#little pocket of sunshine from jo | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

hellsitesonlybookclub · 1 year

Text

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

Chapter 22-23

XXII.

PLEASANT MEADOWS.

Like sunshine after storm were the peaceful weeks which followed. The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year. Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats, at first, and, in time, with doll's sewing, which had fallen sadly behindhand. Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her a daily airing about the house in her strong arms. Meg cheerfully blackened and burnt her white hands cooking delicate messes for "the dear;" while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.

As Christmas approached, the usual mysteries began to haunt the house, and Jo frequently convulsed the family by proposing utterly impossible or magnificently absurd ceremonies, in honor of this unusually merry Christmas. Laurie was equally impracticable, and 270 would have had bonfires, sky-rockets, and triumphal arches, if he had had his own way. After many skirmishes and snubbings, the ambitious pair were considered effectually quenched, and went about with forlorn faces, which were rather belied by explosions of laughter when the two got together.

Several days of unusually mild weather fitly ushered in a splendid Christmas Day. Hannah "felt in her bones" that it was going to be an unusually fine day, and she proved herself a true prophetess, for everybody and everything seemed bound to produce a grand success. To begin with, Mr. March wrote that he should soon be with them; then Beth felt uncommonly well that morning, and, being dressed in her mother's gift,—a soft crimson merino wrapper,—was borne in triumph to the window to behold the offering of Jo and Laurie. The Unquenchables had done their best to be worthy of the name, for, like elves, they had worked by night, and conjured up a comical surprise. Out in the garden stood a stately snow-maiden, crowned with holly, bearing a basket of fruit and flowers in one hand, a great roll of new music in the other, a perfect rainbow of an Afghan round her chilly shoulders, and a Christmas carol issuing from her lips, on a pink paper streamer:—

"THE JUNGFRAU TO BETH.

"God bless you, dear Queen Bess!

May nothing you dismay,

But health and peace and happiness

Be yours, this Christmas Day.

"Here's fruit to feed our busy bee,

And flowers for her nose;

Here's music for her pianee,

An Afghan for her toes.

"A portrait of Joanna, see,

By Raphael No. 2,

Who labored with great industry

To make it fair and true.

271 "Accept a ribbon red, I beg,

For Madam Purrer's tail;

And ice-cream made by lovely Peg,—

A Mont Blanc in a pail.

"Their dearest love my makers laid

Within my breast of snow:

Accept it, and the Alpine maid,

From Laurie and from Jo."

How Beth laughed when she saw it, how Laurie ran up and down to bring in the gifts, and what ridiculous speeches Jo made as she presented them!

"I'm so full of happiness, that, if father was only here, I couldn't hold one drop more," said Beth, quite sighing with contentment as Jo carried her off to the study to rest after the excitement, and to refresh herself with some of the delicious grapes the "Jungfrau" had sent her.

272 "So am I," added Jo, slapping the pocket wherein reposed the long-desired Undine and Sintram.

"I'm sure I am," echoed Amy, poring over the engraved copy of the Madonna and Child, which her mother had given her, in a pretty frame.

"Of course I am!" cried Meg, smoothing the silvery folds of her first silk dress; for Mr. Laurence had insisted on giving it.

"How can I be otherwise?" said Mrs. March gratefully, as her eyes went from her husband's letter to Beth's smiling face, and her hand caressed the brooch made of gray and golden, chestnut and dark brown hair, which the girls had just fastened on her breast.

Now and then, in this work-a-day world, things do happen in the delightful story-book fashion, and what a comfort that is. Half an hour after every one had said they were so happy they could only hold one drop more, the drop came. Laurie opened the parlor door, and popped his head in very quietly. He might just as well have turned a somersault and uttered an Indian war-whoop; for his face was so full of suppressed excitement and his voice so treacherously joyful, that every one jumped up, though he only said, in a queer, breathless voice, "Here's another Christmas present for the March family."

Before the words were well out of his mouth, he was whisked away somehow, and in his place appeared a tall man, muffled up to the eyes, leaning on the arm of another tall man, who tried to say something and couldn't. Of course there was a general stampede; and for several minutes everybody seemed to lose their wits, for the strangest things were done, and no one said a word. Mr. March became invisible in the embrace of four pairs of loving arms; Jo disgraced herself by nearly fainting away, and had to be doctored by Laurie in the china-closet; Mr. Brooke kissed Meg entirely by mistake, as he somewhat incoherently explained; and Amy, the dignified, tumbled over a stool, and, never stopping to get up, hugged and cried over her father's boots in the most touching manner. Mrs. March was the first to recover herself, and held up her hand with a warning, "Hush! remember Beth!"

But it was too late; the study door flew open, the little red wrapper 273 appeared on the threshold,—joy put strength into the feeble limbs,—and Beth ran straight into her father's arms. Never mind what happened just after that; for the full hearts overflowed, washing away the bitterness of the past, and leaving only the sweetness of the present.

It was not at all romantic, but a hearty laugh set everybody straight again, for Hannah was discovered behind the door, sobbing over the fat turkey, which she had forgotten to put down when she rushed up from the kitchen. As the laugh subsided, Mrs. March began to thank Mr. Brooke for his faithful care of her husband, at which Mr. Brooke suddenly remembered that Mr. March needed rest, and, seizing Laurie, he precipitately retired. Then the two invalids were ordered to repose, which they did, by both sitting in one big chair, and talking hard.

Mr. March told how he had longed to surprise them, and how, when the fine weather came, he had been allowed by his doctor to take advantage of it; how devoted Brooke had been, and how he was altogether a most estimable and upright young man. Why Mr. March paused a minute just there, and, after a glance at Meg, who was violently poking the fire, looked at his wife with an inquiring lift of the eyebrows, I leave you to imagine; also why Mrs. March gently nodded her head, and asked, rather abruptly, if he wouldn't have something to eat. Jo saw and understood the look; and she stalked grimly away to get wine and beef-tea, muttering to herself, as she slammed the door, "I hate estimable young men with brown eyes!"

There never was such a Christmas dinner as they had that day. The fat turkey was a sight to behold, when Hannah sent him up, stuffed, browned, and decorated; so was the plum-pudding, which quite melted in one's mouth; likewise the jellies, in which Amy revelled like a fly in a honey-pot. Everything turned out well, which was a mercy, Hannah said, "For my mind was that flustered, mum, that it's a merrycle I didn't roast the pudding, and stuff the turkey with raisins, let alone bilin' of it in a cloth."

Mr. Laurence and his grandson dined with them, also Mr. Brooke,—at whom Jo glowered darkly, to Laurie's infinite amusement. Two easy-chairs stood side by side at the head of the table, 274 in which sat Beth and her father, feasting modestly on chicken and a little fruit. They drank healths, told stories, sung songs, "reminisced," as the old folks say, and had a thoroughly good time. A sleigh-ride had been planned, but the girls would not leave their father; so the guests departed early, and, as twilight gathered, the happy family sat together round the fire.

"Just a year ago we were groaning over the dismal Christmas we expected to have. Do you remember?" asked Jo, breaking a short pause which had followed a long conversation about many things.

"Rather a pleasant year on the whole!" said Meg, smiling at the fire, and congratulating herself on having treated Mr. Brooke with dignity.

"I think it's been a pretty hard one," observed Amy, watching the light shine on her ring, with thoughtful eyes.

"I'm glad it's over, because we've got you back," whispered Beth, who sat on her father's knee.

"Rather a rough road for you to travel, my little pilgrims, especially the latter part of it. But you have got on bravely; and I think the burdens are in a fair way to tumble off very soon," said Mr. March, looking with fatherly satisfaction at the four young faces gathered round him.

"How do you know? Did mother tell you?" asked Jo.

"Not much; straws show which way the wind blows, and I've made several discoveries to-day."

"Oh, tell us what they are!" cried Meg, who sat beside him.

"Here is one;" and taking up the hand which lay on the arm of his chair, he pointed to the roughened forefinger, a burn on the back, and two or three little hard spots on the palm. "I remember a time when this hand was white and smooth, and your first care was to keep it so. It was very pretty then, but to me it is much prettier now,—for in these seeming blemishes I read a little history. A burnt-offering has been made of vanity; this hardened palm has earned something better than blisters; and I'm sure the sewing done by these pricked fingers will last a long time, so much good-will went into the stitches. Meg, my dear, I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments. 275 I'm proud to shake this good, industrious little hand, and hope I shall not soon be asked to give it away."

If Meg had wanted a reward for hours of patient labor, she received it in the hearty pressure of her father's hand and the approving smile he gave her.

"What about Jo? Please say something nice; for she has tried so hard, and been so very, very good to me," said Beth, in her father's ear.

He laughed, and looked across at the tall girl who sat opposite, with an unusually mild expression in her brown face.

"In spite of the curly crop, I don't see the 'son Jo' whom I left a year ago," said Mr. March. "I see a young lady who pins her collar straight, laces her boots neatly, and neither whistles, talks slang, nor lies on the rug as she used to do. Her face is rather thin and pale, just now, with watching and anxiety; but I like to look at it, for it has grown gentler, and her voice is lower; she doesn't bounce, but moves quietly, and takes care of a certain little person in a motherly way which delights me. I rather miss my wild girl; but if I get a strong, helpful, tender-hearted woman in her place, I shall feel quite satisfied. I don't know whether the shearing sobered our black sheep, but I do know that in all Washington I couldn't find anything beautiful enough to be bought with the five-and-twenty dollars which my good girl sent me."

Jo's keen eyes were rather dim for a minute, and her thin face grew rosy in the firelight, as she received her father's praise, feeling that she did deserve a portion of it.

"Now Beth," said Amy, longing for her turn, but ready to wait.

"There's so little of her, I'm afraid to say much, for fear she will slip away altogether, though she is not so shy as she used to be," began their father cheerfully; but recollecting how nearly he had lost her, he held her close, saying tenderly, with her cheek against his own, "I've got you safe, my Beth, and I'll keep you so, please God."

After a minute's silence, he looked down at Amy, who sat on the cricket at his feet, and said, with a caress of the shining hair,—

"I observed that Amy took drumsticks at dinner, ran errands for her mother all the afternoon, gave Meg her place to-night, and has 276 waited on every one with patience and good-humor. I also observe that she does not fret much nor look in the glass, and has not even mentioned a very pretty ring which she wears; so I conclude that she has learned to think of other people more and of herself less, and has decided to try and mould her character as carefully as she moulds her little clay figures. I am glad of this; for though I should be very proud of a graceful statue made by her, I shall be infinitely prouder of a lovable daughter, with a talent for making life beautiful to herself and others."

"What are you thinking of, Beth?" asked Jo, when Amy had thanked her father and told about her ring.

"I read in 'Pilgrim's Progress' to-day, how, after many troubles, Christian and Hopeful came to a pleasant green meadow, where lilies bloomed all the year round, and there they rested happily, as we do now, before they went on to their journey's end," answered Beth; adding, as she slipped out of her father's arms, and went slowly to the instrument, "It's singing time now, and I want to be in my old place. I'll try to sing the song of the shepherd-boy which the Pilgrims heard. I made the music for father, because he likes the verses."

So, sitting at the dear little piano, Beth softly touched the keys, and, in the sweet voice they had never thought to hear again, sung to her own accompaniment the quaint hymn, which was a singularly fitting song for her:—

"He that is down need fear no fall,

He that is low no pride;

He that is humble ever shall

Have God to be his guide.

"I am content with what I have,

Little be it or much;

And, Lord! contentment still I crave,

Because Thou savest such.

"Fulness to them a burden is,

That go on pilgrimage;

Here little, and hereafter bliss,

Is best from age to age!"

XXIII. Aunt March settles the Question.

277

XXIII.

AUNT MARCH SETTLES THE QUESTION.

Like bees swarming after their queen, mother and daughters hovered about Mr. March the next day, neglecting everything to look at, wait upon, and listen to the new invalid, who was in a fair way to be killed by kindness. As he sat propped up in a big chair by Beth's sofa, with the other three close by, and Hannah popping in her head now and then, "to peek at the dear man," nothing seemed needed to complete their happiness. But something was needed, and the elder ones felt it, though none confessed the fact. Mr. and Mrs. March looked at one another with an anxious expression, as their eyes followed Meg. Jo had sudden fits of sobriety, and was seen to shake her fist at Mr. Brooke's umbrella, which had been left in the hall; Meg was absent-minded, shy, and silent, started when the bell rang, and colored when John's name was mentioned; Amy said "Every one seemed waiting for something, and couldn't settle down, which was queer, since father was safe at home," and Beth innocently wondered why their neighbors didn't run over as usual.

278 Laurie went by in the afternoon, and, seeing Meg at the window, seemed suddenly possessed with a melodramatic fit, for he fell down upon one knee in the snow, beat his breast, tore his hair, and clasped his hands imploringly, as if begging some boon; and when Meg told him to behave himself and go away, he wrung imaginary tears out of his handkerchief, and staggered round the corner as if in utter despair.

"What does the goose mean?" said Meg, laughing, and trying to look unconscious.

"He's showing you how your John will go on by and by. Touching, isn't it?" answered Jo scornfully.

"Don't say my John, it isn't proper or true;" but Meg's voice lingered over the words as if they sounded pleasant to her. "Please don't plague me, Jo; I've told you I don't care much about him, and there isn't to be anything said, but we are all to be friendly, and go on as before."

"We can't, for something has been said, and Laurie's mischief has spoilt you for me. I see it, and so does mother; you are not like your old self a bit, and seem ever so far away from me. I don't mean to plague you, and will bear it like a man, but I do wish it was all settled. I hate to wait; so if you mean ever to do it, make haste and have it over quickly," said Jo pettishly.

"I can't say or do anything till he speaks, and he won't, because father said I was too young," began Meg, bending over her work, with a queer little smile, which suggested that she did not quite agree with her father on that point.

"If he did speak, you wouldn't know what to say, but would cry or blush, or let him have his own way, instead of giving a good, decided, No."

"I'm not so silly and weak as you think. I know just what I should say, for I've planned it all, so I needn't be taken unawares; there's no knowing what may happen, and I wished to be prepared."

Jo couldn't help smiling at the important air which Meg had unconsciously assumed, and which was as becoming as the pretty color varying in her cheeks.

"Would you mind telling me what you'd say?" asked Jo more respectfully.

279 "Not at all; you are sixteen now, quite old enough to be my confidant, and my experience will be useful to you by and by, perhaps, in your own affairs of this sort."

"Don't mean to have any; it's fun to watch other people philander, but I should feel like a fool doing it myself," said Jo, looking alarmed at the thought.

"I think not, if you liked any one very much, and he liked you." Meg spoke as if to herself, and glanced out at the lane, where she had often seen lovers walking together in the summer twilight.

"I thought you were going to tell your speech to that man," said Jo, rudely shortening her sister's little reverie.

"Oh, I should merely say, quite calmly and decidedly, 'Thank you, Mr. Brooke, you are very kind, but I agree with father that I am too young to enter into any engagement at present; so please say no more, but let us be friends as we were.'"

"Hum! that's stiff and cool enough. I don't believe you'll ever say it, and I know he won't be satisfied if you do. If he goes on like the rejected lovers in books, you'll give in, rather than hurt his feelings."

"No, I won't! I shall tell him I've made up my mind, and shall walk out of the room with dignity."

Meg rose as she spoke, and was just going to rehearse the dignified exit, when a step in the hall made her fly into her seat, and begin to sew as if her life depended on finishing that particular seam in a given time. Jo smothered a laugh at the sudden change, and, when some one gave a modest tap, opened the door with a grim aspect, which was anything but hospitable.

"Good afternoon. I came to get my umbrella,—that is, to see how your father finds himself to-day," said Mr. Brooke, getting a trifle confused as his eye went from one tell-tale face to the other.

"It's very well, he's in the rack, I'll get him, and tell it you are here," and having jumbled her father and the umbrella well together in her reply, Jo slipped out of the room to give Meg a chance to make her speech and air her dignity. But the instant she vanished, Meg began to sidle towards the door, murmuring,—

"Mother will like to see you. Pray sit down, I'll call her."

280 "Don't go; are you afraid of me, Margaret?" and Mr. Brooke looked so hurt that Meg thought she must have done something very rude. She blushed up to the little curls on her forehead, for he had never called her Margaret before, and she was surprised to find how natural and sweet it seemed to hear him say it. Anxious to appear friendly and at her ease, she put out her hand with a confiding gesture, and said gratefully,—

"How can I be afraid when you have been so kind to father? I only wish I could thank you for it."

"Shall I tell you how?" asked Mr. Brooke, holding the small hand fast in both his own, and looking down at Meg with so much love in 281 the brown eyes, that her heart began to flutter, and she both longed to run away and to stop and listen.

"Oh no, please don't—I'd rather not," she said, trying to withdraw her hand, and looking frightened in spite of her denial.

"I won't trouble you, I only want to know if you care for me a little, Meg. I love you so much, dear," added Mr. Brooke tenderly.

This was the moment for the calm, proper speech, but Meg didn't make it; she forgot every word of it, hung her head, and answered, "I don't know," so softly, that John had to stoop down to catch the foolish little reply.

He seemed to think it was worth the trouble, for he smiled to himself as if quite satisfied, pressed the plump hand gratefully, and said, in his most persuasive tone, "Will you try and find out? I want to know so much; for I can't go to work with any heart until I learn whether I am to have my reward in the end or not."

"I'm too young," faltered Meg, wondering why she was so fluttered, yet rather enjoying it.

"I'll wait; and in the meantime, you could be learning to like me. Would it be a very hard lesson, dear?"

"Not if I chose to learn it, but—"

"Please choose to learn, Meg. I love to teach, and this is easier than German," broke in John, getting possession of the other hand, so that she had no way of hiding her face, as he bent to look into it.

His tone was properly beseeching; but, stealing a shy look at him, Meg saw that his eyes were merry as well as tender, and that he wore the satisfied smile of one who had no doubt of his success. This nettled her; Annie Moffat's foolish lessons in coquetry came into her mind, and the love of power, which sleeps in the bosoms of the best of little women, woke up all of a sudden and took possession of her. She felt excited and strange, and, not knowing what else to do, followed a capricious impulse, and, withdrawing her hands, said petulantly, "I don't choose. Please go away and let me be!"

Poor Mr. Brooke looked as if his lovely castle in the air was tumbling about his ears, for he had never seen Meg in such a mood before, and it rather bewildered him.

"Do you really mean that?" he asked anxiously, following her as she walked away.

282 "Yes, I do; I don't want to be worried about such things. Father says I needn't; it's too soon and I'd rather not."

"Mayn't I hope you'll change your mind by and by? I'll wait, and say nothing till you have had more time. Don't play with me, Meg. I didn't think that of you."

"Don't think of me at all. I'd rather you wouldn't," said Meg, taking a naughty satisfaction in trying her lover's patience and her own power.

He was grave and pale now, and looked decidedly more like the novel heroes whom she admired; but he neither slapped his forehead nor tramped about the room, as they did; he just stood looking at her so wistfully, so tenderly, that she found her heart relenting in spite of her. What would have happened next I cannot say, if Aunt March had not come hobbling in at this interesting minute.

The old lady couldn't resist her longing to see her nephew; for she had met Laurie as she took her airing, and, hearing of Mr. March's arrival, drove straight out to see him. The family were all busy in the back part of the house, and she had made her way quietly in, hoping to surprise them. She did surprise two of them so much that Meg started as if she had seen a ghost, and Mr. Brooke vanished into the study.

283

"Bless me, what's all this?" cried the old lady, with a rap of her cane, as she glanced from the pale young gentleman to the scarlet young lady.

"It's father's friend. I'm so surprised to see you!" stammered Meg, feeling that she was in for a lecture now.

"That's evident," returned Aunt March, sitting down. "But what is father's friend saying to make you look like a peony? There's mischief going on, and I insist upon knowing what it is," with another rap.

"We were merely talking. Mr. Brooke came for his umbrella," began Meg, wishing that Mr. Brooke and the umbrella were safely out of the house.

"Brooke? That boy's tutor? Ah! I understand now. I know all about it. Jo blundered into a wrong message in one of your father's letters, and I made her tell me. You haven't gone and accepted him, child?" cried Aunt March, looking scandalized.

"Hush! he'll hear. Sha'n't I call mother?" said Meg, much troubled.

"Not yet. I've something to say to you, and I must free my mind at once. Tell me, do you mean to marry this Cook? If you do, not one penny of my money ever goes to you. Remember that, and be a sensible girl," said the old lady impressively.

Now Aunt March possessed in perfection the art of rousing the spirit of opposition in the gentlest people, and enjoyed doing it. The best of us have a spice of perversity in us, especially when we are young and in love. If Aunt March had begged Meg to accept John Brooke, she would probably have declared she couldn't think of it; but as she was peremptorily ordered not to like him, she immediately made up her mind that she would. Inclination as well as perversity made the decision easy, and, being already much excited, Meg opposed the old lady with unusual spirit.

"I shall marry whom I please, Aunt March, and you can leave your money to any one you like," she said, nodding her head with a resolute air.

"Highty tighty! Is that the way you take my advice, miss? You'll be sorry for it, by and by, when you've tried love in a cottage, and found it a failure."

284 "It can't be a worse one than some people find in big houses," retorted Meg.

Aunt March put on her glasses and took a look at the girl, for she did not know her in this new mood. Meg hardly knew herself, she felt so brave and independent,—so glad to defend John, and assert her right to love him, if she liked. Aunt March saw that she had begun wrong, and, after a little pause, made a fresh start, saying, as mildly as she could, "Now, Meg, my dear, be reasonable, and take my advice. I mean it kindly, and don't want you to spoil your whole life by making a mistake at the beginning. You ought to marry well, and help your family; it's your duty to make a rich match, and it ought to be impressed upon you."

"Father and mother don't think so; they like John, though he is poor."

"Your parents, my dear, have no more worldly wisdom than two babies."

"I'm glad of it," cried Meg stoutly.

Aunt March took no notice, but went on with her lecture. "This Rook is poor, and hasn't got any rich relations, has he?"

"No; but he has many warm friends."

"You can't live on friends; try it, and see how cool they'll grow. He hasn't any business, has he?"

"Not yet; Mr. Laurence is going to help him."

"That won't last long. James Laurence is a crotchety old fellow, and not to be depended on. So you intend to marry a man without money, position, or business, and go on working harder than you do now, when you might be comfortable all your days by minding me and doing better? I thought you had more sense, Meg."

"I couldn't do better if I waited half my life! John is good and wise; he's got heaps of talent; he's willing to work, and sure to get on, he's so energetic and brave. Every one likes and respects him, and I'm proud to think he cares for me, though I'm so poor and young and silly," said Meg, looking prettier than ever in her earnestness.

"He knows you have got rich relations, child; that's the secret of his liking, I suspect."

285 "Aunt March, how dare you say such a thing? John is above such meanness, and I won't listen to you a minute if you talk so," cried Meg indignantly, forgetting everything but the injustice of the old lady's suspicions. "My John wouldn't marry for money, anymore than I would. We are willing to work, and we mean to wait. I'm not afraid of being poor, for I've been happy so far, and I know I shall be with him, because he loves me, and I—"

Meg stopped there, remembering all of a sudden that she hadn't made up her mind; that she had told "her John" to go away, and that he might be overhearing her inconsistent remarks.

Aunt March was very angry, for she had set her heart on having her pretty niece make a fine match, and something in the girl's happy young face made the lonely old woman feel both sad and sour.

"Well, I wash my hands of the whole affair! You are a wilful child, and you've lost more than you know by this piece of folly. No, I won't stop; I'm disappointed in you, and haven't spirits to see your father now. Don't expect anything from me when you are married; your Mr. Book's friends must take care of you. I'm done with you forever."

And, slamming the door in Meg's face, Aunt March drove off in high dudgeon. She seemed to take all the girl's courage with her; for, when left alone, Meg stood a moment, undecided whether to laugh or cry. Before she could make up her mind, she was taken possession of by Mr. Brooke, who said, all in one breath, "I couldn't help hearing, Meg. Thank you for defending me, and Aunt March for proving that you do care for me a little bit."

"I didn't know how much, till she abused you," began Meg.

"And I needn't go away, but may stay and be happy, may I, dear?"

Here was another fine chance to make the crushing speech and the stately exit, but Meg never thought of doing either, and disgraced herself forever in Jo's eyes by meekly whispering, "Yes, John," and hiding her face on Mr. Brooke's waistcoat.

Fifteen minutes after Aunt March's departure, Jo came softly down stairs, paused an instant at the parlor door, and, hearing no sound within, nodded and smiled, with a satisfied expression, saying to herself, 286 "She has sent him away as we planned, and that affair is settled. I'll go and hear the fun, and have a good laugh over it."

But poor Jo never got her laugh, for she was transfixed upon the threshold by a spectacle which held her there, staring with her mouth nearly as wide open as her eyes. Going in to exult over a fallen enemy, and to praise a strong-minded sister for the banishment of an objectionable lover, it certainly was a shock to behold the aforesaid enemy serenely sitting on the sofa, with the strong-minded sister enthroned upon his knee, and wearing an expression of the most abject submission. Jo gave a sort of gasp, as if a cold shower-bath had suddenly fallen upon her,—for such an unexpected turning of the tables actually took her breath away. At the odd sound, the lovers turned and saw her. Meg jumped up, looking both proud and shy; but "that man," as Jo called him, actually laughed, and said coolly, as he kissed the astonished new-comer, "Sister Jo, congratulate us!"

That was adding insult to injury,—it was altogether too much,—and, making some wild demonstration with her hands, Jo vanished without a word. Rushing upstairs, she startled the invalids by exclaiming tragically, as she burst into the room, "Oh, do somebody go down quick; John Brooke is acting dreadfully, and Meg likes it!"

Mr. and Mrs. March left the room with speed; and, casting herself upon the bed, Jo cried and scolded tempestuously as she told the awful news to Beth and Amy. The little girls, however, considered it a most agreeable and interesting event, and Jo got little comfort from them; so she went up to her refuge in the garret, and confided her troubles to the rats.

Nobody ever knew what went on in the parlor that afternoon; but a great deal of talking was done, and quiet Mr. Brooke astonished his friends by the eloquence and spirit with which he pleaded his suit, told his plans, and persuaded them to arrange everything just as he wanted it.

The tea-bell rang before he had finished describing the paradise which he meant to earn for Meg, and he proudly took her in to supper, both looking so happy that Jo hadn't the heart to be jealous or dismal. Amy was very much impressed by John's devotion and Meg's dignity. Beth beamed at them from a distance, while Mr. and Mrs. March surveyed 287 the young couple with such tender satisfaction that it was perfectly evident Aunt March was right in calling them as "unworldly as a pair of babies." No one ate much, but every one looked very happy, and the old room seemed to brighten up amazingly when the first romance of the family began there.

"You can't say nothing pleasant ever happens now, can you, Meg?" said Amy, trying to decide how she would group the lovers in the sketch she was planning to take.

"No, I'm sure I can't. How much has happened since I said that! It seems a year ago," answered Meg, who was in a blissful dream, lifted far above such common things as bread and butter.

"The joys come close upon the sorrows this time, and I rather think the changes have begun," said Mrs. March. "In most families there comes, now and then, a year full of events; this has been such an one, but it ends well, after all."

"Hope the next will end better," muttered Jo, who found it very hard to see Meg absorbed in a stranger before her face; for Jo loved a few persons very dearly, and dreaded to have their affection lost or lessened in any way.

"I hope the third year from this will end better; I mean it shall, if I live to work out my plans," said Mr. Brooke, smiling at Meg, as if everything had become possible to him now.

"Doesn't it seem very long to wait?" asked Amy, who was in a hurry for the wedding.

"I've got so much to learn before I shall be ready, it seems a short time to me," answered Meg, with a sweet gravity in her face, never seen there before.

"You have only to wait; I am to do the work," said John, beginning his labors by picking up Meg's napkin, with an expression which caused Jo to shake her head, and then say to herself, with an air of relief, as the front door banged, "Here comes Laurie. Now we shall have a little sensible conversation."

But Jo was mistaken; for Laurie came prancing in, overflowing with spirits, bearing a great bridal-looking bouquet for "Mrs. John Brooke," and evidently laboring under the delusion that the whole affair had been brought about by his excellent management.

288 "I knew Brooke would have it all his own way, he always does; for when he makes up his mind to accomplish anything, it's done, though the sky falls," said Laurie, when he had presented his offering and his congratulations.

"Much obliged for that recommendation. I take it as a good omen for the future, and invite you to my wedding on the spot," answered Mr. Brooke, who felt at peace with all mankind, even his mischievous pupil.

"I'll come if I'm at the ends of the earth; for the sight of Jo's face alone, on that occasion, would be worth a long journey. You don't look festive, ma'am; what's the matter?" asked Laurie, following her into a corner of the parlor, whither all had adjourned to greet Mr. Laurence.

"I don't approve of the match, but I've made up my mind to bear it, and shall not say a word against it," said Jo solemnly. "You can't know how hard it is for me to give up Meg," she continued, with a little quiver in her voice.

"You don't give her up. You only go halves," said Laurie consolingly.

"It never can be the same again. I've lost my dearest friend," sighed Jo.

"You've got me, anyhow. I'm not good for much, I know; but 289 I'll stand by you, Jo, all the days of my life; upon my word I will!" and Laurie meant what he said.

"I know you will, and I'm ever so much obliged; you are always a great comfort to me, Teddy," returned Jo, gratefully shaking hands.

"Well, now, don't be dismal, there's a good fellow. It's all right, you see. Meg is happy; Brooke will fly round and get settled immediately; grandpa will attend to him, and it will be very jolly to see Meg in her own little house. We'll have capital times after she is gone, for I shall be through college before long, and then we'll go abroad, or some nice trip or other. Wouldn't that console you?"

"I rather think it would; but there's no knowing what may happen in three years," said Jo thoughtfully.

"That's true. Don't you wish you could take a look forward, and see where we shall all be then? I do," returned Laurie.

"I think not, for I might see something sad; and every one looks so happy now, I don't believe they could be much improved," and Jo's eyes went slowly round the room, brightening as they looked, for the prospect was a pleasant one.

Father and mother sat together, quietly re-living the first chapter of the romance which for them began some twenty years ago. Amy was drawing the lovers, who sat apart in a beautiful world of their own, the light of which touched their faces with a grace the little artist could not copy. Beth lay on her sofa, talking cheerily with her old friend, who held her little hand as if he felt that it possessed the power to lead him along the peaceful way she walked. Jo lounged in her favorite low seat, with the grave, quiet look which best became her; and Laurie, leaning on the back of her chair, his chin on a level with her curly head, smiled with his friendliest aspect, and nodded at her in the long glass which reflected them both.

So grouped, the curtain falls upon Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Whether it ever rises again, depends upon the reception given to the first act of the domestic drama called "Little Women."

#hellsitesonlybookclub #bookblr #Little Women #Alcott

0 notes

rpd-rookie · 4 years

Text

Made in Heaven - Chris Redfield x Fem!Reader (NSFW)

Author’s note: This was request by @deshibasarathings. Sorry it took so long. I really wanted to write something original and that looked different from all the other Chris fanfics I read on this subject. Hope you’ll like it

Warnings: NSFW, Smut, Language, Alcohol

It was summer 1998 and as America was still lovingly dancing on “Truly Madly Deeply” on Friday nights, watching Titanic for the umpteenth time at the nearby movie theatre, wearing tight crop tops, colourful scrunchies and Dr Martens, and occasionally gossiping on the Lewinsky scandal at lunch break, Raccoon City was living its last frivolous moments, and the saddest part was that no one had a clue.

“A fresh beer and a girl. That’s all I’m asking for.” Joseph Frost jumped over the door of the old convertible green mustang with enthusiasm, his usual excited smile stretching his young tanned face. “That’s it, you’re sure?” His dear friend, Forest Speyer, asked with an ounce of sarcasm that he didn’t get. “Fine. A bunch of fresh beers and a girl.” He winked, clicking his fingers cheekily towards Forest who sighed out of exasperation. “Always so optimistic, I see. When will you finally get that there is no woman for you when you go out with Redfield and me?” He scoffed and Joseph’s smile faded away in an instant to turn into a rather sad pout. “Tell him, Chris.” “Actually guys, I’m alright with just having beers tonight.” Chris confessed as he put the keys of his car in his pocket. “As if it’s gonna change anything. All the chicks will be crawling at your feet anyway, begging you to notice them and forgetting the existence of our delusional friend over there.” Forest waved towards Joseph who glared at him, slightly vexed. A chance the man was not resentful. “Then I’ll introduce them to Jo.” Chris tapped his friend’s shoulder and Joseph regained his smile. “That’s what I call friendship. Thank you, buddy.” “You know that abstinence won’t make Y/N give herself to you, right?” Speyer mocked; hoping that teasing Chris a bit would make him follow him on the path of seduction, however degrading he had planned it to be. “Jealousy, however …” He raised his eyebrows and Chris shook his head. “One-night stands are your thing, Forest. Not mine.” “Weird cause I can remember a couple times when I saw you discreetly leave the bar with a girl on your arm. But that was certainly before Y/N’s sweet round ass joined the team.” He mimed a squeezing motion with both his hands, his tongue raunchily caressing his lips as he sneered, a gesture that made Chris punch him in the arm in retaliation.

He knew what Forest wanted. His friend’s little game was pretty clear even for someone as blunt as Chris. But he was not in the mood to play tonight. And to be honest, he hadn’t been for the last six months or so, ever since you had entered his life with your wit and charming smile and had brought him back to his old high schooler self, meaning goofy and rather unconfident (minus the acne and the greasy hair obviously). “You don’t get it, do you?” “No, I don’t. Do you get it, Jo?” Joseph Frost shook his head in a rather silly way, a bit like a contorted puppet. “See. No one gets it.” Chris sighed. “Come on, man! You’re not a fucking priest! So stop drooling over that chick and stop waiting for her. She clearly doesn’t give a damn about you contrary to other millions of women as gorgeous as her who’ll gladly throw themselves at you in a heartbeat. And I’m pretty sure some of them are in this bar, right now.”

The worst thing about Forest Speyer – apart from his disgusting machismo and his arrogance - was that he was often right, his insight being most of the time spot-on. And as the three friends entered the bar, Chris couldn’t help but notice his colleague was once again astoundingly correct since the second he stepped a foot in Jack’s Bar, adjusting his brown leather jacket around his muscular body, a pair of Ray-ban Aviator à la Top Gun hanging from the collar of his military-green V-neck, more than one head turned to goggle at him and only him. But it wasn’t Chris’ nature to brag or to strut and so he simply approached a clean table with his friends, ignoring the stares, and waved hello at Cindy Lennox behind the counter. She immediately welcomed them with her usual warmth. “Same as usual, boys?” “Always.” They answered in unison and the waitress chuckled before disappearing to pour them their drinks. “What about Cindy?” Joseph whispered with a naughty smirk as he bent over the table to make sure his friend would hear him over the sound of the music. “Damn, you’re horny, Jo!” Chris declared, slightly shocked that his friend would consider getting laid with the woman that had been serving them beers every Saturday night for the last two years. “Of course, I’m horny. I haven’t fucked in weeks guys.” “Meaning months.” Forest corrected. “Besides, I think Cindy’s got a man.” Joseph cursed, disappointed. “All that is Irons’ fault. Do you know how many extra hours I did because of that bastard?” “No” Chris and Forest said at the same time with an amused smile. “Well me neither. But a lot, I’m sure.”

