#my reply might seem cheesy and for that I apologise but I’m just struggling to find the words for this

[eemoo1o-animoo]

OH, MY GOD!

Oh, my god…

How to find words for this? Firstly, your art is, as always, awesome. You really encapsulate their flirtation well, and the colours here are lovely… the roses, too! Claude has always had a thing for roses, especially in canon, and I love how you incorporated them here.

You’re right, it most certainly has come out soft. They are soft. At least in my rendition of them.

And your kind words… oh, how they floor me. Thank you, so dearly, you have no idea how much this means to me. I love this, thank you, thank you, thank you.

HIS MATE, LOVING.

Inspired by the fic of the same name by @eemoo1o-animoo . I reread this one all the time , I really love how they write Claude and Sebastian and how the two are actually in love.

Here we have a bird showing some affection to his spider. I love how soft this came out.

[reidyoulikeabook]

Invisible String

Ship: Fem! Reader x Spencer Reid

Warnings: None, this is just fluff.

Word count: 3.2k

Summary: You and Spencer Reid don’t know it, but you’ve almost met quite a few times. What happens when you do?

A/N: This is potentially a bit on the wrong side of the cheesy line, but I was listening to invisible string by Taylor Swift and couldn’t get this idea out of my head. Pls bare in mind I’m from the UK and my only understanding of the US college system is from Google searches, so pls be forgiving of any misunderstandings about that.

November 6th, 2007

Dr. Spencer Reid. As you sat, thumbing through the article he’d written about the formation of ionic compounds in a chemical whose name you could not for the life of you spell or pronounce, you couldn’t help but resent the man.

Sure, the paper was very well-written and as cohesive as possible given the complex subject matter. But Dr. Spencer Reid, whoever he was, was the current source of your resentment at selecting chemistry to make up your science credit. Highlighting the name of a substance you’d have to look up later, you sighed. It was getting late but you had to hand in a critical summary of the paper on Friday.

It didn’t help that Dr. Reid was: a) a triple doctorate holder by the age of 22, or b) that your chemistry lecturer was none other than his old chemistry lecturer from Caltech and practically glowed with pride whenever he got to bring him up.

You chew on the end of your pen, having now distracted yourself from the notes. Not that you were particularly focused anyway.

In another life, maybe you’d have been a budding chemist who could describe an ionic lattice off rote. In this one, however, you’d just have to settle for slogging through the list of chemical processes and hoping you understood it well enough to please Dr. Reid’s biggest fan.

***

April 16th, 2008

Spencer hated flaking on commitments. It caused him a great deal of anxiety, the feeling of disappointing someone. He didn’t have much choice in this circumstance though.

Diana had taken ill over the last weekend. Nothing serious, some stomach bug or other. She’d become severely dehydated though, and had been hospitalised as a precautionary measure. Truth be told, he might not have gone if she hadn’t caught him on the phone. He was already feeling guilty for not having visited since Christmas. He wrote her letters everyday, yet still felt like he was neglecting his duties as a son. Rubbing his hands over his face, he lets out a deep sigh. Then takes out his laptop, to send another email.

Dear. Dr Abraham

I sincerely apologise again for my last minute cancellation. Excluding any unforeseen circumstances, myself and SSA Hotchner will be available to present the lecture on May 12th.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Spencer Reid.

***

May 12th, 2008

Considering this was your third year on campus, you sure were bad at finding your way around. In your defence, they were doing maintenance in one of the main buildings, meaning that lectures got shuffled around and relocated. You probably had a higher change of attending the right lecture by accident than on purpose.

It doesn’t help that you’re running a little late this morning. You rush into Room 203. A lot of the seats are taken, you have to meander your way past quite a few people until you end up sat almost directly in the middle. Only moments before the lecture starts.

“I’m SSA Hotchner, and this is SSA Reid. We’re members of the BAU which is based at FBI quarters in Quantico. Today, we’ll be talking to you about profiling.”

This is not your forensic linguistics lecture.

Panic hits you, hot in your gut. Scanning the room anxiously, you suddenly become conscious that you’re drawing attention to yourself when you feel the eyes of the man who is not SSA Hotchner on you. Fuck.

There’s no way for you to escape now, not without disturbing half the lecture hall.

So you sit back in your seat, resigning yourself to sit awkwardly in the lecture you’re not supposed to be in and hoping nobody notices.

But then, it’s really interesting, actually. The work that Dr. Reid does sounds similar to work you’ve done in forensic linguistics, analysing patterns of speech and minor phrase formations that can give things away about the perpetrator. By the end of the seminar, you’re sat leaning forward. Enraptured by almost every word coming out of their mouths.

It seems to be the general mood: everyone is enamoured. People are clammering to speak to them at the end. After a brief inner battle, myou decide that you should talk to them too.

What’s the harm?

You’ve decided that you’ll speak to Dr. Reid, since he seems to share more of a field focus. However, as you’re heading down, you spot him. Dr Adams, your chemistry lecturer from last year. Oh shit, it’s that Dr. Reid.

Speaking to SSA Hotchner will just have to do instead.

----

“I’ve been majoring in forensic linguistics and criminal psychology,” You tell him, “Do you think ... I mean, I know it’s a pretty exclusive team to get on to. But is that the kind of thing that could maybe get me there one day?”

Hotchner nods, “Forensic linguistics is something that comes in very useful in the investigative aspects of cases. The FBI is always looking for new angles and perspectives, those are both good subjects to study if you were thinking of signing up to the academy.”

"Thank you, Agent Hotchner,” You say, suddenly a little bashful as you notice the queue of people lingering behind you, “That was a really interesting lecture. It’s definitely something I’ll think about.”

“You should talk to Dr. Reid if you have a particular interest in the linguistic aspect of profiling. He’s more specialised in that area than I am. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to discuss any research you’re conducting at the moment and suggest materials that might be helpful in furthering your understanding of the area.”

“Thank you,” You smile, and he nods at you again.

Stepping away from Agent Hotchner, you look to your right. Dr. Reid is still engaged deeply in conversation with Dr. Adams. You glance at your watch. There was time before your next class, you supposed, so you could wait. It couldn’t hurt to find out more, could it? It wasn‘t like you were getting your hopes up or anything.

It’s then that you feel a pair of arms around your waist, a familiar scent of cologne.

“Hey!” You whip around to see your boyfriend, grinning widely.

“Hey,” You reply, “How’d you find me?”

“I was walking past when I saw you talking to that FBI agent. Seriously, FBI?” He asks, with a disapproving quirk of his eyebrow, “You want to grab a coffee before Psych?”

You want to say no. But he’s got his hand on the small of your back, leading  you out of the room before you even get a chance to reply. You glance back over your shoulder, making eye contact with Dr. Reid for all of two seconds before you’re swept away.

“Seriously though babe, FBI?”

Unsurpisingly, you don’t mention your potential change in career path to him.

***

March 8th, 2009

“Come in,” Hotch calls. He looks up from the paperwork on his desk to see Spencer entering the room, clutching a report in his hand.

“That last case we were on. I was doing some more research, just for future reference about linguistic patterns. Have you read this?” He asks, sliding a copy of your paper across the desk.

Hotch gives it a cursary look over, nodding, “Yes. It’s interesting. She’s signed up as an NAT. I believe I actually spoke to her at one of our lectures last year.”

"Her work is really impressive for somebody whose only studied this at a master level.”

Hotch almost smiles, “Yes. That’s exactly why I’ve recommended to the bureau that she signs up for profiling classes. Her work shows a lot of promise. They’re sending over a copy of her completed thesis, if you’d like to read it.”

“Yeah, I’d like that, thank you,” Spencer says, struggling to conceal the smile playing on the corner of his lips.

“I’ll email it to you as soon as I receive it.”

Spencer nods, smiling properly to himself as he leaves the room. It wasn’t unusual, exactly, for him to share new research that was relevant to cases. It was important that they all kept themselves fresh and acquainted with new theories about the field. Hotch, however, didn’t miss the excited way Spencer had presented it to him. Talking about how impressive you were, as if to subtly hint. He thinks it’s quite typical, actually, that Spencer could take such an interest in someone he only knew via an essay.

Although Spencer’s response does get Hotch to send a follow-up email, inquiring about whether you’d agreed to the classes. If Spencer was this impressed with your work, it must be good.

***

June 1st, 2009

The Metro that morning is packed. It doesn’t help that you’ve not been living here long, and don’t exactly know the route from your flat to the station off by heart yet.

You'd also had to make a detour to the post office. Your, firmly ex, boyfriend had mailed over the last of your things. Really, it was good riddance. His hounding you about your choice in job had only worsened. The relationship had been hanging on by a thread long before you’d moved away last month. You were more than a little grateful that it was finally over, that you could draw a line under it all and focus on your career.

Unfortunately, that hadn’t stopped you having a little cry to yourself on the way over.

Rushing, you make it onto the Metro just as the doors are about to close, falling against the railing on the left side. You grip onto it for dear life.

On the other side of the carriage, Spencer notices someone hurrying for the train. He had been buried deep in the paper he's reading, but the bustle had pulled his attention. Your back is to him, and there’s a scarf at your feet. He wants to say something, to try and get your attention, but he can’t from where he is.

“Miss, I think you’ve dropped something,” The woman you’re standing in front of says, gesturing to the scarf pooled at your feet.

You meet her eyes, sniffling slightly, “Thank you.”

Spencer watches as you pick it up, back still to him. Crisis averted, he turns his attention back to what he's reading: the published copy of your thesis Hotch had emailed him last week.

***

September 2nd, 2009

"This is SSA ____, the newest member of our team. She’s recently graduated from the academy and has an excellent knowledge of linguistics that the bureau feels will be a great advantage to this team. She’s had her induction and now will be joining the team on a probationary basis. She’ll be spending a little time with each of you in between cases to make sure she forms well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of what we do.”

It’s a little overwhelming, having everybody’s eyes on you.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Emily is the first over, offering her hand for you to shake.

“You too, it’s really nice to meet all of you,” You say, shaking hands in turn with her, Morgan, Rossi, J.J, and Garcia.

“Hi,” Spencer calls from behind you.

You turn around to face him. You remember what Hotch had mentioned to you about him being a bit of a germaphobe, so you keep your hand by your side.

“Hi,” You say, “Dr. Reid, right?”

“You can call me Spencer,” He says, a little bashful, “I read your thesis, the study about you did about the construction of passive clauses as an indicator of guilt in adolescent offenders. It was fascinating.”

You feel yourself getting a little warm under his gaze, “Thank you. I'm surprised you’re even aware it existed.”

Hotch interrupts then, “Reid, do you want to sit with ____ while she goes over the case file? It’d be useful if you could go over how you’d go about constructing a linguistic profile.”

That’s how you end up spending much of your first day: with Spencer, huddled up over case files as he explains his profile-building process to you. Spencer’s an incredible teacher, you think. He explains his thought process without ever being condescending, leaving little gaps for you to answer.

You’re incredible, Spencer thinks. You seem to grasp exactly what he’s saying, filling in the gaps based on the clues that are actually in front of you, not letting yourself be guided too much by bias.

***

October 29th, 2009

Spencer loves everyone at the BAU. They’re all the family he never had, and he has relatively good friendships with all of them. Just, they aren’t quite the same as they are with you.

He struggles to put his finger on it, exactly. It’s a unique relationship. He shares very familial bonds with a lot of them: he and Morgan are brotherly, Rossi is fatherly, Garcia’s somewhat like an overexcited little sister.

The friendship he has with you is special. You always listen to him, even as he rambles on about inane things that anybody else would tell him to shut up about. In fact, sometimes about the exact things that they do tell him to shut up about. Just last week, he was rambling on about Star Trek when Morgan told him, not altogether unkindly, to “give it a rest, kid.”

“What was that you were saying?” You’d asked, sidling up to him, “I’ve never watched Star Trek but I thought the quote was beam me up Scotty.”

He’d looked at you, considering you for a moment, “You don’t have to-”

“I know. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t want to know Spence. You think I’d ask for a 15 minute lecture on Star Trek if I wasn’t interested in it?”

A warm feeling flooded his chest. The look on your face was so genuine, and you’d perched on the edge of his desk as he gesticulated, getting deep into the lore and how the misconception had come about. He still didn’t pinpoint exactly what it was, until he got to the end of his spiel. And then you asked him a question. You asked him a question to make sure you understood what he was talking about. You were listening the whole time, and you genuinely cared about the point he was making.

It's then that he realises, it was hard to pinpoint because it wasn’t friendship. He likes you. Shit.

***

November 2nd, 2009

You like everybody at the BAU. They’re all quite patient with you, really, happy to walk you through how they do things. Morgan’s taught you quite a bit about the tactical side of things already, and Rossi has been working with you on your interrogation techniques. Emily’s generally just a great mentor, always happy to listen and support however she can. She’s more experienced, but still relatively new to the team too, so you feel like there’s a certain understanding between you.

However, you’d definitely be lying if you said the person you hadn’t learnt the most from, or spent the most time with, was Spencer.

It hadn’t gone unnoticed by the rest of the team, either. You seemed to gravitate towards one another, forever sitting side-by-side on the plane. Sharing a line of thinking that usually led to devolved rambling, and scribbling, until you came up with something coherent.

It isn’t until November 2nd that you realise you have feelings for him.

You’re sitting at your desk, filling out a case report that Emily had promised to go over with you before she left for lunch.

“Hey,” Spencer’s familiar soothing voice comes, as he sidles up to you, “I got you something.”

Looking up, you notice the coffee cup in his right hand, “You are my caffeine lifesaver.”

He hands it to you, smiling a little nervously, “It’s actually not that.”

“Oh?”

His other hand is tucked behind his back, and he pulls it foward towards you, brandishing a red sweatshirt.

“I know you uh, left your red sweater behind at the hotel on the last case. And I know it was your favourite one, and I was shopping yesterday and I saw this and...” He trails off, embarassed, “It’s not the exact same, but it’s the same kind. I just thought you might like it.”

You swallow, hard, “Spencer that’s so sweet. C-Can I hug you?”

He nods. Standing up from your desk, you wrap your arms around his frame.

“That was so thoughtful.”

He squeezes you a little, really leaning into the hug, his face pressing against your shoulder. His tousled hair tickles your nose a little and you smile, clinging onto him, relishing in the feeling of safety and warmth.

It hits you then. When you realise you don’t want to let go. When you realise he makes you feel fuzzy. Loved. Cared for in a way you haven’t felt in a long time. Eventually, you have to let him go, and it’s in a daze that you return to your desk. You’re so concentrated on your overwhelming realisation, you don’t realise how reluctant he is to let you leave his embrace.

***

December 22nd, 2009

Driving Spencer home from the office was really just an excuse to get some time alone with him. You’d said something about the Metro being busy, one of the services being cancelled. He hadn’t factchecked you on that.

The BAU had tentative plans for boxing day, with the caveat being that no emergent cases arrived in the meantime. It was only really four days you wouldn’t see him, but that was longer than you’d ever gone without seeing him in all the time you’d known him. You worked together everyday, and it was unusual for you to go a full weekend without seeing each other. Recently, you’d got into the habit of going out for Sunday brunch together.

Pulling up outside his house, you hear him sigh.

“I know it’s only four days, but I’ll miss you.”

Smiling, you turn to him, “I’ll miss you too.” 

Something in you changes then. He’s looking at you. You may be relatively new to profiling but you can see something behind his eyes, feel the charge of unsaid words electrifying the air.

“Can I hug you?” He asks.

“You can always hug me,” You reply, undoing your seatbelt and opening your arms for him.

He embraces you the way he always has: tightly. Like he doesn’t want to let go, couldn’t imagine ever letting you go. His face nuzzles to the crook of your neck, and then you feel his thumb brush your chin. Tilting your head down.

You exchange a look. His eyes flicker from your eyes, to your lips, and back. You nod your head, just slightly.

He kisses you then. Tender. You melt into one another, lips moving quickly as you drink one another in. Kissing each other breathless, your fingers intertwine in his hair and his hand comes up to cup your cheek. Nothing has ever felt so right.

***

June 10th, 2011

Neither of you have ever really believed in fate. It’s hard to - especially in your line of work - to want to interpret the workings of the universe as deliberate. Maybe you’d think a little differently though, if you knew about all the near-misses. All the times you could have met. But fate knew better. She waited until you were ready.

And as you exchange vows, promising each other your forever, you both know you couldn’t possibly deny that this was meant to be.

------

Taglists: @takeyourleap-of-faith @sassiest-politician

(let me know if you would like to be added to/removed from this list!)

[gembloomwrites]

Half-Baked

Fandom(s): Professional Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling Pairing: Adam Page/Reader Rating: T Prompt:  “As co-workers who decide to be a fake couple to piss an annoying co-worker off, but they tricked the rest of the staff as well!? How will they get out of this mess?”  Summary:  You decide to finally do something about the plague that is MJF. However, it may not be all smooth sailing. Word Count: 3,045 Viewable on AO3 Author’s Note: Hello there. I began to write this work last year more than likely before the formation of Omega/Hangman team so I apologise if it seems outdated. I do hope you enjoying reading and would appreciate any feedback.I am open to requests sent to me both here and on AO3 @ GemBloomWrites. Thank you.-Gem

Honestly as half-baked plans went it all went smoothly at the start. 

Ever since you joined AEW you’d been pestered with propositions and cheesy pick-up lines from one MJF. It absolutely annoyed you to no end. His sickening smirk and misplaced confidence never ceased to put a damper on any day. Not to mention his lapdog Wardlow would follow his every move.

As for Adam, he’d been on a spiral as of late. Everything seemed to go wrong for him. Among numerous bumps along the road one of the most prominent was the loss of the AEW Diamond Ring to the aforementioned MJF. That slimeball had gone around swanning the damn thing in Adam’s face at every opportunity. Even going so far as to once forcibly shove it into Adam’s lips in an attempt to get him to kiss it. 

All in all, the two couldn’t stand him, and both would love to see that smug smile wiped from his face. 

It all came to a head one day while you were sitting in catering. From a distance you could hear the tell-tale sneer of MJF bragging about something or another to Wardlow. You sighed and promptly sat up to begin to leave. Glancing around the room as you left, you spotted Adam Page in a corner by himself. An idea sprang to mind, running away certainly hadn’t solved the problem, but this just might. Quickly walking over to Adam, he hadn’t noticed you even as you sat down beside him, seemingly too engrossed in whatever drink was in his hand. You tapped his shoulder to get his attention, jumping slightly when he was jared from his thoughts. He looked at you with wide blue eyes, before he could question the intrusion you leaned in and tried to explain your plan in a hushed whisper, “Listen, I know this is weird but I need you to pretend that you’re into me, MJF is on his way and I really need to get him off my back.” Adam stared at you with confusion in his eyes, processing what you had just said. Before he formed a response, he was cut off by a loud shout.

“(Y/N)! I knew I’d see you around here somewhere!”

