#now I'm thinking that if I ever did a Rockstar parent thing that I should make one of them a greaser

[quibbs126]

if ur taking the fankid requests maybs kiwi x rockstar. hooked up on the fact rockstar calls kiwi his soulmate and there’s no elaboration haha

I'm back at it again with posting my old fankids that have just been sitting in my drafts, this is Honeydew Cookie

So as I recall, Honeydew here is really moody and just generally a bit of a jerk. She's rebellious and doesn't like establishment

...Okay I'm gonna be honest, most of what I remember about her is that she's based on greasers, not much else. I'm just trying to come up with something to say. I'm not sure if she's genuinely mean or if it's just an act she puts on to seem cool. I'd say she's around 20. She also wasn't always this way, she just grew into this over time

Sorry for the short character part, I just genuinely don't remember anything about her personality other than greaser and vibes. Let's just move on

So Honeydew is a light green fruit, so that's my justification for the name, since Kiwi is a green fruit and Rockstar has white hair. I remember I chose Honeydew specifically because I was planning on her being a greaser/rockabilly and I thought Honeydew was a name that was contradictory to that vibe, sort of like a subversion

Honeydew:

So yeah, I basically just based her design off pictures of greasers I found on the internet, specifically the guy's fashion, and also specifically I tried to find pictures from the time, aka like the 50s. I think I picked it because it was considered rebellious and such (I don't know what words specifically, but you know what a greaser is), and that fit in with what rock sort of is, or at least was. And I think greaser/rockabilly (I don't know specifically what the difference between them is, are they the same thing) might have had some connection with rock at the time? I'm not sure

Or it might have also been because I have a vague memory of someone making a greaser Holly from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, and that stuck with me

I feel like I originally had some trouble with designing her hair and making sure you could see it, but it eventually worked out

She also originally had Kiwi's normal eye color, but for a reason I can't remember, I darkened it. Maybe so she didn't just have Kiwi colors? But regardless, I like how her eyes look currently

Yeah I feel like I don't have much to say, but that's not to say I dislike her, I quite like her look a vibe. I just don't know what to say about it

But anyways, I hope you enjoy her

[eyes-of-rock]

Why does love have to change

Jack Blades x OC

Chapter One

Summary: Ren is the bassist of the successful Swedish Rock band Savage Seducion. She had it all, the great band and the fairytale romance with her guitarist and frontman Gunnar. That was until they broke up. Now Ren must navigate playing with her Ex as they tour America with Night Ranger. Along with new feelings for Night Rangers bassist Jack Blades.

A/N: yes I reused a band from another fic I abounded in order to write this one. Also, comments are welcomed and encouraged! Hope you enjoy!

Ren’s POV

I'm trying not to think about tomorrow. When I have to face my ex for the first time since we broke up a few months ago. He was the boy next door. I have known him my whole life, our parents were best friends and so we became friends. I started playing bass and he started playing guitar. We fell in love, or whatever love is to kids. We were thirteen. Then we decided at sixteen nothing was ever going to break us up so we might as well start a band together.

That was our first mistake. When you are sixteen we genuinely believe nothing is going to break up you and your boyfriend. You’re delusional and life hasn't kicked you down enough yet. We made it past school and our band grew. We got a record deal and still stuck together. We were 18 at this point. We'd been together all our teenage life and it was starting to break down. I had these feelings I needed to run. I needed to explore I needed to try something else. The love I once felt wasn't really romantic anymore. Yet I didn't want to fuck up our band. We had a massive following back in Sweden off our first album.

We were making it. I was living my dream of being a rockstar. So I kept hanging on to the relationship despite knowing I didn't love him anymore. I kept fighting it.

I mean he was the only love ever knew. What is wrong with me? My whole family wanted us together wanted us to get married wanted him to be my great love story. After all, it was looking like one of those stories you read about where the boy and girl next door live happily ever after. So I kept fighting it.

We made a decision to keep us being a couple as on the down low as possible. We didn't want that to be the identity of our band. Which looking back now should have been a sign.

Time went on, till last year. When I realized how unhappy I truly was. It all started when my mother started up her whole “why are you and Gunnar married” thing again. We're only 23 granted we have been together ten years. I realized how unnatural it was I really didn't want to marry him. I had no desire to spend the rest of my life with him. I didn't want to be his wife. I didn't see a future with us together. I wanted to run. I wanted to be free. How I was just holding on to this relationship to hold on to my band and make everyone around me happy. I didn't really love him anymore. I had to get out.

I remember thinking I'd have to start a new band. I can do that though. I can start over. I thought I'd shatter his heart. I thought he'd hate me and I was prepared for that.

I was shocked when It turned out he felt the exact same as me. We both knew this wasn't our forever love like we once thought and we had to cut ourselves free. We both knew it was what was best. So that's what we did. We decided since it was mutual and we really have no hate for one another to keep the band going. Why ruin a good thing?

So here I am months later. In San Francisco. Where our tour is going to start tomorrow with Night Ranger. They happen to be a band I really love. So I'm excited to your with them. I know it's going to be awkward but I also know I can work past it. I just need to focus on our music.

After all this the tour in support of our new album. The one we finished just before breaking up. It's really taken off here in America and I'm very proud of it. We've gone gold already and it's only been out a week! I'm excited to play the new stuff.

I decided to come a few days early so I could enjoy San Francisco a bit and relax before the awkwardness that was bound to happen. Right now I'm sitting in a nice convertible in an almost empty parking. I'm looking at the map to plan out my route to my next destination. I'm drinking some American soda, and just knowing the music and the nice weather.

Then I pop in my “Dawn Patrol” cassette into the cars cassette player. When I say I'm a fan of night ranger I mean it. I crank the radio and start singing along. Ex-boyfriends are tomorrow's problem.

————————————

Jack’s POV

I stop dead for a second when I suddenly hear my own music fill the air. Someone somewhere is blasting “Don't Tell Me You Love Me”. I look around looking for the source. It has to be nearby I can hear it very clearly. I look head into the parking lot and notice a woman sitting in a red convertible. She's got long black hair cut in what I call I rock n roll style. She's wearing sunglasses and she's the one blasting my music. It always makes me happy to see people enjoying my music. Especially when it’s pretty women.

In her lap, I notice she's studying a map. There is a good chance she's lost. I should go see if she needs help.

I walk over to her car and smile as I reach the driver's side. She notices me and turns down her radio down.

“If I’m not allowed to park her I can move.” She says, probably because the parking lot is empty. She has a thick accent of some kind. I’d say it’s European. Though I can’t place the exact country.

She’s dressed very rock. With tight black ripped jeans,cowboy boots and a crop top of the Swedish Band “Savage Seduction”. The band were actually starting a tour with next week. Interesting. Maybe she’s here for the concert? She seems to be fans of both bands.

“No, I actually came over to ask if you’re lost.” I tell her, pointing to the map on her lap. Also in her car is a pack of cigarettes, her purse, and a few cassettes. One of cassettes is actually our Album midnight Madness, and I can see the case for Dawn Patrol as well. The one she’s currently got on her cassette player.

It’s kind of funny she appears to be such a big fan yet hasn’t recognized me. Especially when I’m sitting on the cassette player box right next her. I don’t blame her though. I probably look much different without the spandex.

“Oh! No I’m just planing my route.” She laughs, “but thank you.”

“No big deal.” I tell her,then I point to the tape in the player.

“Great band aren’t they?”

“Night Ranger?” She asks, “yes the best.”

“Are you going to the show tomorrow?” I ask her, curious.

“You could say that yes.” She laughs, “Are you a fan?”

“You could say I am yes.” I tell her. I don’t like being full of myself and going ‘I’m Jack Blades the bassist and singer of the band’. It’s okay not everyone needs to know who I am. I also don’t want to come off as full of myself. Especially not to someone as pretty as she is, that’s the last thing I’d want her thinking of me.

“Well I really should get going.” She tells me with a smile.

“It was nice meeting you.” I tell her and I mean that I’m hoping I can see her tomorrow so I can give her a backstage pass.

“I was nice meeting you too.” She smiles as she drives off. Well shes someone I’m not going to forget for a while.

[lnights]

@10yearsofblindchannel happy Joel Day!

Joel day 1,011 words, hinted JoelxOlli, baby channel

Graduation felt like it was looming upon him. He knew that was probably a bit dramatic, but it was really all he could think. 

His parents kept telling him he had to figure out his life, that he couldn't keep dreaming of being a rockstar forever, especially since his band had folded.

His father told him to be grateful he got as much as he had; there was a lot of bands that never got to release an album like they did, that never got to play the shows he was able to play with the others and he should be happy he at least got to live his dream for a little bit while he was still in school and still being supported by them.

His mother would tell him the same, that he was able to have his band and he should be happy with what he had and leave it at that

But it's not what he wanted, he wanted to rule the world with music.

Dorky looking Joonas Porko had been the last person he had thought would feel the same, but the two of them had ended up using the same rehearsal room at school because the others were full, and discussion had quickly started about how both of their bands had decided to dissolve, leaving them drifting right before graduation.

It only took a couple weeks of playing guitar and writing music before they started talking about forming a band together.

"We really have some great songs here." Joonas told him, "you remember Olli from Abhorrent Ritual? He would be happy to play bass for us. And our friend Tommi is a great drummer."

"I don't know," Joel replied, "I'm really not great singing-"

"You are though!" Joonas insisted, "I've heard you sing enough."

"Not on my own!" Joel argued, "I only did backing vocals before… and besides I don't think I could be a frontman by myself."

Joonas nodded a little, "we'll figure it out, but I think we should get Olli and Tommi involved."

Joel smiled a little, the idea of having another band appealing to him enough to override his nerves, "give them a call."

…

"They are literally babies," Joel muttered.

"They're only a couple years younger than me and they happen to be two of my best friends," Joonas rolled his eyes, "you heard them play, they picked up the songs right away, you know we can do this."

Joel sighed but Joonas was right, their new drummer and bassist may be young but he couldn't deny they had talent.

