#my rook told her they have one about realizing they don’t have pants on as they ride into battle

[cicadaknight]

Take a shot anytime someone describes Solas’s plan with the specific phrase, “drowning the world in demons.”

[storiesforallfandoms]

she ain’t a gold digger ~ machine gun kelly

word count: 2417

request?: yes!

“Hi, please write a MGK imagine where the reader joins him on tour and he loses his wallet and when they decide to go out to a club one night, she asks him to get something from her bag and he sees his wallet in there. He accuses her of stealing and they get into a fight and she storms off. One of the guys confesses that they found it in their suitcase by accident and just slipped it in her purse to keep it safe but forgot to tell him and he apologizes profusely to reader and after some persuasion she forgives him”

description: when his wallet goes missing and he finds it in her bag, he lets the tabloids bullshit get to him and causes a fight he regrets

pairing: machine gun kelly x female!reader

warnings: swearing, angst

masterlist (one, two)

The hotel room was basically overturned when (Y/N) walked in. Colson was tossing things from his suitcase, frantically searching for something.

“We’ve only been here like five minutes, is it really time to pull a full Motley Crue on this room?” she teased.

“I can’t find my wallet,” Colson said, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

“What?”

“It’s not in my suitcase, it’s not in any of my pants - the ones in my suitcase or the ones I’m wearing - it’s not in my carry on or my jacket.”

(Y/N) crossed the room to kneel next to Colson. She put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. In a more calm manner, she looked through the things Colson had messily thrown about the floor. She helped him to look for the millionth time through everything, coming up empty yet again.

“Okay, don’t panic,” she said. “You had it at the airport because it was with your passport. We can call both this airport and the one we just departed from to see if it’s been turned in. In the meantime, we can lock your cards so no one can use them.”

