#my son will hopefully be home Friday

[roosterforme]

The Younger Kind Part 7 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: Bradley goes on his second date with Amanda. She's beautiful, sweet, and so into him. But you're on his mind like always and he needs to do something to finally get you out of his head and out of his system. He has an all too willing participant.

Warnings: Smut, angst, swearing, fluff, and age gap (18+)

Length: 4600 words

Pairing: Single dad!Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x babysitter!female reader

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On Saturday evening, Bradley was getting ready for his second date with Amanda. He had been steadily beating himself up since you left on Friday morning. He could tell you were upset with him. Honestly, he was upset with himself. Kissing you while he was drunk had been bad. Seriously some college fuckboy shit. Probably worse than the guys your own age, because he should know better. Because he was so much older than you. 

And then he had kept you here all night, basically hijacking you when he should have sent you home. Instead, he had taken you to his bed. 

But now, the joke was on him, because his entire fucking room smelled like you. When he had tried to fall asleep on Friday night, his pillow smelled like a field of wildflowers. And then all he could picture were your glossy lips, pouting with a bright red Skittle perched between them. 

His dick was rock hard after that, and it had been almost painful how badly he needed to masturbate to the thought of you at midnight, his face buried in his pillow.

But that was yesterday. Now he was fresh out of the shower, where he had masturbated again, this time thinking about you in those cutoff denim shorts you had. At least now he was considerably less wound up as he let Noah play on his bed while he picked out something to wear to this film festival with Amanda. 

Amanda. Yes. Now she seemed like a safe bet. She checked off all of his boxes, and she was definitely giving off the vibe that she was into him. She had even been the one to initiate plans for the second date. 

"Should daddy wear this on his date tonight?" he asked Noah who was playing with some stuffed animals. He held up jeans and another Hawaiian print shirt. 

"For the babysitter?" he asked, perking up. 

Bradley swallowed hard. He wished. "No, bub. You get to hang out with your babysitter. I'm going to watch some movies with another woman."

Noah turned back to his stuffed panda and said, "Stay home and play with us. And eat ants on logs."

Bradley dropped the clothing onto his bed and ran his hands over his face. He stood there in his underwear for a minute, taking deep breaths. 

"Noah, I'm going out with this lady so that hopefully you can meet her one day, okay?"

He listened to his son mispronounce your name. "I thought she was your favorite."

Bradley groaned, yanking on his jeans. "She is, bub. That's the problem."

He heard you let yourself in and call out his name.

"Bradley? Noah? I'm here."

Noah slid off the bed and ran out of the room as soon as he heard your voice. Bradley also felt like running into the living room to give you a hug. Instead he finished getting dressed and ran his fingers through his hair to make it look better. But when he made his way to the living room and spotted you holding Noah, wearing those cutoff shorts and a tank top, Bradley thought maybe he should have jerked off again. 

"Hi," you whispered to him, trying to keep your expression neutral. Bradley wasn't sure if you were still upset with him because he had kissed you, but he did promise not to let it happen again. He would also wake you up if you ever dozed off on the couch again. 

"Princess." The name was out of his mouth before he could take it back, and he watched your expression change. Now you looked pleased with yourself as you set Noah down. 

"You look nice," you told him. "For your second date."

He laughed. "Yeah, I guess I have you to thank for that, since you fixed my app for me."

Bradley watched your face fall a little bit. "That must be it," you agreed. "Where are you going?" you asked as you pulled some coloring books out of your bag and held them out for Noah. 

"A film festival. In Balboa Park," Bradley replied. He watched Noah select the dog themed book and plop down right on the living room floor with it. 

You ruffled Noah's hair and handed him a box of crayons, and Bradley was once again aching for you.

"A film festival? Sounds right up your alley," you told him. You chewed on your lip for a beat before you added, "Maybe you should take your pajama pants and some popcorn."

Bradley could picture cuddling with you and feeding you popcorn in this room so easily, he needed to close his eyes and take a deep breath. 

"Nah, I'd miss my own couch too much," he promised you. 

"Ah, I see. Maybe for your third date then? You might need your couch?"

No.

He thought it so quickly. Almost said it out loud. Because he honestly could not picture bringing Amanda here after a third date.

Instead he said, "We'll see."

You nodded before you sat on the floor next to Noah. "Well, have fun."

Bradley cleared his throat. "If the two of you need your crowns, Noah's is on his dresser. And yours is on my bedpost."

Your eyes popped up to meet his, and your lips parted. He had hung it there again after you moved it before you left for your class yesterday. It was where it belonged.

"Thanks," you whispered. 

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

As soon as Bradley left, you could feel your body sagging. You watched Noah color while you took a minute to catch your breath. A second date wasn't the most serious thing in the world, but you needed to get over him now. Before it got any worse. Because even if not with Amanda, there would eventually be a third date, and a fourth, and a sleepover, and a relationship. 

You felt sick now. 

"Can you color that dog green?" Noah asked, looking at you with his sweet face and handing you a crayon. "What's wrong?" he asked, climbing into your lap and mispronouncing your name.

"Nothing is wrong, Noah. I get to color with you and make you dinner."

He settled back onto the floor and said, "I wanted daddy to stay here tonight."

You sighed. "That would have been nice." You wondered what this woman looked like. She must have been pretty. Most of the women you saw messaging had pretty profile photos. They all looked like real adults, too. Women who had established careers, and maybe kids of their own. The kind of woman Bradley was looking for. 

"Are you hungry?" you asked Noah. "Want me to make you some spaghetti?"

You tried your best not to let your thoughts stray to Bradley, but when you opened the refrigerator to get some milk out for Noah, you saw that Bradley had purchased two more bottles of the French vanilla coffee creamer. You knew he must have preferred hazelnut, but he seemed to have switched to your favorite flavor. 

You slammed the door shut hard enough that Noah jumped in his seat. "Sorry," you whispered, kissing the top of his head and pouring him some milk. "Okay, time for spaghetti."

Apparently Bradley liked you well enough to keep you coming back to babysit, but not enough that he would kiss you again when he wasn't drunk and rambling about how pretty he thought you were. 

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

Amanda was snuggled up against Bradley on the picnic blanket she had brought. He was already sitting awkwardly as it was, and now his back was starting to hurt as she was pressing her body along his arm. He could feel her breasts rubbing against his bicep, and he wasn't sure what he should do about it. 

"Mind if I lay back?" he asked, feeling like this date was not going as well as dinner had two nights ago.

"Sounds good," Amanda practically purred, planting her palm against his chest and pushing Bradley back. When he propped his arm behind his head, he was still able to see the gigantic screen that had been set up in the park, but soon Amanda was laying on his chest, blocking the view.

"Oh, okay," he whispered, and she smiled, resting her chin on his chest.

"I mean, we weren't really watching it anyway, right?" Amanda asked, and a really adorable smile lit up her face as she licked her lips. She was pretty. And now she was scooting up along his body, her dress pulling a bit, exposing more of the tops of her breasts. 

Bradley swallowed hard, and then her lips were on his. She pushed her fingers into his hair, but it kind of tickled more than anything, and Bradley was barely returning the kiss. It wasn't bad, but he also had no problem keeping both hands tucked underneath his head. 

Amanda moaned softly, and he supposed it would have been enough to get him going, but now he was thinking about how his bed still smelled like you. When he tried to go to sleep later, he was probably going to get hard again. Harder than Amanda would be able to get him with her mouth on him. 

Bradley pulled back a tiny bit, and thankfully his phone vibrated in his pocket. "Gotta check that, sorry," he muttered, unlocking his phone to see that you had sent him an image. He opened it with a pounding heart and clumsy fingers, revealing a photo of Noah in his crown, writing DADDY on a sheet of yellow construction paper. 

Bradley just wanted to be at home. 

"Everything okay?" Amanda asked, sounding a little impatient.  

"Uh, yeah. One second," he mumbled, sending you a text back.

Are you wearing your crown too?

Almost instantly you wrote back to him, and Bradley was excited to see another photo of you in your crown. But he didn't get one.

Babysitter: No. I'm not feeling like much of a princess tonight. Enjoy your date.

Bradley sat up again, not sure why that bothered him so much. 

"What's wrong?" Amanda asked. 

"Nothing," he insisted, and then she was touching him again, her lips gliding along his neck. 

"Good," she whispered, running her hand along his arm and lacing her fingers with his. And then thankfully the credits started rolling, and everyone on the neighboring blankets started to stand up. 

"Movie's over," Bradley said like a straight up dunce, getting to his feet and pulling Amanda up as well. He checked his phone again. It was almost 10:30 and you hadn't said anything else to him. 

"Oh, well, it's early. How about we go get dessert or coffee?" Amanda asked, insisting on keeping her fingers linked with his. "Or.... I could show you my place?"

Bradley just grunted. "I need to get back to my babysitter."

"Right," Amanda replied. "Walk me to my car?"

Bradley nodded, and managed to get her in her car only after she kissed him and rubbed herself against the front of his body. She moaned into his mouth, and Bradley honestly didn't know what the fuck was wrong with him. She was perfect, and she was clearly keen on fucking him. 

He broke away, and when he was about to tell her good night, she said, "Call me and we can set up another date." But he just nodded and started to head for his Bronco. 

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

After you gave Noah a bath and got him changed into pajamas, you and he shared a snack. 

"Can you teach my dad how to make the ants on the logs?" he asked as you carried him to his bed.

You chuckled. "I can try, Noah, but I don't know if he could even handle doing that much in the kitchen."

Noah sighed and snuggled in with his stuffed animals. "The food is better with you here," he said with a yawn, and you rubbed his back until he was sleeping. 

Then you went about your routine of picking up toys, cleaning the kitchen, and getting some food prepared for the boys. Because even if it broke your heart to know that Bradley didn't want you, there was just no way you could leave him and Noah hanging. You started by making more carrot sticks for them, and then you moved on to a few dinners before curling up on the couch with your textbooks and some Skittles. 

Bradley's date must have been going well. It was pretty late, and you were trying not to think about it. You had clinicals coming up, and you needed to study. You made it about thirty minutes into your reading by the time you thought you heard Bradley pulling into the driveway. And when he rushed inside you looked up at him, just as you popped an orange Skittle into your mouth. 

"Princess," he muttered, smiling softly at you. 

"Bradley."

"Why aren't you wearing your crown?" he asked, closing the door behind him, but never taking his eyes off you.

You laughed, popping two yellow Skittles between your lips as you closed up your book and put it in your bag. "Why aren't you still on your date?"

"I asked you first," he insisted, and you rolled your eyes. 

"I just felt more like a peasant than a princess. That's all. Now, why are you home already?"

Bradley's brow was scrunched as he sat down right in the middle of the couch, his leg rubbing yours as you immediately stood. He looked up at you, saying, "I'm not really sure." He eyed you up and down where you stood in front of him, like you were on display for his eyes only. "And you're no peasant."

His gaze was making you feel warm as you ate the last Skittle and dropped the wrapper into your bag. "I guess you're the peasant. No Skittles for you tonight," you told him. But he just responded by licking his lips. 

"I don't deserve any," he told you, and you watched his huge hands as they slowly rubbed up and down his thighs. You thought about climbing in his lap, kissing him and letting him get a taste of the candy after all. 

Instead you told him, "You'll let me know when you're going on your third date, and I'll come over to stay with Noah." And then you hoisted your bag up higher on your shoulder. 

"I don't think there's going to be a third date," he told you, his voice so deep now, it reminded you of when you heard him in the kitchen early yesterday morning. 

"Oh." You weren't sure what to think about that. You'd psyched yourself up all night long, gotten used to the fact that this Amanda woman was going to be getting to sleep in his bed with him, unlike you. And now, maybe that wasn't actually the case. "What's the problem? She tell you she hates salad dressing?"

He shook his head. "Worse. She was pretty and nice and funny, but I didn't want to touch her."

"That's a shame," you whispered, remembering exactly how his hands and his kisses felt. "Well. You know how to reach me." Bradley was staring at your lips as you turned to leave, and you pulled the door closed behind you without another glance at him. 

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

Bradley was about to beg you to stay. You were the same, still funny, witty and sharp as a tack, but he could tell you were irritated with him. He wanted to get you back to joking around in the kitchen with him. He wanted to kiss you again, push you up against his furniture. While he was sober, so you knew he meant it. 

But you were turning to leave, and he wasn't sure when you'd be back, because he didn't have any more dates planned. And he couldn't make himself want Amanda, no matter how hard he tried. 

Just as he was about to suggest you stay and have a beer with him, you were turning to leave without gracing him with another glimpse of your pretty face.

"Fuck," he groaned as the door closed behind you. "You fucking idiot," he growled, picturing those Skittles brushing against your lips before you crunched on them. He rubbed his hand along his dick through his jeans. He was hard and getting harder now, and that's when he caught sight of your hoodie on the couch next to him.

Bradley grabbed it and buried his face in it, inhaling the wildflower smell and stroking himself again. "Princess," he grunted, running his nose along the fabric. "Oh, fuck."

He unbuttoned his jeans and eased the zipper down, knowing there was only one way he was going to get a little bit of relief, short of enjoying your body right now. With one more deep inhale, Bradley let his hand glide down his abs, ready to pull his jeans down. He groaned your name this time. And then the front door opened again.

"I forgot my hoodie- Oh!" you gasped, eyes wide as you took in the sight before you. Bradley had his hand close to his cock, and your shirt was balled up in his fist, near his nose.

He was hoping you'd just turn around and leave again, pretend you didn't see any of this. He was completely mortified as he dropped your hoodie to try to cover his open zipper and his underwear from your view. At least he hadn't pulled himself out yet.

But instead of leaving, you pushed the door closed, with you firmly inside his house. You took a delicate step toward him, nibbling on your lip with your eyes trained on his. 

"Were you saying my name?" you asked softly, taking another step in his direction. He was so mesmerized by your body, with your bare legs on display, he started nodding before he could stop himself. 

"Yeah, Princess," he groaned, and he knew his cheeks must be bright red.

He watched you reach up and touch your neck. "Shouldn't you be moaning Amanda's name?" you whispered, and Bradley was treated to the sight of you pressing your fingertips to your lips. 

He just shook his head, and now you were standing right in front of him, so close he could touch you. You knew now. He was certain you knew exactly what you were doing to him. There was no turning back. 

"No, Princess. Amanda doesn't make me hard like you do."

"You were thinking about me?"

Bradley nodded. "That's the problem. I can't stop thinking about you." He couldn't believe he said that. He was going to die of mortification. 

But you whimpered, and Bradley was bucking up against nothing as your eyes dropped to his barely concealed erection. 

You bent at the waist, resting both of your palms on his knees, and Bradley was treated to a nice view down your shirt. You licked your lips, and he was about to lean forward and kiss you as you said, "I can help you with that. If you want."

Then you slowly pulled your hoodie off of his lap and glanced down. Bradley's cock was hard and huge, aching as you were touching him now. Before he could answer, he watched you sink down to your knees and settle in between his splayed legs. You were rubbing his thighs through his jeans, and his heart was pounding so hard, he thought he might pass out. 

Your voice was so soft and sweet. "Do you want me to?"

The only thing Bradley wanted was for you to take care of this for him. For him to be able to feel your hands on his body. He groaned as you ran your fingers up and over his cock, squeezing him through his jeans. 

"Oh, yeah, Princess. Please."

And then you were guiding his jeans and underwear down until he was springing to attention, finally free from the tight fabric. 

Your glossy lips were parted, and your eyes were wide as you reached for him, wrapping one hand gently around his length. You stroked him once, and Bradley almost shot up off the couch, it felt so good. 

Then you kissed his tip, swiping his precum away with your tongue, and Bradley was leaning forward and tipping your chin up to meet his eyes. 

"Princess," he groaned, running his thumb along your lips. "You done this before?" He wanted you so badly, but he couldn't stand the thought of this being your first foray into oral sex. He was simply too far gone for something so delicate. 

You parted your lips and licked his thumb with a smirk. "Yeah. Once or twice, Bradley." Your tone was sarcastic, and he throbbed in your hand. "I am in college, you know. I'll take excellent care of you, I promise," you whispered, kissing his tip again while you kept eye contact with him.

"Yeah," he grunted. "That's what I'm afraid of." He stroked your cheek, watching your every move intently. When your perfect lips parted and wrapped around his cock, Bradley ran both of his hands through his hair before fisting them at his sides. You were barely sucking on him, just the tip, but it felt so fucking good he was already panting. 

When your tongue popped out to swirl around him, he tipped his head back and groaned. "Princess," he hissed, his cock leaping in your hand as you let your thumb trail down his full length to his balls. "Goddamn it."

He watched you smirk and open your mouth wider, taking as much of him as you could. You bobbed on his length, pushing him deep enough that you were starting to gag. And that was it; Bradley's hands flew to your face, stroking your cheeks softly with his fingers before pushing back along your hair.

You watched his face as you hollowed out your cheeks and sucked harder. "Oh, fuck," he growled, neck and shoulders straining against the urge to fuck your face until he came. He didn't want to do that, not right now, because this slow agony you were putting him through was fucking fantastic. 

