#making nate a dad is the best thing i did

[slvthrs]

ALL THE THINGS WE COULDN'T SAY | v.hacker

— MINORS PLEASE FUCK OFF FOR UR OWN GOOD —

No matter what, seeing him all over again feels like the inch has given you, spans the entire seas.

OLD BSF!VINNIE X FEM!READER

WARNINGS: NSFW CONTENT MINORS DNI, some angst, some fluff, unprotected sex, alcohol ment, making out praise kink, degradation kink, cheating, possessiveness, angry sex, slapping, face pushing, begging, choking, mean vinnie!!

word count:  2.5k <3

a/n: lil apology for the disappearance mls :(

Ever since that fateful day, I haven’t spoken a word to Vinnie.

It’s not like we were best friends, chatting everyday- at least not best friends in LA. But having sex whilst he had a girlfriend proved too much for me.

I ignored every text, every call, every attempt to get in contact despite what I really wanted. However I knew that any form of interaction between us would end up the same way our last one ended.

And I was very right.

It had been 2 months, it was all going good. I was starting to forget the feeling of his lips on me. Starting to forget the way he made me laugh, held my body close whispering sweet nothings. 

I started spending more time at the gym, and spent more time with my friends. Went out clubbing, shopping, anything that would help me forget. 

But in the back of my mind, only one thing actually made me crumble in the middle of the night, only one thing I thought of when I fell asleep, the one thing I craved.

He had given me an inch and I imagined it to be a mile- the same mistake I kept on making.

So when I heard that Vinnie was throwing his birthday and I had received the coveted invitation- I imagined it to be the world.

Vinnie’s birthday was always something I looked forward to back home. Maria’s cooking, Nate on the grill, and Reggie playing silly board games with Vinnie and I.

***

“YOU FUCKING CHEATER” I yelled, jostling Poncho in my lap.

“Oh c’mon it’s not my fault you suck at Uno” Vinnie laughs moving to pet Poncho.

“Absolutely not! I had Uno, I was about to win!” I grumble, my head falling onto the coffee table table.

Reggie’s hand rubs my back, “Hey we all know Vinnie cheats don’t worry,” He teases sticking his tongue out at his big brother.

The two boys start bickering, laughing, and yelling curses as I cradle Poncho, “Shh baby ignore em their just two stinky men” I whisper

Their words quickly turn into playful rough housing until Maria breaks them up bringing out Vinnie’s cake.

His face is illuminated by the soft glow of the candles, as the cake is set in front of him. His big signature toothy grin covers his entire face as he watches us start to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.

One of his hands wraps around my waist and my world just stops- at least for a moment before I’m jostled by him blowing out the candles in one big huff.

“What did you wish for Vin?” Nate asks, smiling at his newly adult son

His face turns to look at me giving me a smile before turning back to his dad, “Can’t say unless I don’t want it to come true.”

My world just died right there before starting all over again.

That was a day before he left for LA.

***

I had spent the night getting ready with my friends. I was adorned in pretty jewelry complimenting my hair. I was wearing a pretty white tie-in-the-front white cropped top with long sleeves and a low-rise white mini skirt. I had matching waist chains with some strappy white heels. 

Vinnie’s favourite perfume of mine sprayed on my skin in an involuntary action as I packed up my little purse with some needed essentials and some non-essentials.

I stared in the mirror, Was I really doing this?

“Babes Tyler is here!” My friend Kylie shoots in my direction.

Tyler- the only reason my friends thought I should go to this party was if I brought a guy, so Tyler had to do.

I guess I am.

My friends and I walk out to Tyler’s car, not before a shot for pure confidence, and slip into the passenger seat driving down the same way I went two months ago.

We arrive at the house around 10:30, right around when most people are trickling in. I fix my dress as we walk through the door and all of a sudden the wave of anxiousness washes over me and I want to run.

I don’t however run away, despite how much I want to, I still hold it together.

Kylie pulls me aside to check up on me and hands me a drink, telling me to ‘get some!’ Despite the fact that we both have very different people in mind. 

Jordan, one of Vinnie’s friends walks up to me engaging in mindless conversation that's so clearly an attempt to find out who Tyler is or if “I’m seeing anyone.”

Despite that fact we have a pleasant conversation whilst I feel a pair of very familiar eyes burning into the back of my skull as I hug Jordan goodbye as people get ready for midnight.

Two blonde dudes come in holding a large sheet cake with 22 candles placed ever so gently on top.

Vinnie’s hand is wrapped around Allison who stares at him as if he’s the sun and the stars and his eyes stay on me, causing me to sweat. He grins as the cake is placed in front of him, straightening out his stupid little suit as everyone begins to sing.

As the song finishes everyone bursts into cheers as he blows out his candle as Allison grips onto him, his eyes leave the cake finding his girlfriend’s as she asks, “What did you wish for baby?”

He smiles, not saying a word as he looks back at me, “It’s a secret.”

That’s too much for me.

I maneuver around the drunk crowd, sprinting up the nearest stairs and into the first room, walking out onto the balcony and sitting down on the ground.

My world feels like it's out of orbit, everything just stopped. My head tips back on the glass balcony as I try to recollect my thoughts.

Stray tears fall onto my face, if he can do it for her, why couldn’t he have done it for me, is the only thought that swirls in my mind.

“Hey are you okay?” No no no.

I shut my eyes praying he’ll just go away, but he doesn’t, he never could. He sits down next to me, his body heat slipping on to me.

His hand rests on my shoulder, “Open your eyes” Vinnie’s voice whispers and like a marionette, I obliged.

My bloodshot teary eyes meet his as I turn my head as I move to wipe away my tears.

“Yes?” My voice breaks.

“Why are you crying?” He whispers, his gaze soft and his words even softer.

“Don’t do this, Vinnie.” I whisper, desperation evident in my voice.

“What pretty girl?”

And I cry all over again. I take in staggered breaths as his arms wrap around me. His hands soothe my skin as I crumble into his dumb suit.

I melt into his touch. I want to die like this, in his arms.

“I can’t do this, I don’t know why I came” I whisper as tears fall on my face and into his shirt.

“It’s my birthday… didn’t you want to be here?” He asks, his voice breaking a little as he pulls my face away, lifting up my chin to look at him.

His gaze drops to my lips for a moment as I snap out of it, immediately rising to my feet stepping into the room.

“No no we can’t do this” I whisper-yell at him, my hands crossed over my chest

“We’re not doing anything?” He looks bewildered, his eyebrows knit together

“We can’t be friends.. I-I can’t be here alone with you, your girlfriends downstairs!” My voice rises a little

His expression is the picturesque definition of pain, “Why not?”

“Because I spent years loving you and you threw it all away!” I yell my hand pointing at him

“I didn’t throw it away!” He raises his voice, stepping closer to me

“Oh yes you fucking did, and I was doing so good! I was forgetting about you!” I cry out, I step closer to him.

“I don’t want you to forget about me” His voice is expressionless, as he steps closer as we’re practically chest to chest

“I want to! You have a girlfriend” I slam my fist on his chest as his grabs my wrist

“Jesus were you always this fucking bossy when we were kids?” His eyes narrow, eyeing me

I roll my eyes and scoff, “Fuck. You.” 

He has the audacity to laugh, “You can try and forget me, get with that idiot you got here with- But never, tell me I threw us away, I loved you! I love you.” 

His voice softens ever so slightly, “I will never not love you, tell me to break up with Allison, I will, tell me to kick everyone out right now, I will. Whatever you want, tell me. I’m yours”

“I hate you. Leave.” I huff

He shakes his head, “Anything but that.” 

“Leave me like you left me 3 years ago and 2 months ago” I whisper

“No.” His voice is harsh and commanding

“Vinnie…”

“No.” His grasp on my hand doesn't falter and in fact his other hand grasps my other wrist.

My eyes narrow, please whatever scraps of self respect I have please kick in.

His pushes me back against the wall, my hands pinned either side of me as he places a kiss on the birthmark on my neck, “I’m never leaving you”

I shut my eyes, tipping my head back, please kick in, I beg.

“Open your eyes.” His voice rough and ragged

My eyes flutter open, meeting his blown out brown eyes.

Oh no.

His lips meet mine in a desperate kiss, his hand moves to grasp my waist as mine tangles in his hair. 

“We can’t” I whisper despite still kissing him back

“Just shut the fuck up” He groans as he bites down on my bottom lip

“You’re my worst addiction” He mumbles moving to kiss my neck

I whine, nails digging into his curly brown locks, “I hate you”

“I know my love” I murmurs against my skin, kissing every spot of my neck he can find before dipping down to my tits.

“Vinnie-”

“Yes.” His voice cuts mine off, his head tipping up, looking up at my eyes.

I shut my eyes, “Need you”

“What? Where? Tell me” He begs

“Need you to fuck me, rough” I whisper

He stops his kisses, moving to cup my face, “Whatever you want doll”.

He meets my lips in a rough kiss guiding me to the edge of the bed, pushing me down to sit.

“God you're so pretty, it makes me wanna ruin you sometimes” He whispers out, his voice rough as he moves a strand of my hair away from my face as he looks down at me.

He moves me further up the bed as he leans over me, pulling the buttons of his waist coat down but as he’s mid way he gets frustrated he just rips it off along with his shirt as he kisses me again.

His lips move in tandem with mine as he pulls the knot of my shirt, causing it to fall down.

“Mine” He whispers into the kiss, “Say it princess”

“Yours” I whine as he shuffles my skirt and panties off and unclasped my bra

“My perfect girl” He mumbles as he flips me over, smushing my face into the pillows

I can hear his belt clinking open and he shuffles out of his constricting dress pants and boxers

“S gonna hurt darling girl, just be good for me” He whispers as he kisses my spine as he slowly stretches me out

His hand pushes my head down into the pillow as his other hand rubs circles on my clit.

My toes curl up and my eyes roll back as he starts to slowly rut into me, “There she fucking is”

His grunts echo in the room as my muffled moans coat the pillow, “Cmon, you can take it won't you? You're just so good for me.”

His words tease me as he speeds up his pace, he pushes down my head to thrust deeper into me as his muscles flex around me.

“So fucking tight, s’ like you were made for me” He grits as he pulls my hair up as a ragged moan leaves my mouth

“Such a whore, so good for me aren’t ya?” He chuckles

I whine nodding my head as my mind is too cloudy to form words.

He slaps my ass illciting another pitchy moan from me, “Asked you a fucking question” 

“Mhm all for you” I mumble biting down on my lip

“God you don’t even know what you fucking do to me darling” He groans as his hand speeds up around my clit

“M close, Vin m close” I ramble like an idiot shutting my eyes

He slaps my ass again causing me to yell, “Beg for it gorgeous girl” 

“Please Vinnie” I crumble whining

He laughs at my sad attempt, “My good girl can do better than that can’t she?” 

“Please please I need it so bad, need you so bad” I mewl under him

His pace speeds up, “Yeah? Take it baby”

I cum with a loud moan as my eyes screw shut. I can feel Vinnie kiss along my spine, caressing the sides of my body.

He flips me over so I’m looking at him, his flexed biceps on either side of my face and his dumb chain dangling over my face.

He sinks in again as I whimper, “Can’t Vin” 

“Yes you can, you're so good, aren’t you?” His voice teases

I succumb to his words mindlessly nodding my head.

“That's right, you can take it and you fucking will.” He punctuates with a sharper thrust

The headboard slams against the wall against Vinnie’s impossible strength rutts into me.

One of my hands wraps around his bicep and the other holds onto his wrist as I pull it on to my neck.

His eyebrows scrunch together in confusion.

“Please?” I whisper

He chuckles as he squeezes around my neck using the grip to pound deeper into me as my eyes roll back as my cunt clenched around him.

“M’ gonna cum, can’t hold out, you just feel too fucking good” He whispers

I whine at that cumming around him without warning as I clench around him he finishes inside me.

We take a second to catch our breaths just lying there for a second.

He pulls out maneuvering us on the bed as he kisses my neck, “Not too much my love?”

“Never” I hum

He nuzzles into my neck as my back meets his chest, “Want me to break up with Allison?”

I take a second to process his question.

“Yes… but I don’t want to date you right now” I whisper

“I'll stay alone forever if it’ll make you happy princess” He hums 

“Good” I giggle

“God should've known you were heartache from the moment I met you” He chuckles as he falls asleep in the crook of my neck.

An inch? A mile? As long as it's Vinnie, for you its enough.

[svftlove-a]

deep down, nathaniel knows he can't begin to imagine how difficult this situation is for the other, but that didn't mean he couldn't try. he reaches out, placing a steady hand on ashton’s shoulder. “ you're not, you're not some dead guy. not to me, not to anyone who really matters. " his voice is gentle, but firm, as if it often was with his best friend. " besides, she isn't gonna care about any of that. she's three. to her, you'll just be … you. " and had him been around, he would have been the little girl's godfather, a title he'd saved just for him. there's a soft pause and dark hues search his best friend's features. " i know it's a lot, but you don't have to have all the answers all the time. it probably feels like hell right now, but it's okay — it’s okay not to know. none of us know what the hell happened. we’re just trying to make sense of it, too. and maisie ? she's gonna love you, you're my favorite person in the whole world, how can she not ? - i mean, unless you've never watched tangled, if you don't know evey tangled song by heart then there's a high chance she won't like you. "

“ yeah, yeah course. ” ashton nods quickly, agreement falling from his lips without a moment of hesitation. “ of course i want to meet her, i just - ” what if he screws it up. he doesn't know how to act with kids. what if this three year old sees right through him to all the messed up parts nate somehow doesn't seem to notice. kids are supposed to be intuitive. and if she hates him, what then? a hand rubs over tired features at the thought, pulling himself from the potential spiral it could lead to. “ i dont know what to say to a kid. ” he admits softly. “ fuck, i dont even know what to say to an adult. all they want to know is what happened on the plane, as if i have a clue. and she's had a whole existence that i've just... been some dead guy. ” perhaps if he'd just gone to the clinic he'd have been there for it, wouldn't be trying to fit back into a world that had moved on without them all.

[snowysosturn]

Fire & Desire - Matt Sturniolo Part 13

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14

Pairing: Y/n x Matt Sturniolo

Summary: Y/n has always clashed with Matt. Despite working for Chris’s clothing brand and being close with Nick, her relationship with Matt has always been tense at best. While being forced to be around each other more, their animosity turns into something deeper. Can they overcome their differences, or will their fiery emotions tear them apart?

Warnings: angst, tension

The morning sun spilled through the sheer curtains, my head was still heavy from last night, and my body feeling sheer exhaustion of what had happened. I had barely slept, replaying the scene at the restaurant over and over in my mind. The embarrassment, the sting of Matt’s words, the way I had to walk away while holding back tears.

A soft knock at my door made me wake that bit more. "Hey, you awake?" I hear Nick’s voice from through the door. 

I remembered I locked it once Matt left last night so I pulled myself from my bed and unlocked the door letting Nick to come in. I turned and walked back to my bed, sitting up against the headboard, pulling the covers around me. Nick closed the door behind him before standing at the end of the bed. "Alright, spill. What the hell happened last night? You left, and then Matt stormed in looking like he just saw a ghost."

I exhaled, rubbing my temples before looking at him. "Your mom asked Nate if he was seeing anyone, and he said no, which was fine, right? But Matt decided to make it seem like that was some kind of rejection for me, like I was meant to be upset about it. Then, out of nowhere, he brings up to your mom and dad that Nate and I went on a ‘date’, which you know yourself wasn’t even a date, so then Nate tried to clarify that we were just friends, but Matt just kept pushing it. Then he said that I was a quick fuck and then friend zoned. Right in front of your parents." I swallowed, feeling the embarrassment all over again. 

Nick’s eyes widened slightly, but his expression darkened. "What the fuck?"

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Yeah and I’m so embarrassed if your parents heard that last part because first of all, I had just met them, and second of all, it’s just not even true. It made me look bad, it made Nate uncomfortable, and Matt acted like he had some right to embarrass me like that."

Nick sighed, running a hand through his hair. "No I get why you’re upset like he was way out of line. But listen, when Chris and I came back in, our parents said you were lovely and that they hoped you felt better soon. I’m telling you they didn’t hear that part."

I let out a slow breath of relief. "Really?"

"Really" Nick nodded. "They just thought you weren’t feeling well and needed to leave early."

I sank back into my pillows, finally feeling like I could breathe a little easier. "Good. Because I swear, I was ready to dig a hole and disappear forever."

Nick laughed. "Nah, no disappearing allowed. But are you gonna talk to Matt about it?"

I frowned, staring at the ceiling for a moment. "We did last night kinda, but I’m still so angry. And the worst part is, I don’t even know why he acted like that. It was like he wanted to embarrass me."

