her dad. She’s always gonna need you Char.” Owen assured him. Charlie hummed in response, and Owen took that as a sign to change the topic, a small smile appearing on his face. 

“So I’m guessing no post date make out session or red wine.” He joked, and Charlie sighed. 

“Sorry.” He muttered. Owen rolled his eyes, snuggling as close to Charlie as he could get without disturbing Margaux. 

“I was joking Char.” He said, and Charlie moved to place a soft kiss on Owen’s lips. 

“I had a really good time tonight.” Owen whispered against Charlie’s lips and Charlie smiled. 

“Me too.” He agreed. 

“Do we have any plans tomorrow?” Owen inquired, and Charlie paused for a moment. 

“Not that I know of. Why? Have something in mind?” He moved back slightly so that he could look at Owen’s face. 

“I thought maybe the four of us could go play mini golf or something like that?” Owen suggested. Charlie smiled. 

“That sounds like a lot of fun.” He answered. They fell into a comfortable silence, both boys closing their eyes, but there was something that Charlie knew he had to say. He opened his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking.  

“Hey Owen?” He whispered. Owen opened his eyes, focusing on Charlie instantly. 

“Yeah?” He questioned. Charlie smiled. 

“I love you.” He murmured. Owen smiled, rubbing his nose against Charlie’s. 

“Love you too Char.” He replied. Charlie shook his head. 

“No... I’m in love with you.” He clarified. Owen’s jaw dropped slightly, but he recovered quickly. 

“I’m in love with you too.” He returned, and Charlie lent in to kiss him gently. 

“It scares me.” Owen whispered once they pulled apart. “How much I love you.” 

“Honestly, me too. But we’re in this together. And I love you as much as you love me, so don’t overthink it, okay?” Charlie replied.

“Okay.” Owen agreed. 

“We should get some sleep.” Charlie said after a moment and Owen nodded, placing once last kiss to Charlie’s lips. 

“Sounds good. I love you.” He whispered, and Charlie could already feel himself drifting off as he whispered a response. 

“I love you too Owen.” 

[thisweekingundamwing]

This Week in Gundam Wing 23-29 May 2021

I’m so on the ball with this lately... >_> Sorry. Here’s this week’s roundup! May 23rd - 29th!

Remember to give your content creators some love! Be sure to join in on the events at the bottom! And remember to send in any new works you see or make next week!

~Mod Hel

Fanfiction/Snippets/AU Ideas:

@bobo-is-tha-bomb

The Preventer Calendar https://archiveofourown.org/works/31561295

Gen, Reader, Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell, Trowa Barton, Quatre Raberba Winner, Chang Wufei, Zechs Merquise, OC - Character

Mature, No Archive Warnings Apply, Humor, Partial Nudity, Reader-Insert, Nudity, A teeny hint of TrowaxReader, Rating because of some gratuitous nudity on Trowa's side

Twelve models, twelve shoots, twelve different locations in the Ardennes, and all of it in two fucking days. Because Preventer couldn’t spare you their agents any longer than that.

Why had you agreed to do this project again?

It's all for the arts.

boxofhatebrains

Helping Hand https://archiveofourown.org/works/31620146

M/M, Duo Maxwell/Heero Yuy

Explicit, No Archive Warnings Apply, Light Angst, Comfort/Angst, Minor Injuries, Implied/Referenced Blow Jobs, Not Gundam Wing: Frozen Teardrop Compliant, after series, Flirting, Not Beta Read, slight reference to Episode Zero, Swearing

Duo realizes that Heero comes around whenever he damn well feels like it. They’ve been in contact for the last seven years after the Mariemaia incident, but generally at Heero’s own whim. Duo stays in the same place, it’s Heero who gravitates.

This time is no different.

@duointherain

Silent Menace https://duointherain.tumblr.com/post/652120818915115009/fic-silent-menace-11

1x2x1

Warnings: Mute Duo. Drugged and injured Heero.

Une always had the dark side of the job. She’d let others give out goodness, but bad news she owned herself. Duo had come to the conclusion that she was trying to take responsibility, trying to be a decent person. He could vibe with that.

@lifeaftermeteor

Touched by the Stars (Ch. 7) https://archiveofourown.org/works/26314657/chapters/77885468

M/M, Chang Wufei/Duo Maxwell, Chang Wufei/Heero Yuy, Trowa Barton/Chang Wufei, Chang Wufei/Quatre Raberba Winner

Explicit, Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings, thar be porn, Dubious Consent, Aliens, Alien Abduction, Alternate Universe, mention of MPREG, everyone takes a turn with Wufei, alien anatomy and interesting dicks, Tentacles, Monster Boys, Slime, Double Cocks, Cum Inflation, Knotting, Oral, multiple dicks, Xeno, Spitroasting, Oviposition, Body Modification, Polyamory, Unbirthing, Triple Penetration, Cervical Penetration

University instructor Chang Wufei didn't even believe in aliens, much less intentionally attract their attention. But that doesn't mean much when they decided he'd be the ideal final mate for their group and scoop him off of the planet to take home to their queen. Enjoying him on the trip there, of course. 

@noirangetrois

Of the Sea (Ch. 10) https://archiveofourown.org/works/12749670/chapters/78205124

M/M, Duo Maxwell/Heero Yuy

Mature, No Archive Warnings Apply, fairytale my way, Meroctopus!Dorothy, Slow Burn, Multi POV, POV Third Person Limited, merman au, MerMay, Fantasy Politics, mentions of abuse, Unnatural November

Heero Yuy will soon be reaching the age of majority, at which time he will ascend the throne of Wingaria. Before such time, he must needs choose a bride. But what if there are no good choices? What if someone else has captured his heart?

The Story of Wrong (Ch. 8) https://archiveofourown.org/works/13849020/chapters/77856332

M/M, Duo Maxwell/Heero Yuy

Explicit, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death, Duo POV, Angst, Drama, Tragedy, Spoilers, very dark, Heero and Duo don’t die, I promise, Yaoi, slowburn, Mental Instability, Mental Health Issues, Mental Breakdown, If those are in any way an issue for you then go ahead and skip this, Eventual Smut, VERY eventual, this is mostly canon-compliant but I’ve changed a couple things here and there

Duo recounts his experiences during the war in order to explain… well, why he was wrong.

simulacraryn

love me like (tomorrow we’re) stardust https://archiveofourown.org/works/31458119/chapters/77811359

M/F, Treize Khushrenada/Lady Une

Treize Khushrenada, Lady Une, Original Characters, Hot Dog (gundam wing)

Explicit, Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Angst, Near Death Experiences, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, unredeemable villain, Sex, Smut, consent is fucking sexy, Spoiler: He wore the Astro Suit at last!, Newtypes (Gundam Wing), no predators or prey here, intact brains

The World Nation would face off against the White Fang to bring about an end to all conflict between the Colonies and Earth. The plan had called for the bitter end of the last bastion of the old regime, Treize Khushrenada. However, as with every play on the stage of war, the actors have chosen to adlib. Effectively throwing the course of history off the rails, the director finds himself faced with a new road to choose.

@zaganthi

Jiu Jie https://archiveofourown.org/works/31413956

M/M, M/F, Duo Maxwell/Quatre Raberba Winner; Treize Khushrenada/Quatre Raberba Winner; Treize Khushrenada/Duo Maxwell; Duo Maxwell/Hilde Schbeiker

Explicit, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Relationship Negotiation; Polyamorous Character; Quatre Raberba’s Uchuu no Kokoro | Space Heart; Aged-Up Character(s); Newtypes (Gundam Wing); Past Relationship(s); Jealousy; Awkward Flirting; Bathing/Washing; Cuddling & Snuggling; Museums; talking about feelings; Psychic Bond; Dealing with exes; Ex Sex; Colonists exploring earth

Hilde waved goodbye as she left and Duo went to look for Treize and Quatre. What the hell was wrong with him. His body seemed to be saying yes but his mind was definitely not in that space at all. What the everlasting hell was going on. He wanted to see her again but why?