When you slowly dragged your lips back to his tip and popped him out of your mouth, Bradley was treated to the sight of your wide eyes and your tongue peeking out to wet your lips. You looked so fucking innocent. So young. So filthy with your tongue laving along the underside of his cock, keeping him nice and wet. 

Then you moaned softly, and Bradley hissed your name. 

You eyes met his with a soft, hazy look as you ran the tip of your nose down to his balls. "God, you're so big," you whispered, kissing him there. "Are all Daddys this big?" you asked him. 

Bradley pulled gently on your hair, tipping your head back to look at him, keeping you steady with his other hand on your neck. The softest sound escaped your parted lips as he leaned forward a bit. "Call me Daddy again."

Your lip trembled as you nodded with Bradley's hand tight around a fistful of your hair. "Okay. Daddy."

His primal moan filled the living room, as he watched you rub your cheek against the angry, red head of his cock. 

Then your perfect lips were on him again, your tongue treating him to sensations he couldn't ever remember feeling. He tried to keep his hands gentle on your face and hair, but you felt too good. He found himself guiding you a little slower, needing to make this last as long as physically possible.

You took him until you gagged again, and Bradley was seeing stars. "You're so fucking good, Princess," he groaned, but that just seemed to egg you on as you went harder. Bradley watched you take him impossibly deeper, feeling the rub of your throat along his tip. He could feel himself moving against your throat where his hand was now gripping you, and he just gaped at you, mouth hanging wide open as you licked and sucked. 

When you released him again, you used both hands to stroke him as you kissed the tip. "Do you like this, Daddy?"

Bradley's eyes were practically rolling back in his head. "Oh yeah," he grunted, thrusting up into your palm as you tickled and squeezed his balls in one small hand. 

"Do you want to cum in my mouth?" you asked him, eyes glittering as you kitten licked along his cock. He was throbbing in time with your little licks and kisses, and he leaned forward to kiss your forehead. 

"God, baby. So bad," he grunted, pushing you down gently with his palm on the back of your head. He saw you grin and heard you giggle, and he couldn't get enough. When you parted your lips for him, you guided him toward your plush tongue, tapping him against you there. Then you wrapped your mouth around him once more, and Bradley knew he wasn't going to last long. 

The obscene, wet sounds. Your soft moans. The vibrations along his dick. You were bobbing hard and fast now as he chanted Princess.... Princess!

You took him so deep, he could feel your lip and you saliva on his tightening balls as you sucked him hard. He knew his fingers were digging into your scalp, and you were squeezing his hip now. When your gaze met his, Bradley really felt his control slipping. 

"No, no, no," he whispered, wanting this to last forever. It was so good. You were too good at this. And he would be lying to himself if he said your pretty, innocent looking face wasn't making him even harder for you. 

You must have been able to tell he was close when you wrapped one hand around the base of him. You swirled your tongue while you jerked your mouth around him with such finesse, Bradley couldn't believe you were only twenty four. "So fucking good," he groaned. "God damn it!"

And then you took him like a champ, all of his thrusts hit the back of your throat, but you barely flinched, keeping your gaze on his. Your eyes were watering now, and you whimpered as he filled your mouth and throat up with his hot cum. 

It had been so long since he had been with a woman, but he didn't think he'd ever had an orgasm that lasted this long. He was still groaning, fingers gentle at the back of your head as you swallowed him down. Then you came back for more, slowly gliding your mouth back down his length before popping him out again. 

He whispered, "Princess. Fuck," as he watched you lick up the additional beads of cum that you coaxed out of him. And then Bradley was spent, sitting back against the couch in a daze. He stroked his fingers along your cheek and chin, caressing you as you continued to lovingly kiss and lick his cock as he started to grow soft in your hands. 

"You okay, Daddy?" you asked him, wiping up some of his cum from the corner of your lips.

"Princess," he whispered as you nuzzled against his hand. "You learned a lot in college, huh?"

You just giggled, and reached your finger out to his lips. Bradley opened his mouth for you, and licked up his own cum, loving the look in your half lidded eyes. He watched you lick your finger after he was done with it, and then you stood up. He thought about asking you to stay with him, but instead he just sat there with his cock hanging out and watched you pull on your hoodie. 

"Let me know when you need me again," you told him with a smirk before leaning down and kissing his forehead. Then you left again without another word. 

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

Bradley got his dick wet with the babysitter. Bye, Amanda. Enjoy your babysitter fic @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 8

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[happiest-hotch]

Can you write something summer-y for Hotch? Maybe he comes home early from a case and finds Reader and Jack having fun in the pool? Or anything that gives that summer feeling lol

One of the best things about living with Aaron and Jack, aside from getting to live with your favorite people in the world, is the pool.

You didn’t understand why it was such a deal breaker for him since he and Jack barely used the one at his old apartment, until summer rolled around and with it, the heat.

DC’s heatwave would have killed you without a pool.

Jack had jumped in right after soccer day camp and after an hour of cooling off, he finally agreed on coming inside for dinner. The routine is a little more relaxed when Aaron’s away, even more so when it’s summer vacation.

That reason alone is probably why he easily convinced you to get back in the pool after dinner and TV, just before bedtime.

But it’s Friday and wearing him out means he’ll sleep to mid morning Saturday and hopefully it serves as a distraction from him missing his dad. Night time is usually when he misses his dad the most do you do what’s possible to ensure he’s asleep as son as his head his the pillow.

Aaron has echoed the same feeling when you talk to him on the phone, and he definitely has it worse, halfway across the country in Dallas where the weather is switching between thunderstorms and extreme humidity.

“You wanna play Marco Polo?” You ask Jack, distracting yourself from looking at the barbecue and remembering Aaron grilling just before he left.

He splashes some water your way before answering. “Okay, you go first. I’ve been practicing holding my breath though so you’ll lose.”

His identical competitive spirit to Aaron’s doesn’t go unnoticed by you and you grin as you splash some water back.

You cup your hand over your eyes, listening to him splash away from you. “Marco!” You call.

“Polo.” The reply came from a voice far too deep to being to an eight year old and you pull your hands off your eyes to see Aaron standing by the pool’s edge.

“Daddy!” Jack exclaims, jumping out of the pool and running over to hug Aaron. He’s soaking wet, dripping with chlorinated water, but Aaron don’t hesitate to hug him. He shed his jacket and tie, but you’re not sure how he’s coping with how hot it is in a long sleeve shirt and dress pants.

“Hey, bud.” Aaron greets him. “What are you doing up at…” He pauses to check the time on his watch, eyes darting to you still in the pool. “…8:42.”

You give Aaron your best puppy dog eyes, although you know he’s not mad. “Swimming, duh.” Jack replies, sassy as always.

You bite back a chuckle as Aaron does the same thing. “Yeah, I gathered that.” He says.

“Come in.” Jack insists. “You have to.”

“It’s late and you should probably be in bed already.” Aaron says, taking the firm line like you expected he would.

It’s okay though because you have a plan. “Can you give me a hand up?” You ask, swimming to the edge and holding your hand out.

Aaron frowns slightly, but he’s too excited to see you to ask why you won’t use the stairs. “Sure.” He reaches out to grab your hand but you pull hard, overpowering him easily since he doesn’t expect it.

You quickly swim out of the way, and he lands in the pool behind you, yelping- hilariously- when he hits the water.

Jack’s laughing with you, thoroughly amused by your mischief and enjoying seeing his professionally dressed dad in the pool.

When Aaron surfaces, he’s failing too glare at you. He’d fully commit to the bit of being annoyed if he wasn’t smiling so widely.

“You’re naughty.” Aaron says, waggling his finger at you.

You swim closer to him, brushing some hair off his forehead. “Welcome home.”

[wrathofrats]

Seeing Blind (you’re too good to be all mine)

Chapter 6, 4.3k , mature, read under cut or on ao3

(Part 1) (part 2) (part 3) (part 4) (part 5)

A thank you to the ever wonderful @divine-misfortune for being my cowriter

“Swiss, I,” Dew opened his mouth with the partial intent of coming clean but Swiss fixed him with those big brown eyes and his heart cracked. “He seems to get all weak in the knees when you’re bold,” he offered instead and resisted the urge to cringe at his own cowardice with a feigned nonchalance, tossing the crust of his sandwich to a sparrow, “so why don’t you go be bold and tell him how you feel before he’s gone for good. Win him back or get yourself an answer then and there. Get yourself out of this limbo.”

Rain doesn’t leave the house for several days after his talk with Dew. Can’t bring himself to - doesn’t want to face any of them, let alone Swiss.

Hardly manages to leave his room. The dark circles under his eyes are not lost on any of them.

His dad reluctantly knocks on the door periodically through the days, gruff voice gone surprisingly gentle asking if he needs anything. He brings him dinner when Rain is absent from the table. His mother sweeps into his room and opens the drawn curtains in the mornings despite the fact she knows Rain will close them again not long after, always asking hopefully if he’d like to help her in town or baking or something else benign. It’s hard to see her smile falter when he makes up an excuse about needing to read a few chapters of some book or some essay to stay on track with his classes for when he returns to school.

School came more into focus as he wallowed, it was something he could blindly throw himself into. The upcoming semester was steadily approaching and coming to terms with leaving his home, and everyone, behind again was no easy task. Maybe getting away from the mess he’d made was best for him, and everyone else. He was never meant for farm life anyways - his mom always joked that he was born to be a city boy all his life, there seemed to be some truth to that now.

And as his sudden and abrupt absence dragged on, Swiss only grew more confused. It was almost like the few days Rain had avoided him after their first kiss but worse. The farmer’s son had plucked out his heart and ran off with it for real this time, and he wasn’t coming back.

Swiss had gotten a small glimpse of him one afternoon as he was washing the tractor, elbow deep in soapy water with half his shirt soaked. He hadn’t taken his lunch. He hadn’t been taking them for a while, too worried to eat and too guilty to continue the routine he and Rain had fallen into; splitting two lunches between them in the shade of the grain silo, Rain bringing him a cold drink daily and a sliver of whatever his mother might’ve baked on Fridays. The silo was out on the far side of the front yard, far enough from the house Swiss feared he might just miss catching a glimpse of him.

Judging by the slow creak of the back screen door two things were evident; Dew hadn’t oiled the hinges like he’d been asked to last week, and Rain had been counting on Swiss’ absence.

He looked worse for wear. Uncomfortable having to simply exist, but most of all, Rain looked tired. Dead on his feet. Like he’d simultaneously just woken up and skipped sleeping the last few nights. Practically dragged himself across the gravel driveway to the barn where he fought with the heavy wood doors.

Swiss wasn’t sure if Rain was pointedly avoiding looking at him or simply hadn’t noticed the farmhand peeking at him from beside the tire but either way he couldn’t take his eyes off Rain if he tried. Even as he continued to wipe the body down, mindlessly scrubbing the sponge over the same scuffed bit of paint. Seeing Rain hurt but looking away might’ve just killed him.

But Rain did eventually grow wise to the hopelessly yearning gaze cast in his direction. He froze like a deer in headlight, the color draining from his face - Swiss had never seen him paled like that, that soft pink flush had never left his cheeks when they were together. Neither of them spoke. Swiss didn’t call his name, as badly as he wanted to, and Rain didn’t say his in turn. No apology, no explanation, not even offering Swiss rejection. A range of emotions flitted across his face instead, the most prominent being grief and guilt, before he was retreating back to the cage he’d made for himself in that house. Going where Swiss could not follow.

The entire situation plays on repeat in Swiss’ mind. Over and over. He should have just gotten over his nerves, the stupid gentleman complex he had, and fucked him. It wasn’t like he didn’t want Rain, he did. He really did, bad. After all the weeks of constant teasing only to be pushed away and outright denied it only made sense that Rain was avoiding him now - in Rain’s mind, Swiss was either leading him on and playing with his innocent emotions or he didn’t want him at all.

It begins to eat away at him. Wearing guilt like a uniform as he drags himself through the overly long and unfulfilling days. He swallows it down for as long as he can until he simply can’t. Mountain unknowingly puts the crack in the dam, his concern hitting right at the weakest spot. It spills out of him before he even comprehends the words. For the first time, out loud, Swiss admits to his feelings. He’s more honest to him than he’d been ever since he and Rain first kissed. Confesses to just how much time they’ve spent together, and reluctantly tells them about the night that hadn’t left his mind.

”And I kissed him, and it just…We got carried away,” Swiss fidgets with a loose thread on his flannel, one of the buttons barely hanging on. Only when he glances down to the offending button does he realize it’s the dark green flannel he’d draped around Rain’s shoulders to keep him warm once upon a time. It felt like months ago. “Went pretty far and I knew he wanted to take it further but I stopped him.”

”You…Stopped him?” Dew paused, having been fiddling with the tab of his empty coke can as Swiss practically word-vomited on them. ”Why?”

”I don’t really know.” He laughed nervously, an involuntary sound that came out hollow. “He looked like a kicked puppy when I told him I didn’t think we were ready, that I didn’t think he was ready. Fucking hell, I’m pretty sure it sounded like I was handling him with kid gloves or some shit. Probably sounded like I didn’t want him.”

Mountain frowned. ‘The worried mom look’ as they all called it. He glanced sideways at Dew who’d popped the tab off his can finally, and Dew’s stomach sank. He knew exactly what Mountain was thinking - that he’d been right about Rain from the beginning. Nothing but a priss who barely tolerated the lot of them. Someone they should have protected Swiss from more proactively. It made his skin start to itch. Dew needed Mountain to stop looking at him. He needed Swiss to stop looking absolutely devastated.

He’d assumed the worst of Rain and his intentions. That Rain was using Swiss but how could he be using him if they’d never gotten that far? It’s not like he knew at the time - at least, that’s how Dew attempts to justify everything he said but it really doesn’t help. Fuck. Would Swiss understand if he told him? No, no Swiss wouldn’t forgive him for ruining something that affected him this deeply.

Jaw aching, he could feel his anxiety driven heartbeat in his clenched teeth. His molars might just crack, or he would. Something had to give.

Dew stared into his lap and shifted the food packed in his lunchbox like he was looking for something in particular despite the way his appetite had curled up and died. Swiss and Mountain continued to discuss, trying to find the root of the problem unknowingly sat uncharacteristically quiet three feet away. Every heartbroken word from Swiss was another nail in the coffin Dew dug for himself. The path to hell was always paved with good intention.

“You did what you thought was best, maybe you weren’t ready either.” Mountain flicked Swiss’ hand away from his flannel before he could actually tear the button off. “If he’s truly that upset then he needs to talk to you about it, not lock himself away. He will realize what he’s lost at some point.”

A chip fell out of the bag Dew was holding before he finally sighed and threw the rest to the birds. Salt and grease wouldn’t help him swallow this any easier, truth be told, everything was just helping to turn his stomach further. The truth sat like a lump in his throat, begging to be released. He just couldn’t decide if it was better to come forward and confess or pray Rain never divulged the things he’d said to him. Neither would play out well for him, he was more than aware. Dew was also aware of the fact Mountain wouldn’t save him from the consequences of these particular actions, might even turn a blind eye when Swiss inevitably jumps him with every ounce of bottled up hurt behind his closed fist.

“Swiss, I,” Dew opened his mouth with the partial intent of coming clean but Swiss fixed him with those big brown eyes and his heart cracked. “He seems to get all weak in the knees when you’re bold,” he offered instead and resisted the urge to cringe at his own cowardice with a feigned nonchalance, tossing the crust of his sandwich to a sparrow, “so why don’t you go be bold and tell him how you feel before he’s gone for good. Win him back or get yourself an answer then and there. Get yourself out of this limbo.”

He was trying to be a good friend now, he had been trying to be a good friend when he confronted Rain. Seems like he’s not very good at it. Swiss deserved better friends than him and that fact goes down just about as smooth as cough syrup. Dew couldn’t stand that sad expression much longer, and as much as it might just kill him to have Swiss learn the truth, maybe he could at least get Rain back in the process. Sugar to help Swiss swallow the bitter medicine of Dew’s indiscretion.

“But I don’t want to overwhelm him. You should have seen how he turned tail when he saw me the other day, I don’t want to chase him away.” Swiss sighed and rubbed both hands over his face.

Dew handed his now crustless, semi flattened sandwich to Mountain instead of tossing it to the birds. Chicken salad was bad for birds. ‘Borderline cannibalism’ Mountain had stressed to him in the middle of a lecture when he was caught throwing pieces of a different sandwich to some ducks one time. He’d had his fair share of guilt for the day.

“You really like him that much?”

“So much, Dew…More than I’ve ever liked anyone or anything.”

A pit opened in Dew’s stomach but he fought to grin. The smile Dew typically fixed him with before doing something mischievous.

“Go tell him that then.”

With a shallow breath Swiss nodded and hopped to his feet, Mountain following behind as he made his way to the barn leaving Dew to sit in contemplation.

Bold.

One of two things would come of this; Rain slips away and he walks away looking like a fool with wounded pride or Rain returns his affections. What did he have to lose? Either way, Rain would leave for college by the end of the summer and he couldn’t let him go without being truly honest with him, Rain deserved that much.