“Aren’t you tired of bitching about Irons, Joseph?” Joseph’s olive face suddenly became very pale as he jumped on his chair. “Y/N! You scared the shit out of me. Thought it was Irons for a sec.” You frowned, not sure how to react to the comparison. “Really? I didn’t know I had a pervy man’s voice.” “That’s not what I meant.” He mumbled and you chuckled finding certain amusement in his discomfort. “Oh Joseph, always so talented with women, I see.” The men around the table chuckled apart from Joseph who was as red as a tomato now. “Anyway, I was at Jill’s. She told me I could find you guys here.” “You wanted to see us?” Speyer grinned and winked as he elbowed Chris’ ribs who immediately glared at him. “Jeez, discreet. Thanks.” He murmured and looked at you. Your brows were furrowed because of how strange the situation seemed to you. You had never seen Chris and Forest acting that way. “Are you guys drunk already?” “If only.” Joseph sighed as he took a mouthful of his beer. “Don’t mind them, Y/N. That’s just the way they behave outside of work. Lame I know.” You nodded despite being totally unconvinced. Now you understood why Jill was never willing to join their little merry band on Saturday nights. What better way to avoid toxic masculinity than staying home watching a good old movie, dressed in pj’s?

“And there it goes away again. Y/N enters the room and bye-bye friendship.” You wondered if you should say something about this, genuinely curious to know what Speyer meant, but the second you opened your mouth to ask for an explanation you chose to revise your decision. “I wanted to say goodbye.” The three pair of eyes widened at you in shock. “Goodbye?” Chris repeated, his incomprehension easily readable in his chocolate brown eyes. “My resignation letter was accepted. Got the news today.” “Wait. What? What resignation letter?” The questions came as thick and fast as sub-machine gun bullets. You agreed that the news was more than unexpected but the way Chris sounded was more than surprising. It was a if he was distressed. And he was in a way. What do you mean you were leaving? You couldn’t leave. And especially not drop the news at the last minute. “Yeah. I didn’t tell you guys about it because I wasn’t sure Irons would actually accept it but I’m quitting the S.T.A.R.S. and the RPD.”

There was a heavy silence that even the shitty music in the background couldn’t make less awkward. But that silence was necessary. The boys needed to digest the news. “May we ask why?” Despite not being a close friend, Joseph looked rather confused and even a bit sad. Clearly no one had seen the bomb coming. And who would have? After all, you were such a workaholic; always telling people how much you loved your job. This resignation, that didn’t sound like you. “Long story. But let’s say I don’t think my place is with you anymore guys.” A lie but you thought it was better to avoid the truth, knowing that your three colleagues would certainly hit the roof – especially Chris - if they happened to learn the real reason behind your resignation. “So, I’m gonna take off now. Enjoy your night and don’t make Jill blow a fuse while I’m gone. And hands off Rebecca!” You pointed a menacing finger at Speyer who immediately laughed. “Can’t promise you that.”

You waved them goodbye with a faint smile and walked away towards the exit of the bar, saddened that this was possibly the last time you would ever see the Three Musketeers (as you liked to call them). They watched you leave in silence, still not believing the unexpected news. “Can’t believe I’m actually gonna say this but … the office’s gonna look so empty without Y/N” Forest declared. “Tell me about it.” Chris’ voice was suddenly weary and miserable. To him, you were the sunshine of the office, the star of the S.T.A.R.S, always illuminating people with your good mood and your joie de vivre. Hell, you were probably the only one who could laugh to his dad jokes without pretending. “Then what are you waiting for then?” Speyer said to Chris. “Go after her.” “I can’t.” Chris sighed. “And what for?” He took a long mouthful of beer that almost emptied the glass. Perhaps getting drunk would help him digest the fact that you were leaving. “ So you’re just gonna let her leave without telling her how you feel? I thought you were more courageous than that.” Chris’ stein hit the table with a loud clink. “And what would it change?” Chris almost shouted. “She’s leaving. She’s made her decision. Telling her how I feel won’t change it.”

And yet he chose to give it a try.

He rushed to his car to drive after you. He rapidly found you, walking up towards the main avenue near the police station certainly to catch a train to go back to your place near St Michael’s Clock Tower. “Y/N” He shouted and you frowned, astonished to see him here. “Chris? What are you doing?” “ Let me drive you home.” Normally, you would have refused, being the kind of woman that liked to do things by herself. But there was something in the way Chris was looking at you that actually convinced you to get in his car.

The ride back to your place was rather quiet, the only voice echoing in the Mustang being Freddy Mercury’s singing on the radio. “I always knew you were a Queen fan.” You said to lighten the mood. “Is it written on my forehead?” “Just on your jacket, Made in Heaven.” You winked and smiled when Chris finally chuckled. “How’s gonna call me that when you’re gone?” Your grin faded away as you wondered almost the same thing. Who will you call ‘Made in Heaven’ after you’re gone? That was a nickname reserved for Chris, one you had found when you were having trouble memorising everyone’s names at the office and that had stayed because of how smiley Chris was each time you were calling him that. “I can ask Forest to call you that if you want. I’m sure he’d love to.” Chris had a faint smile. “Certainly. But it won’t be the same.” You could tell he was really affected by your departure and was struggling to say something. But even if you wanted to know what was going on in his head right now, curiosity eating you up, you decided to give him time. Surely was he just trying to gather the courage he needed to talk.

When you both arrived at your place, Chris was still silent and thoughtless. “Do you want to come in?” You thought that a drink might do him some good and help him. He accepted the offer and followed you towards your apartment.

The main room was messy and cluttered with a dozen of boxes already. Most of them were full of old books, VHS and CDs. “I see you’ve started packing.” “Yes, sorry about the mess. I just want to leave as soon as possible. Beer?” Chris nodded and you disappeared in the kitchen, leaving him alone in your living room. “This doesn’t sound like you.” Chris finally said and you froze, your hand holding the fridge open. You briefly closed your eyes and sighed soundlessly. Of course, he had noticed. “What do you mean?” “Quitting. Leaving. This isn’t you.” You took a deep breath and joined him back in the living room where he was standing straight as a ramrod, a confused frown wrinkling his forehead. “The S.T.A.R.S is your life. You said it yourself. So enough with the ‘my place is not with you’ bullcrap.” He almost sounded angry but you knew all to well that you were not the target of his anger. “It’s complicated.” You confessed as you handed him the bottle of beer. “Y/N, I know I’m not the smartest man but I think I can understand the real reason why you want to resign if you just tell me. Aren’t we friends?” “Of course.” You harrumphed; astonished that he might doubt that. “Then tell me. Spit it out. What happened? Why are you leaving?”

You looked through the window, scanning at the small buildings surrounding your apartment before finally deciding to draw the thick curtain to hide yourself from whoever might be watching right now. Chris observed you wondering why you were doing this and tried to say something when he saw you heading towards your phone. You gestured him to stay quiet as you unplugged the device. “Alright. You’re starting to scare me. Can you tell me what’s going on?” “Let’s say I’m in deep shit.” You waved Chris to sit on your couch next to you and he obeyed, staring at you with confusion and worry. “Weeks ago I started secretly investigating on Irons after the secretary he had employed last April weirdly disappeared.” “You did what?” Chris harrumphed. “Are you crazy? Do you know how dangerous this is?” You nodded. “He found out.” “Shit, Y/N” Chris cursed. He was furious. “I had no choice, Chris. Something weird's going on. I can feel it. And I’m sure something happened to his secretary as well.” “She quitted! Daniels from the reception said he received a letter.” Chris replied. “Then why is her stuff still at the RPD and why hasn’t her rent been paid since last month?” The man frowned, trying to find a coherent answer. But he found none. “I found her diary when I sneaked in her office. She wrote that Irons used to get off in his office watching a portrait of a hanged naked woman. And did you know that he was accused of rape back when he was in college? This son of a bitch …” “Alright. Stop, Y/N!” Chris cut you off and took a deep breath to evacuate the panic that was rushing in his veins. “How much in trouble are you?” You shrugged. “Enough to be the object of intense surveillance.”

Chris hid his face in his big hands. He was scared for you, genuinely terrified even. “What can I do to help?” He asked. “Tell me. I’ll do anything.” “Chris.” You sighed. “Y/N” He grabbed your hand. “I care about you. More than you imagine. I can’t let anything happen to you.” You had a faint smile. How could a man be so adorable, compassionate and caring? “You’re an amazing man, Made in Heaven. You do know that?” Chris returned your smile. “But I can handle this on my own. Believe me. Just promise me to keep this a secret and act as if you didn’t know anything. “You can’t ask me to do that, Y/N. You can’t…”

You cut him short by pressing your lips against his, which made Chris almost gasp in astonishment. But the surprise didn’t last and he soon responded to your kiss with an adorable tenderness. “Promise me, Chris.” You whispered still so close to his pink lips as you kept looking at him in the eye, waiting for his answer. “I promise.” And he kissed you again. It was soft and sweet and tasted a bit like beer but you didn’t mind. In fact, you even allow yourself to touch his chest and bring your body closer to his. The hardness of his muscles against your palms made you shiver and Chris felt it. He smiled and he caught your lips again as he pressed his big hand on your lower back. You cupped his cheek to deepen the kiss and then everything suddenly became more passionate and burning.

Chris’s lips ventured towards your neck to leave a series of hot humid kisses and possibly hickeys that would certainly last a few days. But you would bother about that later. For now, you just wanted to melt under his touch. So, you instinctively tilted your head backwards to give him full access to your soft neck, moaning because of how delicious his mouth felt there. Your little noise of pleasure instantly awakened something inside Chris, something he felt deep in his guts, deep in his pants. His kisses became hungrier and more needy. He wanted to hear you again.

He laid you down on your back and lay on top of you, his lips still devouring your neck and his now adventurous hands wandered towards your chest. His body felt slightly heavy but you loved this unusual exquisite proximity. “Chris.” You sighed as he suddenly groped your breasts through your shirt. When he tried to unbutton it you put yours hands on his to stop him. “What?” He asked “You don’t want this?” “Sure I want this. More than anything. But I don’t want you to … I don’t want to hurt you. I’ll still leave tomorrow. You do realise that right?” He stared at you and you could read the sadness slowly growing back in his chocolate brown eyes. “It’s goodbye then” You nodded. “Yeah. Yeah. It’s goodbye.” “Then let’s make the most of it.”

To your surprise, Chris’ face met your cleavage rather quickly and he began kissing it as he blindly yet clumsily unbuttoned your shirt. You watched him do for a small moment and when you noticed how aroused he was, you decided to free him from his clothes as well. You took his letter jacket off and grabbed the hem of his t-shirt to pull it off. And goodness, how dreamy he was. Those muscles. Those arms. Those shoulders. Those pectorals. Those abs … aaaah. It frustrated you as much as it aroused you. How could someone be that perfect? You bit your lower lip and dared caress him and as your hand slid against his warm skin, right between his abs down to the button of his jeans, following the dark hairy line below in navel. “Like what you’re seeing?” He snickered and you smiled, loving his sudden confidence. “Do you?” He grinned and let out a small laugh. “Of course. You’re beautiful” He complimented as he freed your boobs from your bra without taking it off only to take one of your nipples in his mouth. “Holy … ah.” You moaned uproariously as you let your head fall against the armrest of the couch.

You felt Chris smirk against your tender flesh. The bastard knew what he was doing and he was fucking proud of it. You could play that game too. You grabbed him by the belt, pulling him closer to your body for your pelvis to meet his. However, what you didn’t expect was for his prominent bulge to feel so hard and huge against you even through the fabric. Chris was certainly quite a big boy. Slowly, you unbuttoned his jeans and lowered them all along with his briefs. His cock sprang free, confirming your previous hypothesis about it. It was indeed big, bigger than anything you ever had, and hard and long and… You slightly squeezed your thighs and rubbed them. You were wet. You could feel it. And you wanted desperately some friction. You quickly glanced at your womanhood and let your fingers crawl under your skirt and soaked panties. Your clit was engorged and your lips were swollen. And Chris was watching you silently, wondering how the wet pink flesh felt. “Wait. Let me” He lifted up your ass and pulled down your panties to carelessly throw onto the floor. Your legs spread, he looked down between them, staring at your glistening fold with a dark hunger in his eyes. He caressed you softly, very softly and you moaned between your closed lips as you instinctively embraced his delicate touch by moving your hips closer to his hand. You wanted more. And he would give you more.

His fingers parted your lips to meet your clit with his thumb and he brushed your warm entrance to finally insert a finger inside you. You whispered his name with pleasure and it jolted Chris as if he had received a punch in his lower stomach, but a delicious exhilarating punch. He started pumping his finger in your pussy, forcing a cry of pleasure out of your mouth, and soon he added another digit to go and tickle your g-spot that he found with incredible accuracy. When you started convulsing and felt your orgasm building in you, you pushed Chris’ fingers away to pull his body against yours.

Laid on you, Chris instinctively began to rubbing him against your, his cock grinding between your legs, so close to your entrance. You grabbed his back and dug your nails in it. The friction was sending you slowly back towards heaven. “Oh my god, Chris.” His pace accelerated until it began relentless and soon, he started panting rather heavily. “Fuck.” He cursed as he quickly lined up his cock in front of your hole to enter your pussy, unable to resist the urge of filling you up anymore. He didn’t sink in you as easily as expected and so he grabbed the armrest of the couch to use it as leverage and push himself deep in you. That thrust made you draw a sharp breath and a whimper of both pain and pleasure escaped your sealed mouth. That girth, holy shit! “Damn, you’re so tight.” He started moving in you. He was slow but intense but little did you know that he was just warming up. “Fuck, Chris!”

You screamed when his cock started rubbing against a zone inside of you you never thought existed. You clang to the sofa afraid to fall under the strength of his deep hard thrust. You were loud and you couldn’t remember the last time you’d ever been that loud. Your previous boyfriend would have asked you to be quiet and think about the neighbour but Chris, Chris seemed to like your screams. It was all over his smiling face.

He suddenly grabbed both your legs and placed your feet on his shoulders. A position that allowed his long shaft to go even deeper in you, which you never thought was possible. And judging by how red and twisted his young features looked right now, he was definitely enjoying the position. Actually, he loved it so much he quickened the pace and started growling. You marvelled at his sweaty strong body and at his face tensed by intense pleasure “Gosh, Y/N. You’re driving me crazy.” You smiled.

You could watch him fuck you like that for ages. It was a real boost for your self-confidence. And God knows what you were capable when you felt confident. You spread your thighs and wrapped your legs around Chris to hoist yourself against his chest, his cock miraculously still inside of you. Guess having such a size had many perks. You wanted to ride him and he immediately got your intention. Hands squeezing your rear, he leant against the backrest of the couch and chuckled as you comfortably placed yourself on top of him and started undulating on his lap, his cock amazingly buried in you. “Gosh you have no idea how beautiful you are.” You blushed and he tucked a strand of your hair behind you ear. Your eyes met and you stared at each other quietly before you eventually felt the need to grind against him. The depth of his thick dick inside of you was sending shivers in your entire body. That was incredible. You kept a pace that pleased you both. “You’re so good.” He confessed as he took a deep breath. “Are you gonna come for me, Made in Heaven?” You teased. “That’s very likely.” He chortled, amused by the nickname. Your hands leant on his muscular thighs, right behind your back, and you began bouncing on his cock with an incredible agility and eagerness that left Chris amazed. And you could tell by the way he was panting that he wouldn’t last long. Not a surprise. This love-making was certainly the most exquisite you had ever had. His throbbing cock hitting you deep inside was amazing, just as the melody of sweaty skins meeting each other accompanied by the wet sound of your cunt and the creaking of the couch under both your weights.

Chris placed his hands on your bouncing breasts to grope them. “If you keep going like that I’m gonna cum in you.” He declared between two groans. “Please do”. He made you lean forward and brought your breasts to his mouth to lick them and suck the nipples. “I want you to” You gripped his hair without even realising it. It was a reflex, a way to have him … feel him closer to you, to tell him not to stop. “I want your cum in me, Chris.”

That was too sexy and naughty for Chris who let out a frustrated animalistic growl as he squeezed you butt, digging his nails in the tender flesh. He began pounding you from underneath, hard, fast and deep like a jackhammer, his balls slapping against your butt. You cried out. The sensation was divine and took all your words away. Now only plaintive onomatopoeias seemed to be able escape your agape mouth. Well, onomatopoeias and some very casual “Fuck, Chris” that would make your lover chuckle or smirk proudly.

And that’s how you felt it coming. That so well-deserved orgasm, ready to burst like a firework. It made you cry out and nestle your head in Chris’s neck, your body convulsing like never before. But Chris wanted to see you. He wanted to see your face as you were cumming for him. He wanted to carve that moment to play it over and over after you were gone. And so he pulled up your hair to make you look at him. But you couldn’t. Your eyes were tightly closed and refused to open. And then, it all came out. And you screamed his name, on and on, loud, so loud you were sure the neighbours would probably shout at you tomorrow but you did not care. You let your juices flow along his cock and your wall clench around him. “Damn. Fuuucck.” He growled and his moves became very sloppy yet more brutal and deeper. “Don’t you squeeze around me like that” But you couldn’t help it. That climax felt too good. Chris felt too good.

It sent him over the edge. He came hard in you, hot and sticky semen spurting in your vagina, painting your walls like nothing else. And you loved it, enjoying it the warm sensation with an amazed amused little laugh that made Chris chuckle despite his tiredness. “What’s so funny?” He asked. “Nothing. Just telling myself that this... was made in heaven” You winked and he laughed. You were gonna miss him.

#chris redfield #chris redfield x reader #resident evil #one shot #answer request

198 notes · View notes

winryofresembool · 4 years

Text

Caleo fic: It’s all about the name

Chapters 3-4(/5)

Summary: Calypso is a barista at a coffee shop and one day she gets a customer who refuses to give her his real name. At first he seems really annoying but eventually Calypso finds out not all is what it looks like on the surface. (Coffee shop AU!)

a/n: More updates! Only one more to go after these two chapters that I'm posting today. I would have loved to make this au even longer but time is a b*tch and I'm really itching to continue working on twlitf already.

Hope you enjoy and please do leave me comments because even if I have almost finished this fic, I definitely want to know what you guys think!

Words: 3,6k+

Genre: fluff, humor

Warnings: none

previous chapters / AO3

...

The next day, the ‘Bad Boy Supreme’ showed up at the coffee shop just like he had promised. He didn’t have to ask for Calypso because she spotted him from afar, being rather easy to recognize. They didn’t have a lot of customers wearing an army jacket over an orange shirt, tools hanging from the pockets, and the bottom half being the work coveralls. At least he had left his backpack home this time, Calypso sighed with relief. She couldn’t deny, though, that in a weird way that outfit suited him. As she saw him more closely, she noticed he seemed pretty cheerful, which was probably a good sign. Or then he was just preparing to annoy her some more and was already looking forward to that. Calypso supposed she’d find out soon enough.

Either way, she stepped closer to the counter so the ‘Bad Boy Supreme’ could see her better.

“So you did come,” she greeted him and he gave her that annoying grin of his that seemed to come so naturally.

“Why, of course,” he responded. “Couldn’t possibly have missed the opportunity to see the Sunshine again.”

“Are you flirting with me? Because I swear, if you are, it’s not going to work,” Calypso told him bluntly, still having her latest relationship too fresh in her mind.

“That’s crazy talk,” the guy responded, putting his hand over his chest. “How would I even dare to flirt with you? You’re way out of my league.”

“Out of your league? Uh, I don’t know about that,” Calypso mumbled, more to herself than to him. The broken relationships had left a mark on her self esteem and she didn’t consider herself as someone to be looked up to.

“Sorry, I didn’t hear you,” the guy said, looking confused.

“Um, nothing,” Calypso tried to brush it off. “It was not relevant. But enough with that; what are you going to order? Remember, it’s on the house. Do you want the double espresso you ordered yesterday or something else?”

“I’d rather have something else,” the guy said, his gaze going back and forth between Calypso and the menu. “Truth to be told, I’m not big on coffee. I’ve noticed it makes me even more hyper than I already am. ADHD and all that good stuff, you know. Yesterday was a special occasion because I had to work overtime.”

“Alright, what will that something else be then?” Calypso asked, feeling that a lot of things about this guy already made more sense.

“Anything with no caffeine would be good. What would you rec? You’re the expert on your menu, after all,” he noted.

“Do you like sweet things?” Calypso asked.

“Sweet is fine, yeah,” the guy agreed.

“Then how about hot chocolate? We’re pretty generous with the whipped cream we add on it,” Calypso promised. “And we can even add marshmallows if you like those.”

“I think just the cream will be fine, don’t wanna be in a complete sugar coma when I need to go back to work,” the guy noted. “To go, by the way. I can’t stay long.”

“Fine, one hot chocolate without marshmallows coming then. Will you finally tell me your name?” Calypso asked.

“Super-sized McShizzle,” the guy replied without missing a beat.

“Just when I thought that you might be an OK guy after all…” Calypso said but the tone of her voice told she wasn’t being serious.

“What’s life without some mystery, Sunshine?” He smiled at her and Calypso wondered briefly what the hell this conversation was about really.

“Yeah, what indeed?” she responded. Then she realized that the silly conversation had been going on long enough for a small queue form behind the guy. “Well, Johnny.” His mouth twitched when she said the new made up name. “Your hot chocolate will be waiting for you at the other counter in a minute. And I hope you won’t scare me so much this time that I’ll drop the drink.”

“Will try to not do that.”

The Super-sized McShizzle or Bad Boy Supreme moved to the other counter, and as Calypso was shaking the canned whipped cream, she was still playing the conversation in her head. For an outsider it probably seemed like they were being rude to each other. But Calypso thought she had learned to read this stranger a bit better already and guessed he actually enjoyed their bickering - and she had to admit that some part of her enjoyed them as well. Drawing a small heart after the made up name Johnny, she finally approached him at the counter and managed to deliver the hot chocolate without messing anything up. ‘Johnny’ took it gratefully but he gave her a funny look when he read his name on the cup.

“Aw, you even drew a heart there!” He noted. “I am starting to think you have started warming up to me.”

“No way. You? Why would I do that?” Calypso raised her eyebrow questioningly, but it probably wasn’t very effective thanks to her red cheeks.

“Because all the ladies love…” he checked his name from the cup again. “Johnny?”

“You should learn to know when to stop,” Calypso warned, rolling her eyes, but her mouth betrayed her.

“Oh c’mon, your mouth just twitched. I saw it,” the guy said. Then he took a swig from his cup and hummed approvingly. “Yup. This is the stuff. Not bad, Sunshine, I would definitely drink this again.”

“I’m glad you like it, especially since it’s supposed to be my apology to you.”

“In that case, apology accepted.” ‘Johnny’ wiped his mouth and checked the clock on the wall. “Well, I won’t bother you more this time because Jo is expecting me to be back at the garage any minute now. I was surprised she allowed me to come here in the first place but she seemed to think it’s good for me to meet new people. Apparently I spend too much time at work. But oh well, if I want to buy a car I need to save a lot of money…”

“That’s why you’re working overtime?” Calypso asked curiously.

“Yeah… I’ve been moving from place to place almost my whole life so at least owning a car would make it easier… Unless I find some reason to stay somewhere.” He shrugged, looking more serious than he had the whole time he’d been there. “I don’t know. But yeah, I should get going now. Maybe I’ll see around some time, though.” His smile returned. “This place is definitely better than I first thought.”

“Yeah, maybe I will see you around,” Calypso said, feeling a bit flustered again. It seemed that there was a lot more to this stranger’s story than she had first imagined. The small glimpses of the reality behind his jokes gave her a picture of a restless, unsure young man who was still looking for his place in the world. That piqued her interest and made her wish she really would see him again.

…

The mystery guy started visiting the coffee shop regularly during his breaks. After a couple of weeks Calypso already knew that his boss was called Jo and she was married to a woman called Emmie who handled the flower shop side of the business and they had an adoptive daughter Georgina. Even though the mystery guy hadn’t stayed in town for more than a couple of months so far, he seemed to have formed a strong bond with these people and especially adored the little Georgie whom he treated almost like a sister. Calypso also knew that the guy’s best friends were called Jason and Piper but unfortunately they were currently studying in another town so he couldn’t see them that often. He also had a pet lizard called Festus who apparently liked to nibble pretty much everyone except his fingers. Despite knowing all of that, there was still something Calypso didn’t know about him.

“Let’s play the game: guess my name,” the ‘Bad Boy Supreme’ suggested one time when he was ordering a soda. “What do you think?”

Calypso thought about it for a moment. “Alright. Mike? Chris? Alex? Peter? Luke?”

“No, no, no, no and no,” he answered without hesitating, his mouth curled up with amusement.

“Ed? Sebastian? Jake? Thomas? Leon?” Calypso kept throwing in random names that came to her mind.

“Still no to all,” the mystery guy shook his head. “Although those were not half bad guesses. I wouldn’t mind being called Ed. A character in one of my favorite animes is called that and he’s quite a badass.”

“You watch anime?” Calypso asked curiously. “I wouldn’t have guessed that about you.”

“Well, I’m full of surprises.” He smirked before turning more serious. “Um, truth to be told, Georgina keeps ranting about her favorite animes when she’s hanging out at the garage with me and one time I just decided to binge watch some of them to be able to keep up with her. Turns out some of them are actually quite solid. Like this Fullmetal Alchemist. Ahem, but that probably isn’t interesting to you so I’ll stop now.”

“No, don’t worry about it!” Calypso reassured him. “I like hearing about your interests. I am not that familiar with anime but maybe some time you can recommend something to me to watch when I have more free time.”

“Yeah, maybe.” The guy smiled before turning a bit hesitant. “Um, I know you’re probably busy and stuff but I have a free chair at my table if you happen to be in need of a break. Just sayin’, but it’s OK if you can’t.”

Calypso was surprised that he asked so bluntly. The truth was that a bit before his appearance she had already considered taking a break so the timing was good enough and she decided to accept his offer. It was a quiet moment at the coffee shop so her coworkers were fine with it as well.

“You know now that I watch anime but what about your interests?” the ‘Bad Boy Supreme’ asked once they had settled down at an empty table. “What do you do outside this coffee shop?”

“You really want to know?” Calypso questioned.

“Of course I do!” he said immediately. “I’ve revealed quite a bit about myself so it’s your turn now.”

Calypso felt a bit hesitant about talking about personal stuff, possibly afraid her mystery customer would judge her. “I, um… I have a mini garden on my balcony… I grow some edible plants there. I also enjoy reading because it's a good distraction from some unwanted thoughts.”

“I can relate to that,” the guy confessed but didn’t elaborate. Calypso wondered briefly what he may have wanted distraction from.

“Yeah…” she said instead of asking more because she doubted he would have liked that. “When I was a kid, I used to do a lot of music related things, like sing, play the piano and stuff like that but I stopped at some point because my father seemed to think it’s a waste of time. So, yeah. I was pretty upset about that. Who knows, maybe when I have more money I’ll be able to take more classes again… Lately I’ve been trying to express myself by painting, though, because watercolors are luckily cheap and I really needed something to do after…” She stopped when she realized she was about to reveal too much.

“After what?” the guy wanted to know.

“I don’t even know your name so I have no idea why I’m telling you this… but I guess it can’t hurt. I can trust you, right?”

“Of course!” her chat mate assured.

Calypso sighed before continuing. “I recently broke up with someone with whom I had been in quite a long relationship. Yeah, looking back to it, maybe it was for the best because clearly he wasn’t as invested as I was, but it still hurt to hear that he wanted to break up with me because there was someone else in his life. So, that’s why I’ve needed more distractions lately.” When she saw his serious expression, she rushed to add: “Don’t worry about me, though, I’m fine. I’ve already accepted that this is how it is. Trust me, it’s better that way. But it explains why I was so grumpy on that day we met.”

“Oh, OK. Sorry about that guy. I think he made a big ass mistake there but unfortunately some of us can be kinda blind… Hey, what are you staring at?” he asked when he noticed her watching him weirdly. In reality, Calypso had felt a small, unexpected tug at her heart because of his niceness but she tried to cover it by shaking her head.

“Nothing. Sorry. I was just thinking about something. But I should get back to work, the coffee isn’t going to serve itself.”

“I guess it isn’t. Well, talk to you later,” the guy said but from the corner of her eye Calypso could see that he was probably wondering what had just happened there.

Chapter 4

Time passed, but some things didn’t change:

“So… when will you finally reveal your name to me? We’ve known each other for several weeks now and you’re still being so mysterious,” Calypso noted one day when the ‘Bad Boy Supreme’ showed up at the coffee shop again. Like earlier, she had asked her coworkers if she could have her break so she could talk with him and they had accepted her request but given each other funny glances behind Calypso’s back, as if saying ‘we know what you are doing here’.

“I will do that when you finally call me Bad Boy Supreme instead of Johnny or Ben or David or whatever fake name you come up with each time.” He just smirked at her and Calypso 100% expected him to keep his word.

“No. That’s the one thing I cannot do, you weirdo,” she said stubbornly.

“Alright, then no can do,” he teased.

Calypso did continue asking him about other things, though, and got some answers.

“Why did you want to become a mechanic? Is it just because cars are cool or did you have some deeper reason for that?”

“Actually, my dream is to become a mechanical engineer so I get better tools to invent - and fix - all sorts of things, not just cars, but at the moment I don’t have enough money to go to college. So, I’m working to save up for that too, not just for the car. I know, sounds like a mission impossible. I will have to work about ten thousand years to save that much. I’ve just… always enjoyed building and fixing things, ever since I watched my mum do that when I was a kid… It’s in my blood.”

“Oh… then your mum must be proud that you want to follow her footsteps!” Calypso said gently, but the guy’s expression darkened.

“Yeah… maybe she would be… if she was still alive.”

“Oh no!” Calypso covered her mouth with her hands when she realized her mistake. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed…”

“It’s OK,” he sighed. “I’m starting to get used to it.”

There was a moment of silence before Calypso asked: “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but… when did it happen?”

The guy looked at her darkly. “I was 8 then… So over 10 years ago. Not exactly breaking news anymore. Been going from home to home since then until I got old enough to live on my own; my dear dad didn’t care about me enough to keep me.”

“Wow… I’m sorry… You just give me such a happy and outgoing picture of yourself that I couldn’t imagine… ugh, just ignore me, please. I need to stop rambling now,” Calypso said with embarrassment, blushing slightly.

The guy surprised both Calypso and himself by what he did next: he reached for her hand to reassure her.

“Hey, relax. I only told that to you because you seem like someone I can trust. Not a lot of those people in my life. But yeah, there’s no need to be embarrassed; you couldn’t have known.”

“Oh… I guess I should be honored then. Since you were honest with me, I’m gonna be too: I didn’t exactly have the best of childhoods either. My parents fought a lot before breaking up and my dad… he could be scary when he wanted to. He had to get things done his way and if he didn’t like something… he’d let us know, loudly. I guess some of my temper issues may stem from there.”

“Still thinking about that time when you yelled at me?” the guy asked. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not afraid of you.”

“That’s good to hear,” Calypso laughed nervously, tugging a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Anyway, when my parents got divorced, my father insisted I live with him instead of mum and that did not end up going well. His idea of good parenting was buying me expensive things I didn’t care about, while I could tell that in reality he couldn’t care less if I was there or not. He just wanted to humiliate my mother. I ended up moving out as early as possible, but that’s a whole other story…”

“And that’s why you’re working here now?” The Bad Boy Supreme wanted to know. “Because you desperately needed money? I mean, no offense, but I get a vibe from you that you don’t actually enjoy working here.”

Calypso glanced at her surroundings, making sure none of her coworkers and especially not the manager could hear her answer. Then she sighed. “Yeah. You’re not wrong. I did have some dreams when I was younger but… it’s like you said, it would take me about ten thousand years to be able to afford studying. The rent here isn’t free and I don’t even want to think about the college tuitions. Obviously my dad could afford them easily but I’m not going to stoop so low that I would ask him. I am not going to owe anyone, especially not him.”

The ‘Bad Boy Supreme’ gave her an approving half smile. “I see we have something in common, after all. We both have dreams that seem to be hard to achieve. And I definitely wouldn’t want to owe to my no good old man either. And families… Those can be bitches. But not something bad if not something good; thanks to my round around the country I feel like I may have finally found a place where I could maybe picture myself staying more than just a few months. The coffee here isn’t half bad and the people are decent too.” He winked at her, and she knew his words were actually quite a big compliment from him. Despite that, she pretended to be annoyed by his comment, putting her hands on her waist.

“Not half bad? I don’t even remember you ordering coffee since that little incident – and you didn’t get your coffee back then - so how can you have an opinion on it?”

“That’s the thing, I didn’t get my coffee so that’s why it’s only ‘not half bad’ and not the ‘best coffee I’ve ever had’” he smiled at her smugly. “However, the hot chocolate was definitely worth getting yelled at.”

Calypso hated how contagious his smile was but she couldn’t help but smile back at him. “I’m glad to hear that.”

They were silent for a moment before the guy started: “Hey, listen… would you like to…”

His question was interrupted, though, because a customer nearby started causing ruckus, claiming the tea water was too cold (even though Calypso knew her coworkers always made sure it was hot enough) and the piece of cake was dry (even though someone had cut fresh pieces like half an hour ago) and she wanted her money back. Reyna was serving her and trying to politely say that she was sorry the customer felt that way and that they’d make sure to do better the next time, but the customer wouldn’t listen. Calypso could tell Reyna’s patience was running thin so she decided to finish her break then and there and go to help, but she had only managed to stand up from her chair when she noticed that she wasn’t the only one wanting to defend the honor of their coffee shop.

“Hey, you,” ‘Bad Boy Supreme’ said loudly, addressing the woman who had complained. “Don’t like, don’t buy. It’s as simple as that. There are other places where you can get your low fat cake with extra cream on the top that will surely match your interests better.”

The woman just glared at him, going slightly red from her face, before dramatically turning away and leaving the coffee house. Calypso sighed of relief, thankful that nothing worse happened.

“That wasn’t really necessary, you know,” she tried to scold her companion but the attempt was half hearted. “I’m sure Reyna would have been able to handle it.”

“Oh, yeah, I don’t have a doubt about that,” he said. “But sometimes it’s fun to let those privileged douches hear it. You guys are just too polite. Well, most of the time. I guess some customers do have a way to crawl under your skin but that requires special talent.” He grinned at her in a way that may have tried to be flirty but failing.

“Oh, yeah, a special talent indeed,” Calypso confirmed, throwing her long braid over her shoulder. “I’m the epitome of patience, as we know. Well, I should get back to work now; my coworkers are probably waiting for me already.” She looked at Reyna apologetically but she didn’t seem to mind one bit. “It was nice talking to you, though, Raymond.”

“That’s the best you can come up with? C’mon, you can do better than that,” ‘Raymond’ protested but waved her a goodbye with a big smile on his face. Calypso gave him a shy smile back.

#caleo #leo valdez #calypso #heroes of olympus #percy jackson and the olympians #trials of apollo #my fics

18 notes · View notes

jolapeno · 1 year

Note

For the ask game- 21, 22, 26! ☺️

thank you for the ask, lovely 🩷✨ this one got away from me, cause the last one was deeeeep, and i'm not sure if the question is meant to be answered that way, but your girl opened up so...