Maxwell Jacob Freidman has finally arrived and of course he couldn’t let his presence go unannounced. You visibly cringed and looked in his direction with a venomous stare, “Well obviously, we work for the same company.” He didn’t seem to be phased by your snarky comment as he strode over to you, Wardlow in tow. “No need to be so cold, I know you’re just dying to get a piece of me,” he stated, “Why don’t you just drop the act and come back to my hotel?” You scoffed in disgust as the thought of his offer came to mind, “No thanks, I’m hanging out with Adam.” MJF took a moment to look between you and Adam before a smirk broke out onto his face, “This hic? C’mon (Y/N), you can do way better than this fuckin’ loser.”

It was these words that snapped Adam out of his confusion and into the situation at hand. He stood up quickly, knocking the chair he was just sitting on. He squared up to MJF with a tense jaw, you stood up with him, trying to diffuse the situation you unintentionally created. Adam shifted his weight from one leg to the other as he spoke, “Fuckin’ loser huh? I’m not the one running around with a little buddy here because you’re too damn scared someone’s gonna sock ya right in that horse face of yours. I’m not the one acting like the shit to cover up the fact that you’re not even worth lacing up my boots. And I am certainly not the one who tries to flirt with a woman who thinks you’re disgusting!”

Your eyes widened at his outburst, and for a moment the air in the room was quiet and stale. Wardlow shifted towards Adam and reminded everyone else of the situation. You hastily got in between the two men, “Step off Friedman, don’t start lashing out at everyone else just because your dick feels small.” Maxwell turned to you and opened his mouth but before he could reply you cut in, “And for one Adam is not a loser, he’s ten times the man you’ll ever be, he’s way more good looking and doesn’t make me want to vomit. If anything, you’re the loser!” You link your hand in Adam’s, “Look, I’ve met a real man, so why don’t you just leave me alone?” Adam looked to your hand dumbfounded and back to the man standing before him. MJF looked between the two of you with anger in his eye. For the first time since the match for the Diamond Ring he felt like he’d finally gotten under his skin, Adam smirked at this. “Clearly,” the cowboy said, drawing it out for effect, “The lady’s made her feelin’s clear, why don’t you and your lapdog just run off.” 

It was your turn to be shocked, only for the fact that Adam went along with your crazy scheme. Maxwell stood tense for a few minutes; the air thick in the room. You were getting more anxious as the seconds rolled by. To remove yourself from the situation you tugged on Adam’s arm, “Come on babe, he’s not worth it.” He followed your lead, albeit reluctantly. Of course, Maxwell had to get the last word as you walked out the door, “Yeah that’s it you better run off ya loser, she’s not even that hot anyway!” You stopped in the hallway, blood starting to boil, until you realised you were still linked with Adam, “Keep going,” he said quietly, “Like you said, he ain’t worth it. Not right now anyway.” Starting to get a bit self-conscious you took your hand from his and scratched the back of your neck. “Yeah,” you sighed, “You’re right. He’s just gets under my skin.”

“You and me both.”

You smiled at his sincerity and his now calm, sweet tone. Both standing awkwardly for a few moments, you started again with a cough, “Look, I’m sorry for dragging you into this, he just really doesn’t give up.” Adam looked at you for a moment and then too his shoes, shifting around again, “It’s fine, really. Honestly it felt good to rile him up.” You began to pass him and head off, “Well thanks, I appreciate it.” Your trek was cut short when he grabbed your wrist, he looked at you with an unreadable expression, “Hey this might just seem crazy but hear me out.” He let your wrist go and you gave him a questioning look as he continued on, “We both hate that smug son of a bitch. And seeing us together clearly struck a nerve. If you want when he’s around, we could keep up this little...uh…act.” The look on your face must have been one of pure shock and confusion, because Adam quickly recoiled, “I-I mean it’s just an idea, thought it’d make life easier for the both of us.” The next few moments were just silence, it made Adam want to run away in pure embarrassment. You thought it over, if you were to be rational you would have turned him down and went on. So many things could go wrong. But you weren’t thinking rationally if you were honest, all you were thinking about was pissing off MJF and getting closer to the hunk standing in front of you.

“Yeah, I’ll do it.”

As the months rolled on the charade continued. Whenever MJF showed up you and Adam would be there. Some days Adam would purposefully make you laugh with an absolutely terrible pun in front of him. On other days you would stick close to him, running your fingers up his muscular chest and whisper into his ear. Sometimes you would sit on his lap with his hands around your waist, making sure to be in full view of Maxwell. It drove the man crazy, which only seemed to satisfy you two more. Not only did you achieve your goal, but you and Adam grew so much closer. He was a great friend. You two were both going through a rough patch in your respective careers. Adam on a losing streak, and you couldn’t even seem to break into the Women’s Rankings. You both started to spend time outside of work, not even thinking about the reason you two were together in the first place. Adam was a comfort in an otherwise breakneck world.

You felt yourself falling for him. Even moments spent with him being your fake partner made you wish he was your real one. When he’d wrap his arm around your waist you’d feel electric under his fingertips. You found yourself seeking his company when you had the time or watching his matches when you weren’t preparing for your own. Just watching the sweat roll down his body or everytime pulled on the waistband sent a hot feeling down your body. The whole plan was spiralling out of control and you felt helpless to stop it. 

One day you two were playing your little game, once again hearing the boisterous MJF roaming the halls. You were backed into a corner looking up to Adam, he looked down at you with those gorgeous blue eyes and shook his head, “He seems to be everywhere I turn at this point.” You were too busy being engulfed by his presence to be concerned by what he was talking about. Heart thumping in your chest you made a non-committal sound of agreement. You felt a gentle hand move your head to look into Adam’s face, “Hey,” he said softly, “You okay?” Oh god, why did he have to be so handsome? “Uh…” You stammered, “I’m fine just not feeling good today, y’know?” He looked at you  with a frown before he said anything else you cut in, “I’m fine, really, just tired of this MJF crap.”

“You and me both, I’d love to just-.”

All of a sudden your two bodies were hauled away into what can only be described as a death grip. Turning, you saw Matt Jackson holding the two of you with the biggest grin on his face. Struggling out of his tight grip was a task and a half but you managed it eventually, “Matt? What the hell!?” He let Adam go and opted to put one hand on each of your shoulders. His face bounced back between the two of you excitedly, “I knew something was up with you Hangman! Why didn’t you tell us?!” Adam looked confused as he turned to Matt, “What, what do ya mean ‘what’s up’?” The older Buck started to wag his finger towards the cowboy, “Don’t play coy with me, you think I don’t see it?” You started to mirror Adam’s confused expression, “See what Matt?” Matt’s grin somehow managed to grow even wider, “C’mon dude the jig is up, practically everyone is talking about the two of you.” You looked back between Adam and Matt, “The two of us what? What’s everyone talking about?” “Well,” Matt moved into a thinking position, “I heard one of the women say today, and I’m paraphrasing here, ‘They’re one of those couples who are just meant for each other’.”

Both you and Adam’s eyes widened in shock. In all your plans, you had forgotten about everyone else, the only focus trying to fool Max. A few moments of silence passed before Adam piped up, “Uh, we’re not-.” You began speaking at the same time, “We were never-.”

“Yeah it was just a-.”

“We’re just-.”

You looked back at each other seemingly exasperated with trying to come up with an explanation for the Buck. You gave Adam a nod to go ahead, thinking he’d be better explaining it to his friend. He began to open his mouth when Matt cut across him, “Awh look at you two, still in the Honeymoon phase,” he elbowed Adam quite vigorously before starting to walk away, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do kids!” Adam placed his arm over his ribs were Matt has elbowed him, you looked into him, “Well, crap, what are we going to do now?”

The two of you cooled down the act considerably since the incident with Matt. You both felt too awkward to talk about the implications of what you two had been doing the last few months. You became aware of the locker room talk and couldn’t help but wistfully want it to be true. However, you had hardly spoken with Adam, your plan to fool MJF all but forgotten. You  began to throw yourself into your wrestling as a distraction, and it seemed Adam did too. Unfortunately no amount of wrestling could keep the Cowboy off your mind completely and you found yourself back at square one; in catering, trying to avoid MJF. 

“Ah (Y/N)! Where’s the hic? Finally realise he’s a loser? You know I can show you a hell of better time.”

You sighed and turned to Maxwell, “Do you like to stalk me or something? Can’t you get the hint? I. Am. Not. Into. You.” MJF immediately brushed this off and smirked, “Come one, this ‘hard-to-get- shtick is getting old just admit you want me.” You placed your face in your hands, nothing seemed to deter Max and it annoyed you to no end. You looked back up to tell him where to put his proposition when you felt a hand on your shoulder. Looking over your shoulder you saw Adam with a scowl on his face. He gave your shoulder a squeeze and stared straight ahead to MJF, “This asshole botherin’ you?” No words came up your throat, surprised that not only Adam was here, but he was continuing with your plan. 

Max scoffed, “I’m not bothering her, I’m just telling her about how she could do so much better.” Adam took his hand off you and squared up to MJF, “You better get runnin’, she’s not interested. She’s my girl and I have no problem layin’ you out to stop you harassin’ her.” Again you were actually dumbstruck, the ‘my girl’ comment throwing you off everything. Maxwell frowned but regained his smirk within a few seconds, “You know what, you two losers were meant for each other. She’s obviously too stupid to-.”

Maxwell was abruptly cut off when Adam’s well-aimed fist connected with his face. This shook you out of your daze almost immediately and you stood behind Adam, grabbing his shoulders, “Whoa! Calm down, like I said before, he isn’t worth it.” Adam was huffing at this point and turned to you. His brief angry stare sent a shiver through you before his body relaxed and his expression softened. Seeing the pleading look in your eyes he nodded and looked down to Max who was flat on his ass holding his face, “You’re lucky we ain’t in the ring.” 

Before Max could respond Adam grabbed your hand and led you out of the room. When the two of you came across an empty hallway he let go and turned to you. He took a minute to compose himself, while you pinched the bridge of your nose, “Oh God how are we going to explain this to Mr. Khan.” 

“It’s my fault, I shouldn’t  have got so heated.”

You sighed and looked into Adam’s regretful face, “No, no it’s mine I should have stopped this whole thing months ago. MJF found a new way to get to you and the whole locker room thinks we’re a thing.”

Adam chuckled, “I think we both had a hand in that darlin’.” You took in Adam’s appearance, he looked more calm now and you couldn’t help but get lost in him all over again. After a minute you stopped yourself  before it got awkward and turned to pace, “We probably should explain everything to Tony and everyone else, it’ll be embarrassing but at least this whole thing will be over.” You turned to Adam to see his expression visibility drop before looking down, “Uh yeah, probably for the best.” You felt a wave  of sadness wash over. You know all this was coming to an end. The rational part of your brain always knew this, but your heart wanted to revel in the closeness for longer. You stepped closer towards Adam and wrapped your arms around him. You buried your head into his broad chest, “Thank you…. For everything.” As you unwillingly started to pull away Adam placed his hands on your hips, keeping you in place. You quickly looked up into his face getting caught once more in his beautiful eyes. 

For what  felt like forever the two of you stayed like this. You were content like this really, just taking in being close with Adam. He eventually cut through the silence, “I don’t want it to end here,” he whispered, “I want it to be real.” Your heart sped up at his admission and for a moment he’d knocked all words out of your mouth. This is what you wanted for months, for him to return your feelings. Now that it was happening you couldn’t find it in you to say what you needed to say. Adam picked up on your hesitation and began to pull away. However you quickly put your hands on his face, if you couldn’t say anything you were going to show him. 

You pulled him in for a kiss, trying to put everything you need to say in it. For a little time Adam stayed still in shock but then started to respond with passion. He put his hands back on your waist and pulling you in further. You both moved your heads slightly and deepened the kiss. This was months of tension finally being released between the two of you and nothing in the world felt better right now. As you pulled away for a breath of air you couldn’t help bury yourself in his neck. Finally you felt the right words come forwards, “I want this to be real, I don’t want this to ever end either.” 

[taronfanfic]

Fast Forward

Chapter 11

You’d taken half the day off work so you could get up to the hospital and see your Dad as soon as you could. With the week ahead booked off as well it only left you with 2 days holiday for the rest of the year and you’d scheduled those in early, grabbing the days around Christmas so you could have plenty of time to spend with Taron and his family. It was something you were really looking forward to and knowing it was on the horizon would get you through the 5 day working weeks you’d have to endure. It wasn’t anyone’s fault that your Dad was ill, but you were thankful you still had the time left to take off work. Some of it would be spent relaxing on the sofa watching films, you were sure you could grab a lie-in or three and you didn’t have to spend a single minute thinking about work so it was still close enough to getting away somewhere for a proper holiday. You even thought you might get chance to do a bit of research towards a foreign holiday for you and Taron next year to make up for it.

The daydreams of sunnier weather were put on hold once you’d arrived at the hospital. That sickening smell brought back all the fear and nerves and made you want to leave immediately but you forced your feet to continue down the corridor so you could join your mum in the small room she’d been waiting in all day. Your Dad was due out of theatre roughly when your train had arrived, but he’d still not been brought back to his room from the recovery ward. Instead there was a bleak gap between the chairs where his bed should have been.

“Hey.” You greeted your Mum softly.

“I got my hopes up then when the door opened,” she sighed, “No one’s been in to tell me anything since they took him off at 8am!”

“Do you want me to go and find someone to ask what’s happening?”

���No, no. They’re all busy doing proper work and don’t need us slowing them down. I’m sure they’ll bring him back soon.” She tried to smile but you could see the fear in her eyes from thinking something must have gone wrong. “I will go and stretch my legs and get a coffee now you’re here. Do you want one?”

“Yes, thanks.”

As your Mum left the room you spotted her book on the side table, the pages well thumbed through and corners still bent over to mark her places. It was the same title that Julie had mentioned in the tea-room last weekend, so you picked it up with intrigue and read the back cover. It was a psychological thriller set between a mother, daughter and son-in-law-to-be and you rolled your eyes imagining how she must be picturing the same dynamic in the mirror of her own life. Perhaps she’d projected some of the negativity from the book onto Taron without realising it? You didn’t get a chance to read through any of the chapters before the doors were being held back by two nurses and a porter wheeled your Dad in his bed back into the centre of the room. He was quickly hooked up to a drip and a monitor, and then the room emptied out of hospital staff before you’d had chance to ask them anything. His hand felt chilly as you placed yours over the top and watched closely as he started to wake up.

“Jane?” He croaked out quietly.

“No, it’s Y/N.” You replied before picking up the glass of water on the tray at the end of his bed and moving the straw into place so he could take a sip.

“Y/N.” He smiled softly. “Even better. Thanks, love.”

“How are you doing?”

“Where’s Taron?” He frowned as he slowly looked to the empty chair on the other side of the bed.

“He’s at work, he’s staying in London this time so you’ve only got me this week.”

“Oh no. I knew Jane would upset him. I told her!”

“Dad, it’s fine, he’s alright about it. You don’t need to worry about us anyway, focus on you!”

“Oh I’m fine.” He shook his head before coughing slightly and then wincing in pain. “Well I will be.” You placed a kiss to the back of his hand before giving him another drink just as your Mum got back with two coffees in hand. She was quick to place them down and take your Dad into a long but gentle hug as she placed a kiss to his forehead.

“I was getting worried.”

“Not you as well.” He rolled his eyes. “Making me wonder what’s happened to this family with all the worrying and sympathy and time spent together in the same room!”

“I can go.” You joked as you pointed to the door and went to stand up.

“Don’t you dare!” You Mum snapped back before apologising just as quickly. “Sorry, stress.”

The conversation tiptoed across eggshells, often landing in spots of lengthy silence as you did your best not to wind each other up. Before long you needed a break so offered to go and buy some food, taking in some fresh air as you walked down the road towards the nearest takeaway shop. It was only then that you checked your phone and switched it off silent, opening up a serious of messages from Taron who seemed to have had an entirely one-sided conversation with himself since he left work.

“You’re easily amused.” You teased him as he answered your call almost immediately.

“What happened to having your phone on you at all times?”

“I will when I’m not sat in the hospital!”

“Good. So you’re back at home now?”

“Not yet, just walking up to the chippy. Visiting ends at about half 8 tonight I think.”

“Have they said how long they’re keeping him in for?”

“Not yet, I guess it depends how he is over night. Hopefully they’ll let him out at some point tomorrow. He’s making a few jokes though so he’s getting there already.”

“That’s brilliant.”

“Hold on 2 minutes while I order.” You paused your conversation and held your phone by your side as you ordered a selection of bits for your Dad to pick at, knowing you’d eat anything that was left over, and then paid. “Right, I’m back.”

“What are you having?”

“Guess? I’d give you 3 guesses, but I know you’ll only need one.”

“If you’re not having cheesy chips then you’re no longer my girlfriend.” He replied nonchalantly.

“Brutal!”

“But I’m not a single man, so I’m right, aren’t I?”  

“The world is still turning, I am still your girlfriend, and when I hang up I will be sending you a photo to make you jealous.”

“God I hate and love you so much at the same time.”

“The feeling’s mutual.” You laughed. “So what are you up to?”

“Re-heating last night’s leftovers and then I was thinking of meeting the boys in the pub, that’s if you’re okay though.”

“I’m fine, it’s all good here so you should definitely go and see them.”

“Sure? I can stay in so we can facetime later if you want.”

“No, you go. I was planning on having a bath and an early night so we’ll facetime tomorrow night.”

“Facetime me from the bath anyway?” He asked cheekily.

“No! You’ll be in the middle of the pub!” You hissed back, suddenly conscious of the people around you who were also waiting for their orders.

“Mean. But it was worth a shot. We’ll save that for when we really really miss each other.”

“Tomorrow then.” You laughed. “Ah my chips are ready so I’ve got to go, I’ll text you later.”

“Enjoy!” Taron ended the call cheerily and you couldn’t hold back the smile on your face as you made your way back to the hospital. It didn’t budge an inch as you sat eating your cheesy chips, thinking back to that rainy night where Taron first offered you one, and then his hoodie and sofa for the night. Things would be so different now if you’d not forgotten your keys.

You were snatched away from that happy place when a doctor entered the room, initially smiling down at the array of unhealthy food you’d snuck in to the hospital before he composed himself and looked deadly serious.

“Sorry to break up this delicious smelling feast, but I wanted to come and see you as soon as I could. The operation this morning went well, and we removed the tumour without too much of a struggle, so Michael will heal up as expected. The one thing we hadn’t expected, based off the initial biopsy, was the full range of cells contained within the tumour. We inspect everything closely, more for research than anything else, but it has meant that we have had to reverse our initial observations on the tumour being benign.”

“What do you mean?” Your Mum asked quickly.

“There are traces of cancer cells within the tumour that we’ve removed.”

“But they’re out, so it’s ok?” Your Dad tried to clarify.

“Yes, for the most part. Obviously we can’t be 100% certain that we’ve managed to remove all the traces, and based on the size of the tumour there’s a fair chance the cancer could have started to spread before we got to it.”

“How will we know?”

“I have put an urgent referral through to oncology for you and you’ll be taken for more scans and reassessed. It could be that, in time, you are set on a course of chemotherapy to essentially lower the risk of anything else developing but oncology will be able to explain all of that in more detail for you. I’m sorry it’s not better news, but I’m confident we’ve removed everything we needed to and that’s the best starting place with this.”

