#like yes i could have fresh pizza. but is it worth the heart attack? no

[samuelroukin]

funniest thing in the world to me is that even if i'm like 'hmm i could order food' which is rare enough on its own, 99% of the time i don't because i'm too neurotic and the doorbell will scare me

[drabbles-mc]

Protective Detail (6/?)

Nestor Oceteva x Reader

Warnings: language, tension so thick you could cut it with a goddamn knife

Word Count: 3.5k

A/N: We finally get some payoff, my friends. This chapter is just a tiny taste of what’s in store for 7. That’s when we really get our thirst quenched. So...you know...stay tuned...

Chapter Index

Protective Detail Taglist: @masterlistforimagines​ @sillygoose6969​ @mydaiilyescape​ @lovebennycolonmiguelgalindo​ @the-radical-venus​ @gemini0410​ @garbinge​ @slutformayansmc​ @paintballkid711​ @chibsytelford​ @yourwonkywriter​ @sesamepancakes​ @mayans-sauce​ (If you want to be tagged in this fic or any of my other writing don’t hesitate to let me know!)

You had your bluetooth headphones on, lip-syncing along with the songs on your playlist as you cleaned around the house. You hated vacuuming, and you always tried to get it done quickly. The time seemed to pass faster when you were dancing to a good beat while you drowned out the noise.

One of the benefits of not having a large house, was that cleaning it wasn’t as daunting of a task as it could’ve been. Plus, on days like today when you called in and didn’t have anywhere to be, there was no excuse not to get it done. Your brain was still reeling from your interaction with Nestor earlier, and cleaning with loud music blaring in your ears seemed like a welcome distraction.

You were dancing your way over to the kitchen to get started on cleaning all of your counters when you felt someone’s eyes on you. You spun around and gasped when you saw Nestor standing there, looking back and forth between you and your phone that was in his hand.

You felt your face get hot as you pushed the headphones down so they were resting around your neck, “Jesus, Nestor. You’re gonna give me a heart attack.”

“Gotta stay alert,” he said matter-of-factly. He held your phone up, “Kendrick is on your cleaning mix?”

You laughed, “What? He’s not on yours?”

“Just didn’t have you pegged as a hip-hop fan, that’s all.”

“You have a lot to learn about me, Mr. Oceteva.”

His brows furrowed, “Don’t call me that ever again,” his face remained serious for a moment before a smirk broke out across it.

You chuckled, “From now on it’s the only thing I will ever call you.”

He didn’t dignify your comment with a response, “Anything I can do?”

You shrugged, “I’m just gonna wipe down the counters and stove. Just trying to keep myself busy.”

You put your headphones back on and got started cleaning up the kitchen. The longer you stood there staring at Nestor, the more you felt like you were going to lose your mind. What you really wanted to do was go for a drive to clear your head, but that was off the table even if Nestor was going to be in the car with you. Carefree cruising was going to be put on hold for the foreseeable future.

Once you were done in the kitchen, you moved on to the bathroom. It was the smallest room in the house but for some reason it was your least favorite to clean. You blamed it on the fact that you hated the smell of bleach, but it was just a lot of scrubbing and crouching if you were going to clean it the right way.

You stood up and were turning around to go grab a fresh roll of paper towels from the kitchen when you ran smack into Nestor. You huffed, looking up at him trying your best to have an annoyed expression on your face, although you knew that he would probably be able to see right through it.

“Quit sneaking up on me!”

He smirked, “I’m not,” he reached forward and gently thumbed a bead of sweat off your forehead before walking away and heading back to his room.

You felt like your entire body was on fire as you stood there stuck in place in the bathroom. He wasn’t much for any kind of contact at all, and that seemed like such an unnecessary gesture. You shook your head and went to grab a clean set of clothes from your room as you tried not to read too much into it. The only thing you could do right now was take a shower to try and wash away all the thoughts that were flying through your head.

You didn’t see much of Nestor for the rest of the afternoon. The door to his room was open, but you couldn’t bring yourself to go and see him. The house was silent and you finally forced yourself to put something on the TV just to keep you from going insane inside your own head.

It was starting to approach dinner time and you figured that you were going to have to talk to him eventually. Taking a deep breath you lightly knocked on the door.

“Yea?”

You stepped in to see him sitting with his back up against the headboard, computer in his lap. You leaned back against the doorframe nervously, “Dinner?”

“I’d like to eat eventually, yea,” he slowly shut his laptop, a tiny grin creeping across his face.

“I’d literally kill someone for a slice of pizza at this point,” you said with a laugh.

He chuckled, “Sure, you’d kill someone, but would you leave the house?”

You huffed, “You’ve worn me down. I am willing to leave the house to get pizza.”

He raised his eyebrows, “Wow. You feeling alright?”

You smiled, shaking your head, “You gotta admit it’s been a long few days.”

“If you wanna call and place the order, we can go pick it up.”

“Can I leave it under your name?”

He sighed, pressing his lips together for a moment, “You’re going to place an order for Mr. Oceteva, aren’t you?”

“Guess you’ll find out when we go to pick it up,” you laughed as you walked out of the room.

You never thought that you’d see the day when Nestor left the house in anything but his dress clothes. But, sure enough, he was grabbing the keys to the SUV still in his sweatpants. He had a gun tucked into the waistband, and you smiled to yourself as he pulled on a baggy hoodie to cover it up. He looked over to you, waiting for you to catch up with him.

The two of you went back and forth earlier about who was going to drive, but Nestor insisted. You were trying to be considerate because the last drive wasn’t the smoothest, but you could see it in his eyes that he wasn’t going to back down. It wasn’t worth an argument, so you let him have the keys.

Nestor walked into the restaurant first, instantly scanning the whole building. The young man behind the register looked at the two of you with a smile, “Can I help you?”

“Order for pickup?” Nestor said as he reached into his pocket for his wallet.

The boy looked over the names for orders that he had, “Are you…Mr. Oceteva?”

You could tell that he was clenching his jaw and you bit back a laugh. Nestor sighed, “Yes, that’s me.”

He was opening his wallet to grab some cash when you reached forward and snatched it out of his hands, stuffing it into your pocket before he could pay. You could see it on his face that he wanted to grab it back, but wasn’t about to start something in the middle of the pizza place. You chuckled as you handed a few bills over the counter to the young man, who looked very interested in how the situation was going to play out.

“Keep the change,” you said with a smile, “Have a good night.”

The kid nodded with a smile, “You too.”

You looked to Nestor, “Can you grab those?” you nodded towards the pizza and wing boxes.

The two of you walked back to the car, and he didn’t say anything until you both were inside of it with the doors locked. He looked over at you with a heavy sigh and held out his hand, “Wallet.”

You smirked, pulling it out of your pocket, “Fine, fine,” before you handed it over you opened it, and your eyes nearly popped out of your head when you saw his license photo, “Oh my god,” your hand flew up to cover your mouth, “Is that…teenage Nestor?”

He reached over and snatched it up out of your hands, “Give me the fucking wallet.”

“Your hair was so short!” you laughed, “Look at you and your baby face.”

He leaned his head back, looking up at the ceiling like he was praying to god for patience, “Please stop talking.”

“You were so cute what the fuck,” you laughed, shaking your head in disbelief.

“I’ll leave you here,” he looked over at you, “And I’ll take the pizza with me.”

You pressed your lips together and tried to keep yourself from smiling, but you failed, “Let’s get home before the pizza gets cold.”

He shook his head as he threw the car into drive. For as annoyed as he was making himself seem, you could see it in his eyes that he was amused by the whole ordeal. He’d never admit it, but you knew it was true.

The two of you were camped out on the couch. You had ordered a large pizza, so you decided it was easier to just set the box on the cushion between you and each of you sat cross-legged facing it. It was the first time that Nestor ever drank at home, and it made you feel like you were at a slumber party of some kind.

You took a swig from your beer bottle, “Can I be real with you for a minute?”

He nodded, “Sure.”

“I know that this,” you gestured to yourself and your house, “is not what you usually do. I know it’s probably way below your paygrade, and I know that I give you a lot of shit for very little reward,” you chuckled, “But I’m really glad that you’re here.”

He froze mid-bite, “Yea?”

You smiled, “Yea. I know I gave you and my father both a hard time about all this. But if I’m being honest? I was pretty shaken up after everything happened. It felt like if I gave into this without a fight, I was admitting defeat. But I do feel a lot safer with you here. So…thanks.”

It was clear on his face that he was trying to process everything that you had just said to him. He set his slice of pizza back down into the box, “Can I ask what happened? Your father never gave me any details.”

You sigh, leaning back against the arm of the couch, “It was so stupid,” you shook your head, “I was out with a couple friends, bar-hopping. I stepped outside to get some fresh air, and this girl runs up to me in tears, saying that her friend was sick and she didn’t know what to do. Like, alcohol poisoning sick. And she was freaking out saying that her friend wasn’t breathing and she already called 911 but she didn’t know what else to do. So, I went to help, because I’m not gonna let someone choke on their own vomit and die or something. But when I got to the end of the block—”

“No friend.”

You shook your head, “Nope. Just two dudes trying to grab me and take me away. I really don’t remember exactly what happened, how I didn’t end up dead or at least hog-tied in the back of some sketchy-ass van. But when I tell you that I have never run away from something so fast," you took a long drink from your beer, “But anyway, yea. That’s the gist of it. Obviously, I had to tell my dad about it.  He freaked out. He had no idea that he had been stirring up so much shit with business lately. And I’m assuming you got your new employment notice shortly after that happened,” you half-smiled.

He shook his head, “Sorry, Y/N.”

You shrugged, “I know better than to go anywhere alone, even with a distressed girl coming to me in tears. Just had a lapse in judgment and I paid the price for it. Just sorry you’re paying for it too,” you managed a laugh.

“I’m paying for my own lapses in judgment, don’t worry.”

You paused—that was the closest you’d ever gotten to hearing him talk about what happened on his end of things to land him in your house with you. “Sorry purgatory for you is this little two-bedroom house with me,” you smiled at him.

He chuckled, shaking his head, “Who knows, I might’ve ended up here anyway. But I definitely made the call a lot easier for them.”

“What was your crime?” you tried to keep it light but you couldn’t hide your curiosity.

His expression sobered as he contemplated whether or not he wanted to let you in on that part of his life, “Nothing as good-natured as trying to help someone with their drunk friend.”

“Not that I don’t totally dig the whole spiffy, braided, mysterious vibe you always have going,” you gestured to his whole body for a moment before continuing, “But you ever gonna not be vague with me about your deal with Galindo? I know I don’t particularly like him, but still. I like you. It’d be nice to know a little about you. I mean, c’mon, I doubt anything you say to me is going to be surprising. You know who my father is.”

He chuckled, unable to make eye contact with you for a few moments. He took a deep breath, “You remember the last Santa Madre festival?”

“Fuck, who doesn’t? Shit went sideways so fast,” you shook your head slightly, “Rebels killed that nun, right?”

His eyes were glued to the box between you, “Not really.”

There were a few moments of silence before it all clicked inside your head. Your eyes grew wide, “You…?” when he nodded all you could do was ask, “But why?”

He sighed and shook his head, “Rebels had been making the cartel catch a lot of shit. Galindo was convinced that the only way to put himself back on the right side of things was to flip the script—turn the Rebels into the problem. Put their name on the dirty work instead of the cartel’s,” he leaned back against the arm of the couch, “He was not thrilled with the call that I made on the specifics of the method.”

It was hard to picture the Nestor that you had come to know, the one who burned through entire pints of ice cream, and roughed up men who disrespected you, was capable of that kind of carnage. You knew better than to put anything past anyone, though. You could see the tension in his body as he waited for your reaction.

You let out a small sigh, “Listen, no one in the Galindo family has any room to talk about cruel and unusual punishment,” you waited for him to look at you, “And for better or worse, you did exactly what he needed. LO took a major hit in the court of public opinion after that. Don’t place a vague order if you’re gonna complain about all the details of it once the plate is in front of you.”

He let out a surprised chuckle, “Damn. If I had you around earlier maybe I wouldn’t have gotten demoted in the first place.”

“I’ll talk to him for you,” you laughed, “Just say the word.”

His laugh was genuine, “Absolutely not. I’ll be completely fired if you do that.”

“But,” you smiled as you toyed with the beer bottle in your hands, “if that happened you would get to stay with me all the time. Does that not sound amazing to you?” he remained silent for a few moments before his face broke out into a smile and you shook your head, “Shut up you could have it so much worse.”

The two of you didn’t talk for a few minutes, the television filling the house with quiet noise. You finished what little was still in your beer bottle before starting to clear up what was left of dinner. As much as you hated leaving the house compared to delivery, you had to admit that the trip was worth it.

You saw Nestor open his mouth to say something as you reached down and collected his beer bottle, but he stopped himself. You lingered for a moment, hoping that he would change his mind and say whatever it was that he was thinking, but he just reached and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

Once you finished cleaning up, you decided that you were going to try and get to bed at a somewhat decent hour so you could try to get back to your usual schedule. You walked up behind Nestor, gently resting one hand on his shoulder.

“I’m heading to bed,” you squeezed his shoulder lightly, “Goodnight.”

He didn’t look up at you as he rested his hand over yours for a brief moment, “Goodnight. See you in the morning.”

You were lying awake in bed for what felt like an eternity. In reality it had only been a couple hours, but that was a long time to lie awake staring at the ceiling. You finally caved and took your phone out. If you were going to be awake anyway, you might as well look at something.

That’s when you heard the television shut off. Shortly thereafter the lights in the living room turned off as well. You realized that you had never been awake when Nestor went to bed. You heard soft footsteps in the hall and you didn’t know why but you were holding your breath when they got close to your door.

There was a light knock as he leaned in the doorway, looking at your face that was lit up by the screen of your phone, “Still up?”

You sat upright, eyes focusing on his silhouette in the darkness, “Can’t sleep.”

“Need anything?”

Your entire body felt like it was overheating. You gnawed at the inside of your cheek, “I, uh…I think I’m…I think I’m good.”

He chuckled, “You don’t sound too sure about that.”

You laughed, fingers twisting nervously in your blanket, “Not sure how much you could help me with what I need, Nestor.”

He crossed the threshold into your room, and you were very aware of the fact that he had never done so before. He came and found a seat on the edge of your bed, “It’s what I’m here for. Try me,” his hand found its way to yours and the warmth of it caused you to release your vice grip on the blanket as he slipped his fingers between yours.

Your heart was pounding inside your chest and your breath felt like it was caught in your throat. You set your phone off to the side with your hand that wasn’t entwined with Nestor’s, and you wondered if he could feel the way your body was trembling.

“I can go, if you’re alright,” he went to stand up.

“No,” you squeezed his hand, giving him a slight tug to keep him from getting up.

“What’s up?” you could hear the smugness in his tone—he knew exactly what was going through your head.

“I,” you paused, taking a deep breath, “I’m not looking to make this more difficult for you.”

He chuckled, “Since when?”

Your whole face was hot and you were thankful that the darkness of your room hid the nervousness that was surely showing on your face, “That’s…that’s fair.”

He was halfway through a laugh when you leaned in and pressed your lips against his. There was a moment of stillness when you were waiting for him to pull back, to get up and leave, but he didn’t. Instead, he gave your hand a gentle squeeze as he leaned into you. You felt the tension fading out of your body as your free hand came up to rest on the back of his neck, keeping his lips against yours.

When he finally pulled away to catch his breath, he finished the laugh he had started before you kissed him. He cupped the side of your face in his hand, “We do not have the same definition of the word difficult.”

You giggled, biting down lightly on your bottom lip, “No?”

He shook his head, “No.”

