#my dad and I went with his friend and sat in the very front row

[dhaaruni]

[blue-sadie]

Friend Of A Friend

Santiago Garcia x Young Reader

Summary: being tess's best friend has its ups and downs but the best one being her dad's best friend

Warning: reader is 20, wall sex

Yn/3rd person pov

I smiled widely as I climbed into the car greeting them as I got in "long time no see yn" Santiago grinned as he turned to me I bite my lip blushing slightly "yea it has" I murmured.

He glanced at tess to make sure she wasn't looking before winking at me making my cheeks redder before he turned back to the front.

"Tess, yn Santiago here is picking you up from shopping ok I have a meeting so I won't be home intill late" Tom said looking at us through the review mirror "he just needs to remember that and not forget us for a girl" tess teased making them laugh.

I just grinned slightly when tess turned to me but I was kinda jealous I've always had a crush on Santiago since I was 16 I mean who wouldn't and there's been many times when I was around and the guys were to making fun of him about his hot informants.

He's always been kind to me and since my 18th birthday we've gotten a little closer when we're alone but nothing more then light touches, little flirts and playful winks, he never seems to cease to make me blush.

"Haha very funny there is none of that anymore" he chuckled making tess lean forward looking at him with wide eyes "has thee santiago gracia the player finally found the one" she squealed my heart stopped and my eyes fluttered.

He shook his head still laughing "honestly I want to but I don't think she feels the same" he murmured my hands wavered as I grabbed his seat leaning forward to see him "how did you meet her" I asked thankfully the hurt I felt didn't show in my voice.

"Uh" he paused thinking glancing to the side of him out the window "she's a friend of a friend" he grinned tess started guessing names of his informants as I bit the inside of my cheek and sat back against my seat.

We turned into the mall parking lot tess's rambling calming down as we neared the entrance "have a fun time girls" santiago laughed as we said our goodbyes I just nodded acknowledging him as I got out joining tess on the pavement she waved her dad goodbye and watched as they drove away "what shop to first".

-Time skip

I was browsing the different merch sections in hot topic waiting for tess has she tried stuff on through the corner of my eye I noticed one of the male employees watching me and following me into each row a few minutes I move.

"Can I help you with something" I asked ironic its supposed to be the other way around, I crossed my arms over my chest as I turned to him, he looked like a deer in headlights "i-i" he rubbed the buck of his neck nervously.

"I came to ask for you number" I cringed as he snuffled through his nose the sound almost making me gag "I have a boyfriend" I lied turning back to the shelf of items but he stepped towards me making me taking a step back.

"He wouldn't have to know" he spoke seductively it made me sick "no thank you" I huffed trying to leave but he caught my wrist pulling me to him he sweat smell making nose crinkle "let me go" I muttered.

What the two didn't notice was that tess was done with trying things on and saw the whole thing "hey santiago we need your help" that was all she had to say to make him speed his way over.

"I said no" I growled trying to pull my way out his hold but his grip only tightened making me gasp in pain "hey dick head" the man holding me turned his head only to get punched in the cheek by a red faced Santiago.

I stumbled to the ground as the employee released me "hey you ok" tess whispered as she feel to her knees beside me but my eyes never left santiago as he beat the creep up "i-uh" I couldn't find the words my heart was beating in my ears and my breath was shallow.

Santiago was stopped by security but released as they went over the footage and took the employee instead "come on girls" he panted urging us out and walked behind us silently "total guard dog effect" tess whispered leaning over to me but I didn't answer my eyes trained to the ground.

"Let's get you guys home" he muttered unlocking the car I took a seat in the back and just went on my phone only answering when they spoke to me directly.

"I'll see you Monday yn" my head snapped to tess who was out the car I didn't even realize we were at her house or that she was getting dropped off first, "come up front yn" he smiled turning to me, I hesitated before nodding and climbed out to get into the passengers seat.

He pulled out the driveway and headed down the street "how are you feeling" he asked briefly turning to me as we slowly pulled to a stop "i-i'll be ok" I murmured looking down to my wrist that was reddening slightly, santiago gently grabbed it and pulled it to his face laying a gentle kiss on it.

"I'm sorry I couldn't get there sooner" he said slowly lacing his fingers into mine, my cheeks became red as a tomato as I looked at our intertwined hands "I should've gone with you guys" he said slowly bringing our intertwined hands the the middle console leaning onto it as he went back to driving as the light turned green.

"I should've killed him" he muttered but I squeezed his hands lightly making him release a breath "I'm sorry" he whispered "it wasn't your fault" I said looking ahead at the road infront of us "he needed to learn some manners" he laughed at my statement and immediately agreed "yeah he can't mess with my girl" santiagos laughed ceased as those words left his lips.

My eyes immediately snapped to his "w-what" I asked my heart beat slowly increasing "i-i didn't say anything" he stuttered a wide smile pasted on my lips something I knew about santiago is he would somewhat stutter when he's trying to cover his tracks or nervous "you called me your girl" I murmured my smiled still widening.

He sighed slowly laughing to himself "yea" he paused "I guess I did" I squealed internally and shifted excitedly but sadness took over as we turned into my street "so am I a friend of a friend" I murmured "yes you are" his words made a shiver run down my spine, he slowed the car down turning into my driveway "are your parents home" he asked leaning onto the steering wheel looking at my house.

"No their away for the weekend" I murmured making him smile "mind if I come inside" he grinned towards me making me clench my thighs as I felt myself dampen I nodded eagerly unbuckling myself quickly and he did the same, he followed me inside and as soon as he kicked the door close his lips were on mine and his hands were feeling up and down my sides.

"I've been wanting you for so long" I moaned against his lips as my fingers entangled themselves in his hair "I know you have" he murmured making me lightly tug at his hair, his hands tugged off our clothes before be pressed me up against the wall "I need you now" he groaned pulling away from my lips.

One of his hands felt up and down my slit making my eyes flutter and a pleasured gasp leave my lips "shit your already dripping" he smirked and slowly moved his dick up against me, he slid it up and down my slit collecting my wetness on him "fuck" he groaned and slowly pushed in his hands moving to cage me in by settling beside my head.

My hands tugged at his hair again and a struggled moan left my lips his cock was stretching me out so much "that's it, that's a good girl" he growled and slowly started to pull out and push back in, he watched my face intently only increasing the pace when he sees my eyes flutter in pleasure or hear my soft whines.

"So fucking good mi amor" he whispered leaning down to my neck pressing his lips to my skin sucking harshly "s-shit" I cursed my knees buckling he swiftly caught me and put his hands under my thighs and lifted me up his thrusts never ceasing.

My moans were fueling his desire more, he nibbled and nipped at my skin making my breath catch in my throat, my eyes rolled to the back of my head as I leaned it up against the wall, I felt a knot form in my stomach and santiagos cock start to pulse "cum with me mi amor" he groaned licking a long strip along the hickies he littered on my neck, I nodded eagerly.

His grunts and groans grow louder as his hard thrust slightly fultered, our sounds of pleasure mixed together as we cam "fuck" I cried and santiago just growled lowly into my ear as he filled me up his nails digging into my skin, my hands dropped from his hair and I leaned my head onto his shoulder panting.

"Don't think we're done yet baby girl, you still have to make up for the times you've made me so fucking hard"

[bella-rose29]

Relic (wo)man

requested by @superpositvecloudshipper: what about a relic hunter fem reader x Anthony lockwood where reader fights lockwood over an important relic in doing so he pulls off her hood revealing she's a girl which shocks him she runs off leaving relic with him, few days later she turns up at his door very much injured and he immediately helps her then asks why she came and she tells him she has nowhere else to go (all her family is dead expect her dad who is like the most dangerous relic hunter)

I hope this is what you had in mind my lovely! <3

Also I had genuinely no idea what to call this work and it's the first time this has happened (send help)

Word count: 2.7k

Warnings: semi-graphic descriptions of violence, fighting, descriptions of a wound (and said wound being treated).

Tag list: @anathemaloren, @augustisintheair, @avdiobliss, @dangelnleif, @el-de-phi, @ell0ra-br3kk3r, @karensirkobabes, @mitskiswift99, @mrsklockwood, @mrsyixingunicorn10, @ran23sblog, @superpositvecloudshipper, @t2sh0, @taygrls, @tournesol77, @wandamaximoffbae, @whenselenefallsinlove, @wordsarelife

Anthony Lockwood of Lockwood & Co was an expert with the rapier, but anybody watching him now would never know.

He was flailing about, arms going everywhere as he attempted to block the attacks of his opponent, and he looked like an idiot.

Lucy was unable to help, being locked in her own fight against the undead, and George was at home, blissfully unaware of the entire situation. He was probably hunched over his research, warm mug of tea nearby and a biscuit stuffed into his mouth, and oh what Lucy wouldn't give to be sat next to him right now. Lockwood had been stupid (but then again, when was he not?), and while George had had sufficient time for his research, they hadn't predicted the arrival of relic men. Admittedly there was only the one, which Lockwood was fighting now, but it had thrown a spanner in the works. When they'd turned up at the scene to see somebody digging around in the dirt, Lucy had suggested they turn back and go back home to Portland Row, but Lockwood being Lockwood had charged forward and confronted the figure. He'd then been knocked on his ass, of course, and now the relic man was slashing two long daggers at him, hence the flailing rapier.

Lucy had then had to deal with the Visitor on her own; it was a fairly nice Type Two, as far as Type Twos went, but the extra backup would have been even nicer. It wasn't letting her get anywhere near the Source, so she was mostly trying to make it disappear for a few seconds so that she could run a little closer. She would run out of bombs and flares in a minute though, so hopefully Lockwood got a move on.

~~~

Lockwood was impressed. He'd never met a relic man that could fight as well as this one (not that he'd met that many, and really it was only Winkman and his lot that Lockwood had faced), and he was actually struggling to hold his own.

"Where'd you learn to fight?" he shouted, smile wide. "You're excellent!"

"And you're insane. This is my relic, so bugger-" he surged forward, daggers clashing with Lockwood's rapier in front of his face, "off!"

Lockwood stumbled back as the relic man pushed hard against his rapier, and he fought for a moment to stay upright. Distantly he recognised Lucy's shouts, and knew that he should go and help her, but the Source was so close, and if he could just get rid of the relic man, then he would be helping Lucy.

"Look," he said, slightly out of breath from the fight. "I need that Source to help my friend. If-"

"Don't care." He turned and ran to the Source, digging again. Lockwood stood with his mouth open, staring stupidly after him before rushing to stop the relic man running off with the artefact. He pushed him over, and then they were grappling on the floor, turning over each other as they landed punches and scrabbled in the dirt. His mask was coming loose, and just as Lockwood got on top ready to hold the relic man down while he chucked a net over the Source to bag it up and leave, the cloth slipped down, revealing his face.

Well, her face.

"You... You're a girl?"

"Problem with that? God, this is why I don't hang out with the others, sexist bastards," she grumbled to herself, and suddenly Lockwood wondered how the hell he'd thought her voice was male. She shoved him off, making him go flying and sprawling on the ground, and she stood up, hunching over to catch her breath.

"No, I didn't mean... I just was surprised, is all." He pushed himself off of the floor, stumbling slightly at the sharp stab of pain in his ribs. He winced, pressing a hand to his side to feel for any broken bones.

"Whatever. This is too much work for me. I was never here, alright?" She pointed a finger at him while pulling the mask back up over her face, and when he nodded his agreement she turned and fled. She really was an excellent fighter, and Lockwood couldn't help but feel a little sad to see her go. He bent to pick up the now-covered Source, hearing Lucy stomping over.

"What the hell were you doing?! Having a nice little chat?! I almost died, Lockwood! God, are you even listening to me?!"

"Yes, Lucy, I'm listening. I was right by the Source, trying to get it sorted for you. If I left to go fight the Visitor with you then we wouldn't have a Source, because she would have run off with it."

"She?"

"Turns out the relic man is a relic woman. I'd love to know where she learned to fight," he said, staring off in the direction that she had left.

Lucy scoffed. "Well don't start crushing on her just 'cause she can fight better than you, Lockwood. That will never go well."

"I'm not crushing on her, Luce."

"Sure. You also definitely don't have a dreamy look in your eyes right now."

"Shut up," he mumbled, face going pink. She was right, he had been staring dreamily into the distance, but only because it had been a while since he'd fought somebody so skilled.

Yeah, that was it.

~~~

A few days later the three members of Lockwood & Co were sat in the kitchen, cups of tea in hand as they finished up the last of the washing up from dinner. George, as always, had excelled himself, and Lockwood and Lucy were left holding their stomachs from how much they had eaten.

"You two always complain about eating too much, but if I don't cook enough then you complain that I'm neglecting you. Honestly, I feel like your mother," George said, turning around from where he stood at the sink. Lockwood and Lucy shared a look at his words, noting the blue rubber gloves and the apron, and tried not to laugh. George shook his head, taking off his gloves to leave them to drip dry as he sat at the table. They chatted for a while, partly about random things and partly about their next case, and eventually they all headed up to bed.

Well, nearly all.

Lockwood stayed in the library, catching up on some paperwork that he hadn't had time for earlier in the week, and it was nice and calm and quiet in there, perfect for stopping him from being distracted.

Apparently he had that thought too soon, as he'd barely settled in with a fresh cup of tea when the doorbell sounded, loud and obnoxious, making him nearly spill the hot liquid on his lap.

He hurried to the door, drawing his rapier from the stand just in case, and when he opened it a crack and saw the relic girl from the other night, smiling grimly up at him while she pressed her hands into her side (that looked shiny in the low light, which was worrying), he nearly fainted from shock.

"What... how do you know where I live?"

"I know a lot of things. Can I come in?"

"Uh, sure." He held the door open for her, and she stumbled inside, unsteady on her feet. Lockwood shut the door again, but not before a cursory look around to see if she'd been followed. Placing the rapier back in the stand he led her to the bathroom, telling her to sit on the toilet seat and hoping that George wouldn't walk in with no clothes on. He fetched the first aid kit out of the cupboard, turning around and immediately freezing when he saw that she had already stripped the first few layers of her clothing off. "What are you doing?"

She looked up at him, frown on her face. "I need to treat the wound. It's not gonna happen if I'm still dressed, is it?" She spoke to him like he was an idiot (which probably wasn't too far off the truth at this moment in time), and that shook him out of his stupor.

"Right, no, that's... that's fair." He swallowed thickly. Despite the sheer amount of charm he exuded on a daily basis, he'd never once had a proper relationship, let alone seen a girl... like this, and he would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't nervous. He'd dressed Lucy's wounds for her sometimes, sure, but he'd also seen her as more of a sister the entire time he'd known her, many of her qualities reminding him of Jessica. This was entirely different.

"You just gonna stand there like a lemon, or are you gonna help?"

He helped her peel off the remaining layer, wincing when she sucked the air through her teeth as it got stuck to the wound, and gently cut the fabric off so that she didn't have to lift her arms to get the shirt off.

"Why did you come here?"

"Figured you'd be one of those people that can't say no to helping someone. Besides, I've got nowhere else to go. Family's all dead, 'cept for my dad, but he wouldn't give a shit."

"Why not?"

"Because he's an arsehole. More interested in profit than his own bloody daughter."

"Is that why you're a relic hunter?"

"Yep. Family business. Dad had me put in training soon as I could walk. Got good quickly. Eventually nobody was good enough to fight me, so fighting you was quite nice, actually. You're not awful."

"Thanks," he said, mind going a million miles an hour to figure out who her father might be as he cleaned out the wound. He was perched on the edge of the bathtub, and the angle was awkward.

"Ow, fuck, don't poke it, you idiot!"

"Sorry, sorry!" They sat in silence for a little longer, her heavy breaths the only sound. "I don't... I don't know your name."

"Y/n. L/n." Lockwood paused, glancing up at her. L/n? Weren't they even worse than the Winkmans?

"Who hurt you then? Because if you're the same L/n's that kill competitors by gouging out their eyeballs and making them eat them then who the fuck got close enough to stab you?"

She smiled, a bright beaming one that had Lockwood's heart skipping a beat. "You know about that?" He nodded. "Awesome! I'll be sure to tell Dad that we've worked our reputation into the world of stuck up pricks!"

He laughed, annoyed that this relic girl was making him like her, and went back to her wound. "You still haven't answered my question."

She was quiet for a while, whether from the pain or because she was thinking about what to say he wasn't sure.

"Julius Winkman. Didn't see it coming because he's one of my Dad's closest associates, so I got close. Stupid, really. Should never get close enough to anyone for them to be able to hurt you unless you know that you can do it faster. He was pissed off about something, I don't remember what now, but I only saw the knife when he'd stuck it in my side." Lockwood was quiet now, his focus mostly on finishing up his work on her wound, but apparently Y/n didn't like that. "I thought you had a reputation for incessant chatter?"