Colson nodded, but (Y/N) could see the panic in his eyes. She cupped his face and made him look up at her. “Hey, it’s okay. We’ll find it, and if we don’t we’ll replace it the best we can.”

~~~~~~

Despite the stress he was still feeling, Colson decided to join (Y/N) and his friends at the club that night. He was glued to his phone the entire ride there, and once they got to the club (Y/N) took it and shoved it into her purse.

“Relax,” she told him. “We’re here to have a good time.”

“But what if someone calls about my wallet?” he asked.

“Then they’ll leave a message. I highly doubt anyone is calling you at almost midnight, though.” (Y/N) laced her fingers through Colson’s and pressed her body against his. “Please baby? For me?”

Colson sighed but (Y/N) could see the smile on his face. “Fine, but you’re paying for my drinks tonight.”

He had to admit the night out was what he needed. Besides the panic over his wallet, Colson had also basically worked himself to death the past few months. Between recording and filming, and now the tour. He was just grateful that his manager allowed (Y/N) to join them on tour. He’d be out of his mind without her.

(Y/N) pushed through the crowd to where Colson and his friends were and passed Colson his drink. He smiled and pulled her down onto his lap. (Y/N) giggled as Colson pressed a kiss onto her neck.

“If you guys are gonna fuck, do us the curtesy of going to the bathroom,” Rook called over the music.

“Please, I’m more classy than that,” Colson responded. “I’d fuck her in the coat closet like a gentleman.”

(Y/N) rolled her eyes and stood. “I’m gonna go dance. Enjoy your boy talk.”

Colson watched the beautiful curved figure of his girlfriend strut to the dancefloor. He finished his drink in one mouthful and went to follow her.

They danced together for so long that Colson had forgotten all of his worried for a brief period of time. He gazed lovingly into the face of the love of his life as she grinded her hips against his. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sheepishly smiled up at him.

“Wanna get out of here?” she whispered seductively in his ear.

“More than anything,” Colson responded. “I’ll get our things. Meet me at the front doors.”

(Y/N) smiled and winked at him as they went their separate ways. Colson pulled out the coat check tickets to get his jacket and (Y/N)’s purse, and passed it to the girl working there. As he shrugged on his jacket, he got the overwhelming urge to check his phone to see if anyone had called about his wallet.

He promised (Y/N) he’d have a good time, but she didn’t have to know he checked. He would just look and see if there were any missed calls then forget until morning.

However, when he opened (Y/N)’s purse to get her phone, he noticed something on the very top: his wallet.

Why does she have my wallet? he thought. And why wouldn’t she tell me that she had it? She knows how worried I’ve been about it.

He tried not to overthink anything before talking to (Y/N) first. He made his way to the front of the club where (Y/N) was waiting with a joint hanging partially out of her mouth. She looked over at him and smiled as a puff of smoke rolled from her lips.

“Are you ready to go?” she asked. When she noticed Colson’s serious look, her smile fell. “Babe, are you okay? Did something happen?”

He found his words stuck in his throat, so instead of speaking he just held his wallet up.

“Holy shit! Is that your wallet?” Colson nodded, still unable to talk. “Where did you find it?!”

“In your purse.”

(Y/N)’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What? How did it get in my purse?”

“I don’t know, you tell me.”

She looked up at him as she took another puff from the joint. “What does that mean?”

“It doesn’t mean anything, I’m just asking a question. This is your purse after all, the only people who touch it are you and me. Obviously I didn’t put the wallet in there so that leaves one person.”

(Y/N) crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at him. “Say it Colson. Fucking say it.”

“Did you take my wallet (Y/N)?”

“No! Of course I didn’t!”

“Then why is it in your purse?”

(Y/N) rolled her eyes and turned away from Colson. She started to walk away, but he followed her.

“If you took it, I just want to know why,” he said. “I’m not upset, I know there’s likely a good reason for taking it and not telling me.”

“I didn’t fucking take it!” (Y/N) snapped, spinning around to glare at Colson. “I know how this looks, I know it makes no sense, but I fucking swear to you I did not take your fucking wallet. I don’t know how it got in my purse, I don’t know why it’s there, but I did not take your goddamn wallet!”

“Then why the fuck is it in your purse?!”

(Y/N) let out a frustrated groan and buried her head in her hands. “Why can’t you just fucking believe me when I say I didn’t take it? I don’t know how it got in my purse, but I didn’t take it.”

“It just doesn’t make sense to me, (Y/N). How else would it have gotten there? You’re the only one who even touches your purse, none of the guys have had access to it. You knew when and where I had my wallet last, and now it’s showing up in your bag.”

“If I had taken it, why was I trying to help you find it? Why did I tell you to shut down your cards so no one could use them? Why was I helping you to call the airports and turn over the entire hotel room another two times looking for it? Why would I go to those lengths if I just had it instead of telling you just to replace it all?”

“I don’t know, (Y/N), maybe you were just making sure you could get whatever fucking money you could from me without me realizing.”

(Y/N)’s face fell and her eyes started to well with tears. After being together for a year, she thought he would know her better than that. She thought he wouldn’t believe the bullshit tabloid websites were publishing about her being a gold digger and just dating Colson for the money. She thought he would knew she loved him with her entire heart because of who he was, not because he was a famous rapper.

Apparently she was wrong.

Without another word, (Y/N) turned away from him and walked towards the line up of taxis that were waiting outside of the club. Colson watched her go, his anger starting to subside and be replaced by guilt. But he couldn’t go after her, he wouldn’t. He needed some time to think about all of this, to let her think about it as well. Neither one of them were going to get any answers if they kept fighting and hurting one another.

Colson entered the club again, order two more strong drinks and finding his way back to his boys. They all looked at him with confusion as he sat down where he had been before.

“Dude, I thought you left,” Baze said.

“I thought so, too, until I found my wallet in (Y/N)’s purse,” Colson muttered. “We got into a fight and she left.”

“Why were you fighting about that?” Rook asked, his eyebrows furrowing together.

Colson waved off the comment, not feeling in the mood to relay the entire fight back to his friends.

“Wait, did I not tell you I put the wallet there?” Slim asked.

Colson nearly choked on one of his drinks. He coughed and turned to look at his friend. “You fucking had it?”

“Yeah man, it somehow got in my carry on,” Slim responded. “I found it when we were waiting for our luggage. I put it in (Y/N)’s purse cause I knew it would be safe there. I could’ve swore I told you that, though.”

“You didn’t,” Colson said. “God fucking dammit, I’m an idiot.”

“What did you say to her, man?” Baze asked.

“I...I insinuated that she...she’s only with me for my money and she stole my wallet so she could get it.”

The guys chorused disapproving noises at the same time.

“Kells, (Y/N) is literally the realest person I’ve ever met,” Rook said. “She ain’t a gold digger, and you definitely shouldn’t think that she is.”

“I don’t,” Colson sighed. “I was just pissed. God, I’m a fucking idiot.”

“Bro,” Slim said, leaning forward to look at Colson, “go after your woman and apologize.”

Colson nodded and quickly stood from his seat. The cab ride back to the hotel felt incredibly slow. Of course, he had left his phone in (Y/N)’s purse so he couldn’t even call or text her. There was no guarantee that she was even at the hotel, and that thought had Colson’s anxiety so much higher.

He desperately searched his pockets for the hotel key as he approached the room. When he couldn’t find it, he realized it was likely he had left that in (Y/N)’s purse, too. He sighed and began knocking on the door.

“(Y/N)?” he said, his voice soft. “Baby, can you let me in? I think my key is in your purse.” When there was no movement, he added, “I’m so sorry, (Y/N). I should’ve listened to you. Slim admitted to putting my wallet in your bag, turns out he had it all along. I...I should never have thought it was you. I shouldn’t have said what I said. Can...can you let me in, please?”

There was silence. Not even signs of movement. Colson’s heart began to race as he realized the likeliness that (Y/N) had left. He had no idea where she could’ve gone, and now he didn’t even have any way of reaching her.

The door suddenly opened and (Y/N)’s tearstained face looked up at him. She didn’t say anything as she turned away and walked back into the hotel room. Colson followed in silence, unsure of what else to say. He just wanted to hold her and apologize forever, to do anything and everything she wanted to make things better.

(Y/N) got back into bed and laid with her back to Colson. He stood there in the dark, just looking at her.

“(Y/N), I’m sorry,” he said, his voice almost a whisper.

“You called me a gold digger,” (Y/N) responded, her voice equally as small. “After almost a year together, you called me a fucking gold digger.”

“I know - ”

“We’ve talked about how much those tabloid stories get to me, how upset they make me, and you really had the audacity to bring that up and not believe me when I said that I didn’t take your wallet.”

The fact that her voice wasn’t angry, but rather sad, made everything so much worse. Colson winced at her words, feeling a lump form in his throat.

“I know,” he repeated. “I don’t know why I said any of that. I didn’t mean it, I know you love me. I just...I have no excuses. I am a total fucking idiot and you have every right to be angry with me. I know I’m sorry won’t cut it, but for now that’s all I can say. I really am sorry.”

There was another prolonged silence. (Y/N) didn’t even move from her place on the bed. Colson had accepted the fact that she probably hated him and was preparing to go stay with one of the guys for the night, when he heard the bed shift and (Y/N)’s soft voice ask, “Did the guys give you shit?”

Colson smiled to himself. “Yeah, they did. They called me an idiot.”

“You are one.”

“I know.”

Through the darkness of the room, Colson could see (Y/N) lift the blankets and gesture for him to join her. He quickly kicked off his shoes and threw his jacket somewhere on the floor. The minute his body connected with hers, he felt relief wash over him. He hugged her tightly, never wanting to let her go.

“I love you,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head and repeating the sentiment over and over.

“And I love you, as in you - Colson Baker. Not Machine Gun Kelly, not the man with the money. I love the real you.”

“I know you do. I promise I’ll never doubt that again baby.”

(Y/N) relaxed into Colson’s arms, still a bit hurt from what he had said but happy to have him there with her. Finally, after some time, the two drifted off to sleep.

[lizzy-williams]

𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞

🎄Warnings: Smut, threesome, alcohol, drug use, language, mature themes, a tiny bit of dubcon but not much, mega age gap.

🎄Masterlist

🎄Summary: After one of Colson Baker’s infamous adult Christmas parties, you decide to stay a little longer than everyone else and end up getting snowed in. One drink after another, things get interesting with one of LA’s hottest couples. 

🎄Theme: Jawbreaker, Machine Gun Kelly

🎄A/N: Sorry I had to sin during the season of your birthday, Jesus. (No I’m not.)

“And that’s how we met.”

Megan had finished her story, the people that remained at the party all gathered around, sharing spiked eggnog in cozy sweaters and blankets, swapping stories. 

Colson held her close, and secretly, [ y / n ]’s heart would clench every time she would see them together. Because the fact of the matter was, was that she had fallen. For both of them.

But she knew that nothing would ever come of it. Because all you were to them was Rook’s 18 year old, alcohol-drinking, weed smoking cousin. A face that they would see everywhere, but never cared to meet or start a conversation with. Her infatuation with the two of them only grew, and she had always felt guilty for it. 

Rightfully so, because she was crushing on two people that were taken by each other. If that wasn’t guilt inducing, nothing else was. 

But nonetheless, she sat and listened, hanging on to every word they spoke, and she swore she could feel her heart skip a beat whenever one of them, or both of them, would look at her as they spoke. 

After a few more stories, the guest numbers started to dwindle. Soon there were only 8 people left, the rest of the party-goers not wanting to stick around and help clean up. 

Slim, Kells, Megan, Rook, Dub, Mod, Travis, and [ y / n ] were the only ones who were left, and it seemed as if Travis and [ y / n ] were the only ones sober enough to even start cleaning up. 

Everyone was in the living room, listening to music and doing their own thing, Kells, Rook, Slim, and Mod starting a game of pool while Megan hung on Kells like an ornament does a Christmas tree, cheering him on and helping him out, Mr. Baker drunk as all hell. 

When [ y / n ] and Travis were done cleaning up, Mod had already left, Rook and Slim already stumbling to their rooms, most likely passed the fuck out by now. [ y / n ] had to say, her cousin knew how to hold his liquor. How could he not with Colson as a friend?

Travis soon spoke up, “I think I’m gonna head out, there’s supposed to be a pretty bad snow storm. Dunno if you wanna get caught in that, [ y / n ].”

She gave a chaste nod in response, giving him a hug and wishing him farewell, before slipping into the kitchen. From the counter she stood at, she could hear the couple saying their goodbye to Travis, soon hearing the front door open and close, a chilly breeze sweeping through the house. 

[ y / n ] had already poured herself a drink, and usually she was a cocktail kinda girl. But after having to spend the whole night watching Colson and Megan literally being on top of each other, she needed something stronger. 

“Scotch on the rocks, huh?” 

[ y / n ]’s eyes flickered up, only to be met with Megan’s eyes as she leaned on the counter, looking at [ y / n ]’s drink as the young girl put the bottle of alcohol back into a cupboard. 

She flashed a friendly smile as she made her way back, “Yeah, just thought it would be nice to change it up a little bit.”

“I have to say that your cocktails are pretty good though,” Megan slumped in her position, looking at her with puppy-dog eyes, (obviously drunk), and [ y / n ] already knew what it meant. 

A Sex on the Beach was her favorite, and she knew by the compliment, she wanted the young woman to make one for her, and [ y / n ] let out a sigh, and Megan gave a pouty face in response. But [ y / n ] could never say no to her. 

Soon enough, she found herself with the needed ingredients in front of her, an orange-hued cocktail glass to add a little... pazazz if you will. 

Megan looked on in intoxicated wonder, watching as the other woman poured the cocktail, without even measuring anything. And after [ y / n ] garnished it with a cherry. 

Megan let out a sigh as she felt Colson slip up behind her, his arms around her waist, causing [ y / n ] to look up, looking right back down at the counter when she noticed the display of affection that just made her nauseous. It’s not that she found it gross. But more-so wishing that she was in both positions. 

“Ah, thanks for the drink,” Colson smirked, taking advantage of the whisky that sat there on the counter. 

[ y / n ] wanted to make a sound of protest, but when she caught sight of his fingers wrapped around the glass, the noise stopped half-way up her throat. 

God, his fingers are so sexy, fuck, I wonder with they could reach my cervix when he does it up to the knuckles- Wait, stop, [ y / n ], you’re being weird, stop. 

.”You know, you somehow even make a whiskey on the rocks somehow taste better. Dunno how you do it, you can’t even drink yet,” Colson praised, [ y / n ] wincing at the fact that he mentioned her age. 

It was true, she was the baby of the group. At only age 18, the boys were very protective of her, and it always made her self conscious, alway being treated like a baby. She liked to think of herself as a girl who’s mind was beyond her years, hating that she was born at the wrong time. 

She mumbled out a quick ‘thanks’ before sliding Ms. Fox her drink, a smile spreading across her face as she got giddy, squealing as she took a sip, a face of almost pleasure crossing her expression. 

“Holy shit, [ y / n ]. You’re the fucking best, fuck,” she admired, taking a long sip this time, Colson making childish grabby hands at the drink, the woman making a big show of presenting it to him, which of course included him rubbing her ass right against hit groin, making him let out a low groan, his head dropping in her neck. 

“You know, [ y / n ], we would love it if you stayed the night. Besides, there’s a really bad storm, we wouldn’t want you out on the road,” looking at Colson, nudging him as queue to agree. 

All she got was a nod. 

“Thanks, I think I’ll just crash on the couch or something,” [ y / n ]’s voice was barely audible, the pda in front of her making her slightly uncomfortable. 

“Nahhhh, you d-don’t need to, [ y / n / n ],” Colson was now slurring, “You can just sleep in our bed,”

[ y / n ] let out a small laugh, amused by his drunk offer. But after a few serious looks being thrown in her direction, she realized they were serious.

“Oh, y-you mean it, I couldn’t possibly-”

“Come oooon,” Megan wiggled out of Cols’ grasp, walking to the other side of the counter, grabbing [ y / n ]’s hands and guiding her away, dragging her up the stairs, Colson slowly finding his way behind them. 

When they finally made it to the master bedroom, Megan looked at [ y / n ] with a smirk, “Come on, you can’t sleep in that, you can borrow some of my things, just for tonight.”

“Are you sure, that’s not necessary, I-”

Megan shushed her, “Shh, it’s fine, it’s the least I can to. Besides, it’s Christmas Eve, ‘tis the season of giving,”

She suddenly pulled her in the bathroom, the closet connected in the back, but not before Colson suggested he slipped in the bathroom with them. [ y / n ] both scoffed and rolled their eyes, closing the door behind them. 

“Strip,” Megan said. 

[ y / n ] blinked, “h-huh?” 

“For the clothes, silly, you aren’t gonna put it over your clothes,”

Megan patted to the closet, rustling around, soon coming out with a shirt and some shorts.

“Here, go ahead ‘n get dressed,”

“What, like right here?” [ y / n ] asked, anxiety obviously shooting up. 

Megan let her hands rub over [ y / n ]’s shoulders, “Don’t sweat it, we’re both girls, we all have the same parts,”

[ y / n ] nodded shyly, taking off her dress-up shirt, then slipping off her pants, left in nothing but a bra and panties on. Megan then spoke up from behind her, making eye contact with [ y / n ] in the mirror, “You have a really beautiful body,”

[ y / n ] dismissed it as a drunk comment, and was about to slip the donated shirt on, but Megan stopped her before a second arm slipped into it. 

“Aren’t you going to take off your bra? Heard it can cause bad stuff for your chest. Besides, that bra is too pretty to ruin.”

She nodded slowly, now avoiding Megan’s prying eyes, getting behind her and unclasping her bra for her. Megan watched it was it dropped, starring at her breasts. 

The young woman cleared her throat, trying to get her tempting thoughts out of her head, slipping the rest of the clothes on, and was about to walk out of the door, before Megan once again stopped her.

“Hey,” she started, “You’re beautiful,” Megan then leaned over, leaving a soft kiss on [ y / n ]’s forehead, and if she wasn't red before, she was definitely red now. 

It was all so random. Coming out of nowhere.

Opening the door, [ y / n ] tried her hardest to forget what just happened, but it was all she could think about.

Colson already seemed like he was on the brink of sleep, the light from the TV being the only thing illuminating the room. But when his attention focused on the two women walking towards him, getting ready to slip into bed with him, he was wide awake. 

[ y / n ] paused for a second, stopping in her tracks, she wasn’t really sure what she was supposed to do next, let alone what she was about to do. What the fuck even was this? A drunken idea that will be discarded in the morning, the two of them dismissing it because they were too drunk to remember?

Or did this mean something? Was this a sign? What if they both-

“Come on, [ y / n ], I don’t bite, Colson smiled, patting the spot right next to him, Megan nodding in confirmation.

“Y-Yeah, sure, okay,” her words came out faster than anticipated, making her sound like she was babbling like a toddler. 

Before she could embarrass herself anymore than she already did, she did as she was told, [ y / n ] slipping into the covers as she made room for Megan on the king-sized bed. 

But when Colson pulled her in, her head now on his chest, she could feel her heart beating a million miles a minute. And at first, she thought that Megan would disapprove. This was her boyfriend we were talking about. 

But when she hopped into bed, she objected for a different reason than expected. 

“Hey, don’t hog her, I want some cuddles too,” she whined, latching onto [ y / n ] by wrapping her arms around her waist and nuzzling her face in the back of the girl’s neck.

But Megan could sense [ y / n ]’s heartbeat, and she almost smirked to herself because she was part of the reason. 

“Come on, [ y / n ], it’s just us,” she soothed, hoping it would help with nerves. 

Colson himself gave a small squeeze of reassurance, then reaching over to his bedside table and pulling out a joint, lighting it. 

“You want first hit?” he passed it to [ y / n ] and she nodded. If anything were to calm her down, it would be this. At least relieve some tension. 

Soon enough, the joint was burned up to the filter, the room smelling like weed as the three of them relaxed, watching the movie that was on the screen. Colson was now sobered up a little bit. But he wouldn’t dare change the situation that he was in. Not for a hundred bucks. Not even for a million. 

[ y / n ] was nuzzled deeply into his chest now, Megan playing with her hair as she gave a look to Colson. 

As soon as the movie ended, Colson looked over to [ y / n ] who was sleeping peacefully, she soft breaths enough to make the couple fall asleep. Megan let out a small ‘aw’ before gently kissing her forehead just like she did in the bathroom. 

“Goodnight [ y / n ],”

Colson imitated her action, doing the same as she whispered Megan’s exact message, before pretending to fall asleep. 

But both of them weren’t sleeping. They were just hoping that the other one wasn’t going to find out about what they were about to do. They couldn’t resist. [ y / n ] was right there, and the both of them had a connection to the girl, so how could they not?

Colson made the first move. He let his free hand reach over his body, letting his hand drift gently over her thighs, making her shift just the slightest in her sleep. Soon enough it reached her calfs, then right where he wanted it, her covered clit his next target, pressing lightly on it, knowing the pressure would get to her, maybe even enough to wake her up. 

But she was sleeping like a rock, and all he was getting was whimpers and mutters of profanity in her sleep. 

It wasn’t until he felt another hand down there that he stopped and froze in his tracks. He suddenly looked over and whisper yelled.

“Megan??” 

She had the same response, “Colson??”

They both had the same goal. But it was somewhat relieving. Because the other couldn’t blame the feelings they had for the 18 year old. And Megan thought that she was the only one who had the sinful thought of touching her and making her make sultry noises in her sleep, feeling the gratification that she, in fact, made them happen. 

But now things changed. Now she didn’t feel so indifferent about her displays of affection for the girl, and neither did Colson. Because there were always the intentional touches every now and again. Always having the excuse to reach over [ y / n ], his hand touching her lower waist, which also made her turn a shade of dark pink, goosebumps erupting in it’s wake.

Now things had changed. 

Megan switched on the lamp on her side, giving a knowing look to Colson, knowing what they wanted to do next. They just prayed that [ y / n ] would want to do it too. 

Megan leaned over, leaving kisses across [ y / n ]’s neck as she let her hands slip up her shirt, dragging her nails across her stomach. Once Colson saw that [ y / n ]’s eyes were fluttering open, he suddenly grabbed her, making her squeak, pulling her into his lap as the kissed her on her lips. 

It may have been the sleepy haze, or maybe the weed, but [ y / n ] found herself kissing back as he held her close, now shifting herself to straddle his waist, their tongues poking and playing with each other while Megan let out a huff of disapproval, for Colson, once again hogging the girl. 

Megan ended up leaning up to her neck once again, her hands drifting everywhere she pleased, [ y / n ] letting out soft noises. 

Suddenly, Colson flipped her on the bed, before stripping her almost completely, except for her shirt. 

“That’s my shirt, you know,” he smirked, knowing Megan might have done that on purpose. 

This time, Megan’s hand sliding farther up, touching her beasts, lifting up the shirt just above them, bringing her mouth to the nipples, sucking them. Colson slipped his clothes off, trying to match the girl in front of him, Megan soon following suit, deciding to take off Colson’s shirt, leaving [ y / n ] completely in the nude. 

Their hands were all over her, making her squirm, getting self conscious. She was in front of the two most beautiful people she knew, and somehow they wanted her, my some miracle. But yet, she was relived, because she didn’t need to hide such dangerous feelings. Here, she thought her thoughts would split the couple apart. But what was about to happen was going to strengthen their bond for all three of them. 

Colson waisted no time getting between [ y / n ] legs, making contact with her clit as she let out a whimper. So many times, she had pictured this. Every time she touched herself, she pictured him doing it and not her hand, and it was finally happening. 

[ y / n ] then decided to make a daring move, reaching her hand down to Megan’s clit, rubbing soft circles around the bud, making her feel perfect. Sure, Colson could make her cum. But [ y / n ] was a woman. She knew what a woman’s body wants. What a woman’s body needs, and soon enough, the two women were about to fall off the edge. 

And they did, and Colson didn’t know which one to focus his attention on. It was beautiful to watch both of the women who were closest to him reach a state of nirvana. Especially at the same time. 

He then kissed up [ y / n ]’s stomach as she was just then coming down to Earth, then hovering over her, kissing her passionately. She could taste herself on his tongue, and it was the hottest thing she thought she could experience that night. 

But Christ, was she wrong. 

“Let me have a taste, Cols,” Megan muttered, Colson eagerly complying, slipping his hand down to [ y / n ]’s clit to rub soft circles as he kissed his girlfriend, the afterglow of her orgasm somehow making her more beautiful. 

[ y / n ] turned her head, muffling her moans against the crook of Megan’s neck, her heavy breaths making the older woman squirm at the warm sensation. 

When the couple broke the kiss, Colson suddenly positioning himself at [ y / n ]’s entrance, kissing her neck, sucking dark marks all over her soft spots. But a wave of anxiety crashed over her as she pushed him back, stopping both him and Megan in their tracks, automatically concerned. 

“W-Wait, I’ve never... I haven’t-” she struggled to get her words out, Colson filling in the blanks. 

“You’re a virgin?” Megan suddenly cut in. 

“How are you even related to Rook- Ow-” Colson got a smack on the chest from Megan, giving him a look. 

“What better way to loose your virginity than to share it with more than one person?” Megan suggested. 

“I just... can you hold my hand?” she asked Megan like a child, and she automatically obliged, intertwining their fingers and placing a soft kiss on her nose. 

“Anything for you.”

“Are you okay to keep going?” Colson asked sensitively, and [ y / n ] gave a small nod before taking a deep but shaky breath. 

As she let a breath out, he began to insert the tip, making [ y / n ] gasp, a new discomfort in her cunt she had never felt before. And fuck he was big. But if there was one thing that was known about [ y / n ], it was that she wasn’t a quitter. She had made it this far. 

After a few seconds of whispered praises from the both of them, [ y / n ] bit down on her lip as she began to push in farther, the girl squeezing Megan’s hand like it was the last thing she would ever do. 

Soon enough, we was bottomed out inside her, giving her time to adjust, Colson kissing her collarbone as Megan kissed her jaw. After several minutes of cock-warming, [ y / n ] saw it fit to move, almost letting out a sigh of relief. 

Slowly, he started to move, trying his best to be as gentle as possible. Soon he began to go faster, and the ache in [ y / n ]’s core began to dissolve into pleasure as she felt every ridge and every vein as be slipped in and out of her. 

“Holy fuck, you’re so fucking tight, shit,” he cursed, beginning to go faster and faster, [ y / n ] feeling the coil inside her tighten. 

“m’gonna cum, can I please cum?” she asked desperately, Megan bringing their intertwined hands up to her lips, giving [ y / n ]’s hand a kiss.

“Of course you can, sweet girl, unravel on his cock,” her words leaving Colson speechless, her fingers slipping down to her clit, [ y / n ] letting out a yelp of pleasure. 

Soon enough, the coil inside her snapping like a twig as a mind-numbing orgasm, making her black out, passing out in pure euphoria, Colson pulling out and Megan suddenly lurching forward, her mouth on his tip, taking his cum in her mouth, swallowing everything he gave him. 

Tucking her under the covers, Colson smirked, letting it sink in that he was his first time, almost feeling as if she saved herself for this exact moment. 

And as [ y / n ]  finally slipped into peaceful sleep, Colson then went to his girlfriend, getting ready to give her a perfectly earned orgasm.

[eideticmemory]

FINE LINE | SPENCER REID

Two decades and two children later, you and your ex-husband learn to navigate the world of co-parenting.

Word Count: 2,604.

Warning: Daddy issues, mommy issues, angst, drama, romance. Love to see it.