He didn’t give you the opportunity to come up with a smart remark as he pulled your lips back to his. You smiled as you melted against him. Your heart was beating so hard inside your chest you were sure that Nestor was going to be able to hear it in the silence of your room. He pulled you closer to him, his hand sliding to rest on the back of your neck. The feeling of his hands on you sent a wave of heat throughout your entire body and you let out a shaky moan as you kissed him.

He pulled back just enough so that his lips weren’t on yours, “You good?”

You nodded, “Yea,” you smiled, your voice soft, “Don’t stop, please.”

He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t have to. A smirk crossed his face for a moment before he kissed you again, harder this time. His fingertips pressed lightly into the nape of your neck and for the first time you could feel the neediness radiating off of him—it pulsated through his fingers and into your skin. His touch was magnetic, and you knew that you wouldn’t have been able to pull away from him even if you wanted to. Luckily, though, pulling away was the farthest thing from your mind.

[bi-bi-buckleydiaz]

soulmate!tom holland au

a/n; ugh hi. i’m so sorry this took so long to get up. there’s been a lot shit going on with my college moving online and my anxiety going berserk and yeah. also once i wrote this it didn’t turn out as well as i wanted it too so i didn’t really want to post it but i hyped it up so...i’m just going to post it. it’s not the best but...enjoy !

warnings; mentions of abuse in one scene, mistakes here and there

word count; 2.3k

No one knows how it started. 

Some believe the original Greek myth; that Zeus was terrified of the power the original human form had and split them in two, forced to live the rest of their lives searching the world for their other half. 

Others believe whatever their chosen religion preaches; that God wants them to stay monogamous with one person and never stray to the Devil. That the Hindu Gods say that good dharma follows meeting your chosen one. 

Few don’t believe anything at all. They say soulmates are a load of crap. That the words etched on our skin from the moment we’re born means nothing. That the Universe can’t decide who we love, we choose. 

You were one of these people. 

At first you loved the thought of soulmates. That someone out there was destined for you, would always love you no matter how many times you trip over your own feet or spill a drink down the front of you. Someone out there was ready to cuddle you after a depressive episode or help you breathe through the anxiety attacks. It was magical to think about. 

But years passed, first meetings with numerous people came and went. And as your friends found their loves, as you watched your parents grow old and happy together, as you gave your sister the ring to go on her wife’s finger, as everyone found someone while your words remained black, you began to lose hope. 

Until you met him. Him with the stormy blue eyes and caramel hair. Him with the charming smile and tan skin. Him with the nice lips and funny personality. You fell almost as soon as you met. Your words didn’t turn gold, they did burn and send a shock through your system. But your heart skipped a beat. Your hands shook and your stomach flipped, and that’s all you needed to say yes to a date. And then another, and another, and another until you were moved in with him and smiling every day from his texts. 

It was great. It was nice. It was as magical as you thought being with your actual soulmate would be. You forgot about the words on your arm, about the stories of what being with your soulmate feels like and what being with someone not can do to your body. You were in love. 

It was perfect. 

Until it wasn’t. 

-

-

His words were in place that someone had to really look in order to see them. 

And he’d never let anyone look. 

As a child it was fine, no one cared about his words other than his family. 

As a teen, after The Impossible after In the Heart of the Sea, it changed. He had to actively make sure no one saw. It wasn’t that hard. Pants all the time, long swim trunks, no nudity scenes, which, was a given since he was a kid. 

For years Tom did good at hiding the silly words. Silly because who says “I think i’m going to pass out” when they first meet someone? He did good. 

Until he didn’t. 

Until Harrison scared him when he was leaving the bathroom in the middle of the night in just his boxers. Until Harrison decided to post the video and Tom let him, not thinking. Until the video went viral and it all went to shit. 

The only good thing was that not the whole sentence went public. Just the first three words. “I think i’m -” and that's it. 

But it was enough. 

After that Tom had random people coming up to him daily to yell at him sentences starting with “I think i’m -”. Signings and red carpet events were never the same. Casual golfing outings with his dad and brothers became crowded and unfun. One time someone did get it right. They locked eyes with him at a red carpet event, screamed it in his face, and smiled. But he felt nothing. There was panic at first. An ‘oh shit is this it?’ But his arm felt fine. His body felt fine...as fine as it could when faced with a bunch of screaming fans and cameras in his face...but fine nonetheless. 

Tom always loved the idea of a soulmate. Of someone being there for him to help run lines, to walk down carpets with him and support him through all his endeavors. 

But now he’s convinced his one and only soulmate is his dog. 

-

-

“I’m going to be late for work David. You have to let me go.” You try not to let your voice shake as the grip on your arm tightens. The bruise there from the last time he prevented you from leaving is still fresh and you know by the time you get to work it’ll be a vibrant purple. 

“Why do you even stay at that place anyway? How many times have I told you that I can provide for you! You don’t need to go an whore yourself out every night.” He says it with such (fake) compassion you’d think he really meant it. But then he goes ahead and says that word and you’re reminded of the type of person he truly is.

“I’m a waitress not a stripper. I just take orders and try not to drop trays. David, seriously, I have to go.” You yank your hand away as hard as you can and hold it to your chest. He scoffs out a demeaning laugh, one that shakes you to your core and let’s you know you fucked up. You don’t even see, more feel it, as his hand makes a sharp contact with the side of your head. 

“Don’t. Talk to me like I’m some dimwit. I know what you do at that place. You flash a little breast, bend over just a little too far, you’d do anything to get a tip. I wouldn’t be surprised if you went out to the alley on your breaks.” He sneers and laughs and pushes your head down when you try to stand up. “Look at this. You’re in your element aren’t you? On your knees begging for more.” 

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

“I - I don’t - I don’t do -” Your head is starting to pound. His laughing became distorted. Where did he hit you? You’re on your ass in the next second, his smug face getting ready to spit at you.

“Get out of my house bitch.” And you do as fast as you can. 

-

-

“Haz, mate, can’t we just get takeaway again? I really don’t feel like going out.” Tom huffs as Harrison throws him his jean jacket. 

“You never feel like going out anymore. So that’s why we’re doing this. It’s three blocks down the road mate so get up off your arse and let’s go.” It’s true. Since returning from his most recent press tour Tom decided to take a break from everything, acting, press, social media, going out into the public eye; anything to avoid getting asked about his soulmark or getting another fake soulmark declaration. It’s easier to be a hermit than to fake a smile and change the subject. 

“Tom. Please. I’ll pay okay. I’ll even let you get dessert just, anything to get you outside.” The pain is obvious in Harrison's voice and it hits Tom to his core. 

“Haz, you know i’m not mad at you. I never was. I'm just...fine. Let’s go.” Harrison smiles at his best friend and they leave his apartment in search for food. 

-

-

“Y/N darling, are you okay? You don’t look too well.” God bless your boss for being one of the rarer ones who have a heart. 

“Yeah Michelle I’m fine. I just hit my head getting out of the car.” The lies come so easy now you almost believe them yourself. 

“Are you sure, love? I can call in someone to cover.” You shake your head no, but that was a mistake, it makes the room spin too much and the music playing overhead go weird. 

“I’m fine. I gotta clock in.” You leave Michelle standing in her office and hope she knows to leave well enough alone. You got this. You’ve worked through a concussion before. You got this. 

-

-

You don’t have this. 

An hour into your shift the room is constantly shifting and your head is pounding and when did Michelle turn up the music the max? Water. Some water will help, yeah. 

“Y/N! Table four!” God why does everyone have to be so damn loud. 

“Yep.” You think you say. You aren’t entirely sure. You take a few deep breaths before grabbing your notepad and heading to table four. It’s two boys around your age and the one looks like he’d love to be anywhere but here. One more deep breath and - oh - oh no.

“I think I’m going to pass out.” You're too busy falling to the ground to feel the burning on your arm. 

-

-

“This place is a bit fancy Harrison, aren’t we underdressed? Maybe we should go back home.” Tom goes to turn but hands on his shoulders stop him and guide him inside. Eh, worth a shot.

“C’mon man, the food is great. Better than the cheap chinese and pizza you’ve been eating the past two weeks.” 

“Hey, you promised you wouldn’t judge my eating habits.” They laugh a bit as a hostess leads them to their table. They thank her and begin to look at the menus in a companionable silence. It’s a few minutes before Tom sees someone approaching from the corner of his eye. He looks up, and his heart skips a beat.. 

You’re beautiful. From your eyes to your lips to the way your hands wrap around the notepad. You’re beautiful. But...you’re sick. Yeah, that’s definitely sweat on your brow and deep breathing you’re doing. 

The words are out before he can stop them. 

“Are you okay love?” And then his heart really does stop. 

“I think I’m going to pass out.” You fall to the ground in a lump and people around you jump into action. Tom is one of them. His burning thigh telling him he has to stay by you no matter what. He slaps Harrisons’ hand away as he tells him to back up. He yells for someone to call for help. He keeps his fingers on your pulse point just to make sure. Just to make sure he doesn’t lose his soulmate before he gets a chance to know them. He didn’t go through all those fake declarations and over-interested reporters and consoling family members to lose you now, the moment you meet. 

“Sir, you need to back up. Sir, sir. Back. Up. You can ride with us but you need to let us get to them. Please.” It physically pains Tom to back away. To see you be loaded on a gurney like a sack of potatoes. But he’s allowed in the ambulance. He’s allowed to hold your hand and whisper in your ear and pray to any God in head that you’re fine. Because you are. 

You have to be. 

-

-

It’s too bright when you wake up. Too bright and too cold, so you know you’re not home. The beeping next to you is also a definite giveaway. You open your eyes slowly, blinking away the slight pain in your head and letting your eyes adjust. It’s a hospital room. You’re in a hospital room with an IV in your arm and thin blankets covering your body and a pulse oximeter on your right hand. And on your other hand is...another hand? That’s not Davids? 

“You’re up. Oh God you’re up. We gotta - we gotta page a nurse. Nurse!” Who the hell is this dude and why is he yelling so goddamn loud? 

“Oh shit love i’m sorry. I - you’re right this is - okay, introductions - um, I’m -” The door opening cuts him off and your eyes divert from his, admentaly attractive face to a doctor and a nurse carrying a new IV bag. 

“Hello Ms. Y/L/N. Good to see you’re awake. Do you know what happened?” the doctor asks. She comes over to your right side and begins to shine a pen light in your eyes. . 

“Um. I passed out.” 

“Yeah. You had a mild concussion which usually doesn’t cause such a drastic reaction but combined with it’s starting location and your dehydration, the passing out occurred. Luckily though, I predict a speedy recovery with the IV fluids and rest.”  She’s smiling softly while she goes along and writes on your chart. 

“Um. I just - I just hit my head getting out of the car. It was a little bump, I swear. How could it cause a mild concussion?” This is not good. Not good at all. David is going to walk in any moment and you’ve had this doctor before. You know she’s going to push for more conversations, again. A tightness forms in your chest and you’re ready for the panic attack, but then it...stops? Suddenly a feeling of calm and warmth spreads over you. That never happens. It spreads from your chest down to your fingertips and all the way to the tips of your toes. Your arm is burning, a soft sort of fire that makes you glance at it and gasp. There, the words that you thought would permanently be black are a glittery gold. 

“Y/N, are you okay?” the doctor asks, but all you can do is nod silently. “Okay, well, we’ve changed your IV and put some painkillers next to your water pitcher. We’ll be back to check on you in a bit, okay darling?” You nod again, your eyes not leaving the soulmark. 

“Um. So yeah. I see, you see it.” The guy next to you says. You look over at him, at his honey brown eyes and soft smile that forms a little dimple on the one side. It’s cute. 

“Soulmate. You - you’re my -” A smile involuntarily comes over your face, a real smile that feels like it won’t leave anytime soon.

“Um, heh, yeah. I’m Tom.” That’s a nice name. 

-

-

You’re smiling. You’re smiling and it’s beautiful and Tom can’t look away. 

“Y/N,” you say. And yeah, yeah you’re definitely his soulmate.

[desperationandgin]

The Beat My Heart Skips (Market Price One-Shot)

Rating: General Audiences

Also Read On: Ao3

Summary: Jamie attempts to surprise his pregnant wife with the foods she craves.

A/N: From a prompt @smashing-teacups​ sent me like 8 months ago! This is also my dear BFF’s very BELATED birthday fic. ilu so much <3

I adjusted a little but I hope the spirit of the prompt lives on!

The Beat My Heart Skips

++

The texts from Claire had started at two in the afternoon while he was at Lallybroch, deep in planning the next few weekends’ worth of farmer’s market details.

Burgers for dinner? 😘

He’d replied he would pick them up from her newly-declared favorite place for burgers, and promised chips to go along with them. A half-hour later, the next message arrived.

thinking more about the pork rolls we had the other night.

He’d replied:

Instead of the burgers?

Think so. Sorry. Baby’s picky  🤷‍♀️

It made him smile, swiping to the home screen only to see the latest in his growing collection of photos featuring Claire’s belly. The bump was only clearly visible when she was unclothed, but it was there, a swelling proof of life, and he’d found he could stare, stroke, and murmur to that growing roundness for hours on end. He’d finally responded with a quick dinna fash and assumed that would be the end of it.

He was wrong. The next messages had come in rapid succession, mildly alarming until he could read them.

I think pizza would be better

Remember the burritos we had at Mazama?

Jamie, I don’t know what your child wants…

Kebabs??

Would you like to contribute an idea?

Thumb hovering over the phone, he’d tried to decide if he should pick one thing from her list, or offer something completely different. He’d decided, in the end, to go with a solid favorite.

Thai noodles, Sassenach?

The three telltale bubbles had appeared, then dropped, then appeared again before another text came through from his wife.

That sounds good too.

It was the ‘too’ that convinced him of what needed to be done.

You only need to be prepared with an appetite when I’m home. 5p. No later.

Now, he’s sitting in the passenger seat of his sister’s mini-van while Jenny drives.

“How many places is it, total?” she asks, glancing over.

Scrolling on his phone, he counts aloud. “Six. No, seven. I need more ice cream.”

“Alright, weel, we have to be strategic about it. Ice cream last, obviously. Then I’ll just drop ye back at yours and both of ye can come over tomorrow for Sunday supper. We’ll finish the plannin’ then, ye get your car, all done.”

Jamie looks over at his sister, impressed. “Thought it all out, have ye?”

“If you take a pregnant woman hot, fresh food that’s been left to steam in its containers only tae go soft and damp, she’ll throw it at yer heid. Trust me.”

He snorts. “Should I ask Ian?”

“He’ll no’ bring me soggy chips again, I’ll tell ye that much.” Jenny pats her own very round belly. “Learned wi’ the last bairn.”

Suitably impressed (and making mental notes he never knew he needed), they make a plan beginning with pizza and ending with a very quick stop inside a corner shop for two containers of Neapolitan. By 4:45, Jamie’s outside of his home, hands loaded with takeout bags. Leaning down into the open car window, he holds up his bounty.

“Thank ye, truly. I owe ye, Jen.”

She waves him off. “Ye’ll babysit soon enough.” Her face softens, though, and she meets his gaze. “Da would be proud. Mam, too.”

Lowering his head, Jamie swallows, but when he looks up again, there’s a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I always hope, but hearing it from you, especially, is important.”

“Why me?” she asks as he steps back.

“On account of ye bein’ the wee ball-buster in the family,” he teases fondly, thanking her again before watching her drive safely away. Juggling bags and keys, Jamie lets himself into the house, calling out.

“Sassenach?”

“In here,” she calls from the living room, and he ducks into the kitchen.

“Stay there, I have a surprise for ye. And dinnae try to peek, ye’re no’ verra sneaky anyway,” he says in return. As he sets everything up along their counter, buffet style, he can hear her moving about.