"Ok," Joel addressed the other two, "I was not able to get back into the same rehearsal space I used to use with Scarm, so we'll go with Joonas' garage for now. We can meet up there this weekend and have our first practice, assuming you two still want to do this?"

For a moment he really wondered if they would back out, he knew he didn't have the greatest reputation in school, he was often thought of as difficult to work with and moody, maybe they wouldn't want to work with him even with Joonas vouching for him. Maybe he was just too much and he'd never have a band again and-

"Sounds good." Tommi said, Olli nodding along.

Relief flooded through him and he gave them the address, packing his guitar while they talked about a house party they were going to on Friday night, trying to not listen too closely. It wasn't like he was ever invited to those things.

…

"Joel, you have to stop pacing." Niko told him.

Joel froze in his path, looking over at his co-vocalist.

"How can you not be nervous?" He asked, "we're in Germany, we're about to go on stage at fucking Wacken!"

"I know," Niko said, "but we've got this."

Joel sighed and flopped into a chair instead, looking around him.

When Porko had called him a year ago and convinced him to pick up some rapper he and Olli had met at a party the night before and bring him to band practice, he hadn't realized he was picking up the missing piece they needed to get their band off the ground.

Niko kept him balanced, stayed calm when he panicked, jumped for joy with him when they got their first song on the radio, even came up with their band name. He was exactly what they had needed.

It still surprised him sometimes, that he had ended up with a group that didn't just ditch him when he got to be too much; they argued and occasionally told each other off, but there would always be apologies later over a beer and everything would be forgotten.

Joel looked around their tent, Tommi was drumming to a tune only he could hear, something Joel had long figured out was a nervous habit and was best to not disturb him. Joonas was sitting with Olli and talking quietly, he seemed cheerful but their bassist looked pale.

He didn't know why but he always hated seeing Olli upset; of course he hated seeing all his bandmates upset, but especially Olli…

He was too sweet, sometimes a little bit of an airhead but at others serious and calmer than all of them put together.

He could keep it together for him.

"You're right," he said loudly to Niko, "we've got this, we're going to go out there and dominate that stage."

Joonas and Olli looked up at him, both giving him a smile.

"He's right," Joonas patted Olli on the shoulder, "we've got this!"

"Fuck yeah we do", Tommi said from the corner, tone deadpan as normal.

"Thanks Joel," Olli smiled that soft smile he only seemed to show Joel he got up to grab his bass.

Joel smiled as his four bandmates started to show more enthusiasm, helping him to forget his own worries. Of course they had this, he had the best band in the world.

With the cutest bassist in the world.

With that blush-inducing thought, Joel got up to lead them to the stage.

[partysongs-4-urfuneral]

29/09/2024

nobody knows this account exists, so i feel like i finally have a private space to talk about my problems. hi, future internet stranger, if you want to read the stupid ramblings of a teenage girl.

actually, im not sure if im a girl. i know i love being girly, and things like makeup and skirts make me feel the most comfortable in my own skin, but sometimes i wish i could do all of these feminine things as a boy. or just as no gender at all, really. why did we ever assign gender to these things, anyways? what's in my pants should be none of peoples business, i just want them to look at me and think i'm pretty. so i think they/them it is, where i don't feel like im forcing myself to be girly or boyish.

on the topic of appearances, i cut my own hair over the bathroom sink with kitchen scissors last night at 4am and i think it looks really good now. i asked my friends, and they said it was a little bit messy but still cool, but i intentionally made it messy. i think i look like a pretty rockstar with it, which is strange, considering i don't listen to very much rock music.

this is a bit of a topic switch, but i've only recently came to the realisation of how genuinely pretty i am. i know i have to sound arrogant saying this, but damnit it's true !!! i have these blue-grey eyes with little rings of yellow around the pupil, and i have this dark brown thick hair that comes down a little past my shoulders. i wear these huge oversized circular silver glasses, because it makes me look a bit like one of those little porcelain dolls that mother keeps around the house with huge oversized eyes. i have this kind of soft, circular jawline which i used to hate but now i think it makes me look a little bit friendlier, and then my body is just as pretty. i have a really small waist, and not many curves but that's okay because too big of a chest or hips would only get me catcalled more than i already do. i do still have the scars on my forearms and thighs from the summer of 2022, but other than them my skin is pretty unmarred. when everything was bad, you used to be able to see my ribs through any tight shirts i wore, but now i'm back to a healthy weight and i think i look prettier now than i ever did back then.

i don't like to think about the summer of 2022 when everything was bad very much, but just because i don't enjoy it doesn't mean i don't end up thinking about it too much anyways. if i could tell my friends to stop bringing it up without seeming like a sensitive crybaby, i would, but now it's become one of those recurring jokes. like, ha, remember that summer where everything was bad for all of us, what an excellent source of comedy, right? i know it's probably their way of coping, but i personally would love to never think about any of it ever again.

i don't think any of them realise just how awful it was for me. of course, i know what they went through must've also been terrible, but like. i had an eating disorder that nearly killed me, a weird fixation on seeing just how much of my skin i could get away with cutting before my parents found out, a boy i loved more than anyone who i was talking down from jumping off of a building every night, and parents who couldn't have cared less about any of it. things might be better now, that boy has been out of my life for a year and a half, i'm down to little scratches on my arms once a month and i'm eating normally for the first time in years, but the things that happened during that summer don't just dissappear from my mind once i'm healed.

whatever. i'm just a dumb teenager anyways, right?

[hotshot624]

Daddy! Eddie x little! Reader and he helps her go into little space

Okay I'ma be completely honest with you, I've never written a fic on Tumblr and the time I did write a fic like on Wattpad, I was like in 6th grade. However I'ma try to write something just for you! (Also if it sucks just tell me. I'll @ some pretty good accounts that would make a completely better fic then whatever I'm gonna make)

Daddy!Eddie x little!reader: helping reader into little space

You've been having a very difficult week. Highschool had been particularly difficult with finals coming up and with you being in honors, it just seemed to make things worse. You've been running on almost two whole days with absolutely no sleep what so ever and it was finally catching up to you. You wanted nothing more than to just slip into little space and forget about everything troubling you. But you knew you couldn't. You had studying to do and by god you were going to do it even if it was the last thing you did. Plus your parents weren't home and their was no one to tell you to take scheduled breaks. Or so you thought.

It was ten fifteen at night where you were sitting in your bedroom surrounded by books, studying flash cards, different empty cups of which used to be filled with coffee, and other things that you weren't even sure of anymore. Your room was an absolute mess and that wasn't helping the mental state you were in at all. It felt like the mess was cluttering your brain and it was making it difficult for you to think properly, making you more stressed then you needed to be. Tears of frustration started to form in your eyes as you had to reread the same paragraph over again because the last few times you read it weren't sticking. Just as you were about to scream in anger you heard loud repeating banging at your front door. And there was only one person in the world who would pound at the door at this time of night.

You got up from your spot on the floor and ran as fast as you could towards the front door, almost tripping three times, before you threw open the door to be greeted by your favorite metal head.

"Hey Y/N! How's my favorite rockstar doin-" Eddie tried to say, only to be crushed in a giant hug from you.

"Wow! You trying to kill me? Not that dying from a hug from you sounds so bad but is there any reason in particular you tried to run me over?" He jokingly asked, having wrapped an arm around your waist and was looking down at you.

You just shook your head, burying your face in his chest. You knew that if he saw how exhausted and how close you were to crying, he'd try to get you to take a break and be little and you didn't have time for that. Not with all that studying you had to do.

'Speaking of studying', you thought to yourself, 'I should probably get back to that'. You wanted so desperately to be curled up in his arms watching cartoons with a paciy in your mouth as he rocked you, but you just couldn't do that. Well that's what you thought anyway.

"Hey babe, are you okay?" He asked, now getting concerned with your lack of verbal response.

Blast! He's on to you. Just play it cool and maybe he won't notice how stress you are.

"Yeah I'm fine! Anyway I can't hang out with you right now. I have a bunch of studying I need to get back to and the finals are coming really soon so I have get back to my work, sorry" you tried to rush out not making eye contact with him as you turned to go back to your room.

"Finals? What fina- Wait do you mean the finals that are like three weeks from now? Those finals?" He asked slightly bewildered, following you to your room only to stop dead in his tracks upon seeing the state of your room.

"Jesus H. Christ" he whispered to himself (even though his room has looked far worse let's be honest)

"Yes Eddie, those finals. I need to make sure I'm prepared and ready for them because I know there gonna be hard and it's- I- just...It's gonna be hard okay! I need to do this so just leave! Please!" You snapped at him.

Why couldn't he see how important this was for you? You didn't have time to mess around! Right?

"Babe, the only thing your preparing yourself for is a mental break down. Your putting too much stress on yourself for something I KNOW your gonna do great on, by the way. You need a break so your can rest and not stress yourself into a panic attack." He concluded looking around trying to find some of your little stuff you had. "And I know just the way to do it".

As he was looking for your little stuff you tried to stop him.

"Eddie no. I can't. Not right now. Please just.....just leave." You didn't really mean that but you knew that if he stayed here you'd slip and wouldn't be able to continue your work.

Unfortunately for you, Eddie knew you didn't mean it too. When he finally found what he was looking for he turned around really quick and held it up to your face.

It was a little black bat stuffed animal he had gotten you when you first told him about your age regression. He got it to show you that he excepted this side of you with open arms and that he loved you no matter what. It had quickly became your comfort object and you used it everytime you were in little space.

"Well hi there Y/N! It's your favorite friend Midnight! I came to give you some good night snuggles!" Midnight - I mean Eddie said, using his funny little voice you loved so much especially when you were feeling small.

He was trying to get you to slip and it almost worked. You were holding it together just barley, but still you weren't slipping. You just couldn't. You looked away from him, reluctantly seeing as how you wanted to snuggle midnight desperately, and pouted slightly with with tears of frustration and exhaustion brimming in your eyes. Eddie knew you were gonna slip but you just needed a little push.