You could feel it. The light illuminating your face, touching it with a gentle heat that made your eyes flutter open. Your head felt heavy, as if your neck was attempting to support the weight of a canon ball. You rested your skull on the back of the chair you sat in, eyelids dropping just above your irises. Just in the distance, you could make out a cinema screen. Large, blurry, projecting a bright white screen.

Her image appeared in the center of the square, perfect, in place, still. But you could make out the grin on her face. Watching her dark red lips release the words, “Hello, sleepyhead.”

You could just barely muster up the strength to part your lips, pushing out a small gust of air. It was hot and made your mouth feel like it was on fire.

“H—“

“Oh,” she interrupted you, gently, quietly. You jumped at the feeling of her touching your arm, her palm tight around your forearm. She was cold, freezing, but you could still feel warmth radiating off of her. “I’m afraid you can’t stay too long this time. It’s time to wake up.”

“Hm?” You whined. “Mm?”

“Wake up,” she repeated. “C’mon, wake up. Wake up, wake up, wake u—“

“Up!”

You jolted, violently, harshly, your eyes springing open to reveal the usual sight of your bedsheets.

“Mom, wake up,” an exasperated voice sounded from beside you, the words catching your attention instantly. Tightly.

“Huh?” You mumbled, flickering your eyes up to the figure at your side, sitting on your bed, looking at you with a concerned stare. “Hm?”

“Are you alright?” Eden asked. Sunlight shone on her face, giving her the appearance of an angel. Sent to wake you, pull you back into reality. “What were you dreaming about?”

You let out a long sigh, as if you could even begin to explain your subconscious mind to your 15-year-old daughter. “Oh, y’know,” you whispered, sitting yourself upright and resting back against the headboard. “Just...lions, and tigers, and bears.”

“Oh my,” Eden responded, her big brown eyes concentrated on your face.

You chuckled underneath your breath, and let out a quick huff. “Oh, shoot, is your brother up?”

“He’s up, he’s dressed, he’s fed, and reading the Illiad.”

“Oh?” You stepped out of bed, pulling the duvet over your legs to reveal your pajama pants. “What happened to War and Peace?”

“He finished that yesterday.”

“He gets quicker every hour,” you shook your head.

“It’s a genius thing,” Eden shrugged. She fiddled with the ends of her hair, watching the strands brush over her fingers as she chewed her lip. “Hey, mom?”

“Yeah, kid?” You replied, standing in the bathroom mirror as you began to get ready for the day.

“You—you know dad, right?”

You stopped in your tracks, any and all movements coming to a halt. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, and you spun on your heels, slowly, until you came face to face with Eden. “Uh . . . your dad?”

“Yes.”

“Tall? Long, brown hair? Hazel eyes? Has a birthmark on his right thigh?” You listed, toothbrush hanging from your mouth.

“Ew,” Eden cringed. “Yes.”

“Never met him in my life,” you shrugged.

“Mom.”

“Kid,” you tilted your head, face softening as you realized how nervous she was. “What’s up?”

She sighed, ducking her head down to avoid eye contact. “I invited him to my sweet 16.”

“Oh.” It came out like reflex. You said the word before you could fully process the information.

“Are you mad?”

“No—huh? E,” you rushed to sit beside her. “You don’t have to hide inviting your father from me—you—you don’t have to invite your father at all. He’s always welcome to visit on your birthday. And of course he should be at your sweet sixteen.”

“Really?” Eden questioned, eyebrows raised. “So, it will be a nice day? A nice party? Everyone will be nice to everyone?”

“Yes, yes, girl scouts honor.”

“Good,” she nodded, a satisfied smile on her face. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.”

“Oh, babe,” you murmured, tucking her hair behind her ear. “It—“

“Mom!” A shrill voice struck both of you with fear, coming out of nowhere.

“Yes, my love?” You directed at Emerson, watching him fidget with his hands in the doorway. His shaggy brown hair covered his face slightly and his button up was tucked into his khaki shorts.

“My chess tournament starts soon, are you coming?” He asked.

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world, kiddo. You and your sister go downstairs while I get dressed.”

They’re obedient, your kids. Kind, driven, smart — with an average IQ of 187.5. The could take over the world if they really, really wanted to. But they don’t. They just want to go out for pizza, and get their twenty dollar allowance every week, hang out with their friends, focus on school, and . . . to see their father. You solemnly set your toothbrush down in the bathroom, looking at yourself in the mirror — tired, worn out, nauseous from another . . . dream? Nightmare? You’re not sure, and frankly, you don’t want to think about it.

So, you pushed on. You got dressed, fixed your hair, used light makeup to cover your exhaustion. Stepping out into the bedroom, your eyes quickly fell on your cellphone — the device laying on your bedside dresser. Hands on your hips, you shook your head, telling yourself not to do it. It’s not necessary, it’s overbearing to even think about.

Then, you remembered who you were dealing with here. And you rushed over to picked up the phone.

“[y/n] Reid,” he beamed. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I heard you talked to E,” you whispered, pacing back and forth in your bedroom.

“I did,” Spencer confirmed. “She called me the other day.”

“To invite you to her birthday party.”

“Yes.”

“And are you planning on coming?” You asked.

“Of course I’m planning on coming. It’s my daughter’s sixteenth birthday.”

“Right, right, it’s not like you missed her fifteenth, or thirteenth, or her twelfth, or her actual birth, or anything.”

“[y/n]—”

“Listen, I didn’t call to argue, or even talk,” you sighed. “I just called to tell you that this party isn’t an option. You will be here Saturday at 10 o’clock sharp, you will help decorate, you will spend time with your children, and you will make this the best damn day Eden Reid has ever had. Understood?”

“I have to help decorate?”

“Spencer—“

“I will be there. 10 o’clock. I will help decorate, I will spend time with my children, I will make this the best damn day Eden Reid has ever had. I understand.”

You released a quiet huff, like your lungs couldn’t stand to hold the breath any longer. “Thank you.”

Spencer let out a soft, sad laugh, “Haven’t done that in a while.”

Chess gives you anxiety. You understand it. You can conceptualize it, and even play it. Well. But the bubbling in your stomach every time you witnessed a game — particually one where your eight year old son is playing — comes back to haunt you again and again. You don’t worry about Emerson, he can take care of himself. He’s like his father in that way, the game is in his blood. But the tension, the speed, the risk. It made your breath lodge in your chest, and every so often, you had to sigh to regain control.

The only thing that could pull you from that stress is Em. Emerson Derek Reid, the little half smile on his face when he wins a match. It makes the three hour tournaments worth it. Watching your boy play against college level students who have been playing all their lives. Yeah, so has he.

He jumps off stage in an excited state, rushing towards you with open arms. “You’re a tiger, kid!” You exclaim. “You killed it.”

“Thank you, thank you,” he shrugged. “It’s really my opponents’ fault, they wouldn’t know a queen from a rook if it was looking them in the face.”

“Ooh, cat fight.” E remarked, causing Em and you to laugh.

“Hey,” you said. “Since you’re both already out of school today . . . wanna play hookie?”

“Mom? I am shocked!” E gasped, trying hard to contain a laugh.

“Oh, c’mon, we never get to hang out anymore since you guys started these college classes and my business went up. I’m off work, you’re already out of class, let’s just do it. Let’s go shop and eat and hang out and I will write you guys an excuse for tomorrow, okay?” You rambled, putting your hands to their shoulders.

Em and E looked at each other, and after a minute, they looked up at you and nodded.

Your very, very favorite people on the whole planet.

You took them to the mall. Bought Em some new clothes, but he wasn’t really interested. You and E did most of the picking. He sat in the corner of the store reading and only participated to try on outfits you guys had picked out. You both squealed and told him how cute he looked, and he scrunched up his nose. Just like . . .

And then you bought E some shoes, some vans. There was a huge sell, and she fell in love with everything she tried on. And you fell in love with seeing her happy so you ran up a bill.

“Okay, which one of us is dying?” E said as you sat at lunch. Em bursted out laughing.

“Wha—neither of you! I just wanted to spoil you guys. You kill yourselves all week with school, even though it’s summer. And I never see you, that’s all.”

“Mhm,” Em hummed, an unconvinced look in his face as he eyed his sister. “I bet someone died.”

“Em!” You exclaimed, E’s laughter blending in. “God, you guys are morbid.”

“Our parents both worked in the FBI, we’re basically trained,” E giggled.

Just then, you got a call. Work. Fuck. You stood from the table and stepped outside, excusing yourself first.

“[y/n].”

“Can we close the Pickett case tonight?”

“Raven . . .”

“I don’t want that boy in that house for one more second. [y/n], I will send you more of my notes, but . . . read them, read them. You will understand. Please.”

You sighed, “I’ll be there at ten. If you are not there at ten . . . I’ll wait for you. Let’s do it.”

“Thank you! Thank you, thanks! Bye. Sorry. Bye.”

You took in a deep breath and shook your head.

Nothing was going to spoil your lunch. Not today.

The car ride home, the three of you vibed to music. Your kids knew every word to Fleetwood Mac’s discography and it was your greatest accomplishment. They even developed their own dance routine to Dreams when they were younger.

Your very, very favorite people on the whole planet.

You pulled up to your house, and as you approached the driveway, you saw a familiar car parked out front. Your stomach flipped, caved in, skipped, hopped, and jumped.

Words can’t even described what it did when you saw him.

Sitting on the porch swing.

“Dad?” Em exclaimed loudly in excitement. You parked in the driveway, eyeing Spencer the whole time.

“Dad?” E said quietly, confusion in her voice. “Did you—“ She directed at you, interrupted by her brother hopping out of the car.

Em ran up to Spencer, and his father scooped him up in a quick motion, spinning him around and kissing his head.

You let out a quick huff, turned to E and smiled, “C’mon, go say hi.”

You followed E out of the car, and watched as she tip toed towards Spencer. She suddenly skipped and jumped into Spencer’s arms.

“Hey, dad,” she said.

“Hey, kid!” He replied, before putting her on her feet. “Your hair is getting so long!”

“Yeah,” she twirled her hair and laughed. “What are you doing here!”

“I wanted to see you guys . . .” He turned to you. “And your mom, who’s quiet as a mouse.”

“Hello,” you shrugged, giving him a kind smile.

“Are you staying for today, dad?” Em asked, tucked under Spencer’s arm.

“I was actually hoping to stay until Sunday, if that’s okay with your mom, of course.”

Your very, very least favorite person on the whole planet.

“Please, mom? He can be here for my birthday!” E pipped.

Em. E. Em. E. Those big, pouty eyes of theirs staring you down. “You can stay in the guest room,” you told Spencer.

“Is that close to your bedroom?” Spencer smirked.

“Heh,” you huffed. “Don’t push it. You can stay upstairs.”

“Yes! C’mon, dad! I made a new model that I wanna show you!”

Later that night, you made the kids pasta. It was one of your finer cuisines, taught to you by an old friend, and they asked for it all the night, especially when they needed to study.

Spencer wandered into the kitchen after getting settled upstairs. “Woah! I thought we could go out for dinner, huh? My treat?”

“We would, dad,” Eden said. “But we both have tests tomorrow. Calculus and Physics. Maybe tomorrow.”

You set their plates down and looked up at Spencer. You walked over to him, eyeing him knowingly as you led him out of the kitchen.

“They’re nerds,” Spencer laughed.

“They’ve also both got an eidetic memory. It’s gonna take them all of three minutes to study, then they’ll be all over you again,” you told him, walking out onto the back patio.

Following you, Spencer closed the door behind him, isolating you two on the porch.

You sat down, plopped down, and looked up at him, “Why are you here?”

“Subtle.”

“Spencer.”

“I mean it, you should be a federal agent.”

“Spencer.”

He sighed heavily, “I have some things I want to . . . handle.”

“Here?” You asked.

“Yes,” he hesitated. “I haven’t been enough a part of the kids’ lives—“

You rolled yours eyes. Yeah, you knew that.

“I want to fix that, to have a real relationship with them.” He continued.

“You’ve always been able to,” you shrugged. “You get distracted.”

“Work,” he muttered.

“Always is.”

“And . . .” he whispered, his eyes flickering back and forth between you and the ground.

You furrowed your eyebrows, “And?”

“I — I want to fix my relationship with you.”

Huh.

“I want us to go to therapy.”

Huh.

“Wha—“ You stuttered, rising from your seat. “Spencer, what?”

“Not couples therapy. Nothing . . . romantic,” his voice cracked. “But we can’t keep acting so . . . poorly around the kids. They’re smart, they notice things. They always have.”

“Spencer, how are we gonna go to therapy? You’d need to dig up Freud himself and have him work on us full time.”

“I just think we need to talk,” he murmured. He stepped closer to you, breathing deeply as he towered over you. “Will you please just think about it?”

You stared him in the eye, let out a heavy exhale.

Spencer.

[heyitmelexie]

Falling In Love

Din Djarin x riduur!F!Reader

Word count: 3444 Warnings: mention of wounds and blood Rating: Teen and up

A/N: Day 9 of the December Writing Challenge by @honeymandos​! ❤️

This was also my first time ever writing for Din!

I know it’s late but I’m currently pretty occupied with uni etc. Hope you enjoy anyway!!  ❤️

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

The sweet smell of Bantha-butter pancakes tickles your nose and pulls you from your peaceful slumber.

As you open your eyes you see soft beams of sunshine creep through the window, illuminating your exposed legs and bathing them in warmth.

You smile and stretch, hearing the sizzling noise of the pancakes coming from the kitchen, accompanied by soft talking, gentle coos and occasionally one or the other clank.

The door is slightly ajar, but you can still see the domestic scene playing in the other room.

Din, in only his pants and with his hair still mussed, stands with his broad back turned to you. He’s making breakfast while quietly talking to your little green son, who sits on the counter right next to him. You see his ears occasionally perk up, followed by coos and little giggles, making you smile.

“Look, now you flip it. Just like this” you hear Din say, before (you assume) he tries to flip it with the pan. You expect to hear the loud sizzling again, indicating that the uncooked side of the pancake landed safely back in the pan. Instead, you hear a dull splash, like a wet fish falling onto tiles, followed by strings of curses coming from Din and a loud, hearty laugh from that little womp rat.

You laugh softly at that, getting out of bed to make your way into the kitchen.

Upon hearing your laugh coming from behind him, Din turns and looks at you, a sheepish smile playing on his flustered face.

“I hope I didn’t wake you, cyare” he says before quickly cleaning up the mess he made.

“Not really. I woke up from the smell of my favourite breakfast” you hum, before kissing your son’s wrinkly little head. He coos happily and then stretches out his arms to make grabby hands at you. You chuckle softly and then proceed to pick him up. He immediately snuggles against you, one of his little claws clutching onto your shirt.

Din smiles, before gently kissing your lips and then continuing to make the breakfast.

You take the time to go outside into your little garden with the child in your arms.

The sun immediately engulfs you in its warm light and you lay down in the soft grass between the flower beds. The little one moves to get comfortable on top of you, snuggling into your chest and cooing contently.

You smile at him and gently caress his big ears.

Din and you had built this little hut on Naboo together just about a year ago, finally deciding to partially settle down and have a somewhat quiet life. He would occasionally still go on a few hunts to get some credits for the three of you while you would stay home with the child. He would always make sure to not stay away for too long. Din had gotten really used to this simple life with you.

As you now lay there in the grass, admiring yours and Din’s handiwork, you think back to how you two met.

And what had made you realize that you had deeply fallen for this beskar-clad warrior (and honestly sometimes tin can dumb bitch of a man).

You grew up in a very small village that was hidden in the lush forests of Naboo. People there were kind and caring, always helping each other and even going so far as helping out strangers that desperately needed the help.

And that’s what had led to meeting him.

*

You were some sort of healer for the people of your village. Mixing concoctions, ointments, bacta gels, etc. Taking care of wounded and ill people. They trusted you with their lives and that had filled you with a great sense of pride.

One day, while you were collecting herbs in your little garden, you could hear a loud commotion coming from the marketplace. The noise steadily grew louder until five people stormed in, carrying a person covered head to toe in fabrics and metal, that was bleeding profusely from a deep wound in their lower abdomen. A pool of blood was very quickly forming on the floor and then on the bed once they put the person on it.

You dropped everything you held and rushed inside, immediately starting to cut off the fabric from around the wound to get better access to it, not even thinking about removing the armour and pants. You knew what that would mean.

You had heard about Mandalorians before. Strangers come and go; they spend most of their time at the small cantina. Many of them weren’t very social and would mostly just ignore the questions they were asked. But others, they would talk and then wouldn’t stop, much to the delight of the folks here.

That’s how one day you met a woman called Rook Cava.

She was unlike any other person you had ever met before. Just like this wounded person, she was covered in fabrics and metal armour, from head to toe. The specially shaped breast plate was the only certain physical indication for you that assured you she was a woman. The armour had been painted a very deep purple, the paint was already chipping away here and there. On the helmet, around the visor, there were golden, intricate symbols. She was mysterious and, even though you had no idea what she looked like, you thought she was breathtakingly beautiful.

She emitted such strength and power. The armour made her look bulky, but the fabric underneath laid snug against her skin and you saw her biceps. She wasn’t bulky, no, she was strong and muscular. You had never seen a woman like her before. She rendered you speechless and at the same time there were so many questions you wanted to ask her. But you didn’t want to overwhelm her, so you kept these questions to yourself.

So instead, you let her rest for a bit, she had obviously been travelling for a long time before taking a break on Naboo.

Rook was a step ahead of you though because the next morning she knocked at your door. She explained that she needed a few ointments and new bacta gel for the next few weeks of her travels and that everyone had told her to go seek you out for that.

Without hesitation you had let her in, offering her a seat and something to drink which she politely declined.

You sat in comfortable silence for a bit, while you collected the things she needed and also freshly mixed some of them so she could take a bigger amount with her.

Rook noticed that you held back your questions, always glancing at her, at her armour. She smiled under the helmet, amused and also astonished that you hadn’t drowned her in your questions yet.

She slightly shook her head in amusement and leaned back in the chair, crossing her arms behind her head.

“What do you wanna know?”

Your head snaps up to look at her, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape. Her question had caught you off guard and she had laughed at your shocked reaction, heat creeping to your cheeks in embarrassment.

“It’s fine. I know I’m not a very common sight. Go ahead, ask your questions” she said, her voice warm and friendly. The complete opposite from her fierce appearance.

“Uhmm… what exactly are you?” ‘What exactly are you?!’ You wanted to slap yourself across the face for such a stupid question. But Rook didn’t seem to mind.

“I’m a Mandalorian. Have you ever heard of those?” You shook your head no at that and she nodded, showing you that she understood.

“To be clear, a Mandalorian is not a race. It’s a creed. You can be born by Mandalorian parents and grow up to become one yourself, or you could be a foundling. Those are children who lose their families at a very young age. They can be taken in by Mandalorians so they have a home and protection. They will grow up and become warriors as well, they will swear the oath. They will live their lives in anonymity, protecting their creed.”

You let that sink in and crush the herbs in your little bowl. Your eyebrows furrow and you take in her armour again.

“Anonymity… What exactly do you mean by that? I mean, I know your name. So, that isn’t very… anonym, is it?” She smiles, but you can’t see it.

“I decided to go by my name because I was just tired of everyone calling me Mando. I hated it. Some of my kind decide to keep their names to themselves, only revealing them to their loved ones and children. Others, like me, are okay with sharing that information. And, by the way, do people check if the name is real anyway?” You laugh at that. She was right. She could tell everyone a made-up name and they would believe it. Nobody checks.

“But, unless you are the wife of a Mandalorian, you will never be able to put a face to that name. We don’t reveal our faces to anyone but our families. If a Mandalorian takes off the helmet in front of another living thing, the Creed would be soiled, the oath you swore - broken. And we are nothing without our Creed. It’s our religion, it’s sacred, holy. It’s what makes us who we are. And we will kill anyone who tries to take that from us.”

“Is that why you declined the water? And why you asked for the food to be brought to your room last night, so you wouldn’t have to eat in the cantina? Because you can’t take off your helmet?”

She just nodded and you hummed in response, thinking about your next question.

“What happens when you get hurt and someone has to access, let’s say, your thigh. Do you just have to risk dying or are others allowed to see other parts of your body?”

She seemed to think about that for a moment, trying to come up with a good answer.

“Technically we aren’t allowed to show any part of our body to anyone. But wounds are, let’s say, a little loophole. If the wound is dangerous and could possibly kill me, then we can let them assess it. Let’s take your example.” She taps one of her thigh plates.

“If I had an awful wound on my thigh that I couldn’t take care of alone and would need help with, I can take off my thigh plate. You can’t take off my pants but you can cut a hole into the fabric so you can access the wound properly. You couldn’t see much of my skin. My Creed would be intact and you can save my life.” A loophole.

This brings you back to your current situation.

“You need to take off his armour! And his clothes! How can you dress his wound like that?” one of the villagers says, not understanding why you just cut a whole into that person’s pants.

You assumed it was a man, his shoulders seemed to be too broad for a woman and his chest plate was quite flat.

“I can take care of his wound like that just fine” you say, telling them what you needed in order to close and disinfect the wound.

It took you a bit over an hour until you had finally finished stitching it up and wrapping gauze around his thigh.

He still wouldn’t move; the blood loss must have weakened him. You had checked his pulse just to be sure he was still alive and then bundled him up into blankets

Just when you finished cleaning the blood stains and tidying the room, he jolted awake, startling you.

He quickly scanned the room before pulling the blankets off of him and attempting to stand up. You saw his knees buckle slightly and rushed over to steady him, carefully pushing him back onto the bed.

“You need to lie down and rest for a while. You lost a lot of blood” you told him, getting him a glass of water and digging out a straw from your drawers.

You held the glass out for him to take but his visor was focused on your face.

“Who are you? Where am I?” His rough and rather deep voice sent a shiver down your smile that you tried to suppress. You just smiled and told him your name, gently pushing the glass into his hand but he didn’t drink yet, still looking at you.

“You’re on Naboo. A few hours ago you were brought to me because you had a very nasty wound on your abdomen, bleeding like mad. I took care of it, but you need to rest or the stitches will break open again and you’ll risk an infection. And you need to drink” you say, pushing the glass a bit closer towards his face.

When you turn around to put the trash away, he tucks the straw under his helmet and quickly empties the glass. He’s relieved to notice that he immediately feels a bit less lightheaded and puts the glass on the little table before lying back down. For some odd reason he feels like he can trust you.

“I didn’t take off your armour or your clothes. And especially not your helmet, so don’t worry. I must admit though that I put my hand under your helmet as best as I could to see if there would be any blood. But I looked away while I did that, I promise. I know it’s forbidden” you turned back to him, a gentle smile on your face.

“I… Okay. Thank you.”

You felt relief wash over you, glad you hadn’t somehow done anything wrong or harmful, internally thanking the Force for sending Rook your way those few years ago.

The Mandalorian spent about a week at your house, resting and healing.

You had learned that he was hunting a bounty and somehow they had managed to ambush him. The wound on his leg was caused by a warspear the bounty had rammed into his thigh in a moment of inadvertence.

Din had to admit to himself that he… liked you. You were kind and caring. You weren’t one of those people that would ask him when the last time was he took off the helmet or if he’d ever taken it off in front of someone else. None of your questions or conversations were focused on his appearance or his life, which he was very grateful for. He trusted you, but he didn’t want to share such private information with someone he didn’t know well enough.

You simply took care of his wound, made him drink enough water and you would leave him alone whenever he needed to eat.

Not even the conversations with you felt awkward.

You willingly told him about your upbringing, what you had done so far in your life and you also told him about your encounter with Rook Cava.

He knew that he was lucky you had this knowledge of his Creed. What if you hadn’t known it and would have taken off his helmet? He figured that he must have killed the whole village then in order to somehow keep his Creed intact… That thought sends a shiver through his body, once again he felt lucky that he ended up in your care.

When he felt stronger and healthier again, ready to leave Naboo behind, the thought of you sitting in his co-pilot chair flashes through his mind.

He didn’t want to leave you. He didn’t know why, but he wanted you to come with him and stay by his side.

‘I just need someone with her skills’ is what he tells himself.

And when he asked you to come with him, he was surprised at how quickly you said yes, agreeing to leave your home behind to travel through the galaxy with him.

As much as you loved the village, you really wanted to see other parts of the galaxy. So you quickly said your goodbyes and packed your things. You were excited to start this new chapter.

You ended up staying and travelling with him for the following 6 years, before you settled down last year.

During this time, your little green rascal became a part of your family, making you a clan of three. That filled Din with great pride and whenever he looked at his little clan, he felt happy and warm. You two were his entire galaxy and he would make sure that nothing ever happened to you.

One evening, you two had been ‘dating’ for about two years now, the kid was sleeping in his pram and you sat on his lap in the pilot chair, his arms around you. You had asked him a question that had floated through your mind for quite a while.

“When did you know you loved me?” You stared out of the windows, the stars just streaks of light during hyperspace. Din stopped caressing your back for a moment and seemed to think about this.

“Pretty sure it was the first time you smiled at me” he said, making you laugh softly and swat his chest.

“Sure thing, shiny” you giggled, making him smile at you under the helmet.

He held you closer to him and leaned his helmet against your shoulder.

“I think it was the moment I realized I couldn’t leave Naboo without you” he said, continuing to caress your back. “That whole week, you took great care of me and I’ve never felt this comfortable around anyone outside of my tribe before. For whatever reason I trusted you right from the beginning. That first smile you flashed me, if I didn’t already sit I would have probably had to sit down. I never felt like this before I met you. Your presence was calming and kind of made me giddy. I don’t know how to describe it…” You smiled and pressed a kiss to the side of his helmet.

“Like butterflies fluttering inside you? The constant urge to smile?” He thought about it for a moment and then nodded. Grateful for his helmet covering his face because he was sure it was just as red as a tomato.

“The thought of leaving without you, it… it kind of hurt. I was imagining you sitting in my co-pilot chair while I would fly. I even dreamed about you… Back then, I didn’t know I was in love with you. I had never loved anyone this way before. You changed my whole life. To the better. I thought I would die alone. No family, no friends, nothing. But then you strut into my life with that stupid little smile of yours and you gave me hope.”

Your chest swells with pride at his confession, warmth spreading throughout your whole body.

You gave him hope. Home. A family, even before this little womp rat waddled into your life. You made the love of your life believe in a happy ending for himself and that was more than you could ever ask for.