Nick shrugged. "Matt’s an idiot. He says dumb shit, but he also knows when he’s messed up. I guarantee you, he feels like shit about it right now."

"Good" I muttered, still unwilling to entertain the idea of forgiving him just yet.

Nick sighed again but didn’t push it further. "Alright, well, the four of us are going out with my parents for the day. You coming?"

I shook my head. "I think I’m just gonna stay back here today, I just want things to die down."

"Thats cool." He stood up, stretching. "Try not to overthink it too much, alright?"

I gave a half smile. "Easier said than done."

As Nick left the room, I rolled onto my side, staring out the window at the pool below. I knew I wouldn’t be able to just brush this off, but at least, for now, I could breathe a little easier knowing that Nick’s parents didn’t hear Matt’s words. Still, the anger remained, simmering just beneath the surface. Eventually, I decided I needed some air, some sun, some quiet, and a break from all the tension.

I slipped out of bed and grabbed my swimsuit, opting for a tiny bikini that I knew would be perfect for lounging by the pool. The straps sat snug against my skin, the warm morning air already filtering through the open balcony doors as I pulled my hair up out of my face. After tossing on a loose cover up, I slid into my sliders and grabbed a towel before heading downstairs.

As I reached the foyer, the others were gathered, chatting and getting ready to head out for the day. The energy in the room was light, filled with laughter and the occasional clatter of sunglasses being thrown into bags. As soon as they spotted me, they greeted me, well everyone except Matt, who didn’t even glance in my direction.

Chris was the first to speak. “You coming with us?” His tone was casual, but his eyes scanned my face like he was checking in.

I shook my head, adjusting my towel over my arm. “Nah, I think I’m going to take it easy today. Just chill by the pool and relax.”

Nate nodded approvingly. “Honestly? Probably the smarter move.”

Chris shot me a small smile. “Enjoy the sun. We’ll be back later.”

I returned the smile, forcing the tension from last night out of my mind. “You guys have fun.”

With that, they all filed out the front door, their voices fading as they disappeared down the steps. The villa was suddenly silent, the only sound being the faint rustling of palm trees outside.

I exhaled slowly before grabbing an ice tea from the fridge and making my way out to the pool, letting the warm sun wrap around me as I laid my towel down on one of the lounge chairs. Finally, peace and quiet.

I stretched out on the lounge chair, letting the sun soak into my skin as I sipped on the cold drink. I had left the villa door open, wanting to hear when everyone got back, but after a while, another sound caught my attention. 

A knock.

Frowning, I sat up, adjusting my bikini top before grabbing my cover up and slipping it over my hips. I wasn’t expecting anyone, and the guys wouldn’t have knocked, they had keys.

As I rushed barefoot across the cold tile floor, I hesitated for a second before pulling the door open. 

A mailman stood there, holding a large box. He barely glanced up before handing it over. “Delivery for Fresh Love.”

I furrowed my brows but took the package, feeling the weight of it in my arms. “Oh, thanks.”

With a nod, he turned and walked back down the driveway. I shut the door with my foot and carried the box to the kitchen counter, setting it down with a small thud.  I smirked, realizing this must be the personalized samples Chris had mentioned, the ones he ordered for all of us.  I pulled out my phone and snapped a quick picture of the box before opening up my messages with Chris.

Me: Personalised samples just got delivered.

A few seconds later, the typing bubbles appeared.

Chris: Sick! You check ‘em out yet?

I glanced at the box, debating if I should wait for him or just open it now.

Me: Not yet. Was gonna let you do the honours.

Chris: Okay cool. We can do a shoot with them at sunset later.

I bring the box up to Chris’ room and set it on the bed so he can see everything when we get back in. If we’re doing a shoot I want to look extra radiant and glowy, and that won’t happen from standing inside the villa. I grabbed one of the body oils in my room before making my way back out to the pool. I poured a little into my palm, rubbing it over my legs as I stretched back out on the lounge chair.

Matt’s POV

We were halfway through the guided tour when Chris suddenly checked his phone and said, “Oh, the personalized samples came in. Y/n just texted me.”

Hearing her name wasn’t helpful. Not when I hadn’t been able to get her off my mind since last night, and god how she looked in that bikini earlier didn't help. I kept my eyes straight ahead, pretending I didn’t care, but my mom didn’t let it slide. “Oh, Y/n is such a lovely girl” she said with a warm smile, then turned to me. “Is she feeling better now, sweetheart?”

Before I could even begin to answer, Nick cut in smoothly. “Yeah, she’s fine. Just needed a bit of sleep.” His tone was light, brushing off the question like it wasn’t worth pressing. He knew me well enough to know that I didn’t want to talk about it, especially not here, not in front of everyone.

I kept my mouth shut and just nodded in agreement, though the truth was, I felt far from fine. Guilt sat heavy in my chest, chipping away at me. Last night, I had let my emotions get the best of me. I let jealousy, because let’s be honest, that’s exactly what it was, take control, and I lashed out in the worst way possible. I had said something cruel, something I couldn’t take back. And knowing Y/n, she wasn’t the type to just let it roll off her shoulders. She put up walls, and I had given her every reason to keep me on the other side of them.

The more I thought about it, the worse it got. I had no right to be mad at her, no right to act like what she did or didn’t do with Nate, or anyone else for that matter, was any of my business. But that hadn’t stopped me from taking a low blow, from making her feel small in front of people who barely even knew her. If she had done that to me, I’d be furious. So what did that say about me?

I exhaled, dragging a hand through my hair as I barely registered the tour guide’s voice. My mind was somewhere else entirely.

I had to make this right.

I knew I had a way to make it up to her, it was something I should've done ages ago. And now, I could only hope it wasn’t too late for her to forgive me.

Y/n’s POV

I was sitting outside on the patio, a plate of food in my lap as I watched the sun dip below the horizon. The sky was painted in soft shades of pink and orange, the kind of sunset that made everything feel a little quieter, a little more peaceful. It was one of those moments I wished I could freeze in time, just me, the sunset, and the distant sound of waves hitting onto the shore.

But then, the front door swung open, breaking the stillness.

The familiar sounds of shuffling feet and tired voices filled the villa as the guys returned. I set my plate aside and stood up, making my way inside to greet them.

“Hey” I said, leaning against the kitchen counter as they walked in.

They all looked exhausted, Chris, Nate, Matt, and Nick, their faces slightly sunburnt, their hair tousled from the slight breeze and even though they didn’t say much at first, their body language said it all.

Chris let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair as he took his cap off. “Long day,” he muttered. “We were out in the sun for way too long, and I think it’s catching up to everyone.”

Nate groaned in agreement, tossing his sunglasses onto the counter. “I need, like, ten hours of sleep.”

Matt didn’t say much, just nodded, his jaw tight. He looked at me for half a second before glancing away, like he was trying to avoid something, most likely me. I ignored the sting in my chest and forced a small smile.

“Yeah, we’re all wiped” Nick added, stretching his arms above his head. “Think we’ll just stay in tonight, order some takeout, crash early.”

“That’s fine with me” I said, realizing I was more drained than I thought. Between being in the sun all day and everything that happened last night, I could use a quiet night too. “I left that box in your room” I say turning to Chris.

“Cool I’ll have a look now, we can take pictures tomorrow evening instead, when everyones a bit more awake”

And with that, Chris, Nate, and Matt didn’t waste any time disappearing into their rooms, clearly eager to knock out for a bit.

Nick lingered behind, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m gonna shower first, but after that, I’ll come to your room? We can just chill for a bit, a movie maybe?.”

I nodded. “Sounds good.”

I walk up to my room, kicking the door shut behind me as I switch on the TV. The smart TV mounted on the wall was a lifesaver, especially on nights like this when there wasn’t much going on. I sink onto the bed, remote in hand, sifting through Netflix, too see if theres anything both Nick and I would like. The knock on the door wasn’t enough to pull my attention from the screen since I assume it’s Nick, I don’t even think twice before calling out, “Come in.”

But it’s not Nick.

It’s Matt.

He stands there in the doorway, looking uncertain, a silver metallic gift bag dangling from his fingers. Looking like the same one I spotted in his room next to my ‘Thank You’ card. For a moment, neither of us speak. We just stare at each other, the weight of unspoken words thick in the space between us.

My tone is blunt when I finally ask, “Are you alright?”

Matt doesn’t answer. Instead, he lifts the bag slightly, as if offering it to me. His expression is unreadable, something between nervousness and determination.

“What is it?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.

“Just look in it” he says quietly.

I hesitate for a second before reaching out, taking the metallic bag from his grasp. Peeling back the layers of tissue paper inside, my breath catches in my throat.

It’s my locket.

The delicate chain pools in my palm, the pendant glinting from the sunset shining in my balcony window. My fingers tighten around it as I snap my gaze back up to Matt, my heart pounding.

“Where did you get this?” I demand, my voice barely above a whisper.

a/n : most of this is a bit of a filler soz

taglist : @mattybearnard @sturn-33 @ncm9696 @yourfavsturniologirl @crazy4jewel @sodakid1234 @stupendoustreewinner @lovealwayssturniolos @matthewsturniolosss @m4ttsmunch @loveexxx @ilusa @starkeyszn @wonnieeluvvr @dylnblue @valxrieq @maggot3647 @cigarettecemetary @ribread03 @chrisstvrns @bandasaruswrx @noplaceissafeanymore @amexiass @witchofthehour @mattssgf @jetaimevous @v33angel  @ivysturnss @urmom69lol @ashlishes @watercolorskyy @sturnioloshottiekay @amelia-sturniolo3 @imjusthereforthesturniolosmut @pvssychicken @alizestvrnss @chrisstxrnsaxe @sophand4n4 @vickytaa @marrykisskilled @bxtchboy69 @yourfavsturniologirl @julisturn @sydneyylainn @sophia-77n @trevorsgodmother @sturnslutz @yourmother29 @girl24cherry @astronea @pinkdyit

[mattscoquette]

my experience meeting the triplets/ going to their tour ౨ৎ ⋆.˚ ✧

first i just wanna say, i am so so so insanely grateful to have attended both tours and to have met them twice. i’m not trying to brag or anything but a lot of people ask me and i figured it be easier for me to make one post rather than answer inbox questions a million times that get lost.

2/5/23 - let’s trip tour

i met the triplets for the first time during the let’s trip tour. i vividly remember being at work when the tickets went on sale and i was gonna go w my coworker but things fell thru and i went alone, and that alr was nerve wrecking enough. but i met a lot of cool people on line and everyone was super friendly. i got the pre-show small talk package, so i got to meet them before i saw them on stage. i also wrote them letters (idk if they ever opened them) but it was honestly fate when i stopped to drop them off in the present bin because there was a group of three girls in front of me so i wasn’t super rushed when i was meeting each triplet.

i met chris first! i was soooooo nervous but the second i started talking it all went away. the first thing i noticed was how small they are irl and immediately after was how fucking good chris smelled 😭 he was soo sweet. i told him how i loved watching their videos w my mom and that she was his favorite. i can’t rlly remember what else i talked about him with, and i tried to screen record my camera but i didn’t turn the mic on so i lost all the audio 😭😭

next was matttttt the loml. i was immediately soo comfortable around him, i was literally just talking like a normal conversation without even thinking. i asked him how the tour was going and he told me he was sad it was ending soon. and then i told him how one of my best friends is a triplet and we talked about that, he told me his dad is a twin and that everyone thinks he nick and chris are identical but they aren’t. he was so sweet and really listen to what you have to say, i had such a nice time talking with him.

when i met nick my auto pilot like shut off and i froze 😭😭 i literally out loud was like “i am so nervous” and he was so sweet about it, he hugged me a second time and was like “no don’t be it’s okay!” lmfaoo. i didn’t get to talk to him as long but i remember him telling me it was super nice to meet me after.

on line for the red carpet, i met madi! she was just walking around the venue, and she was over by me and i asked for a photo. she was soo sweet (and so pretty irl omfg). i didn’t wait in line for the red carpet for very long, i got merch, and then i did my photo w them :,) tbh i honestly don’t lovee it because i rlly don’t look the best in it lolol. bur ill pull thru and show u all. but this was back when u got to pick ur own poses and we all did hearts with one another (idk if that makes sense) and i stood next to my mannn😛😛

i look so diff now like i actually hate how i look when i met them but that’s beside the point 😭😭 but they all looked sooooo good. also for reference im about 5’3-5’4ish.

show-wise, it was sm more fun than the versus tour tbh. i got to see yung pleit perform and he opened w miss me and everyone was going insaneeeee. i was literally like one person behind the baracade, i was so close it was so so so cool. the triplets went on for maybe twenty minutes but they read the question i asked them which was so cool. and mary lou, jimmy, justin, and nate were all at my show!! they were on the balcony above the stage and were waving to us it was so cute. i had such a fun time at this show i wish i could go back

10/9/23 - the versus tour

this show was soooooo so so so special to me. i was going through a really really hard time. and this show made me so happy and gave me such a nice break from everything. this show wasn’t as close as the first show so i went to with my mom (she was team orange lol). i also got to meet some old online friends i made which was so nice :,) like the last tour, i got pre-show small talk. my only complaint though is that when i bought tickets backstage wasn’t available, some friends and i called the venue and they told us there was no backstage , but there actually was :( but im still sooooo grateful i got to meet them!

the order was the same as last time- chris, matt, then nick. i was so nervous about meeting them again, i literally almost forgot to take a pic w chris LMFAO. he was so sweet, he asked me how i was doing, if i was excited, all that good stuff. this time was a lot more rushed than the first, but i still got a decent amount of time with each triplet. i also got them each to draw me my fav angel numbers to get tattooed, i still haven’t gotten it yet but when i do i’ll post it :)

i was sooo nervous to meet matt again lmfao but as soon as i went up to him i felt fine. i complemented his outfit (he had on his white eeyore jacket 😭😭 so cute) and we took our picture and when i was leaving he told me it was rlly nice to meet me :,)) he is sooooooo pretty irl like his eyes r so blue and his earrings r so sparkly i was literally like in a trance. omfg.

nick was soo sweet he gave me such a big hug and was so smiley and asked how i was doing, same as chris. he also rested his head on mine when we took our pic togetherrr. he was so so kind.

my show was a monday so they had uploaded a podcast while i was on line for the red carpet, so i listened to that a bit while waiting. this tour we had pre-picked poses, but i did the hearts again. i stood in between matt and chris, and i said i wanted hearts and matt immediately did half the heart and put his arm around me so we did the heart tgth 😭😭

lowk not a fan of this pic either but :( so sweet. i love them so much. i also wore platform shoes this time lol so that gave me some height.

the show was so good! so much more entertaining than what the triplets did the first time. it was very engaging, and so fun to watch. lowk bitter i didn’t get picked to be matt’s teammate but we move. anyway. each challenge was so fun, me and my friend knew almost all the trivia questions they did 😭😭 and jenga was sooo stressful to watch lmfao it was so close the whole time, i think we had one of the longest jenga shows of the tour lmfao. chris ended up winning bc matt dropped the jenga tower and they were both tied. it was such a fun experience im so grateful to have gone !

© mattscoquette

[callmearcturus]

valonia47: IMO Dottie taught Ted avoidance and denial as the only allowed coping skills, which is how he ends up in England in the first place: avoiding the conflict and denying how bad his marriage has gotten. In that sense returning to Kansas is Ted breaking out of that and reconnecting with Henry on a regular basis instead of avoiding the inherent reminders of his relationship with his dad

two problems with this take, if you'll forgive my need to make a rebuttal.

ONE: Ted winding up in England because of conflict avoidance and denial is not how I read the situation at all. Hell, I don't think a man can move to another country without knowing things are bad, and every time he brings up Michelle, it's regarding the trouble in their marriage.

also, uh

given the entire fuckery with Dr. Jacob, I don't know if I actually agree at all with that take. Ted winds up in England because a pretty serious betrayal of trust.

this is one of the most interesting things the show does imo. like when Ted first talks about therapy and is dismissive/negative on it, I literally went "ah another otherwise progressive midwestern man who nonetheless doesn't like therapy" because bruh that's a thing for sure

and then ted tells sharon about his history of therapy and I was like "okay that's a little unusual but cmon ted you're better than this"

and then the fucking slap in the face happens and oh my fuck, Ted was right, he was manipulated by a fucking therapist holy shit, like all of his hesitations are entirely justified.