21. something you’ve kept since childhood?

i have a teddy that i was given as a baby, an illustrated copy of the chronicles of narnia and a collection of handmade cards my mum made me for my birthdays from aged 5-10 (i don't have any more ages cause she stopped)

22. what type of person are you?

I know the point of this is that they're kinda loaded, but I don't know how to answer? ha! i think, or like to try to be, kind. i'm infj. cancer. empathetic. i'm someone who loves the colour pink, but not all the hues. someone who likes to write but never thinks i'm much good, not that i let it stop me. a lover of candles, blankets and cosy lighting. equally, someone who likes music and being out in the sunshine. i feel I've rambled, but i hope this highlights a bit of me ha!

26. a scenario that you’ve replayed multiple times?

i am so unsure if this is meant to be like something i think about from a show or from my personal life. so, I've gone for real and like of all the scenarios i replay in my head at night, this one is a little less sad believe it or not:

i think about the first valentines i ever celebrated when i was 14. my boyf at the time had me as a secret (for reasons i later found out was because his entire friend group liked me - we were all friends - and they'd all made a promise not to ask me out). i was giddy, so excited. met him at his house, dug into my bag to get out the card and his favourite chocolate (that i had worked hard to pay for because pocket money wasn't a thing unless i did so many damn chores) and he took it, looked at me all heart-eyed, and then told me he had got me nothing. i smiled, because it's me, and even 14-year-old me still wanted everyone to be happy and comfortable, and i nodded, and said it was fine, just as i said it was fine that i was a secret, that he barely talked to me except when it was one-on-one or through text.

i think about that because sometimes i let other people make me feel bad or use me, before i stand up for myself. I'll let someone take from me, but never let me give freely without making it about them. and sometimes when I've had that realisation, i think back to that scenario and how now, adult-jo would go punch that boy in the face and tell him he's the worst (because he was so much worse than that one shitty moment). and yeah, sometimes it takes me a while to remember that i am worth more, but the pain from that moment and the moments after with that boy is what made me slowly begin to stand up for myself. not right away, and not immediately when someone does upset me, but in time. each time a little quicker than the last.

#ask me weird asks #asked and answered #kind souls #theashfallx

4 notes · View notes

formeandmyfics · 4 years

Text

More Than You Know (Part I)

JUGENEA FAN FICTION

warning: sex, language, minor drug use

(PHOTO EDIT @ohmygarlands)

August 1951

Judy stormed out of the master bedroom slamming the door shut behind her. "For heaven's sake," she hissed as she head down the stairs and rounded the corner heading towards the back of the house.

Gene opened the bedroom door looking pissed and shouted from the banister, "Am I going or what?!" When there was silence he shouted her name, "JUDY?!" His response back was an echo of the kitchen patio doors slamming shut.

"Acting like a brat," he mumbled heading back into the bedroom, "like a little fucking baby."

Out in the backyard, Judy was packing a carton of cigarettes against her palm when Gene opened the balcony doors to their bedroom on the 2nd floor and looked down at her. When she looked up at him, he held his arms out wide as if saying 'Uh, hello.' Judy placed a cigarette between her lips and mocked him, just the same.

He pointed at her about to yell but quickly stopped himself. He exhaled roughly through his nose and ran a hand through his hair keeping calm before turning back to her. "I'm meeting up with the guys," he said as more of a statement this time, instead of asking her again.

"I told you, I don't give a shit," she said, the cigarette dangling from her lips as she searched her pockets for a lighter.

"Fine then. Here," he said and threw his expensive lighter down at her. It was a silver-plated, flip-lighter monogrammed with his initials on it that Judy had gotten him as a gift during their wrap party for The Pirate.

Judy barely had enough time to react as she caught it, a bit startled at the force of it. When he slammed their balcony doors shut behind him, Judy lit her cigarette and threw the lighter behind her, landing in the bushes.

"Harry and Jo having a brawl?"

Judy exhaled her smoke as new neighbor, and girlfriend, Lauren Bacall walked into the backyard from their connecting fence gate.

"Yeah," she replied and sat on the edge of the trampoline that Gene had built for Kerry and Liza.

"Can I bum a smoke," the blonde asked scooting onto the trampoline next to her.

"Sure. But if you need a lighter, better go find a flashlight. I threw my lighter somewhere back there."

"I saw," Lauren giggled and took a smoke then took out her own lighter. "What are you two fighting about?"

"What aren't we fighting about, Betty."

"Why," Lauren asked surprised, "You two are finally free to be together, you just got this house, Gene's on the top of the Box Office at work, you're on top the world with your new concert career...you shouldn't be fighting. You should be swinging from the god-damn chandeliers."

Judy laughed, "We've been swinging from the chandeliers together for years. We've done that bit."

"Darling, just because you're playing house now doesn't mean it has to stop."

"I know, and it won't stop, but right now we're just so damn irritated with one another. It's been like that since we got back to LA."

"It's probably just stress. You've been traveling around Europe with your concerts, Gene's been flying back and forth while doing post-production for his film. You're both just having a burn-out. And instead of relaxing together you're both lashing out."

Judy nodded agreeing, "You're probably right."

"When do you go to New York to start planning for your Palace show?"

"I’ve been planning it here. We start rehearsals next month. October 1st I’ll be in New York to start rehearsing on the stage.”

“How long will you be in New York, about 6 weeks?”

“Yes, unless they extend the show. We’ll see what happens.”

“Where are you going to stay?”

“I think I’ll just be at the Ritz while rehearsing and then probably sub-let an apartment in Kay’s apartment building for the rest of the stay.”

"Is Gene going to be traveling back and forth?” Judy nodded, “Then I suggest you two put the bullshit aside and act like rabbits before you're separated again."

Judy laughed and shook her head, "We don't have to put the bullshit aside to do that. Sometimes it makes it even better."

"Oooo," Lauren said seductively.

"Unfortunately, we're both stubborn as hell, I admit that, so we don't just sweep it under the rug easily."

"Well, you better before this weekend."

"Why, what's this weekend?"

"Lawford and I were chatting and he said that he's going to invite some of us to his lake house in Palm Springs. Kind of an, end-of-summer mini vacation."

"Kids or no kids?"

"No kids. Adults only. My husband can't go, but it'll probably be us and Frank and Richie and Junie."

"Frank and..," Judy mentioned with a cautious tone.

Lauren immediately shook her head, "I don't think so. She's shooting a film as we speak. Will you go, it's not too long of a drive. It'll be fun."

"I'd love to just lay on his boat out there on the lake, but I can't promise anything yet. I'll have to talk to Gene about it."

"Make him say yes. You know, with much persuasion."

"With the way his attitude's been, I'm not doing any 'persuading'. He don't deserve it."

"Maybe that's why his attitude is so bad. He ain't gettin' any," Lauren teased and hopped off the trampoline, "See ya later, doll."

"Goodnight, darling."

It was going on 10:30 in the morning when the door to the guest bedroom opened. Gene had his arm bent over his face covering his eyes from the bright sunshine but he looked over at the doorway when he heard the door open. Judy, in a terry robe, sighed and gave him an all-knowing look.

“Wipe that smile off your face, soldier,” he said mimicking a drill soldier.

She walked over to him, “What time did you get in?”

“A little after 2. Didn’t want to wake you.”

He was a little surprised when she got onto the bed next to him and immediately laid her head on his chest. “Does this mean we’ve made up,” he teased swooping an arm around her.

“No, but I still love you.”

“I love you, too,” he replied kissing the top of her hair, “Are you still mad at me?”

“I’m not mad, but I’m not happy.”

“When why are you being so cuddly?” He quickly broke out in a smile, “Morning sex?”

He moved to roll her over but she placed her hands on his chest and sat up, “No, don’t even think about it.”

“Then what,” he said getting a little irritated again.

“Nothing,” she whined in a cute voice.

“Oh, it’s something. The only time you want to lay with me when you’re mad is if you want sex or…” off her look he sighed, “Alright, what do you want?”

She cut straight to the chase, “Well, Lauren was talking and said that Peter wants to get some of us together at his lake house for a mini vacation.”

“In Palm Springs?”

“Yeah.”

“When?”

“This weekend.”

“Are the kids going?”

“No.”

“Not our kids, I mean, everyone else’s kids.”

“She said no.”

He kept on, “Because if we’re going on a last minute vacation, as much as I love all the kiddos, right now I just want to relax without a dozen kids running around.”

“Gene, she told me adults only.”

“Who’s all going?”

“Us, Betty, Frank and Richie and Junie I think.” When he didn’t respond, she continued, “We’ll all have fun together at the house…doesn’t that sound like a good idea?”

“It’s not a bad idea.”

“I really would like you to go, but if you don’t, I think I’d go anyways.”

“Oh, you would?”

“Darling, I want to go to the lake with my friends away from Los Angeles. I can go on the boat and maybe play some golf.”

“It does sound relaxing.”

“Sure it does.”

“Ya, let’s do it.”

“Good. Besides, Lauren did say she also thinks it’ll be good for us.”

“How so?”

“She heard us fighting last night.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

She ignored his request, “And I didn’t appreciate you throwing your lighter at me like that.”

“I’m sorry. Give it back.”

“Can’t.”

“Why?”

“I threw it somewhere outside last night. No idea where it landed.”

“Jesus, Judy. I really loved that lighter.”

“I’ll get you a new one - with a new inscription,” she said as she slapped his knee and got up.

“I don’t even want to know what it’d say,” he teased back.

“Two words,” she giggled and walked out shutting the door behind her.

It was a gorgeous, Friday afternoon as Judy and Gene drove his new Chevy Bel Air convertible the few hours east to Palm Springs. The first hour, Gene drove, then Judy switched when they got gas, as she actually loved driving. Now they were only five minutes down the road and Judy couldn’t wait to get there. Both of their demeanor had changed with each other. Except for Gene getting impatient and screaming, “Let’s Go!” as she already made them late on the road, they actually were quite affectionate during the drive. They held hands, snuck a few kisses in and sang together to the radio. Glancing in the rear view mirror, Judy noticed another fancy car speeding up quite fast to them. When they got on her tail, they started honking. “What in the sam hell…” Gene glanced behind him, “Don’t do anything. Just let them pass.” When the car still didn’t pass, Gene turned around more and lowered his sunglasses. The blonde woman had her hair pulled back and sunglasses on but it was most definitely a familiar face. “Oh my God.” “What?” “It’s Lauren,” he said relaxing and turning back around in his seat. “What the heck is she doing,” Judy screeched. At the red light, Lauren pulled up beside them. She smiled and waved. “Hi.” Judy, with her head wrapped in a summer scarf, smiled back, “Hi.” “Hey, Gene, you actually trust Judy to handle your stick,” Lauren joked. Gene smiled wide, “Oh, yes, I do.” Judy slyly smiled and lowered her sunglasses provocatively, “I’m surprised Bogie let you take his car to Palm Springs.” “Always. I bet my husband’s stick is better than Gene’s,” Lauren joked with a pun. “I beg to differ, darling.” Gene chuckled and put his arm on the seat behind Judy’s back, “That’s my girl.” “Bet I’m faster,” Lauren quipped. “I bet you are,” Gene said and Judy hit the back of her hand to his chest. Lauren revved her engine and Judy raised an eyebrow before revving her own. “What are ya, doin’, Judy,” Gene warned. Judy looked at her him and pushed her sunglasses back up on her nose before looking back at the light. “Woman, you better not race my brand new car…” “Call me woman again and I’ll drive your brand-new car off a cliff.” When the light turned green, off Lauren went with wheel screeching but Judy took her time to press on the gas and they smoothly went through the intersection at the speed limit. "You're terrible," he chuckled.

"Please, you really think I'd do that?"

"Hell yes you would, but I just don't want you to do it in my new car. She's a little spit fire that one, ain't she?"

"She sure is."

Dick Powell, or Richie has his friends called him, was helping Lauren with her small suitcase when Judy pulled up behind them. She didn’t park until she was a mere few inches away from the back of Lauren’s bumper. When the couple got out, Lauren looked at the space between their cars, “You are so lucky. If you were any closer, I’d have to kick your ass.” “You can try,” Gene said opening their trunk, “She might be small, but she’s a ninja.” Judy smiled and grabbed her purse as Lawford met up with them, “Hey, the gangs finally all here!”

“Hi, hun,” he said as Lauren gave him a kiss on the cheek and then went over to Gene who shook his hand, “Hey bud.” “Thanks for the invite.” “No problem, it’s going to be fun. Hi, baby,” he said walking around to Judy. “Hi, honey,” she said giving him a kiss on the lips. “Gene, tell ya what, you get those bags, and I’ll take care of this one.” Suddenly, he bent down and lifted Judy up over his shoulder as she happily shrieked, and headed towards the house. Everyone got settled in and figured out the sleeping arrangements. Peter gave Lauren his room, he took the couch downstairs in his ‘man cave’, Richie and Junie took a guest room as Frank was in the other and Judy and Gene agreed on the pull-out bed in the living room. After having a fabulous dinner that they men barbecued, Judy, Lauren and June washed the dishes in the kitchen as the four men stood outside in the backyard chatting over beers. There was a large window in front of the sink and as Judy rinsed off the dishes for Lauren to dry, she watched Gene. At the moment he was laughing and it made her heart flutter, she couldn’t help but smile. In mid swig of his beer, he mindlessly glanced over and saw her smiling through the window. He took his beer away from his lips and smiled back affectionately. Judy suddenly felt the urge to be in his arms. She bit her lower lip before pointing towards the front door, motioning for him to follow her. Gene gave her a nod before swigging the last of his beer. Judy dried her hands and excused herself from the ladies. Judy walked out onto the front porch as Gene made his way up the porch stairs. She took his hand and together they sat down on the porch swing cuddling. In silence they watched the sunset over the lake gently swinging back and forth. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Gene turned his head to study her face, glowing in a hue of pink and orange from the dusk sky, “You’re beautiful.” “Aw, darling, that was so sweet.” “It’s the truth,” he softly said putting a hand on her jaw before giving her a soft kiss. Pulling back just a tad, they rest their foreheads together, and Judy whispered, “Hi, darling.” “Hi, darling,” he said back before leaning in for another kiss. Gene softly pulled on her plush lower lip before moving his mouth up to suck on her upper one. When he felt the tip of her tongue nudge his lip, he rearranged his body towards hers more and angled her neck to kiss her deeper. Her mouth was already open to receive him. They’re tongues slowly glided over one another before withdrawing to suck at each others lips again. When they repeated the action again, Gene brought her legs up on his lap to caress her lovely legs that were bare in her high-wasted black shorts. It had been almost two weeks since they had a good kissing session, the same time that it had been since they last made love. Their make out session heated up slowly until the kisses were harder and very sexually charged. Gene didn’t stop until he heard her slight whimper against his lips and withdrew. His face was full of arousal as hers was flushed. He kissed her neck and ran a finger tip down the curve of her breast. Judy was just about to tell him to take her into one of the extra rooms for a quickie when they heard their names being called. The two scooted away from each other a tad just in time for June to stick her head out the door, “Oh, there you are. Come inside, we’re going to have a drink.” Judy took her legs off of Gene’s lap as they got up. He ushered her inside where everyone met downstairs in the ‘man cave’ and gathered around the mini bar. June placed an arm around Judy’s waist as they waited for Peter as he made a drink concoction for each of them, “Are you excited for your Palace show?” “I am so excited, I cannot tell you.” “When do you open?” “I think they’re pushing for October 16th. Tickets should go on sale next weekend.” “Well, we’ll be right there in the front row.” “Make sure that you do.” “It’s a 4-week run like the Palladium, right?” “Yah, mm-hm. If we have a good turnout, I might extend it. I go to New York soon to start production. I’ve been working on it it with Kay and Roger and Hugh Martin.” “Here ya go, Junie, Judes…” Peter said as he went around and handed each of them a small glass cup with liqueur that filled the cup just enough to be a double shot. Junie took the cup but didn’t drink, “That’s a hellava team, sweetie. Like Metro again, but without the slave drivers.” Judy giggled and took her cup, “Exactly. I’m excited to open the theater back up, but I just hope I have enough stamina for the two-a-day.”

“Oh, you’ll be just great.” “Alright, what do we toast to,” Lauren asked. Judy sniffed the drink. She rarely did shots, but when she did, she liked to know exactly what she was taking. She sniffed a second time when she couldn’t recognize the smell, “Alright, what is this?” They ignored her and Lauren spoke up, “Cheers to friends and beer, love and tears and legs behind your ears!” “To all of those who wish us well,” Gene started and Peter chimed in with him, “And the rest can go to hell!” Richie then continued, “And may all your ups and downs be between the sheets.” All of them touched the bar surface with the bottom of their glass before taking the shot, some of them making a funny face including June and Judy. “Oh, what the hell was that,” she asked. “Cognac and a hint of ginger ale.”

“I’ll never be doing that again,” she said wiping a drop away from the corner of her mouth and handed Gene her empty glass.

After some more drinks, a lot more drinks, they were all just hanging out downstairs when Frank chimed up.

“Alright, well, gang, it’s only ten, what do you all want to do now to keep things interesting?”

“Strip poker,” a tipsy Peter chimed.

But everyone immediately responded as if he had mentioned in a million times,“Noooo.” “Truth or dare,” June asked.

“Can’t go wrong with Truth or Dare,” Lauren said blowing smoke from her long cigarette holder.

“Alright, Truth or Dare it is,” Frank said and they all sat down.

“Honey, you thought of it, you go first,” Rich said patting her leg.

"Ok, we'll go clockwise," June said and looked at Judy next to her, "Truth or Dare, ma'am?"

"Dare," she replied confidently.

They all "oo'd" not expecting that from her. Gene's eyes opened wide and he smiled.

"Alright, do something right now that will surprise the heck out of your man."

Judy laughed, "He's known me so long I'm not sure there's much that would surprise him."

"Oh, yes," he laughed, "Yes, there is."

Judy looked at him and thought a moment before pushing on his knee to stand up, "I got it. I'll be right back."

They watched as she disappeared up the stairs.

"Bet she don't come back," Frank chimed in.

"No, she's got something up her sleeve," Richie said.

"I'm actually really curious what she's doing," Gene said his eyes glued to the stairs waiting for her.

She could be quite bawdy but she was not one to do something actually naughty in public - talk about naughty, yes, do it, no. Not a minute later, Judy came down the stairs. Without hesitation, she immediately walked to Gene and placed something in his hand before sitting back down next to him. He looked at it and it was the lighter she had given him that she "lost" outside.

Gene chuckled and just slyly looked at her. She giggled and he reached over giving her a peck on the lips.

"What is that?" Peter asked.

"My favorite lighter," Gene said chipper and placed is in his pocket.

"Why is that such a surprise," June asked.

"It's a private thing between us. Honey, your turn, ask away," Gene said.

"Truth or dare?"

"Truth."

“Alright, mmmm…” she trailed off thinking and a light bulb went off, “Oh, I have one. I’ve actually always wanted to know but never asked you. Who is your biggest celebrity crush or someone you’d love to be with if we weren’t together.”

“Your one-time pass, Gene,” Frank said cutting to the chase.

“Gene never has one-time anything,” Rich said.

“Oh, Oh, ho ho,” Judy sarcastically laughed.

“There’s been one or two,” Gene said before Judy did, embarrassed. “I mean, I am a dancer so I have to say Ginger Rogers. The moves on that woman, and the pair of legs on that broad. Everyone knows I’m a leg man,” he said pointing his thumb at Judy and purposefully lifting his eyebrows like Groucho Marx.

“Ginge, doesn’t have Jack anymore, Gene. There’s your free card,” Lauren said.

“But he still has Judy,” Judy sang before taking a sip of her wine.

“It wouldn’t mean anything. It’s just a crush-fuck,” Lauren went on.

“Yeah, besides you jumped into the sac with everyone you ever had a crush on, Judes,” Frank said knowing how to push her buttons.

Just as Frank said that, Gene had taken a sip of his Bourbon but spit it back in his glass in shock. He then looked at Judy with his fist up to him mouth trying not to crack up for her benefit.

Judy calmly tapped the ash buds off her cigarette into the ashtray as she replied, “Not everyone, darling.”

Frank, sarcastically placed his hands on his chest, and acting surprised mouthed, “Me?”

“I wasn’t about to be a notch on that belt.”

Everyone laughed, including June who rubbed her friend’s back, “Good girl.”

Judy and Frank finally broke out in giggles at their playful banter.

“Alright, I guess it’s my turn,” Gene said turning to his buddy, “Truth or Dare, my man?”

“Dare.”

“Oo, dare, ok, let’s see…” Gene thought, “I dare you to genuinely propose to someone in this room right now.”

Frank nodded towards Lauren and June, “Well, you’re both already married…” he pointed at Gene, “You’ve got a dick,” he pointed at Peter, “You’ve got a dick,” he then pointed at Rich, “You are a dick...” he then immediately jumped up and plopped between Gene and Judy placing his arm around her, “Gene, old pal, do we have your blessing, Sir?”

Gene shrugged his shoulders, “That's between the two of you, not me.” Judy laughed, “No!" “It's up to her, not me,” Gene repeated. “Well, I said no,” Judy repeated herself. Peter chimed in, “Francis, you've got to get down on one knee the right way, whattaya doin’,”

“I have bad knees. Judy, darling, can I see your hand?”

Judy looked at him cautiously, but with a smile, and hesitated until he wiggled his fingers wanting her hand. Then she gave it to him. He held it lovingly and caressed her skin with his thumb.

“Despite what rumors have been said in the past, we've never been romantically involved, but we are best friends and I love you dearly. I think it's time to develop a companionship into old age. I would like to ask you…”

“Oh, no,” Judy said, “Nope.”

June spoke up, “Frank, you've got to get on one knee.”

“Judy, will you…”

“No,” she said sternly.

“Fix me another drink?”

Judy laughed and got up grabbing his empty glass, “I'll fix you all the cocktails you want as long as you aren't proposing.”

“Oh, you would've said yes,” Lauren said.

Rich nodded, “I think she's more upset that he didn't ask!”

Gene agreed, “I think so, too.”

As Judy handed Frank another cocktail he looked at Rich, “You ready? Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Let’s spice things up. You’ve been around a while. Have you ever caught a famous person doing the dirty in a public place and who was it?”

Rich nodded and smiled cheesy, “I have and they’re in this room.”

They all looked at one another but soon all eyes landed on Judy and Gene. When the couple realized they were who Rich was talking about they both looked surprised.

“You are such a fibber,” Judy shrieked, “You have not.”

“Oh, yes.”

“When,” Gene asked.

“The after-party for Summer Stock. My car was parked next to Gene’s in the private parking lot and when I went out there, you two were rollin’ around in the backseat like a couple of horny teenagers. It was dark, but it was totally you two.”

“We were just fooling around,” Gene said as Judy turned red.

“Oh, please, you two were totally humpin.”

“I honestly, don’t remember, I had so much to drink that night.”

“Gene doesn’t suffer from whiskey dick,” Lauren said.

“And how would you know,” Judy asked giggling.

“You told me!”

They all died of laughter.

“Did we,” Gene genuinely asked her.

“Probably,” she said and changed the subject, “Richie, your turn.”

“Alright, Betty, Truth or Dare?”

“Let’s stick to truth.”

“Then let’s stick to keepin’ it dirty. Tell us a dirty little secret.”

Lauren thought a good moment before speaking up casually, “Van Johnson and I had a one night stand once.”

“Oh, I knew that,” Peter said taking a sip of his drink.

Judy and Gene turned to each other mouths both wide in complete shock as Van had been very good friends with them for years and he was notorious for spilling the beans about every nook and cranny in his life.

“When?!” June asked.

“You’re putting us on,” Gene said seriously.

“What about Evie and Humphrey?” Judy asked almost appalled as those two were the loves of their lives.

“Oh, please, this was a one-time thing before either of us were married.”

“Does Bogie know,” Frank asked.

“Yah. I don’t know about Evie. Don’t you go around with that either, Sinatra. Alright, Junie, Truth or Dare?”

“Truth.”

“Who in this room would you want to see naked the most? I actually want to know this one.”

June pointed to Peter with a bashful smile.

“I get double question,” Lauren made up, “Peter, I dare you to get in your birthday suit right now.”

A drunk Peter stood up and immediately took off his shirt revealing his surfer body, which he did often as a hobby. Everyone cheered and laughed but when he kicked off his shoes and started on his buckle, they realized he was really going to strip. When he got down to his skivvies, the girls were all shrieking and the men were cheering him on. When he yanked his boxer-briefs down, June and Judy both screamed and looked away. All the while, Lauren smiled and tapped her cigarette butts off.

Peter jumped onto the couch and started hugging on June who screamed with laughter and tried getting away, nearly climbing onto of Judy in the process. She kept her hand out to block her view and got up.

“Where you going, honey?” Gene asked roaring with laughter.

“Judes, where you going?” Peter asked getting off of June to go after her. “I’m done, I’m done!”

Peter covered himself and ran towards her. She screamed and bolted up the stairs losing a shoe in the process.

Shortly after, since it was still early for the night owls, they all gathered outside to the small fire pit in the backyard and sat around in folding chairs as music played over the portable speaker.

Gene stood at the edge of the lawn, watching the reflection of the moon on the lake in the distance, as he smoked a cigarette as the girls chatted on the other side of the fire pit.

Frank came up next to him and spoke with an sly voice, “I forgot to tell you, guess who I ran into the other day?”

“The last time you asked me that with that kind of tone, it had to do with that girlfriend of Ben Siegel,” Gene gave him a scheming look, “You know I’m not interested in anything to do with the mob.”

“Dalton Trumbo,” Frank said.

“Or that Hollywood Communist bullshit,” he added but remained in conversation since he had known Dalton from around MGM, “Is he out now?”

“Yep. He got out a few months ago.”

“How’s he doin’?”

“Happy to be back with Cleo and his kids.”

“I bet.”

“But he’s Blacklisted so who knows what he’s gonna do. Probably get into some B-movie studio if he remains in the business.”

“Too bad,” Gene said sincerely, “He’s damn good writer.”

An eruption of laughter from the three women got their attention and they turned around. Gene smiled when he saw Judy cracking up holding onto June’s hand as Betty was practically falling out of her chair.

“They’re a bunch of crazy gals,” Frank chuckled, “I’m glad you came. Betty said Judy might have to do some convincing.”

“It took me a moment to consider it. We’ve both been tired as hell from work and traveling.”

“Her European tour was a smash, I hear.”

“It was, man. She worked her ass off.”

“I wish I could have seen it, but I’m going to be there at the Palace for sure.”

“I’ve seen her work on camera, in the recording booth, on radio programs, but I have never witnessed her the way she was on stage. She’s got this magnetic hold on an audience. All she has to do is stand there and talk and they’re eating out the palm of her hands.”

“She’s like that when she performs live at Ciro’s or some other club.”

“Yeah, but this is different. A concert career was definitely the way to go after MGM booted her out. I thought she was at home doing what she was doing, but no. She really is her true self on stage.”

“She’s a vaudeville kid, it’s in her blood.”

“Yep.”

“Did everything run smoothly?”

“There were some hiccups, but with that one, things aren’t always going to run smoothly. That’s just Judy.”

“What, did you fly back and forth?”

“Yeah. I was there for her opening night at the Palladium and then her closing night, then flew over to Scotland with her to help her get settled in but left after her first night there. When her tour was over, she met up with me in France for a rest when I was finishing work on American in Paris. Liza was there with Vince so we all had a reunion.”

“What are you doing after this?”

“Singing in the Rain.”

“I heard about that. With Don.”

“Yeah, and this new girl Debbie Reynolds.”

“I met her, she’s a sweetie pie.”

“Green,” Gene said as he knew he was about to spend the whole movie teaching someone who wasn’t a dancer.

“So, are you going to be flying back and forth from New York then during this Palace run?”

“Unfortunately, but I’ll be there the first week. All the old gang is involved in preparation for it.”

“That place has become run down, I hope they’re renovating the hell out of it.”

“They are. It’s getting a whole makeover. Sol said it’s going to be ‘elegant as fuck’.”

“Whoever thought about putting Judy back on that Vaudeville stage is a genius.” Gene smiled, “Thank you.”

“You did? I thought her agent did.”

“No, he came up with the idea of a concert tour in Europe. When she got back, we both wanted her to continue here in the states. I’m not making this shit up - For Me and My Gal was playing on the Lux Radio Theater one day and I was listening to it and I thought, she should do that. She should really be Jo on stage at the Palace. Then a light bulb went off and I got on the phone right away.”

“You do remember what happens at the end of that movie, once they’re both on stage at the Palace,” Frank said grinning.

Gene chuckled nodding as he took another drag of his cigarette, “I’m planning on it, Buddy.”

Another eruption of laughter came from the girls and this time Judy was standing up, imitating someone, probably from the studio or from vaudeville, that she often did when she told stories. She was very good at storytelling and exaggeration.

“She seems so much happier since leaving Metro,” Frank quipped.

“It was a little daunting for her at first. As much as she wanted to be let go, it was all she knew really. She said to me, ‘I’ve been performing since I was 2, I’ve been working since 12, now I’m unemployed for the first time in my life. I don’t know what to do.’ I told her that she hadn’t had time off in like 16 years, to just enjoy it and be with Liza. But she got restless after a while and irritable and started getting depressed again, so I’m glad this concert thing happened. But I tell ya what, stress has been a major thing between us for a while.”

“It’s good you’re here then.”

Gene nodded, “It’s only been a day, but Judy out here, is a different person. I’m starting to feel that way myself.”

“Away from Hollywood, away from the bullshit back home.”

“Exactly. We should do this once a month” Gene said, “Fuck it, once a week.”

Frank laughed, “I think Lawford might frown upon that.”

Suddenly, a piercing scream came from Lauren and she knocked her chair over as she got up and ran.

“What?!” Peter shouted concerned as he came out the back door with a guitar. “Something just bit my ass!”

“Nothing bit your ass,” Frank said walking over.

“Through your shorts,” June asked.

“Let me see,” Rich said but Lauren pushed him away.

“Darling, it was probably just a mosquito,” Judy said trying not to laugh.

“Nope, I’m done. Goodnight ya’ll,” Lauren said waving as she walked towards the house leaving everyone laughing.

“Nothing is biting my ass,” Frank said as he followed Lauren.

Peter sat down on a chair, “Wuss’s. Alright, any requests?”

“Know any Ray Noble tune’s,” Richie asked.

“Very Thought of You,” Peter asked.

“The Very Thought of You,” Junie urged on.

On his guitar, by the fire, Peter started playing the 1934 jazz standard. June smiled and rest her chin on her husbands shoulder as her arms were wrapped around his arm. Gene motioned for Judy and she walked over to him. He immediately brought her against him and together they softly swayed to the romantic tune.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“How much,” she teased.

“I love you more than singing and dancing, I love you more than ping pong and pool, I love you more than Paris…I even love you more than sex.”

Judy let out an amused snort, “That’s contradicting.”

Serious this time, he pulled back to look at her, “I really do love you, more than you know.”

“I know,” she said tracing her finger along his jaw, “I love you, too…but not more than sex.”

Together they laughed and continued swaying.

The next morning, was a little after 9 and the Lawford house was still and quiet with the sounds of California birds happily chirping outside. In the semi-darkened living room, Gene and Judy were both curled up comfortably on the expensive pull-out couch. Gene was slightly hovered over her, softly applying butterfly kisses along her neck as his wrist moved ever-so-gently between her legs under the covers. Judy seemed asleep, but she was just relaxing to her man’s attention, a titillating alarm clock. Suddenly, they heard a door shut from upstairs and Gene stopped his caresses, rolling away from her so they wouldn’t be caught. “The hounds are waking up,” he said a little disappointed. “Why don’t you join me in the downstairs shower in a minute,” she whispered getting out of the bed and grabbing her robe then walked out with her small toiletries pouch Gene made up the bed, and put the mattress back in the couch, before he head downstairs. The shower was already on when he shut the door behind him. “Did you bring my shampoo, or do I have to use your flowery shit,” he said removing his pajamas. “I forgot, but Pete has some shampoo in here,” she said from the other side of the curtain. Gene examined his face in the mirror and ran his hand along his jaw, “Baby, should I shave or just wait until we get back home?” “Wait until after. I like you with a little 5 o’clock shadow.” “You like a little scruffiness, huh.” “Mm hm. Darling, can you grab my little loofa that’s in my bag?” “Only if I get to do your back,” he teased grabbing it. “I’d be insulted if you didn’t,” she said as he stepped into the shower with her. Shortly after, Lauren went down the stairs in her silk robe as Peter head up, “Morning.” “Morning, doll.” “If you want the bathroom down there, it’s occupied.” “Who’s in there?” “I saw Judy go in there. I think she’s in the shower.” “Oh, good, she won’t mind,” Lauren said as she kept down the stairs. In the bathroom, Gene spoke impatiently behind the curtain, “Come oooonnn.” “I told you, after I shampooooo,” she mimicked but then a few seconds later she started whining, “Honey, stop.” “You have about 1 minute until I start fucking you,” he chuckled. Suddenly she gasped and accidentally hit the shower curtain, “Don’t you dare tickle me,” a few seconds later she broke out in laughter, “Geneee.” “Shhh,” he laughed trying to keep their voices down, “Come here, sweetheart.” The room was silent for a moment when suddenly the door opened. “Judy, are you in here,” Lauren asked popping her head in. “Ah, y-yes,” Judy’s nervous voice answered. “Do you mind if I get ready in here while you shower? Richie’s taking forever. You know how well groomed that man is.” “We do mind,” Gene said peeking his head out from the curtain grinning naughtily. Lauren smiled flirtatiously, “Ooo, whatchu doin’ in there?” “Washing each other’s backs. You wanna join?” “Gene,” Judy shrieked embarrassed. “I’ll have to pass, darling,” Lauren casually commented. “Then get lost, would ya?” “Next time I would advise to lock the door, dear,” she said pushing the lock button in for them and then walked out shutting the door behind her. As Judy unsteadily grabbed the small bar in the shower, a shampoo bottle fell with a loud bang, but it didn’t startle either of them as they had sex for the first time in almost two weeks. Only the sound of the shower water erratically hitting the shower floor and their heavy breaths echoed throughout the bathroom. Gene couldn’t see her face, but the look of her knuckles turning white as she held onto the bar for dear life, and her body tightening around his cock, was sure signs she was close. They were both maintaining, but struggling, not to be vocal for neither wanted the gang to hear them.

Gene was struggling even more not to explode. Every vein in his body was popping, muscled strained, as he pumped in and out of her in long, hard strokes. He was about to release A LOT of stress. Gene took his hands off her hips and maneuvered he up so her back pressed against his chest. He placed his left on her breast and the other between her legs. The extra stimulation as her climax neared, made her drop her head and softly cry out in desperation. It was only a few more seconds when her body tensed. Gene quickly placed his hand over her mouth muffling her tiny scream as her eyes squeezed shut. He bit back his own pleasurable moans as his orgasm soon exploded into her warmth. He continued, growling from his chest, until they were both completely saturated. It was around 10:30 when everyone met up in the kitchen all dressed. Peter and June were making brunch for all of them as Lauren made her famous Bloody Marys. The early morning blue sky was now gray as it started raining. Judy and Gene walked in as the first clap of thunder from the distance rolled in which made Gene stop in his tracks.