“I assume this surprise is in regards to food,” she deducts.

“Always kent ye should ha’ been a detective,” Jamie smirks, able to hear her huff from the other room. “I’m almost done, ye can bide a second longer.”

“One,” she says pointedly. “Your child is starving.”

“I’ve noticed ye tend to refer to the bairn only as mine when ye cannae make your mind up about something.”

Her voice is closer when she speaks. “That’s because you’re stubborn,” Claire retorts, standing directly out of sight.

“Oh, am I the only one?” he asks as he finishes by propping the pizza open. “I always thought ye were a relatively patient woman, Sassenach, until I got ye wi’ child.”

“I am bloody patient! It’s the only reason I haven’t stepped foot into the kitchen to throttle you yet.”

He can’t help but laugh silently for a moment, drawing it out a few seconds longer before finally poking his head around the corner only to come face to face with her. “Alright, a nighean. Ye can come in.” Stepping aside, he watches as she enters, taking in the sight of her realizing what she’s seeing.

“I figured we could make a good go of it, and now we have plenty for tomorrow,” Jamie explains.

Claire stares at the bounty in front of her in stunned silence before looking up at her husband. “You went to all of these places?”

“Aye. Well, me and Jen. Ian was home and she was desperate to get out of the house for a bit anyway. So she drove me around, and now you and the bairn have whatever ye’d like. Including more ice cream.”

Too moved for a moment to say anything, she simply blinks at Jamie, afraid to open her mouth because she’s sure she’ll cry.

A good thing, then, that he knows to step forward, reaching out to rest his hands at her hips. “I wanted ye to have whatever you wanted, Sassenach.”

That does it: the flood gates open (because hell if she has any control over her hormones anymore) and she finds herself cradled to his chest. “I cannot believe you,” she mumbles into his shirt affectionately, arms looping around his waist.

“I do try to keep ye guessin’,” he murmurs into her hair, dropping a kiss to the top of her head.

“Do you also plan on helping me eat all of this?” She pulls back after placing a soft kiss to his chest before getting a plate and trying to decide what to attack first.

“Oh, aye, I’ll be eating plenty. I’ve been eying a burrito since we picked them up,” he promises, having no intention of letting his wife eat alone. Pointing out the different varieties as she picks and chooses, he loads a plate for himself and takes it to the living room, settling with her leaning against the arm of the sofa sideways, legs across his lap.

Bringing a forkful of noodles to her mouth, she pauses to look at him. “Thank you, Jamie. For indulging me.”

Balancing his plate with one hand, the other squeezes her calf. “I figured if ye’re going through all the trouble of making a person, Sassenach, the least I can do is feed ye what ye want.”

When she smiles, it’s as though his entire soul flares with warmth, and it’s difficult to take his eyes from her.

Which is why he sees it the instant all color drains from her face. What happens next requires zero communication as she sits up, he takes her plate, and her legs swing from his lap. Within thirty seconds, she’s in their bathroom bending over the toilet, vomiting. Wincing in sympathy, Jamie simply stares for a moment at the two plates full of uneaten supper in his hands.

Putting the dishes on the coffee table, he rises and makes his way to the bathroom to join her, reaching out to hold her hair out of her face. “I’m sorry, a nighean.” Jamie’s always very aware that he’s the one who did this to her anytime she’s miserable, and it makes him regret being quite so boastful about it.

When her stomach finally calms, he stands with her and leans against the doorframe as she rinses with the mouthwash that is now a permanent fixture on the countertop instead of tucked away in the medicine cabinet.

And then he watches as she begins to cry, confusion making his forehead furrow, wondering what this new mood swing is and how to handle it. Reaching out for her, he doesn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around her in an attempt to soothe as he rubs her back. “Dinna weep, lass,” he murmurs, more concerned as she clings to him tightly.

“Fuck, Jamie,” she manages, sniffling when she finally pulls back, wiping at her nose with the back of her hand.

“Likely no’ right now,” he tries to tease gently as he lifts a hand to stroke her cheek.

She doesn’t even react, simply chooses to ignore him and move on even as tears brim on her lashline. “I can’t eat any of that food right now.”

“I realized it soon as ye got up from the couch,” he points out, kissing her forehead.

“But you went to...Christ, how many places was it?” she asks as new guilt washes over her in an irrational wave. “And Jenny was with you,” she laments.

He doesn’t know how to fix this, exactly, and so he simply guides her by the hand to their bedroom to avoid the smell of various foods in the front of the house.

“Mo nighean donn, why would Jenny be put out? She’s been pregnant a dozen times, she kens how it goes,” Jamie points out gently.

“It was so thoughtful of you. I wanted to be able to enjoy your effort,” Claire admits as his arms encircle her.

“Ye still can when ye feel like eating. All of it will still be there, Sassenach. Doesna matter if we eat it this evening or tomorrow.”

“You aren’t annoyed?” she asks, knowing the answer but needing to hear it.

“Only at yer hormones, but no’ at you,” he promises with a kiss to her knuckles, over her wedding ring.

“Well, I’m annoyed at my hormones too,” Claire exhales, recovered now from the bout of tears but not the nausea as she lies down on the bed properly. “When your aunt called, she said being sick all the time is the sign of a boy.”

“Should ask Jen, she might have some light to shed on it, havin’ had both,” Jamie suggests as he lays propped on his side and pushes his hand under her shirt to lightly stroke her stomach.

Closing her eyes, she concentrates on the feel of his touch rather than the vertigo. “Do you want to find out what we’re having, or let it be a surprise?”

His fingers still for a moment before continuing as he ponders her question. “I never considered it. Does it matter to ye, for decorating and buying things?”

“Not particularly. There aren’t very many things that can truly be left a surprise in life.” She can’t help smiling at the idea of it, of not knowing until their child is in their arms.

The look on her face makes it clear her mind is set, and Jamie drops a kiss to her abdomen. “We’ll leave it a mystery then, Sassenach.”

“We’ll have to pick a name for either scenario,” she points out, taking deep breaths in and exhaling slowly as she wills away her symptoms. When Jamie doesn’t respond right away, she cracks one eye open only to find him lost in thought. A hand lands in his hair, gently scratching his scalp. “Where’d you go?”

He makes a soft noise in the back of his throat. “I’m here,” he promises with another kiss. “I was only thinking...if it’d be alright wi’ ye...we could name the bairn after my da.” When he chances a glance up at her, his eyes are suspiciously damp.

If ever there is a key to getting her nausea to dissipate, it’s the sight of her husband’s vulnerability. Her hand shifts from his hair down his face to cradle his cheek. “Brian,” she murmurs, nodding her agreement. “And if it’s a girl?”

He’s quiet, ghosting his lips across her skin now, trying to will her hormones to settle for a while.

“Hmm. Weel, there’s always, simply, Brianna,” Jamie suggests.

Claire tries it on her tongue, adding a second name. “Brianna Ellen Fraser. Or Brian Henry Fraser. What do you think?”

Scooting up on the bed now, he pulls his wife close, needing to kiss her ring again, to say a silent prayer for the love of this woman. “That ye’d honor my parents that way, Claire-” It makes him more emotional than he would have ever imagined, the way his wife’s heart shows itself.

“I thought, since we’re having - what was it, ten by your last count? - since we’re having ten children, the second could be named after my parents,” she suggests, knowing it will happen now that she’s said it.

“It’ll no’ be ten if ye feel like this every time,” he says with equal parts concern and frustration that his wife simply can’t eat when she’d like.

“Jamie,” she murmurs, gliding her thumb across his jaw. “This amount of illness is normal. And it’s getting somewhat better. Today was unfortunate,” she allows, a hint of apology in her tone.

“Dinna fash, Sassenach,” he assures her as he sits up, leaning down to drop a kiss to her forehead before finally standing. “Now we have plenty for breakfast and lunch. If ye dinna mind noodles before ten in the morning.”

She chuckles, the waves of nausea somewhat less turbulent. “If my stomach can manage, then so will I.” But she already knows the noodles will never make it to morning. She’ll be awake at three in the morning, eating when her hunger finally kicks in.

“I’ll go and put everything away, then we’ll see if ye’ll do wi’ a bit of light reading,” he offers. He’ll also quickly eat while he isn’t in front of her.

“Reading in bed?”

“Aye, I’ll no’ make ye move,” he promises, reaching out to cradle her cheek before stepping back.

“Then you’ll know where to find me when you return,” she says lightly with a small, fond smile.

“Which is exactly where I want ye to be, incidentally.”

She chuckles, waving playfully at him to go. “I’m looking forward to reading your next pick.”

Before he can make it out of the room, she calls him back.

“Aye?”

She takes a moment to look him over, still in his jeans and button-down from the day, curls askew and his scruff just past its normal length.

“I’m very madly in love with you, you know.”

When he smiles he ducks his head, and the way his ears turn bright red makes her want to laugh in sheer delight of him.

“That’s verra good, Sassenach. On account of I happen to be mad wi’ love for ye myself.”

“You’d better go, before you say something very Jamie Fraser and make me cry,” she warns with a more playful smile at the end.

He can’t help doubling back, this time to kiss the soft round apple of Claire’s cheek before nuzzling it with the tip of his nose.

“I’ll bring ye back a ginger ale.”

When he finally leaves her to rest, Jamie puts everything away in record time - except for the noodles. He places them in a separate container and sets it in the fridge with a sticky note on top.

For the bairn xx

[the-wlw-cafe]

Supercorptober - Day 9: Luthor

Read it on ao3 here!

Kara truly didn’t mind the secrecy and sneaking around. She didn’t mind the way Lena would wrench her hand away from hers the second they left the office, she didn’t mind receiving at least one discrete you’re staring text, she didn’t mind not being able to call Lena her girlfriend in public. It was a facet of their relationship they’d discussed before they’d even kissed for the first time, and it was fine. Lena wasn’t out, had no intentions of coming out soon, and so what if they only kissed behind closed doors? Kara was fine.

It meant a lot of candlelit dinners at their respective home, eating pizza with a knife and fork as if they were attending the most expensive upscale restaurant with snooty waiters watching their every move, making comments like “delightfully airy” and “an acquired taste” about the complimentary soft drinks they got for being regulars at their delivery service of choice. They had movie dates and went to galas together as each other’s platonic date, making sure to return to their respective homes separately. And it was fine. Just dandy.

Until it wasn’t.

Because despite all the hoops they had to jump through, she still knew that Lena loved her, cherished her, just and much as Kara did. At least, she had known. She’d been so sure. But there she was, on one knee on the windy balcony, staring up at Lena with mounting anxiety as she just blinked back, silent as a grave.

(“You don’t have to wear the ring or anything. You can just keep it in your pocket, or even at home, and think of me whenever you see it”, she’d said. As if that would change Lena’s mind.)

Lena remained still, unmoved, as agonizing seconds dragged on and on and on and Kara could feel her heart shatter in her chest. Seconds passed and she was frozen to the spot, unwilling to give up just yet, because there had to be an explanation, an explanation other than you love her more than she loves you. But there came none. Lena stumbled backwards, one step, two, and every movement away from her made Kara recoil as if Lena had physically struck her. Then, finally, Lena opened her mouth:

“Kara...you can’t.”

Kara swallowed thickly. “I see. I’m...I’m sorry that I’ve put you on the spot, I’ll just see myself out, then.”

She couldn’t stand to be here one second longer, because she was sure she’d break out into tears if she had to look at her girlfriend (ex-girlfriend?), so she leapt off the balcony and took to the skies, onlookers be damned. The wind was ringing too loudly in her ears for her to hear Lena calling after her.

Some stupid, naive part of her brain kept clinging onto hope. What they had had felt real, it had felt substantial, and far to large to end in a few short moments. It was to banal for a love as big as theirs. As big as hers.

Kara never deluded herself into thinking it would last forever. She was Supergirl, risking her life on a daily basis, and Lena was human, not immune to her family’s assassins nor to age. But she’d always been selfish enough to think that their end would be bombastic, or at least meaningful in some way, a moving final goodbye as they promised they’d see each other again. She never thought they’d split in deafening, choking silence. But then again, Alex always made fun of her for watching too many romance movies.

She’d landed on her sister’s fire escape without knowing that her muscles had taken her there. She saw Alex, mid laugh about something her girlfriend had said (oh yes, it’s date night, she realised with a distant stab of guilt) turned towards the window and the grin dripped off her face like icy water.

“Kara!” she heard her exclaim, the sound somewhat dull through the thick glass, as she crossed her room quickly to let her in.

“Shit, Kara, what happened?” she asked, as she and Kelly moved her to the couch while her whole body shook with the effort to contain her sobs.

“Lena”, she hiccuped weakly, as if that would explain everything. In a way, it did.

“Is she hurt?” Alex asked, her voice steely and business-like, already slipping from Big Sister Alex into Agent Danvers. Kara shook her head choppily, almost in a panicked manner. She didn’t need Agent Danvers to take control of the situation, she needed to be comforted by her sister.

“Did you have a fight?” Kelly asked softly, brushing some of the wind-swept hair from Kara’s face. She hit the nail on the head of course. Kara blinked against the tears that welled up in her eyes, and tried to swallow the lump in her throat down, but she was fighting a losing battle on both fronts. Soon tears were rolling down her cheeks and her breaths were punctuated with deep sobs. At least it seemed to shake Alex out of her agent mode, as she immediately sensed that her little sister wanted nothing but to be held. It almost felt like she was thirteen again, witnessing her first thunderstorm, hands pressed over her ears and sobbing against the fear and the loss and the grief the loud thunderclaps provoked in her, with nothing but her sister to keep her tethered to reality. She burrowed into Alex’s arms as if it was her only hiding place from reality, and cried until she was certain she had no more tears left.

“I think it’s over”, she croaked, and her voice had never sounded as small.

“Oh, sweetheart”, Kelly sighed, laying a comforting hand on her back. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“She doesn’t love me anymore”, Kara said, before she added: “Actually, I don’t know if she ever did, at least to the extent I loved her.”

“No, that’s bullshit!” Alex exclaimed, cringing when she noticed how much she’d raised her voice. “That can’t be true, I’ve seen the way she looks at you, the way she always smiles when you enter the room like you light up her whole life…”

“Alex!” Kara interrupted. Once upon a time she’d thought she’d noticed it too. The way Lena tilted her head to the side almost imperceptibly whenever they saw each other, subconsciously getting ready for a kiss on the cheek, had filled Kara with no small amount of pride when she’d first become aware of it. And to think that all this time it had been an elaborate charade, maybe out of a misplaced sense of duty, of owing it to Kara...the thought made her physically sick. Had she done something that had made Lena afraid of breaking up with her?

“I proposed to her”, Kara said, defeated.

“She didn’t say no, did she? She wouldn’t-” Alex began, before Kara interrupted again.

“She said nothing! She just stared at me, shocked!”

“Well”, Kelly began, carefully, as if she wasn’t quite sure how to phrase her next thought.

“Shock isn’t always a bad thing, just as a surprise can be good or bad.”

“You didn’t see her!”

Kara hadn’t meant to lash out, but Kelly didn’t even flinch.

“I’m just saying that both of you have some significant baggage going into relationships, and both of you could really benefit from some good and open communication. It can’t really get any worse than it is now, right?”

Kelly was right, and Kara knew it, but she didn’t want to admit it. She didn’t have the strength to go back again, to get her heart broken all over again when Lena told her that no, it really was over, there was nothing left to be said. Would she have her driver drop off Kara’s belongings at her apartment, or would Kara have to collect it herself, in an icy silence, while Lena looked on without having to disguise her distaste for her anymore, not having to mask all the ways she must hate -

“Hey Kara, your phone’s blowing up.”

