#nevermind I don’t hate Tyler

[sleepingghostt]

Wip

“Hey Kagami! Wanna shoot some!”

The first time Taiga met Tyler, he thought the guy was an annoying little shit. A mix of Kise and that adhd kid Hayama from Rakuzan and he was instantly a pain in the redhead’s ass. He was fun to play with though, not as good as Daiki but some of his moves were pretty remarkable.

The problem was, he never left Taiga alone, especially on the court…no matter which court he went to (not that there were too many courts in his neighborhood to choose from). It was getting ridiculous but dammit, he was too nice to deny the guy some one-on-ones.

“You like banana milk?”

Taiga looked up from his foot long sub and shook his head. He was currently sitting on a bench near one of his favorite courts in California, basketball waiting patiently next to him, a half empty bottle of banana milk on his other side, threatening to fall with one accidental jerk of his knee.

Taiga hated banana milk, but he hadn’t seen Dai, face to face in a month. He was missing him severely these days.

“Huh? Ah, no.” he took his headphones off and spared the bottle a meaningful glance. “It just reminds me of Japan...”

“Cool... So are you ready to play or what?” Tyler was definitely dressed for it. Black basketball shorts and a skin tight tank, his buff muscles prominent under the thin material.

He was on the shorter side, between Kise and Kuroko, skin pale and white with no trace of tan, blonde hair, curly and short. He wasn’t bad looking; crystal blue eyes and a tiny array of freckles on his nose but Taiga wasn’t interested.

“Yeah, just let me finish this first.”

Once his sandwich was devoured, banana milk waiting safely beside it, they started playing.

—

Tyler was fast. So fast, Taiga was out of breath by the end of it. He almost couldn’t keep up. Almost. He still dominated the court and wiped the floor with the twerp’s ass but the fucker almost gave him a run for his money.

“God dammit...you sure you’re not…one of those…annoying fruit loops?”

“Fruit loops?” Tyler laughed and shook his head as Taiga collapsed on the grass and took a big chug of water. “Hell nah. But I am fruity.” He winked and the redhead chuckled, then made a face as the blonde boy bent down to grab his bottle, making a show of waving his ass teasingly in the air. “You referring to your miracle friends?”

“Yeah.” In the little time they’d known each other, Taiga hadn’t told Tyler his whole life story. Only bits and pieces, the Generation of damn Miracles being one them. He wasn’t surprised their household name hadn’t made it back to the states which kinda sucked but it gave Taiga the opportunity to brag about Daiki whenever he had the chance, to pretty much whoever would listen.

“Those little self destructive fucks.” His phone buzzed then and Taiga rolled his eyes and bit back a smile as he glanced down at the notification.

princess💙: no asshole send pic of kate upton

i heard she has the biggest rack

-

Speak of the devil.

Kagz🍔: gonna cost u

-

princess💙: obv

just send it

no mariah carey crap

-

Kagz🍔: bullshit

just admit u have a thing for milfs

-

princess💙: I FUCKING DON’T

Chuckling, Taiga put his phone down and stretched his sore muscles. He’d do it later.

“Hey, is that your boyfriend?”

Tyler was staring down at his phone, the screen lit up with another notification. Daiki was pouting up at them from his lock screen, face soft with sleep, dried drool on the corner or his mouth, Taiga’s favorite sight in the early hours of the morning.

“Uh, yeah.” Blushing, Taiga tried to grab it but Tyler was quick to snatch it and hold it closer so he could see.

“Oh my god, he’s a total trophy wife!”

“Ughh. Don’t give him that title. He doesn’t deserve that shit.” Despite his jabs, he smiled bigger, pride filling his chest. He loved when people commented on Daiki’s looks. As long as they didn’t try anything.

“He does though! It’s a total beauty and the beast type of relationship going on. I see you Shrek.”

Taiga looked at him so fast, his neck cracked. “Oi! Don’t fucking call me that! You wanna die?” He raised his fist to strike but Tyler dodged him with a laugh and a playful shove.

“Just let me decorate my coffin first. If I’m going down, I’m going in style.”

“Yeah with my fist up your fucking ass.” Completely missing the severity of his own statement, Taiga checked the time and stretched, throwing an arm over his head. “Come on. Let’s keep playing.”

[sunshineandspencer]

Cowboy hat rule, Part 3 (Tyler Owens, Twisters)

A/N: This was written as soon as I woke up the morning after seeing the movie, I woke up at 5am for some reason and this was spat out of me. I have no knowledge of it even after rereading it all, but the groupchat liked it so here you are. Also I’m working under the headcannon that you don’t get your hat back until you complete the rule.

Pairing: Tyler Owens x Fem!Reader.

Summary: In between butting heads with Javi’s team and running a successful YouTube channel based entirely around tornadoes, Tyler Owens is introduced to the most interesting woman he’s seen in a good while - and her sister.

Word Count: 946

Warnings: past emotional(?) infidelity (fuck anthony ramos for cheating on his fiancé), talk of beer, slightly suggestive (again, cowboy hat rule)

Parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 4

I have redone the form for the taglist now that I’m apparently expanding from Criminal Minds

So, apparently, Javi was working for a company that profited off the suffering of people that were most recently affected by the storms. 

Of course, it makes sense. Old white guy, white hair, irritating face, makes sense he’s into real estate. 

What doesn’t make it any better, is the fact that while both her and Kate found out, he only bothered to go and explain himself to Kate.

Nice to know he hasn’t changed. He’s always preferred Kate to her, even when they dated, he always called for Kate first on the radio. 

If she tries hard enough, she can hear them through the wall. 

But she’s not going to try.

Doom scrolling through that old guy’s website and pretending she’s not feeling sick about inadvertently helping this guy was cut short by a knock to her door. 

Shutting the lid of her laptop, she shook her head and pressed the base of her palms to her eyes. 

Getting up and walking to the door, she gave herself a few moments to try and decide what emotion to put on, not sure she’s ready to face her sister or - God forbid - Javi. Pulling it open and leaning against it. 

Fighting the smile, and the genuine relief, when she was met with Tyler. 

“Evenin’ wrangler, what you all the way up here for?”

It’s the second level of a motel, there are a lot of people up here. If he didn’t sleep in the RV with everyone else he’d be up here. 

“Heard you hadn’t eaten, wondered if you wanted a pizza? It was the last one before the lady went home, should still be warm.”

Shrugging, he offers the pizza, margarita. Safe, lots of people like it - thankfully it’s also the only pizza she likes. And God she needs a pizza, and a beer, but she needs the pizza first. 

“You actually- nevermind, come in, bring the pizza.”

As if he’d leave it outside, she holds the door open a little more and he steps in. Taking a good look around the room. 

It’s not like this place has meaning to her, it’s a shitty motel room in tornado valley; they don’t build these with the expectation to last. The most you can do is collect stuff from home and wherever you’re staying and try to give it some personality.

But then his eyes fall on the white cowboy hat on her bedpost. Let’s correct that, his cowboy hat on her bedpost. 

There’s the splash of meaning. 

“You still have my hat.”

She lets out a soft snort, a pretty kind of laugh that she probably hates. 

Sitting down on the bed with her pizza and opening it up. Resisting the urge to dive head first into the greasy shit she knows it’s going to be. 

God- she’s never hated New York and her fucking fad diet more than she did right now. 

Luckily, she’s not in New York, she’s in Oklahoma and a cowboy just bought her a pizza, she couldn’t turn it down now could she. 

Offering him the first slice, she gives him a smug little grin, tilting her head. Acting all innocent as if she doesn’t know exactly what it means, his stupid cowboy hat has kept pride of place since she stole it.

“And you know how you have to get it back. Otherwise it’s staying on my wall. Add it to the collection.”

She’s not had a collection of guy’s cowboy hats since she was in college - it was a pretty decoration, and she loved watching the guys find their hats once they left. 

But he doesn’t know that, and she liked the upset glint in his eyes at thinking there are still some hats waiting for their owners. 

He took the slice and sat with her, and the itching silence caused her to sigh. Able to see his kicked-puppy look in the corner of her eye. Cursing her inability to say no to a pretty face, or even allow herself to hurt someone in the slightest.

“I’m joking, by the way. The only hat I have is my own, and that’s in Texas.”

Whether he knows it or not, Tyler Owens visibly relaxed at being told that. And that sends a concerning rush through her chest. 

Something she really does not need right now, especially not with her sister and ex-boyfriend’s voice coming through the wall. A little louder now, probably an argument. 

Her head turns, staring unseeing at the ugly painting above the bed. Not really paying attention, but knowing the words would come back to her later. When she really didn’t want them to. 

Honestly, he’s barely said a word since he came in, still surprised he actually convinced himself to bring her the pizza. And now he’s sat on her bed.

Not wanting this odd little dream to disappear before he could grasp it fully. 

This woman is a wisp of smoke, the angry clouds before a tornado forms, unpredictable and dangerous. Unpredictability and danger, the two things he’s dedicated his life to.. he wouldn’t mind making her a third. 

Nudging her foot with his, he dipped his head down to finally meet her gaze. Habit from wearing the hat, the damn thing somewhere off in his periphery. 

“I have something I want to show you, if you’ll let me. It’s a hell of a lot better than anything this place has given us yet.”

“Like what?”

He doesn’t appreciate her dull tone, but knows she didn’t really mean it. Not when her gaze slowly returned to his, the fractals of guilt swimming in her eyes. 

“A home away from home for you Alpine, trust me.”

Want more?! Good!

[citrus-lamb]

HEY UHH CNA I REQUEST?

Logan x reader but the reader is very good at martial arts

So like maybe a headcannon or a story?...

a/n : hello! i got a little too into the story so it's pretty long, but i hope you enjoy! i tried my best with the martial arts thing, but the language could be wrong so i do apologize for that! it might be a bit ooc, as i'm trying to write these characters still. i enjoyed writing this, so i hope you enjoy reading it!

song : unspoken (dex)

Arcades are generally boring. You wouldn’t pick this place to hang out with the group, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, so you didn’t mind that much. You were zoning out, staring at the group and making sure no one got hurt.

“Hey, are you alright?” Logan asked, stepping away to talk to you. Your head snapped to him, being brought out of your thoughts quite quickly.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just bored.

“HEY GUYS! LET’S DO THIS ONE!” Aiden screamed, pointing towards a boxing-style game.

“Nevermind.”

~

The entire group decided to try the machine, just for the fun of it. Ben’s score was impressive, Ashlyn’s was good and so was Tyler’s. The group cheered you on as you stood in front of the machine. You hit it with your fist as hard as you good, and ended up with a score that rivaled Ben’s.

“WOO!” Aiden cheered. He slung his arm around you and started bragging. You saw Logan smile in the corner of your eye, and you smiled back. You heard the door of the arcade click open. Barron and his goons stood at the entrance.

Logan soon noticed this as well, going from watching Aiden bury himself in tickets to sweating over the fact that Barron was here.

Let’s be clear. You hated Barron. If there wasn’t any repercussions he’d already be in a ditch somewhere because of you. You would fight him over and over again to make sure Logan would never have to deal with that bastard. And you would win every. single. fight.

You watched him exit out the door, a shy kid in a blue hat trailing behind. That kid almost reminded you of Logan. That made you more angry. Fists clenched, almost snarling at the door they just left from. Oh, Lord, you thought, Hold me back.

“…I want to at least warn him.” Logan said.

“Well, go do what you gotta do.” Tyler said, “We’ll be here to help you if you need it.”

“Are you sure you don’t want anyone to come with you?” You asked, unsure about this whole idea.

“Actually… Could you come with?”

“Of course!”

~

You opened the door and held it open for Logan, allowing him to go first. You didn’t want to speak for him—as he was getting better at standing up for himself every day. This was a step in the right direction, you just wanted to make sure Barron didn’t pull a stunt you could prevent.

“Haha, wow! That caught me off guard. I never would’ve expected to see you here, four eyes. And who’s this lovely person you got with you?” Barron said.

You clenched your fists—almost enough to make you cut through your skin—and stared straight into his soul. Logan looked nervous. About Barron? About you starting a fight where there didn’t need to be one? Logan wasn’t stupid. He saw your score at the boxing machine. He saw you training with Ashlyn’s parents. You mentioned to him once that you had martial arts experience. He had seen it first hand. If a fight started, Barron wouldn’t be the one winning. He might not even make it out alive.

“It’s been a while, pal, how’ve ya been?” Barron smiled, as if he didn’t bully the shit out of Logan every day for at least a year.

Logan ignored Barron, turning towards the kid in the blue hat. You continue to glare daggers into Barron from where you were standing. “My name’s Logan.”

“Oh… I’m Noah.”

“…Is he making you do his homework? Because you shouldn’t have to do that.”

“H-he’s not making me… He just asked for help.”

“And you felt guilty saying no, right?” The conversation Logan was having with Noah faded into the background as you watched Barron intently. You watched him get up from the trashcan and walk over to Logan.

“Who do you think you are, twerp? Stop interfering.” Barron started jabbing Logan’s head, and continued, “You’re just a useless loser whose parents didn’t even want you.”

You stepped forward, ready to axe-kick this guy to the floor and beat him to a pulp, but Logan didn’t need your help. He swatted Barron’s hand away, “I’m useless? When you’re the one that refuses to do your own work and forces others to do it for you?” Chills ran down your spine at Logan’s words. “When you so pathetically waste others’ time while they are actually working for a better life?”

He was practically shouting now, “When you have nothing to give, not even a simple thanks?! You only take and harass and look down on others! If anyone here is truly and utterly useless it’s—”

Barron grabbed Logan’s hair and pushed him away, bringing up his arm to throw a punch at Logan. Logan quickly twisted him and threw him face-first into the concrete. His hands were pinned to his back by Logan. Barron struggled to get out of Logan’s grip. The lights flickered. You panicked.

“I think it’d be wise for you to start caring.” Logan said.

This place felt like the phantom realm all of a sudden. You turned to the door that opened with more of Barron’s friends. They held him back but you were at your limit. Logan can’t get himself out of everything. Ben felt the same as you watched him come out from behind a wall and grab the red-head’s face. You performed a quick back kick on the blonde.

Full hell broke loose.

The group was fighting others, and you were taking on upwards of three people at a time. Your teacher always taught you that violence was never the answer, but you disagree. You were kicking and hitting with more precision than ever before—even better than when you were in class.

You heard a scream sounding like Ashlyn. She fell to the floor gripping her ears, headphones scattered across the pavement. You ran over to her, defending yourself from Barron’s goons as you went. You grabbed her headphones as she screamed, “CALM DOWN!”

Barron and his friends left quickly after. You gave Ashlyn her headphones back and beelined to Logan. “Are you okay? You’re not too badly hurt right? I wanted to help you more but you did amazing on your own so—”

“I’m alright, don’t worry. But, you’re bleeding.”

“…Fuck.”

[another-sonic-blog]

The Fanfictioner Ch.8: Story

The Fanfictioner Ch.8: Story

.

.

.

"It's me! Hello! I am the problem it's I!

At coffee time everybody agrees!

I look directly at the moon but never in the mirror, it most be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero!"

"NEW RISING POP-STAR TYLER SWEET IS TAKING OVER THE WORLD WITH HER NEW ALBUM!"

Shadow is eating his daily coffee beans as he softly sings his favorite song. He is not one to listen to gossip news but he just had to whenever Tyler Sweet drops a new album. He just hopes she succeeds in the music charts. Shadow has secretly been following him since she started uploading her songs on MusicCloud and he is glad she has finally had her breakthrough.

"Shadow."

The actor recognizes Omega's robotic voice as he enters the kitchen.

"Hey Omega, did you sleep well?" Shadow asks as he looks inside one of his kitchen cabinets. There he finds car oil. For Omega of course. Omega doesn't need sleep. However, Tails took the liberty to program a 'sleep' software on the robot. And he seems to have enjoyed it."

"Yes. I am 'rested."

After a few seconds, Omega makes a pause and Shadow looks at him.

"I have two notices," Omega says. "Rouge says she will come to visit soon."

"Alright, gonna have to break a leg so she doesn't force me to go shopping with her," Shadow puts a few coffee beans in his mouth and chews them. "What is the other news?"

"... Your ShadAmy Comic has gotten over 100k reads on Weebtun"

.

.

.