"What? That's ridiculous. I would never chatter incessantly." She snorted, the action jolting her side and making Lockwood huff in irritation. "Could you stay still? I don't want to mess this up." His fingers were gentle as he pressed the bandage over her wound, and Y/n couldn't stop the blush that spread over her cheeks. Looking at him now, her heart fluttered at seeing this random boy that barely knew her being so determined to look after her; she'd never had anybody care for her like this, given she'd grown up surrounded by cut-throat criminals, and the experience wasn't one she hated.

"Sorry," she muttered, moving her gaze to look around the room instead of the young agent who had his tongue poking out the corner of his mouth as he concentrated. It was messy in the bathroom, evidence of multiple people living in the house, and Y/n felt a pang in her chest when she realised how similar her own house had been when her mother and siblings were still alive.

"There, all done." He leaned back on the bathtub edge, satisfied smile on his face as he admired his handiwork. "Should be good as new soon."

"Thanks, doc," she joked, revelling in his responding chuckle. She stood up, wincing slightly when the wound sent a sharp pain through her body in protest, and picked up her clothes to put back on. She didn't make it that far, however, Lockwood putting his hand in the way and looking conflicted. "What?"

"I just... There's not much point in putting them on now, right? I mean, I just cleaned and dressed your wound and you want to put dirty clothes back on top?"

"Oi, these dirty clothes are my everyday clothes, thank you very much."

"I didn't mean it like that, I just meant that surely putting dirty clothes over a clean wound sort of defeats the purpose of cleaning the wound?"

"Oh. I s'pose. But I don't have anything else, and I am not walking the streets of London in the dark in my bra." His face went pink as he remembered the lack of clothes on her body, and Y/n couldn't help but think he looked adorable like that.

"I've got a spare t-shirt and hoodie, if you like? Just until you can get your own clean clothes on, of course; I'm expecting mine back."

"Sure," she shrugged, and Lockwood felt his face heat up even more at the idea of her wearing his clothes. He led her quietly to his room, trying to not think about how it would look if George or Lucy woke up and saw them, and pulled out some spare clothes.

"Here. I'll take those and put them in a bag or something so you don't have to worry about dropping anything. I'll be downstairs." She handed him the dirty clothes and took his clean ones with a small smile, and Lockwood all but sprinted out of his room and down the staircase when he felt the butterflies in his stomach at the sight.

A few minutes later, Y/n padded downstairs, eerily silent despite the thick boots she was wearing. She startled Lockwood when she entered the kitchen, and then again when she wrapped him in a hug. He stood looking stupid for a moment, arms slightly out in surprise and unsure where to go, but he quickly collected himself and hugged back, careful not to touch her side.

"You alright?" he whispered, not wanting to speak too loudly in the peaceful kitchen.

"Mmhmm," she replied, although it was muffled since her head was smushed into his chest. She pulled back slightly, keeping her arms around him. "Thank you," she said, and Lockwood was taken aback at the amount of sincerity in her expression.

"Anytime. Seriously, you ever need a fully qualified doctor again, I'm happy to provide my services."

"Fully qualified doctor? Surprised you haven't put it on the sign outside the door."

"Well, I can't have everybody knowing, can I? I'm a bespoke service, catering to only the most important of customers," he smiled down at her softly. She giggled, little snorts escaping, and Lockwood found it overwhelmingly adorable.

"I should go, Lockwood," she said when she'd calmed down. He nodded.

"Of course. And-" he broke off, contemplating his words. "And just Anthony is fine." What was he doing, telling this random relic girl to call him by his first name? He'd known her for a total of roughly an hour, and he was already saying things like this?

"Anthony," Y/n said, trying the name out. He couldn't deny how incredible it sounded when she said the word, and Y/n couldn't deny how much she liked saying it.

He walked her to the door, helping her shrug her thick coat on, and bid her goodnight. She returned the sentiment, but not before pressing a chaste kiss to his cheek.

"See you later, Anthony." And she was down the stairs and out the front gate, disappearing down the street. Lockwood could only stand and stare after her in shock, fingers gently brushing the place her lips had been a few moments ago.

Lucy was going to have a field day when she found out.

[sugarsfics]

Messing Around In IKEA

Summary: Your pregnant with your second child, with your husband Steve. You have recently moved into a new house. Time to get furniture at the best store there is IKEA. 

Trope: Dad!Steve x Mom!reader 

A/N: I have never been in an IKEA store before :/ so bare with me. Also sorry I thought this posted yesterday and it didn't

Warning: BIG FLUFF, kissing 

Word count: 1.0k 

30 Day Challenge: Day 4 Send Request <3

The Harrington Clan pulled into the big blue store IKEA. “blue” your son Grayson said “Yes baby it is blue good job” your husband said. Grayson squealed at the praise his dad gave him. Steve pulled into a parking spot, turn off the car then quickly got his carbon copy, Grayson out, “no I want to go with mommy” Even though he was Steve’s twin he is the biggest mommy boy there is, that scared you and Steve a little bit because you weren’t sure how he was going to reattract when the baby comes. After he put Grayson into the cart, he helped you out of the car “My wife” he said taking your hand to help you out “My husband” you said back giving him a kiss, even after years of being with each other your kisses still make him blush. “hi mommy” Grayson chirped “Hi my baby” you said kisses his forehand “My boys ready” you asked “Yes” Grayson eyes went huge coming closer to the store “big” he mumbled. The store was huge, long, tall aisles, many displays, many colors. This was going to be hard.  

“Ok where should we start first” Steve asks “Ummm......let’s look for the living room” You had in mind what you wanted a nice big couch to fit all your friends and family, you and Steve want a big family and the house you just brought was going to be your family house. It was a beautiful house it was a light gray with white windows and a lovely porch, 2 story house with 5 bedrooms, a nice big backyard with a pool. It was on the outside of Hawkins, Steve wanted a fresh start and a clean slate to his name, but always wanted to be near his friends just in case they need anything. The gang love coming over at your old place, the harrington house was always so cozy and welcoming, and Grayson loved his aunts and Uncles, especially Uncle Will.  

You had some furniture from your old place but the living room is ten times bigger so you need a new couch to match with your old lounge chairs. Grayson was getting fussy in the cart “down Grayson wants down” he started talking in third person a month ago “Ok hang on "Steve told him as he stopped the cart and brought him down “Hold mommy’s hand ok” he nodded and grabbed your hand “mommy hand” you kept walking till you were met with couches “wow that is a lot” you said row and rows of couches were in front of you, so many colors, shapes, and size. “This is going to be harder than I thought” after spending a good 20 minutes looking at couches “Ok this is not working” Steve said “We need a new strategy” he continued. He grabbed Grayson and walked up to a couch and plopped down on it “STEVE” you pointed at the sign Please no seating on the displays “It says no sitting we are laying down” “Steve” “We need to find out of comfortable the couches are because it will be in our house forever and I don’t want an uncomfortable couch so” he patted the spot next to him “Come sit let's find our couch” 

Every couch you sat on Steve and Grayson made a pros and cons list “This one is very big, but it feels like carboard” “This one is cool but as sharp corners, and we don’t need them hurting you or the baby” “blue” Grayson said for every blue couch he sat on. At about the hour mark of sitting on couches there was a light gray big couch that got your eye “Let’s try this one” Steve helped you off the yellow couch you were sitting on the you waddle on to the light gray one. “Oh, this one is nice” he said “Just imagine movies nights on this” “I am going to 100% fall asleep on this” “It goes with our chair too” “I think we found it” he said smiling at you. Grayson wasn’t making a sound which scared both of you so you quickly looked over at him “Just like his daddy” you whispered he had fallen asleep mouth open on the couch “I think he likes this one” Steve giggled “He looks so comfortable makes me want to take a nap” you leaned your head on Steve admiring you son as he rubbed your belly “I can’t wait to have our house be filled with little Harringtons” he whispered into your ear while kissing your temple “Me too” you sigh  

You don’t remember how it happened, but you were suddenly woken up by a worker “Excuse me um... You're not supposed to be sleeping let alone on the displays” “I'm so sorry it was just such a nice couch and-” “Don’t worry about it this happens all the time would you like to purchase the couch” “Yes please let me wake up my husband” you shook Steve which startled him “What happened” you nodded toward the work “Time to buy the couch” “Oh ok” They wrote down our information and were going to deliver the couch to the house. After paying Steve scooped up Grayson and brought him to the car, he buckled him in then kissed his forehead. He walked over to your side seeing you struggling to get in “I told you, you can’t be getting up and down on things without help” “But you were busy with Grayson and I didn’t want to be a burden” “Babe you are my wife the mother of my kids literally carrying my second child into you there is no way that you are a burden you are my everything” he said sweetly kissing your lips then bring you into the car “Now let's go home I am beat from couch finding” You walked into the house and remember “Babe we didn’t find a dinning set or anything else we needed” 

Tag list: @thefreak0fhawkinshigh let me know if you want to be added

[generalllimaginesss]

Hatton Carlisle head cannon

Everything Hatton Carlisle is here!!

I’ll probably add stuff throughout the series to this that make me think of who Hatton is, so feel free to keep checking back :)) anyways…let’s get to know our girl and her relationship with everybody! Feel free to request things based on her and I’d love to write it for you!

Jim and her dad (Roger) played college hockey together and had been inseparable ever since. They bought their first houses next to each other so that they could drink as much as they wanted and not have to drive home. That stuck and where one goes, the other goes as well.

Her birthday is July 7th, 2001

Everybody calls her Hattie unless something is wrong or they’re mad at her or vice versa

Trevor tried to call her “Hattie Cake” one time and she fought him

Girl’s girl raised amongst a pack of boys

Her parents are Roger and Tara Carlisle and they’re a year younger than Jim and Ellen.

Her older brother’s name is Corey Carlisle and he’s a year older than Quinn. He was projected to get drafted after college at UMich, but his injuries hindered him severely. He’s now an extremely successful real estate agent in New York.

The families celebrate holidays together

Jack and Hatton learning to skate together

Jim and Roger teaching them together

Jack and Hatton once made a pact that if they were both single at the age of 35 that they would get married. Trevor wouldn’t talk to Jack for a day because of that.

Quinn loves Hatton because she’s the female version of him and is unproblematic.

When they were little and Jack did something he wasn’t supposed to, Hatton would put him in time out and then snitch to Ellen about whatever it was that he did.

Jack didn’t dare move when Hatton put him in time out.

When Trevor came into the picture, Hatton felt like Jack was trying to replace her with him.

Trevor and Jack snuck off to the lake house one summer without her when they first met and this pissed Hatton off to no end.

Jim and Ellen definitely found out from a “little bird” and drove there to pick them up.

Hatton was sitting in the backseat waiting for them with a shit eating grin

It took a while for Trevor to figure his feelings out for her, but once he did there was no looking back

Trevor definitely used to buy her gifts for her birthday/christmas/etc.

Hatton tried to go on a date one time and Trevor, Jack, Alex, and Cole showed up at the movies and sat in the row in front of her and her date.

Caufield is like a less intense version of Trevor.

Hatton loves Luke, but isn’t as close to him as she is Quinn.

Quinn and Hatton’s brother are best friends.

Jack pissing Hatton off and Hatton letting him have it

“Hatton, you’re such a bitch” “I’d rather be bitch than be somebody’s bitch”

Ellen had to make a rule when Jack, Hatton, and Trevor were in high school that Hatton could only complain about Trevor 2 days out of the week for 20 minutes.

Quinn would shove a pillow over Trevor’s face anytime he mentioned her more than once.

Quinn loving Hatton like a younger sister

Hatton has always been way more mature than her age, so she gets along with all of the parents at the hockey games.

Trevor and Cole were always Hatton’s partners when they would go tubing on the lake.

Quinn would be the main driver, but would let Jack absolutely wreck his friends

Hatton has seasonal depression, but only Jack knows. He makes it a point to call and check on her almost everyday during hockey season.

One of her strong suits is her ability to read people. She’s very observant of tiny details that normally go unnoticed.

Jack and Hatton getting absolutely wasted one night when their parents went on a vacation together and Quinn having to hide the evidence because they were all underage.

Almost every friend of Jack’s either had a crush on Hatton at some point, or wanted the two of them to date.

“I could never date him. He’s my brother.”

Hatton is a totally different person when drinking. She’s loud, outgoing, and open to try just about anything. The boys know this well, but only sometimes do they take advantage of it by making her do embarrassing dares or coax information out of her.

Hatton has a toothbrush at Luke and Jack’s apartment that stays in Jack’s bathroom no matter what. There have been several girls ask about this throughout the years, but it stays right in its place.

Hatton used to give Jack pep talks the night before his games stretching as far back as middle school.

“No excuses. 100% for 60 minutes. Understand, mister?” “Nothing less, ma’am.”

Alex Turcotte has a special place in Hatton Carlisle’s heart.

Alex was convinced he’d marry Hatton, but when he heard the way Trevor started talking about her he knew he couldn’t take that away from him.

Hatton and Nico once blew all of Jack’s condoms up like they were balloons before he brought a date home.

Jack cussed them out for a solid hour and then went to his room to pout for the rest of the night.

Nico and Hatton are an absolute MENACE when together. Like worse than Zegras, Caufield, and Jacky boy when they’re together.

Nico is the only one that manages to get Hatton to let loose without the help of alcohol.

Luke subtly asking Hatton for dating advice

Hatton making Luke take her out on a date so she can teach him what to do

When everybody is at the lakehouse Hatton and Quinn are the voice of reasons

“No trevor, you can not try to do a backflip off the boat while we’re going 30 mph. There’s gotta be some clause in your contract against that.”

“Jack, sit your ass down.”

Cuddling with them all on the couch after being outside on the water all day long (Hatton’s personal favorite because she loves when the boys are all in one place)

Cole teasing Trevor to no end about Hatton and Trevor always wearing the biggest smile anytime her name gets brought up.

Jack used to try to set up blind dates between Trevor and Hatton, but Hatton always left as soon she saw him.

Her walking home one time because she refused to ride alone in a car with Trevor, but Trevor followed behind her at a distance to make sure she was safe (she didn’t know about this)

The boys offering Hatton unsolicited help with homework even though not a single one finished college

“We didn’t need to know what a Bell curve was to make it to the NHL…”

Her trying to get the boys to take a serious picture with/of her and them always making it the most difficult task

“Hattie you have like 3 followers..” “ooo work it girl” “do these shorts make my butt look big…at least bigger than Hattie’s…”

Jack and Hatton definitely have friendship bracelets that they made each other when they were 10 and they somehow haven’t fallen apart.

“Ok, Jack…what do we say to someone that wants us to take our bracelets off?” “You’ve gotta pry it from my cold, dead fingers..” “good job”

Jack FaceTimes Hatton everyday as soon as he finishes talking to Quinn on the phone. It’s like clockwork at this point.

Jamie feels like he’s known Hatton for as long as he’s known Trevor because Trevor DOES. NOT. SHUT UP ABOUT HER!!!

Hatton steals every one of Jack’s hoodies so he just buys 2 now.

Hatton is the epitome of sass

She had to develop thick skin to survive with the Hughes brothers, but she is naturally sensitive. Not a lot of people see this side of her.

[makethiscanon]

The Trouble with Trains: Ojiro x Fem!Reader [Part 1]

Rating: Mature (16+) || Word Count: 5,000 || Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Rescue, Tension, Eventual Fluff, First-meetings, Slow Burn, Modern AU, 99% Quirkless AU || Warnings: Moderate threat, crude language/cursing, attempted chikan, mentions of violent imagery, Dabi and Toga get their own warnings.

I don’t write whump/angst so please trust me this ends up fluffier than the tags suggest.

------

The unpredictability of public transport meant you never knew who you were going to be sat by.

Sometimes it was a mother with a toddler on her knee; sometimes a middle-school kid with their headphones in, and sometimes it was absolutely no one at all. You liked those times, especially on longer journeys.

Today you boarded the train, hoping to get an empty seat beside you, but saw how busy the train was and let that fizzle out.

Today was the start of the summer holidays, after all.

With your luggage parked in the rack, you shuffled down the aisle, checking your ticket. Thankfully you'd booked in advance – three hours was a long time to have to stand.

“36-D… 36-D…” you muttered, counting the seat-numbers overhead.

Arriving at your row, you noticed someone in the seats adjacent to yours – a young, blonde man in a beanie, jacket, and ripped skinny jeans.

He was average by any stretch of the imagination, except he had a large, muscular tail. It was so large, in fact, that you wondered if the seat beside him was booked out just so his extra limb wouldn’t bother anyone.

You weren’t sure how long you were staring, but it was long enough for him to notice.

He looked up and you jerked in surprise, but offered him an awkward smile to say sorry. He actually smiled back so you went to apologise, but noticed the headphone wires protruding from his beanie and realised talking was pointless.

As you settled into your seat, you noticed that 36-C wasn't reserved. Someone was sure to claim it, but at least you had time to get comfortable before your travel partner appeared.

As the train got busier, you sat your handbag in your lap then pulled out your book and began to read, enjoying the hustle and bustle of background noise, until someone finally dropped heavily into the seat beside you.

“Nah, you should have seen his face when I said I wasn’t coming home this summer. Fucking livid. Funny though. Wish I could have taken a picture.”