He sighed and lowers Midnight to the ground and took you in his arms, rocking you with his chin tucked under your head.

"Look I know you worried about this final, but you need to understand that stressing yourself out for this isn't going to help you. Your going to great cause your the smartest person I know and probably in the whole school. You'll do fine. And hey if it makes you feel better I'll help you with studying. I know I'm not that smart but I could read you flash cards and quiz you on stuff. So what do you say? Will you take a break for me? For your daddy?" He finally asked looking down at you, slightly worried that you wouldn't slip.

But he was relieved when he saw you nod with your bottom lip sticking out and hearing your whisper 'daddy' and holding on to him as tightly as you could.

"There's my little Rockstar" he said smiling super wide.

He picked you up and placed you on his hip crouching down to pick up midnight as he set you up for bed. He got you in you night time wear and placed your pacifier in your mouth, cooing at you for doing such a good job for him.

He walked you to you living room and put on some care bears for you to watch. He knew it was late but he thought you could stay up a little bit just to relax. As you were watching TV, he went into the kitchen, after finding your baby bottle from your room, and started making some angel milk. When he was done, he scooped you up into his lap and fed you the bottle.

You ended up drinking all of it before dozing off to sleep. Not before you felt Eddie place a good night kiss on your forehead and whispering how much he loves you.

In the end you did great on your finals. Eddie helped you along the way like he said he would. Doing flash cards with you and quizzing you on stuff. He helped you even more when you had to explain stuff to him because it seemed explaining stuff to Eddie helped you better understand what you were studying. He also made sure you took breaks in between. Either being little space breaks or just big space breaks. Eddie would always be there for you and you couldn't be more great full.

The End

Hope y'all liked the fic. Again this is my first ever fic here so sorry if it sucks. I think it was pretty good so please tell me what y'all think. It would be much appreciated. And thank you for requesting this. I think you might have just put me in the fanfic writing business lol. Love you guys 😘💜💜💜

[hbalto]

Fathers Day and a New Family

Rated K+ (in ff.net terms) for a bit of swearing

The day was Father’s Day, the third Sunday in June, the day one certain teenage porcupine dreaded more than any other.

Ash hadn't spoken to her father in over a year and a half. Although it was mostly her mother that spoke for them in voicing her disappointment, she knew that her father shared her mothers disappointment in their little girls decision to follow her dreams and become a rockstar.

Should Ash try and call her father? No, she shouldn’t. Ash’s father did not respect her or her dreams, so how in the world was she just supposed to call her old man up on the phone after a year and a half and say-

"Happy Fathers Day, Dad. You'd love how the place looks now. I love you."

That soft, gentle voice snapped Ash out of her thoughts. She turned to find her boss, Buster Moon, staring at an old photo of his late father. In the photo, the bespectacled koala was standing in front what was now known as the Old Moon Theater, a proud smile upon his face.

Ash smiled. "Hey, Moon."

Buster quickly turned around slightly startled. "What? Oh, hey, Ash. What are you doing?"

"Apparently interrupting a sentimental moment." Ash joked.

Buster chuckled. "Yeah, I was just wishing my ol' dad here a Happy Fathers Day." The koala said, gently touching the photo.

"He must have really meant a lot to you." Ash said.

"Oh, he meant loads to me!" Buster replied enthusiastically. "My Dad wasn't just the guy who got me into theater as a kid, he introduced me to theater as the beautiful art form that it truly is." Buster admirably stated.

Ash chuckled. "That's awesome, Buster, I'm glad your Dad introduced you to your dreams and let you follow them." She looked to the side and muttered "I wish my Dad did, hell, I wish both my parents did."

Buster became concerned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ash looked at Buster bitterly. "Have you ever wondered why I was rooming with-" Ash cringed "him before I lived alone?"

Buster nodded, knowing full well who "him" was.

"Well, the reason for that was because he was pretty much the only one close to me who ever supported my dream of becoming a rockstar before I came here."

Busters eyes widened. "You mean your parents didn't support you?"

Ash continued. "They didn't support me, they didn't believe in me, they didnt even want to live with me."

Buster couldn't believe it. "Oh, you're not implying what I think you're implying, are you?"

Ash sadly nodded. "The day I turned 18, they sat me down and told me that I could either give up my dream, or get kicked out of the house. I said no, nasty words were exchanged, I packed my bags, called Lance, and the rest is history." Ash described sadly.

Buster felt awful for the teenage porcupine; he couldn't imagine what it would have been like to not have your parents support your dreams.

"I...I'm so sorry, Ash. That must've been horrible." The older koala said sincerely.

Ash smirked. "Ah, it's fine, they're both snooty assholes anyway. They wanted me to become a banker, just like them. And if they thought that I would spend the rest of my days cashing somebody else's checks in, they should've known they had another thing coming." Ash stated, trying to lighten the mood.

"Still," Buster walked towards Ash and gently embraced her "I'm really sorry, Ash. You didn't deserve that."

Ash hugged the koala back. "Thanks, Buster."

“You’re very welcome.” Buster replied, before letting go of his and Ash’s embrace to look into her eyes.

“And remember, even if you don’t have a family back home, you’ll always have a family here at the New Moon Theater. Every single person here cares about you, Ash, everyone. Johnny, Meena, Rosita, Gunter, Ms. Crawly, myself, heck even Mike, we all love you so much.” Buster stated as he embraced the porcupine again.

Ash knew Buster was right. Every single person she had met during her employment in the New Moon Theater had become like family to her.

Rosita was her caring, awesome Mom. All 25 of Rosita’s piglets were like Ash’s little brothers and sisters who she loved to babysit.

Johnny was like Ash’s incredibly sweet, but protective older brother who kept her out of harms way and always stood up for her.

Meena was like the sister Ash had never had, she always prepared for girl talk when needed, she was good at keeping secrets, and just like Johnny, she stood up for Ash whenever she could.

Gunter was like the fun uncle who would get wasted at holiday gatherings and always had a good story to tell. But even during all of his shenanigans, Gunter was still a good shoulder for Ash to cry on when needed.

Ms. Crawly was like the wise old grandma Ash felt as though she needed in her life growing up, always there to give advice, even if it wasn’t always good. That, and she could sometimes make a mean batch of cookies. 

Mike was... well, Mike was the old Boomer Grandpa who would tell you like it is, and even though doing so might hurt your feelings, he only has your best interest at heart, right? Mike just had to have a heart deep down in there somewhere.

And Buster Moon, well... he was there for Ash. Buster was the one who supported her the most when it came to her writing her own music and performing, Buster was the one who was probably the most angry when he found out that Lance did... well, that, to Ash, and went to her defense immediately. Buster comforted Ash when she felt useless and talentless and was also one of her many shoulders to cry on. There was no doubt about it, to Ash, Buster Moon was...

“Thanks, Dad.” 

Buster was stunned, he pulled back from the embrace. “W-what did you call me?” Buster asked, both shocked and extremely touched.

“I called you Dad.” Ash admitted. “I know that’s a little weird since you’re obviously not my Dad, but since my real dad is pretty much out of the picture, is it okay if I call you my Dad from now on?” Ash asked nervously. “I mean, I’ve really started to consider you to be like my 2nd Dad and-"

The young porcupine was cut off by an abrupt but gentle "yes."

Ash blinked. "What?"

"Yes," Buster repeated. "Ash Johansson, I would be honored to be your father." Buster stated, putting one hand on his heart, and the other on Ash's shoulder.

Ash quickly became touched and teary eyed as she wrapped the koala in a tight and warm embrace.

"Thank you," Ash sobbed. "I love you... Dad." Ash said, tearfully. The young porcupine was happy to have finally said those words after over a year and a half.

"I love you too, honey." Buster replied.

It was official: Ash had a whole new family; one that loved her for who she was, and one that would always be there for her.

[sunjaesol]

THE MANY CRUSHES OF LUKE PATTERSON... AND THE ONE THAT STUCK

💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌

1982

Luke Patterson's first crush ever was Haley Martin. He adored the colour of her hair — like the clementines his mom bought — and the way she finger-painted, enough for his four year old eyes to stare at her in awe.

He watched her make mud pies in the sandbox from the monkey bars, only to ruin them to get a rise out of her. He couldn't understand why she didn't like him the way he did, so he nagged his mom to explain.

"Teasing girls should be fun for them too, sweetheart," she soothed. "This Haley clearly didn't like it."

He blinked. "Huh?"

Her smile stayed warm, similar to hot chocolate and whenever grandpa conjured candies from behind his ear. "Why don't you share your grapes with her tomorrow? I'm sure she'll like that."

His nose scrunched up. "Why?"

"Because it's sweet, Luke."

"I don't get that," he shrugged. "But I'll try."

The next day, he sat beside her during storybook time and that seemed to help a little already. By the time it was lunch, her mood was lifted, which excited him too, and urged him to offer the grapes.

It earned him a featherlight kiss on the cheek.

Luke squeaked in surprise, flushing a firetruck red, to which she giggled and plopped another grape in her mouth.

Three days later, his crush was gone from his mind and he began sharing his grapes with his new friend Reginald instead.

1986

"Can you ask Jessica what she thinks of me?" Luke hurriedly whispered, eyes flickering between Reggie and the girl from across the courtyard.

Normally, Luke Patterson exuded confidence. The resident class clown, always opening his jaw to react to the teacher without raising his hand, catching fights with stupid classmates, sneaking into dad's stationwagon to create mixtapes.

Fearlessness was his freaking middle name. (It was actually Beck, but whatever. He wished it was something cool like Duran Duran though.)

But when it came to girls... he got so nervous. Because they were girls! He didn't understand them! They hated rambunctious boys and only listened to stupid pop music and blabbered about how they stole makeup from their sisters.

Jessica, however, somehow made his heart flutter and his stomach twist up. She just looked cool in her dungarees and she had a pretty smile and she didn't wear that overwhelming, sugary perfume that was now popular.

Reggie snickered, in the way only eight year old boys could. "You liiiiiiike her!"