Starting place. You sighed as you continued to stare at the speckled blue and grey floor between your feet. Just as you thought the worst part was over the next, bigger, hurdle is there to be jumped and the weight has descended straight back onto your shoulders.

Taglist: @egerton-sweetie  @amanda-tallmadge @lizziespidiepridie @leanimal90 @anantheminmyheart22 @aynsleywalker​ @bohemianrhapsody86​ @butterfliesslugswormsandothershi @manners-maketh-taron @livingincompletesilence@marvelmakeuplover @ohsosmutty@misspygmypie  @manners-maketh-a-kingsman@courtmr @baileythepenguin@thomaslefteyebrow @witchymarvelspacecase @samanthasmileys@nellietara @i-cant-remember-my-old-login @wheresmylightinthedark@kurtis-conner@hoe4dior @toky-9101 @mayaslifeinabox@fluentlyspeakingtreason @yallyallblanchett @whiskeylipsx@emmaelizabeth2014​ @primaba11erina @fightuntilyoucan @carlita2025 @rocknrollmadden

[silliusssoddus]

The First Names Concept - Night 2

(Roger Taylor x Reader x Vince Neil)

MASTERLIST

A/N: THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE ON NIGHT 1, I DEADASS THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A FLOP BUT Y’ALL ACTUALLY LIKE IT :’)  aight bear in mind i’m not rewriting everything scene for scene, but i might use direct quotes from either movie from time to time. but i did use a scene from harry potter and the deathly hallows for a part in this anyways this is a psa to watch teenage kicks, seeing as i wrote most of this watching it this is also a psa to listen to ‘hot love’ by t. rex, a whole ass bOp

WARNINGS: SMUT (marked with when it starts and stops), oral and straight up sex, slight degradation/praise kinks, squirting, swearing, drinking, blink-and-you’ll-miss slight angst/fluff

WORD COUNT: 4,407 (i apologise)

CHAPTER SUMMARY: the boys take you to see mötley crüe without knowing that you’d previously met the singer the night before.

since i used the movie gifs in the first part, i’ll use them real life peeps in this one. i’m not gonna spoil the chapters before you read it with these, but i will caption quotes that will make more sense when you read that part. for example:

‘...the charm on his necklace...’

(creds: @tenementfunzter)

‘...you heard him whisper in your ear.’

-

In their defence, Mötley Crüe was just a band trying to get themselves known, not too different to the spot Queen were in just 10 years ago. But you did feel like the ground should just open up and swallow you whole as you walked into the Whisky a Go Go, Vince shooting you a subtle wink after he noticed you immediately.

“Our last song is gonna be something our very own Nikki Sixx picked out, because he’s a slut for the band T. Rex.”

The audience erupted into a fit of cheers and yells. Even Roger cupped his hands around his mouth and hollered, a boyish action that never failed to bring a smile on your face.

“This one’s called ‘Hot Love’.”

The audience died down slowly as they lost themselves in the music. You couldn’t blame them, because you yourself let your head nod to the beat. The cheesy, ‘You’re My Best Friend’ style rhythm seemed to take over your body as everyone around you - even Brian, who wasn’t one for dancing - started to hop around.

John, the disco master himself had bopped on over to you, taking your hand and spinning you. You giggled a lot, feeling more bubbly than the champagne bottle the five of you shared before the show, which was also the reason why you were late.

John and Freddie exchanged a quick look, nodding to each other as John spun you out of his arms and let you go. It sent you pinballing off of various people in the crowd, before Roger caught you.

“You alright?”

“Y-yeah.”

You pushed yourself off of his chest and found your balance on your heels again, desperately avoiding his eyes because God only knows what you’d do if you met them.

But his grip on your shoulders didn’t seem to have the intention of moving themselves anytime soon.

“Let’s dance, Mayflower.”

Your head snapped up at the old nickname, seeing the giddy look on his face fall.

“I- only if you want to. F-For old time’s sake.”

You smiled, wrapping your arms around his neck. Of course, you were surprised that he had even remembered those nights you stood on his feet and danced around to an Elvis record in the background, but you were more overjoyed to do so again.

As you both copied the movements of your young, teenage selves, you felt like you were transported to the times where you didn’t care about whether he liked you or not. You knew that you were his, even if it was only for a few minutes.

He started off by swinging your arms from side to side, clumsily crossing his legs over each other as you slowly turned around. You laughed hard, completely having forgotten that Roger never was the best dancer, but you could see that it was mostly the nervousness that was holding him back. So you eased into the movements yourself, letting him spin into your side.

The frequent twirling continued throughout the song, along with your shared giggles whenever you accidentally stepped on each others toes, or nudged your elbow in the side of each others ribs. But it kept you occupied in the 70s and it couldn’t have felt any better.

During the final ‘la’s of the song, you sidestepped a couple more times, holding each other in the waltz pose and felt yourselves getting closer, your chests pressed against each other. The smile on his face faltered against your shoulder and you placed a reassuring hand on his, resting your chin on it shortly after. His arms slowly crossed the small of your back, tightening around your waist softly.

You could barely hear Nikki, the bassist, thanking you all for being a great audience, before he and the rest of the band walked offstage into the wings to slap some sense back into Vince.

Because what you didn’t know was that Vince frequently lost his focus throughout the song.

He kept stealing glances from you to admire how stunning you looked twirling around. A vivid contrast from how you were yesterday, if he did say so himself.

“Look, I’m sorry guys-”

“Whatever, man, just sort shit out with your girl and don’t fuck up tomorrow.” Mick, their guitarist, scoffed, walking off toward their individual dressing rooms as Tommy, their drummer, followed him.

Nikki himself was about to go, if it wasn’t for being stopped by Vince’s tight grip on his arm.

“It’s not my girl that’s the problem, it’s someone else. Man, what the fuck do I do?”

“Alright, alright. Show me who this chick is.” Nikki sighed.

Vince pulled his arm enthusiastically toward the curtains again, forcing him to peek out of it and turned his head to where you all were standing.

“Holy shit, that’s Queen!” he gasped, starstruck.

Vince then used the same hand to turn his head toward your direction, where you and Roger were still wrapped in each other’s arms. It was an embrace you couldn’t bare to break out of. And Roger didn’t want to let go of the smell of vodka just yet.

“I miss you, Mayflower.” you heard him whisper in your ear.

Before you had the chance to think about what he meant, let alone ask him, you started to notice the people around you disappearing more thanks to a cold waft of air breezing through the club. It forced you to break off the hug, but you quickly turned away to find your brother, too scared to confront him.

“Okay, maybe they’re not together.” Vince mumbled, struggling to fight the fucked-up smile of relief off his face.

Nikki ran after Freddie, determined to both help his bandmate out and meet one of his idols. He repeatedly called his name out to catch his attention.

“Hey man! I’m name’s Nikki Sixx, a huge fan.” he beamed, sticking out his hand for him to shake it.

Freddie took it eagerly. He always liked talking to fans, especially if they were musicians themselves.

“Very nice to meet you Nikki. You played the bass, right?”

Nikki nodded, honoured that the Freddie Mercury had seen what he did. He then turned to see John standing next to Freddie.

“John Deacon! I love your bass lines, man!” his eyes widened in awe as he shook John’s hand.

John blushed. He wasn’t used to getting compliments - he wasn’t even sure if people knew his name at all, so he felt more than flattered.

“Oh, i-it’s nothing, you’re much better than I am anyway.”

“Aww, c’mon dude. Where’s the modesty?”

“Disappeared after Brian wrote ‘We Will Rock You’.” John gave a shy chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

Luckily for him, the others found it funny and his grin grew bigger.

“That’s a cool sweater. Wouldn’t expect that from a rock band.” he laughed, elbowing Vince.

“Did you not see what Tommy was wearing on the way here?” Vince replied, noticing that John had blushed deeper from being called out like that.

“Shit, you’re right. Dude, Tommy totally needs to see this.”

“Tommy Lee’s, our drummer.” Vince explained to the boys.

“Yeah, he went to go change but he’ll be back to pack the stage. C’mon, I can introduce you.” Nikki beckoned for John to follow him.

With a shrug and an apologetic look to Freddie (who replied with a shrug himself), the two bassists set off to walk backstage.

Freddie had started making his way over to his curly haired friend, when he noticed that Vince was following him.

“Uh, d’you mind if I come with? I kinda wanna say hi to Y/N. We talked yesterday before you had to leave.”

“I...don’t see why not.” Freddie smiled.

“I must say that I love your pants. Not everyone can pull off white leather.” he continued.

“Thanks, man. My girlfriend bought it for me. They were, like, $800.”

Freddie relaxed at the word ‘girlfriend’. Maybe Vince wouldn’t get in the way with you and Roger after all.

“Aren’t you a lucky man?” Freddie grinned, punching him on the shoulder playfully before turning to walk again.

“Yeah, she’s great.” Vince frowned, hearing the uncertainty in his voice himself.

“There’s the pretty lady!” Vince called out, shocking you out of your conversation and making you turn around. Your face immediately lit up as you walked into his outstretched arms.

“Hey Vince! You were so good up there.” you said, feeling his rough hands slide across the bare skin on your waist thanks to your crop top. It felt rougher than Roger’s hold, that was for sure. Maybe it was the way his biceps flexed into your sides.

“Thanks, dude. I tried to sing that last one to you.” he managed to speak quietly, so that Brian and Freddie in their own conversations couldn’t hear.

You felt your cheeks heat up from how upfront he was, but then you remembered what you had been doing the majority of the song.

Vince seemed to have noticed you biting your lip and he apologised immediately, worried that he had hurt your feelings somehow.

“You good?” he asked when you failed to say anything.

“What? Oh. Yeah. Bit knackered from the dancing is all.”

“Why don’t we sit down and have a drink? Then you can tell Dr Vince everything.” he joked, nodding his head over to the mini bar situated behind you.

“Yeah, I could really use one.” you shrugged, following him over to the counter. The bartender seemed to have anticipated his arrival and immediately put a cocktail and a bottle of whiskey before you.

“So, what’s this between you and that other dude? Do you like him?”

“Huh? Who?”

“Taylor.”

“Roger.” you snapped back quickly.

“That’s it.” he laughed.

You started stirring your drink, not really wanting to take a sip. But you did shortly after, as a way to avoid the question.

“Well?” Vince egged on.

“I don’t know, it’s a long story.”

“We got time.” Vince replied, beckoning for more drinks.

“I don’t have money.”

“It’s all on the house anyway.” he said, letting out a chuckle as he heard the bartender groan.

“Okay, fine.” you sighed, gulping down a big mouthful before continuing.

“I’ve known him since I was 13 and I instantly fancied him like mad because, well, he was a long, blonde haired, blue eyed drummer with a beautiful voice in a rock band. Everything you’d want in a guy really.”

“I wouldn’t know.” Vince snickered.

“Anyway,” you giggled, “he and Brian were great friends and he moved into our little apartment a few months later. Naturally, I was terrified to have my crush around in the house 24/7, but we did grow closer. It’s funny, really. I found myself liking him more than my own brother. And what I loved the most were the times I couldn’t sleep or I had a nightmare. He’d sing me to sleep.”

You smiled to yourself before taking another sip, but you found your head somehow turning in the direction of Roger’s laughter as you drank. 

The band were back onstage with Roger, Freddie and John and it seemed as if their drummer was teaching Roger how to twirl drumsticks. Evidently, he wasn’t good at it. He managed to make one fly across the room toward a group of girls, winking at them as he went over to pick them up.

“But then I found out - well, I heard - that he kept bringing girls over every night and that’s when I decided that I had to move on. He started seeing one girl in particular, so then I found Oliver. And it wasn’t like I was using him to get back at Roger, ‘cause Oliver was trying make his ex jealous.”

“Jeez, the both of you are so fucked up.”

“Hah, that’s not the end of it. They stopped dating and I broke things off with Oliver, around a month before I turned 18. That’s when everything changed.”

The bartender refilled your glass and you thanked him.

“We started talking to each other again and it felt like nothing changed...until one trip to Hyde Park two years later. I was meeting up with one of my friends, Dominique, and he wanted to come with me because he wanted to tell something. I still don’t know what he wanted to say, because as soon as he caught the French girl’s eye he couldn’t resist chatting her up.”

You chuckled pathetically at the memory. He’d ruined your favourite place. 

And you were just about to sit down on that stupid bench.

“He would always ask me how he should get her attention.”

“Well, there was your perfect chance to sabotage it.” Vince laughed.

“And make him hate me? Yeah, I didn’t do that. I just gave him stupid excuses to see her.”

“Like what?”

“Uh...this one time I got annoyed at him, so I picked up a random daisy - bear in mind it looked ugly and half of the petals had fallen off - and told him to give it to her and say he thought it would go well with her clothes.”

“Noted.” Vince laughed, throwing his head back at how absurd it sounded.

“So is he still with this Dominique?”

“Honestly? No idea. They’ve been constantly breaking up and getting back together for 5 good years now.”

“Judging from that dancing, they’re probably on a break again.”

“Oh, yeah. That. The first time we’ve hugged in...8 years? Give or take a few.”

“Jesus Christ- this is the worst game of cat and mouse I’ve ever seen.”

You turned to him, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. 

From the little time you had gotten to know him, you wouldn’t have taken him for a serious guy. You wouldn’t have expected a single word of advice from him, but what he said next completely proved your judgement wrong.

“Look, man, don’t stress it. Like, not trying to be a hippie and shit, but if the universe wanted it to happen, it would’ve by now. Dunno if you should be wasting more time on something the universe doesn’t want.” he said as a matter of factly, finally prying his eyes away from you to take a sip of his Jack Daniels.

“Huh, you actually listened. I just thought you’ve been undressing me with your eyes this whole time.”

“Well, Y/N, eye contact is important to maintain a conversation.” he paused his drinking to say, raised eyebrow and all.

“Careful, or I might have to knock those smarty pants off of you.” you scoffed, rolling your eyes and finishing the last few drops of your drink.

“How about you start with my normal pants?” was his reply to that, a force of habit he should really work on.

“Never mind, I was right the first time.” you smirked.

Vince placed a hand on his chest with a jokingly hurt look on his face.

“Please, I’m a gentleman. Way more than your Roger friend apparently.”

“Oh really? Prove it.”

You laughed a few seconds after at the look of defeat on his face.

“No, wait.”

He took his leather jacket off and wrapped it around your shoulders, both for you to put on but also to reveal his abs in all its viewing glory.

“There. Did I do it?”

Embarrassingly you were too entranced to hear anything he said, let alone tell him that you weren’t cold in the first place, and you gulped. Hard enough for your worries about Roger to wash away. Loud enough for for him to snicker over it.

His hands trailed down your shoulders to your fingers, intertwining them lightly as his thumb drew circles on your knuckles.

“I’ll let you take the rest off, pretty lady.” he leant in to your side and growled quietly.

You bit your lip and nodded, letting him fully grasp your hands and pull you up, following him as he lead the way.

*it’s sinning time boys*

His hands left yours and grabbed your waist instead, pulling you in close to him as he walked backwards into one of the toilets. You kicked the door shut behind you, tugging the charm on his necklace lightly to connect your lips.

You felt his hips roll against yours before his hands went further down the back of your thighs, pushing your legs slightly apart to hoist you up on the sink. Your lips parted for a second, giving him the chance to bunch your pencil skirt up to your hips and admire the sight in front of him.

“Fuck, you’re perfect. And no panties, you naughty little shit.” he growled, his hungry, hooded eyes meeting yours.

But something seemed off with the way he looked at you.

Roger had soft eyes, the calming kind. Vince’s felt threatening, like he’d pounce on you without a warning. Even his grip on you was tighter, more aggressive, but at the same time comforting.

Like he was desperate to keep you.

It was something you weren’t used to, but you were starting to like it.

You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, bringing him in for another heated kiss while your fingers flew down to his waist to palm him through his leather jeans.

A smile formed on your face as you watched his head fall back with merciless groans leaving his mouth, but his hands grabbed your wrists to stop you.

“Not yet, pretty lady, I wanna make you feel good first.”

His words brought out what was a mix of a whimper and a moan from you, as you felt his fingers brush up the inside of your thigh. His head fell into the crook of your shoulder and started to plant small pecks, eventually turning them into deeper kisses that undoubtedly would leave marks, while his fingers teased your folds.

“Taste how fuckin’ wet you are.” he said, letting you swirl your tongue around his digits before returning them back to where they were.

“Good girl.” he growled, starting to rub firm circles on your clit.

“Oh...Christ.” you gasped.

He smirked at your reaction, sliding two fingers down and pumping into you slowly. You could already feel your walls clenching around him and you saw the way his cock twitched in his pants at the thought of how you’d feel around him.

“More...please…”

“I’ll gladly give you more.” he whispered huskily as he latched his lips onto your clit, his fingers continuing to curl in and out of you.

“Oh- blimey...” you moaned, your whole body shuddering as his tongue played with your bud.

Then his head whipped up with an amused laugh.

“‘Blimey’?”

“I-It’s a British thing. It’s, uh, it’s like saying...damn?”

“Yeah yeah, I know that,” he chuckled again, “but is it ‘cause you don’t swear?”

“I- no, not really. I’m sorry.”

“Nah, it’s cool. It’s cute. Are you a mormon or something?”

“God, no. Just not used to it. The boys swear all the time and it just...feels weird.”

“Bet I can help with that.” he smiled and winked.

You felt warm and giddy again.

He bobbed his head down to where it was before and continued from where he left off.

“Try it.” he mumbled before sucking your bud.

The sight of his hollowed cheeks made you let out another breathy moan.

“F...fuck…” you hesitantly breathed out along with it, feeling him smirk against you.

“Let go, baby, I know you’re close.”

His raspy voice caused vibrations to ripple through your body, enough to send you to your high as you grabbed onto the sink and screamed his name, your legs shaking around his shoulders.

“Good girl.” he repeated, swirling his tongue around the evidence of your orgasm.

“‘m sorry, I’ve never done that before.” you felt your face heat up with embarrassment, just as it was starting to cool down.

“No one’s made the pretty lady come?” Vince smirked cockily and raised an eyebrow.

“And that’s only your mouth.” you shook your head and chuckled shyly, eyeing the painful bulge in his trousers as your hands went to unbuckle his belt again.

This time he let you, but it was a struggle. The leather had really tightened itself around his length and it seemed impossible to even get the waistband past his hips. Both of you erupted with laughter as you watched him hop around.

Eventually, he managed to slip it down to his knees, which made him let out a massive sigh of relief and a chuckle when he saw the look of shock on your face.

“What, bigger than you expected?”

He was big alright, with veins bulging out and the swollen tip leaking precum. You were about to hop off the sink to repay him, but he placed his hands on your thighs to stop you.

“Another time, baby. We’ve already been gone for a long time, they’re probably looking for us.” he chuckled lowly, grabbing your hips and lining himself up against your entrance after rolling on a condom.

“Besides- fuck.” he groaned as he pushed in slowly, “watching you cum almost got me there.”

You whined when he pushed in completely, your walls adjusting to his size.

“Fuck, you’re so tight.” he mumbled, snapping his hips into you. He quickened his pace, knowing that there wasn’t any time to take things slow, even if he wanted to.