Okay, you thought, shuffling as far into the window as you could, there was no need to panic. First impressions were first impressions; he could be nicer than he first seemed – you might have just caught him at a bad time.

You stole a quick glance, but barely long enough to spot the mop of black hair and what looked like scars across his face before you feared staring would draw his attention.

Your heart dropped when two other – and there was no other way to describe them but – ruffians dropped into the seats in front, before they knelt up and peered over the seat backs to continue their conversation.

“Do you still want to loot his holiday home this weekend? We could do it if he’s at that press conference?” Asked a man with straggly, white-blue hair and a very serious case of eczema, who didn’t seem to care one bit that he was announcing such devious holiday plans in front of you.

The girl beside him laughed, and it was so shrill that you flinched.

Catching your reaction, she caught your eye and her grin grew wider, like a predator preparing to kill, but then she returned her attention to her friends.

“I say we should still visit your dad. Don’t you think a little family bonding is a good thing?”

The man beside you clicked his tongue.

“This delusion that you’re going to sleep with my dad is commendable, Toga, but if you ever showed up on his doorstep he’d literally rip you in two.”

The girl laughed again, the messy strands of her blonde space-buns bobbing up and down.

“Hopefully, with his dic—”

You desperately tried to drown out their conversation. You knew your cheeks were red. You wanted to bury your face in your book, but it might be too obvious that you were avoiding them.

The only thing you could hope for was that their stop was somewhere early on in your journey. They didn’t seem to have lots of luggage so you couldn’t imagine they were travelling far.

You kept your head down, trying to focus your attention on your book. But try as you did, with the three friends talking loudly around you about robbery, sex and the ever increasing allusion to violence, it was hard to hear anything over the horrible pounding of your heart inside your ears.

When the train set off, you prayed it found the next stop quickly. The girl, Toga, only seemed to get louder and giddier with excitement, and both times you glanced at her, you found her staring directly at you with a wicked grin. It was unnerving, to say the least.

You finally had a moment to breathe when the ticket warden came through the carriage. Your three new companions shrank in their seats when they saw her coming. Toga and the flaky-skinned man disappeared from view, then the one beside you shut his eyes and stretched out his long legs, very much pushing his knee into what little personal leg room you had left, then had the audacity to pretend to be asleep. 

If he didn’t unnerve you so much, you might very well have laughed at the cheek of him.

When the ticket warden reached your cluster of seats, she checked the tail-guy’s first, and you spotted with the utmost jealousy that the only occupants of his two-seater space were he and his tail.

The warden cleared her throat to grab your attention.

“Tickets, please.” She said, eyeing you and your unwelcomed travel buddy suspiciously, like she thought you were actually travelling together. To nip that thought in the bud, you pulled out your ticket and smiled with the friendliest and most reassuring smile you could muster.

“Here you go.” You said, doing everything you could to sound cheerful and polite. What you didn’t notice was how the man opened one eye to look at you after he heard you calling out like an innocent little bird.

He was wondered how easy it might be to break your wings.

Oblivious to his predator-like stare, you continued to smile as the warden handed your ticket back, now with a notably softer expression. She nudged her head towards your travel buddy, who had shut his eyes to complete his sleeping façade, and mouthed: he with you?

You shook your head vigorously, hoping to get across just how horrified by that idea you were, so the woman nodded then kicked him in the shoe. You gulped, spotting a strained vein appear on his neck as he clenched his jaw from the assault, before pretending to wake from a peaceful sleep.

“Mm?” He asked in a deep, groggy voice.

“Ticket.” The woman demanded, and you could tell she dealt with his kind at least twice a week. He wasn’t fooling anyone.

“Single to Ninohe.” He said, sitting up properly, blinking away the fakest of sleeps. The woman put a hand on her hip as you let the information stab you in the gut. Ninohe was further down the line than where you were headed. It seemed you were stuck with him for the long haul.

“You were meant to buy the ticket at the station. How’d you get past the guard?”

Unfazed by the warden’s glare, the man shrugged and reached into his pocket for his wallet.

“We were running late. Would have missed the train if we’d stopped to get tickets.”

“I’m gonna need your full name and address. Travelling without a ticket gets you a fine. And you need to pay for a ticket immediately or I’m kicking you off at the next stop.”

You sucked in your breath, watching how his jaw tensed up as the vein stood more prominently on his neck.

“Fine.” He said in a way that definitely didn’t sound fine, but pulled out his credit card none-the-less. “Touya Todoroki.”

As he told the warden his address, he handed over his credit card to pay for the ticket, telling the warden in an almost-merry voice that she could send the fine to his father, and while she was at it, those of his friends. You heard Toga erupt into fits of giggles before she announced loudly and proudly that her name was Himiko Toga, followed by a lazy announcement from the white haired male that his name was Tomura Shigaraki.

An uncomfortable tingle ran up the length of your spine as soon as the warden’s attention left you. You tried to focus on your book but the harder you tried, the heavier the air around you became. In the end you had to admit defeat. You met Touya’s gaze. When he saw that he had your attention, his stapled lips grew into a grin.

“Well now, you’re a pretty little bird. What’s your name?”

He didn’t sound charming, rather downright lecherous, but you didn’t think he cared when he knew he had you trapped against the window. You pursed your lips together and looked out at the fly-by landscape, hoping he would take the hint.

You lamented your decision to doll yourself up today – the skirt was a definite mistake – but in your defence, you hadn’t expected to be hit on by a random creep on you journey to see some friends.

The tingle in your spine turned into a downright jolt of fear when you felt the man’s hand fall onto your leg. You sat bolt upright and looked at him in pure disbelief.

“Please, don’t do that.” You said in what was meant to be a stern voice, but in the face of such an out-of-the-blue and personal-space invading move, it rather sounded more like a squeak. His grin widened. He asked again,

“What’s your name, little bird?”

In the hopes it would at least convince him to free your leg, you told him your name.

He let go of your leg.

“And where are you headed?”

Telling him your name was one thing. Telling him where you were going was another. You scooted yourself as far into the window as you possibly could, not wanting him to put his hands on you again, but kept your mouth shut. You opened your book and did all you could to engross yourself in the pages.

He made a move towards you but his actions were broken by the sound of his friend, Toga, as she popped up from the seat in front.

“Dabi, Dabi, Dabi,” she said with a teasing grin. “Your dad’s gonna be so fucking pissed. I can’t wait. Let’s get in more trouble, get more fines, and send them all to him.”

“So loud…” grumbled Shigaraki, who seemed content to face forwards for now.

You didn’t want to meet Toga’s gaze. She was intimidating, much more so than Touya… Dabi… whatever his name was. But at least for now, she seemed more focused on her companions.

Until.

“Oh, are we making new friends?” She said, hushing her voice with the widest grin yet. She glanced between you and Dabi, who had yet to take his eyes off you. “Dabi, hun. You’re staring.”

“Me and my little birdie are getting to know each other. Play with Shigaraki for a while.”

Despite the obvious threat in Toga’s direction, she ignored Dabi and smiled hellishly at you.

“I love your outfit. Where did you get your skirt?”

When it was a choice between answering where you were headed or where you got your skirt, you knew who you would much rather have an awkward conversation with.

“Oh, uhmm… I got it a while ago. I’m sorry. I don’t remember. But I like your top.”

You couldn’t see much of her top because of how she was draped across the seat backs, but you hoped flattery would, if the moment came to it, put her on your side against Dabi, whose hand snaked closer to you.

Toga giggled gleefully.

“Oh, this old thing?” She brushed her hands over the shoulders like she was dusting it for lint. “Thank you. You can’t believe how many times I had to bounce the girl’s head off the pavement to make her hand it over. The blood didn’t come out for weeks.”

Your face went pale. You couldn’t tell if she was joking, but honestly weren’t sure you wanted to know the truth for certain.

“You’re scaring her.” Dabi warned, daring Toga to say one more word. “Eyes front.”

She looked at you, looked at Dabi then looked at you once more before rolling her eyes.

“Fine, fine. Nasty… Hey, Shigi. Let me play that game on your phone.”

She disappeared back into her seat. You weren’t totally sure you were happy she was gone. Her presence had at least put Dabi’s advances on pause. Now she was missing, you could feel him staring at you, and you had never regretted your skimpy clothing choices more. Your hands shook as you held onto your book, and you wondered how much of your journey was left. Time seemed to go much slower today, never more so than while Dabi kept his eyes trained on you.

He had you trapped.

Brushing the backs of his fingers over the top of your thigh, he smiled as you flinched from the contact.

“Are you meeting anyone nice when you get off the train?” He asked, the deep hum of his voice rattling through you as he traced your thigh with the back of his hand. He was getting closer and closer, his hand finding the hem of your skirt on today of all days when you had skipped out on a pair of tights.

“M-my friends.” You squeaked. “I-I’m meeting my friends. A big group of them. We’re having a big reunion so there’s a lot of us going and they said they’d pick me up from the station.”

“Oh?” There was a note of amusement in his voice. You were sure he could hear through your lie. You actually were having a reunion, and a lot of you were meeting up, but you were getting a taxi from the station to meet them at the Airbnb. No one was coming to get you. Even if you wanted them to come meet you, you were staying in a luxury cottage in the middle of nowhere and it was at least a half hour drive to the station. What was more, by now everyone would almost definitely have started drinking and it wouldn’t be safe for anyone to drive.

You were on your own.

“Don’t look so frightened, little bird.” Dabi murmured, leaning close enough for you to catch the hint of leathery musk in his cologne. “I won’t hurt you.”

As long as you do what I say, the warning rang in your head. He gripped your thigh more firmly, snaking his fingers under your clothes.

You shot up like a bolt of lightning, out of your seat, dropping your book in the process. You snatched up your handbag then made a move to get past Dabi, into the aisle. He didn’t budge and he certainly didn’t look amused by your defiance. You saw that same vein appear on the side of his neck as he clenched his jaw, his glare asking whether you understood the consequences of your actions should you carry on. Very loudly and very sternly, you said,

“Excuse me. I need to use the restroom.”

This caught the attention of many other passengers. Good. Even though your face was red and your eyes felt glossy with a mix of shame, embarrassment and fear, grabbing everyone’s attention was just enough of a threat to make Dabi move. He kicked his legs out to the side, into the aisle, giving you just enough room to escape. It didn’t stop him from trailing a finger up your thigh as you moved past him.

Oh God, you felt sick. You felt wronged. You couldn’t sit next to him for another second. Under the guise of heading to the bathroom, you inspected the rest of the carriage for somewhere else to perch. You considered your precious book abandoned, but it was a small price to pay to avoid Dabi’s groping hands.

Unfortunately, though, whether a seat or simply somewhere else to stand, there was a spot for neither when the train was so densely packed with people.

Unsure of what else to do, you made it to the bathroom and went inside, needing it for no other reason than a place to think. At least while you were locked inside the cubical, you didn’t have to worry about sneakily texting your friends to tell them you were turning on your bSafe tracker. They might not be able to come get you, but at least you would feel safer knowing they would get your location if something bad happened – Lord forbidding.

You took a moment to splash water on your face, humming a tune to calm yourself down, then decided to have one last look along the carriage for somewhere else to sit. You felt more confident.

But when you opened the door to get back into the aisle, you immediately saw Toga and paled at her smile.

“Hi, Girlfriend. I wondered where you’d got to. Wait for me outside and we can walk back together, kay?”

She had you blocked in. It was all you could do to agree in case she pushed you back into the cubical and did something to make sure you understood her. Honestly, you weren’t sure if you were blowing this out of proportion in your head, but you couldn’t help but notice speckles of pink on the collar of Toga’s top, like a red stain that just wouldn’t wash out.

“O-okay. I’ll wait.”

Toga grinned and stepped aside, letting you out.

“Good girl.”

She skipped past you then waved before shutting herself in the cubical.

You weren’t waiting. You reasoned, if you couldn’t find somewhere else to sit, surely going straight back to where she could harass you anyway wouldn’t upset her. Or so you hoped.

Clutching your handbag to your side, with a nervous shake in your step you made your way back through the carriage, looking for a spare seat. But for the fact you had to weave past so many people standing, the thought of a free chair was nothing short of a miracle.

All too soon you saw the black spikes of Dabi’s hair and the way his long leg jutted out into the aisle, blocking people’s way past him. His gaze locked on to you as soon as you were close enough, and just from the way he sneered, you could tell he wasn’t happy that you’d tried to run off. You felt yourself start to shake. You clutched your handbag, feeling a tight knot in your stomach that made you want to throw up.

Two hours or so, that’s all you had to endure. You could do it. You had to.

You stopped in front of Dabi, hearing your heartbeat ringing in your ears.

“E-excuse me.” You said, looking at your feet out of fear. “Pl-please could you move into the window seat?”

When Dabi didn’t reply, you had to look at him but instantly wished you hadn’t. He was smiling up at you, but it was nothing short of demonic, like you had fought against the devil himself and now it was time for your punishment.

“Aren’t you being selfish, little bird? Asking for the aisle seat when my legs are so much longer?”

You caught the threat.

“N-never mind. That’s okay. I’ll stand in the aisle. That’s okay. Please don’t worry. I’ll stay here.”

He sneered, talking to you like you were already his property.

“That’s rather selfish of you, little bird. Blocking everyone’s path.”

Before you could stop him, Dabi gripped your hand and yanked you in beside him -- only something wrapped around your middle, pulling you out before he could trap you.

“Please,” came a kind but rather desperate voice behind you, “Take my seat.”

Dabi’s jaw clenched, a threatening blaze flickering into his eyes.

The thing around your middle jerked you further back, away from Dabi, like it knew you were still in danger, until you bumped into someone standing in the aisle – someone who had not been there seconds ago.

“Please, I insist,” they said, holding you by the shoulders to steady you, then moved aside to let you into their seat across the aisle. To your surprise, it was the tail-guy, his tail wrapped tightly around your middle to pull you to safety.

“It’ll be okay.” He murmured close to your ear, blocking Dabi from getting into the aisle with his whole body. “I won’t let him bother you.”

Not that you didn’t believe him, as his tail was a set of muscles all in itself, but when you sat down, you shuffled across the seats and as far against the window as you could go, just in case Dabi was the type to start fights on busy trains.

“Oi, brat,” you heard Dabi say, and you were sure if you could see his face you would have whimpered, but the threat in his voice did nothing to faze the tail-guy, who looked much more concerned with your state of wellbeing. He ignored Dabi completely, jamming himself half way into the seat beside you with an ironclad stance that not only blocked Dabi from seeing you, but could hold back anyone who tried to get close to you.

“Are you okay?”

You felt sick and stressed, but compared to what you had just been faced with, you were touched by his concern and nodded so that you didn’t trouble him further.

Thankfully he didn’t say anything more, but held himself in place for your benefit, which gave you a chance to calm down. You pressed your hand to your heart and breathed, subconsciously flattening down your skirt as you replayed the events of your journey so far. You were never, never wearing a cute outfit again if you had to take a train—or bus—or plane—anything. You didn’t normally, and this was proof never to do it again.

It took you a while, but eventually you calmed down, slumping in your seat.

What a way to start your time off, you thought. Only you could start it off with something so dramatic.

Trying not to be rude, but rather wanting to take a proper look at your rescuer, you stole a glance at the tailed-guy while he stood his ground, looking along the carriage. He seemed older than you, not by much, and gave off the relaxed vibe of any typical beanie-wearing, skinny-jean wearing hipster. He looked quiet, like someone at peace with his own company. You appreciated the calming effect he had on you when quite likely, there was a screw-loose sociopath glaring daggers into him on his other side.

You wanted to thank him, but felt silly and embarrassed if he didn’t know the extent of the ordeal he had rescued you from. You would thank him, but maybe once it was your stop.

That was…

…unless he got off first.

Sneaking in amongst the calm, a seed of worry formed in the pit of your stomach. That was right. There was no guarantee this Good Samaritan needed to stay on the train for as long as you. You wondered what the chances were of Dabi and Toga leaving you alone if he alighted before you. The very least you could pray for was that he stayed on the train past the first stop, so maybe Dabi had a chance to either calm down or set his sights on someone else.

You pulled out your phone and messaged your friends’ group chat:

‘LOL having the train journey from hell. Get a stiff drink ready for me if I’m not abducted first x x x’

Perhaps now wasn’t the right time for humour, but it was all you could do to calm your nerves at the thought of being hunted around the train by two creeps and their clearly just along for the ride friend.

You were so caught up in a web of worry that you didn’t notice the psychotic blonde skipping her way down the busy carriage, not caring who she shoved out of her way to get back to her seat. You might not have noticed her at all, except your guardian swished his tail up to block her view as she got closer, drawing your attention to the top of her head before she disappeared into her seat.

“Where’s she gone?” You heard Toga ask. There was clear accusation in her voice, like you had no right to be anywhere else but under her torment. Hopefully though, that was the end of it. If they weren’t ready to harass the tail-guy in order to get to you, it was likely they would lose interest and move on. They didn’t know which stop you were getting off at. If tailman left before you did, you could follow him down the train, pretend it was your stop then find another place to perch, out of sight.