Fate was on his side, the stars had aligned. Wednesday was the one day of the week where he could count on Rain’s father being gone, restock day. He and the other farmhands dreaded it, usually left with aching backs and knees by the end of it after having to carry in countless bags of feed before they were allowed to clock off for the day. A routine they all knew well. Mountain went with. Big, strong, known favorite employee Mountain. It gave him a few hours to work with.

Like always, Mountain waved goodbye from the passenger side window and Swiss watched the truck disappear down the winding driveway with held breath. He counted to ten before turning and mumbling something to Dew about covering his ass. If the work wasn’t done by the time they got back they’d all get chewed out but Swiss needed to do this.

The house sat quiet aside from the buzz of the television as Rain sits on the edge of the couch folding towels, one of the few chores his parents could talk him into without much pushback as it didn’t involve stepping foot outside. The knock on the door came suddenly and urgently, and Rain nearly sent his neat stack of linen to the floor when he flinched. He fumbled over himself to get to his feet and hurry to the door. More often than not, if someone came to the door after his father left something was wrong, and fearing an emergency Rain swung the door open without so much as checking who was out there.

His heart swelled and sunk all at once. Gripping the doorknob Rain was frozen. He can’t retreat. Can’t bring himself to close the door in Swiss’ face even if he wanted to. Only with him standing there in front of him did Rain truly realize just how much he missed him. He fucking missed Swiss. It had been the loneliest he’d felt in years without him around. His eyes stung, the threat of tears barely kept at bay by a few rapid blinks.

”Hey…” Swiss started and Rain seemed to jolt out of his stupor, he put his hand on the door to stop him from closing it before he’d even made any move to do so. He knew it was a desperate, pushy thing to do. “Can I come in?”

“M-My dad will be back soon,” Rain tried to keep his voice level and his face neutral but the words came out whispered and wobbled. He swallowed thickly.

“No he won’t, he and Mountain just left. Please, I need to talk to you.” His gaze flicked away, catching Phantom and Cirrus both blatantly staring the two of them down from across the yard. He quickly tacked on a softer, “privately.”

Hesitantly, Rain stepped to the side and allowed Swiss in. Swiss’ shoulders sagged with a breath of relief as he crossed the threshold. Standing in his kitchen felt familiar but wrong at the same time, like he didn’t belong there. Rain quietly shut the door and retreated further into the kitchen to sit at the table, the plates from breakfast still laid out. He sits stiffly, hands folded in his lap. The tears collecting in his lashes betray his neutrality.

Neither of them spoke for a stretch of time that lasted far too long, both too stubborn and guilt ridden to break the palpable silence until it was too heavy to bear a moment longer.

“I’m sorry Rain, it wasn’t you I just was so wrapped up in-“

”I’m sorry, I never meant to make it feel like I thought poorly of you-“

The two blurted out in unison and ultimately trailed off into another widening gap between them. Swiss’ frown settled deeper and Rain bit his lower lip in some vain attempt to stop himself from crying but the tears spilled despite his efforts. All the lonely nights with only a growing numbness as his company had done well enough to bottle up everything, but with Swiss there in front of him, he couldn’t keep it in anymore.

“What…?” Swiss’ brow furrowed, moving from the chair across the table from him to the one directly beside him when he began to cry. “Rain, what are you talking about?” He pulled his hands from his lap, squeezing them gently.

“I’m not like that, I never thought I was, was,” he hiccuped and dropped his head to stare at how Swiss held him instead of meeting his eyes “I never thought I was better than any of you, I’m sorry. Fuck. I’m so sorry, Swiss. Never wanted you to think that, or that this was some little fling. This wasn’t just a play for attention or anything, I swear.”

Every word felt like another knife in his ribs, urging him to curl in on himself like a sobbing child. He just couldn’t stop the words from pouring out, a proverbial waterfall of admission. He could see just how bad it must have looked - Swiss didn’t fuck him so he turns his nose up at him and the other farmhands after the princess didn’t get what he wanted. It could have only served to cement the idea of all of this being for his own gain and entertainment.

“Tadpole, what are you talking about?”

”Dew, he, he-“ Another hitch in his voice, “talked to me…Told me to stop messing around with you, and that you all thought I was uptight and snobby and that I was using you.” His head snapped up and he’s suddenly holding Swiss that much tighter, like he might pull away. “Swiss, I’m not. I promise I’m not, would never. I love you more than the attention or sex or-“ Rain was beyond the point of babbling, probably didn’t even realize he’d dropped the L-word.

If not for the sentence it was set in, his heart might’ve stuttered in his chest, but something hot and sharp began creeping up his throat instead. Anger and betrayal tasted sour in his mouth. Barely tempered.

“Dew told you what?”

The silence was beyond damning. More than enough confirmation. If not for how tight Rain held him or the tears pouring freely down his face he might have gotten up and stalked out to the fields to wring the truth from his skinny little neck. But Rain had been out of reach for so long, he wouldn’t dream of leaving him. Dew was what pulled them apart, he wouldn’t let it happen again. Rain was his priority.

“I- oh darling. I never thought that about you. Not even for a second. Figured you were sticking around for more than just my good looks when you willingly subjected yourself to sleeping in hay on more than one occasion.”

Rain gave a small laugh, grabbing a napkin from the center of the table to wipe his eyes. It was something at least.

“Dew is just, er…He’s suspicious of people he doesn’t know, and over protective of the ones he does. Doesn’t know you like I do though, none of them do. Couldn’t hope to understand how I feel about you.” The anger becomes easier to shove down with every soft stroke of his thumb over the back of Rain’s hands.

He has Rain again. He has Rain and there was nothing wrong between them anymore and he has Rain.

The tension leaves both of their postures, the quiet was easier to sit in without so much pressing down on them.

“Swiss…” Rain started somewhat shyly. “How do you feel about me?

It’s a question that should have a simple answer, ‘I love you’, but it didn’t quite answer it fully. Conceptually, yes. He loved Rain. But it didn’t feel like enough. Words didn’t feel like enough. Swiss had meant it, he’d never liked anyone the way he liked Rain.

“Askin’ the hard hitting questions there, Rainy.” He chuckled, meeting Rain’s expectant gaze. If only he could just lay his heart out there for Rain to see, it’d be easier. “…Do you remember the night we laid in the bed of my truck instead of the loft?”

“When we watched the stars?”

”Yeah, yeah. Remember how absolutely fascinated you were by them? Just in awe of how the constellations told stories, how you could tell the time, the season, the direction, all just by looking at them?”

”Of course I do, it was beautiful out there.”

“You couldn’t stop staring at them all night, watched you struggle not to fall asleep so you could savor them a little bit longer. Wonderstruck by each and every little dot in the sky, really seeing them for the first time.”

He tipped his head, “what does this have to do with how you feel about me?”

“Well, raindrop,” Swiss brought one of his hands up and kissed his knuckles. “That’s how you make me feel…Hopelessly in awe of you.”

His mouth opened but all he managed was a weak laugh while shaking his head, looking anywhere but Swiss’ face. Bashful. Beautiful. “You don’t mean that.”

Swiss turned him back towards him, cheek heating up underneath his palm. There it was. The only way he could possibly describe the way Swiss looked at him - nothing short of adoration.

“Barely looked at the sky that night, I couldn’t stop looking at you. Every night, every time I had you in my arms all I wanted was to look at you.” He chuckled nervously. Nobody warned him of how nerve wracking this would be. The movies made it look so easy. “You drive me fucking crazy Rainy. Got me feeling like a lovestruck fool when you’re around and a lost puppy when you’re not.”

Rain was a new shade of red. Nothing like the pinks he’d seen before, even when he had his mouth latched onto his throat and Rain was singing like a canary.

“C’mon…Say something.” His confidence wavered without any sort of response. “Tell me I’m not stupid.” It felt like he was begging for confirmation he wasn’t positively delusional. ”Tell me you feel something for me.”

”I do,” he rested his hand over Swiss’, leaning his cheek into his palm. “I never knew I could like someone so much.”

Air rushed back into his lungs as Swiss remembered to breathe, that he even knew he could breathe to begin with. A real lovestruck fucking fool.

“Fuck - you just, you make me feel alive. Swiss, all I’ve done during every break since I started college is come home and read. Stay in my room and study, wait to be told what to do, do the bare minimum to help out around the farm, and wait. I wait to go back to my dorm where I sit and I study and I wait to be told what I need to do before I drive hours home to do it all over again.” His face had almost become a grimace, recounting the routine he’d repeated for years out loud, but it softened out again when he refocused on Swiss. “Don’t think I’ve had fun like this in…I don’t know, like, forever. Haven’t felt hopeful about anything in even longer.”

Somehow, he managed to sit still despite the giddy excitement blooming and bursting inside him. He was pretty sure he could pass out. For the last two summers Swiss had been making heart eyes at Rain from afar, hoping for a chance he never thought would come. Before this summer, they’d had their small interactions. Not a whole lot of anything but it was something - a little banter here, a snide comment from either of them there, brief run ins that he’d been certain Rain brushed off and forgotten directly after parting. Swiss had loved every second of it, it always got his heart beating a little faster, he just didn’t know how deep his love for Rain really ran at the time.

“You were my first kiss y’know…” Rain admitted quietly like it was some shameful secret but the nervous, near bumbling reaction had given Rain’s innocence away within the first three seconds. Swiss decided not to tell him that, focusing instead on the little rush of pride that came with it.

“Yeah..? Was I memorable?” His grin is dopey, he knows it is. Can’t help it.

Flushing all the way to the tips of his ears, Rain made a little annoyed sound that turned into a laugh as he shoved Swiss’ hands away. He got up and Swiss did the same. His hands don’t stay away long, not when Swiss had every reason to possibly touch him.

“Maybe. Could have been, dunno. It’s been a while.”

”Need me to jog your memory then, darling?”

“Mm…Might have to.”

Whatever impossibly heavy and strange fog had drifted over them was finally dissipating. Waved away. He felt lighter, they felt lighter. More at ease, more so with each other. Rain hands don’t even shake as they slide up Swiss’s chest to wrap his arms around his neck, only letting out a surprised little ‘oh!’ as Swiss drew him to his chest. Eager to be close to him. He’d quietly yearned to feel him again from the second he’d slipped out of bed that morning, not entirely in a physical sense, aching for the pure intimacy of it.

Kissing him felt like dreaming. Slow, sweet, like they had all the time in the world even though the clock was steadily ticking on from its place above the stove. It didn’t matter. Their lips had always seemed to fit together so easily. Even easier was the way Rain’s fingers started to sneak into his locs. A silent plea for more, to be closer, to never let him go.

But they had to come up for air sometime. Swiss was the one to break apart, allowing him to catch Rain with his eyes still closed, bliss woven in his face. He wanted to keep him like that forever. His eyes flutter open and his delicate expression turns into the cutest pout that manages to tug on his heartstrings ever so slightly.

“Heeey…” He whined, rocking up onto his toes to steal another. All he gets is a peck.

”Gotta go before your dad gets back, lover boy.” Swiss grinned down at him, tapping him on the nose as he slipped from his arms. “You still remember where you can find me, princess?”

For that, Swiss earned a little shove against his chest and a proper fitting laugh. He couldn’t stop himself from smiling if he tried.

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Chapter 1

Masterlist - Previous - Next

Miss Americana

May 2019:

"And you’re sure you can handle it? I mean working here and college?" Peter Hastings was a nice, middle aged man, looking for a new nanny for his 6 year old son, Gabriel.

"I’ll wake him up at 7:15. Make breakfast and get him ready for school, drop him off at 8:30 and go to my classes. At 3 I’ll pick him up. Help him with his homework. Soccer on Monday and Wednesday. Piano lesson on Tuesday. Prepare dinner. Make him bed ready and then you’ll take over. Monday till Thursday. Fridays I’ll pick him up at 12. We’re going to the park, museum, zoo whatever. Have lunch and I’ll bring him home by 4, where you take over. And if you need a babysitter on the weekends, you’ll call me." Rachel repeated the schedule Mr. Hastings had presented her with, hoping he would hire her.

"Impressive. Well your report looks great, I understand why you’ve got a scholarship for the MCPHS. I’d say you’ve got the job." Mr. Hastings smiled at the girl.

"Thank you, Sir! Really!"

"Gabriel liked you, you have strong ambitions. I think you’re perfect. Now let’s talk money, shall we?" he clapped his hands and Rachel nodded.

With a full scholarship and a well paid job that still gave her enough time for her studies, she could start saving up money to get the hell out of Woburn, after graduating from college with her nursing degree hopefully.

"I know this was not what you applied for, but I’ll ask anyways, if you say no, you’ll still keep your job starting in fall!" her new boss said and she looked up "My current nanny, well she left, family emergency, so I would need someone from now on, during the summer until you’ll take over at the end of August. I know, you just graduated and probably already planned your summer, but I thought I ask anyways. Again, feel free to say no, the job is yours regardless. It’s only one more month of school and then it’s… well a full day job, I’m off for the entire August, but before that I’m loaded with events here and there…"

"I’ll do it." Rachel said immediately, every reason to leave Woburn earlier was a good reason.

"Yeah? You sure? I mean like I said, you don’t have to!" Mr. Hastings said but the girl shook her head.

"No it’s fine. Really. I have nothing planned. And like this I can get used to Boston."

"You can stay here. Our old nanny has her own studio in the backyard. That way you don’t have to drive every morning from Woburn to here."

"Are you sure? It’s no problem for me to drive!"

"With traffic in the morning you’ll be in the car for an hour or longer. That’s ridiculous. Come on I’ll show you the studio. You could even stay there when you start college. Thinking back to my college times? The dorms weren’t the nicest place to stay." he laughed and got up, leading the young girl outside through the kitchen.

"I mean. I haven’t seen my dorm yet… but from what I’ve heard, yeah, not the nicest place to stay indeed."

The studio was clean and modern. A kitchenette, a table with two chairs. Sofa, TV and a bed. A little bathroom. It was definitely more quiet and private than any dorm at her college.

"Are you sure it’s okay?" the girl asked.

"100%. It’s yours if you want it. Free of charge. You just have to keep it clean yourself. And if you want to bring friends over, just give me a little heads up."

Free of charge. The money she would safe. Only paying the tuition fee. The rest of her scholarship could go into her savings as well. She could leave home earlier than planned. It couldn’t get better than this.

"I guess I’m moving in then."

November 2021:

Rachel always dreaded driving home. The rare occasions over the past 2 years where she had driven home were all proof why it was better to stay away. But something in her father’s voice when he asked her if she would come home for his birthday gave her the chills. When she parked her car in the driveway of her rundown childhood home, she felt the pit in her stomach grow. Calming down her nerves she opened up the door, walking inside. The house smelt rancid. A mix of liquor, smoke and bleach.

"Dad?" the girl walked inside the dark living room when suddenly the light got switched on. She flinched looking at the man sitting in the armchair facing her.

"If it’s not Miss Americana fresh off of college." Tony.

"Where’s my dad?" her voice not as strong as she hoped.

"Come." he got up and dragged her outside with him.

"Stop. Tony! Let go of me!" Rachel tried to get away from him.

"Get in the car. You can do it on your own or I’ll make you." his jaw clenched.

The girl got inside. Shaking.

"Where’s my dad?" she repeated.

"Your dad… he pissed off a lot of people… he was a capo once… but his drinking? Mamma Mia… he became useless the day your mother died… fallen from capo to soldato… and now? A shame really…" he sneered.

"What did he do?" Rachel asked with a shaking voice.

"Oh bella, you know I can’t tell you. Otherwise I’d have to kill you. And I really don’t want to kill such a pretty girl." he laughed and the girl swallowed hard "Just know that he owes a lot of people a lot of money…"

They drove to Winchester and the girl knew immediately where they were going.

"When was the last time you were here? When your mother died?" he asked, although he didn’t sound one bit empathetic "A long time ago… then again, it’s never a good sign if you have to go to Winchester… our family parties are usually held somewhere else…"

The driveway up the hill to the dark manor made Rachel’s insides churn.

"Get out." Tony parked the car and she did as told, following him inside.

"Oh Rachel! Mia bellissima ragazza! Look at you! What a beautiful, beautiful young lady! You should look for a girl like her, Anthony, not the skanks you’re going for." Rosaria Romano pulled Rachel in her arms, before kissing her cheeks "The last time I saw you was before you left for college and now look at you! You’re skinny! Don’t they feed you well at college? All the money they take and then not feeding their students? Che cavolo! You’re staying for dinner! Anthony, tell your father I’m feeding this sweet girl first, before he can talk to her!"

"Mamma! She’s not here to eat!" Tony grabbed the girls arm, but he shrugged away under the cold, hard gaze of his mother. He rolled his eyes, walking away, cursing in Italian.

"Now come, mia ragazza, you can help me with dinner." Rosaria lead her into the kitchen where already a handful of women were cooking away "Here, put that on. We don’t want your beautiful outfit to get stained with pomodori!"