One of his hands hooked onto the back of your neck, pulling you in for a kiss while the other one ran up under your shirt to your boobs, his rough hands massaging them in a way that sent a shiver down your back.

*smut ends*

The room was filled with sounds of skin slapping against each other, blissful moans from the both of you, tiny yelps from when you tugged the ends of his hair playfully and short giggles when you accidentally nudged each other’s noses, or when you bit each others lips from kissing.

Until the shriek of a blonde-haired woman rang out from the doorway.

“What the fuck?” she yelled, making the two of you snap your heads round. You were trying desperately to place if you had seen the woman before, but gave up as soon as you saw the look of regret on Vince’s face.

“You bitch!” she gasped, but you weren’t sure if it was directed toward you or Vince.

“Babe-” he started, pulling out of you to brace himself from the slaps he was about to receive.

And all you could do was sit there and witness it, partially in shock but fully knowing he deserved it.

“Fuck you, you piece of shit!” she grabbed his trousers off the floor and slapped him on the shoulder repeatedly.

“Motherfucker!” she huffed, turning round to walk out and slam the door behind her.

“My pants! Babe!” he tried to call out after her, but all he received was a muffled ‘fuck you!’ in return.

Roger was the only one that didn’t have anyone to talk to, seeing as John had stolen Tommy away from him, Freddie and Nikki were chatting away like aunts at a family reunion and Mick and Brian were too busy complaining about their childish bandmates.

Roger was also the only one to notice the woman that was stomping across the club, white leather pants slung across her shoulder and her forehead wrinkled in annoyance.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he said, hopping off the stage and walking over to her.

“Ugh, just my asshole boyfriend deciding to fuck another girl.”

She looked up to meet Roger’s gaze, immediately softening when she was greeted by the older man’s sympathetic blue eyes.

“Like, I never took Vince as a person to do that.” she pouted, trying her best to sound seductive.

But he didn’t notice. He had understood who Vince was with and he was beating himself up for not putting two and two together after realising the both of you had suddenly left.

He decided to break his streak of not using groupies to distract himself from you and shoot his shot.

“Oh, that’s awful.” he said, managing to muster up all the genuinity he could in his voice as he slung an arm around her shoulder, walking toward where he assumed the dressing rooms would be.

“Ah, Roger. Ever the charmer.” Brian chuckled and shook his head, ignoring the confused looks Freddie and John were giving each other.

“Yep. It’s always the blondes.” Mick rolled his eyes and chuckled with him.

“Nikki and I aren’t blonde.” Tommy laughed, giving Nikki a high five.

“It’s just you that doesn’t like groupies, old man.” Nikki agreed.

“Not my fault I’m old fashioned.”

“Yeah, It’s perfectly normal to only want one woman in your life. Isn’t that right, Brian?”

“Deaky!” Freddie hissed, the others started laughing when they saw Brian’s face turn into that of a tomato at the reminder of Chrissie.

“Just wait for our next album.” John hummed, taking a sip of the bottle of beer.

“Hey, speaking of blondes, where’s ours?”

“Based on the fact that Brian’s sister is also gone…” Freddie started, ready to greet Brian’s temper.

But, to both of their surprises, his reaction was completely the opposite.

He laughed.

“Ah, it was time she did. But I always thought it’d be Roger.” he said, turning to look at John and Freddie’s shocked expressions before they started laughing nervously as well.

“Yeah, so did we.”

Vince was busy trying to explain everything to you, but you didn’t want to listen. He had made you the reason for another person’s sadness, maybe even the reason that they can’t trust anymore. You couldn’t believe it, you couldn’t believe him.

“Don’t lie to me.” you hissed, putting your clothes back on again and swatting away his hands that tried to help you. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t find it cute.

The two of you stood in silence for a while, like you were expecting him to do the same, but then you realised that he had walked in shirtless.

“I’ll go find something in your dressing room.” you sighed, trying your best to tame your hair before walking out of the bathroom without a second thought.

“Even when you’re mad, you’re still fucking generous. Thank you, pretty lady!”

A smile formed on your face.

The same smile fell when you walked past a row of doors leading to Vince’s dressing room, where you heard familiar grunts.

Familiar, because they had been the source of many of your sleepless nights.

The door to an occupied was left open by a crack and all it took for your heart to plummet to your feet was seeing Roger’s head being thrown back in pleasure.

But you didn’t deserve to feel jealous, betrayed, or anything like that. Because you had hurt him the exact same way.

-

TAGS - link in bio to be added/removed

NIGHT 3

[crystaiskiess]

Blinded with Love

AO3 Link Summary:  In order to be Phil's friend there were two essential rules 1) They must have a good dose of sarcasm And more importantly 2) they most completely and absolutely cannot treat him differently for being blind

Author’s Notes: This fic was written for the phandom big bang! It was a hard journey and I hope you guys enjoy the result

Check out the incredible art done by @cas-tellation​!!!

Artwork

Nothing sucked more than your closest - read: only - friend being away from school. Arguably he had more than one friend, mostly because Phil had a lot of acquaintances, some might call themselves his friends but he had two requirements for such a feat.

1) They must have a good dose of sarcasm

And more importantly 2) they most completely and absolutely cannot treat him differently for being blind, this was essential.

The second requirement disqualifies almost the entirety of his year level, minus PJ, which brings Phil back to his original point. PJ being away, completely and utterly sucks.

 He was sitting outside where there was always empty seats available, and because he enjoyed the way the cold air nipped at his skin. He ran his fingers over the small bumps of his book, reading about Elizabeth Bennet and her crazy family in Pride and Prejudice with a small smile. This book never failed to make him feel relaxed and amused, there was something about the way life used to work in those days that made him laugh. A crunch of gravel drew him out of his thoughts, someone huffed in what seemed to be a mixture of annoyance and exhaustion but it was impossible to tell without an expression to match.

 “Fuck I’m here half an hour early,” the voice groaned, Phil didn’t recognise it but that didn’t necessarily tell him anything, it was hard to place all the names and voices in his year level let alone the entire school. He allowed a small chuckle as the boy flopped onto the bench seat, clearly unaware of Phil sitting right there. Phil felt the bench bounce slightly as the voice, which sounded male, started in shock.

 “Oh shit sorry I didn’t see you there,” the person apologised with an awkward laugh, “I’m Dan Howell, I’m new here.” There was an awkward pause where Phil tried to guess whether or not Dan was waiting for a handshake, eventually he settled with a hope that he was indeed not doing so, and prayed that he was correct, yet another reason he needed PJ to be there.

 “I’m Phil,” he introduced himself with a smile, hoping he was looking in the correct direction, “is this your first day?”

There was a long pause and Phil internally cringed, realising Dan must have nodded, “erm yeah, I just moved here from Reading,” Dan added, confirming Phil’s suspicions that he had nodded.

 “Oh cool! Do you know anyone here?” he asked as he closed his book, sliding his hand along to where he knew his bag was so he could put the book away. He heard Dan huff a laugh of disbelief, Phil could imagine an awkward neck scratch which he executed many a time accompanying it.

“Nah, I’ve only spoken to you,” Dan’s voice betrayed a slight wobble, which Phil guessed meant he was nervous, not that he could blame him, first days must be hard.

Phil grinned at him, “Awesome! You can hang with me then, my friend’s away today so I needed someone anyway!”

 Phil could hear the smile in Dan’s voice as he responded, “Really?” Phil nodded and he felt Dan bounce with excitement, “That’s so great ah thank you so much,” he rambled, “I struggle so much on first days it’s just so difficult to make friends when you’re an awkward lanky teenager with no social skills you know?”

 Phil laughed loudly, “I totally get it,” he replied with a smirk, gesturing to his own lanky form. Dan giggled in response, Phil could hear that it was muffled behind a hand and he smiled warmly. “So first day huh?” He continued the conversation, tucking his bag beside his foot and leaning back so he could face Dan properly as he knew it made people more comfortable, “What’s that like?”

 Dan made a noise somewhere between disbelief and a groan of annoyance, “You’ve never had a first day?” He asked.

“Not since nursery,” Phil shrugged, “my whole year level moved together.” He smiled softly at the jealous whine Dan emitted, it sounded like he had buried his face in his hands.

There was a slightly muffled sigh and then Dan responded saying, “It usually sucks, no one talks to me,” Phil felt his face slip into a small frown as Dan’s tone turned dejected and slightly broken, “I’ve moved schools a lot I’m kinda used to it,” Phil could hear the self deprecating smile in his words as Dan shuffled on the bench, his shoes scuffing the gravel around.

 “Well I’m talking to you,” Phil offered with a weak smile and some cheesy jazz hands, he listened with a brighter smile as Dan laughed again.

“Yeah you are,” Phil could hear the grin in Dan’s voice, “but that’s unusual.”

Phil laughed, leaning back on his hand and winking “That’s me, unusual Phil,” he grinned as Dan laughed quietly, his feet still shuffling the gravel floor.

 “You own your originality though!” Dan complimented, Phil listened to the scuffles intently and guessed Dan was probably talking about the bright Steven Universe t-shirt he was wearing that day.

Phil shrugged with a chuckle, running a hand through his messy quiff, he was still adjusting to the new style but PJ assured him it was a definite improvement, “I guess so! Still, my originality has left me without a friend today until you,” he pointed out. Dan made a noise of agreement in the back of his throat, almost a huff.

 “Works for me, it’s nice to have someone to talk to for once,” the other boy sighed, he sounded almost nostalgic, Phil wondered how long it had been since Dan made a friend. Perhaps he was a ‘one close friend’ person like Phil was, or maybe he was more of a ‘spread yourself around’ kind of guy. Phil suspected the former, Dan didn’t seem like a social butterfly.

 “I can understand that,” he smiled warmly at the new boy, “So are you doing any of the Science subjects? I have a boring day and it would be nice to have someone in my class”

Dan responded almost immediately, “Yeah I have Psych second, with… Miss Mendie?”

Phil glowed with excitement, he had thought he would go lonely today but at least they shared one class together, “Me too!” he responded eagerly, hopefully not too eagerly.

That didn’t seem to be the case though as Dan sounded like he was bouncing as he responded, “Oh awesome! Here have a look at this and tell me if you’re in any of my other classes,” Phil listened as a bag unzipped and a piece of paper was thrust in his hands.

“O-oh I-” he started but Dan cut him off.

“Sorry it’s messy but I was in a rush when I got my timetable,” he chuckled. Phil wasn’t really sure how to respond, he looked down to his hands where he was holding the paper, how had Dan not noticed?

 He opted for changing the topic instead, “It’s weird that you don’t have to go to that principal meeting,” Phil hummed, he thought of all the other new students who had joined the school over the course of the six years he had attended there, “Every other new student did.”

 There was a long pause, a silence that stretched so long that Phil began to wonder if maybe Dan was miming something, or had just up and left, when suddenly an exclamation of, “OH SHIT” echoed through the courtyard. Dan must have been checking his phone, maybe emails? Or a text from his parents?

“I have to go to that! Fuck fuck fuck fuck thank you so much fuck fuck” Dan mumbled as he made a lot of scuffling noises, a zip of a bag made Phil realise he was getting up to leave, “Ah! My timetable! Did we have anything together aside from Psych?” Dan asked and Phil begun to stammer out an explanation when Dan interrupted again, “Nevermind sorry I have to go! I’m already late! I’ll see you in Psych?”

Phil laughed a little at the irony, calling out to the retreating footsteps, “See you then!”

 ~-~-~

 To say Dan was having the best first day of his life would be the understatement of the century, he grinned to himself as he slipped into his seat first period. Still taken aback by the fact that he had managed to make a new friend within the first few minutes, something he had never achieved before. Even the teacher forcing him to stand and deliver an awkward introduction wasn’t enough to bring down his mood. Phil was one of the nicest people Dan had ever met, with laughing blue eyes and a bright smile he was the epitome of welcoming, combined with his friendly banter there was nothing Dan could be unhappy about.

There was something that confused him, the way Phil would occasionally look in slightly the wrong direction, and didn’t respond to any nodding or other non-verbal communication, but that wasn’t enough for Dan to really have any concerns, as he said, he rarely made new friends on the first day.

 His hand twitched towards his phone, it was digging into his side through the side pocket in his jeans, “probably not the best impression to make on my new teachers,” he mumbled to himself as he opened his text book with a sigh. The urge to text Louise, his childhood friend from home, and tell her all about Phil was incredibly strong however. He opted instead to doodle horrifically drawn stick figures on the side of his page, keeping his ears listening to the teacher.

 Mr Marshall was a balding thin man who appeared to ramble often and didn’t seem to notice students listening to music and chattering at the back of the classroom. He continued to drone on, and Dan felt his eyes grow hazy as he listened, man this guy was boring. He found himself thinking more about his interaction with Phil instead. The boy was a beacon of light, he had seemed ridiculously eager to invite Dan to sit with him, which was surprising since Dan figured someone as caring and fascinating as him should have had loads of friends. Not that Dan was complaining, he was more than happy to sit with Phil that lunch period, and as many in the future as he would be allowed in all honesty. In fact, he was already watching the clock in anticipation for the next period. Maybe it was the excitement, or the longing to talk to someone but the clock seemed to tick slower than usual.

 Twenty minutes and thirty two seconds to go.

Thirty one seconds.

Thirty seconds…

 ~-~-~

 Phil stared in the direction of the door, he could have sworn this was the class Dan had said they shared. Maybe he had heard wrong, it had happened rather quickly in the end, and Dan had showed him the timetable but Phil hadn’t had time to explain before the other boy had taken off to his meeting.

 He shrugged and listened in interest as the class bustled around him, people scraping their chairs along the ground, presumably to chat with their friends before the teacher arrived. Chatter echoed around the room and Phil sat in silence, his fingers tracing shapes on the desk absentmindedly. He didn’t mind the silence, finding a familiar comfort in trying to differentiate between the voices of his peers, however with the uncomfortable voice in the back of his mind telling him that Dan was in the room but had decided sitting with the blind kid wasn’t worth it he was struggling to find his usual enjoyment.

 He sighed in disappointment as the teacher announced her presence, hoping that maybe he had misheard Dan and they actually shared an English class, not a Psychology class. Deep in his mind he knew that he hadn’t misheard but he shoved that knowledge away and focused his attention on the class. Psychology was one of Phil’s favourite classes, his teacher was an energetic and fun lady who bounded around the room and made every part of the brain seem like an adventure with the way her booming voice excitedly told them new facts. PJ had informed Phil that she was a short lady, which amused Phil because she had so much energy he didn’t see how it could fit in a small person, she achieved it nonetheless.

 “Alright you crazy kids who remembers what we learnt last lesson?” Miss Mendie asked and Phil smiled to himself, settling into his chair and trying to force his brain to forget about Dan, he still had PJ and that was enough for him.

 As he accepted that thought there was a soft knock at the door, Phil listened as the class froze in their movements, presumably looking in the direction of the door as he now was. A murmur ran through the class, too quiet for Phil to hear what they were all saying but loud enough that he could hear the confusion in their tone. He huffed in frustration as he waited to be filled in, this was why he needed more friends.

 “Alright alright you chatterboxes!” the teacher regained the attention of the class with ease, Phil could imagine her huge arm movements and bright smile as she silenced the classroom, “We have a new student joining our class! This is Daniel, or Dan?” She asked and Phil grinned as he realised his new friend had been late.

“Dan is fine,” Dan mumbled in his posh southern accent, and Phil tried to send him a reassuring smile, hoping it was in the correct direction.

He could hear the smile in Miss Mendie’s voice as she said, “Righto! Dan it is, be kind to him!” She said with a teasing lilt to her voice, Phil imagined her wagging a finger at them, “There’s an empty seat next to Mr Lester; Dan why don’t you pop there?”

 The class continued to buzz, a soft murmur like the hum of a bee’s wings, Phil listened as Dan moved through the classroom, mumbling apologies and scraping past chairs. Waiting for the tell-tale scrape of a chair being pulled back and Dan collapsing into it with a “humph.”

 Phil turned towards Dan and smiled at him reassuringly, being the new kid was hard enough Phil couldn’t imagine being late to a class on top of that, “Hi,” he whispered, taking the continued chatter of the class to mean Miss Mendie hadn’t resumed teaching.

“Hey,” Dan responded and Phil could hear the relieved smile in his voice, “seriously some of the teachers here can’t catch a hint fucking hell!”

Phil hummed in agreement as he twirled his pen in his fingers, unable to keep the relieved smile off his face that Dan was here, talking to him, “Who did you have?”

 Dan made a low groan noise that sent Phil into a fit of giggles, “Mr Marshall,” Phil snorted and he could feel Dan glaring at him, “Stop laughing he was so boring! Then he took me through everything you did this semester, as though I wasn’t at another school doing the same thing,” at this point Phil was laughing so hard he had to cover his face with his hand to hide his tongue poking through his teeth.

“Did he speak in third person?” Phil managed to get out between giggles, and Dan made a gagging noise in confirmation, Phil could imagine him pulling a face as he laughed.

There was a thump which Phil assumed was Dan’s head being smacked against the desk and a muffled, “Yes and it was so annoying, why does he do that?” Phil shrugged as Miss Mendie called the attention of the class back to her, sending Dan a smirk.

 There was something so fascinating about spending the class with Dan, listening to his sarcastic comments under his breath that Phil was certain he believed no one could hear. He also drummed his pens against his leg, a soft pitter patter that took Phil around fifteen minutes to identify. When the class came to a close Dan made an awkward coughing noise, his tone completely different to what Phil had been expecting. Instead of the loud brash, almost excited, sounding voice Phil had adjusted to, Dan sounded soft and nervous, “Hey…”

Phil looked in the direction of his voice, his eyebrows furrowed in concern, “What’s up?” He could hear Dan fidgeting, his feet scuffing the carpet floor backwards and forwards.

“Did I do something?” Dan asked eventually after a long silence, “Everytime I try to tell you something in class, you completely ignore me. I understand if you don’t like me, it’s fine, but can you just tell me?”

 Phil felt a pang of guilt as he listened to Dan, his voice was so small and insecure. He offered the boy a small smile and leaned down to his side, hand fumbling around for his cane, he could hear Dan start to walk away, clearly disappointed at his lack of response. With a click the cane flipped into its full length, revealing the long white stick that Phil used to navigate the school corridor. Phil frowned as Dan inhaled sharply and rapped the cane in the direction he heard the noise, he knew he hit his mark at the yelp Dan made in response.

“Don’t you dare feel guilty,” he stared at Dan pointedly, hoping he was glaring in the right direction.

 “Jeez I can tick that off the bucket list…” Dan murmured after a few seconds of awkward silence, Phil could hear the small smile returning to his voice.

He cocked his head to the side slightly and moved the cane to the ground, feeling around for the edges of chairs, “What?”

“Get hit by a blind person’s cane,” Dan joked and Phil grinned, shaking his head he began to walk out of the classroom. He mimed ticking the air and his grin widened even further as Dan let out a loud peal of laughter. “You still ok with me sitting with you?” He asked, Phil could hear him walking along beside him, books clunking in his arms.

“Duh,” Phil rolled his eyes with a smirk as Dan let out a small whoop.