At least you could close the lid on this chapter of your trip.

Toga’s sudden and shrill laugh made your skin crawl, but that still did not prepare you for what she said afterwards.

“Dabi’s gonna get you, Dabi’s gonna get you, Dabi’s gonna—”

It was so sinister that you spluttered and choked. You were probably naïve to think she wasn’t aiming the chant towards you, so you clutched your hands to your chest and sank in your chair, hoping with everything you had that the tail-guy would stay beside you for the rest of your journey.

You dared to look at him again, trying to guess his chances should the trio actually try to forcefully move him at any point, and it was then, while Toga continued to chant, that you caught him giving you a sideways glance, clearly uneased by the hostility pouring in from his far side. His jaw was set tight and his brows were drawn inward, then when he caught you looking back at him he opened his mouth to talk. But then, he shut it. You could see an internal struggle as he debated what to do.

The guilt that hit you was uncomfortable, to say the least. You couldn’t let this carry on; leaving a total stranger to defend you. You had put him in a difficult position and it was wrong to have him fight your battle. If he was staying on the train past your stop, you couldn’t leave him stood up there until you alighted. It was selfish and rude of you to use him as nothing more than a wall. You didn’t even know his name.

“Excuse m—” you began, but didn’t finish your sentence when the guy looked at you one more time before he slipped down into the seat beside you, leaving his tail up to keep the two of you hidden from view.

“Sorry,” he said, passing you a gentle, reassuring smile. “I wasn’t going to get involved, but I don’t like what’s happening.”

With perfect timing, Toga chimed in with a maniacal ‘don’t think you’re safe behind that tail~’

“My name’s Ojiro.” He said a little louder, hoping to cut over any more outbursts from the trio. “Sorry. You don’t know me. I know this is weird. But please stay sat with me for as long as you want. Please don’t let them intimidate you. I know I don’t look it, but I really won’t let them do anything to you.”

After his declaration, he let out a breath, like he had rerouted all of his energy into saying something so embarrassing but heartfelt, and now that it was over he could function like a normal human and breathe again.

You had a lot of questions. He was saying everything you wanted to hear, and for someone you had only just met, he seemed unusually committed to your protection, but there was just something in his eyes that put you at ease. 

Unlike the ruffian trio who gave off nothing but the most sinister and repugnant of auras, it was hard to find a trace of malice in Ojiro’s expression. His entire presence, now that it was focused towards you, felt like one of the white knights of old, sworn by honour codes, chivalry and compassion. It felt almost criminal for him to be in a beanie and hoodie instead of paladin robes.

Never the less. You had to relieve this modern day knight of his duties before you took up too much of his time or he got himself in trouble.

“Thank you,” you said softly, feeling your heart wobbling giddily when he smiled in response, “But please don’t worry about me. As soon as the train quietens down, I’ll swap into a different seat somewhere. I’ll leave you in peace.”

You landed him with your most convincing ‘I’m okay’ smile but if anything, your words caused him to frown.

“It’s no trouble, honestly.” He lowered his voice and leaned in towards you. Realising he did not want to be overheard, you leaned in closer so he could say, “I saw what was going on before. I heard what was going on. Please. You can forget I’m next to you. But please don’t move seats.”

He seemed hesitant to tell you something, like perhaps he had overheard something while you were in the bathroom, but you were happy to respect the pleading in his voice without the whole story. You nodded, making a show of making yourself more comfortable.

“Okay, umm…”

“Ojiro.” He prompted again, smiling now that you were allowing him to keep an eye on you.

“Ojiro. Okay. Ojiro, glad to meet you, my gallant travel buddy.”

You held out your hand, genuinely happy to have stumbled onto such a knight in a floppy beanie hat. Though you couldn’t say your nerves were gone entirely, you faked a grin to show Ojiro that he had no need to worry about you. 

These next two hours together seemed like they were going to be a breeze.

------

[PART 2] Coming soon.

[WRITING MASTERLIST]

[im-suchanicegirl]

I finally have my m&g picture so i guess it’s time to talk about the shows eh?

More below, it’s gonna be long.

MONTRÉAL

Because @pastlink, her friends and @fredv0mjupiter arrived early, @chaotic-gingey and I were able to jump the line, not without some people complaining. Yeah yeah i know, not the best thing, but we were working, not lounging.

We managed to be front row on the Daniel² side and despite my nemesis on my left that I’ve talked about, we were well placed. The crowd was rowdy but nothing compared to what it would be for Electric Callboy.

I about lost my shit when they arrived on stage and I’m not sure if it’s from the build up from months of waiting (tickets were bought in feb.!) or to be so close to them.

Snagged some nice pictures:

Then during arrow of love, @chaotic-gingey and I did the 🫶🏼 like the Daniel² and they pointed at us (thanks @pastlink ❤️).

Then the show ended and i almost got into a fist fight with my nemesis and went back home.

NYC

We arrived relatively early as it was @chaotic-gingey ‘s turn to choose our side and she wanted to be on Pascal’s side but sat down. We are too old.

Around 5 we walked to the front of the venue and she was wondering who was keeping them late and joking it was probably Kevin talking too much… until she turned around and saw Nico strolling in with Janel from Conquer Divide, a big cup of ice cream in hand. Her face was hilarious.

Tank came to see us and the other group that had won and led us downstairs. We were waiting in between two rooms and all we could see was Pascal standing awkwardly in the room and my friend talking to me in French about her not trying to freak out. Again, 10/10 sighting of her face.

We were finally let inside and David gave us a big hug, followed by Nico, Pascal and Kevin. The Daniel² were missing and I didn’t want to say anything but i was sad. I finally The Pink Mumu ™ coming in and Daniel said hi and gave us a hug.

David then gave us water bottle and we spoke with them but it’s still so ahhhhhhhh in my brain that i keep forgetting and remembering stuff.

- Kevin was very shocked that we drove from Montreal and we explained that it was as long as Toronto

- he didn’t understand my accent when I said we were going to see Bad Omens and he kept being like ‘who’s Ban Akron…’ until i managed to be understood. Woops.

- Kevin kept calling donkeys ‘horses’ and Nico would correct him like ‘it’s donkeys. They’re donkeys.’ And wow, if that isn’t me with @chaotic-gingey

- I’m sorry if I’m pretty much only remembering my exchsnges with kevin ok? He was right next to me and looking me in the eyes.

- I said I was from Italy and he started explaining the places they played there and how much he loved it

- he somehow knew the small French village my dad was in before moving here as its close to germany??

- He laughed when I said i was the one with the German sign and all the guys started laughing too at it. Making them laugh= goal

- he asked me what else i knew in German. This little shit was expecting something nasty or swear words and my brain just went ‘ich spreche kleine Deutsch’ (i speak a little German), to which the guys ‘hmmhmm’

- kevin praised my grammar and my accent and give me a minuuuuuute Im gonna throw myself in ice

- they said they’d love to tour with different bands and i was surprised by the answers they gave. They also talked about bad experiences with some bands

- Kevin: i dont want to badmouth bands […] so the band *** they did that. Nico: oh yeah and that band […] did this i wanted to go home. I wanted to die as one of them is one of my favorite band and he felt so bad but thats ok. ‘Maybe they had a bad day’ as he said

- he agreed my cat made us win the video. Thank you Gustave ❤️

- i somehow placed i was sad because i wanted to see Danskimo and they were very apologetic, saying he was sick. I understood of course but it would be just my luck haha.

- i gave them their bracelets before the picture and entrusted (pascal or kevin?) with Danskimo’s bracelets and the ugly shirt i had which had SPC vibes.

- one if the bracelet had fuckboi written on it and i said it was because i saw someone stole it from one of the conquer divide girls.

- nico the little shit proudly showed me his arm with the bracelet 🙃😂

- pascal took his bracelet and went ‘hehehe… fuckboi’

- then we took the picture and Kevin kept pulling me closer to him and Daniel and ihhhhhh yep.

- hugs. David big. Kevin bigger. Brain went brrr

There isn’t much to say for the show except Kevin and Danskimo were both wearing my bracelets and it made my day.

I love these idiots. CANT wait to see them again😭❤️

[dakotakazansky]

Ghost • Fifteen

Previous | Master List | Next

Warnings: 18+, Fluff, Angst, lots of Dumb Bitch Juice, Some Smut Pairings: Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x OC & Javy ‘Coyote’ Machado x OC Word Count: 2,407

Kota

The next few days off came and went, we got Tate and Javy all moved in and unpacked, and it was finally Monday, our first day at Top Gun. Jake, Javy, Tate and I all walked in together, the guys first, Tate and I following them. The guys sat down in the third row on the left hand side facing the podium, Tate and I taking the second row in front of the guys. 

No sooner than we sat down we heard a loud scoffing. I turned to the right so I could see this little prick in the front row. I pinch the bridge of my nose trying to not let the scoffing get to me, but the little snot nose pipes up, "Damn since when did they allow girls to be pilots and WSO's together?" 

I felt the rubber band feeling snap in my chest and I knew I was about to raise hell. "Listen here you misogynistic piece of work.." I feel Jake's hand on my shoulder trying to stop me from starting this.

What I didn't notice was the rest of the class had filed in and our instructor was standing in the back of the room. I shrug Jake's hand off my shoulder, and my father's arrogant attitude that was passed down to me fully came out, "Well if you'd like to know, the plaque for the alternates is down in the little boys room." The sound of wincing "ooo's" and "ohh's" and even a quiet "ouch" were heard throughout the room. Our instructor wore a very proud smile on his face even though I couldn't see it.

"Well tell me how your name looks, on it when I smoke you." This asshole replies. "Oh I won't be needing to, you can tell me all about it yourself." I hear giggles and snickers erupt from various points in the room. What I wasn't expecting next was the familiar booming voice, "Aright you guys, settle it down, we got class to start." 

Just like that, the smug look I was once wearing was wiped clean off my face at the sight of Ron "Slider" Kerner, my dad's old RIO. I mutter under my breath just loud enough for my friends to hear, "Well fuck, not even 5 minutes in yet, and I've already made our first rival, and we don't even know names yet." I smack my palm against my forehead, and scrubbed my hand down my face, sinking further into my seat. I heard mockingly from Jake behind me, "I tried to stop you darlin'." I sheepishly mutter to my friends, "I'm sorry guys." 

Slider goes over the spiel of how we are the top 1% of naval aviators, and how many hops daily we'll take and what time will be spent as classroom time. He continues on about how he's going to find our limits of flying, and then break them, and mold us into even better pilots than we were before getting here. I was only partially paying attention to it all until I heard, "You're all dismissed, be out on the flight deck in 20 minutes. Ghost and," he looks down at his sheet trying to make sense of the pricks callsign "Pig? I want you both outside my office at the end of the day!" 

I think to myself, his callsign is Pig, well if the way he got that callsign was anything like how he acted earlier, it was very fitting then.

Everyone gets up to leave, to make our way towards the flight deck when I feel a strong grip on my shoulder, "Ghost can I speak with you for a moment?" I look back to see Slider's hand on my shoulder, I nod to him and look to my friends, "I'll meet up with you guys in a minute." 

Once everyone has filed out of the room and it was only Silder and I left, he pulls me into a giant hug, "Little Kazansky, like father like daughter." He says laughing to me. I hug him back, "Good to see you again Slider, I didn't hear from dad that you were a Top Gun instructor now." 

He looks down at me smirking, "I have been for quite a few years kid, actually since a few months before your 18th birthday. We didn't tell you because we knew eventually you'd show up here." He pauses for a moment, "But don't think I'll go easy on you since you're your father's kid and I've known you since you were born." 

We both laugh, "Never thought you would Slider, you know how hard it is being Ice's kid anyways?" I say questioning him, "Everyone already thinks I got where I am today because of him and not my own hard work and dedication." He nods to me, "You'll survive kid, I know you, you live off spite anyways, so keep proving them wrong." 

He pats my shoulder, "Better get out there." He says, nodding towards the flight deck, "Yeah you're right, it was great seeing you again though!" I say running out of the classroom and over to my friends. 

"What was that all about?" Javy questions once I finally approach the group. "Uhh, if you guys promise not to mention anything at all, ever" I pause as they all nod to me, "Our instructor is my dad's old RIO." They all go wide eyed, and jaws dropping at the news. "Okay guys pick your jaws up off the floor, it was just us reconnecting for a moment."

Everyone gathers in either the ready room, or is in their aircraft. Tate and I aren't scheduled yet for training in the hop yet, so we are sitting in the ready room, her talking with Javy and I'm sitting on the couch reading through one of our textbooks. 

Unfortunately for me, Jake got paired up with someone else in the class who I haven't learned the callsign or name of yet, but fortunately it allows me to just sit and read. That is until Pig comes over and smacks my textbook out of my lap. 

I bolt out of my seat, squaring up to the guy, "What the hell is your problem?" I ask angrily. "You, you're the problem." He replies. I give him the coldest most dead stare ever, if I stared any harder you'd have thought I'd kill the boy where he stood. 

"Pick it up." I said glaring at Pig. He scoffs, "No way." I cock my head slightly to the left, the sure fire you're about to be dead look, "Pick. It. Up." I watched as the hard exterior that Pig tried to hold broke, he picked up my book that he slapped out of my lap, and shoved it into my chest, before stomping away.

As I sat back down with my book back in my lap and flipping to the page I was on, I heard mumbles and murmurs throughout the room, "Damn what a cold bitch", "did you see that glare, she's gonna rule the Pacific Fleet one day", "she sure put Pig in his place easily." 

I attempted to go back to reading but was too lost in the thoughts of what just happened, how was I already his problem, do we even know each other? I also thought about the comments made from people in the room, I was so lost in thought I didn't even notice Jake had finished his hop. I felt the couch sink down to my right and felt an arm sling around my shoulder. 

"Woah Kota what's wrong?" Jake asks what seemed almost frantically. I guess I never lost the scorned glare off my face. "Huh?" I say finally leaving my thoughts. "Are you okay?" Jake asks again. 

"Javy and Tate have been over there talking this entire time," I start while pointing to our friends, "So I came over here to sit by myself and just read the textbook. Well next thing I know my textbook is being slapped off my lap and Pig is standing in front of me angrily." 

I look around the room to see where Pig is but I can't find him. I continued, "Well then he brought out the Kazansky anger," I pause Jake nodding knowing all about it from our time in the academy and when hearing stories about my dad, "So in true Kazansky fashion I commanded him to pick up my book after asking what his problem was. He said it was me. He picked up my book, shoved it into my chest and stormed off." 

I melted into Jake's side as he took in the story I just told him. "That guy is such a prick, just try not to let him get to you darlin'." Jake says rubbing my arm. I was starting to get comfortable in Jake's arms when I heard my name, my WSO and Javy get called. I thought to myself, thank god it wasn't Pig. Without thinking I kissed Jake's cheek before I got up and ran over to my plane for inspections before we got going on our hop. 

—

Jake

I felt shocked for a moment, I couldn't believe Kota just kissed my cheek like it was nothing. I walk over to sit next to the radio to listen in on how their hop is going when suddenly I'm approached by Pig. "So we meet again Seresin?" I cock my head to him, "Do I know you?" I question, "and also what's your problem with Kota?" 

"Seriously don't play dumb." He replies back. "Listen man, I don't know you, I for damn sure know Kota hasn't done a thing to you. So why don't you just leave if you're going to try to pick a fight, because honestly buddy it's not going to go in your favor." I say getting quite irritated at the man that just pissed off my girl. My girl, I've never thought of Kota in such a way before, but honestly I like the way it sounds. Pig stomps off again like a toddler who just had something dangerous taken away from them for their own safety. 

I get lost in my thoughts of Kota being my girl, and what the hell Pig's deal is, that I'm fully brought out of those thoughts when I feel two small arms wrap around my waist from behind.

—

Kota

I return from my hop with Javy and Tate and I run over to Jake who doesn't seem to notice we're back. I wrap my arms around his waist and lay my head against his back for a moment. "Hey Kota, how was the hop?" He asked, turning around once I released him from the hug. "Oh it went as well as it could, Slider got us all out, we definitely need to try harder." I say knitting my eyebrows together while I think of scenarios that could have been better. 

Tate comes over with Javy in tow, "Hey Kota, I saw what Pig did earlier, how about tonight we have a girls night, Jake and Javy can have a guys night, and we can just decompress from our first day at Top Gun?" I look over to Jake who nods, "That sounds like fun, I'm down." Tate gets giddy, "Okay I'll come over later to help pick out an outfit with you." I look at her confused before she says, "We're gonna go out and have a nice dinner, maybe a drink or two." I nod, "Thanks Tate that sounds nice."

The rest of the day goes by without any more confrontations. I make my way towards Slider's office and wait outside, Jake comes to find me. "Hey you want me to hang back and wait for you?" He asks. "Nah, I'll be fine, I'll meet you back at your truck." He nods, gives me a hug and then walks off towards the parking lot. 