“Oh, what the hell,” he said seeing it raining.

“My sentiments exactly,” Peter quipped, “I wanted to get right on the fucking boat after we ate.”

“Shush, it will stop,” June said nudging his arm as they continued with the breakfast.

Judy walked over to the counter and switched on the radio as Gene walked over to Lauren, “Your famous Bloody Mary’s.”

“Yes, sir. Would you like one?”

“Not right now, but thanks,” he declined. He and Judy both weren’t drinkers before dinnertime except on special occasions.

“How was your shower,” Lauren smiled.

Gene didn’t answer but he returned the smile. Judy glanced at them over her shoulder turning red but ignored Lauren’s gaze and walked around grabbing a grape from the fruit bowl. “Do you want one, baby, extra vodka,” Lauren asked her. “Yes, please,” She saw Gene’s surprised look, “I’m on vacation.”

Gene put his hands up as if not to argue with the lady.

“Where’s Francis?” Rich asked.

Peter pointed to the sunroom. Rich and Gene both looked into the sunroom and there was Frank, lounging on the couch swing, fast asleep with a newspaper on his chest.

“Should we dare?”

Gene smiled, “We dare.”

The men walked back into the kitchen and Rich picked up a thin slice of pastrami from June’s cutting board. He handed it to Gene to which Gene walked into the sun room quietly. Judy sipped her Bloody Mary but leaned to the side to see what they were up to.

Lauren walked over to the doorway not knowing Frank was asleep, “Frank, do you want a…”

The two men quickly shushed her. She saw Gene standing over him with the pastrami and she placed a hand on her hip giving the a mother’s look. Judy walked in the doorway to watch as well. Gene made a funny face, trying not to laugh, before he smacked the pastrami slice right on Frank’s face before practically hopping away.

Frank opened one eye confused but remained completely still. When he realized there was meat on his face, he shut his eye to go back to sleep. Meanwhile, Rich and Gene were cracking up and Judy was bent over laughing hysterically.

“I’m gonna pee my pants,” she was able to get out.

“What happened,” Junie asked intrigued.

“They threw something on Frank,” Peter answered.

Lauren walked into the sunroom and took the meat off his face, “Do you want a Bloody Mary?”

“Yeah,” he grumbled.

“Would you like me to roll this up and put it on the olive stick?” she smiled.

“You boys love pranking each other,” June giggled as they all started placing plates on the long table off the kitchen.

“Remember MPD,” Gene said.

“What’s MPD,” Lauren asked.

“Metro Prank Day. It was on the Friday before Halloween every year.”

“For the whole studio?”

“Most of us knew about it,” Gene said, “I think it started between Mickey Rooney and Jackie Cooper in 1940, right honey?”

“Ya, mm hm. Went on for 10 years until LB found out after that food fight in the commissary and put an end to it,” she giggled.

“I wish we could’ve seen it,” Gene added.

“I was there. It was nutso. To think a bunch of movie stars having a food fight,” June said recalling it.

“Not just movie stars, but grown ass adults,” Rich added who was also there that day.

“That was the same prank day that Gene put shaving cream in my heels,” Judy retorted with a raised eyebrow.

“He what?” Lauren asked shocked.

“Yeah,” Judy nodded, “We were doing Summer Stock and he put shaving cream in my heels that I was to wear on set.”

“She stepped right into those suckers, too,” Gene said laughing remembering.

“Tell them what I did to you that year.”

“She drew this big, Italian-cook style mustache on me with her eyeliner and big bushy eyebrows when I fell asleep between scenes.” Judy started laughing remembering and he continued, “I walked onto the scene like that until Charlie Walters said, ‘Gene, what the Sam hell is on your face?’”

Gene and Judy both cracked up.

“That prank day, I witnessed a different side of Judy,” Peter said.

Judy thought a moment before gasping, “Oh, when you were going to…”

“Oh, the water,” Gene cut in.

“What happened,” June asked.

“At the end of the day, I was going to throw a bucket of water on Judy and Gene as they were leaving, but she caught me and she was so angry. She called me a motherfucker.” They all laughed. “She practically pushed Gene down and ran away and said, ‘Get the hell away from me motherfucker.’”

“Baby, you’re turning red there,” Gene said Judy tried not to smile.

“Your heels with shaving cream was nothing, Judes,” Peter said, “How about getting chaffed by Phil Silvers?”

“Chaffed,” Lauren asked shocked.

Gene responded excitedly, “Oh, I remember that!”

“My god damn inner thighs were on fire. I had flamin’ thighs.”

Judy started cracking up.

“I have this distinct memory of you walking on the studio lot the next day and you had these big over-sized pants on and you kind of just waddled in like you just got off a horse,” Gene said as they all laughed.

“You were going, ‘Oh, my legs, my legs,’ You had baby powder and lotion…”

Judy nearly spit out her drink laughing, “I remember the sensitive skin lotion he had to moisturize.”

“Did you learn some stuff from that,” Lauren quipped naughty.

They finished setting the table and Frank walked in, “Here it comes.”

“What?”

“Listen.”

They all were quiet a moment when all of a sudden the roof was pounded with a downpour.

Gene groaned with sincere annoyance, “I didn’t come all the way out here to spend my vacation in a monsoon.”

“Like I control the weather,” Peter said.

“There goes your golfing today,” Gene said to Judy as if he wanted to get her as annoyed as he was.

“Oh, stop whining,” she said.

“Someone’s being grumpy,” Junie said.

“I’m surprised you’re so grumpy after your shower session this morning.”

Gene looked at Lauren with wide eyes as Lauren was usually not one to kiss and tell in regards to others.

“Would you shut up,” Judy whispered embarrassed. When Lauren gave her a sorry look Judy giggled, “Jesus.”

Suddenly, they heard the front door shut.

“Expecting someone?”

“No,” Peter said baffled as he left the room.

“Here,” Judy said as she shoved a small, rolled up piece of meat towards Gene’s mouth.

He quickly made a ‘gross’ face and leaned away, “What is it?”

“Here, just take a bite.”

“No,” he said swatting her hand away.

“It’s only prosciutto and feta cheese,” she said.

“I don’t like ham, babe,” Gene said.

“It doesn’t taste like American ham. Here,” Judy said and shoved the bite size piece into his mouth.

“Shh,” Lauren suddenly said.

“What?”

They were quiet and suddenly heard a familiar women’s cackle from the other room getting closer.

“Oh, you’re kidding,” Frank said surprised as he bolted out of the room.

Judy looked at Lauren displeased, “I thought you said she wasn’t coming.”

“He said she wasn’t.”

“Who,” Gene asked.

“Ava,” Judy answered. Then she and Gene shared the same understanding look as they sat down next to each other at the table.

Peter entered the room followed by Frank who had his fiancé, Ava Gardner, on his arm. Everyone gave her a hug and warm greeting except for Gene and Judy who remained seated. As the rest seated, Ava touched Gene’s arm with a friendly smile, “Hey there.”

“Hi,” he said friendly back but didn’t return the smile.

“Hi, Judy.”

Judy forced a bit of a smile ignoring the other woman’s eyes as she purposefully reached for the fruit bowl.

“I’m glad you were able to make it, honey,” Frank said.

“Me, too. I have to be back on Tuesday, but at least I have a few days off. Thought I’d surprise you. What a lovely spread,” she said as they all started eating.

They all started chit-chatting and when there was a lull in the conversation, June spoke up, “Was it raining the whole way?”

“No, but it started to downpour when I got into town. Has it been raining here since you all came?”

“No, just started,” Pete said.

“Hopefully it stops soon so you can join in on the fun,” Rich said.

“I know how tight-knit the group is. I’m grateful to be a part of it. I’m glad you’re all happy to see me,” Ava’s eyes darted to Judy and Gene as they remained to themselves, “Well, all except you...” she looked at Gene then to Judy with a giggle, “And you.”

Ava said it as if to maybe have the couple immediately respond with, ‘No, of course we’re happy to see you,’ but all of a sudden, the air was thick with tension and everyone continued to eat in silence for a moment.

“So, Judy, how was your concert tour in Europe?”

Judy placed her elbows on the table and rest her chin on her hands, her eyes piercing. When she didn’t answer, Ava repeated the question getting irritated herself. She looked at Gene as if you had to get through him first before Judy, “Gene, how was her concert tour in Europe?”

He wiped his mouth with his napkin, “It was a big success.”

“Why do you care,” Judy tilted her head at the woman inquisitively.

They all looked at Judy surprised at her catty tone.

“Because I’m your friend,” Ava said a little baffled.

“As far as I’m concerned, friends do not betray one another.”

“How on earth have I ‘betrayed’ you? I haven’t even seen you since before you left for London and that was what, February?”

“Here we go,” Peter said leaning towards Lauren, as they were well aware of the situation.

“When we were all out at Mocambo for Elizabeth’s birthday, I specifically asked everyone in our group, including you, to not mention my divorce. And every one, but you and David Selznick, respected that. We had press surrounding us that night. I was being asked nonstop about it and I ignored the subject out of respect for my husband and my daughter. I expected my friends to do the same.”

“I was listening to Dave go on about it. I didn’t say anything,” Ava responded matter-of-factly.

“But you're my friend, as my friend, you’re not supposed to just ‘listen’. You do what everyone else did when they were asked about it: you ignore it. You could have said, ‘Now is not the right time, David.’”

“I am going to listen because he’s also my friend. I am not a rude person to tell him to put a sock in it. What did you want me to do?”

“Frank declined to comment when Louella asked him about us,” Judy said trying to get her point across.

Gene chimed in, “Lauren, when you were at lunch with Hedda, what did you do when she started talking about her divorce?”

“I shut her up real quick,” Lauren said nodding.

“Judy, I was not speaking about it, he was.”

“You allowed it to be talked about and you knew reporters were around us. I’ve not spoken to David since that night when Dorothy Kilgallen came up to me and told me what he was saying. But, he was LB Mayer’s son-in-law so I expect that from him.”

“That was 6 months ago. I’m sorry if I offended you in anyway, but it’s over with now. Your divorce is done, you’re living with Gene, can’t you just forget about it?”

“If you were just anybody, then I would forget about it. I’m still upset about it because you’re planning on marrying one of my best friends which means we’re going to be together a lot. When we were filming Girl, Crazy, people were asking me nearly every day about your split from Mickey and I told them it was none of our business. You weren’t even my friend then, but Mickey was, so I respected your private life.”

“I do appreciate that. But can I say one thing? Why didn't you just say something to the press about your divorce? Maybe then they would've left you alone. They're still writing about how you and Gene broke up the 'finest marriage of MGM'.”

Gene exhaled through his nose and pushed back against the table with his hands trying not to respond. Judy tapped him on the leg as if telling him to just ignore it.

“I told you, I respect my child and I respect Vince. Respect, and pleading the fifth to the press is the right way to get a divorce,” she pointed sternly at Frank, “And you listen up as well mister, do you hear me?”

“Listen up,” he asked as he didn’t want to get involved in the argument between his best girlfriend and his fiancé.

“You have been going around the columnists bragging about Ava. How do you think Nancy feels?”

“I don’t brag. I own my shit. And Nancy hasn’t been showing me respect.”

“Gee,” she said with her best, sarcastic, actress voice, “I wonder why.”

Gene looked over at her with wide eyes not expecting that from her especially to Frank.

“Judes,” Frank said a little shocked at her behavior.

Ava leaned forward on her forearms as if challenging Judy, “You’re really sitting there, talking to us about our affair, when you cheated on both of your husband’s with Gene here, and God knows who else…” she trailed off.

Judy looked at Gene with a serious, but sly expression, who gave her the same look back. The couple never discussed, or explained, their private life in regards to their affair at MGM except with the very few who had known about it since the start which were only Dottie, Kay Thompson and Frank. And to this day, none of the trio had spoken to anyone else about it. Everyone sitting at the table, right now, didn’t even know the entire backstory. They found out like everyone else - when Judy and Gene came out publicly with their relationship in September of 1950 after Judy was fired from MGM and each were legally separated from their spouses.

Judy was about to speak when Gene placed his hand on her leg and squeezed it. He didn't want to make her explain anything and put her vulnerability out there, so he took the bait instead.

“I understand what you’re getting at, Ava, and although some of the circumstances are relevant, there is no comparison.”

“Oh, really,” she asked sarcastically.

“Really,” he said getting angry, “I never say nothin’ to nobody regarding my personal life, but the fact that you, and everyone else, assumes our relationship is what broke up her marriage to Vince is why I’m gonna say somethin’ now…”

“Gene,” Judy said uncomfortable.

He ignored her, “Now listen up…every one of you fuckers here at this table…”

“Darling,” Judy said embarrassed.

“No, Judy. I’m tired of everyone assuming things. We’re finally free to be together, why not just tell them? These are our friends,” he said and all she could do was just give a willful nod. “Judy and I have heard the rumors, like all of you have heard, but we usually laugh because we don’t give a shit what people think because we know the truth. But you’re our friends and we love you so here’s our truth. We’ve been hearing that people are saying we started an affair during Summer Stock and that’s what broke up Judy’s marriage which is probably the funniest rumor of them all. We actually started going together during our first picture together, almost 10 years ago, when Judy was still married to Rose. Our relationship…you see how I say ‘relationship’ and not ‘affair’,” he said eyeing in on Ava to prove his point, “…was on and off for all those years. Yes, it was extramarital, and yes, we were involved with other lovers throughout that time, but together, we weren’t just ‘fucking’. We were best friends, equals, soul mates. I know I sound like a sap, but it’s true. We fell in-love, but timing was never right, but that’s not relevant. During our last picture, things got very serious between us as I was separated from my wife and Judy was estranged from Vince. Betsy and Vince both knew we were together at that time. Up until then, we had kept it a secret all those years, except for Frank here…”

They all looked at Frank shocked and he smiled, “I’m a good friend, what can I say.”

Gene continued, “Our ‘good ol’ buddy Selznik’ that we’ve talked about said to me that night at Liz’ party, ‘Judy cheated on her first husband with you, her second husband with you, she’ll cheat on you, too.’ I said, ‘How can she cheat on me with me?’”

Judy looked at him surprised, “You never told me that.”

“We’re not proud of what we’ve done during our marriages, and I know Judy often feels guilt-ridden, but we both believe everything happens for a reason. I’ve known this girl since she was eighteen. I’m in it for the long run,” he looked at Ava, “This ain’t no ‘fuck em’ and leave em’ Hollywood story that you think, dear.”

Lauren made a ‘Ooo’ smile as June got Judy’s attention and mouthed ‘marry him’ to her. Judy gave her an appreciative look, but the subject had been all too heavy for a smile.

“There is no comparison with us related to you two,” Judy added calmly.

“Maybe not in that way, but Frank and I fell in-love, too, and let’s face it, I bet everyone of us at this table hasn’t always been monogamous,” Ava added.

Frank chimed in to Judy, “Baby, stop being so protective. I know you mean well, and I adore you for it, but I’m a big boy, I can take care of myself. And I do love her, ya know.”

“I just don’t want to see another one of my good friends get hurt by her again. First Mickey, then Artie, now you.”

“Just so you now, Mickey cheated first, and from what I heard was even porking some chorus girl when I was in the hospital for a appendectomy. And Artie was the biggest fucking bully out there. I don’t think this is really about me and Frank. I think it’s about you.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You’re just jealous Mickey, Frank and Artie all preferred me and Lana over you.”

Gene’s mouth opened and he immediately took Judy’s arm afraid she might throw her drink in the other woman’s face starting a brawl. Instead, Judy whipped her arm away, and scooted her chair back with a screech, before walking out of the room. Gene sighed heavily before he got up to follow her out.

“What, no retaliation back from Mr. Mayer’s precious Dorothy,” Ava said sarcastically.

Suddenly, Gene turned on his heels and shouted, “Hey!” Some of them jumped, including Ava, who turned to look at him and his eyes were looking straight at her, “Don’t call her that. You have no idea what that girl’s been through.” Without another word, he left the room.

“It’s called ‘having class’, darling,” Lauren said as she lit a cigarette.

Frank sighed and leaned into Ava, “You know her history with the Artie shit. Did you have to hit so low under the belt?”

“She started attacking me, first. What did you want me to do?”

Frank looked at the others and shrugged having to agree with her, “I mean, she has a point.”

“What shocks me the most is that Judy is not a confrontational person…” Lauren said.

“At all,” Peter added taking another bite of his food.

“At all,” Lauren repeated then continued sincerely, “And she never gets involved in the subject of others’ relationships. So, imagine what she was feeling for her actually speak up the way she did just now.”

“It wasn’t an attack. I think she just felt betrayed by you, as her friend, for not defending her to David with the divorce thing and now she sees you about to marry someone that’s like a brother to her. She wanted to get things off her chest. She’s being protective is all, just like Frank said,” Junie added.

“I can’t believe they been together since My Gal. Do you know how many times I worked with them during that time,” Rich said amused.

“Ava, look,” Lauren said, “Judy may be little, but she’s a feisty, son-of-a-bitch who will not let you forget it. She has two sides…she’s either the funniest, life of the party dame you will ever be with or, what she calls herself, ‘the Black Irish Witch.’”

“One time I said something shitty about Fred Finklehoffe in front of her. She stared at me with this dark look, I nearly pissed myself,” Peter said.

“I can attest to that. She can make you so scared your balls r’ touchin’ the back of your shorts,” Frank said to Peter.

“If you want to be her friend, do not get on her bad side. I would swallow it and just apologize,” Lauren urged.

Gene walked around the house looking for Judy but didn’t find her so he made his way to the back of the house when he heard a small noise coming from another room. “Hun?” “I’m in here,” he heard her voice say and he walked into the office library. Judy was standing facing one of the book shelves, her hands on her elbows as her eyes gazed upon the literature curiously. “You, ok?”

“Yah,” she said and reached for a photo album that caught her eye. Gene sat on the arm of the leather love seat, “Liar.”

Judy looked at him and her face was completely neutral, “I am. I just needed to…remove myself from the situation.”

“Before…” he asked smiling cheekily.

She raised her eye brow warningly, “Before I did something I’d regret.”

“That’s why I grabbed your arm. She ain’t worth it.”

“I know. It doesn’t matter anymore. I just needed a moment,” she said sitting down next to him with the photo album labeled ‘MGM’ in her lap.

“What she said to you was low. She had some hellava nerve.”

Judy let out a long sigh and opened the album, “Let’s just drop it.”

“Well, at least you were able to say everything you’ve been thinking’.”

“I prefer not to have conversations like that.”

“I know you don’t, baby, but doesn’t it feel a little better to get it off your chest?”

“Does it feel better after telling everyone our whole story,” she said back in a bit of a bitchy tone.

“Well, one, it was the synopsis version. The actual details are no one’s business. And two, yes, it does feel better. I know we’re private about it, but like I said, I was sick of everyone assuming. Doesn’t it make you feel better that our best friends know the truth instead of them also assuming from what they hear around the lot?”

Judy had to agree as she looked at the photographs, “Yes. All of this just makes me uncomfortable.”

“Me, too,” he said reaching over and leaving a kiss on top her head.

“Oh my gosh, darling, look,” Judy giggled and pointed to a photo of them.

It was them on the Easter Parade set. He was standing with his crutches watching as Judy was filming her ‘Mr. Monotony’ scene.

“That’s always gonna be my one regret,” he said shaking his head, “Breaking that damn ankle and not working on that picture.”

“Me, too, but at least you helped get the next best thing for me,” she said pinching his cheek referring to Fred Astaire coming out of retirement to work with her.

“I’m still a little miffed they cut this scene. I really liked it.”

“It was a little sexy.”

“Probably why they cut it,” she joked.

“If that’s true, they should’ve just thrown away Pirate, hm?”

“Well, they did get rid of that Voodoo number,” she quipped.

“Now, that was sexy,” he said his eyebrows rising intrigued, “I had to rub one out after that scene.”

“Gene,” she laughed shocked.

They commented on other photos of their Metro peers when coming up on another one of them. It was Gene and Judy laughing as he gave her a piggy back ride down the studio lot in their ‘Ballin’ the Jack’ costumes from their first picture. Judy placed a finger on it and they were both quiet a moment sharing silent memories during that time.

“Man, I didn’t know shit back then,” he murmured.

Judy leaned into Gene in awe, “Look at them.”

“We were so cute.”

“I remember that day,” she said softly.

“So do I. I remember every single day during that time,” he said with a bittersweet tone but then his expression changed a bit naughty, “We had a lot of fun.”

Judy giggled, “Yes, we did.”

They leaned in for a kiss and he replied, “Seeing this photograph of us, no one would ever know what we were going through behind the scenes…how unhappy we were in our personal lives.”

“The only time I actually really enjoyed coming to the studio was when I knew I would be working with you.”

“That’s why I agreed to Summer Stock, sweetheart,” he said patting her leg.

“I’m so grateful you were part of my last movie there,” she said a little emotional.

“Yep, and a successful one at that. But now, onward and upward, baby. Your Europe tour was a hit but your Palace run is gonna lead to a whole other career for you.”

“You really think so?”

“I do..”

“I just want it to be fucking fantastic,” she said with great efficacy.

“It’s gonna be huge, you can bet on it.”

“I’m still so damn nervous, Gene.”

“You have rehearsals coming up soon. And you have the best of the best putting it together with you. You’ll be just fine. Plus, I’ll be there in the wings, opening night, so there’s nothing to be nervous about.”

“You promise,” she said grabbing his hand.

“I promise.”

“No matter what?”

“No matter what. I never want to let you down, Judy.”

She smiled before engulfing him in a hug.

That afternoon, the storm cleared and it was nothing but sunshine and blue sky with a perfect Summer temp in the upper 80’s. The whole clan piled onto Lawford’s large speed boat in their sunbathing clothes and swim wear.

Peter drove the boat around Lake Camille, but after 20 minutes, stopped in a good area so they could float. Surprisingly, the lake wasn’t busy. Just a few other boats were scattered around.

In the back of the boat, Judy, in a plunging, black one-piece suit, with a skirt wrapped around her waist, and Lauren, in a white, high-waisted bikini, were sunbathing against the back cushions in relaxing in silence as the radio played some slow jazz tunes.

Lauren looked over at Judy and lowered her sunglasses, “What’s with this music?”

“I was just going to say that. We’re on a boat having fun and he’s playing some sad music.”

“Yeah, why is he playing sad shit? I’ll go tell him to change it. He’s playing some mellow stuff. We need to get boppin’,” Lauren said as she got up.

Lauren passed Ava who came walking up with a daiquiri in her hand. Judy pretended not to pay attention as Ava cautiously sat next to her. They were both silent, but Judy could sense the other woman wanted to talk so she looked over at her. When she did, Ava gently smiled. “I’m sorry.”

Judy took off her sunglasses and placed them on top her hair that was pulled into a French twist, “I’m not usually like that. I hope you understand why I confronted you about it.”

“I do sympathize, but I want you to know, I never did anything purposefully to hurt you.”

“Except for the comment about the boys.”

“That I am truly sorry for. It was beneath me. I was just retaliating because I felt like I was being attacked.”

“I never, ever want anyone to feel attacked by me, because I know what it feels like, so for that I’m also truly sorry. All of it is just a very sensitive subject.”

“I do know you were just being protective of Frank, too. But believe me, Judy, I really do love him. And he loves me.”

Judy softly smiled, “Who am I to get in the way of love then.”

“I know we won’t always see eye-to-eye, but can we just agree to disagree?” “Of course,” Judy said sincerely.

Frank got Ava’s attention and she excused herself but Junie came bouncing over to Judy.

“Why are you over here all by yourself?”

“Just relaxing. I’ll join the party soon.”

All of a sudden, a small paper plane fell onto Judy’s lap startling her a second. “What the heck,” Junie said.

Both the ladies looked up, and on the small second tier of the boat where the captain seat was, they saw Gene, clad only in his swim trunk and sunglasses. He was looking up whistling trying to be inconspicuous.

“Dang, he’s got good aim.”

“He does have great coordination. He’s great at all sports. My paper plane would’ve landed in the water.”

Judy looked at it, and it said ‘open me’ on the wing. She opened it and it simply said 'I love you' in Gene’s unmistakable handwriting. June leaned over to look and immediately made an ‘awe’ face.

Judy smiled and fold the paper back up before looking back at up at him. This time he was looking at her smiling. She gave an air smooch to him and he winked before turning back to Pete. The music suddenly changed to more of an upbeat and Lauren gave Judy a thumbs up.

“He is just so sweet,” June commented.

“He is a darling.”

“Handsome,” she said raising her eyebrows provocatively.

“He’s dreamy,” Judy agreed, “After knowing him for 10 years, I still get butterflies when he looks at me a certain way. And I can still get emotional when he does cute things like that. I just hope Liza finds someone like that. How did I get so lucky, you know?”

“That’s how I feel about Richie. We all have to go through the trial and error of frogs, before the right Prince Charming, honey.”

“Funny…I always think they’re Prince Charming in the beginning.”

“We all do. But this one is it, isn’t it?”

Judy nodded, “Yes.”

“And now you both don’t have to sneak around. I think it’s absolutely delicious that you two have been a thing all this time. Was it the dancing that attracted you to him? ‘Cause let me tell you – watching him dance on screen is a major turn on.”

Judy laughed, “You’re terrible. No, it was his smile..and his arms.” Both ladies laughed.

“And now you have the whole package.”

“I know. He takes care of me. And more important, he’s a nice fella. He brings me my tea when I wake up, when he’s at work he’ll call me and make sure I’m okay. He helps me with my career. He does anything for me.”

“He’s head over heels for you, too."

“You think that, really?” Judy asked honestly.

“Of course. You can just see it the way he looks at you. Do you not see that?”

“I’m afraid I suffer from a bit of self-doubt, darling.

A lot of people knew this about Judy, especially June, who then took Judy's hand in hers, "Judy, the way I see it – look how long it took for you two to finally be together. Knowing Gene as I do, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have bought a house with you if you if he weren’t 100% sure of your relationship. Look how long it took him finally get out of his unhappy marriage. He's a very thorough person."

“That’s true. He never makes life decisions on a whim.”

“You better marry him.”

“Oh, I plan to. But not for a little while.”

“Have you talked about it?”

“Not really. It’s something we know will happen but we never officially discussed it.”

“Do you think he will propose soon?”

“Maybe. Maybe when his next picture is over and I’m done with Palace. I know he’d want to get married once we can have some time off.” Judy’s eyes darted up where Gene was, “But I'd marry him right now on the spot if there was a judge and marriage license."

A few hours later, after they came back to shore, everyone went for a swim before retreating back to the house and lolled around. The sun was setting as everyone remained outside but Judy and Lauren hung out inside listening to music in the living room fresh-faced, clad already in their pajamas. Both were enjoying a glass of wine. The radio started playing Doris Day’s ‘Tea for Two’.

“Oh, I loved this movie,” Judy quipped.

“She is probably the most genuine girl out there. Have you met her?”

Judy nodded, “I seen her around town, but I was able to officially meet her a few years ago at a premiere of a film she made with my friend Jack Carson.”

“Oh, you know, Jack?”

“We worked the Vaudeville circuit together when we were kids.”

Gene walked in and looked a little surprised seeing the ladies ready for bed, “Are we having a slumber party?”

“We’re pooped out from the sun,” Lauren said.

“Wanted to get comfy,” Judy added.

Peter walked into the room, inhaling from a joint, then casually handed it to Lauren who took a hit. She then handed it towards Judy.

“The last time I had marijuana was when I was still married to Dave and I fell straight on my face.”

Lauren handed it to Gene who took a hit. When Judy saw this, she thought, ‘What the hell.’ It might relax her. And she ushered Gene over. The four sat around for a little bit, chatting and passing it around, listening to music. Alright folks, now here’s a an oldie but a goodie by America’s past-time sweethearts Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. The song was requested by little Shirley Mae as it’s her 10th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Shirley and enjoy your song.

Suddenly, Judy and Mickey’s ‘Good Mornin’’ started and everyone smiled as they looked at Judy. They assumed she would tell them to change the channel but instead she got up and started singing with her younger self. Gene laughed knowing it was the weed. Frank walked into the room and immediately joined in singing Mickey’s part. They put on a show as the others watched delighted.

When it was over, Judy laughed and hugged her friend, “That was fun.”

“Where is everyone else,” Gene asked.

“They went for a walk,” Frank replied.

As the three started a conversation, Judy mindlessly walked over by the piano in the corner and ran her finger over a few keys as if concentrating on which to play. She hummed and then played a few keys as if trying to get it right.

“More than you…” she sang before humming it again and played some keys.

Lauren noticed and walked over, “What’re you trying to play.”

“More Than You Know. Song’s been in my head.”

“I know it. How about this? I’ll play it, you sing it,” Lauren said sitting down on the bench.

“Alright,” Judy said and sat down next to Lauren.

Lauren started playing and then Judy started singing the intro verse of the song, very softly, as if it were background music in a restaurant with everyone else chatting. But quickly the men all came to a hush as they watched.

More than you know More than you know Man of my heart I love you so Lately, I find You’re on my mind More than you know…

Gene watched her intently as her voice, always seductive but sweet, hummed around the room straight into his soul. Her bare face looked fresh, her skin had a glow from the sun and her hair was forming curls still damp from the water. Usually she sang around the piano like this at parties, looking like the starlet she was, with her black lashes, red lips and party dress. That was Judy Garland. Right now, she was Frances Gumm.

“I’m going to marry that girl,” Gene softly said.

Frank didn’t know if Gene had murmured that to him, or to himself, but he replied, “She needs someone like you.”

Judy’s eyes looked into her love’s, a hint of a smile on her lips as she sang the lyrics. Gene looked back, a twinkle in his eye.

The next morning, Judy stood on the back porch with a cup of tea in her hands, her long, black, silk robe blowing in the breeze. Everyone was still asleep and the sun was bright orange rising along up in the dawn sky, along the lake front. The early morning birds were chirping and the water was still. It was all so peaceful, it felt like Judy’s mind, at the moment, didn’t have one ounce of anxiety, which is what occasionally plagued her throughout the day.

“What are you doing up?”

Judy turned as Gene stood in the doorway. He still wore his gray t-shirt, navy pajama pants and his hair was messy.

“I woke up and couldn’t fall back to sleep.”

Gene walked out and gave her a peck on the lips, “Good morning.”

“Morning.”

He rubbed her back as he looked at the scenery before him.

“Isn’t it pretty?”

“It’s very nice.”

He looked over watching as her face was probably the most relaxed he had seen it in a long time and he bit his bottom lip with an idea.

“Come walk with me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just down there.”

“Right now?”

“Yeah.”

“Well,” she hesitated and giggled, “Honey, it’s so early and I don’t feel like dressing yet.”

“We don’t have to dress. It’s just a morning walk on the beach. No one’s out here. Here, let me take that, I’ll be right back. Stay there.”

She watched a little surprised as Gene darted inside to put her cup of tea in the kitchen and was gone not 30 seconds before he popped back out and took her hand. Together, they walked down the steps and to the beach just below the house. Barefoot, they held hands and walked slowly along the front in silence for a minute just enjoying the calm of the early morning and of each other.

“See, isn’t this nice.”

“Yes,” she said laying her head on his shoulder a moment, “Although I feel silly walking out here in our pajamas.”

“You love the spontaneity.”

“I do,” she giggled.

As they walked some more, Gene released her hand, but kept a hand on her back for a little as they walked. Subtly, he took his hand off her back and slowed his steps as she continued walking not noticing that he stopped. “Darling, do you think one day we could get a vacation spot out here?” When she didn’t get a response, and noticed he wasn’t next to her anymore, she furrowed her eye brows, “Gene?”

Judy turned around and let out a gasp. She placed her hands over her mouth as Gene was six steps behind her, on his knee, with a velvet ring box in his hand.

When the first initial shock of seeing him faded away, Judy laughed delighted, “What?!”

Gene smiled as she rushed up to him. She placed her hands on his shoulders and spoke almost with a hush tone, “What are you doing?”

His smile faded and he spoke with a very loving but serious tone, “Judy…”

Judy let out a whimpered cry as she placed her hands back on her mouth. She looked away a moment, shaking her head, in disbelief that it was finally happening.

“Sweetheart, come here,” he said reaching for her hand.

She gave her hand to him and she fell to her knees in font of him to be equal, “You’re crazy,” she laughed through her tears. Gene laughed with her and she continued, “Where did you get that?”

She looked at the closed ring box. He head barely left her sight for a moment since they’d been here. She had so many questions.

“I’ve had it for a while. Do you want to see it?” She nodded but he continued, “I have to say something first,” he took both her hands in his and they sank down sitting on the back of their heels in the sand, “I know that you’ve been expecting this since we moved in together. And I know you wanted to marry me after you divorced David. At that time, I couldn’t. You understand why, don’t you?”

Judy gave one simple nod, knowing he wasn’t ready to leave his wife and daughter for their fresh, extramarital relationship back then.

“So, I know you’re going to say ‘yes’. But, I need you to know this…” he saw her take a breath in as her eyes continued welling up with tears and he tried to swallow his one, “You always tell people that I’m different because ever since we met, I’ve seen you as a person, as an equal. And that’s 100% true. And I know you hate it when people only see you as a voice, or as a movie star or a celebrity. But, marrying you means that I’m also marrying that voice, that movie star and that celebrity. I’m marrying Frances Gumm and Judy Garland. I want both of us to understand that.”

“Like Eugene Curran and Gene Kelly,” Judy said joking, trying to make light of the situation which she often did when things got a little too heavy even if it was a good situation.

“Exactly.”

“Did you plan this?”

“Not at all, sweetheart. I was going to propose on the opening of The Palladium, but everything was amazing and just too much. I didn’t want to take away from what you were experiencing then. And I wanted to wait until the Palace, but…I don’t know. It just seems like the right time. I can’t wait.”

Judy giggled and wiped a tear away, “It’s very romantic.”

He became serious again, “I love you, Judy. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want us to help each other and grow together and get through whatever life throws at us, together. You’re it for me, baby. You have been for a long time. I just…” he paused and looked down clenching his jaw getting emotional.

Judy tapped him under the chin, “You’re an honest man, I know that. You had a wife and new baby. Because of your decision to stay with your family, I ended up having Liza. Glass half full, darling.”

“I know we both haven’t had a good track record in the relationship department, but I think now we’ve finally got it right….” he said sincerely and suddenly Judy got a split image of her father in her mind and she started crying knowing he was right, this marriage would be it for them.

“Judy…” Gene opened the ring box showing a beautiful, vintage large diamond ring and she laughed and gently pushed on his arm still not believing this was happening.

“This is crazy…” she interrupted.

“Will you marry me?”

She smiled and nodded, more tears falling as he placed the ring on her left hand. They kissed passionately before she jumped in his arms excited nearly toppling over into the sand.

“WHAT’S GOING ON?!”

They looked up and on the porch saw June standing there confused. Judy stood up and lifted her left hand yelling, “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!”

June jumped and “WOOOO!!!!” before she ran inside to wake up and tell everyone. Gene and Judy both laughed. Gene pulled her back to him and cradled her face in his hand.

“I love you, more than you know.”