"No!" He scowled. "I–I'm just curious."

"Sure," he drawled, but then shrugged in agreement, the oversized leather jacket rustling on his shoulders. He stole it from his older brother after he saw him kissing (!!!) some girl and figured it held some magic to impress the ladies with.

"Just do it!"

With a dramatic flourish, the boy left their hiding spot, Luke lurking around the corner of the alcove to watch. Jessica looked up from her hard work of creating friendship bracelets and smiled at Reggie.

Oh, gosh. She was pretty.

A minute later, a sheepish Reg slowly crawled back to him, cheeks red and fiddling with the zipper of his jacket.

Luke grabbed his shoulders, urgent. "What did she say?"

"Uh... well..."

"C'mon, dude!"

Reggie sighed. "She... likes me, buddy. Sorry."

His hopeful face crashed into one of devestation, quickly covering it up with a laugh and a squeeze of the shoulder. Oh, man, what would Steven Tyler do?

"That– that's dope!"

In the end, Reggie and Jessica were boyfriend and girlfriend for a week while he wrote an angry poem about how stupid dungarees were.

Huh... it was surprisingly good.

1988

"Hey, Luke," Gwenn greeted, shy, tucking her hands in her Camp Wacky Rocka hoodie. "I really liked that song you made about your guitar."

Jumping from the tree branch to the ground, Luke dazzled her with an appreciative smile. From above, Reggie and their new friend Alex watched on curiously.

"Thanks!"

Who would've thought that summer camp would be the first time he made a real, girl friend! Gwenn was super cool and she played the saxophone and she liked Joan Jett and her hair was all curly and big and it reminded him of pretty clouds.

Looking over her shoulder, he noticed a gaggle of girls staring at them. Like they were waiting.

Gwenn stared at him. "Can you close your eyes?"

He frowned. "Why?"

"Just 'cause."

Whatever. Maybe she wanted to show him something cool and would stick it in his hand. Complying, he closed his eyes and impatiently waited, bouncing on his heels.

"So?"

Suddenly, he felt a light, warm touch on his mouth and — oh! She was kissing him!

Luke staggered back in surprise, gawking at a blushing Gwenn as she squeaked a sorry and ran back to the now giggling and screeching girls. They ran away like a flock of birds.

It was a dare! His first kiss, stolen by a dare!

His boys jumped down beside him, awed.

Reggie hollered. "You kissed Gwenn!"

"I don't get it," Alex muttered.

Luke's face twisted up in a sour expression. Camp Wacky Rocka should be all about the music and becoming legends and Gwenn ruined it!

He stuck his tongue out. "Whatever. Let's go to the mess hall!"

1989

When Luke turned eleven, he kissed someone for real.

His birthday party was at the arcade, loud chatter and robotic sounds clashing together in an amazing cacophony. His parents hated the place, which is why Luke loved it.

Of the twenty guests, Yasmine clapped the loudest after he finished his song with the boys — Math Is For Losers! — and grabbed his hand as they walked to a duel game.

Luke felt fuckin' giddy the entire time. (Freakin' in front of his parents, fuckin' with friends.) The swoop in his stomach, his cheeks stretched into a wide beam.

Freshly eleven and the king of the arcade, he boldly asked if he could kiss her.

She smiled, her purple headband glittering in the neon lights, and nodded.

It was short and warm and her lips tasted like pink lemonade and sour gummies and it gave him an entirely new buzz. It was exciting.

He kissed her a couple more times the days after, eager and curious, until she claimed she was now only interested in twelve year old boys.

Since Luke now held the record of most kisses between him, Alex and Reggie, he wasn't too bothered by it. They shook hands, complimented each other on the kissing, and that was that.

1992

"Are you or are you not my boyfriend?" Olivia bit, crossing her arms.

Luke sighed, lazy gaze drifting from her to his band waiting by their bikes. Damn, he thought having a girlfriend would be way easier. Why was she so tense?

"I am," he said. "Why do you think I'm not?"

"Because you ignore me, like, all the time!" Pouting, she fiddled with the hem of her tartan skirt. "And now you're going to be with your band!"

He shrugged. "You can come with us and listen, if you want."

Luke met Olivia this year as deskmates in French class. Her raven hair was long and thick and her lips were all shiny from lip gloss and maybe he got a little cocky, thinking he could be dating the hottest girl of freshman year, so he naturally asked her out.

Maybe he should've considered beforehand whether they had anything in common, but he'd always been the overzealous type. And besides... she was a good kisser.

She scoffed. "That's not any better. Whatever. I'll just hang with Tina and Priscilla then. Laters!"

Plopping a kiss on his lips, she turned around and stalked to her whispering friends. Luke puffed, adjusted the beanie and made his way to the boys.

Girls were confusing.

"I bet dating boys is easier," Alex mused. "Like, equally terrifying, but also... easier. I think. Maybe."

Bobby laughed. "How's the girlfriend, Luke?"

"Ha ha," he deadpanned. "Let's go. I got this new song, Crooked Teeth, and it's a fucking banger!"

Olivia broke up with him after Sunset Curve's first, official gig at the arcade with the explanation that he loved music more than her. He never loved her to begin with, so maybe that was the problem.

She made out with Bobby that same night.

Holy shit, man. He supposed that bitter feeling at the sight of them tasted like rock 'n roll, the one thing he actually craved.

What a funny, funny feeling. (He wrote a hell of a lot of songs about it after. He never quite looked at Bobby the same way either.)

1995

"Hey, Maisie." Leaning against the locker beside the girl, he shot her a million dollar smile. "You comin' to our gig tonight? It's at The Orpheum."

Maisie was fucking awesome. Always in short, flowery dresses and fishnet tights and thick eyeliner like a rockstar, always listening to something new on her walkman. She came from a rich family, but that didn't hinder them from becoming friends.

Her jaw fell slack in awe, him instantly gaining more confidence. Ducking his head to meet her eye, he leaned a little closer. He knew damn well what he was doing, and he got a thrill every time it worked.

"Really?" She gasped. "That's awesome! I'll so be there!"

"Sweet," he grinned. "And stay after too."

A brow quirked up, intrigued. "Why?"

He shrugged. "Just 'cause."

"Right," she drawled. "Nothing is 'just because' with you, Luke."

"And that's why you gotta stay," he teased, nudging her shoe with his. "To find out."

If they rocked that gig and he felt like a fucking legend, he hoped it would end with the two of them hooking up. He wasn't interested in dating — having learned his lesson after Olivia — and he knew she wasn't either, but she was fun.

And that was the most important to him: to have fucking fun. Luke Patterson was here for a good time, not a long time.

And if nothing happened between him and Maisie, then he'd still feel like a legend. In a couple of hours, he was going to play at The Orpheum! How gnarly was that?!

2022

Twenty-seven years later, Luke was still seventeen years old. While he preferred to not question the science behind ghostly activities — he flunked physics anyway — he was happy that he froze at this age.

Because Julie was seventeen, too.

And, man. He was madly in love with her.

He loved everything, from the babyhairs curling around her ears, to her voice and compassionate soul, to her beautiful smile, all the way to her cute, doodled sneakers.

Her epic music taste, her snark, the way she always found his gaze, the way she finished his lyrics, the way she always knew what to say to make him feel better.

His heart melted to a flickering candle whenever she hugged him, a raging wildfire erupting between every kiss. He was a fool for her.

"Stop moving," she giggled, one hand coming up to hold his chin.

He grinned, "Sorry, Jules."

Shifting closer, she dabbled more glitter on his cheeks. They were playing at a black-light club tonight, so Julie and Flynn bought all the glow in the dark makeup available at the store for the occasion.

They looked ridiculous in daylight, Julie's weirdly pink lipstick claiming all his attention, but he knew they'd look fucking cool once the lights went down.

"You want to watch a movie after the gig?" she whispered.

Luke rolled his eyes, playful. "You're gonna fall asleep."

"Yeah." With a bashful tilt of the shoulder, she leaned in closer. "But then you'll be with me."

"Julie! How scandalous," he teased, though his chest swelled at the thought of having some alone time, some cuddle time, with Julie.

"So?"

Murmuring a yes, he closed the little distance to kiss her, sealing the deal, only for her to chase after him — an attempt to wipe the lipstick stain off his lips.

"Nah, keep it." A smirk grew. "So the people know."

She tsked. "Idiot."

"You like it."

"I'm still taking it off though, seeing as you're supposed to be a hologram," she pointed out. "But... you can kiss my lipstick away after the show."

He sighed, dreamy. "I love you."

Finishing his glitter and removing the stain, she dazzled him with a satisfied smile. "Love you too."

She rose up from the couch and went to search for Reggie, the boy likely with Carlos. For a moment, Luke was alone in the studio, allowing himself to sink into that warm, fuzzy feeling.

No matter how many blunders he went through with girls — Haley, Jessica, Gwenn, Yasmine, Olivia, Maisie — they all prepared him, in one way or the other, for Julie.

To not only recognise when an awesome girl was standing right in front of him, but also how to treat her — because Julie Molina deserved the fucking world.

Even if that world now included the supernatural.

Whatever. They were all a little crazy.

💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌

@bluefirewrites @blush-and-books @pink-flame @ourstarscollided @constantly-singing @unsaid-emily @willexx

[ficsforeren]

Kanayama, destroyer of hearts far and wide and obliterator of Eren’s in all known universes… *clears throat* if I could just offer one suggestion, for your secrets between us series, why kill Eren when you could give us more pain by killing the reader and having Eren lament over how it should have been him. He has to live each day knowing that he was just a second late, that he wasn’t strong enough, wasn’t fast enough, wasn’t clever enough. That he just wasn’t enough to save the love of his life.

Eren’s usually calm in these situations. He’s a knight. A kingsguard. Be aware of your surroundings. Always have an escape route in mind. Never let your guard down. Stay calm.

Remain calm and level headed.

Levi always made sure to repeat that one. Because moment you lose your calm, you’re already dead.

As a knight, he’s sworn to protect the kingdom until his last breath. But he’s also dedicated his heart, his life, and his entire being to you.