“But what about you, cyar’ika? When did you know you loved me?” he asked, while gently putting a hand on your thigh.

“I think it was the first time I saw you straddle that speederbike back on Tatooine. That was pretty hot.”

He laughed at that, gently squeezing your bum and tutted.

“You are unbelievable.”

*

You didn’t realize you fell asleep again until a gentle hand shakes you awake. Your eyes flutter open and you look right into the face of your riduur. He smiles at you and kisses your nose, making you giggle before you gently kiss him.

After a moment he slowly breaks the kiss and sits next to you in the grass, a big plate full of pancakes in front of him and a bottle of chee-chee berry syrup in his hand.

Before you can sit up, the kid scrambles off your chest and goes to launch himself at the plate of pancakes, but Din is quicker. He scoops him into his arms and then puts him into his lap.

“They’re for all of us, ad’ika” he softly tuts, before taking a pancake and slowly tearing it into little pieces to feed him.

You smile and sit up, pressing a kiss to your riduur’s cheek and one to your son’s head.

The Force had blessed you with such a beautiful little family. And soon there would be another little one moving and kicking inside of you. But you had yet to tell your lover.

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

@absurdthirst​ @dindjarindiaries​ @tangledlove27​

[aureolusfirewrites]

Ugh due to some realization being crammed down my throat by minecraftninjerkid I've decided to write something that doesn't end in Ben being beaten to a pulp or dead it's still angsty as fuck though don't kid yourself.

Waking Nightmares

'No. Not this dream again.' He thought as he realized what was happening.

Unbeknownst to the general public Ben Tennyson, savior of the universe, was someone who generally suffered from night terrors. And those night terrors were something that he could only imagined being concocted from a hellscape.

True some were less horrifying than others but there were seldom ones that didn't cause him to wake up in a cold sweat screaming. And this one, this nightmare, was one of his worst.

He kept getting plagued by it and personally it terrified Ben what his mind might be trying to get him to do.

His dream started out just as viscously as the rest of it. He was standing with nothing but black surrounding him. No horizon, no escape, nothing but black until... The crowds, people so many people, everyone they were surrounding him. They yelled he couldn't actually hear them there was no sound in this awful place. But still he knew they were yelling and fear from it gripped at him.

Then the crowd parted and made way for someone special. For a moment he felt relief as his now grey colored cousin walked towards him. He smiled and reached out for her rushing forward. Trying to hug her something to tell him he'd be okay because Gwen would help... Right?

When he got to her though he stumbled when his body passed through hers like she was a ghost. Ben turned to look at his cousin, a horrid cruel smile plastered over her face. She pointed behind Ben and be turned around. The people who had been shouting were slowly one by one turning to dust. All of them silent as if to tell him it was his fault. Terrified he turned back to Gwen in time to watch her disintegrate before his eyes.

"n- no! Stop please! No no no" he begged in shock.

He fell back hitting the ground trying to scramble away. Loud crackling split the landscape and white cracks spread across the floor under him. Within seconds it had broken and plunged him down.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

He plunged down into freezing cold water. The water was grey turning to black and white air bubbles went up around him. He tried to swim. Get closer to the surface. But he only went down further.

His lungs were screaming in pain it felt like he was burning from the inside out.

His sight was dimming not that it was much different than what he would see if he was focused but a key difference made his eyes snap awake again.

Kevin. The taller teen was covered in metal but wasn't sinking any faster than Ben was as he carefully glided over to him. Ben looked at his friend expectantly.

Kevin reached over and gripped his shoulders. For a second Ben relaxed as he grabbed ahold of Kevin hugging him, but then there was a new sensation. It was slow at first as he felt something else curling around his midsection. He looked up to Kevin. The metal had his body and wrapped in a tight binding around his chest. Surprised he let go of Kevin who just waved before sinking back into the dead black water.

For a second Ben just stared looking at where Kevin had dissapeared to but then he saw something else. Fast as a whip a metal cuff snapped over his left hand and a chain connected to it. Fear jolted through his body as slowly it made him sink faster then another chain snapped around his right hand. He struggled pulling against them but more chains wrapped around him dragging him deeper.

His lungs couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't take it anymore. Ben let out a howled scream but the sound was lost as bubbles burst from his mouth and water filled his lungs.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Suddenly the water released him and he fell hard to the ground. He laid there spluttering and panting for more air as he coughed up more water.

He shuddered and fell to his side. The pain, the shouting from all those people, everything, it was all getting to be to much. It just hurt to bad.

For what felt like a long time he just stayed there curling in on himself shaking. Then he heard footsteps.

Soft thudding drawing closer to him. When he looked up relief washed over his entire body. "Rook!" He stumbled running over to his partner and fell down in front of him. Ben stayed sitting down on the floor not wanting to look up so Rook wouldn't see him breaking. "R- Rook I- I- I can't it hurts, and it's loud, it's so loud I- I can't-" he stuttered. Then Rook knelt down in front of him and lifted a hand under Ben's chin turning his face towards him to make eye contact. Ben searched his eyes for something but all that was there was a dead condescending smug look that radiated 'I'll make it better' but in the worst way.

They stared into each other's eyes for a moment then Rook reached behind his back. There was a soft click when the object was set in his arms.

'So it's the prototool this time huh?' Ben thought outside of his dream.

He looked at the weapon for a moment understanding what this part meant. He slightly shook his head not looking up from his fixed spot on the floor. He felt something brush against him as Rook got closer to him. Then the alien whispered something right into his ear and whatever he said must've broken him because silent tears formed and fell down his face.

Ben gulped and numbly picked up the prototool, in gun form, and turned the barrel to his chest. He made a hiccuping noise clenched his eyes shut and pulled.

He bolted upright. He was panting, gasping, his body trying to force air into itself to make sure it was still alive.

He was still sitting there rigid when he felt something warm wrap around him. He flinched for a moment but soon recognized his boyfriend's arms around his waist and chin resting on top of his head.

"Nightmare again?" Rook asked quietly not releasing Ben from his grip.

"Y- yeah it's nothing Rook j- just go back to sleep sorry I woke you up."

There was a discontent sigh as Rook pulled him closer.

"Ben."

"Yeah?"

This is the fifth time this weak you have woken up in tears. I highly doubt that it is nothing."

Ben flinched at the words. "You heard those to?" He tried to dodge the subject.

"Ben despite what you may believe it is hard to not be woken up when the person sleeping with you suddenly jumps and begins crying, much less the two nights of screaming."

"sorry" he mumbled.

"You will be forgiven when you tell me what is wrong."

Ben let out an exasperated sigh and leaned further back against Rook.

"Please tell me?"

"Alright alright fine. It's one nightmare, it keeps repeating. Everything is loud and it hurts and then everythin- it's to much. I- I feel trapped and then..."

"Then...?" Rook prompted trying to get Ben to continue knowing that at any chance he would shut down the conversation and act as if it had never happened.

"and then you show up and for a second I think it'll be okay but- but then you just tell me that I'm right and there isn't any fixing it, that there's only one way that it'll all go away. Then I get- I get a choice. And- and I always choose the easier way."

Rook had frozen at the description starting to get a good picture of what Ben was describing. It certainly explained why he had been screaming if nothing else. He was staring to really regret having asked but still felt the conversation was necessary. Ben needed him right now, he needed a listener.

He could tell there would be no stopping now until Ben had finished getting all of it of his chest.

"s- sometimes it's just a normal human weapon, sometimes it's something Ive seen some bad guys use when we fight in undertown, tonight it was the prototool, and then sometimes..."

Another shudder ran through his body and Ben shook his head. Heaving out deep breaths while His boyfriend ran long fingers through his messy hair.

"And sometimes it's the omnitrix. It- it zaps me and electrocutes me and it burns. It feels like I'm burning from the inside out and all I can see is green. And it just- It just hurts Rook. I- I don't know maybe something's wrong with me."

"You are right." Rook simply said catching Ben off guard.

"huh? W-What you- you do think there's something wrong with me?"

Rook nodded.

"Ben, there is something wrong with all of us. With everything you have been through I am not surprised at all of your flaws but the good in you is still much greater than all of those "problems" combined."

Ben sniffed and stayed quiet for a long time taking in what his boyfriend told him.

"Hey Rook?"

"Mmhmm" the cat like alien responded sleepily.

"Thank you"

A small chuckle came from his partner and he gave his last words before they fell asleep in each other's embrace.

"Trust me Ben If there is one thing I know about it is that Ben Tennyson never takes the easy way out."

[buckyscrystalqueen]

Meant To Be: Part 9

Pairings: Machine Gun Kelly x Reader

Warnings: Swearing, drug use, cheating

Word Count: 5,975

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8

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

You woke up one morning two weeks after being back in the States with a familiar, uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach. 

“He’s cheating on me.” You said to Sawyer when she finally came down to make a cup of coffee before she headed out back to the pool to edit a new book for the day.

“He’s not cheating.” She said as she glanced over at you as you served Gage his breakfast.

“Soy, I know this feeling. I have felt this feeling before. He’s cheating.”

“Sweetheart, just breathe. He’s not cheating on you, he’s just doing shows...”

“No...” You interrupted with a shake of your head. “No, see I know this man. I know this man so well, that I can see the signs before he even realizes he’s making the moves.”

“OK, so what are the signs?” She asked as she leaned against the counter and took a sip of her coffee. You hesitated for a moment, before simply scowling and looking over at her.

“I’m not crazy here.” You snapped. “I know that man better than I know myself. And I know he’s slept with some one else or he’s going to tonight. I can feel it to my core...”

“OK, did you try calling him?”

“Six times since I woke up.” You said with a nod as you made yourself a bowl of cereal. “No answer, no text back. He never misses his morning call...”

“OK, let me call JP and see...”

“There’s no point.” You said with a shake of your head. “If I have this feeling now, it means I’m already too late. And besides that, it’s almost concert time there, so he won’t answer.”

“(Y/N), are you sure it’s not just a pregnancy thing? Maybe?”

“No.” You sighed with a shake of your head. “Every single time this man has cheated on me, I knew.” With a shake of your head, you looked over at her with a hint of tears in your eyes. “I’m not crazy.”

“No, sweetie, I believe you.” She said with a nod as she stepped over and pulled you into a hug. “We’ll figure it out, OK?” With a nod, you started to cry for a moment, before pulling back to control yourself.

“Four hours.” You told her with a sniffle. “I’ll bet you a thousand dollars that within the next four hours, I’ll have my answer.”

“Hun, let me text Rook...”

“Don’t you dare.” You interrupted. “If that man can’t keep a fucking promise himself without having someone else breathing down his neck about it, then he can make and sleep in his own fucking bed about it.”

“OK. I won’t text Rook. But try not to obsess about it, sweets. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“We’ll see.” You huffed as you turned to start eating your own breakfast. “We’ll just wait and see.”

“And pray for the best.” She added as she picked up her manuscript off the counter to get some work done while you both waited. You did your best to try and distract yourself for the better part of the morning, but you still religiously checked your Instagram, waiting for the backstage videos you knew the guys always posted to their stories to appear to find what you were looking for. Baze was the first one to deliver, and boy did he deliver.

“I told you.” You said to Sawyer as you walked out to the patio with your phone in your hand. She looked up from her work at the live video with her brow furrowed.

“What am I... oh.” She said as Baze turned to left, giving you both a crystal clear shot of Kels leading some blonde woman neither of you knew out of the green room by the hand. “Holy shit. Wait, this is live.”

“I told you.” You said as you took your phone back with a shake of your head. “I know this feeling. I know this man like the back of my Goddamn hand.”

“Wait, let me call Rook.”

“Don’t bother.” You replied as you turned to head back inside. “I’m going house hunting, you coming?”

“Wait... shit.” She groaned as she threw her pens in the manuscript and jumped up to chase after you. “Are you serious?”

“I told him I wasn’t playing fucking games this time.” You said as you picked up your packed diaper bag, and your son, who you had already gotten dressed and ready to go because you knew this was going to happen, whether people believed you or not. “I’m not doing this to my kids. He can get fucked for all I care now.”

“OK, well wait for me to change at least.” She said as she dashed over to the stairs.

“We’ll be in the car.” You told her as you unlocked the front door. “We have an appointment with a realtor in an hour.” The hour was more than enough time for the three of you to make it to your realtor’s office so she could help you find a nice, move in ready house to rent, and the appointment was timed perfectly so you could make the FaceTime call that put the nail in the coffin of your relationship as well.

“Hey...” Colson panted when he finally answered the call as he pushed his hair back out of his face. “Sorry, it’s been a crazy day. You OK?”

“Show me your room.” You said evenly.

“What?” He asked as panic raced across his blue eyes. “Babe, I’m trying to sleep.”

“Bullshit, Colson.” You interrupted as he got up and quickly headed over to the bathroom. “Room, now.”

“I gotta pee.” He lied.

“Show me your Goddamn room!” You screamed a few seconds before the half dressed blonde dashed across the background and out the hotel room door. “And there it is.” You huffed and shook your head as he quickly tried to explain, while Sawyer looked absolutely stunned beside you.

“Babe, it’s not...”

“I’m done, Kels.” You said evenly. “We’re done.”

“(Y/N), it’s not what...” He started as you hung up the phone and put his calls on silent.

“How did you know that?“ Your friend asked as she looked over at you in disbelief.

“Because I know everything.” You said as you made your next phone call before your appointment time. “Junior. Shut up, I need a huge favor, but you can’t tell dad, and I will pay for everything.”

“Oh, shit.” Your brother sighed through the speaker. “What, you in jail again?”

“I need you and a few friends to come out to California to help me move. Today. Like next flight out, today.” You sighed as tears started falling down your cheeks. “I need... I need my brother...”

“OK, I’m coming.” He said with zero hesitation simply because of the shift in your tone. “I’m coming right now.”

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

“I told you not to tell dad.”

“I had to tell dad.” Junior said as he headed in to your old house later that afternoon to finish packing up your things and get the boxes you couldn’t move into a rented U Haul. “Had to take off work last minute.”

“And you’re crazy if you think I wasn’t going to come rescue my daughter.” Ross finished as he stepped inside beside your sister and her husband to say hi. “You may not think to highly of me, but you’re still my kid.”

“You didn’t tell mom, right?”

“No one’s talked to mom since she took you to court.” Tabby said as she kissed your cheek. “Thanks for letting us know about that, by the way.”

“Figured y’all would side with her.” You confessed honestly.

“Alright, what’s going, and where is it going?” Junior asked as he looked around the down stairs.

“Any cardboard box or tote that you see out is going.” You instructed with a sniffle. “There’s some more upstairs, and all the furniture from Gage’s room that I’m taking with me, but I still have more to pack...”

“Alright, boys. Get these boxes outta here.” Ross instructed as he looked at Tabby. “You go help your sister.”

“There’s two boxes in the kitchen marked with giant F’s that are fragile and food.” You called out as you headed upstairs. “Those can go in my car with that big cooler!”

“Is he coming back soon?” Tabby asked as she followed you up.

“No idea.” You sighed as you walked into your room, where Sawyer was packing up your bathroom stuff for you while keeping an eye on your napping son in your bed. “We haven’t heard anything from our inside man about him canceling any shows, so my guess is no.”

“But my boyfriend and I are both stuck between a rock and a hard place here.” Sawyer called out as she set the bathroom box on the floor by your bed. “I’m not allowed to tell him she’s moving out until she’s completely moved out, and he is probably not allowed to tell me if and when he’s coming home.”

“Still sorry about that.” You said as you dumped arm fulls of clothes into a box from your dresser drawers with your sister.

“I know.” Your friend said as she moved on to the closet. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you fucking called this shit before it happened.”

“Oh, she’s done that since she was a kid.” Tabby chimed in as she packed the jewelry off the top of the dresser in pairs of socks so it wouldn’t get lost. “She knew my dad was seeing someone before anyone else. She knew my first boyfriend was going to be abusive before he even hit me the first time. She knew when I met my husband that he was the one and same with Junior’s fiancée. She’s the relationship crystal ball.”

“That’s wild!”

“Yea, not so much fun when you know the father of your kids is going to cheat on you... again. Nor when I can’t fucking see that he’s just a piece of shit douche bag time after time…” You muttered as you pushed the next full box toward the door. “And he fucking knows I can feel that shit too, yet he still thinks he slick.”

“Well he’s just a dummy.” Tabby said with a quick nod as she looked around the room. “What next?”

“Gage’s room is the last thing.” You said as you pointed out of the room at the nursery door. “Everything is going. The letters on the walls, the cameras, the lamps. Everything. Wait, take boxes.” You said as you kicked a stack of totes in her direction. She grabbed the totes and headed out as you went over with an empty box to clean out your bedside table and all the other nicknacks you had out in the room.

“Who was she?”

“Oh.” You gasped as you looked over your shoulder. “That’s my sister, Tabby. My dad’s downstairs too, which is really interesting, since I’ve always figured they wanted nothing to do with me.”

“Family steps up in weird ways, at weird times.” Your friend said as she closed the second closet box and pushed it into the middle of the room. “I’ll go help her.” It took your little tribe only forty-five minutes to clean all of your stuff out of Colson’s place, and only twenty minutes to unpack just the boxes from your storage unit. You hated that you’d have to replace all of the furniture in there, but even after a year, it still reeked of cigarette smoke, and had various sized burn holes you hadn’t paid much attention to when you packed it up originally. It took even less time to unpack everything at your new place since there was no real furniture to move yet, and you were just finishing up when the half dozen pizzas you got as a thank you for the guy’s help were delivered to your door.

“What are you gunna do ‘bout furniture, kiddo?” Your dad asked as he looked around the open concept kitchen and living room.

“I’ll deal with it tomorrow.” You sighed with a shake of your head. “Go to a hotel or something tonight.”

“OK, well then I’ll call the U Haul place and book the truck an extra day, and then the hotel we’re at and get you a room with my points.”

“Dad, no.”

“Hush.” He said as he looked down at his grandson, who was pulling at his jean leg to show him a toy. “Wat’cha got there, kiddo? A truck?! Does the truck go ‘vroom vroom’?” You smiled at your old man as he sat down on the floor with a giant smile you hadn’t seen in years to play with his first grandson and one of the toys Gage had pulled out of one of his totes.

“You can tell Rook.” You said softly as you looked over at Soy. “Just tell him his kids are safe.”

“OK.” She nearly whispered as she picked up her cell phone to step out to make the call. “I’m really sorry, (Y/N).”

“So am I.” You sighed as you walked over to the nearest box to start unpacking your life once again as tears fell slowly down your cheeks.

“Come on, boys. Work’s not done yet.” Junior said when he saw what you were doing as he set his crust down on his plate and wiped his hands off on his jeans. “Kitchen first.”

——

“We’re goin’ to the Costco…” Your dad announced early the next morning when you opened your hotel room door with a scowl on your face.

“Daddy, it’s five-thirty in the fucking morning. Costco don’t open until nine.”

“And we’re goin’ to the Walmart.” He finished with a nod. “Get your things, you’re wasting daylight. Breakfast is gettin’ served, and the boys are gettin’ rowdy…”

“OK, OK.” You sighed, knowing that he would just keep talking about absolutely nothing until you did what you were told. “Let me wake up the kid and get dressed.”

“Be ready in twenty minutes.” He said as he turned to continue his wake up visits. “Got a lot to do today.”

“Of course we do.” You huffed as you closed the door behind you with a shake of your head. You got yourself ready as fast as you could, letting Gage get as much sleep as you could until you had to get him up. You were shocked that he woke up on the right side of the bed, and was in a very happy mood. His infectious smile and adorable laugh brightened your morning, and reminded you just why you were in the situation you found yourself in. You were just putting him in his stroller with your diaper bag on your shoulder, when your dad knocked on your door again.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” You huffed as you snapped the tray in place and unlocked the breaks. You grabbed your phone, that had dozens of missed calls and texts on it, and threw it and your room key into your bag on your way out the door. “You are so impatient, old man.”

“You were getting up this early for the farm.” He said as the two of you led the group to the elevators. “This is the time you should always start your day.”

“He called me to try to wake me up at two thirty.” Junior complained with a shake of his head. “We were still drinking at two thirty.”

“Where the hell did you go drinking at?” You asked as you looked over at him.

“At Ope’s…” He said slowly as if it were the most obvious answer in the world. “Where we stayed last night…”

“Where the fuck is Ope’s?”

“I’m Ope. Well, I’m Opie.” A very tall man behind you said, which made you turn around to look at him. You double took at the familiar face, and tried to find it in your mind as your brow furrowed.

“Wait, I know you…”

“I would hope so.” He laughed. “I’ve been friends with your brother since we were all kids.”

“No, that’s not it.” You said with a shake of your head as you turned toward him a little more. “I know you from here. From LA.”

“I would hope so.” He laughed even harder with a nod. “I was your photographer for Penthouse for the last year you were working.” Your face dropped and completely paled as he swiped his hand at you. “Don’t worry about it. You were pretty fucked up back then, and dealing with your ex’s shit on a regular basis so I don’t take it personally.”

“Oh, my God. I am so, so sorry.”

“It’s fine.” He chuckled as he pat your shoulder. “Really, it is.”

“I’m sober now.” You clarified even though you knew you didn’t have to. “Two years or something like that.”

“Good for you.” He said as he glanced over at you with a smile. “I was always hoping you’d get there. Watching you head toward rock bottom was kinda scary.”

“Scarier to live it, I promise.” You said as you dropped your diaper bag on a long table by the hotel’s buffet and parked the stroller where you’d be able to see your son.

“Oh, I bet. But thank God you made it out on the other side.”

“I more thank God Gage made it out on the other side alive and healthy after my OD.” You said as you started the automatic pancake machine and grabbed some scrambled eggs first to cool them down for your son. “Wait, so how in the hell did you get into photography? And did I even recognize you back then, or am I just that shitty of a person?”

“Oh, you’re just that shitty of a person.” He teased as he worked around you to make his own breakfast. “You looked right past me.”

“OK, you’re rude!” You laughed as you whacked his hand as he reached for the bacon tongs. “No, you don’t get any now.”

“Girl, I dare you to try.” He shot back as he lightly body checked you out of the way. “Stand in the way of a man and his bacon. You’re the rude one!”

“Hey, quit!” You laughed as you wrestled him for the tongs. “You are standing between a pregnant woman and bacon! Quit it! I know your mother!”

“Your sister just doesn’t know how to be single, does she?” Your dad asked Tabby as he sat down with his coffee and oatmeal, like he did every morning.

“Has she ever?” She asked as she sipped on her coffee and waited for her turn at the currently crowded buffet.

“Least he’s home grown.” Ross said with a shrug. “Better than that asshole she was seeing.”

“They’re not gunna get together.” Junior said over your loud laugh as he sat down at the table with his two full plates.

“Twenty bucks says you’re wrong.” Tabby said under her breath as you and Opie came over to eat and feed Gage.

“Deal.”

——

“OK, y’all need to stop.” “No seriously, quit.” “OK, I don’t need to decorate, Tabitha!” “Guys, my towels are perfectly fine.” “I swear to fucking God.”

“When you gunna learn, (Y/N)?” Junior asked as your group stood in line with carts of food, spices, towels, toys, “proper clothes” for you and Gage, and other things deemed ‘necessities’ by your family.

“Each one of you had a college fund.” Ross said as he unloaded the second of three carts onto the conveyer belt. “None of ya went to college, so your sister got hers when she got married and bought a house, Junior got his when he bought a house, you’re getting yours when you need it. But I swear to the Lord above, child.” He said as he stopped and looked up at you with a point of his finger. “Do not abuse this generosity. This is for my grandchildren to have a good life, and for you to raise them up proper. You take care of this stuff, you hear me? Don’t you go back to that man and just throw this shit in storage. All he’s ever done is hurt you anyways; I don’t care what he’s done good otherwise. All three’a ya deserve better.”

“Yes sir.” You said with a nod as you put your hand on your bump. “I understand.”

“You better.” He said with a nod of his head as he went back to what he was doing as your brother snickered silently behind his back. “Or you can deal with Anne and hear all about how I’m just pissing my hard earned money away.”

“Dad, why are you starting fights with the woman that already hates me?” You sighed as you grabbed a stuffed bunny rabbit from Gage before he threw it again to get Tabby’s attention behind you.

“Because you are my child.” He said as he stood up straight and looked at you seriously. “And my children will always come first. You remember that, you hear me?”

“That’s why we are where we are.” You said as you looked down at your son and ran your hand across the back of his head. “For them.”

“Then we keep going.” He said with a nod as he went back to work. You shook your head at him and leaned down to kiss your son’s head as a selfless love you hadn’t felt in a long, long time washed over.

“I love you, Dad.” You said softly as you pushed your cart up for him to unload. “Thank you.” He nodded his head as he looked up at you for a single, priceless moment. 

“Love you too. Gage Michael, don’t you throw that rabbit at your aunt!”

“Child, I swear to God.” You groaned as you took the rabbit from him, causing your first of many early morning tantrums so you could pay for his new favorite toy. “You’re going to kill me one of these days.”

“That’s what I said about you, too.” Your dad huffed as he took the tags off the bunny and passed it back to you. “And yet I’m still standing here breathing.”

“Shut up, Dad.” You laughed with a shake of your head.

——

“You calling to say good night to your son?” You asked when you finally answered your phone later that night. “Because we are not speaking right now.”

“What the fuck, bitch?!” Colson roared as you put together a baby gate at the top of one of the stairs in the interesting split level house that had too much personality for you to pass up on. “Where’s my fucking son?!”

“He’s um…” You said as you looked up across the split staircase at your master bedroom, and then the general area of the room that was now designated as the nursery for the baby on the way, the bathroom that room shared with Gage’s, and finally his room and the laundry room behind you, most of which was behind a wall. You knew exactly where he was since you could hear him watching a movie with your sister in your room while your dad and brother set up his room and Opie and Tabby’s husband, Mike set up the nursery furniture for you, but you shrugged your shoulders and went back to doing your share of the work. “I don’t know. I think he took my keys, though. Try Mexico…?”

“Dude, I swear to fuck, I will call the mother fucking cops.” 

“Fucking chill, he’s watching Thomas the train with my sister.”

“No, where… the fuck… is my child?!” He repeated. “Because he sure as fuck isn’t in my fucking house where’s he’s fucking supposed to be!”