About ten minutes later Pig walks up and leans against the wall across from me. I act like I don't notice him. Slider yells for Pig to come into his office first. Pig shoulder checks me as he walks into the office. I lean against the wall listening to Pig get yelled at. I think to myself, shit Slider is really giving it to him, I wonder what else he did to get him this mad. Must've been something before class other than his comments towards Tate and I. 

Five minutes later, Pig comes out, grumbles a "Sorry" to me and continues on walking. I hear my name called. I walk into Slider's office,  and stand at attention until he releases me. I sat down in one of the chairs in front of him. "Relax Kota, you're not in trouble, I just wanted to call you in here to make sure you're okay" Slider begins, "but I am going to have to tell your father about this encounter." I look at him pleading, "Slider please, no he doesn't need to know." 

Slider laughs, "Oh he's definitely going to know that his cocky arrogance has passed down to his daughter, he's so going to get a kick out of that." I chuckle, "Is that so?" Slider smirks, "Kid the last time I heard anything like that phrase come from a pilot to another was when your Dad and Maverick were facing off to show who was the best. Also are you okay after earlier, you almost crossed a line. I could see you were gonna go after him had I not stepped in. Kota, I don't want you to lose this chance." 

"Slider I promise, I'm not going to waste my chance here, it's been my dream since the Academy." I put my hand out to shake his to show I mean good on my word, and he shakes my hand. "Alright kid, if he gives you any more trouble than the two instances that happened today, let me know." I nod to Slider. "You're dismissed, see you tomorrow for class." 

I walked out of the office and met Jake at his truck, he asked me what happened, and I told him everything. We went back home where we met Tate and Javy outside our house. Tate and I went to my room to get ready, while Javy and Jake went out to the back porch for a drink. Jake and I were not ready for what would eventually become of this night.

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[usafphantom2]

I was delighted to see this picture of my old friend, Jim Shelton. Whenever I think of him, I think of the story of what he did at the OL8 Kadena. Jim is a Living Legend

These men worked hard and played hard. There was an unannounced competition between the Habu‘s to see who could create the funniest prank.

My Dad, Butch Sheffield he, sent a note to the Wing Commander Jerry O’Malley flunking him on his own inspection of base housing in 1972 to make the prank even funnier. I was at the O’Malley‘s house with Peggy when Mrs. O’Malley started screaming, “We flunked our own inspection! She ordered her daughter to get out to the driveway and scrub the already spotless driveway! When Jerry came home for lunch, Diane showed him the typewritten letter expressing their disappointment in how they kept their house on Lakeview Drive. (written by my father) he signed it, Colonel Hornblower O’Malley laughed and put the paper down. I don’t know if they ever figured out who it was, but this is how those men rolled. I was fortunate to have a front-row seat at this event and many more.

Jim’s prank,

We had a lot of fun with the Flight Surgeons. To us, they were just kids hanging around the big kids; They were fresh out of medical school and flight surgeons training at Brooks Field. They had the meaningless task of checking us before every flight. We were all very healthy and needed little or no care from them.

To their credit, they took their job very seriously, and this set them up for some excellent jokes that were played upon them.

Jim Sheldon thought up the best one, and took place at the OL. Jim wired up the Old World War Two ambulance the flight surgeons used while at the OL, so the red light on the top of the ambulance was always on when the ambulance was running. The light was behind the driver and on the top of the ambulance and could not be seen by the driver. He then met the new flight surgeon on the flight line when the tanker came in from the States. The tanker usually arrived about dinnertime.

Jim briefed the new flight surgeon that the ambulance was his to drive all the time he was at the OL and that he was always on duty, twenty-four hours a day, and should have the ambulance close by at all times in case of emergencies. Also, because he was on duty, he could park it anywhere on base and to disregard any and all reserved parking spaces.

Jim told him how to find the Officer Club. The new flight surgeon was impressed by how important he had become upon arrival at Kadena and drove off the flight line and toward the Officers Club for dinner. He was also impressed how people would pull over and let him pass on the road to the club.

The Base Commanders house sat up on a hill along the road from the flight line to the club. The Commander was sitting in his backyard relaxing with a beer after a long hard day at the office when he saw the ambulance with its red light 🔴going passing his house on the way to the club. He quickly called the command post whose duty it was to call him when any emergencies occurred on base. The Command Post didn’t know what was going on at the base. The Commander jumped into his staff car and went in hot pursuit of the ambulance.

When the Commander arrived at the Officers Club, he found the ambulance parked in HIS reserved parking space right in front of the Club. He jumped out and rushed into the Club asking who was driving the ambulance and where was the emergency?

They pointed to the new flight surgeon standing at the bar ordering a drink before dinner.

The next morning the Habu Commander had all the crews in his office to explain to them that they had upset the whole base and not to do anything like that again, but he could NOT keep a straight face while explaining the prank.

Jim Shelton is a very brave American patriot. He spent 10 hours in the SR 71 Cockpit Flying over the Israel in 1973 during the Yum Kippur War.

Linda Sheffield Miller

@Habubrats71 via X

[pebblesinyourshoe]

The Wizard of Ash Grove

There is a dot on the map just north of the dot on the map that is Battle Ground, Indiana. This little dot has a few houses and a grain elevator used in times gone by. This little collection of houses was a whistle stop at some point. Ash Grove, Indiana isn’t a name that many know. The name rolls off your tongue nicely and always makes me think that at some point - maybe there still is - a collection of ash trees dotted the landscape and someone started saying, “That Ash Grove would sure be a nice place to build a house.”

Ash Grove isn’t famous for much unless you grew up in these parts. There’s a man who raised children there. His dad was a welder at Alcoa and he lived clear across the county in another little spot with an equally intriguing name, Clarks Hill. But circumstances meant that the family move north and settle in a spot smaller than where they came.

The boy attended Battle Ground High School. He wore the Tomahawk basketball jersey with pride although he admitted he wasn’t very good. His brother, he said, was talented. The Tomahawks won the county tournament with his brother. There is a picture of him with the net draped over his head at TC’s Restaurant. Stop by. You can see it.

This man grew up and cut hair and was an auctioneer. He had two sons and a daughter and the love of the game and its pull called him to embrace it longer.

This man had the idea to take the children who were his children’s age who sat in his barber chair or whose father did, and barnstorm. They didn’t have second hand uniforms - theirs were more third-hand. Most time they would show up and go right to the bench and coach would throw out a few balls and the kids would do layups and shoot around. They mostly didn’t have their names announced pregame unless they went somewhere like Rossville or Otterbein where basketball was a religion and no matter how rag-tag the visitors were, they were welcomed with a locker room to sit at half time and their names, which would be scribbled quickly by coach on a napkin or something after he bellowed out, “Jackson,, what’s your number?” would be called. Those were the best games.

Coach did nothing fancy. He let them play. He would beller and holler but never in a mean way. His kids always played hard. His teams always learned during the game and if you ask any of them now - all well into adulthood - they had the best time. They most often won and they always shook hands respectfully after the game.

This man is Ron Knoy. He’s a legend. I love him because he talks non-stop and when I was principal at Rossville was always so appreciative and gracious when he would barnstorm into town.

I began calling him “The Wizard of Ash Grove” about two decades ago. His son is a varsity girls coach and every game Ronnie is there. He is quiet most of the time - sitting up and away from his son so he could coach in peace. But about twice a game you will hear a loud groan after a foul or an errant pass or a missed lay up. The Wizard, like the Krakken, appears once in a while.

I had the chance to attend a high school girl/boy doubleheader tonight. I arrived about fifteen minutes before tip and walked by the sideline in front of Coach Knoy.

“Where’s the Wizard?”

“Oh he’s coming. He’s going to sit right there.”

So I made my way to the top row of the baseline bleachers directly to the right of the home bench and I waited. And sure enough, The Wizard appeared.

He was surrounded by an entourage of family and friends but sat by me. And I knew I was in for a joyous and educational basketball ride for the next four quarters. Ronnie didn’t disappoint. He was animated. He was critical. He was complimentary. He also never said a negative word about his son and his coaching. I’ve never heard him brag about him and I’ve never heard him be critical of his choices.

Ronnie Knoy is what I call a “Legend”. He’s a guy you hear about. He’s a guy you notice has something special about himself. He’s a guy that I often think about and ponder, “That guy wouldn’t want to talk to me. I’ve got nothing to offer.” But he did. And he has always taken the time. And he is someone that you spend time talking with and can’t believe that an hour has passed. He’s a legend but he’s as real as real can get.

I had the opportunity to spend part of my evening with the legend - the Wizard of Ash Grove - Coach Ron Knoy. As a fan of children myself, I appreciate that he is a fan of children as well. He represents something much different than the immaculate jerseys and organized travel teams of today. There is no place today for another group of barnstormers like that which ‘The Wizard’ organized and that is too bad. Because he offered to these kids something wonderful. And tonight, I’m honored to say that “The Wizard of Ash Grove” offered me his time and a whole lot of solicited (and unsolicited) knowledge. And my day was made and this evening will be remembered.

Thanks, Wizard.

[casspurrjoybell-29]

Forging Ties - Chapter 30 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

Slone and Yore went inside and Skye took hold of Nim's hand as Nim led him around the side of the cabin.

"You saw the chickens and that cat I promised you," Nim said. "I've had a lot of cats over the years, but she's a good one. You'll like her."

"You really built a cabin in the woods?" Skye asked. "For us?"

"For us," Nim confirmed. "I looked for you for a long time but you were nowhere to be found. I understand why now. Eventually I decided to just settle down and wait. To hand things over to fate. It took a while but I'd say it worked."

"Yeah," Skye said, squeezing Nim's big hand in his.

"Anyway, I've got fruit trees back here," Nim said, sweeping his arm out to indicate rows of small trees planted behind the cabin. "Originally I was going to just have enough to feed the two of us but I quickly realised that you can't live comfortably in a cute little cabin and be entirely self sufficient. You need something to trade for clothes, tools, nails, whatever. There was that one time I traded my sperm and that paid well and has paid dividends in the form of that man in the kitchen cooking us breakfast right now but mostly I just grow all this fruit and trade it for other things."

"You're all grown up, with a cabin and a fruit trader job," Skye said as he swung Nim's arm. "I have a job too, you know. I'm a courier."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I'm really good at it."

Nim hesitated.

"Does that mean you'll need to travel? I'm not going to tell you not to but fuck, that makes me nervous."

"Well, my boss is probably going to go back on the ship to the other side of the mountains and I'm not going to leave you, so..."

Skye shrugged.

"It's fine. I'm not going anywhere ever."

"You can if you want to, Skye. If you want to go places, do things..."

"I will do some things but I think that I'm not a very ambitious person. I want to live a quiet life in a cabin in the woods with my boyfriend and our cat. Maybe I'll have friends as well and do some other stuff sometimes but I don't think I want to go on a ship again. Do you have dreams and ambitions?"

"I just want you, Skye," Nim said, his voice sounding slightly strained. "I've only ever wanted you."

"Being me is what I do best."

Skye hugged Nim's arm against his chest.

"I missed you. I know I went away for a long time and then I didn't even remember but it was because I couldn't deal with losing you. I missed you even when I didn't remember who you were."

"We're not going to be apart anymore. Do you want to see inside?"

Skye nodded.

Inside the cabin, Yore was stoking a fire in a wood fire stove while Slone lay sprawled out on a wool rug in the middle of the room.

It wasn't a very large space but Skye preferred that.

It was cosy.

Nim led the way up a wooden ladder, through a trapdoor to a room above.

It was the bedroom.

The bed was big enough for two and a hammock hung in front of a large window that overlooked the orchard behind the cabin.

"You remembered everything I said, didn't you?" asked Skye.

"About the things I wanted?"

"We didn't have as long together as I would have liked and you've never been that chatty. I think I remember damn near everything you've ever said to me. I wrote everything down early on when I started to realise finding you wouldn't be as easy as I'd hoped. I didn't want memories to become memories of memories of memories."

Skye sat down on the edge of the bed.

It was surprisingly comfortable.

"What happened, Nim? With your mum, with Marigold and the kids. With everything. What happened after I left?"

Nim sat down next to Skye, close enough that their thighs touched.

"Well, by the time I caught up with Marigold and the kids, they'd already joined up with the other group and Noel and his monster friend had moved on. Turns out I'd been gone for about a week. My mum was there and, to my surprise, so was my dad. He'd ended up in the same prison as my mum. He told me that as he'd gotten older, he'd started to regret not being in my life more and more. So... I had that. My parents. That was good."

"Good. You deserve it."

"In an ideal world, everyone would have it but..."

Nim shrugged.

"Anyway, after that we had our ups and downs. There was still a war going on, after all. We tried to keep track of things by listening to the radio but all I really know was that things were getting pretty bad in a global way and then they got very bad here for a while, at which point radios stopped being very useful and then eventually borders were created and the humans were so beaten down that they stopped being so aggressive and then the war was over and we could start really building our own communities. Naturally, I became a recluse."

"Naturally."

"People grew old around me and eventually they died. My parents, Marigold, everyone."

"Oh," Skye said. "That's sad."

"It is sad," Nim said. "When Marigold was getting close to passing, that's what she said to me. Death is almost always sad but not every death is a tragedy. To live a long and fulfilling life and then die old and surrounded by loved ones is the happiest ending most of us can ever hope for. She was a wise woman."

"I wish I could have seen her again."

"She said to tell you that she was sorry the two of you never got the chance to reconnect," Nim said. "She always believed me when I said I knew you were still alive. Everyone else, well... it got worse with time. Yore's a good boy, though. A good man, now. He's never tried to tell me what to do."

Yore's head poked up through the trap door and he held out a plate of fried eggs.

"It would be arrogant to think I know better than someone as old as you are about his own life."

"Enjoy," Yore said as disappeared back through the trapdoor.

"Werewolf society's really gone off the rails," Nim said as he started cutting up the eggs.

"We have, like... royalty now. That boy's basically a werewolf prince. Wouldn't know it from how humble he is, but it's a whole thing. If you're going to have that kind of leadership, you couldn't do better than Yore and I like his grandma who is the current leader well enough. If you ask me, though, we've become too much of our own insular group. At some point, it started being about more than just having that community so that we could be together. It started being about keeping others out. I don't agree with that."

"Hmm, yes, I also don't agree with that because I am not a werewolf."

Skye accepted the fork Nim offered him and used it to stab a piece of egg and deliver it into his mouth.

"Your chickens make good snacks."

"Fresh from the hen."

Skye patted Nim's prickly cheek and then cupped it with his hand.

"I'm so glad you're not dead."

Nim turned his head to press a kiss against the palm of Skye's hand.

"And I'm glad you're finally home."

[flame-nova]

Chapter 5: Thetis

By the time I woke up, I almost didn't remember where I was. When my feet touched the floor did I realize that this was not a dream. I really was a Juno Templar and that I was sleeping in the castle, in the chamber designated for me.

I got dressed, washed up and tidied up my sleeping area before I went down to the dining hall to get something to eat. It was not hard to follow my nose to the smell of fluffy pancakes and sizzling bacon in the air. I was soon joined with Vox, who was also an early riser. After about 10 minutes, Duke appeared and sat next to us. Riviera was the last. She almost missed breakfast.

By the time she made her way to the table where we were at, Duke and Vox were chatting over a cup of coffee. I sipped on my tea while quietly listened to their conversation. Riviera made a loud noise as she plopped down next to Duke. My attention turned to her.

"Late as usual." Duke commented without turning his head around.

"Hey, a girl needs her beauty sleep you know? Of course you wouldn't. You're a guy." She rolled her eyes before taking a big bite out of the pancake.

I chuckled. Maybe it isn't so bad having friends after all. I could get used to this.

"So, about the plan." Vox said as he set the coffee down and crossed his fingers in front of him. "It'll have to be delayed as I forgot that today we'll have a completion ceremony. The last member of the Juno Templars had been announced and we were told to be present for the occasion."

I almost spit my tea out. "Already? That's so fast. I mean, I've only been the new member for a day and already we have everybody needed?"

Vox nodded. "The new guy will be a tank. We all have a job here to do as a Templar. My job as the captain is to oversee the whole operation and to report to my supervisor. In this case, her majesty. I also act as your main attacker."

Gesturing to Riviera, Vox continued. "And Riviera is crucial if we wanted to nuke a battle. Due to her poor stamina, she has a limited amount of time to end a fight. Long and boisterous battle will be very disadvantageous to her."

"And I," Duke took over. "Will be the breaker of the team. My broadsword can break through the enemy's core and shatter their shield, thus make them weak to our advantage."

"And you," Vox begin, looking at me. "Will be our main support and sub attack. Your flame magic is the second most powerful thing next to my water vortex. Once Magia Drive is in effect, you're unstoppable. Since you're a mage, you know a lot of magic spells and encantations that could help either heal us, or give us a push so our arts can be strengthened. Plus, most of your attacks are ranged so it's easier for you to evade enemy attacks, so you're also very important in our group."

I nodded, understanding where he was getting at. "And the shield guy will be our tank. He'll be the one to negate most damages so we can focus on our own tasks."