Shadow's phone has not stopped ringing with notifications. Comments, likes, and shares. He had spent many days drawing that comic and even thought his art was not good enough to get praised.

As much as he wants to get excited, he knows he can't. Especially when he is a famous actor and he can't risk being exposed as a crazy fanfic fanatic in real life.

He quietly rubs and puts pressure on the middle of his palm to alleviate his anxiety. Shadow was definitely not expecting that many people to read his comic and somehow that's making him sweat.

"Shadow!"

Shadow snaps and completely forget that he is on set.

"Your lines? We don't have all day."

But Shadow stays quiet. Looking side to side, confused.

"Nevermind. Let's all take five. Shadow, either learn your lines or improvise!"

He sighs heavily and goes to his black chair. Next time there is a table with coffee beans as snacks. But right now he is not interested in that. Shadow sits and pulls out his phone. He should be studying his lines but he knows them already. He needs a different kind of support.

TheFanfictioner#0619: "I am starting to think I suck at my job."

Shadow texts his online best friend and eats some of the coffee beans. He had muted his notifications from Weebtun but he can't help and constantly check the app. The reads are growing and so is his anxiety.

ARoseWithoutTorns#0923: "You have a job? I thought you were too busy being a fanfic fanatic to have one."

TheFanfictioner#0619: "If that was my job, I wouldn't complain. But sadly, I entertain people for a living and I hate people most of the time."

From afar he sees Sonic Team gathering together and talking. While they are distracted Shadow looks around him and next to his chair finds his backpack. He usually brings things with him, a charger, laptop, sketchbook and pencils so he doesn't have to go back to his dressing room.

ARoseWithoutTorns#0923: "Do you hate me?"

TheFanfictioner#0619: "I tolerate you. Consider yourself lucky."

Shadow takes out his sketchbook and a pencil he looks at Amy from afar and starts sketching her. It might be strange but he needs to have as many references as possible. He can probably get pictures of her online but nothing is better than having the real person in front of you.

His phone rings, and he responds.

ARoseWithoutTorns#0923: "Oh, I am happy I am not on your naughty list."

TheFanfictioner#0619: "Only because you write my favorite fanfic."

He goes back to sketching and looks at Amy who has picked up her phone and is typing.

Not even a second passes and Shadow's phone rings.

ARoseWithoutTorns#0923: "Fair. But tell me what is bothering you?"

TheFanfictioner#0619: "The fan-comic I did for you fic ... It's getting too many reads and I was not expecting that. It's giving me anxiety for some reason."

He puts his phone aside on the table and sketches Amy again who is on her phone again. Typing.

Then his phone rings again.

ARoseWithoutTorns#0923: "You know, if it's too much to handle, you can always delete it. I won't mind."

TheFanfictioner#0619: "I don't know. I do enjoy the nice comments and it's motivating me to draw more but I am not used to so much attention."

The actor is able to draw Amy's eyes. She is moving a bit too much, smiling and giggling with Sonic and her friends. Then she takes out her phone again and types.

And then his phone rings again.

Interesting. But whatever.

ARoseWithoutTorns#0923: "You said you were an entertainer? Are you not used to people giving you attention?"

And before he could respond, the director speaks up.

"Alright change of plans! We are recording the last scene of the last episode for this season."

Amy Rose feels shivers run down her spine because she knows what that means. Heck, she was the one who wrote the ending for this season. Still, she is not mentally prepared to do this. But the time has come and she can't run away.

They were recording in the forest and they need to hurry up before sunset.

"Let's just record the kiss as the sun goes down and let's call it a day," Mr. Johnson says and he picks up a camera. He is going to be the one to record the kiss.

Shadow and Amy get on the scene and Shadow places Amy against a tree trunk. Just like in the script.

"Now Shadow, I need emotion," Mr. Johnson starts to record and gets extremely close to their faces. "Remember your character desires Amy but secretly feels that he has some genuine feelings for her. To prove that, you need to kiss her ... Slowly. First-"

"Please, just keep quiet and let me do my job," Shadow interrupts him and at that, the director just sighs and nods.

"Ok .. Lights, camera ... Action!"

As Shadow gets into character, Amy's knees go weak. She looks him in the eyes. Vermillion and beautiful. He caresses her cheeks and pulls a string of her hair on the back of her ear.

Shadow slowly closes his eyes and gets closer and closer to her and

Amy pushes him away.

Completely red and shaking, she looks at everyone in the room. Flabbergasted and speechless. Except for Sonic who is smiling.

She doesn't know what to say. Should she apologize to Shadow who is looking at her in disbelief? At everyone for wasting their time and money?

She could only look at the director.

"Please just give me two days to prepare!"

.

.

.

Continue reading on Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23815324/chapters/116371165

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/story/229947691-the-fanfictioner

[5ammi90]

Episode 4

Whoops. Boys, public place. Keep it pg. Sarah just got an eye full.

Take 2. Nope. Oh god. He’s using dead grandma’s throw to hide his boner. 🤣🤣.

Take 3. Supply closet. Wait, isn’t that Lake and Felix’s spot. Yes it is. Whoops. Felix touched Benji’s butt. 🤣🤣 apparently it’s identical to Lake’s. This is my favourite episode, this peak comedy. Lake and Benji just checked out each other’s butt. 🤣🤣 I don’t know if she meant it was a huge compliment her butt being compared to his or if she meant he should take as a huge compliment his being compared to hers. Either this is funny as fuck and I love it. Now they are bonding over the fact that they can’t find somewhere for “private time”. This friend group kills me. Ooooooo a cabin.

Benji and Lake friendship is brilliant. “Butt twin”. Yes Lake. Felix, don’t say that and never say that again.

Oh he made you a scone, nice Tyler. Lake no. Don’t invite Mia. Wait, when did Andrew and Lucy get invited.

Oh shit. Victor be very careful how you word and ask this because it could be terrible. Shit nevermind. Go Mando. Shut up Isa. Adrian, that won’t happen babe. Thanks Pilar. There was so much shade in that sentence Isa.

Uh oh. Victor is freaking, wants advice from Simon and there is no service. Benji, I think you forgot to tell us something. Dang no service or WiFi. Good luck Victor. Oop wait Benji is shirtless Victor is distracted. Nope. Boy be panicking.

Tyler and Mia broke down and Lake has no service or WiFi. Wow Tyler you are, he is serious. Oh my god.

Isa there is no good cop, bad cop. How do you lose a turtle???

Andrew and Lucy have arrived. Victor is still freaking the hell out and Felix is failing at seducing Lake. Benji is concerned about Victor. He is terrible at hiding his emotions. (Victor). General store has service. Run Victor. (And Felix apparently).

Best friends are worried. No she is. She’s just unsure. Yes he’s very stressed Felix. Victor, Benji has done this before, you’ll be fine. Panic calling the gay guru. Felix, don’t listen to Andrew but kinda listen to part of what he’s saying. Oh dear god no. Don’t listen to that part. Andrew got vodka. Smart man. Although Victor, I don’t think Benji is gonna go for that.

Yay underage drinking. Oh great drinking games. Lake stop being obsessed with getting Benji naked. Chill. They all just stared at her. ‘Never have I ever’ it is. Benji what the fuck. What does your mailman look like. Benji god damn. You are scarring Victor with your experience, Victor chill, that means you don’t have to be super stressed. Victor has fled. Hi Mia. Oh dear god. It’s okay Mia. Um slow girl slow.

Hey look he got service. No wait that’s a concussion. Well done Victor. Nope wait no just a cut over his eyebrow. Hi Felix. Wait, Felix, that blood on a towel. What have you done to yourself. Conditioner. Oh Felix. You two are hopeless.

Please explain to your girlfriend that you are stupid. That’s not what I said. There you go. Yeah sit him down Lake. Oh she has her own body image issues. Thanks Lake’s mum, we hate you. Glad you guys communicated. Proud of you.

Oh no Lucy. They’re just friends, I swear.

Yeah Benji you tell him. Victor TALK TO HIM. Thank you. Benji, help this idiot.

Oh god Lake wait. That water, his cuts. Boy is gonna get an infection. Skinny dipping is definitely stupid. Don’t know bout fun but go off. Oh wait apparently the water feels good.

Isa, Mando. No. Found the turtle.

They had sex outside. Well damn Felix. On a Lake. Lol.

Oh that’s, okay. We’ve said three words. Well done Victor.

[starshine-hockey-girl]

The Dove and The Serpent- Magical Mystery Ride- Chapter Twenty Six

Summary: Teddy and Tyler work together to help Teddy survive a significant anniversary

Author's Note: Okay, I went full-on Lifetime movie with the drama on this one. It's probably not realistic, plausible-blah, blah, blah. I don't care. Teddy and Tyler need a little drama

Warnings- discussions of past abuse, alcohol use, drama for drama's sake

@pattiemac1 @laurenairay @penstxgal1968 @hedoublehockeystix

January 8th- Team Hotel- Winnipeg

Tyler picked up his phone and initiated a FaceTime call with Teddy. He had just returned from morning skate at the Winnipeg arena and was in jovial spirits. The beautiful redhead answered from her desk in her studio. 

Teddy: Hey Sweet One- give me a second to save this video

Tyler: Oh sure, I see your priorities.

Teddy: Bite me Tyler- bite me

Tyler: Oh, I didn’t realize that you were into the kinky shit. Good to know. 

Teddy: Are you trying to torment me right now?

Tyler: No, I am trying to banter with you like we do EVERY DAY.

Teddy: Not in the mood to banter right now. 

Tyler: Why not?

Teddy: It’s that time of the year. 

Tyler: What time of the year? You have me confused. It happens a lot, but explain it to me.

Teddy: It’s almost the anniversary of ……..

Tyler: What anniversary? We don’t have any anniversaries in January. If I remember last January you ghosted me for almost a week. 

Teddy: Yes, I ghosted you the week of the anniversary last year. 

Tyler: WHAT ANNIVERSARY???

Teddy: The anniversary of when Chaz assaulted me the last time- when he put me in the hospital.

Tyler: Fuck

Teddy: Yeah, fuck. I get this way every year. I’m sorry. 

Tyler: When is the actual date? 

Teddy: January 10th. You have a game in Philly. 

Tyler: Why do you know my schedule better than me?

Teddy stared at him in disbelief. 

Tyler: Nevermind. I know why.

Teddy asked: Why?

Tyler: Because of your superior brain and intellect?

Teddy stared again. 

Tyler: What can I do? What can I do to help?

Teddy sighed and spoke: Nothing. There isn’t anything that anyone can do. 

Tyler bit his lip and thought for a moment. He hated to see her in turmoil. Being on the road made him feel powerless and useless to help her. Suddenly a light bulb went off in his brain. 

Tyler: Can I ask you a question?

Teddy: Shoot.

Tyler: Would coming to see me help? You could fly out early and meet me in Philly tomorrow. I can’t be with you all day on the 10th, but I can do at least the morning and afternoon until the game. 

Teddy’s voice cracked: Won’t you have morning skate?

Tyler: I will skip it. 

Teddy asked softly: You would really skip it for me?

Tyler: Of course I would skip it for you. You need me more. 

Teddy: I do need you Tyler. I need you more than I thought I ever would.

Tyler: Is that a bad thing?

Teddy: No, it’s a good thing. You have never let me down. 

Tyler: So we have a plan? I will see you in Philly on the 9th?

Teddy: Yes, I will make the arrangements. 

Tyler: What can I do in the meantime? How can I make it better?

Teddy: Just you wanting to make it better helps. 

Tyler: I love you, Pretty One. You don’t have to do it alone this year. 

Teddy: How did you know that I did it alone last year?

Tyler: Because you ghosted me for a whole week. It was horrible. I forgive you though because you’re cute. 

Teddy laughed: Thanks

Tyler: Do you need the words?

Teddy: Yes, please.

Tyler: Who do I want?

Teddy: Me and only me

Tyler: Who do I love?

Teddy: Me and only me

Tyler: Who is my lady?

Teddy: Me and only me

Tyler: Talk to you after the game, before I get on the plane tonight.

Teddy: Hey Sweet One….

Tyler: Yes Pretty One

Teddy: Thank you. Thank you for not letting me be alone.

Tyler: My pleasure

January 9th- Philadelphia Airport 

Teddy walked through the sliding glass door that separated the terminal from the baggage claim and exit. She had her head down when she heard a voice called, "Teddy….Teddy Baxter!" Her eyes scanned the area for her driver but saw no one in a uniform. Again the voice called, "Teddy…. Teddy Baxter!" In a much louder voice. Something about the voice seemed entirely familiar. She searched again- still no driver. Something else caught her attention- a giant stuffed Teddy Bear. The bear was holding a sign that said "Pretty One." She smiled and  walked toward the bear quickly. 

When she stood in front of the bear, she took notice of the arms and hands wrapped around the huge teddy bear. The arms are covered in detailed tattoos. She leaned her head and looked around the bear. Tyler flashed his signature smile, "about damn time. This thing is heavy." He dropped the bear and pulled Teddy into his arms. "Now here's the Teddy Bear I love," he teased as he kissed her cheek. Teddy smiled at the teddy bear before she nuzzled her face into his neck. "Pretty One? You okay?" he asked.

"I will be. I will be soon," she whispered, "I am here. I am not alone."

"You don't have to be alone anymore, Pretty One," he wrapped his arms around and squeezed her tight.

"Ummm, Sweet One? What's up with the bear?" she asked.

“I don’t know. You tell me,” he said in confusion.

“What do you mean tell you? Why would I know about the bear?” she replied equally confused. 

“You didn’t send it? It was my room when I checked in last night,” he responded, “It had a note too.”

“What did it say?” she questioned. 

“I can’t wait to cuddle with you. Love, Teddy Bear,” he answered.

“Love, Teddy Bear? Really?” she scoffed. 

"Teddy Bear? Like your name?" He joked.

"When have you ever heard me refer to myself as Teddy Bear? Only two people on the planet call me Teddy Bear." she said gently. 

"Oh," Tyler replied, "so you didn’t send the bear?"

“Nope, definitely not me,” she pondered, “Who sent it?”

“Maybe it was one of the guys?” he said sheepishly, “I may have been talking non-stop about how excited I was to see you.”

“You think?” she wondered. It was a plausible enough explanation. She shook her head and decided to get with it. 

“So do you want the bear or not?” he laughed. 

"Hell yes, I want the bear. I want you more though," she teased.

"Good- now you can carry that thing. It's ruining my rep," he laughed as he took her overnight bag from her shoulder.

"What rep is that?" she laughed as she picked up the bear, "a big old softie? A mushy gushy boyfriend?"

"Teddy, I am a badass," he countered. She raised an eyebrow as they walked to the waiting SUV. "Okay, a badass AND mushy gushy boyfriend. What the fuck happened to me?" he admitted. She smiled brightly and he groaned, "You- you happened to me. You put a spell on me."

"Me? Little ole innocent me?” she batted her eyes.

"Shut up and get in the car. It's freezing out here," he gruffed.

At the hotel, Tyler opened the door to his room. He set Teddy's bag on the floor by the window while she set the bear in the club chair. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She rested her head against his back. She looked over and noticed Tyler's bag on the floor. "Ummm, Sweet One- why are your bags in my room?" She questioned.

"Because technically, it's my room," he answered as he walked them over to the bed.

"Is that allowed?" Teddy balked, "I don't want you to get into trouble."

Tyler sat down on the bed, pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her waist "Again, technically it would be frowned upon especially if I don't play well tomorrow. It will give me an incentive to score," he explained. She frowned. "Teddy," he added, "There is a room with your name on it. Nobody is going to come check the beds. I won't get in trouble." He gazed into her eyes and pushed her hair behind her ears. "If I get in trouble, then I get in trouble but I can't let you wake up alone tomorrow. I can't let you wake up alone on the anniversary," he continued.

Teddy leaned forward and kissed him gently. He pulled her down on top of him, "Don't worry, Pretty One," he moaned as she straddled his waist and pushed up his shirt, "Don't worry."

They kissed slowly as Tyler's hands pushed Teddy's sweater over her head. His mouth immediately went to her bra covered breasts. He pulled the bra cups down and began to suck and lick. Teddy's hips rocked against his crotch as she leaned down to give Tyler better access. His hands slid under her skirt and he groaned loudly. "Fucking commando," he growled as he flipped them over onto her back. He looked up as he reached to unbuckle his pants and push them down. The giant bear stared at him. He looked down and back. He muttered under his breath, "Damn bear-quit looking at me. I am trying to fuck here." 