“Nope. He’s in mine.” You said as you tightened the last zip tie so you wouldn’t leave marks on the banisters, and checked that the gate swung open, closed, and locked the way it was supposed to like the one on the other side, and the one at the bottom of the stairs did.

“Babe, why the fuck did you move out?!” He asked as you picked up your cell phone to head to your room to grab the outlet covers to put in downstairs in the living room, dining room, and kitchen next.

“Because you fucking cheated on me!” You screamed as you stopped just outside the door. “Yet again! And I told you that I wasn’t playing that fucking game this time. So we’re done. And we’re done for good. Now, do you want to say good night to your son, or are we just gunna try this again tomorrow?” You watched him fight his demons on whether he wanted to keep fighting with you, or see his son, but he knew you well enough to know that if he tried, you would hang up the phone and go back to ignoring him again.

“Where’s my son?” With a nod of your head, you walked into your room and smiled at your child.

“Hey, Gage. Look, it’s Daddy!”

“Hey buddy!” He cooed, and being on the other side of the screen, you could hear the regret in his voice as his new reality washed over him with the flash of your new bedroom. “You being good for Mommy, huh? Yea. Hey Tabby.”

“Colson.” Your sister said as she picked up a single Cheerio and ate it with a distasteful look on toward him on her face.

“I miss you little man. I miss you a whole lot. And Daddy’s coming home real soon to come see you and Mommy.”

“Mommy has plans.” You said as you did your bedroom and bathroom with the outlet covers first since you were there.

“I’ll be home in a couple days, buddy.” He sighed. “And Daddy loves you so much.”

“Can you say bye bye?” You asked as you pushed a cover into an outlet and turned to get your phone. “Say bye bye to Daddy. Uncle Junior probably has your bed set up by now.”

“Wait, can you just…” Colson said as you reached out to hang up. “Babe, just wait…”

“Colson, I can’t.” You said as you picked up the phone. “Don’t call me unless it’s to say good morning or good night to Gage. We can talk when you get done sleeping with road sluts.”

“Babe…”

“Good bye, Kels.” You sighed as tears welled in your eyes, and you quickly hung up the phone before he could see you cry.

“Here, I’ll do the outlets up here.” Tabby said as she got up off the bed with a small smile. “You watch the movie for a bit.”

“Thanks, Tab.” You sniffled as you climbed on the bed next to your little boy, who was so enthralled with the show he hadn’t even noticed you had hung up with his dad. “We’re gunna be OK, baby boy.” You told him softly as you pulled him into your arms with silent tears falling down your face. “I promised you. We’re gunna be OK.”

——

You didn’t immediately recognize the black pick up in your drive way when you came back from the airport the next afternoon, but the fading UNC sticker on the bumper made you smile and gave you your answer as you pulled into your drive way beside it. Opie glanced over from his phone and took one more drag of his cigarette before putting it out on the bottom of his flip flop as you got out of the car.

“So I found a box in the back seat of my car.” He said with a giant smirk as he left the cigarette butt on the tire of his truck on his way to the passenger side. “Missing some panties?”

“So you’re the reason I’m going commando today.” You laughed as you pulled your sleeping son out of the back. You stopped in front of him to glance in the box he was holding as you adjusted the strap of your diaper bag on your shoulder, before looking up into his brown eyes. “Well, looks like you can officially say you got into my panties a lot quicker than most.”

“First of all, wow.” He laughed as his face flushed behind his beard the slightest bit. “But secondly, I also saw you in your panties long before anyone else did. Or have you forgotten the many adventures of drunken (Y/N) at your brother’s middle school graduation party?”

“Listen, swimming in your underwear is never a bad idea.” You laughed as you locked up your car and headed inside. “And I wasn’t drunk, I was perfectly coherent, thank you.”

“Sweetheart, we were all drunk.” He chuckled. “We were just kids.”

“And for some reason, my father thought it’d be a good idea to leave us all alone that night.” You sighed with a shake of her head. “Thank God for Anne in that situation alone.”

“I’d have to agree with you there. Where do you want this?”

“Just leave it by the stairs. I’ll carry it up later...”

“I got it.” He said as he opened the baby gate. “On your bed?”

“Perfect.” You said as you laid Gage down in his pack and play so he’d keep napping a while longer.

“So what are your plans for the rest of the afternoon?” Ope asked as he came back down stairs. You sighed loudly as you kicked off your shoes and sat down on your sectional couch.

“I guess I have to find a job.” You breathed as you ran your fingers through your hair. “Don’t know what the hell a pregnant, ex junkie, ex model is gunna do for work...”

“Call your agent.” He said as he leaned over the back of the other side of the couch. “Tell him to get you into a TV show role or something. They’re always looking for people.”

“Oh, yay. I can be that kind of celebrity now.” You laughed as you turned and laid down to get comfortable. “You hanging out, or you got some place to be?”

“I can hang a bit.” He said as he stood up straight and came around the couch to sit down on the opposite side. “I just figured you’d wanna nap... oh. That’s a nice fucking couch.”

“Shoes off if you’re napping too then.” You giggled as you rolled onto your side and found a comfortable spot. “It’s a really nice fucking couch.”

“Oh, I could get used to this.” He said as he put his shoes under the coffee table and laid down completely, easily taking up the entire right side with his six foot four frame.

“Spots available, apply within.” You sighed as you closed your eyes for a moment. “Quit touching me.”

“I’m not touching you.” He said as he purposely hit your foot with his shin as he got comfortable himself. “You’re in my space.”

“Oh, get out.” You laughed as you opened your eyes to look at him with a smile. He smirked back and propped himself up on his hand.

“I have to say, I’m really fucking glad to see you smiling again. It got really scary there for a while.”

“How’d you get into photography in the first place?” You asked as you pulled out a blanket from the shelf under the coffee table and tossed it over to him before grabbing one for yourself.

“I’ve always been into it.” He said with a shrug as he tossed the blanket down his legs as far as it would go. “It’s what I went to college for. I just managed to get lucky with my portfolio when I got out here. You remember KaceyJo? She was in your grade?”

“Didn’t y’all get married?”

“Divorced about five years ago.” He said with a nod. “But she did a lot of modeling for me around town when we were married. So I had a portfolio full of awesome Smoky Mountain views and her in various poses in those shots. So I stood out.”

“Probably helps that you’re a hot, bearded giant that could rock a man bun for days.” You pointed out with a small grin. “But I may be harboring an old school girl crush.”

“You had a crush on me?” He asked as he sat up the slightest bit. “How the fuck did I not know that?”

“Because I told Tabby I’d break her snow globe collection if she told anyone. She was the only person that knew. Dude, why else would I go swimming in my underwear in front of Junior?!”

“Wow.” He huffed with a shake of his head. “The things you learn years later at reunions. Well, now you kinda have an answer on why I worked my way to Penthouse for a year.”

“What, for me?”

“You weren’t the only one with a crush back then.” He said with a shrug. “I just told Junior that I’d tell Laura about that night he spend with Molly when they first got together if he ratted me out and he told me you were forever off limits.”

“Oh, good old skanky Molly. Wonder whatever happened to her.”

“Slept her way up Wall Street last I heard.”

“Par for the course.” He nodded his head in agreement as he took his keys and phone out of his shorts pocket and put them and his bandana on the coffee table. “I’m really sorry, Ope.”

“Don’t be, sweetheart.” He said as he brushed his toes against your ankle for comfort. “I saw how toxic he was for you. He fed into that shit so bad, I wanted to knock his ass out every time he came to set. And you were so far in the rabbit hole, only God could get you out at that point. So I did what my church going upbringing told me to. I prayed. First time in a decade at least, but fuck if I didn’t try. Only thing I could do after you threw a bottle of tequila at my face for trying to talk to you.” You groaned and turned cherry red as you tried to cover your face with a blanket, but he chuckled and leaned over enough to grab the material to pull it away. 

“It’s OK.” He reassured as you looked up at him with tears in your eyes. “I don’t blame you. We all go through rough patches in life, it’s what we do after hitting rock bottom that matters. I went through some shit when KaceyJo and I split up. Got in a few bar fights, got arrested, had to do anger management, lost my job. But I’m better off now. Got a good job, got friends... you became a mother, and you’ve got a roof over their heads, and you’re taking steps to do the best you can by them now. That’s what matters now. Not what you did two years ago. What you’re doing right now.” With a nod of your head, you started to cry, and Opie got up and came over to your side of the couch to lay down in front of you.

“I’m sorry.” You choked as you scooted back for him so he could wrap you in his arms.

“It’s OK, sweetheart.” He said softly as he rubbed your back. “I forgive you. I forgive you for everything.” You shook your head the slightest bit and gently held on to his shirt while he laid with you wordlessly to let you feel every emotion you had about your time as an addict since you got sober that you hadn’t been able to do with Colson until you cried yourself to sleep in the safety of an old friend’s arms.

Part 10

[khunfounded]

Got Me In Check

[This was done for the wonderful @tower-of-chess collab!]

It was the late afternoon, sunshine pouring in through the dorm’s cloudy windows, and Khun was pretending to pay attention to his online probabilistic graphic models lecture while actually watching BEST 2 HOUR LONG FUNNY CAT COMPILATION  in another browser. It didn’t matter anyways, he was already ahead in all of his work, and he could answer the professor’s questions without even paying attention.

Cats were a much more important endeavor anyways.

Suddenly, the door slammed open, and his roommate, Bam, came racing towards him. His golden eyes were filled with desperation, and he was panting as if he had just run a marathon. It was unfair how Bam could pull off the hot and sweaty look (with emphasis on the hot) whilst Khun was stuck with frizzy hair and blotchy cheeks anytime he went sprinting across campus.

“Khun, I’m in trouble!” Bam wailed, hands gripping the armrests of his roommate’s chair, “I need your help”.

Khun’s eyes widened with concern, “Are you okay? What’s wrong? What can I do?”

If this was another Rachel problem, Khun swore to god he was actually going to stab her this time. He couldn’t put up with how easily she manipulated his friend, leading him around by the ear. Bam insisted that she was a good person, but her actions showed the exact opposite. What kind of person constantly gaslit and negged their friends? Khun knew the answer. An absolute asshole, that’s who.

But instead of what he expected, what came out of his friend’s mouth was, “I need you to teach me how to play chess!”

What.

“What?” Khun asked incredulously. 

Bam must have realized how he sounded, because he pulled away and tilted his head down to hide a prominent blush. He bit his lip and mumbled something incoherent.

As adorable as that was, it really wasn’t helping Khun’s confusion, “I didn’t quite catch that”.

Bam looked back up and his face got even more red, the blush spreading to the tips of his ears. He fidgeted with the loose strand of his t-shirt and cleared his throat.

“You know how I’ve been wanting to make more friends?” Bam hedged.

Khun did. Bam was a social butterfly, he needed friends to thrive, but ever since they moved away for college, he had been having trouble making them. Khun’s heart ached whenever he saw Bam looking longingly at groups of people messing around and laughing on the campus green. He and Bam were best friends, and they spent almost all of their free time together, but Khun knew that that wasn’t enough. He had no idea why Bam wasn’t surrounded by people at all times, honestly. His natural charisma could fell even the most stoic man. Though maybe he was a little biased.

“Yeah?” He asked.

“And you know how you suggested that I join some clubs to meet people?” Bam didn’t stop to let him answer, voice going a mile a minute like it did whenever he was emotional, “Well I met a really cool group of people, and their club president invited me to join and I said yes”.

Khun could guess where this was going.

“But?”

Bam covered his face with his hands and groaned before answering, “I said yes without realizing that it was the chess club. I don’t know how to play chess! But I already agreed and I don’t wanna flake out and I really, really want to be friends with them”.

Bam lifted up his head and grabbed Khun’s hands, pulling them to his chest. Khun’s heart rate tripled. That probably wasn’t good. But, hey, he wasn’t a physio major, what would he know?

“I had no idea what to do but then I remembered that I know the smartest person ever, and if anyone would be able to help me it would be him”.

“You’re just saying that to butter me up,” Khun chuckled.

“Please?” Bam pouted, “For me?”

Oh god, how could he say no to that? Curse Bam for knowing that he was Khun’s ultimate weakness. He sighed.

“You’re lucky that I used to play chess with Ran, otherwise you’d be screwed”.

Bam let go of his hands, doing a fist pump in excitement, “Yes! Thank you so much!”

“But next time we go get pho, you’re footing the bill”.

They decided to get started later that evening, borrowing a chess board from the desk assistant and bringing it to their floor’s rec room. Luckily, the only other people there were Wangnan and Quaetro, who were busy trying to murder each other in Mario Kart, and Hwaryun, who was working on her laptop. Khun assumed that she was editing a video for her terrifyingly popular conspiracy theory youtube channel. He and Bam sat on the floor in the corner of the room, far enough away that Quaetro’s evil laughter was a bearable volume.

Khun took out the pieces and placed them on the chess board, explaining each of them as he went. Bam was looking at him intently, eyes full of interest. Khun had to avert his gaze just so he could be able to focus and not turn into an incoherent mess. He fondly reminisced about the days long past when he was able to pull off being aloof and cool. Bam had left his reputation in ruins.

When he got to the Queen, he said, “She can move in any straight direction as far as possible as long as she does not move through any of her own pieces. She is the most powerful piece of the game, so use her wisely”.

“So she’s like Khun!” Bam grinned brightly.

“What do you mean?” Khun asked, rubbing his thumb against the edge of the Black Queen.

Bam reached out and took the White Queen, cradling it in his palm and smiling softly, “You’re the most important, too”.

Khun felt his cheeks heat up. Was this flirting? Was Bam flirting with him? No, of course not, that wouldn’t make any sense. There was no way it could be possible, but how the hell else could he interpret that?

Khun had long accepted the fact that his crush on his best friend was hopeless and would never be reciprocated, but lately things kept happening that made it impossible for him to not get his hopes up. Bam had always been affectionate, but it had increased ten fold in the last few months. When they sat on Khun’s bed (which Bam always claimed was far superior to his own) and binged youtube videos together, Bam would cuddle right up against him like a content cat.

Once, when Bam had had a particularly long day at work, he had walked straight into Khun’s arms and just held him for several minutes, tears of exhaustion seeping into Khun’s shirt. Afterwards, they had sat close together on the dorm room floor and Bam spilled out all his frustration and anxiety, fidgeting with Khun’s hand the whole time.

Sometimes, when they were walking downtown together, Bam would just take Khun’s hand and intertwine their fingers, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He wouldn’t even stop his excited rambling, just continuing on as if nothing had happened.

But something had happened between them, and Khun needed to find out what or he was going to go insane.

And in this moment, he decided that, fuck it, two could play at that game.

“So does that mean you’re my King?” He asked, smiling when Bam’s eyes widened and he ducked his head.

“If you’ll have me,” Bam murmured, biting his lip.

Were they still talking about chess? Khun wasn’t sure.

“How could I say no to that?” He said just as softly, before clearing his throat and picking up the White King, “Anyways, the King can only move one square in any direction, and he can never move himself into check”.

The moment was successfully derailed, but the electric charge of something was still in the air, even as Khun led Bam through some easy strategies.

“Now, you should make sure that you focus on the center four squares of the board,” he guided Bam, “Whoever dominates those dominates the game”.

Bam’s eyebrows scrunched up, and Jesus, why was he so cute? It should be illegal. Put him away for life.

“Okay,” he told Bam, “When you can get into a draw with me, that’s when you’re ready”.

And so began Bam’s week-long training, which he said was more intense than anything he’d ever done at Jinsung’s dojo. It was also much harder on Khun’s side, to hold himself back from absolutely decimating his friend in three moves, which Bam made sure to make fun of him for.

“I think it’s cute!” he said, “You’re trying so hard just to help me”.

“I’m not cute,” he grumbled as he took Bam’s Rook out of spite.

The entire thing was a learning experience for both of them. Bam was learning how to play chess, and Khun was learning that Bam had absolutely terrifying game rage. His eyes practically crackled with electricity and Khun heard him cuss more times in those few days than he had in his entire time of knowing him. Baby Khun would be distraught, but Adult Khun was kind of into it.

“Fuck!” Bam cursed when Khun got him in check, startling the sleeping burrito Laure, and making Khun burst out laughing. Bam stuck his tongue out and flicked Khun’s Queen, toppling her over. 

Khun moved the chess pieces back a few moves, and guided Bam’s hand to moving the Knight in a way that would have trapped him.

“This is where you went wrong,” he said, “Your instinct is good for your dancing, but you need to plan ahead with chess”.

But Bam didn’t seem to be paying attention. In fact, his eyes were glued to where their hands were touching. Khun jolted back when he realized what he had done, but Bam took his hand before he could move away, shifting so he was holding it. Khun died a little, but he was pretty sure he didn’t let it show. Relatively sure. Kind of.

They managed to play with their hands together, but Khun’s brain was mush. That was when Bam finally got a draw. Khun would have protested, but that would mean admitting why he was distracted.

As Bam was cheering and texting Isu that he was coming to the next meeting, Khun put away their pieces, trying not to feel loss. Bam didn’t need him anymore, at least not for this. He had always known it wasn’t permanent, but a part of him had hoped it would last a little longer. Khun bit his lip.

“Hey, Khun?” Bam said, voice still brimming with excitement.

“Yeah?” his voice sounded hollow. Damnit.

“I was wondering if you wanted to come, too? I just thought, you’re really good at it, and I think you’d like everyone there, and I want you to be friends with my friends”.

Khun blinked. He blurted out his answer before he could even think.

“Yeah. Yes, I would love that”.

Bam grinned, face lit up like the sun.

He reached over, hands gently cupping Khun’s face, and brought him in close. So close they were breathing the same air. Bam’s smile turned soft and he nuzzled their noses together before his sunshine eyes flickered down to Khun’s lips.

Oh god, was this happening? It was happening. Oh god. Khun’s brain stuttered and broke down. There was never a time in his short, short life where he thought that this would ever be possible, that Bam would ever think of him in this way. But Khun had always been a selfish person, he wasn’t going to take this gift for granted.

He leaned in, bridging the gap, and then they were kissing over the chess board and it was everything. Bam hummed into it, pecking Khun’s lips once, twice, three times. Khun tugged him in and kissed him for all he was worth, knocking the chess pieces over in the process. After one last kiss, Bam pulled away, giggling.

“You’re the best boyfriend ever, Khun!”

[harringtonstudios]

vegas run. (II)

plot: it’s the annual las vegas run. let’s see what kinda trouble you get into this year!

A/N: the fun allllmost begins. hope yall like <3. everyone say thank you ellie for forcing me to update ily! & i’m so so so grateful for all the messages i received, you guys make me so happy

masterlist! part I.

Sunday came sooner than you expected. Although your duffel bag was sitting in the backseat of your car, you’re were still anxious, nerves lining the pit of your stomach for some reason you couldn’t quite figure out. Wrapping up with your last customer, you ran over to Sarah, giving her a bear hug. 

“Thanks for taking over,” you mumbled, as she grumbled at the tightness of your grip.

“Yeah, yeah. Go have fun! Don’t do anything stupid,” she said, pushing you off as the door opened, people strolling in. 

“Me? Stupid, never,” you whispered back as you nodded at the customers before walking out to the curb. Your car was parked in the lot of Luca’s Diner, an easy spot as you walked in to pick up the order you had called in an hour ago.

Hefting the containers the waitress provided you with, you huffed your way to the car, one hand awkwardly opening the backseat. Tossing in all the food, you stepped back, closing your door and wiping your hands. 

Baze had texted you letting you know that they were planning on leaving the house around six, and you had quickly decided to buy them all dinner, knowing that someone had paid for your flight ticket. Happiness was passing the favor along forward and you were doing really well with the newfound success of your shop anyway. 

Driving to the house, you hummed alongside the radio, trying to quiet the buzziness in your stomach. You didn’t know why this trip was weighing so weirdly on your mind. You’d been on so many Vegas runs before, each other more hectic than the last. Running through the memories, a small smile grew on your face.

There was nothing better than getting drunk with some of the people you considered your closest friends. Even if you hadn’t spent a lot of time with them lately, you knew that they would always have your back, regardless. That was the things about the boys and the people they hung out with, loyalty and pure kindness. 

-

Two minutes away from the house it hit you. Every Vegas run so far, you’d been by Baze’s side. You were his best friend, and even though you were tight with everyone else, it’d just been natural for you to hang with him. You’d done the big group activities, ran after Kells when he’d popped a tab of acid and started stripping, but it was Baze’s hotel room you’d fallen asleep in and now things were going to be different. Ellie was going to come along on the trip, and even though you loved her to the core, you realized that you couldn’t just go crash in Baze’s room, not when he’d rather be with his girlfriend. 

Pulling into the driveway, you shut the thoughts up. It was going to be okay, this was a trip you were supposed to enjoy and getting a week break when you’d been working for the past two months straight sounded like heaven, regardless of who you spent it with. 

The door swung open before you could even get out of the car. Dub and Slim ran out, bags in hand as they rushed past you to the car on the side of the road. You waited until their car skirted off before stepping out of your own, pulling open the backseat door. 

Rook was standing on the porch and you called him over, eager to get the food out of your car before the smell started seeping into your seats. 

“Where’re they going?” you asked, handing him the containers. 

“They booked a different flight by accident. Idiots,” he supplied, before walking back to the house and you couldn’t help but laugh. 

-

The food was long gone, empty containers stacked on the countertop. You’d thought about cleaning it up, knowing the house was going to be empty for a week, but then Colson had picked up a garbage bag, and you’d laid back on his couch satisfied, socked feet propped up on his coffee table. 

Your eyes had lingered on him for a couple of seconds, taking in the sight of his tattoos rippling as he sweeped the boxes off the counter. You’d seen him shirtless countless times, but there was something different this time around. You hated your brain for thinking this way, but all the little bees that had been floating around all day suddenly swarmed your stomach as he picked up a bottle, taking a swig. 

His hand ruffled at his matted hair and then he caught your eyes. 

“So you’re just gonna sit there, stare and not help?” he questioned, tone light as he put the bottle down. 

“That’s the plan chief,” you responded, saluting him with two fingers as he laughed and flipped you off. 

You took a breath. This was going to be okay, these bees weren’t going to bother you anymore.

-

You all had made it just in time for the flight, checking in your luggage as the overhead announced that your flight was boarding. Running across the airport was not something you had planned to do and you scoffed as Kells took off, long limbs making up distance quickly. Rook was soon to follow, and then AJ and Baze ran right behind, leaving you and Ellie strolling behind them. 

“It’s okay, they’ll hold the plane for us,” she murmured, knocking a shoulder onto yours and you laughed before humming in agreement, happy that she was going on this crazy-fest with you. It wouldn’t be a Vegas Run without you both. 

Reaching the boarding area, you stopped yourself from laughing at the scene that lay in front of you. There was a long line, wrapping around the seats, and there were your boys, panting slightly at the back. Walking behind them, you went, “Great job guys. Marathon training is definitely working out.”

Colson rolled his eyes at you as Rook glared, wiping his forehead. You mouthed a quick sorry as he turned the other way. 

Moving up in the line took no time, and you smiled at the flight attendant biting her lip as Kells handed her his ticket. It was funny to see him so oblivious to it all as he thanked her, moving on without sparing another glance. 

Collapsing in his seat, he pulled your arm as you passed by, dragging you into his row. 

“What? This isn’t my seat,” you mumbled, checking your ticket to make sure. 

“Yeah, I know. It’s Baze’s, but I thought we’d switch so him and his girl could be together,” he answered, letting go of your arm as you furrowed your brow. 

Turning to sit down, you nodded at his proposition, pulling your seatbelt across. He had the window seat, and you pushed yourself forward a little, peering across him to the view outside. It wasn’t anything nice, just a couple of people milling around in bright orange outfits, but you still found it interesting as the sun started to set. 

It took a few minutes, and then you were being told to prepare for take-off. Colson had his headphones in, and you watched him move to the music, eyes closed as he mouthed the words, lips moving fast. Soon you were in air, and you unbuckled your belt, only to move back into his space. 

The clouds stood still in the darkening sky, and you smiled at the sight of California underneath you, lighting up with orange glows. The flight was only around an hour long, and your fingers tapped at your thighs, not really wanting to use your phone while you were on board. 

“Stop moving so much,” came a muffled voice. 

“Sorry,” you moved back, grimacing a little as Colson’s eyes peered open. He smiled a little at that, before noticing how you were practically at the edge of your seat. Sitting up, he scrubbed a hand over his little beard before going, “We can switch seats if you want?”

“You sure?” you perked up, knowing that watching the sky would be more than enough entertainment for the rest of the flight. 

“Yeah, here move,” he offered, hunching over to get up. The plane was tight enough as it was, and being six four probably didn’t help so you quickly slide over to get into his seat. 

You leaned back into the seat comfortably, eyes trained to the window. It was pitch dark now, the only thing lighting up the wings of the plane were the little blinking lights. There was a nice white noise sound running through the plane, and you closed your eyes for a second. 

Before you knew it, there was a sudden jolt. Reeling from the movement, you lifted your head up, wincing at the slight ache in your neck. The plane seemed to be landing and you blinked your eyes open, trying to move from where you seemed currently stuck. 

Colson’s head was lolled onto your shoulder, right underneath where yours had been. His mouth was hanging open, and you waited for a second, noticing the slope of his nose and the blonde of his eyelashes. There was another little tremor, and you bumped up your shoulder a little before using your hand to shove his head off. 

“Huh, what?” he mumbled out, arm going up to wipe at his mouth. 

“We, uh we landed,” you answered, looking away from him. There was something soft about the way he looked after waking up and this moment wasn’t for you. The bees reared their little ugly heads inside your stomach yet again.

-

 taglist: @iamdorka​ @no-shxt-sherl​ @bakerkells​ @findingmyths​ @rosegoldrichie​ @mayaslifeinabox​ @itjustkindahappenedreally​​ @hnbtx​​  @backoftheroomandnotbelonging​​ @nowhereiswhereibelong​ @whyisgmora​ @oopsiedoopsie23​

[lollercakesff]

And They Were Strangers

Jyn Erso has been prepping for this for months. Years even, if you count the endless hours she'd spent running pools and hosting watch nights with her college roommates. She'd choreographed hundreds of dollars in auctions for remaining teams and had led multiple nights where her and her friends cooked their way around the world with the country of the week. The memories were great, sure, but to say she didn't feel a connection with this path in her life would be a lie. Something drew her in, tied her up, and convinced her that this - this - was the thing she needed to do before she died.

And now it was time. She was ready. Mentally… Physically… Hopefully.