"Exactly. So balance is very important." Vox concluded.

"So when's the ceremony going to start?" Riviera asked with food still in her mouth.

"Should be soon. Also, swallow your food before you talk Riviera. You'll chock." Vox shook his head, an unnoticeable curve formed at the corner of his mouth.

"I know, I know. Thanks dad." Riviera retorted with a smile. "Let's go get ready shall we?"

I nodded and finished my cup of tea. Duke and Vox were already on their feet. Riviera stuffed the last bits of bacon in her mouth before leaving.

---------------------------------------

A few hours after, I was dressed in my best garb. I entered the arena where the ceremony would take place. I held Fomalhaut proudly on my left hand and stepped through the arch. I was once again the first one there. A servant guided me to the special row of seats reserved specifically for the Juno Templars. I sat down, gently placed Fomalhaut by my side and waited for the others to arrive.

The next one showing up was Duke. He carried his broadsword on his shoulder as he strode his way over to me. "Looking good young man." He commented. I thanked him and smiled. I was in a good mood.

Riviera was next. She was in a rather revealing outfit that showed off the size of her bust. I looked away. I didn't want to stare and make it seem like I was a creep. Especially seeing those axes of hers. I don't want to ever think about messing with them.

Last, not least. Vox appeared in his usual attire. Only this time, he had his beloved blade strapped next to him around his waist. He took a seat next to me and grinned. I grinned back. Today was going to be exciting and I can finally show the world how much I can do. I was going to let them see that I was not the grandson of the flame mage. But rather, Berwick The Crimson Marksman.

The other Templars chatted casually for a while. I looked around and saw more and more demons started filling in. Pretty soon, there were no vacant seats left. Then, a deafening sound pierced through the air. Everyone quieted down as the kingdom crier announced Queen Juno's entrance. A boring speech was said and with the clang of the bell, the ceremony commenced.

"First and foremost of it all, let's give it up for the captain, The Stealth Patriot, Vox of the Juno Templars!"

As soon as Vox stood up to wave at the audiences, the crowd went wild with cheers. I looked on with amusement. That was quite a reaction alright.

"Next one up, we have the vice captain, The Tower of Courage, Duke of the Juno Templars!"

More cheers sounded, but they were not as enthusiastic as when Vox was announced. Ouch.

"Then, we have the fierce, fearless and courageous, The Brutal War Axe Riviera of the Juno Templars!"

A deafening sound of whistles were heard. Most of them were guys. Of course, why am I not surprised. Riviera was a woman with a great body. Many guys in town had talked about how she was their ideal girlfriend type. However, Most guys were too afraid to date her. Probably because she was too scary for them. I chuckled at the thought.

"Last, but not the least, let's give a warm welcome to our new, young rising star of Granadia, The Crimson Marksman Berwick!"

Before the crowd had a chance to cheer for me as they did with the others, I shushed them. Standing up, I extended a hand. Fire begin to form around the tip of my index finger. With a wave of my arm, a fire Phoenix was created. It flew around the arena, gave a loud cry before disappearing into specks of dying embers. The demons were silent. I smiled, knowing the little surprise that I had prepared worked like a charm. I ended the act with a bow.

The crowd was loving it. They went insane for it.

Beside me, Vox jabbed me in the rib with the end of his elbow. "You just had to do that, don't you?"

I saw a playful twinkle in his eyes though his expression remained calm. I only grinned at him.

"Showoff." Duke rolled his eyes, but the corner of his lips betrayed him as I saw a small smile escaping.

Riviera only shook her head. The only one who didn't try to mask the pure amusement on her face.

Soon, the crowd quieted down. The announcer then introduced the demon that will be joining us shortly.

"And now, the moment you all had been waiting for. The new recruit of the Juno Templars, The Unmovable Shield, Thetis of Granadia!"

The crowd cheered, whistles could be heard among the few demons that was sitting next to me. I guessed that it was probably his family members.

I wondered if my family would be proud of me for choosing to be a Juno Templar instead of carrying on the family legacy.

"Don't be silly." I slapped my face to remind myself. "I'm my own person. I don't have to carry on the family destiny if I don't want to. I am proud of being a fire mage. But I will not let that define me. For I am Berwick, The Crimson Marksman."

While I was distracted, I didn't notice that there was a fierce battle going on below us. The crowd was silent with nervousness. I was wondering why they were not making a peep until I saw it as well.

The new recruit was having a hard time dealing with the dragon that was in the arena. It looked like the heavy armors he was wearing was weighing him down, making him pant in weariness. The sweat on his forehead was glistening under the sun.

Suddenly, the dragon raised his head in the air. He gave a loud roar and charged a beam of icy ray toward the new recruit. The heaviness of the shield had finally burdened him as he was a minute later to dodge. He was grazed and soon, his flesh appeared to be frost bitten. The dragon trodged closer and Thetis looked like he doesn't have much stamina left.

Seeing how dangerous the situation was, without thinking, I grabbed Fomalhaut and dashed toward the center of the battlefield, ignoring everyone's gasps and murmurs.

"Flame Nova!" I shouted. A pillar of fire rose in front of me. I directed it toward the dragon. He wasn't harmed, but he was caught off guard. I rushed over to the wounded new recruit and used the momentum to pull him out of the dangerous area. He was quite heavy due to the amount of armory he had equipped.

"Are you okay?" I kneeled before him. He nodded his thanks and breathed a sigh of relief.

Seeing his prey slip away from under his nose, the dragon was enraged. He stretched out his wings and shattered the chains that had been keeping him in bound. I realized that it could get really dangerous, so I shouted to Duke to start escort the crowd out of the exit. He nodded. I then turned my attention back to the dragon. He was now right above me. There was nothing Riviera or Vox could do since they had more of a melee attack style. I was the only one who could reach the dragon with my fire.

I bit my lips. Fire against water was not so advantageous. Sure, his ice won't do much to me, but he also had a water element within him to which could easily put out my flame. And once my flame is gone, I could no longer ride the wind and reach him.

I looked to Queen Juno. There could be only one solution left. She seemed to read my mind and gave a nod of approval. I smirked. This all ends here.

"Our pledge to our ruler, the call of justice running deep into our crimson blood, Magia Drive!"

Suddenly, I felt power surge through me. The flame around me broke out. The aura of my fire magic overflowed, surrounding me in dark red embers.

"Today will be the day that you regret that you had ever been born, for you will perish under the wrath of my Crimson Judgement. Ex Procyon Blast!"

I cried and jumped up. The updraft created by my magic flames sent me into mid air. I pointed Fomalhaut at the dragon as a blast of fire shot out from the tip. The ice dragon roared in pain, and pretty soon, he disappeared under the hunger of my flame.

The effect of my magic wore off as I landed on my feet. The dragon had perished.

Clap

Clap clap

More claps were heard. I looked around to see Vox and Riviera making their way toward me. Duke smiled proudly from the far end of the arena. Queen Juno nodded her approval. Even Thetis was quite impressed.

"Wow, that was lit Berwick. No pun intended but you really saved my butt back there." He laughed, his red rimmed glasses shined under the hot, midday sun.

I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. "I'm sure I was pretty impulsive though."

"Had you not jumped out of your seat on time, we might've lost a new recruit." Vox interjected. "So your misconduct was forgiven."

"But this'll be the only time though." Her majesty approached us. "Unless something like this happened again."

The near death experience was soon drowned out by our laughters.

----------------------------------------------

Author's Note

I SUCKED SO MUCH AT WRITING FIGHTING SCENES AHHHH! It took everything out of me to not sound repetitive but I guess I'm too rusty in this area. Writing too much romance be like lol

I know, Berwick doesn't have any healing abilities in game. But again, like I said, this is a fan fiction. It only makes sense to have someone Who's mastered the art of magic in order to use a healing spell. To do that, Berwick is the best guy for the job.

Thanks for reading!

[regenderate-fic]

When I Run Away (You're Who I Run To): Chapter 20

main post read on ao3

Word Count (Chapter): 3,625

NOTES: i do think a lot about yaz's family… the way she's so close with her grandma but neither of her parents seem to know about her running away/suicide attempt? there are some complicated dynamics there that the show doesn't really seem to notice or address.

They booked train tickets, then a hotel room. Rose went and knocked on Ace’s door and gave her a set of keys— there wasn’t much in Sheffield that Rose’s keys could unlock, after all. And then Rose threw together a meal that Yaz barely ate, and then they got in bed and Yaz barely slept, and early the next morning they met a yawning Penny just outside the bakery, with coffee they’d bought from Ace seconds earlier. It was a quick cab ride to the train station, and from there a short wait until the train pulled up. Train staff helped Penny lift her bag onto the train, and Yaz climbed the stairs after her, Rose just behind. They sat three in a row, Penny at the window, Rose at the aisle, Yaz in the middle. She’d asked to sit in the middle— there was something about being surrounded by her people that made her feel better.

It wasn’t a very long train ride, but it was long enough for Yaz’s worry to build up in her, to mount with nowhere to go. She couldn’t start crying on a train car; she especially couldn’t start crying when she was about to see her entire family. So she gripped Rose’s hand and let her head rest against Rose’s shoulder, and she waited for the train to stop in Sheffield. 

Her dad met them at the train station. Yaz hadn’t expected it— she’d sent Sonya the train and hotel details, but she’d thought everyone would be too preoccupied to actually show up. But her dad was there, looking tired, his eyes darting from Yaz to Rose and then finally to Penny, frowning as Rose helped her down from the train.

“You didn’t say you had a third person,” he said.

“Er— sorry.” Yaz glanced at Penny. “It was sort of last minute. She’s trying to keep herself away from abusive family. Needed to get out of London. And then Rose and I were coming here— I thought—” She shrugged. “Plan was for her to hang out downtown or something.”

“Yaz,” her dad said. “You can’t leave your friend like that. We’ll find room for her.”

“I really don’t want to intrude,” Penny said. She was leaning on her cane, suitcase trailing behind her. “Honestly.”

“No intrusion,” Yaz’s dad said. “Can’t say we’re all that much fun right now, of course. But honestly, Najia’s whole family’s sitting in our flat right now, worried out of their minds. It’ll be good for everyone to have some people around who aren’t worrying.”

“You sure about that?” Yaz asked. She glanced at Penny. “Penny, you don’t have to sit around my worried family all day, either.” 

“I don’t mind,” Penny said immediately. “I’m good with that sort of thing.”

“And,” Yaz’s dad added, “if you’re important enough to Yaz that she let you come, I’m sure you’re the sort of person the family would like to meet.”

“Dad.”

Yaz’s dad flung his hands in the air. “What? It’s true!”

“Fine.” Yaz looked from Penny to her dad. “Dad, this is Penny. She runs the bakery across from our shop. Penny, this is my dad.”

“Please, call me Hakim.” Yaz’s dad shook Penny’s hand.

“Very pleased to meet you, Hakim,” Penny said.

“You too.” Yaz’s dad looked around at all three of them. “Now, can I take anyone’s bags?” 

Five minutes later, they were in the car. The plan was to check in at the hotel, then go right to the hospital. Yaz’s nan was still asleep, but relatively stable, and they were allowing visitors a few at a time: Yaz would be able to go in and see her.

“She’s looking better,” Yaz’s dad said as they pulled away from the train station. “They think she’ll pull through.”

“That’s good.” Yaz was gripping the armrests of the front seat. “How long—”

“We don’t know yet. We’re hoping she’ll wake up today, but she’ll be in the hospital for a while.”

Yaz nodded. She wished she was sitting in the backseat with Rose and Penny, where at least she could’ve held someone’s hand, but that would've put her dad in an awkward position, and she was already putting him in an awkward position by having Penny along to begin with. And as much as Rose was there for Yaz, Yaz was there for her family. Mostly her nan, of course, but with her nan came aunts and uncles and cousins, not to mention her parents and sister. So she sat in the front seat, every muscle tensed. 

At the hotel, Rose checked in, and Yaz's dad waited in the lobby as Yaz, Rose, and Penny went to drop their stuff in their room. The second they were inside, Yaz dropped down onto one of the beds, her emotions threatening to spill over. 

Rose was next to her in a second, holding her hand, and then Penny was awkwardly perched on her other side, hovering a good foot away. Yaz reached for her hand too. 

“Penny,” she said, “you don't have to come if you don't want to. Whatever my dad says.” 

“I can come,” Penny said. “But, Yaz, do you want me to?”

Yaz floundered. “I— I don't know.”

“Yaz,” Penny said, her voice low, “I know you just invited me to help me get away from my mum, but I do want to support you. In any way I can.”

“I just—” Yaz shook her head. “I feel like I put you in an awkward position.” She sighed. “It was probably going to be awkward no matter what. I didn't think it through.”

“You were worried,” Penny said. Her hand was still warm in Yaz's.

“I—” Yaz looked down. “I think I’d like it. If you came.” She glanced at Penny. “If it’s not— I mean, won’t it be exhausting for you?”

Penny shrugged. “Not like I have anything else I’m supposed to be doing. Just as long as I’ve got a place to sit down.”

“No shortage of that in a waiting room,” Yaz said. She hesitated. “Well, there might be, if my whole family’s there. Still.”

Penny squeezed her hand. “Yasmin Khan, it would be my honor to accompany you.”

Yaz almost laughed at that. “All right. Then I’d like to have you.” She glanced at Rose. “Both of you.” She pushed herself to her feet, and Rose and Penny came with her. Yaz took a deep breath, Rose’s hand at the small of her back, and together they stepped back out into the hallway.

Yaz’s dad was in an armchair in the lobby, looking at his phone. When Yaz and Rose and Penny reentered, he looked up. 

“All set?”

Yaz nodded. 

“Great. Let’s go.”

They loaded back into the car, and Yaz’s dad drove them the few blocks to the hospital. The parking lot was huge, and for half a second Yaz was worried about Penny, but Penny was on top of it— 

“I’ve got a badge,” she said, extending it to the front seat. “So we can park closer to the door.”

“Oh, she comes with better parking!” Yaz’s dad crowed. He elbowed at Yaz. “You’ve found a good one.”

Yaz rolled her eyes. “I don’t pick my friends for their access to parking, Dad.”

“I would,” Penny said, leaning back again. “If I didn’t have it myself. It’s proper useful.” She paused. “Although maybe I just say that ‘cause I get tired walking across the parking lot.”

Yaz glanced back. “Which would be why you’ve got the badge to begin with.”

“Suppose so,” Penny said cheerfully. “Proper hassle to get, and all. And I never even go anywhere by car. We're all lucky I didn't forget it.”

Yaz’s dad had pulled into a parking spot, and now he unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to Yaz. “You ready?”

Yaz closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and nodded. “Yeah.”

Her dad patted her arm. “All right. Let’s go.”

The hospital was overwhelming right from the start. Bright lights, white walls, nurses pushing patients through on beds. Yaz’s dad didn’t take notice— he marched through, assuming Yaz would follow, and Yaz did, albeit just a little bit slower, and with an iron grip on Rose’s hand. By the time they actually got to her nan’s ward, Yaz was holding Penny’s hand, too, and Rose’s arm was properly around her waist. 

The waiting room had a good number of people, milling about, but Yaz’s family was easy to find: a whole group was clustered in one corner, talking to each other in overlapping English and Punjabi, all at once. Sonya was just at the edge, sitting with her boyfriend, Ryan, and looking about as worried as Yaz had ever seen her: she tended to put on a front, and although Yaz could spot most of her tells, she didn’t make it easy. 

“I’ve got Yasmin,” Yaz’s dad said, stepping into the fray. “And she’s brought friends.”

Yaz didn’t miss Sonya’s raised eyebrow, or her glance at Yaz’s and Penny’s joined hands. Yaz made eye contact with her, shook her head slightly. Sonya gave her a look. 

“Where’s your mum?” Yaz’s dad added, looking at Sonya. 

“Inside,” Sonya said. “Still.”

Slowly, Yaz stepped away from Penny and Rose. “Can I—”

“Yes, of course,” her aunt Karima said, leaning forward. “I’ll take you.” She pushed herself to her feet, and Yaz looked back to Penny and Rose.

“Will you two be okay out here?”

“‘Course we will,” Rose said. She pulled Yaz into a one-armed hug. “We’ll be right here. Yeah?”

“Okay.” Yaz stepped away, letting her aunt pull her into a hug.

“We’ve missed you around here, Yasmin.”

“Sorry,” Yaz said weakly. “Been busy.” 

“That’s all right. You’re here when it counts.” Her aunt pulled back. “Come on, I’ll take you in.”

Yaz followed her aunt through the halls, her hands stuffed in her jacket pockets. 

“Now, she’s still asleep,” her aunt said, “but they say she’s doing well. They won’t let too many of us in at a time, but it’s just your mum in there now, so we should be all right.”

Yaz swallowed the lump in her throat. “Okay.” 

Her aunt led her to a door and knocked twice. A nurse opened it.

“Family?” she asked.

Yaz’s aunt nodded. The nurse pulled the door further open, and Yaz stepped in.