#jugenea #judy garland #gene kelly #fan fiction #jg fans

17 notes · View notes

the-great-imagines-of-1812 · 4 years

Text

To Love Another- Prologue

Jo March x Fem! Laurence

A/N: Feedback is appreciated!! Look back to previous post about summer writings for more info on this. But basically, your Laurie’s (Theodore’s) twin sister, practically his best friend. Instead of falling in love with Laurie (which she doesn’t) she falls in love with you, another woman; this type of relationship was shunned/frowned upon at the time. Enjoy! (Spanish Translations by me, I’m fluent) (Also, i don’t know what month little women starts off in, so I’m making this up)

Reading below the cut!

Barcelona, Spain. August 2nd, 1868.

“Fernando!” you called for your assistant Fernando, a older teenage boy who also interned at your art gallery who came through the door just as you set your paintbrush down in a mug of dirty water.

“Sí, señora, que pasó?” (Yes ma’am, what happened?) he said, catching his breath from running up the steps to the tiny apartments where you lived above the gallery.

“Hay Correo?” (Is there any mail?) you said, untying your apron and placing it on a hook on the wall.

He took several letters out of the front pocket of his apron and counted them. “Tres de ellas, señora. Tome usted.” (Three of them, ma’am. Here you go.)

You gave him a smile and tossed him a sack of coins. “Aquí está tu pago por la semana, Fernando. Vete a casa. Ten un buen fin de semana. Te veo el Lunes!” (Here is your pay for the week. Go home. Have a nice weekend. See you Monday!)

Fernando gave you a smile and ran his hands through his hair and left you alone.

You go downstairs with the keys to the gallery and a gas lamp, locking up the doors to the gallery.

You go back up to your apartment and glance at the three letter you had placed on your night stand. You smiled as you recognized all three of the letters. The first one you saw was from your brother, Theodore- or “Laurie”- as everyone would call him.

You opened it with care, and a paper and a golden locket slipped out. He was always so thoughtful.

July 20th, 1868

Dearest Sister,

I’m already having enough with the formalities. I miss you, Y/N. You must come visit me in Paris sometime. I know I know, you’re married to your work. But you’d like it here. The art is never ending, there are galleries upon galleries filled with artwork I just know you would love.You who you would also love? the ladies. Oh hush, i don’t mind to know that you love another. If James had ever taught me anything in our days of schooling, it was to be open-minded to new ideas of the universe. Maybe i should buy a of art piece and send it to you? From the bets museum, of course. Or would that be to much? Even as a gift? Speaking of which, Happy Birthday to us! I was so happy to receive your letter with the tiny drawing of the Eiffel Tower. Do you really think that’s what it looks like? You’d have to come see it for yourself! Enclosed I send you a locket which I bought from a street vendor selling his jewelry near the River Seine. Inside is a photograph of us, with grandfather, of course. Think of us when you see it. I hope to see you soon. Please write back as soon as you can. I long to hear how Fernando’s doing. Ha-Ha, hilarious, miss him too, funny boy. Well not boy, almost 18! But I also miss you. Write back soon.

I’m obviously sending you that painting.

Your Brother, Theodore “Laurie” Laurence.

You smiled as you ran your fingers delicately over the locket and then clasped it around your neck. You reached for the next letter. You smiled as a small, pocket sized sketch of a park fell out.

July 24th, 1868

Dearest Friend,

I long to see you! You have no idea how much I long to talk about you about Art and Literature. When we next see each other i already know we could sit and talk for hours and hours on end to talk about the great literary works of Charlotte Bronte, or even Jane Austen! How I admire them! We could also attempt to recreate the great works of Monet, but I’m sure we couldn’t as nobody- not even you nor me- could be as great as a painter as him. In here I include a sketch I made while sitting on a park bench the other day. Why, you ask? for your birthday, of course! I had also encountered Laurie the other day, and he talks so animatedly about your latest works. I wish women in France didn’t feel such a duty to their husbands and fight for their own careers. I must see your gallery when i come visit.

Only the very best, Amy March.

You smile as you looked at her sketch, and placed it on your bedside table, where you had another sketch of hers, a sketch of the Seine River, which from all you had heard, you longed to see how beautiful it was.

There was one last letter that you would’ve missed if it hadn’t just fallen to the floor. You picked it up and opened it. It was the shortest out of the three, and it clearly got straight to the point.

July 14, 1868

Hello, Y/N

I hope this letter finds you in good health and prosperity. How is Spain? I’ve heard all about your blossoming art career. I hope i get to see your gallery one day. From what Amy’s told me, it is quite the talk of the town; a beautiful sight to see. Nonetheless, I write you this letter in an urgent fashion, less than orderly manner; dearest friend, Beth’s health is compromised. Her illness has come back; it has come back tenfold, she is suffering everyday and can hardly get up to have a walk outside. We all weep for her. Y/N, her time is running out. We pray and we pray, and she pulls through, put it may not be enough. I know this is a rash question, and i ask you to think about it before you make a final decision. I am asking you to come stay with us for a while, Y/N. Please. You were always the best at comforting us all. Jo needs you.i hear her call out your name in her sleep; as she thrashes around, completely unable to sleep. She is desperately in need for comfort. Someone who loves her romantically; she needs her - what was her nickname for you?- “Poppy Flower?” Yes, i believe that was it. You had one for her too, right? - “Sunflower”-.I know what happened between you two. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. I’m pleading you to think rationally, i don’t want to pressure you to do anything. But please, we need you. Jo needs her Poppy Flower.

Love, Meg March

Your tears were already dripping down to the paper, making the ink run. You held a hand over your mouth to cover your sobs. Not Beth, not sweet sweet Beth who loved music and loved her sisters and loved going to the beach and loved the sunshine and loved drawing.

You packed a suitcase with as many clothes as you could fit, and a rucksack to carry on your back with books, money and other stuff you might need. You laid some shoes and clothes out. You were leaving the next morning on a steamboat for the March house in Concord, Massachusetts.

You quickly wrote down a note for Fernando, leaving it on your door, along with the keys.

August 2nd, 1868

Fernando, Te pido un favor bien grade. Tu esres el encargado de la galeria por las proximas semanas. No te preocupes, los trabajadores tambien te podran ayudar, asi que no estaras solo. Nesecito ir a ver a alguien muy importante - alguien que tiene un sitio muy especial en mi corazon. No te preocupes por tu pago, te lo dejo en este sobre. Se que lo nesecitas para cuidar a tu mama. Mandale mis saludos.

(Fernando, I am asking you a big favor. I am putting you in charge of the art gallery for the next couple of weeks. Don’t worry, the rest of the workers will help you, so you won’t be alone. I need to go see someone very important- someone near and dear to my heart- don’t worry about your pay. I know you need it to take care of your mom. Tell her I said hi.)

You said as you turned off the gas lamp and the moonlight shone through the window.

You were going to see her again.

You fell asleep with a smile on your face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: waaaaaaaaaaaaay longer than i expected. but enjoy this series! feedback is appreciated and requests are open!

Happy reading!

Love,

Talya

#little women #little women x reader #little women x you #little women x y/n #jo march #meg march #beth march #amy march #jo march x fem! reader #jo fem x reader #jo march x you #jo march x y/n #beth march x reader #amy march x reader #meg march x reader #theodore laurence x sister reader #laurie laurence x sister reader #theodore laurence #laurie laurence

87 notes · View notes

talesofsonicasura · 4 years

Text

Diamonds and Voodoo

You Do Voodoo

A mysterious visitor comes to Morioh. Paths diverge and intertwine with the various townfolks of this crazy, noisy bizarre town. And it all started with a good deed touched by a bit of magic.

Good deeds tend to create ripples throughout what we know as life. Sometimes an act of kindness can lead to great rewards. At rare times the road to hell is often paid with good intentions. Nevertheless, this type of charity has a habit of changing the future of one or many individuals. For sometimes, a grand adventure begins with that very act of kindness.

"Look out!" Morioh, a small town amongst the middle of nowhere quite unlike many cities found in Japan. A type of place that tends to be quiet but also hosts some oddities within its dwellings. Unlike many small towns, Morioh would become ground zero for a strand of very bizarre events and each with their own level of danger.

A car was parked awkwardly sideways between the road and crosswalk. Upon closer inspection, this was a crash as the front end was inward from the telephone pole currently wedged inside the bright red metal. To the side was an abandoned bicycle alongside a police officer and what many from this town could call a foreigner. The officer holded the visitor close to his chest almost awkwardly, the telltale of being grabbed.

The officer was an older and surprisingly buff male, darkened grey hair hidden under his cap, eyes that had a natural glint of kindness despite the concern now shining for the person in their arms. A would-be victim of the car accident was a young woman around her late teens, between 16 or 17 from the bits of remaining baby fat still left on her face.

Her skin was slightly tanned in a more climate related basis, such as sun exposure than natural skin tone, hair a short messy lime green hidden under the top jaw of a dinosaur-esque skull, a 5'8 body that was slim, lean and had moderate bust along with curves, but it was her eyes and her arms that drew the most attention.

The young woman's arms were decorated in wavy almost vine patterned tribal markings with a four toes pad on each shoulder and her eyes had a unique case of heterochromia with the right being a normal orange but the entire left eye was blue except for a single white pupil. Her outfit consisted of dark blue fingerless gloves, red sneakers, light brown cargo shorts, a black bra and opened orange vest outlined in red.

"You okay there missy? That car almost hit you if I didn't pull you away in time." The officer questioned, his voice soft and kind in a sort of grandfatherly way. She merely looked up at him with a large impish smile. Not even scared or off-put that a speeding car almost made the teen paste on the street.

"I'm good mister! Just glad no one else got hurt either. Car accidents aren't something normal folks can handle and I rather get hurt than somebody else! I'm more than capable of taking some nasty hits!" The woman's peppy, slightly loud and light chuckle paired with the slightly morbid words had thrown the officer for a loop before he strangely found himself chuckling too.

"Hahaha. Well aren't you an odd but thoughtful young lady? I wish some of my friends on the force had that kind of energy. Everyone's been down as of late and honestly needs a pep talk or two." The greenette looked at his badge for a moment as if scanning for his name. Something that was quick to find apparently as it read 'Ryohei Higashitaka'.

With that in hand, she then reached into the pocket of her cargo while silently whispering his name. The officer or Ryohei honestly looked a bit surprised when the youth produced a peculiar item. It was a small brown wooden charm carved into a smiling mask. The mask was painted with red lips, yellow with green outlined eyes, large reddish eyebrows and four small feathers ranging from yellow, orange, purple and red.

"Please take this mister as a sign of gratitude. It's a good luck charm carved into the likeness of Aku-Aku, a spirit of protection. This charm shall ward off a great disaster in your future." The older man took the odd charm with a soft smile and looked it over. He softly chuckles before patting her head.

"Why thank you! It's pretty adorable and well crafted! I'll make sure to keep it close. Good luck is something a lot of people nowadays…" His eyes widened a bit upon realization. "Whoops! Careless me! I forgot to ask for a name. I am Ryohei Higashitaka, an officer of the Morioh Police Department. What's your name missy? I need it to file a report for ya and if you want to press charges." She merely gave an impish smile with a bit of her tongue sticking out.

"It's Taki-Taki, Taki-Taki Bandicoot."

Budo-ga Oka Middle and High School, one of the few schools within Morioh. A joint school where grades between 6 and 11th are together instead of being separate. It was also a place that had a quite an amount of delinquents which make up some of the school's student body.

Walking towards this destination from the local town square was a mountain of a man in very odd clothing. Hair was jet black and well groomed, eyes a bright ocean blue, body sculpted like a Greek God from every single inch out of 6'5 and a natural scowlish look on his face. Nearly all his clothes, from his coat, pants, shoes and torn back hat with golden pins stylized to spell Jo were white except for the man's shirt which was pitch black.

The man was currently looking over a paper, a report or letter from highly detailed it was in both text and a few select photos. His brows wrinkled in aggravation before muttering a soft 'Yare Yare Daze' under his breath. "Godamnit old man. You're too old to be causing this type of bullshit." He hissed, rough, husky and slightly aggravated tone to his voice making a few people steer clear of his vicinity.

Well… not just that. Unknown to the raven in question, there was something odd looking over his shoulder. This peculiarity was a mask of sorts. It looked vaguely human but the light blue material used to craft it was spectral from how it softly glow like wisps in the night sky.

An Aztec type crown at the top with four flat points as if it was a piece from a gear, large carved ears with faint spiral at the center, pure white eyes and mouth outlined in mauve, and the same mauve color to imitate flat eyebrows. Bystanders seeing the mask either quickened their step or blamed this bizarre sight as 'too much coffee' or 'no more liquor in the morning.'

"Huh. Guess an old man in his late 60s can get laid. Oh, so that's where the gardens are!" The young man nearly bit his tongue in shock from both the raspy, light and almost nerdy sounding male voice but also the fact it came from a floating tiki mask that took a closer look at his document.

He couldn't get a word out of his mouth as the mask flew off with surprising speed. "A Stand?! That means there's a Stand User nearby! You ain't getting away from me!" A bright golden aura began to burn around the adult upon giving chase to the airborne oddity. On the sidewalk, the man's shadow grew with the addition of a more peculiar one.

A few minutes passed when the chase was called off upon the mask being too far in the air to pursue, the extra shadow vanished as the adult male let a growl in annoyance. He lowers his hat with a curse. "Damn it. If that thing's responsible for the recent incidents going on in this town…" The man then went to a payphone before dialing in a number.

"This is Jotaro Kujo. Tell the heads of the Speedwagon Foundation that there is confirmed Stand activity in Morioh. Look into the database about a Stand in shape of a glowing blue mask and the possibility if it's connected to Dio." The phone was slammed down as the white coat of the man fluttered while he left.

"Poke!" A finger poking the little snout of a box turtle that had swam up from the water of the makeshift pond seated by a small bus stop. Sitting on the curb of the pond beside was the odd Taki-Taki, currently petting the small reptilian much to its pleasure. "You're a handsome turtle, aren't you? Much nicer than the big ones back home." She cooed while the turtle rubbed itself against her hand clearly in love with the kind contact.

A little whimper had the young woman look around in utter confusion. Soft heterochromia eyes soon met bright baby blue ones tinged with a bit of fear. That fear directed to the little reptile nipping at the greenette's fingers.

A 5'11 muscular young man with blue violet hair tended neatly into a large pompadour, a dark violet gakuran pinned with a yellow heart and gold peace on each side of his chest, sunshine yellow shirt that peeked through the gap of his uniform coat, and dark boots were the owner of these baby blue orbs.

"You okay? Look like you're about to pee yourself." Taki-Taki questioned upon the fidgeting male still looking at the turtle as if it tried to eat him. He immediately calmed down a bit now noticing he wasn't exactly alone, cheeks dusting a bright red. "I'm so sorry! Reptiles just give me the willies that's all, mostly turtles." His soft and slightly rough almost if still adjusting practically rattled with nervousness.

She merely chuckled whilst waving off any concern. "It's alright! Everyone is afraid of something so no harm done. Plus this little handsome fellow is much more kinder than the ones I've seen in Turtle Woods. Those turtles were mean and one tried to steal my hat!" Her spare hand pointed at the dinosaur skull on her head since the other was still petting the shelled reptile.

The pompadour wearing young man shivered upon the two words 'Turtle Woods' but was honestly thankful that she wasn't making fun of him for his phobia. Taki-Taki then stood up whilst petting the turtle's head one more time. "I better go! Promised to get some stuff with my friend Lani-Loli and we're supposed to meet up at the gardens! Chou!" And she was gone with a pep to her step.

"My name is Josuke Higashitaka… And she's gone. Maybe I'll see her again." The sound of male cursing grew as the purple pomp prince noticed a bunch of male students coming over to him. Delinquents from their rude, downlooking and glaring faces, something that only made him sigh. Days like these tend to suck.

The Higashitaka household, home to the Higashitaka family which consisted of the older police officer Ryohei, his daughter but also single mother Tomoko and Tomoko's son Josuke. A lively place from the unique personalities of the three living inside. Well, it wasn't like this right now.

Peculiar water slipping away from the house window almost like a cobra finished with their prey. A fact so true upon the still body of the family matriarch lying lifeless on the floor. Face carved in blood coated horror slowly changes to a pristine clean outlook through a soft golden aura. Almost if the man died in his slumber and not of gruesome supernatural murder.

The golden aura belonging to a bubblegum arm coated in crystalline diamond armor soon vanishes inside the body of Josuke. Behind Josuke was Jotaro, the man clad in white being a relative, his nephew shockingly taken into consideration that his grandfather was the pomp prince's father. Who knew?

And the older man could only look at the teen that was his uncle trying to coax his dead grandfather back to life with sympathetic pity. Aquamarine eyes that always seemed stuck in a perpetual glare now softened at the scene. The look of someone who had seen a death like this before. Or to be more precise, had experienced such a grizzly sight.

Jotaro knew that this wasn't the time for grief fueled hysterics. There were more pressing matters and dangers ready to drown them from the inside. "Josuke…" Any further words from the older man, alongside any actions from the teen immediately stopped upon one thing. Subtle movement originating from the chest of the officer's corpse before them.

A sickly sweet scent reminiscent of cherries filled the air along with the soft sizzle of something burning. Thin wisps of smoke coming from the body's chest pocket spurred Josuke to go into the clothing's pouch. Baby blue eyes widened seeing a small brown tiki charm in his hands but specifically the feathers that were turning to dust.

"A voodoo charm?" The purplette's attention immediately went back to the corpse of his grandfather. His still chest slowly began to rise and fall almost as if… "He's breathing." It was the only conclusion Jotaro came to upon the subtle movements. The charm in the teenager's hands fully became ash once his previously deceased grandfather sat up looking purely confused.

"Ooh my head… I don't remember my favorite booze having that strong of a kick. Josuke? What are you doing here since I thought you were going out? Who's this guy? And why are you crying?" Ryohei didn't expect to wake up to such a scene or his own grandson to hug him so hard thinking he was about to kick the bucket.

He was quick however to notice the scent of cherry in the air alongside a missing weight in his breast pocket. "Did someone light a scented candle and where did my good luck charm go? Was I mugged or something Josuke?" The elderly man's inquiry had the two younger men share the same look. They needed answers.

/"You want to know who gave me that charm? Well, it was a young girl around my grandson's age. She had green hair, heterochromia with her eyes being orange and blue, and had what looked like a dinosaur skull on her head. Said her name Taki-Taki Bandicoot and came into town looking for ingredients. The charm was based off of a guardian of protection... Aku-Aku I believe she said."/

Information that had both Jotaro and his younger uncle running through the streets of Morioh in a hurry. Ryohei had been put into protective custody with a short call from whoever the raven had pretty high connections to. Something that man would have refused if it wasn't for the fact his son was crying. Josuke only cried when things were at the absolute worst. This made it easier to search without the man being in danger once more.

"I never thought my life would have gotten this insane. First an escaped death row inmate capable of killing his victims from the inside with water and now a Stand User capable of bringing back the dead! Things weren't like this until you came to town!" The highschooler quipped as if to ignore the harsh ache going through his legs.

"Your life was bound to become bizarre the moment you awakened your Stand, no, the moment you were born with Joestar blood. A curse everyone in this damned bloodline has. So don't blame me for the shitshow." Jotaro fired back in absolute annoyance. Their destination was the place mentioned by the woman when Josuke encountered her, Morioh's Springroll Garden.

"Maybe she can remove it? She does know voodoo and it does involve a lot of curse thingies? Do you think Taki-Taki can get rid of my fear of turtles?" The teenager's question was merely met with an eye roll from Jotaro. He was going to shout back an insult until something caught his eyes.

A lone figure standing amongst a large collection of various flora and vegetation belonging to one of Morioh's famous landmarks. More accurately a lonehuman figure and a soft blue floating oddity by them that was very damn familiar to the male clad in white. "There she is and that's the Stand I saw earlier!"

Taki-Taki was currently plucking a few mushrooms from underneath the bushes that provided their moist dark home and placed them into a small straw basket. Springroll Garden was a place where people could pick their vast garden by purchasing a special ticket and take home an entire basket full of items.

"It's kind of cool that the town has such a garden like this. Especially when it guarantees a free basket of fresh goods for first time visitors too!" The luminescent mask said with a big smile while looking at a bush full of white roses. His green haired friend merely let out a chuckle in agreement before speaking. "Same here pal. Makes it a lot easier to find the things needed to work my magic."

A loud shout had the two look up to see some familiar faces running their way. "Wouldn't you know? Hey Pompadour Prince, fancy seeing you here!" Taki-Taki's nickname immediately had the boy stop in his tracks. Face burning in anger until the words finally hitting turned that anger into pure confusion. The sudden confusion didn't stop the mask from cowering behind the greenette.

"Pompadour Prince?" He questioned while pointing to himself, clearly confused. "You kidding? That's the best pompadour I've ever seen. Also, calling you king is going a bit too far since we've barely known each other and aren't in a relationship." Her words caused the male teen to blush a bit paired with a smitten look and cheesy smile.

Jotaro merely elbowed Josuke's shoulder as the highschooler remembered what they were supposed to be doing. "Taki-Taki Bandicoot, we need you to come with us. We already know about you being a Stand User since your Stand is hiding right behind you but also that charm you gave Ryohei Higashitaka before he was attacked."

The greenette merely had a confused look before it immediately narrowed into glare after the words Ryohei Higashitaka and attacked. Her emotions were clearly being felt through the odd mask as it came out of hiding to glare at them. "I knew something bad was bound to happen upon seeing that dark aura. Tell me what you've done to that kind officer before I rip ya putzes a new one!"

Josuke was thrown off guard by the sudden aggression consuming Taki-Taki's features. It was as if a cloak of pure madness just overshadowed that sunny aura of the greenette. The change didn't deter Jotaro who refused to back down at her threat. As if proving his point, a gold aura started to radiate from his body.

"You need to calm down now. We aren't your enemies but I won't hesitate to knock you out even if you're a girl." The man spoke as something appeared from his body like an apparition. It was a humanoid spirit of sorts that appeared to be an Aztec Warrior or barbarian with similar origins.

Just as big and buff as his summoner but a bit more, soft blue skin that outlined a coral inner pink, black hair that flowed like smoke but sparkle as if it was stardust, soft ocean blue eyes and a body armed with white pauldrons painted in gold spirals, black fingerless gold studded gloves, a white scarf around their neck, black knee high boots and a long white loincloth alongside a dark tasset.

Yet, the strange being seemed to only piss off Taki-Taki even further as she went into her pant's pocket to pull out a small crystal orb. "You're going to threaten me with a giant in his skivvies? Alright jackass, hope your ready to party. For this Ooda-Booga Boogie of mine is going to send ya to the hospital!" And she crushed the crystal orb in her hand.

Both men only had seconds until a large blackish pink fist had punched Jotaro's spirit in the face, the ghost and summoner were sent flying out of the garden before kissing the street concrete. Josuke could only blink before seeing the thing responsible for sending his nephew airborne. "Holy shit!" For what stood snarling in front of Taki-Taki was an absolute monster.

A heavily built 9'6 tall slightly deformed anthropomorphic porcupine with vibrant magenta skin overshadowed by a darkish gray hide. A long singular black horn tipped with hot pink, burning crimson eyes that glared down at the man in white, a magenta muzzle overlapped with an giant overbite of fangs, multiple pink tipped black spikes across their back, their right arm covered in black armor in the form of a riot shield, and crimson hakama trousers with a black paw print on the side.

The beast snarled angrily at Jotaro while a trail of drool came down from their razor sharp maw. It then let out a loud and deep inhuman roar almost if challenging anyone foolish enough to face the beast's wrath. Jotaro had gotten back onto his feet, spitting a bit of blood on the road before wiping the remainder from his mouth. Some of it stained bits of his hat a dark crimson. His spirit staring at the beast with an analysistic glare.

"That's one hell of a sucker punch you got there. Quite an ugly bastard of a friend you have, makes me question which one it is though. Is the beast your actual stand or a byproduct of its power?" The question only seemed to aggravate the greenette and the large creature she called upon.

"That 'ugly bastard' is my friend Quill and what is with this Stand garbage anyway?! What I want to know is did you attack Mr. Ryohei?! My charm doesn't just vanish without fulfilling its purpose even if stolen. Now answer me or I'll beat the truth out of you!" Taki-Taki declared with a snarl that held inhumanely sharp teeth.

Josuke didn't have to be a genius to know if he didn't stop these two right now then things were going to get a lot worse. His nephew's Stand went in for a punch while the greenette's large beast followed suit. Neither attack landing their blow as two diamond covered pink hands caught both fists.

The culprit was a giant pink skinned warrior whose body was covered in Corinthian style diamond armor. He was huge with the same type of muscle like Jotaro's spirit, eyes were a bright baby blue that shone through the darkness of the heart top helmet with concern, wires connecting the back of his neck to his back, heart shaped diamond pauldrons with spikes, armor that over lined the side of his arms, legs and back, and diamond plating rings around the fingers.

Unlike Jotaro's Stand or Taki-Taki's giant beast, this one exuded a gentle and kind aura akin to that of a guardian or protector. Something that made sense from the soft magenta aura radiating from Josuke. "Please stop fighting! I don't want to see my nephew or the person who saved my grandpa hurt each other for something stupid!" The pomp prince's words carried strong as they were sincere.

Something the greenette easily felt upon Quill taking a step back as if backing down from the fight since there was no longer any hostility. Jotaro's Stand disappeared soon after while he muttered a soft 'Yare Yare Daze' under his breath. "Holy shit… I thought things were going to get ugly there. I don't think this garden deserves to be wrecked by a Spike." The mask's quip not being lost on anyone.

Later at the Higashitaka House, cups of tea were placed on the table. Sitting at the table on mats were Josuke, Jotaro and the odd woman known as Taki-Taki Bandicoot. To their left side strangely enough was the greenette's mask and both men's spirits that were conversing with each other or goofing off upon the playing cards between them.

"I still don't believe that Stands are basically the spiritual energy of someone given form. You sure they aren't warrior ancestors? Jotaro's Star Platinum looks like an Aztec barbarian and Josuke, your Crazy Diamond reminds of those old Greek soldiers from his armor." She said while looking at the three oddities playing Go Fish.

A Scrabble holder was being used for the mask or Lani-Loli's cards since he didn't have any hands. He would ask either Star Platinum or Crazy Diamond to put any of his matching cards down and when he needed to 'fish' a card. "Pretty sure. Couldn't I ask the same thing about Lani-Loli over there? Floating masks that can talk aren't normal either." Josuke quipped while pointing to the mask in question.

"Hey! I'm right here you know and I'm way older than all of you combined! And I would have you know that I was human before becoming a Quantum Mask! If I still had hands I would smack all three of you on the head!" The mask fired back in aggravation, some of the cards disappearing in blue wisps of smoke... alongside Josuke's clothes.

"Eeek!" He panicked immediately covering his crotch, Jotaro hiding his embarrassment under his hat while Taki-Taki turned her head away with face hot red in embarrassment. "Great Tikimon! Lani-Loli! Phase his clothes back now!" The mask quickly undoing his magic in sheer embarrassment. Josuke's clothes and the cards popping back into reality with similar blue wispy smoke.

Poor teen let out a sigh of relief knowing he wasn't nude in front of a girl anymore. "Sorry! Sometimes I accidentally poof things out of existence when I'm stressed! And nothing says stress like an escaped convict who kills people with living water!" Jotaro rolled his eyes at the smartass remark. For an all mighty ancient mask, Lani-Loli was an anxious nerd that was a scare away from passing out.

The reason why they were holed up in Josuke's house was that all of them were targets of the Stand User Angelo and his Stand Aqua Necklace.

Angelo was a psychopath with a taste of madness and penchant for violence. The man was arrested repeatedly for brutal acts like murder and even sexual assault before he was landed on Death row. Sadly his execution didn't work properly, allowing the maniac to escape the morgue and reach Morioh. He attacked Ryohei as the cop was the reason Angelo got arrested.

Due to the nature of his Stand, none of them could use water that came from anywhere but a bottle in fear of accidentally swallowing the dangerous entity. "And when do you think it's safe for us to go home? Unlike you guys, my dad will go nuts if I ain't back soon. None of us want to deal with an angry father much less my pops, Crash Bandicoot." Taki-Taki wasn't blind to the nervous look on the pompadour prince's face while he took a sip of his tea.

"Until that Stand User is caught." Jotaro didn't foresee the spray of tea hitting his face from the greenette's spit-take. The grown man was growling in his seat while the young woman tried to settle down her coughs. "You nuts?! That is the stupidest thing I ever heard and this is stemming from the fact my partner does insanely stupid stuff on a daily basis!"

Lani-Loli had flown over to the table so fast that the card pile dispersed from the sudden gust, much to both Stand's displeasure. "You said this guy's Stand is pure water right? What do we do when we run out of water? Wait, here's a better one! What happens if it rained? Shelter becomes a deathtrap in two seconds!" Both men's eyes widened upon the mask's words.

After settling down her coughing fit, Taki-Taki let out a soft whisper. "I think this is what that putz wants. Turn ourselves into sitting ducks and swoops in for the kill until it's too late. And it's going to rain in three days." Silence filled the room upon that very knowledge. The convict was planning to turn their stakeout into a trap.

Josuke could only sigh at the difficult hand. Sure, they now know the guy's plan but if they ignore it then finding Angelo would be even harder. It also meant that the psycho will find out Ryohei is still alive and won't hesitate to attack him again. "Then let's turn the tables back. Turn the hunter into the hunted." All eyes were on Taki-Taki in seconds.

She had a goofy smile on her face with her tongue sticking out in an impish manner. There was also the fact that another crystal orb was in her hands. An item that produced the monstrous Quill but unlike that one, this jewel was a shade of toxic green. Lani-Loli, upon seeing what his friend held, grew a mischievous grin of his own. The odd duo clearly had a plan that almost made Jotaro and Josuke feel an ounce of pity. Almost being the keyword.

Rain had finally fallen upon the house once three days had passed by. Taki-Taki had called her father about being home a few days late since some issues had cropped up. Neither Josuke or Jotaro heard the man's voice but what they gathered upon how the greenette talked, 'Crash' was kindly lenient. Although, both males would have to see him once she got back home.

They spent most of their time keeping themselves from getting bored. Board games, reading, or Taki-Taki crafting some… mysterious concoctions and trinkets with whatever she found in the Higashitaka household. Josuke could honestly admit that he didn't know there was a den of possums hiding in his walls but the witch doctor managed to get some possum fur and nail clippings after one landed on Jotaro.

The greenette at the moment was alone in the bathroom, various ingredients that surrounded a lone bucket. Each item was odd in their own right, rat tails, frog eyes, shiitake mushrooms, yew branches, spoiled milk and a bottle of water. Taki-Taki began pouring the ingredients into the vat starting with the rotten dairy.

She was chanting in an unknown language that eerily sounded like a mix of Arabic and Pig Latin. Bucket began to bubble from her words as the color shifted upon every ingredient dropped into the vat. Taki-Taki's water bottle was currently halfway empty through the process and the cap left abandoned to the side.

Unbeknownst to the woman, rain began to patter outside and something opaque began to build up by the window. It looked like water but it held a more bluish hue and moved too much like a living creature to be normal. Then a pair of sinister pink eyes and a grin full of sharp teeth slithered through.

"You sure this isn't a mango?" Josuke currently sat in the front room alongside Lani-Loli who floated over the teenager's shoulder. Standing on the table was a large orange fruit with a yellow bottom similar to a mango but two leaves that hung from a stem. The teenager currently poking at the fruit that had come from Taki-Taki's home.

"Nope! It's a Wumpa Fruit, a pretty common thing to find on the Wumpa Islands. They're much sweeter than mango and the juice is pretty tasty too. Especially when used for a Wumpa Smoothie, those are really good." Being curious upon the mask's words, the pompadour prince took a nicely sized bite of the fruit.

Tangy sweetness was the first thing that hit the highschooler's taste buds then a rich zesty flavor kicked in a matter of seconds. "Holy shit! This is actually pretty good. Yo Jotaro, you have to try this!" The raven poked his head out of the kitchen upon hearing his name. He let out an annoyed sigh before snatching the fruit out of the teen's hand.

"Did someone put salt in your oatmeal today?" Lani-Loli couldn't help but point out at the man's awfully sour mood added by the harsh bite he took out of the poor fruit or the vicious vice grip. "No. None of you are taking this situation seriously and last I checked didn't get an angry rodent trying to claw up your face." He hissed before taking another aggressive bite.

The sound of footsteps had gotten the two humans and mask turning their heads. Approaching them with an eerily quiet and dead stare was Taki-Taki. Her feet moving sluggishly to the point it was close to that of a sleepwalker… or if heavy weights were tied to the woman's legs.

"Taki?" Lani-Loli's voice thick with concern while he spoke his friend's nickname. Her response was to open her mouth slowly with evil pink eyes glaring back at them in the darkness. "Sorry but your little friend's life is now mine!" A vile, raspy and deep male voice coming out of the greenette's mouth, all to the horror of her friends.

"Aqua Necklace?! You bastard, get out of Taki-Taki now Angelo!" Josuke could only burn brighter in rage from the deranged laugh of the psychopathic water Stand. "And get rid of my only hostage?! Hell no! This bitch is the reason why Ryohei Higashitaka is still alive! She has the power to bring back the dead, a ticket to immortality!" The mask could only roll his eyes as if sensing a monologue.

"I've been watching you this whole time. I saw the giant beast she summoned and that mask phasing things through existence. With her as my slave, I'll be invincible! The world will be my toy box and every single person my toys that I can break for eternity! Once you're all dead, I'll break her until she's a mindless bitch who will follow my every…" The monologue was caught short upon her mouth snapping shut.

Yet, it wasn't the lips that closed the space but an eerie green substance reminiscent to goo. "The hell?!" Aqua Necklace tried to dive down the woman's throat only to run into another gooey green wall. Then he heard laughter. Pink eyes turned to see it was Lani-Loli who was responsible. He was cackling mischievously that tears looked ready to fly from how hard his laughter, much to the confusion of his friends.

"Haha! Hehehehe! You really thought it would be so easy! Taki and I faced way worse than your miserable hide. Oh, and that's not Taki-Taki you putz! Drop the charade Toxic!" Jotaro and Josuke immediately jumped back upon who they thought was Taki-Taki began to melt. All color draining away into a puddle of green slightly clear goo.

Crazy Diamond and Star Platinum were quickly summoned when that sludge started to rise up in the process of a transformation. The slime forming three toed misshapen legs, dripping fat arms with chubby fingers, a large yellow green belly that from its almost clear texture and Aqua Necklace being held inside looked more like a prison, and a roundish hippo like head paired with short pig ears, large deformed inhuman teeth and two alien yellow orbs looking back at it's observers.

The beast or Toxic's appearance could be compared to a 8 ft tall ogre or even an Oni, supernatural beings that tend to punish wicked humans. "Meet the Sludge, a creature made of magic infused ooze with a love for eating utter garbage, like your ugly face! I told Toxic here about your little plan involving my best friend."

Almost on cue, the large oozing beast let a loud snarl before smoke began filling in its tummy. "Aaaaaaah! What the hell is that smell?! It's getting hot in here! Don't tell me this is acid?!" The mask only had a vicious smile on his face that solidified the fact. "People like you make me sick. I've read your entire file and I bet it would even make Uka-Uka himself furious to see your deeds!" Aqua Necklace could only shiver in horror at the mask.