AN: Will I finish writing this? I have a plan... But is it worth my time?

But the path to her next adventure was currently being blocked by some too-tall goon with haphazard hair and piercing dark eyes who kept getting in her way. First at check in, then in line for security, and now at the boarding gate. They’d practically been together, crossing paths and crashing each other, since she entered this damn airport and it was starting to really get to her. 

"Are you planning on getting on this plane or just standing in the way?" Jyn growls under her breath when the man doesn't move forward with the gate agent's call.

"What - Oh," he leaps forward a step and hustles towards the woman, pulling his passport from his pocket as Jyn sighs and checks her papers again. 

Her new American passport feels heavy in her hand, its empty pages a sign of things to come. She was on her way to Los Angeles where she was scheduled to show up at her first and only briefing for the next season of the Amazing Race. The producers had promised a full day of orientation covering the rules of the race and how the team match up would work before the "trip of a lifetime" began the next day. She was trying not to stress about it but she didn't quite know what she was getting into. 

This was the first season where every team in the race would be a set of strangers. They'd all meet at the briefing but it wouldn't be until the start of the race when they'd learn who their partner was. The producers had billed it as the season of 'fate' where they tried to pick a winning team by pure dumb luck with names drawn from a hat. Or so she'd been told. Who knew how it would really work.

"Next!" The agent calls and Jyn scurries forward, passing her documents over and brushing her bangs from her face. In another second she's motioned through and she's heading down the gangway and onto the plane. 

When she gets to her seat her frustration returns tenfold as the man from before has settled himself in her seat by the window, his seatbelt already clipped and his attention turned towards the action on the tarmac. 

"Hey, you're in my seat," she greets, stuffing her duffle in the overhead bin.

"F? Window?" He answers with an almost-accent and a quirk to his lips. Jyn frowns and steps into the row to let the people behind her pass.

"Yes. That's my seat, can you move please?" 

"I was sure I had the window, I feel claustrophobic if I can't see out - "

"Yeah, I'm sure. Can you check your boarding pass?" She asks, cutting his sob story off before it can even get started. 

"Can't I just have it this one time? It's a short flight," he answers, making no move to relent. Jyn sighs and drops into the seat next to him, her eyes closing tight as she urges the irritation to ease. 

"Fine. But this is bad karma and I hope it comes back to bite you in the ass, asshole," she grumbles the last part, determined to insult him but not loud enough to cause a scene. The man coughs as if to hide a laugh and Jyn hates him even more, pulling up her hood and taking out her headphones.

She was going to spend the next two hours in a music haven, mentally far from this man and the constant bumping of her elbow that came from sitting in the aisle row. Soon she'd be in LA at her hotel and then she'd be on to a new country, with a new language and culture that she'd have to work with to get her team to the finish line. Then she’d do it again and again until they won. Or they lost. She didn't like to think about that last possibility so instead she closes her eyes and hits play.

---

The hotel bed is more luxurious than anything she's ever slept in in her life and when she wakes it's with a curse as she realizes she's almost late to the briefing. Hustling around the room, she nearly crashes onto the floor when her pants get tangled and she loses her balance. Cursing out her alarm, her beautiful sleep, and the time difference, Jyn pulls on her t-shirt just as she pulls open her door and slams into someone walking past her room.

"Shit, sorry!” She gasps as she rights herself and pulls back. When she looks up it’s to find the man from the plane. The one who wouldn’t give her back her seat. The one who’d been a pain in the ass all day. “You!” The man’s eyes widen and he looks around him like he’s being Punk’d, surprise in his brow. 

“From the plane?” He counters, as if he was still struggling to place her. 

“Yeah. What, are you following me? How did you know to find me here?” Jyn growls, crossing her arms. The man cocks his head and furrows his brow, looking at her as though she was crazy. 

“Follow you? I’m here for… A thing that has nothing to do with you. If anything, I’d think you’re stalking me,” he adds sharply. Jyn scowls and shakes her head, her watch beeping with her five minute alarm. 

“Sure. Fine, whatever. I won’t be here long enough to have this happen again. Have a good life!” She shouts as she hurries off down the hall, her hand flung up into the air and her middle finger pointed towards him. 

She takes the stairs down to the conference room because getting stuck in the elevator with that jerk would put her nerves over the edge, their already frayed status from the late wakeup making her more punchy than usual. By the time she barrels into the room and grabs a plate of the breakfast, the producer is calling everyone to a seat. 

Jyn moves towards an empty chair and begins measuring up her fellow racers, her eyes drifting over one person and then the next as they settle in a semi-circle around the speaker. Some of them were incredibly fit, others a bit paunchy but she figured they could probably take her in a memory challenge or two if it came down to it. Most of them were on the younger side, maybe in their twenties or thirties, though there were a few who easily slotted into their fifties at the very least. She didn’t want to be ageist but she secretly hoped she’d get paired with someone who could keep up with her at the very least and she didn’t really peg any of these older folks as marathoners. 

“Welcome, good morning everyone!” A young woman calls out, drawing their attention to the front of the room. Jyn sits up and nimbles on a muffin, trying to look intimidating to the others around her who she assumed were doing the measuring up as she had just been. 

“You’re in my seat,” a voice says over her shoulder. Jyn’s stomach drops and she frowns, looking back to find the man from the airplane and the hallway standing behind her. “Don’t worry though, I’m not going to make you move, I’ll just take this empty one here.” 

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Jyn hisses, clenching her hands and nearly crushing her muffin to pieces. 

“Nope,” he responds as he sits in the chair next to her. An insult is on the tip of her tongue when the woman calls out again and really takes control of the room, beginning with a welcome spiel before moving right into the security briefing. After the team has explained every terrifying aspect about the world in explicit detail, Jyn looks around the room and finds half of the contestants with a concerned look on their faces, the other half grinning wickedly at the challenge. Beside her the man keeps his expression reserved though his eyes are calculating, the look making her guess whether he was regretting his choice or simply bored. 

After the welcome session, they’re broken up into groups of four and are led to a table in the corner of the room. Jyn sighs a breath of relief as the man is placed in another group, his presence finally dissipating and allowing her to focus on the tasks at hand instead of the prickling skin she felt whenever he was close. 

Hours pass and the contestants are moved around the room to different stations where they focus on different aspects of the game. There’s logic tests and geography quizzes which she passes with flying colours but when it comes to the language skills and memory games she flounders, her attention twisting towards her fellow contestants. She spends half the time trying to measure up where they stand on these activities, who would be best suited to the way she wanted to run this race. 

Her strategy - based on years of watching the show - was to run with brute force. She would power through on the physical challenges and when it came to figuring out a puzzle she was set. She just needed a partner who would be able to keep up and rush into everything just as hard. Smarts weren’t what won you the race, it was being able to push your way through anything and she had trained to do just that. 

“Everyone now has an hour for lunch. Feel free to get to know each other and remember, these folks might be your competition or they might just be the person you cross that finish line with!” The producer from earlier calls as the stations are closed and the participants are left to loiter in the room. 

Jyn feels like she’s in a social experiment as she beelines towards the food table to take a plate. She loads it up with everything she’s going to miss for the next few weeks - caesar salad and french fries and pasta salad that looked too delicious to miss. When she settles at a table she’s quickly joined by a handful of others, the conversation easily picking up from the morning activities.

“I’m Bodhi Rook, you?” The man sitting next to her says around a forkful of salad. Jyn looks him over quickly and notes his tall frame and long hair, his thin frame and open expression. He could be a good partner - she’d seen him race through some of the challenges with an efficiency she admired. 

“Jyn Erso,” she answers, lifting her hand to offer a shake. Bodhi takes it and squeezes it before turning back to his food, diving in as she looks around the table at the others. “You heard anything about how we’re going to be assigned teams?” She asks after a few minutes, her water lifting to her lips. 

“Not really. My group thought maybe the stations were to see where our strengths were so they could match us up better. But I was also told it would be a name in a hat, so who knows what they’re planning.” 

“Yeah, I heard the hat thing too. I hope there’s a little more thought put into it,” she responds with a shrug. Bodhi nods and lets a laugh escape. 

“Either way, I think I’ll be okay. I just like the adventure of it, you know? Don’t really need to win the whole thing,” he says around another bite. 

Jyn frowns and looks at her food, debating internally whether she could be paired with someone who didn’t want to win the whole race. If she had to admit it - though she’d never say it on camera - she wasn’t here just because she liked the show and wanted to see the world. 

She was here because she needed the prize money. 

The thought creeps up on her and she pushes it back down, stuffing it into her chest like too many clothes in a carry on bag. She didn’t have time to think about it now, not when she should be sizing up her competition and thinking about U-Turn and Yield strategy. No. She needed to focus. 

“What about everyone else?” Bodhi asks the table when Jyn still doesn’t respond. She turns her attention to the people around them, listening as first a bright eyed Luke Skywalker and a gruff Baze Malbus explain their motivations before moving on to Leia Organa, a beautiful but strategic thinker, and her cocky puppy-dog-tail for-the-day Han Solo easily admits he’s only here for the money. Jyn can’t help but think he might be her real competition if they don’t get paired together, the gleam of a quick buck in his eyes adding to his boisterous energy. 

Taking another glance around the room, Jyn weighs the rest of her competition as they sit at two other tables. Sixteen racers in total, all with different motivations and experiences that they bring to the table. They’d be eight teams and the producers had all but guaranteed it would be a tough race with all of them having secret strengths that were admitted in their bio videos. Jyn can’t remember what hers ss but by the time she turns back to the conversation at hand, she already knows one thing is for sure - she’s going to win, even if it kills her. 

After lunch they’re broken off into individual briefing rooms where they’re given their racing issued equipment and a final check in with the producers before they’re sent off to their rooms to pack. In the morning they’ll all be meeting in the lobby to hand over their backpacks before heading to the starting line. 

When the race starts their first activity will be finding their matched backpack with a coloured bandana tied to it. The racer with the matching bandana will be their partner for the duration and it will either be a successful match or a story of just how quickly Jyn can crash and burn their team. 

Throughout the evening she tries not to think about it - pushing away thoughts of how hectic tomorrow would be, how much adrenaline is already rolling in her veins and just how is she supposed to sleep tonight? To distract herself she focuses on potential strategies depending on who she paired with in the morning. Baze could work, or she’d even probably be successful with Han if they didn’t rip each other's heads off. Bodhi would be a great candidate - he seemed relaxed and competent, but Jyn didn’t like that he wasn’t driven by the final prize so much as he just wanted to have an adventure. 

No, she could pair with most of the people she’d met that morning. With the very real exception of the man from the plane who she’d learned was named Cassian Andor. There was no way they would be able to work together to even get out of the States, their partnership tanking before they even took their first flight. She was sure of it. And so when she falls asleep that night it’s to the thought that she had a one in fifteen chance of failing and those were pretty good odds. 

---

Morning comes in a rush of excitement and insanity and a paranoia that she’s forgotten something even though she’s checked her bags at least a dozen times. When she gets to the lobby, the assistants take her old bags and mark them with her tags before collecting her race bag and shoving it onto a luggage cart with the other packs. She’s directed to a holding queue where the racers mill about, snacking on the continental breakfast and filling their water bottles. 

Twenty minutes later and they’re piled onto a bus. Thirty minutes later and they’re being placed around an empty field with only the production crew circling them and a pile of luggage in the center of the field. Jyn thinks she spots her bag with a blue tag and she grins, looking around at the nervous faces she was up against. 

“You’ve got this,” she whispers to herself as Phil Keoghan begins his speech from near the luggage pile. Adrenaline spikes in her blood and then there’s a horn and she’s racing forward, scrambling for the luggage pile and her bag with its bandana looped through the arm. She pulls it free and stumbles back, looking around at the other racers as they take in their own colours, desperately looking for their partner. 

Not Bodhi. Not Baze. Fuck, not even Han. She scours the faces and colours until she sees it - blue, like hers! She steps forward, her smile widening having finally found her partner. 

But then she looks up. And her eyes meet her partner’s. 

Dark brown meeting green.

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

“Guess you’re stuck with someone with bad karma,” he says evenly, the nerve of it making her want to pull her hair out. She curses again and grabs for his arm, dragging him towards the clue box for their next instructions. They didn’t have time to waste on pleasantries and witty comebacks, not if they wanted to win. 

She could do this. Brute force was all it would take, right? 

[simp-for-spencer-reid]

Sugar with a Side of Coffee Ch.5

Chapter 5: Technologically Inept.

The next morning, Cate was scheduled to work the cart. Upon checking her phone, which she had done compulsively the day before, awaiting a text from Spencer, and there was still no reply. After feeding Shrimp and showering, Cate was on her way to The Empty Mug. Miranda and Marcus were waiting at the counter with Marta as Cate came inside.

“Your baking has been such a big hit, Cate!” Marcus was stocking the register as he spoke to her. “You’re doing a great job with the cart, too.” Both Miranda and Marcus smiled at Cate. 

“Thank you, I really appreciate that.” Cate put her apron over her head and adjusted her nametag and was ready to get to work. She went to the back to put her things away and grab the cart. Saying her farewells to Marta’s parents and Marta, she was off for the morning on the cart.

Setting up in the usual spot, Cate set out the chalk menu and positioned her baked goods on the counter. A few customers lined up, and Cate was so busy serving them, she didn’t notice Spencer get in line. When he approached the counter, to say it was awkward was an understatement.

“I’m sorry, I-”

“I’m not good at-” They both spoke at the same time. Spencer and Cate let out nervous laughter. “You first.” Spencer told Cate. She nodded and took a breath.

“Um, sorry if I was a little harsh with the whole Kate and Cate thing.” Spencer’s eyes widened.

“Oh, god, no! Not harsh at all. I, um. I’m terrible with texting. And I felt like I had already messed up, so I didn’t answer for the rest of the day, which I’m realizing sounds so stupid right now.” As his ramble went on, he trailed off. Cate gave him a soft smile.

“I should start making your coffee.” Cate noticed the growing line of impatient business men and interns. 

“What time do you get out of work today?” Spencer asked as she turned her back. Cate turned back around after a few with his large hot cup filled three-quarters of the way in one hand and her sugar pourer in the other. 

“The cart shift ends at 4 today but after I help finish cleaning up the shop I’ll be officially done at 5.” 

“Would you mind if I come by?” Spencer looked at Cate nervously. Cate felt her stomach do flips.

“Yeah, that would be totally fine!” Cate mentally facepalmed for being so eager. 

“Great, I’ll see you then.” He smiled at her and Cate smiled back. She watched him walk off, glancing at him up and down. 

Cate noticed Brooke a few people away in line. She briskly made her way through the next few customers. In between orders, she prepped Brooke’s usual order for her graphics design team. 

“Long time no see.” Brooke greeted with a smile. “Been busy?” She quickly texted on her phone while waiting for her order.

“Yeah, this cart has been keeping me busy. What about you? Haven’t seen you in a while. New projects?” Cate handed her a cardboard tray with her team’s orders. 

“Tons. I’ll try and catch you on my break!” Brooke shouted over her shoulder. Cate shook her head at the busy girl and got ready for the next customer. 

Cate’s entire shift seemed to go in slow motion. The hours dragged and it felt like the line of customers never dwindled, only grew. Cate was excited yet anxious about seeing Spencer tonight. Her apartment wasn’t clean, but that was assuming they’d go back to her apartment. Was he going to just visit after hours at the shop again? Cate let her mind wander of the night’s possibilities. 

Her mind reeled with different scenarios she envisioned. Did he expect to try her baking again? Did he want to have another after-hour coffee? Maybe he planned something? She didn’t have clothes to go out after work. As Cate was thinking ahead of herself, she realized that it was nearing 4. She walked around her cart, grabbed the chalk menu and was getting ready to close up the cart and head back to the shop. As she gathered her items on the counter, the baked goods, cardboard cup sleeves, and jar of stirrers, she saw Spencer approaching. 

“Hey,” Cate straightened up. “right on time.” She wiped her sweaty palms on her apron, hoping it was discreet to the agent.

“Yeah I uh, snuck out a little early.” He smiled, adjusting his brown leather satchel over his shoulder. Cate looked at him, probably a bit too long. She looked at his red cardigan, his patterned button up, and his black tie. 

“Well, everything is all packed up here.” Cate unlocked the wheels of the cart to allow them to roll. “Walk with me to the shop?” Cate grabbed the handles of the cart and began pushing it towards the shop. 

Spencer walked by her side, and tried to maintain the same gait, despite his long legs and her pushing the cart. He wondered if he should offer to help her push, but ultimately decided against it. 

“So,” Cate started, glancing at Spencer while she pushed the cart. “What do you do as an agent?” Out of the corner of her eye, she could barely see Spencer Look at her every so often.

“I work in the Behavior Analysis Unit at the Bureau. We study crime scenes and other forensics to create a profile of what the unsub is like. We present it to the police, and we help catch the serial killers.” He noticed he was talking with his hands, so he shoved them in his pants pockets.

“Wait, back up. What is unsub?” Cate asked, scrunching her face.

“Oh, that’s a shortened slang we use for Unidentified Subject. It’s like the suspect before we know who it is.” He tucked his long hair behind his ear. Cate nodded.

They arrived at the shop sooner than Cate realized. Spencer held the door open as she pushed the cart through and Cate maneuvered it to the back. Spencer took that time to look around the shop again, deciding which armchair to sit in. He spotted an old green one that was in front of a chess table. He decided he could pass the time waiting for Cate by playing himself. Cate came out of the back, and was assisting Marta clean the display shelf for the bakery items. 

“So I see Mr. Sweater vest is back.” Marta whispered to Cate without looking up. Cate let her gaze wander to him upon hearing his name. He was sitting in one of the armchairs, one hand holding his chin while the other was hovering above the shop’s chess board, deciding which piece to move.

“Yeah.” Cate smiled, not knowing what to say. Cate looked over to see Marta giving her a knowing look. “What?” Cate breathed out. “Can’t two single adults be friends?” Marta mimed zipping her lips and the girls continued cleaning. 

Once that was done and Marta said goodbye to Cate and made her way upstairs, Cate finally got to take the smarchair across from Spencers. Cate looked at the chess board, watching which pieces Spencer moved. Spencer was taking out of his trance of the game, and looked up at her.

“Do you play?” He asked. 

“A bit. I’m not good though.” Cate chuckled at how bad she was at chess. Spencer started to rearrange the pieces on the board. Cate went to help and they both reached for the same pawn. Their hands brushed together. They both flinched, but did not move their hands too far. Spencer took the initiative and moved the last piece. 

The pair barely spoke during their game. Spencer tried to make small talk, but Cate could barely focus on the rules of the pieces and talk at the same time, not to mention being sat across from an attractive man all the while. The game didn’t last too long. Spencer was always thinking three moves ahead and had Cate’s moves predicted to a tee. She fell for obvious traps and he could’ve checked her within the first five moves of the game, but wanted to play a little longer with her.

“I know what you’re doing.” Cate laughed as she purposefully lost one of her pawns. “Don’t let me win just because I’m a girl.” Spencer laughed.

“Trust me, I’m not letting you win.” Spencer moved one of his pieces. “Prolonging the game? Yes. Letting you win? Never.” He watched Cate’s face as her eyes darted around the chess board. He watched her move her rook. He picked up his bishop and took out her king.

“Alright, you got me.” Cate raised her hands up. She looked out the window, it was already dark out. “I still have to walk home.” Cate tried to excuse herself. Spencer stood up at the same time she did.

“Let me walk you home?” He saw her think to herself, “I’m a federal agent so I’m armed and trained to protect.” He saw her face change. He successfully persuaded her. 

“Okay, let me grab my things.” Cate went to the back, grabbing her bag and her earnings for the day. Spencer led the way out of the door, and stood watch as Cate locked up the outer door to the shop. 

They trailed down the sidewalk side by side. The usual crowds of the city had died down and the lamp posts lit up their way. It was a nice silence, comfortable, but Cate was the first to break it.

“So you’re not one for texting, huh?” Cate bit her lip. 

“No,” Spencer smiled. “I’m not one for texting. It’s easy to misread, or misinterpret messages and tones.” His walk led him closer to Cate’s side. 

“Have you ever tried the talk-to text?” Cate wondered. “Or the voice message feature?” Spencer shook his head.

“It’s not really the texting itself, I just prefer calling.” Cate pulled out her phone.

“Watch this, it’s kind of like a walkie talkie.” She pushed a little blue button over the keyboard and brought the phone closer to her face. “Hi.” She said to the phone. Spencer’s chimed. He opened it and pulled up their text messages, where a little blue text showed up, but instead of letters, it was an audio recording. He pressed it and out of his phone speaker was Cate’s voice message. 

Cate showed him again the buttons to press to send an audio message. She didn’t realize someone so young could be so technologically inept. The two were huddled over her phone, Spencer was observing carefully, so his memory could help him remember how to do the voice message. Their feet inched them closer and closer together until their hands brushed for the second time that night. Just as the walk to the shop had been quick, the walk to Cate’s apartment went by fast. 

Spencer walked her into the building, and up the stairs, all the way to her door. Cate leaned against it, searching her bag for her keys. Spencer stood next to the wall. He could hear a cat’s meow coming from inside her apartment. 

“Thanks for walking me home, it was really sweet.�� Cate smiled up at the tall agent. 

“Oh, no problem.” Spencer said. “I’m glad you got home safe.” Cate couldn’t wipe her smile off her face, and neither could Spencer. Keys in hand, Cate opened her door. To Shrimp’s surprise, there was a new person outside of the door, and he ran and hid deep inside Cate’s apartment. 

“I’ll see you around?” Cate sounded hopeful.

“Of course. The Empty Mug is the best coffee we’ve had at the bureau.” Spencer played with the watch on his wrist. He’s missed the bus back to his apartment. He watched as Cate entered her apartment, softly shutting the door behind her. 

Cate rested her back against the door, feeling like she could finally breathe again. Her mind was spinning, thinking of everything that had happened that night. Shrimp hadn’t heard anyone else enter the apartment, so he came out of his hiding to rub against Cate’s legs. She bent to pet him. He mewed, signaling his bowl was empty. Just as Cate had reached the kitchen and filled Shrimp's bowl, her phone chimed. A new voice message from Spencer. She smiled and pressed play to listen to it. 

“Uh hi Cate, it’s Spencer. I just wanted to say goodnight. So uh, goodnight” Cate held the phone to her chest, smiling. 

Goodnight :) 

She typed back.

[oopsiedoopsie23]

The princess and the drummer part 2 | Rook x reader

A/N: I promised that this was coming didn’t I? Okay I’ll stop being a cocky piece of shit now. Anyways, thank you so much for all the support my loves! I’m really feeling the love and it’s truly so amazing! Hopefully y’all love this part as much as the last, happy reading my loves!

Prompt: After getting caught on a livestream having a heated moment with Rook, the reader’s life gets turned upside down.

Part 1

You stared into the mirror, wide eyed, taking everything in.

You watched as two makeup artists were frantically rushing, dabbing something onto your face, scolding you to stay still. And then, there was the man behind you trying to secure a mic pack onto your back, also scolding you to stay still, glaring at you every time you twitched or fidgeted.

“Y/N you’ve got 30 seconds!”

You stood up, awkwardly swatting away the makeup artists’ final attempts at making your makeup look ‘dewy’ or whatever the fuck that meant, before quickly swivelling around, only to be caught in the arms of the man that may have just possibly ruined your career a few hours ago.

“Hey...are you good?”

It took all of your strength to not melt into his arms right then and there. But you knew that if you gave in, you would never make it onto the stage.

“I’m kind of losing my shit but if I want a chance to save my fucking career then I have to do this.”

“Wait wha- save your career? What the fuck are you saying Y/N?”

You spun around, pulling yourself out of Rook’s grasp, walking away from him, purposely not meeting his eyes.

“I can’t talk right now I have to go on stage in like 10 seconds.”

“Fuck that Y/N, you need to talk to me!”

“Rook I don’t have fucking time! We can talk about this later!”

You finally built up the courage to look into his eyes but instantly regretted it, seeing his once bright and playful eyes looking dark, full of sadness and confusion.

You’re about to apologize for snapping at him when you hear someone behind you yelling your name, “Y/N you’re on right now!”

You give Rook a tiny smile, before turning around once again walking towards the stage.

“Wait Y/N! Fucking hell!” you gasp as you feel a hand wrap around your wrist, pulling you backwards and spinning you around so that you were facing him once again.

 “I’m not gonna let you go on stage like this, we’re gonna talk right now whether you like it or not.”

“Y/N let’s go! You need to go on stage right now!”

Before you could pull out of his grasp for what felt like the hundredth time within the past 5 minutes, Rook speaks, never once taking his eyes off of yours, “Give us five minutes! Tell Kells to tell a story or something!”

And once again, before anyone else could stop him, Rook gently tightens his grip around your wrist and pulls you out of the busy room.

You follow slightly behind him as he walks through a series of hallways before finding a small corridor with no one else in it.

You watch as Rook slowly stops and turns around, eyes finding yours. The two of you stand like that for what feels like forever. His hand still wrapped gently around your wrist, facing you, staring at you with those beautiful eyes of his.

You close your eyes, remembering everything that happened in the past 3 hours, everything that happened between you and Rook. From the heated make-out session, to the sparks flying throughout your body, to the memory of his skin against yours when the two of you couldn’t get enough of each other in some random supply closet...and now this. 

You open your eyes slowly to find his still trained on yours, studying you, waiting for you to say something. 

“I think that I just made the biggest fucking mistake of my career.”

Silence soon engulfed the both of you, as the both of you let your words sink in.

“And by mistake do you mean me?”

Your eyes widen, tears threatening to spill as you realize what Rook had been thinking. You quickly shake your head, moving your hands so that they were gently placed on his cheeks. 

“I didn’t mean it like that, it’s just been...a lot. Today has made me the happiest I’ve felt in a while, I mean you got me so fucking happy that I fired my dumbass publicist and then fucked you in a supply closet for God’s sake!” you giggle as you see Rook let out a chuckle