The next hour Rachel cooked together with the ladies, told them about college and how her life was going. She knew all too well that she couldn’t tell them everything. Giving away too much was dangerous, so she lied mostly.

"And what about the boys at college? Someone special there for you?" nonna Viola asked right as Tony came back.

"She’s coming with me now." he grabbed Rachel’s arm, pulling her with him. A muscle ticked at his jaw. His hold on her arm made her whimper in pain.

"Anthony! You hurt her! Stop! Don’t make me swing my mattarello at you!" nonna Viola raised her rolling pin and Anthony let go of the girls arm "There you go, stupido!"

"Come." he glared at the girl who took off the apron, handing it Rosaria.

"When the men have finished whatever their having to talk about now, we’re finishing our conversation, Rachel." she smiled and Rachel nodded.

As she followed Tony down a long, dark hallway the bad feeling she had, since hearing her father’s voice on the phone earlier that day, only intensified.

When they stopped in front of a big oak door Tony pushed Rachel hard against it, caving her in. His nose rubbing down her cheek. His breath reeked of smoke and liquor.

"You won’t like what’s happening next and let me tell you, I understand you. But then again… mhhh look at you." he whispered in her ear, making the girl shudder "My mother wasn’t that wrong, I should go for a girl like you…"

"Anthony?" Don Vito’s cold voice rang out through the door.

"We’re here, papa!" Tony said with a sadistic grin.

"Bring her in then. We have a lot to do."

January 2022:

"Miss Lombardi? Miss Lombardi!" the screeching voice of Professor Cullers made Rachel flinch "Ah great. You are with us again… well, do you know the answer, to Miss Edwards question?"

"I- umm… I don’t. No." the girl looked at her professor "Sorry."

"Maybe stop daydreaming then and start listening to what I’m teaching you."

"Yes, ma’am." she nodded.

The rest of the class Rachel kept writing down everything Professor Cullers said, listening carefully and when the bell rang she was one of the last to leave.

"What’s going on with you?" Stuart asked, waiting at the door for her.

"What do you mean?" they walked side by side to their next course.

"You’re absent. Pretty often. For weeks now…"

"It’s nothing. I’m fine. I promise." Rachel faked a smile and Stuart sighed.

"Ok, cut the crap. What’s going on? Since you left for your father’s birthday a couple of weeks ago, you’re acting strange… what happened at home Rachel?" he looked at her and she took a deep breath, shaking her head.

Stuart was the only friend she made in college, he didn’t talk much, but there was a sense of understanding between the two after she accidentally overheard a conversation between him and a stranger behind the cafeteria one day. Rachel since knew that their backstory was similar and that he broke off all ties to his old life. He would understand her, if she told him what happened. But then again, she knew that she might endanger him if she told him too much.

"How hard was it? Leaving everything behind? Cutting off all ties to your family?" she asked instead and Stuart contemplated his answer for a moment.

"It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. But I had to do it, so I powered through…"

"But I mean… how did you do it? Where did you get your new identity from? What happened to your old one?" the blonde girl pressed.

"I know a guy who knows a guy… but it costs a lot… also, starting a new life somewhere new isn’t for free either."

Rachel thought for a second, all the money she saved from her scholarship so far, because she only had to pay for the tuition fee and work materials. All the money she saved from working for Peter, which she barely had touched. It was a nice little sum and should keep her afloat for a while.

"Why are you asking me all this? What happened?" Stuart asked again and Rachel sighed "You can tell me, Rach. Nothing you can say will scare me away… I know how you grew up… I know how it is… so come on, tell me."

"I need to leave. Like for real… I always planned on moving to Boston after college, but they won’t let me… I only have time after graduation and then my old life will catch up with me again… I will be pulled into this mess that my life is if I don’t run away." Rachel almost whispered and her friend looked at her wide eyed "They wanted me to leave college immediately but I managed to convince them that a nurse with a degree and all qualifications is more helpful, more useful for them, so they agreed, but as soon as I graduate they will take me back to Woburn or rather Winchester… I can’t go back, Stuart…"

"And you shouldn’t have to go back, but Rach this is a dangerous thing to do? Killing off your old self, start a new life… it’s going to cost you more than just money…" Stuart said and Rachel nodded.

"I’m willing to do whatever it takes…" the young girl said determined.

"Then I’ll help you. But it won’t be easy…"

"Everything is better than staying here…"

"I need to make a few calls, then we’ll see." Stuart smiled at her.

"Thanks Stu. You’re a good friend." Rachel squeezed his hand.

"I’m currently your only friend… so that’s that."

"True…"

April 2022:

"Rachel? There’s a letter for you!"

"Thanks, Peter!" the girl took the letter from the counter, while stirring the pasta sauce "Waterman and Krieger? What is that?" she asked when she saw the sender of the letter.

"They’re a law firm. Inheritance law if I’m not mistaken." Peter looked up from his newspaper.

"Inheritance law?" Rachel ripped the envelope open, unfolding the letter. She went silent, staring at the letter, the pasta sauce bubbling.

"Rach? Hey? Rach?" Peter grabbed the sauce pan and shoved it off the stove top "What happened?" he looked at the girl worriedly.

"My- umm… my mom… she left me some money…" Rachel said slowly, looking at Peter "They write that mom set up a trust fund for me before her death. I have access to the money when I turn 21. Which is in three months."

"Oh wow…" Peter squeezed her shoulder "Do you need a moment? I can finish up dinner and I’ll send Gabe to get you when it’s ready?"

"Is that okay?" the brunette asked and he nodded "Thank you."

Back in her studio she looked at the letter and saw that there was also another smaller envelope inside. She knew the handwriting immediately.

My sweet Rachel,

when you read this letter it means I am no longer around to gift you with my last treasure.

Every money I earned from winning beauty pageants and later from working and that wasn’t needed, I put aside for you.

I know you’re a smart girl and every college would offer you a full scholarship, but just to make sure that if not, we have the money.

I never told your dad about this money, I was too afraid that he would use it. Your father is a great man and I love him dearly. But he’s surrounded himself with the wrong people, they poisoned his mind. And over time he had to drink more and more to forget what he had to do daily for Don Vito.

Please don’t tell him about the money. Keep it to yourself. It’s enough for a fresh start, if you know what I mean.

I’m sorry, that I couldn’t be by your side for longer. That I couldn’t give you the home that you deserved.

Promise me to live a good life. Go live your dreams. But please never forget that I love you, my little Miss Americana.

Love always,

Mom

Rachel leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. When her mother died, she felt lost, didn’t know how to move forward, didn’t know how to continue with her life. Her father lost himself in alcohol, maybe even drugs. He disappeared for days, just to be laid down on the front porch by some of the men he worked with and for Rachel to get him inside, making sure he wouldn’t choke on his own vomit. She knew what he was doing. She knew who he worked for. From the day she was born she was part of a world she never wanted to be in, as she later realised. Movies and pop culture didn’t do this life justice. It wasn’t glorious or mysterious. It was scary and dark. Where other kids her age went to school and made new friends Rachel always had to stick to the kids from the family. To make sure she wouldn’t spill anything about her father’s work. Her mother had to fight hard with her husband to allow her to take Rachel to beauty pageants, after the little girl watched her mother getting dolled up for numerous pageants herself and wanting to be just like her when she was older. Rachel was talented, just like her mother. Her beauty apparent from a young age and it didn’t take long for her to win her first pageant. She loved competing in pageants. But what she loved even more was the time she spent with her mother. She was always so carefree and happy at the contests, a stark contrast to her usually quiet and almost depressed personality at home. She was always trying to not show Rachel how sad and worried she really was, but unfortunately it didn’t work out and Rachel had asked her more than once what was going on and why she was so sad.

"It’s nothing, my little Miss Americana, grown up stuff, nothing to worry about for you, my pretty girl." she had always said, followed by a kiss on Rachel’s forehead and a "I love you, my Rachel."

But with every year she got older she figured out more and more why her mother was so sad. And why the only times she was happy, careless and free, was when they went to pageants together. Because for a short while she could forget in what danger she was living with her daughter. What her husband did for a living. And the fear of the day where she, or worse Rachel, would have to pay the price of her husband’s job.

Ultimately she paid the price. After Rachel won the Miss Teen USA pageant in September 2016, and she had floated on cloud 9, her mother decided she deserved a treat and on the way home from Boston, where the pageant was held, she stopped at a little diner.

Rachel remembered how her mother ordered a strawberry milkshake and fries, she herself got a chocolate milkshake and fries and as soon as their food had arrived her mother looked around, a big grin on her lips before she nodded.

"No one’s watching… go!" she chimed and began dipping her fries into her milkshake.

Rachel laughed but did the same. Her father was always grossed out when his wife and daughter did that, laughing at them for their craziness, saying they better watch out or the food police would arrest them.

They were so happy that evening, her mother saying a million times how proud she was of her and what amazing and exciting times were ahead now for Rachel. But that happiness was gone in an instant when 2 men entered the dinner and her mother’s face turned to stone. She stopped laughing and looked at her daughter, shaking her head. To not draw any attention to them she silently held up her hand when the waitress looked over to them, signalling for her to come over. Paying in silence Rachel’s mother took her by the hand, guiding her outside, back into the car where she locked to doors immediately, starting the engine. She remembered how her mother called her father, telling him that two of Volkov’s men were at the diner. But before she could say anything she looked into the rear view mirror, her face turning pale when she told her husband that they were being followed. It didn’t take long for her mother to speed down the main road leading into Woburn, faster than ever before in her entire life. On speaker Rachel’s father telling her that their men were already on the way. But it was too late. She felt her mother grab onto her hand, clutching it tightly in her own, when the car was hit with something and soared through the air. She closed her eyes, holding onto the grab handle, listening to the sounds around her, when a searing pain shot through her left thigh. The pain was mind numbing and she tried her best to not focus on it. She tried to listen to the sounds around her but after a short while she only heard her own blood rushing into her ears. Then she felt her mother squeezing her hand and she opened her eyes, her first look was on the bright digital watch in the dashboard, then her mother squeezed her hand again and Rachel turned her head a little, looking at her.

"I’m so sorry, my beautiful Rachel. I love you so much." her final words as Rachel later had to find out.

After that night her father was never the same again. After that night Rachel was never the same again. She had to stay in the hospital for a couple of days, the doctors all confident that with the right care the wound on her right thigh, caused by an open break of her femur, would heal without leaving a big scar, so she could still compete in beauty pageants. But to her it didn’t matter. Without her mother she didn’t plan on continuing. And because of her not responding to any of the calls, mails or letters from the Miss Teen USA committee, regarding her upcoming tour through the United States, they stripped her off her title 6 weeks later, appointing her runner up, Caitlyn Summers, as new Miss Teen USA 2016.

Rachel absentmindedly rubbed her thigh, feeling the scarred skin through the thin fabric of her leggings. A reminder of the night that changed her life forever. That destroyed her life forever. She had to blink away tears, wiping her cheeks when Gabe knocked on the door, making her flinch.

"Rach! Dinner is ready!" his happy voice sounded through the door and the young girl cleared her throat.

"I’m coming in a minute Gabe!" she replied and listened to the sound of his steps on the gravel.

Rachel got up and looked into the mirror, wiping away the last remaining tears. It had been a while since she thought back to that night. The memories still too hurtful and real. After a minute of composure she followed Gabe back into the main house trying her best to not show the emotional turmoil she was feeling.

When Rachel went to bed that night she felt exhausted, drained, but also determined. Determined to escape her life in Woburn. Or Winchester. Escape her family. Live a happy life, just like her mother wanted her to. She would honour her mother’s last wish, give her all to do so. No matter what.

Chapter 1 - and that’s it. First chapter done. I tried something new this time, writing this story from a third-person perspective and also switching between Miss Americana/The Heartbreak Prince centred chapters. I hope you like it! Let me know what you think! 🩷💜

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos

[ihni]

Of pets, chapter 2/2

For @harringrove-flip-reverse-it day 5, prompt "Dog walks" (SFW prompt made sliiiighty NSFW)

~~~

(Read on AO3) (Chapter 1)

~~~

Jim was on his way home after work. He’d just left the station when he remembered that he’d planned to call Steve and ask him if he could pick El up the following Friday – the kid usually drove some of the boys home, and Jim had had to switch some shifts around and wouldn’t be able to make it.

Not particularly keen on turning back to the station just to use his phone, he decided to swing by instead. Harrington’s house was on the way home anyway, so it would save him time in the end.

Pulling up to the house, he parked on the side of the road – he would hopefully be out of there quickly – and walked down the long driveway to the house. He couldn’t see Harrington’s BMW around, but the door to the double garage was closed so the empty driveway didn’t mean that the kid wasn’t home.

He walked up to the door and rang the doorbell. As he stepped back and prepared to wait for someone to open, he heard what sounded like a muffled thud and something like a shout coming from somewhere inside the house. Now, Jim was a cop – a good cop. So when those sounds weren’t immediately followed by footsteps, he frowned and reached for the gun in his belt.

“Harrington?” he called. “You good?”

When there was no reply, he pulled his gun out and tried the door. It was unlocked, so he carefully made his way inside.

His trained senses catalogued everything that was out of the ordinary; there were a pair of beat-up Chucks haphazardly kicked off by the door, at the end of a neat row of more expensive sneakers. There was a jean jacket that was fraying at the seams hanging on a hook, which Jim had never seen Steve wear. And a glance into the kitchen showed two empty glasses and a pair of soda cans on the counter by the sink.

All these things pointed to another person being in the house. It could just be a friend, but Jim would rather be safe than sorry. Besides, if Steve was hanging out with a friend, why didn’t he reply?

“Steve?” Jim called again and made his way to the stairs on silent feet. “Are you in here?”

In the silence that followed, he thought he heard low voices coming from upstairs. When another thud came, he took the stairs two steps at the time. He found himself on the landing, gun at the ready. From here, he could hear hissing and shuffling from what he assumed was Steve’s room – incidentally, also the only room with the door closed.

He walked up to it and – after a brief pause to warn “I’m coming in!” – shouldered the door open.

Steve Harrington, despite the fact that he had to have heard Jim approach, jumped about a foot in the air and whirled around to face him. He was wearing jeans and a shirt with a rumpled collar. His hair was askew, he was barefoot on the carpet, and in his hand he was gripping … a leash.

The other end of the leash disappeared in the crack between the doorway and the closed door to the closet.

Jim’s eyes narrowed.

“Uh, hey Hop!” Steve said, voice cracking. His face was blotchy and red. “I didn’t … hear you there. What’s, uh, what’s up?”

A sound came from the closet, which most resembled a low whine.

“I think I should be asking you that question, son,” Jim said gruffly, but lowered the gun as it didn’t seem like anyone was in immediate danger. He turned his frown on Steve. “What’s going on?”

Steve, wearing the nervous look of any teenager about to lie to the Chief of Police, let out a fake-sounding laugh and said, “Well, I … Uh, you mean this?” He held up the end of the leash that he was still clutching. “I … I told you about my friend’s dog, right?”

“Hargrove’s dog,” Jim confirmed, and didn’t react when a sound came from the closet. “I remember.”

“Well, I’m, uh, dogsitting. And I was … just about to take him for a walk.”

“Uh-huh,” Jim said and raised one eyebrow as he looked Steve up and down, wordlessly drawing attention to the kid’s ruffled appearance. Years of experience had taught him that it was often easier to get a confession if he kept silent. Let the perpetrators talk themselves into a corner.

Steve let out another strained laugh, and attempted to smile. It mostly showed off his teeth. “I … was taking a nap first though. So I was sleeping when you showed up. Just woke up.”

“Uh-huh”, Jim repeated, and couldn’t help himself. “And did you keep the dog in the closet while you slept?” Ignoring the widening of Steve’s eyes, he went on, “Because I’m pretty sure that counts as animal abuse.”

He took a step towards the closet. Steve took a step to the side as if to stop him. Jim’s eyes narrowed further.

“Steve. Who’s in the closet?”

“No, I told you! It’s a … dog.”

So that was the story he was sticking with, huh? Giving the kid one more chance to spill, Jim waited for a second. But when nothing else was spoken, he shrugged as if saying ‘suit yourself’ and went for the closet.

Ignoring Steve’s “No, wait–!” he reached for the handle and pulled the door open.

It was obvious that the kid was trying to hide something, so he was prepared for anything – a shy girlfriend maybe, or a friend trying to hide with the booze, or possibly a real dog that was trapped in a closet – or he thought he’d been prepared for anything. The one thing he hadn’t expected to see was Billy Hargrove staring back at him with wide, fearful eyes.

Billy Hargrove, wearing only a pair of sweatpants – which looked suspiciously like they were worn backwards, like they’d been pulled on in a hurry – and with a leather collar around his neck. A familiar-looking leather collar. Which was what the other end of the leash was attached to.

There were bruises all over Hargrove’s chest. No, wait. On second thought, those were quite obviously hickies.

For a couple of heartbeats, no one moved or even seemed to breathe. Then Jim took decisive action.

By slamming the closet door shut again.

“Nope.”