Teddy's head turned and she grinned, "Don't talk that way to Beaux. He is a sensitive soul."

"He has a name already? You bonded quickly there, Pretty One. Make him stop staring" Tyler whined.

"Go, turn him around," she giggled, "turn him around if he is bothering you."

He kissed her hard, "Don't move." He shimmied out of his pants and boxers and hopped over to Beaux and turned the bear around. "Sorry dude, I am not going to get cock blocked by a stuffed animal." He returned to Teddy and kissed her neck, "Now where was I? Oh yes, I was showing my girlfriend what it's like to be fucked by an bad ass."

"Only if I get to sleep with the mushy gushy boyfriend afterwards," purred slowly.

"Your wish is my command," he answered.

LATER ON

Tyler’s fingers slowly stroked her back. She snored lightly as her head rested on his tattooed chest. A soft smile spread across her face. A light moan escaped as she wiggled beneath his touch. “Pretty One,” he whispered, “You need to wake up. It’s time to go to dinner.” She shook her head in defiance. “I made reservations for us….” he hummed out loud. 

“Reservations? Like in a fancy place?” she sat up straight. 

“Yes- that’s why I told you to pack a dress,” he smiled up at her. 

“You’re taking me to a fancy place in Philly?” she poked his abs. 

“Why are you talking like I never take you to any fancy places?” he joked, “I take you to fancy places, Teddy.” 

Teddy opened her mouth to argue. It was true that they did go to upscale restaurants in Dallas, but it was always with another couple or team outing. The last time he had taken her solo was their first date. She smiled at the memory of his nervousness and desire to impress her with the private dining room. 

As if reading her mind, Tyler spoke, “Remember you said that you would be happier doing our thing at home instead of fancy places. You only have yourself to blame.”

Teddy playfully pouted, “Well played Seggy, well played.” She dragged her finger down his rock hard abs. “Where are you taking me?” she teased, “Tell me, tell me, tell me”

“No, I am not telling you,” he laughed, “You will just have to trust me.”

Teddy lifted her leg and straddled his waist. She leaned forward and pressed her chest into his chest and kissed his neck. “You know I trust you,” she whispered, “I trust you more than any other person on the planet.” Her hips rocked against him and she could feel his body respond. 

Tyler wrapped his arms around her waist, “Even more than your dad?”

“Please don’t mention my father while I am dry humping you, Sweet One,” she moaned.

“Pretty One, that’s not dry humping. It feels pretty wet to me,” he returned her moan.

“Going to do anything with it?” she teased. 

He rolled them over so that he was on top of her, wrapping her leg over his hip, “Guess we are going to be late for that reservation,”

“I hope so,” she murmured, “I hope we are very late for that reservation.”

LATER

Tyler held Teddy’s hand as they walked through the hotel lobby. She stopped to put on her gloves before they walked into the brisk night air. Tyler looked especially dapper in his navy wool coat and suit. She grabbed his coat label and pulled him in for a kiss. He smiled down at her, “You are especially smushy tonight. What gives?” 

She gazed into his eyes for a moment and took in a deep breath, “You know I am going to be in my head a lot, especially tomorrow.” She blinked back tears, “I am just thankful that the part of my life is behind me and now I have you. So, yeah, expect a lot of smush from me. I hit the jackpot.”

He nodded solemnly and flashed a smile, “It feels nice to be appreciated. I will take all the smush if I can return it to you. Besides-everyone knows, I hit the jackpot-not you.” He kissed her quickly then grabbed her hand. She wrapped her coat around her as they stepped outside. A shorter brunette man pushed past Tyler, forcing Tyler to turn around. "Hey," Tyler called after doing a quick visual scan to ensure Teddy was okay, "watch where you're going!" The stranger called back, "Sorry Seggy" before slipping into the crowd. The sound of the voice made Teddy stop dead in her tracks. She turned to look for the source, but the man had disappeared into the crowd. Tyler pulled at Teddy's hand and she turned to him, "Everything okay?" 

Teddy gulped and started walking again, "Yeah, just got in my head again. Let's go!" They climbed into the Uber and made the drive to the restaurant.

At the restaurant, Tyler handed over their coats at the coat check before he turned to look at Teddy. She adjusted her dress to emphasize her cleavage. The deep blue velvet fabric clung to her curves with a deep v-neckline and thigh high slit. Tyler licked his lips involuntarily before he again placed his hand in the small back. "What is this fabric? He asked as his hand ran up and down her back. The hostess led them to a small private room. 

"It's called velvet," she giggled, "Did you learn nothing in school?"

"I played hockey so I learned forechecking and backchecking."  His hand snaked around her waist and down her hip. "Can I just rub my face on it?" he asked, "just on the tits?"

"No, you may not motorboat me in public," she chided him.

"Oh so I can in private? Good to know" he retorted.

Teddy's eyes got big as they walked into the room. The room had a fireplace and was aglow with hundreds of lit candles. Flowers adorned the mantle while a low floral arrangement sat in the middle of the table. "Sweet One, what is this?" she said softly.

"Remind you of anything?" He asked.

"Our first date," she smiled.

"Good, it worked," he smiled in return.

"Worked?" She asked.

"I want to remind you of a good memory and not a bad one," he said softly, "It worked, didn't it?"

Teddy smiled sweetly at him. His face looked so expectant and hopeful. His heart was in the right place even if his plan was naive at best. She placed her hand over his and squeezed softly. "That's not the way this works, Sweet One," she explained, "I just can't tell my brain 'don't think about it' as if I can control the thoughts. Random sights and sounds will trigger a memory. It comes in waves."

"But I want to make it better. I don't want you to be in pain," he said tenderly as he brought her hand to his lips, "Tell me what you need."

"I need you to be there when the waves come. I need you to hold me and remind me that I can swim. Sometimes the waves wash over me and I think I am drowning when actually I just need to stand up," she spoke gently, "I can't tell you how much it means to me that you want to make it better. You love me so well, Sweet One."

"I love you so well because you love me so well," he whispered as the server came to take their orders. When they left, Tyler's fingers went to her velvet sleeve, "You need to wear this dress every day. I am obsessed," he complimented, "You have never looked more beautiful."

"It's the boobs," she looked down at deep v-cut neckline and smiled, "but I appreciate the compliment." Their drinks arrived and they got caught up in conversation about the road trip. By the time that dessert arrived, Teddy was walking the fine line between sober and tipsy. The coffee with Kahlua pushed her over the line. Tyler smiled as Teddy relocated from her chair to his lap as he signed the bill. Her mouth went to his neck as he struggled to sign it. "We need to leave to get back for curfew, right?" she asked.

Tyler's hand rubbed the velvet that covered her thigh and smirked. "We need to leave so I can get this dress off of you," he quipped.

Teddy made an exaggerated yawning movement, complete with arm and back stretch. The result was her breasts practically in his face. "You are right," she sighed, "I can't wait to get out of this dress and into some comfy pajamas. I need to get to bed. I am soooooo tired."

Tyler blinked slowly before giving her a nervous smile. She stared back at him blankly. "Pretty One," he squeaked out, "Are you being serious? You want to go to sleep?"

She kissed his cheek, "Oh, you wanted to do something else? Such as what?"

Tyler gently pushed her out of his lap as he stood. He shook his head at her feigned innocence, "No, bed sounds great." His hand found the small of her back that immediately began caressing the fabric again. Teddy grabbed his hand as he guided her to the coat check and then out of the restaurant. In the Uber, she sat as close to his body as the seat belt would allow before resting her head on his shoulder and wrapping her arm around his waist. He gently stroked her back as they rode in contented silence back to the hotel.

The hotel lobby was full of drunken businessmen and women who were shamelessly flirting with each other without the prying eyes of their spouses. Teddy and Tyler were almost to the elevator when she heard the low call of "Dovey, Lovey Dovey- come here Lovey Dovey." She stopped in her tracks and scanned the elevator lobby. Her breath hitched and her heart raced. It was HIS voice. She knew it and she felt it. Tyler turned around with a smile, "I thought you wanted to go to bed, Pretty One." He looked at her face. The panic had reached into her eyes and her heart raced. She spun around in search of him. "Not yet, Dovey, not yet" the voice called. Teddy's knees buckled and Tyler scooped her back up.

"Pretty One, talk to me," he demanded, "What's happening? Teddy's mind raced. 

The rational side of her brain screamed out loud. "This can't be happening. He can't be here. Why would he be here? You are not in Dallas. How would he find out you are in Philadelphia?" The voices chanted. She nodded and listened. They were right. She was hearing things. She wasn't in danger. She was fine. Tyler was here and she was fine. She turned to him with a shy smile, "I was getting in my head. It's nothing."

Tyler tilted his head, "Are you sure?"  She walked up to him and kissed his cheek. The elevator door opened up and they stepped inside. He walked backwards to lean against the elevator wall. Teddy stepped towards him and he pulled her in tight. "Are you sure I can't convince you not to sleep right away?" he whispered when a male form came into his view. Tyler looked into the man's eyes as he lifted his foot to hit the door close button. "Sorry, man- I am going to do unmentionable things to her in this elevator," Tyler smiled as Teddy's hand reached down and palmed his crotch. The bearded man with dark eyes and curly hair blinked and took a step toward the door before it closed. A chill ran down Teddy's spine. She turned to see her reflection on the metal elevator door. Tyler kissed her shoulder, "It was nobody." 

On the first floor, Chaz stood motionless and stared at the elevator door in disbelief. His Dovey was actually here in Philadelphia and was within his grasp. He smiled and turned to go home to his apartment. He thought to himself, "It is time to clip those wings again, Dovey, and I am going to be the one to do it."

NEXT MORNING- TYLER'S HOTEL ROOM

Tyler groaned as his eye fluttered open and his arm reached to pull Teddy closer to him. Having a warm body next to him on the road was a rare luxury. He planned on making the most of it.Teddy had been too nervous to push the envelope in November, but he had made a convincing argument yesterday so she had stayed to sleep with him. However, when he reached out, there was no Teddy to be found. 

He sat up and looked around the room. Her stuff was still neatly organized on the desk. He twisted his body and saw the glow of the bathroom light coming from underneath the door. "Oh, she's peeing," he thought to himself as closed his eyes again. Within a minute, he was asleep again.

In the bathroom, Teddy paced back and forth. She had been awake for nearly two hours. The first hour she had laid silently next to Tyler and listened to him breathe. She tried to will herself to wrap her body into his arms, but the idea seemed suffocating. She rang in the second hour by taking a long, hot bath. Her mind raced with a memory from THAT night which had emerged from the depths of her memory. "Dovey, you are still mine. You will always be mine. No one else will want you." he had breathed into her ear. The intense pain from the assault resonated throughout her body. She eventually gave up any hope of relaxation in the bath and began her pacing. She checked the time and did the mental math of the time difference. She inhaled deeply and pressed the dial button. On the second ring, Steve, head of corporate security for Baxter Enterprises, picked up. 

Steve: This is Steve

Teddy: Hi, Steve. This is Theordora Baxter, Robert’s daughter

Steve: I know Teddy

Teddy: I remembered that you said that you were an early riser so I hope I didn’t wake you. 

Steve looked at the time. It was currently 5 AM Dallas time and he was in the process of checking the global security alerts. 

Steve: I have been up for a while. How can I help you?

Teddy’s voice got smaller: This may be nothing, but I remember that you said that you would rather me come to you with nothing than take the risk. 

Steve: Yes, I did say that. Tell me what’s going on. 

Teddy: It’s probably all in my head,  but I think that Chaz might be trying to contact me.

Steve’s attention became laser-focused and grabbed a legal pad and pen. 

Steve: What makes you think that, Teddy? Where are you?

Teddy: I am in Philadelphia. I came to visit Tyler for his road game. 

Steve made notes as he listened. 

Steve: Is it unusual for you to visit Tyler on the road?

Teddy: Yes, I have only done it once before. 

Steve: Was there a reason for this visit? 

Teddy: Tyler thought it might be a good idea to get my mind off of the anniversary

Steve: The anniversary of what?

Teddy: The anniversary of Chaz’s last assault- the one that landed me in the hospital. It was  five years ago today. 

Steve scrambled to his computer to log-in to the secure folders. Steve had only been in his role for nine months and only knew high level details about Charles “Chaz” Williams and his abuse towards Teddy. 

Steve: What makes you think that he is attempting contact?

Teddy explained the mysterious bear in Tyler’s room and the two times that she had heard his voice. 

Steve: Okay, Teddy- I am coming to you. I can be wheels up in less than an hour. I should be there in less than four hours. Please text me the hotel details. 

Teddy shakily: Are you sure? It may be nothing. 

Steve: If it’s nothing, then at least I will get a good cheesesteak out of it and we can take in the game together. Now, I will have to update your father. 

Teddy: I would rather you didn’t

Steve: It’s non-negotiable. In fact, everything that I do between now and when I determine Chaz is not a risk is non-negotiable. 

Teddy: Okay. I will see you after ten then. 

Steve: Teddy?

Teddy: Yes

Steve: I am glad that you called. 

Teddy: Me too

Teddy placed her phone on the counter and examined her reflection in the mirror with a cold, demanding eye. She could feel the wave of guilt and shame rising within her. Her father would know. Her father would know that Chaz was potentially back. It would be like reliving that moment when he found out about the attack. The look of shock and horror on his face forever etched on her brain. The voices of anxiety added to the guilt and shame created a cacophony in her brain. Just below the surface of the noise came the small voice that repeated, “Get Tyler. Go to Tyler and ask for help.” She opened the door and stepped into the room. His eyes fluttered with the sound of the door. Once again, he reached for her and found emptiness. He sat up, half asleep, “Pretty One? Pretty One, where are you?”

“I’m here,” she said softly. He turned to look at her and saw her tear stained face. He simply held up his arms and she ran to the bed. Teddy climbed into the bed and clung to him. “Tyler, I’m drowning….. I’m drowning,” she whispered over and over. 

“It’s okay. It’s okay. I am here and you can swim. Remember you are strong and you can swim,” he assured her. He squeezed her tight and rocked, “You are so strong and you can swim.” He repeated it over and over until her breath returned to normal and the tears stopped. They laid in silence before Teddy whispered, “We need to talk.”

Tyler, "Tell me."

Teddy, "I think Chaz is trying to make contact with me. I have a bad feeling. The last time I felt like this was right before the last time he attacked me."

Tyler rubbed her back as she trembled, "Are you sure it's not your anxiety?"

Teddy, "I think I heard his voice last night. Once when we were leaving the hotel- right after you got bumped. Then again when we were standing by the elevator. The voice used his nickname for me. The nickname he used before he would beat me."

Tyler flinched at the word beat. He spoke quickly, "but your anxiety knows that, right? It could still be a mind fuck."

Teddy looked into his eyes, "Then who sent the bear? Someone from the team sending it is weak at best. Seriously- tell me who would go through the effort?"

The question stumped Tyler. He briefly considered if Benn would do it but quickly dismissed the idea. Teddy and Benn had just established a friendly relationship and ceased fire in their long running feud. Benn would not take a chance on restarting the feud so quickly. Katie would not forgive him. None of the other players could be considered a real suspect. Tyler's brow furrowed as he tried to formulate a guess. "I got…. I got nothing," he finally admitted. "What do we do if he is trying to contact you? He isn't allowed to do that l, right?"

"He could be arrested for violating the protective order. There are no guarantees though," Teddy grimaced, "I don't know what we do if he is trying to contact me, but I knew who to call."

Tyler, "You called someone? When? Pretty One, it's six fifteen. Who can you call this early?"

Teddy answered, "I called Steve, my father's head of security. He will be here after ten."

Tyler, "Holy shit. Why is he coming here?"

Teddy made a face, "For me- he is coming to protect me until he can determine what is actually happening. Most likely there is a team who are currently working furiously to locate Chaz and get eyes on him."

"What am I? Chopped Liver?" Tyler scoffed. She stared at him. "You think I can't or won't protect you?" he spoke softly as he sat up in bed. She sat up and placed her hand on his forearm. "Do you really think that?" he sighed.