TWO: For Kansas to feel like a success for Ted, a LOT of shit would have needed to be done differently.

a. he needed to make the choice of his own volition, not because his mother pulled That Shit on him as punishment.

b. the show needed to actually show Kansas as living place that has support systems and people Ted loves. WHICH TO BE CLEAR: THE SHOW COULD HAVE DONE. fuck, if you want to read a fic that actually makes Ted moving back to Kansas make sense, I highly recommend Lafayette Goes To America, which I vouch for as a Missouri native is a loving and wonderful depiction of KCMO and why you'd want to live there.

c. why the fuck did they do that creepy fucking musical sting on the final shot of ted in kansas? i watched it with a friend who'd never seen the finale and they fucking gasped at it.

d. and this is a huge one for me is the trick each season with the opening/closing shots.

each season opens and closes on one character in a very deliberate move, like a reminder that you should be focusing on this person and the journey they've been on.

and it's not a necessarily positive journey.

with Rebecca, we watched her through season one transform from a hurt, vengeful, cruel person who was thrilled to ruin the lives of everyone around her if it helped her meet her goals into someone who finally recognized the gravity of their callousness.... but not before her actions led to the team being relegated.

with Nate, we watched him blossom as a tactician and strategist, and he winds up the head coach of West fucking Ham by the end..... but in the process, he loses everyone who supported him and he repeatedly fails to recreate those relationships in S3

with Ted, the show holds me down and kicks me repeatedly in the stomach until i admit i love a good tragedy I MEAN ted is successful, loved, respected, and supported by the people around him, he continues to work on himself in this place that he comes to adapt to and love... and instead of him asking "hey maybe i should review my custody arrangement and ask my son if he'd like to live here with me" he loses ALL OF THAT

there's this moment that makes the pain worse, this little (intentional? unintentional?) jab rebecca gives him. she begged this man to stay, offered to make him the best paid coach in the league, to personally assist in helping his family join him here, and he leaves.

it's a rejection. it's a rejection of richmond as meaningful, as people who love him, as his community and family. it hurts so fucking much.

none of them were worth trying for, ted? not rebecca, who held you tight when you had a panic attack? not trent, who detonated his career after shielding you from a press shitstorm? not roy, who came back to you and fucking quoted Jerry Maguire to your face, choosing to speak your language? fucking hell.

I blame Dottie for this, for how she looks at all the process Ted's made, resents it, and tears him back down. but the refutation of these people and their worth is part of the tragedy.

ANYWAY UH. I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE. SORRY.

[annieqattheperipheral]

At 1hr 21min:

Started typing... Kept typing lol here you go, natemac interview recap:

Nate still has to go train at sid's gym

So nate makes batherson come to his gym

Vail camp: used to have them, paused for covid, better and chill, no one knows them (tried them before in toronto and montreal), not busy. Training at 9000ft. Afterwards do treatment or golf.

Attendees: mcdavid, marner, sid, skinner, hall, tysbarrie, matty tkachuk, bennett, hanifin

McDavid: i don't see him much, I've gotten to know him thru these. I'm like a kid watching him, it's just fun

Matthew Tkachuk: "and he's doing his thing 😂"

Cale's wedding: "i shouldn't say a showman but when he gets into his moods he's a fun guy. likes to dance, have a good time, when his wife's around, definitely loosens up more and it's just the boys around"

Went to Wimbledon this summer. Did not wear a top hat

Lighter recovery training both this and last summer: just trying to take miles off his body is key. Light gym days "is that it, Andy?" But feels good now

Cale: "first nhl game, aggressive and calling for pucks, to do that at 19yo is impressive. The confidence that he has. Quieter off the ice. Super sure of himself on the ice. He's special. He'll be the best defenseman ever"

A bit about why he works with his sports psychologist and will always continue working with her "we're so dialed in on our body, why is no one taking care of their mind" "the minute you think you're good, you're not"

Is offended that "ball hockey players claim nhl players can't play ball hockey. is that true?" ("I've rollerbladed my entire life!!") (I need to see fanart of that btw pls ☺️)

Idiot boys tell him it's on feet not on rollerblades (chiclets cup talk "what is the chiclets cup?")

Nate asks who the best ball hockey player in the world is. Answer: "nose face killah" "who?" "he looks 20x uglier and a big nose" and Nate responds "so he's got like my nose" they all compliment his nose😌

Nate redirects the convo to roller hockey

On sid's $8.7: in July he told him "you're not gonna sign for 8.7 are ya c'mon. and he was like ahh idk I'll see" he's taking less to be team friendly

Sid still grinding in the summers. While Nate had his recovery summer he looks like a joke in comparison to sid

The pressure of being captain for team canada for upcoming 4nations & Olympics must be part of what's driving him

"he doesn't look 37 in any way" Yandle: he doesn't have any kids. Nate: must be it! Must be the key

Landy: feels like 10yrs when he last played and lifted the cup. Misses him

Mikko: "he's shockingly big. Says he's 6'3", seems like he must be 6'5". His head is this fuckin big"

"old school. Stretches for like an hour a day. The most flexible guy"

Avs "get so many national games. Know we're not the biggest hockey market but mikko should get more recognition. Super underrated"

Cal ritchie: he did the whiffing thing at vail camp. Everyone thought he whiffed and then he did it again. Nate tried it to do it today, can't do it. Awed by what the kids can do

Nate can't do the Michigan either

His trainer has trained a lot of downhill skiers, you have to be fearless, so training in the pool relaxes your mind. Keeps mum about what he does in the pool. No he does not wear a speedo😞

Lehky's dad vs. mikko: "mikko had a 4 or 5pt game, was fired up, said that to media, then apologized to lehky like 3min later. They're really good friends"

Went to Europe this summer: no one really knows me in america, especially there. Like being off grid, wake up to no texts bc of time change, super relaxing

Was tempted to go to worlds last season (omg what!!!!) avs were out 2nd round. Sid was bugging him and schenner about it (biz: "if you go I'll go kind of thing?" 'Yea")

They were all going to go but nate pooped out "played 105 games, lost to Dallas, was devastated"

Cogs: met him thru Andy at vail. Lit up when it was brought up about trading for him in '22. He is management now. Around the rink, always in the gym, hands in his pockets, walking around, talking to guys

"isn't he good at impressions?" "Yea he's a great storyteller he's so good"

"the league is evolving really quickly right now so it's good to have a bridge" like cogs who recently played bw team and mgmt

Communication is better in the league. Players aren't terrified to talk to GM like he was as a rookie when seeing sakic. Thinks it's important for players to know where they stand. Old school players think fear can be good, yea sure, but you can't scare ppl into playing well for over 8mos, 82 games. Prefers this new way

Mitts: super comfortable, quieter, came to a team where he knows nobody, he looks great, expecting an awesome year from him

Faceoffs: lmaaooo still saying he needs to practice that. Hurts his wrist when he practices them. Needs to be around 52. Was at 46 last season

No league bonus$ for winning the Hart

MacKinnon Crunch cereal released in 2021. It was frosted flakes + he picked the flavour, he liked it! (I NEED TO TRY THIS)

Tim hortons: sidnate want to do an ad with marchy where he messes up ppls orders and they sit him down to teach him what to do (omg they're coming up with sketches lolll) "Marchy needs to be nicer on the ice to be more marketable" 💀

Bedard: hard worker, on the ice 1.5hr after everyone, ice is so snowy can't even move on it

Preseason games, re: all these preseason injuries: doesn't agree with veteran rule (how many mandatory games they have to play) but important for prospects and rookies, you need to be able to evaluate them, they can look good in practice but different story in games.

For vets, you want to play hard, show a good example "played one last night, lost 6-1" and" you see the doughty laine injuries and it's like i could throw my season away for a glorified practice essentially is all it is"

"You're in your game jersey but it doesn't mean anything"

"it's a fine line, i like playing them, 1 or 2, i don't need 6"

Teams are making $1-3mil per preseason game (probably only leafs habs etc)

Listens to a lot of podcasts, likes learning (about self-help, longevity, recovery, nutrition, etc), always has since he was a kid. Liked going to Popeyes (nutrition supplements chain store, like GNC) with his dad looking at protein powders etc lmao

"idk I'm just into it. Definitely love learning, there's a lot i don't know. I feel like a dummy listening to these guys"

Asked about "policing food". He laughs. Omg the laugh is sooo lmaao. On whit saying rumours of him strangling lehky last season for eating a snickers "nooo. Stop it. Stop it. That's not true. (*laughing! laughing!🙃 *oh we are having fun!*)"

"Trying to mellow out a little bit. Definitely see some shit i get mad, try to keep it to myself. ... Eat what you want but when you're at the rink ... I just think the least you can do as a pro athletes is be in shape."

On how nhl of the past, players would be drinking pepsi in-between periods: "a little sugar during a game isn't too bad, it's all good" (i swear his voice is different at this part bc he is internally combusting😂)

4nations/team Canada: Wants McDavid & Sid 1c/2c. Doesn't think they've played wing, doesn't want them to

Himself 3c or wing. Has played wing at other national events. Doesn't love left wing. Prefers right

"should i tell sid to play wing?" Paraphrased: you're Ted Lindsay & MVP, still at his gym, you gotta get something out of this

"he could be 50yo and I'd still slide over" 😏

"nova scotia line (sid, nate, marchy) would be pretty cool at Olympics or this feb (4nations)"

Marner: "he looks awesome... You hear all this negative stuff and then you get on the ice with him you're like how could anyone be negative about this. Admire how good he is, bc ppl chirp him a lot. Him and McDavid were flying around together in Vail"

[thelovetheystole]

Thought I would list some of the things (clues) the show has revealed about John so far, as he is supposed to have plenty of secrets...

Quotes are not verbatim.

• He was born in 1988, making him two years younger than Robert and Andy and six years older than Victoria. (The actor however was born in 1982.)

• He likes the saying 'Never forgive, never forget' as revealed in his very first episode

• 'Barbara and I go way back' (quote from Eric about John's mum with a bit of innuendo?)

• He grew up locally, and is a capable farmhand

• He always assumed he had siblings 'out there', but just didn't care (again, he grew up locally and was right between Robert/Andy and Vic in age, his mum used to be a teacher in Hotten)

• He did mention that he thinks he might have heard of Robert, specifically

• He claims to not be interested in the Sugden family, and was seemingly especially un-interested in Sarah, as her dad was adopted, even though he did say sorry to her later

• But he did look intently (when Vic wasn't there) at the Sugden family photo, which had Jack, Sarah and all three kids in it

• He had a stepdad growing up, who apparently did care about him, so no reason to 'feel sorry for him'

• Barbara Ann's (his mum) married name looks like it started with a C or a G, like Conne(o)r, Chase, Cro(a)ft, Grant or Gray?

• He said his mum wrote Jack a letter about him once when he was young, but Jack never replied

• Called Robert some random/stranger 'that I happen to share dna with'

• Kept army tags that say 'Aidan Moore' in a box he doesn't want people to see

• 'I know more than you think' (to Aaron when he denied John knowing anything about him or something to that effect)

• Wears a St. Christopher necklace

• According to an interview with Oliver, John has spent 12 years in the army, It's unclear which 12 years

• Having been in the village for six month, he has asked zero questions about anything Sugden related

• He was a medic in the army

• He was the last person to see Nate before he supposedly left the village

• He looked like he might have had something in his van after the fire that he didn't want anyone to see

• Refused to be checked at the hospital, even though he was coughing his lungs up after the fire

• Has two medals, which appear to be the Operational Service Medal For Afghanistan and the Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022), but there is apparently supposed to be a third one in this set?

• Aidan Moore was not only his best friend, as he lied to Victoria, but a man he loved and was secretly involved with. John apparently couldn't save him in Afghanistan...

• In an interview Mike P (Ross) did around the time they filmed the aftermath of Christmas, he said John has a 'sinister military background', whatever that means...

• He's not the brightest, as he apparently failed to realize that Aaron and the man he married twice shared a deep connection and, you know, a life 🤷‍♀️

• Seemed very hateful about Robert, saying he had only himself to blame for 'losing his temper' and now can't be in Vic or Aaron's life - but John can

• Was however happy to 'hold Aaron's jacket' if he felt like beating up Tom King

• He very much did not like being called an 'informant' by the PC, even though he did call the police and tell them about the illegal fight in Moira's barn

• He likes telling other people to be honest and thruthful, but has yet to tell Aaron he was the one who called the police that day

• Said four walls and a roof are like a 'prison' to him, and said about Aidan in Afghanistan; 'he only wanted to serve his time'

• He always goes camping in December on Aidan's birthday

• Seemed rather desperate for Aaron to say 'I love you' in the woods after making a show of throwing his dead ex's army tags in the woods... (Army tags that in reality would go to next of kin I believe?)

• Knows how to clean up a murder scene and dispose of a body, and claims that's what love looks like...

[wolvndmouth]

okay so who’s gonna write the fic where logan and wade have been together for forever but shit really hits the fan in their universe (they are still fighting against paradox and other baddies along the way) and the two of them find themselves backed into a corner when it comes to not only saving their universe from being pruned again, but to save logan and cure his adamantium poisoning/slowing healing factor

and just when things couldn’t get worse, cable comes back from the future to save wade from the pruning, but he sees wade with logan and is shocked he’s moved on so he’s feeling a whole lotta “wtf he’s mine i still love you lets try this again”

cue logan reminding nathan that he made a choice to leave wade. things got too serious for nate, and he just can’t show up out of nowhere expecting wade to drop everything just for him now that he’s ready to try for real this time

cue nathan reminding logan that not only did he date his dad, but he has sabotaged almost every good relationship in his life. nate thinks its just a matter of time until logan does it again and that he doesn’t want wade to be “just another name lost in the centuries”

then cue wade feeling like shit because he never forgave nathan for leaving and both him and logan don’t have a lot of time to deal with this plus having to find a cure/save the universe

AND THEN cue complicated feelings for all 3 of them while they try to figure this shit out because logan is starting to understand why wade loved nathan and nathan is starting to understand why wade loves logan and wade is starting to catch feelings for nathan again but doesn’t want to put logan through a throuple situation after knowing how the first time went. wade is also still not over nate abandoning him and there isn’t much nate can do to regain trust again

AND THEN AND THEN there’s a big reveal where you find out that wade’s healing factor has begun to slow down as well, and his cancer has started to come back little by little. logan is convinced that in being together for as long as they have, it’s his adamantium that’s making wade sick and he’s thinking about making wade leave their universe with nate so he’d at least have a fighting chance. he doesn’t want to tell wade the real reason why he wants him to go, because he doesn’t want wade to feel sad/less likely to go/guilty about logan dying without him, so he’s starting to act different and is on the verge of wanting to purposefully push wade away to make it easier for the both of them

nate also thinks that it’s logan’s adamantium that is making wade sick again, but he’s been around enough to know that wade will get worse just being apart from logan and he doesn’t think he can do that to wade, even if it meant saving his life. he feels like he’s hurt wade enough and maybe he needs to figure out why he’s even involving himself in all of this before making moves. maybe it would be best that he leaves so no one else has to get hurt or disappointed. maybe wade being sick isn’t something he’s meant to be around for or fix

BUT THEN you have wade, questioning his decades long relationship with logan for the first time in a long time, trying to hang on to the hope that neither one of them are right; that nate is wrong about logan adding their relationship to the tallies of things he destroys and that logan is wrong about nate getting ready to leave cause wade dying is just too serious of a situation to be around for. you have wade, who has always been capable of loving everyone but himself, and is hoping that this time and at the very least, just one of the people he loves love him enough to stay

at some point in all this, none of them know if they’re gonna fuck or fight. or both. so they fight then fuck then fight some more idk dude these old guys are just slutty af in my head

…

so. who’s gonna write it cause i sure as hell can’t 🙃🙃🙃🙃

[mrprettywhenhecries]

Interesting things I've learned about Billy and Max from reading the Runaway Max novel

Thought these would be worth sharing for those who haven't read the book, but like me, crave more Max & Billy backstory/lore.

Billy antis DNI

putting under a cut for spoilers

Billy's dad was a security guard at the bank where Susan Mayfield worked as a teller in San Diego, and that's how they met.

Max's mom has not so great taste in men, so compared to the other losers she dated, Neil seemed way better in comparison, at least at first.

Neil thinks Reagan is "the best thing to happen to America since Eisenhower". Figures.

The first time Max met Billy she thought he was super cool because he had an earring.

Max really hoped Billy would be a good brother to her 😢

Billy's car smells like hairspray and cigarettes. That tracks lol

Max's dad sounds super cool, but I can understand why Susan divorced him. He was into some kinda shady shit.

Billy's never been in a serious relationship. He dated a different girl every week, but seemed pretty disdainful of them all. -- "It was like he hated them, except he still took them up to the Sunset Cliffs to make out." Though honestly, it seems like Billy's just disdainful of everyone.

Once Billy got in trouble with the cops for trespassing at a construction site with his friends and Neil gave him the choice of losing his car for two months or signing up for junior ROTC and Billy willingly gave up his car.

Like Tommy, the main reason Billy hung out with his "friends" in California was because they basically just did whatever he said.