“Hop –“ Steve started, and there was the same kind of fear in his voice that there had been in Hargrove’s eyes. Jim held up his hand to stop him and shook his head.

“I don’t wanna know.”

“We didn’t –“

Turning to Steve, Jim caught his eye. “Whatever you’re about to say, don’t. I don’t wanna know.”

But the kid was too upset to listen. “Please, Hop, don’t –“

Jim reached out and somewhat awkwardly pinched Steve’s lips closed, which shut him up effectively. “Here’s what’s going to happen,” Jim said and nodded to the hallway outside the room. “I’m going to go. And you’re going to let … your dog …” A choked sound came from the closet, which Jim bravely ignored, “… out of the closet. Then we’re all going to forget this ever happened, and never speak of it again. Do you understand?”

He let go of Steve and raised his eyebrows until Steve – his face tomato red – nodded and managed a shaky “Yes.”

Clearing his throat, Jim repeated, in a slightly raised voice, “Do you understand?”

A beat, then a subdued and muffled “Yes sir” came from the closet.

“Great,” Jim said, slapping his thighs. “Awesome. All right. Let’s never do this again.”

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room. He ignored the sound of Steve dashing for the closet and the frantic whispers that followed, and refused to let himself think of the implications of what he had just seen. As well as the implications of his previous interaction with Steve in the pet store. Instead, he walked downstairs, made sure to close the front door after him –making a mental note to tell the kid to lock the doors, goddammit – and then got back in the car.

He was halfway home before he allowed himself to take in the situation, and promptly barked out a laugh. ‘Billy’s dog’, Jim’s ass. And ‘take him for a walk’, sure.

Kids these days, really. They couldn’t even lie properly. Now, Jim would be the first to admit that his teenage years were far behind him, but he remembered being way better at lying than these kids.

He chuckled to himself the whole way back, and it wasn’t until he was back at the cabin that he remembered that he had planned to ask Steve about giving El a ride next Friday. Oh well. He could give the kid a call tomorrow. He had a feeling Steve wouldn’t refuse if he asked for a favor.

[dollsonmain]

Applied for veterinary receptionist job in town. I don't want to work there because these job openings have been up and down for the entire time I've been looking for work and that doesn't bode well.

It's the same clinic that was like ONE WORK/LIFE BALANCE DAY whatever that means.

But I looked at the hours the clinic is open and it's 7a - 7p most week days, 7a-5p Fridays, and 8a-12p Saturdays.

I'd rather be home in the evenings and on Saturday but we'll see. Hopefully they don't expect the receptionist to be there the WHOLE TIME and have another for early mornings or evenings with more than one on duty during the day.

Fingers crossed I can get a fucking job, even though this one will run the risk of getting cat hair in the car and bringing it home to my very allergic son.

[noffy96]

Kustard kid fic

Decided to add something to my 'Back Home' Series. Red is panicking about seeing his young son battle.

that was the whole premise. hope you all enjoy

Also Nicecreamguy/Burgerpants are here. Finally getting into this part of the story as well.

First Encounters

Word count: 6,210

Chapter 1/1

Summary:

He had to suppress another chuckle. It’s kinda funny their fight was basically seeing which of their parents was better. Also, it was kinda sweet to hear what they found cool about each of them.

“That’s it! I challenge you to a duel!” The young cat monster declared

“I accept!” Nova quickly answered with no hesitation

He felt himself freeze, as he heard those words, the grin dropping from his face as he stared at the two kids.

or

The first time a monster has a monster battle is very important. Battels is how you show affection between friends. With friendly magic attacks Their son was now at the age where he and his classmates would have them. Red had expected to hear his happy son’s ramblings about it…not see it happen. And he isn’t quite sure how to feel…seeing his 5-year-old fight

--link here to AO3--

or continue below the read more line

He stepped out of the shortcut about a block away from the school. Slowly meandering his way towards the crowd of parents picking up their children. He looked through the crowd if he spotted Sansy.

Nova would hopefully be thrilled that he was here to pick him up as well. He wondered what he had got up today. It was a Friday, so that meant free picking of activities. Which also meant, one of three things. Nova had gotten to play with the Sandbox, so his clothes needed to be washed. He did some painting again..which also meant the clothes needed to be washed. Or he played tag with the other children…

Well, it basically meant that Friday was the day that his son came out very messy and in need of a shower. But also with a big grin on his face, and maybe even a project he had worked on. And he was excited to see what it was this time.

He finally saw Sans leaning on the fence of the playground around the school talking with Napstablook. The smile on his face came a bit easier, and some tension melted away, stepping up beside his husband, wrapping an arm around him.

The collar around his own neck let out a pleasant hum, as he nodded towards the shy ghost. Who had seen him do this enough times, that he only turned a tiny bit transparent, instead of up and disappearing completely.

And he tuned into their conversation.

“Sooo….yeaaah.. We hope… we can get Dawn…enrolled… next year.”

“Yeah, I think it will be fine pal,” Sans responded.

“And if for some reason it doesn't work out, look for me at Grillby's on Wednesdays, Me and Red still have some stuff for when we were looking into clubs for Nova”

Blooky nodded happily

“Thank…youuu….you really are…kind….you…still play…trombone…at Grilby’s?”

His mate laughed.

“The whole reason I am there,”

then leaned forward to the shy ghost

“And if you and Shyren even wanna perform, just say the word,”

The shy ghost turned more transparent

“Ohh….nooo… I dunno.. I have to go….my friend….meeting…nice..to see you…Bye, Sans…Bye Red”

He raised his other arm and waved, as Napstablook floated towards the school, where a teacher seemed to be waiting for him.

“So, him and Shyren settling down after Mettanton's next tour?” he asked his husband who had crossed his arms to lean more on the fence.

“Looks like it, don’t wanna be touring all over, with their kid growing up. They want them to have friends”

He nodded. Nova was starting to make his own friends, and it was a joy to see. These would be people that he chose himself. And not. Happenstance cause they are the only couple of their age group around the block. Or within their parents' friends circle with kids which weren't many. But people his own age he could relate to and hang with. Still limited to a small class size of course but more choices than he ever had

He had heard all kinds of names come and go these first few weeks. But not yet a consistent name. Nova seemed to play with someone new every day, and he was happy to see that his son was so social. Even as it made nerves crawl at his spine sometimes.

Sans gave a short soft squeeze at his spine. Right. Nothing to worry about.

“I never get why, he is so nervous about performing at the bar, they perform for millions with Mettaton” he continued their conversation instead. Gesturing towards where Napstablook had disappeared

Sans shrugged, leaning more against him.

“Maybe it’s cause it is filled with familiar faces”

He let out a hum.

“So, how come you so early?”

The other asked while leaning over to peck his cheek.

“The workers installing the new airco for the server room came early. So we shut down so that they could start. And then we could hopefully get everything back online today instead of tomorrow”

Sans hummed.

“ Will That be your job later?”

He shook his head

“Nah, it’s Frank’s, only on call in case something goes wrong”

Sans straightened himself. And they both noticed the small heads of the children in front of the windows. He noticed children sitting next to the window peeking outside every now and then, looking for their parents instead of paying attention. It made his heart grin. He had barely any memories of going to school himself. He was sure that he did at some point, but mostly it had been Gaster teaching him.

He wouldn’t have stood for being distracted, He saw one kid stare at him through the window. Probably staring at his prosthetic arm, He leaned more on the fence bringing it more into view. Slowly swaying it back and forth. Seeing the kid follow it with his eyes. Then the kid snapped his head back. Looks like he was caught by the teacher.

Sans chuckled,

“You shouldn’t distract them”

He shrugged in response

“Not my fault, they think my arm is cool looking”

“Fair enough”

There was a brief silence, then was filled by the gentle buzz of other parents' conversations that he half paid attention to.

“By the way, Is Blue still coming over later? “ he asked remembering suddenly

“As far as I know, yes “

“So Taco’s tonight?”

“Unless our brothers bring leftovers, yes.”

“Sweet, it’s been a while”

It really had been. Blue had been back in underswap for a while. Having missed some bestie time with his Alphys. Stretch had certainly missed his younger brother. And Edge and Pap had been very busy between work and the twins. It helped of course that Stretch stayed home. But two young monsters that started to develop their magic? It had been hard with just one. The guy deserved some relaxation

“Probably means Nova gotta bath twice today”

“Wow, it would be the lowest record, we’ve set in months, Ow..Hey!”

His husband had shoved him out of his personal space

“Behave you”

He gave a gentle shove back. His lover rolled his eyes at him, as they got interrupted by the school bell.

They both straightened themselves and walked closer to the gate, waiting for their son. More and more children walked by. And as the minutes ticked on…he was slowly growing more worried

“I think I saw some of his classmates…”

He pointed out.

“Yeah…he might still be inside?” Sans stated but it came out more of a confused question

Why tho…? went through his mind

There were still quite a few people around…but most were parents with older kids.

“One more minute..and then we check?”

He asked, sticking his hands in his hoodie and Sans gave a nod of agreement Nova probably got talking with a classmate..it happened last time he was late. They were both probably worrying about nothing. But maybe he got in trouble with the teacher?

“Okay,...let’s go”

He gave a nod and followed behind Sans. Slowly they made their way through the hallways, some of the older kids running by. As their son's classroom came into sight, at the door was Toriel taking to two other adults. A blue bunny monster and an orange cat monster.

Oh, that is the guy that sold the Nicecreams. And the guy that used to sell the burgers at MTT resort back underground. At least…he looked like a grown-up version of that kid from his dimension. And unlike Stretch and Blues Home. Most lookalikes were pretty one-to-one here.

Toriel turned to face us

“Oh, Sans, Red, good to see you both”

She greeted the both of them with a warm smile, She didn’t seem to be panicking so that was a good sign. Nova was likely still here. But he also knew the boss monster poker face could be really good.

“Hey, Tori, Nova hasn’t shown up yet, is he still here”

Sans asked her with an air of familiarity that some people found rude to speak with the former queen. No matter how long it has been or how she insists that people act casually.

The boss monster gave a nod, and he felt his own chest ease

“Yes he is, I made him help clean up, as he and Roman have been getting into some spats all day”

The Nicecream guy smiled apologetically

“I am so sorry for the trouble miss Toriel”

She turned to the other pair of parents with the same patient smile.

“Oh don’t be dear, It’s a good teaching moment, and your kids aren't the first, and won’t certainly be the last,”

“What made them start fighting?”

He asked her. As far as he knows. Nova hadn’t gotten into any fights before today. Well nothing more than what could have been resolved at the end of the day Toriel made a sound between a sigh and a chuckle

“Roman was convinced someone had stepped on his cape. Nova pointed out it actually got stuck between some bags. And basically been a back and forth ever since, nobody could back up either one of them”

The orange monster nudged his partner.

“Told you the cape was a bad idea”

The blue one rolled his eyes in response. They got interrupted by shouting coming from the classroom they stood in front of.

“No, I AM not!”

That was their son's voice.

“Yes you are, you are just jealous!”

Came a different child's voice

“Noooo!”

“Yess!"

They all glanced inside as Toriel sighed, and stated the rather obvious.

“They are it again”

The five of them walked into the classroom. And in the center of the room were the two children. Nova seemed to have thrown a rag on the ground, the sleeves of his dark purple hoodie a bit wet from cleaning. Across him was a blue-haired cat monster. Who was wearing what looked like a handmade prince costume. Complete with a handmade paper crown and a toy sword. And of course, as indicated before. There was a bright red cape strapped to his shoulders

Toriel stepped forward and spoke up using her teacher's voice.

“Boy’s, this doesn’t look like cleaning”

Both boys crossed their arms and looked embarrassed.

“But miss Toriel.” Nova started

“No Nova, It doesn’t matter who started it, you were supposed to work together”

Nova crossed his arms again and sent a glare to the side. His eyes looked back every once in a while like Sans also does when he is frustrated.

“I am not working together with someone who calls me a poopyhead” he muttered

And the other kid let out a loud gasp

“Well, I am not working with someone who calls me a dumdum!”

He puffed out his chest as he turned away. Nova turned back in response All of them tried to hold back some giggles at their children's small argument and childish insults. As Nova turned back around angrily. Getting right back to the argument

“Well, maybe you should listen to Miss Toriel. So I don't need to repeat it"

“And last time I checked, you aren’t Miss Toriel so I don’t gotta listen to you”

The blue monster stuck out his tongue

“Yeah you do, I am older!” Nova argued

“I am taller!” Roman responded

“My pops is friends with Miss Toriel” Nova pointed at Sans who could only shake his head in amusement

“Well my dad makes ice cream, which is way better” The child waved his arms toward the blue bunny monster next to them

“Kids” Toriel spoke up. Trying to cut in between their arguments. But both kept going

“My dad has a cool robotic arm,” Nova said pointing at him

“My papa wrote Mettaton's best play!” The blue-haired child said pointing at the orange one of his two fathers

“My dad's a better fighter!”

“My dad taught me how to fight!”

“Pops did too!”

“Oh yeah! Bet you are bad at it!”

“nu-uh!“

“Ye-ah!”

“Children, please” Toriel sighed impatiently

He had to suppress another chuckle. It’s kinda funny their fight was basically seeing which of their parents was better. Also, it was kinda sweet to hear what they found cool about each of them.

“That’s it! I challenge you to a duel!” The young cat monster declared

“I accept!” Nova quickly answered with no hesitation

He felt himself freeze, as he heard those words, the grin dropping from his face as he stared at the two kids. Beside him, the Nicecreamguy stepped forward.

“Roman come now, there is no need for that"

"Actually I think it's a great idea!" Toriel said. And everyone in the room turned to gape at her.

“You mean that Miss Toriel? "

The young cat monster asked, stars seeming to fill his eyes

“of course my child, I think it would be a good opportunity for the both of you"

Toriel said while continuing to smile kindly. Meanwhile, the feelings of dread didn't subside The young cat monster let out a small cheer and then pointed at Nova with a sneer.

"You will taste my crushing defeat, you foul beast"

Foul beast!?! What kind of language was that? No monster called another one a beast unless they wanted to be like the humans that still tried to drive them back underground. He was shocked at the kid's language but was even more surprised when Nova only rolled his eyes. Was this kind of behavior normal?!

Then the orange cat monster that stood next to him spoke up gruffly

"Roman! That was not very princely of you. Was it now?…you know better. What does a prince do?"

The kid's ears flattened and suddenly looked quite embarrassed. And inwardly he sighed as he felt Sans settle a hand on the low of his back.

"Always be kind, even when fighting you don't go for the same tactics as the villain"

The monster next to him nodded. While the blue-haired one let out a chuckle in between font and tired. Like this was something they had to deal with regularly

His eyes flicked between the kid and his parents. As he took in the uniform of the orange guy. It was of one of the employees of the theatre. And he started back at the child's costume. And it all just clicked

The kid was not a bully. Just a theater kid with the flair of the dramatic.

He looked at the kid again. The young child was probably just parroting what he heard from plays and movies Not yet fully realizing what all the things he said could mean. Luckily Nova didn't seem bothered by the name calling so he could let it slide.

"Tori, don't like to be the skeptical one. But you are sure this is safe?" Sans spoke up beside him as they all looked back up at the boss monster who simply clapped her hands together delighted.

"More than my good friend, I wouldn't suggest it, if it wasn't. But the classroom is hardly the place for a friendly battle. Let us go outside "

The grown-ups gave some skeptical looks all around and followed the two excited kids and boss monster outside to the outdoor field.

Toriel grabbed a stick from the ground and drew two lines in the sand. And directed both children behind one each. And both took their position, bouncing excitedly.

Toriel stood in the middle overlooking the would-be battlefield, addressing them all.

“Okay, I am laying out the rules. And if they are broken that means you have lost the duel. Understand boys?"

"Yes miss Toriel,” both boys said.

He shifted uneasily, as Toriel had herded the four of them behind her. A good view, but not one that could easily interfere with the battle. He could feel the nervous energy around them. He trusted this Toriel. She was kind and had taught many kids over the years. She knew what she was doing. Didn't mean he had to like it.

“First. We are only using magic attacks. No objects are to be picked up and thrown or any form of physical contact. Only throwing magic attacks Am I clear?".

Both boys nodded.

'We are just going for one point. So focus on dodging each other's patterns. So the first hit wins."

Nova nodded again. But slowly the other kid raised his hand.

"We…we are only trying to get a hit in…and not like…not take hp off right?"

He fidgets in place. Ears flicking back and forth.

"Because… I don't wanna … " the boy trailed off looking worried.

He gave a half smile, seemed he really misjudged that kid at first glance, man he was getting rusty. Or he was doing the overprotective parent thing again. Likely the latter.

But his son's response kinda shocked him

"What? Suddenly afraid to hurt me!? " Nova slapped his own chest. "Don't you dare underestimate me! I am sturdy!"

Sans sighed beside him. And he himself let out a little hopeless laugh. Sans seemed intent on speaking up. When Roman cut him off.

"We all know you got the lowest hp in our class! You may be a meanie but I don’t wanna send you to the hospital!"