Her sister’s voice dragged her out of her mounting anxiety attack. She was right – the device was vibrating every five seconds in her pocket. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kelly and Alex exchange a look – it really was no mystery who was texting her.

“Do you want to get that?”

Kara shook her head. She didn’t want to see, she didn’t want to know what Lena really thought of her.

“Hey”, Kelly said, cupping her face and gently forcing Kara to meet her eyes.

“If your proposal really, truly upset her, do you think she would try so hard to get a hold of you?”

“I…”, Kara swallowed. Kelly’s words made so much sense, and it was infuriating in a way. Kara would rather eat Alex’ entire stock of ice cream, and make her do a 7pm run to the gas station to get her some more, and cry on her couch until the sun would come up in the morning.

But she knew that Kelly was right, and if there was any part of her relationship with Lena that was salvageable, she had to make an effort. It was worth it. Their love was worth it. She closed her eyes, took one last breath and switched on her display.

Kara I’m so sorry

fuck, what have I done

I screwed up

I understand if you don’t want to talk to me again, and I promise I will honour that decision, but please, let me explain. I won’t make excuses for my behaviour but I need you to know this is not what I wanted to happen

I’m so so sorry

Kara looked up at Kelly and Alex, who were trying their best to contain their curiosity in order to keep their  impartial veneer. Kara gave them a tentative smile.

I’m coming over.

It was clear from Lena’s puffy, red-rimmed eyes that she’d been crying as well. When she saw Kara, she made a motion as if to reach out to her, only to retract her hands at the last second, thinking better of it.

“Kara…”, she started, haltingly, “I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am.”

“You’ve already said that”, Kara replied. The pain of her previous breakdown was still fresh in her mind and she wasn’t in the mood for having her chain yanked around.

“I know. It’s just…”

Lena sighed. “This is how it’s always been. How every relationship has turned out. I set the boundaries and I watch as they either betray me or lose interest. Everyone except you.”

Kara stayed silent, waiting for her to continue.

“I’m a Luthor, Kara, I drag people down with me. I thought if I just drove you away like all the others before I got too attached, if I just kept that last bit of control, it wouldn’t hurt as bad.”

She laughed, mirthlessly.

“I thought wrong, obviously. Because you’re so wonderful, and loyal, and far too good to me, and you stayed. And after all I did, after the expectations I put on you, you still wanted to marry me, and I couldn’t watch you give yourself up like that.”

“So you denied me the choice?”, Kara cried. “Because I chose you, I chose you every single day because I love you-”

“I love you too. I tried to deny it, I tried to hide it from myself but I can’t anymore, I love you and oh God, I don’t want to lose you”, Lena sobbed, borderline incoherent.

“I don’t want to lose you either”, Kara answered, her voice and face softening. Lena’s head whipped up, her mouth forming an astounded o. She reached out again, truly this time, but Kara caught her hand before it could touch her cheek, gently placing it back at Lena’s side. It would be so easy to give in. Kara wanted nothing more than to kiss Lena again, to hold her and pretend that nothing was wrong. But she knew something was wrong, deeply so, and ignoring it would only make the issue fester.

“We need to talk about this”, Kara said, finality heavy in her voice.

Lena nodded, avoiding her eyes, sniffling.

“Tomorrow”, Kara decided. “We’re both upset. We need to have a clear head if we want to find out how to move past this.”

“I know”, Lena replied simply, and Kara couldn’t help herself. She lifted Lena’s chin with a single finger and gave her a reassuring smile.

“Goodnight, Lena. We’ll see each other again tomorrow. I won’t go anywhere.”

“I believe you”, Lena said, and while her voice was hoarse from crying, the determination rang true. There’d still be a them tomorrow.

[realfuurikuuri]

Chapters: 11/? Fandom: Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart (Cartoon) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Summary: 

MissingArm!AU: When escaping the cave, it wasn't his tail that got crushed. In exchange for his innocence, he gained a sordid past. The Pure Heart Valley seemed like a good place to escape. To start a new life with a new family to forge a new identity. However, when the past rears its ugly head Mao Mao's forced to step up or be put down.

AN:  Finally back at the end of the century. The reason for no uploads on either the MMHOPH Headcanon blog (it's on Tumblr, go check it out) or on fanfics is because Persona 5 Roya came out and I finished that on Monday at 140 hours. Don't expect things to get to active too soon either, cause finals are next week. Regardless, let things get back to the usual. In keeping with Persona 5 Royal let's make today's song recommendation Beneath The Mask - Persona 5. Follow @spookylovesboba on Twitter and Tumblr and I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Direct AO3 Link: XXX

Mao Mao breathed in the fresh morning air. It was good to be outside again. Even if it was just to drop Adorabat off at school. He waved goodbye to her as she went inside, but he didn’t leave right away. He still felt terrible. It hurt to walk, and he couldn't lean too far on either side thanks to the hole. Camillie gave antibiotics and painkillers, alongside an extensive list of their side effects. The painkillers made his insides feel like cold porridge, and the antibiotics made his stomach feel weird. Nausea they caused together was unbelievable.

Nausea made it hard to remember if the school always had three students. He wasn’t sure, but he put aside his suspicion. It was probably another side effect. It was probably amongst Camille’s list of warnings; he couldn't know for sure.  It was way too early for any of this. It was too early for Mao Mao and certainly too early for Badgerclops. He was still asleep, and still drooling on his shoulder.

Mao Mao poked him until he woke up. “Huh, I was paying attention to the movie,” he yawned.

“It’s not movie night. We’re dropping off Adorabat.”

“Oh! Bye,” Badgerclops said waving.

“You’re at nothing, she’s already inside.”

“Oh. Well, that’s good, let's get you back to HQ.”

“No.”

“What? You should stay in bed, off of your feet, doctor’s orders.”

“Yeah, but I want to go out to do something. Let’s get a pizza.”

“Doctor also said no solid foods.”

“Smoothies then.”

Mao Mao revved the engine making Badgerclops tightly grab onto his waist. “You sure you don’t want me to fly,” Badgerclops asked.

“It’ll be fine.”

“A sick man with one arm shouldn’t be driving anything.”

“I said it’ll be fine.”

Mao Mao pulled back the accelerator, letting the Aerocycle fly off. Badgerclops may have had a point, but he wasn’t let anything stop him from enjoying his day.

* * *

Mao Mao was still stubborn as all hell. Not even a trip to the hospital would change that. He and Mao Mao went from one end of town to the other, walking the streets looking for one place that served smoothies. He told Mao Mao more than once that the only food places were Muffin’s Bakery and the convenience store. Watching him Mao Mao hobble around would be funny if he hadn’t nearly died less than a weak ago.

“Hey, Mao Mao!”

“Wha-”

Badgerclops had the small man tucked under like a football before he knew what was happening.

“Badgerclops, I am asking politely, but firmly to put me down before someone -and I mean you- gets hurt.”

“Awww, Is da wittle baby who just got outta the hospital mad.”

Mao Mao didn’t appreciate the humor. He wiggled like a worm and gnawed on his right hand, which probably would’ve hurt if it wasn’t made of metal, so Badgerclops just kind of ignored it. He walked through the narrow alleys towards Muffin’s bakery at the town square. He thought Mao Mao would stop eventually, but if Mao Mao was anything it was stupid. And also stubborn. Chomp! Chomp! Chomp! It was like a toddler using a teething ring. What was kind of funny at first became annoying, and now was just kind of gross to watch.

“You have to stop that before you hurt your teeth, and you and I both know that I don’t know how to schedule a dentist appointment,” Badgerclops said.

“I will when you put me…,” Mao Mao slowly fell silent as they entered the large open plaza of the town square.

“Hey, Badgerclops. What is that?”

“That’s the blob monster.”

“THE WHAT !”

Badgerclops flinched. Mao Mao slipped from his grasp ready to split his head on the pavement, but a cat’s gonna do what a cat's gonna do. He righted himself in the air to land on his feet. A much worse choice. Mao Mao’s eyes went wide from the pain before he fell down on all fours.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry.”

Badgerclops went to pick him up, but he was waved off. “The blob. The blob. Tell me about the blob.”

“Cool it. Camille  high-blood pressure would give you a stroke.”

Mao Mao took a second to gather himself, clenching his fist before letting it all go. “All. Alright. The blob. What is the blob?”

“You should do that more often. You’re a very tense person,” Badgerclops teased.

“The blob.”

“Right, uh, the blob is a blob. Its big, gooey, kidnaps villagers-”

Mao Mao inhaled sharply and he tapped his foot.

“-it’s not all that bad. They’re unharmed, just a little confined. It hasn’t even taken anyone important.”

“Sheriffs? Is that you?”

Mao Mao and Badgerclops leaned forward, craning their necks and squinting their eyes. It was hard to see at first, Badgerclops had to open his cybernetic eye to actually see that King Snugglemagne was now a hostage. Mao Mao rubbed his temples why Badgerclops cursed fate for always making him look like a fool.

“Sheriff! It's utterly dreadful. Could you hurry and get me out? I’d certainly rather you didn’t forgo saving me like last time.”

“I’ve never done anything like that. I do my job, and I do it very well, thank you very much.”

“You did nothing when I was trapped in a net by that ruffian that looked a lot like you.”

For a second, Mao Mao raised a non-existent eyebrow, but his fur stiffened and he reached for his sword.

Aw shit.

Badgerclops stepped in front of the cat. “Let’s slow down. He didn’t mean to insult your son.”

“Don’t worry. I’m just cutting him out,” he said,” if I take a little off the top, oh well.”

He raised his sword up. Badgerclops quickly grabbed the blade before he could bring it down. “No, I mean they blob fights back if you attack it.”

“How do you know?”

“I kicked the blob once and it fought back. It gave me a nasty bruise.”

Mao Mao looked Badgerclops up and down,” where’s the bruise?”

“It was at the beginning of the week. It healed.”

Mao Mao started Badgerclops in the eye with frigid intensity before he sheathed his sword. Thank fuck he believed it.

“So, what do we do,” Mao Mao asked.

“Get lunch?”

Mao Mao nodded in agreement. “Sure. Let’s go.”

“Excuse me? Still stuck! Help!

He and Mao Mao tuned out the king. They turned around and began to walk away.

* * *

“Jellybeans aren’t lunch.”

“Then do you want a milkshake?”

“You know I’m lactose-intolerant.”

“Then hush-up and eat ya’ beans.”

Mao Mao grumbled, doing as he was told. He and Badgerclops sat on the bench just outside the gas station. Muffin’s Bakery was the first, but considering Muffin’s was trapped in the blob (and the broken storefront) it wasn’t open. The gas station was the second choice. It didn’t really offer food. Just the usual cheap snacks, and milkshakes for some reason. The blob had tagged along for what it was worth. Unfortunately, it had to carry most of the kingdom with it.

“Are you going to save me,” the king asked.

“We’ll get to it eventually,” Badgerclops held the drink in front of Mao Mao,” got you a milkshake.”

“I told you I can’t drink milkshakes.”

“Is it like cobbler? A hero's code thing? I won't tell anyone if you do.”

“No! It's ‘cause I’m not a kitten. Adult cats are all lactose intolerant.”

“Can Jǐngtì still drink milk or has it gone the way of the dodo? Might invite him here some time.”

The last part was said quietly, an absent thought that wandered out, nonetheless, Mao Mao’s ears perked up.

“Why would you invite Jǐngtì?”

Badgerclops awkwardly cleared his throat before speaking. “He helped me fix up HQ a bit.”

Mao Mao didn’t say anything. He pressed his fingers together. Thumb to index, thumb to middle, thumb to ring, thumb to pinky in calming repetition.

“Oh, and while we were cleaning we found this.”

Badgerclops pulled out a golden finger. It took Mao Mao a second to realize what it was. How did that happen? Did he do that? Oh shit, he probably did. He had to stop himself from snatching his father’s finger away.

“You know what this is,” Badgerclops asked.

“Think so.” Why did he say that?

“Are you gonna tell me?”

Mao Mao bit his tongue before he could let the name slip out.

“You want it back," Badgerclops asked.

“Yes, please.” Mao Mao wasted no time tucking the finger in his belt when it was handed back.

“So, do you remember what happened?” Badgerclops started.

“What happened when?”

When I was away.”

“No.”

“You don’t? You don’t remember what happened, how you got those wounds, who visited you? None of that?”

“I was pretty wasted and these drugs aren't helping my head, so what were we talking about before this?”

He could catch Badgerclops grimace at the rough change of subject, but Badgerclops was kind enough to oblige. “Something about Jǐngtì and milkshakes? You think he could drink milk?”

Mao Mao paused to think for a second,”...he might. He’s always had some… issues.”

“I don't mean to pry, but do you mind if I ask why?”

“No it's fine, but uh...what I mean is… well, you know how kittens can’t regulate their body temperature?”

“I did not know that, but continue.”

“Well, that’s supposed to go away by like, age 4, but Jǐngtì still can’t do it. It's fine since it's summer, but I’ll probably give him a coat when it starts getting cold.”

“Seems like a double-edged sword. Can’t stay warm, but can still enjoy cheese.”

“Yeah, the doctor’s say it because he’s a hybrid. Certain genes just don’t mix. He also has an issue with his eyes-”

Mao Mao cut himself short. Why was he being so open about all of this? Was it also the medicine?

“You good,” Badgerclops.

“Yeah, I think I’m fine. Where was I?”

“Something about his eyes.”

“Right, Jǐngtì’s pupils are larger than normal, so he can see really well in the dark, but he squints during the day or in a decently-lit room.”

“That’s one reason to wear sunglasses indoors.”

Mao Mao chuckled. “Yeah, I guess it is.”

“I checked on him while you were away. He’s holding up well. He even helped me fix HQ.”

Mao Mao twiddled his tail through his fingers,”...I’m sorry.”

“What? No, no, it's fine-”

“No, I mean it. I shouldn’t have caused you so much trouble.” Mao Mao choked up.

“I- I shouldn’t’ve-”

Badgerclops placed a supportive hand on his shoulder. ”If you ever feel… down again, just know I’ll be there to help you get back on your feet. Don’t be afraid to ask.”

Mao Mao closed in for a hug. He sniffled but managed to wipe the tear from his eye. “Yeah, thanks…I’m feeling better already.”

“Yes this all very touching,” Snugglemane interjected,” but I still don’t see you trying to help me.”

“Oh be quiet,” Mao Mao said, flicking a pink jelly-bean at the king. The shot missed its mark by a decent margin, helplessly bouncing off the blob.

“Geez, if I was the broad side of a barn that might’ve almost hit me,” the king retorted.

Mao Mao harrumphed and waved the king off. He wasn’t in the mood for jackassery. Even if it was coming from the guy that paid him. He was tired of eating jelly beans, so he began throwing them at the trashcan. It wasn’t too different from flicking a paper football. Although, jelly beans were much harder to aim. Badgerclops nudged him, holding out as his hand as they both began to take aim. Everything was going fine if you ignored Snugglemagne. Eventually, Mao Mao got tired of the nagging and flicked a bean at him.

“Stop that,” Snugglemagne whined.

Instead of stopping Mao and Badgerclops chuckled like Beavis and Butthead. At least they were chuckling until Mao Mao caught something out the corner of his eye. He shoved Badgerclops aside before throwing himself back as something smashed through the bench with comet-like fury.

Badgerclops coughed out,” what the hell was that,” as the dust cleared.

When everything settled, Snugglemane was face down in the dirt. Everything fell silent. Badgerclops inhaled sharply; Mao Mao began to laugh.

Badgerclops shot him a glare. Mao Mao quickly cleared his throat,” must be the medicine,” he mumbled.