After Tina's Halloween party, Neil went off on Billy when he got home for not picking up Max after trick or treating (plus coming back drunk/high). Max left the room, but could still hear Neil hitting Billy. She tries not to care, but she still does. 🥲

Billy canonically works on his own car 🥵

Once Billy Max a cigarette after she told him smoking was bad for him. Susan caught them and went off on Billy, though he thought it was funny. However when Neil got home, asking what was going on, Susan lied, telling him it was nothing. Max had expected her to rat Billy out, but she didn’t. It was then than she realized that her mom wasn’t afraid of Billy, that she was afraid for him.

The first time Max had seen Neil actually hit Billy was after he’d gotten a speeding ticket. Her mom left the room and Max half expected Neil to stop when he realized that Max was still there, but when he took off his belt to use it, Max yelled at him to stop.

Neil only used her outburst to taunt Billy, saying he was weak and needed a girl to stand up for him.

After it was over, Max asked if Billy was okay, but he turned on her, embarrassed that she’d seen, and told her to get away from him. That’s when Max’s illusion that the two of them were in this together was broken.

When Billy said “You know what happens when I get angry. I break things.” is a reference to him breaking Max’s friend Nate’s arm because Nate had stood up for Max.

Billy had said it was an accident, that he’d been showing the boy a wrestling move that went awry, and the adults believed him.

Afterwards, Max's friends avoided her.

When their parents decided to move to Hawkins, they gave a lot of excuses for why—a new start, to get Billy away from his bad friends, to give Max more room to run around and be active—but it was really because Billy was acting out so much and they didn’t know how else to control him.

When Neil and Susan told Max and Billy they were moving to Hawkins bc the bank gave Neil a transfer, Billy cornered Max later in the laundry room and grabbed her by the arm. He blamed her for the move, thinking she’d told them the real reason behind her friend’s broken arm. She denied it, but Billy didn’t believe her.

The day that Billy saw Max with Lucas at the arcade he backs over her skateboard with his car ‘on accident’ but she knows it was his punishment.

Neil tells them that Billy will have to drive her around from now on, though he’d basically been doing so already.

Max decides to try to run away to her dad again, this time from Indiana, but she needed a lot more money for a bus ticket. She asked her mom for some money to go clothes shopping and her mom believed her. However, after Lucas showed up at the house asking her to come with him, she decides to stay in Hawkins.

Overall, it was a good read, a little hard to read at times during the abuse scenes, but I appreciated the back story and the insight into the characters. I was kinda hoping however that there'd be more info about what happened after Max knocked Billy out with the tranquilizer.

[missezramay]

ted lasso, post-finale thoughts.

I went into the finale thinking yeah, if the writing serves, I can accept any outcome even if it's not exactly what I want. Instead, I was hit with a plethora of mixed emotions I didn't expect to have. Confusion, anger, hurt, annoyance, small bursts of joy in between, and just deep sadness. Almost 20 hours later and I'm still incredibly dissatisfied and processing. For the most part, finales should provide a feeling of celebration and relief. I... don't feel any of that.

I'm just really trying to pinpoint why I'm so sad.

Of course everything inevitably has to come to an end. Of course Ted was always going to reunite with his kid. Of course it's not about winning or losing. Of course Tedbecca can remain platonic if that was always the plan. Of course that's the way life goes, but...

For a show (and this season particularly) that constantly encouraged us to 'believe' and 'hope' in the idea that 'everything will work out', all those 75 minutes did was take me on an unsettling, emotional journey for no concrete reason other than to mess with the audience (the opening scene was just adding salt in the Tedbecca wound I've had since S2). Because everything in a macro sense, "worked out". But the WAY it "worked out" does not sit well with me?? And it's supposed to? For a lot of people (on Reddit/Facebook, lol), it was enough?? Richmond not technically winning and Ted leaving like that without so much as a tear? What am I missing??

When I tell you I'm trying to embrace the good parts, I'm really trying. Yes to KBPR & the women's team, Yes to Colin kissing his fella, Yes to Rebecca & Mae & the guys owning the club, Yes to Roy becoming Manager.

So... why am I still so upset? Hmm, let's see.

The boys' musical number? The cutest. Ted didn't think so.

Nate's apology? Heartbreaking. Ted didn't bat an eyelash.

Rebecca begging twice for Ted to stay? Ted, absolute silence.

Beard staying/getting married in London to his toxic gf? Comic relief, haha, fine. Except Ted wasn't there as Best Man.

Don't even get me started on the huge disservice to the Roy/Keeley/Jamie triangle.

Now listen, I get that he misses Henry & Henry misses his dad. I'm not that cold. A father/son's love is important. It was always the catalyst for this show; for him to work on himself so he can be a better father unlike the one he grew up with. That's fine.

But on this particular week. His last week with his Richmond family. There was NO sense of him being sad to leave them. He can be sad about missing Henry but he can ALSO be sad about leaving. No, he just completely checked out. He let everyone pour out their hearts (Hannah's getting her third Emmy, mark my words) to him, and he just stone-faced the entire time.

THIS DOES NOT MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME.

The argument is that he was internally processing, he was overwhelmed, he was trying to distance himself so it would hurt less. Fair points, okay. But this is a television show, moreover, A FINALE. TV characters, while relatable, are heightened versions of ourselves, there so we can better process our emotions and learn to handle things better in our real lives. Ted deserved MORE dialogue and displaying MORE emotion than whatever this was.

We're never going to see him again. We're over here crying along with Rebecca, Nate & Beard, but he didn't sob once. Even though he spent three years building a family with them. I even thought, hey at least he left his legacy with Trent's book but newsflash, he wanted his name taken off that too! Complete erasure.

I just feel so robbed of better moments. Like there were nice moments here and there. But they could've been BETTER. Honestly, Nate & Rebecca's breakdowns were close to perfection, so much love there. But the lack of dialogue and Ted not reciprocating? Broke ME.

I just cannot. understand. this. choice.

Massive sigh. I'm just truly baffled by the way everything wrapped up and not getting the satisfied feeling that one half of the viewership got. Maybe I'm in the minority, but that means something. It carries weight. Also, for a "three-season arc" that was planned well in advance, why all the rewrites and parallels and fakeouts... it's just cruel. But as the theme says (and maybe this was a warning all along), yeah, I guess this might well be it.

This show has given us so much and the last season flailed for the most part. I don't want to disrespect the show by being negative and cynical (looks like I failed!!) or cast blame on anyone in particular. The cast/crew are amazing people and I'll be grateful for being a part of the journey but I'm just so sad and this feeling sucks and I will never get over it.

Going to miss them. x

[gnar-slabdash]

Speaking of last names.... and I'm just totally spitballing here in the interest of getting some representation for something i wish I saw more of.....

My favorite headcanon about Sophie's name is that the reason she never admits to a "real name" is because after all of her different identities and all of her identity crises, being Sophie Devereaux is how she got the opportunity to really decide who she is and where she belongs, so she's decided Sophie Devereaux IS her real name.

Nate, meanwhile, his name is so very tied up in his history with his father, who he still loves but doesn't necessarily want to identify with. And when he got his dad a new identity, he put his mom's maiden name on it, wanting to tie both of them more to her history rather than the ignominious one that has Ford stamped on it.

When my parents got married, my mom felt a lot of loyalty to her family identity, and her family was really good at welcoming my dad in and making him part of the family too. My dad on his side had the opposite experience, his family was very controlling and very excluding and neither of them really wanted to continue to be part of that. So they decided what worked for them was, my dad took my mom's name. And you know what's fucked up? That was in the mid-eighties, and to this day I've only met like one other person whose parents did that, haven't ever met a M/F couple of my generation who did that, and definitely haven't ever seen it in media. It's weirdly isolating to never see representation of this one little thing. What the fuck is up with that? Is this one bit of patriarchy just THAT pervasive that the idea of just choosing whichever name works best for the couple is just unthinkable?

Right, so, I was talking about Leverage. Now I'm not saying Nate would ever in a million years be the one to SUGGEST it. And it would definitely take some arguing to come around to it. But I think in the end he'd acknowledge how awesome it would be to throw away the patriarchal demand to uphold a family tree he's trying to break away from, and instead take a completely fictitious name that became, through love, his wife's real name. I think it would be in the true spirit of building a found crime family based on what matters to them, their relationships to each other, and not having to do things the way they've been told they should.

Also I think they should force Sterling to officiate and have to be the one to stand up and say "I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Devereaux."

btw if you DO know of media where this happens or if you or someone you know has done it, I would love to hear if you're willing to share :)

[claws-and-quills]

Ch. 1: Unspoken Connections

Tag list:

@callsignred @bloody-kissez @takeyour-pants-off @robynanthonystark @aoi-targaryen

Chapter one to Nights of Redemption

Word Count: 4.4k

TW: death of a parent, sibling death, disconnect of family

A/N: Do feel free to change the main characters name of Tessa Harper. It gets a bit tiring for me to type/read (Y/N) in fics.

Icy cold rain gently drizzled all around you. Your sinuses ached and head throbbed from the amount of tears you had shed over the past week. Nathan, your elder brother, slowly curled his arms around you as the casket that contained your father was slowly lowered into his final resting place. You couldn't believe that he was actually gone.

“I'm here, Tess. I'm here. Ssshhh…I know…” Nate murmured against the crown of your hair. He was all you had left for who you considered family. Sure, your mother was still alive, but your relationship with her wasn't the strongest. He tightens his grip on you as you try to choke back a sob. Your shoulders shook at the violent sobs that came from you, but no tears fell from your eyes.

“Why…why did it have to be dad?” You ask against his chest. Nate hummed quietly, shaking his head as he tried to find any words of comfort for you, but they continued to elude him. Reluctantly, you allow Nate to quietly lead you away from the grave. Even though he didn't show it, he couldn't bear the sight of watching your father be laid to a permanent rest.

“I…I don't know, Tess. Look at me, sis. Hey…we'll get through this. Haven't we always gotten through things together?” Nate leans down to kiss your cheek, pulling you into another tight embrace. “C'mon…us Harper kids can get through anything…” it wasn't a complete lie. Nate had been with you through everything. After your parents divorced and your mother swindled her way into winning custody, Nate was your rock, your best friend. He always tried his damndest to protect you and keep you happy; he'd keep you safe from the abusive tirades of your mother and her questionable taste in men. Deep down, you wished it was her that had died and not your father, but even that thought made you feel sick to your stomach. An icy chill ran down your spine; you could feel the cold eyes boring straight through your body.

“Tessa. Nathan. It was a pleasant surprise to see that you both actually showed up. It's certainly been a while,” Cynthia, your mother, spoke. Her voice was laced with disdain towards both you and Nathan. You could feel Nathan physically grow tense, anger radiating from his body.

“What do you want?” Nathan hissed towards her. A look of disappointment in his eyes as you had turned to face Cynthia.

“Now, is that any way to speak to your mother?” Cynthia chides with a sourly sweet tone that makes you feel sick to your stomach. “Can a mother not come to seek comfort in the arms of her own children?”

“Comfort? Comfort?! You want comfort?! You wouldn't even let us sit with the rest of the family, you spiteful, money hungry, maniacal, bitch!” The words flew from your mouth before you could register what was even happening. All of your emotions, years of turmoil, unresolved anger and pain, it all came out at once.

~o0o~

Your alarm clock blared, bringing your dream to a screeching halt. Opening your eyes, you grab your phone from the bedside table to be met with 15 missed calls from your friend Maria. Then, your eyes focused on the time at the top of your screen. 9:45am.

“Fuck! Oh shit!” You scramble to get out of bed. Last night was a long and rough night at the club you worked at, leaving you exhausted enough to sleep through the 3 alarms you had set. Your legs became entangled in the sheets on the bed, causing you to fall against the wooden floor with a loud thud. There was no sense in trying to shower the night away. It was your first round of exams in college. You could hear your instructor in the back of your mind, lecturing about the importance and professionalism of punctuality.

“Son of a bitch…” You mumbled to yourself, tugging on a pair of jeans that you prayed was clean. Life had gone to shit after the passing of your father. The falling out you had with Cynthia affected everyone in your family. After the paperwork for your father's will was settled, it was decided that you and Nate wanted out from under Cynthia's thumb. So, you both chose to move away on the money you each inherited from your father.

It seemed like the right thing to do at that moment. You knew there was no way in hell that you and Nate could stay around Cynthia. For years, you had always promised your father that you would become something . After his passing, Nate became your cheerleader in life. He had pushed you to pursue your dream of going into nursing due to your gene mutation. You could smell illness, and heal most ailments and injuries. But that victory only lasted two years before Nate was taken from you after being involved in a car crash. Life seemed to have it out for you.

“This had better be worth it, Nate. I'm doing this for you and dad.” You muttered to yourself, and snatched your keys from the kitchen counter. Lemmy, your grey tabby, meows at you for breakfast. You cursed silently under your breath, dropping a hearty scoop of kibble into his bowl. “I'm sorry, Lemme! Mama is running late! I'll be back later, buddy!” You call from over your shoulder and rush out the door.

Life has been chaotic over the past several months. Before his untimely death, Nate had become involved in the wrong crowd through unhealthy coping mechanisms. Always finding himself in and out of trouble, always landing himself behind bars. No matter how angry you got with him, no matter the price, you always stood in his corner, always bailing him out. Now, you were alone. Money began to dwindle, and something had to be done to keep you afloat. Bill piled up, and responsibilities never ceased to stop. After odd job, after odd job, and confiding in Maria, she helped you land a job at a strip club. Not the most glamorous job, but it helped make ends meet.

Speeding through the streets, you narrowly make it in time for your class. There were two minutes left before the door would be locked. Once inside of the classroom, you collapse into your seat next to Maria. Your hair was a disheveled mess and your clothes were wrinkled, but at least you made it on time. There were still dried remnants of makeup, glitter, sweat and alcohol on your body, but none of that mattered at this point. The fear of letting down Nate and your father was the only thing that kept you going.

“T, you look like shit. What happened?!” Maria hissed under her breath. Her brown eyes were sympathetic, but she failed to hide the slight amusement at her lips. She had been doing this for far longer than you, so she was used to the long, sleepless nights, unlike you.

“I don't even remember. I slept through everything. Alarms. Phone calls. Texts. If college doesn't kill me, this job will.” You tried to muse to the best of your abilities, but it was to no avail. Who were you kidding? Surely not Maria, and definitely not yourself. You refused to take a semester off after the passing of Nate out of fear of never going back.

“Give it a few more weeks. You'll get used to it. Look at me! I'm just cruising on through. No stress. No worries. Just think of it as partying every night instead of working. Live a little. Let loose. Stop clutching your pearls all the time. We're young, wild, and free! Us against the world-”

A gruff grumble cuts her off. You both look up at Mr. Thomas and the stack of exams he held in his arm. He sets down an exam in front of you and Maria. There's a disapproving scowl at his lips towards you and the way you were dressed. His gaze made you feel so small, insignificant, and helpless. Ever since day one, it felt like he had a vendetta against you. You couldn't quite place a finger on it, but you just had this feeling that he hated you without reason. Sighing, you turn your attention to the stapled packet that sat in front of you on the table. Maria shares one last sympathetic glance your way before diving into the exam. It takes you a few moments, but you finally decompress enough to open the test packet.

An agonizing 45 minutes later, you find yourself to be the one lone student left in the classroom. There was still an extra 30 minutes left, but it was so hard to concentrate. Your mind flitted around aimlessly as you bounced between questions. After staring at the words for God knows how long, the letters began to blend together in a blackened alphabet soup on the papers. The knot in your stomach twisted and churned like a raging hurricane of anxiety and sleep deprivation. The longer you stared at the words, the deeper the splitting migraine dug into your skull like an icepick or a hot poker. Twenty questions remained out of the seventy-five. You could do this.

“Ten minutes Miss Harper. I have a meeting to be at in fifteen minutes.” Mr. Thomas spoke, breaking the tense silence that suffocated the room. You merely nod, panic threatening to settle in at the sudden rush reminder. Cursing under your breath, you try your best to guess at the questions with a level of educated common sense. It was days like this you wished you could just disappear and run from your responsibilities. Once finished, you bring the exam to him without a word and exit from the room.

“You really need some food, maybe a nap, and smelling salts. I have cash for food. C'mon, my treat.” Maria gave you a small smile and gestures for you to follow after her. “Besides, I still owe you one for letting me sleep at your place. Consider it even, okay?”

“Only if you bash my head open with a hammer. This headache is killing me. Ugh…I don't know how you do this, Maria. How the hell do you balance everything? Like…seriously.” You admit to her, earning a soft laugh from Maria. Even though your schedule was relatively easy, you were still dumbfounded by how easy Maria made everything look. Following Maria, she brings you out to the parking lot to her car. It was messy, but you didn't mind too much. The idea of food and Tylenol was your main focus.