Her nani looked small. That was her first thought. Someone who always filled so much space, in all the best ways— but now she was dwarfed by the hospital bed and the oxygen mask and the beeping and the IV tube, and Yaz almost couldn’t stand it.

“Yaz.” It was her mum, getting up from her chair by the side of the bed. She pulled Yaz into a hug. 

“Hi.” Yaz stepped back. Her mum looked tired— exhausted, really, in a way that made her look small too. Yaz didn’t know what to do with that. “How is she?”

“Oh, Yasmin.” Yaz’s mum shook her head. “It’s— it’s been a bit touch and go. We think she’ll be all right, but—”

“Yeah.” Yaz looked back at her nan. “Can I— stay for a bit?”

“Of course you can, love.” Her mum put a hand on her shoulder. “Do you want to be on your own?”

“No,” Yaz said. “Not really.”

“All right.” Her mum sat back down. 

Yaz stood next to her nan’s bed, looking down at her prone form. She couldn’t even figure out what all she was feeling right now: she was worried, and maybe sad, but it was all sort of fuzzy, held at a distance. She picked up her nan’s hand, held it in both of hers. She thought about trying to say something, but she couldn't think what— she'd always liked conversation with her nan, but both parties had to be awake for a conversation. Finally, she closed her eyes and muttered a half-remembered prayer. She thought— maybe hoped— she felt her nan’s hand shift, but when she opened her eyes, her nan was still resolutely asleep. 

Yaz let out a breath and stepped back. 

“All right?” her mum asked, quiet. 

“Yeah,” Yaz said. She glanced at her mum. “I think I'm going to go back out. Say a proper hello.”

Her mum eased herself out of her chair. “You know, I'll come with you. Give your auntie Karima a chance.”

Yaz's aunt Karima was still standing by the door. She swapped places with Yaz's mum, and Yaz and her mum stepped out into the hallway. 

“So,” her mum said. “How's the shop? How's Rose? You know, you don't call enough.”

“I know,” Yaz said. “Shop’s good. And you can ask Rose how she is when we get back to the waiting room.” She hesitated. “And we've got another friend with us. Penny. She's trying to get away from an abusive family member, and she wasn’t going to come to the hospital, but Dad said—”

“Your father.” Yaz’s mum shook her head. “Probably made the poor girl feel so awkward, didn't he?”

“She's taken it all right.” It was strange to hear Penny referred to as a “poor girl.” “I just wanted to warn you before we got there.”

“I'm glad you have people to support you,” her mum said. She sounded like she was going to say more, but then they rounded the corner into the waiting room, and the family looked up. 

“A couple more people can go in,” Yaz's mum said. “Who hasn't seen her yet?”

A couple cousins raised their hands, and Yaz's mum nodded for them to go towards the corridor that led to the rooms. Yaz felt a hand in hers, and then she realized she'd just been standing there, staring into space; the hand belonged to Rose, who led her to the chairs next to Penny. Penny had been engaged in a spirited conversation with Ryan, but when Yaz sat down she whipped her head around, eyes full of concern. 

“All right?” she asked. 

“How do you feel when we ask you that?” Yaz asked, without malice. Rose had sat down next to her, and she let her head fall on Rose’s shoulder— but somehow, her hand had found its way to Penny’s again. 

“That bad?” Penny asked. She squeezed Yaz's hand. 

“It'll be all right,” Yaz said. “Probably.” Her own voice sounded distant. She glanced at Penny. “Making friends with Ryan?”

“Oh, yeah, he's brilliant. Gave me loads of ideas for my next alarm clock.”

Yaz managed a smile. “That's good, then.”

“Also,” Penny added, holding up her phone, “Donna and Ace send their love.”

“Thanks.” Yaz closed her eyes. 

It felt like hours that she was sitting in that waiting room with Rose and Penny, watching her family members come and go: an uncle would arrive, an aunt would have to go to work, cousins would stop in after school. Yaz barely processed any of it. She was vaguely aware of Rose talking— Rose had been to enough family holidays that she knew most of the people filtering through. And then Rose was introducing Penny, and Penny was maintaining an impressively  constant stream of chatter, all without Yaz having to engage much. 

Finally, though, Yaz's mum came out— when had she gone back in? Yaz hadn't been paying attention— and said, softly, “She's awake.”

Yaz sat straight up. “Can we talk to her?”

“Small groups,” her mum said. She glanced around— the crowd in the waiting room had dwindled a little, but there were still more people waiting than would fit in the hospital room. “And not for very long, all right?” She looked at Yaz. “You and Sonya want to come back?”

“Okay.” Yaz stood up. She glanced back at Rose, who gave her a nod. Yaz tried to smile back. She stepped away, Sonya next to her, and their mum led them back.

By the time they reached Yaz’s nan’s room, she and Sonya were holding hands. Yaz couldn’t quite remember how that had happened, but she wasn’t arguing, even when Sonya’s grip went tight as they stepped inside. Their nan was awake, the back of her bed raised to allow her to sit up: she still looked tired and limp, but Yaz could see a hint of the usual spark in her eyes.

“Yasmin,” she croaked. “Sonya. How good to see you.”

“We were worried,” Yaz said. 

“I know,” her nan replied. “But I’m not going anywhere just yet.” 

Yaz’s laugh came out as more of a sob. She stepped forward, Sonya at her heels. They both reached out at the same time to take their nan’s hand; their fingers wound up overlapping on her skin. For a long moment, none of them said anything. What could Yaz say, to fill this moment? There was nothing that came close to articulating how she felt. 

“You’d better not go anywhere,” Sonya finally said. “‘Cause I need you at my wedding, and I don’t think Ryan’s ready to propose.”

Yaz actually laughed at that, and so did her nan.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “These doctors have been good to me so far. I don’t see why I wouldn’t have years ahead of me.” She covered both of their hands with hers, leaning forward as best she could to ask, “Now, what have you two been up to lately? It feels like it's been years.”

“Too long,” Yaz agreed. 

“So tell me,” her nan said. “How's the shop?”

Yaz smiled. “It's good. Better than, honestly.” 

“Full of blondes?” Sonya asked, with her usual bite. 

“Sonya.” Yaz glared at her. 

“Oh, have you hired someone new?” her nan asked.

“No,” Yaz said. “Just Amy. And you know Bill.”

“And Rose,” Sonya added. 

Yaz rolled her eyes. “You've both known Rose for years.”

“Yeah, and Ryan’s new best friend?” Sonya countered. 

“Penny co-owns the bakery across the street,” Yaz said. “Didn't she say?”

“Penny?” their nan asked. 

“Friend from London,” Yaz explained. “She came with me and Rose.”

“Oh, Yasmin,” her nan said, “I love that you've built up such a life for yourself in London. Even if I wish you'd come home more often.”

“I should,” Yaz said, and meant it. Her family was stressful, but she didn't see her nan often enough— or Sonya, for that matter. 

“Bring your friends,” her nan added. “You know I love to meet the people you love, beti.”

“Thanks, Nani.” Yaz smiled. “I’ll bring Rose in a couple days. Once you’ve had a chance to recover a little, yeah?”

“I would like that.”

“So would Rose,” Yaz said. “She likes you.”

Her nan smiled. “Now, Sonya, what’s new in your life?”

“Nothing interesting,” Sonya said. “Except there’s this girl at my work who I swear is trying to get me fired.”

“Oh?” 

And Sonya launched into an explanation of her latest work drama. Yaz nodded and hummed where it was appropriate, but she wasn’t really listening. She was more focused on her nan, terrified with every passing second that something would happen, alarms would go off, and her nan would slip back into sleep— or worse.

But nothing happened. After half an hour, her mum came back and said it might be time for someone else to have a turn, and Yaz and Sonya went back into the waiting room together. Rose was leaning over to play with Yaz’s little cousin Nadira now, and the room had cleared out enough that Penny could lean against Rose and extend her legs across two more chairs as she continued her conversation with Ryan. When Yaz came in, she swung her legs back to the floor and moved over to leave an empty space between her and Rose, and Yaz wasted no time in sitting down. Rose swung Nadira onto her lap, and Yaz smiled. 

“Hey, there.”

“Hi, Yasmin!” Nadira looked at her with wide and solemn eyes. “Is Nani okay?”

“Yeah,” Yaz said, taking one of Nadira’s tiny hands in hers. “She’s going to be just fine. Maybe you can go in and see her soon, yeah?”

“I hope so,” Nadira said. “I was really worried.” She paused. “Rose said it was going to be okay. Did you know your friends are really nice?”

“I did,” Yaz said, giving Rose a soft smile. “That’s why I picked them.”

“I have nice friends too,” Nadira said. “But Mum wouldn’t let me bring them here. So I have to share yours.”

Yaz laughed. “Did Rose say that?” It sounded like the sort of thing Rose would tell a kid.

“Might have,” Rose said.

“Right,” Yaz said. “Well, I can’t argue with Rose, then, can I?” She rested her head on Rose’s shoulder. 

“Yeah, and remember you said that next time we’re deciding what show to put on,” Rose replied, but she extended an arm around Yaz’s shoulders anyway, brushing a hand across her hair.

“Whatever.” 

Yaz let her eyes slip shut. She was vaguely aware of Nadira jumping back off Rose’s lap, her little footsteps taking her back to her mum, and then Rose’s breath against the top of her head as she said, “Are you all right?”

“Might be ready to go,” Yaz said. She’d spent too many hours in the bright lights of this hospital already. “Don’t think they’ll let me in to see her again today.”

“All right.” Rose stood up, taking Yaz with her. “Hey, Penny, you ready to go?”

“Oh!” Penny jumped up, almost stumbling before she caught herself with her cane. “‘Course I am. You all right, Yaz?”

“Yeah,” Yaz said. “Just tired.”

Penny nodded. She grabbed Yaz’s hand, and Yaz felt the warmth radiate up her arm. Rose wrapped her own arm around Yaz’s waist, and together, the three of them left the hospital.

[mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess]

Funny things I've done, as MDZS characters:

Part 2

Lan Wangji: one morning on my way to uni, i made myself a thermos of coffee to have during the day. When I took the first sip, I realized it was very bitter and when one colleague laughed and said smth along the lines of "too smart to remember sugar?", I downed it all at once, hot and bitter, then said "what's so funny? I always take my coffee like this". Ended up actually developing a taste for simple, black coffee with no sugar or creamers.

Wei Wuxian: went to a restaurant with a friend and ordered a spicy plate of meat and veggies, but it wasn't spicy enough so I sprinkled about half a container of black pepper on it so it would actually be spicy. My friend wanted to taste it too, and after she did, she asked me if I had lost my sense of taste and offered to buy me a rapid covid test.

Lan Sizhui: I carried various pills i didn't really need in 2 of my purses for a whole year because one of my friends tended to forget hers at home all the time and would randomly remember she needs to take them

Lan Jingyi: went to the supermarket to buy one single loaf of bread, came home with 100$ worth of groceries and no bread. Went to the supermarket again, and came back with another round of groceries... and one single loaf of bread.

Ouyang Zizhen: one of my professors couldn't remember my name at all, so he called me by the seat I took in his class for a whole semester, so he always greeted me with a happy "Good morning, Front Row, First Seat!"

Jin Ling: a colleague was talking about how many gifts she needed to buy her family for Christmas because she had a lot of aunties, uncles and cousins. When she asked me for some ideas for gifts, I said "idk, my relatives are crazy... but you can never go wrong with gift cards or money i guess."

Wen Ning: got stepped on my brand new shoes in the bus after a long, hard day and started crying so hard I missed my bus stop

Wen Qing: i was watching House MD with my mom and we both guessed the diagnosis before dr. House did

Lan Qiren: was the only person who did the non-mandatory assignment because I was passionate about the topic and got 3p extra credit I didn't even need

Nie Huaisang: made a presentation about procrastination 1h before it was due and got full points for it

Jin Guangyao: for one of my events organizing courses, the professor asked for weekly updates on the final project during class so he could offer suggestions and feedback. My team and I hadn't started for the first few weeks because we had been busy with assignments for other classes, so I had to gaslight the professor into thinking our project was well underway. I even asked several questions pertaining to topic and gave examples of what we'd already "done". He believed me every time and our project ended up being used as an example of good time management and high quality content for the next year's classes.

Nie Mingjue: got in a screaming match with my mom about some random issue and when my dad tried to calm us down, we both started yelling at him too and that's how we made up

Lan Xichen: my ex best friend got me flowers for my birthday - except they were half wilted, despite both her parents being florists. She said it was because of the windy weather. There had been no wind. But I believed her anyway and kept the flowers until they dried up completely... the next day.

Jiang Cheng: was in a debate during English classin highschool and after hearing the other side's arguments, I stood up, said "with all due respect, everything you've just said is bullshit." and sat back down to let my debate colleague list out the reasons.

Mo Xuanyu: some dude was suspiciously following me around while I was on my way home, so I faked a phonecall during which I loudly explained I forgot to take my psych medication.

[pop-punklouis]

RECAP: Louis Tomlinson ATLANTA 02/07

Hiiiii okay since i promised i was going to recap all of my shows here’s my experience from the coca cola roxy last night with my parents ✨

So! my parents were so excited the whole day. I made a post about this but my mom kept asking me if her makeup looked okay and my dad kept asking my opinion on his outfits and if he looked hot enough for louis LMAO. when we left to head to the venue, my dad insisted on listening to the setlist so he could get pumped, and it was a really good time. we were singing and laughing and by the time we got to the show, we were in such great moods. we parked and headed to the sign to take photos. On the way I ran into a few of you and i’m so glad i was able to see you and meet some of you!! it was really sweet 🤍 it was freezing outside (like 40 degrees without the wind) and i suffered through it so i could wear my cute crop top that appropriately said “it’s time to dance.” my dad cursed me the entire time bc he was also freezing, but it was a good time ✨

we ate near the venue, and the entire time my dad kept telling me his excitement was mounting and my mom was getting butterflies in her stomach. it was really adorable how much they were looking forward to it. we got in line afterwards, and since we had the balcony seats we didn’t have to stand in the long GA line fortunately. i was really impressed with the roxy and how they kept the floor and the balcony seating separate bc i’ve been to several roxy shows where GA fans will go up to the balcony and block the view bc they cant see on the bottom. so i was really happy they were more organized this time around for such a huge crowd. ALSO! our seats were great. we were front row in our section right before the AA row, and no one sat in the seats directly in front of us so we were close to the stage on the side and my parents could sit and watch him perfectly if they wanted. it really couldn’t get better. the friend i went to dallas with was also there so we drank together before the show at the bar and i was pleasantly buzzed by the time sunroom went on.

SHOW TIME:

• i know i went to the first show in Dallas, but the acoustics in there were terrible because it was a mostly flat, one level venue. with the roxy, it has incredible sound with it being a two-level venue with high ceilings. so i could hear the entire show so much better which made it even more special because it almost felt like i was experiencing the show again for the first time due to how clear everything was. i’m saying this because sunroom sounded FUCKING FANTASTIC last night. they were really good, and i dig their sound a lot. their stage presence last night was very high energy and my parents loved them. they got up and started dancing around at one point during their set that’s how much they enjoyed them as an opener.

• When they put up the smiley face curtain, that’s when my dad began absolutely sweating lmao. you could see his nerves and he does this thing where he opens and closes his hands when he’s anxious it was really cute to see him get so flustered. i went down to get him a louis hat at merch, and when i came back up he socked it on his head immediately and was like “alright, i’m now ready to see my man.”

• As soon as Louis came on stage we were all just lost in the moment (also can i say that louis looked SO GORGEOUS last night?? best fit of the tour so far. he was teasing my pop punk!louis dreams. so i’m glad he fed me specifically 😌). my dad was head banging and pointing at louis as he sang every word, i was shouting the lyrics and jumping around, and my mom was waving her hands and smiling deliriously. the crowd’s momentum was incredible during the first half. the energy was overwhelming. his voice was overpowered by the crowd a few times during certain songs. it was genuinely so electric. i could feel the adrenaline from the top. it was radiating throughout the entire room and you could see how much louis was playing off us. i cant remember which song it was, but during one of the songs when my dad was head-banging and pointing at louis, louis looked up and looked my dad dead in the eye and pointed back at him and giggled. my dad automatically turned to me and said “there it was. our connection” DJFKFKGLG and it made his entire night. like i wasn’t expecting louis to see my dad at all and for him to notice him only a few songs in was amazing, and i’m so happy he did.