It was like Lani-Loli's nervous self had been overshadowed by pure animalistic rage that his eyes were narrowed slits and teeth were now large fangs held in a snarl. A deity ready to smite a sinner with divine punishment. Even Jotaro and Josuke were taken aback by the sudden shift.

"I may be a scaredy cat but I am still a protector. My name is Lani-Loli, the Quantum Mask of Phase! For ruining the lives of many, threatening my friends and having an unsavory plan for my contractor, I mark you Angelo and his Stand Aqua Necklace, guilty of your sins! And boy do I have a nice punishment for your wicked soul."

The mask then faced the two Joestar blooded men. "Josuke. Jotaro. Taki-Taki left earlier to find this cretin's owner hence my friend Toxic here taking her place. I know where she is and I'm going to need your help with something."

On a street a few blocks from Josuke's house sat a large boulder. This rock had laid on this spot for centuries after a stray storm left it stranded on the land that would become Morioh. Tied to this very stone was an unsavory dark haired man in a milkman uniform bound by chains and gagged with a black cloth. Bruises decorating his body no doubt from the slightly bloody fists of the witch doctor.

Taki-Taki turned her head and smiled upon the sight of her friends coming into view. Aqua Necklace was still trapped within the prison that was Toxic's stomach, who seemed mighty pleased at the abomination's struggle. "Damn, you did a number on the asshole." Josuke said much to the greenette's pleasure.

"I aim to please. Now then, Angelo, since you made a living of ruining people's lives I believe your punishment should be providing good luck." Taki-Taki then pulled from behind the rock was the bucket filled with her concoction. It was a bright bubbling pink and had a smell akin to rotten lavender. She didn't resist dumping the nasty vat all over the convict much to his displeasure.

The man was struggling in disgust before his movements slowed to a crawl as if his whole body was paralyzed except for his mouth and eyes. Taki then yanked the gag from Angelo's lips allowing the man to speak. "You...crazy bitch…! What have you done?" His raspy dry voice almost sounded like a dying cat from how quiet it was.

"A simple potion made to turn you into an eternal good luck charm for all the folks in Morioh! Bet you now wished that your original execution didn't fail. Josuke, this last part is all up to you. Today you will have to make a choice on how this man goes out." Taki-Taki's eyes narrowed as they glowed inhumanly under the dark cloudy sky.

"Ryohei Higashitaka was the one who put this man in jail and stopped his rampage. In vengeance, this scum tried to rob a righteous soul of his life. As Ryohei's grandson, will you fulfill his task and put an end to the man that escaped the grim reaper's blade? If not, then I will perform the deed with Lani-Loli. What do you say?"

The pompadour prince was a bit off guard by the witch doctor's words. Why would she ask him if he wanted to be the one that dealt Angelo's punishment? "Josuke?! Are you seriously going to let her kill me? Sure I tried to kill your grandfather but if you go along with this bitch's plan then you'll be a killer just like me!"

None of them were blind to the man's false pleas knowing it was a trick to let him go. A rat that will only wreak havoc if given a shred of mercy. Angelo's rants were caught off by a fist breaking both his hand and a chunk of the rock. The shocking thing was that the stone merged and encased itself around the appendage much to the psycho's horror.

"Aaah! My hand!! What are you doing?" Josuke merely ignored the man's painful cries. "You really think that we're going to let you go after all you've done. This town used to be a peaceful place before you came and played with people's lives! So for the rest of your days, you're going to pay back every family that you destroyed! Taki-Taki." The greenette smiled knowing what the young man wanted.

"Let's do this Lani-Loli! Armor up!" The cyan mask flew around Taki-Taki with trails of aqua wispy trails that followed from behind. The mask situated himself onto her back while the ghostly ribbons wrapped themselves around her body. Each wispy streak solidified to form a black jumpsuit of sorts which was highlighted by glowing aqua blue chunks of armor reminiscent of Lani-Loli's crown.

Taki-Taki's eyes were now completely glowing blue while velvet sky blue energy followed through the tattoos on her skin and turned her hair into luminous bluish mist. The sudden change to the witch doctor had the restrained Angelo sweating in terror and nearly pissing himself when Josuke's Crazy Diamond materialized.

"Dorarararararara!!!!" The armored spirit let out a battle cry as both him and the armored greenette let loose a barrage of vicious punches. Each strike was as destructive and fast as machine gun rounds, blowing off huge chunks of the stone and merging to the man trapped in the dead center. Neither of them stopping their assault until every piece of stone had been reassembled.

With one last brutal punch, the stone fragments had fully merged Angelo turning the once human male into a deformed boulder. This new shape of the large stone was a malformed face with wide eyes held in different angles, a large flat nose at the bottom similar to a maui and stress lines just like the person it used to be.

Aqua Necklace, who was still trapped in Toxic's belly, quickly melted away in seconds. No doubt the Stand could no longer survive without the life force of its user, thus following its master into hell. Jotaro could only grimace behind the guard of his cap.

[Morioh Landmark 1: Angelo's Rock. No one knows where this mysterious stone appeared from or why. Despite its unnerving appearance, this landmark is a hotspot for couples both old and new.]

'These three are bat shit crazy and have the strength to back it up. Luckily Josuke has a good head on shoulders but…' The raven's eyes drifted to Taki-Taki, her sludge summon and most importantly Lani-Loli still hanging onto her back. She was conversing with Josuke who took the time to look at her changed form and the living sludge Toxic in rapt curiosity.

'Taki-Taki isn't a Stand User but she's just as dangerous as one. Those beasts, Quill and Toxic, whatever they are no doubt has a connection to her origins. And then there's Lani-Loli. I don't exactly know what a Quantum Mask is but I have a feeling he isn't the only one. Just who are you?'

And that is it! This ended being super long since the story revolves around two whole episodes instead of one. It does take place in the beginning of Part 4 and I wanted to stick as close to canon involving them.

Yes, Taki-Taki can call upon Titans, the enemies normally found in the Crash of the Titan series. Unlike a large chunk of people, I actually like the Titan games. They were the first Crash games I played and 100%. I did play Crash The Huge Adventure for the gameboy advance but it got destroyed in the wash sadly before I got the last crystal.

Any version of Crash of the Titans is good but I suggest playing the DS version of Mind Over Mutant considering the console version is more of an annoying chore with tons of backtracking.

My favorite Titans are Spike and Rhinoroller. I especially love the boss version of Spike from the DS Mind Over Mutant but I haven't found the concept art of it yet.

Just like a witch doctor, Taki-Taki does craft all sorts of potions and charms. The Aku-Aku charm acts like a second chance. If someone who has the charm experiences death, the charm will revive them. Deaths done through murder are a bit different.

The charm will hold onto their soul until its safe to revive the holder. Any extensive damage is done and the soul is returned back to the body once repairs are complete. After use, the charm will disintegrate or dull out depending on how much damage was caused.

The Phase Armor given by Lani-Loli is much different for Taki-Taki when she uses it. Reason for it is that she's contracted to him thus the power and magic he provides is much stronger than someone who doesn't have a contract.

Even if Lani-Loli is quite a skittish character,that doesn't mean he won't get serious when needed. Angelo did a lot of horrible stuff that I bet even Uka-Uka wouldn't do. Uka-Uka may be evil but he has standards.

I wanted to try a different writing style for this considering Part 4 is more of a murder mystery. So I wanted to introduce particular areas, new landmarks and important information in a traversing to the next scene.

Until next time folks! Tell the world that your unbreakable!

10 notes · View notes

katehuntington · 5 years

Text

Title: Ride With Me (part four) Fandom: Supernatural AU Characters series: Reader, Dean Winchester, Bobby Singer, Ellen Singer-Harvelle, Jo Singer (Harvelle), Benny Lafitte, Ash Miles, Garth Fitzgerald IV, Castiel Novek, and many more. Timeline: 2008 Pairing: Dean x Reader (eventually) Word count: ±5500 words Summary series: Y/N is a talented horse rider who is on her way to become a professional. In order to convince her father that she deserves the loan needed to start her own farm, she goes to Arizona for six months, to intern at a ranch owned by Bobby and Ellen Singer. Her future is set out, but then she meets a handsome horseman, who goes by the name of Dean Winchester. A heartwarming series about a cowboy who falls for the girl, letting go of the past and the importance of family. Summary part four: Y/N begins to feel more at home, getting the hang of the daily routine at the ranch. But her world is finally complete when her horse arrives. Warnings series: NSFW, 18+ only! Fluff, angst, eventually smut. Swearing, smoking, alcohol intoxication, alcohol abuse. Mutual pining, heartbreak. Crying, nightmares, childhood trauma. Description of animal abuse, domestic violence, mentions of addiction. Financial problems, stress, mental breakdown. Description of blood and injury, hospital scenes, character death, grief. Music: ‘Sunshine’ by Ryan Bingham, ‘The Stable Song’ by Gregory Alan Isakov. Check out ‘Kate Huntington’s Ride With Me playlist’ on Spotify! Author’s note: Thank you @kittenofdoomage, @coffee-obsessed-writer and @girl-with-a-fandom-fettish for helping me. You girls are awesome betas.

Ride With Me Masterlist

“You haven't mucked many stables in your life, have ya?”

Panting, Y/N stops with what she’s doing, wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. After turning out all the animals, Dean and Jo started training the horses, while she was assigned to assist Garth to muck out the twenty stables. The air might have cooled between the head wrangler and herself, he did not lie when he said that he was not going to treat her differently than any other intern. As she anticipated, she landed a dirty job, quite literally. Out of breath, she turns to face Garth in the doorway, who is leaning on a pitchfork. He has his eyebrows raised, but his smile is gentle. With her pitchfork still stuck in the mixture of sawdust and manure, she chuckles nervously. Is it that obvious that she has absolutely no idea what she is doing? The stable boy has got her figured out, but she is not entirely ready to admit it yet. In another attempt to lift the heavy clunk off the concrete, she’s able to pull it up a few inches, but then she has to admit her defeat; it’s just too heavy. “Guilty,” she sighs.

“Here, let me help,” Garth offers. “What you basically do with each stable, is quickly scoop the clean shavings in one corner and only take out what’s dirty. Don't bite off more than you can chew, alright? If you try to clean out the stable in one haul, you’ll ruin your back. Make sure the wheelbarrow is already pointing into the direction of the shitpit, so that you don't have to turn it when it's full.” “The shitpit? Really?” Y/N grins, assuming he meant the muck heap. “It has a nice ring to it,” the guy returns, sniggering over his own choice of words. He demonstrates quickly, moving the clean shavings aside and picking up the darkened wooden fibers with his pitchfork, hurling it into the wheelbarrow swiftly. “Don't be too neat about it, the ponies are gonna drop their chocolate muffins the moment they step back in. Make sure most of it is out,” Garth scoops up the last droppings, then twists the handle and pulls the clean shavings back to the center of the stall, “then even out what's left and if necessary add a little more shavings.”

The tactic helps, and Y/N cleans out the next stable a lot faster than she did the previous one. Yet she can't keep up with Garth, who finishes his row when she has barely reached the fifth box. Already she feels exhausted. Aching shoulders, a sore back, and already blisters start to develop on her hands during the very first hour of hard labor. On top of all that, she is so hungry that she can hear her stomach growl above the sound of Ryan Bingham’s ‘Sunshine’ blasting from the radio. Breakfast sure sounds good by now. Twenty minutes past eight she finishes her final stable while the slender stable boy is sweeping the hallway. He is done by the time she returns with an empty wheelbarrow, which she turns over against the wall next to the other. Jo and Dean return from the arena, cooling the horses down by walking circles around the Joshua tree. For a second, Y/N watches the head wrangler on the beautiful buckskin with black manes and a shiny, golden coat. Her breath is stolen from her for a short second.

Holy mother of God; he looks good on a horse.

Even though the American Quarter is only walking, she can tell he’s a good rider. The way he comfortably adjusts his balance with the movements of the animal under him, the end of the reins loosely between his fingers and his free hand rests on his upper leg as he talks to Jo; riding comes naturally. It is like breathing to him, he doesn't even have to think about it. Jo seems at home in her beautifully hand-crafted saddle as well. “I don't know about y’all, but I could eat.” Benny leans against the large doorway, lifts his hat and wipes the sweat from his brow with his forearm, then puts it back on. He picks a pack of Lucky Strike from his back pocket, as well as his zippo, and lights a smoke. He generously smiles at Y/N after taking a drag, and for a second she senses that Dean isn’t the only one who is interested in the fresh face. Well, fresh? Not so much after mucking out stalls in eighty-seven degrees, but then again, neither is the farrier. His shirt is drenched, dark stains on the center of his chest. A little insecure about his intentions, she smiles back sheepishly, after which Benny thankfully shifts his attention to the riders. “Still comfortable up there, Chief? Get your lazy ass off that horse, us workin’ men gotta still our hunger,” he nags. Dean chuckles, amused by the harmless bantering of his best friend. “Somebody has to do the ridin’ and keep the horse beneath,” he counters, as he swings his right leg over the back of the horse and lowers himself to the ground. "One time, brother,” the Southerling sighs, shaking his head. “One time you saw me fall off that bronc and you still hold that against me? That was six years ago!”

Y/N looks from Benny to Dean, who has tied his buckskin to the pole under the Joshua tree and now loosens the cinch of the saddle. The intern takes her cue and walks over to help, partly trying to make up for the attitude she gave him the night before, but also to impress him with her eagerness. The head wrangler grins at her over the back of his horse as his friend continues to argue over what’s true and what's exaggerated about the event that his friend just brought up. Y/N can’t hide her smile either; she would like to see where this is heading. “Oh, you didn't just fall off that bronc. That was the biggest face plant in the history of the State of Arizona,” Dean corrects, slightly overdoing it to the amusement of the others. “C’mon now, it wasn't like that,” Benny responds. Dean opens the faucet and starts to hose down the Quarter, washing the dirt and sweat out of its golden coat. In the meantime Y/N takes off the bridle and replaces it with a leather halter, trying not to snigger. “Benny, be fair. There's still a dent in the arena footing where you touched down with that brick head of yours,” Jo chips in. Y/N snorts and Dean breaks out in full-body laughter, only fueled by the stunned expression of the farrier, the cigarette still hanging from his parted lips. He doesn't have a counter ready. “I ain’t talkin’ to you folks no more,” he mutters eventually, after which he saunters away, mumbling something unintelligible.

Dean smirks, and eyes the intern again over the arch of the buckskin’s back, running his hand through the horse's wet mane, after which he gives the stallion a pat on the shoulder. He's trying to suppress the trace of victory before the others notice. What was this whole little challenge with his friend about? Truly just his colleague’s legendary fall? Dean saw how his pal smiled at Y/N and felt his gut twist and turn at the sight. He knows Benny, he knows that grin. And although she obviously belongs to nobody and the two men usually don't mind when one gives it a go with the girl who the other is chasing, Dean felt the need to claim her. When the farrier mocked him on making slow time, he instantly took that opportunity to put him back in his place. He wonders if Benny picked up on his reasoning, and what if she did? The cowboy tries to read her as he lifts the heavy saddle off the pole. “Wanna bring him back to his stable?” he asks with a gentle voice. “Led is in the second on the left.” “Sure.” She smiles, glad to get the responsibility of one of his horses. But then she realizes something. Led? Who calls his horse Led? Unless… “Led, as in ‘Led Zeppelin’?” she wonders, as she unties the beautiful stallion. Surprised Dean frowns at her and looks over his shoulder. “You know this horse?” She scoffs. “No, but I know the band.”

Feeling the cowboy's eyes on her, she can tell that he’s impressed, and instantly the heat rushes to her cheeks. Why are you feeling so flushed every time he directs his gaze to you? She wonders. You're that confident girl who gave him a run for his money last night. Where did she go? But something about his ways leaves her a doubtful mess inside. “You know Led Zeppelin?” Dean appeared again, resting his strong forearms on the stable door. Apparently he stored away the saddle in the tack room and made it back in record time. She piqued his interest earlier, but now he just can’t help himself. “I’m familiar with their music, yeah,” she admits, undoing Led from his halter, after which she intends to exit the box. “Prove it,” he challenges, holding the door for her. “First song of the second album.” “Whole Lotta Love,” she recalls without blinking, confidence returning now that he started on a subject she’s an expert on. “Name of the fifth album.” She grins as the two of them start making their way, joined by Jo and Garth, who helped her tack down the grey she was riding. “Houses of the Holy,” she answers. He laughs. “Well, I’ll be damned. Where have you been hiding all my life?”

She can’t stop herself from chuckling as she looks down, catching Jo’s eye roll as she does. It's clear the blonde cowgirl is not impressed with her cousin’s smooth talk and it brings Y/N back to earth. Yes, she gives Dean the benefit of the doubt, but Jo warned her for a reason. This is his usual M.O, he tells this to all the girls, the convincing voice in her mind tells her. There is nothing special about you. “What’s your favorite Led Zep song?” Dean wonders. “Right now at this very moment?” She steals a playful glance at him from under her Milano hat. “It would be a tie between What Is And What Should Never Be and Ramble On.”

Dean opens his mouth to respond as he pushes open the heavy door to the small cafeteria, but then the titles dawn on him. The double meaning behind her peculiar choice of songs doesn't go unnoticed with his colleagues either, because Jo throws him a wide grin, and Garth sniggers. He shakes his head, but can’t hide the ear to ear smile. Before the wrangler can fire back, he enters the lounge area, the smell of bacon, fresh bread, and pancakes filling his nostrils like it does every morning. Aunt Ellen, his dear aunt Ellen. Everyone who works at this ranch should be thanking the man upstairs for this woman who makes the best scrambled eggs in the country.

“Well, come on in, y’all!” She greets the workers, stirring the delicious smelling food in the frying pan, after which she starts scooping the eggs on the plates. “The food ain't sittin’ here to get cold.” With a watering mouth, Y/N settles down on the chair opposite of Bobby, who is already sipping on his coffee while Benny puts a fresh pot on the table. Ash hits the radio, letting Americana music mix with chatter. When everyone is seated, Ellen turns to Y/N. “Now honey, here we pray before our meal. Feel free to join us, but it’s perfectly fine if you don’t,” she informs the intern with a gentleness in her voice that makes her feel comfortable, whatever option she chooses. Ellen takes her husband’s hand and squeezes it sweetly, then turns to one of the wranglers. “Ash? I believe it’s your turn for prayers.” “Great, ‘cause I’m starvin’,” Ash states, apparently keeping things short. “Good food, good meat. Good God, let’s eat!” “Amen!” Benny adds, not wasting a second before starting on his breakfast.

Y/N grins at the sight of the two men, who couldn’t be more different, devouring the food as her neighbor Jo shakes her head disapproving, muttering ‘savages’. Laughing, Garth reaches over the table for a freshly baked bun while Bobby asks for the butter, and passes the ketchup to his daughter before she can ask for it. The blonde squirts the red sauce on her stir-fried eggs, leaving her bacon unattended long enough for Ash to almost steal it from her, had Ellen not smacked him on the hand with a spatula. The intern might have stumbled on a ranch that at the surface seems a little dysfunctional with workers and wranglers that occasionally score high on the crazy scale, but somehow she feels like she fits in. The fear of not being accepted was washed away by the welcoming comfort that reflects from every single one present in this room. She is a part of this already.

As she chews on the delicious bacon while laughing over one of Benny’s funny stories, she glances across the table, catching Dean looking over. It startles her a little, but she doesn’t look away and neither does he. For just a moment, she could swear she caught him off guard when she laid eyes on him, or did she imagine him flinching? The exchange of looks lasts several seconds as the cowboy keeps a hold of her gaze, letting her dwell in his emerald greens, before Bobby breaks the moment unintentionally by elbowing his head wrangler when he tries to pick one of the sausages out of the pan in front of him. Relieved, Y/N breathes and take a swig of her glass of orange juice. How many times does she have to remind herself that the only reason she’s here, is to prove to her dad that she can run her own business? She has to stay focused, remember what Jo told her, and do what she came here to do. Yet the presence of the tall and handsome cowboy with dark blonde hair, gorgeous eyes, and a killer smile is going to make that difficult. She doesn't even have to make it through the first day to figure that much.

Honestly, Y/N has no idea what she was so worried about in the weeks prior to this internship. Working at the ranch proves to be hard labor, but the physical aspect of the job is about the only one she needs to adjust to. The rookie picks up quickly and doesn't have to be told twice, which is noticed by the crew. Garth especially compliments her on occasion, which fuels her confidence and motivates her to a degree that the soreness of her body is forgotten. After breakfast, the trail horses are brought in and tied up at the tack up area, where she and Jo prepare them for the first ride of the day. While handling some of the four-legged workers, she tries to remember the names and characteristics of each. She gets to know Teddy, an easy-going, brown gelding whose full name is Ted Nugent, and Pink Floyd, a small chestnut with a peculiar scar on his shoulder in the shape of a triangle; a visible memory of an old injury he suffered when he ran through a fence as a foal. Then there's Bowie, a red roan with a zigzag marking on his forehead, Joplin, a dark mare, and Dylan, a pinto coming of age but is still going strong. Seems like Dean got a little carried away when naming the animals, it’s hard to miss the rock theme. Jo takes a group of five inexperienced riders for a slow ride, while Garth continues to tack up training horses for the head wrangler, so that he can get off one and on the next. At that pace, eight horses have their workout before lunch. Between sweeping floors and turning out horses, Y/N manages to catch a glimpse of the training, and even though she doesn't want to get caught leaning on a broom, she can't stop her gaze from drifting over to the arena. The skilled rider is a joy to watch, and not just because he looks good doing it. Not once does he use force to control the horse, and the extent of his patience is remarkable, especially when one of the young stallions acts up. Without a shadow of a doubt, Y/N is going to learn a lot from him, she can't wait for her horse to arrive.

After lunch - which again is served by Ellen and tastes absolutely devine - the crew retreats to the bunkhouse for their two-hour siesta. Ash lays across the entire couch, completely out of it and snoring loudly, while Benny watches daytime television. The others went back to their rooms, all but Y/N. Impatiently, she draws marks in the sand with the heel of her boot, as she sits on the lowest step of the porch, gazing at the road that meets the private drive, about a half a mile further up. The heat is close to unbearable, even here in the shade droplets of sweat run down her chest. She understands the necessity of the break after experiencing her first day in extreme conditions, because working in these temperatures would be torture. A fly bugs the young woman; she smacks the insect out of her face while she wonders when the special delivery will finally arrive. The transporter called an hour ago that he had made good time and would probably arrive at the ranch half past noon. Which would be right about now, according to her phone. Y/N sighs and snaps her eyes at the main road again.

“What time are you expecting your horse?" Dean slowly walks up from behind. She can feel the wood creak under her as he steps closer. His voice is enough to make her breath hitch a little, although she’s not sure if that’s because his sudden appearance startles her, or because he simply has that effect on her respiration. Quick to cover her surprise, she answers him without moving from her spot. “Five minutes ago.” Now she does look over her shoulder, watching him come closer with two cans of Coca-Cola in his hands. He offers her one, which she takes gladly and thanks him for, then she straightens herself again. “I hope she’s alright,” she sighs, expressing her concern as she opens the drink. “It’s a long drive from Maine, ain't it?” Dean assumes. “Thirty-five hours on the trailer,” she replies. “They stopped for the night in Tulsa, but still.”

He leans against one of the struts supporting the roof. The wrangler sips on his cool drink, clasping his lips around the opening in the can as he tilts his head back and takes a swig, exposing his neck as he does so. Y/N can't help but notice. Damn, that jawline… She snaps out of it and rips her eyes from him before he catches her swooning. Good call, because he looks down on her a second later. “What’s your horse's name?” “Meadowsweet.” She smiles. “Quarter?” he asks again. Y/N nods. “Sired by Gunner.” Dean raises his brows impressed. Gunner is a leading National Reining Horse Association stallion, one of the few to earn over five million dollars in offspring, and is inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame. Foals from his descent are known for their talent and eagerness to perform. That stallion has brought some of the best reining horses in the world. “Don't worry about it. The transporter would have called if anything had occurred,” he reassures, comfortingly. “And all the horses that come through those barn doors, settle in just fine. These lands have this… peacefulness over them. It’s a good place for the soul, horse and human. You’ll see.” Calmed by his gentle words, Y/N lets her gaze drift off, the corner of her mouth curling up. Then she glances up at the wrangler, whose eyes haven't left her yet. “Has it been good for you, too?” He scoffs. “Like you wouldn't believe.” It's the way he delivers those words, that tempts Y/N to read the man in her company. How old would he be? Twenty-eight? Twenty-nine, maybe? But it's without a doubt that in those years he has been through plenty. The cynical chuckle before he spoke, the way he averted his eyes immediately, those tiny tells just unraveled more than his confident talk and cheery appearance plus Jo’s warnings about the wrangler combined. “How come?” she asks before she can stop herself. A little thrown back by her unexpected question, Dean steals a glance, grinning at her nosiness. Instantly the blood rushes to her face again as she closes her eyes and covers her face with both hands. God! Why can't you simply think through what you are about to say before you blurt it out?! “Sorry, that was inappropriate. Again,” she excuses herself. “No, no. It’s quite alright,” Dean says, putting her mind to rest. Usually, the wrangler isn’t eager on opening up about his past. It's something he keeps to himself and only very few know more about. He closed that book a long time ago, so he keeps it simple. “My mom died when I was young, Dad wasn't around much,” he explains. “I came to live on the ranch when I was fourteen and I never left.” Silenced, Y/N watches him, eyes big and filling with sympathy. “No brothers and sisters?” she wonders. Now she pulls on his heartstrings, even though Dean tries to suppress what he feels within. Yet his jaw flexes, his head tips down as the brightness in his eyes fades. “I have a brother. But - uh... He ran away from home before I left myself,” Dean elaborates. “I haven’t seen him since. I don't know where he's at.”

With empathy heavy on her chest, she tries to think of something to say in order to turn this conversation on a less depressing course than the one it’s sailing now. Y/N breathes out, though. Seems like for the first time since the two met, she’s clueless about what to say, and so she states the obvious. “I'm sorry,” she says, internally kicking herself in the head for bringing out the skeletons in his closet. “Don't be. I landed on my feet,” Dean assures, trying to take away her discomfort with a smile. “These lands, this ranch; this is home. And the people runnin’ it and workin’ here are my family. Life’s good.” He means that: she can tell, because the passion returns in his powerful gaze. Soothed by the sight of his contentment, she smiles down at the empty can in her hand, which she’s torn the cap from.

“And you? Any siblings?” Dean returns, genuinely interested. “Yeah, three brothers actually. All older than me.” She grins at that. “Whoa, that must have been a challenge.” The wrangler chuckles as he takes the last sip of his Coke. “Not so much. They toughened me up and when it came down to it, and were always there to protect me. Plus, I did learn how to build a treehouse and I’m a pretty good wrestler too,” she adds. The cowboy smirks imagining it. “And how does a girl like you know so much about Led Zeppelin?” he wonders. Y/N furrows her brow. “A girl like me ?” “Yeah, I mean… Y’know,” he mutters, a little unsettled by her tone. “From upstate, young, twenty… something.” Shit. He's digging his own grave here. “Twenty-four,” she fills in for him, amused by his stumbling, “and I like to think I have an old soul, but really it was my Grandfather who introduced me to music.” “He did a good job teaching you then,” Dean compliments, looking down at his cowboy boots and still trying to overcome the near-miss. “He did. He was amazing. Meadow was actually a gift from him,” she tells.

Was. He was amazing.

Dean peeks at the intriguing woman from under his lashes. He doesn't need to be a genius to figure out that her Granddad isn't amongst them anymore. A short silence follows as Dean ponders on how to continue the conversation, when a dust cloud on the driveway catches his attention. His focus on the horizon triggers Y/N to get up and look in the same direction.

A bright shimmer of sunlight bounces off the aluminum trailer pulled by a red Dodge, which approaches slowly in the distance. A whirlwind of excitement blows through her as she looks over at Dean. Then she gets down from the porch and heads off to meet them. “Need help unloading?” he checks before following his intern. “Yeah, I can use a hand,” she says, looking over her shoulder. And so he follows. By the time they reach the square in front of the horse barn, the pickup turns onto the parking lot and comes to a stop. A middle-aged man with a black beard turns towards her after getting out of his truck, reaching out to shake her hand. “Y/N L/N?” he checks. She nods. “Yes, that’s me.” A loud neigh sounds from the trailer, followed by stomping. Meadow heard her owner loud and clear and her response puts a smile on the cowgirl’s face. She missed her horse, but it seems like her friend is glad to see her human too. “Was she okay?” Y/N checks with the transporter as she circles the trailer. “A little restless every now and then, but other than that she did fine,” he says, taking the safety pins out of the heavy handle, turning it open.

Dean had done so on the other side as well and the men lower the ramp to the gravel. Inside two pointy small ears are pinned towards the light. Meadowsweet's trademark white face stands out in the shade as she yanks on the chain that prevents her from turning around. It’s for her own good, too much freedom during travel could cause her to lose her balance and fall. But she doesn't understand the restrain, and the mare seems to be insulted by the limitation to her movement. All she wants now is to get out, eat, drink, and stretch her legs. A soft low purr comes Y/N’s way, her nostrils flaring. After days on the road, taken away from home by a man she didn't recognize, a familiar face calms her. Softly hushing her horse, Y/N walks up to her, takes the lead rope, and clasps it to her handcrafted halter. She releases the chain and pushes open the divider, guiding her horse down the ramp while both Dean and the driver stand on each side of it, making sure Meadow doesn't step next to the lit. Alert, the mare looks around, taking in her new environment. The Arizona sun shines on her light brown coat, revealing a beautiful copper shine. A second neigh reverberates under the high roof of the barn when Y/N leads the Quarterhorse to the first stable on the right. Her call is countered by an echo produced by the other horses, who seem to welcome their new neighbor. Dean follows with the luggage, the heavy saddle under one arm and dragging her large tack box on wheels behind him. “What did you pack? Bricks?” he complains, grimacing, moving the equivalent of a woman’s suitcase on holiday; a lot of stuff she’s never going to use or wear, but might need.

Y/N presses her lips together and chuckles a little embarrassed. Yeah, maybe she went a little overboard while packing. She undoes Meadow from her halter and lets her be for a bit, smiling at how the mare curiously sniffs every inch of her new box. When she has decided her stable is safe, she circles around a couple of times, adjusts her bedding by digging through the wood shavings with her front leg, after which she lowers to her knees and falls on her side, taking a long-anticipated roll. She rolls over once, twice, then gets up and shakes off the sawdust, after which she looks at her human friend. "Satisfied?” Y/N asks, amused. Meadow sighs, pushing out a long breath, and starts eating the hay; seems like the Queen approves. Shaking her head with a smirk on her face, her owner closes the box. The driver walks up to her with the paperwork and a pen. “If you could sign this, I’ll be out of your hair,” he requests, handing over the papers and Meadow's FEI passport. Y/N leaves her autograph on the bottom line and hands the paperwork back. After exchanging another handshake, the man returns to his truck and starts the engine. As they watch him drive off, she lets out a sigh, the weight of the world finally falling off her shoulders. “Told ya she would be fine,” Dean reminds her, leaning on the stable door and admiring the beautiful mare in the box. Y/N smiles as she joins him, forking her fingers together while resting her arms on the edge. “Thanks,” she responds, genuinely.

He was right, and for the first time since the young woman arrived, a sense of true calm washes over her. Now that Meadow is here, everything is exactly how it should be. Her horse arrived safely and seems fit and well. Y/N can spend time with her again, more than she ever could when she was still in Uni. Now the adventure can truly begin. “I’m heading back to the bunkhouse. Work starts at two again,” Dean informs, assuming that his intern plans to stay. She watches him walk off down the alley between the stables, and takes a short second to appreciate the view. His hickory colored western hat is tipped forward to protect his face from the sun, the collar of his plaid blouse up, the hem at the bottom tucked into his jeans. Denim covers his O-shaped legs, which are probably a result of spending years of his life in the saddle. A muscular back, broad shoulders, strong arms. It doesn't matter from which angle she admires him, he’s insanely gorgeous. Another result of all that training and hard work is his well-shaped a-- A wet nose slobbers over Y/N’s face, pulling a startled gasp from her. Meadow took the liberty to awaken her owner from her thoughts, right after drinking from the automatic waterer. Oh well, she needed a shower anyway. “It’s good to see you too, sugar,” she laughs, petting the horse. “Talking about sugar…” She digs deep in her pocket. The motion of her hand alone triggers Meadow to extend her neck and ask for the treat with her intense dark eyes. Y/N finds a sugar cube, takes her horse’s favorite candy out and feeds it to the bay mare. Grateful, she crunches the sweet between her molars and begs for more, but her owner holds up her hands innocently. “I'm out,” she says, sorry to disappoint. Not taking her words for granted, the smart animal searches her boss’s pockets, first left, then right, then gives her a look that expresses something along the lines of ‘are you kidding me?’ To make it up to the mare, Y/N rubs her neck, softly scratching near her withers. Clearly enjoying the grooming, the mare nozzles her upper lip and turns her head a little. The cowgirl chuckles at the sight, once again realizing how much she missed her company. She mist her whiskers brushing against her hand as she reaches to touch her, and the gentleness in her eyes when she’s at ease. Y/N’s hand lingers on the flat surface of Meadow’s forehead, between her eyes. It’s a horse’s blind spot, where she can't see her. Touching a horse there requires trust, yet there isn't a single fiber in Meadow’s body that isn't comfortable with her owner, not even her instincts. The mare even lowers her head further, a sign of relaxation and submission. Y/N lets her hand slide down her face and rest on her strong jaw, as she lays her cheek against Meadow’s white blaze, closing her eyes for a moment. Dean talked about home earlier, how the ranch is his. Well, this right here, this moment with her Meadow, is hers.

Thank you for reading. I appreciate every single one of you, but if you do want to give me some extra love, you are free to like or reblog my work, shoot me a message or buy me coffee (Link to Kofi in bio at the top of the page).

Read part five here

250 notes · View notes

eliza-writes-stuff · 5 years

Text

My Sunshine (Joy3)

Hehe I was inspired by the name uhh sunshine from a fanart I saw hehe...

Anyways! I hope you enjoy!!! :D

It’s bright out there despite being cold outside. The festive season is coming. There’s already some decoration covering shops everywhere. Let’s hope Jo doesn’t slip on ice on the pavement while walking with his boyfriend. However, they’re holding hands, so he’s lucky.

“Hey, do ya wanna go in the cafe? It’s warmer there.” Jo suggested. He pointed a small cafe next to a flower shop. It has some wreaths hanging on the sign.

Jay hummed, “but you’re warm, but okay sunshine.” Jo giggled at the compliment and squeezed his hand a little.

They walked towards the cafe and went inside. It smells delicious. Some sweet treats were on the display: cookies, brownies, and other cakes. Covered in green and red frosting. Jo can’t stop drooling at the sight. Jay chuckled and had to tug him to get his attention. They strolled to the counter, but there’s a line. Their stomachs grumbled.

“Hey, I’ll get our order while you find us a seat okay?” Jay said. “Don’t worry, I’ll grab one of those chocolate cakes.”