No amount of training would have ever prepared him for this moment.

He can stay calm when Armin reminds him of his place as just your kingsguard. He is still levelheaded, not even breaking a sweat when the carriage is ambushed, and he’s outnumbered 25 to one.

But the moment an enemy soldier tears you from his grasp, driving a dagger into your heart.

He loses it.

Because why kill Eren when you’re the only reason why he’s alive.

You see, a princess has a duty to fulfill towards her kingdom. The moment Y/N was born, her life was dedicated to serving that of her people. But for Eren, his heart was always dedicated to you.

——

You know, I’m just a huge sucker for happy endings. So let’s just focus on how amazing Eren is as a dad.

Not only is rockstar Eren an amazing husband, but he just spoils his kids rotten. Irene and Jace always know how much their dad loves them.

He has a photo of them in his wallet, another taped onto his bunk so it’s one of the last things he sees before he falls asleep, and of course it’s his Lock Screen. He was never religious to begin with. But every day when he’s reminded that he has a family to come home to, he thanks God for a blessing that transcends all lifetimes. Poor Reiner still can’t convince eren to go to church with him though

Hope you’re doing well Kana. I hope your baby is doing well too. Have you had to deal with the terrible twos yet?

Recently there was a huge heatwave where I live and now it’s fucking cold today. My poor baby cousin who’s only 5 months old broke out in hives all over her body. Ok. I think I’ll just end my ramble here.

Sending you all my love and a bunch of virtual hugs!!

"Kanayama, destroyer of hearts far and wide and obliterator of Eren’s in all known universes" LMAOOOOOO PLEASE I LOVE THIS SO MUCH THIS IS GOING TO BE MY TITLES FROM NOW ON HAHAHA I FEEL LIKE I'M IN GAME OF THRONES

Well, honey, your idea is brilliant (hell, I want you to write the sequel for TSBU lmaooo), thank you so much for sharing it with us but unfortunately, I have something else planned for reader 😏😏😏

and your HCs for dilf rockstar eren? CANON! I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU SAID! yes eren definitely has a wall inside his tour bus covered in photos of his little family. he's such a doting parent, like he will literally brag about his kids and wife to every single person he met. eren literally can't shut up about his kids. whenever he's on the stage and they have to take a minute long break between songs, he'd be like "guys, you know what my daughter did the other day? she told me she loved me and she said she wants to marry me when she's older. can you believe that?" and the crowd would cheer and jean is going to groan into the microphone "bro you've told us the same story for like twelve times today! shut the fuck up! btw, irene wants to marry me, she told me herself."

my baby and i are doing well, thank you for asking! i hope you're doing well too wherever you are, darling. take care of yourself and make sure to stay warm and hydrated. i love you so much baby MWAH MWAH MWAH

[fenheart87]

Blue Changes

We had a fun little challenge, we picked a prompt and had 3, 15 minute sprints to write something for the prompt. Then 24 hours for light editing to finish sentences if needed, grammar etc. This is my take on the the prompt "Has anyone ever told you just how adorable you are Because you really are." Dedicated to @verfound 🧡

“Marinette, where is my favorite designer at?!” Jagged burst into the studio, Fang trotting happily next to him on her leash and Penny multitasking between her phone call and tablet. Technically he was supposed to be on a plane to New York, but decided to swing by Paris on his way because he had an idea that just could not wait and wanted to check on his unofficial niece anyways. There was only one speed bump in that plan, the studio was completely empty. The chaos of fabric strewn about and pieces half cut with scissors still mid snip definitely screamed someone was working hard or trying to at least, the mannequin with a half-pinned design and ripped fabric seemed to lean toward the latter.

“Looks like she’s not here… Must be taking a break. Penny, why don’t we order from my favorite bakery and make sure something extra special for Marinette. I’m glad we came here before the next stop on tour.” Jagged poked around at the sketches laying in abandon on the desk, some half crumbled on the floor and more stacked on a sketchbook.

“Seems like she is having some massive creators block… We should treat her when we have a break on the tour.” Penny suggested, already on the phone with Tom and trying to insist they would pay for their order.

Some of the sketches were brilliant but had marks of black throughout them, others were completely marked out and you could not even tell what the design was to start with. It hurt to physically see what pain Marinette was going through, most of the ones with the darker markings were of the same style. He could clearly see the thought of Adrien in the suits and matching dresses for Marinette, the anger of the marks showing something had happened or changed. Sighing heavily, Jagged gathered the papers, Fang batting the ones further away with her tail over to her owner. One paper had him blinking in surprise.

“Penn! Pen! Lookie here! D'ya see this?!” jagged shouted, shoving the paper into his assistant’s face, not even minding when she sighed and pushed it to a proper distance. It was a one-of-kind leather jacket and a custom hoodie drawn to match it. Either could be worn seperate or paired together. The colors were a contrast of electric blue and smokey turquoise, the theme was music and snake. Jagged recognized it as a rough sketch due to the lack of color or material notes along the edge that appeared on her finished drafts.

“Why was this crumpled up? It’s a really great idea!” Penny wondered aloud, noticing that the eccentric rockstar she commonly felt like she had to babysit was scheming. “Jagged no, whatever is it the answer is no.”

The door opened and in walked the designer they were looking for, Marinette seemed stressed and a bit run down. Her hair was thrown into a messy bun, one sleeve was pushed higher than the other and her shirt was wrinkled where it was tucked into her pencil skirt. Flip flops clacked along with her steps, another sign she was worn out if the basic shoe was more preferred to her custom made and very comfortable flats. An energy drink dangled from one hand and her design tablet occupied the other. Both guests watched as she made it all the way to her desk without noticing they were there.

“I have no idea what I'm going to do! I don't have anyone that fits that one or the orange one… I could make it a dress but who would wear it?! Ugh! I’m going to fail at this rate and then I won't graduate and I'll never design again, who would want something made by a failure-” Fang chose that moment to nudge her head onto the petite woman’s lap, startling her so bad she screamed and fell out of her chair.

“Well I reckon that I would love to have exclusive rights to all designs made by my favorite niece but we all know that’s not fair to the rest of the world. Now I know you are in a pinch and you’re stuck like a boat in the desert, so you’re going to take a break, spend some time with uncle Jay and make sure that you show poor Fang some love, she was all excited and you just screamed right in her poor face. C’mere my poor baby, Marinette is so mean I know.” Jagged showed the croc in love through pets and scratches. 

“When.. How, why?” Poor Marinette was lost and couldn't believe the rockstar was in her studio when he should've been halfway around the world for the next stop on his tour. 

“Okay, the only thing we’re doing right now is leaving all this behind for a much needed break for food and maybe a nap in your case. Time to relax and stop stressing for a minute." Penny authoritatively stepped in, stacking the papers on the desk, handing Marinette her purse and phone and with the help of Fang scooted the younger woman out the door.

Marinette protested "Wait I need to finish, it has to be done! I can't take a break, I just did!"

"Negative, now it's time for chow, and you need a shower, at your parents then we need to have a little chat. Ladies first!" Jagged gently shoved the designer into the car with cheer, allowing Fang and Penny to enter before him. 

"So my little brilliant niece, we have some great news and a rock and roll deal for you! Can't tell you what is until after you've taken a break though." They grinned as Marinette grumbles as she gave fang the attention she wanted until they pulled up to the bakery.

Getting out of the car first, Marinette sighed at the smell of her parents baking, the smell melting off some stress like butter melting on a fresh from the oven croissant roll. Her stomach grumbled and she opened the door for the other guests, sneaking an excited Fang upstairs to not scare the other customers. Deciding to take a refreshing shower, Marinette went to her bathroom and put on some zen meditation music before getting in the shower. Quick ten minutes later and she was feeling much more alive and hungry. On a whim she grabbed a random outfit that she had made but never worn, pleated plaid skirt with a red checker pattern offset by the off the shoulder fitted top in a burgundy color, and threw it on before joining her guests. 

"Oi looking good! One of yours?" Jagged shouted with his mouth full, causing Penny to smack his arm as a reminder to use manners. 

"Sure is! Never worn it before but decided change can be a good thing and sometimes you have to start the change instead of waiting for it to happen." Grabbing her favorite pastry and a croissant because you can't just smell one and not eat it, she missed the concerned look her adopted guardians shared.

"So your studio was, well, you seem to be having a hard time." Pen tried to be gentle but made a face at her words.

"Yeah… Life is… Changing." Marinette mused, picking at the pastry.

"Marinette, what can Uncle Jay do to help?" Jagged's serious tone drew her gaze and his heart broke at the sight of unshed tears.

"I uhm well. I- That is, we-" With a huff, she calmed down and a look of determination shone on her face. "Adrien asked me out, on a date date in this really elaborate way. I turned him down. I have no idea what I was thinking but when he asked me I was so happy and then all I could think of was blue and how soft its is and it can be so calm or so chaotic and it’s always changing like the ocean but yet it's always the same and there this feeling of calm and I just couldn't say yes."

The quiet settled into a slightly awkward silence, Marinette was ignoring it and Penny was having nonverbal argument with Jagged on what to say next. With an eye roll that spoke louder than her shouting at him, the assistant took the lead once more. Quietly she rose from the chair she was occupying and sat next to the young designer smoothing out the crumpled sketch she had taken from the studio.

"Is this the blue you're talking about?" 

"Yeah… That’s my blue." A gentle smile touched peach lips briefly, blue eyes going soft.

"Is this the skater kid?"

"Skater kid?" Marinette blinked in confusion.

"Nah Pen it's the boat kid."

"He has a name you guys!" Marinette broke down into giggles, looking much more like herself and less like a zombie just waltzing around and going through the motions. "His name is Luka, yes the one who went me skating with Adrien and Kagami, yes the boat kid who has a heart way too big for just his mom and sister. And now me…"

"Sounds like you made a change?" Penny prompted smiling widely.

"A blue one yeah, I did."