"I think you would do everything in your power to take care of and protect me. You have done it so well- emotionally, psychologically and physically you have kept me safe from harm," she kissed his shoulder, "but you are not an expert. You also have a morning skate and a game. You cannot protect me then. Who knows? This may be entirely in my head. We will know more when he arrives."

Tyler pushed her hair back, "so did you sleep at all?" She shrugged her shoulders. Tyler frowned, "What happened?" She shook her head no. "You can't tell me?" His voice suddenly became soft. 

"A memory came back," she whispered, "That is all I am willing to say because it's that horrible."

Tyler kissed her forehead, "How is your anxiety twisting it?"

Teddy smiled sardonically, "Oh, the greatest hits- I am broken beyond repair, I am a burden to everyone around me and nobody wants me." She forced a smile, "but hey, my mind does immediately counter with 'but Tyler wants you' so I am counting it as progress."

"I do want you," he kissed her softly, "You are not a burden and you are fabulously flawed."

"Fabulously flawed?" She laughed.

"Perfect to me," he countered, "others may be slightly more critical. I am blinded by love."

Baxter Enterprises Corporate Jet- Dallas Love Field

Robert Baxter bounded up the stairs to board the private jet. He had received a brief text from Steve thirty minutes earlier that simply read, “Teddy in possible danger. Going to Philadelphia to investigate. Wheels up in thirty minutes.” Robert abandoned his early morning workout and threw clothes together. When the security team heard his footsteps, a hush came over the plane. Robert barked, “What the fuck is going on?”

Steve stood, “We’ll get into details after we take off. Short story- Teddy thinks that Chaz might be attempting to contact her. She called this morning. I believe there is enough circumstantial evidence to take the possible threat seriously. I want to get eyes on her and assess the situation.”

Robert turned the pilot, “Get us into the air. Get us into the air NOW!” 

After take off he turned to Steve, “Tell me that you know where he is. Tell me that you know where that fucker is.”

Steve inhaled deeply and spoke slowly, “No, we do not have a current location for him.”

Robert blinked, “Why? Why don’t you know?”

Steve answered, “Do you want the long or short answer?”

Robert yelled, “I want a fucking answer.”

Steve replied, “Short answer is that we dropped the ball.”

Robert hissed, “We? As in both of us?”

Steve answered, “Exactly.”

Robert balked, “Explain it to me.”

Steve explained, “From what I could gather in the last thirty minutes of searching, at one point, knowledge of Chaz’s whereabouts was maintained by an outside source who provided monthly reports to my predecessor who then reported it to you. It appears that almost eighteen months ago, the relationship with the outside source was terminated and the information ceased. I am not sure if he continued to update you with false information or you ceased to ask for the updates.”

Robert blinked. Steve’s predecessor was Mike Jackson who was an old school security guy before he retired. The timing of Steve’s information seemed correct. Truthfully, Robert couldn’t remember that last time that he had been updated on Chaz. It was long enough that it never became a part of Robert’s weekly meetings with Steve who had been in his role a little over a year. Steve wasn’t maintaining the knowledge because he had never been given direction to do so. Robert had failed to instruct him to do so. Robert kicked himself mentally. He had failed Teddy. She was possibly in danger because he had not kept his eye on the ball. 

Robert was lost in his thoughts when Steve cleared his throat. “Mr. Baxter, we can’t go back in time and fix the past. We just need to work from here. Thankfully we do have vital information and we are working on getting a location for him. We are also working on a plan to protect Teddy. It’s important that you keep your focus here. Can you do that for me?”

Robert nodded his head. “Oh my God, I have to tell Elizabeth,” he thought to himself. She will be beside herself with anxiety. “I’ll tell her when we have more information,”

Wells Fargo Center- Philadelphia

“Hey Seggy,” Todd, the equipment assistant, called out as Tyler walked in with Bishop for morning skate, “The Flyers staff dropped off a package for you. They said that you were expecting it?”

Tyler’s eyebrows raised, “I am not expecting anything. Where is it?”

“I put it in your spot. You better save me some,” he called back.

Tyler walked in, saw the familiar tin and smiled. “Teddy,” he thought to himself. He went over and opened it. Sure enough, there sat two dozen of Teddy’s infamous snickerdoodle cookies. Benn appeared behind him and exclaimed, “Cookies!” He reached over Tyler’s shoulder and snagged a cookie. 

“Hey, those are for me,” Tyler protested as Benn shoved the cookie into his mouth. 

The captain’s eyes widened as he ran to the trash can. He spit out the cookie and gasped, “Water. I need water.” Tyler looked on in confusion as he handed him a water bottle. “What the fuck was that, Seggy? Some kind of joke?” Benn choked out. “If she wanted to prank me, game on,” he spit out. 

Tyler laughed, “What the hell are you talking about? How would Teddy know that you would STEAL one of MY cookies? What’s wrong with them? Teddy doesn’t make bad cookies.”

Benn disagreed, “Those taste like a whole container of salt or something is in them. They are horrible.” 

Tyler looked at the container again. While at first glance it was similar to Teddy’s tins, it wasn’t the same. Her tins were blue with silver filigree and this tin was blue with gold filigree. He took out a cookie and sniffed it gingerly. There was nothing on the smell. He gave it a small lick and tasted the overwhelming flavor of salt. Something was definitely off. He picked up the phone and dialed Teddy. It went straight to voicemail. “She must be getting ready for Steve,” he thought to himself. He shrugged and walked over to the trash can. He almost threw it in the can before deciding to keep it in order to show Teddy herself. 

Team Hotel- Philadelphia

Robert and Steve walked in quickly into the hotel lobby. Robert looked down at his phone and remarked, “We are in the USS Blue Ridge boardroom.” His assistant, Mary, had secured hotel rooms and a conference room to serve as base of operations. The team raced to the room to begin setting up. Inside the room, Teddy paced. She dressed casually in her favorite Tyler hoodie and sweats. The commotion over the team entering the room caused her to look up and lock eyes with her father. “Teddy,” he called to her as she walked to him. He wrapped his arms around her and felt her steel her spine beneath his touch. “It’s okay, Teddy,” her father soothed, “I am here and everything will be okay.”

“Daddio, I didn’t mean for you to come. You have that big meeting tomorrow. It’s a huge deal,” she answered quietly, “We are not even sure it’s him.

“Sir,” a female voice shouted out as she entered the room, “I think I have something.” She walked over with the head of security for the hotel. “This is footage of the delivery of the large stuffed animal to the front desk yesterday morning.” The team gathered around the laptop to watch the footage. The face of the person was obscured when entering the lobby but could clearly be seen while exiting. All heads turned to Teddy in question and she nodded her head in confirmation. It was Chaz. 

“So it was him last night, too?” she asked as the door to the ballroom opened. Tyler walked in, holding the tin of cookies. Teddy reached out her hand to him and he walked quickly to her. He put the tin down on the table and wrapped his arms around her body. She leaned back against his chest. 

Trish, the female security analyst, asked, “What time was it?”

Teddy thought for a second, “It would have been about six fifteen. That’s when we were leaving for our dinner reservation.” She sighed softly. How quickly her world shifted in the span of sixteen hours. Trish nodded her head and pulled up the cameras from that time. Tyler and Teddy entered the shot. They exited the building and the bump could be seen at a distance. A few seconds later Chaz entered the building. 

Tyler leaned closer to the screen, “Wait, that’s Chaz? I know that face. I saw him last night.”

“Yes, when he bumped you,” Teddy agreed. 

“No, it was later,” Tyler corrected, “When we came back. He tried to get on the elevator with us, but I kicked the door close button.” 

“Are you certain it was him?” Steve asked. 

“One hundred percent,” Tyler answered. 

Steve shook his head, “Okay- people we have confirmation that Chaz is in Philly. Now let’s track his ass down.” 

Team went into a flurry of activity. Teddy and Tyler stood by the side and watched for a few minutes. “Sweet One,” she said quietly, “You need to go eat your lunch and take your nap. There is no use getting out of your routine.” After a few minutes of spirited discussion, it became clear that Teddy would not budge from her position. “Please, Tyler,” she pleaded, “It will give me more anxiety for you to be here. Not because I don’t want you here, but I don’t want to mess your routine up.” Tyler gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and headed to the other ballroom to eat with the team. 

Throughout the afternoon, bits and pieces of Chaz’s information began to crystallize. He had started a new job at a local advertising agency in the summer of 2018. Records indicated that he rented a large apartment overlooking FDR park near the Wells Fargo Center. Nothing suspicious could be found on his rarely used social media. He seemed to favor Instagram over all the others. The investigation came to stand still by late afternoon. After conferring, the team decided that while annoying, Chaz posed a limited physical threat to Teddy while she was surrounded by the team. That threat would be severely diminished by Teddy’s quick return to Dallas. Therefore, Steve, Robert and the team agreed that there wouldn’t be an issue with Teddy attending the game, providing she took Trish as an escort. Teddy bristled at the idea but finally succumbed and agreed. 

Teddy and Trish dressed for the game. (Teddy insisted that Trish dress casually for the game as well.) Both heeded the advice of Tyler in wearing plain, nondescript sweatshirts to prevent any trouble from rambunctious Flyers fans. They headed out for a quick dinner before the game at Tyler’s insistence. Robert, Steven and team would pack up the war room and also attend the game. They would depart for Dallas immediately following the game. 

Steve, Robert and team were packing the war room when a floral delivery was brought in by hotel staff. The flowers were delivered to the attention of Teddy. The large vase of white gladiolus and carnations were ostentatious in size and presentation. Robert opened the card and read “Teddy- Thank you for always being the wind beneath my wings. Too bad that you had to have Daddio clip them for you. Why did you call him in to save the day? Didn’t trust Pretty Boy to protect you? Wise decision. You’re still mine, Lovey Dovey”

"Motherfucker," Robert muttered. Steve’s head popped up in surprise. "He is watching us."

"What do you mean?" Steve asked.

“He knows that I am here which means that he has eyes on the hotel,” Robert quipped, “We’ll be done here in the next fifteen minutes. Keep your eyes open for him but we should be in the clear.”  The remaining computer and equipment were boxed up when Steve’s eyes fell on the cookie tin. “Where did this come from?” Steve asked. 

“Tyler brought it with him from the morning skate,” Robert said, “He must have forgotten when he went upstairs. It looks like Teddy made him some cookies for the game.”

Steve went over and picked up the tin and looked at it with concern. “Call Tyler. I have questions.” Robert obliged Steve’s request and got Tyler on the phone. 

Robert: Hey Tyler, I am going to put you on speaker phone. Steve has some questions for you. 

Tyler stood in the underbelly of the arena and waited.

Steve: Hey Tyler- I understand that you brought a tin of cookies into the ball room. They’re from Teddy, correct?

Tyler: Crap, I forgot about them. I thought at first they were from Teddy, but it doesn’t make sense now. 

Steve: Why doesn’t it make sense, Tyler?

Tyler: Well, first the tin LOOKS like the tins that Teddy uses for her cookies. If you look closely, it’s a different design. Also the cookies are awful. Teddy has never made a bad cookie in her life. 

Robert looked at the tin and confirmed. He opened it, took a bite of a cookie, then spit it out quickly

Steve: What else, Tyler?

Tyler: I don’t know how Teddy would have gotten it delivered to the locker room. First, why would she go to the trouble when we were in the same room together? Second, how would she have access to the building?

Steve’s eyes got wide. Tyler had a point. 

Steve: Tell me exactly what was said to you. 

Tyler explained that a member of the Flyers staff had given it to the equipment manager to deliver it to him. 

Steve: I need you to find that equipment manager. Find them right now. 

Tyler ran in search of Todd. He grabbed him by the arm and shoved the phone in his hand

Tyler: Okay, I got him. 

Steve: Hey Todd, who from the Flyers gave you the cookie tin for Tyler?

Todd: Ummmm, it was Chelsea. She is in charge of their social media. 

Steve pulled out his phone and checked the Flyers website. There it listed Chelsea Thomas, head of social media. He cross-referenced Chelsea on Instagram. 

“Get Trish on the phone. We have a problem,” Steve yelled.

“What’s the problem?” Robert asked. 

Steve handed the phone to Robert in disbelief. “Chaz has access to the arena,” Steve explained. Robert blinked and looked at the photo on Instagram. 

Inside the arena, Teddy and Trish made their way down to the rink for warm-ups. With the spotty service, both were oblivious to their phones blowing up. Trish glanced around the lower bowl of seats for any sign of Chaz. There were none. "Incoming," Trish whispered as a red-head approached Teddy. “Excuse me, aren’t you Teddy Baxter?” she said brightly. 

“That’s me,” Teddy answered warily. 

The red head flashed her badge to Teddy and Trish. “I’m Chelsea with the Flyers social media team. Can you come with me to do a quick bit for Instagram?” she asked. 

Teddy tilted her head in confusion, “Why would the Flyers want to do a bit with me? My boyfriend is the star of the opposing team.”

"We try to get Instagram influencer to participate when they are at games. It can be a great way to building your following," she said cheerfully. Chelsea glanced up at the concourse, “Come on, it will be fun. We can get the Stars in on it too,” 

"Oh, I would have to run it by my brand team first," Teddy shook her head no, “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Chelsea pleaded, “Please? I really need you to do this for me.” 

Teddy again shook her head, “No, thank you.”

Teddy turned and focused her attention onto Tyler who smiled and took a running leap into the boards right in front of her. Then he turned with a dramatic flair, placed his hands on his heart and blew her a hiss. Teddy smiled and giggled.

Chelsea slowly walked up the stairs with a sense of dread filling her. At the top of the stairs, a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. “I thought I was clear in my instructions, Birdie,” Chaz hissed, “You were supposed to get the bitch up to me.”

Chelsea turned to him and cried, “Chaz, I tried. I really tried but she wouldn’t come. Please don’t hurt me.”

TO BE CONTINUED

[noxsoulmate]

🏳️‍🌈🥰🏳️‍🌈🥰🏳️‍🌈🥰🏳️‍🌈🥰🏳️‍🌈🥰🏳️‍🌈🥰 all the even days 😌

Wow, now this is sneaky - I like it 😁 I made it twelve sentences (or a bit more) on the four even days that are left 😉

911 Pride Week - Day 4: In the Future ~ aka the Summer Camp AU

They were in the middle of a round of getting to know each other when the door to the cabin opened and three people stepped in.

“Ah, welcome,” Clive greeted them. “Our New York crew is finally here. Terrible flight?”

Carlos’ head perked up. New York… so if Nancy was correct, he would be sharing his cabin with one of the two men – which was very likely, seeing how his roommate hadn’t shown up so far. He took a closer look – only to have his heart nearly stop. Was this– could it be–

“We definitely had better ones,” the woman in the group replied, momentarily pulling Carlos’ attention away from the man with green eyes and an impossibly sweet smile.

The same man that now looked at Clive. “Sorry for the delay,” he said – with a voice that send shivers down Carlos’ smile.“No worries,” Clive assured the newcomers. “At least you’re no newbies so I don’t have to repeat everything. Now, why don’t you continue with introductions for the folks that are new?”

911 Fluff Week - Day 2: Displays of Affection ~ aka an alternative reconciliation fic

Carlos,

In case you’re wondering what’s going on: You were pretty drunk and Katy from the Honkey Tonk wouldn’t let you drive home. I guess she didn’t know about Nevermind Anyway, she called me to pick you up and I got you home safe. But you wouldn’t let me go, so… I stayed. I would still be here but the station called me in to cover the rest of a shift. 

Carlos, I

Look, we should probably

I don’t even know

Carlos, I don’t know how to do this while you’re right here but still asleep. I thought you hated me but your drunken rambling tells me otherwise. Can we please meet later?

911 Fluff Week - Day 4: Familial love ~ aka TK being a disaster in the kitchen and getting some familial help

“But, Andrea… don’t you have better things to do?”

“Careful there, Tyler Kennedy,” she warned with a raised finger. “Another foolish question like that and I won’t shy away from smacking you up the head.”

That pulled a laugh from TK – which ended in a choked-up sob. Before he knew it, he was in Andrea’s arms, crying into her shoulder.

“There, there now, mijo,” he heard her whisper into his hair, her hand soothingly rubbing up and down his back. “It’s alright, let it all out.”