Treize passed him a picture of tree frogs, apparently feeling the confusion as Duo half jogged through the aquarium to catch back up. What the hell. Just what the hell.

It took him a while to get there, but the moment he got close, Quatre saw him, beamed a happy smile and the link opened up with a rush and he was surrounded again in emotional warmth. It was addictive and a relief, and there wasn’t, there wasn’t any recrimination from either of them. Just run off and see an old flame, it’s cool, we’ll be here when you get back vibes.

Lebensmüde https://archiveofourown.org/works/31413278

M/M, Duo Maxwell/Quatre Raberba Winner; Treize Khushrenada/Quatre Raberba Winner; Treize Khushrenada/Duo Maxwell

Explicit, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Aged-Up Character(s); Quatre Raberba’s Uchuu no Kokoro | Space Heart; Newtypes (Gundam Wing); Preventers (Gundam Wing); Cameos; Therapy; Aftermath of Torture; Aftermath of Violence; Rape Aftermath; Physical Disability; Gratuitous Smut; Psychic Bond; Psychic Abilities; Domestic; Injury Recovery

Treize remembered the discussion of gunpowder residue on his head; it was one of the things John had been livid about after everything, and unable to explain any more than Treize had at the time. Seeing it written down… was something else. Treize closed the book over his finger, gently tapping it on his thigh as he looked up at Quatre.

“The first hot chocolate of the season,” Quatre said sitting down next to him, comfort flowing over the link. “I really wanted something sweet.” He paused. “I can feel something is…oh.” He noticed the book in Treize’s hand.

“Adding to the list of things we need to probably talk about,” he said quietly, contemplating it as he reached with his other hand to take the cocoa. “Have you written everything up?”

Fanart/Crafts/Photo Manips:

@2pcbart

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31618103

Recollect - Trowa/WuFei, comic style

@alphaikaros

https://alphaikaros.tumblr.com/post/651358650733150208/little-angry-boi

WuFei Chang, fanart

@bettertasting

https://bettertasting.tumblr.com/post/652303436314017792/something-spicy-for-the-dash-im-really-digging

Heero/Duo, fanart, nsfw

@bobo-is-tha-bomb

https://bobo-is-tha-bomb.tumblr.com/post/652089738925359104/%F0%9D%98%9B%F0%9D%98%A9%F0%9D%98%AA%F0%9D%98%B4-%F0%9D%98%AA%F0%9D%98%B4-%F0%9D%98%97%F0%9D%98%B3%F0%9D%98%A6%F0%9D%98%B7%F0%9D%98%A6%F0%9D%98%AF%F0%9D%98%B5%F0%9D%98%A6%F0%9D%98%B3-%F0%9D%98%9E%F0%9D%98%AA%F0%9D%98%AF%F0%9D%98%A5-%F0%9D%98%A4%F0%9D%98%A2%F0%9D%98%AD%F0%9D%98%AD%F0%9D%98%AA%F0%9D%98%AF%F0%9D%98%A8-zechs-merquise

Tallgeese, gunpla

https://bobo-is-tha-bomb.tumblr.com/post/652448694036316160/sd-wing-gundam-ew

Wing, gunpla

@judaru

https://judaru.tumblr.com/post/651257960922857472/im-20-years-late-but-ive-been-reading-a-lot-of

Duo Maxwell, fanart

@keiko1183

https://keiko1183.tumblr.com/post/652327422940807168/completed-with-pencils-might-be-doing-the-acrylics

Trowa/Quatre, fanart

@not-so-dead-fandoms

https://not-so-dead-fandoms.tumblr.com/post/651085636504272896/mermay-01

Heero Yuy, fanart

https://not-so-dead-fandoms.tumblr.com/post/651494132071661568/mermay-02-duo-as-a-betta-fish-merlad

Duo Maxwell, fanart

https://not-so-dead-fandoms.tumblr.com/post/652283083819810816/mermay-03-of-course-i-made-trowa-a-clownfish

Trowa Barton, fanart

@pineappleglazedham

https://pineappleglazedham.tumblr.com/post/651759824584966144

Trieze/Une, fanart, fanfiction, playlist

Photosets/Gifsets/Screenshots/Manga Pages:

@clair-audients

https://clair-audients.tumblr.com/post/652114120696594432

Wing & Altron, gif

@disturbed02girl

https://disturbed02girl.tumblr.com/post/617456995130294273/thoughtful-quatre-thursday

Quatre, manga page

@meggie-stardust

https://meggie-stardust.tumblr.com/post/652350439669547008/same-energy

Epyon is an icon.

Fandom Discourse:

@bobo-is-tha-bomb

https://bobo-is-tha-bomb.tumblr.com/post/651423437954433024/a-homage-to-the-reader-insert

Reader Insert Homage

@cuteciboulette

https://cuteciboulette.tumblr.com/post/652076342033170432/shinigamis-coming-to-town-d-duo-just

Duo Maxwell, doujinshi

Quotes:

@incorrectgundamwingquotes

https://incorrectgundamwingquotes.tumblr.com/post/652102805897805825/in-the-groupchat-trowa-why-tf-do-we-have-20

Trowa & WuFei

https://incorrectgundamwingquotes.tumblr.com/post/652356366558806016/heero-yeah-but-as-far-as-plans-go-this-is-not-a

Heero & Quatre

https://incorrectgundamwingquotes.tumblr.com/post/651830976331251712/duo-gesturing-to-heero-dont-worry-weve-got-an

Duo, Heero, & WuFei

Calendar Events:

@gundamzine

Rhythm Generation 2021

Meet the Mods: https://gundamzine.tumblr.com/post/636708854145613824/come-on-over-a-meet-your-2021-zine-mod-team-head

Check out the blog for the Zine schedule!

@gundam-wing-pride

Gundam Wing Pride 2k21 https://gundam-wing-pride.tumblr.com/post/648237909672083456/incoming-transmission-faq

A Beautiful Rainbow of Prompts https://gundam-wing-pride.tumblr.com/post/649898271517573120/a-beautiful-rainbow-of-prompts

@gwartserver

Month of WuFei https://gwartserver.tumblr.com/post/649995521569767424/month-of-wufei

Shooting Stars (online convention) https://gwartserver.tumblr.com/post/650013463432888320/once-upon-a-time-lifeaftermeteor-and-myself

@gwcocktailfriday

Cocktail Fridays!

Post responses on Friday, during Happy Hour between 3 & 5 pm in your own timezone.

Here’s the prompt for Friday, !

In need of Summer/Fall(Autumn) prompts!

(I’ll um... fix these when I have time to find more prompts.)

@gwlemonyshenanigans

May 23rd’s Submissions https://gwlemonyshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/651999227800600576/may-23rd-submission

May 24th’s Submissions https://gwlemonyshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/652131130827571200/may-24th-submissions

May 25th’s Submissions https://gwlemonyshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/652252350922342400/may-25th-submissions

May 26th’s Submissions https://gwlemonyshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/652312096032342016/may-26th-submissions

May 27th’s Submissions https://gwlemonyshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/652433653693136896/may-27th-submissions

May 28th’s Submissions https://gwlemonyshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/652434486286548992/may-28th-submission

May 29th’s Submissions https://gwlemonyshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/652648408588353536/may-29th-submissions

Friday Spotlight! https://gwlemonyshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/652439213602684928/the-lastspotlight-friday

@oztober-rust

Welcome to Oztober Rust

We’re an up and coming Gundam Wing event with a slight twist! This page is still a work in progress, but you’re welcome to join us over on discord and get a feel for the event.