Badgerclops was really proving himself because his eyes softened after a second. “Do you have any idea what happened?”

“I threw food at it, so it threw ‘food’ at me?”

“That… actually makes sense.”

“So, what do you want me to keep throwing jelly beans at them? It might get the rest of the kingdom?”

Badgerclops placed two fingers to Snugglemagne’s pulse before giving him a thumbs up. Mao Mao couldn’t lie to himself. It was kind of cathartic to watch the blob chuck Sweetipies a 100 MPH.  With every toss the blog got smaller and smaller. When the last one was free the blob sorta imploded. It bubbled up before shrinking down with a disturbing noise and spreading goo everywhere.

“What the hell just happened?”

“It got too small thus it lost structural stability and collapsed.”

“I don’t know what any of that means, but I do know that everything worked out in the end.”

“Someone’s going to have to clean all this goo.”

“And it won’t be us,” Mao Mao said,” c’mon we have to pick up Adorabat from school.

* * *

They were only slightly late when picking up Adorabat from school. The rest of the children -or maybe they weren’t actually children Mao Mao honestly couldn’t tell- poured out from the school. She hopped down the steps before flying over.

“Mao Mao! Mao Mao!”Adorabat said as she zipped around them.

Badgerclops metal arm extended out and held the child in place. “Woah, there little buddy. What’s gotten you up?”

“The teacher says we’re going to be doing a play!”

“Really? That sounds nice.”

“The teacher says it’ll be next week. You’ll come, right?”

“Sure. Sounds fun.”

Adorabat slipped out of Badgerclops’ grip, flying an inch from Mao Mao’s face. “You promise?”

“I promise,” Mao Mao chuckled, patting her head.

[knightwingyj]

Little Do You Know Ch 3

               Why, oh why did he think it was a good idea to drink? Conner groaned as his head throbbed. His mouth was dry and stuffed with cotton balls soaked in essence of skunk. Hangovers sucked. He gracelessly flopped on his side and smashed his face into his pillow. His glorious, stupendous, fluffy, wonderful pillow that was always supportive and there for him whenever he needed something to lay on. His bed too. A shrill pierced the air and sent a white-hot ice pick through his brain. Whimpering and trying to ignore the pathetic tears that gathered in the corner of his eyes, Conner threw an arm out, hand groping the nightstand for his phone. Stupid alarm. His fingers finally found it and the shrieking was silenced. Sighing with relief, he rolled onto his back with his arm resting over his eyes. He didn’t think he drank that much last night. He only had his usual scotch. Twice…and some of Markus’…and all those shots from North’s game. Maybe he had more than he thought, and he didn’t even get his reward.

               The alarm went off a second time. Goddamn it, he thought he had turned that shit off. “Alright, shut the fuck up.” Conner growled grabbing the device and stabbing the screen with more force than necessary. He’s been spending too much time with Hank. Blessed silence. He just noticed the full glass of water on his night stand that his drunk self forgot to drink last night, along with a bottle of Advil. God bless his drunk self and he popped a couple pills and chugged the water.

               He laid back against his wonderful pillow, trying to find the will to get up for the day. He was so glad it was the weekend. He could go as slow as he wanted and not worry about being late. He was the CFO, he should be able to arrive when he damn well pleased. He really needs to stop hanging out with Hank so much. His potty mouth was getting worse. It took a lot more strength to shower, shave and dress than it should have, but he felt more rejuvenated. After brushing his teeth, twice, he deemed himself ready to take on the day. He opened his bedroom door and nearly jumped out of his skin at Conan standing in the doorway.

               “Jesus Christ, Conan! You nearly gave me a heart attack.” Conner accused hand clutching at his chest.

               “Where were you last night?” Conan questioned.

               Conner’s brow furrowed at the reproachful tone in his brother’s voice. “Why do you need to know?”

               “Where you out drinking with Anderson?”

               “What I do and who I do it with is none of your concern.” He didn’t have the patience to deal with Conan’s holier-than-thou attitude today. He brushed past him and into the hallway, closing the door as best he could around a six-foot two road block.

               “It is when you chose to fraternize with the hired help. It looks bad on the rest of us.” Conner could practically hear Conan’s nose scrapping the ceiling. He whirled around and leveled Conan with a glare that made him pause in his tracks.

               “Hank is more than an employee, he’s my friend, and what I chose to do in my free time is my business. I’ve not done a single thing that could shame the family in any way. I don’t need you sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. You’re not my keeper Conan.” He hissed before marching off.

               Conan watched, a little shocked at his outburst. Conner was wrong about one thing; he was his brother’s keeper. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and hit speed dial. “Hey, it’s me. I’ve got a job for you.”

               The headache was practically gone by the time the taxi dropped him off at Hank’s house. Hank’s old, black Buick was parked haphazardly in the driveway and Conner rolled his eyes. He was still wondering what possessed him to let this man drive him anywhere. The single-story building was unassuming with cream siding, decorative clay bricks, and a plain brown front door. He smiled. He could remember one summer during high school when Hank and he repainted the faded and peeling siding, replaced the rotting front door, and power washed the windows. They spent quite a bit of time during those years cleaning up this old house, so much so that it felt more like home to Conner than the manor.

               Turning the key in the lock, the front door opened smoothly, and Conner was greeted by a mountain of fur and a large, wet tongue. “Alright, Sumo, alright.” Conner laughed pushing the Saint Bernard off him and giving him a good scratch behind the ears. “Good morning to you too.”

               He wrestled himself passed the massive dog into the house and was mildly impress. It was a lot cleaner than the last time he was here, minus a couple of empty beer bottles on the coffee table. “You hungry boy?” Moving into the kitchen, Conner retrieve the kibble from the cabinet and poured some into Sumo’s food bowl and gave him fresh water. Sumo munched happily while Conner busied himself with the dirty dishes in the sink, giving them a good scrub and placing them in the dishwasher. An empty pizza box was tossed in the trash along with the beer bottles and the bag set by the front door to go out. He glanced in the fridge and nodded in satisfaction at the variety of foods on the selves. He wouldn’t need to go for groceries today then. A soft head nudged his leg and Conner glanced down with a chuckle. Sumo sat there with wide, hopeful eyes, leash firmly clamped in his jaws. “Ready for a walk then?” Conner asked as he grabbed the leash and clipped it to Sumo’s blue collar. “Looks like Hank will be sleeping for a little while longer. It’s just you and me then.”

               Grabbing the trash, Conner closed and locked the front door behind them. Sumo did his business quickly and waited patiently for Conner to place the trash in the garbage can. The dog tugged eagerly on the leash, drawing a laugh out of the human. “I’m coming. I’m coming.” They took off at a brisk pace, heading toward Riverside Park. It was their favorite walk destination; Sumo for all the squirrels and Conner for the calming view. Hank had introduced it to him just after they had met, and it held a lot of bitter sweet memories for the both of them. Conner found himself there more times than he could count, just to think or to get away from the pressures of high society. The park wasn’t usually crowded as many preferred the larger parks, but he was a little surprised the see it was packed.

               Since when has Riverside Park hosted festivals? He starred in amazement as rows of portable tents and inflatable bouncy houses lining the trail ways and grass. Children chased each other and dragged amused parents to different attractions. Laughter and music floated on the air accompanied by the delicious aroma of carnival food. Conner glanced down at his companion. “What do you think Sumo, should we check out the festival?”

               The Saint Bernard gave him a simple huff and wagged his tail twice in agreement. Conner nodded, “very well then,” and they started down the trail toward the center of the activity. Venders of every kind surround them on both sides. People selling trinkets. Handmade jewelry and cosmetics attracted many of the older patrons while tents containing games like ring toss and balloon pop beckoned the younger crowd. There was even a little swimming pool filled with yellow rubber ducks for the little ones.

               They were stopped a few times as a couple of people wanted to pet Sumo and the gentle giant basked in the simple affection of the pats. A familiar voice called his name and Conner turned to see his secretary, Kara, with her Husband, Luther, and their nine-year-old daughter, Alice. “Hello Kara, Luther, Alice. It’s a pleasure to see you all.” Conner greeted politely.

               “Hello Conner,” Kara said with a smile as Alice waved with an enthusiastic ‘hi’. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

               Conner shrugged. “I didn’t really expect to be here. This is were we usually come on our walks and we were a little surprised to see a festival.”

               Alice’s eyes lit up as she gazed at Sumo. “Sumo!” She ran forward eagerly and showered him with affection. Sumo preened.

               “Alice wanted to come and try the bouncy houses.” Kara explained watching Alice giggle with a smile.

               “Was it worth it?” Conner asked the girl and she nodded.

               “Oh yes. You should try it, Conner. It’s super fun!”

               The adults laughed softly at her wonder. “I think I might be a bit big for the bouncy houses, but I’ll certainly take your word for it.” Conner replied before turning back to her parents. “How are you, Luther? Zlatko treating you well?”

               Luther’s smile strained. “He’s much better, though he’s still hard to work with. There’s not much more I can do other than what I have been doing.”

               “He’s paid the overtime he owes you, yes?” Conner asked eyebrows pinched.

               Luther nodded as the tension bled out of his shoulders. “Yes, after the last incident, he wouldn’t dare to weasel his way out of paying again, not with the lawyer breathing down his neck. Thank you for that, by the way,” the large man said smile warming his face, “I wasn’t the only one he was skimping out on. That lawyer really helped to figure out there was a lot of more missing paychecks than we thought, so thank you.”

               “I’m just happy to help.” Conner eyes grew serious. “You’ll let me know if something like that happens again.”

               Luther nodded. “Of course, people deserve to be paid what their worth.”

               Conner’s smile returned. “Good, well, it was wonderful to see you all and I’ll see you back at the office, Kara. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

               “You too, Conner. Have fun.” Kara said.

               “Bye, Conner!” Alice shouted as they walked away, and Conner waved happily after her, chuckling. He was happy to know that everything had been worked out for Luther and his co-workers. His smile faded as he thought about the Zlatko situation. He would need to keep a closer eye of the man, making sure he paid his employees properly. Honest men like Luther didn’t deserved to be treated so poorly. It maybe time to let Zlatko go, getting a more reliable worker in a leadership position. Perhaps it was time to promote Luther, he had defiantly proved himself worthy with this whole fiasco. Conner could feel the smile spreading. It seemed he had something to do first thing tomorrow morning.

               He glanced around the tents when sharp eyes recognized a familiar face moving around inside a royal purple tent. His smile returned as he approached the man seated in front of a worn, paint splattered easel, face pinched slightly in concentration. “Markus.”

               Said man’s head turned towards him, eyes locking with that beautifully intense gaze. Recognition flooded them quickly and his eyes lit up. “Conner,” the sharpie in his hands was capped and set aside as he stood to greet him.

               “Working hard?” Conner asked fingers playing with Sumo’s leash.

               Markus shrugged. “It’s not really work if you enjoy it.”

               “True,” Conner moved into the tent, trying to see what was resting on Markus’ easel. “What are you working on?”

               “Oh,” Markus stepped aside to reveal a cartoon face. “Caricatures.” The exaggerated eyes and nose made Conner chuckle.

               “Magnificent,” he teased,” your best work by far, I think.”

               “Of course,” Markus smirked. He held up the permanent marker. “Care to have your likeness immortalized in sharpie?”

               Conner smiled warmly and shrugged again. “Why not?”

               Markus gestured to the empty stool directly in front of the easel. As Conner moved to sit, Markus caught sight of the animal walking beside him. “And who is this handsome fella?” He asked as he readied a clean piece of paper.

               “This is Sumo,” Conner replied. “He belongs to Hank Anderson, my bodyguard.”

               Markus raised an eyebrow at that. “Do you normally walk your bodyguard’s dog?”

               “Oh, Hank’s more than a bodyguard. He’s a good friend of mine. He used to be a lieutenant for the Detroit Police Department before switching to close personal security. He had quite the reputation in the DPD, before I managed to steal him away.”

               “Really? He sounds like an interesting person.” Markus commented as the pen in his hand glided over the page. “How did you two meet?”

               “We became acquainted when I had just turned sixteen. In a fit of teenage rebellion, a couple of my peers and I decided to have an…impromptu party at one of the old abandoned freighters at the docks. We were quite inebriated and somehow caused the ship to sink. It caused quite a ruckus.”

               Markus paused and look at him over the top of the easel. “Wait, the Jericho sinking? That was you?”

               Conner was a little perplexed at the question. “Well, it wasn’t technically me but someone I was associated with, yes.”

               “Oh man,” Markus slouched back in his chair. “My friends and I used to hangout there during high school. That’s how we got the nickname Jericrew. We came by one day and the whole area was cordoned off with a majority of the ship submerged. We always assumed the hull had finally ruptured.”

               “I suppose, in a way, it did.” Conner rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Sorry.”

               “It’s alright. It must have been some party.” Markus commented returning to his drawing. “So, what does the sinking of the mighty Jericho have to do with you meeting Mr. Anderson?”

               “He was the arresting officer. I rode in the back of his car to the station. He sat me down at his desk as he called my mother. Once he finished, he asked if I had anything I wanted to say. I told him to lock me up.”

               Markus raised another eyebrow at him. “Why?”

               Conner chuckled. “He asked me the same thing in almost the exact same way. It was simple really. It would tarnish my mother’s reputation. Who would’ve thought the great Amanda Stern would have a deliquiate son? It would’ve caused quite a scandal if it had gotten out. It didn’t, of course. My mother has a way of sweeping dirt under the rug.

               “Hank showed up a week later to be my bodyguard. He said he was getting bored sitting behind a desk all day, doing nothing but paper work. I say it was to keep me out of trouble.”

               “That is interesting, going from a police lieutenant to babysitting a sixteen-year-old.” Markus teased.

               “I suppose that is a bit of a step down,” Conner laughed. “I like to think I keep him on his toes.”

               “It seems to me you’re a bit of a rebel there, Mr. Stern.”

               Conner grinned at Markus’ smirk. “You make me sound cooler than I am. That was a single incident.”

               “Oh, I don’t know about that. You handled your liquor the other night like a seasoned veteran.”

               “That is Hank’s fault. He’s a pretty good drinking buddy and he’s about as fascinated with my talent as you guys were. He likes to buy different kinds of alcohol to try whenever I’m with him.”

               “He sounds like an interesting character. I’d love to meet him someday.”

               “Of course, I feel he and North will get along swimmingly.” Conner added with a mischievous grin.

               Markus groaned. “Oh no, I’m not sure I could handle two Norths.”

               “It would certainly be amusing.”

               Shaking his head with an amused huff, Markus signed his name at the bottom with a flourish and capped the marker, lifting the finished product. Conner let out a surprised laugh. His features were nowhere near proportional with too big eyes and mouth on an obnoxiously large head. The size of his body reminded him of those ‘would you rather’ questions asked at parties with how small it was. Sumo was depicted next to him with similar proportions in regard to his nose.

               “I think Sumo is the best part of that whole picture.” Conner stated scratching the proud pup behind the ears.

               Markus looked at the picture again. “He does kind of steal the show a bit, but I think the other guy is handsome too.”

               Conner blinked at that comment and smiled softly. He was not flirting, stop looking so deeply into things. Markus handed him a green, cardstock folder containing the finished drawing. “Thank you very much. How much do I owe you?”

               Markus shook his head. “Me? Nothing, but if you like, you can donate to the center. Every dollar helps.”

               “Center?” Conner’s held tilted and Markus couldn’t help but compare him to a curious puppy.

               “The Youth Centers of Detroit. That’s what the fair is for. Many local businesses are participating to raise funds for the centers.”

               “Is that what you’re doing?” Conner asked with a gesture to the easel.