“My mom,” he hiccuped, pulling away just far enough to rub his eyes and wipe away his tears. “My mom was the only one to call me that and only when she scolded me.”

“I know, she told me,” Andrea replied with a soft smile, patting his cheek before turning back to the kitchen.

It took TK a second to catch onto what she had said. “Wait, she did what?”

911 Fluff Week - Day 6: Soft sweater hugs ~ aka the fic I dug up an old idea for and I'm happy about it 😁 it's a 7+1 fic and this scene takes place in the hospital after TK got kidnapped...

Once he was comfortable, Carlos reached out and carefully guided TK’s head to his arm.

“Here, take me instead.”

“Babe, wha…?”

“We both know you love to sleep on my arm, so I guess it’s more comfortable than that lumpy hospital pillow. So take me instead. As your pillow.”

TK looked up at him with those wide doe eyes he sometimes had when he was unsure if he wanted to cry or smile, and knowing that in his current state either would hurt, Carlos quickly leaned in to press a soft kiss into his hair. 

“Just lay down and rest, babe. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.”

“I love you, you know that?”

“I do. But thanks for reminding me. Now come on, sleep.”

It was a testimony to how emotionally drained TK was that he didn’t argue with him. He simply rested his head on Carlos’ upper arm, sighed in contentment, and not even a minute later, Carlos felt his weight grow heavy as TK drifted off to sleep.

When the nurses came in sometime later, she gave him a scolding look but only shook her head with a tiny smile, and after checking in on TK, she left them alone and even shut off the light.

Come help me finish my Pride and Fluff Week fics 😊

[someonedm]

It was an inconvenience, really. Jane didn't want to be here, and neither did I. She had all her friends to be with, chatting and quacking about things I had nothing to do with. And I had... my alone time, I guess. Sweet, quiet, alone time.

But things didn't go out as planned. Jane got suspended, for being a bitch, and when school said she couldn't go to the field trip, she called her rich parents who got it all sorted out. But room arrangements were already made, which landed her right here, with me.

I suppose we both made the best out of it. She spent her time with her girls, while I had a blast going through social media. But, when bedtime finally arrived, we couldn't avoid it. We have to stay together in the same room.

She steps out of the shower, her wet hair dripping drops of water onto the floor. She turns to me with annoyance. "What are you looking at?"

I hadn't noticed I was staring at her until her remark, and it caught me off by surprise. "Oh. I just-yeah." I got in the shower. "Good thing you are finally washing, don't know if I could sleep with you stinking out the room." She said it so incidentally, not caring about if it'd hurt me or not. The kind of effort someone puts in a "congrats" message in a group chat.

Coming out of the shower, I find her still standing there, looking at her own reflection in the mirror. Seeing me, she swiftly turned to her toothbrush, trying to hide the self-absorbance this entails.

Her eyes, reflecting from the mirror, look tired. Her skin is dotted with little imperfections. Her mouth, which I was so used to see lie on a self-assured smirk, was curved down. She wasn't wearing any makeup, and we could both see her.

Perhaps she was thinking of another insult, perhaps she didn't mind my blank stare, but I noticed her relentlessness as she offered me a moisturizing cream. "You want some?"

"no, thanks."

She went back to her bed silently. She was no longer wearing her popular girl persona. We were both tired and just wanted to sleep.

After finishing my prep up, I too went back to my bed. I stretched my arm into my bag, fishing out a flask. I waved the flask in front of jane. "You want some?"

"Where'd you got this?" She laughed, reaching out her hand to take the flask.

"Stole it from my mom's cabin."

She gave it to me back. "Won't she be pissed at you?"

I gulped some of the scotch. "No way. She must've noticed it was gone as soon as I left. If she cared for me I would have heard from her way too long ago."

"Aaah." She yelped. "Sorry for asking".

"First time?" I asked with a full grin, unable to hide my satisfaction with the situation.

"You think?"

"You goody two shoes got yourself detained recently, so I don't know what to think."

"Hell nah. The first time was eighth grade. My ex's brother organized a party and snuck in booze. They said they would have got me with them, cause I looked a lot older than I was. I think that that sentence was why I took that first glass." She sighed, and I knew she has something weighing on her, but she stopped herself from speaking. "What about you?"

"My mom thinks that my first time was when she gave me, after he- after he- uhhh... yeah. It was a bad night for her, and she couldn't give any shit. I had to act like it was all new to me, as if I hadn't had one of those after other nights. I am not a great actress, but I did have a drunk and tired audience." I looked up to her, and noticed she too had a hard time looking in my eyes. "Forget about me. What about your party? Your ex??" I raised my eyebrows repeatedly, and it got a chuckle out of her.

"I'd rather not talk about him." She smiled, though it was a sad smile. "But since we are discussing firsts... well, me and Tyler. Homecoming party."

"Tyler, huh? never thought he was your type!"

"What do you think my type is?" she asked, intrigued by my statement.

"I thought you liked your boys strong and sassy. The kind of jock smart enough so you won't have to actually tutor him during your 'study sessions'. Not some theater student exchange kid!"

I laughed, but she didn't seem to like it. "Do you really think of me like that? That I'm that basic?"

I looked her in the eyes. Even after knowing how she looked without her makeup, she seemed so tired. The kind of tired that stems from frustration, rather than lack of sleep. Jane cared a lot about how people think of her, even if those people were outcasts like me. "If you want me to be sincere" she nodded. "Yes."

Her soft smile faded. "I guess I should go to sleep, then."

"Wait, I am sorry. Why don't you tell me about Tyler?"

"Okay, but, I can't promise to be awake to finish."

"Consider me an elephant. I am all ears." I gestured with my hands curved, extending my ears.

"He is smart, and funny, and kind - I thought he was kind. He helped me learn for history, and we actually did study, unlike what you were guessing. He said how he missed his friends at home, and I thought it was really sweet. I felt safe with him, that he cared for me. I think he did - I wasn't just a popular girl to achieve. He made it clear, romantic gesture after romantic gesture, and when homecoming came I offered him myself. And it was all great going forward, up until Christmas break. He finally had a chance to go back home and insisted I'd stay home with my family. He ghosted me all that time, including a week after he got back. Then he confronted me. Apparently, he was having a long-distance relationship with whom I thought was his ex, and they had sex when he came back for his visit. Said he loved me but that she won't let him be with me.

So I got a little basic, and invited one of the jocks to have rebound sex in his car. While his girlfriend was over."

I chuckled. "I am sorry. What you went through is terrible. But god damn is that a good way to get back at someone, you magnificent bastard."

"I am glad I am amusing you." I couldn't decipher the look on her face, resting for a split second, before turning back to gossip. "So, who's your first?"

"I had a first- yeah uh I definitely had one."

A malicious smile sneaked onto her face. "No, you didn't."

I held the palm of my hand at the back of my head and looked down in shame. "No, I didn't."

A familiar sense of vanity came from her. "Doesn't matter. Who'd you kissed?"

I wanted to lie, but instead, I hid my face in the palms of my hands, hiding from her glare. "I uh - I hadn't kissed anyone yet."

"Well, that's such a shame! I bet many boys like you. You just don't notice them, that's all."

This comment, coming from her, caught me off by surprise. I had anticipated some sassy, if not outright a bit mean remark. "Really? You think that? Cause you kinda sound like my mom."

I guess I shook her a bit too, cause the sass was quick to come. "I'm sure of it. You know how boys are - they lust after anyone they think they have a chance with."

"Ahh, there it is. Should I take it as a compliment?" I smiled softly. "Cause I'm not hurt."

Her eyes widened for a moment. "No I- I didn't mean it, I didn't mean it like that - Ugh, nevermind." She rubbed her eyes. It was late. "If you want me to, I can help you get any boy you'd like. Who you've got your eyes on?"

I was starting to feel uncomfortable, but I couldn't tell what about this innocent question was so jarring. "I don't know. I never thought about it."

She leaned forward on her bed. "Tell me your type, then, since we already talked about mine."

"You must guess first."

She looked me deep in the eyes, assesing how I looked. She then turned her head to the flask. I imagine she was going through what I've told her, trying to make a sense of me.

"You like shy artsy boys that keep to themselves. You get tired of the enthusiazm of other people, even if it's about things you like, so it's nice having someone who's more quiet, like you. But you also want him to be more emotional than you, cause if it was left up to you, you'd be scared of the relationship falling apart. Did I get it right?"

Her description felt off. It wasn't insulting or arrogant, and I couldn't tell what exactly was incorrect, but it felt wrong.

"I... I don't know." I knew what I wanted to say, and it made me anxious. I could feel the saliva getting stuck in my throat. "I like someone who's sarcastic and witty, and doesn't open up, so when they finally talk earnestly it feels like winning a prize. Someone who cares so much about how other people see them, that they take off their hand crafted mask just for you, and seeing them that way, they are only ever more beautiful."

My gaze drifted away from her as I spoke, and I couldn't bare to see how she had reacted.

"I am tired." Her voice finally broke the silence.

"Me too. I don't want to stop talking to you."

"Me too."

The vision of that flask felt burned in my memory as I thought about reaching out and taking another sip. I couldn't sleep, and perhaps more alcohol in my blood stream meant stopping to think. I couldn't stopped thinking, and it paralized me. Images ran in my mind, thoughts and ideas being intrusive, and I had no help in silencing them.

The steady rhythm of her breath calmed me down, but as I focused on it the intrusive thoughts only grew.

"Hey." Her voice was quite, almost a whisper.

"Can't sleep?" I answered, with the same crooked tone.

"No."

Her breath is still slow and calm, but I can feel my own heart pounding faster. I wonder if she can hear it beat from beyond my skin.

"When you talked about the type of person you like.

You weren't talking about a boy, right?"

I turned my head to face the wall, watching the creaks, trying to make them absorb my thoughts and visions. I knew she would hate me for it, and the thought of being honest made breathing almost impossible.

"No."

I listened the rumble of her bed sheets, and her light steps on the floor, and my squeaking bed as she set on its other edge. Tears filled my eyes and I swallowed the saliva down my throat.

"Was it about me?"

I rose up on my end of the bed, looking at her being the most difficult thing I have ever done. I couldn't see her clearly through my tears, but I knew she was absolutely beautiful.

"Yes."

She reached out her soft hands around the back of my head, leaning closer and kissing me.

I was surprised and uncomfortable but I loved every moment her tender lips touched mine.

I parted away, breathing heavily as I only now felt relieved. I sounded like a wailing baby, and I must have looked like one when I wiped off my tears that continued to come.

She sat there, holding herself. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't want to make you uncomfortable... I didn't..."

I braced her as hard as I could. We kissed again, now calm between each other's arms, trading our air between our body and stopping only when we had to. We cherished each other's beauty, finding comfort in each other's eyes.

She laid her head on my lap, and I caressed her hair. "I don't want to leave you."

"Me neither." I leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I want to hold you until dawn. But the bed is too small."

She woke up and went to bed, and it dawned on me how tired I am. As we both lay in our separate cushions, she lends her hand towards mine, and I hold hers.

[beauvibaby]

always together, but not really – r.hintz

“Miro.” You threatened, he hadn’t admitted to you that some of his teammates would also be at the bar until right before he dragged you inside. “Y/N.” He mimicked, his accent strong and slightly mispronouncing your name. “If Roope is here, I’m leaving.” You demanded, digging your feet down, he gave you a light tug to get you moving again. “Why do you hate him?” Miro teased you, knowing it wasn’t like that at all, quite the opposite actually, but after a very drunk make out session with Roope and then him hardly speaking to you after that. It forced you to create distance even though you wanted to close the gap.

“Please, not tonight.” You sighed, shooting your friend a pleading look, he gave in, seeing the tiredness around your eyes after a long week at work, “fine, he’s here but you don’t have to talk.” He muttered, tucking you under his arm as he walked, you sighed in relief, thanking him as he ordered you a drink. “Hey, Y/N.” Tyler grinned, nudging you as you approached, “hey.” You mirrored his smile, it was no secret that you’d had it rough this week, as Miro had answered your panicked phone call last night and didn’t get a chance to tell you it was on speaker before you started rambling in the midst of tears. You’d met him right when he came to Texas, you offered to help him with his English and a friendship blossomed from there. He was easily your closest friend, as most of the girls your age would just use you to become close to the guys. It was a shame really, but they all loved you like a sister so who were they to complain.

Miro muttered about going to see the others and left you with Tyler, laughing as you rolled your eyes. You’d seen Tyler mature a lot in the past couple of years, and it simply grew your trust and respect for him. “How ya doing?” He asked, sitting on the stool beside you as you sipped on your fruity drink. You shrugged, “better, just frustrated you know.” You explained vaguely, it had just been one of those times where if everything could go wrong, it would. You were on the tail end of it now, finally, so you were trying to let it go, but it was sweet that all the guys had been worried about you. Some of them even threatening to fight your boss, jokingly of course, or so you hoped…

“Such a tough cookie.” Tyler quipped, messing up your hair, “hands off, Seguin!” You gasped, blindly smoothing out the hair he had tousled, he snickered as he slinked off back to the group, giving you know choice but to come socialize, or sit at the bar alone. Which he knew you hated. “Jerk.” You muttered, pinching the back of his arm as you walked past him, you settled into a flow with Esa and Jason. Talking nonsense and jokes, you could feel eyes on the back of your head, and before you knew it, you were nearly all alone again. Just you and Esa speaking as everyone wandered off doing their own things, “Roope.” You mumbled with a nod, acknowledging him as he stepped over, he moved his hand in a small wave, not really speaking as Esa trailed off. “Uh, I think Tyler’s looking for me.” He mumbled before dashing away, you were on your second drink of the night, not very tipsy, but the edge had been removed certainly.

“How’s work?” He asked, and you took it as a jab, you gave him a blank stare, “are you serious?” You questioned, standing up straighter, he furrowed his brows, “yes?” He tilted his head, slightly confused as he nursed his beer. “Oh, shit, wait wait, nevermind.” Roope looked like a light went on in his brain, “Miro told me.” He mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. You nodded silently, “sorry.” You laughed under your breath, not wanting him to think of you as rude. He shrugged it off, the two of you having the most conversation you’d had in weeks.

***

“Oh.” You paused, walking into your apartment, and seeing the shoes in your entryway. “Miro, I said the key was for emergencies only.” You called, a laugh at the end, you walked towards the living room, stopping as it was Roope sitting there and not Miro, “Roope? How did you get in?” You gasped, he was scrolling on his phone, and didn’t answer you, you stepped closer and noticed the earbuds in his ears. You smirked, taking your heel from work and lightly tossing it at his back, laughing as he shouted, flying up off the couch. Arm craned back like he was ready to punch someone. “It’s just me.” You managed to get out between laughs, he shook his head, taking the earbuds out. “How did you get in here?” You asked again, “Miro let me in, he said he needed help putting something up for you? I don’t know, but when we got here he got a call that his apartment was flooding.” Roope explained, nearly out of breath from how you’d scared him. Your face fell into understanding, and an inaudible aw fell from your lips as you realized Miro wasn’t joking when he said he’d help you move the furniture in your room around. Something you’d been wanting to do for a while but never had the time or the help.

“He drove you here didn't he?” You asked, meaning Roope didn’t have an immediate way to leave, “yeah.” Roope chuckled nervously, not sure what you were getting at. “Could you help me then? I’m pretty sure this is why he had you here anyways.” You shrugged, motioning for him to follow you towards your bedroom, he hesitated, but when you glanced back at him with a soft, pleading smile, he began to walk right behind you.

“So,” you started, going on to explain to him what you wanted to do, he nodded along, agreeing when you would end something with a hum, looking for approval. He had no idea what he was talking about, he didn’t care where his furniture was, as long as there was a bed and a tv he was fine. But he could tell you were thrilled, with him no less, when he agreed to help you. He watched as you rushed off to grab something to change into, not very flexible in your office attire, he wandered around your room as you changed in the bathroom.

His eyes landed on your bed, and how clean and crisp it was, much like you, always put together even in the most stressful of times. He looked to the wall, the only wall where you had things hanging, mostly photos scattered around random signs, he couldn’t help but smile as he spotted one of you and Miro from a few years back, he’d always thought you were pretty, but now as he looked at you then, and at you now. He knew you had only gotten more stunning, he turned around when you cleared your throat, “you done looking at my stuff?” You teased, he felt whatever tension he had leave his body at your words. The most normal you had treated him since before he drunkenly kissed you, something he regretted because you deserved better. He wanted to give you better.