Have discord, will fan. https://oztober-rust.tumblr.com/post/647568110262566912/i-see-a-nice-and-steady-following-we-do-have-a

@seasons-of-gundamwing

Summer Event Voting https://seasons-of-gundamwing.tumblr.com/post/646220556727877633/seasons-of-gundamwing-okay-wingers-its-time-to

@thisweekingundamevents

Events Calendar https://thisweekingundamevents.tumblr.com/post/644080386309275648/events-calendar-update

If you are hosting an event currently, or are planning on one, hit us up with links and dates! We’ll add them to the Calendar and reblog your notices to get the word out!

[jobean12-blog]

beefy Bucky where reader is suuupppeeerrrr drunk and starts crying but won’t tell bucky why but tells nat that she’s jealous of buckys ass😂 the next morning buckys being an amazing boyfriend taking care of her but also being a little shit with the rest of the team cuz of her drunk confession😂😂😂😂

Pain in the Ass

Pairings: Beefy Bucky x reader

Word Count: 1,258

Summary: Bucky’s ass is perfect, just like the rest of him. 

Author’s Note: Sorry this took me a bit, thank you for being patient! This was way too much fun to write and let’s be honest, every part of Beefy Bucky is perfection, especially that ass! 

Warnings: Fluff and fun, implied sexy times, lots of joking and mention of Bucky and his beefy perfection (he should always come with warnings!)

You probably shouldn’t have had that last shot of whiskey. Maybe you shouldn’t have had the last 4, but who is really counting anymore? You’re surrounded by your friends and holding yourself up on the very large bicep of your boyfriend, Bucky. Everything about him is large, in just the right way, especially his fucking perfect ass.

You realize, not for the first time of course, that his ass is literally incredible and as you’re standing there next to him you let out a small drunken sob. “Doll, what’s wrong?” he turns to you quickly, taking your chin and lifting your eyes to meet his, your lashes already wet with tears that are about to spill over. Bucky’s eyes fill with concern and he opens his mouth to question you again but before he gets a word out you bolt toward the bathroom.

A gentle knock on the door breaks you out of your pity party, “who is it?” you ask, knowing it was Nat from the shadow below the door. “You know who it is, y/n, let me in or I’ll just open this door myself because I can,” she states, and you know she is wearing her black widow smirk.

You open the door and she slips through, gently grabbing your hand, “babe, I know you’re pretty drunk, but what is going on?” she asks you, face clear of judgement. “I…I, I’M JEALOUS OF BUCKY’S PERFECT ASS!!! Have you seen it?” you’re yelling in your drunken state, hysterical really, but that doesn’t stop you, “everything on him is perfect, but his ass is better than mine and what the fuck is that about?” You slump down on the toilet seat and look up at Nat with wide eyes, tears once again running down your face.

She wets a towel to wipe your face and hands you a tissue, “listen, y/n, his ass is fine, but yours is amazing and if you want to make it look more amazing I can help you with some specific exercises, so don’t worry ok? Now let’s get back out there so you can have more fun and ogle your boyfriend’s perfect ass!” she says, smiling down at you.

You give a nod and one last blow of your nose and head back out to the common room where Bucky immediately rushes over, “baby girl, what happened, I took off after you but Nat said she would be better off handling it, was it something I did?” he asks you, his brow furrowed in worry. “No, no, not at all Buck, I just got emotional, I blame the shots, too many I think,” you reply, giving him a weak smile.

He stares at you for a beat then crushes you into his chest and squeezes you tight, deciding to wait to tell you that he heard you yelling in the bathroom, super soldier hearing and all. The rest of the night goes by without incident and you and Bucky head back to your room, making fun of Sam for his terrible Karaoke, your laughter ringing down the hallway.

It’s not until you come out of the bathroom, pajamas on and washed up for bed, that you notice Bucky walking around with a shit eating grin, “mind telling me what that look is all about, babe?” you ask, eyebrow raised. He bursts into a fit of laughter, nose scrunched and eyes crinkling and you can’t help but smile, until it dawns on you, your drunken haze now clear, “you fucking heard me in the bathroom didn’t you, you jerk!” you yell, face now void of any mirth.  

“Aw, come on, babe, it’s funny! I mean, first of all, your ass is literally perfect so I don’t know what you’re worried about but I do think it’s really cute that you think mine is better,” he says, winking at you as he saunters over. “Don’t you waltz over here like you’re the shit, Mr. Barnes, you just wait, I’ll work on my ass and then it will be better than yours, then I’ll be the badass with the best ass,” you screech, stomping back into the bathroom.

You finally emerge from the bathroom and find Bucky in bed with his book. You crawl in next to him, silence hanging heavily in the room and grab your own book to read. He slowly creeps closer to you, shoulder brushing yours and when you don’t pull away he lifts his arm so you can nestle into his chest, “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I didn’t realize you felt so strongly about this. I really promise that your ass is amazing, all joking aside, it’s my favorite,” he states, eyes holding truth.

You place a soft kiss to his lips and snuggle closer to his chest, running your hands along the defined planes that you can easily feel even over his Henley. “I’m sorry I got so crazy over it, I do blame the alcohol mostly, but you really are a fine specimen and you can still eat all that PIZZA!” you say, grinning up at him. “Did you just call me a fine specimen?” he asks, eyes narrowed in mock anger, “well, you are REALLY OLD, Buck, I mean, you’re practically a fossil!” you joke, erupting into giggles.

You find yourself suddenly pinned beneath his very large and beefy body, momentarily silenced by the feel of the hardness in his pants and the dark look in his eyes. “Oh, I see how it is, baby. Well, let me show you a thing or two this fossil can do, hmmm, what do you say?” he whispers, lips lightly brushing your neck and sending shivers down your body. Before you can think of a witty reply, he covers your mouth with his, effectively putting your fossil joke to rest.

The next morning you wake up, sheets twisted, and your naked body entwined with Bucky’s. You carefully untangle yourself and head to the bathroom to wash up and then quietly make your way to the kitchen to make coffee and breakfast. A few minutes later you hear the soft patter of feet and turn to find Bucky walking toward you in nothing but his tight boxer briefs.

He doesn’t say anything as he walks passed you to get to the refrigerator, bending down to look for something….”morning guys!” you hear Sam say cheerfully, “oh hey look, it’s Mr. Perfect ass, and he wore something to highlight his best feature!” Bucky looks up from the fridge and mumbles, “morning, Sam,” between mouthfuls of  fruit and you glare daggers at them both, “YOU TOLD THEM BUCK” you scream, face red and ready to throw your hot coffee in his direction. Bucky just smirks at Sam and says, “I may have sent everyone a text last night about some new workout routines I want to show them so they too can have an ass almost as perfect as mine.”

Sam let’s out a peel of laughter and it pushes you over the edge as you grab the eggs from the carton next to you and launch them at the boys, hitting your targets with ease. The attack temporarily silences them and when you all take in the scene before you the smiles creep onto your faces and you can’t help the hysterical laughter that bubbles up and out of your mouths. Sam gains his composure first and loudly states, “aw, come on guys, don’t fight over this, we all know I have the best ass around,” and then takes off down the hall.