The kid genuinely looked distressed. And it made something awkward stir in his chest. He knew how Nova felt about his low hp. He also hated what people thought of he, or sans for that matter were fragile for their single hp.

But it also soothed him that this kid was looking out for Nova. Probably aware of how much damage an attack could actually do and what that could mean. It was a rare trait to find, especially in kids.

The Nicecreamguy leaned over and nervously asked Sans.

"Sorry to ask like this…but how much hp, DOES he have?"

He turned to glare at the tall bunny. But was surprised by Sans strong hold on his spine and answering honestly before he could tell him to mind his own damm business.

"Five….and Roman?"

To his surprise, the blue guy let out a sigh of what seemed relief. While the orange cat looked mildly horrified.

"Thank goodness. The highest damage Ro can do is three. Then I ain't too worried and Roman sits at eighteen"

Wow…pretty high for a kid that age, he thought as the blue guy's partner stuttered.

"five…just five…? That's…"

He cut him off with a growl

"More than we thought he would ever have"

The cat's jaw clicked shut. And to his surprise, the bunny chuckled

"Don't worry Cal. If Sans could handle Papyrus's teenage energy with less hp than that. Then I am sure his son can too"

The orange monster stared between his own husband and Sans with wide eyes. And Sans gave a hearty chuckle

"Not just Paps. I remember you and your siblings chugging a few attacks my way back then as well Felix"

“Sucks to be the oldest.”

"Oi, you weren't the youngest either." Sans accused him and the blue bunny shrugged.

"Not the oldest either. So your brother got younger sibling solidarity"

The two of them gave each other what seemed a fist bump of understanding. While he and the orange guy just gave each other a look of mutual confusion.

He had personally never hanged with the bunny's back when he still was in Underfell. But then again. There had been a lot more territorial spats between the bunnies and dogs. Long before he and his brother ever arrived in Snowdin.

Here the two groups of monsters seemed to get along. At least from what he could tell when he visited Sans at Grilby's for his jig. But the dogs seemed to invite every and anyone into their game nights anyway.

They all looked up when Toriel coughed loudly.

“If the audience would be silent, we are about to begin.”

The woman had a small grin that told him that she was enjoying telling them off. Especially as the two kids snickered as well. It seemed the boss monster had managed to settle the situation between the kids as well as they had been talking.

Toriel turned fully back around.

“Any more questions?”

Both kids shook their heads and steadied themselves.

“Begin”

The soft pressure of a battle starting began to fill the air. And Nova had the first move, it surprised him for half a second before realizing it had been Roman who challenged him and not the other way around. Nova took a deep breath. Placing his hand on the ground, and summoning three small bones in a line sending them towards Roman.

He gave a proud groin as the summoned attacks held. And watched as the cat’s eyes widened but managed to jump over them easily. Responding with a simple round magic bullet most kids learn early on. It didn’t have a lot of speed so Nova stepped out of the way easily as well.

He was feeling a weird combination of tension and calm. He had the feeling he had to be looking everywhere. That everyone here was a threat, and could any second. Would step in and interrupt the battle. Making it much more dangerous.

He never really got used to the turn-based system they had here. But at the same time. Seeing how small and weak the kids' attacks still were. Made him ease. It was like seeing Nova roughhousing with kids in the neighborhood the first few times. Nervewerking sure. But you slowly learn when the play fighting stays that way or turns into actual fights.

A couple of turns passed like that. Both kids easily avoid each other's attacks. Both only used small white bullets. After Nova’s first attack. He wondered if Nova had tried to imitate their ‘strongest attack first’ strategy from stories he must have heard from his Uncles at this point.

It was Roman’s turn again. Who was looking at his paws frustrated. Beside him, he saw the blue Bunny’s arm rise up. Before being quickly halted, by his orange-haired partner.

“He gotta do it himself, Felix. No hints”

“Right…Right, sorry..”

Sans's hand had migrated from his spine to around his hips during the battle but was now warming itself inside his hoodie pocket right now. Where his own clenched fist was hidden.

He gave a quick glance at his husband, but when he felt the hand move in the limited space his grin turned up a grad.

Seemed the Blue guy next to them wasn’t the only one who was having trouble keeping down the hints. As he slowly intertwined their fingers together to stop the hand signs at all.

Roman let out a grow of frustration as he shot off another pattern of bullets. They were a bit more erratic As the frustrations messed with his aim. Nova managed to dodge out of the way of all of them, but only just so. The last one had nearly hit him. He stood still just in time for it to fly past him.

He felt his own soul almost jump out of his chest as he saw it nearly hit his son in the side. But somehow managed to not move an inch forward even though he really wanted to. Nova panted a few times with a scared look in his eyes. But then a grin overtook his face that reminded him of his own.

Nova was having fun.

Nova was having his first actual battle, and he was clearly having the time of his life.

“Almost Got me. But it aint good enough! Prepare yourself!” Nova Declared.

He took a deep breath. And Nova’s eye flashed for a second. Which made his soul thrum anxiously and excitedly. Nova spread his arms beside him and summoned two really big bones taller that were than himself. One on each end of the battlefield only leaving space in the middle to pass through. But it was smaller than Roman could fit.

Sweat was breaking out of his son's face. Struggling to keep the bones summoned. Then with all his might, he swung his arms forward making them move towards the blue cat boy. Nova was shivering as he did it. And they were not moving quickly at all. But Roman had nowhere to run. Unless he wanted it to count as fleeing

The kid's eyes looked scared for a brief moment. The parents beside them trembling with probably the same feelings of wanting to step in and interrupt. But then the young boy's eyes filled with determination. And what surprised everyone he ran towards the moving bones.

“Roman?!” The blue-haired father of the boy suddenly exclaimed in panic

“What is he?!” Sans muttered worriedly.

All of them had taken a step forward. But where stopped when Toriel had held her arm out. Making them all pause. He saw the young cat monster near the gap, Surprised that Nova didn’t let the wall fall at all. Out of exhaustion, surprise, or both. No, he was shaking badly. But he kept the attack up. Heels digging into the ground. His other eye started blazing as well with the magic input. Giving up a dark-blue nearly purple glow.

Roman got closer and closer. Then he jumped and twisted his body a bit. But then…Roman just…squeezed through the widest part near the top. His body seemed to morph into just a little so that he could slip through easily. He landed on all four of his limbs before standing up with a smile. His Crown has flown off in his sprint.

Beside him, he heard a loud groan and grew worried as the tall bunny fell to his knees hand over his heart.

“Shoot…right..he’s part cat..how do I keep forgetting”

His partner laughed at him. But it had been filled with anxiety. “Dunno babe, you’ve seen him slip through tighter spaces.”

“Uugh, kindly shut up love.” the taller one said as he got back up. Still shaking lightly

His own arms were trembling. But that exchange made him grin a bit. It seems the four of them were way more terrified then. The children and the teacher in front of them.

He stared back at the battle. Both boys were panting, and also slightly shaking. The end of the battle was approaching.

“My-My…My TURN!”

Roman said in between pants. Holding his hands together. Exclaiming a shout of triumph as he suddenly held something round and white in his hands. Seemingly having conjured his own attack this time. instead of the standard bullet.

"Take this!"

The blue cat threw whatever he had made. It was a bit powdery, and flakes were falling off.

“Huh..wait what?!” the kid seemed suddenly confused. Under what Roman had just thrown, patches of ice were forming where the flakes were landing.

But it mattered little as Roman was of course now closer than he had been before. Nova had no way of avoiding the incoming snowball and threw his hands up instinctively. Making a small bone appear and it was sent hurling towards Roman as well.

“Ah!"

"No!"

Nova hadn’t been quick enough to catch the snowball and it hit him square in the face making him fall backwards. At the same time, the young cat tried to step away from the accidentally thrown bone, slipped on his own ice landing face-first into the dirt.

The feeling of a battle stopped as they both hit the ground. All four of them quickly rushed forward. But before any words were spoken by the adults

Nova had sat back up with wide star eyes, looking towards his fallen-over opponent.

“Dude you can make snow?!”

The cat monster was slowly getting up but slipped again. Falling into the dirt again, with a little groan.

“Ow…ye-yeah?”

They all stood still as Nova quickly got up and rushed over to Roman to steady him as he got up a second time. There was some dirt stuck to his fur, but he seemed fine

“That is so cool! You can have a snowball fight every day!”

The Cat boy grinned.

“Me?! What about you?! How did you make that huge attack?! Darwin is always bragging about making the biggest construct but that was way cooler! Why have you never shown it before?! “

“That was my first time doing it” Their son exclaimed proudly.

“No way!? I don’t believe you” Roman was gaping

Nova scratched the back of his head sheepishly

“I haven’t. Truly. My uncle has been trying to teach me how to make this like…Really tall bone. Just like he can. That is part of his. ‘Super cool regular attack’ But I never managed anything bigger than my leg. Let alone two! But you got me really fired up with that wild attack pattern! I just had to try!”

He let out a shaky laugh. A few seconds ago they had been at each other's throats but now they were both gushing about each other's moves. Toriel was smiling satisfied.

Right… battles were meant to forge bonds of friendships. Not like where he was from. Where everything was kill or be killed. Isn’t that why his Edge and he still sparred regularly? They might say it’s because no one else could keep up with their style of fighting. But that was just not true. It was their own form of bonding. Even if it left a lot more bruises than anything the kids here could come up with.

Nova got rid of some of the dirt on top of Roman's head.

"Also look at all this ice!", Nova pointed behind them. Continuing on excitedly "I don't think I ever saw you do that in class?"

"That has never happened before. I didn't know that. Could happen" The boy stared at the small patches of ice

"Never?"

"Never" he shook his head to confirm

"So cool!" Nova muttered. And the other boy flushed proudly.

Nova had wiped away the last of the dirt and now seemed to be absentmindedly playing with the kids' ears. Clearly finding them interesting

“I didn’t hurt you? Did I? I didn’t mean to throw that last attack!”

The young cat's ear twisted, leaning slightly into the light petting he received happily... And shook his head

“No not at all!” then seemed to pause for a moment and said with a huge toothy grin. “I’m sturdy”

Both kids burst out laughing, holding each other up through their giggles.

Toriel walked towards them and gently grasped both their shoulders. And knelt between them.

“You both did very well, I hope this has settled everything”

Both boys nodded excitedly.

“Then it is time for both of you to head home, don't you two say”

He smiled as Nova, locked eyes with them. Stars in his eyes. Clearly very eager to start gushing about what just happened.

“Uh…Nova..wait..please”

They all looked at the small cat monster, whose ears flattened as all eyes landed on him when he spoke. He clearly was surprised that everyone looked but he took a step forward and addressed their son.

“Uh…I’m…I’m sorry for calling you names all day. I just….well..” He bristled and shrugged

“Dunno…I was really convinced someone had stepped on the cape…And thought you were suggesting I was dumb. But you are pretty cool. So..yeah...Sorry..”

It was quiet around them for a couple of seconds. Before Nova rushed forward and enveloped the other monster in a hug.

“I’m sorry too. You aren't dumb. I was just trying to help. And didn't want anyone getting accused of something they didn't do”

The young cat looked happy, then guilty, and then happy again

“Hey…how about next week we play together!” He said as Nova pulled out of the hug, keeping a hold of Nova’s shoulders.

“Yeah! That be awesome! I would love to see you make that snow up close!”

“Sure!, but then you gotta try and make another big bone wall!”

“Deal!”

Both kids stepped fully out of the hug and shook hands like they just made a business deal instead of a playdate.

Before both let go and ran towards their parents. And he couldn’t help but smile at his son’s beaming face.

“Dad, Pops! Did you see how big that attack was? It was almost as big as Uncle Paps! “

It hadn’t been. But he wasn’t gonna burst that bubble. Sans chuckled picking up their excited child. And nuzzling his skull affectionately

“It sure was, little star”

He gave Nova a firm affectioned rub on his back

“Well done Starburst, Also excellent evading skills. Have you been practicing when we weren't looking”

Nova nodded.

“I let Selene and Solis throw cushions at me and avoided them!”

Oh boy…so that is why the twins were giving their parents such a hard time. He and Sans shared a look that went over their son’s head. Seemed they needed to have a conversation with their kid in the future about not Involving his younger cousins in training when they haven’t even learned to summon to control magic yet.

“I can’t wait to tell everyone! We are gonna see them this weekend right?!”

Nova swung his head between the two of them. Trying to see who would answer. Still bursting with energy that only a five-year-old can have.

He gave his son a smile

“Well, your uncle Blue is coming home early so-”

“YAy~!”

His son's cheering cut him off causing him to chuckle. Nova loved family nights, but most of all surprise family nights. And after a day like this, he was sure, his son was gonna talk everyone's ear off the second he had the chance.

They turned to face the other small family. Roman was being held against the blue bunny’s hip, much the same as Nova was. The young boy also still smiling ear to ear.

“It was nice to see you again Sans. I am sure this isn't gonna be the last” The blue bunny said with a smile.

Sans laughed,

“No, I think not. We’ll come by the shop sometime.”

Both boy's eyes widened

“Really!”

“Promise?!”

Both of them exclaimed. He sighed at the kids' enthusiasm. And he answered

“Sure, Well buy you something as a treat for an amazing fight from both of you”

The orange cat scoffed. As the kids gushed excitedly

“You might wanna make it a treat, but this one ain't gonna let you pay, and make it his own treat instead.” He pointed his thumb at his husband. Then he tried to soothe Roman's excited wriggling so he wouldn't fall out of his father's arms.

“Callied…please” The Nicecreamguy rolled his eyes.

“What I AM, right? Ain't I Felix?"

“That isn't the reason and you know it” the blue-haired guy sighed again.

“Still right you ain't gonna let them pay. Are I?"

His partner didn't deny it.

He liked the rough orange guy he decided The guy seemed fun from everything he heard him say today. Plus he respects a guy that didn’t mind calling people out on their shit. Be it good-natured or otherwise.

They all waved and said their goodbye Nova finally grew tired in Sans's hold, leaning against his chest sleepily. Not surprising with how much magic he had used. Especially for that last attack.

As Sans stood still just outside the gate. So he could hold him a bit more securely around his hip. While he tugged his son’s hoodie a bit more around him. As he slowly dozed off. Giving his skull a brief kiss. Meeting Sans's eyes for a second.

“Yeah…yeah, I know he’s fine. Not even a single hp was taken off. “

He mumbled at the unasked question

“I ain't judging you Dear. I nearly ran in myself a couple of times”

He eyed his mate again, who raised him a single browbone. Trying to dare and contradict him

“It didn’t show Sweetheart, probably for the best…for his sake”

Nova let out a soft grumble and then snoozed on.

“Probably, wouldn’t have wanted to interrupt that”

No…it was a good thing for their son to learn and fight his own battles. Friendly or otherwise. Knowing that in the future could handle himself. Even if I did now it had happened in a controlled environment. Still hard to stand there and do nothing the entire time.

He nodded. And they walked home.

Seeing his son fight had been nerve-wracking. Downright bone-chilling and made his soul give out nearly five times. But he was also damm proud he had seen it. The smile on his son’s face. The way he was now lying so satisfied in their arms. How neither He nor the young cat monster had cared who had won in the end. Both were just excited that they had been allowed to have a friendly battle at all. It all made him just that more thankful that he could have these moments.go, witness.

Little did they know then. That they hadn’t just watched their son’s first fight. They also had seen him make his very best friend

[joemama-2]

oh my god FUCKING MEI MEI???? toji is in the story too????? oh godddd everything is about to go to shit 😭😭😭😭 i have some questions though about the timeline... i think it was in the first chapter where you said satoru and reader broke up 7 years ago but koji is 5? and in this chapter satoru walked into his office and his parents waited for him on monday but then later reader and koji meet mr sato about the rent on friday and she calls satoru about it saying he only found out about the meeting for sunday THAT day?? did he lie to her, and keep that information from her from monday to friday, when he just saw them the day before on thursday when he watched koji?? why didnt he tell her then? how much time has passed since she met suguru and then satoru until this meeting with the parents?? because now it seems like 2-3 weeks have passed, but then everything is also happening within the same week. he also took a whole week off to go to his private house but then when did he meet with reader and koji?? they have met a total of 3 times i think so im very confused about the timeline... also during the board dinner thing satoru at one point turns to YOU, while reader is at home with koji watching the news, so i think that one was an editing mistake?

anyway... fuck satorus parents, how can they be so insensitive?? and to argue about koji being a mistake and secret and also telling his mother she should have aborted him IN FRONT OF HIM?? children pay more attention than you think how the fuck did they think it was a good idea to have a conversation this serious in front of the boy?? fuck them fr 😤😤😤 i was so relieved to see satoru and reader on the same side trying to protect THEIR son!!! but now that this information has leaked im reaaally worried about the world this family is entrenched in, that shit felt scary and ominous as hell 😭 im so scared for reader and i hope satoru can protect the two of them as best he can!! but at some point its also like.... pack up everyone lets go to italy for the rest of our lives lmaoo 😭😭 lets have a normal and peaceful life and fuck all yall rich bastards cosplaying as white sharks 😭😭😫 great chapter i was on the edge of my seatttt 💪🏼

LOL ur so right. so i i was writing chapter 3 and rereading my work but then thought wait the years literally doesn’t make sense. when outlining, for some reason i thought it did so i had to go back and change my work. (hoping yall wouldn’t notice LOL) 😔

the board meeting edit, yes thank you for pointing that out because i was split screening and looking at what i was currently writing, versus what i was going to write AFTER.

and the day mix up, YOURE LITERALLY SO RIGHT. guys forgive me for my continuity errors im so dumb. in my head, i put monday as the first scene, but as i continued to write, i was thinking it was all a friday. so satoru and reader talked THAT friday, she had TWO days until she was supposed to meet his parents, and decided the FOLLOWING day.

my intentions were that ever since satoru first saw yn at the cafe with mr. ito, that is when he stopped going to work. if you remember, i made it clear that her and mr. ito met on a saturday, he met koji the next day. i’m going to edit my chapter, take out the monday phrase in. the beginning. let’s all pretend that didn’t happen and everything happened on a friday 😗 hence why it would be around a week and everyone was freaking

ahhh im so embarrassed but thank you for telling me i really appreciate that

thank you so much for this feedback ☺️ . koji is a smart kid, just naive and innocent ofc all kids are. the public eye will be annoying in this fic, but with satoru and reader already showing signs of somewhat being on the same page, hopefully they can prevail through this all. and yes, y/n would LOVE a vacation to italy

[roosterforme]

OH MY GOD I DONT KNOW IF ANYONE HAD SENT AN ASK FOR THIS ONE BUT HOLY SHJT I NEED IT I NEED IT I NEED IT!!!!!!!!