 ~-~-~

 Dan could practically kick himself, it was so obvious! He watched as Phil’s cane glided along the hallway from side to side, informing him of potential threats and things to avoid. The way his eyes had quivered ever so slightly, always looking not quite at Dan exactly but slightly to the side, his lack of response when Dan didn’t say it verbally, he was so obviously blind that Dan felt like an absolute idiot. Admittedly Phil was the most upbeat person that Dan had ever met, his fun attitude and way he kept rapping Dan in the foot with his cane, was contagiously happy. He was clearly doing it on purpose, judging by the gleeful smile he had on his face. Dan shuffled along after Phil, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar halls as he followed the blind boy.

 “So this here,” Phil pointed at the large opening where hundreds of students were gathering outside, “is the lunch area, we all sit around and some weird people play sport,” he nodded his heads towards the group of students kicking a football around their circle.

Dan nodded, his mind running a thousand miles a minute, “What do you do at lunch?” he asked curiously.

 Students all around them were screaming and chatting, a group of boys all appeared to be working out together, winking at girls with every push up, Dan grimaced at the idea of it.

Phil shrugged, “Peej and I usually just talk, that’s my best friend by the way, he’s not here today. We sit over here, away from the football boys and the gym jerks.”

 Phil slid onto a bench, snapping his cane into a smaller, more efficient size and laying it by his feet. He then turned towards Dan, his eyes ever so slightly looking to the left, “Okay fire away,” he delivered in a practised bored tone, a small nervous quirk in the corner of his lips.

Dan felt confusion wash over him, and he very eloquently responded with, “Huh?”

Phil shrugged again, scratching the back of his neck, “This isn’t my first time,” Dan’s cheeks heated at the intimate wording, “Everyone has questions and I’d like to get them over with now so we can be normal friends,” Phil continued leaving Dan in shocked silence.

 “Oh… Were you born blind?” He finally asked, once the uncomfortable heaviness of the quiet seeped into him.

Phil shook his head, “I was in a bike accident when I was three, it destroyed my retinas and they couldn’t fix it,” Phil delivered the answer as though Dan had inquired about the weather, not his permanent vision loss, “I don’t remember a time where I wasn’t blind.”

“I’m so-” Dan begun, cutting off with a yelp as Phil kicked his leg out, striking him on the calf.

“Don’t apologise!” Phil glared at him, his striking blue eyes burning with stubbornness.

Dan shifted of the seat in discomfort, “right… Sorry,” he shuffled on the seat again as Phil chuckled at him.

 “I don’t want you to apologise, it's the person I’ve always been and I’m happy with who I am,” he shrugged, eyes downturned despite not having to deal with awkward eye contact.

“Right… sorry,” he smiled slightly, kicking his legs back and forward to stop himself from being nervous, “so what’s your best friend like?”

Phil snorted, rolling his eyes to the sky, “He’s a dick but he’s also the best. His name’s PJ, we’ve been friends since nursery.”

“Woah, so did he meet you when you… when there was… when you were-” Dan fumbled for words.

“When I was already blind?” Phil supplied, a knowing laugh in his expression, Dan scratched at his arm in embarrassment.

He nodded before remembering Phil couldn’t see that, “erm yeah?”

 Phil nodded, smirk still quirking his lips upward, “Yeah, but it never affected our friendship, that’s why we get along so well.” He seemed to say that pointedly, with the air of someone who had been disappointed by friends before, friends who treated him differently. Dan felt a surge of determination not to be like that. Phil was reeling Dan in, and he was okay with that.

“Well I don’t see why it should affect a friendship,” he said, and if his heart skipped a beat when Phil beamed at him, his whole face lighting up like a Christmas tree, he would never mention it.

 ~-~-~

 5 YEARS OLD

 Phil clung to the woman’s hand, it was sweaty and wrinkly, like the raisin his mum had found melting beside his bed because he hadn’t seen it. She had that same sickly sweet smell too, but Phil clung on anyway because he didn’t want to be left alone. He could hear the other kids shrieking with laughter and running around him, their feet making loud “boom boom” noises on the ground as they raced back and forth. He didn’t like school.

 “Come on Philip, you can let go of me, I’ll be right here,” the old lady told him again, at least Phil assumed she was old, her words whistled a bit when she said them. He could imagine a hunched over old woman like the witch his brother described to him, with her raisin skin covering her whole face. The thought made him smile a little, he wished Martyn was here now.

He shook his head sharply, clutching her hand even tighter, ignoring the ugly squelch noise it made when he did that.

Suddenly a young British accent spoke up, “Why’re you holding onto her hand?” the kid asked, Phil jumped a little in shock, turning his head to try to locate the noise, “I’m here,” the voice said again and Phil swivelled slightly to face them.

“I’m scared,” Phil explained, his voice small as he ducked his head down.

The small voice made a “hmmmm” noise which bounced up and down as though they was nodding their head furiously, “You don’t need to be scared anymore,” the voice said with purpose - Phil’s dad had used that word and Phil liked it - “because I’m your friend now!”

 There was a strange shuffle noise and then the kid said, “My name’s PJ!” there was a long pause that made Phil feel itchy and shy, before PJ spoke up again, “My mum said that when you hold your hand out people are meant to shake it, it’s how you make friends.”

Phil squeaked in fear as the old lady took her hand away from his and guided it towards a softer more squishy hand, the same size as his. PJ shook the hand and Phil smiled.

“This is Phil,” the lady said, she must’ve been telling PJ, “can I trust you to look after him?” Phil followed her voice and tried to hide the fear he was feeling, PJ let go of his hand and he felt lost. On an island in the middle of nowhere with nothing to show him where to go.

 He let out a sigh of relief when his cane was placed in his hand, the long familiar metal comforting, he placed the large rubber ball on the ground and used it to locate PJ.

“Woah,” the word stretched out like a rubber band, “what’s that?” PJ asked, he sounded excited and Phil shuffled his foot back and forth in embarrassment.

“I’m blind,” he mumbled and when PJ made a noise of confusion he added, “I can’t see anything.”

 Phil waited for the kid to run away, it had happened before, people who can’t see aren’t as much fun to play with. Instead PJ surprised him, one of the best surprises, like the bestest birthday present in the world, but not on his birthday, “That’s so cool!” PJ shrieked, making Phil jump backwards a little in shock, “You can’t see me at all?” Phil shook his head and PJ gasped in amazement, taking Phil’s hand in his, “That is actually awesome because that means I don’t have to play on the playground anymore, the playground is boring but you’re going to be my best friend.”

 Phil followed in awe, tapping his ball along the ground to warn him of any possible dangers, PJ didn’t stop talking informing him of every little thing he couldn’t see, “There’s Melanie, she has poofy red hair and it’s amazing, oh wait you don’t know colours ummmmm, well her hair is like the taste of strawberry.”

 ~-~-~

 PRESENT DAY

 Phil woke up to a loud banging on his door, he groaned and rolled over. The bangs formed a familiar pattern, PJ’s morning knock, Phil sighed heavily and smushed the pillow over his head. “Go away!” He yelled, the noise muffled by the cushion of the pillow.

He heard PJ snort, “Are you decent?” was the only response and Phil groaned again.

“I’m only wearing boxers but- and you opened the door” he sighed, pressing the pillow further into his face, “leave me be, I’m wallowing in my pain.”

 PJ laughed, leaping onto the bed and jostling his best friend, “Come on lazy pants, we’re going to be late again,” he said, very unsympathetically. Phil growled low in his throat and pulled the duvet over his head. PJ poked him in the side relentlessly, a cheeky laugh adorning his annoyance.

“Leave m’alone” he grumbled, voice scratchy and deep from sleepiness. PJ continued mashing his finger into Phil’s sensitive points, his stomach, neck, back, basically wherever could be accessed. Phil let out a loud huff, kicking his legs upward as he sat up, opening his eyes finally and mocking a loud gasp of shock, “Peej, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you!”

 Peej sighed heavily in response, making Phil smirk at his joke, “Never gets old buddy, come on get ready, we’re gonna be late.” He shoved Phil off the bed, Phil stumbled slightly, reaching instinctively for his cane before pouting at his best friend.

“No really mate, I think you’re going grey, I can definitely see some grey hairs there.” Phil smiled to himself as he finally managed to coax a laugh out of PJ. He ran his hand along the clothes, feeling for the familiar scratchy material of his uniform.

 PJ flopped back on the bed, creating a whoomph sound, “Have you looked in the mirror recently?” Phil laughed, finally pulling his uniform out of the closet.

“Alright get out of here, you dick,” he waited until PJ closed the door behind himself with a clunk before he stripped off his pajama pants.

 Almost twenty minutes later Phil slid into PJ’s car, folding his cane as he buckled the seatbelt, “We’re going to get there right on time,” PJ huffed, the car shifting into drive with a groan of pain. Phil shrugged, pretending to look out the window with an air of nonchalance.

“You’re trying to look all cool and mysterious but you’re not turning your head enough so you’re just staring at the wall of the car,” PJ snickered, “So what happened when I was away yesterday?”

Phil sighed returning his head to the direction of his friend with a grin, “I made a friend!”

PJ made a strangled disbelieving noise, his hand flicking the indicator, “We’re pulling into the carpark,” he dictated, after thirteen years together he knew his best friend well, “no way, I don’t believe you.”

 “I did!” Phil gasped at the insinuation he couldn’t make friends, holding a hand to his heart as though he had been shot, “How dare you! I made friends with you didn’t I?” He pointed out and frowned at Peej’s snort of laughter as the car chugged to a heavy stop, “You need a new car,” he added while feeling for his seatbelt.

“First of all, how dare you Betty is the best thing in my life. Secondly, sure when we were five, and technically I adopted the sad, blind, kid.” The door slammed shut as PJ exited the vehicle, Phil pulled a face before following.

 “You didn’t adopt me, and I did make a friend, his name is Dan,” they marched into the school, the bell echoing around their heads.

PJ made an impressed noise, taking Phil by the elbow, “Come on slowpoke, if we don’t get moving we’re gonna be even later,” he pulled them forward and around the halls.

 ~-~-~

 Dan tapped his pen against his leg methodically, his palms slick with sweat, as his eyes scanned for Phil. He had seen him earlier, being tugged along by a dark haired boy with an uncanny resemblance to Dan himself, albeit more tan. They had marched past and seeing the boy, obviously PJ, Dan had frozen in fear, unable to speak up. He was semi grateful that Phil himself was blind and therefore hadn’t seen him, Dan the deer, staring into the headlights with statue like shock. What if PJ didn’t like him? Phil was, something else entirely, his own category of perfect.

 Dan stifled thoughts of soft dark hair, eyes as blue as the sky, and a blinding bright smile. It wasn’t the first time Dan had gotten a crush, definitely not the first boy either, but that didn’t mean he was going to allow it to progress. Phil was his only friend in this school, hell, in this town, he wasn’t throwing that away with a stupid crush, no matter how beautiful he was, so very very beautiful… He shook his head to regain his thoughts, returning his eyes to their mission of locating Phil. He knew if he wanted to keep sitting with his friend this lunch he would need to spot him himself.

 His eyes finally snapped on familiar dark hair and pale skin, Dan felt his heart tug towards him and he felt the urge to punch it, no feelings, he chastised.

“Hi Phil!” He called out as he jogged over, a pang of joy buzzing through him as Phil turned towards him with a bright grin, sightless eyes staring just slightly over his shoulder. PJ stared at him with an expression Dan struggled to read, it seemed to flicker between surprise, wariness, analytical and excitement.

“Dan!” Phil exclaimed, his arm grappling behind him before gripping onto PJ and tugging him forward, Dan almost laughed at the shock on PJ’s face, but didn’t want to make that his first impression on the boy, “This is PJ, the best friend I was talking about,” Phil introduced.

 PJ turned to Phil with a laugh, “We’re best friends? How’d I get stuck with you?” He teased, eyes glinting mischievously, Phil rolled his eyes, shoving PJ in the arm.

“Shut up you dick and meet our new friend,” suddenly Phil’s eyes darted over to Dan nervously, “you do want to be our friend right? I didn’t read this wrong? I do that sometimes and I-” Dan cut him off.

“Stop, yes I want to be your friend, I would… I would love it,” he tugged on his arm and stared at Phil and then PJ who was staring at him with that same expression. He stuck out his hand towards PJ, “I’m Dan.”

 PJ’s expression softened slightly, although he still looked as though he was scanning Dan, picking apart the different fidgets and quirks of his soul, from the small curl that circled his ear, to the way his teeth were toying with his lip. Finally he took Dan’s hand, a smirk quirking at his lips, “PJ,” he said simply. Phil furrowed his eyebrows in PJ’s general direction - off by a few centimetres - before turning to Dan.

“So you happy to sit with us?” Dan made a humming noise of agreement, “Awesome! I just need to duck to the bathroom, I’ll meet up with you guys in a second,” he walked away, cane gliding along the ground and smile lighting up the corridor.

 Dan only realised he was staring after him when PJ coughed, an amused smile pulling at his cheeks, “You ‘right there?” he asked, the smile turning more into a smirk as Dan’s cheeks flared up.

“Wha- yeah, yeah… I’m, I’m fine pfft I don’t know what… what, you’re talking about?” He stumbled over the words, tripping and slipping on them like a giraffe in the rainforest. PJ laughed softly, beckoning for Dan to follow him.

He had this aura around him that screamed, ‘don’t fuck with me but also dork is my middle name’, which was honestly more intimidating than a normal don’t fuck with me kind of guy.

 “Now,” PJ begun and Dan scrambled to fall in pace with him, “Phil can hold his own, he may be blind but that doesn’t stop him being the greatest guy ever. He deserves real friends, and he seems to like you,” Dan blushed further at that, PJ raised an eyebrow knowingly, “and from what I can tell you like him too. So don’t be a dick basically,” he summed up, falling down on the same bench Dan and Phil had sat at the day prior.

 Dan nodded, avoiding eye contact, “I won’t, I really like Phil,” PJ was staring at him, Dan could feel his eyes burning into the top of his head.

“Alright then, now you should know that I am basically Phil’s eyes, any faces you pull at him, any crazy bed head, I’ll let him know.”

Dan nodded in understanding, his fingers toying with a piece of string hanging off his uniform, “I’m not going to take advantage of him in any way,” he promised. PJ smiled brightly, any intimidating factor he might have had gone and replaced with a cheeky eyebrow raise, “also just because Phil’s blind doesn’t mean I can’t see you goggling,” he teased, leaning back as Phil made his way over, chatting to people politely, but Dan could see the uncomfortable wall he put forward, like a line of defence that he had never shown around Dan.

 “Erm no thanks Emily, my taste isn’t exclusively blind people you know?” Phil chuckled awkwardly, chewing on the side of his mouth visibly. The girl, Emily Dan guessed, shrugged carelessly her blonde bob bouncing around her shoulders.

“If you say so!” She chirped cheerily, “Let me know if you change your mind!” Phil nodded, his face screwed up in discomfort as he continued walking towards Dan and PJ.

 PJ sighed, rolling his eyes, “Emily at it again? Watch the rock,” He instructed as Phil’s cane swept past a rock unknowingly, Dan watched the two friends curiously. They had a natural comfort with each other, leaning into the familiarity like they had been doing it their whole life, and Dan supposed, they had. Phil sidestepped the rock with a clear trust, and shrugged, “She doesn’t seem to get that I don’t want to date her cousin,” he smiled in Dan’s general direction, “You’ll meet Emily eventually, she has a desperation to match everyone up and she’s decided her blind cousin is perfect for me. I’ve never even met the girl, not to mention she’s a girl,” he turned back to PJ at the end, clearly this was a discussion they had had many times before, judging by PJ’s knowing snort.

 “You’re not ready to start seeing all the ladies Philly?” PJ teased, Dan froze in shock, turning to watch Phil’s reaction. There was a pause, before Phil groaned, throwing his head back and allowing the groan to morph into laughter.

“Yeah I don’t know they just don’t really catch my eye,” he grinned, clearly proud of himself for the guffaw of laughter that erupted from PJ.

He nodded proudly, a smirk twisting his mouth, “Nice one mate,” Dan was aware of his mouth hanging open in surprised laughter. He knew Phil was comfortable with his blindness, but he hadn’t realised PJ and him joked about it so openly.

 Phil seemed to remember Dan was there and turned towards him, face still scrunched up with laughter and a hint of tongue poking through his teeth. A breath of air whooshed through him, swooping through his stomach and up into his chest, tingling like a soft drink had replaced his blood but warm like coffee. One thought pulsed in his mind, sending the blood in his veins pumping until it rushed in his ears.

 Shit I have a crush on Phil.

 ~-~-~

 Phil leaned over to PJ, the class chattered away around them, supposedly doing private study but for all Phil could hear it wasn’t likely. He tapped the table to get his friend’s attention, struggling to judge the gap between their two heads.

“What’s up?” Peej asked, Phil could hear his pen still scratching away at the paper, making notes for the lesson.

He wiggled his eyebrows, nudging PJ’s shoulder, “What’s he look like?” he could hear PJ snicker under his breath, this was a well rehearsed conversation they had every time Phil met someone particularly interesting.

“Who?” PJ asked with an faux innocence, Phil could practically see the laugh twisting his mouth. He groaned, nudging PJ with his side and snickering at the insulted gasp his best friend let out in response.

“Dan!” He hissed, raising his eyebrows to accentuate the point and making a big show of pretending to look around to check for eavesdroppers, “Is he as cute as he sounds?”

 PJ was still laughing under his breath but Phil hurt the pencil clatter to the table so he knew he had won, “Yes he’s got curly brown hair that perfectly shapes his face, like seriously he’s exactly your type, perfect hair for curling through your fingers,” Phil felt his cheeks warm as PJ nudged him in the side knowingly. He was trying to deny the crush that was already developing on Dan, but it was hard when he was just so funny, Phil felt his whole body relax whenever he was around him, like Dan contained a soothing presence in his voice. PJ knew him better than anyone in the world, he knew exactly what Phil liked in a person.

“He has a really sharp jawline like damn,” PJ continued, Phil could hear his knowing smile, he was aware of the way Phil’s heart skipped at that knowledge.

 “So essentially he’s perfect?” Phil sighed, slumping forward in his seat until his chin was resting on his hands. PJ huffed a laugh and Phil felt his hand pat Phil on the shoulder.

There was a pause before PJ said, “In terms of your type, yeah mate he’s perfect.”

Phil groaned in defeat, “I really like him,” he jutted out his bottom lip, “He’s so funny and easy to be around. It’s only been a day of knowing him, am I too cheesy?”

“Stop spiralling,” PJ commanded, flicking Phil on the ear to stop the thoughts, “Dan seems like a nice person,” a smirk made its way into PJ’s voice, “Why don’t you ask him to the formal?”

 Phil gaped at his best friend, or at least he let his mouth hang open in plain sight, "Ask him to formal?" He confirmed and at PJ's hum let out a guffaw of laughter, "Are you completely mad?" At PJ's lack of response he plowed onwards, "Not only does that set me up for potential and likely rejection, but I could lose the second true friend I've made in my entire life!" He realised he was shouting and lowered his voice, "I like Dan..."

PJ sighed heavily, the noise was loud and laced with an assumed slump of the shoulders, "I think he likes you too Phil, not just as a friend either. You can't see it, but you're an attractive dude and Dan looks like he is interested."