“Most I can do is some food, and pills for your head. Now, for food. We have campus food, or we can go to that new café that opened down the street from the Scarlet.” Maria wiggles her hips excitedly in her seat, earning a small chuckle from you. As much as you hated the idea of being so close to work, you were too tired to argue against it. At your silence, she takes it as a yes and starts up the car, speeding out of the parking lot. “Morning Glory, it is! Who knows, we might run into some guys there. I've heard that the entire block is under the care of some gang. Not like the bad type of gang though.”

“Maria! Do I look like I'm in any condition to meet anyone? I look like shit. I didn't even shower…I have glitter in places I didn't know I even had!” You grab onto the ‘oh shit’ handle as she makes a sharp turn around a corner. As much as you adored your friend, she was absolutely reckless compared to you. Where you were more of the shy, introverted, and awkward type, Maria was the polar opposite. She was boisterous, charming, extroverted, and was the life of any party. Sometimes you questioned how you two even became friends.

“Oh it's not that bad. Besides, guys like a girl that can cut loose at night. I really think getting you some dick will do you some good.” She laughs as you smack her on the arm. Her eyes soften a little towards you from the corner of her gaze. “Okay, maybe we won't get you dick today. But maybe we can change that tonight. I've noticed the way some of the guys stare at you when you're working the pole. You're a natural!”

“Maria…I don't need some one night stand to make me feel better. I'm fine. We Harper's can get through anything.” Even you didn't quite fully believe yourself on that. Maybe Maria had a point. The idea of just sleeping with someone made your skin feel clammy. It just wasn't your style.

“I dunno. You need something though.” At the red light, she turns to look at you. Her eyes truly soften this time. She mouths a small ‘oh’ to herself at the realization. “Hey…it's gonna be okay. You're not alone. You have me in your corner. We can call out for tonight, order some takeout, watch some movies. Whatever you want. Whatever you need.”

A single tear rolls down your cheek despite your efforts to keep your tears at bay. As nice as that sounded, you knew you couldn't do that. One bad day didn't mean that life would stop for you. “No, no I'll be okay. Really. Staying out of that apartment might do me some good. Especially tonight. I don't need to be wallowing in self pity. It's not going to bring dad or Nate back. Pretty sure it's mostly cause I'm getting hangry.”

“Bitch, did you not eat today? Did you drink water? Anything?” Maria facepalms at your sheepish expression. She shakes her head in dismay, wailing down on the horn in front of her for not moving when the light turns green. “Move your ass! The light’s green, bitch! Go! We're hungry back here!”

You burst out laughing as some middle aged man hangs out of the window, flipping off Maria. She gladly returns the gesture, followed with a string of obscenities towards him. That was Maria for you. Loud, boisterous, and always getting into some type of trouble. Turning on the street past the light, you barely recognize The Scarlet Oasis during the day. The parking lot was empty, neon lights and signs were shut off; it looked like any other abandoned building. Catty corner across the street was the café that Maria spoke out. Its parking lot appeared to be fairly busy. Several Cars and motorcycles were parked all around the small café.

“Let's at least make your hair look a little less, wild I guess.” Maria teases to which you rolled your eyes. She helps you straighten your hair up a bit along with trying to wipe some of the excess glitter from your cheeks, throat, and chest. She nods, thoroughly pleased with her work and gestures for you to follow her inside. Stepping into that café felt like a step into the past. 60s music played over the speakers, welcoming you almost instantly. Red leather booths lined the walls; matching stools hugged the white marble top bar, matching with the black and white checkered patterned floor. This café was a living time machine. Your first genuine thought was just how much Nate and your dad would have loved this place.

Your eyes scan the entire café. It felt oddly cozy and reminded you of home in a different and better time. Many of the patrons looked to be fairly older than you and Maria, not that it mattered, at least not until your eyes scan over a table nestled in the far off corner of the café. There was a group of several men and three women there. But one in particular caught your attention. Your eyes were immediately drawn to his sun kissed skin, and toned arms. His black hair was swept back, almost resembling a 70s greaser appearance. Maria bumps your arm with her elbow, bringing you back down to reality.

“See something you like? Oh damn, get it girl.” Maria follows your gaze. Her words make your cheeks burn with a deep blush. Grabbing her hand, you tug her over to a booth, hopefully out of sight of the group you had been brainlessly staring at.

“Shut up! Oh my god…I can't go over there! Are you crazy?!” You hissed under your breath at her. Your breath catches in your throat, catching a brief glimpse of the man again. Even from this distance, his eyes felt intense on you. You quickly hide your face behind a menu in hopes of hiding your embarrassment. Maria's snickering makes you kick her shin from under the table with a glare. “Be quiet…!”

“Can I get you ladies started with something to drink? Perhaps an appetizer or two?” A warm voice asks from the other side of the menu. You lift your eyes to see the waiter. He was young, but had a charming smile. Pietro was printed on the name tag he wore.

“Yes. I'll take lemon water, and my friend here will have the same. Also, can we get a blooming onion for our app?” Maria bats her eyelashes at Pietro. He nods his head, scribbling away on his notepad.

“Sure thing. Coming right up, ladies.” He smiles warmly before disappearing behind the bar. You exhale heavily, rubbing your temples. Your cheeks heat up again at the sly smirk that Maria gives you.

“Don't. No. Don't talk.” You hiss lowly under your breath at her. She holds her hands up in mock innocence, grinning from ear to ear. Within minutes, Pietro is back at your booth with drinks and a steaming hot blooming onion.

“You ladies ready to order? We have a special today on our club sandwiches. Buy two and you get a complimentary sundae. We also have a special on our brunch platter. Big enough to fill two.” Pietro mentions warmly.

“Oohh, let's do the brunch platter, T. It'll be good leftovers for tonight after work!” Maria looks up to Pietro with a nod to seal the order. You chuckle quietly, shrugging in submission and agreement to her.

“An excellent choice. I will be back shortly with that platter for you ladies.” He gives you both a wink before disappearing again after taking your menus away. You exhale again, trying to keep your eyes from wandering over to the man at the table on the other side of the café.

“So, little miss goodie two-shoes likes her men older.” Maria shimmies her shoulders at you, earning a scoff from you. “I mean, you know what they say…men do it better. More experienced. More mature.” Each word she mutters makes your blush return to your cheeks. You kick her leg again from under the table with a glare to your eyes. She rubs her shin, laughing quietly to herself. “Relax, it's not like he can hear you. But….he's really not that bad lookin’ if I must say so myself.”

“Stop staring. Stop staring…Maria! Stop staring! Oh god, he's looking this way again…” You panic, hiding your eyes behind your glass of water as you eagerly drink. Maria snorts out a laugh at your panicking, rolling her eyes with a quiet tsk towards you. Of your months of friendship, never had she ever seen you like this before. Taking another glance over your cup, you nearly choke on your water. “Maria…Maria…! Look at me! I think I've seen him in the Scarlet before. Oh crap…”

Maria arches a brow at you, wiggling her hips with a wide grin. “You have to try to get a private dance with him then. No questions asked. You have to do it now. Who knows, you might actually get lucky. Ow! That one hurt!” She kicks you back in the leg with a scowl. “I'm buying you food.” By this time, Pietro returns to your table, setting down plates of food for each of you. There was more than enough food to feed you and Maria. There would be leftovers for days, not that you minded it. Maria nods gratefully to him with a wide smile of thanks.

Stabbing your fork into a piece of waffle, you chew thoughtfully, allowing yourself to actually enjoy food for once. It gave you a reason and something else to focus on as silence fell between you and Maria. Each of you enjoying the fresh, hot food and catchy music. It was refreshing, this little impromptu brunch date. You allowed the good food and good music to distract you from the stress of the day. For the first time in four years, you were actually smiling on the anniversary of laying your father to rest. You look at Maria and give her a grateful smile. The sound of heavy boots against the tile floor breaks the silence, capturing the attention of you and Maria.

You trail your eyes up the figure of the dark haired male as he walks to the register at the bar. You couldn't help but admire the way the white beater he wore hugged his broad chest and showed off his chiseled arms. His jeans flaunted the curvature of muscular legs and a very toned ass. Maria gives you a knowing look, hiding her grin behind her glass, but you shake your head vigorously. There was no way in hell that you were going to try to make conversation with this man. You can hear his gravely and bassy voice as he spoke with Pietro.

“Seems like you got yourself quite the fan base growing,” Pietro teases the older man. You could feel the color drain from your face as you strain to hear.

“Ah, can it, kid. I've got bigger problems to worry about. Is there anything new that we should be worried about? Or have you been too busy fraternizing?” The darker male hushed with annoyance. The sound of his voice almost gave you chills.

“There's gonna be a meet tonight. Down past Fisk Tower. Old warehouse by the docks. They're looking for good sports.” Pietro glances around before continuing. “Should be late tonight. Supposed to be a nice coin purse on it.”

“Stop talking like an idiot. So it's a big payout? Or is it just big to you, bub?” The dark haired man grumbles under his breath. Your breath catches in your throat, accidentally meeting his intense gaze. He gives you a brief once over before returning his attention to Pietro.

“I've heard it's around three thousand. You'd slaughter them, though. I mean, you're The Wolverine after all.” Pietro playfully punches the older man in the arm, earning himself a disapproving glare. The name piqued your interest immediately. The Wolverine. You silently pondered the name to yourself. Was that some street name? Was this man one of those gangsters that Maria had mentioned before? Regardless, something about his energy and aura practically sucked you into him with interest.

“Ah, that's hardly worth my time. Too much energy for such a small payout.” The darker haired man grumbles. He could feel your eyes on him, a small smirk tugging the corner of his lips. “Put whatever they got on my tab, bub. Can't spend the whole day hanging out here. But, you call me if you see any of those Brotherhood assholes over here.”

Your heart practically leaped into your throat as this man known as The Wolverine turned away from the register, settling his eyes on you for a brief moment. He takes a few steps towards your table, but before he can get a word out, his presumed friends call out to him, distracting him away from you. He tilts his head to the side just slightly before following after the group he had been sitting with. A gasping breath finally escapes you that you hadn't realized you had been holding during that brief moment. Your heart pounded deep within your chest. Maria stares at you with wide eyes before a toothy grin breaks across her lips.

“Oh. My. God. Bitch! He's totally into you! Holy shit. Tess…you have to meet him somehow tonight.” Maria stares at you with wide and excited eyes. She was beaming at you with such unbridled excitement that you were expecting her to implode there on the spot.

“No. Absolutely not. Maria…we don't know a single thing about him. No way. No, ma'am.” You shake your head vigorously towards her. There was no way in hell you would entertain her crazy ideas. Even with him gone, though, you could still feel his intense eyes on you.

“Oh please, he was basically undressing you with his eyes. If you don't act on this, I will,” she smirked cheekily at you, signaling to Pietro that she was ready for the check. He brings over the receipt for the already paid check, offering a cheeky smile to her. Your cheeks burned a dark red at the mere thought, making you fold your arms across your chest in an attempt to cover yourself. Was he really, though?

“Already taken care of. Can I bring you ladies some to-go boxes?” Pietro asks, glancing between you and Maria both and then the remaining food on the plates. There was definitely enough for leftovers to last you and Maria both. After gathering up the remnants of brunch, you exit the cafe next to Maria. You still couldn't shake the feeling that burned through your body. It was like nothing you had ever experienced before. Even after sitting in the car with Maria, that feeling still churned in the pits of your gut.

“Maybe we should frequent that little café more. Who knows, maybe next time he'll actually talk to you,” Maria snickers, laughing heartily at the smack you give her on the leg. “Oh come on! You're totally into him!”

“Maria! I saw the man one time! Don't be stupid. I mean…let's be real here. Not even in my wildest of fantasies would I have a chance with someone like that,” you scoff to yourself. That you truly believed. Between you and Maria, you were the more innocent one in the friendship. Even with your night job, there were levels of you that were still innocent. Sure, you showed off your body, but it was just a part of your job. “Besides…I'm pretty sure I've seen him in the Scarlet. No way in hell would he want to get involved with me.”

“Uhm? Hello?! Free lap dances?! You're fucking gorgeous. Limber as hell. And let's face it, you can work a pole. Stop being a Debbie-downer. I'm trying to get you laid.” You rolled your eyes at her remark. She was never going to let you live this one out. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.

[ash5monster01]

Getaway Camp : Twenty

Pairing: Charlie Dalton x OC!Fem

Warnings: sad, goodbyes, crying, slight mentions of trauma, cheesy, very little plot, minor angst, fluff

Summary: It’s their last day at camp and Charlie finds it harder to say goodbye to everyone than he originally thought.

word count: 3.6k

Masterlist

Nineteen ←→ Epilogue

August 20th 1961

“You have everything?” Charlie asks through the window of Ezra’s Plymouth. He knows the man is capable of driving himself but it still made Charlie nervous, it was a long drive home for an older man. Maybe a part of him wasn’t quite ready to let him go and all they had been through together. It had been a long time since he had someone care for him the way Ezra did.

“Yes remember you loaded all of it yourself, and triple checked?” Ezra responds, a sarcastic tone not giving away he appreciates the boys kind and caring nature. He imagined if he had his own son he would act this was too.

“I know but I just want to make sure” Charlie mutters, not liking the fact this was his first goodbye of the day. Ezra had filled that empty father role in his life, just like Keating once had. He already made sure to write down his phone number and address to reach him whenever he had the chance. He wasn’t going to lose him the way he did Keating.

“I’ll be fine, I’m excited to get back to the city. You should go and stop worrying about some old man. You have a great gal desperate to spend some time with you” Ezra points out, wishing Charlie had chosen to keep in touch with the girl like he chose to keep in touch with him. Then again he figured it was different. If you couldn’t have all of each other in love then what was the point. He would have done the same if it had been him and Esther.

“You’re not just some old man Ezra, you’re my friend” Charlie tells him and he just smiles, a hand patting on top of Charlie’s own holding the door.

“You’re my friend too boy, now promise to call” he tells him and Charlie gives a pressed smile, trying his best to save his tears for the goodbye with Valerie. Ezra would yell at him for getting too sentimental anyway.

“I will, thank you. Thank you for everything” Charlie tells him and Ezra smiles, coughing to get rid of the lump growing in his throat. If he cried in front of Charlie the boy would never let him hear the end of it.

“You too Charles” he responds and the young boy is leaned through the window, wrapping him in an awkward hug. One they both desperately need.

“You would’ve been the best Dad Ezra” and this time the older man can’t choke back the tears that burn behind his eyes. Slipping down his worn cheeks and out of sight of the young boy awkwardly angled in his arms.

“I would’ve loved to have you as a son” he tells him as he hugs back and Charlie gives one last squeeze before letting him go, slowly taking a step away from the car.

“Drive safe” is the last thing he says, Ezra waving him off but clearly touched by the relationship he had with him. He pulls away before he can see him cry and Charlie watches until he no longer sees the Plymouth anymore.

The walk back to staff camp is difficult, nearly the entire camp now empty. Majority of families left the day before and half the staff along with them. Charlie spent majority of the day helping Ezra pack and families get ready to leave, he ended it with a campfire and a trip to the boathouse with Valerie for one last time. His own cabin was already packed and cleaned, just waiting for him to grab his bags and leave this afternoon. The thing was he wasn’t sure he’d ever actually be ready. Not with Valerie in front of him.

“Drive safe you two” he hears Valerie’s familiar voice as he starts for his cabin. She stands outside her own, Nate and Chrissy standing with their bags and hugging her goodbye. The two had apparently become good friends and agreed to drive back to their hometown together. Something nobody saw coming.

“Here’s trouble” Nate says when he spots Charlie approaching and despite all of it Charlie just laughs. The tensions and resentments dwindling away with the rest of summer.

“You two on your way out?” he asks and Chrissy nods, grabbing her duffle bag that Nate is quick to steal from her. Charlie hoped one day the boy would come to his senses and realize how good she was for him. He already loved her and didn’t even know it.

“Yeah we have about a two hour drive. Mia and Holly left this morning so we figured it was our turn next” Chrissy says and Charlie nods, realizing in a weird way he was going to miss them both too. Even if they had been the reason for the short lived distance between him and Valerie.

“Drive safe and maybe I’ll see you” Charlie responds and Chrissy laughs despite the sad look on Valerie’s face. The blonde girl leans to give him a hug and Charlie is quick to accept. Once she lets go Nate reaches his hand out that Charlie is quick to shake. A truce of sorts.

“Good luck you two” is all Nate says before nodding down the trail and him and Chrissy begin to walk away. Valerie steps into Charlie’s space, he wraps a caring arm around her shoulders as they watch their friends walk away.

“I say in a year you’ll be receiving an invite to their wedding” Charlie says and Valerie chuckles even though she’s not in much of a mood to laugh at all. If she could curl up and cry the rest of the day away she would because maybe she wouldn’t ever have to say goodbye that way.