“I believe that it was I, that fucked you and not the other way around.”

“Oh shut up!” you laugh as you let go of his face, lightly smacking his chest.

“Way to ruin the moment, jackass.”

Rook grabbed your hands once again, pulling you towards him, and wrapping you in his arms. You couldn’t help but smile as you nuzzled your head into his chest, finally letting yourself melt into his arms.

“So why do you think you ruined your career?”

You let the two of you sway a little bit before responding, “Because...these past 3 hours have changed my life, Rook. In 3 hours you made me feel for the first time in my life, that I could be me...that I needed to be me. That, I can’t hide from the world, pretending to be some innocent, pop princess who doesn’t like to get drunk and have sex in random closets.”

You felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled.

“I need to show people the real me...and I don’t know how to do that, Rook.”

As the words leave your mouth, you feel fingers tilt your chin up, so that you were once again looking into his eyes, before you felt Rook’s lips on yours.

Throughout the day, the two of you had probably exchanged dozens of kisses, filled with fire and electricity, passion running through your veins. But this kiss was different, it was sweet and slow. One that didn’t cause electricity to spark through your veins but instead caused little butterflies to flutter in your stomach, and a slight blush to dust onto your cheeks. The kind of kiss that told you that whatever you and Rook had, it wasn’t just a one-time thing or a fling, it was something more, something indescribable.

Just as you were running out of air, Rook pulled his lips away from yours, but instead of pulling away from you fully, he kept his forehead resting against yours. “I love you Y/N.”

Your heart nearly pops out of your chest as you hear those words.

“I know that we’ve only had whatever this is for 3 fucking hours but, I love you, I’m in love with you, and I want to be with you. Whatever we have is too good for us to just throw away or leave behind, because if we do, I know that I’ll never find anyone else who can make me feel how I feel about you.”

There’s a slight silence before he speaks again, “You don’t have to say anything now but, I just wanted you to know because I think you had to go on stage like 10 minutes ago and I don’t think I could’ve held this in for much longer.”

You giggled as you took his gentle, calloused hands in your yours. 

“I love you too Rook.”

You watched as Rook’s face lit up, and he smiled wider than you had ever seen.

The two of you kissed once again, and it was somehow better than the last. You felt time slow once again, but this time it was as if nothing else in the world mattered, all that mattered was those 3 words that Rook had said to you, and that you were in his arms. You loved him, and he loved you.

You don’t know how long the two of you stood there, foreheads pressed against one another, in each others arms, making out, but it was apparently long enough for Slim to come running up to the both of you panting, but swearing like a madman, which was pretty hilarious to be honest.

“What the fuck do you think y’all are doing! We still have a concert to put on, one that one of you agreed to surprise the crowd for, and you, you dumbass are actually part of this fucking show, banging on your big ass drums! I mean it’s nice and all that you motherfuckers were having a nice fucking moment but you left Kells out there saying his lame ass dad jokes and if you, little miss murderer, don’t go out there in 5 seconds, every single fucking person in that crowd is going to lose their high, and won’t find Kells’ fucking terrible jokes tolerable anymore, so stop sucking each others faces off and get on the fucking stage you dipshits!”

The two of you stand there, wide eyed for a second before bursting out laughing and taking off running towards the stage, hand in hand. You both run by the stage manager that had first yelled at you, (who looked like she was gonna rip her hair out) and also a worried Ashleigh, who you give a thumbs up to.

You stand by the entrance of the stage as you hear someone yelling into an earpiece behind you, signalling to Colson that you were ready, as someone tossed you a microphone and fiddled with your micpack one last time.

You took in a quick breath, as you hear Colson introduce you.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m so fucking sorry that you had to listen to me tell those lame ass jokes to y’all for the past little bit but it’s all worth it because I have a surprise for you, motherfuckers!”

You hear the crowd erupt and you can’t help but smile and feel your nerves slowly begin to wash away.

You look to your side as Rook pecks your forehead before whispering in your ear, “You got this princess, remember I’m right behind you.”

You smile at the nickname and nod your head as he gives you a wink and runs back onto the stage, sticks in hand, sitting back down at his drum set.

“Y’all saw her making out with my fucking drummer earlier...give it up for Y/N fucking L/N everybody!”

The crowd erupts, and as you see run onto the stage, you wave at a couple of fans before and give Colson a hug.

“Thanks for the fucking intro, you dipshit.” you giggle, playfully smacking his arm. You hear the crowd roar once again as you swear, and you can’t help but laugh once again.

You start dancing and jumping around with Colson and the crowd as they begin to play your most popular song.

The song lasts a good 3 minutes before you’re panting and sticking your arm out to the crowd, signalling to them that you want to talk. 

“So, if y’all hadn’t figured it out already, I’ve had a pretty crazy day.” you laugh as some of the fans whistled and screamed, telling you that they had also seen Colson’s livestream. And you couldn’t help but laugh harder when you heard Rook play a slight beat on the drum, making the crowd go even crazier as Rook basically acknowledged the incident as well.

“Alright, alright, anyways like some of you beautiful people in this room, I’ve been struggling my whole career with being someone that I’m not. I’ve been singing and making music that I knew that other people would want me to make, but I didn’t want to make it at all, hell I fucking hated it.”

You pause as you hear a bunch of the crowd laugh and scream in agreement. 

“It’s okay y’all can fucking agree that you hated it, I know what you motherfuckers are thinking.” you laugh

“Anyways, I think I’ve been talking for too long but basically, I’m tired of pretending, from now on, I’m gonna swear all I fucking want, drink how much I want and make the fucking music that I want cause fuck that shit!”

The crowd roars in agreement, all cheering you on, as you finally unleash to them and the world, your true colours and show them a glimpse of who you really were.

“So what I’m really trying to say here is, for my next album, it’s gonna be way different, and you might hear a familiar voice on there.” you yell as you point to Kells who was standing back, watching you and grinning

“And maybe even a special drummer boy on there too.” you wink and turn around catching the eye of a smiling Rook who once again, plays a short beat in response. 

You hear the crowd erupt once again and you laugh, feeling on a high from finally showing the world who you really were and feeling like a huge weight had finally come off of your shoulders.

Soon enough, Colson wrapped up the show, as you joined in on one of his songs, before bidding your farewells to the crowd and returning backstage.

As soon as you step foot backstage, you feel someone’s arms snake around yours, lifting you up into the air. You immediately squeal as you feel Rook turn you around, smiling from ear to ear.

“Drummer boy huh?”

“I guess now we’re the princess and the drummer boy.”

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

The end motherfuckers! Damn this is way longer than I expected but I hope y’all liked it <3

[crystalwillow]

Rookie’s Nail Salon

Paring: Ethan Ramsey x Casey Valentine (f!mc)

A/N: Just jumping in here to let you know this is a very sweet fanfiction. No NSFW content here this time. Just pure cute moments and friendship! <3

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

“... yeah I think you have a real talent Case!”

“Could you do mine for me later?”

“I.. yeah of cour-“

“Scatter. Dr. Ramsey’s coming!”

The group of friends who were gathered in the atrium scattered, heading off to do there jobs. Leaving Casey to stand there alone, with a face like a deer trapped in headlights as her boss and secret lover strode towards her, trademark scowl on his face. He stopped in front of her, arms crossing over his chest as he acknowledged her.

“Valentine.”

“Dr. Ramsey! Hi! What’re you doing here?”

Ethan sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“..we’re in the hospital Rook- Dr. Valentine. My place of work, in case you hadn’t noticed.”

“Ha ha, of course! Just... testing you.”

She laughed awkwardly before turning and making an effort to run off.

“Not so fast.”

Her shoulders sagged as she held in a sigh and grumble.

“Is there something I can do for you, Dr. Ramsey?” she asked, putting on her best polite smile.

“Yes. You can tell me what your group was doing congesting the walkway down here.”

“You mean like you are now?” she retorted cheekily, raising a brow. A light blush spread onto Ethan’s face as he stumbled over his words, moving out of the way.

“No.” he grinned. Casey rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling at his child-like action. She shook her head, looking at her shoes before looking back at her boss with a serious look.

“Honestly. If that’s all you need, I need to get going now. I have rounds to get ready for.”

“Oh. Yeah.. of course.”

Ethan smiled and gestured for her to leave, she turned and walked away happily to get ready for her rounds.

--- Late That Night ---

Casey had just finished setting up her station at the dining table when a knock sounded at the door. She raced to answer it and smiled back at a happy looking Bryce.

“Hey!”

“Hey Casey. How are you?”

“I’m okay. How was work?”

“Grueling.”

They shared a chuckle and hug before Bryce come in and shut the door behind him.

“So.... Rookie’s Nail Salon huh?”

“Yup. Are you a potential client?”

“oooo. I don’t know, how much do you charge?”

“$75, but for you I can do the friends & family discount and ask for $60.”

“$60?! That’s a little expensive isn’t it?”

They shared a look and then burst into a fit of giggles as they headed to the table. Casey passing Bryce a binder with a smile.

“Take a look at the designs. Take your time and then let me know what you want.”

Casey sat back in her chair and played a game absent-mindedly whilst she waited. Bryce looked through the pictures, finding it hard to make a decision. All of the designs were so nice. But in the end, he decided on a white, blush tone design with golden lettering.

“This one.” he said, pointing to the picture. Casey locked her phone and put it to the side. Sitting up and to attention.

“Sorry, I wasn’t looking. Which one?”

Bryce points again with a smile and places his hands on the table. Casey gets to work, starting up an entirely new conversation.

“Ramsey was not pleased with our congregation this morning.”

“When is he ever pleased with stuff our group does?”

“That’s true. We do get up to some pretty ridiculous shenanigans for almost 30 year olds.”

“Speak for yourself Cass.”

They chuckled as Casey done his cuticles before selecting out the polishes and the brushes she would need.

“What am I writing on your nails anyway?”

“On my left hand fingers, sexy and on that thumb draw a heart. On my right hand, write bitch. Please.”

Casey giggled. “I think the whole world knows you’re a sexy bitch Bryce. Hell. You may as well be a Greek God.”

“Are you admitting you think I’m sexy?”

“Bryce, I know you’re sexy.”

“Why thank you. Nice of you to state that so boldly.”

They laugh again before Casey’s face settles in concentration. She’s halfway done when Bryce shifts ever so slightly. She looks up at him as the brush slides off his nail.

“Are you okay?”

“No... I uh.. I need to pee.”

“Bryce! I told you not to guzzle that drink!”

He grins at her sheepishly, blushing lightly as he shifts in his seat.

“Would you hel-“

“It’s the first and last time I’m holding you whilst you do your business.”

“Thank you! You’re a life saver!”

He pushed himself up with the palms of his hands and jogged to the bathroom, Casey following behind him. She closed the door but didn’t lock it, Bryce smiled awkwardly as he gestured to his jeans. Casey crouched down and unzipped them, lifting the toilet seat with the other hand when an idea popped into her head. She left the toilet seat as of she was going to the toilet and undone Bryce’s jeans completely, closing her eyes and pulling them and his boxers so they pooled at his feet.

“Uh Case?”

“Just sit down and pee.”

She covered her ears and shut her eyes tight. Once he was done, Bryce gently tapped her with his foot, she turned and opened one eye to see he was still sitting on the toilet.

“What?”

“I uh... I need you to um...”

“oh god no. I’m not...”

They stared at each other, awkward energy hanging in the air between them.

“Could you not just wiggle?”

“Wiggle?” Bryce laughed

“Yeah. You know. Wiggle.” Casey demonstrated, seriousness on her face.

Bryce pressed his lips together trying to suppressed the laughter bubbling at the back of his throat, but he couldn’t fight it. He shook his head as it came out. The sound rich and full, making Casey pout.

“I- I’m so-sorry but. Wiggle.” Bryce said as the laughter overtook him and he leaned forwards, holding his hands in front of him.

”Bryyyyycccceeee.” Casey whined and he looked at her adorable pouting face.

“Okay. Okay. I’ll sto-o-op.” He said but couldn’t stop laughing for about five minutes. Casey sat on the floor in a huff.

Once he had calmed down, he looked at Casey seriously.

“Alright. Serious talk now. I really need you to clean the remaining piss from my...”

“I suppose if I have to.” Casey huffed before cleaning him and pulling up his clothes. She washed her hands and they headed back to the dining table to finish his nails. Once they were done and dried Bryce sat back and admired them with awe. Casey watched him from the corner of her eye as she cleared things away before turning to face him.

“Are they okay?”

“Casey... they’re gorgeous. Everyone at the hospital is going to be jealous of these.”

“Just don’t tell them I done it. Rookie’s Nail Salon is for friends only.”

“Okay. Message received. Loud and clear. Ethan’s rookie.” He smirked as he said his last words and a blush creeped up Casey’s neck and across her cheeks, she tried to hide it by looking away, but Bryce had already seen it and started teasing her.

“You’re in love with your boss. You’re in love with your boss.” Bryce sang teasingly, Casey’s blush getting brighter with each tease.

“You should get home, Ethan’s scalpel jockey.” She retorted with a smirk of her own. As Bryce blushed a little himself. “Oh that’s right. I went there.”

“I can see why you want to.” Bryce commented, clearing his throat as they reached the door

“Why I want to what?”

“You know. ... Get in his pants.”

Casey instantly turned as red as a tomato, choking on the air she was breathing.

“Hey, it’s okay.” Bryce reassured as he placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’d be trying too if I were you.” He smirked with a pat to her shoulder and left out the door. His face changing to a sweet smile as he turned round, shutting the door behind him.

--- The Next Day ---

When Casey awoke the next day, the light was filtering in through the gaps in her curtains. As she stretched out with a groan, her eyes widened in alarm as she noticed the time on the clock that sat on her bedside table. Though the panic disappeared from her chest as quickly as it arose when she realized today was a day off for her. She walked out into the main part of the apartment to find it completely empty. Smiling she grabbed some cookies and a can of her favourite soda, settling on the couch to put on one of her favourite shows to binge. After getting herself super comfy with her blankets, favourite stuffed toy and plenty of refreshments to indulge herself with, she pressed play. It was well into the afternoon before her phone even so made as much as a sound. She paused her show when it dinged, signaling she had a new text message. She picked it up and smiled softly when she saw it was Bryce.

Bryce: Hey! How are you today?

Casey: I’m doing okay. Or I was until someone interrupted my binging...

Bryce: Sorry not sorry babes. Guess what though!!?

Casey: Somehow the whole hospital knows I helped you go to the toilet? -_-

Bryce: Ha. Funny. No. Ethan Ramsey... THE ETHAN RAMSEY. A.k.a, your boss. LIKES MY NAILS! :O

Casey: haha! Good one Bryce, you’re funny xD

Bryce: No. Casey I’m dead serious. He JUST complimented them. He’s still standing next to me if you want me to call you and ask him to verbally verify it.

Casey: Go on then. Dare you :P

She placed her phone back on the table with a smirk as she looked at her messaged challenge, but the smirk morphed into shock as her phone rang with Bryce’s number. She picked up with a chuckle.

“So Lahela. You actually called me.”

“I did. And Dr. Ramsey will now tell you what he told me.”

She giggled as she heard Ethan sigh on the other end of the line. She could practically feel his eyeroll as he spoke up.

“Hello Dr. Valentine. I’m going on the record to say that you done a very good job with Dr. Lahela’s nails.”

“Thank you Dr. Ramsey. I know how much you hate taking time from your day to talk about non-work related things during work hours.”

“Pleasure. Can I get back to work now?”

“I’m not going to stop you. I have a binge session to get back to.”

“Looks like I’m not the only one Dr. Lahela is distracting then.”

Casey stifled a giggle, Bryce wouldn’t know because he wasn’t as close with Ethan as she was, but that comment was dripping with sarcasm and again, she could feel the suppressed smirk he was hiding as he walked away, his footsteps retreating. On the other end of the line Bryce whispered, sounding awestruck.

“He’s. so. COOL.”

Casey laughed. “What was that Bryce?”

Bryce cleared his throat. “Hm? Oh nothing! I just said, what a douche.”

“Mhm. Sure you did.”

“Whatever. I’m not the one with a crush on my boss. Today must be kinda sad for you huh?”

“One more word Lahela and I’ll come to the hospital in my 6 inch heels, baseball bat in hand. Just to look cool whilst I beat your ass.”

“You’re cute when you try to sound tough you know. Like Sienna. Only... she’s actually scary.

“I have a show to watch Bryce and you have work to do. Call me back later yeah?”

“hff. Fineee. Bye, I guess.”

“Goodbye Bryce.”

She hung up with a chuckle, the home screen reappearing and a red bubble on her messaging app. She opened it and smiled when she saw who it was from.

Ethan: I was being truthful, Rookie. His nails are really good.

Casey: Aw. Thanks Ethan.

Ethan: Could you come over and do mine? I get off work in 3 hours.

Casey: Are you being serious?

Ethan: Yeah. What man wouldn’t want his nails done by his beautiful girlfriend?

Ethan: BEST FRIEND! Darn autocorrect. How do you turn it off?

Casey: heh. I’ll be there. Just let me know when you’re home.

Ethan: Awesome! :D

Later on Casey had finished binge watching her show and was showering, getting ready to head to Ethan’s with her nail supplies in tow. She could leave the apartment easily without raising suspicion with her roommates, as they were all at Donahue’s after their shifts. She left and caught the bus across town to Ethan’s apartment complex, pressing the buzzer for his apartment number, saying their secret word through the intercom to get in. A minute or two later she knocked on Ethan’s door. He answered with a smile, wearing some light blue basketball shorts, his cheeks flushed and hair dripping wet. It was clear he’d just got out the shower, but Casey couldn’t say anything back. Her heart was hammering in her chest, her own cheeks were turning a shade of light pink. She knew he could do the ‘hot stud’ look very well, but she had never seen the ‘hey baby. I need cuddles’ side of him before. If she wasn’t sure before, she definitely was now. Yup, she was in love with this man.

“Uh... Casey? Are you... going to come inside?”

Upon hearing his voice, she snapped back to reality with a small shake of her head. A soft smile taking over her features. “Yeah. Sorry, I just thought I’d left my straightening iron on.”

He gave a soft smile back, stepping out of the way so she could come inside. He knew that wasn’t the reason she’d zoned out, but he chose not to push the subject. She walked into the living room and looked around.

“Where can I set up?”

“Coffee table will be fine.”

She set up her little station as Ethan sat on the couch beside her with a smile, that turned into a light and amused chuckle as she put up her little light up sign.

“What’s funny?”

“You’re too adorable. That’s what.” He responded with a shake of his head, adoration etched on his every facial feature as their eyes met. She smiled and just like she had with Bryce, she handed Ethan her little design book. He flipped through it to be a polite client but then placed it on the table.

“Decided already?”

“I decided when I saw Dr. Lahela and complimented him earlier.”

“Really?”

“yep. But first.. could I get a cuddle? Please?”

Casey’s heart ached in her chest as she took in his outstretched arms, pouty bottom lip, and the puppy dog look in his eyes. “Long day?” she asked, and he nodded. She chuckled lightly and slid closer to him, leaning back against the couch. He pulled his legs up and rested his head on her chest, wrapping his arms around Casey’s waist. Her hand going to his now damp hair and playing with it absent mindedly.

“You know. I like this side of you.”

“What side?”

“The cuddly teddy bear side. I understand you don’t want to be like this with everyone, and that’s totally fine. You’ve been through a lot in your 37 years of life so far. From what you’ve told me, it sounds rougher than having to wipe your ass with newspaper. No-one’s parent should walk out on their child like your mother did. And the anger you have towards her, I feel it. You aren’t alone there. And I’m glad you made peace with your father too. But those walls you put up because of that. When it’s just us, and you put them down, stop trying to prove how big your muscles are by holding them up 24/7. When you let things go and become just Ethan. I like that. Because Ethan is kind, caring, still a little bit of an ass at times... but overall, Ethan is amazing. He’s....” she trailed off, scared to finish her thought for fear of losing him by saying something too soon.

“He’s what?” Ethan asked as he sat up, looking at Casey.

“He’s a man that I admire very much and proceeds all of the outstanding expectations I had of him from reading his book.” She smiled though it was guarded and didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“You know. I figured out I signed that snake’s copy of your book. The one who almost lost you your job.”

“Dr. Olsen? Yeah. I regret that action every day. I got you to sign his book and then he betrays me because I helped a woman live out her dream. That and the fact we grew close and he was jealous. He wanted to be in my position. He wanted to be the one impressing you and sharing longing glances with you and-”

“Casey. I’m going to stop you right there.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t give a damn about that snake. I care about you. And you deserve to have a signed copy. So.. I got you one. Wait here.”

“Ethan...”

Casey watched as he walked to his bedroom, returning with a smile on his face and a book shaped gift in his hand.

“Yes. I went to the trouble of wrapping it, but that’s because I had slight cover adjustments made, and well.. here.” He sat back down and blushed bashfully as he handed over the book. Casey took it with a smile, breaking her gaze away from him to unwrap it, gasping quietly as she looked at it.

“Ethan. You. But I’ve never...”

“You can tell a lot about someone in how they carry themselves and how they personalize things. And from the times I’ve been in your room. I concluded you like blush pink tones and golden trim. But go ahead. Open it and read what I’ve written aloud.”

She gave him a skeptical look as she opened the cover before looking down inside. Her jaw dropping at the long note inside.

“Go on. Read it for me.” He encouraged.

She took a deep breath and started reading. Saying the first word with a smile.

“Rookie. If I’d seen you at a book signing I would have written something short that seemed encouraging but most likely wasn’t. I would have been brief and aloof in acknowledging you back as you spoke to me. But I’ve known you for over a year now and I have so much more to say. When I saw you as an intern I swore to the God’s, begged for you not to be like the many others that had walked through those doors. And it seems my prayer was answered. You’re mistakes were... creative, to say the least, and the trouble you brought with you made me chuckle in private as I replayed situations over, seeing the other staffs reactions play over in my mind. It reminded me of the trouble I’d cause as a teenager. I still have no idea what I would’ve said to you back then, if I’d found you hiding, and you needed motivation. I’ve never been good at that. As you know I’m not really an optimist. Or well... I wasn’t much of one. But if you needed me to help you through something now. I’d say that you’ve got this, you’re smart, intelligent, funny... cute. I’d tell you that you’ve got this because you’re Casey flipping Valentine and you can conquer anything you set your mind to. You’re future both as a doctor and in medicine is bright, and who knows, maybe one day you’ll be doing this for me. Yours, Dr. Ethan Ramsey.”

It took her a few minutes to read it all, and at the end she teared up as she looked at him. He was smiling back at her, anticipation dancing in his eyes.

“Ethan, I...” she sighed happily, she was speechless. And she always had something to say. Yet Ethan Ramsey, the guy who a year ago would have just shouted at her to shut up and go back to work, had made such a kind gesture and rendered her speechless.

“Don’t tell me that I have the privilege in being the first person to actually shut you up for longer than 10 seconds.”

But she couldn’t answer that either. Tears pricked her eyes and her throat felt dry as her heart swelled in her chest. She closed the book and hugged it to her chest. Ethan smiled at her and let out a small breathy chuckle.

“You know. You could hug the actual man and not his book.”

She was rendered even more speechless. She must be dreaming. That was a joke. Ethan Ramsey doesn’t crack jokes. He gently slid the book from her grasp, laying it on the table and wrapped his arms around her smaller frame. They stayed like that for a while before Casey could talk again.

“Thank you, Ethan. That um.. that really moved me. Um...”

He smiled as she reached for a tissue, dabbing away her tears. “It’s okay.”

After things settled, she smiled at him again. “So were you going to tell me what colour nails you want?”

He let out a rich laughter. There she was. His Casey. The sassy little brunette with ombre dyed pink ends to her hair.

“Of course. I would like a bright red. With... little white flower details.”

Casey smiled brightly at him. “You got it. Dr. Ramsey.”

“Thank you. Dr. Valentine.”

Casey stayed at Ethan’s that night and they shared stories from their times in med school, with wine. Ethan told Casey about some of the mischief he would get up to, seeing how much he could shock her with each story, before they called it a night and they headed to bed.

The next day as Ethan collected the charts for his own patients after the team had finished their group rounds, fellow attending, senior staff and nurses passed comment on his nails. He passed Casey at a nurses station, writing on charts of her own, catching her gaze as she looked in his direction, almost as if she could sense him. They shared a secret smile and he winked subtly with a wave before continuing on his way. He went to seek her out that lunchtime and found her outside, playing basketball with her friends. He walked over and stopped on the side of the court.

“Who’s the rookie’s opposing team?” he asked, clearing his throat as a small smirk tugged at his lips.

“That would be us Dr. Ramsey. Non-shirts.” Bryce grinned. “You wanna join? We could use the extra member.”

He looked at Casey briefly, who gave him a challenging gaze. Almost as if daring him to break his own professional protocol.

“What do you say boss? You joining their team?”

His smirk was one only she could see before he discarded his white coat, tie and shirt on the side of the pitch, holding his hand out towards Bryce.

“Gimme the ball.”

“Alrighttttt!” Bryce exclaimed as he handed off the ball and the game resumed. It went on for way longer than any of their lunchtimes, but for some reason that day nobody seemed to care about that too much. It was sunny and they were having fun. Casey smiled at Ethan as he scored for his team a bunch of times, each time celebrating in a new way.

[storiesforallfandoms]

lady killer ~ machine gun kelly

word count: 2475

request?: yes!

@bakerkells​: “Can i get the song often with mgk?”       

description: in which the self proclaimed “lady killer” will do anything to try and get the one girl who won’t even look his way

pairing: machine gun kelly x female!reader

warnings: swearing, smut!

based off of this song

if you’d like to check out my song prompt list thing that i’m doing click here!

masterlist

She was really driving him insane. Colson wondered if she was doing it on purpose, or if she truly understood what she was doing to him. Sitting there in her tight dress, all her goods nearly popping out, draped over some asshole that was whispering things in her ear to make her giggle.

(Y/N) was Colson’s stylist. She had started working with him and his crew just a few months ago. From the moment Colson laid eyes on her, he knew he wanted her. And Colson was used to getting what he wanted, especially when it came to girls. He was a lady killer, women had a hard time saying no to him. So you can imagine his surprise when (Y/N) laughed in his face the first time he tried to hook up with her.

“Are you serious?!” she had asked. “You’re technically my boss, and I take my job very seriously. Besides, I’ve heard the stories about you. I’m not gonna fuck you just so you can dump me like those other groupies you’ve hooked up with.”

Rejection was new to Colson, but at first he didn’t let it get to him. That same night he ended up going home with another girl that had been all over him. But after he had sent the girl along her way, he realized the sex had been different. He wasn't thinking about the smoking hot girl he had had pinned under him. Instead his mind was on (Y/N), and how much he wanted it to be her.

He never gave up. He regularly flirted with her, which was easy to do when she worked for him and regularly got to see him in very little clothes since she was his stylist. But she was persistent in saying she wasn’t going to sleep with him. Somehow, she was the only girl able to turn Colson down continuously, especially when he was throwing himself at her.