 Phil allowed this information to seep into his skin, he didn't want to get his hopes up but at the same time, that little shred of hope was tickling its way into his heart. There was just one problem, "He's probably straight," Phil groaned.

PJ laughed loudly, a proper heavy spout of laughter which caused murmurs throughout the rest of the class and forced Phil to look up from where he had slumped into his hands.

"He isn't straight buddy," Peej assured him, laughter still weaving its way through his words, "He is so definitely not straight."

 So maybe he had a chance? The idea was almost two nice to imagine.

 ~-~-~

 Dan found himself staring at Phil far more than he should be, his eyes seemed to be constantly drawn to the black haired boy. Especially his eyes, those sparkling blue eyes that couldn't see him staring, except PJ could and Dan was almost positive he was smirking at him. He drew his eyes back to his lunch with great difficulty, it was as though they were glued to Phil.

 "I'm going to go get a drink," PJ informed the two, Dan had begun to pick up on this habit of announcing his doings so Phil never had to guess. Nothing to do with Phil's blindness was ever a big thing, it was always just slipped into conversation as a joke, or little actions that Dan and PJ would complete to make things easier.

 If Dan was honest he was a little bit jealous of how at ease together PJ and Phil were, he was desperate to have that kind of ease and relaxation with another person. They just had this natural rhythm that they followed. Dan had noticed PJ describing funny situations that he was watching, Phil nodding along in amusement, it wasn't something either of them mentioned or talked about, but it happened all the same.

"So Dan..." Phil mumbled, Dan turned to him in surprise, Phil looked shy. His head was turned downwards towards the ground, as though he was trying to use it to gather courage, and his eyebrows were knitted in focus.

When Phil didn't continue his sentence Dan spoke up, "Yes?" he prompted.

 Phil's mouth opened and closed nervously and Dan realised he was probably staring at his lips a little too much, he diverted his attention to his eyes - which probably wasn't much better.Phil mumbled something so quietly Dan only heard a hum of noise, "Pardon?" He asked and smiled as his friend's cheeks turned an adorable shade of red. Could Phil be called just a friend in his mind? None of his friends made him as flustered as Phil did.

He was thrown out of this train of thought by Phil repeating his question a little louder, "Do you want to go to formal with me?"

 The world seemed to screech to a stop, "As a friend?" He asked to confirm, Phil looked even more embarrassed now, his cheeks were so red he could rival a tomato.

"It could be more than that... if you wanted I mean?"

This couldn’t be real, Dan could barely allow himself to even humour the situation, he must be dreaming, or misunderstanding. They’ve only been friends for a couple of weeks, and sure Dan had developed a crush on Phil almost instantaneously but that was irrelevant. There was no way Phil would do the same for Dan, not when Dan’s personality was so, well, lacking.

 “Uh sorry, have I read this situation wrong?” Dan snapped out of his shocked state by Phil speaking again. He was shuffling from foot to foot, unseeing eyes downturned and embarrassed.

Dan stumbled over his words hurriedly, “No ah sorry I just- I just got shocked u-um,” he hesitated, unsure whether he was understanding what Phil meant correctly [CONT’ LATER]

 ~-~-~

 Phil sat in the change room, brushing his feet backwards and forwards along the carpet, his sneakers trying to grip as he tried to relieve some awkardness.

“Okay so we want matching but not too matching?” Dan confirmed as he re-entered the change room, Phil listened as the curtain swished open and then closed again.

He nodded in confirmation, smiling softly as at least four hangers clinked onto the rack.

“Close your eyes,” Dan mumbled, and if the rustling of material was anything to go by he was taking off his shirt.

Phil let out a loud bark of laughter, “Seems unnecessary,” he smirked and relished in the sound of Dan’s bubbly laugh, despite being muffled from the inside of a shirt.

 Phil closed his eyes anyway as his… friend? Boyfriend? As Dan emerged from the depths of his shirt, “It feels weird either way,” he pointed out and Phil shrugged.

“I don’t mind,” he replied easily, pretending that if he couldn’t see the blush steadily rising up his face then Dan couldn’t either; he shouldn’t be thinking about how beautiful Dan probably looked. No, he wasn’t thinking about it, yes that should work.

 “Okay so it fits me nicely but I think it’s a weird colour?” Dan mused, his feet scuffing the carpet as he turned from side to side, “It’s like a blue-ish grey, probably would suit you more.”

Phil hummed in response, opening his eyes to more black, “What did you get as the matching one?” Dan shuffled around, clicking the hangers together as he moved the other suits out of the way.

“It’s a darker blue, with grey highlights,” he told Phil.

 Phil hummed in thought, taking the suit from Dan’s long fingers and holding it against his body, turning to show Dan the colouring, “You like?”

There was a strange hiccup noise, in between a gasp and a cough, “I like… um uh yeah I like very much,” Dan mumbled, Phil could practically hear the blush echoing through his words. He smirked and swished his hips slightly just to listen to the catch in Dan’s breath.

“Mmm okay sounds good,” he shooed Dan out of the room while he undid the buttons on the linen shirt, “I’ll try it on and show you,” he explained at Dan’s noises of protest.

 From outside the curtain he could hear Dan grumble, “Why did you get to stay in the room?”

Phil snorted as he poked his head through the collar of the shirt, rolling his unseeing eyes to himself, “Because I can’t see you,” he offered and Dan huffed, trying to sound annoyed, but Phil could hear him chuckling.

Once he had fully dressed he stepped out of the change room with a flourish of his arms, throwing his head back dramatically. His smile widened further as he listened to the surprised bark of laughter Dan made at his antics.

 “That really suits you,” Dan said softly, like he was speaking through a gasp, and then there was a pause before he snickered and mumbled, “suits you.”

Phil groaned, smacking Dan gently and rolling his eyes yet again, “That’s awful, never speak to me again.”

Just at that moment a pair of heels clacked into the room and Phil heard Dan swivel to face whoever was entering.

 “Are you boys alright in here?” Someone asked; who Phil assumed was a shop assistant, “Those suits look amazing on you, are you trying to match your dates?”

The air seemed to be electrocuted with uncomfortable energy, “Uh,” was Dan’s eloquent response. Phil scratched at his neck awkwardly, he could feel a blush spreading across his cheeks.

How could they answer that question? Dan wasn’t his boyfriend or anything, if anything this suit shopping was a first date, a trial run, but he wasn’t sure how comfortable Dan was with being gay. Whether he felt safe enough to tell strangers or not, Phil certainly preferred to keep it to himself where possible.

 Finally Dan spoke up with the most reasonable answer, “Yeah but these ones are perfect so we don’t need any help,” he sounded confident but Phil had a feeling that was an act. Was the hitch mid sentence just Phil’s imagination?

“Oh alright,” the assistant sounded almost disappointed but her shoes click clacked out of the room either way.

As soon as she rounded the corner Phil heard Dan dissolve into laughter, it escaped his mouth in loud wheezes, “That was perfect,” he snickered until Phil couldn’t help but laugh with him.

 ~-~-~

 Dan pulled at the collar of his shirt, he squinted at himself in the mirror and shuffled the jacket around until it was a semblance of smooth; or rather slightly less wrinkled than before. His curly hair was slightly tamed into a fringe across his pale forehead. He certainly didn’t look bad.

But will Phil agree? His mind supplied.

 “It doesn’t matter what I look like Phil can’t see it anyway,” he chastised his brain and fiddled with his hair a little more. Two raps on the frame of his door alerted Dan to his father’s presence before he was entering the room with a good humoured chuckle, “Stop fussing with your hair it looks great,” He instructed, pulling Dan’s wrist away so his hand was no longer mussing with the fringe.

Dan pouted at his dad and shifted on his toes nervously, “Do I look okay?”

 His dad smiled proudly at him, straightening the suit so it sat nicer across Dan’s shoulders, “You look amazing,” he replied, genuine kindness laced through his words, “Now let’s get going before you’re late.”

 The venue was incredible, how their school had managed to book a place like this was beyond Dan. Nothing was more amazing than Phil in that suit they picked though, he was standing with PJ, quiff too perfectly done to have been executed by the dark haired boy. They were laughing and Dan felt his heart skip two beats as Phil stuck his tongue between his teeth, blue eyes glinting and standing out against the grey colour of the suit.

He took a deep breath and walked towards the two boys, raising his hand to wave at them and grinning when PJ locked eye contact with him. He mumbled something to Phil and then Dan had that blinding smile facing him (almost facing him anyway).

 “Hi,” Dan mumbled as he reached them, feeling a blush seep across his face as Phil intertwined their fingers with an enchanting smile.

PJ nodded with a smirk, “Hi dude,” he offered a one handed salute of greeting, “How’re you doing?”

Dan shrugged, squeezing Phil’s hand a little tighter, “I’m good,” he replied before correcting himself, “Excited.”

 Phil tugged his hand gently to get Dan’s attention, Dan blushed heavier to find those unseeing blue eyes already looking at him, “It’s going to be okay,” Phil reassured him.

“I know,” Dan smiled back, stepping a little bit closer.

 They walked in as a group when PJ’s date arrived, the inside of the ballroom was even more lavish than the exterior. The tall ceiling decorated with cherubs and flower petals, hundreds of students from their school danced across the white polished floor.

 He found himself describing the room to Phi in all its’ glory as they walked in, it wasn’t even something he thought about anymore; only realising he was doing it when PJ smiled gratefully at him. He could almost imagine Peej handing him the final key, full trust of Dan to look after Phil, and that Phil would be there for him in return.

He smiled to himself, hoping Phil didn’t notice the slight stutter in his words as he thought about asking Phil to be his boyfriend

 ~-~-~

 The night had been going incredibly, Phil couldn’t help but feel relaxed and safe with Dan. He wasn’t usually a massive fan of social gatherings like formals, because he felt guilty for keeping PJ from socialising. Dan was different, he didn’t really want to spend time with anyone else, he seemed content laughing and dragging Phil all around the room. Describing the horrific suits and dresses some of their classmates were wearing, telling Phil about the few successful fashion choices.

 At some point they had made their way to a photo-booth, which was a total disaster but Dan had made this adorably soft gasp when he saw the photos and murmured, “We look really cute together,” so that was worth it.

After four hours they were huddled in the corner of the room, Dan was counting how many girls had taken their shoes off, cuddled into Phil’s chest and tracing circles on his knee.

 “Be my boyfriend?” Phil blurted out, he felt Dan still on his lap, muscles tensing. A wave of regret washed over him, he was too sudden, Dan wasn’t ready, he was a disaster-

His train of thought was cut off by soft, chapped lips pressing against his temple and a soft voice whispering, “Yes please.”

Phil turned his head until he was sure he was facing Dan, “Okay,” he grinned, excitement tingling in his veins and cheeks flushed with nerves.

“Can I kiss you?” Dan asked, and Phil’s cheeks burned further still, he had to hope that Dan was just as flushed as he was.

 “Yes please,” Phil replied, echoing Dan’s earlier sentiment , it felt like they were in a tiny bubble, the noise of their classmates and the music playing through the venue faded away as a gentle hand cupped Phil’s cheek. He felt those same lips press to his so gently it was like a feather brushing against them, he pushed forward, slotting them together until they were pushing and pulling together. Soft presses, harder, drawn out, sharp, the feeling left him dizzy and elated. They kissed until both of them were blinded with love. 

[warfear]

✩ puli

* groans loudly *

DISAGREEMENTS

WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO RAISE THEIR VOICE? obviously miss poop. juli hasn’t raised his voice in his life… that’s no joke. can really only recall ONE fight he’s ever had with somebody. like, emotionally. he’s always fighting for the laffs.  WHO THREATENS TO LEAVE BUT NEVER ACTUALLY DOES? pippa again. she’d be way too obsessed with the last word, and you know him… never shuts the fuck up. they’d be going back and forth all night. WHO ACTUALLY KEEPS THEIR WORD AND LEAVES? julian. he’s not really a towel thrower but like, when a man has had enough... WHO TRASHES THE HOUSE? pippa would throw a hissy fit and break multiple vases. those were expensive bitch. you better venmo his mommy right now. DO EITHER OF THEM GET PHYSICAL? she might slap him. maybe. does she have the balls? somebody’s got to.  HOW OFTEN DO THEY ARGUE/DISAGREE? every god damn day. over everything. agreeing is for SUCKERS. WHO IS THE FIRST TO APOLOGISE? julian. obviously. he’s doing it right now in our thread that you refuse to reply to.

SEX

WHO IS ON TOP? i don’t think pippa likes to get down and dirty in missionary soooo… ya make a wild guess. WHO IS ON THE BOTTOM? * ladybird vc * who’s on top their first time?! WHO HAS THE STRANGEST DESIRES? pippa. she fucked her babysitter slash principal. that was mad weird. funny how juli knows about that and STILL choose to knock boots. he must be confident in her weekly planned parenthood check - ups.  ANY KINKS? enthusiastic consent on his part. duh. pippa seems to be VERY into pegging. sounds like she fetishizes homosexual men to me. larry much? big yikes. WHO’S MORE DOMINANT IN BED? we like a girl who knows what she wants. no, genuinely… he does. it’s hot. IS HEAD EVER IN THE EQUATION? juli be eating that wap like its a five course meal followed up by a midnight snack. she slobbers on that dick like its a popsicle stick.If so, who is better at performing it? her, definitely. he’s only really fucked a handful of people, and that includes her. let a boy practice, damn. EVER HAD SEX IN PUBLIC? do parties count as public? if no, then they better get to it. Who moans the most? for juli’s sake, i hope pippa. or else we might be dealing with a case of deflation.  WHO LEAVES THE MOST MARKS? pippa seems like she gets into it, so i’ll go with her. Who screams the loudest? i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again...  WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCREAMING AND MOANING? WHO IS THE MORE EXPERIENCED OF THE TWO? as established, it’s pipperoo.  DO THEY ‘FUCK’ OR ‘MAKE LOVE’? they fuck. plain and simple. maybe when he’s popped that bun in the oven we can get to talking about slowing our roll (no pun intended. just kidding, it was intentional) ROUGH OR SOFT? well, it’s not rough but it’s not soft, either. ya dig? a neat little mixture of both. he’s not a bdsm god, okay. we can’t ALL be randy. but i do wish we could. HOW LONG DO THEY USUALLY LAST? now, i won’t act as if he can go all night in terms of dicking her down… HOWEVER, he don’t give up and if we gotta put our other limbs to use (just fingers, dudes, don’t get any ideas), then so be it. is the tongue a limb? hm. IS PROTECTION USED? with his sperm count? naw. DOES IT EVER GET BORING? probably, they’re depressed.Where is the strangest place they’d have sex? this universe.

FAMILY

DO YOUR MUSES PLAN ON HAVING CHILDREN/OR HAVE CHILDREN? they do not plan on that shit, alright. but if shit hits the fan and a little gremlin starts growing inside the gremlin (let her have some water, did we?), then i guess. just know it wasn’t premeditated.  IF SO, HOW MANY CHILDREN DO YOUR MUSES WANT/HAVE? just the one, thanks. WHO IS THE FAVORITE PARENT? say it’s NOT the apocalypse, then pippa. she would spoil that little brat until it turned into a mini - her. but other than that, juli’s good with kids. THEY LIKE HIM. let me have this. WHO IS THE MORE AUTHORIATIVE PARENT? i feel like juli would be able to handle the everyday stuff of like, “don’t eat glue”. but pippa would be the one snapping, for sure. WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO ALLOW THE CHILDREN TO HAVE A DAY OFF SCHOOL? pippa. juli values education, okay? he’s a little steven crain, why yes he is. WHO LETS THE CHILDREN INDULGE IN SWEETS AND JUNK FOOD WHEN THE OTHER ISN’T AROUND? juli. pippa might be a druggie trainwreck but i don’t see her eating hot cheetos for lunch, nah… that’s juli! WHO TURNS UP TO EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN? juli shows up for the everyday. pippa the games / performances. you think she’s gonna miss her chance at being regina george’s mom? no.  WHO GOES TO THE PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS? pippa forgets them and that leaves daddy julian apolskis with the hot teachers. thank you, poop. WHO CHANGES THE DIAPERS? julian. no further commentary. WHO GETS UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO FEED THE BABY? see above. somebody’s a LAZY bitch… WHO SPENDS THE MOST TIME WITH THE CHILDREN? i mean, i don’t wanna repeat myself but.  WHO PACKS THEIR LUNCHES? naw, that’s a lunch money kid right there. WHO GIVES THEIR CHILDREN ‘THE TALK’? neither, they’d call juli’s mommy or kitty for that shit.  WHO CLEANS UP AFTER THE KIDS? think pippa would hire a maid, honestly. juli’s not very organised and pippa’s, well… pippa. WHO WORRIES THE MOST? julian, for cheesy. WHO ARE THE CHILDREN MORE LIKELY TO LEARN THEIR FIRST SWEAR WORD FROM? oh, that’s a tie. they’d argue about who done did it… you know, like the potty mouths they are. but it’d end up being kitty.

AFFECTION

WHO LIKES TO CUDDLE? julian loves himself a little cuddle sesh. why, is she not down? boo. WHO IS THE LITTLE SPOON? both, what the fuck. * ariana grande vc * IT’S EQUALITY. WHO GETS NAUGHTY IN THE MOST INAPPROPRIATE PLACES? pippa. like you really wanna be getting down and dirty in the diaper aisle of wholefood? get ya damn hand off his non - existent buttocks.  WHO STRUGGLES TO KEEP THEIR HANDS TO THEMSELF? yeah, see above. HOW LONG CAN THEY CUDDLE UNTIL ONE BECOMES UNCOMFORTABLE? like 3 minutes for her. he can go all night, baby. WHO GIVES THE MOST KISSES? probably juli. HE’S AFFECTIONATE. WHAT IS THEIR FAVOURITE NON-SEXUAL ACTIVITY? bitching with blunts.  WHERE IS THEIR FAVOURITE PLACE TO CUDDLE? uh, a BED?  WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO PLAYFULLY GROPE THE OTHER? did you not read ANYTHING i said? HOW OFTEN DO THEY GET TIME TO THEMSELVES? i feel like they both demand a lot of me - time, and honestly i don’t see them simply existing in quietude next to each other, so… often.