"Has anyone ever told you just how adorable you are?" Jagged shouted, picking up the younger woman and swinging her around as she shrieked. 

"Okay Jagged, let's not take over her whole day. We did have a reason to show up here after all." Penny handed the tablet to Marinette after he relinquished his hold. "This is what we're looking at for a surprise concert once we are back here in Paris. There's some issues I'm ironing out but I wanted to see what you think and if you would take lead on the design aspect."

"Wait, lead designer for your show?" Blue bell eyes swiveled between ocean blue and hazel sets, wide with disbelief and building excitement.

"Yup, this tablet is yours by the way. I do ask you to keep just business on it for the show, if you want more traditional sketches that's fine but once it's done it needs to be uploaded on here." Jagged explained, clapping a red clad shoulder.

"Oh you need an opening act? I've got that covered." The sparkle was finally back in her eye to match the mischievous grin.

"I agree with Jagged, are you sure no one has said it before because you really are adorable."

[mama-ghostie-61542]

A Thousand Lifetimes

Rated M++ for language and themes

If you recognize it--IT AIN'T MINE

Sorry for the OOC-ness

Chapter 7

Kihyun

The next day, after two fittings with costumes, two phone interviews, a shoot for an ad, and a tv spot; I finally got back to the dorms, and back to that story.

Bryn PoV--

As if today wasn't bad enough, I walked into the house to find it completely empty. The kids wandered around and I tried to field a million questions about where they were gonna sleep and what we were gonna eat. That and the meltdowns every five minutes led me to try to call my little brother. I really just needed to talk to another grown-up. As soon as I had supper figured out, I called Joey.

"Hello," said a voice on the other end of the phone.

"Ummm. Hi?"

"Oh. Hello," The voice was familiar, but it wasn't Joey.

"Is Joey close?"

"Sorry. Who?"

"Sorry. Jooheon. Kids call him 'Uncle Joey'. Guess it stuck."

"Hmm. No. You just missed him."

"Dern. Can you pass on a message?"

"Sure."

"Can you tell him to call Bryn when he gets back?"

"Oh! I didn't recognize your voice, Bryn. How are you? It's Kihyun. Joey is in the shower. Can I help you with whatever you need," I asked, biting my lip and praying she would say yes. Just the sound of her voice was both soothing and somehow able to tie me up in knots.

"Actually, I was calling to vent. I've had a particularly terrible day today. Joey is my sobriety sponsor."

"He is? Wow," I said before Honey came charging at me, his hair still wet. "I would still LOVE to talk to YOU," I shouted.

"Gimmie my phone, Kihyun."

I handed him back the phone and heard him say

"What's up, Sis?"

Though I couldn't hear exactly what was said, I could tell by the look on his face, it wasn't good.

"Really?"

Then, Honey sighed. "Lemme see what I can do from here."

"Please, let me help."

If it were possible for him to get any more pissed off, he did. "HE WHAT," he yelled. Then, he pulled the phone from his ear and said, "I need a one way ticket to Peoria International!! I'm gonna kill him. I am gonna fuckin' kill him." Next, he put the phone back to his ear, "Lemme see what I can do here, Sis," he growled as he demanded numbers and wrote them down, and then hung up.

As he started digging on the internet to find the cheapest fare, HyunWoo said, "Hold it, Hot Shot. What happened?"

"That douchbag finally left. He took everything! Even the kids stuff. He left them with NOTHING! That is why Sis was calling. He cleaned out their account and took everything. Damn lucky he couldn't touch the shop accounts or he would have cleaned them out too. Literally everything. She needs a little cash to feed the kids til Friday."

"Thank God it is Wednesday," said CK. from the far side of the room. If anyone had bothered to look, the reflection on his glasses was an Amazon cart with 37 things in it. The only time ANYONE has that many things in an Amazon cart is when they are buying groceries. However, most of those were chips or snack cakes.

Honey, Min, and HyungWon all sat down to iron out how much and what they were gonna contribute.

Silently, I picked up my bank book and palmed the slip of paper with her info on it. Only HyunWoo saw me slip out the door. He stopped me as I waited for the elevator and handed me a few bills from his own wallet before turning back towards the room.

"What," was all I could get out before he interrupted, cutting me off mid-question.

"We look out for our own," He answered before he opened the door to the dorm.

After heading to the nearest Western Union, I called the number on the slip from Honey. When she picked up, I smiled.

"Hey, Bryn, it's Kihyun. I wired you some money. Should be about $100, if everything gets exchanged right."

"Kihyun, you guys didn't have to do that. My dad was already gonna feed the kids. I just needed to talk to someone. This has got me so shaken up, I want a drink really bad. Guess I wasn't too clear with Joey."

"Really? Then why was he," I stopped as a shadow fell over me. "Well, shit. Guess who is now standing right behind me."

"Tell him to calm down."

"Bryn says to calm down. She told me to sit on you if I have to."

"Kihyun! I did not."

"I paraphrased," I laughed. "Besides, Sweets, if looks could kill, I'd be dead right about now."

"Really," she chuckled.

"Oh yeah. He is probably gonna follow me all the way to the dorm. I guess I am not allowed out on my own," I laughed.

"Why," She asked.

"I tend to do dumb things, according to others. Though they may be a little impulsive, they always work out in the end. So don't look the horse in the mouth."

"I won't."

"Good girl," I laughed, "So why did you call him, anyway?"

"I needed someone I could yell at that would not take it personal."

"I am always here. Though, I may occasionally yell back."

She laughed. "Thank you."

"For?"

"Making me laugh. I needed that. "

"Damn. I was looking forward to the screaming match. C'mon, get it started, Angelface," I said as I stopped at the stoplight and waited for the crosswalk. "Do you want me to start," I asked, then pulled the phone away and yelled.

Bringing the phone back to my face, I asked as the crosswalk lit up and I crossed the street, "How was that," I grinned.

"A 10. A fuckin' 10. Have you thought of being a Rockstar," she laughed.

I could almost hear the smile on her face, which made me laugh. Even if my throat killed me in the morning it was worth it.

"Hey, hang on a second. I want to send you something," I said as I put my phone on speaker and started the camera.

"Oh dear God, what now," she asked.

I took a short video of me sending her a kiss and sent it off. "Nothing bad."

"Ok, if you say so. Just not cool with unsolicited dick pics from strange men."

"I would not send you unsolicited dick pics, nor am I a stranger. Now, if you asked for them...Like a good girl," I started and looked over at Honey, who was looking at me with the 'better never do that' face. "Uh-oh."

"What?"

"I'm getting side eye."

She laughed and said, "I know just the look. It screams, 'You'd better not be sending photos of ANY part of your anatomy to my sister'."

"Yes," I laughed. "So how are you feeling? Better?"

"Much. Thank you."

"No problem. I'm here all week. Try the veal," I laughed. "Still want a drink," I asked.

"No. The laughs did it for me. Thank you."

"You are very welcome, Darling. So did you get the video I sent?"

"I did. That was very sweet. Thanks."

"You are very welcome, Pretty Lady. Well, we are back at the dorms."

"I should probably go then," she sighed.

"Just remember I am also available for Mitzvahs," I chuckled, which made her laugh. "Seriously, Sweetie, anytime you need a sounding board or a laugh fest, a screaming match or some naughty-Ow, Mother fucker!-I got smacked on my arm for that last bit. I am always here,"

"Thanks again. Until next time."

I paused and came VERY close to telling her how I felt but said, instead, "Again, you are welcome."

"Bye, Kihyun."

"Bye, Bryn," I breathed, then hung up.

Honey looked at me as he crossed his arms over his chest, "It took everything you had to not tell her 'I love you' didn't it?"

All I could do was nod and hope that my dreams tonight would be better than they had been.

As we got into the elevator, He said, "It was good hearing that you made her laugh."

"I love the sound of her laughter. Once I got her started, I didn't want her to stop. I think that she is just as funny as she is sweet."

"You do know that she will do one of two things, right?"

"What two things?"

"Either immediately send the money right back, or hang on to it and physically give you back every bit. She hates asking for help...of any kind," he said as he opened the door to our dorm.

"Yeah? Wonder why."

He just laughed, "Her ex-fiancée, ex-husband, and her father."

"What happened," I asked as I made us a pot of coffee.

"They all held every penny over her head. Her dad decided he wanted her out the minute she turned 18 and to do it, he threw her out the boat, so to speak. Said if she floated, she never needed help anyway; and if she sank, well, it was her own fault."

"That's abuse. Financial abuse."

"Yep. He was the kind to tell her everything she had was his, that she owned nothing; not even the clothes on her back. He comes from the 'I Own You' school of parenting. Her ex-fiancée would demand she work, then make her late, so she would lose any job she got. Then, he'd take any money she got paid and use it for crap he wanted rather than the bills she had it ear-marked for."

"Oh, tell me he didn't."

"Oh he did. Spent it on girls at the local under 21."

"Shit. He screwed around on her, didn't he?"

"Yep. Which is why if you ever think about cheating, I will castrate you myself," he growled.

Somehow I knew he would do it, and I would let him. "Don't have to worry about that. Can you tell me about her ex-husband?"

"That asshole was a piece of work. Emotionally, Mentally, and Fiscally abusive. The entire time they were together, he would pinch a penny until it died if it was something she needed, but she was expected to turn over her things and cash to him. She worked second shift in a factory; out of the house from half 1 to almost 1 am. He was in semi driver school at the time, racked up a HUGE amount of debt; I'm talking almost 40K. Constantly accused her of cheating when he had a different lot lizard every night. It's a miracle he never gave her anything."

I was disgusted by this guys behavior. To have a woman like her waiting at home and trying his best to break her.

"And that isn't even the worst of his offenses. He screamed at her one night while he was over the road, on training. She was at work, and he called her on her lunch break. The entire time, he screamed at her for having a cold sore and yelled about her cheating loud enough for her co-workers to hear. Her boss to tell her to turn off her phone; that he was tired of hearing that jerk yell at her. The guy he was learning with, told him that 'If I were her, I would be calling the lawyer first thing in the morning, after that shit.' He 'apologized' pretty quickly after that."