Jo nodded and gave a small peck on Jay’s cheek before walking away. Flush in the face with a dopey smile. Now, he just has to find a seat. Maybe one of those couple seats next to the window. He walks to one of the high tables with two chairs. Jo takes a seat and sighed. He should check his phone.

Jo picks up his phone from his pocket. Solving the lock screen’s secret code: a wallpaper of Jay and Jo hugging. He smiles at it. There’s some text messages from Hosuh, who says that he’s baking with Annabelle. Photos of them in floury mess and purple frosting covering their cheeks. As much as he hates it, but he wants to check on Tumblr. A magnificent and terrifying website. He taps on the app.

Oh, good lord. There’s ship fanart of Jo and Jay. He giggled at some of one user’s short story of Joy3? Weird ship name, but it’s nothing worse.

“What are you giggling about?” Jo glanced up from his phone and Jay stands there. Jay takes his seat. “Is it a picture of me? Please delete it because you saw me. I was so dead inside this morning.” He chuckled.

“Hey, you’re still handsome! You kinda look cute when you’re tired.” Jo keeps giggling even when Jay pinches his cheek. “Besides you, I was giggling of us,” then he showed his phone. “Check it out.”

Jay takes the phone and open his eyes a little. Jo had to stop sighed when he sees his boyfriend’s sunset eyes. Jay’s brow raised up a little before chuckling and giving Jo’s phone back. See? Jay looks cute, no matter what.

“Okay, that was, um, interesting.” Jay chuckled one more time. ��But why do you get to carry me?”

“Obviously, I’m the taller one here.” Jo laughs when his boyfriend flicks his forehead. “It’s true.”

Jay pouted, “fans said I’m the true charmer.”

“Sorry, but strength beats charisma!”

The waitress arrived, “Here’s a chocolate cake for Mr. Catalanello and peanut butter cookies for Mr. Ko.” She sets down the plates full of the sweet treats, then a cup of hot chocolate and coffee. "Enjoy, gentleman.” She leaves the two alone.

Jo’s drooling again. He picks up the fork and takes a small piece. He bites into it. Oh my god, it tastes so good. He’s heaven. Chocolate and Jay. He finally got everything he needed when he goes to heaven.

“Slow down, I don’t want you choking on food already.” Jay takes a bite of the peanut butter cookie. It must be taste good. He hummed before snickers. “You got some frosting on your chin.” Jay point it out. Jo grabbed a napkin and wipes of something on his cheek. “It’s still there, let me get that.” Jay reached over the table, so his thumb can wipe it off. And he did. Then he licks it off and lets out a happy sigh. “Delicious like you.”

Jo can’t help, but crackup, “you’re so cheesy.”

“Whatever you say sunshine.”

#eliza writes #danplan #joy3 #dp joy3 #dp jay #dp jay3 #jay 3 #jocat #dp jocat #uwu

57 notes · View notes

artificialqueens · 4 years

Text

Hot as Hell and No A/C, Chapter 4 (Branjie) - Blackhighheels

(Read at AO3)

Four

”Morning Jay,” Jose says as he shuffles into the kitchen. His hair is sticking up in all directions and his eyes are barely open, even though it’s already close to eleven. He desperately needs some coffee or this day will be a complete mess.

”Good morning, sunshine. Don’t you look chipper this morning.” Jason chuckles and thankfully hands him the much needed caffeine.

”Shut up, asshole,” Jose grumbles anyway as he takes the mug. He sighs as the sweet and hot liquid explodes on his tongue. ”I didn’t go to bed until like four in the fucking morning .” He adds once he has swallowed.

”You want me to pretend I didn’t hear every word that was yelled last night or are we gonna talk about it?” Jason asks and makes Jose look up at him, before he drops his head on his arm on the counter.

”Fuck,” he groans. Brock is going to kill him, if he finds out. ”Please, promise me you gonna keep every word to yourself.”

”Goes without saying. I like Brock. Never thought he’s playing for our team, but he’s a nice guy. Together with Ada he’s the only person in the Hytes family, who isn’t an absolute fucked up asshole.”

”I don’t know them, only Rachel. Well, and his parents from talking to them for about a second the other day.”

”You better stay away from them Vanj’. Brock has a reason to be scared. If his dad finds out he’s talking to us, he’s in for a lot of trouble.”

”What do ya mean? Like, he’s beating him up or some shit?” Now Jose gets really worried.

”I don’t know. I don’t think he’s physically able to do it anymore, ‘cause he had a heart attack a couple of years ago and can’t do any hard labor since then, but when we were kids…” Jason scrunches up his face. ”Brock’s older brother, Dan, is my age and we were in one class. He’s an idiot, who got hit in the head fighting one too many times. But I’ll always remember the day when we all went swimming after school and I got invited for whatever reason. We must have been like fifteen or something. Dan had marks all over the back of his thighs. I asked him what had happened and he replied that his dad had caught him making out with a girl after church and had beaten him with a belt. He said it like it was completely normal. I told him I thought it was fucked up and he nearly beat me up for saying that, ‘cause the asshole minister preaches that it’s normal to beat your kids and that kids aren’t allowed to cry and shit like that.”

”Shiiit, mami.” Jose hisses. This is a lot worse than what he imagined was going on.

”All three of them always had like bruises and were real scared of their dad. People are talking ‘round here and they say that he also beat his wife. Brock was the smallest and used to cry a lot as a little kid. I think he must have had it real rough at home. Now that I know that he’s gay, I don’t really get why he ever came back. The whole family basically lives at church. Ada got married when she was just sixteen and I think it was more to get away from her dad. Joe, her husband’s a good guy though. Not the sharpest knife, but he’s good to her. Since they got married she’s been popping out one kid after the next. Dan’s married to the minister’s daughter and she’s just as narrow minded as him. I don’t think she ever cut her hair and like, only wears skirts. When they were courting, they went on some missions and shit, then came back and now they’re trying to have as many kids as Ada or more. There’s no music in their house other than gospel. They don’t own a tv. When we were still at school they believed in creationism and I think they still only fuck to make more babies. Brock’s always been the most normal out of them. Now knowing that he’s gay kind of explains why he hasn’t got married yet, even though they’ve been trying to set him up with church girls for years. I always thought he might get back to his studies once their finances got better.”

”He said he didn’t wanna be a minister and that his family needed him or some shit. But child…. Now I really wanna take him out of here and … I dunno,” Jose mumbles the last part. He really doesn’t know. He wants to protect Brock, take care of him, look after him and make him smile. He wants to see him laughing, not crying. He wants him to be not tired for just one day. He wants him to relax and be happy. He wants to hold him and kiss him. He wants to be with him. But that’s all stuff that he can’t tell Jason, because he’d look like a fucking idiot who’s fallen for the wrong guy once again.

”He’s a good guy and if he opens up to you like this… girl, he must really like ya. But Brock will never leave his family and you’ll be gone in another three weeks. So you might wanna think about what you’re offering. You’ll be gone, but he has to stay and live here.” Jason’s warning rings loud and clear in his mind, but also makes his stomach clench painfully.

”I know,” Jose sighs and puts his coffee down. All of a sudden, it makes him feel nauseous.

”Fuck, Jo, I can see on your face how much you like him. Just… be careful, k? If not for yourself and your romantic heart, then do it for him.”

Jose just sighs again. Last night he lay awake and dreamt with open eyes of what he could do with Brock and how he could make him fall for him.

Now he knows that would be even more of a fucked up idea than he initially thought. He can’t be more than friends with Brock, no matter how much he hates it. He only has three more weeks left here and Jose wants to take his own heart back to L.A. with him, in one piece if possible.

His phone beeps and when he takes it out of his pocket he sees a text from Brock. He is dimly aware that he’s smiling like a damn fool.

***

Brock is proud of himself that he had the courage to really text Jose in the morning. After a bit of an awkward back and forth about where and when they could hang out, they decided the easiest way was, if Jose just came out to where Brock was working today. It’s an old ranch in the middle of nowhere that Daniel is renovating for a client. Well, was renovating before his accident. Now Brock has to at least fix the roof and the porch so Dan can continue once he’s better.

Brock is so giddy with excitement that he forgets the hammer twice as he crawls up on the roof.

Around lunch time he can see Jose’s fancy car slowly rolling up the dusty pathway even from afar. No one else around here drives a car that expensive. When Jose gets closer, Brock waves and forgets his fear of heights for a second, as he lets go of the wooden beam he’s sitting on.

”Child, you better come down here, ‘cause I’m sure as fuck not crawling up there!” Jose yells as soon as he gets out of his car.

”I’m coming, I’m coming,” Brock chuckles and carefully makes his way over to the ladder and down to the ground. This is not the time to fall and break his neck, if there ever was one.

When he gets down, Jose is holding a large basket and a blanket. ”Brought us some food,” he smirks and holds up the basket.

”Thank you.” Brock’s cheeks heat, but he doesn’t really mind it. He’s been out in the sun all morning so most likely he’s all red anyway. ”We can sit over there in the shade if you want.”

”Dang, I thought I could get my tan on,” Jose complains.

”Oh ok, we can stay in the sun then.”

”Idiot, I’m just fucking with ya! You really think I’d like to sit in the fucking heat? Especially when I have to spend my afternoons and evenings in a building with a fucked up A/C?” Jose is laughing and bumps his shoulder into his, before he leads the way and spreads the blanket out in the shade. The spot has another advantage: It can’t be seen from the small pathway, should anyone else come up here.

”I thought Jason got the A/C fixed?”

”He did… for about a day. Then the damn thing broke again. I’m sweaty as fuck from simply teaching them kiddos.” Jose opens the basket he’s brought and starts unpacking. ”Don’t worry, I didn’t cook any of this shit myself. I stopped by your sister’s store.”

”I knew this looked familiar,” Brock laughs and picks up one of the rolls Jose’s brought. ”You really didn’t have to do this though. One more thing I owe you for.”

”Well, Miss Thing there’s only one way to make it up to me.” The way Jose says it sounds very seductive.

Brock’s very nervous when he asks: ”How?”

”You fix the fucked up A/C next time you’re over.” Brock is surprised, but then has to laugh with Jose when he starts cackling. His laughter is as loud and boisterous as his personality. Brock likes it so much to see him laugh. ”You quite the handy man, aren’t ya?” Jose nudges him again. ”But I have to say, ya look more like a real ass cowboy with your hat and all.”

”What? You don’t like my hat?” Brock laughs and adjusts the old straw cowboy hat he is wearing. Jose doesn’t need to know that he only wears it, so he won’t get burned by the sun and because it’s old and he doesn’t care if it gets any dirtier.

”I like it,” Jose smirks and snatches the hat off his head a second later. ”I just think it’d look better on me.” He twirls the hat around his index finger as he leans back on his elbows.

”It’s all sweaty and dirty.” Brock feels embarrassed when he points it out. He knows the hat is disgusting, but he doesn’t want to see Jose getting disgusted by it. He looks down, stares at the blanket.

”What do ya think?” The words make Brock look up at again and Jose is now wearing his hat and a large smile.

Shit.

For a couple of seconds Brock doesn’t think anything.

Beautiful.

Cute.

Hot.

Sexy.

That’s what he’s thinking.

”It looks good on ya.” Is what he’s saying.

”Really?” Jose cocks his head to the side. He looks like a fucking model.

”Really.” It feels like time stands still as they smile at each other and all Brock can think about is Jose, his smile, his eyes, his lips and his hat on his head.

”Let me see. Take a picture of me,” Jose snaps him out of his daze, as he hands Brock his very expensive and new phone. Jose poses for the camera like a pro, then goofs off a bit by pretending to line dance and makes Brock laugh so hard he snorts and can’t stop until Jose drops back down beside him on the blanket, chuckling as well. ”Show me.” He requests once he is able to talk again.

”I’m not a photographer, but I think the pics are good. And the video is really good,” Brock smirks as he hands Jose his phone.

”Bitch! You filmed me doing the chicken dance! You such a cunt!” Jose screeches, rips the hat off his head and swats at Brock with it. ”But the pics are cute, boo. Looks like ya know what you doing.” Jose says after he’s stopped laughing and looked at the pictures.

”When I was away at college, someone scouted me for photoshoots. For a couple of weeks I modelled for them, did some fashion shoots, but then one of the ministers at the college caught wind of it and told me it wasn’t ok to do that because of vanity and seductive looks and stuff. So I stopped. But I’ve been interested in photography since then. If I ever got the opportunity to go back to college, I’d study photography.” Brock reveals yet another story and dream he has never told anyone around here.

”You certainly have the bone structure for modelling and the eye for photography. Betcha, you could still get some gigs if you wanted to.” Jose fiddles with his phone for a bit, then snaps a couple of shots of Brock and shows him.

”I look like shit.”

”You just look tired, boo. You working too much.”

”I don’t have a choice.”

”I know.” There isn’t any conviction behind Jose’s words, but Brock doesn’t want to get into this right now.

”Let’s eat?” He asks and is glad when Jose accepts. They are back to laughing their heads off in no time when Brock tries to teach Jose how to catch grapes with his mouth after throwing them up in the air. Surprisingly Jose lacks the coordination and fails every damn time. Or maybe he’s just doing it to keep Brock laughing - who knows.

***

Their lunch meetings only last two days, then Brock’s family gets in the way once more.

”I’m so sorry, but I have to cancel our lunch plans,” Brock tells Jose on the phone and looks around to make sure he isn’t overheard by his family.

”Oh, ok. Dinner then?” Jose’s disappointment is audible through the speaker.

”I can’t do that either. I have to work over at the grocery story during lunch and after I’ll done here at the farm. Ada was put on bedrest and now my mom is managing the store. But she can’t do the re-stocking of the shelves.”

”Don’t tell me you taking that on now as well?”

”Who else?” Brock sighs heavily.

”Brock that’s crazy! You’re actively working towards a heart attack at thirty-five,” Jose scolds him and it feels kind of good to have someone who is worried for him. At the same time can’t change it so he opts for not saying anything. ”When you gonna stack those shelves?”

”Around nine. Why?”

”Leave the backdoor to the store open and I’m gonna help ya. It’s gonna be done much quicker and at least we get to talk a bit. I have another funny Thackery story for ya.”

”Jo, I don’t know if that’s a good idea…” What if someone sees them?

”Hey, if anyone sees us, we can always just say the big city guy is used to 24/7 service and needed some cat food. And Imma be quiet, all sneakily and shit.” Jose comes up with an excuse.

”Fine, I’ll text you when the coast is clear.” Brock quickly gives in, because really, he just wants to spend some more time with Jose.

When half past nine comes around Jose strolls into the store through the backdoor.

”Booh!”

”I’ve heard you coming,” Brock chuckles and turns around. He starts laughing for real when he sees Jose. He is wearing a blue work overall with a neon orange security vest over it. The fact that the overall is unzipped nearly down to his navel and his naked chest shows makes the outfit even more ridiculous, albeit sexier. ”What the heck are you wearing?”

”I came to work, work, work, work, work… so I gotta do the work work work work work work,” Jose sings and moves his hips to his own tune. ”I found this at Jason’s. It cute, right?” he smiles and puts his hands on his hips.

”Very,” Brock chuckles. ”But also unnecessary. We can stack some shelves without a neon vest.”

”Safety first!” Jose screams loudly in delight after his own smart ass comment.

”Sshhh, my sister’s living just next door.”

”Fine, Mary, Imma be as quiet as a hamster.”

Brock can’t help it, he guffaws. ”As a mouse, you idiot,” he corrects and pushes Jose into the direction of the shelves they need to stack.

***

For nearly a week, each night they stock the shelves together and then hang out at the closed store, eat snacks and exchange stories. Brock gets an idea of what life is like for Jose in L.A. and he wishes he could glimpse at it, just once.

The additional work and the long talks are part of the reason why he gets even less sleep now. The only time he gets to nap is when he falls asleep out of sheer exhaustion at night. Another reason are the thoughts in his head, as he processes his friendship with Jose, his views on life are so different from his own.

Jose doesn’t believe that being gay is a punishment. Instead he sees it as a way to belong to a community, share a culture with others, that Brock has only seen glimpses of. The fact that there are gay movies and romance novels out there blows his mind. He doesn’t even own a tv.

Jose’s view on life and love is much more positive and romantic than Brock’s own. Jose wants to find true love and be with that man for all eternity. Brock wants that too, he just knows that for him it’s not an option - not now, not ever.

However he gets to dream with Jose, live through his ideas and hopes when he isn’t allowed any of his own.

The hopelessness he feels when he’s alone in bed at night is crushing, when the urge to touch himself to his memories of Jose gets overwhelming and makes him feel dirty and disgusting. He’s not supposed to lust after his friend and yet he can’t forget their one short kiss, the way Jose smiles, laughs, walks and smells; Brock finds everything about him arousing.

He always squelches the desire by reminding himself that Jose will be gone in two weeks.

***

When Daniel calls him to tell him that he has to stop by at the dance studio because Jason called about the A/C, Brock is less than excited. He stops by the store to stack the shelves even though it’s not closed yet.

Since the dancing studio will be closed by the time he gets there and Jason will be around, he won’t get to see Jose, which ruins his day completely. He’s got so used to seeing him regularly over the last week. Even all the sleepless nights are more than worth it; it’s not like he’s slept well for years.

”Yay, our lord and saviour!” Jason greets him as he lets him into the studio.

”Let’s see first if I can fix it,” Brock shrugs and follows him through the empty building.

”Here’s the A/C unit, there are the manuals and stuff. I have to get going, because I have a meeting tomorrow in Dallas and are driving out there tonight. Jo should be here in a sec to help you and lock up,” Jason lets him know and Brock’s heart starts beating faster at the prospect of seeing Jose.

”Hey, you hoes. Did I just hear my name?” His distinctive voice echoes through the rooms and makes Brock laugh. ”Hope you only saying nice things about me, or I have to whoop your ass.” Jason doesn’t look very threatened and just laughs.

”I better get going, you asshole. Don’t forget to lock up. Imma be back tomorrow evening. You better not try and cook again. There’s no fire brigade in town.”

”Leave, bitch!” Jose hollers and pretends to throw one of the weights after Jason. ”That motherfucker always gotta run his mouth,” he giggles once they are alone.

Brock just smiles, but doesn’t reply. He’s still too shocked by Jose’s sudden appearance.

”You really gonna fix the damn A/C?”

”Isn’t that why I’m here?” Brock looks up from his tools.

”Kinda,” Jose shrugs with a smile. ”Just thought after you done with that thing, we could go upstairs and watch that show I told you about. Can’t leave here without educating ya a bit.”

Brock feels his heart beat in his throat. ”The one with the Spanish gay drug dealer?”

”Arab gay drug dealer in Spain,” Jose corrects.

”Right,” he nods. ”Sure. Let me just at least look at ‘that thing’.”

”You’ve already eaten something? We could get some pizza and make it a real dope ass movie night?”

”No, not yet. But didn’t Jason just say you’re not allowed to cook. And there’s no delivery service in town.”

”I can heat up some frozen pizza, dumbass. Why don’t you do your fixy-thingy here and I make the pizza and we meet upstairs? It’s way too hot in this fucked up building without a functioning A/C.”

”That’s what I’m here for,” Brock rolls his eyes playfully at Jose’s dramatics.

”That a yes?”

”That’s a yes.”

”Woohooo!” echoes off the walls of the dance studio and a moment later Brock is alone again to deal with the faulty device.

***

Brock’s done after just half an hour, or at least knows what the problem is. He also knows that he can’t fix it without additional parts.

Jose is already waiting for him on his couch, a large pizza on the table and the tv turned on. It’s much cooler up here and after the first couple of slices of pizza and Jose’s running commentary on the show they are watching, Brock slowly finds himself relaxing. It also helps that the fluffiest cat he’s ever seen, Thackery, is sprawled out on his lap purring loudly.

The couch is comfortable and he leans back. Jose is close enough so the scent of his cologne hangs in the air. After a while the scent gets stronger, when Brock’s head comes to rest on his shoulder. He fights to keep his eyes open, but is too tired to do so. Jose’s arm wraps around Brock’s shoulders and pulls him closer, then his fingers play with the sleeve of his T-shirt, tickle his skin. This should feel weird, because he’s not used to any kind of physical touch; But it doesn’t. It’s comforting and nice and Brock never wants this moment to end.

The last thing Brock is aware of, is when Jose’s other hand slides into his hair and massages his skull. Then he’s asleep, just forty minutes into the movie night and for once he stays asleep, right there in Jose’s arms.

***

When Brock wakes up, he is still on the sofa, still in Jose’s arms and there’s a blanket thrown over the both of them and wrapped around his shoulders. It’s a weird feeling to wake up for once without a headache, burning eyes or the overall feeling of doom all around you. He’s comfortable resting against Jose and he wishes he could stay like this a while longer.

”Fuck,” escapes him when he checks the time and realises it’s already half past five. He was supposed to be up over an hour ago. Quickly and quietly he gets up and takes a moment to wrap Jose completely in the blankets so he won’t get cold. He thinks about leaving him a note with a Thank you, but decides to just text him later. He really has to leave.

He parks his brother’s truck in front of his house, then runs over to his parent’s farm. He thinks about just running into the stable like this, but he needs other shoes at least.

”Where the fuck’ve you been?” His father screams at him as soon as he steps a foot into the house. Both his parents are up and sitting at the breakfast table.

”Working,” he lies.

”Working? The whole night? Which hussy have you been with? If ya get her pregnant out of wedlock, there’ll be hell to pay, you hear me!” Brock wonders if his father has already been drinking this early in the morning. “You not ruining my reputation!”

”I wasn’t with a woman! You know that Dan called me last night about the A/C at the studio. I’m not an electrician and was up all night trying to fix it.”

”You were at the faggot’s studio all night? Haven’t I forbid you to go there!” His father’s cane flies against his leg and hits him in the knee as he throws it his way.

”I was working there, earning money for Dan. What the fuck do you want from me? One second I’m supposed to take care of his business and the next I’m not allowed to see his clients? Which is it?” Brock yells back.

”Don’t you dare raising your voice at me!” His father’s voice is icy now. That’s when he always was at his most dangerous when they were younger. The most horrific beatings he’s got, always started with that voice.

Today, however, Brock isn’t scared of him. For once he’s slept, he feels rested and strong and he won’t be intimidated by his drunk of a father. Maybe tomorrow again, but certainly not today.

”Fine. So what is it? The money or not accepting work from people who pay for it?”

”You’re a disgrace, smart-mouthing me like that. Talking about working, when you haven’t even started your work here, because you’ve been hanging around this damned dancing studio. One should burn it to the ground and these faggots right along with it!” His father rages. ”And let me tell ya, the days when you’re being lazy and not pulling your weight are over! It’s time you get married and produce a couple of kids so you know what responsibilities are! No more excuses. And don’t you dare saying no when we find ya a wife.”

”Or what?” Brock’s voice is shaking with rage.

”Or you’re out of here. You can leave and never come back. And now go and feed the animals. I can’t stand the pathetic sight of you. Fuck off!”

Brock turns around on his heels and marches off, slamming the door behind him. ”Likewise,” he mutters as he makes his way to the stables. He can hear the animals already, they’re restless and hungry and that certainly is his fault and they shouldn’t be suffering because of him. He can’t let this happen again.

TBC

#rpdr fanfiction #brooke lynn hytes #vanessa vanjie mateo #branjie #m/m au #slow burn #romance #angst #hot as hell and no ac #blackhighheels #tw religion #tw internalized homophobia

5 notes · View notes

calpalirwin · 5 years

Text

Shenanigan Squad

Summary: Ashton’s focus was simple: graduate. But if he happened to make some friends, and maybe a little more, along the way, he wasn’t one to complain.

A/N: College Ash AU!

Content: Swearing. Alcohol usage. AKA Bri and her usual bullshit.

Word Count: Just shy of 6k

And away, and away we go!

~~~

Ashton’s glasses pushed up as he rubbed at his eyes. Eight am was way too early to be having class. But, at least he had his friend Mike with him. Graduation was so close, he could practically feel the degree in his hand. And at least the class was taught by Professor Lewis. So even though it was early, the enthusiasm was infectious as the red-haired, freckled professor bounced around the front of the lecture room, his voice way too perky as he went, “Alright! Let’s get this started! Get to know your neighbors! Find out what they did over the summer!”

Ashton couldn’t help but chuckle at the older man’s energy as he turned in his seat and started conversing with Mike, catching up on how the summer had treated them both. While they had kept in touch, neither of them had actually seen each other since May right after finals. That wasn’t to say they weren’t friends though. A shared major and common quest for a scrap of paper was a bonding experience and Ashton had created a small close-knit group without ever realizing it.

“Ah, Jo! Nice of you to join us!” Professor Lewis said as a young woman walked in, backpack slung over one shoulder.

“Hey,” she greeted warmly, hurrying up the aisle and taking the empty seat behind Mike.

Ashton looked at the woman in her flannel with the sleeves rolled up, her blonde-streaked hair pulled back into a ponytail, her cheeks flushed from her fast-paced walk across campus. Her black glasses slid down her nose as she pulled a notebook and pen out of her backpack. She pushed them back into place and she flipped open the notebook before reaching forward to tap Mike on the shoulder. “Psst, Mike, what are we doing?”

“Jo!” Mike said happily. “Introductions. What we did over the summer. You know.”

“Cool,” she nodded, her brown eyes scanning the room. “Aw, sweet Luke’s here, too? Dope.” She offered a small wave to the tall blue-eyed blonde closer to the back of the room. “And you are?” she asked, her gaze settling on Ashton as she finished her scan of the room.

“Ashton,” he supplied, offering her a hand.

“Jordan,” she smiled, a dimple appearing in her right cheek. “Or Jo. Are you new to the history department? Or have we just never been lucky enough to have a class together?”

“Not lucky enough to have a class together,” Mike explained to her. “Ash is gonna be in thesis with us, too.”

“Oh, shit, yeah?” she asked, her eyes brightening. “Dope. Luke’s in it too, yeah?”

“Yup,” the green eyed boy said. “Not Cal though. He couldn’t get a section.”

“Bummer,” she said, leaning back in her desk. “So, Ash- Do you prefer Ash or Ashton?- How do you know this nerd?” she asked, gesturing to Mike.

“Oh, we took the historiography class last semester together. But we’ve had other classes together too. And Ash is fine.”

“Right, cuz you, Cal, and Luke ditched me,” she said with playful roll of her eyes as she nudged Mike’s shoulder.

Ashton wasn’t sure why, but he swallowed harshly as Calum’s name was brought up for the second time. He knew the brown-skinned boy fairly well, having had a class or two with him in the past. They were friendly. Ashton would easily consider Calum to be part of his close-knit group. But the fact that the girl to his right also knew Calum didn’t settle well in his stomach.

“It didn’t fit in our schedule. And hey, at least we had Lewis together,” Mike defended.

She nodded again. “True that. And my historiography paper was loads easier than yours.”

“Fucker,” Mike muttered with a small chortle. “Jo here got it easy with Lopez and turned in...” Mike started to explain to the rest of the small group but faltered. “How many pages did you turn in?” he asked, his green-eyed gaze shifting to the girl.

Jordan’s gaze went up and her teeth bit into her lower lip as she thought. “Like.. 4 and a half, I think?” she answered, uncertainly.

Ashton whistled low. “Shit, I turned in 12 I think.”

Jordan shrugged. “I got a B minus, so…”

“Alright!” Professor Lewis said, his hands clapping together to get the attention of the room full of history majors. “Let’s hear about your classmates’ summers.”

“Shit…” Ashton muttered under his breath, realizing that the group of two turned three hadn’t figured out who was introducing who.

Jordan waved a hand in a circle. “I’ll do Mike. Mike’ll do you. You’ll do me.”

Mike nodded in agreement but Ashton’s hazel eyes widened a bit in panic. He knew nothing about the girl he was supposed to introduce. He was so panicked at being unprepared that he even catch the way Mike jokingly wiggled his eyebrows at the young woman’s words. “What am I supposed to say?” Ashton whispered at her.

“I’m Jo. I’m in my last year. I went to Oregon,” she whispered back with a wink.

Ashton nodded and leaned back in his seat, waiting for their turn.

“You three?” Professor Lewis said, gesturing at the group.

“This is Mike. He’s a last year history major. And he played videogames over the summer,” Jordan started, making up something about Mike she knew to be true on the spot.

Mike laughed with a nod before he went about introducing Ashton. Then, it was Ashton’s turn. “This is Jo. She’s in her last year. And she went to Oregon over the summer,” the soft brown haired man said.

“Oregon, nice,” Professor Lewis nodded approvingly. “Do anything cool?”

Jordan shrugged. “Ziplining, cave exploring. Had a snowball fight at Crater Lake.”

“Snow in the summer, huh? That must’ve been cool,” Professor Lewis continued to converse.

Jordan laughed. “Not nearly as cool as white water rafting.”

“Sounds like quite the adventure. Glad you came back to us.”

“No place I’d rather be,” she grinned, hands clasping behind her head.

“You flatter me, Jo,” Lewis laughed before moving on.

Ashton on the other hand, agreed with Jordan. There was no place he’d rather be either.

~~~

“So, what’s the game plan?” Jordan asked, her backpack slung over one shoulder as the trio milled around the hallway outside the classroom, Luke having slipped out and disappeared already.

“Gonna hit up the library before thesis,” Mike told her, a hand ruffling his blonde hair.

“Aw, so that’s a no on food?” she frowned.

Ashton shrugged, his hands going into the pockets of his jeans. “I could eat,” he offered.

Jordan grinned and then her arm was flinging itself across his shoulders. “Catch ya on the flip side, nerd!” she waved with her free hand as she started walking towards the door, taking Ashton with her.

“You’re the nerd, nerd!” was the response called after her without missing a beat, giving Ashton the impression that this was a frequent back-and-forth between the two

“The nerdiest!” was the retort, complete with a middle finger thrown Mike’s way and a laugh that seemed too loud for a girl of her size. “So, Ash,” she started as they walked together, her arm dropping from around his shoulders. “Whatcha in the mood for? I’m thinking a bagel from the coffee shop sounds amazing right now. But, I’m open to persuasion if you want something else.”

“Nah, a bagel and coffee sound fuckin great now that you mention it.”

“Ooo a coffee person, huh?”

He shrugged, “Gets me through the day.”

She waved a finger at him in agreement, “Fair enough.”

“Not a coffee drinker, I take it?”

“Not really. I mean, I will on occasion. Like I’ll probably get one after lunch to power me though my poli sci class later.”

“Which one?” he asked, curious as he too had a political science class later in the day.

“California,” she frowned, clearly not excited about the concept. “It’s so dumb. Like I’ve taken California geography and California history, and now I have to take California politics? They should figure out a way to combine it all because the overlap is ridiculous.”

He giggled, knowing her pain all too well. “What time and who with?”

“Uh… 4 with Stevens.”

“Shit, me too!”

“Yeah?” she asked, turning to look at him, her brown eyes lit up with excitement behind the black frames. “Sweet! I won’t have to suffer alone.”

He giggled again and her heart did flips at the sound. He pulled the door to the coffee shop and held it open for them. “After you, m’lady,” he said with a silly posh voice.

“Oh, why thank you, good sir,” she responded in the same voice, even giving him a small curtsy before walking through the door and giggling. “You got a girlfriend, Ash?” she asked as they got in line.

“Nah,” he said, his cheeks flushing the same color as his red sweater, a hand pushing through his fluffy hair.

“Bummer,” she said with a sad shake of her head. “Me neither.”

“Oh?” he chuckled, her words taking him by surprise.

She giggled. “It’s a joke. But it’s also true. I’m bi. But, I got a boyfriend instead.”

“Oh…” he said. Of course someone like her would have a boyfriend. She was as if laughter and sunshine had become a person. Who wouldn’t want her? But it did make him feel loads better at her knowing Calum.

Jordan was grateful it was her turn to order so Ashton couldn’t catch her blush. She had heard the deflation in his tone. She had always thought herself too boy-ish and loud to draw much attraction from others. Attention she certainly held as it was hard to ignore the quick-witted young woman, but attraction? Nah, there were plenty of girls who were prettier and more soft-spoken than her. So it always took her by surprise when people seemed to like her. Especially when that attraction seemed to be coming from someone she deemed as so far out of her league as Ashton. “Eh, he’s an idiot,” she finally said, moving to the side so he could order. “Him and Mike are gaming buddies. It’s how I met Mike, actually.”

“Oh?”

“You say that a lot,” she decided with a giggle. “But, I can hook you up with someone if you like? I mean, I set Luke and Sierra, and Crystal and Mike. So, I’m pretty good.”

He laughed and shook his head. “Nah, I’m good for now, thanks though.” He only wanted to be hooked up with one girl and he was looking at her. And she had the most dazzling smile.

~~~

“You better have blocked Nick, that scumbag,” Jordan growled at Mike a week later, her usually shoulder length hair shorn short in an asymmetrical bob, showing the woman’s natural chestnut colored hair in its full glory.

“Already did,” Mike said, patting the hand she had slammed down on her desk with affection. “I dig the hair by the way. Very edgy. It suits ya.”

“You think?” she asked, a small smile at her lips, a hand running through the longer side. “Not too dramatic?”

“Oh, very dramatic,” Mike replied.

“Dramatic enough to appease the girl gods?” she asked sarcastically with a roll of her eyes.

Mike shrugged, “Here’s to hoping.”

“I really hate boys,” she said with another eye roll. “No offense to you guys.”

“None taken,” Ashton told her.

“Yeah, we’re men,” Mike added, making his voice deeper and puffing out his chest.

Jordan laughed and shook her head, “You’re a bunch of nerds is what you are.”

“The nerdiest,” her two friends smirked back at her. Then “Who’s Nick?” Ashton asked, curious about the boy who evoked such a rage from such a happy person.

“Her boyfriend,” Mike answered.

“Ex-boyfriend,” Jordan clarified, before tilting her head back to yell out, “God, boys suck!”

“And what’s your evidence, Jo?” Professor Lewis’ voice asked as he strolled in the classroom.

“Uh, all of history? Let’s face it, your gender blows.”

The man frowned. “That’s quite the over-generalization, isn’t it?”

“Perhaps,” she admitted. “But, you know I’m right. Your gender has an…” she paused, fighting to find the right word. “Affinity! For making history the chaotic mess it is.”

“I’ll grant you that much,” the man agreed. “Speaking of chaotic messes!” he continued, loudly, drawing the attention of the rest of the class and starting the lecture.

~~~

“So, what’s the game plan?” Jordan asked her usual question as the trio walked together out of the building.

The two guys shrugged. The small joy of taking a morning class that met on Fridays was that they did had the whole day to do whatever after class.

“Think it’s too early to get a beer?” she asked with a short laugh.

“Jo, it’s nine in the morning,” Mike laughed. “And you don't drink.”

“Much,” Jordan corrected. “And I’m not hearing a no.”

Mike shrugged. “I ain’t got shit to do. Your place?”

She high-fived the blonde, “Fuck yeah.”

“Do you even have anything to drink at your place?”

She smiled sheepishly, shrugging her shoulders. “Booze run?”

Mike laughed loudly. “How typical! Jo wants to get drunk, but wants us to foot the bill.”

“Hey!” she laughed back, poking his chest. “I am a broke college student. So you’re damn right I do!”