SLEEPING

WHO SNORES? pippa like the wee pug she is. IF BOTH DO, WHO SNORES THE LOUDEST? she do, bitch. DO THEY SHARE A BED OR SLEEP SEPARATELY? who are they, bandy? they don’t live together but i’d ASSUME if they fucked and it went past midnight neither would just dip, that’s dumb. IF THEY SLEEP TOGETHER, DO THEY COZY UP TOGETHER OR LAY FAR APART? we start far, far away and we end up a wee bit cozy. WHO TALKS IN THEIR SLEEP? neither. that’s some tom behaviour. WHAT DO THEY WEAR TO BED? juli’s just a boxers type guy, add a t - shirt for winter. and i’m guessing she has some cutesy pajamas that are like pink… and silk.  ARE EITHER OF YOUR MUSES INSOMNIACS? juli could sleep a year. but he could also stay up a year. it’s a toss - up. i think pippa has a noise machine and a sleep mask, so. CAN SLEEPING PILLS BE FOUND BY THE BEDSIDE? yes. and we pop those for fun. DO THEY WRAP THEIR LIMBS AROUND EACH OTHER OR JUST LAY SIDE BY SIDE? both. although the former is ACCIDENTAL. Who wakes up with bed hair? juli, for sure. have you seen his hair? he ain’t brush that. Who wakes up first? fucking neither. they sleep until noon and THEN SOME. Who prepares breakfast in bed for the other? juli can’t cook but if she wants a poptart… baby, he’s your man. What is their favourite sleeping position? probably like… him on his back, arm stretched out for her to use as a pillow and then she sleeps with her back towards him. what, is he not CUTE enough to face? Who hogs the sheets? pippa. greedy as hell. Do they set an alarm each night? neither, lols. Can a television be found in their bedroom? juli has one in his bedroom, but pippa might be too poor to afford that, so. Who has nightmares? i don’t think either do. then again, i don’t edward cullen pippa every night. Who has ridiculous dreams? probably juli. they’d be incoherent and she’d be like “shut up it’s 7 am i do not wanna hear about your homoerotic dreams about harrison ford.” Who sprawls out and takes up most of the bed? i feel like they are both sprawlers. Who makes the bed? neither, it just be looking like a HOT HOT mess at all times. What time is bed time? sunrise. Any routines/rituals before bed? more bitching with blunts. Who’s the grumpiest when they wake up? my guess would be pippa. he’s not in a great mood but he’s also not in a bitchy mood. and she always is.

WORK

Who is the busiest? juli, seeing as he’s the only one with a job. freeloader much @ poopy. Who rakes in the highest income? somehow, despite not being unemployed, not juli. Are any of your muses unemployed? pippa and she’ll stay that way until the day she dies. ain’t got no skills, lady luv, what are you gonna do? onlyfans? yeah, you wish. Who takes the most sick days? pippa. from like, existing. Who is more likely to turn up late to work? juli because he doesn’t have a fucking car. who skates to work? losers, that’s who. Who sucks up to their boss? fucking NEITHER. when have these dumbos ever sucked up to anybody? What are their jobs? juli’s a clerk at the comic book store and pippa’s a professional slut. Who stresses the most? tew many blunts to be stressing, my dude. Do your muses enjoy or despise their careers/occupations? julian actually likes his job. because comics are his PASSION. one and only aside from punk and being a little meanie. and who cares about pippa’s stance on unemployment? not me. Are your muses financially stable? juli, no. although he lives at home so it’s fine. pippa, yes.

HOME

Who does the washing? juli, reluctantly, after a lot of bitching from a miss espina. Who takes out the trash? he takes her out every friday night. haha, just kidding.jokes, jokes…  but he does take out the trash. Who does the ironing? i think pippa hates wrinkly clothing HOWEVER she would burn holes in that shit and he’d have to do it anyway. Who does the cooking? it’s called take - out, baby. look it up and order me some red curry chicken from your nearest thai food place. Who is more likely to burn the house down just trying? pippa, hence… them not doing that. the oven is purely decorative. Who is messier? pippa. somehow. Who leaves the toilet roll empty? also pippa because she does not respect her fellow man (julian) Who leaves their dirty clothes on the floor? that’s juli, alright. pippa would at least fill the hamper until it overflows. good for her. Who forgets to flush the toilet? NEITHER. get some help. Who is the prankster around the house? juli would probably do something very lighthearted and then she’d take it like eleven notches too far. Who loses the car keys when it comes time to go somewhere? pippa be throwing those bitches halfway the antarctic, lemme tell you. then again he doesn’t even know how to drive, so… you win some, you lose some. Who mows the lawn? * TRIGGERED * Who answers the telephone? pippa would yell at juli to do it while she’s standing RIGHT THERE and then he’d be like yo, wtf and she’d be like omg my pedicure, though… yup. Who does the vacuuming? juli’s mommy. Who does the groceries? THEY DON’T COOK. Who takes the longest to shower? pippa. juli’s an in - and - out kinda guy. and i respect that more than i respect her for taking 45 minutes every time. Who spends the most time in the bathroom? see above.

MISCELLANEOUS

Is money a problem? no, but maybe it should be. then she wouldn’t be such a horrid little cunt, you know? too much? yeah, well… like queen lizzo once said, the truth hurts. How many cars do they own? i wanna say… one.  Do they own their home or do they rent? um, owning a home is a huge commitment (and a baby simply isn’t, just leave it on the curb outside and you’ll be gucci within 30 minutes top) and they’re not committed to the cause. Do they live near the coast or deep in the countryside? bitch, city. but a city near the coast? ahah, seattle? Do they live in the city or in the country? fucking see above, damn. Do they enjoy their surroundings? sure, why not. sounds cute. What’s their song? wap, obviously. but also everybody talks by neon trees. don’t ask me for 80’s songs, i am brain dead.  What do they do when they’re away from each other? rejoice. Where did they first meet? at a party, probably. How did they first meet? let’s just make it less awk and say through a mutual friend... Who spends the most money when out shopping? how is this even a question… obviously juli spends big bucks on nightwing comics that heavily feature dick’s thick behind. Who’s more likely to flash their assets? pippa should be robbed. Who finds it amusing when the other trips over? both. pippa would just more vocal about it. Any mental issues? * takes long drag of a cigarette * so anyway... Who’s terrified of bugs? pippa cries at the sight of butterflies. did i steal that from some toddler in the chat? yeah. Who kills the spiders around the house? jjuli would let it outside. like idiots who want the spider to come back in do. Their favourite place? probably some shitty make - out spot in the woods where you can smoke weed and bitch. Who pays the bills? juli would insist on paying half even if she could buy him. Do they have any fears for their future? ahah.... hunny… for that you’d have to expect a future. Who’s more likely to surprise the other with a fancy dinner? juli. he’s a big softie, alright. Who uses up all of the hot water? well only one of them spends the whole day in the shower, so. Who’s the tallest? JULI, FOR ONCE.  Who’s more likely to just randomly hop into the shower with the other? that’s a pippa move if i’ve ever heard one. Who wanders around in their underwear? well, he’s not gonna be putting on any pants unless there’s company. Who sings the loudest when singing along to the radio? see, juli would jam out to some sick punk rock and she’d turn it off for madonna and then have HER moment but man, did you know he’ll just join? that’s kinda cute * barf * What do they tease each other about? their respective failures. Who is more likely to cringe at the other’s fashion sense at times? he looks like he got dressed in the dark. Do they have mutual friends? HAAAAAAAAA... Who crushed first? IF that were to ever be a thing, then juli for sure.  Any alcohol or substance related problems? * loud breathing for 16 consecutive minutes * Who is more likely to stumble home, drunk, at 3am? both of them. maybe together.

[writekindofwrong-blog]

Green is not your colour - Shiro x Reader

 Anon requested: Can I have 18 and 57 on the prompt list for Shiro x Reader. 18: “Would you quit moving around?” “It’s not my fault we’re tied up together!”57: “Wait a second.. are you jealous?”

A/N: Sorry this took a while to get out, work has been a nightmare lately :/ So I made this a fic where Shiro and the reader aren’t actually dating yet but clearly have feelings for each other, it just ended up working better that way, hopefully that’s alright, and hopefully it was worth the wait, thanks for the request :D

******

“I hope you know CPR, because you take my breath away!“ Lance said, waggling his eyebrows at Y/N.

“Nope not working” Y/N replied, they were lounging on the sofas with the rest of the Paladins and Lance had taken it upon himself to try out some of his pickup lines on Y/N. It wasn’t having the desired effect and increasingly loud groans were being emitted from the other Paladins.

“Your hand looks heavy. Let me hold it for you”

“If you’re gonna be corny at least be original about it Lance”

“Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?”

“Seriously Lance? Do any of these ever work?”

“None of these are doing it for you huh?” Lance asked looking slightly disappointed.

“Nope, you’re gonna have to do better than that to win my heart Lance” Y/N said jokingly.

Lance appeared to think deeply for a minute then snapped his fingers.

“If I had a star for every time you brightened my day, I'd have a galaxy in my hand”

“That...Actually wasn’t half bad, it was kinda sweet” Y/N conceded and Lance gave an arm pump of triumph.

The other Paladins murmured their agreement.

“I think that was the only pickup line I’ve ever heard you use that might actually have a chance at working” Pidge remarked, looking over to the side “Although Shiro doesn’t seem very impressed”.

Y/N chanced a glance over at him and sure enough Shiro was looking over at Lance with a furrowed brow, clearly not approving of Lance’s actions, but on realising everyone’s eyes were on him, he arranged his features into a more neutral expression.

“I still think that line was really cheesy” Shiro said shrugging off his annoyance as a joke.

“Pssht, well I’m sure you don’t need pick up lines Shiro you probably just need to flex your muscles and girls are falling all over you. Lance said rolling his eyes.

Not too far off. Y/N thought. Okay, so maybe she had a bit of a crush on Shiro...Alright so it was a little more serious than that, if she was honest with herself. But who could blame her? He was handsome, kind, brave and funny;  Plus the pair of them got on really well, they often sparred together and whenever they had to split into groups or pairs for a mission Y/N always found herself with Shiro. She’d sometimes wondered if maybe he felt the same way, but she knew how ridiculous that was.

Pidge opened her mouth to make another comment but was interrupted by Allura entering the room.

“Paladins we have received a request of aid, get to your Lion’s I’ll brief you on route” Allura announced urgently, the whole group jumped to their feet and made their way to their respective Lion’s, Y/N following Shiro and joining him in Black as was standard.

*********

By the time the Lion’s arrived on the planet they had missed the main battle, there were dozens of wounded aliens scattered around their landing site.

The aliens in question were surprisingly humanoid, except for their skin, which was varying shades of blue or purple and their glowing yellow eyes.

An alien whom Y/N presumed to be their leader stepped up to the group and bowed her head.

“Paladins of Voltron, my name is Teela” her gaze flicked to each of them but settled on Shiro. She held his gaze for a moment longer than was necessary before continuing and Y/N could have sworn that her eyes glowed a little brighter. “It is an honour to meet you, the stories do not do you justice” this last part was directed at Shiro and a small smile appeared on Teela’s lips as she stared at him intently, Y/N felt a wave of dislike for the woman.

Shiro coughed awkwardly “Yes...Well, we’re here to help, tell us what happened”

“We were taken by surprise by the Galra but we managed to hold them off, they eventually fled into the forest, but as you can see we have suffered great losses in the process” Teela stated sadly, gesturing to the wounded surrounding her.

“Not to worry, Y/N here is an incredibly gifted medic, she can help treat your wounded” Shiro announced gesturing to Y/N, she felt a swell of joy in her gut at the pride in his voice.

Teela reluctantly tore her gaze from Shiro to address Y/N “That would be much appreciated”

Y/N got the distinct impression that Teela was trying to get rid of her. However, as much as she didn’t like the thought of leaving Shiro with Teela, she liked the thought of leaving the wounded in pain even less. So, she grabbed up her medical kit and headed over to a nearby alien who was slumped on the floor clutching a rag to an arm wound.

Although Y/N was not as familiar with alien physiology as she would like, these aliens did indeed seem to be very humanoid in their anatomy, and Y/N had plenty of experience dealing with wounds from Galra weaponry. As such she was able to dress their wounds with a fair amount of ease, whilst the rest of the team, along with Teela pored over a map of the nearby forest where the remaining Galra forces had retreated.

Y/N was treating a shoulder wound when she glanced over at the group and immediately regretted it. Teela had chosen that moment to move closer to Shiro and lean across him to point at something on the map. Y/N felt a wave of annoyance wash over her, not to mention an overwhelming desire to march over there and make out with Shiro right in front of Teela’s face.

It was only the grunt of pain from her patient that made Y/N turn away and realise that she had been gripping tightly on his arm. She quickly apologised and went back to work.

It was five minutes later when Shiro and the rest of the team came over to explain the plan. The long and short of it was that Hunk and Keith would go with Teela and her remaining forces to the east part if the forest where they believed the main bulk of the Galra forces were. Meanwhile, Pidge, Lance and Shiro would go to the west part of the forest to take out a smaller group of Galra scouts.

“So what am I supposed to do?” Y/N asked, noticing that she hadn’t been mentioned in the plan.

“Well Teela seemed to think you’d be needed here” Shiro explained.

“Of course she did” Y/N murmured under her breath irritably before she picked up the remainder of her medical kit and the pistol that she used as a weapon. “Not a chance, I’m going with you, the other medics can handle the rest of the injuries, I’ve left them some of my supplies”.

One of the alien medics nodded in agreement “Y/N has been a great help, but we can handle it from here”

“Y/N I still think-” Shiro started but Y/N interrupted him.

“And what are you going to do if you get shot by a Galra? You're useless at dealing with wounds and Pidge and Lance aren’t much better. Admit it, you need me”

“She has a point Shiro” Pidge piped up.

Shiro relented and Y/N went with him, Lance and Pidge into the Forest.

******

About thirty minutes passed before they reached the Galra camp but when they did it was completely deserted, but there were signs of a struggle.

“Looks like the local wildlife got to them before we did” Lance commented.

Teela had warned the group that there were some nasty creatures living in the forest. They were usually fairly docile but if attacked or threatened they could be deadly. Y/N had wondered what sort of creatures these were, but then decided she didn’t want to find out.

“Let’s take a look around but be careful there may be survivors or traps” Shiro instructed.

They all cautiously picked through the camp but found nothing but some Galra bodies and equipment (which Pidge had to be forcibly dragged away from).

Shiro decided that their best course of action was to head towards the other group and help them mop up any remaining Galra forces.

“Perhaps we should split up and do a sweep for any Galra in the vicinity as we go” Pidge suggested.

“Good idea Pidge, you and Lance stick together, Y/N you’re with me, make sure to keep in radio contact”

“Oh and watch out for traps, Teela said that they lay down some in the forest to capture food” Pidge warned as the two groups split up and went deeper into the forest.

The next ten minutes passed in awkward silence as Y/N and Shiro made their way across the terrain. Normally she would have relished in the opportunity to have some time with Shiro, away from the rest of the Paladin’s, but this time the conversation just didn’t flow and the air between them felt tense and Y/N wasn’t really sure why.

Mercifully the tension was broken by their comm buzzing to life with Lance’s voice who could barely talk through his laughter and Y/N swore that she could hear Pidge’s disgruntled voice in the background.

“Oh my god you guys, you’ll never guess what happened”

“Lance? Are you and Pidge alright?” Shiro asked worriedly

“Yeah I’m fine, Pidge is...well...a little tied up”  Pidges voice grew louder and angrier in the background.

“Lance what are you going on about?” Y/N asked, curious what had the Paladin laughing so hard.

“Well you know those traps that Pidge specifically warned us about avoiding? Well she found one, and is currently hanging from a tree in a net”

“Is she alright?” Y/N asked concerned

“Hey Pidge Y/N wants to know if you’re alright” Lance called to Pidge and Y/N heard Pidge shouting in the background, something about killing Lance.

Y/N saw Shiro shake his head and smile in amusement before adopting a serious tone “Okay Lance get Pidge down from there, and Pidge don’t kill Lance, and both of you...be more careful okay?”.

“Sure thing oh fearless leader” Y/N heard the noise of Lance shooting down the net and Pidge thumping onto the floor. “Oh and Y/N?”

“Yes Lance?”

“You may fall from the sky, you may fall from a tree, but the best way to fall... is in love with me” Lance replied in what Y/N assumed was supposed to be a seductive tone of voice.

Y/N couldn’t help but laugh “That’s actually pretty good, your lines are getting better Lance”

”Lance, maybe you should focus less on flirting and more on helping Pidge” Shiro chastised, the smile was gone from his face, replaced by a frown of irritation.

Y/N sent Shiro a questioning look as the made their way deeper into the forest, but he just looked away and instead focused on the small GPS unit on his wrist.

In fact both of them were so focused on other things that they failed to notice the trap ahead of them.

They both cried out as they hurtled upwards, and a second later they were both huddled together, wrapped in a net and hanging from a tree.

”Um Lance” Y/N radioed Lance, preparing herself for an onslaught of laughter. “We may need a little help, we um...found one of those traps”

Sure enough Lance’s laughter could be heard over the comms before Pidge cut in, clearly feeling more sympathy for their situation.

”I’ve got your location, we’ll be with you in ten minutes or so”

”Thank you Pidge” Shiro said sincerely, clearly relieved one of them was taking this seriously.

When the other Paladins had gone radio silent the awkward silence descended upon Y/N and Shiro yet again, made even more awkward by the fact that she was practically sitting in Shiro’s lap.

After about a minute Y/N had had enough, she twisted and wriggled, attempting to get into a more comfortable position.

“Would you quit moving around?” Shiro said irritably, gritting his teeth.

“It’s no good snapping at me, it’s not my fault we’re tied up together!” Y/N declared and resumed her maneuvering until she was facing Shiro, their legs were still entangled but it was a little more comfortable. And she could now see Shiro’s face, not that it made much difference since Shiro seemed desperate to look anywhere but at Y/N.

”So...Nice weather we’re having” Y/N commented, hoping to break the silence, this comment, however, only earned a snort of amusement from Shiro, who was still determined to avoid any eye contact.

”Seriously Shiro what is the matter with you?”

”What? what do you mean?” Shiro replied in a shocked tone.

”I mean what’s the matter with you? You’re all grumpy and you won’t look at me”

“There’s nothing wrong Y/N,  I’m looking at you right now aren’t I?” Shiro said in an slightly panicked tone taking that moment to directly look at Y/N for the first time in at least five minutes.

Y/N immediately noticed a faint pink flush colouring Shiro’s cheeks and couldn’t help but think that he looked really attractive like that. She blinked and shook her head, she definitely didn’t want to start letting her thoughts wander like that when the object of her affections was almost nose to nose with her.

“There is something wrong Shiro you were fine but then Lance said that pick up line and you just went all...weird”

“No...No I didn’t, I mean maybe I did a bit but y’know Lance was being unprofessional and he needed to focus” Shiro was talking fast and the colour on his cheeks was slowly turning darker.

Y/N snorted “That’s a bit hypocritical coming from you isn’t it?”

“What? What are you taking about?” Shiro spluttered out, startled.

“Teela?” When Shiro didn’t reply she coughed lightly then continued in her best imitation of Teela’s sing song voice “The stories do not do you justice“ then raised an eyebrow at Shiro expectantly.

“She was just complimenting the team” Shiro replied, although he didn’t sound completely sure of that.

“No, she was complimenting you, hell she was practically drooling all over you and you weren’t exactly pushing her away were you?” Y/N said, unable to keep the venom from her voice. and a blush from rising on her cheeks.

Shiro looked at Y/N curiously for a moment, as though a lightbulb had come on in his head.

“Wait a second.. are you jealous?” Shiro asked incredulously.

“What? No! Why would I be jealous of someone flirting with you? That’d be ridiculous... I mean it’s not like I like you or anything” Y/N shut her mouth with a snap, and twisted her head away, realising she had probably said too much already.

“I was jealous” Shiro said softly after a moment.

“What?” Y/N asked, turning to look at Shiro curiously.