"Icky. I hope she ended it there."

"No. That girl has a ton of stay and No show. He ended up deployed to Egypt and told his brother about the girls there. Never thought his brother would run and tell her. She still didn't leave. You left a blister on her cheek one night and he threw her out in the snow."

"Stay and no show? I'm not sure I understand."

"Horse terms," came a voice from the doorway. I had forgotten Hoseok was staying with us while his apartment was getting the pipes fixed. "When a filly is learning to ride, it's said she is full of Show and no Stay. Meaning she looks good, but is too skittish to stand still. Sis--Well Sis may not look like much, but she has tons of loyalty to those who show her the same. She has the patience to play a 30 year long game, and the courage to weather ANY storm. But she has a problem knowing when to leave, and so she gets hurt."

"Hold up! He threw her out in the snow?!"

As Hoseok filled his own mug, he answered, "Yeah, he threw her out of the apartment in the middle of a snowstorm. Lucky her parents were in town. So if you start this with her, and you ever want out; you are gonna have to straight up tell her to go. She won't understand otherwise. She doesn't play games and has a tough time with subtly. So always be direct and honest with her."

I nodded taking it in. There was something I thought I wanted, so I asked, "How is her aegyo"

"If you are looking for overt aegyo, don't. Hers is subtle but she has got it in spades, and she doesn't even know it. It's in the way she plays, either with her guy or her kids," he said as he leaned against the counter, "It's in the subtle blush when you say or do something for her without her asking. It's in a compliment and the smiling eyes that comes with it. She has never had some of the things other girls take for granted, like a stolen kiss or flowers on her birthday. Other things, like those romantic gestures, she has only had once or twice. If I remember right, the last guy to 'play' was an FWB years and years ago, and that guy only stole one kiss, once," Honey replied.

"Don't expect her to run with girls. Most girls find her too harsh, too rough. She doesn't appreciate girls and their whiney, gossipy ways. She never wears makeup, and I have never once seen her with her nails painted. She is a guys-girl, a tom-boy through and through; wasn't made delicate. She is stronger than most people will ever know. However, her heart is extremely delicate, it's been broken and bruised so bad, even I wonder how she is still alive. So, let me tell you, right now," Hoseok said as he sat down his mug and leaned over the counter in my direction, "She may not be blood, but she is my sister."

"Hmm," I nodded. "You really don't have to worry about that," I replied. "How are you related to her again," I asked.

"Distant cousin. Her auntie married my mothers little brother, for all of five minutes. I am only gonna tell you this once, if you hurt that filly in ANY way; you wont walk again."

"Got it," I replied, cringing.

"You know that she won't ask for what she wants or needs. You are gonna need to be damned good at reading between the lines, cause she is so afraid that if she tells you what she needs, what she wants, you will do the same thing every one else has done," Honey said after a minute.

"Run," I answered nodding.

"Yep. Most men can't handle her intensity so they either run or try to turn her down to levels that they can handle without realizing that her fire isn't meant to be dimmed, but fed. She is gonna need you to be just as emotional as her, to show her that it is ok to feel again. She is very touch oriented, very tactile. So a lot of her feelings are touch related."

"I understand, Joey."

"You had better. The only reason I didn't beat the shit out of the other assholes, is that I wasn't there. If I had been, I would have had no problems with a few months in the county lock-up. And if Clark had tried that shit while I was there..."

"Really?"

"Yeah. See, the shit of it is, she fades into the background. She doesn't want all those things that other girls want. She isn't the kind to run or chase. She doesn't play games. She is also emotional. Ease into it. Don't try to love bomb her, she went through that shit with Clark and won't put up with it from you," Hoseok said, then turned to Joey, "Speaking of, did you hear what Lone Elm called him?"

Joey shook his head.

Hoseok grinned. "Elm called him a fuckin fishstick."

Joey started laughing, "Elm called him 'Fishstick'."

I looked back and forth between the two men who were holding themselves up on the counter while they laughed. "I don't get it. What-What's a fishstick?"

A hand landed on my shoulder from behind. I turned to see Changkhyun standing there, an amused look on his face.

"Fishsticks are only available in the States. They are mashed-up fish paste, about an inch wide by around six inches long, which is then breaded. Then, they are to be baked in an oven. Either they turn out soggy or they are hard as a rock; inedible either way. Which is good, because they are fuckin' gross. Nasty little things."

"Are they like the fish at Mickey's?"

"No," CK stated. "The fish there is actually decent. Fishsticks are generally served in school hot lunches on Fridays due either to religious reasons, or because they are cheap and can be purchased by the gross. At any rate, they are still inedible."

"Icky. How in the hell can people do that to their kids?"

"Not a clue. That was why I always took my lunch on Friday. Every Friday, the hot lunch was always the same thing; rock hard fishsticks, soggy tater tots, dehydrated-rehydrated mixed vegetables, and golden glow salad with mayonnaise on the top. It was the grossest meal I have ever seen in my entire life."

I shuddered to think of those poor kids. Forced to eat that nasty stuff.

After reading that, I was glad her kids never had to eat that. She fixed boxes for them. School lunches in the States sounded gross.

'Some things were ok.'

'I thought you took your lunch, Mami?'

'I did. My dad said cold lunch was cheaper. But, there was one day, once or twice a month, that I would get school lunch. They called it pork pattie day, but it was a breaded pork tenderloin on a bun. It was pretty decent. It was pretty gross the rest of the time, but that day wasn't too bad.'

'Have I watched you fix those before?'

'Not sure.'

'Are those the sandwiches where you beat the pork chops to nothing and then bread and fry them?'

'Yes.'

'Those do look pretty tasty,' I said as I dug around for what to fix the next day, so I could write it on the board. 'Hmm. Help, please. Can't figure out supper.'

'Whatcha got?'

'Hmmm. Some sausages, some tiny shrimp, and a package of chicken,' I said as I dug around in the freezer.

"You can use the shrimp and chicken in Gumbo.'

'It has been quite a while since I've had Gumbo. I've never made it before though.'

'Look it up. There are a million Gumbo recipes out there.'

'I think I will do that. Thanks, Baby. Have I told you, today, how awesome you are??'

'Yes, but I can always stand to hear it again,' she laughed.

A/N)--The above abuses......actually happened. First hand experience.

[irepookie]

INFINITY

Summary: QUEEN AU where Rog (aka Rowan Queen) is young single dad struggling to make it into music industry.

Warnings: Fluff, Fluff, Fluff, and swearing.

Word Count: 1926

Okay so this is the closest picture I could find to Row's state in the next two chapters:

Chapter 2: PIPER

Row has a lot questions to ask himself, and he knows it's on only his own future at stake, but also The Prune's, who may be getting a name.

Of all the things Rowan Queen might have aspired to be, -a Rockstar, a Roger Taylor level drummer...- a 19 year old solo dad wasn't amongst them.

All he knew was that since he had first held that small Wrinkly being and her eyes had met his, she had stolen a part of him, and that the only way to feel completed again was being with her.

Ridiculously sappy, he knew.

"But that's what makes best parents" Callie, the nurse who had introduced them assured him one day when he confessed his thoughts out loud, while he watched her sponge bath the infant "Don't feel stupid, or embarrassed for feeling that way, Row. In fact, that's exactly how it should be. Always. And those fathers who deny it or fight that connection, end up estranged from their kids as they grow up. Take it from a daughter who hasn't seen her father in 5 years"

But, alas, there he was, living between his flat and the Hospital's newborn aisle, because he just couldn't get that one girl out his head, despite don't knowing how he had come to this.

"Well I haven't seen mine in 9"

"And that scares you, don't it?"

He gasped, and nodded slowly.

"Is better having no father figure at all than having a bad one. Just like I think your Prune is luckier having one brave dad than a coward mom"

"And two fit parents?" He asked, eyes flicking to the untouched pile of adoption papers

"Well that's the ideal situation, isn't it? But the weight always ends up relaying more on the mother, you know? The father always steps back, because society still thinks it's more acceptable for us women to raise the children because, of course, we have deeper connection with 'em for carrying them around for nine months and blah blah blah." She got the towel and handed it to him before laying the squirming 2 day old In his arms.

He carefully wrapped it around her and sat down so he wouldn't drop her, then started to stroke her soft delicate skin with the towel.

"But that's bullshit." Callie continued "That's an excuse you men came up with to sneak out from changing nappies. But I believe you guys are just as capable of taking care of children as us. And that you might be the ultimate proof of it." She gathered her hair in a ponytail, and smiled at father and daughter, as Row was now

leaning back on the rocking chair with the Prune, -as all the staff had begun to call her- laid on his bare chest.

"So forget whatever prejudices you have. This kid needs you, she doesn't know nothing about what's going on, she misses her little warm oven, the voice she was so used to hear and that she'll never hear again because that world has left her behind the first chance she got and she's very confused.

But also, She doesn't know about gender stereotypes, or that she's a girl. But she knows you're here. And her instincts tell her you're safety, and warmth, and love. Sure, I'm around a lot too, but soon you'll be discharged and everything she'll have will be you. A d then she'll grow up and will be forever grateful for everything you will have done for her"

The teen nodded, taking in all the words but remaining silent. Quiet moments like this -when she was calm and content- were quite meaningful.

"I just want the best for her. And I'm not sure I am"

"Well, from where I'm standing, you're pretty much up there. Nobody gets her to settle down as quickly as you do. That has to mean something, right? Newborns have this amazing instinct of detecting sources of love and protection. And you are hers. She trusts you: trust yourself"

Days went by, and Row found himself getting up early in order to go back to hospital. At home he was restless, as questions filled his head.

Was she better off with him?

Was he ready?

How could Callie be so much more sure about the whole thing than he was?

What if be wasn't good enough

What if mom was right?

Why did he want to become a dad in the first place?

Should he just sign those papers before it was too late and forget the whole thing?

The sixth day, he made his way to the hospital as usual, but something felt off. What it was? He couldn't put a finger on it, so he shrugged it off and entered the NICU area where she was.