“Maybe you will too” Valerie says, trying hard to not be sad about their situation. She liked the idea that one day their paths could cross again. So be it if it ended up being Nate and Chrissy’s wedding. She’d take anything at this point.

“We should go see Andy and Alice, he’s been ready to go since yesterday” and Valerie nods as she follows the boy to his own cabin. When they step inside they both notice his side of the cabin is completely empty. Only loitering around to bid Charlie a goodbye.

“Wow, it’s cleaner than before we even moved in” Charlie jokes even though he’s a bit sad to be saying goodbye to his friend. He couldn’t remember a time in his life he actually liked his roommate. Andy was different, cool even, and it kind of sucked that he didn’t get to know him any better before they had to say goodbye.

“Yeah but that’s not my fault, you’re the messy one” Andy points at Charlie and they all laugh but it’s still kind of sad, knowing that this summer finally came to an end without realizing it at all.

“Well you weren’t the worst roommate I ever had so that’s a plus” Charlie says in a joking way but Andy knows it’s sentimental, a way of saying thank you without really saying it at all.

“Same, it was a good summer. Plus you gave me the push with Alice here so it all worked out” Andy says, an arm wrapping around his girls shoulders and Charlie smiles as he looks at Val. His own little miracle.

“And I wish you two only the best” Charlie tells him and Andy nods, grabbing the last duffle bag on his bed and slinging it over his shoulder. Prepared to move into the next phase of life.

“Good luck you two but we better be off, got a long drive ahead of us” and Charlie nods, hand lacing with Valerie’s who was eerily quiet. It was out of character and a dead give away that all of this made her really sad. Charlie wasn’t sure they’d ever be able to say goodbye.

“Drive safe, maybe we’ll see ya” Charlie says, shaking his hand and Andy smiles at both. Alice offers a small wave as they start for the door, both of them wishing the two would stop being stubborn and actually stay with each other. It’s not long until they also move out of sight, leaving Charlie and Valerie all alone.

“You okay?” Charlie asks, even if it’s stupid. He wasn’t even okay himself, his summer went entirely different than he had planned. Now he had to say goodbye to the girl of his dreams.

“Yeah just hard to say goodbye to everyone knowing at some point I have to say goodbye to you” tears line her eyes, her mouth never fully lifting into a smile, a sadness Charlie wished he could make go away. Yet he carried that sadness himself, one he was sure wouldn’t go away for a long time.

“We can wait, I really have no where to be” Charlie’s says but Valerie knows her father expects her and Levi by dinner. That gave them probably only another hour.

“We can’t wait forever” she frowns, trying hard not to cry. Charlie sighs and pulls her into a hug. He’s entirely lost in the feel of her skin and strawberry smell of her hair. He would stay here forever if he could, yet it’s proven not possible when a knock sounds at the cabin door.

“Hey, last of the campers left so I’m on my way out” stands Alex without his captain hat for the very first time this summer. The sight of it is what makes Charlie realize this is really over. Summer had drawn to an end and soon enough this would all be just a distant memory. A blip in time.

“No more people to manage anymore huh?” Charlie teases as he eyes the boy. Valerie smiles at them both, wiping at her eyes as she faces another goodbye. Knowing Charlie was next on the list. The thought makes her lip quiver.

“Nope, probably a good thing anyway. I can barely manage myself” and Charlie laughs as he firmly shakes the boys hand. Alex was an interesting and different guy, but he also had been a good friend and thankfully unproblematic. He would be included in many of Charlie’s fondest memories of this place.

“It was nice getting to know you Alex” Charlie offers and the boy smiles, weirdly sad about saying goodbye to the boy himself. He didn’t expect to like Charlie as much as he did. He was used to floating around in the summer, never fully commiting himself to one friend group, so it was surprising how sad it made him to think this might be the last time he ever sees the boy.

"You too Charlie, I hope you enjoyed your first summer here at Adler's" Alex returns as he shakes the boys hand and then he looks to Valerie. One of his eldest and kindest friends wearing the saddest of smiles. He wished he could change this one thing for her.

“See ya later?” he asks with a grin and she nods, desperate not to cry in front of him. Alex recognizes it and gives them both a final nod before leaving the cabin. The reality sinking in, realizing there was no one else left to say goodbye too.

“Levi wants to leave around 1, that’s gives us about another hour” Valerie says in the silence, eyes never lifting to meet his own and Charlie gives a tight lipped smile. He had been right on their timeline. Knowing this he slowly pulls her close, pressing her head to his chest as he hugs her and closes his eyes. Swaying almost like a slow dance.

He memorizes the sound of the wooden floorboards creaking underneath their weight, the rise and fall of her chest against his, how she fits perfectly under his chin as if made for him. He commits it all to memory so no matter how badly he wishes he could freeze the moment he could at least revisit it instead. Figures he’d fall for a girl as stubborn as him, neither of them allowing themselves a second to pretend they could last forever. One day, years from now, Adler’s West Lake Lodge would just be a foggy memory, filled with faces they can’t entirely recall. It wasn’t everything and it was better for them to both accept that now.

“Thank you for reminding what it was like to fully love someone” Charlie mutters, chin bumping against her head and Valerie tightens her hold on him. She knows he’s thinking of Neil in this moment, probably comparing how he was losing her just like he did him. She didn’t want that.

“Thank you for showing me I was capable of love” she reiterates, not wanting him to dwell when this should be a happy moment for them both. It could’ve been messy, a hatred replacing the care, a deep cut in each of their hearts that might never be filled again. Instead it would be a breakup meant to be good, to give them both some closure and always remember each other fondly. That was a beautiful thing.

“You know I always thought I was going to be broken, now not so much” Charlie says with a laugh and Valerie can’t help the chuckle that leaves her own lips. She knew exactly how he felt.

“You think we fixed each other?” she curiously asks, pulling back to look into his eyes, arms staying locked around his waist. One day she’d forget what it was like to be held in his arms and she didn’t want to lose it now.

“Maybe but we’re not miracle workers” Charlie offers and they both laugh, a warmth and love surrounding them.

“Maybe if we weren’t meant to be forever we were at least meant to save each other” Valerie says and it’s the most beautiful thing Charlie’s heard. Better than any poem or song. His saving grace, the girl of his dreams, the angel in the darkness.

“You did save me V, I was drowning until I met you” and they both giggle at the double meaning of his words. To think he wished she wasn’t going to be a lifeguard the day they met.

“I must be really good at my job” she teases and Charlie laughs, pulling her close so his forehead can press against her own.

“The best lifeguard I’ve ever met” Charlie confirms and Valerie smiles, nodding against his head. Content despite the goodbye nearing every minute.

“Want to take one last walk around the camp, make sure you don’t forget about all of it?” Valerie asks and Charlie chuckles, knowing she was teasing but probably held a worry that one day this camp wouldn’t mean the same thing as it does to her.

“Sure, you’re my favorite tour guide anyway” So that’s what they do, hand in hand, for their remaining hour.

The camp is a ghost town now, a shell of missing laughter and fun. There was no bungalow bunnies taking their daily walks and gossiping about all the male employees, no kids screaming and splashing in the lake, teenagers riding their bikes and trying to sneak off grounds. Instead it was quiet, much like the woods when him and Valerie would go on their hike to get away. It was nice having the camp just to themselves like this, no one else around to interrupt or remind them that time was running out. The tour ends with them walking the rest of Charlie’s bags to his car, that’s when they both become aware it was only his and Levi’s vehicle left in employee parking. Dragging the end of all of this out long enough for everyone else to leave.

“You’re going to be the best English major by the way” Charlie tells her as he shuts the trunk of his car, smiling at her softly.

“Maybe, we’ll see how it goes” she tells him and he grins, fingers lacing with her own.

“Yeah well you know if that fails you always have bartender or olympic swimmer to fall back on” and that gets her to laugh just like he had originally intended.

“You’re gonna do great things to Charlie, even if it’s something your father wants and not you” she tells him and somehow that’s all the comfort Charlie needs knowing the business degree he was getting into.

“Thanks V and if that fails hopefully I’ll have rowing instructor or saxophonist to fall back on” and Valerie smiles at him, never tired of the way he always made her feel lighter than air. Yet that smile drops when she hears a familiar shuffle of footsteps behind them.

“Sorry to cut this short but we better hit the road soon Val” they both turn to see Levi carrying both their remaining bags. A sorry and sad smile on his face as he provides the reality to them both.

“It was nice getting to know you Levi, make sure this one gets home safe” Charlie says and Levi smiles as he approaches them both. Slowly he drops the bags and pulls Charlie into a hug he doesn’t expect.

“Thanks for being so good to my best friend” he whispers in Charlie’s ear, Valerie unknowing as she watches them. Charlie smiles and nods as he hugs the guy back. Thankful for the guy despite all the uncertain feelings he had for him before.

“Make sure she’s well taken care of” Charlie says as they let go of each other and Levi nods, smiling at Valerie as he collects their bags again.

“I always do” he responds before starting for his car. Once the bags and himself are shut inside Charlie turns to find tears streaming down Valerie’s cheeks. It contradicts the smile on her face but Charlie is quick to hold her face and brush the drops away with his thumbs.

“Hey it’s okay” Charlie murmurs, pulling her into him once her tears are wiped away. It was no use because she was bound to shed more. Just the sight has Charlie’s own eyes burning with them.

“It’s so unfair” Valerie cries, trying to remind herself that it only hurts now. That in the long run it would’ve hurt more to try and pretend the distance would be enough. She had survived in a world without Charlie Dalton before, hopefully she could do it again.

“I know but we have to trust it happened like this for a reason, that maybe some things aren’t meant to be no matter how badly we want them too” Charlie tells her and she continues to softly cry against him. It breaks Charlie’s heart especially because out of all the things he will be lucky enough to remember, sadly this tearful goodbye would be one of them.

“I know, it’s our decision and it’s a good one, but that won’t stop me from missing you” and the words wrap around Charlie’s heart and tie itself in a bow, keeping her there forever. It's what brings him to pull her in tighter and allow his own tears to fall. People probably thought they were silly for falling so hard and fast. What fools they were for getting in to deep knowing they would've never agreed to stay.

"Give your family some love from me, I wish I could tell them myself what a great girl they gave me. Even if it was for a short while" and Valeire giggles, sniffling as she pulls away and wipes at her eyes. She was so excited to see them and she wished it was possible for Charlie to meet them. They'd give him a hard time at first but she was certain they'd all really like him. It would feel just like it did when she met his friends.

"I will and you be safe at school, don't get into too much trouble" she points at him and Charlie smirks. He's quick to shrug his shoulders and try to give her one last fond memory of him.

"We'll see, I've never been that good at following the rules" he tells her and the giggle she lets out is music to his ears. He takes this moment to memorize her face, all those pretty features he had been so blessed to admire this whole time.

"Promise you won't forget about me," and Charlie supposes that's his real fear. Becoming the person who is left behind and forgotten by the world when not so long ago he was determined to conquer it.

"That's impossible, nobody could ever forget about you Ace" and that’s all he needs to hear before pulling her into one last deep kiss. He begs whatever God there is that he can remember the taste of her after all of this. Making sure to kiss her so hard she'll still feel it by the time she gets home. When he finally let's her go their time has offically run out.

"I'll love you forever Valerie" he wants to make sure are his last words, no goodbyes because she'd technically be apart of him forever.

"I'll love you longer Charlie" and he breaks out in the biggest smile as she presses one last kiss to his cheek and walks away before she changes her mind. He waits and watches as she slides into Levi's car and he doesn’t move even after they’ve disappeared from his sight.

Instead he stands and listens to the sound of the trees, inhales the smell of the air, and hopes that one day he'll find peace again just like he did here.

a/n: and with that there’s only one more chapter left. I’m so sorry for the late update, I can blame it on life and the holidays but really I just don’t think I want this one to end :(

Taglist: @eden-punk @octaviasdread @pursuedbyamemoryy @poetsinnyc @linmichea1

Comment if you want to be added to the taglist :))

[gaiahypothesims]

322

Jonah- How was she last night?

Laken- Good, no trouble at all. What happened?

Jonah- <groans> Ashley and Harris fucking Lane happened. You'd think they would be like oil and water, but nooo. Ashley had a pocket full of mushrooms and suddenly they're best friends.

Laken- Harris Lane? From Rock Lane?

Jonah- Yeah, that asshole.

Laken- Ooohh... Perry would love to meet him. She loves that band, I can't see why. Its not like the music is very good.

Jonah- Could it be the blonde douchebag that croons women's panties off?

Laken- Absolutely not! Perry doesn't have a thing for blondes, you should know that! <wags eyebrows>

Jonah- I am NOT blonde! And you CANNOT tell her! I'm not even supposed to be telling you. You know he offered a threesome to Evelyn and Jake? The fucking nerve!

Laken- <snorts> I'll bet she was pleased with that.

Jonah- Yeah she's pissed off that I can't keep the little shit on a boat. Like, what am I supposed to do? Live there with him? Mom and Dad are here to see me, not you.

Laken- Rude. Listen, I did you a solid last night by keeping your kid. You gotta take Nate out, this one needs to get his shots and I can't manage them both at the Dr's office.

Jonah- I have to go make sure the prisoner is still in prison!!

Laken- Sucks to suck man. Just take them to the festival. I'm sure you're little rock star will be sleeping off his trip. Not that I would know anything about that. You might... not that you remember... unless you were a little druggie in your memory too...were you?

Jonah- I don't need to answer your questions. I had other things that made me awesome.

Laken- Right... you were a werewolf <snorts>

Jonah- Shut the fuck up!

Laken- Language Jonah, the babies are listening.

[a-chlolix-blog]

Scarabée and Kitty Claws AU

The Mime. A perilous Performer.

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

There were alot of posts on Instagram about Fred Haprèle's first show.

While it did have its MANY supporters...

♻️Mylegend🎥: I'm SO excited for tonight's show! This IS my dad's first major performance after all.

💙Mari-Caroon🥐: I am too! Thanks for thinking of me as a back-up plus one!

♻️Mylegend🎥: No problem! Ivan DID say he was gonna really busy with Kitty Section tonight.

💙Mari-Caroon🥐: I still think it's incredible how quickly Luka and Juleka were able to form a band.

❤️Best-Blogger📱: I WISH I could go... but I gotta babysit the twins. The struggles of being an older sister. Alix and Juleka are SO lucky to be the baby sisters.

❤️Best-Blogger📱: Alix, you there? You'd NEVER let that slide.

💥Alix the Awesome🥇: Sorry about that you guys! Was abit preoccupied. Me Nate and Marc are gonna meet you guys at Sweet Paris Creperie & Café.

❤️Best-Blogger📱: Girls! Scarabée just saved a kid! I gotta get this interview!

There was also that one bitter non-enjoyer of his work. Like his under study Christos AKA Chris.

Christos, annoyed: All these people are lined up for nothing! I could preform WAY better than Fred.

Sarah: Just a reminder that you ARE an under study.

Not far from the two, a child managed to get out of their mother's grasp and tries to run across the street, completely unaware of the car speeding towards.

Alix who was on her way to get her pre-paid tickets, sees this and immediately reacts.

She quickly hides, transforms into Scarabée, and swings to immediately grab the child and get them to safety.

The kid: Thank you, Scarabée!

Scarabée, quickly sends a text without looking at her yo-yo: No need to thank me. Now get back to your mom.

As the child went back to their mother, Scarabée notices Alya running up to her.

Alya: Scarabée! That was amazing! Do you have time for a quick interview-

Scarabée: Sorry, no time for an interview. I got plans! Next time for sure! *quickly swings out of her line of sight*

After landing behind a discreet hiding place without being seen or noticed, Alix transforms back, Tikki hides, and Alix walks up to Sarah to get her pre-paid tickets.

Alix: Hey Sarah! I'm here for-

Sarah: No need to explain, Miss Kubdel. Here you go! *gives her an envelope* your father paid great money for these.

Alix, taking the envelope: I am will aware.

Christos: *rolls his eyes at her*

Alix, says internally while walking away: What's that guy's deal? Whatever, I have better things to do.