This earned laughs from all three of them. “Alright, so my place in say an hour? Bring your own choice of poison?” she asked.

There was a murmur of agreement, then, “Wait,” Ashton said. “I don’t know where you live.”

“Aw, shit,” Jordan said, her nose scrunching up as she pulled out her phone. She typed something into it and then both boys’ phones pinged. “There,” she chirped happily, pocketing her phone.

“Shenanigan Squad?” Mike asked, eyebrows raising at the name of the group chat. “Nice group name,” he approved.

“Oh, damn that is a good name,” Ashton agreed.

“I like alliterations,” Jordan shrugged.

~~~

“So, why’d you and your boyfriend break up?” Ashton asked as they all hung around Jordan’s place which turned out to be a small back house behind her grandparents.

She passed a hand through her hair and let out a slow breath. “Gonna have to get me drunk to hear that story,” she decided, giving a short laugh.

“That won’t take long,” Mike said, his gaze not shifting from the game he was playing with some other friends online.

“Shut the fuck up,” she laughed, a sound truer to her real laugh than the short one she gave a mere moment ago.

“Aw, you’re really gonna say you’re not already feeling it a little?” Mike asked, looking over at the woman to wiggle his eyebrows at her before returning his attention to the game.

Jordan tilted the cup in her hand to peer at the liquid swirling down at the bottom. “Almost. But, I’m gonna need a refill first,” she confessed, drumming her fingers against her jeans as she stood up. “Y’all need anything?” she asked, walking the short distance to the kitchen.

“Yeah,” came the response from both guys.

“Whoa,” she laughed, “I’m not your waitress. Mike, you know where shit is.”

“Yeah, but you’re up,” Mike said.

Ashton rolled his eyes and pushed himself off his spot from the couch. “I’ll help ya,” he offered, crossing the short distance to her fridge and pulling forth a beer for Mike.

“Mike, you’ve been dethroned as my favorite,” Jordan told her friend smugly before smiling softly at Ashton. Ashton noted the way it made her eyes squinch up- a true Jordan smile.

“Yeah, love you too, Jo.”

Jordan shook her head and set out to make her drink. “Bottle opener’s there,” she said, gesturing next to Ashton with the bottle of whiskey in her hand.

“Whatcha making?” Ashton asked, popping open the top to the beer.

“Jack and Coke. Want one?”

“Sure, thanks.”

“Fair warning, I make it with a lot of Coke,” she told him. “Like a lot, a lot.”

“That’s fine,” he responded. He could handle strong drinks, but he wasn’t the biggest fan of drinking himself. Getting drunk scared him.

“Here,” she said, holding out her cup to him. “This is how I make mine. Same or stronger?”

Ashton took the cup in his hand and took a swallow. The carbonated sweet drink held just the slightest trace of that good whiskey burn. “Yeah, that’s good,” he said, passing her the cup back. “How do you get drunk drinking like that?”

She took a deep drink, winking at him over the rim of the cup. God, he wanted to be that cup. “That’s my secret, Cap. I’m never drunk.”

~~~

“Catch ya on the flip side, nerds?” Jo asked, her hands going into the pockets of her zip-up hoodie as the trio walked out of the last class of the semester.

“Yup, see you nerds in January,” Mike said, pulling up his beanie down lower over his head.

“Where you headed?” Ashton asked Jordan.

She shrugged. “Home probably.”

“Wanna get one last coffee?” he asked, his hands pushing his hair to the side. Their bagel and coffee had grown to become the duo’s tri-weekly tradition, and Ashton wasn’t ready to say goodbye until January just yet. Not that he had made a move. No, he was letting Jordan recover from her break-up. He didn’t want to be a rebound. Plus, he wasn’t even sure if Jordan liked him that way. And as cliche as it was, he didn’t want to risk losing his coffee date buddy.

She smiled and looped her arm through his. “To coffee!” she declared in a silly voice.

“To coffee!” he giggled, taking the lead in walking down towards the coffee shop. “M’lady,” he said, getting the door.

“Why thank you, good sir,” she laughed. Then, “Hey, I’m sorry. I got a little caught up this semester with…” she let out a huff and waved her hands around, “everything. Did you ever get that girlfriend? Or find someone you’re interested in?”

He giggled and shook his head, his hair shaking with the movement, glasses sliding down his nose. He pushed them back up into place. “Nah.”

She frowned but her brown eyes remained playful behind her own glasses. “Aw, one of them ‘gonna finish school’ first types, huh?”

Ashton chuckled. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

She scoffed as she got her bagel and hot chocolate. “While I respect those types, I also can’t understand it. Like why not date someone while you ‘find’ yourself or whatever? That’s half the fun of a relationship is watching them grow into the person their meant to be.”

Ashton nodded his head as he grabbed his coffee and they took a seat but didn’t say anything. In his opinion, she was right. Half of his fun over the past semester was watching her grow back into her loud tomboy self. Instead, he watched as she sipped her drink, an urge to capture this moment washing over him. “Smile,” he said, opening his phone’s camera. Instead of smiling, she raised her eyebrows, giving him a mysterious quirky look over the rim of her paper cup.

“You gonna show me?” she asked, leaning across the table.

“Nah, not a chance,” he giggled, pocketing his phone.

“It is good at least?” she pressed.

He giggled more, his cheeks flushing slightly. “I’m not answering that.”

“Damn, that bad, huh?” she laughed.

He just laughed with her rather than admit his true feelings about the picture and the girl in it. It was perfectly Jordan in every possible way- cute and snarky with a little bit of knowing he’d never be able to fully pin her down.

He was walking just a few steps in front of her when he saw the phone come out. He turned, his tongue coming at the corner of his mouth as the camera shutter clicked. “Ha!” she laughed at him. “If you can take candids of me, you best believe I’m gonna do it back.”

She was more generous than he had been, tilting her wrist so he could look at the picture. “Damn, that’s bad,” he giggled.

“Well, by all means,” she gestured with her phone.

He rolled his eyes, but cocked his head slightly to the side, offering the barest hint of a smile. “Better?” he asked.

“Would it have killed ya to smile?” she teased.

“Would it have killed you?” he teased back, patting his pocket where his own phone was.

“Touche,” she relented. “Alright, catch ya on the flip side, nerd,” she finally said, stepping in the close the gap between them, her arms wrapping briefly around his shoulders.

“See you in January, Jo,” he responded, hugging her back and swallowing how easy this felt. Everything about his relationship with Jordan was easy. His urge to kiss her felt so natural he almost did it. His head tilted and his lips puckered. But then she was pulling out of the hug and his heart was pounding in his chest instead.

~~~

SmashIrwin: Last coffee of the semester with @heyitsjogirl

Liked by @heyitsjogirl and @mikerowave_X

Comment from @mikerowave_X: WITHOUT ME?!

@heyitsjogirl replied to @mikerowave_X: We’ve been getting coffee all semester, where you at?! #shenanigansquad

heyitsjogirl: Gonna miss this nerd. With @SmashIrwin

Liked by @SmashIrwin and @mikerowave_X

Comment from @mikerowave_X: Wow, the audacity… #ineednewfriends #shenanigansquad #morelikesheNAHnigansquad

@SmashIrwin replied to @mikerowave_X: Mikey, don’t even… #shenanigansquad

@heyitsjogirl replied to @mikerowave_X: What @SmashIrwin said. No complaining if you can’t roll with us #shenanigansquad #thenerdiestofnerds

~~~

Jo-girl: Fuck! Overslept! Don’t let Lewis drop me, lol

Smashton: I’ll make sure he doesn’t

Mikeywave: UGH HURRY UP!

Jo-girl: FUCK YOU!

Jo-girl: Also save me a seat!

~~~

“Jo, welcome, welcome!” Professor Lewis’ voice chirped brightly as Jordan breezed in, her cheeks flushed from both the cold and the half-sprint across the campus as she took the seat next to Ash and behind Mike.

“Sup?” she nodded her head, half-heartedly, her glasses pushing up as she rubbed at her eyes and yawned. “Fuck, getting back into sync is gonna suck.”

Mike laughed, “How late were you up last night?”

She shrugged, “Like 2? What are we doing? Saying what we did over break?”

“And what we’re looking forward to most,” Ashton told her.

“May,” she said with a harsh laugh, then her eyes danced as she looked longingly towards the door. “Get me outta here, please!”

“Glad to have you in class again, too, Jo,” Professor Lewis said with an eye roll.

~~~

“So, how was your break?” Ashton asked as they walked out, having left Mike behind because he had another class in the same room.

“Just the recharge I needed,” she said, looping her arm through his. “You got class or is it time for coffee?”

“Nah, I’m free until Van.”

“To coffee!” she declared in that silly voice he had missed than he realized.

“Onwards, m’lady!”

Her laugh rang out, her breath still visible in the morning cold. “How was your break?” she asked, her voice back to its normal lilt.

“It was good,” he replied.

She nodded, accepting the barely-scratching-the-surface answer. Then, “Have you taken digital research yet?”

He shook his head. “I’m taking it this semester.”

“Sweet, who with?”

“Professor Walker.”

“Yes!” she cheered, pumping her fist in victory. “I won’t have to suffer alone!”

He giggled. “Professor Walker’s great, what are you talking about?”

“Oh, I know. But like… you know?”

He nodded, knowing what she wasn’t saying. Taking classes without Jordan sitting next to him just weren’t as enjoyable.

~~~

@heyitsjogirl: Not the same without my #shenanigansquad but jo girl is TIRED!

Liked by @SmashIrwin and @mikerowave_X

Comment by SmashIrwin: Clearly not too tired to commit BETRAYAL!

@mikerowave_X replied to @SmashIrwin: THIS IS TREASON!

@heyitsjogirl replied to @SmashIrwin: Y’all are idiots lmao.

~~~

“Deja vu!” Jordan’s voice laughed as she waltzed into the room and spotted Ashton in the same seat he had been in earlier when they had been in the classroom for their thesis class. “Holy shit, definite deja vu,” she continued to laugh, waving over at Luke on the other side of the classroom. “Lu, do I just have you for every class? You stalking me?”

Luke’s blue eyes danced and his blonde curls shook as he laughed. “Shh, just ignore me.”

“Hey, remind me to get your number after class.”

“Oh yeah, for sure.”

Jordan was about to turn to start chatting with Ashton but the door opened and in walked Calum Hood. “Yo! Where ya been, Hood?!” Jordan said, her brown eyes lighting up behind her glasses.

“Jo girl!” Calum said, taking a seat on the other side of her.

Ashton busied himself with staring out the window. Great. This was just what he needed. Competition from the tanned soccer god.

“Britt!” Jordan’s voice squealed as a young woman breezed into the room, startling Ashton from his thoughts.

“Jo! I’ve missed you girlie!” the woman said, coming to sit behind Calum.

“Do you know everyone?” Ashton laughed, breathing a little easier at the other woman’s presence. Maybe girl bonding would distract from Calum attraction.

“I’m popular, what can I say?” she winked. “Britt this is Ash. Ash, this is Britt. My year is not complete if I don’t take at least one class with her.”

Ashton clutched his hand to his heart in mock pain. “I am OFFENDED!” he gasped.

Jordan giggled and pushed his shoulder playfully. “Fuckin’ nerd. You know I love you.”

“You’re the nerd, nerd,” he mumbled, his cheeks flushing and heart racing at how easy the words rolled off her lips in his direction.

“The nerdiest,” she grinned.

~~~

Ashton’s heart sank a little when Jordan left the classroom without waiting for him. But when he pushed his way out, he saw her standing in the hallway, chatting with Luke. “And send,” she said, tapping at her phone.

Two seconds later, Luke’s phone pinged. “Sweet, see ya, Jo. Later Ash.”

“Later,” they both told him, watching the blonde sling off into the dark evening. Then, “Thought ya ditched me. Watched you go and was like ‘Jo! Jo, no!’”

She laughed. “Nah, I’d never ditch ya. C’mon, I’m parked in lot M.”

“Cool, me too,” he lied.

They made pleasant conversation as they trekked across campus in the dark, both admitting their delight in the course they were taking and how close graduation was. And also admitting their fear that graduation was right around the corner. “But you’ll be back in August for the graduate program, won’t you?” he asked her.

“Yeah, but still. You know people always tell you to chase after your dreams no matter the cost. But nobody tells you what to do when those dreams come true, you know? Like what happens when there’s nothing left for me to chase after? What if I’m chasing after something to fill a void that’s unfillable?”

He nodded, pondering her words. Then, “But is that any reason not to chase after what you want?”

Her laugh echoed throughout the parking structure. “God, no. I’m a firm believer that taking your chance is always worth the risk.” She reached into the pocket of her jeans to pull out her car keys as she jogged up the stairs. “Well, this is me,” she said, slightly breathless. “Catch ya on the flip side?”

“See ya, nerd,” he smiled before heading back to the staircase.

“Hey!” she called out after him, her hands on her hips. “You said you were parked here!”

“I lied!”

She laughed, shaking her head. “You didn’t have to do that, you know. I’m not afraid of the dark.”

“I know. I wanted to. See ya!”

She chuckled to herself as she watched him disappear down the stairs. Damn, he made it really hard not to like him. In their short time together, he had become one of her closest friends and he knew her almost as well as Mike did. It took a lot of willpower to not brush his hair out of his face every time she saw him. She bet it was soft and imagined it would fall through her fingertips like water. She bit her lip and chuckled again, deciding then and there that she would kiss that boy at graduation if he didn’t kiss her first.

~~~

“Hey, you stole my shirt,” Jordan said, her nose scrunching up playfully as she walked into class and took notice of Calum in his seat, wearing sure enough, the same grey NASA t-shirt Jordan was wearing.

“Psh, I had mine longer, so I think you stole mine,” Calum teased her back.

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” she laughed, taking her seat. “Hey, Ash.”

Ashton nodded in greeting, his gaze never leaving the window. “Gonna rain,” he murmured. A perfect metaphor, he thought with a sigh. His feelings for Jordan, much like the storm clouds outside were growing faster every second. And soon it was all going to come crashing down.

“Fuck, think we’ll make it out of class before then?” she asked, her brows furrowing together. She had a coat with her, but if it started pouring rain, she was toast.

Ashton shrugged. The storm in him was getting worse with each class session he spent with Jordan between him and Calum. Outside, lightning cracked across the sky and the first droplets began to fall.

~~~

“You good?” Jordan asked as they walked out of class together.

“Yeah, why?” he asked, his voice clipped, a frown on his face as he pushed his way out of the building. The rain was coming down, but the downpour had had given way to a lazy drizzle. Their hair began to frizz as they walked at a fast pace to the parking lot. He had started parking in the same lot as her since that first day of classes.

“You just seem off,” she commented, shoving her hands into the pockets of her jacket.

“Just tired, I guess,” he shrugged, walking a few paces ahead of her.

She shook her head and quickened her pace to fall into step beside him. “No. I know you. This isn’t your end of the day tired. This is something is wrong pissed off.”

He paused, his brows furrowing together. He had spent so much of his time noticing her that he never once thought to think she had been doing the same. Why would she notice someone like him, anyway? He was so… and she was so… “So,” he said, his voice as chilly as the air, resuming his walk.

“So?” she asked with a short chuckle and a click of her tongue. “Ash, we’re friends. You can tell me anything.”

“No, I really can’t, Jo,” he mumbled under his breath.

“That’s bullshit,” she scoffed.

“Is it?” he challenged, stopping again and whirling to face her.

“It is,” she asserted, planting her feet and crossing her arms, preparing for battle. Lightening cracked, illuminating them both, their eyes dark behind their rain-splattered glasses. “Well? Before I’m soaked, please,” she demanded, gesturing around as the rain started to fall faster and heavier.

“Do you like Cal?” his voice boomed with the thunder.

Her laugh was harsh. “Do I like Cal? What type of dumbass question is that?! Of course I like Cal.”

He gaze flicked away from hers, his face pinching. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

Another harsh laugh fell from her lips. “Wow, the nerd finally realizes I’m friends with Cal. Stunning discovery! Bra-fuckin-vo!”

“Friends,” he scoffed, his eyes still avoiding hers as he struggled to come to terms with the fact he had been desperately hoping wasn’t true ever since he first learned Jordan knew Calum. Of course the pretty girl would like the pretty boy. He really shouldn’t be so surprised. But the truth stung all the same.

“What the fuck is your problem?” she growled, her hands shoving at his chest. “You’re being a real jerk and honestly, I’m not sure if I like this side of you.”

“Do you like any side of me?!” The question flew from his lips, his voice cracking with another lightening strike.

“Again with the dumbass questions! Of course I like you!”

“You just said you like Cal!”

The pieces clicked into place. Every shy shrug of his shoulders. Every door he opened for her. How he parked in the same lot as her so he could walk with her at the end of the day. The digging into her relationship with Calum. His persistence that he wasn’t interested in dating. God, why did it take feeling like the girl was slipping through their fingers before they could finally fight for what they wanted? “You really are a dumbass, aren’t you?” she shouted. If he needed a fight to finally do something, she was going to give him his fight. “I can like more than one person, Ashton! I’m allowed to have friends!”

He flinched at the usage of his full first name. “That’s not what I meant and you know it!”

“Well, here, I’ll dumb it down for ya! Do I like Cal? Yes! Do I think he’s pretty? Yes! Does it matter? No! You wanna know why? Because Cal likes pretty girls, like Britt! Nobody who looks like Cal is looking at nerd tomboy Jo when a girl like Britt is right there behind him!”

Ashton faltered. Did Jordan really think she wasn’t pretty? Did she feel for Calum the same way he felt about her? That Calum was as far out of her league and she was out of Ashton’s? Fuck, of course she thought that. In what world would a girl like Jordan ever go for a boy like Ashton.

“Are you going to do something or just continue to stand there looking like a jackass?” her voice pulled him from his spiral.

The pieces clicked into place again. Every little smile she gave when he said he wasn’t interested in dating. Every hug that lingered. How she had told him she was a firm believer in taking chances, win or lose. Fuck it. Now or never.

He crossed the distance between them in one step, one hand gripping her chin as the other wrapped around her back. His head dipped down as he tilted hers up. His lips attached to hers and he smiled, feeling her sigh into it. It was deep and soft and it made their heads spin.

“Fuckin’ finally,” she said when they broke apart. Her eyes were shining as her finger traced the tingling in her lips.

“What?” he asked with a breathless chuckle.

“Took ya long enough.”

“I’m still not following.”

She rolled her eyes. “I like you, dumbass.”

“You do?”

“Would I do this if I didn’t?” she asked before kissing him, her hands running through the soft hair that fell through her fingers like water, just like she knew it would.

~~~

Jordan’s laugh bounced off the walls of the building as her and Ashton rounded the corner and found Britt with her back against the wall, Calum’s lips on hers. “See? I told ya Cal likes the pretty girls,” she told Ashton, her nose scrunching up.

Ashton giggled and took a page from Calum, pressing Jordan up against the wall, earning a small shriek of surprised laughter to fall from his girlfriend’s lips. “Shut up and kiss me, nerd,” he said before pressing his lips to hers. God, he would never get tired of kissing her.

“The nerdiest,” she smiled into the kiss.

“And the most beautiful.”

~~~

Tag List (Wanna join? Just ask!)

@goeatsomelife @flameraine @cashtonasff5sos @here-for-the-uproars @cxddlyash @1-irwin-94 @baldcalum @sparkling-chaos

#shenanigan squad #ashton irwin #ashton irwin fic #5sos #galcal irwin

18 notes · View notes

unfortunate-stranger-losers · 5 years

Photo

All Those Things They Couldn’t Say - A Runaway Baudelaires AU

{ao3} {tumblr} {masterlist}

Chapter Fourteen - An Incident at the Marketplace

Violet was very quiet for the next several days with Josephine. The kids didn’t have much to do that didn’t involve giving Josephine a heart attack, so they mostly just sat around in her library. Klaus tried desperately to find the grammar books interesting, while Josephine tried to teach grammar and English to Sunny, who instead found hardcovers to bite on. Violet, meanwhile, had taken out her own commonplace book, and kept either scribbling furiously or doodling, with her ribbon keeping her hair back. She wouldn’t let Klaus see what she wrote, but she would show him and Sunny her drawings- usually blueprints for another invention, or a sketch of something nearby, like a book or Sunny asleep on the table. A few times she drew the sea, and she always got a distant look in her eyes as she did.

Every now and again, they’d ask Josephine how she knew their parents, or about Ike, or if they could please show her how the oven worked, but she always changed the topic, so they eventually gave up.

Finally, one day, Klaus asked about Lake Lachrymose, and Josephine’s eyes did the same thing as Violet’s, where she looked like she’d fallen into a distant, but fond, memory.

“Oh, I grew up on these shores, you know.” Josephine said. “I know every cave and curve, from the Lavender Lighthouse, above Curdled Cave, to the edge of the Fickle Ferry’s route.”

“Could we go swimming?” Violet asked, as she bounced Sunny on her knee. “I’d love to skip rocks again, and-”

“Oh, no.” Josephine shook her head. “No, I can’t go near the lake now. I can only bear to view it from this window.”

The Baudelaires shot each other tired looks. Klaus said, “I know lakes and similarly deep-water locations can be dangerous, but if you know it so well-”

“Oh, it’s not that.” Josephine said. Then, she leaned over and whispered, “It’s the leeches.”

“The… what?” Klaus asked.

“The Lachrymose Leeches.” Josephine shivered. “They’re quite different from normal leeches, you see- these leeches live only in Lachrymose Lake, and they will eat anything that even remotely smells of food. You have to wait one hour after eating to go swimming or they will swarm and-” she cut herself off, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. “I’m sorry, children. It’s not grammatically correct to end a sentence with ‘and.’ But I just get very emotional-”

“That’s how Ike died?” Klaus asked. “Leeches?”

Josephine jumped, and Violet hit him on the shoulder.

That night, Violet signalled for Klaus to stay awake. They sat on the other side of her bed, with Sunny sitting on Violet’s lap and biting the handle of a knife, and Violet said, “I need your help with something. I was hoping to wait until Josephine was out of the house, but the dumb bitch never seems to leave.”

“What’s going on?” Klaus asked nervously.

“Josephine’s got a safe hidden in her library.” Violet said simply. Klaus didn’t even react; they expected secrets everywhere. “I’ve been hoping you could help me crack the code. I could invent something to bust it open, but that’d make noise and leave damage and Josephine would know.”

“What’s the combination like?”

“Dial. I think four numbers.”

Klaus considered. “It has to be something she’d remember. But she doesn’t seem too into numbers, just words.”

“We could use the A1Z26 cipher.” Violet said. “But it’d have to be a short word, especially if one of the letters is past i-9, which would make it two numbers.”

“What does she like?” Klaus narrowed his eyes. “Grammar.”

“Cold soup.”

“Not telling us anything.”

Sunny looked up, stopping her biting for a moment, and said, “Ike.”

Violet and Klaus looked at each other, and then smiled a little. “Good work, Sunny.” Violet said. “Let’s go.”

They got up, racing to the library. Violet opened the trick bookshelf quickly, and Klaus knelt by the safe, muttering the numbers for I-K-E. Once he got it, he turned the handle, and the safe clicked open.

“Easy enough.” Klaus said.

“See,” Violet joked, reaching into the safe, “This is why I keep you around.” She pulled out a file, which she flipped open. “Hmm. Photos of her not being a scaredy-cat.” Like in the scrapbook.

“Is she jumping out of a plane?”

“For fun.” Violet nodded. “Yeah, she did used to be interesting. What else is in there?”

Klaus looked in. “Sheet music. Box of crackers. This book-thing- oh, hey.”

He pulled out the book, and showed it off to Violet. The title, spelled out very clearly on the large, dark cover, was The Incomplete History of Secret Organizations.

“Okay. So,” Violet pulled Sunny onto her lap, and said, “Is this a good or bad thing?”

“Means she’s in VFD.”

“But she hid it away. Meaning she’s trying to get out.”

“Not good for us, considering what happened when Mother and Father tried to leave.”

“Whazzit?” Sunny asked, confused.

“But it means we’re safe from ankle-snatching bastards.” Violet shrugged. “Listen, if she’s hiding this shit away,” she held up the file, waving it a bit, “It means she doesn’t want to think about her past. We’re safe for the time being. Eventually Mother and Father will get here and then we don’t have to talk to her again.”

Klaus sighed, and then said, “I guess.”

“Well,” Violet groaned, standing up and lifting Sunny with her, “Let’s get back to bed. Aunt Jo said we’re hurricane shopping tomorrow, so maybe we can convince her to get hot food.”

“Not gonna happen.”

“Then we’ll swipe some when she’s not looking and make it ourselves. No biggie. And you, Sunshine, should be asleep.”

Sunny huffed. “Ekaw,” she said, which meant, “But you’re awake.”

“Yeah, but I’m old enough to make bad life decisions. Sleep time.”

The next morning, at the market, Violet and Klaus tried to stick by Aunt Josephine, but she seemed scared of practically everything in the town. It was good that the lakeside was basically empty, or they’d worry about making a scene and attracting unwanted attention. Klaus held Sunny in his arms instead of in his bag, letting her point towards food she wanted- and, when Josephine wasn’t looking, letting her grab something to stuff into his pocket.

Violet kept untying and retying her ribbon in her hair, both bored by the market they had to walk through so slowly and too stimulated by how many aisles of carts they walked past, all with different smells and vendors shouting what they were selling and bright signs and even some which had other, loud noises. Sunny and Klaus were too focused on grabbing what they wanted without paying, like they normally did, that they weren’t noticing how loud everything seemed to be.

“Josephine,” Violet muttered, shoving her ribbon into her pocket and turning back to their current guardian, “Perhaps we could get something to cook for you. Klaus and I know how to make several very quick meals, and as fast as they are, it’s hard to mess them up.”

“Oh, no, no.” Josephine shook her head. “I’m eager to try this recipe for cold lime stew.”

“Nuki,” Sunny said, meaning, “I think I’d rather eat something hot, or bite your arm off.”

“No, no, Sunny,” Josephine said firmly, looking up from her shopping list. “‘Nuki’ isn’t a word. Remember what we said about using correct English. Now, Violet, would you please get some cucumbers? I thought I would make chilled cucumber soup again sometime next week.”

Violet groaned outwardly, giving Josephine the side-eye, and then she moved down another aisle in search of cucumbers. She had no idea where they were- she didn’t know this fucking town!- but likely they’d be around the other vegetables. Things should be organized normally, right? A vender was selling canned soup which would be amazing if she could just fucking cook it. She retied her hair again, wondering if she could take apart the oven and force Josephine to see it was fine. For a few moments, she was so lost in her inventing thoughts that she didn’t look where she was going until she walked right into someone.

“Oh, I’m sorry-” Violet started to stay, and then she looked up, and froze over.

Turning around to look at her, with a shiny gleam in his eye, was a tall, thin man in a blue sailor had and black eye patch covering his left eye, as well as a thick wooden peg leg. But even with the peg leg and the eye patch and the sailor outfit, she could see his shiny eyes and the one eyebrow snaking underneath the patch and the long, bony fingers that drumming on a nearby table, slightly rattling a bottle of olives.

“You.” she breathed.

“Why, hello, dear lady.” Count Olaf said, a strange tone as he adopted some kind of sailor’s accent. “Didn’t see you there.”

His beady, uncovered eye was staring down at her as if she were a brightly wrapped birthday present that he couldn’t wait to rip open. Violet had seen that look before, and she immediately reached for her pocket to grab her knife.

“Violet!” she heard Josephine call behind her, but she didn’t turn, keeping her eyes on the dangerous man in front of her. “What are you doing in this aisle? These people are selling food that must be heated, and you know-”

When she saw Count Olaf she stopped speaking, and for a second Violet thought she’d recognized him, too. But then she smiled, and Violet felt a boiling fury inside her.

“Hello,” said Count Olaf, smiling at Josephine, “I was just apologizing for running into your sister here.”

Klaus and Sunny ran up, then, and Klaus said, “Sorry we wandered behind, we saw- fuck, that’s Count Olaf!”

“Yeah, no shit, Klaus.” Violet said. “Stay behind me.”

Josephine scoffed, and said, “Violet! Don’t be rude!” she gestured to the Count in front of them. “This nice man is clearly not Count Olaf. Look at him! He’s a sailor.”

“Captain Sham, my lady.” Olaf made a bow, and as he did, he shot a sneaky, smug look to Violet.

“Alright, fucker,” Violet pushed Klaus and Sunny back slightly as Sunny hissed, and then she pulled out her pocketknife, flipping it open and pointing it at him.

“Violet!” Josephine gasped, as Olaf stood back up, not concerned. “What did we say about sharp objects?”

“If you’re really a pirate captain,” Violet said, “Then I assume that peg leg is real.”

“As real as I am, miss.” Olaf said. “If you could put the knife away, nice girls shouldn’t be playing with those.”

“I’m not a nice girl.” Violet said, stepping towards him. “So if it’s real, I can just swipe at it with this knife, and there’ll be no leg under it for me to sever off, causing you to bleed out until you tell us where the fuck our parents are, you bastard!”

“Violet!” Josephine nearly shrieked, and she grabbed Violet’s arm, yanking her back. Surprised, Violet nearly swung the knife at her, recovering quickly enough to keep herself from harming their guardian. “I’m sorry, sir, she must be confused.”

“Well,” Olaf said, smiling again at Violet, “Sometimes young girls are like that when they travel too much. I find it’s best to keep them in one place to avoid hallucinations.”

Violet tugged at Josephine’s hand, but Josephine kept a firm grip on her, and Violet groaned as Josephine carefully plucked the knife from her hand and tossed it to the ground. “There. Now nobody can get hurt.”

“Bet.” Sunny said.

“Josephine, that’s Count Olaf! He’s in disguise.” Klaus said. “He’s after us!”

“Now, Klaus, be nice to Captain Sham and don’t play along with your sister’s-”

He turned to Violet, asking with his eyes if he should start crying, and Violet nodded. Klaus then burst into tears, and taking the cue, Sunny did, too.

“Please, Josephine-” Klaus began.

“Oh, now, Klaus,” Josephine released Violet, putting an arm around him. Violet turned to Olaf, as if to rush him, only to see, to her horror and frustration, that while Josephine’s back was turned, he had picked up her knife. He twirled it in his hands, giving her a clear look that dared her to try anything.

“Best be gettin’ the young boy home, miss.” Olaf said, hiding the knife as Josephine turned to him. “Seems the sea air’s done somethin’ to him.”

“I’m very sorry-”

“Captain Sham.” Olaf pulled a laminated card from his pocket, handing it over. The Baudelaires gave him glares as Josephine read it over. “Sailboat rentals.”

Josephine laughed. “Why, Captain Sham! You’ve made a grammatical error.”

“What?” Olaf said, raising his eyebrow.

“It says here, ‘Captain Sham’s Sailboats. Every boat has it’s own sail.’ There should not be an apostrophe over ‘it’s,’ as that signals ‘it is.’ You mean simply I-T-S, ‘belonging to it.’ It’s a very common mistake, Captain Sham, but a dreadful one.”

Captain Sham’s face darkened, and it looked for a minute like he was going to attack; Violet moved to grab Klaus’s hand. But then he smiled and said, “Thank you for pointing that out. Perhaps, dear lady, you can explain more about grammar to me tonight, over dinner.”

“No!” Violet said.

“Now, Violet, please quiet down. Let the adults speak.” Josephine said. She turned back to Olaf and said, “I’d be happy. We could go to that new fried egg place, if you so wish.”

“Wonderful. Where do you live? I’ll pick you up very soon.” He looked to the kids there, and Violet felt like she was going to be sick.

“Josephine, don’t-” Klaus began, through his forced tears.

“Right at the top of the hill.” Josephine giggled. “I’ll go get a new shawl and drop the children off.”

“Yes. They can rest.” Olaf said. “Who knows what could happen to them in the wide open world?”

“Go to hell, bastard.” Violet said.

“Violet!”

“Our parents will beat your ass, and they’ll find us, and you’re going to-” Violet spat.

“Violet, please!” Josephine shook her head and tutted. “Children have no manners these days. If you’ll excuse us, Captain Sham…”

She turned and pulled the kids along with her. Violet shot a hateful glare back at Olaf, who just smiled innocently at her.

Once they reached the house, Josephine said, “I know you children have had quite the terrifying life. But that doesn’t mean you can be rude to kind sailors at the market.”

“That wasn’t a kind sailor! That was Count Olaf!” Violet protested.

“Please,” Klaus sniffled, “Listen to us!”

“Children, go lie down.” Josephine insisted. “Captain Sham must be right, the excessive travel is making you-”

“Did you seriously buy that?” Klaus temporarily snapped out of his fake tears. “That’s ‘female hysteria’ bullshit!”

“Klaus! Go lie down! I will go get ready for dinner.” she paused. “Why don’t I make you all chilled cucumber soup, so that you have something to eat while I’m out?”

Violet took a deep breath, and then spun on her heel and stalked off without another word.

Klaus raced after her, and Sunny asked, “Ato?” which meant something akin to, “What do we do?”

“I’m working on it.” Violet muttered.

“Gui!” Sunny shouted as they made their way into their bedroom, meaning, “How could she fall for that phony disguise?”

“Mother and Father told us often that disguises are an easy way to sneak around simple people.” Klaus said.

“Well, good to know that Josephine is a dumbass!” Violet sat on the bed, and pulled out her ribbon, tying her hair back as tight as she could. She took a deep breath, and thought.

She remembered, when she was about eight, her Mother had sat her down and tried to help her figure out better ways to manage her anger, after she’d punched a kid who threatened Klaus at the playground. One of the things that had worked was just letting her inventing mind go off on plans, keeping her focus on different ideas instead of on the first impulse to attack. She clasped her hands together, sitting cross-legged, and keeping her eyes shut, even as Sunny crawled onto her lap.

Klaus sat beside her on the bed, bouncing the mattress slightly. “Ideas?”

Violet considered what they had at their disposal. The house had little electricity, was situated above a lake… perhaps they could push Olaf through the library window, but he could grab one of their ankles and pull them with him. Josephine didn’t have anything very sharp or heavy… the only dangerous thing around the lake was-

“I have an idea.” Violet said after a minute, smiling as she opened her eyes. “I need you guys to distract Josephine. If Olaf comes, keep him here.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to get our weapon.” Violet pulled Sunny off of her lap, putting the baby on a pillow, and she stood up, stretching slightly. “What we’re going to do, is we’re going to beg to go to dinner with Josephine and Olaf. We’re so sorry, we made a mistake, we feel so bad for insulting Captain Sham.”

“That’s gonna be hard to fake.”

“We’ll manage. Then at the restaurant, we’ll get him to take us for a walk by the pier.”

“That’s asking for him to kidnap us.”

“Exactly. Once lulled into a false sense of security, as we walk by the ocean, you trip him into the water.”

“So he swims back and strangles us.”

“No, so I throw our weapon at him. In the water, he’ll be helpless.”

“What weapon, Vi? A weight?”

Violet smiled and shook her head. She reached into Klaus’s bag, pulling out a small, glass jar, as well as a small snackbag.

“The Lachrymose Leeches.”

#asoue #asoue netflix #a series of unfortunate events #asoue au #runaway baudelaires au #all those things they couldn't say #asoue fanfiction #mine #my fanfic

9 notes · View notes