“I was jealous, that’s why I got all weird whenever Lance was flirting with you”

“But why would you care if Lance was-” Y/N stopped abruptly realising two things simultaneously:

First; she was an idiot, Shiro had been jealous of Lance flirting with her for the exact reason Y/N had hated when Teela had flirted with Shiro.

Second; Shiro’s face was now very, very close to hers. She could see flecks of green in his brown eyes, she could also feel his hot breath on her lips.

She wanted to say something, something romantic, tell him how much she liked him; but her words just wouldn’t come out.

The pair stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, both waiting for the other to make the first move. Eventually Shiro reached up and gently took hold of her chin and closed the short distance between them, crashing his lips against hers.

And despite all of the times Y/N had imagined this moment, somehow the real thing was ten times better, Shiro hummed appreciatively as Y/N ran her hands through his hair and pressed her body against his. His hand moving from her chin to the back of her neck, his other one resting on her hip.

“Y/N! Fear not your brave rescuer has arrived to release you from-”

The sound of Lance’s voice startled the pair into breaking apart and looking around, true enough their rescue had arrived: Lance, staring in open mouthed disbelief at the pair in the net and Pidge with a smug smile on her face.

“Should we cut you down now or do you want a few more minutes?”

[followmetoyourdoom]

Helpless // Chpt 5: Love Letters

Two weeks later I’m writing a letter nightly

Read it on ao3 or below:

Dear Princess Iris,

Your eyes put the sky to shame, the iris flowers feel blessed to share your name, and although you may not feel the same dear Iris, will you be my dame?

I know you're the Crown Princess so I hope I haven't offended you by referring to you as 'dame' but I needed it to rhyme. I really enjoyed our meeting, despite the unfortunate events that followed. I do hope you don't blame yourself for that, Mother was out of line bringing pure lonsdaleite to your coming of age ceremony. It was meant to be cut and polished in our kingdom and offered as a gift to your mother, the Queen, for her crown.

But I digress. We shouldn't focus on the bad. I hope you're doing as well as you can be and that my little poem at least made you chuckle, if nothing else. It made Praxina snort and shake her head when she read it over my shoulder. She always does that. The reading over my shoulder part, not the snorting part. Though she does that too sometimes.

I keep getting away from myself, sorry. Point is, I really like you Iris, and I'd be honoured if you'd reply to my poem/letter.

Yours truly,

Mephisto, Prince of Runic.

Dear Prince Mephisto,

I am not very good at poetry myself, but I am flattered by yours, slightly cheesy though it is. I too really enjoyed our meeting and chat. I admit, I have been struggling to not blame myself. Both my parents seem to, so why shouldn't I? My father insists I need more training and I must comply for he is right, I do indeed need to train more.

The Xerin Queen is still in recovery, apparently there was a complication with the blood transfusion, so I have been comforting Talia as best I can. It is nice that she does not blame me in the slightest.

Putting all that aside, I hope we can keep up a correspondence and am looking forward to your next letter with thrilling anticipation.

Yours truly,

Iris, Princess of Ephedia.

P.S. The lonsdaleite has yet to be found - I checked with my father just now. I am sure it would have been a powerful addition to my mother's crown, though I doubt she would accept it now. Bad karma and all that.

Dear Princess Iris,

Your letter makes my soul leap makes my heart beat. I see you in my dreams when I sleep my love is yours to keep.

I'm sure your poetry is a beautiful as your voice, sweet Iris. Alas I shall not push you to divulge your literary talents unless you're ready to do so, but I hope you're ready for a poem from me every letter. Unless it bothers you, then I'll stop.

Yes train more, but don't dwell on what went wrong. There's nothing you can do now except improve yourself and do better. That's what Father always says. Then again he also says that life is most enjoyable when you stop letting others tell you what to do, so take that with a grain of salt.

I'm glad Talia is such a good friend to you. Listen to her, she speaks the truth. And I hope her mother fully recovers soon.

Yours truly,

Prince Mephisto.

P.S. Understandable regarding adding it to the crown. Mother is quite frantic since she has yet to find the gemstone. She has even sent letters to Volta, Calix and Borealis! No replies yet.

Dear Prince Mephisto,

I am enthralled by each and every poem you write me, and maybe next time I shall try myself, but I assure you I cannot even dream of bettering yours. Please never stop writing your poetry; I do love it so. Which is perhaps not the only thing about you I am growing to love.

Your father has good advice. I have been training every day almost without pause. It is quite tiring, but such is the mantle of a Crown Princess. As for his second piece of advice, it is one I should perhaps start taking to heart, or one I would like to rather. But alas a Princess' duty is to her people, so I am afraid that I must listen to the wishes of my kingdom first and foremost above my own.

Oh, I promised Talia that I would mention in my next letter to you that she has taken an interest in your sister. She meant to talk to her herself, but alas what with the… unfortunate events that followed (as you so delicately put it a couple of letters back), it slipped from her mind.

Yours,

Iris.

P.S. Oh and please do keep me informed regarding the lonsdaleite. Auriana of Volta says she hasn't seen it around her kingdom.

Dear Iris,

Your heart is pure and true and mine belongs only to you. Until we meet again I will make it through if it's the last thing I do.

A poem of yours would set my heart aflame and nourish my very soul. It would be an honour to receive such delicately chosen words from you. Regarding love, my poetry says it all, my dear. There are so many things I love about you, so many things I am still falling in love with, and I know I will never stop falling for you.

Of course your kingdom is your priority, but surely there's still time to have to yourself between all the training and royal duties?

And yes I noticed Talia's interest in Prax, I tried telling her about it, but she just sighed and muttered 'yeah right'. I think she might need more proof, I shall try to drag her along next time we meet. Which I hope is soon.

Your sign off made my heart jump and I can only curse myself for not being the first to sign off in such a manner.

Yours,

Mephisto.

P.S. Still no sign of the lonsdaleite. None of the other kingdoms have reported seeing it either, it seems to have disappeared into thin air. Father says to give it up as a bad job, but Mother is not so easily swayed.

Dear Mephisto,

You think far too highly of me, my love. However, since you so desire it, I shall try my hand at poetry.

Eyes that feel like coming home, my heart yours and yours alone. This is a love I feel deep in my bones, nothing could be more set in stone.

I hope this meets your expectations, though it is but a sham next to yours of course.

Perhaps later on, once I have master control of my shanila power and reassured my people of the fact, maybe then I will have more time to myself. As it is, writing these letters is as much 'me time' as I get.

Oh, the Xerin Queen is now awake, so I'm afraid I haven't been able to talk to Talia recently regarding meeting your sister, but I have been assured both royals will remain here for at least another three days or so. Perhaps you and your family could come visit Ephedia some time soon?

Yours,

Iris.

P.S. I have told my father to increase searches for the lonsdaleite, both he and my mother are very determined to see it returned to its rightful owner.

Dear Iris,

You and your words flood my sense, your sentences leave me defenceless. You build me palaces out of prose you build me cathedrals

Oh my darling Iris, your talent knows no bounds. A sham it could never be, not when crafted by your very own penmanship. My expectations have been met, surpassed, and all around decimated by your amazing poetry. I can only hope I can measure up to such succulent poetic words.

I am sure you will grasp control of your shanila soon, especially when you are already so greatly talented. As it is, I am honoured that you would spend what little free time you get to yourself in order to write to me.

However, three days seems very soon, two days by the time this reaches you. I am not sure if I could find a reasonable excuse to come and visit you. Of course, I personally do not require an excuse, but rather your kingdom does - I'm sure you know how difficult it is to enter your kingdom outside of celebrations, even as a fellow royal it is near on impossible without a suitable reason.

Yours,

Mephisto.

P.S. My family and I are most grateful. Thank you.

Dear Mephisto,

I assure you I do not deserve such flattery, I merely spoke from the heart. Oh gosh if you could see my face now as I write this, and before as I read your letter.

I was… unaware it was so difficult to enter my realm. It is something I shall bring up to the council in our next meeting. Even if they do not agree to changing the policy straight away, they will eventually, once I am Queen.

For the time being however, what about a marriage proposal as a reason to visit my kingdom? Our love is true, you could put the idea of a union to my parents. They speak very fondly of you and constantly inquire about our letters. Bring Praxina if you do come to ask my mother for my hand in marriage, and of course, be ready to prove yourself. My mother is not an easy judge.

Your future wife?,

Iris.

P.S. I apologise if this is moving too quickly for you, but I long to have you in my arms again.

Dear Iris,

I can already see it now! An invitation to dance and a bow. You, my wife in my arms Me, your husband, fallen to your charms

Marriage! Of course yes! Admittedly, this is moving rather quickly, but I am more than happy, my love. I have informed both my parents and we are making plans to visit you as soon as possible.

Mother will be sending her own letter with full details, which should have already reached your kingdom by the time you are reading mine. Please do not reply to this letter as I shall be by your side shortly, thus your letter would arrive to an empty castle and what a waste of your sweet words that would be.

My future wife! The words feel like music to my ears, apologies but I cannot stop gushing over the title.

Your future husband,

Mephisto.

Iris sighed heavily and buried her face in her pillow, letter clutched in her hand.

"Oh, Amaru," she mumbled as she felt a weight settle onto her back, "what did I ever do to deserve the love of such an amazing prince."

Amaru purred comfortingly and nuzzled the back of Iris' head.

"I hate that I pushed for marriage so soon. But you know what my mother is like." Amaru made an understanding noise and hopped off Iris as she turned over and sat up, tugging her nightgown over her knees. "I only had three days left, what else was I going to do?"

The two weeks Iris had been given had been enough for Mephisto. But it was with a heavy heart that Iris ghosted her finger over the word 'husband'.

"I am not even sure I love him yet."

[emiliaclarkesdragons]

Kaitlin ran through the camp. The safe heaven were waiting until the boat was fixed and able to sail, they said it would be a few days. They had a bunch of new kids from WCKD, they thought Minho was in the compartment but he wasn't. Thankfully Aris was and he assured them he was on the train somewhere, he also told them where WCKD were taking them. "Brenda!" Kaitlin whisper-shouted. "Brenda!"

Brenda's head lifted and she looked slightly confused, "what-"

"They've gone," Kaitlin said in a panic, "come on we have to help them!"

Brenda took a moment and then it clicked, Thomas. He had gone to the Last City for Minho. "Who else went?" She asked Kaitlin, pulling on her jacket. Kaitlin followed her, "Newt and Frypan." Brenda sensed hurt in her voice.

"I'll her Jorge," Brenda said, before she left to get him she placed a hand on her shoulder, "they'll be alright, bring the car." Kaitlin always found comfort in Brenda's confidence with everything.

Kaitlin was glad there were no longer speed limits, at least one good thing came out of the flare. "They'll be fine," Brenda continued to say. Kaitlin thought until I get my hands on them. She sat in the back of the truck, gun at the ready, boiling in her anger. "You sure you don't want to sit inside the truck?" Brenda asked as they reached the tunnel.

"Nah, I can get a better shot from up here," Kaitlin said firmly, as she stood up and aimed the gun ahead. She knew that they were in here, they always got stuck in the most dangerous (and stupid) places. Brenda and Jorge exchanged looks, they weren't sure if she was talking about a better shot for cranks or Newt, Thomas and Frypan. "What you waiting for?" Kaitlin asked, kneeling to poke her head through the small window at the back of the truck. She looked back and forth at each other.

"Try not to shoot them," Brenda said.

"Oh. I'll try," Kaitlin replied sarcastically, then cocked the gun as she stood up.

"Great," Brenda whispered to herself. Brenda made sure to remember never to piss Kaitlin off. She guessed there was something more to all of this. Jorge didn't take his time going through the tunnel, Kaitlin had to hold onto the bar which ran along the side of the truck.

Kaitlin suddenly remembered when she road a train.

The train was so full of people that she couldn't move and yet she still managed to sway from side to side. Occasionally the train would jerk to a stop and the passengers would attempt to move further into the middle of the train aisle. No one wanted to be near the window or the doors. Every time the train stopped it meant that there were cranks on the tracks. The overhead tannoy would let out two sharp bursts of what would usually be classed as a fire alarm, "WCKD apologises for the delay, we are working hard to fix this inconvenience. While we do so, we will take the opportunity to run checks. WCKD thanks you for your cooperation."  After the recorded voice had finished the two sharp alarm rings would sound again. That was when the gunfire would begin, inside the train and out. Kaitlin could remember the adults pulling her away from the door as a crank began banging the window. She could the remember the adults trying to stop the men in all black armour from taking her away. Back then she didn't know what WCKD were. Back then she didn't know why the cranks acted how they had. She always thought that they were just sick, after all, she had grown up around them in the house she lived in. Kaitlin remembered the train ride because it was her first and last.

Kaitlin realised that that was the first memory she had gained since she had been in the Glade. That seemed like a lifetime away. Kaitlin was snapped back to reality as she heard shouting. She knew that voice.

There was a round of bullet fire. Thomas, Frypan and Newt ducked down. "Well don't just stand there!" Kaitlin shouted as they froze for a moment while they watched her shooting cranks. They had never seen her kill as many of them as she did just then. Kaitlin believes in a cure for them, which also meant she didn't like to kill them. She believed in a cure but she didn't believe in the way WCKD were trying to get it.

The ride was silent until they reached a safe distance away from the tunnel. "You left me behind," Kaitlin said after it had been boiling up inside her. "What happened to leave no man behind." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

Newt looked guilty, he couldn't look at her. Thomas and Frypan stayed silent along with Brenda and Jorge. "I didn't want you to get hurt," he said, looking over at the dead trees as they drove. Kaitlin huffed and tutted watching the dust trail coming from the tires. She wanted Jorge to slow down, but she knew they couldn't. They were running out of time.

The Last City • Morning of the Rescue.

Thomas came back into the room. Kaitlin couldn't read his expression as he walked up to her. She stopped mid-sentence, Brenda turned to where she was looking. "Urm-" Thomas began, this was when she knew something was seriously wrong, "Newt wants to talk to you."

Kaitlin said nothing only pushing past Thomas and headed for the roof. "Newt?" She questioned, she still wanted to be annoyed at him but she just couldn't. She knew that whatever was coming would make her regret her anger towards Newt over the past couple of days. She stood slightly away from him. He patted the space next to him without looking at her. Kaitlin frowned and then smiled a little, she wasn't sure if it was a sad or sympathetic smile. Nevertheless, she sat down in the spot Newt had patted. She didn't ask what she used to in the Glade.

Kaitlin had always sensed when Newt was down, she would take his hand in hers and walk him to the other side of the Glade. She would then sit him down, sit down next to him and ask, "what's going on?" She would say it in a way that made Newt open up without even thinking. Kaitlin felt that this was something that he had been struggling with for longer than she had realised. That made her feel sick inside. She hadn't noticed, she had been so busy with Thomas and the need to take down WCKD.

"I don't want you to get mad," Newt began.

"Why would I?" asked Kaitlin, a frown on her face, "you haven't-" she cut herself off, this wasn't helping Newt.

Newt continued, he still hadn't looked at her, "I also don't want you to blame yourself in any way." Newt went silent as if an inner fight was happening in his head. He then looked at her, right in the eye, "I'm infected." He said. Kaitlin wanted him to say something else, say something cheesy like 'with love'. But, he didn't.

Kaitlin sat there staring at him, or past him. She wasn't reacting and it was scaring Newt. She was never usually this quiet when faced with hard news. But, then again, this was completely different. This bad news affected her in a different way from seeing WCKD take Minho, to seeing it was Teresa who told them, to see that Gally was still alive.

"With the flare," Newt added, he wasn't sure if she had fully understood. If Kaitlin wasn't in shock and guilt wasn't filling her up, she would have told him that she wasn't stupid. He would then apologise and they would kiss and make up. This wasn't going to go that way. "I'm guessing they put me in there to see how we," he struggled to find the right word, he was still looking at her. He was studying her, trying to figure out how she was processing the information, "function," Newt finished. He still wasn't sure if that was the right word.

"We," Kaitlin repeated, her mind fixed on that word. She still hadn't blinked.

"Cranks."

"I know what you meant, Newt," she snapped. That was the reaction Newt wanted, just so he knew what she was feeling. That response said it all. She wasn't angry, even if it may have sounded like it. She was upset, beyond that probably. She was definitely blaming herself. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "I should have-"

"No, I didn't want to cause a fuss, you know what they have in the city anyway," Newt was thinking what Kaitlin said.

"The serum," she said. But, Newt said, "Minho." That's when they realised the seriousness of what they were really doing. This was no longer a game, not that it ever was, but it seemed they had been looking at it that way.

Night of the Rescue.

Something was echoed in Kaitlin's mind. It might save someones life. It was something Teresa had said to her while she was getting her tracker removed. This was after Thomas had told her that Brenda hadn't been given more treatment. "You and I both know that's impossible," Teresa said to her.

"I know," Kaitlin said, "don't say it, I already know." Kaitlin didn't want her to say that they needed to carry on testing because they were so close to finding a cure. She knew that, but she didn't want them to test 'subjects' they way they were, it was cruel. Teresa pricked the back of her neck and Kaitlin flinched, "you did that on purpose," she said to Teresa.

"I'm sorry," Teresa said, cleaning the blood off as she attempted to stop any more from spilling out, "Kaitlin, I think it's his blood." She whispered in her ear. She had pricked her on purpose, so she could have more time to talk to Kaitlin.

"I do too," Kaitlin admitted, she didn't want to.

Teresa spun Kaitlin around on the chair, "Promise me something, it might save someone's life."

As she watched Newt attempt to kill Thomas, she never realised that Teresa, even then, was talking about Newt. That someone was Newt. Teresa knew but then again she was an expert in the flare. "Newt!" Kaitlin screamed as she ran towards them. Thomas tried to push her away from them, away from harm. Kaitlin understood the promise. "Thomas, get to Teresa. You can save him, Thomas." Kaitlin realised that she had repeated the exact words Teresa had said on the loudspeakers. "Please Thomas," she asked.

That was when Newt heard what was being said and somehow he came back. "Kaitlin?" his voice was so small, he looked around and down at his hands, clearly confused as to how he had gotten there.

"It's alright, I'm here. We'll get through this," Kaitlin caught Newt as he dropped to the floor. She wasn't sure if he was hurt or not. She had no time to check, Newt changed as if someone had flipped on the light switch. She let out a noise that signalled she was shocked and struggling to keep him off her. "Newt," she repeated his name over and over, to see if it meant anything to this thing that had taken over his body. But, it didn't. "Newt," she said louder, pushing him off so he sat down. "What's going on?" she asked, still managing to say it in the same tone she had before.

At that moment, Newt was back. "I'm scared, "I'm really scared. I don't want to lose you, nevermind myself," he said, he was so calm. That was just enough time for Brenda to appear, she said nothing as she handed the serum to Kaitlin. Newt's head was in his hands, Kaitlin took his arm carefully as if it would snap if she moved it too fast. She then injected the serum. She didn't know if it was going to work but Newt suddenly sighed.

"Come on, let's get you both to the berg," Brenda said softly, as she helped Kaitlin up and Minho helped Newt.

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed! I realise that my preference before this was slightly based on this request without me realising