@annavega333 @abovethesmokestacks @buckmesideways22 @buckmesideways22 @book-dragon-13 @chuuulip @collinsstanharbour @eurynome827 @hiddles-rose @jewelofwinter @jewels2876 @loricameback @littledarlinhavefaithinme @lancetuckershairgel @lollypop-lam @marvelous-meggi @marvelandotherfandomimagines @marvelgirl7 @nerdypinupcrystal @randomfandompenguin @stuck-y-together @sebastiansloserclub @spacemansam @sallycanwait68 @southernbell91

[mysoftboybensolo]

Characters that are Demisexual Part 2

You can read part 1 here (x)

Kaz Brekker and Inej Ghafa from Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom- I am putting these two together because they are demi as fuck for each other. Yes, they both had very traumatizing backstories, making them closed off and afraid of intimacy, but they don’t seem to be too afraid when it’s each other. Inej gets flustered when she sees Kaz shirtless, willingly touches him and let’s herself be touched by him, then famously told him after asking how he’d have her if he won’t touch her, “I will have you without armor, Kaz Brekker, or I will not have you at all.” She does, of course, mean that he needs to be emotionally open to her if he really does want her, but it can be read that she won’t simply be used again and not have a connection. And the fact that she doesn’t tell him that she isn’t interested in the possibility of having sex with him tells me that she isn’t straight up asexual. Kaz just jumped out to me as demi so quickly. How many times had there been passages when he thinks about wanting to touch her despite his aversion to flesh, wanting to kiss her and thought “Desire coursed through him, a thousand images he’d hoarded, barely let himself imagine- the fall of her dark hair freed from its braid, his hand fitted to the lithe curve of her waist, her lips parted, whispering his name.” And how many times had you read him wanting anyone else? Zero. These two will have to take their time due to their trauma, but they are most certainly demis, a rarity in media, two demis who fall for each other.

Sally Albright from When Harry Met Sally- I love When Harry Met Sally and I can’t tell you how many times I had seen but only in my latest rewatch did I realize that Sally was demi. The scene that really clicked it for me was when Harry has a breakdown after seeing his ex-wife and questions why Sally hasn’t slept with anyone after Joe, and she remarks “I’ll make love when it’s making love, not the way you do it, like you are out for revenge or something!” That was the moment that made me go “oh”. And her being thoroughly upset after she sleeps with Harry and him saying that it didn’t mean anything, it’s not just a woman thing, but a demi thing. Sally is a demi, it makes perfect sense now.

Erik from The Phantom of the Opera- Honestly, almost all the Phantom versions, Erik is a demi, the exceptions are the Robert Englund and Dario Argento versions. But pretty much, all forms of Erik exhibit signs of being demi. Sure, you could say that the reason why he hasn’t been with anyone is because he is an ugly mofo, but his desire to be normal and have someone to love him for himself is greater than anything else. And in the Leroux version, his idea of a normal marriage primarily consists of singing, walking in the park and having fun together.

Meggie Cleary from The Thorn Birds- Going through the book, there was a particular line that made me go, hmmm. It’s after she and Ralph make love that she realizes that the reason it didn’t feel good with Luke, was because she didn’t love Luke. It isn’t just that Meggie had been in love with Ralph for years, but the fact that she did try to forget him and wanted to enjoy sex with Luke, but it just didn’t work out. And the fact that she could go for over a decade without needing or wanting sex until Ralph visits again, just struck me as being closer to a demi thing than anything else.

Bertram Potts from Ball of Fire- Bertram is the youngest of a set of professor who are working on an encyclopedia, and he is adorkable to the T. But he also is demi. He doesn’t have any interest or is confused by attraction until he feels it himself with Sugarpuss. Even then, the feelings confuse him and he isn’t sure of how to express his feelings the way he’d want to. Plus, the fact that he got overwhelmed with desire that he ran away from her after getting kiss to place a cool wet towel on the back of his neck is something I feel like I’d do. If you get a chance, watch this oldie but goodie, it’s just too cute!

Mary Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life- Try and convince this girl that there is another man in the world who isn’t George Bailey. Impossible, huh? So impossible that in the alternate world where George doesn’t exist, she became an old maid. No man could in any way compare to George Bailey, the man she fell in love with as a child and loved through adulthood.

Henry Pearl from Battlecreek- Henry is just a pure sweet soft boy, and demi just, I don’t know, radiates off him. He has only two friends and he holds onto to them dearly, showing that he doesn’t need much as long as he has a good person to be with. I appreciated that the film never did a sex scene when they could have, but they just showed that he was content with cuddling with a person, a rare thing to find, especially when the character is a man, and that man is played by Bill Skarsgard.

Kyle Reese from The Terminator- While Kyle and Sarah are hiding out in the hotel, Sarah asked what the women from his time were like, his response? “Good fighters”. He had to have Sarah spell it out for him before he responded with having said he never had sex. While I am not sure at what age or for how long he had Sarah’s picture based of the first film, but the fact that he is an adult and could have been with someone but decided not to, read to me as being incredibly demi. And much like Mary Bailey, try and convince Kyle that there is any other woman in the world but Sarah. Kyle Reese is a ride or die man and a demi to a T.

Hordak and Entrapta from She Ra- Once I saw this post (x), I was just like, hell yeah! Another couple who are demi for each other! They both showed having no interest in any romantic and/or sexual relationship but when they meet, they learn to feel comfortable with each other and their relationship slowly builds, until ultimately they are fighting for each other and become a couple at the end. 

Gwynplaine and Dea from The Man Who Laughs/The Grinning Man- I end this list again with a couple. Gwynplaine and Dea have known each other their while lives and have lived a life that seems the perfect image of innocent love. And even though Gwynplaine is tempted to have sex with Josiana, it is driven more from his insecurity of being seen and accepted, as Dea who is blind is unable to see him physically. In the end, they never stray from the other and end up happily together, (or even in death, which why Hugo?)

Feel free to add more if you thought of any!

[artificialqueens]

Everything Has Changed (Crystal x Gigi) - Ashley

A/N: Crystal has spent years watching her ex-best friend and next door neighbour, Gigi, rise to the top of their High School food chain, never even uttering a word to her as she waits for the bus each morning. What will happen when Crystal’s house floods and she is finds herself sleeping on Gigi’s floor for a week?

Hello again! I finally jumped on the s12 girls band wagon - hope you guys like. This plot really gave me 2013 Wattpad vibes but I decided to embrace and roll with it. Thanks sooooo much to Meggie for beta-ing! Concrit welcome. Xoxo Ashley

The day began as generic as any other for Crystal. 

A spurt of optimism filled her as she slurped down the last of her cereal and made her way outside - failing to notice the big splodge of milk that would be visible on her shirt until the fourth period. The sun was waving down on her, the slight hum of insects and the sight of her neighbour with a pair of shears at hand reminding her that spring was now in full bloom.

“Morning Crystal,” the familiar voice called over the fence.

“Morning!” She waved back at the woman who she would have once called a second mother, the auntie she had never had.

“When’s your mom back?” Maria asked as Crystal neared the end of the driveway. “I’m due a coffee date!”

“A week on Friday.” Crystal smiled back at her, remembering the days when she and Gigi used to join them on their mothers’ meetings, sipping lemonade and pretending to be sophisticated on the opposite side of the cafe. Remembering how Gigi would always make her laugh and she’d end off spitting her soda out anyway and ruining their facade.

Pulling her headphones out of her bag as she said goodbye, she looked up at the girl whose laugh was currently leaping around inside her head like a carousel, whose grinning face was a portrait in Crystal’s brain as clear as the lakes they used to play in.