“Sorry.” He laughed, “so, where do we start?”

You collapsed on your bed with a groan, Roope following suit, “that took a lot longer than I thought it would.” You mumbled into your mattress, Roope laughed as he took the chance to glance over at you. He thought to himself, about how he couldn’t think of a time when he was in a girls room, in her bed, without it being for sex. He thought of how this felt more intimate as you two shared conversations and laughed over how he couldn’t understand your directions. You flipped over and he quickly looked back to the ceiling, “thanks for helping, dinners on me.” You offered, feeling heat run through your body as he smiled over at you. “It’s ok, you don’t have to do that.” He mumbled, his fingers brushing against yours on the bed, neither of you moved your hands, you let your head fall to the side, smile widening as he stared into your eyes. “What?” You whispered, feeling him slide his hand over yours, easily surrounding it. “Y/N, shit I’m sorry, I was trying to surprise– oh.” Miro shouted rushing to find you as he entered the apartment and saw you’d already come from work. He froze in the doorway as you and Roope leaped apart as if you were doing something wrong, “you moved everything.” He spoke, trying to keep you from feeling awkward.

Roope nodded, “uh yeah, it’s the least I could do since she came home and found me hanging out in her place, because you ditched me.” Roope joked with his friend, you laughed in agreement. “So, your apartment flooded?” You changed the subject, laughing as Miro now fell dramatically on your bed, complaining about how they’d called the wrong apartment owner.

***

A famous Tyler Seguin end of the season house party, only this time a little bit more together due to his girlfriend helping him. You laughed with some of the girls as the guys roughed it up outside, never failing to amaze you how they weren’t beat after a whole season of playing. “So, Y/N, has Roope made a move yet?” Alandra asked, wiggling her eyebrows at you, an exasperated sigh fell from your lips as you filled them in on everything. They nodded along, occasionally putting in their two cents, by the time you’d finished the guys were getting rowdy and begging you to come do something with them, everyone went to their significant others, and you bounced around with whoever was single currently. “Roope is looking at you.” Miro quipped, looking past you, you glanced over your shoulder and smiled at Roope, he mirrored the action, winking at you. Miro gaped at the sight, “don’t tell me he doesn’t like you anymore.” Miro rolled his eyes, all but shoving you towards his friend. You glared but proceeded to walk towards Roope, casually jumping into conversation with him and Rads. Roope smiled down at you, as the time went by and you casually stepped closer to him. He could see the way you would shiver as the breeze came through. Eventually he lightly put his arm over your shoulder, hoping you couldn’t feel his heart racing as you leaned against him, welcoming the warmth he was providing you.

Somewhere along the way, you two had ended up on the large outdoor couch, Alandra on the other side of you, her feet occasionally nudging you as you started drifting in and out, you smacked her ankle away, glaring lightly, she smirked as you rested your hand on Roope’s leg, your eyes falling shut. He adjusted his arm so you’d be more comfortable, “it’s ok, rakas, you can sleep.” He whispered when no one was looking. The pet name, that you’d heard before when Miro was speaking, made your heart flutter. You sighed in content as his fingers absentmindedly drew shapes on your back, lulling you to sleep.

***

That was a week ago, and you had thought things were going good, but then after that night, Roope pulled away again. At this point you weren't upset, you were angry, wanting answers to why he was playing with your emotions like that. That’s what led to you knocking loudly on his door early one morning, you could hear him cursing as he stumbled to the door. “Y/N?” He spoke, confused as you stormed inside the second the door was open, “I need to know why you keep doing this!” You groaned, pulling at your hair, he lightly shut the door, holding in a sigh, afraid this is what would happen as he couldn’t decide how to just tell you he liked you. “You can’t just call me darling, and let me sleep on you and then just stop talking to me! It isn’t fair Roope.” You rushed your words out, he nodded, stepping closer to you, “it’s not fair! It hurts me, I just need to know if I mean something to you.” He frowned at your words, lightly cupping your face, “don’t cry, rakas.” He whispered, “Roope.” You cautioned, trying to pry yourself from his hands, but you couldn’t, it felt too nice.

“Y/N, I’m sorry I did that, I was dumb. I should have just told you that I liked you from the beginning, but then we kissed and I thought you deserved better. Then we started seeing each other more and–“ “you like me?” You cut him off, placing your hands over his wrists, his hands still resting on your face, he went to move them back but you held him in place. “Do you like me Roope?” You whispered, he nodded, not breaking his eyes from yours. “I like you too.” You told him, just to make sure he got it in that thick head of his, “and I’d really like it if you asked me out, finally.” You could barely finish as he pulled you in for a kiss, smiling against you as it was even better than he remembered. “Wanna go out sometime?” He breathed out, eyes crinkling as you dipped your head back in laughter. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

taglist: @boqvistsbabe @tortito @2manytabsopen @heybarzy @barzysreputation @yzas-stuff @iwantahockeyhimbo

[crimsonbluemoon]

Kihorri’s Birthday Present: Daithi De Wildcat

OKAY SO FIRST OF ALL

Happy birthday @kihoori !!!! You are the best Owlbun ever and I’m so happy to have you in my life! And since you drew me pictures that made me cry for my birthday, I wrote you a little drabble to get back at you. Won’t make you cry, but it’s a storyline you wanted me to write so I figured I’d spoil it to you and give it to you. 

So again, happy birthday, and please enjoy! ^.^ 

Kihorri’s Birthday Present

Wildcat hadn’t wanted to know his ‘perfect match’. He was in the competition, yeah, but that was because he needed money. Marcel had urged him to enter the competition on a whim; they were looking for single people in the area, and Tyler definitely fit that part (Marcel’s word’s, not his own, and he’d shown his appreciation by throwing a gatorade at his head). Wildcat hadn’t expected a call back, nevermind an actual place on the show. He’d taken the chance, because it was free money and he wasn’t an idiot. So he had to go on weird dates and let a computer calculate his compatibility with a bunch of guys. He could handle that. A plan was formed; he’d come in, watch guys make complete fools of themselves, and then he’d get the cash money at the end. Maybe even get some entertainment out of it. 

But when he actually fell in love? Yeah, that wasn’t a part of the plan.

“It’s just a date, Tyler.” Vanoss rolled his eyes and leaned back on the couch, which was far too large for just the two of them to share. The living room held all twelve men on the show easily, but most of the other contestants were busy getting drunk or falling in love. While Scotty and Marcel (the first perfect match to be discovered by the group) made out in the kitchen over dinner, Smiity, Craig, and Ohm joked around a game of poker and shots. Wildcat was sure the others were scattered all over the home, but it wasn’t any of the people in the house that was causing his pissed off mood. 

“Why the fuck did your boyfriend choose Nogla and Moo for the date? Delirious is a fucking idiot, but even this is beyond his stupidity.” Vanoss flushed and kicked the side of his thigh before slumping back on the couch’s armrest. His hands shoved into the front of the sweatshirt, Evan burying his chin and scowl under the collar of the hoodie. Wildcat knew that technically, Jon and Vanoss hadn’t been paired up yet by Panda’s ‘Computer of truth’, but everyone had all but given up on trying to match with either of them. Vanoss was hopeless, Delirious oblivious, and Wildcat wanted to smash their faces together or drown them (depending on how close he was to the pool at that given moment). Some of the couples in the house were dumb, but these two were hopeless. 

“He was put on the spot after he won the challenge; you know Del’s mind ain’t good with quick decisions.” Vanoss defended Delirious, because of course he did. Wildcat made his feelings about the reply known by a snort and a roll of his eyes.

“Moo’s got a better chance finding water in the desert than matching Nogla.” 

“You know you keep doing that, right?” Vanoss’s tone changed, and Wildcat arched an eyebrow to dare him to continue. Surprisingly, Evan did, even if he sunk lower on the couch and sigh. “Any time any of us put Nogla on a date, you say they won’t match.” 

“What? No I don’t.” The loud groan that came out from Vanoss proved that he felt Tyler’s answer was dumb. 

“First time, we sent him out with Lui.”

“Have you seen the height difference? And the chaos is too imbalanced, neither keeps the grounded side of their stupid relationship-”

“Which is probably why the computer said they weren’t a match, and we moved on to Nogla and Brian-”

“Why, because they both speak like dumbasses? Neither one of them has a grip on reality, and they’d be spending their money in Las Vegas before the first date ended. I knew before they even got scanned they weren’t gonna be a match.” His critical assessment got a droll stare from Vanoss, who kept his judgement quiet because of the pizza slice he’d stuffed into his mouth. “Wait, when did you get-”

“And now-” Evan cut in, the cheese and dough muffling the voice. “We picked Moo. Who is well grounded, mature, will help Nogla’s impulsive nature.”

“Brock’s softer than a sneaker full of shit; he’s too kind for him to keep a steady leash on Nogla’s chaotic energy. I’m telling you, Moo is Terroriser’s match and y’all are gonna send Brian to jail for murdering the next guy who takes Brock out.” Tyler hated how little their group gave him credit for his intuition. He wasn’t buying the algorithms and stupid shit their host, Panda, had explained on the first episode. But he could pick up on human nature; Brock and Brian’s chemistry was soft, but powerful, except both men were just too hesitant to get rejected by the other to suggest they go on a date. Plus, they were already on two strikes each; one more strike and they’d be sent home without finding their Mr. Right. 

“I think Brian’s waiting to win one of the competitions so he can ask Brock.” It was cute, in a dumb kind of way, that Brian wanted to earn his date with Brock. Wildcat could respect that, in a way. He’d only been on one awkward date with Ohm the first week, which he was sure Smiity chose just to get Tyler back for eating his cheerios. Since then, Wildcat had glared at anyone who even looked his way during the ‘date decision’ part of the show, and his name had been kept off the chopping block. 

“Is that why Brian asked your soul-dork to a boxing match? To beat the shit out of the guy who beat him out of sheer luck and sent his lover away for the night?” Because Delirious should not have won their challenge that afternoon; since when did Delirious read? Did he even know how to? He couldn’t figure out the word ‘mountain’ on a good day. Yet he’d aced the trivia quiz about literature, stealing the last three points of the competition out of Brian’s hands when knowing the two men who were sent to kill Hamlet were named Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (even Brock hadn’t know that, and he’s the nerd of all nerds). Vanoss had looked impressed, Terroriser pissed, and Wildcat just wanted to yell at Nogla for not knowing who wrote Harry Potter.   

“You know,” Vanoss drawled out slowly, tip-toeing around a subject that Wildcat wasn’t aware of. “Remember how we got split into two teams week three for our date challenge?” 

“Yeah, I got stuck with the fucking idiots.” He’d lost, because Scotty couldn’t figure out how to change oil for the car they’d had to tune up for the competition. Where Panda and the producers of the show got the stupid ideas of the challenges, Tyler didn’t want to know. 

“Panda spun the wheel for the first half of the date, which landed on Nogla. So we had to choose the other person.”

“I was literally right there, why are you-

“Lui wasn’t the group’s first date choice for Nogla.” Vanoss’s words pushed Wildcat away from the back of the couch, fighting with himself for only a moment before he caved.

“Then why the fuck did you pick him?” Wildcat snapped out, crossing his arms over his chest. Evan took time stretching his arms over his head, before letting them dangle over the armrest his head rested against. 

“Why is this my job?” Vanoss gripped into the air, but didn’t give Wildcat time to ask what he meant. “We had to choose Lui because the guy he’s meant to be with had made it quite clear he’s not going on another date.”

“You’re saying… wait.” Dumbfounded, Wildcat sat without words to reply with. Vanoss gave him a few seconds to try and rebuild his brain, then finally pushed to sit cross-legged on the sofa.

“We’re on week six, and you haven’t even stopped to think of why you hate Nogla being on dates with people?” 

“Because he’s an idiot,” Wildcat answered, uneasy when Vanoss shrugged his shoulders and smiled.  

“Or maybe cause he’s your idiot?” 

“Wh-what the fuck? Are you stupid? Why would he ever be-” 

“Nogla’s on two strikes, too.” The words stalled Tyler’s brain, Vanoss leaning to the side to snag another piece of pizza from the box he’d hidden under the table. “If we test him with Brock, and it’s wrong-”

“It will be wrong.”

“-then he’s gone.” Evan folded the pizza together, but kept his eyes focused on Wildcat. “You okay with that?” 

“Course I’m not!” His words came out before he could stop them, and Vanoss nodded like he already knew the answer.

“Wonder why that is.” Both men sat in the silence for different reasons. Evan because his mouth was full of pizza, and Tyler because the bottom was dropping out of his stomach. He couldn’t accept this. Sure, he knew there was a chance, because statistics and algorithms and all of that bullshit. But he’d thought he’d end up with someone softer. Someone who didn’t drive Tyler up the wall with his idiotic nature and weird laugh, his love of dogs and his kind smile whenever he was proud of one of the other guys. Not one who was optimistic about everything in life, made Wildcat’s ragged edges a little smoother, made him wanna just roll his eyes and laugh at all the random thoughts he spouted out at the weirdest time. But he was cute when he got angry at Tyler’s insults and the blush brightened his eyes if he was too tired-

“Oh.” Horror crashed through him, Wildcat slowly rising to his feet. “Oh no.” 

“Yup.” Vanoss didn’t even give him the dignity of looking up from his pizza when he finalized Tyler’s mental breakdown. 

“Fuck that.” Then Wildcat was gone, his panic pushing him down the stairs of the house. He could hear the cameraman chasing him, trying to keep track of his movements. But Tyler just didn’t care; he needed out of the house. 

“Wildcat?” Panda’s voice caught his ear when he pushed out the front door, feet feeling the wet grass because he’d left his shoes in the house. 

“Nope.”

“Where are you going?”

“Away.”

“You can’t just leave! Get back here.” The sound of Anthony moving after him made him walk faster, refusing to let his anxiety or feelings catch up with him.

“Nononononono-” Tyler shouted when he was tackled to the ground, his mouth filled with dirt and grass in seconds. He spit it out and flailed his body, trying to buck Panda off his back. But the host held strong as they rolled, garbled shouts and insults thrown back and forth between them. Panda’s elbow met his eye, while his own palm rocked the side of Anthony’s nose. They fought like school kids, Wildcat desperate to get away from the show and Panda refusing to let him budge. In the distance he could hear cheering from his castmates, and he knew Kryoz well enough to assume he was taking bets. If Vanoss didn’t bet on him, he swore to god-

“Woah, woah!” Moo’s voice caught Tyler’s ear, jerking his head up from the grass Panda was pushing it into to look at the new voice. Not because he wanted to see Brock, but because Wildcat knew who he was with. 

“Is that Panda? Is the host supposed to fight the contestants?” Nogla glanced between Anthony and Tyler, eyes round with curiosity and excitement. “Is Tyler winning?” 

“O-obviously,” Wildcat answered, despite his cheek fully planted into the ground. But he couldn’t really care at the moment; his heart was too busy trying to leap out of his chest to focus. Like a freight train, his emotions finally caught up with his body. Seeing Nogla after Vanoss’s revelation made Tyler realize the idiot wasn’t lying; the tension that’d spun around his spine from the moment Nogla and Moo left on their date finally unraveled. Panda bearing down on his back didn’t affect his breathing anymore; he was able to breathe smooth and easy. The pulse in his neck was going wild, and he’d never felt the desire to kiss and punch someone at the same time so badly.  

“Come on, up you go.” Brock helped pull Anthony up with a laugh, finally allowing Wildcat to push up into a seated position. It was second nature to cross his arms and glare at Panda, who showed his maturity by sticking out his tongue. But he looked proud of himself turning to chit chat with the filming the crew, because he had completed his mission. Wildcat was still at the house, stuck with his feelings and emotions and Nogla-

“Aw, jeeze, Tyler. Look at you, buddy.” Nogla’s goofy grin when he crouched down and rubbed his rough palm against Wildcat’s dirty cheek was overwhelming, Tyler frozen in his spot at the touch. Heat rushed his face, fingers twitching in the grass from the urge to touch the beanstalk gazing down at him in obvious amusement. “You’re a mess.” 