               “Yep,” he popped the p. “A lot of these centers are understaffed and in disrepair. Many of the kids in the city don’t have access to the fine arts unless it’s through their school and let’s be honest, what kid wants to spend their free time at school?”

               “What makes you think they would want to go to the youth centers instead?”

               “You mean besides the fact that it’s completely free? More variety. They can learn about anything they wanted. Theatre. Ceramics. Self-defense. Web-design. I even teach a couple classes during the weekdays.”

               Conner gave him an appraising look. “Markus Manfred, teaching art classes?” He teased, and Markus puffed out his chest proudly.

               “Every Tuesday and Thursday at six o’clock.”

               “I’d have come check it out sometime, see if you’re really as good as you claim.”

               “Says the guy who has my pieces ‘adorning his room’.” Markus retorted and took great pleasure in Conner’s blush.

               Embarrassed and trying to hide it, Conner pulled a fifty out of his wallet and stuffed it in the large pickle jar on a side table that was already nearly full. “I expect all new brushes and paints with that generous donation, Mr. Manfred.”

               Markus granted him a smile full of teeth. “Of course, Mr. Stern. Only the best for you.”

               Conner rolled his eyes and grinned, thoroughly enjoying their playful banter. They were only interrupted when someone else entered the tent. “You’re good to go on a break, boss.” The girl wasn’t much younger than Conner, perhaps high school or college freshman. Her brown hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail and she wore paint stained clothes.

               “Thanks, Stacy.” Markus said moving to put his things away. “Stacy, this is Conner and Sumo. Conner, this is Stacy, one of my students.”

               Conner shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

               “Same here. He’s a great teacher.” She nodded towards Markus.

               “I’m sure he is.”

               “You should come by the center sometime and check it out. He can turn even the most hopeless cases into true artists.”

               Conner wasn’t sure if he was supposed to be offended by that comment or not.

               “Alright, Stacy. No need to over sell.” Markus interjected coming to stand next to Conner.

               “Just trying to help you out, boss.”

               “And you’re doing a marvelous job, but I think Sumo wants to get out of this stuffy tent. Right Sumo?” The Saint Bernard merely wagged his tail at the mention of his name. “Right. Hey,” Markus turned to Conner. “You ever tried a cronut?”

               There’s that adorable head tilt. “A cronut?”

               Markus’ eyes widened comically. “Oh my god, you have not lived till you’ve tried one. Come on.” Their arms brushed as they said goodbye to Stacy and exited the tent in search of the legendary pastry.

               Markus lead them straight to the right vender, who Conner suspected was a friend of the painter. Jerry handed them each a cronut and bid them adieu as they enjoyed their treat. Conner immediately fell in love with the buttery, flaky goodness, sharing a little with Sumo. “You were certainly right, warm and delectable.” Conner said throwing his trash in a nearby garbage can. Sumo huffed, tongue swiping along his lips, searching for any remnants of the sugar treat. “Even Sumo agrees.”

               “I would never lie to you, especially about food.” Markus glanced down at his watch. “I still have time if you would care to take a little stroll.”

               “I’d be honored.” Conner said with a smile.

               Markus moved closer as they began a trek through the park, barely glancing at the rest of the attractions. “So, you play the piano, capture emotions onto canvas, run a studio, teach art classes to inspire young artists, and volunteer your free time to your community. Are there any other hobbies I should know about?” Conner asked with a hint of playfulness.

               Markus bashfully rubbed the back of his neck. “You make me sound more interesting than I really am.”

               “Markus, you are interesting.” Conner said sincerely. “I’ve never met someone with as much talent or dedication to their craft as you. You’re the epitome of the phrase, ‘Live life to the fullest’. It’s quite inspiring.”

               Markus’ cheeks darkened. “You keep that up and my head might explode.”

               “I’m serious.”

               “I know, and I’m flattered. I just believe that everyone deserves the right to live their lives the best that they can. Everyone deserves to be to be happy.” Markus sent a side glance to the man beside him. Speaking of… “Conner, could I ask you a personal question?”

               Conner blinked, slightly surprised. “Of course.”

               “Why did you say yes?”

               Conner’s brow furrowed. “I don’t quite understand.”

               “Your marriage. Why did you agree to it?”

               Conner froze in his tracks, Sumo coming to a stop next to him. Markus turned to look at him, eyes apologetic at asking such a forward question but making no move to dismiss it. Conner steeled himself for the conversation. His spine straightened, and eyes locked forward. He started walking again. “It was a business arrangement.”

               Markus kept pace with him. “Care to elaborate?”

               “Cyberlife is the world’s leading producers in robotics and artificial intelligence. Anything smarter than an analog clock, they’ve got their hands in. Smart phones, tablets, super computers, you name it, they’ve done it and that’s just in the last ten years. Only two people truly brought Cyberlife to the forefront of technological advances. Elijah Kamski and Amanda Stern.

               “Elijah is the brains behind Cyberlife’s inventions. His genius is unparalleled when it comes to coding and hard-ware. While he could rule the world with a few wires and some software, he’s not much of a businessman.”

               “I’m assuming that’s where your mother comes in.”

               “Amanda has been the CEO of Cyberlife through all its major accomplishments. Without her, there wouldn’t be a Cyberlife as we know it.

               But while she may be CEO, she doesn’t own any shares in the company. The Stern name has no connection to Cyberlife outside its big, glass doors and Amanda hates anything she can’t have. She feels that Cyberlife is as much hers as it is the Kamski’s.”

               “Seems like she wants to be part of the family.” Markus shook his head in disgust. “What exactly does she gain by marrying you to the Kamski’s?”

               “Power, prestige, about a third of the shares, second only to the Kamski’s.”

               “And what does the Kamskis get out of this arrangement?”

               “Amanda as CEO for the next ten years and then her apprentice for the next twenty.”

               Markus was silent as he contemplated this information. “That’s messed up.”

               “That’s business.”

               “And through all of that, you’re lost in the fine print.”

               Conner shrugged nonchalantly but Markus could see the tension in his shoulders. “You never did answer my question.” Conner looked at him confused. “Why did you agree? You’re an adult. You can say no.”

               Conner didn’t answer but his eyes darkened with so much despair that it caused a physical pain in Markus’ chest. Now he understood Conner’s connection with those paintings of his. The need to reach out and hold this man, to comfort him and protect him, was nearly overwhelming and his hand moved of it own accord. “Conner,” he started but Conner spoke.

               “It’s alright, Markus.” His voice was strong, but his smile wavered.

               No, it wasn’t alright, but Markus didn’t know how to fix it.

               “You never did answer my question either,” Conner stated breaking the tension.

               “And what’s that?”

               “What else can the Marvelous Markus do?”

               Markus chuckled slightly. “I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

               Conner locked eyes with him. “I suppose so.” Those deep brown eyes just seemed to pull Markus in and he was almost afraid he would lose himself in their depths.

               The moment was interrupted when Sumo let out a sudden and loud bark and jerked the leash out of Conner’s hand, leaving behind an angry sting. “Wait, Sumo! Come back!” He shouted taking off after the energized dog. Markus followed close behind and soon they were chasing Sumo through the park. Apologizing to startled bystanders, Sumo lead them out to a vacant field. Conner lunged for the animal but missed as Sumo turned at the last minute. Jumping to his feet quickly, Markus sped past him and nearly fell flat on his face when Sumo barreled into his legs.

               “Sumo, come here!” Conner called but the dog just wagged his tail, let out a ‘boof’, and dropped into a playful crouch, daring Conner to make a move. A mischievous grin was slowly making its way across his face as he stared down the Saint Bernard. “You won’t win, beast.”

               Warmth spread out from the center of his chest as Markus watched Conner play with Sumo. He looked so different from the moment before, unburdened and…happy. He chuckled quietly at Conner’s challenge. The playful atmosphere was thrumming with suspense as man and animal waited for the other to move. A small twitch toward the dog and Sumo took off like a shot. He ran straight past Markus who fingers just brushed his tail. His botched attempt nearly sent him face first into the grass again but a strong grip on his arm kept him from eating dirt.

               “Crafty, isn’t he?” Conner said with a sly smile and Markus snickered. “Go around and cut him off.”

               Markus gave him a mock salute. “Aye, aye, Captain.” He ran around the tree just as Conner corralled Sumo in that direction and Markus dove for him. His hand closed around the leash, “Gocha,” and Sumo slowed to a stop. Both men were breathing hard as they tried to calm their racing hearts. Markus handed the leash off to Conner.

               “Thanks.”

               “You’re welcome.” Markus replied their fingers brushing. It was then that he remembered, “Your hand.” He grabbed Conner’s right hand and turned it over, searching for the irritated rash on his palm.

               “Oh, it’s nothing, really.” Conner protested but it died quickly as his hand was cradled gently in warm, calloused hands. Tan fingers brushed over smooth skin, sending a tingle through his palm. He looked up to see mismatched eyes starting at him with a look he couldn’t quite describe but sent the butterflies in him shrieking. He just knew he had to be blushing.

               “I think you’ll be alright.” Markus spoke softly, and goosebumps formed on Conner’s arms.

               The moment broke as Sumo barked and ran a circle around them, effectively wrapping the leash around their legs. “Sumo, No!” Conner cried as he was thrown off balance. His hands immediately latched onto Markus’ shoulders as leverage as Markus’ hands instinctively landed on his hips. It was futile as they both toppled over with Conner landing on top of Markus, pressing flush against him. Mortified, Conner tried to scramble off him, effectively digging an elbow into Markus’ chest and ridding him of all the air in his lungs. “I’m so sorry! I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Conner apologized, still wiggling. Arms wrapped around him and he froze.

               Markus let out a deep belly laugh that Conner could feel reverberating through his core and he stared, mesmerized, at the unbridled joy on Markus’ face. The grin revealed pearly white teeth and crinkled the edges of his eyes and Conner longed to run a finger over the tiny ridges. He could almost count the freckles on his nose. A black speck in the green of his left eye twinkled at him. His belly burned as he fought the desire to lean down and kiss him. He was so close.

               “It’s alright,” Markus said breaking him out of his very inappropriate musings and his face burned hotter. “Here,” Markus leaned up and Conner panicked, throwing an arm around him without thinking. The artist quickly detangled the leash from their legs and Conner slid off his lap onto the grass gratefully…and secretly disappointed.

               “Well, that was interesting.” Conner giggled a little self-conscious. Markus just grinned, eyes sparkling. The phone in Conner’s pocket buzzed and he pulled it out.

               ‘Stop stealing my dog, you plastic asshole.’

               “Well, Hank’s awake. I better get Sumo back.” He stood, holding his hand out to Markus. Fingers circled around his wrist immediately and he pulled him up, blatantly ignoring the tingling left behind as those fingers caressed the inside of his wrist and palm as they let go.

               “You seriously stole his dog?” Markus asked with a laugh.

               Conner grinned. “Only on my days off.”

               They stood there, just smiling at each other, when Conner finally backed away. “I’ll see you later, Markus.”

               “See you,” Markus replied raising his hand in a goodbye.

               Conner returned the wave and reluctantly turned his back, still grinning like a fool. He was really glad he decided to go to the festival today.

[scribomaniac]

The Woes of Having Neighbors, Chapter 10

Elide sighed as she walked down her hallway towards the safety of her apartment.  As a child psychologist, she was used to her days being long, but today was a long day.  

All she wanted to do once she was home was to turn off her phone, strip down, and take a long, soothing bubble bath.  Preferably with Enya playing in the background.  Then, after she decompressed, she’d order the largest freaking pizza her local pizzeria sold, and pig out while watching one of her favorite movies.  It was either going to be The Princess Bride or The Hunchback of Notre Dame, she hadn’t decided yet.  Or both, she supposed, both was good.

Just as she was wondering if she had any ice cream left in her freezer, and whether or not it’d be worth it to run down to the grocery to buy a tub, the door on her left opened and Elide found herself being stared down by the Mythic Bitch herself: Maeve.

“Oh, Elide.  I thought that was you,” her red lips split into what some would call a smile.  

Elide’s hands curled into fists.  If Maeve started a fight today, Elide would gladly finish it.  

“What do you want, Maeve?”  Dark eyes flitting over the taller woman’s shoulder, Elide asked, “Where’s Lorcan?”

“Out,” she replied curtly, flicking a lock of inky black hair behind her shoulder.  “Look, I feel like we got off on the wrong foot.  Why don’t you come in,” she stepped to the side, silently inviting her in.  “I just made some banana bread.”

Brows raised, Elide looked at Maeve like she’d grown a second head.  Although Maeve looked contrite---sheepish, even---an invisible hand---one that had been with Elide her entire life and had never steered her wrong---desperately tried to pull her away.  

“No, thanks,” she said slowly, cursing herself for being polite even to someone who made her stomach turn.  Her mother hadn’t raised a brat, though.  

At Maeve’s crestfallen face, she added, “I’ve had a long day.”

Perking up, Maeve offered with a hesitant smile, “I’ve got ice cream, too.”  Elide pursed her lips.  Ice cream did sound really good right now.  “Oh, come on,” Maeve insisted, catching onto Elide’s pause, “I won’t bite.”

Knowing deep down inside that she’d regret it, but also really wanting that ice cream, Elide shrugged and entered the apartment.  The layout was the same as her own, so Elide easily found her way to the kitchen.  “So,” Maeve started, grabbing a pair of bowls and spoons before grabbing the ice cream.  It was Rocky Road, Elide’s favorite.  Maybe this encounter wouldn’t be so terrible after all.  

“Why did your day suck?”  She began scooping out the ice cream,  “And is there anything I can do to help?  My day wasn’t fantastic, either.  So helping you will actually help me.  Get my mind off it, you know?”

Maeve smiled tentatively, handing Elide her bowl of ice cream.  Elide watched as she took a bite, and wondered how someone so vicious, so evil, could look so normal.  She chalked it up to the power of ice cream.  

After taking a bite of her own Rocky Road goodness, Elide answered, “I don’t think you can help,” she rolled her eyes, “well, unless you can stop shitty parents from being so shitty.”

Maeve’s lips puckered, “No, can’t say that I can.”

Elide hummed and the two continued eating their ice cream in silence.  The only noise around them was the soft clinking of spoons against bowls.  

With her spoon in her mouth, Elide looked around the room.  The carton of ice cream was still out on the kitchen island, the banana bread that Maeve had mentioned earlier---Elide would bet anything that it was actually store bought---was on a plate on the kitchen counter, and Maeve stood quietly across from her, pouting into her bowl of ice cream.

Deciding to be generous, Elide offered an olive branch and broke the silence by asking, “So why did your day suck?”

There was a glint in Maeve’s dark eyes, gone as soon as it came, and was chased away by large, silvery tears.  “Oh,” she sniffled, her nose turning pink.  

Elide watched, paralyzed like a deer in the headlights, as Maeve began to cry in front of her, “It’s just---it’s just,” she stopped and wrapped her arms around herself.  She sniffed, “I don’t---I don’t know what I did.  What went wrong.  I---everything was fine, and then--and then,” she swallowed thickly.  

She looked so . . . pathetic.  Elide never thought, not even in her wildest dreams, that she’s witness Maeve---the Mythic Bitch---so vulnerable.  It was as shocking as it was humbling.

Reaching out across the island, Elide patted her arm in an attempt to comfort her.  She couldn’t stand to watch anyone cry, apparently not even Maeve.  “It’s okay, Maeve, everything will be okay.  What happened?”