Only now she wasn’t grinning quite the same.

Taking her usual seat at the bench, she glanced across at Gigi: her dark hair coiffed to perfection, her lips lined just at the right spot, her jet black beauty mark contrasting against her Snow White complexion. She was the type of girl who needed to be painted.

Their eyes met briefly, as they often did on mornings like this, Crystal darting hers away quickly in a chaotic manner and looking at her phone instead: seven twenty-seven. Her bus would be here in six minutes. Nicky would be here in three.

For a split second, she thought she felt Gigi’s eyes looking back on her but she didn’t dare look.

Instead, she tried to think of ways that she could stop herself from reading the freckles on her old friend’s arm as if they were the dictionary definition of perfection. She thought about how Gig’s mascara may have been left on from the night before, of how she’d seen the straight-A student climb out of her window and down her drainpipe like Catwoman herself to steal away into the night. Of how the Gigi she knew in reality was anything but the flawless girl that was adored around the halls.

Seven-thirty. The familiar horn rang before Gigi went to sit shotgun in her best friend’s car. Crystal let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding along with a sigh of relief that the girl was out of sight and out of mind for the day.

Or at least until they had Chemistry together in the third period.

***

“Oh my god,” Crystal spoke aloud, her body frozen for a second as she absorbed the scene in front of her.

Like something from a disaster movie, she watched as water sprayed from the enormous hole in her living room ceiling, her socks already damp through her trainers.

Her flight or fight reflexes kicking in, Crystal did the first thing her brain told her to do which was to run next door and ring their bell as many times as she could, managing to slip on her lawn and stain the knees of her jeans whilst doing so.

“Hi?” Gigi looked Crystal up and down, her nose wrinkling with curiosity as she took in the other girl’s dishevelled state, her greeting more of a question than a welcome.

“Hi.” Crystal paused, trying to think of how she could explain to Gigi that she’d simply walked through her front door after school into a foot of brown water, a smell that matched that description almost exactly, and a giant hole in the ceiling that was firing said brown water at her like an army missile.

“Can I speak to your mom?” 

***

Crystal felt her body relax slightly as she took a sip of the lemonade that was placed in front of her, a twinge of a feeling she couldn’t quite name gnawing at her when she realised that Gigi hadn’t asked what she wanted to drink, simply bringing her what had always brought comfort as a child.

She felt simultaneously overwhelmed and comforted by the sight around her, Gigi sitting in her usual seat as her hands toyed with the couch cushions. Only now an elephant sat between the pair of them, an awkward silence taking over every last air molecule in the room.

Memories flooded back to her as she let her eyes wander: the mantlepiece she had chipped her tooth on, the doors they would prance through as they pretended to be contestants on America’s Next Top Model once everyone was asleep.

Crystal felt her hands starting to sweat, rubbing them against her jeans rather frantically. She’d always managed to cope on a morning or in school - sure, sometimes the sight of Gigi sent her into a spiral of self-doubt and questions, but it was never something completely out of her control, never something that bothered her to such a great extent.

Maybe it was that she’d lost the privilege of her headphones to distract her from her past.

Maybe it was how familiar her surroundings were.

Maybe it was how natural it had first felt as she sat in Gigi’s living room.

Just as she heard the other girl start to speak, attempting to cut the tension that wrapped around the pair of them like thick green vines, they were saved by Maria entering the room again, phone in hand.

“So, your hot water tank has burst!” She looked at Crystal and let out a frustrated laugh. “The plumbers are starting to clear up now but they think it’s going to take a full week. I’m sorry sweetie. I’ve called your Mom and she’s happy for you to stay here with us and is going to try to leave her conference early.”

Maria went on to talk about getting essentials after the day’s work was finished and the logistics of their insurance but it soon became a gust of wind that swept right over Crystal’s head.

“I don’t need to say here, don’t worry!” Crystal smiled at Maria, grateful for her generosity but feeling the prick of tears at the back of her eyes daring to fall. Her eyes looked absolutely anywhere but at Gigi. “I can always go visit my family in Missouri for a week, I haven’t seen them for a while.”

“I dunno how your mom would feel about you missing a week of school, this is senior year now.” Maria placed a tentative hand on Crystal’s, clearly sensing the anxiety that was shooting out of her like flaming arrows. “Don’t stress! Think of it as one long week-long sleepover. Just like old times!”

Crystal couldn’t tell if she was trapped in heaven or hell but she knew one thing for sure, it wouldn’t be like old times.

***

Crystal found it strange how Gigi’s bedroom was so similar to how it was when they were younger, yet simultaneously different in certain, striking ways.

The antithesis to Crystal’s walls of clutter, Gigi’s room had always been pristine and that hadn’t changed. Placed on her dressing table were framed photos of her and her friends, one of her and Nicky catching Crystal’s eye.

She’d never grown close to Nicky. Even though a part of Crystal disliked her for the shit music she blasted from her sports car and for stealing away her best friend - the other, more loving side of her told her that Nicky didn’t really seem to have a bad bone in her body and that she must be fun if Gigi was so fond of her.

Crystal always found herself trusting Gigi’s judgement even though they were no longer friends, even though that judgment was cast badly upon herself.

Her eyes made their way to the other side of the room, a warm, fuzzy feeling taking over her body as she looked at Gigi’s huge world map that hung in front of her.

Pink pins for where she’d been and blue pins for where she wanted to go. Missouri caught her eye, bright pink straight away, Crystal remembering how excited Gigi had been to change its colour after she had joined one of her visits home in the holidays, how interested she was in exploring the lakes that raised Crystal. She knew Gigi would always be an explorer, it was just a shame that she was no longer the trusty navigator that bounced by her side.

Before she knew it, her hands were running across the books on Gigi’s shelves, stopping on her worn-out copy of Emma.

She never hated Gigi for the fact they were not friends anymore. She knew it happened to loads of pairs like themselves, that it’s natural to drift apart at high school and find different interests. Crystal often prided herself on being mature and understanding, knowing that sometimes there were deeper things in other people’s minds that she just had to accept. Yet at that moment, she couldn’t deny that the sight of the last birthday present she had bought for Gigi sitting front and centre, it’s pages worn and dog-eared, happened to sting that tiny bit.

“It’s not a museum,” Gigi snapped at her from across the room, only for her own face to fall a little when she saw Crystal’s - the slap of instant regret bright red on her cheeks.

“Sorry.” She moved over to the bookshelf, pulling the copy out and holding it in her manicured hands as though it were made of papier-mache. “Can you remember I used to take it out at the library so much? You gave it to me and told me it was so I never had to hide it to stop anyone else borrowing it anymore.”

Crystal’s heart dipped a whole centimetre in her chest.

Of course she remembered.

Silence enveloped the pair yet again as Crystal’s makeshift bed was constructed on the floor, a look on Gigi’s face that Crystal couldn’t quite piece together. 

Trying to fight the awkwardness, Crystal pulled out her phone and began to scroll down her Instagram feed aimlessly, no one she could message even springing to her mind.

“Oh my god, we cannot do this all week,” Gigi blurted out what she’d been trying to contain all in one breath, causing Crystal to laugh at the girl’s inability to remain silent for any given period of time. And before she knew it Gigi was laughing too, the pair almost automatically falling back into that lull that once fell so naturally. Chatting more and more naturally as the drama of Top Model made up their background music.

There, underneath the plastic demeanour, was Crystal’s old best friend.

***

At first, Crystal didn’t know where she was when she woke up, her body feeling awkward in her jeans. But her confusion slid away at the sight of Gigi at her dressing table, applying the daintiest amount of blush to her pale cheeks.