“Well whose fault is that?” Tyler snapped out, sure his cheek would burn off Nogla’s skin from the heat. Dumb as always, Nogla gave a owlish blink, tilting his head to the side curiously. 

“Eh? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re my match, you idiot!” His mouth really needed to learn to take a fucking break. His chest heaved from the shout, hating how many eyes and cameras and lights were on them. He wanted to curse himself for making Nogla’s mouth drop open in surprise, proving he hadn’t a clue about their potential match. Which meant the idiot didn’t even see Tyler as a possibility, which was just a kick in the dick-

“Are ya making fun of me because I like you?” The question derailed Wildcat’s thoughts, and he stared at the slight pout that Nogla now wore. “Cause I already told the guys ye wouldn’t want a guy like me, so if this is some sorta bet or something…”

“Since when have you liked me? You never told me shit.” Tyler asked, and Nogla sighed with more annoyance than he should ever be allowed.

“Ya, obviously. Why would I wanna get rejected by my match?”

“Wait, you knew?” 

“Yup! First week, it was kind of obvious. I got all these butterflies looking at you, but nobody else. You’re weird and rude, and I like how funny you are when you make fun of the others.” Nogla scratched his temple with his free hand, the other still holding Wildcat’s face. “Don’t like it much when you do it to me, but I think that’s how you flirt so it’s okay cause you do it alot! Made me feel pretty special.”

“Jesus, what is my life?” Tyler’s shoulders deflated, but even with his irritation, he felt his heart lighten. Trying to cover his hint of a smile when noticing the cameras still watching them, Tyler huffed, rolling his eyes. “We’re going into the scan tonight; if we’re a match, the next date is ours.” 

“Fuck the rest of us, right?” Brian’s shout from the balcony of the house had the rest of the castmates laughing, and Tyler flipped him off long enough that he knew the editors were going to hate him. 

“Yeah! Let’s go on a date.” But when Nogla laughed and dived forward to tackle Tyler (despite Wildcat shouting in protest) onto the grass in a hug, Wildcat forgot the rest of the house. The show, the money, getting revenge of Panda- none of it mattered. 

Wildcat hadn’t wanted to find his match, but maybe he was okay that he did. 

And there ya go! Thank you very much, let me know what you think, and go say happy birthday to Kihorri! <3

[my-arlington-academia]

Sweet Elite... MCL style remake because I love suffering

Look, I know we all have trauma because of MCL but I've decided to transform that trauma into comedy because RIP MCL tbh.

Okay so uh. First things first, Tadashi VS Axel, right? They hate eachother but they secretly really love eachother and respecc eachother that's obviously why Axel decided to help when Tadashi's father was being a 🤡 Their hatred becomes bromance but then when Sweet Elite University comes around they'll hate eachother again to go back to their initial dynamic because... fuck development amirite?

Oh and Karolina? A complete bitch, she'll hate Scholar only because she finds them ugly and she hates poor people. No other reason at all. She bullies Scholar by blackmailing her and locking her up in basements. Neha is just mindlessly following her because she's her lackey, not her friend and she just really needs Karol to model for Rao designs. They don't actually have a genuine bond or anything. And Neha is a migrant btw. She's fleeing from the Indian government because her parents said "YOLO" and tried to save Indian women from all the bullshit they have to go through. Also, Neha is pansexual and secretly a lawyer.

Later we'll find out that Karolina's twin brother, Tegan, was being abused by their father but Karolina never noticed because... she thought that it's normal to be harsher with sons than with daughters...? And the reason why the father was doing it is because he lost his job, and the person who took his place reminded him of his son too much so out of frustration he let it all out on Tegan. Totally makes sense, right?

Oh and, Claire? You love Claire, right? She's so kind and cute and all? Well GUESS WHAT?! She almost dies!!! Yes that's right! She'll get in a traffic accident because she forgot to look both ways before crossing the road and then when she awakens in the hospital it turns out that she lost her memories!! She has amnesia!! Oh but she still somehow remembers that she had a crush on her best friend: Raquel. They have a heart to heart then Claire's memories come back because uh... whatever. They just come back okay?

Then um,... Tyler! You like Tyler huh? He's so funny and cool, he's a good dude and all. Well GUESS WHAT?? He was adopted because everyone knows that James Cameron doesn't have black children obviously 🙄 Oh but Tyler really wants to know what happened to his real parents!! So he asks Tegan to use his hacking skills instead of asking his adoptive parents for answers! But oh boy! They find that Tyler's parents are dead and he only has an older brother left! But that older brother was one of Raquel's close friends when they were younger so Raquel really idolizes him and tries to copy his toxic behaviour! Thankfully Scholar helps Raquel to get her back to normal. Raquel just had self-confidence issues all long but it's fine now 👍

Then um. Alistair... he has really loving parents but they decide to get divorced because they don't love eachother anymore! Alistair is heartbroken because he feels really bad for his younger siblings and he has the feeling that they'll never be happy again... but whatever! He sucks it up because who cares about his feelings!

Getting back to Axel tho, let's say that he had a toxic ex and she came back to Arlington! He listens to everything she says in hopes that maybe she'll get back with him... because fuck Scholar amirite? All this time they spent together? Gone. He only trusts his ex unless there's solid proof for uh... whatever bad thing she did in the past.

And Ellie... uh... OMG! I have a great idea guys!! She's a drug dealer! Who gives a damn about making some dumb robots? She gives up on her dreams and hard work to sell drugs because at one point she really loved smoking 'em. But oh no! She's so gangsta that the police is after her! Oh but actually nevermind, she was working with the police to send the drug dealers to prison. Too bad that they stabbed her and she lost a lot of blood! Thankfully Tegan had the brains to call the ambulance instead of listening to her saying that "Ohh 🙄🙄 it's just a small cut, it's gonna be totally fine guys! 👌👌"

Now let's quickly wrap up Sweet Elite so we can make Sweet Elite University! So uh. Your crushes? You love them? You spend years trying to woo them? Well forget that lol because we don't actually give a shit about our customers' feelings. You break up with all of them and we'll bring back only 4 of the main 10 because we need 6 new characters! So uh. Let's just say Tadashi, Axel, Karolina and Claire make it into Sweet Elite University because they won in the popularity polls so they're basically our pikachus, we can't throw them away!!!

And for the new main 10 uh... Let's add a teacher, yeah? That's hot right? Everyone knows that y'all wanted Coach D's d so let's just say his wife died in a terrorist attack or something, sounds good? Cool! Now you can date someone who's like 15 years older than Scholar. Oh and, since it was too painful for him to stay in Arlington after his wife's death Coach D got like, into a really emo phase so now he's an art teacher in Sweet Elite University. Oh and Scholar is an art student so it'll make it easier for you to frick your teacher. The departments? Oh who cares about that lol. The canon route was the fine arts department, okay? Also you won't get to customize your Scholar anymore, she only has straight long hair because according to the poll that was the most used hairstyle for Scholar! You can only customize her hair, eye and skin colors because oh boy we love diversity!!

Talking about diversity! One of the new main 10 will be a Korean boi because k-pop is really trendy lately. Let's also add another Indian. Bring back Neha instead of making a new character? Oh no, sowwy we don't dow twat hewe 😥

We just really want new players so we're changing everything, sorry if you thought this was an actual continuation of Sweet Elite. Haven't you realized it yet? The OG Sweet Elite is dead, okay? No need to cry though! All the rest of the canceled main 10 are doing fine! They're probably working in a farm after their parents died or something, but no worries! They're happy! They achieved their dreams of uh. Dating you in high school because that's all that mattered to them! Now that you broke their heart they'll just do whatever floats their boat.

Don't be so sad though! You still have Tadashi, Axel, Karolina and Claire! Since you already won them over in high school I'm sure that you can do it again in University 😉😉

[curious-minx]

25+ Album Covers That Should Be Made Into Funko Pops

Pop til you drop Funkoids, because black metal institution and number one threat to bats: Black Sabbath have joined the Funko Populous!  As a Music Fan, tune chaser, melody makers and connoisseur of pop and circumstance I  want to implore Funko Pop to take more risks. I know that Funko Pop is already greasing up the popper to churn out Nirvana Nevermind Babies funko or McFleetwood’s dangling Rumor orbs, but please consider some of these other iconic Album Covers. I don’t want to be caught dead or alive with a basic funko pop collection! 

Let’s take a look at an album gallery of some classics and underground gems. In my deep dive through the towering Brian Wilson’s Ghost Archives I found that jazz has some of the best album covers around. Don’t be greedy Rock n Rollers! 

////

Minutemen’s Double Nickel on The Dime - Mike Watt’s Rearview Window eyes 

2.  Cleveland Eaton’s Half and Half -  Winged Buffalo Deity 

3. Talk Talk’s The Party’s Over - Face Face 

R.I.P. Mark Hollis. Miss him all the time and what better way to remember him and his music’s legacy by a cheeky wink to their poppier heyday? ;)

4. Frank Ocean’s Blonde - Blondie 

What other Funko Pops could possibly carry themselves with this much dignity and grace? A lot of these Funkos could learn a thing or two from Frank and say more with less face.

5.  Supertramp’s Breakfast in America  - The OJ Waitress 

I know some of you NeoFunkophytes out there may only envision Funko Pop’s without mouths, but Funkos can pout and salivate and makes all sorts of faces now! So why not take advantage of this expanded emotional range by honoring the likeness of one of the most eager to please members of the American workforce? Looking forward to see what Laura Dern does with the role of the Supertramp Waitress in her upcoming one woman experience: Dern Tootin...basically an agonizing walk to say that the woman on this cover looks a lot like Laura Dern around the eyes.

6.Violent Femmes’  Mary Nohl’s Hallowed Ground Statue

A Funko Pop sovereign for your twisted hillbilly goth kids  and non-ironic zealots in your life! Untapped Potential Market If There Ever Was One!

7. Iglooghost’s  Little Grids-  Mamu Garden Sprite 

8.  Barbara Streisand’s Encore - Leisurely Hotel Hostage 

Make sure you put all your kids to bed and tuck your pets inside their thrones, because what I’m about to tell you will be devastating! Can you believe that the Great Dame Babs does not have a her likeness of her image engravened and immortalized in Funko form? Let’s fix that with honoring the time our Funny Girl recorded a Willy Wonka duet with Seth Macfarlane.

9.  Raphael Saadiq’s Stine Rollin - The Whole Dang Crowd 

Tag yourself Funko Pop! style! I’m clearly the bee hive side eyeing queen.

10.  The Caretaker’s  An Empty Bliss Beyond This World  - Death Ball 

11.  the Horrors’ V -  Fleshies

One huge problem I have with Funko Pop other than that they have been the driving factor in most of my divorces is that they only have one face. You buy a Funko pop you get the single face the Funko pop comes with. Show a little faith and save your wallet for a Funko Pop made up of many faces!

12. The Weather Report - Heavy Weather - The Flasher 

How doesn’t this slick Weather peeper not have an entire franchise that get’s canceled and reboots that are kicked around various networks but never really sticks. Today’s forecast Funko Pop fever is here to stay no matter how many other idols and icons protest against them 

13. Dee D. Jackson’s Cosmic Curves - Disco Fingers Jackson 

Some heroes wear capes, but my heroes wear capes and have disco fingers.

14. Deerhoof’s Milk Man -Titular Milk Man

15. Lou Reed’s Ecstasy 

Another musical legend that is missing from the pantheon of Funko Poppers needing proper representation. 

16. oxy Music For Your Pleasure  - Pleasure Panther 

17.  Vampire Weekend Contra  - Karen

Break out the legal team Vampy Weekend because we’re taking the Contra lady to court to get her turned into a Funko Pop.

18.  Earl Sweatshirt - Some Rap Songs -  Blurry Early 

Is my vision failing? Am I dying?! No! It’s just my new Some Rap Songs blurry Earl funko pop

19.  Tyler, The Creator’s Flower Boy Flower Man

You knew this one was coming. If you’re surprised then you better be asleep behind the wheel.

20.  Devo’s Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo’s  Bizzaro Juan Chi-Chi Rogers 

You would have thought the good people of Everett Washington would have been saturated in Devo Funkos, but no! I do agree that making a standard energry dome wearing Mothersbaugh would be too obvious, too safe. Q: Are we not timeless pop culture artificats? A: We Are Funko!

21. Sonic Youth’s EVOL - Lung Leg 

Evol is represents an eras where the Youths were starting to going Pop! Take this idea and run it on the expressway to yr skull!

22.  Grime’s Art Angels - Art Angel

Sentient manic pixie Canadian c apparently really despises this album. I think I am starting to understand why that is, it’s because those funk-holes didn’t call our upcoming hyperlink Overlord c Grimes! 

23.  Macontish Plus’ Floral Shoppe - Vapor David 

Get with the times Funko Pop! Millenials! Zoomers! Xers! Boomers! Doesn’t matter who you are, there’s a spot for you in the vaporwave. 

24.  Charles Gayle Trio’s Streets’- Streets The Clown(2012)

Do you hate clowns? Place a saxophone in a thoughtful clown’s arms and you may reconsider this. Funko Pop’s clown car is full to the brim with all kinds of creepy killer clowns 

25. Bruce Hornsby’s Spirit Trail - Uncle Charles Hornsby

Let’s face it, eventually we’re going to need a Brexit collection and what better way than honor Bruce Hornsby’s Uncle Charles. Can we start a Charles Hornsby cigarette challenge an anti-smoking pro vaping campaign that will make the world a better place. 

/////////

Algorithm Burn! 

[badmoon--rising]

Co-Captain

This episode had cast commentary too and it was beautiful. They keep making Dylan say stuff in Crystal’s place bc she was absent from both recordings and he turned her british in this ep

The way they edited this “previously on” was really well done gotta be honest. Also I still love how Derek was like “I fucking hate Stiles so much” and then literally not a minute later was like “GO GET OUT OF THERE MY UNCLE IS THE ALPHA” they’re just good

YOOOO THEY WON TGE B IG GAME YOOOOOOOOOOOOO

State state state state state state state

Hate the way Jackson pats Scott’s face sjfkdkfk I don’t like Colton or his acting but he plays a good jerk

SCOTT AND DANNY ARE SO GOOD I LOVE THEM SM

Derek nooooooo :( he doesn’t want this to happen

Peter’s like here watch me take a really painful shower

Stiles scrambling in

CAN I JUST SAY I love the score during the scene where Allison sees the flashbang arrowhead in the garage. It has such great tension and it morphs in such a cinematic way like it’s telling the story too. I also love the way they keep that score in season 3 but with a matured change to it. UGH sometimes teen wolf good

Jackson drive fast car out of angst

LYDIA YOU LOOK SO GOTH HERE UGHHHHH

How did Allison know Lydia made out with Scott?? I mean I refuse to let that be canon but also wh

Chris what is wrong with you. Please get out of the cult you’re so scary

YEEESSSSS THE SQUAD IS HEREEE

Stiles bisexual moments compilation

SNDKFKSNFK dude. My jeep.

AAAAAAWWWWWWWWW “I cant protect anyone” [looks at Stiles] THEY LOVE EACH OTHERRRRRRRR

I legitimately don’t understand how Jackson is supposed to be a sympathetic character. He’s literally just rich and entitled I cannot care about him

3B parallels. I love how they call back to moments like these trying to reclaim some normalcy it’s really good writing

Tyler Posey said in the cast commentary that the taser gag was one of his favorite gags to do

SHDKSKKF love the way that he says “well.......... yea”

This hug................. they look like such kids here they make me so sad..... they were so young Allison was so young :((((((

WHY was Stiles so excited about the milk

Ok I’m just gonna say it, it’s absolutely horrible character writing to suggest Stiles would get his dad drunk like this. Like for the love of god can the teen wolf writers pay attention to their own characters’ history?? I could go on and on about this but I won’t in here lmao. Maybe in another post bc there’s a lot of reasons why this doesn’t make any sense. Sometimes teen wolf good and sometimes teen wolf bad

The way that the whiskey is so obviously iced tea

How the fuck does a teacher have Scott’s personal cell phone number. Also when did Scott get a new cell phone?

:( through the dark :( the lyrics make me so sad

God they never talk about it. That’s where Stiles gets it from.