Hiccuping, Maeve shook her head, her tears flying off her face.  “Lorcan . . . Lorcan left.”  Elide sucked in a sharp breath.  So he did it.  He finally did it.  He left her.  It was about damn time!  Whatever their relationship was, it wasn’t healthy.  “We got in a fight,” Maeve continued, looking like she was about to hurl.  “And---and he left, and, oh, Elide, he’s never been gone this long before!  What if he’s been hurt, what if he’s stuck on the side of the road, what if he’s in the hospital in a coma or something, what if---” she slapped a pale hand across her mouth, stopping herself before she thought up anything worse.

She really was worried.   Elide was skeptical at first that Maeve could worry about anything other than herself, but she could see the panic, pure and dark and unadulterated, lurking within her eyes.  She was two seconds away from a full blown panic attack.  Standing up and quickly walking around the island, Elide tried to get Maeve to calm down.  “Breathe, Maeve, breath.”  She placed her hands on the taller woman’s shoulders, “Whatever happened, I’m sure Lorcan’s okay.  He’ll come back, Maeve.”

“You think so?”  Maeve sniffled.  Elide nodded reassuringly.  Lorcan was responsible, he wouldn’t go anywhere without his wallet, so if he was injured and in the hospital, Maeve would’ve already heard.  And it was the twenty-first century, Lorcan had a cell phone and was resourceful, no way he’d be stranded anywhere for long.  And, he did live here, even if he had left Maeve.  He’d have to come back eventually, if only to collect his things.  

“Oh, Elide,” Maeve smiled, her voice suspiciously strong and without a hint of a wobble.  “I knew I could count on you.”

“What?”  Elide asked, stepping back just as Maeve pulled out her phone and began dialing.  

Suddenly the tears were gone.  So was the pink nose.  She looked completely normal.  The sight gave Elide whiplash.  

Maeve in all her confident, arrogant glory was back, and whoever she had called picked up.

“Lorcan?”  Elide stopped breathing.  “Good.  I want you to come home.”  She paused, listening, then looked at Elide and smirked, “Oh, don’t worry about that.  Elide and I are friends now.  Aren’t we, Elide?”  Her smirk slithered further up her face, “Yes, she’s with me right now.  Say hi, Elide.”

Phone suddenly in her face, Elide blinked and stuttered out, “Umm, hi?”

Snatching the phone back to her ear before Elide could hear Lorcan’s response, Maeve tapped her fingernails against the granite countertop and said, “Oh, just girl talk.”  She winked at Elide, “Don’t be silly.  Elide thinks you should come home, too.”

Elide felt her face redden with anger and frustration that she knew she’d never be able to articulate.  It took a while, but the situation finally dawned on her.  Maeve had used her.  She’d set a trap, lured her in, and played her like a fiddle.  Cursing her bleeding heart and stupid courtesies, Elide high-tailed it out of there.

She didn’t need to be there when the two had their reunion.

One bath, two pizzas, and three and a half hours later, Elide was hunkered down on her couch, halfway through The Princess Bride when a knock sounded at her door.  At first, she ignored it.  Her phone was still off, so it could’ve been one of her friends checking in on her.  They all had spare keys to her apartment, though, and could let themselves in.

More knocking.  So it wasn’t a friend.  Elide groaned and burrowed further her blanket, hoping that whoever it was would just go away.  

“Elide,” Lorcan’s voice, muffled by the door, called out before he knocked again.  “Elide, it’s me.”  Elide stayed right where she was, weighing the pros and cons of answering the door.

He knocked again and she groaned before flailing herself off the couch.  Taking her blanket with her, Elide stomped over to her foyer and opened the door.

“What?”  She asked in lieu of a hello.  She was fresh out of courtesies for the day.

“I, umm,”  Lorcan paused, unsure how to proceed.  He’d never seen Elide’s grouchy side before.  Shoving his hands into his pockets, Lorcan’s face shuddered closed, leaving no trace of any emotion.  He was a blank canvas.  “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”  He looked away, “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

Blinking, Elide waited for him to say something else.  Anything else.  When he didn’t, she leaned back on the balls of her feet, “Okay.”  She drew out the word, giving him the opportunity to say more.  If that was it, though---and it was looking to be---she was just going to go back to her nest on the couch and continue her movie in peace.  She really didn’t feel like being drawn into round two of . . . whatever this was.

“Well, I’m okay, so . . .” she was about to close her door when---

“Thank you,” Lorcan burst out, his dark eyes desperately peering into hers, trying to silently communicate something to her.  “For helping Maeve.  Thank you.”  His words were jilted, awkward.  Like he wasn’t used to expressing gratitude.  

Nodding, Lorcan took a step back, about to turn and leave.  Eyes narrowing, Elide couldn’t help herself as she asked, “What was the fight about?”

Lorcan stopped mid-turn, “What?”

“What was the fight about?”  Elide repeated, leaning against her door frame.  “The one that finally got you to leave her?”

Blushing ever so slightly, the dark haired man glared at her, “It’s none of your business.”

Pointing an accusatory finger at him, Elide disagreed, “It became my business once Maeve used me like a pawn in some sick, twisted game.”  Lorcan at least had the decency to look cowed.  “So what was it?”

“You,” Lorcan admitted, looking down at his feet.  His hands were balled into fists and Elide wasn’t sure if that was because he wanted to hit something or if it was an attempt to hide his trembling.  “We fought about you.”

Elide released a shaky breath.  She hadn’t been expecting that.  She didn’t know what to do with that.  

Shaking his head, Lorcan took two steps away from before Elide regained control of her mind and tongue, “Why do you keep going back to her?”  Her voice was probably a bit too loud considering the time of night and who lived next door, but Elide had stopped caring hours ago.  “She’s horrible, Lorcan, so why---”

“Don’t talk like you know her,” he snapped, his face twisting into a snarl.  “Or me.”  He could glare and glare until his eyeballs shriveled up and rolled out of his head, but Elide wouldn’t be bullied into silence.  Not now, not ever again.  

“You’re right,” she nodded.  “I don’t know you.  But I got a glimpse of you.”  Lorcan flinched at the reminder of their first meeting.  “What happened to that Lorcan?  The one who decorated Easter eggs with me?  The one who hated parties and crafts like egg decorating, but still went because his friends asked?  The one who listened when I spoke, who noticed when I shifted or flinched and tried to figure out why?  Where’s that Lorcan?  The considerate, witty, loyal Lorcan?

“Because I liked that Lorcan.  But this Lorcan,” she gestured towards him, “that’s in front of me right now?”  She grimaced and shook her head, “I don’t think I want to know him at all.”

Lorcan stared at her like a fish, all wide eyes and mouth agape.  Elide didn’t wait for his response, whether it was apologetic or admonishing, and slammed the door in his face.                

[this-ginger-has-no-soul]

Masterlist

Masterlist for every Fandom and Character

Marvel

Bucky Barnes:

Dating Bucky barnes would include

You’re my mission- 1, 2, 3

Need a Hand?

Bucky I could use a hand

Winter Wonderland

Beefycake Barnes

Mission Accomplished

The stars would be so proud

Desperate Kisses

Nightmares

This isn’t right

No

I’ll take care of you

They’re gone

Calm down

Love yourself, accept yourself

You’re freezing!

What is a me-me?

I promised I’d never hurt you

Stop smiling

Flower crowns

You’re my lobster

Wings and curls

You don’t have to hide

First snowfall

Sick days

Don’t leave me

Keep count for me

Don’t touch them

I’m glad it was me

It’s not your fault

Pinky finger

9 A.M. dates

Shush and lemme take care of you

Ikea

I like them

My soulmate is the reincarnation of President James Buchanan?

Get out while you still have a chance

Lights on

Little reminders

Save me

I’m coming home

I understand

How do you run from a shadow?

You don’t have to do this

I know the feeling

I got you

I love you

I’m not leaving you

Fight me.

Early morning talks

Pointless fights

I’m in love with another

Don’t judge me

Be good to her

Safe Haven

I’m here for you

Period pains

Heartbeat

Puppy struggles

I think you’re adorable

Winter’s touch

With those…fanfiction green eyes

My own rapunzel

Winters in Brooklyn  *one of my personal favorites*

Mine

Do it again

I’ll be your legs

Battle scar

Teddy bear

The music from your fingertips

She’s perfect

I didn’t mean it

Breathe easy

Anniversaries

Halloween carols

You look like you saw a ghost

The Jager and the Kaiju- 1, 2, 3, 4

I don’t get jealous

Sister of Mine

Stomach kisses

Who knew?

Stop.

Post Break up cuddles

Fresh eyes

Bruises

We’re not animals

You look cute like this

Nicknames

We’re innocent- 1, 2

Homecoming

BAMF

A spider’s own

Triggers

They’re mine

Self defense classes

I need you by my side

Old songs

Blue as the sea

Spiders own

Razors

Accents

He knows where you are

Fairy dust

Science conventions

White Christmas

A Brooklyn Christmas

A fairytale proposal

Kiss me

Talk shit again

Take Control

So close yet so far

I thought they’d say yes

Nightmares 2.0

Steve Rogers

We all hide behind our smiles

Language

Conversations you’ve most likely had with Steve Rogers

Anxiety Attacks

I don’t know what I’d do without you

Double date

Take a break

Packing up and breaking down

Poetry

You’re an idiot

Tattoos and Piercings

New technology

I’m here for you

All American Dream *Another one of my personal Favorites*

Children can be a hassle

They’re not worth your time anyway

You’re late

Pure bliss

Not so innocent

He’s here with me

Sleep habits

Feeling’s mutual

Captain Canada- 1, 2

Bed is better with two

Bands

You’re beautiful

Old love never dies- 1, 2

My hero

Your moobs

I’m just scared is all

Teach me

Respect

Just a little shy

Like a married couple

Tales of our scars

I love her- 1, 2

Story of the century

My broken love

Awkward

Work Accidents

The fruit of our Labors

Say you won’t let go

Natasha Romanoff

The itsy bitsy spider

Traitor

Make the bad dreams go away

You’re not funny

He’s been at this all week

Girls night out

Shy spider

Lost souls and broken hearts

Fun sized

Surprise

You’re old enough to be my mom

Broken noses

I’m sick

Rewarding kisses

Angry spider

Never leave your side

My little fighter

Broken Lullabies- 1, 2

We should have never fought these battles

You’re too kind to do this to yourself

Morphine confessions

Stay with me

Scales- 1, 2, 3, 4

Museum Exhibits- 1, 2

I dare you

The cat and the spider

Comfort in a Widow’s kiss

Cafe dates

Near death experience

From friends to lovers

Are you ticklish

Lovers in the most unlikely places

I’m by your side

My alien angel

Lovely surprise

Wanda Maximoff

Baking

Music

Honey gone bad

Sister I wish I had had

Nightmares of the past

Bond

Thunderstorms

Hearing aids

Lay a finger on them

Family reunions

Kisses make everything better

Bed hog

Kisses make everything better

Touch her again

Double Trouble

Tony Stark

Please stop

Things you said when I was asleep

Conversations you’ve most likely had with Tony Stark

Whispered Songs

She lays down

Femininity 

Clint Barton

Hey Barton, Catch

Pizza, Puppies, and Coffee

Perfect Pair

Conversations you’ve most likely had with Clint

I’m making up for lost time

Coffee cups and broken bones-1, 2

Car wrecks and coworkers

Girlfriend

Peter Parker

Long time no see

Cuts and Bruises

I hurt you

Kill it!

Savior

You’re into the older type?

You’re just a kid

Loki

Everyday Midguardian Objects

Things I uses to love

I’ve fallen in love

Silly girl- 1, 2

I’ve fallen in love

Sam wilson

Cat and Bird

Change in Scenery

Bruce Banner

Hey Big guy

Thor

Cuddles

Black Panther

I don’t want to fight you

X-Men

Kurt Wagner

Scars

Pay attention to me

I could have lost you

I love everything about you

My blueberry kitten

Difficulty

Tile is Dangerous

Jealousy

Hide and seek

German lullabies

Conversations you’ll most likely have with Kurt Wagner

Silent book friend

The little blue comfort in my life

Warren Worthington

Feathers

Pretend to be my boyfriend

Flaws

Always someone else- 1, 2

I’m nesting, it’s what birds do

I’ll love you forever

I’ll spread my wings and-

Sweet as candy

Please don’t be scared of me

I don’t love you- 1, 2

That’s what happens

That was cute

Charles Xavier

Insecurities

Slow dancing at 3 in the morning

Calm your mind

Can’t you see what you’re doing to me- 1, 2

It’s over for me

Mission failed

Thorn in my side

Could I do something more?

Does she know that we bleed the same?

Time Travel

Erik Lehnsherr

Well this one is soft and kind

You make me think the world can be a better place

Can you hold me?

Logan Howlett

Dangerous

It’s okay not to be okay

You scared me

Happy birthday

My hero

Wade Wilson

Maybe it’s the mask

I like you better without the mask

Conversations you’ll most likely have with Wade Wilson

Scott Summers

Glasses and chaos

Guess this was a blessing in disguise

Peter Maximoff

Piggyback rides

Lazy mornings

Alex Summers

I’m not afraid of you

Hank Mccoy

Blue is better

Supernatural

Dean Winchester

Please don’t go

Regrets

I’m forgetting

The phone

I’m sorry princess

You’re in love and it’s not with me

Salt and Holy water

Shark week

Freckles

Can we just watch the stars?

Conversations you’ll most likely have with Dean Winchester

It burns

Hey jude

I thought you gave up smoking

Monster in the closet

Of Heaven and Hell- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Dog days

Stitches and Scotch

Gorgeous

My ex-boyfriend the werewolf

All I wanted was a back massage

I missed you

In sickness and in health

Heartbroken

I can’t lose you

Don’t hurt them

Shitty diners

Sam Winchester

Last time

I’m in love with the Devil

You make me smile

Close your eyes

Aren’t you a little old to be afraid of the dark

Hickies and Bedhead

Yoga

Conversations you’ll most likely have with Sam Winchester

Castiel

I’ve never felt pain like this

Guardian angel

Lucifer

The Serpent’s love

Sherlock

You’re in love

Marriage is a trivial thing

Doctor who

The Stranger in white

Superwholock

The case of the forgotten memories- prologue, part 1

Others

Bigby Wolf

I’m trying

Terrible jokes

[pen-masta]

Paradise’s Plight Part 1

A few years after Castel and Joy are married they take a second honeymoon trip for their anniversary. But there is trouble in the waters that await them in Tahiti. Will their love be strong enough to withstand it?

1  2  3  4

Castel smiles down at the pieces of paper he holds in his hands. Two tickets on a first class flight for a three week stay in the number one place Joy has been dying to travel to. The entire trip itself was nearly 20,000 dollars--which gave the billionaire a bit of a heart attack when the traveling agent gave him the price. That didn’t even include the money they’d be spending on food, souvenirs, tours, mountain hikes, and whatever else they’d be doing while they were there. It wasn’t that Castel was attached to his money, he just hadn’t planned on it being that expensive. He’s never spent so much money on something that seems so frivolous.

But it wasn’t frivolous it was for Joy and he only wanted the best for her in everything. The best flights, the best plane seats, the best housing, the best food, the best sights, and of course the best location. Besides he wasn’t buying something just for himself, he was buying it for her...well maybe this did include him too but it was mainly for her. And this way he not only gets to reap the benefits of enjoying the trip, he also gets to give something to Joy. Something she’s wanted since they were kids. 

He chuckles, still remembering when they were ten-years-old and she was going on about the facts of this place, its geography, its history, its inhabitants, its environment, its animals, everything! She was obsessed with this place, she loved it, she desperately wanted to travel to it. But of course there’s only so far a ten-year-old can get on five dollars worth of allowance. Joy had wanted to travel the world when she was younger and she did a little bit what with the Peace Corp and all, but then life got in the way and she never got to go to all the places on her “Traveling Time!” list.