Looking down she realised she was in Gigi’s bed rather than the one made up for her on the floor, assuming that she must have drifted off whilst watching their show.

“Good morning, camper.” Gigi raised an eyebrow in her mirror and grinned, never fully turning around to look at Crystal.

“Morning.” She stretched her arms in the air, the fact that Gigi must have tucked a blanket around her whilst she slept hitting her like a tonne of bricks. “What time is it?”

“Quarter past seven.”

“Oh. That’s no good!” Crystal jumped out of the bed and began rummaging through her case quite rapidly, Gigi chuckling under her breath at the way Crystal worked as a poster girl for the chaotic good character, clearly seeing some form of adorable in the other girl’s frustration.

Pulling a leopard print shirt out of her bag, Crystal quickly removed yesterday’s jumper and spruced herself up for the day ahead, finding some blue jeans to match and throwing them on whilst Gigi carried on with her makeup in the mirror, her eyes flickering back and forth.

“I think my Mom made some breakfast if you have time. Nicky’s coming for me soon…” She trailed off almost in a defensive way, her eyes glossing back down to the palette in front of her.

“Yeah,” Crystal responded, not sure on what she was agreeing with, before starting to pack her bag for the day. “I don’t want to miss the bus, I guess I’ll see you later.”

Maybe things hadn’t changed as much as she’d thought.

***

“Ugh.” Crystal found herself longing to throw her pencil across the room in a fit of rage as she failed the seventh time to do the chemical equation in front of her.

“You know, I’m currently sitting at an A in Chemistry.” Gigi waved her hands in the air at the girl from her bed, dog-earing the corner of her book and casting it aside.

“I don’t need you to do my work for me!” Crystal squealed as she moved the paper away from Gigi’s peeping eyes, determined to finish the question.

This was now her third night in the Goode household and she was starting to scare herself at how easily she fell back into place with Gigi when no one else was around. They had spent the past few days catching each other up on their lives, watching crap TV and just being together.

It was safe to say that Crystal was starting to see the beams of a happier Gigi shine through the cracks, a Gigi who wasn’t afraid to be rough around the edges. 

But her hopes were kept low each morning when they parted their usual ways at the social jungle of their high school.

“I’m not saying I’ll do it for you, I’ll just help.” Gigi moved closer and Crystal could feel the warmth of her body on her own. The tiniest contact sending her brain in circles.“Besides, I did this three days ago; I don’t know why you’re hiding the questions.”

“Okay, but only if we do something fun after.”

“Actually.” Gigi paused and gave Crystal the grin of an excited puppy. “I have the perfect game to make up some lost time.”

***

“I’ll start.” An idea popped into Crystal’s head as she turned to face Gigi with excitement. “Number one: where do you go when you sneak off in the middle of the night?”

“Do you spy on me?” Gigi opened her jaw wide, causing Crystal to go into panic mode before releasing she was simply playing. “Sometimes it’s to meet people by the quarry and have a drink. Sometimes I just like to go get some fresh air alone.”

Crystal could sense she wasn’t getting a full answer but didn’t want to pry, preparing herself for what she’d be asked.

“Hmm.” Gigi giggled to herself as she gave Crystal a once over. Crystal could almost see the lightbulb pop out of her pretty little head when she thought of a question. “Number two: do you think Mr. Charles has a crush on you?”

Taking Crystal by surprise, it took her a minute to gain her composure. “What sort of question is that?”

“A genuine one!” Gigi tried to pull a straight face. “I see the way he’s always staring at you, putting his hand in your hair when he checks your work.”

“Oh my god, you’re disgusting.” Crystal smacked the other girl with a pillow resulting in the biggest scene of dramatics she’d witnessed since their school’s production of Les Mis.

The questions began to roll one after the other, starting off as fun and light-hearted.

“Where do you even sit at lunch?”

…

“Pasta or pizza?”

….

“When did you lose your virginity?”

….

“Was Poland as good as you thought it would be?”

…

“Do you remember our time capsule?”

…

But as the sky outside started to darken, their subject matter deepened. It has reached that time of night where boundaries dilapidated and unbreached territory began to be uncrossed.

“Number 10.” Crystal paused, building up the courage to finally breach the topic the pair has shied away from all week. “Was it because everyone called me a dyke? Is that why we’re not friends?”

Crystal watched as her friend winced - wishing so much that she could just pretend that period had never occurred and never to speak about it, but knowing that it was a bridge both she and Gigi needed to cross and it would be much better if they could cross it together, stopping each other from falling between the jagged planks.

“Partly, yeah.” Gigi nodded and looked Crystal in the eyes.

Really, really looked into her eyes.

“I don’t think I thought that at the time, I told myself we just had different interests. But I think that sometimes I just get so caught up in what people think about me, I get lost in what’s right and wrong. I’ve just always wanted to be ‘perfect.’ I lost sight of what that even meant. But I never, ever cared what you thought about me. Not in that way, at least…” She trailed off and Crystal placed a comforting hand over hers, letting her know that she was loved. “I’m so sorry.” A single tear fell down her face. The first time Crystal had seen her cry since they were seven. “Do you hate me?”

“No.” Crystal squeezed her hand tighter.

It was the truth. Even though sometimes she wanted to, she couldn’t have ever hated Gigi even if she tried. 

She knew that her actions were wrong, she knew that she couldn’t make excuses for not being there, for not trying to stop it. She knew that things wouldn’t magically click back to how they used to. But she also knew that Gigi was sorry.

Scars took time to heal.

And they’d still be visible even once they had.

But people say they only make someone stronger.

“If I was you, I think I’d hate me. Feel free to slap me if you want.”

“Do you really want me to slap you?” Crystal raised an eyebrow to the girl.

“No.” Gigi sighed. “And you just wasted your question.”

“Fuck sake.” Crystal found herself blushing for no apparent reason. She guessed that Gigi just brought out the nervous side of her sometimes.

“Number thirteen: what does your tattoo say?” 

Crystal was a deer in the headlights.

Her tattoo - the most genius yet idiotic idea she’d ever had in her life.

Aged 16, still reeling in that high you get from a gig with a fake ID at the ready.

Somewhere nice and hidden where hardly anyone would see, figuring she’d never have to explain it to anyone she wasn’t intimate with, always having the open option to lie about it’s meaning to save embarrassment.

But Gigi had seen it.

She thought of the past few days when they’d both been getting ready for school.

Never really processing it herself, she had peaked at Gigi’s body - slight glances at the way her ribs and clavicle jutted out through her skin.

She didn’t realise Gigi had been looking back.

“One Direction,” she responded after what was probably a longer than socially-acceptable pause.

“One Direction?” Gigi exclaimed back, wrinkling her nose and opening her mouth wide at the girl.

“Yes.” Crystal replied seriously, trying to stop the laugh from slipping through her lips. “One Direction.”

“That is weird on so many levels, Crystal.” Gigi shook her head and started to laugh. “You mean to tell me that when you sit on the bench with that unapproachable look on your face wearing black eyeliner thicker than your wrists, you’re blasting Truly, Madly, Deeply from your headphones?”

“Yep,” she simply stated. Strangely it had never occurred to her before that as she made hidden glances at Gigi each morning, Gigi was taking them back just the same.

“Crystal Elizabeth Methyd, you never fail to surprise me.”

***

“You don’t need to feel bad about leaving me, I’ve got stuff to do,” Crystal pleaded as Gigi scavenged through her closet like an excited child with their first-ever Barbie doll.