-Roo and BG The What If Collection (Bradley x Baby Girl) Carole and Goose learn that their son and his wife are expecting a baby.

Oh my goodness, here's a tiny little snippet! I absolutely love how this next installment is going to unfold! Hopefully it will be ready soon!

You felt so sick ever since you bought the new Bronco, you were beginning to think you were allergic to it or something. When you drove home from work on Friday, you had to pull over to throw up when you were about two blocks from the house. "It's gotta be the flu," you gasped. wiping your mouth with a tissue. Your head was pounding, and you felt like a weird combination of sick and starving. 

WIP ask game

[running-tweezers]

~ Pictures Of You - Part 6 ~

A look back at Zephyr’s night in the club. And what happened with Mercutio.

Rated M

Words

CW: Manipulation, Misgendering, Alcohol, Sexual Assault

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

~ June 3, 1989 ~

“Look Zeph, I know you think this is important or whatever,” Vanessa whispered, glancing back towards the living room where all the family was gathered. “But I think you’re making a mistake.”

“I’m sorry, I just… I have to go.” Zephyr pressed their back against the wood paneled wall of the hallway, trying to avoid any prying eyes. “Besides, you owe me.”

“Owe you for what?”

“You remember that waitress from TGI Friday’s? Or the girl who worked at the pretzel place in the mall? Or maybe that fling you had that summer when you worked at the pool, I did a lot of the heavy lifting there…”

“Son of a bitch...” She hissed the words through her teeth. They knew they’d won. They’d backed up their cousin’s cover stories for years. It was about time she repaid the favor.

“So?” Zephyr stood their ground crossing their arms over their chest.

“Fine. Yes. I’ll cover for you. But I still think you’re making a mistake. You promised her you’d be here.”

“I was here! I showed up! Besides, she doesn’t really care that much about this Americanized birthday stuff anyway. The aunties just wanted an excuse to get together. Plus it’s not like I don’t see her every day.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Listen, if I don’t get out of here soon I’m gonna be late, and he’s gonna get pissed off. I still need to get back home and get dressed. Can we argue about my stupid mistakes another time?”

“So you agree, this is a stupid mistake?”

They didn’t answer. They couldn’t. Instead they turned to make their way towards the back door with a quiet huff.

“Just do it.”

————————————

Zephyr glanced at the time before ducking out of the cab and taking off towards the club. Almost there. Just have to walk a few city blocks. Or maybe run at this point.

God, they hoped he wasn’t mad.

The weather was not helping things. The clouds had been threatening rain all day, leaving the night air hot and sticky with humidity. They kept their face down staring at their feet, and pushed through, even as they felt their makeup sweating off. It didn’t look great to begin with tonight. They had to do it as quickly as possible, since Vanessa threw off their whole carefully thought out timetable by trying to lecture them. Like she was any better. Hopefully she was following through with the lie they’d agreed on.

“Oh did you not see him leave? Jamie went back home, he’s not feeling good, some kind of stomach bug. He said he didn’t want to give it to anyone here.”

Maybe not the strongest cover story, but it would do in a pinch. The family would all be at his auntie’s place far into the night. They could go to the club, stay long enough for Mercutio to be satisfied, then be in bed before their grandma got back. It would work. It had to work.

They cut the line and made their way inside, trading the muggy night for a smoke filled room. Their shirt clung to their skin in all the wrong ways. Teased up hair fell limp. Makeup melted down their face. They looked awful. Thank god it was so dark inside. They would rather die than let Mercutio see them all plain and boring and ugly.

“Zephyr!” Mercutio left his seat as soon as he saw them, gliding across the space between to close the gap. “I knew you’d show up.”

“Yeah, of course,” Zephyr answered with a weak smile. “I told you I would.”

“It’s late.” He leaned in closer to be heard above the noise of the club. “I was starting to worry you’d abandoned me after all.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” Apologies were starting to feel like the default response to him most of the time. “I had to find a way out of my family thing.”

“Well. I’m glad to see you’re a man who keeps his promises.”

‘You promised her you’d be here.’

Vanessa’s words crept into their mind, twisting their stomach into a knot of guilt. Right alongside it was the lingering twinge of discomfort they felt when he referred to them as a ���man’. They could’ve sworn they told him they didn't like that.

They shrugged it off. He must have forgotten.

“You seem tense, darling.” Mercutio’s hand snaked across their back to their shoulder as he led them across the floor to the bar. The casual contact made their heart race. This close they could smell the heady scent of his cologne, mingled with the clove hanging from his lips. “Band’s going on in about 10 minutes. How about we get you loosened up, huh?” Mercutio snapped his fingers to get the bartender’s attention. “Hey! Can I get a Midori sour over here for Zephyr?”

“Oh, no you don’t have t—“

“Don’t worry about it,” Mercutio interrupted, not even looking at them. “It’s on me.”

“I know, but still, I don’t—“

He turned his head back towards them. His casual tone and suave grin couldn’t cover the daggers in his eyes and the tightening grip on their shoulder. “I insist.”

His words sent ice through their veins. His offer seemed a lot less friendly, and a lot more demanding.

A small, “ok, sure,” was all they managed to choke out.

In a matter of moments, the glass was all but shoved into their hand.

“There you go,” Mercutio smiled down at them, smug as ever. “Relax, love. Have a drink.” He took a drag of his cigarette and exhaled slowly, smoke clouding around the two of them. “It’s gonna be a good night.”

——————————

Zephyr gulped down the last of the syrupy sweet green concoction in their hand. How many was that now? 5? 6? They weren’t sure. They abandoned the glass on the nearest surface and steadied themself against it.

The familiar scent of cologne and smoke caught their attention. They melted into arms circling their waist from behind.

“You doing alright, Zephyr?” Mercutio’s silky voice murmured in their ear.

The giggle escaped them before they could even register it. “Mm-hm,” they hummed out the answer, leaning their head back against his chest. It felt so nice. Warm. Grounding. Their eyes slipped closed. Mercutio’s laugh snapped them back open.

“I told you,” he spoke softly, nuzzling into their neck. “They pour them stronger back here.”

Back here. In the VIP room. They were in the VIP room. For very important people. For Mercutio and the band and the others he deemed special enough to join him. And they were one of those people. They were chosen. They were special.

“The band’s heading out,” he said. “You want one more before the bar shuts down?”

They felt their head nod.

His lips brushed the shell of their ear. “Good boy.”

As soon as there was another full glass in their hand, they immediately started downing it without a second thought. The burn from the vodka was gone. It was just sweet and tart and went down smooth. As smooth as Mercutio’s hand running down to their lower back as he led them back to the couches lining the corner of the room. They were empty now. The band left.

Zephyr took a second to scan the dim, smoky room. Everyone was gone. Except for them and Mercutio. The only two left. Their vision blurred the more they looked around, like the whole world was on a half second delay. They reached out to Mercutio to regain their bearings.

“I got you, baby.” He took their hands and led them down onto the couch with him. Not the couch. His lap. They were in his lap, straddling his thighs. He plucked the empty glass from their hand and placed it on the table in front of them. His warm grip circled their waist as he leaned forward. He was so so close.

“I thought they’d never leave.” Mercutio rolled his eyes. “I’ve been waiting all night for some time alone with you, Zephyr.”

They giggled again. It sounded so good when he said their name.

“You’re having a good time, yeah?” He swept back a tendril of hair that had fallen into their face. “You certainly look like you are.”

“Yeah ‘m havin’ a good time.” Talking took a lot of concentration. But they had to, they still had things to discuss. “The band… they gave me a tape—“ They clumsily reached around to feel that it was still there in their back pocket. “‘M gonna play it on the show… When you come on.”

“Oh right. You wanted me on your show.”

“Yeah. Th-Thursday night… 1–“

“1 AM, yes I know.” Mercutio finished the sentence for them. “You’ve said it before. You talk about it a lot.”

“Oh…. ‘M sorry.”

“It’s ok, love.” He slid his hands farther down to their hips. “You don’t need to think about boring stuff like that right now.”

“But… we need…”

“Shhhh…” His thumbs rubbed slowly back and forth against the fabric of their shirt as he spoke. It was almost hypnotic. Zephyr felt themself drifting further from the topic at hand with every stroke. “I’ll be there.”

“But… you don’ even know the address ‘n stuff…”

“Don’t you worry about it, we can take care of that later, ok?”

Mercutio’s hands slipped a little farther down, still stroking their hips with that same rhythm. They nodded. What were they even talking about, again?

“Good. We have more fun things to think about right now.”

“Like… like what?”

They felt a low chuckle rumble from his chest.

“You’re a little tease, you know that?” Mercutio purred. “This whole, wide-eyed, innocent, adoration thing you have going on? All shy for me. While looking like you do?” He pulled them closer onto his lap, rolling his hips against them. “It’s irresistible. It’s been so hard to control myself, with all these people around.” His lips brushed their ear again. “Now we can finally have some fun.”

Before they had completely understood what he said, his mouth had overtaken their own. A blur of lips and tongue and hands and skin, and all the sensations that came with them. So much fucking sensation.

Suddenly their back hit the suede underneath them. They were laying down now, with Mercutio looming above. His face was a blur, but they were pretty sure he was smiling. That smug smile. Their brain and body felt entirely disconnected.

“Relax, baby.” His voice sounded so distant.

A sudden glimmer of clarity hit them as they realized what was happening. Their shirt had been sloppily untucked. Their belt undone. Mercutio looked down at them with hungry eyes as he worked on his own.

They didn’t want this. Not like this.

“Wait… wait, s-stop.” The muttered words escaped on their own, without any more thought. “I don’… I don’t…”

Mercutio stopped in his tracks. “You don’t, what?”

“I don’ want this…”

His face twisted into confusion. “What the fuck are you talking about, of course you want this.”

“I don’t…”

“Don’t play coy with me. You’ve wanted this so bad.” He leaned down to press disarming kisses into their neck. “You make it so obvious. You trip all over yourself for me. You follow me around like a lost puppy. Hell, you even abandoned your family to come see me tonight, did you not?”

His words sunk in as he continued unbuttoning his pants. Fuck. Did they want this?

“I wanna give you what you want.” He kept talking, but they could only keep a grasp on every few words. “So just relax, ok love?”

They wanted to be noticed. They wanted his attention. They wanted to be around such a huge personality in the scene. They wanted the opportunities he could give them. They wanted to be special. They wanted him to care about them. To love them.

But not this. This didn’t feel like any of that. This felt… wrong.

“No… I don’ wanna...” They attempted to sit up, only to be quickly guided back down by a stern hand to their chest.

“Yes.” Mercutio insisted. His eyes stared icily down at them. “You do.”

Their head felt foggier and foggier by the moment, but that triggered a rush of primal fear through their nervous system. They pushed him away, scrambling to their feet, still holding onto the arm of the couch.

Mercutio rolled his eyes. “I don’t understand why you’re acting like this, Zephyr. You don’t need to be so dramatic.”

The rest of the room around them faded in and out of focus. They squeezed their eyes shut. “I… I can’t…”

“I let you into my world, I treat you so well, I give you all these opportunities, and this is how you’re gonna act?”

His words barely registered. Their stomach lurched. They had to leave.

Running on pure adrenaline, they pushed through, one foot in front of the other, until they were back in the crowded club. A place that was once so freeing and safe, had turned into somewhere so disorienting and dangerous. They stumbled through the crowd, muttering quiet apologies to everyone they pushed out of their way, drowned out by the music. They just had to find a door. Any door. As long as it got them out.

Their body finally hit one, and they shoved their way out onto the street. Heavy raindrops splashed against them as they attempted to get their bearings. The world around them still seemed to be shifting, rocking like waves on the ocean. Looking down, they realized their shirt was still halfway unbuttoned. They rubbed their eyes with the back of their hand, leaving smudgy black streaks. They must look like a fucking mess.

Their stomach turned again. It was all too much. The rain, their unstable body, how awful they knew they looked.

And Mercutio.

They steadied themself on the brick wall as they shuffled into the alleyway and threw up.

Their back slid down the side of the building until they reached the ground. Everything that happened inside reverberated in their mind, louder and louder until they couldn’t take it anymore.

All they could do was tuck their knees up to their chest and choke out strangled sobs.

They fucked it all up.

Vanessa was right.

( @pinksparkl @phantasmechanical )

[jiwoomk]

hi everyone! first let me start off by saying congratulations to the admins on the grand opening of magickai! i'm super excited to be among the first few apps/muses accepted tonight and can't wait to start writing with everyone!

i'm em {21+, she/her, central} and i play (obviously) kim jiwoo here! i'm still working on her pages such as the one for her background and her plots but i'll be getting to those either tonight or tomorrow for sure! until then i can at least give you her profile page with the few basics and even some info down below which will hopefully help a little with plotting/threading something out for now! i'm mostly available nights and weekends (my weekends consist of friday, saturday and sunday) though if you ever need to reach me feel free to hit me up on tumblr dm's, discord (available upon request) or twitter (upon request). for now, i'll be listing a few facts about jiwoo here to get us going, maybe even add in a few connection opportunities as well which will be labelled as so.

if you'd like to plot, feel free to even like this post and i'll come find you! i can't wait to get jiwoo out there and can't wait to start writing with all of you!!

jiwoo was sort of known as the 'black sheep' growing up in her family. her older brother was always the 'genius' of the family even when it came to getting his powers/companion, mastering his abilities a bit quicker than most.

because she was mostly pushed to the side, even more so when her brother would bring home awards/certificates from school, jiwoo was basically free to just do whatever she wanted while growing up. she didn't have to worry about really getting good grades (though she still did excel in her classes but never expected any sort of appraisal from her family), she would even often hang out with the 'wrong crew' while in middle and high school.

even though her brother was known as the 'favorite child', the two of them still were close. he would even do what he could to try and get jiwoo in the so-called spotlight, but his efforts never worked and their parents focused solely on him. jiwoo never once despised her brother because it wasn't really his fault that their parents preferred their son over their daughter. {open connection for an older brother | junior+}

it wasn't until she gained her powers that her parents finally gave some sort of acknowledgment of her existence, though it was only because they found out that she was able to manipulate curses. they were only worried that they would end up being cursed by their own daughter, but it was even more apparent that they wanted nothing to do with her, even more so when they were quick to 'ship her off' to jeju as soon as enrollment day came around.

after that day, not once did her family contact or visit her, nor did they invite her to family gatherings. the only way she found out that these events were even happening where from her older brother, though maybe due to their bond or his own reasons he never would attend these family gatherings. rather he would spend time with her, the two celebrating the holiday's together instead.

despite still having her brother around, especially since the two now attended the same school, jiwoo only used her parents' lack of love for her to help push her forward. she was determined to better her own skills, both magically and physically, and vowed that she would show them one day that they were wrong for the mistreatment that they gave her over the years.

jiwoo's weapon (or rather weapons) consists of dual pistols. one of the pistols is black while the other is a more white/silver, both with gold accents/trimming and different designs on both. at first she wasn't too sure about wielding around guns in a fight, but over a short time she grew used to the two pistols, so much so that she now frequently practices with them when she's alone.

there's only a select few that jiwoo willingly got close to/befriended over her time at the school so far, though when it comes to others she's not really someone to take the time to actually approach them. it could be because of how she grew up, getting used to just the loneliness and accepting it, though no one really knows what's going on inside of her head half of the time. {possible connection of friends + some enemies who think she's arrogant | open to anyone + multiple}

when jiwoo isn't busy working or practicing, she can mostly be found either gaming or taking photographs during her downtime. it's her way of relaxing and giving herself some time to clear her mind, even more when she's stressed or feeling 'down'.

jiwoo is very blunt with her own words, often times being a little too blunt and not realizing it until she's said something wrong, though she's also stubborn and will refuse to openly apologize. maybe you'll get a note later on with "i'm sorry" on it but who knows.

her fashion mostly consists of more comfortable/casual clothing, partially because of having to wear a uniform of sorts while bartending at her job.

she's the type who will defend those she cares for and is close to, basically she'll fight anyone who dares harm those she has an attachment to.

there's more to jiwoo here but i'll leave those small details to her pages (when i finish them) and plotting dm's!