Alix then once again discreetly hides, transforms into Scarabée, and quickly swings towards her destination, making sure to get there before Alya.

~~~~At Sweet Paris Creperie & Café~~~~

Marinette and Mylène were sitting at one of the Café's larger tables with Alix Nathaniel and Marc was Alya comes rushing through the door.

Marinette: Alya! Are you okay?

Nathaniel: Sounds like you were RUSHING to get here.

Marc: We saw the texts. Did you get an interview with Scarabée!

Alya: Unfortunately no, but she DID say she'd be available next time!

Nathaniel: At least you got a great apology video for Kitty Claws! *plays the video*

Alya, in the video: So let me get this straight, Jolie was the one who stole the Mona Lisa and trashed Sweet Paris... because she was akumatized due to Kitty Claws lying about her relationship status with Scarabée?

Kitty Claws, in the video: That’s right. And I can’t apologize enough for how I behaved today. It was messed up of me to take my bad day out on Jolie.

Jolie, in the video: For the LAST time Kitty Claws, it’s okay! Not everyone is perfect, that involves Superheroines or Superheroes.

Mylène: I was honestly surprised that Jolie was SO forgiving. Considering all that happened two days ago.

Nathaniel, smirking: Hey Alix that means Kitty Claws is single!

Alix: Nate, I WILL waste this crepe by throwing it at you if you saw another word!

Marc: It's best not to test her...

Mylène: Marinette! We gotta heard to your place to pick up my dad's hat!

Marinette: Oh right! We gotta get going!

Marc: My mom rented a limo for me to get around all day for errands. I can help you there to pick up the hat and drop you off at the play.

Mylène: That's awesome Marc! Thank you so much!

Marinette: Too bad you're unable to attend the show due to your errands...

Marc: No need to be upset about that. Let's go!

Marinette and Mylène: Right! *follows Marc out of the Café*

Alya: I gotta get home to the twins! See you guys hopefully later!

Alix and Nathaniel: Bye Alya!

Alya: *leaves the Café*

Nathaniel: Alright Alix, spill.

Alix, smirking: Whatever do you mean?

Nathaniel: You clearly have something planned.

Alix: You know me so well. *takes the envelope out her bag, opens it, and gives one of the tickets to Nathaniel* Here is your ticket. Now I gotta give Alya her's quickly. The only ticket would've been Marc's, but like he said, he had to run errands for his mom. So after getting Jalil to babysit in advance, Alya's gonna be going to the play with us.

Nathaniel, with his mouth agape: How are you gonna pull off getting the tickets to Alya, and getting the twins to Jalil before tonight?! Even you're not that fast!

Alix, smirking: That's my little secret.

Nathaniel, smirking: Is Kitty Claws helping you out with this?

Alix, blushing: Do you want me to take the ticket back?

Nathaniel, grinning: Not really changing the subject. What do you think Kitty Claws is doing right now?

Alix: Stop testing me Nate!

Nathaniel, still grinning: The fact that you consider a simple question as a test is quite telling-

Alix, blushing furiously: Nate!

Nathaniel: Alright alright... I'm done!

~~~~At Le Grand Paris~~~~

Chloé and Sabrina were getting ready for the play in her room.

Chloé had several outfits ready for herself and Sabrina.

Sabrina: Do we really need so many options?

Chloé: Of course we do!

Sabrina: Adrien's limo is gonna be here to pick us up in thirty minutes!

Chloé: We'll worried about that when it's closer to the five minute mark.

Sabrina: The show isn't until tonight! This is Mylène's dad's first major show... *smirks* do you think Alix is gonna be there?

Chloé, blushing furiously: Just pick an outfit!

Sabrina, still smirking: So NOW you're in a hurry?

Plagg, hiding: *whispers* Teenage girls are so unpredictable...

Chloé: Remember Sabrina, we heading early to hang out with Adrien before the play to cheer him up since he dad won't be joining us.

Sabrina: *smirks* So... if Alix just so happens to be where we're gonna hang out, that's a bonus?

Chloé: *throws an aqua green and black emperor waist dress at her*

Sabrina, admiring the dress: This is perfect!

~~~~At the Dupain-Cheng Bakery~~~~

The limo had just pulled up just as Fred walked in front of the Bakery.

Mylène, getting out of the limo with Marinette right behind her: Dad! *hugs him tightly* Are you ready for "The Mine's Extraordinary Adventure"?

Fred, returning her hug: Absolutely! Gotta make my biggest fan proud! Just need the finishing touch.

Marinette: I'll go get your hat so you can be on your way, Mr. Haprèle! *enters the bakery*

Fred then notices Marc in the Limo.

Fred: Marc, make sure to thank your mother for me again for writing the play.

Marc: Will do, Mr. Haprèle! *turns to Mylène* I got errands to attend to. Hope you guys enjoy the show!

Mylène: We will!

After the limousine drives off, Marinette comes out of the bakery with Fred's hat just as Mylène stops hugging him.

Marinette, holding the hat up to him: Here it is!

Fred: Thank you Marinette. Saving me at the last minute! *happily does the mime box trick before taking the hat*

Marinette, holding the invisible box: I fixed the tear in it and added the small pocket, just like you a asked.

Fred: You did a perfect job! Thanks to you, *takes a mini photo of Mylène out of his pocket* I'll have my good luck charm right here next to me at all times. A photo of my beloved daughter. *puts the photo in the hat's pocket*

Mylène: Awww dad! *hugs him again*

The second Fred puts his hat on, he gets a suspected call.

Fred, answering his cell-phone: Hello Sa-

Sarah, over the phone: FRED! WHERE ARE YOU!

Fred: I just had to get my hat-

Sarah: I NEED YOU HERE NOW! NONE OF YOUR EXCUSES!

Fred: It's not an excuse, I know the bus is leaving in last than an hour, I'll be there! *ends the call and sighs in relief* That was Sarah the play's director. She's very nervous about the premiere, she ready to blow a fuse! So I better get going. *kisses Mylène on the forehead* See you girls tonight at the Eiffel Tower. *runs off*

Marinette: Can't wait!

Mylène: Love you!

Marinette and Mylène then go inside to get ready for the play.

Marinette: Wait until you see the outfit I made for you Mylène! *pulls her into the bakery*

Meanwhile, Chris and Sarah are about to board the bus for the show.

Chris: So what's his excuse this time?

Sarah: He said he had to pick up his hat from a repair shop, or at least that what he said.

Chris: *rolls his eyes* He's one convincing actor.

Sarah: He IS a great actor, but he's always making excuses for why he's late-

Chris: Why he sleeps in the middle of rehearsal? Why he has to leave early? Why he's messing parts of his costume? Come on Sarah! When are you gonna wake up and smell the coffee? But it's up to you if you want the show to suffer... *turns his back to her*

Sarah: You're his under study. Just be ready to take his place if something happens, okay?

Chris, with his back still turned to her: I won't let you down.*smirks*

Sarah: Thanks.

~~~~At the Louvre~~~~

While Alim was helping Nathaniel get ready for the dance, Alix got a video call from Marinette.

Alix, making she isn't seen below the neck during the call: Hey Marinette! What's up?

Marinette: Oh nothing... *turn the phone to Mylène* just Mylène looking absolutely marvelous for the play tonight!

Alix: Mylène you look incredible!

Mylène: Thanks Alix! I'll tell you how the play went when it ends.

Alix: I'm looking forward to your review. Bye! *ends the call*

Nathaniel, now in his dark grey two-piece suit: Keeping this a secret from them was such a great plan!

Alix, in her warm grey two-piece suit: They're gonna be so surprised to see us there! Speaking of surprises, I gotta make sure Alya gets hers. Jalil, get ready for a surprise visitor. I gotta go double check something really fast.

Jalil: Right.

Alix then quickly leaves out of the Louvre, hides out, quietly transforms into Scarabée, and swings through the building.

Scarabée, internally: Good thing no one suspects a thing...

Jalil, internally: *stands by the door* How has Alix not gotten caught by others yet? I hope she's got an excuse planned for me.

A knock on the door is heard, before Alim could get up to answer him, Jalil rushes passed him.

Jalil: Don't worry dad. I got it! *answers the door and sees Scarabée* Hello Scarabée! What are you doing here?

Scarabée: I figured owned your sister a favor. So I'll be dropping you off at the Scarablogger's place.

Nathaniel, walking up to the door: Of course Alix got a Superheroine to help her pull this surprise off. Where is she anyway?

Jalil: I'd like to know that too!

Scarabée: She said something about getting snacks for everyone before the show.

Alim, walking up to them: If I knew she were gonna go on a quick trip to the store, I would've sent her a small list...

Scarabée: I'm sure she kept you in mind as well, Mr. Kubdel.

Jalil, internally: Good to know She had that planned out.

Scarabée: Ready to go?

Jalil: Yeah.

After leaving the Louvre, Scarabée grabs Jalil and swings in the direction of the Césaire home.

Meanwhile Fred was walking closer to the bus stop until he gets an unsuspecting phone call.

Fred, answering his phone: Don't worry Sarah, I'm early. I'm just right around the corner.

Chris: Actually it's Chris. Sarah asked me to tell you about a last minute Location Change. The bus is picking us up at the Louvre Pyramid in ten minutes.

Fred: Really? That's on the other side of town.

Chris: Yeah, but it's closer to the Eiffel Tower.

Fred: Well... okay, luckily I'll make it there on time. Thanks for letting me know.

Chris: No problem! We'll see you there.

Fred: *ends the call*

Chris, chuckling: Such an idiot.

~~~~~At the Césaire home~~~~~

Was watching Ella and Etta as they ran back and forth when she hears a knock at the door.

She then gets up to answer it.

Alya: Mom must've forgotten something...

When she opens the door, she shocked to see Jalil and Scarabée herself standing in front of her.

Alya, excited: Scarabée?! What are you doing here with Jalil?

Scarabée: I owe a friend of yours a favor. Jalil here is gonna watch your sisters while you go to the play tonight!

Alya, getting even more excited: This is happening so fast! I don't have an outfit picked out!

Scarabée: Way ahead of you.

Scarabée then holds up her yo-yo with one hand, and pulls an elegant red and black wrap dress.

Scarabée, holding the dress up to Alya: Here you are!

Alya: happily taking the dress: This is so beautiful! Thank you so much!

Scarabée: Don't thank me, thank your friend Alix when you see her.

Jalil: I'll do your hair real quick before you go Alya. Scarabée, why do you STEP OUT for a second? My sister went on a snack run. Can you see if she's alright.

Scarabée: OH! Of course! After I check on her, I'll be right back to drop you off at the Louvre Alya! *quickly leaves*

While Scarabée was on her way to the store, Sarah and Chris were ready to broadcast the bus.

Chris, already on the bus: We have to get to the Eiffel Tower for dress rehearsal. If you want any longer, you'll be jeopardizing the entire production.

Sarah: *sighs* You're right Chris, let's get going. *broading the bus* You'll be taking Fred's place tonight.

Chris: I definitely won't let you down.

~~~~~Back at the Césaire home~~~~~

Just as Scarabée returns, Jalil finishes working on Alya's hair.

Her hair was now in a cute curly left single tail.

Scarabée: You look incredible, Alya!

Alya: Thank you! I also think it's incredible.

Jalil: Nora taught me all that I know.

Ella and Etta, in unison: I want my hair done too!

Jalill: When these two left, we'll surprise them with the cutest hairstyles!

Ella and Etta: Yay!!!

Scarabée, reaching into her yo-yo: Your sister told me to tell you that she's on her way home *pulls out a shopping bag* and she hopes you and the girls enjoy these snacks *tosses the bag in his direction*

Jalil, catching the bag: I'll be sure to thank her later.

Scarabée: You ready to go, Alya?

Alya, grabbing onto Scarabée: Of course!

As Alya holds on to her, Scarabée leaves the Césaire home and begins to swing them both in the direction of their designated location.

~~~~~At the Louvre~~~~~

Meanwhile with Fred, he arrives at the Museum and seems confused to where the bus is.

Fred: Where are they? *runs up to Théo, who was passing out posters* Excuse me, you haven't seen a bus with that exact poster on it pull up here, have you?

Theo: *shakes his head*

This of course causes him to call Sara.

Sarah: *hears her cellphone ring*

Chris, sitting in the seat right behind hers: He's got some nerve calling now! I wouldn't give him the time of day if I were you.

Sarah, picking up her phone and answering it: What?

Fred: Sarah, where are you?

Sarah: We waited for you but you never came!

Fred: But I'm on time! In front of the Pyramid.

Sarah: What are you talking about?! Why would we be meeting there?!

Fred: I-i don't know the meeting place changed so suddenly-

Sarah: What- you know what? I'm not entertaining another excuse!

Fred: But Chris said-

Sarah: I don't care! It's not just this excuse, it's ALL of them! It's always an excuse!

Chris: *watches with a smile*

Sarah: Well, enough is enough! Chris will be the lead tonight at the premiere. At least I can count on him! *quickly hangs up and drops the phone onto the empty seat next to her.*

Fred feels upset that he's been tricked and his daughter will be disappointed in him.

Fred, beginning to cry: *takes off his hat and holds it to his chest* Mylène... I'm so sorry...