Scott you’re the cutest motherfucker I love you

Ughhh Allison feels so unsafe Everywhere literally everybody around her is lying to her constantly no wonder she’s so fucked up

MOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!! YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL

God the way Scott doesnt open the door is really well done UGHHH it feels so creepy

aaaaaaaaaannndd PENIS HALE

Peter I’ll fucking kill you myself I don’t give a shit. Him being like “you ever heard of world war II” and then is like “also I’m not hitler”

Hi Derek ily

Scott I’m so sorry your entire life is a disaster

PETER YOU ARE SO CREEPY ALWAYS IM SO SORRY MELISSA

YEEEESSS STILES SAVES MOM

SNDKDKKF WHIPLASH?? YOU HIT US

Derek being like welcome to my humble abode go inside and let me bite you a little

God i don’t care about you Jackson Derek was right

CO-CAPTAIN YEEESSSSS SCOTT ILYYY HOW DID YOU GET UP THERE

Derek “I’m going to kill you NEVERMIND ILL RISK MY LIFE TO SAVE YOURS” Hale

Scott :(((((

DR. DEATON HAAAIIII I LOVE YOUUUUUU

Mostly? .......mostly. Love that line delivery. Deaton is one of the coolest characters ever

UGHHHHHH THIS FUCJING SONGGGG SHUT UUPP ALLISON YOU ARE SO FUCKED UP IM SONSORRY “WHOOOOOOO WHO ARE YOU REALLYYYYY”

[gooddame]

Some sort of 1920's Klaroline au??? Pretty please.

Hey Anon! This is a soft 1920′s dance. I hope you enjoy! Happy Reading!

=

Caroline ruffles her curls finding ivy leaves from the side of her house and a flutter of excitement shoots through her as she pulls her neckline lower than her mother would approve of. She’d walked through the woods to the old abandoned barn that had become the whispered talk of the town. The blonde had heard stories about reckless women who danced until they dropped, Caroline only hoped she would be one after tonight.

Moving quickly she reached for the stockings she’d wrapped around her thighs in order to keep from ripping them on the trellis before leaning against a tree. Caroline made quick work of her shoes to tug them on when she heard a rustle through the trees. Her hand reached for the silver flask snug against her garter ready to use it as a weapon.

“Let me guess, water,” a familiar voice chuckles as Caroline’s swing loses its fire when she sees Klaus, her father’s farm hand closer to her than he’s ever been.

“Klaus,” she gasps thinking her nights plans are thwarted, “Did my father send you,” she asks tugging on her shoes because she would not ruin these stockings.

He takes another step closer daring her almost to move back, she doesn’t, this creature, this little blonde enigma, Klaus thinks. He’s fascinated by her, when he saw her shadow shifting through the trees he almost didn’t believe his whiskey rimmed eyes. He’d sobered just enough to hold his own but his inhibitions were always a strain to control around her.

“No, fortunately for you he has no idea you’re not home,” Klaus smiles wolfishly, the shadow of his face making her pulse quicken, her face blush a gorgeous red that matched her lips.

“Are you going to take me home,” Caroline asks in a soft voice that does little to quell the twitching desire to caress her.

“Well,” he pauses, his accent sultry and smooth, “That depends,” he flirts watching her as if they aren’t surrounded by trees, bootleggers and partygoers.

“On what,” she breathes not feeling in control, gripping her flask like a vice thinking maybe she should have hit him with it.

“On whether or not that flask is water,” he replies extending his hand, his eyes asking for more than permission to take it out of her hands she thinks.

“I knew you liked me,” she teases barely masking the shake of her fingers when she passes him the flask, unsure of what liquid her father had inside.

He chuckles then turning the lid until it opened, “You’re devastatingly beautiful but,” he stops considering his words, “Your father vouched for me when no one else would.”

The fire in her belly burns down to a flicker, “So you’ll drink with me but not kiss me,” she retorts sourly reaching for her flask and scurrying past him.

Klaus reaches for her arm hauling her gently back to him against the back of a long thick tree uncaring how her drink spills from the flask as he utters, “Try not to pout.”

Her eyes turn steely as his hand hold her against the tree, “I’ll just kiss someone else instead,” she bites out ignoring the way his hard working body feels against her softer one, “Watch me.”

Klaus tries not to enjoy the feel of her skin against his rough hands or the way his thumb brushes her dress, “Try it, I’ll put you over my shoulder and drag you home,” he promises, jealousy raging within.

“You really like me,” the blonde laughs, her breath and heat against his face as she reels in the admission letting her hands move from the tree so his coat jacket tugging softly.

“Caroline,” he hisses, his accent growing thicker when his eyes drop to her smiling red lips, he wonders where she got that lipstick and how it would look around his-

Caroline speaks, sidetracking his befuddling thoughts, “One dance and I’ll get in your truck willingly,” she negotiates making Klaus’ breath quicken at the notion of her in the back of his truck looking wrecked.

He gulps so hard Caroline smiles to herself, “Don’t say it like that,” he tells her as she thinks about all the things Klaus could teach the Sainted Caroline Forbes of Mystic Falls Virginia.

“Illicitly,” the words are murmured against his ear, the way she’d read in the novels her mother thought she kept well hidden in the den.

Klaus opens and shuts his mouth quickly, “You have a bit of a mouth to you,” his eyes level her own as her hands travel higher up into his jacket.

“I think you’d enjoy it,” Caroline reasons with him thinking of all the trouble she went through to get here tonight to drink and dance or kiss someone.

His grip loosens coming to her wandering hands, “Sweetheart, you’re all talk,” he taunts fully intending to ignore the feelings she produces within him like longing.

Offended, Caroline pushes away from the tree, her dress flowing in the summer air, “You’ll never know,” she tells him unwilling to admit how right he is as she storms into the barn.

Her mood lifts instantaneously as she’s met with jazz music and a smell of liquor with just a touch of old barn that tends to linger, it’s perfect she thinks. Reaching down she grabs for her flask only to remember it’s with Klaus now, nevermind she tells herself making her way to a singing Katherine. She watches mesmerized by the slow hum of her friend’s voice when Tyler approaches her.

Klaus, she has no idea how she knows this, wraps his arm around her waist nodding to Tyler, “Mine,” he growls softly in her ear hating the feeling of possessiveness coursing through his veins.

Her body flares with an unfamiliar heat just as it did before outside, “Why do you always have to prove you’re the alpha male,” she asks as she wraps her hands around his swaying with him.

“And I’m not yours,” Caroline reminds him of that fact as she turns in his arms to face him, “You can’t even admit you like me.”

“I’m talking to your father in the morning,” he informs her making her mouth drop open in surprise, “I want to taste that mouth,” he mutters enjoying her stunned silence.

[blurry-fics]

Support System

Characters: best friend!Josh, best friend!Tyler (although there’s a little hint of josh x reader)

Warnings: Angst

Word Count: 1129

Request: Can you do one where one of them has a friendship that needs to be ended but he doesn’t know how to end it? Maybe the other supports him through it?

Author’s Note: I hope you enjoy this one! :) (picture credit)

“I can’t do this anymore,” Josh huffed, throwing his phone down onto the couch. He had been pacing the length of the living room for the last twenty minutes while you and Tyler sat and listened to him vent.

“What did she say now?” you asked gently. You could tell by the look on Josh’s face that he was one wrong question away from snapping at you and Tyler.

“She’s doing the manipulation stuff again,” he said, waving his hands up around his head. “Somehow I’m supposed to feel like I’m in the wrong for getting upset that she lied to me about where she was going on Saturday.”

“Wait, what happened?” Tyler asked.

Josh shut his eyes and breathed in deeply. You and Tyler shared a look of fear. Though you two had been helping Josh work through his toxic friendship for a few weeks now, you had never seen him this angry.

“We were supposed to hang out on Saturday, but she cancelled last minute because she said she was going out of town to see her sister. That night, her boyfriend posted a video of him at the bar, and you could clearly see her in the background. Turquoise hair is kind of hard to miss. Now she’s trying to say I’m being controlling because I got upset that she lied to me. We’ve been fighting about it for the last couple days.”

“Is it possible that she met up with her sister at the bar?” Tyler asked.

“Her sister is five months pregnant.”

“Oh,” Tyler winced. “Nevermind.”

“Have you tried explaining how hurt you are by her lying?” you asked.

“Yes!” Josh sighed, throwing a hand into the air. “And the thing is, we’ve already had this fight a million times before. She just keeps lying to me and trying to make it my fault. I can’t even remember the last time we were getting along.”

“Then why do you keep putting up with it?” Tyler asked.

Josh finally stopped pacing and turned to face the two of you. “What?”

“If she’s not going to put in the effort of being a good friend, then why should you? All she’s doing is making you upset, right?” You nodded along with Tyler’s questions.

“Well, yeah, but we have good moments…”

Josh didn’t seem so convinced. After a few moments of silence, he fell back into a chair and buried his face in his hands.

“Who am I kidding? She hasn’t been my friend in a long time.”

“How do you feel about that?” you asked.

“A few months ago I would have been devastated, but I think I’ve seen this coming for a while. I just didn’t want to admit it. All she does now is make me feel terrible no matter what I do.”

“So what do you want to do about it?” Tyler asked.

“I need to tell her that I can’t do this anymore,” he sighed. “I just don’t know how.”

“I think you need to be honest,” you said. “Tell her that you can’t handle the manipulation and lies anymore. Lay it all out on the table.”

Josh took his hat off and ran his hands through his hair.

“I don’t know if I can.”

“It’s that or letting yourselves naturally drift apart. The problem is that she still might try to guilt you into coming back if you fo that,” Tyler chimed in.

“You’re right. I just need a moment to think.” Josh leaned against the back of the chair and closed his eyes.

“Ok.”

You got up and took a seat on the edge of Josh’s armchair. To show him you were there, you gently reached down and grabbed his hand, pulling it up to rest on your legs. He opened his eyes and looked up at you, allowing himself a small smile. You returned it and started to rub your thumb along the back of his hand.

The three of you stayed quiet while Josh thought. After nearly ten minutes, he stood up and clapped his hands against his legs.

“I’m doing it,” he said. “I’m going to call her.”

“Now?” Tyler asked. You shared a panicked look with him.

“Why not? Everything is fresh in my mind, you two are here for support, and I don’t want to spend another day letting her make me feel guilty. This ends now.”

Josh started to walk away, but you caught his arm. He turned to face you with raised eyebrows.

“Are you sure you want to do this right now?” you asked. “You’re already upset and who knows what she might say to you.”

Josh breathed deeply and nodded. “I’m sure. Trust me, I’ve been thinking about this before tonight. It’s not as rash of a decision as it seems.”

“Ok,” you said, giving him what was supposed to be a reassuring smile.

“We’ll be here,” Tyler added.

“Thanks.”

Josh grabbed his phone from where he had tossed it on the couch and walked off to Tyler’s spare bedroom. Once he was gone, you got off the armchair and joined Tyler on the couch once again. He was rubbing a hand along his forehead.

“I really hope this goes ok,” Tyler whispered. “She can be really nasty.”

“I know, but Josh is a tough guy. And if she says anything really upsetting, you and I are here.”

“You’re right.”

“How long do you think they’ll talk?”

Tyler’s eyes went wide. “Who knows.”

Before you had a chance to say anything else, the sound of Josh’s muffled yelling came through the walls. You were able to decipher fragments.

“Are you kidding? ...my fault? You...every week…”

“Yeah, it’s going to be awhile,” Tyler said, shrinking down further into the couch.

“Want to play some Uno?”

Josh finally came back an hour and a half later. His face was read and you could tell he had been crying. You and Tyler set down your Uno cards and stood to greet him.

“How did it go?” you asked, resting on his arm.

“She said she was never going to talk to me again and then followed that up with telling me every little thing about me that she hates.”

“Oh, Josh.” You wrapped your arms around him and pulled him into a hug.

“It’s ok,” he sniffled, using one arm to hug you back and the other to wipe away tears. “I’ll be ok. It just hurt that she would stoop so low.”

“It’s over now,” Tyler said. “That was the last time you had to deal with her.”

“I hope so,” he said.”

“We’ll be here if you do,” you added.

“Thanks, guys,” Josh said. “For helping me and showing me what real friends are like.”

You hugged him a little tighter.

[winters-cursed-king]

When The Lights All Went Out- Chap 2

Fandom: The Aurora Cycle 

Summary: Psych ward au ft. Asking for help is hard and Tyler sometimes needs to back off a bit 

TWs: Anorexia/general eating disorder thoughts 

Chapter 1 || Read On AO3 

*** 

Breakfast was the worst part of the day.

Not just because Fin was still groggy, and his back and chest were always in burning pain. Not even because he barely had enough time between wakeup and breakfast to fit his exosuit on properly and sometimes he just wouldn’t be able to move a finger.

Or a leg.

And then he’d trip up and people would laugh.

Or if the universe particularly hated him, they’d offer help and pity. Staring down at him with those big sympathy filled eyes. Eyes that said oh you poor baby let me help you.

No. The worst torture inflicted was that people watched him eat. He knew they noticed that he only had an apple- albeit an apple that he’d cut into so many tiny chunks that it filled the entire plate.

And it wasn’t like he hadn’t known what he was signing up for.

Though, really, he hadn’t signed up for anything. All it had taken was a few too many hospital trips and people stopped trusting him.

A few too many hospital trips and he’d wound up at the Legion.

And it wasn’t fair. People starved themselves more than he did all the time and they weren’t monitored because they had otherwise healthy bodies. And Fin just had to put on a grin and act like it was all fine.

He took a deep breath and cut the apple into smaller pieces. He was supposed to look like he wanted to heal, at least.

Nevermind that he was well past giving a fuck.

A piece of toast fell onto Fin’s plate, accompanied by a tanned hand and a very Tyler-like whistle.

If Fin had to deal with Tyler’s pretentious bullshit this morning, he was going to lose it.

“The fuck man?” Fin laughed. “If you needed a second plate all you had to do was ask.”

Tyler didn’t laugh along, which meant Fin didn’t get to see his ridiculously cute dimples, or the soft way his eyes lit up.

He did get to see, however, the drawn line of Tyler’s mouth that reminded Fin far too much of hospital nurses.

“You need to eat,” Tyler said stiffly.

Not happening.

Fin could barely even look at the food on his plate without feeling sick. Without having a wash of nausea tumble through his head and claws scratching at his stomach.

And the thought of eating it had his hands shaking and his knee bobbing up and down. All his hard work for nothing. He couldn’t eat. He couldn’t.

Digging his fingernails into his thigh, maybe just hard enough to feel for bones, he forced an easy smile.

“The only thing I need to eat,” Fin raised his eyebrows at the others. “Is ass.”

Scarlett’s little choked out giggle made it worth it.

Her plate had four pieces of toast and several strawberries on it. But she was still so skinny.

Fin wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

“That’s not true,” Tyler glared through a mouthful of mushrooms. “If you don’t eat, I’ll have no choice but to go tell someone.”

The new chick, Auri, was staring at her own plate awkwardly. She had sufficiently more food than Fin, but she hadn’t touched any of it yet. And Fin was certain the strawberries on Zila’s plate had once been on Auri’s.

But maybe Auri had just felt bad. Maybe she hadn’t known that Zila couldn’t eat unless the food could be split into seven equal portions. Maybe she hadn’t realised Zila couldn’t look at her food unless she’d circled her fork around 5 times clockwise and three times anticlockwise.

Tyler. Fin was supposed to be replying to Tyler.

“You wouldn’t,” Fin said quietly, letting all humour drop.

“Try me.”

The only thing preventing Fin from entering a glaring match with Tyler was the loud scrape of Kal pushing his plate away. He was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed over that toned chest and perfect features tugged into a snarl.

And honestly? Watching two hot guys glare at each other sort of made up for the whole ordeal.

Sort of.

Fin painted the best smile he could. “I’ll let you two get a room.”

With another smile at Scarlett, and an almost-glare from Cat, Fin pushed himself up from the table.

His tray weighed heavy in his hands and he could feel eyes on him. Eyes on the food he was carrying.

It was too much to even be seen with, let alone be seen eating.

He pulled up a seat at the most hidden, empty table he could find. The eyes were still on his back and where the food brushed against his hands. But he had a much better chance of hiding what he wasn’t eating.

Finally he was alone again. And he wasn’t sure if the relief of not having to eat quite outweighed the clawing numbness in his chest.