It was Thursday night and the end of Crystal’s impromptu vacation in the Goode household. Her typical night consisted of homework, pizza, and reading old fan-fiction until four AM.

Gigi had different ideas.

“How many parties have you been to in high school?”

“None,” Crystal answered, not even attempting to slip out a lie.

“Exactly,” Gigi replied before settling on a pink latex dress and throwing it in Crystal’s direction.

“You don’t have to feel guilty about me missing out, I’ve never wanted to and we have school tomorrow!” Crystal examined the dress, her eyes widening at the thought of how much skin it would show.

“Maybe I just want you there.” Gigi stopped as she settled on her own dress. “Maybe I just enjoy your company.”

Crystal didn’t need to be told twice.

“Fine.” She responded, resulting in some excited squealing and hand-clapping from the other side of the room. “But I just can’t wear this.”

“Sure you can, just undo the zipper, step into it, put your arms through the sleeves and do it back up again. It’s not that hard. I can help if you’d like?”

Crystal tried hard not to give her the satisfaction of a laugh but once again failed. “You know what I meant.”

“At least try! I spent good money on that and it hangs off my body. You’ve got the curves to fill it at least.”

Trying her hardest not to blush, Crystal gave in and tried the dress on, surprising herself at how good it actually looked.

“See!” Gigi motioned her hands up and down at Crystal’s body. “I know these things.”

It was safe to say that Crystal was waiting for the day she’d win one of her verbal battles with Gigi Goode. Yet she was never really that annoyed when she lost them.

***

Although a small part of her wished she was curled up in bed with a bag of M&Ms watching a movie, Crystal was enjoying herself. 

Yes, she had spent the majority of the night by Gigi’s side, dancing like idiots and watching people hook up, but she still found herself branching out in smaller ways, taking as many steps as her size fives could - partly because she wanted to and partly because of the smile she saw on Gigi’s face as she conversed with Nicky and the other girls. Although still sceptical around them, Crystal was happy finding common ground with Gigi’s friends, even seeing a goofy side of Nicky that she didn’t even know was there.

Distracted by her thoughts, she hadn’t even realised there was someone next to her at the punch bowl until he spoke.

“Have we met?” He looked Crystal up and down with a smile.

Yes, she thought to herself. We have around 10 hours of class together each week. But being polite and trying her hardest to make friends she didn’t dare say that aloud. “I think I’ve seen you around, I’m Crystal.”

“Josh.” He took her hand and shook it, holding on for maybe a second longer than normal. “Bit less exciting than Crystal.”

“My mom was really into Pokemon during her pregnancy,” she responded. However, before her joke could be processed she felt the red punch from the boy’s hand splash across her front.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” He looked at Crystal apologetically before rushing to grab a dishtowel. “I hope I’ve not stained your dress.”

“It’s Gigi’s so I think you’d be feeling her wrath rather than mine.” Crystal went to reach for the towel only for the boy to start wiping away at her front.

“Oh, I can do that.” She went to swat his hand away when they were interrupted by a familiar cough.

“God, Gigi, you ought to keep that one on a leash.” One of her friends muttered under their breath, just loud enough for Crystal to hear and take a step backwards.

She watched her friend’s face turn at the sight, watched her mouth open and close twice before she spoke. “Do you mind moving away from my friend?”

“Gigi, it’s fine,” Crystal responded as the boy she was talking to leapt away from her and raised his hands in the air. “I can handle myself.”

“Nicky will drop you off home.” She ignored Crystal’s words before turning to leave the room. “I think I’m gonna walk.”

“Wait.” Crystal shouted after her as she made her exit, just the two of them standing in the large foyer, Gigi haphazardly raking around for her snakeskin jacket. “I was just being friendly, I don’t see the problem.”

“That’s because you’re naive. You let people take advantage of you.” Gigi turned to face Crystal, finally finding her jacket and slinging it over her thin frame. 

“Or maybe you’re just a jealous bitch who can’t deal with the attention being on someone else for a second.” Crystal spat back at her, shocking herself with her words.

It was a word that had floated around a lot since Gigi became popular but it had never quite reached the surface. She knew Gigi wasn’t a bitch - remembering the time she spent seven hours making her a friendship bracelet in all her favourite colours, the time they went to the theme park and they rode all the scary rides even though Gigi was terrified of them, just so her friend would be happy. She knew her intentions were good in scaring the boy away, a part of her just wished that Gigi would stop looking at her like the lost puppy she was in freshman year. But that’s what came out of her mouth, and she couldn’t take it back now.

She watched Gigi stop in her tracks. Bending down and resting her body on the shoe rack below her.

“I’m sorry.” Crystal went to join her side. “I didn’t mean that. I know you mean the best, I just don’t need you to defend me.”

“You’re right,” she spoke, clear frustration seeping from somewhere deeper than their current argument, a small crack in her voice. Once again Crystal had hit the wall in Gigi that she was yet to break down. “I just want you to understand.”

“Then help me to.” Crystal reached a hand out to her, squeezing, once, twice.

At first, she remained still, but Crystal then saw the switch flip. Gigi squeezed back.

“I need to steal a shovel.”

***

The sky around the pair was still dark, their two phone torches shining down on the route that their feet had danced across so many times.

Although Crystal knew that they should probably wait till morning and that Maria would probably realise they were gone, she didn’t want to sacrifice Gigi opening up to her, her heart beating faster and faster as they walked through the meadow.

“I’m pretty sure there’s still another six years till we’re supposed to dig this up.” Crystal shivered, the side effects of the punch she drank starting to wear off. “I can’t believe Gigi Goode is voluntarily breaking rules!”

“Shut up.” She gave Crystal a friendly punch before taking off her coat and wrapping it around her friend’s shoulders, Crystal still feeling a pang of guilt for the way she spoke to Gigi at the party, knowing that she had been nothing but kind to her the past week they had lived together.

“Here.” Crystal stopped, pointing at the signpost marking their spot, remembering the day they buried their time capsule as if it were yesterday.

***

“Is this a report card?” Crystal laughed as she shone her torch at the paper in front of her.

“Oh my god, yes!” Gigi took the paper in her hands. “I didn’t want my Mom to find out I got a C in music class.”

“Classic Gigi.” Crystal sighed.

Pulling out the friendship bracelet she had made years before, Gigi gasped before grabbing Crystal’s arm and sliding it on. “As if it still fits.”

As the girls waded their way through cinema tickets and keyrings, they found themselves falling back into their old selves more and more - getting lost in conversation as the night faded away and the sun started to rise.

“I don’t remember this being in here.” Crystal pulled out a photograph of the pair of them in Missouri, aged fourteen, grinning like idiots on Crystal’s grandma’s porch.

Flipping it over, she recognised Gigi’s sophisticated scrawl on the back::

This week I finally got to go with Crystal when she visited home. It was so amazing because I hate it so much when she isn’t here, nothing is fun. When I’m with Crystal I don’t have to be perfect - I wish we could grow old together, just the two of us in our own land away from everyone else, everything would be so, so much easier.

There was more but Crystal stopped, looking up to her best friend’s nervous face to realise it was blurry. She hadn’t even realised she was crying.

“Crystal.” Gigi wiped her tears away with her thumb, only leaving her hands on her friend’s cheeks once she was done.

They were freezing yet it made Crystal’s whole body burst up in flames.

Crystal thought of all the sleepless nights and daydreams where she’d pictured this moment.

Somehow it was better than all of them combined.

Their lips touched, soft at first, gentle, afraid to hurt each other. Then their kiss grew deeper, it was hungry, passionate, it had been locked in a cage for years and years only finally to be released.