~~~~~In Hawkmoth's Lair~~~~~

Hawkmoth: Hmmmm... An actor who misses his own premiere. Now that's a tragedy. *readies the Akuma and releases it* Go my evil Akuma, let's hand this actor the role of a lifetime!

~~~~~Back at the Louvre~~~~~

Just as Scarabée lands on the opposite side of the Louvre's main entrance, the akuma entires the photo of Mylène that Fred was looking at through the tears in his eyes.

Hawkmoth: Mime. I am Hawkmoth. I am giving you the power to make whatever you gesture come to life. Destroy his premiere performance! You may be a Mime, but they can't silence you! However, in return you shall bring me Scarabée and Kitty Claws' Miraculouses. Shall we get on with the show?

Without saying a word, Fred is transformed into the Mime.

As Scarabée walks Alya towards the Louvre's main entrance only to see Mime slicing the posters with what seems like an invisible sword.

Scarabée, getting her yo-yo ready: Holy shit, an Akuma!

Alya, excitedly pulling her phone out of her hand bag: Holy shit, an Akuma!

Before Alya could start recording a video, Scarabée quickly picks up, runs into the Louvre and sits her down.

Scarabée: Tell your other friend not to leave no matter way!

Alya: Okay!

Scarabée: *runs out of the building*

After exiting the Louvre, Scarabée sees a cop car in mid air.

Scarabée, quickly jumping onto one of the two near by light poles near the Louvre: Can't leave these Akumas alone for five seconds!

She then immediately creates a net with her yo-yo before the car could hit the ground, saving Officer Raincomprix and the other cop.

Before the car could harshly land, Scarabée pulls her yo-yo back to her and launches it around the car while standing on one of the light poles she used to make the net and gently sits it on the ground.

After Scarabée pulls her yo-yo off of the cop car, the two Officers immediately get out of it, falling to their knees in the process.

Scarabée: Get outta here NOW!

After Roger and his fellow Officer ran off, Scarabée got a better look at today's Akuma.

Scarabée: Wait, that hat... MR. HAPRÈLE?!

The Mime then turns to her and readies an invisible bow and arrow.

After he launched it, Scarabée's barely able to dodge it.

She quickly looks at the hole that's now in the cop car window.

It barely missed her head.

Scarabée, internally: Hawkmoth better hope his address NEVER gets leaked!

The Mime then begins to shoot multiple invisible arrows at Scarabée, which she manages to dodge by back flipping and then using her yo-yo as a shield.

As Scarabée was dodging and blocking The Mine's attacks, a very familiar limousine was driving closer and closer to the danger.

Adrien sitting between Chloé and Sabrina, listens with the two as Nathalie talks with his father on her cellphone.

Nathalie, on the phone: Yes Sir, I'm sure he'll understand Sir.

Chloé, whispering: Are we surprised though?

Adrien, whispering as well: Nope, not one bit.

Nathalie, ending the call: You're father won't be able to make it-

Adrien: Who's shocked?

Chloé and Sabrina, in unison: No one.

Nathalie: He at least made sure to get the best seats for you and your friends in the front row.

Adrien: *rolls his eyes* The best money can buy...

Chloé: At least without him around we can go get some mille-feuille after the show!

Before the three of them could get excited about their trip after the play, Placide immediately stops the limousine as Scarabée lands feet first in front of it, continuing to use her yo-yo as a shield.

Scarabée, backing up towards the limousine window closest to her: Get out of there and find a place to hide now! I'll cover you-

Chloé then quickly rolls down the window and stares at Scarabée.

She immediately noticed her hair looking abit more messier than usual as well as a fresh cut on her cheek.

Despite seeming, Chloé couldn't help but admire her determination.

Chloé, internally: My Itty-Bitty's looking dangerous and hot without me?! Not gonna happen!

Without realizing it, Scarabée gets distracted herself.

Not only did she noticed what's visible of Chloé's gorgeous golden yellow drop waist dress and scarlet jewelry she chose to accessorize it with, but the scarlet red lipstick, earrings and gem encrusted hair scrunchie

Scarabée, internally: Damn...

After Adrien takes a quick picture of the two, The Mime immediately starts shooting invisible arrows again.

While Scarabée begins to cover the rich teens and their adult supervision, Placide pulls Nathalie out of the limousine with him, which caused Sabrina to repeat this action with both Adrien and Sabrina.

While running, Chloé managed to sneak away and hide as Placide and Nathaniel grabbed onto Adrien and Sabrina before running into the Louvre.

From where she's hiding, Chloé could see Scarabée continue to block and dodge the Akuma's seemingly long distance attacks.

Plagg, flying out of her purse: Are you gonna keep drooling or-

Chloé: Plagg, Claws Out-

Meanwhile The Mime continues to shoot his invincible arrows at Scarabée, until she manages to hurt his wrist.

He then begins to quickly put together what sounds like a bazooka.

Scarabée: Yeah not waiting for that to be shot at me *whispers* forgive me for this Mr. Haprèle...

Scarabée then uses her yo-yo to grab the limousine and throw it towards The Mime before he fires the bazooka, causing him to blow up the limousine instead of her.

When the smoke clears, Scarabée feels an invisible whip being wrapped around her.

Scarabée, struggling: Damnit!

Hawkmoth, communicating through The Mime: Grab her Miraculous! The Earrings, NOW!!

Before The Mime could pull Scarabée close enough to grab her earrings, Kitty Claws quickly extends her staff to painful push him away from her.

Kitty Claws: Hands off of Itty-Bitty! So what are we dealing with? Invisible Weapons?

Scarabée, smirking: Lucky guess.

Kitty Claws: I'm more than just a pretty face.

The two heroines then turn away from each other to face The Mime after hearing what sounded like a jail cell closing and then locking.

They launched their respective weapons towards them only for them to bounce off of invisible metal bar and back in front of them.

After the two heroines run up to the invisible bars and grab them, The Mime tips his hat to Scarabée and Kitty Claws before turning around and walking away from the two.

When The Mime starts an invisible car, the two heroines went from leaning against invisible bars to falling onto the ground.

Scarabée: When he started miming the car, the bars disappeared.

Kitty Claws: So if he starts another pantomime, the previous one will evaporate?

Scarabée: Yeah, which makes this abit easier for us!

The two then begin to follow The Mine's invisible Car.

After quickly catching up, Scarabée and Kitty Claws jumps on top of the invisible car.

Kitty Claws: For your sake I hope you didn't imagine a tacky car to drive.

The Mime begins to drive when faster, which causes Scarabée to need to hold onto Kitty Claws to keep herself from falling off.

With her arms around Kitty Claws' waist, she notices The Mime following a familiar bus.

Scarabée, still holding onto Kitty Claws tightly: He's one of the Actors from that Theater Troup and he's after that bus ahead.

After hearing Scarabée say this, The Mime jumps out of the still moving invisible car.

Scarabée: *watches The Mime* What the hell is he doing?! *let's go of Kitty Claws* We gotta stop this thing NOW *manages to get into the invisible car*

Kitty Claws: Let's hope you can reach the invisible breaks, Itty-Bitty~

Scarabée: No times for jokes KC.

Scarabée manages to stop the invisible car before it could hit a mother and her small son.

Scarabée quickly realized her hands were shaking slightly.

Despite this she manages to clam herself down abit as more people gathered around the invisible vehicle.

Kitty Claws: Great job drinking the invisible car, Itty-Bitty! If there weren't an Akuma nearby, I bet no one would believe this was real.

When The Mime starts his invincible motorcycle, Scarabée and Kitty Claws fall to the ground.

Scarabée: He already on the move we gotta hurry-

Before Scarabée could finish speaking, Kitty Claws picks her up with one hand, which causes the shorter heroine to automatically wrap her arms around the black heroine's neck and her legs around her waist.

Scarabée: What are you up to?

Kitty Claws: Just reminding you that it's great to have friends in high places, Itty-Bitty. Hold on!~

Kitty Claws with Scarabée holding onto her then extends her staff into the sky.

Scarabée: I could've done this myself you know.

Kitty Claws, smirking: Awwww but where's the fun in that?

Scarabée: *chuckles* Just get ready to stick the landing, KC.

Kitty Claws then uses her staff to land herself and Scarabée feet first onto the bus.

Kitty Claws: Where could the Akuma be?

Scarabée: *snaps her fingers* In his hat.

Kitty Claws: Oh, a literal lucky guess?

Scarabée: Just one of my hidden talents.

Scarabée uses her yo-yo to make a net.

He dodges the net and jumps on the bus.

The Mime then makes his invisible sword heard to the two heroines.

Scarabée: KC, I need a distraction.

Kitty Claws: On it!It!

Kitty Claws jumps off the bus and starts running on active cars until she's behind The Mime and jumps back onto the bus, readying her staff for battle.

While Kitty Claws and The Mime are fighting, Scarabée tries to get the hat off with her yo-yo, but he quickly notices.

The Mime grabs the yo-yo before it could touch the hat.

The Mime tries to pull Scarabée into an attack.

Kitty Claws: Don't even try it!

Kitty Claws get the Mime to release Scarabée's yo-yo by hitting his wrist with her staff so hard, he drops it.

She then uses her staff to hit him in the side of his stomach.

He almost falls off the bus but Scarabée grabs his wrist, which causes him to faceplate into a the window Chris was sitting by.

Chris, shocked and afraid: Fred?!

The Mime looks away from Chris and looks up at Scarabée.

Hawkmoth, communicating through The Mime: The Miraculous! Grab her earring!

He then tries to pull her down with him, but Kitty Claws pulls Scarabée back onto the bus.

Scarabée: KC, his hat! Grab it!

Kitty Claws, noticing The Mime holding something invisible: Look out!

Scarabée then barely dodges an invisible hammer.

This caused Scarabée to drop him and The Mime to fall onto a a moving car that began to immediately slow down.

He then uses an invisible chainsaw to get into the car and silently orders the terrified driver to follow the bus.

Scarabée, getting pulled back up by Kitty Claws: We gotta get all these passengers to safety NOW.

Kitty Claws, readying her staff: I'll cover you.

Scarabée: I'll try to hurry.

After knocking on the glass, Scarabée's immediately let in by the Bus Driver.

Scarabée: Stop the bus right now!

Sara, walking up to her: Scarabée? What's happening?!

Scarabée: One of your Actors has been akumatized and for some reason he seems to have it in for your troup!

Sarah, shocked: Fred?!

On top of the bus, The Mime begins to shoot invisible arrows at Kitty Claws, which she quickly blocks with her staff.

He then stops shooting at her and shoots one of the bus' wheels, making it go out of control.

Kitty Claws: Oh shit!

After noticing the two street lights quickly getting closer, Kitty Claws quickly runs across the bus, jumps in front of it, extends her staff, jumps in front of the bus while making sure it fits perfectly between the street lights.

After stopping the bus from crashing, Kitty Claws is launched forward but makes sure to land graceful.

Inside the now still bus, Scarabée manages to hide the mini panic attack she was having with stern face.

Scarabée: Stay inside and don't panic. We've got this under control.

Chris, hiding behind his seat: Scarabée, I know why he's after us. I took his role from him. He can perform instead of me, I can't care, just please keep us all safe!

Sarah: What do you mean you took his role from him? He lost it!

Chris: Not exactly... there's something I am to tell you.

After Chris reveals the truth, The Mime then jumps from car to car, jumps onto the bus, and launches himself at Kitty Claws.

Scarabée, running off of the bus: I'm coming KC!

He quickly swings graceful yet furiously at Kitty Claws until he knocks her staff out of her hand and slams her to the ground by her neck.

Scarabée is just about the reach them both until The Mime pulls an invisible sword on her.

Hawkmoth, communicating through The Mime: Her Miraculous is within reach! I want her ring!

The Mime then let's go of Kitty Claws' neck to grab her.

But before he could do so, Scarabée uses her yo-yo to grab his hand that is now free of invisible weapons and pulls it in her direction.

Scarabée: What Fred did was absolutely shitty, but I know you wouldn't want your daughter to see you like this!

After Scarabée then pulls him away from Kitty Claws and towards herself, The Mime once again creates an invisible sword.

After seeing Scarabée dodge his unseen blade quickly and Kitty Claws being on her feet again, The Mime creates an invisible bomb and throws it at the two.

Which had them both on the ground.

Kitty Claws, furious and shocked: A BOMB?! SERIOUSLY?!

Scarabée: Lucky Charm!

Scarabée uses her Lucky Charm and a shoe box appears.

Kitty Claws: A shoe box? Itty-Bitty if you wanted me to take you out shoe shopping, there's a time and place-

Before Kitty Claws could finish speaking, The Mime rushing at her with yet another invisible sword, forcing her into another one on one fight.

Scarabée then uses her Lucky Vision while Kitty Claws and The Mime continue to fight.

Scarabée: I got it. We gotta make even more angry, KC!

Kitty Claws, dodging the invisible blade: Is that even possible?!

Scarabée: That depends, how good are you at being a pain in the ass?

Kitty Claws: I will not knowledge that question with an answer.

Scarabée: Just keep him busy and angry.

With the lucky box now with a hole in it, Sarah's glasses as a magnifying glass, a Mime poster, and a car's light, Scarabée creates a protector.

She flashes the protector onto the Eiffel Tower.

Scarabée: Hey Mime! Cool poster! Don't you agree?!

Fueled by anger, The Mime doesn't hesitate to cut the "poster" in half with an invisible sword.

But that's before he realizes that he had sliced the Eiffel Tower in half.

Before the Eiffel Tower could hit the ground, The Mime creates an invisible shield, holding it up and protecting under it.

Scarabée: He can only mime one thing at a time.

Kitty Claws: Now he's cornered! My Itty-Bitty has the biggest brain!

Kitty Claws then extends her staff to grab the hat and pull it towards them.

Scarabée then takes out the picture of Mylène, rips it in half, frees the akuma, purifies it, releases it, and uses her Miraculous Cure to fix everything.

When Fred's turned back to normal, Kitty Claws pulls Scarabée into another Victory Selfie.

Fred: What happened? How did I get here?

Sarah, walking up to him with Chris behind her: I'm so sorry I didn't believe you, Fred.

Chris: I'm sorry too. I was so desperate to perform that I lied to you about where we were meeting up.

Fred: I forgive you.

Sarah: But lying to perform will NOT go unpunished. You won't be performing today, Chris!

Chris: That's fair... when I get the part next time, it won't be through lies and slimy tricks.

Fred: We'll all be looking forward to it.

Kitty Claws then begins to hear Scarabée's earrings beep.

Kitty Claws: Itty-Bitty, your earrings.

Scarabée: I better get going!

Kitty Claws, playfully pouting: Oh really? That's a shame! I would've loved to be your date for the play tonight.

Scarabée: *rolls her eyes* Thanks KC, but I got other plans.

Kitty Claws watches longingly as Scarabée swings away.

~~~~~In Hawkmoth's Lair~~~~~

Hawkmoth: The show's not over yet, Scarabée and Kitty Claws. You just wait, there's still a last act to come.

~~~~~Out of the Louvre~~~~~

Alim, Nathaniel, and Alya were anxiously waiting for Alya to show up or call when Alix comes running up to them with two shopping bags.

Alix: Sorry I'm late, I got caught up in the fighting with other people-

Nathaniel and Alya, running towards: ALIX!! *hugs her*

Alim: Now I am a valid reason to wait in the car until the play's over.

Alix: Aside from witnessing a couple of near car crashes I'm fine-

Alim and Nathaniel, shocked: YOU WHAT?!

Alix: It's okay! Scarabée and Kitty Claws were there to stop them. Can we please go now? I really wanna see the looks on Marinette and Mylène's faces when they see us there.

Alim: Alight, let's go.

After they all into the limousine and drove off, Kitty Claws detransforms back into Chloé and goes into the Louvre to see Adrien Sabrina Nathalie and Placide all frantically looking for her.

Adrien and Sabrina are the first one's to notice her.

Adrien and Sabrina, running up to Chloé: CHLOÉ YOU'RE OKAY!! *hugs her tightly*

Chloé: I'm fine you guys! No one called my dad, right?

Nathalie: No, but Placide came close a few times.

Chloé: Now that the Star is here, can we please go to the play?

Nathalie: The backup limousine's outfit now.

~~~~~At The Eiffel Tower~~~~~

Marinette and Mylène were sitting down in their seats waiting for the show to begin.

When three familiar faces walk up to them.

Alix, with Nathaniel and Alya behind: Surprise!

Marinette, excitedly: Oh my goodness!!!

Mylène: You three look amazing!

Alya: So do you two!

Nathaniel: For the record, this being a surprise was Alix's idea!

Alix, grinning: No regrets!

With Mylène in the end seat, Alya sets next to Marinette, Nathaniel sits next to Alya, and Alix sits next to Nathaniel.

That leaves three empty seats to the left.

After about fifteen minutes of talking about how the play could go, Chloé Sabrina and Adrien walk up to the three empty seats.

Chloé, smirking: Well, well, well! Look who all learned how to dress for tonight. Make sure you're home before those riches turn back to rags~

Nathaniel, Alya, Marinette, and Mylène either groaned, rolled their eyes, or did both.

Adrien, groaning: Don't do this now! We're here to watch the play.

Alix: Listen to Princey, Witchy. We're all just here to enjoy ourselves. In other words, you try to ruin this for us, I will personally make sure this ruin for you as well. Got it?

Without saying a thing, Chloé sits in the empty seat next to Alix.

Sabrina sits next to her and Adrien sits in the end seat.

As the play begins, Chloé couldn't help be steal glances at Alix from time to time.

Sabrina, smirking: *whispers* I take it that switching seats is outta the question?

Chloé, whispering: Shut up!

Little did Chloé know, Alix was stealing glances at her as well.

Inspired by: @emdoddles @princess-of-the-corner @muggle-born-princess @dcschart @justanotherpersonsuniverse @symphonic-scream

[fazgoo-connoiseur-1987]

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Link to the Prompts :]

🐰👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 (the Afton Family; what were they like?)

Bill is divorced from his ex-wife (Maggie Schmidt) and he has the kids on the weekends prior to CC'S death when Mike elects to go live with him full-time.

He's an okay-to-good dad, actually. He's fun and gets his kids these lavish gifts but he's pretty terrible dealing with emotional problems they might have. Type of guy to get you the new game system but stare at you blankly when you say you feel sad. The Afton kids get more emotional validation out of him when he's in costume.

Maggie is also a decent parent. She's harder on the kids but patient and understanding. She moves a couple towns over and eventually out of state to get away from the absolute mess that is Hurricane and Freddy's after her kids like... die.

Mike didn't take the divorce very well cus he saw his family as picture-esc and he feels weird about that illusion being shattered- Maggie's better than William at actually helping him with that. He still lashes out though mostly agaisnt his little brother. He does love his family a lot though he's tricked himself into thinking he's scaring Nate to "toughen him up".

Lizzie also didn't take the divorce very well but mostly because she wants to spend more time with her dad than she's allowed to. This sorta bubbles into a childish resentment for her mother but it's nothing tooo serious (she still loves her, she still knows her mum loves her, her dad just Gets Her in a way Maggie doesn't).

Nate is a small child and he's generally just confused about everything going on around him. He was a newborn when his parents split so he doesn't really know anything else. He likes his parents cus they're nice to him and hug him when he cries but he's a little scared of bill cus he saw him climbing out of the Rabbit costume once and he HATES THAT THING !!!!! It ATE HIS DAD !!!!! He has the SCARS TO PROVE IT !!! I think he prefers Henry, actually- cus he comforts him when Mike locks him in parts and service. Speaking of.

🐻👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 (the Emily Family; what were they like)

Henry was a shit partner and a slightly less shitty dad. Him and his wife (Eryka) are also divorced but they split before Bill and Maggie did. Henry is very emotionally unavailable (on a good day) and tends to just block everything out when he's too consumed by his work- which is often. He couldn't give Eryka the type of support she needed so they amicably split and tbh Henry hardly noticed. He's trying to be better for Charlie, though. He's still distant but he does things with her and is making a genuine effort. He forgot Sammy existed when Eryka left with him, though. Just completely blocked out his other child.

Eryka is an aspiring author and her leaving Henry and taking Sammy with her is probably the best decision anyone in this franchise has ever made. Her and Sammy just completely dodge all of the shit going on until like... 2017. Obviously she comes back to Hurricane for Charlie's funeral and things between her and Henry are very very tense (him being even more shut down than normal didn't help).

Charlie was a real rough and tumble kid I think. She'd get knocked down and keep swinging till she won. Her and Mike would wrestle pretty often and she'd want to keep going long after he ran out of steam (she'd run and grab him some fruit and plasters after tho :]). She loves her dad and looks up to him a lot but she secretly prefers spending time with Bill. Cus he's funny. She'd go and visit Sammy and her mum monthly :]

Sammy is a lot quieter and more introverted. They takes their parents splitting a little harder than Charlie did cus they LIKED Freddy's and liked hanging out with Nate but... hey what are you gonna do. He grows up to be a school teacher but he keeps up with the goings on in Hurricane. I think they doodle the animatronics every so often. Generally tries not ti think about how fucked up everything that happened was.