But now she’s going to get to be there. For three complete uninterrupted weeks! Next week marks three years they’ve been married, three whole years! Although that doesn’t sound like a lot, it means a lot to him considering it took them so long to admit their feelings for each other. Although everything he’s read says it’s too early in their marriage for a second honeymoon, he doesn’t care. If he wants to call it a second honeymoon then that’s what he’s darn well gonna call it.

He had kind of taken his hands off of Cubs Industries and let Amy take over for a while--consuming his time with the oddities of West Virginia. But then a few buyers lost interest due to the lack of “fresh new products” and he couldn’t relax into his fantasies of monster hunting anymore. He had stepped back into the business and had been working nonstop to come up with a new line of products for the cars, computers, robots, weapons, anything he could think of. He had about fifteen new working prototypes he was going to mass produce to put on the market, before Albert alerted Amy and Joy of his health and found him in his lab. He had worked himself sick; fever, chills, coughing, sneezing. Bottom line he was stressed and exhausted, fueled for days only on several cups of coffee, an apple or a banana here and there, and a few pizzas if he got hungry enough to order it. Was it healthy for the twenty-nine year old? No. Did he care? No. Did it keep him full and awake enough to not get distracted and pulled away from his work? Yes and that’s all that mattered.

In the long run it really was an idiotic choice for the genius.

Shortly after that Amy had ordered him to go on hiatus for a while until he was fully rested. “No point in having you hack up a lung and fall to the floor during a meeting boss.” Amy had said to him, “The press would have a field day fabricating a story that you were dying and have less attention on the new products.” She was right and besides they had enough new produces now to pacify his buyers for a little while.

So what better way to disappear from the world you know than to literally disappear from the world you know. The only ones who knew they were leaving were the only ones who would need to know: him, his brothers, Joy’s sisters, both of their parents, and of course Amy. No press, no big announcement, just the two of them slipping away in the early morning hours when all the paparazzi were fast asleep hugging their cameras. The perfect vacation to clear his mind and relax, three weeks on a little island out in the Pacific with the love of his life.

He smiles and tucks the tickets under his pillow. He’s going to tell her tonight but he doesn’t want to be so blunt about it. Taking off his shirt he tries to think of some cool way to present it to her. Swapping his jeans for his Star Wars pajama bottoms she got him last Christmas, he slides under the covers staring at the ceiling.

As he stays in his own head trying to come up with something clever to say that will open a doorway to reveal the tickets, Joy comes out of the bathroom in her nightshirt--which happens to be his old faded blue t-shirt that reads It’s An Engineering Thing You Wouldn’t Understand. He had gotten it when he was in college and it fit him well through the years, which is why he still has it...had it...Joy had claimed it a year or so ago.

She pulls her hair up into a ponytail before shimmying into the spot next to him.

“What are you thinking about?” She asks rolling onto her side and propping her head up with her hand.

He blinks before it registers that she asked him a question. He looks at her and smiles, “Nothing.”

She smirks, “Don’t give me that I know you Castel Issac Cubs.” She narrows her eyes, “You’ve got that look.”

“What look?” He chuckles and rolls on his side to face her.

“The ‘cogs-and-wheels-are-turning-in-my-big-stinking-brain-again’ look,” she grins and he laughs shaking his head.

“I wasn’t thinking about anything, honest.” She raises a brow and he laughs again before he holds up his index and middle fingers, “Scouts honor.”

“You were not a scout!” She laughs and shoves him, causing him to laugh as well.

“I was too!” He laughs

“Ok you were a scout for like two months,” she rolls her eyes. “You went on one camping trip.”

“Two camping trips,” he corrects and sticks his tongue out at her.

She blows a raspberry at him and he chuckles moving closer to her.

“It’s nothing,” he smiles and pecks her lips.

“Aha!” She pokes his nose, “So it is something!”

“Jo-jo,” he chuckles. “It’s nothing.”

“So you’re really not going to tell me?” She asks and nuzzles closer to him. She widens her eyes and pouts deeply trying to win him over.

He smiles and kisses her forehead, “Nice try.” She whines loudly and he laughs. “Joy it’s for me to know and for you to find out in time.” He grins.

She narrows her eyes at him and sits up, “Castel if you do not share the information you’re going to force my hand.” She says in a very serious tone.

“Force your hand?” He chuckles and raises a brow.

“Yes,” she says her mouth falling into a flat line and her eyes turn very dark. “I will be force to use desperate measures.”

Although the look in her eyes and the dark shadow that is cast over her face does rattles him slightly, he holds his ground. He closes his mouth tight and crosses his arms, his body language saying he was not going to budge.

Joy juts out her chin, “Fine.”

Before he can stop her she pounces on top of him. They both struggle for a moment before he manages to brace his hands against her shoulders, holding her an arm’s length away. She grins like the Cheshire Cat before tickling his sides. His arms immediately fall to try and cover the sensitive skin as he laughs loudly.

“No! No Joy wait a sec!” He laughs and tries to roll onto his side, but her sitting on his stomach prevents him.

After a moment he breaks laughing loudly, “Alright! hahaha! Alright you win!”

Joy immediately stops, throwing her fists in the air, “I am the conquer!” He giggles still smiling up his beautiful wife. “And of course I won,” she smiles back at him. “I am the queen!”

“I thought you were the conquer,” he smirks and raises a brow.

“I am the conquering queen!” She shouts throwing her head back.

They both laugh for a moment before she shifts from her sitting position to lay down on him instead. She rests her hands on his chest, “So tell me what it was you were thinking about.” She says and rests her chin on her hands.

He sighs, wrapping his arms around her he says as solemnly as he can, “I was just thinking of how to tell you.”

Her eyebrows furrow, “Tell me what?”

He closes his eyes and tries to feign his sadness as he slips his one hand under his pillow, “Well you see Amy really doesn’t want me to be working for a little while.” He looks at her trying very hard to keep his smile at bay, “So she’s throwing me out of the business and my lab for a few weeks to rest.”

“Ok,” Joy says sounding crossed between worried and uncertain.

“So instead of the lab I’m gonna need some other place to go,” he says and grasps the tickets under his pillow. “You remember how I went on that business trip out east last year for a few weeks?”

“Yeah,” Joy says a hint of defeat in her voice.

That month felt like a year by the time he had gotten home, she would have gone with him had she not had the play to deal with. They had skyped and called every night, but it wasn’t the same as having him here with her. She has a feeling that Amy is sending him to negotiate with some buyers or something like that again, instead of having him working himself to death in his lab. She is not looking forward to another month alone in this enormous house. Sure Albert was great for company or a conversation, and man can that guy play chess! But he’s just not her best friend...he’s not Cassie. But she knows her husband has been so stressed lately and exhausted...maybe a little time away from home would be good.

She would go with him but she’s sure he’ll have to leave in the next few days and her play is running until the end of the week. She won’t be done in time to go with him...but it’s for his health. It’ll be alright.

She forces a smile, “A business trip will be a good escape for you. A few minor meetings, a nice hotel, room service, and rest.” She says and kisses his chin.

He smiles now, “Well I’m glad you think so but it’s not that kind of trip.”

“What do you mean?” She asks confused.

“It’s a trip for both of us.” He says.

“I don’t understand,” Joy says completely lost.

His grin is wide now as he holds the tickets up. “Here read this,” he says and hands them out to her.

Joy sits up again and takes the tickets from him. Her eyes widen as she reads the tickets and she looks at him in shock, “Tahiti!?”

He chuckles and nods, “Three weeks in Tahiti for three years of marriage. We leave Sunday morning after your play is done running.”

She squeals and flings her arms around his neck kissing him repeatedly. He laughs in between the kisses and he wraps his arms around her again holding her tight. Once she’s done with her kiss attack he smiles at her.

“Happy anniversary J-bird,” he says and kisses her nose.

She giggles and shifts to lye next to him. She cuddles into his side, “Why Tahiti?”

“What you think I forgot how much you went on about it when we were kids?” He asks and she giggles.

“You’re amazing,” she says and kisses him again.

He smiles, “No just observant.” She rolls her eyes and he flicks the nightstand lamp off, “I already told our families that we were going and that we will be unavailable for the entire trip. Three weeks with no beepers, no phones, no bluetooths, no meetings, no clients, no products, no press, no work, no paparazzi, no buyers, no nothing.” He looks down at her and smiles lovingly, “Consider it a second honeymoon. Just you, me, and Tahiti.”

She smiles up at him and kisses him again. That night they each fall asleep with only one thought in their minds, This is going to be the best second honeymoon in the history of second honeymoons.

_________

“Yes, yes I know...I’m flying out there Friday I’ll be in Tahiti until the end of the month to check up on the hotels...No, tell them I’ll be unavailable for the next month...Ugh! Good bye Rodger.” Martha huffs before hanging up the phone on the still speaking man. “I definitely need to get a less whinny assistant.”

[erindatesla]

Where I've Been

November 24, 2014

A few days ago an anonymous commenter named 'honey' commented pls post more which was very nice and inspiring. Then, my BFF Eric asked WTF was up with my blog. Last but not least, I had this conversation with my ex.

Hi, I'm back.

I haven't posted in more than a month because I have a LIFE, OKAY?? Well actually, I just haven't been dating, and that was a conscious decision for a few reasons:

1) Self-Preservation

I had another Tinder meltdown and was texting a lot of guys I didn't even want to meet and it felt sleezy and unproductive.

I was stood up and fed up.

Dating lost its entertainment value to me, the one form of payoff I received from bad dates. And I lost my voice, literally (laryngitis) and figuratively. This blog was supposed to be a place to tell funny tales but I was kind of just sad for a while. Instead of finding the jokes in each bad date, dating had become a joke.

I was seeing a guy who was in an open relationship with his girlfriend. He told me their only "rule" was that they remained each other's #1. That made me #2...or #3...or #10, who knows. It took a few months, but I decided I didn't want to be this guy's (or anyone's) side gal, I wanted to be someone's main squeeze or nothing at all.

I was put in the "friend zone" for the first time ever. I'm fine.

I'm slightly unclear on who I am or what I want in life and thus, not in a place to be dating.

2) I hit the road

First I went to Denver to watch my beautiful and lovely friend Bonnie join her now-husband in matrimony. Gorgeous wedding, and they were the couple of the year! In second place were me and one of the groom's best friends (at least for the weekend, rom-com style, OK??). We hit it off the first night and became fast friends. Friends that kiss on the second night while taking a moonlit stroll by the river. It was all very charming and romantic and I'd love to tell you more but I'll save that for another day.

It's really important for you to know that while I was there I saw a squirrel eating pizza at the park. FAVORITE THINGS COMBINED ALL AT ONCE.

Then I was off to Hawaii. I go each year with three girlfriends from college (except last year--leave me alone it's really hard to talk about that dark time in my life). It was really beautiful and delicious and fun. But I was sick for one full day smack dab in the middle of our week, as was my friend Stephanie, who had also been stung by a man o' war jellyfish the day prior. Bedridden in Hawaii: A Nightmare, is the name of a book I made up that would aptly describe that day of my life. Regardless of that mournful day, I'll always be thankful for my favorite shrimp truck and coconut cream pie and funny friends that made it a delight, otherwise. The views weren't so bad either, I suppose.

Most recently I was in San Francisco with a friend from high school, visiting our friend who lives there. This was some good-ol', soul-nourishing gal time. Our San Fran girl trips are always restful, delicious and refreshing. I drank a lot of good coffee, strolled the piers and got some fresh air, ate delicious food, danced to oldies (!!!) and most importantly, got to catch up with my ever-inspiring gal pals. Pictured to the right is a Nutella-stuffed cookie and house-made hot chocolate from Dandelion Chocolate, where you get to TASTE chocolate, talk to a maker (I didn't because I was overeager for a sweet treat) and then...eat a treat. The best. It was so, so good. Go to there if you're in SF!

3) I moved, and then I was mugged

If you've read (m)any of my posts, you know that I live in great fear of being murdered, and I finally, actually almost was! I recently moved to a new apartment only half a mile from my old one (moving sucks!), and I was walking my dog out front when a guy approached me and said something, to which I replied, huh? He repeated, "I have good aim, what you got?" I tried to converse and decipher what he meant, when I finally realized he had his hand in his pocket as if he had a gun and he was trying to rob me of whatever I had. Cue chills toe-to-head (the chills actually started in my feet--very strange) and I knew I had to comply and get the out. I told him I'd give him whatever he wanted but I didn't have much: I only had my phone, my dog and my pepper spray, all of which he could see. (I know you're wondering why I didn't spray him, but I knew if he had a gun he could shoot me even if blinded from some pepper.) He asked for my phone, all the while reminding me he "had good aim" any time he thought I was about to run or pepper spray him. I never saw a gun, but even the threat of one was bone-chillingly terrifying. At the end of the situation we calmly negotiated that he could have my phone and I could keep my life. How sweet. He walked away cooly, and I ran to my neighbor's, pounded on his door, ran upstairs to my apartment before he could answer, heard him say "hello?" and screamed "NEIGHBOR?!" We had never met, and this was our first introduction (CHILL MOVE, ERIN). He called 9-1-1 for me and the police showed up 20 minutes later and nonchalantly took a report. It could have been so much worse, but it really stripped me of my already-wobbly sense of security. Ever-since, I've split my time between my new apartment, which contains an unassembled bed and is hardly unpacked, and my parents house because they love me and feed me and are so nice. The commute BLOWS but the payoff (read: sanity) is worth it, especially during the holidays. Plus it sounds cool to be like, "well I have an apartment in LA so I can crash there when I want." JK...that just sounds financially irresponsible.

4) I was a little bit sad

I've a little bit been wallowing in self-pity. It has kind of been one thing after another: laryngitis, bronchitis, I got stuck in an elevator (which sounds minor, but is my #2 fear in life, behind being murdered), I suddenly had a limp on my right side from hip pain (hi, I'm 26), I got mugged (see #1 fear), I got eaten alive by bugs in Hawaii so much so that I thought I had bed bugs (lol), and on top of it all, a really good friend of mine moved far, far away.

This person was kind of my go-to not-boyfriend. An ex from many moons ago, he had become the person I called after a bad day, bad date, good day, good anything. He's the kind of friend who when my food order is delivered wrong says, "don't freak out, I'll buy you whatever food you want" because he knows that's my third biggest fear. He fixes my technology, tells me about good movies, gets dessert with me upon request at basically any hour and is just really lovely to me a lot of the time. When I found out he was moving, I was a low-functioning catatonic for about a week. I became prematurely nostalgic, unable to imagine how I would function without this person who had played a huge role in my life for nearly a decade. It's been about three months now and yes I miss him but I'm FINE...see next section...

5) I've been having fun

Dating is very time-consuming, so with all this new, free time on my hands I've been doing things I'm usually "too busy" to do like read, see movies and make crafts (yeah, like paint and glue and glitter-type crafts). I read Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham, which both warmed my heart and made me think, among other books like White Girl Problems and Psychos by Babe Walker. Serious literature happening over here!!

I saw some flicks, my favorite being The Tingler (1959) presented in Percepto! at CineFamily. The "Tingler" is a lobster-like creature that can be fatal, and Percepto is a simulation of the creature's attack...a buzzer installed in the theater seat. This has been my favorite old "creature feature" since I was a kidlette, so seeing it like this was super special!

Which reminds me, Halloween came and went, and it's important for you to know that I dressed as my favorite emoji, which I made with my own two paws.

Now it's the holidays and I'm still not ready to date (have you ever been on a first date the day before Christmas Eve? I have, and it's the pits). But I AM excited to start writing again. I'M BACK!!!!!!!!! Talk soon, XO.