• i’ll be honest, i was incredibly impressed with how louis handled the pit situation when the show had to stop for 15 minutes. he paused the show a couple of times during Copy of a Copy because of it but then halted the entire set when more and more people began passing out. the roxy had the same issue in 2017 with the harry styles show. the ventilation on the floor is terrible and they oversell the pit sometimes to a dangerous level which is just so unsafe ugh. but, louis was in total control of it. while most people were getting anxious and overwhelmed, he was very patient, calm, and collected. he would talk slowly and quietly into the mic to soothe the nerves of the fans. he quickly came up with a system for security to see fans who needed help right away, and it helped tremendously with water and space. he also had everyone take three big steps back. it’s obvious how big of a heart he has and how he genuinely cares about the wellbeing of his fans. i’ve seen several shows where the artist might stop the set once but keep going after just expecting security to deal with it. louis made it a point to basically say “i don’t care how long it takes or how many times we have to stop for you all to be able to enjoy the show safely.” he did have to take a moment after a while and he left the stage for about 5 minutes which concerned all of us. we thought the venue was going to shut down the rest of the show because of safety hazards. and his tone sounded so frustrated and defeated. but he regrouped backstage, took some time, and came back out looking more refreshed and relieved. they continued the show after that and for the first half of “just hold on” you could tell he was still cautious and watching the crowd. but after that, when the crowd started building momentum back up he recovered right away and the show went back on without a hitch. if anything it seemed like because of that issue, he went even harder to make sure we all had a great rest of the show. i was afraid it would throw him off and put him in a worried headspace but he really handled it all very well and i adore him to bits 😔🤍

• DEFENCELESS. holy shit man, i feel like hearing defenceless in a balcony section makes it sound even more transcending. the acoustics for that song in particular were unbelievable. really felt like we were soaring. i was losing my goddamn mind because defenceless is my SONG. spinning around, swaying, leaning on the railing. everything. before louis began the song tho my dad leaned over and was like “what’s next what’s the next song?” and i told him defenceless and the very second i said that my dad shouted “LOUIS DEFENCELESS IS MY FAVORITE SONG” and our entire section screamed for him. louis looked up immediately and when the lights went up as he started the song he pointed right back up at my dad it was GLORIOUS ✨

• Only the Brave made me speechless. being up higher and having the opportunity to practically see the entire venue allowed you to see all the pride flags that were up during the song. like i said last night and like what most pictures showed, it looked like almost everyone in that venue was holding up a tiny flag. it overwhelmed louis after because he commented on how cool it was after which damn it really fucking was. my dad was in awe. he didn’t know what the flags were for and i told him before but when he saw them he almost?? cried?? like he was pretty misty-eyed seeing all the support for him. when he saw the crowd he understood it immediately. really touched him ✨🥺

• THEN KILL MY MIND. so i ran to the center front of the balcony section during through the dark so i could mosh with my friend who was in the front row of that section. when i got there, since through the dark makes us both feel like we’re doing a hoe-down, we linked arms and skipped around in a circle with the energy of a dosey-doe. everyone was looking at us but too bad we were having :/ fun :/ and when kill my mind came on, i think everyone up behind us were like 😬😬 bc we were getting hype for the chorus to hit so we could lose our mind and give that song the energy it DESERVES. and damn when it hit, we got the fuck down. we were dancing and moshing and bouncing off each other. spinning around and leaning on the railing to shout the lyrics back at him. apparently he made a comment about two other fans in the back who were losing it to KMM and since the first fans he mentioned left before KMM he had to have been talking about?? us?? since he had direct vision of us and no one else was losing it. they were just side-eyeing us which….. their loss lmao. except for the mom who filmed us bc she loved our energy. i really think it’ll be hard to top that show in regards to losing our shit to KMM. it was just too good.

• after the show my parents and i left and while we were snaking around the massive crowd that had already circled around the tour buses, my dad shouted “LOUIS I LOVE YOU” which was just glorious fjfkfkkg. then when we got in the car my dad insisted we listen to defenceless and kill my mind on repeat for a bit and we rocked out to it all again. he kept raving about how it was one of the best rock concerts he’d ever been to which 🤧🤧 he’s right so. then when we made it back to our town, we turned on john denver and screamed the lyrics to “take me home country roads” which really just. ended the night perfectly.

my jaw was sore from smiling so much and i just felt so warm and loved and happy last night. my parents and i had an absolute blast. even though dallas was great for its own reasons, atlanta was something else. it was so so special, and i’m glad the fans and louis were able to continue the show and give it their all. it was well worth it. one of the best shows i’ve been to in a while. cant wait until the end of february for Denver ✨🌸

[finelinevogue]

Can we get some more brother!harry?

I really enjoyed your piece where he caught her smoking ❤️

of course you can!! (rip if your name is natalia) hope this is what you wanted;

Natalia.

Beautiful name to juxtapose a horrible excuse of a human being.

Harry was never that great when it came to choosing his girlfriends, but this one was by far the worst. Bekka had been bad, because she had been cheating on Harry with her best friends dad. India was just so toxic, to the point where she’d ask Harry why he wasn’t mad with her over the most trivial things as if she wanted him to be mad. Daya was ok, but she wanted different things to what Harry wanted and so they ended up in a massive argument and ending things quicker than they started. Natalia though, wow. She was something else and that wasn’t a compliment.

You don’t know whether it was just because she targeted you especially, but she was just a downright cruel person. You could easily tell her intentions with your brother were not good. She was a plain ol’ gold digger, evident from the credit card that Harry leant her and she spent so much on it the bank had to call Harry to ask him to authorise that he was aware of the amount of money being spent. She bought a car with his card. A fucking car. Harry was too blinded by her beauty and her experience that he was oblivious to her witchy behaviour towards you. It wasn’t like you hadn’t tried to tell him either, it was more that he didn’t care enough.

“No Harry. No.” You argued with him, standing in the middle of the kitchen as he was busy washing the rest of the dishes in the sink. It was just the two of you home at the moment, because Gemma and Anne were spending the weekend at an exclusive spa in Cheshire, so you didn’t understand how there were so many dishes.

“Y/N, it’s not an option. You’re not staying at home by yourself.” Harry spoke sternly back to you, letting out his frustration by vigorously scrubbing the dishes.

“I’m literally 17 - 18 in like 3 weeks. I’m more than capable of staying home.” You stomped your foot to the ground like a child.

“And I don’t care. You’re coming to lunch whether you want to or not.” Harry finished the last plate and dries his hands on the towel next to the sink, before throwing it over to you.

“But she’ll be there.”

“She’s my girlfriend, so you’ll nice to her.”

“If she’s nice to me, then yeah.” You rolled your eyes and walked over to the sink to start drying the dishes that Harry just cleaned.

“ Y/N, I swear to God.” Harry groaned in frustration, tugging a stressful hand through his hair. “Can you at least pretend to be happy for me for once?”

“Gee Harry, i’m just so happy to be going out to lunch with you and your girlfriend!” You put on the biggest grin as your sarcasm practically dripped from your tongue.

“Stop being a spoilt little shit and finish those dishes. We’re leaving in 20.” Harry spoke harshly, before leaving the room with a heavy strop to his step. It left you to blink back the tears that you couldn’t help that Natalia was ruining your whole relationship with your brother.

You and Harry used to be so tight nit, now it would be a miracle if he spent a day with you per month. Natalia had come along 5 months ago and she had completely turned Harry’s life around for the worst, only Harry was too ignorant to see that. Anne had come home multiple times to find you crying because Harry had cancelled on you, again, or Natalia had said something that had really hurt. Normally you were okay with taking hate, but Natalia made it somehow worse than that. Even if Anne or Gemma tried to talk Harry about the damage all this was causing you it would always be the same response;

“She just wants attention.”

The restaurant was very pretty.

It was one that you and Harry used to go to all the time, when there was no girlfriend around. It sold the best pastries and life-changing eggs on toast. The food was always delicious and the staff were so completely lovely. You were glad to be coming here, making you feel more comfortable than you would if you went to a expensive fancy restaurant instead. This little restaurant, named ‘Lemon Puffs’ after their infamous lemon, cream and pastry puffs, made you feel safe and happy.

“Remember to just be nice.” Harry spoke as you both approached the table that Natalia was already sat at. She was too busy on her phone to realise you were even here.

“If she plays nice then yeah.” You bit back.

“Y/N just stop being petty, y’pissing me off now.” Harry argued. “Whine like a bitch later. I don’t need it today.”

You stopped talking after that, not having anything else to say to him. He’d made it very clear that you were only here because he didn’t trust you at home by yourself, but by the same token wanted you quiet because he didn’t trust you enough to speak nicely. Harry hugged and kissed Natalia like he hadn’t just seen her last night and then sat down opposite to her, leaving you to sit next to Harry because you sure as hell weren’t sitting next to her. Natalia didn’t even make the effort to hug you or shake hands, in fact you barely got a simple hello.

“You alright, baby?” Natalia asked, twirling her hand into Harry’s from across the table. Disgusting.

“Yeah i’m good. This one’s a pain in my arse, as always.” Even with his joking tone, you knew he was being somewhat serious and that really messed with you.

“Typical.” Natalia rolled her eyes and tutted her tongue, not hesitating to use the opportunity to be mean to you. Harry thought she was merely playing along with his words, but you new otherwise.

“You know what you want yet?” Harry asked as he pulled his own attention towards the menu. You didn’t need to look at the menu, as being here so many times has allowed you to discover the perfect order.

“I think i’m just going to get the salad, but without the chicken, cheese or cucumber.” She answered, sipping on the water she must’ve already ordered whilst waiting for you both.

“So just lettuce?” You asked, not meaning for it to be a condescending question and yet she took it that way anyways.

“Is there something wrong with that, Y/N?” She asked, being really harsh in the way she spoke your name - as if the syllables actually caused her pain to speak.

“N-no I was just—”

“Didn’t think so.” She snapped and turned away from you to look back towards Harry, with her shit-eating grin that didn’t fool you. Harry kicked you leg under the table too, not appreciating the way you were speaking to Natalia. He didn’t even think about the way his girlfriend was speaking to you though. As usual.

“I’ll probably get the salad too.” Harry nodded his head and you shook your head as he spoke. Harry would never normally get a salad. Like, that’s so Kardashian of him. Harry, whenever he came here with you, always ordered a cheese and pickle panini, with extra crunchy pickles, a portion of chips and some halloumi fries too. Oh and then a cake for pudding. He wouldn’t have gone for a boring salad. Fucking Natalia was ruining him and you hated to have a front row seat of it.

“Not the usual then?” You tried to joke with him, but he was clearly still pissed off with you for being… you.

“Why, are you?” He asked quizzically.

“Obviously.” You smiled, which made Harry smile for a split second before Natalia pulled him away from you. Your smile disappeared and a frown settled in, knowing it would stay there for a long time.

“Babe, I am here too you know?” Natalia joked, bur you could see the anger and jealousy behind her eyes. If looked could kill you’d be ten feet under, twenty times over by now.

“Sorry, yeah.” Harry cleared his throat and paid closer attention to her.

Lunch went by slowly.

Natalia scoffed when she heard your order; poached eggs on toast with three pieces of crispy bacon on the side, a portion of chips and a mint iced tea. Oh and a cake for pudding, but you’d come to that later. Natalia ate her lettuce as Harry eat his salad as you ate your eggs on toast with bacon and chips. You loved the food, hated the company and couldn’t make up your mind whether you loved or hated being here. Natalia and Harry talked throughout lunch, leaving you out of all their conversations. The only time Harry spoke to you was when he asked whether your food was okay, eyeing it up as if he wanted to make love to it and send his salad to the nearest dumpster.

“Was everything alright for you?” Paul, the owner of the business and dude in charge of the eggs asked you when all your plates were empty as Harry’s growling stomach.

“Lovely, thank you.” Harry responded gratefully.

“Perfect.” You smiled as you handed your dirty plate to Paul.

“It was a bit plain.” Natalia moved her plate away from her in disgust and Paul put on his best customer smile, apologising for that before leaving to go and ring up the bill.

“Okay i’m just going to go for a quick wee before I pay.” Harry announced, getting up from the table to go to the loo.

“Okay babe. Don’t be too long.” She called out and then it was left just you and her.

“Well this was nice.” You tried to be nice, as Harry told you to, and start a meant conversation with your arch enemy. Kill ‘em with kindness - that was Harry’s slogan wasn’t it?

“If you hadn’t have been here then yeah.” She turned her nose up at you.

“Look,” you began, wanting her to understand something, “whatever i’ve done to upset you and make you hate me, i’m sorry. Just, I don’t want you to dislike me and I know that Harry really likes you so I want us to be able to get along.”

“Listen, Y/N,” there it was again - your name spoken with dripping venom, “I don’t want to get along with you. You make me sick. You are such a baby to Harry and you’re needy, which means I don’t get to spend time with my boyfriend—”

“Don’t get to spend time with him?” You had to laugh at that. Apart from today, you’d seen Harry maybe a total of 2 hours this whole week and it was Saturday. “You’re practically attached at the hip.”

“Not enough. Harry needs to keep away from you, you only bring him trouble.”

“I’m his fucking sister.” You shouted quietly, not wanting to disturb the peace for the rest of the customers.

“Not an excuse. Look Y/N, I understand that you are quite lonely and don’t have many friends? Maybe you should consider that’s for a very good reason?” She rhetorically asked you and that made you sit back a bit. She was pulling apart your insecurities now and exposing them to find the most painful parts, so she could watch you suffer with only the curse of her words.

“It’s not like that.” You tried to convince yourself more than her, tears in your eyes over something so hurtful to you.

“No? ‘Cause I think that you aren’t the kind of person anyone wants around, including Harry.” She stood up dusted herself off as he noticed Harry walk back over to the table, smiling as if she hadn’t just shot his sister in the heart.

Her words stung more than a scorpions tale, and yes unfortunately you knew what that felt like. Natalia was right. You were alone, friendless and just trouble. There was a reason that you were all of this and Natalia had hit the nail right on the head with the reason why. You thought of your friends, his they always disappeared and left you and now you sit in the canteen alone or hang out only with yourself on the weekends. You think to Gemma and Anne going away for the weekend, not inviting you because it was age restrictive but you still couldn’t help but think there was a more pressing reason than that. Then you think of Harry and how he was fed up of you. He couldn’t be more resentful of you if he tried. You wanted to be a good friend, a good daughter and most importantly a good sister, but it was so blindingly obvious that you weren’t. You were never going to be.

You stood up from the table too, quickly wiping away a tear from your face before anyone could notice but you didn’t care to see if anyone was actually watching. Harry kissed Natalia and then walked over to the cashier to pay the bill. You noticed Paul and Harry talking and so you walked out of the restaurant and towards the car, still tears in your eyes. You needed to be strong for yourself though, especially because nobody else was going to be.

You stood with you handle to the door of the car waited for Harry to come and unlock it. You heard high heels before the car was unlocked, unfortunately.

“Excuse me, but I ride front.” Natalia spat at you, removing your hand from the door and chivvying you to the back of the car instead.

“You’re coming with us?” You asked, your heart aching that little bit more. You didn’t want to spend another minute in her presence and yet she would now probably spend the rest of the week until your mum and sister came back.

“Ye—”

“No she’s not.” Harry walked out of the restaurant and over to the car, standing in between the both of you but a little more towards you.

“Babe? What do you mean?” Natalia asked, a little bit shocked at his tone with her.

“Firstly dont babe me. Secondly, get your hand off my car. Thirdly, don’t ever come near me or my sister ever again.” Harry ordered angrily. You’d never seen him this angry before. You stood behind him, afraid of what was about to go down.

“What has she said to you, because—”

“She’s my sister and she’s got a name. Y/N didn’t tell me anything. Lemon Puffs, however, has eyes and ears everywhere and it’s amazing the stories you hear when you’re stood at the cashier or next to someone at the urinals.” Harry accused Natalia and she went hot red in the face, embarrassed that this conversation was actually happening.

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

“No? Maybe this will jog your memory. ‘I think you aren’t the kind of person anyone wants around, including Harry.’” Harry raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms over his chest confrontationally. Guarding and protecting you. You felt safe.

“Wha— You think I would say that?” Natalia asked, pretending to be offended by the accusation.

“I don’t know, let’s ask Y/N shall we? Y/N, did Natalia say that to you?” Harry asked, turning to look at you with hope in his eyes, but also sorriness for everything that’s happened. You could see it all behind his eyes and you wanted to squeeze him tight to accept his apology, because you loved him and you needed him.

“Y-yes.” You answered, looking down so you didn’t have to make eye contact with Natalia.

“Harry you can’t possibly believe her.” Natalia laughed, but there was heavy insecurity in her tone.

“I trust her more than anyone. More than you. I trust Y/N with my life.” Harry back answered, taking no more bullshit from his ex-girlfriend. “We’re done Natalia. Okay? I don’t want to see you ever again. What you’ve said and done to my sister is unforgivable and I don’t want someone like you in my life.”

“You were a dick too.” You added quietly behind him and he just turned round to smile and wink at you.

“So what? That’s it?” Natalia asked, dumbfounded.

“Bye Natalia.” Harry walked around to the drivers seat and you to the passenger side. He stopped before opening the door though, wanting to say one last thing. “The bill was split in half by the way. Paul’s just inside waiting for you to pay.”

With that, you both got in the car, laughing at Natalia’s reaction and just everything. Apologises were made and promises of no relationships until you two had built back up yours were sworn. It would take time, but Harry was willing to prove that he was a good brother and you were always going to be someone he wanted around.