[ahedderick]

Long 'Weekend'

It was a helluva weekend, starting on Friday. My aunt was coming to visit and my daughter was coming home for a small fall break from school. Preparedness was key! I needed extra meal planning, extra cleaning, and plans for farm-related activities for my aunt. Also my son ended up with a hellacious amount of school work due today, so. Yuk.

All went well. K, Aunt L, and I made sweet pickle relish with green tomatoes and peppers, worked in the garden (a LOT), made apple-cranberry conserve, dilly-beans, and had a lengthy drive to admire the fall colors.

(The dilly beans would look prettier with sprigs of fresh dill, but the dried stuff will have to do.)

We removed all the peppers from the plants, picked the last few beans, dug a few potatoes, brought in the beets (not many) and removed the old corn stalks. It was all very productive . . but so tiring. K also made time to take Hero out for several rides; October is the BEST month to ride horses.

Her school break is over, and she drove back to campus right after dinner. Hopefully the rest of the semester will be good for both kids and I can complete the garden cleanup before Nov 1.

I would like to stay in bed all day tomorrow.

[gabysticayaay]

“Promise?” “no.”

(🩹) – You drew stars around my scars 💌

But now I'm bleedin'❕

'Cause I knew you 🩸

Cardigan - On Spotify 🎧🩹

✧ PAIRING. steve harrington x evangeline baudelaire

✧ TW. blood, fights, relationships not working out so well if you squint your eyes

✧ RATING. angst, fluff

✧ Summary. evangeline is always fighting constantly, always hurt, always distant, always hard-headed about all of this. steve is worried about all this so what could work to make her understand that this is not remotely healthy or a show of strength?

he just doesn't want his girlfriend to always seem to be coming out of an MMA anymore.

a/n: This is my first complete fic that I really liked the result of maybe not so much but this was by far the best I've ever written 🤓☝

It was the middle of the weekend, Saturday to be specific. I was behind the school trying to hide the ugly bruises I got fighting, again. It wasn't the first nor the last time I fought/will fight, but what can I do when there are people who deserve to get a good beating?! I was trying to hide the bruises that weren't light at all. My nose was bleeding, my hands were scratched, my knuckles were red, I don't know if with my blood or Jason Stuart's, maybe both?

I've never cared so much about hiding it, everyone knows I'm "quarrelsome" or a "troublemaker", it's no wonder I have the reputation of the 'Tasmanian Devil'. The real reason I'm hiding this is Steve. He always told me to take a break from it, he said it wasn't good for me to fight almost every day, he always worried about me so much and I appreciate that, I really do, but I think it's something >my<, I've tried to change, I actually tried... but I can never go more than two days without getting into a fight.

But I think everything had more weight the day I had a really bad fight with a bully, my face was full of blood, a black eye, bruises, scratches and anger. I almost didn't win the fight, but I did it. It was a Friday night, I was fucked up and with no way to get home, because that son of a bitch Alef wrecked my car as "revenge" for the laughing stock he became after a shameful "joke" I played on him. I walked back and forth waiting for Robin to answer the phone.

"Come on, Robin! Fuck this!" 

 I say to the phone out of frustration that she isn't answering...she's probably sleeping on her shift at the tape store she and Steve are working at.

"Missed call, please try later." The ATM says and I hang up the phone with a frustrated groan. Oh God! What do I do? Can Eddie help me? I hopefully look up Eddie's number in my contacts and call him.

A few seconds pass and he doesn't answer and again the ATM receives me. AH! crap. I think my last option will be Steve…

I sigh deeply and hesitantly click on his contact and turn it on. He's going to be furious with me... I don't even want to hear the fuss... A few seconds later and he's still calling. Well... I think he's probably at a party or something...

Just as I'm about to hang up I hear Steve's voice.

"Hey honey!"

 Steve speaks and I can hear music in the background. He was definitely at a party.

"Hi Steve... err... are you busy?"

I ask awkwardly… I hate being a burden to others.

"Not really, I'm not busy, why? Did something happen?" 

The concern in his voice is palpable, it warms your heart… so concerned and attentive, the best boyfriend <3.

"Uh... nothing too serious... just... I got into a fight again and my car broke down... so would you please come get me...?"

I say a little awkwardly... Now just wait for the spores...

"..."

The line is pure silence and now I don't know if I prefer the splinters or the dead silence on the line, it seemed that even the music had become more muffled...

"Where are you?"

His serious tone of voice already said a thousand things, i was already in a cold sweat.

Steve was driving back home, he looked tense holding the steering wheel with enough pressure to highlight his veins, his eyes never leaving the road. He's face doesn't look happy.

"sorry."

That's what I can think of to say in this horrible tension of silence, the sound of the moving car passing through the potholed streets is audible.

Steve doesn't respond at all, still driving.

"sorry? no, you don't owe me an apology. You owe me a day to make sure you get home in piece."

Steve says, nodding his head slightly forward to confirm his words.

I don't say anything about it, I know Steve is right, I feel guilty for doing this, I understand it's his way of saying he cares about the people he loves, that he cares about them. That he loves them.

"I just don't want to promise something I know I can't keep."

I say looking at the window next to me watching the green leaves pass by, even though I'm not necessarily focused on the window or the green blur.

"Why not? It's not like you have a compulsion to fight!"

Steve retorts with furrowed eyebrows and a confused frown when, for the first time during the trip, he looks at you. But it doesn't take long for him to look back at the road.

"What can I do if half the school has a fight with me?"

I tell him pointing at me as if I were the victim.

"So one day, stop fighting with them. I don't even remember what it's like to hug you tight because of all these bruises."

Steve says with a slightly more disappointed face as he tells this.

His words have an effect on my heart that tightens. he is right. I can't remember the last time Steve and I hugged each other tightly because of the painful bruises.

I look at him trying to let the words come out of my mouth, but everything I think about saying doesn't come out of my throat. until I give up and look at the window again to try to calm that heavy feeling in my chest.

Steve notices this too, I feel his eyes on me waiting for some justification but I just don't have one. I don't have one that justifies. I also want to hug him tightly and stop fighting so much.

He sighs and shakes his head slightly, returning his attention to the road.

That tense silence again, only now it’s in my house. Steve and I in my living room, him cleaning and bandaging the "deeper" wounds.

I had already showered, changed my clothes and here we were, Steve and I, on the couch with him taking care of me.

The tension isn't really the best and it hurts me to see Steve like this.

"I liked these."

I say referring to the children's dinosaur bandages (which were actually my little brother's).

As angry as Steve was, he couldn't let a small, barely continuous smile escape his lips. Which makes another smile of mine get wider.

"Making me laugh won't make me less mad at you."

he reminds me while still cleaning a scratch on the side of my hand.

"I know, but it's still good to remember that I can still make you laugh even when you're mad."

Steve rolls his eyes at this with another smirk on his lips, he hated it when you made him laugh when in reality he should be mad at you.

"you're an amateur idiot."

Steve mutters, trying, not so much, to return to the irritated protective boyfriend position. Which makes me frown in confusion at what he meant.

"What do you mean by amateur?"

I ask him resentfully, narrowing my eyes as I watch him place another yellow bandage with little dinosaurs on it in decorative order.

"By amateur I mean you have to stop looking like one of those stupid amateur bullies from third year of high school."

Steve retorts and again the subject goes back to the car. I sigh at this.

"please, stop it. not for my sake, but for your own sake. have you ever looked in the mirror, Evangeline? you barely care about me and when we meet you always seem distant."

and suddenly it was time for those conversations when something is wrong and now everything was thrown in your face.

I look down at my bandaged hands, Steve rightly stressed and upset about all of this, about our relationship. I know I can change, I know I love Steve and he loves me back so why not show that love in the purest way? I don't want to lose Steve, ever.

and suddenly I felt an even greater weight on my chest, I didn't know what to do to stop that horrible feeling that something bad was going to happen and I decided to do something that I miss doing. I grab Steve's hand and pull him onto the couch, quickly hugging him. tight.

His body stiffens with the sudden movement, but he soon relaxes and hugs me back tightly, albeit gently due to the bruises. I feel a twinge of pain with a few places that are pressed tightly against Steve but none of it is worse than the pain of losing my most amazing housewife.

"I love you, Stevie. I'm sorry about all this stressful shit, I just... I don't know."

I say with my face buried in the crook of his neck.

"it's okay, baby. just please, please don't fight anymore, okay?"

Steve asks placing a chaste kiss on the top of my head.

but I am silent about it.

...

...

...

"angel, why did you fight with Alef today? I know he's a stupid asshole but I know that's not all."

"..."

“He was talking shit about you."

"talking shit about me? what exactly?"

Steve asks, confused and curious as he gently moves my head away from my hiding place on his neck.

"He said a lot of things without any basis. He said you're too arrogant and other things I'd rather not say."

I say, laying my face on his chest again.

"He's an asshole and he deserved what he got."

Steve wants to say he's mad, but he's not. Yes, he is worried about Evangeline fighting back and forth, but he was also happy that you risked so much to defend his name.

"I love you too, you little brat."

Steve ruffles my hair and hugs me tighter.

"AH–! the bruises, Harrington!"

I exclaim loudly with a pained frown as I rub the place on my arm that hurt the most. which he just laughs and gives the place a little kiss.

"sorry"

He says with a chuckle and this time more carefully makes me lie down on the couch and lay down with me next to me with his arms around me.

he gives me a soft kiss as an apology.

"But now it's serious. You're going to stop fighting, aren't you, angel?"

Steve asks as one of his hands runs under my shirt to feel the soft skin on my stomach.

"..."

"I am going to try"

"Promise?"

"No."

[theretirementstory]

Brrrrr what a cold week it has been or was it just because I was up early in the morning for the journey to the hospital? Whatever the reason, I don’t like it! . However, this morning the sun is shining, I was thinking of heading out early for a walk BUT a quick check of Météo informed me that it is 1c out there and that the highest temperature for today is 5c. Think I will just snuggle up under a blanket and look at the sunshine through the window 😂.

So the first week of treatment is over and done with, just another two and a half weeks to go

I have enjoyed the journey to Troyes, catching sight of the grues (cranes) as they continued on their migration. One day there were even cigognes (storks) feeding in a field.

Last Sunday was a gorgeous day and I took advantage of it with a lovely walk. The sun shone and it was quite warm (10c). Perfect for the photos by the river and also around town.

Have I been resting up this week? Well most afternoons, yes, but on a morning when I returned from hospital I have been out shopping, rearranging appointments and preparing and cooking meals. My cleaner hasn’t been 😩 but she is coming for two hours next week.

Thanks to all my family and friends ( from all around the world) who have been sending love during this time. Your support has helped me remain positive.

Pauline messaged to say she is feeling better and so we will meet up (at some point).

I visited my “sisters” at the knitting workshop as I had to take the knitted items ready for the sale. One pair of fingerless gloves were snapped up straight away!

Monique has still been coughing after her bout of bronchitis, she was going to visit me yesterday but messaged on Friday to say her neighbour (who she has been helping because they were unwell) has been taken to hospital with Covid!. So fearful that she may be positive or even a carrier, decided not to put me at risk.

Anie came to see me on Tuesday evening bearing homemade gifts. She told me she is going to stay with her son in Indonesia for Xmas. She will be home in time for her birthday on the 19 January, so I think I will ask her for lunch that day and give her birthday and Xmas presents together.

I bought two Xmas cactus, one which looks white or cream and the other a magenta colour. I thought I would give Anie the magenta coloured one as part of her Xmas present. Both plants had lots of buds on but the magenta one has some flowers very close to opening, I may end up keeping both plants for myself 😂.

An English friend (lives in France) is celebrating her birthday today 🥳🥳. I hope she likes the present I sent her. It is difficult to know what to buy. I saw two things I would have sent her so hopefully the second item will do for next years birthday.

As we hurtle towards Xmas I have been snapping up boxes of chocolates, biscuits, stollen and pates de fruits, these are for the nurses who have visited me at home since June, the taxi companies who have coped with my French and sorted vehicles for me, the cleaner (who has done a great job) and my friends. I may need to go and buy some more but once these are wrapped I will be in a better position to see who else I need presents for. I would like to think that I can get them all wrapped up this afternoon.

Now it’s time for my choice of records, this is for “The Trainee Solicitor” who I think is “guardian” of my CD by this artist 😉. The song is from 2005 and it’s “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter.

The next record dates back to 1982 but the more famous version is the re-worked 1987 hit, it is “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake. I like to include artists local to where I lived in the UK and David Coverdale was born in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, a mere three miles from where I lived.

“The Daddy” was due to be THE photographer for Scarborough AFC match yesterday, unfortunately he had tummy troubles Friday into Saturday morning and was unable to attend. I hope you are feeling better this morning.

“The Trainee Solicitor” and “The Ex-Graduate” had a great night on Thursday evening at Luke Combs UK but today they are in need of cheering up, so it’s off for breakfast and hopefully a read of the blog which should cheer them both up 😉.

I really want to apologise to the eagle eyed amongst you who may have noticed that I have listed “The Letter” by the Box Tops twice! Well it is a great song and it’s been around for 56 years 😱 really that long!

Now it’s time for me to bid you all adieu. Have a great week until I “see” you again next week.

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning!  I hope you slept well and feel rested?  Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day (green tea!)  Welcome to the weekend!

Wow!  Here we are again: Friday!  Where did that week go?  No, seriously, where did that week go? 

A good day of writing yesterday.  Very satisfying.  Writing is not just adding words, it’s reading, re-appraising, re-phrasing and, sometimes, just making sure it flows nicely.  I might get a chance to do some more of that today?  If I don’t finish this thing in the new year, I will be very disappointed.

The Mighty Josiah didn’t come over last weekend, so I’m really looking forward to seeing him this evening.  Definitely going to grab him for a selfie!  I’m not going to get my hopes up but, hopefully, in the new year, I may get the chance to see my son’s other son?  There have been a few – shall we say – domestic issues to contend with.

Really hope you can join me tomorrow at 1.00 p.m. for ‘The A-Z Of Mi-Soul Music’.  The biggest letter in the musical alphabet – The Letter S – starts NEXT week.  Executive Producer: Helen Andrea Stavrou.  This week, we’re going to do something completely different, just to take a brief pause and break up the routine.    

Straight after the show, we’ll be off to Hove to see Lady Wesker.  She wants to spoil us on Sunday, so she’s taking us to her favourite restaurant.  It’s pricey and I offered to pay but she wouldn’t hear of it.  Now that the nights are drawing in, Mum needs company, so we’re happy to spend 24 hours with her and, obviously, we’ll be there on Boxing Day!

Although The Trouble has warned me off making too many arrangements, there are a number of very cool people that we MUST see before Christmas!  So, I’ve subtly been putting a few items into our diary.  Not too many.  Don’t want to upset her.  She definitely doesn’t suffer with FOMO (fear of missing out), she’d much rather stay at home!

Have a fabulous and funky Friday!  I love you all.  You’re probably thinking, “You don’t even know me!” but, if people can hate for no reason, why can’t I love?

[clarejgold]

It’s 7am on Friday morning on the tarmac at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris where my son and I (and Patrick from the PIH Boston office) are heading back to London (Patrick will continue on home).

Yesterday was the Global Day of Action and while I posted on other social media sites to hopefully aid in visibility, I didn’t take time to write an update because I wanted to give the day my full attention.

In the morning we went to the gates of the MCOE site and gathered with what felt like all of Sierra Leone’s PIHers for a (palm) tree planting ceremony celebrating the life of PIH founder Paul Farmer on what would have been his 64th birthday. Several people spoke, but Monday, the young man who was the subject of John Green’s latest vlogbrothers video (see below), was the most emotional. He thanked Paul for saving his life. He pledged to become a doctor, something Dr Barrie and PIH will ensure he has the opportunity to do. But then he made another promise. He promised that to save more lives than Paul had as part of a life he will dedicate to service. Anyone who didn’t cheer at that was too busy crying.

The Global Day of Action is so named because that’s what Paul was about- doing the thing that needed doing. But he was clear that most of these actions are too late. He famously said that the treatment and drugs needed to resolve Haiti’s AIDS crisis were coming too late. That we are always too late when it comes to the lives of the poor. But what we also know, because of PIH, is that it never too late to try, to take action and to advocate for the poor. To be the ‘house of yes’, as Dr Barrie quoted in his speech, in a world that fails to imagine that all lives matter.