Crystal didn’t know how long they’d been kissing for when Gigi pulled away, but she wouldn’t have minded if it had been forever.

“I was scared. A scared girl who pushed you away instead of accepting who I was. It’s more, Crystal, you know it’s more. It’s always been more.”

Crystal nodded, placing her hands on the girl’s shoulders as she carried on her choked sentences.

“This past week, as corny as it sounds I didn’t just find you again, I found the old me.”

“Well, we’re both here to stay,” Crystal whispered before pulling the girl into another embrace which somehow dared to be better than their last. “Come on, you’re shivering, let’s get you home.”

***

Crystal woke with the sun beaming through the window, her body perfectly entwined with Gigi’s.

At first, she thought she had dreamt it: their kiss at the meadow, the way she went to sleep on the floor and felt Gigi’s arm drop down from her bed, her breasts soft as silk and her moans sending Crystal insane. 

But the way Gigi’s head nestled into her collarbone told her she hadn’t.

She wanted to freeze the moment in a frame and relive it forever - the fear hitting her that Gigi would act cool like it was no big deal.

She lay a kiss on her head before making her way for a shower - the first time all week that she hadn’t woken up to Gigi perfecting her makeup or already dressed- the perfect girl’s routine thrown out the window as she lay in bed.

After returning from the shower, she noticed Gigi was awake, rushing to get ready.

“C’mon.” She looked Crystal up and down. “We’ll be late.”

***

Crystal’s palms became heavy with sweat as she sat next to Gigi on the bench. 

Maybe she regretted it. Maybe it was some sort of sick joke. Why hadn’t she spoken about it? Was she being off with her, or was she just tired?

Crystal felt sick, checking her phone for the time: seven twenty-five.

She couldn’t wait till Nicky got here, the sight of Gigi’s face next to her sending her brain into spirals of existentialism.

She thought about this time on Monday. How much had changed in a week? Or in reality how much it had gone back to the way it was before.

Whatever would happen next she just thanked God/the man who fitted her water heater that at least it happened - the love bite on her neck marking that no one could take this away from her.

Maybe Gigi would go further in denial - Crystal watched her as she tapped her foot on the ground.

“Are you not gonna give me a headphone?” Gigi smiled at her, snapping Crystal’s mind of doubt back to reality, feeling Gigi’s hand fall onto her thigh. “I fancy some One Direction.”

Pulling her phone out in excitement, Crystal’s mood quickly dipped back as she read the time: seven twenty-nine.

“Nicky will be here for you in a minute.” She gave a disheartened smile and put her phone back in her pocket.

“Oh.” Gigi moved her hand over the top of Crystal’s and grinned. “I told her not to come, figured I ought to get the bus today.”

[schleierkauz]

i’m bored, everyone post your most spicy inkworld opinion to this post. i’ll start:

when i read the books for the first time i really really didn’t like mo. at all. i was 10 and just simply did not like caring fathers. 

also dustfinger sacrificing himself to bring farid back because an old story said that maybe it would work was pretty stupid and a complete bastard move towards roxane. 

cosimo the fair (the original) and his father were both idiots and shouldn’t have been allowed to rule over an empty pigsty let alone a city filled with people. getting killed in the woods was simply embarrassing and could have been avoided if cosimo had made better choices and you don’t get to wallow in depression and let your people fend for themselves just because your kid dies, i’m sorry. like, you live in the dark ages. everyone’s kids are dying. how do you think roxane felt? on that note, even before he checked out i don’t think the laughing prince deserves all the credit he gets. yeah he’s better than the adderhead but that’s a low bar.

you know who does deserve more credit? the barn owl. no one ever talks about the barn owl (myself included bc i’m still ignoring that one ask i got about him but i’m waiting until my gf and i get there shhh) and i KNOW he was barely in the story but he’s so cool. like, his hospital is one of the very few safe havens in the adderhead’s realm, he’s a renowned healer who genuinely wants to help people, he went to check on the kids in the dungeon, he raised dustfinger and he was the one roxane turned to when basta cut him up... can we get more barn owl content please.

lastly i genuinely never cared about meggie’s boyfriends. i know it’s a hot topic and yeah, farid’s character development was very weird but i am looking away. in fact, i’m glad everyone disappeared before i had to translate her wedding, that’s how much i don’t care. tell me more about everyone’s parents instead.

[punz4lyfe]

Let’s talk about Axol

Since I already do enough blabbering for the Pokemon series, let’s go into another particular series that I’m a fan for.

So, let’s talk about Axol from SMG4.

I’ve kinda said this before in a previous blog, but Axol is honestly my favorite character out of everyone else in the SMG4 cast. He’s got a cool and unique design, Kevin Lerdwichagul gives him a pretty neat voice, I loved his whole gimmick with bringing anime characters to life, he rolls off well with many other characters, I enjoyed every second of him in the Anime Arc, and he has a super entertaining personality.

However, I personally feel with recent appearances, Axol’s character has kinda taken a nosedive for the worst. While he has lost the ability to use bring anime characters to life once the Inkweaver was broken in the Internet Graveyard, I honestly didn’t mind that change as much as others. Now that it’s been a long while since the Anime Arc has ended and we already have two characters with enough anime jokes in them as it is (Fishy and Whimpu), I feel it’s kinda nice for Axol’s character to step back from anime-jokes. Plus, him deciding to use fruit to create his new shows is honestly a funny turn to me.

My main problem with him nowadays has to do with his friendship with Melony. Before I continue on, I just want to make it clear that I don’t hate Melony. In fact, I LOVE Melony. When she was just a watermelon, I found her “Plank-like” characteristics to be amusing, and now as a human, I really find her to be both funny and enjoyable. Her design’s super cute and unlike many others, I was actually happy for her when she became human. It’s just her whole thing with Axol I have a problem with. Not only do I find the whole ship teasing between the two to be super cringe and disgusting (doesn’t help that this is the third gross interspecies ship that fans go crazy for, after Mario x Meggy and Saiko x Fishy), but how it’s played out really downplays Axol’s character.

By that, I mean that it really makes him one big simp. Normally that wouldn’t be a bad thing, but seeing Axol become an absolute simp for Melony is really sad since he used to be very flashy and Johnny Cage-like, especially during the Anime Arc. Not only that, but the large majority of the main males of the cast are already simps as well. Luigi simps for shirtless men, Bowser simps for Peach, Fishy and Whimpu simp for anime girls, and Bob and Swagmaster simp for literally anything with boobs. And while Mario, SMG4, Toad, Steve, Rob, and the Wario Bros. don’t necessarily simp for anything in particular, all of their respective obsessions in the show (spaghetti, memes, candy, chickens, corn, and money) could, in a way, be classified as technical simping due to how big all of their obsessions are.

With that said, Axol acting like a simp for her just ruins his character a little. You can easily replace him during his simping moments with either Fishy or Whimpu and nothing would change that much. Not meaning to turn this into a big Wasted Plotential blog, but if I wanted to establish a nice, platonic friendship between Axol and Melony, I would’ve done this: when Melony becomes human, due to how anime she looks, Axol could use this as a way to get his old anime fame back that he had with Inkweaver. He tries to have Melony act in anime-esque skits, but because of her sleepy nature, things don’t work out as planned. This eventually causes Axol to snap at Melony, hurting her feelings and causing the rest of the gang to resent him for that. Now guilty over yelling at Melony, Axol apologizes to her, she accepts it, and the two become friends with Axol putting his old fame life aside.

Also kinda wished he still talked with Meggy as well... since he didn’t even vocally say goodbye to her when she left for Port Aurora.