He didn’t think he was going to run into her tonight. He had gone out with his friend group for a night off after a long tour, and happened to spot a familiar face across the bar.

“Yo Kells, you good?” Slim asked him. Colson barely heard him. He was so focused on the guy with his hand on (Y/N)’s thigh. Slim followed his gaze to see what he was looking at. “Oh fuck, that’s (Y/N)! I didn’t realize she was seeing someone.”

“She’s not!” Colson snapped.

“Sure looks like she is,” Rook commented. “At least, she will be. She’s totally into that guy.”

Colson was sure his friends were just trying to get a rise out of him, and it was working. He slammed his drink down on the table that the group was sitting at and stood, knocking his chair back onto the floor. Against his better judgement, he approached (Y/N) and her companion. He was unsure of what he was going to say or do, he just knew he wanted to get that asshole away from (Y/N).

“What the fuck are you doing?” was the first thing out of his mouth when he finally reached them.

(Y/N) looked up at him in shock. “Colson? What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Colson responded. “Who’s this fuck face?”

“Excuse me?” (Y/N)’s companion asked.

“You heard me, fucker,” Colson hissed.

“Colson!” (Y/N) snapped. “This is none of your fucking business! Go back to whatever girl you’ve been sucking face with.”

“Is this like an ex or something?”

“No, he’s just my boss. Don’t worry about him, Hayden.”

Colson snorted. “What kind of name is Hayden? Sounds fucking stupid.”

Hayden nearly threw (Y/N) to the floor as he stood up to get into Colson’s face. “Listen, I don’t know what your problem is, Colson, but my lady asked you to leave us alone, and I’m asking you the same thing. Leave us the fuck alone.”

“I hate to break it to you, pal, but she isn’t your lady. She’s mine. Even if she wasn’t, I’d be doing a favour by saving her from a small dicked fuckhead like you. You’ll never be able to pleasure her like she deserves.”

Hayden swung at Colson. Colson dodged the blow and swung at Hayden, hitting him square in the jaw. (Y/N) screamed and tried to get between them to stop them from fighting, but her attempts were null. As Hayden attempted to get to his feet, Colson took hold of him and hit him again, affectively breaking his nose and causing it start bleeding. The crowd around them had backed away to watch the fight, although it was short lived once the bouncers came and took hold of Hayden and Colson to throw them out.

(Y/N) followed the two outside. She approached Hayden first, who shoved her away and said some choice words that made Colson even more angry, before walking away from the two. (Y/N) turned her fury onto Colson, hitting him repeatedly until he was finally able to constrain her.

“Get the fuck off of me!” she hissed. “You’re a fucking asshole! Why the fuck would you do that? What happens between me and any guy outside of business hours is none of your concern!”

“It is my concern!” Colson snapped.

“No it’s fucking not, Colson!” (Y/N) exclaimed, frustrated. “You’re just making it your business because you want to get into my pants! I can’t take it anymore! I fucking quit! I don’t want to be anywhere near you, I don’t want to ever hear from you again, I don’t even fucking want to hear your name said ever again!”

She hit Colson again for good measure before pulling away. She ran her fingers through her hair, looking in the direction that her date had just gone. She truly didn’t mean for the night to turn out like this. Sure, she didn't have any intentions of second date with Hayden. In fact, she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to finish their first date. He had started getting handsy the moment they got to the club, and it made (Y/N) feel uncomfortable. But then she had seen Colson, and a spark of jealousy had lit inside of her. She knew he was there to find some girl to hook up with, it was a regular occurrence after all. She wanted to make him jealous, but she didn’t expect for him to get physical with Hayden.

Not that she’d ever admit it to his face, but (Y/N) did find herself attracted to Colson the moment she had met him. But she had heard the stories, everyone had of course. Most his conquests were plastered all over social media or tabloid websites. (Y/N) wasn’t looking for a hook up, she wanted something real. So, although it was hard to do, she kept Colson at arm’s length and constantly rejected any of his advances. Doing this, and then having to watch him hook up with other girls was hard, but she knew it was better off this way than to finally give in to Colson, and have to watch him throw away whatever happened between them as if it were nothing.

Noticing the sadness and frustration on (Y/N)’s face, Colson started to sober up. He realized what he had done, all because he was jealous of a girl that was nothing more to him than his stylist. He sighed heavily to himself. “(Y/N), I’m sorry.”

The words caught (Y/N) by surprise. She turned to look at him, shocked. “Really? The great Machine Gun Kelly, the self proclaimed lady killer himself, is apologizing for ruining the date of a girl he’s been trying to fuck for like a year? You really must be drunk.”

“I mean it!” Colson insisted. “What I did was wrong. It is none of my business who you want to go out with. I just saw that fucker with his hands all over you and...well...I was jealous. I acted without thinking. I really am sorry.”

(Y/N) looked at Colson for a moment, before crossing her arms at him. “Why do you want to hook up with me so bad? Have you ever gone after other girls like this before?”

Colson shook his head. “No, this is new to me. I don’t get it either, there’s just...something about you.”

(Y/N) scoffed. “It’s probably because I’ve rejected you so often. I’m the ultimate hard to get or some shit, right?”

“No!” Colson exclaimed. “Fuck, it’s not that at all! Believe it or not, (Y/N), I really do want a relationship. Like an actual relationship. But it’s hard to find a real girl who wants Colson Baker and not Machine Gun Kelly when you’re famous and the only girls surrounding you are groupies. You’re the only girl I’ve met who isn't throwing herself at me. You’re different, and that’s so goddamn sexy.”

(Y/N) considered what Colson had told her, and it all started making sense. He had a hard time trusting women as most of them just wanted to sleep with Machine Gun Kelly the rapper, so he just gave into these women and fucked around with no worries of consequences. (Y/N) wasn’t like that. She didn’t just want to fuck him, she wasn’t into just hooking up.

“So,” she started, “you don’t just want to hook up with me? You want to actually maybe try and start something between us?”

“Yes,” Colson responded. It was the first time he had said it out loud, and it felt nice to finally be able to admit it.

A small, sexy smirk crossed (Y/N)’s face as she approached Colson again. “Well then...what if we started something back at your place?”

The suggestion took Colson by surprise, but he recovered quick enough to mirror (Y/N)’s smirk and to hail a taxi.

The ride was excruciatingly long as the two tried to keep their hands off one another. The last thing either needed was a story about how Machine Gun Kelly was getting busy in the back of a taxi with his stylist. They could barely wait when the taxi pulled up to Colson’s house and he paid the driver. They both almost ran to the door in excitement, (Y/N)’s lips attaching to Colson’s neck as he attempted to unlock the door.

When the door closed behind them, Colson shoved her against the wall and starting kissing her hungrily. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close to her. Colson ran his hands under her dress, pulling it up around her waist and pulling at her thighs to get her to jump. (Y/N) wrapped her legs around Colson’s waist, feeling his hard bulge rub against her. She whimpered at the contact, making Colson smirk.

“You want this dick, baby?” he asked.

“Fuck, you know I do, Colson,” she managed to moan out.

“You’re lucky I’ve been dreaming of this moment for months, or else I would’ve give it to you so fast and so easily,” Colson teased, kissing her again. (Y/N) nipped at his lip, driving Colson crazy. He carried her over to the couch and threw her down onto it, wasting no time in unbuckling his pants. “Wait, I don’t have a condom or anything.”

“I’m on birth control, it’ll be fine,” (Y/N) insisted. “Please just fuck me already.”

Colson smirked and rolled (Y/N) onto her stomach, pulling her so that she was standing bent over the couch. He pulled aside her thong and pushed himself into her, earning a moan from both of them.

He started thrusting slow at first, allowing (Y/N) to adjust to him, before beginning to roughly thrust into her. The sound of his skin connecting with hers rang out through the silent house, soon being drowned out only by (Y/N)’s screams of pleasure. She gripped whatever she could get her hands on, which at the moment was the edge of the couch, holding on for dear life as Colson pounded her.

Her legs were shaking and she felt as though she wasn’t able to stand up much longer. Her eyes were rolling with pleasure and she tried to bite her lip to quiet down a bit, even though she knew that it was only she and Colson in the house. Of course, there had been plenty of times when (Y/N) had fantasized about fucking Colson, but none of those fantasies could ever measure up to the real thing.

“Fuck,” she moaned when she was final able to form words. “God, I’m so close, Colson.”

"Let it go, baby, I won’t be too far behind.”

Unable to contain herself anymore, (Y/N) let out one last moan as she felt herself hit her climax. As he predicted, Colson wasn’t far behind as he finished inside of (Y/N).

They were both breathing heavily as Colson rested his head against (Y/N)’s shoulder, kissing the exposed skin around her shoulders and neck. (Y/N) shivered in pleasure as she rode out her climax. She whimpered at the loss of contact as Colson pulled away from her, and finally collapsed onto the couch. She watched as Colson left the room, holding up a finger to say “One second”. A moment later, she could hear water running down the hallway.

“Are you running a shower?” (Y/N) asked.

Colson reappeared, now shirtless as well. “Duh. Do you not shower after sex?”

(Y/N) shrugged in response. “Well yeah, but usually not right away.”

“That’s fucking nasty, dawg. I just busted in you and you weren’t planning on showering? Nasty.”

(Y/N) laughed and rolled her eyes. “Alright, fine! But I’m sitting down. My legs feel like putty.”

Colson smiled and walked over to the couch. (Y/N) squealed as Colson picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, where the shower was already warm and running for the two. As she said, (Y/N) sat on the floor and attempted to clean herself that way. She looked up at Colson as he put his head back, letting the warm water run over his body.

“Were you serious about becoming something more?” she asked. “This wasn’t just a way to try and hook up with me.”

Colson looked down at her, a smile on his face. “Well, let’s put it this way, you’re the first girl to stick around long enough to get a shower with me. Most girls would’ve been kicked out by now. I was even considering asking you to stay the night, that’s very rare. Does that answer your question?”

(Y/N) smiled back at him. “Yeah, it does.”

[hotpotrandomfics]

Fourth Year AU: The Queen vs. The King

Summary: It’s only short time till dinner and many of Slytherin house were bored, mainly Merula Snyde. So what happens when she decides to play a game of chess with her frenemy?

Word Count: 1,597

Another day at Hogwarts had passed as the sun had begun to set. Merula had finished packing her satchel after finishing up in potions. As she secured it, she made her way out of Professor Snape's class and was deciding what to do with the rest of her evening.

Elsewhere, Jason was finishing up practicing his charms skills in the training grounds. Whenever he'd have the chance he polish on his basics of what he's learned. He sat down on the ground panting and wiped his forehead, thinking of what to do next. He worked plenty physically but wondered what he could do mentally. Read, maybe. Jason didn't know but gathered his belongings, loosening his tie to let a bit of airflow. He then started walking back to the castle.

"God, I'm bored." Merula groaned as she dropped onto the Slytherin table. "Where's Aurelius De Leone?"

Just then, Jason walked through the entrance into the Slytherin common room and making his way to the boy's door. Merula saw the drops of sweat trailing his face. It gave her a chill to him worked to that point. Now he was her, but what shall she do?

"Hey," Merula called out. "Aurelius De Leone, come here!"

"You know that's not a proper greeting, right?" Jason walked over, brushing his loose hair strands away from his eyes.

"Whatever, I'm bored."

"So?"

"Entertain me," Merula whined as she tossed her arms into the air.

"Um, h-how? I'm not a jester." Jason sighed as he sat on the leather couch. "I'm a bit tired from practicing."

"So? I'm not asking for a duel. Unless you want to get beaten." Merula leaned forward on her hands, grinning.

"I don't think you'll get satisfied so easily by a win when I'm tired." Jason grinned, leaning back and placing his chin to his hand.

As the fire that lit the room cracked, the two laughed and at their little standoff. They gazed at each other, waiting for the other to make a move.

"Believe it or not, I want to put my brain to use in something," Jason said.

"Oh? Can you use that thing you call a "brain"? I'm shocked!" Merula laughed.

"Ouch," he pouted, "that's hurtful."

"Don't get your knickers in a twist," Merula waved her hand carelessly.

"Don't get my what in a twist?"

"What? You don't know what knickers are?" Merula giggled. That was odd, even for her.

"I don't follow, I'm afraid." Jason scratched the back of his head, confused.

"You know, undergarments-" Merula stopped midway as she began to blush. Why was she explain something as simple as that?

"Oh, um yeah I don't have those in a twist." Jason blushed and hiding his face in his palms.

Recently, Merula found herself having civil talks with Jason. For the most part, they have been pleasant as they've learned more about each other. Sure, it was odd, but those random talks started with playful banter and made her feel warm.

"Anyway, is there something you need Merula?"

"Yeah, I'm bored and need something to keep me busy till dinner. Got any ideas?" Merula curled her fingers as she inspected her nails.

"You're asking me?" Jason looked perplexed at the request. She wants to socialize with him and is asking him what to do. She sure has matured a bit, and it brought a smile to him.

"What? You're looking at me funny. It's gross." Merula stared with a raised brow.

"Um sorry." Jason felt embarrassed about being caught in his daze.

"Any ideas or not?" Merula seemed a little antsy for a suggestion.

"Chess?" he offered his choice.

"Chess? Well, that's not too boring, but it's better than nothing." Merula pouted slightly, but her eyes glowed with excitement.

Jason told Merula he'd be back momentarily as head into his room to get his chess set. His mum had a new set since his last set was burnt by some idiot who wanted to practice his Fire-Breathing potion near flammable items.

Two minutes passed, and Jason came down with a small box and placed it on the table between the couches where the two sat opposite each other. Jason began setting the board up as Merula watched. The board's boxes were made of mahogany and willow and had silver trim. The pieces themselves were made of obsidian and jade. How much did this cost?

"Alright, we are set. You have the first move." Jason said, breaking Merula out of her trance.

"Oh? Are you sure? I'm tempted not even to touch it."

"Are your hands clean?"

"What- of course, they are!"

"Then let's begin without worries."

"Fine!" Merula was now fired up and ready to put him in his place. No way she was going to let that comment slide, even if it was an innocent one. "Pawn to G4.

The jade piece began to move forward on Merula command.

"Pawn to F3" Jason called.

Slowly, the witch and wizard were feeling each other out and not jumping ahead of themselves. Pieces began dancing back and forth amongst each command.

"Who taught you to play if you don't mind my asking?" Jason looked at the board calculating each possible move he could make.

"My father." Merula studied Jason's choice of moves. She was almost impressed. Almost. "Bishop to C5."

"It seems he taught you well. I don't think I've had such a hard time with this for a while," Jason smirked, "and honestly, it's getting my blood how you say, boiling?"

"Correct with that figure of speech and with the last statement. I'm not telling more though." Merula crossed her arms slightly raising her chest slightly.

"Oh?" Jason blushed, trying not to stare. "Why don't we place a bet then? Whoever wins has to tell the other a secret."

"Really now? And what do I have to gain from this?"

"You'll either understand who I am better, or I will understand you," Jason smiled at her softly.

"No strings attached?" Merula asked.

"None."

Merula thought briefly till she nodded in agreement. The two continued with their game, and both wouldn't let the other maintain a lead for long. It had been some time since she had genuinely had fun.

"Hmmm, rook to A4. Check." Merula smirked with triumph in her eyes.

"I'll admit you have been quite the adversary but Knight to A4." Jason leaned in back, brushing his hair away from his eyes.

"Oh, bollocks! Now you're gonna get hurt Aurelius De Leone!"

The two shouted as their commands following out of pure impulse. Each was countering the other strategy. Either one would take a piece, or their piece had no way of getting to the desired spot.

Dinner was coming close, and their game seemed far from over. Some of the first and second years were watching from a distance. They were all excited to witness such a spectacle between their senior house members.

The two were beginning to sweat as their moves became limited by the lack of pieces. They were down seven pieces and were now falling back to slow strategies to solve the problem. It looked like neither side was going to back down.

"You giving up?" Merula asked, scratching her nose.

"You do that when you're nervous."

"What?" Merula looked surprised at his claim.

"Scratch your nose. It's nothing odd," Jason giggled as Merula face turned flushed.

"You little-"

"I'm just saying it's kinda cute." Jason's eyes widened as he realized what he said.

"Excuse me? What did you say?!" Merula said, holding a hand against her ear.

"Nothing at all. It's your turn so hurry up, or we'll miss dinner!"

"Fine, but just so you know I got you now," Merula smirked as she called for her final move. "Checkmate."

Jason looked at the board, seeing he had no way of fighting back. He'd lost this battle against the best witch at Hogwarts. He won't be hearing the end of this that's for sure.

"Well, color me impressed Merula." Jason sighed and hung his head in defeat.

"Yes! Finally, I got one over on you!" Merula jumped up excited about her victory. "Now Aurelius De Leone! You better give me a good secret!"

"A good one? Like what?" Jason looked up at her as he stood up, putting the pieces of his chessboard away.

Merula thought for an amount as she rubbed her chin then smiled.

"Tell me a secret you've never shared with any of your friends!" Merula pointed her finger at Jason while placing her other hand on her hip. It gave Jason a slight chill but a good one.

"Fine," Jason stepped next to her and whispered into her ear. "I hope that was satisfactory enough."

"Yes," Merula tried holding in her laugh but couldn't bother holding it back. "Fish boy."

"Okay, well I'm off to dinner now because I'm not gonna listen to any smart remarks." Jason grabbed his chessboard, taking it to his dorm room. He reflected on the joy of playing chess with Merula. It definitely was a fun experience despite having played Merula.

Merula was making her way to the Great Hall feeling so pleased with her victory. Hopefully, she would have another opportunity to show him up. Until then, she needed to eat some. One should enjoy the success of such excitement. She wonders what he would have asked if he won. Aurelius De Leone had been on her mind lately, and it's annoying not knowing why. She wouldn't let this foul her mood. Today was her day. She was the Queen of chess without question.

[zebrabaker]

Choosing Destiny; Part 1

TA-DA! I promised this to @sayuricorner like, two weeks ago, but it’s finally done! THis is a Twisted Wonderland/Ever After High crossover, and pretty salty. PLEASE COMMENT

Rook had been relaxing in a grove when he heard a rustling in the woods. His eyes snapped to the side when a branch snapped just beyond the tree line. Slowly, he stood, preparing to fight if necessary. Then, stumbling, no, limping, out of the woods, came a girl. Her skin was deathly pale, and her t-shirt and sleep pants were shredded in some places. Her left ankle was swollen and bruised, and she whimpered every time she put her weight on it. The girl’s eyes lit with hope and desperation when she saw him, and she froze, lifting her hands in the universal gesture of surrender.

“Please, I don’t know where I am, or what I’m doing here, or how I got here. I just need a doctor, I hurt my ankle at one point, running from a pack of wolves. I hid in a tree for a few hours, but I’m really lost and scared and I don’t know what to do.” Her voice was rising and her eyes starting to water.

“You can come here, Mademoiselle. I won’t hurt you. Come, there should be a doctor at the school.” He slowly walked towards her, keeping his hands up to show he was no threat. Still, the girl remained wary, her shoulders tense. He took her hand in his, and slipped an arm around her shoulder. She sagged into him, and he could feel how weak she was. Slowly, they made their way towards the main building. Almost halfway there, the girl let out a gentle yelp and collapsed, clinging tight to his arm in an attempt to stay upright. Thinking fast, he squatted and swept his free arm under her legs before standing. After taking a moment to adjust his hold on her, he continued up the path, moving slowly to not jostle the poor girl. How had she gotten lost in the woods? There wasn’t anything but trees for miles around.

They had just entered the main building when the girl spoke.

“My name is Raven. I really can’t thank you enough for helping me.” Her voice was lovely to hear, slightly raspy and sweet like a candy apple.

“There is no need to thank me, it’s what anyone would do. My name is Rook Hunt. We’re almost to the nurse’s office. How did you get lost in the woods? There’s nothing around for miles.” There were no students in the hallways, as it was technically time for classes. He had a free period, so he wouldn’t get in any trouble. Gently tapping his boots against the door to the nurse’s office, he waited for the school nurse, Nurse Isla, to open the door.

“Mister Rook? Who is this young lady?” The frail looking woman asked. She stepped back, making room for Rook to carry Raven over to a cot and set her down.

“My name is Raven, ma’am. I got lost in the woods. Where am I?” Isla and Rook shared a look. Everyone in Twisted Wonderland knew what NCR was.

“Well, you’re at Night Raven College, of course.” Raven’s brow furrowed.

“I have no idea where that is. Are we still in the White kingdom, or anywhere near Ever After High?” Something like realization dawned on Nurse Isla’s face.

“Mister Hunt, you need to go fetch the Headmaster.”

“What? Why? Is something wrong?” There was a note of panic in Raven’s voice.

“Nothing dangerous dear, now let’s see what we can do for that ankle of yours.” Rook waited no longer, and left for the head office.

X0X0X

Today had started well, considering that it was just three days since the disaster that was Legacy Day. Maddie was sick with some Wonderland virus, and had been in the school infirmary for a day and a half, leaving Raven alone. Most of the other Rebels had been supportive, but she wasn’t close with any of them. She had taken to hiding in the woods between classes, just to avoid the hateful words and glares of the Royals. Everything had gone wrong when she had tried practicing her magic. She centered herself, and slowly took deep breaths. She had just been trying a simple teleportation spell to take her back to her room when a twig snapped and she lost control. The next thing she knows, the woods look different, and she hears the baying of hungry wolves.

“Ah!” She snapped out of her remembrance when the nurse pressed on her ankle.

“Sorry, dear, but I need to check if anything is broken.” The nurse continued to poke and prod the throbbing area. After five minutes, the nurse spoke again. “Not broken, but seriously sprained. I’ll need you to drink a potion, and it should heal in a few minutes. For now, just stay here.” The nurse bustled away, rifling through a cabinet for a few moments. The door swung open, revealing a man in what looked like a plague mask. This must be the headmaster, she realized.

“Hello, young lady. I am Headmaster Crowley; might I know your name?”

“I’m Raven Queen, sir.” She greeted.

XOXOX

Crowley watched as the girl seemed to shrink as she introduced herself. Odd, she was a rather pretty girl, but she seemed scared to death of him.

“Queen? That’s a rather unusual last name.” Nurse Isla commented as she came back over, carrying a potion vial.

“It’s from my mother’s side.” Raven murmured, looking ashamed. “Next Evil Queen and all that…” Crowley sucked in a deep breath. Between her references to Ever After High and what she just said, this girl was a descendant of the Beautiful Queen, one of the seven founders.

“Drink up, Miss Queen.” Nurse Isla said, handing Raven a small vial. Raven wrinkled her nose and drank the potion like a shot, gagging on the foul taste. He winced in sympathy. Nurse Isla’s potions were terrible tasting, but they worked wonders.

“Miss Queen, if you would come with me, we can get you sorted out.” Raven nodded and swung her legs over the edge of the cot, testing her weight on her ankle as she slowly stood. With her arm wrapped around herself, the girl slowly padded after him down the hall. Classes were still in session, which was probably for the best, since Raven looked ready to jump out of her skin at the slightest hint of danger.

“Um, Sir, where am I? The nurse said something about a college?”

“This is Night Raven College; an elite boy’s school founded several hundred years ago by seven powerful people. I believe you are descended from one such person, the one we call the Beautiful Queen. However, I need to test this belief, before we decide what to do with you.”

“Really? But, why would you call her that? She was second fairest, that’s just…how the story always goes.” Raven asked, seeming to hesitate.

“Though Snow White was deemed fairer than the Queen, Snow’s beauty and kindness were a façade, hiding just as much vanity and cruelty as the so-called ‘Evil Queen’. Honestly, such a mean thing to call someone.” He sniffed. Miss Queen was looking at him like he was quite mad. They arrived at his office, and he pushed the door open, revealing the floating mirror. He heard Miss Queen suck in a deep breath.

“Is that…the first magic mirror? It went missing almost five hundred years ago!” She slowly walked forward, reaching out one hand towards the glowing mirror. Right before she set her hand against the gilded frame, the mirror lit up, making her recoil in shock.

“Who goes there?” It boomed, an eerily under-lit face appearing in the perfectly smooth glass. “You!” The face boomed. “You are of the blood of Queens! You are not to be here! Has the fool Grim truly let one slip from his grasp after so long?”

“If Headmaster Grimm knew where I was, he would have taken me back to Ever After High by now. He’s very strict on the whole ‘destiny-or-poof’ thing…” Raven seemed disgruntled. “So, what exactly is this place? Everyone keeps calling it a college, but what kind of college has the First Mirror?” Hmm. Miss Queen seemed to be rather bright.

“Well, simply put, Night Raven College is a prestigious boy’s high school for those with the potential to become a truly powerful magic user. We were founded almost five hundred years ago by seven powerful beings, each of whom has a house for their favored students. Your ancestor founded Pomefiore on her heavy efforts.” Crowley paused as an idea came to mind. “Say, Miss Queen, I have a most brilliant idea! Why do we not enroll you as a student?”

“What?” The girl spluttered. “I thought you said this was a boy’s school?”

“Only by tradition. There’s no official school rule or policy that says no girls can attend. Now, to begin, simply place your hand flat against the mirror. From there, the magic of the mirror will sort you into the proper house. I highly doubt you’ll be placed anywhere but Pomefiore, but formalities must be observed!”

X0X0X

Raven, feeling rather steamrolled, did as she was told, pressing her palm flat against the cool glass. She shuddered at the slight tingle that raced up her arm and down her spine from the overwhelming magic in the mirror. The image of a poison dipped apple appeared in the mirror, with the poison taking the shape of a skull.

“Just as I expected then! Now all you need is a uniform!”

“I can handle that aspect, my mother, despite being in the mirror prison, taught me whatever interested me magic wise. I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was a little girl…” Her voice trailed off, melancholy, as magic washed over her. “I can base it off the uniform I saw Rook in earlier.” Raven’s hair tumbled down her back, dark and smooth, missing the usual purple streaks, and reaching the small of her back. She wore a peasant collared, knee length black dress with sleeves reaching just beyond her elbows. Underneath were fishnet knee highs, and fingerless gloves of the same material. Around her waist was a lavender knot belt that matched the headband that materialized on her head, and the new shoes that appeared on her feet.

“Most impressive, Miss Queen!” Headmaster Crowley cheered. And it really was. In a swirl of lavender and lilac magic, her clothing had been completely transfigured from decidedly disheveled and torn pajamas to a fully functional, seemingly stable outfit.

“Ah, it’s nothing. I haven’t done it in a while, since I was maybe thirteen, I suppose. I just…lost interest.” She shrugged, seeming to shrink under his praise. There was a knock at the door, and Grim clapped his hands.

X0X0X

“Ah, there’s your new dorm-mate. Come in, Mister Felmier!” He called towards the door. It swung open to reveal a rather short boy with purple hair, who was almost as pale as she was.

“You called for me, headmaster?” The boy asked, seeming to be scared of his own shadow.

“Indeed! I’d like you to meet Miss Raven Queen! She’s just been sorted into Pomefiore, I was hoping you could show her to the dorms, as I have some business to deal with concerning her enrollment. Miss Queen, I leave you in capable hands!” And with that, the headmaster was gone.