"Hey, lovely one, look at you, a bit bigger each day" he cooed at his yet unnamed daughter, as he put his hand through the incubator hole to let her know his ore6 "So strong and so beautiful" he smiled brightly as her small hand closed around his finger.

"Yes, this way please" he heard a male voice and turned his eyes to see a doctor and a man and a woman who were probably in their thirties

"Oh my gosh she's so tiny!" The woman exclaimed, walking towards the glass

"Who are you?" Row asked, stepping defensively in front of her before she could reach the baby.

"You must be Rowan Queen?" The man held his hand out "We're the adopting couple..."

"What?" He basically slapped it away "No! Who told you she's in for adoption?"

"Mister, you signed the adoption papers" the Doctor said

"No I didn't!"

"Yes you did. Here" the doctor looked through the pile of papers on his hands and showed him.

He snatched the file from him. That was his signature but he didn't remember signing anything. He may have doubts about being a dad, but Callie was right, the little prune and him needed each other. They belonged together And he wasn't gonna give her away. The only way was through.

"There must be a mistake. She's not up for adoption"

"Err... Yes she is" the man said

"No she's not! I should know better than you, huh?"

"We've heard about the mother. So sad. But babies need their mommys, don't they?" The woman cooed from the other side of the incubator

"You can't take her" if looks could kill, Row would have murdered her right then and there.

"Mister..."

"No! He's my daughter!"

"Sir, signing this you gave up your parental rights"

"And what the hell does that even mean?"

"Legally, she's not yours anymore"

"But I don't remember signing anything!"

"But this is your signature"

"Yes. But I... I didn't mean it"

The woman scoffed "Well you clearly did."

"Mind your fucking business!" He snapped, before turning to the doctor "Look, I really don't know how my signature is there but I need you to... I don't know, forget it, okay?"

"Forget it?"

"Yes! Whatever that stupid paper says, I'm keeping her. And I will do everything you want me to"

"Sorry. There's nothing we can do about it now. You could take this to court but... It's a lost cause"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"A 19 year old against a healthy, stable marriage?" He used the same arguments mom had

"But I'm her dad..." His voice quivered, as his baby started to cry.

"Don't worry sweetheart. Mommy and Daddy are here now" the woman said "Our Judy"

"Judy? What the fuck, you're not naming her Judy!"

"What we do with our daughter is our business, sir" the woman said "Now please, leave us alone"

"No! She's not Judy. She's my prune, I'm gonna prove to all of you fuckers wrong, because I can fucking do this if I want you. Not because I wanted to at first, or because I can't have my own kid like you; she's my own kid and she belongs with me. And I may not be a middle upper class, or drive a goddamn Mercedes, or have a huge house and a stable boring job at whatever office. And she may not have a goddamn mother, or her own room. So what? She has me. Because I'm the one who's been here for the whole bloody week worrying about her. Not you, not her mother. So fuck off and choose another kid!"

Two men who Row hadn't even seen arrive took him, as he fought and called his crying daughter "PIPER! PIPER! DADDY WILL GET YOU! I'M YOUR DAD, DON'T FORGET!"

Then he woke up with a jolt in that same hospital room, as his newborn baby awoke too beside him

He quickly sat up and leaned over to place a hand on her tummy, to check that she was real, letting out a sigh of relief when feeling her warm skin

It had been just a dream. Well, a nightmare rather than a dream. But she was there, safe next to him

"Hey, baby girl. Yes, hello darling. You had a good night? Gave trouble to the nurses?" he asked, stroking her torso "Are we hungry?" He offered his little finger,and she began to suck on it as response, which made him chuckle. "Alright, I'll call so they get us a bottle okay?"

3 minutes later, he was sitting on the green rocking chair, Baby Prune on his bare chest -because apparently skin to skin helped parents and kiddos bond or whatever- as he gave her the bottle.

He had to admit, ever since he had learned how to properly hold her, he looked forward to feeding, because he had grown to love these little moments, and by the end of them, be always felt closer and more in love with that tiny, wrinkled human being which he had helped make.

Who was a part of him somehow, and who he couldn't imagine his life without despite having only known her for 6 days.

She was so amazing. So mesmerizing. With her clear grey eyes and her peachy skin, and her adorable ears.

He just couldn't get his eyes off her.

"You're gonna come home with me in a couple days, and..." He realized he hadn't really thought about a plan. He had just moved out mom's, and the apartment was still empty. He'd have to start getting stuff. But anyway "... And we'll figure something out. I'm not gonna renounce to you. No ma'am. You've got me. And I've got you. And I'll look after you and make sure you're always happy and safe and... loved. I fucking love you so damn much and I don't even know how did this happen. I mean you're not even a week old and you've already turned my life upside down just by bloody existing. You can't even understand what I'm saying. But here I am, making all this plans and Shit... I, who never thinks ahead, who never knows his future beyond what meal he's gonna get. But I... Damn. Do you babies have like special powers or something? Do you like... Is it a defensive instinct? Like you manage to make us go nuts about you by casting a spell it whatever so we'll stay enchanted? Because this is fucking ridiculous."

She finished the bottle and he put it aside.

"Speaking about plans, we can't keep calling you Baby Prune. We're gonna have to choose a name. A pretty unique gorgeous name for a special, perfect little princess like you. So, let's see" he changed his hold on her so they were face to face. Something the nurses had called.. ? He wasn't really sure but he had got hand on it "Yes, hello" he smiled helplessly at the sight of her "Baby girl. Baby girl" he cooed absentmindedly as he analysed her features

Then he remembered his dream. He had called her Piper. He wasn't even sure if he had heard that name before but he liked it. It was original, cool, rare enough people would associate it with her but not awful, like other names he had heard.

"Piper" he whispered, tasting the word while contemplating her face. It sounded good to him. "Piper Queen" he said, a bit louder this time as her tiny hand closed around a strand of his blonde hair. "You like that? Piper?"

She just blinked, but he interpreted it as an affirmative answer

"It's settled, then. Piper. Pips for short." He smiled, and brought her back to his bare chest so he could lull her back to sleep with his rambling, which had worked the previous times.

"My Piper" he kissed her head and began to rub her back "I'm so scared honestly. I won't lie to ya, I have no idea what I'm doing but you can rely on me. I'm good at improvising so I'll figure it out. Don't worry. But you gotta take it easy, hm? If you have a bit of patience, it'll be just fine. And about this?" He reached for the papers -which were unsigned- and ripped them off "Fuck it. Just fuck it."

🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

A big Hola to my dear fellow @definitely-darcy whose kind review and attention to detail has made gain confidence in this.

So, I've written this one in different bits which I've had to tie up together. Hope you guys like it.

That's about it, really. Please comment and let me know what you think (always nice and constructively).

Xx

~Pookie

[babylon-bitch]

Just Friends ~ I'm Cool As Fuck  (part 40)

A/N this chapter barely has anything to do with 5sos lmao. Just a heads up for the next chapter, it will be confusing but hopefully not too confusing, I’m warning you now.

Harper White is best friends with Luke Hemmings, they always have been. Not only is she friends with the rockstar, but with the rest of 5 Seconds Of Summer, as well as a really nice girl named Erika.

Harper has a few secrets, she can play all the instruments the boys play and many more. It’s a talent she has kept hidden, only very few people know.

What will happen to the six teens, wondering around the world together?

Warnings: language and the tiniest piece of smut

***

I’ve been really busy these part few weeks, with saying goodbyes, moving, setting things up, buying new stuff for my flat, basically just moving. It’s been pretty stressful but at the same time really fun. So far I’ve loved every minute of this all, I’m a pretty independent person when it comes to family, especially since my brothers moved out, usually staying in my room and keeping myself to myself, so to live by myself has been really nice.

I’ve pretty much set everything up, I just need some bits and bobs. I took everything I need with me in my suitcase, the rest I had my parents send out to me. The flat came fully furnished, of course I got a few pieces of furniture myself, but I mainly just needed home stuff.

If you couldn’t tell, I got the flat and I’m very happy about it. My brothers and Evie came over to help me buy and set up the few stuff I got. I’m telling you now, IKEA instructions are useless. We all sat on the floor trying to figure out what goes where. Evie ended up just laying on the sofa, we all joined her shortly. After a couple of hours, we worked out how it works and moved everything to where I wanted it. I couldn’t be anymore happier with it, I love it.

One thing I dearly miss from home is my studio, I don’t have anything with me right now, nor anywhere to put everything if I had at least some instruments. It’s annoying because I’ve had loads of lyrics pop up in my head, but haven’t been able to put them into anything. I’ve only just written them down, it kinda makes me sad. Music has always been my escape from everything, so to not have anything is really quite hard. I just end up listening to music if everything gets a bit too much.

I haven’t needed to run away from anything, only when I got here becuase I missed Luke and the guys. I’ve been really happy with my life recently, although being away from the people I love, I’m a lot happier than I thought I’d be. I thought it would take me weeks, possibly months to get over it all, but no, I’m excited for this new chapter in my life. I may not have my soulmates with me but they are living happily in their lives.

We have talked quite a bit, no where near as much as we used to but it’s more than I expected.

I’m really happy with my life right now, of course I want my friends and boyfriend by my side but as opposed to not having them by my side all the time, I’m coping really well.

Right now I’m just talking to Luke, via text.

Luke: you make me really happy, also horny but that’s not the point.

Me: are you trying to say something?

Luke: maybe

Me: did you come off stage with an boner again?

Luke: yes. I can’t help it! The song reminded me of you and then my thoughts procrastinated into other things.

Me: oh poor sexually frustrated Luke

Luke: this isn’t funny, Harper! I’m sitting in Michael’s dressing room with a huge erection, I need help

Me: why can’t you do it yourself? and why are you in his dressing room?

Luke: because you’re my girlfriend. It would feel weird if I looked up stuff. We all went in here, it will look suspicious if I went to my own dressing room.

Me: maybe I don’t wanna help you out

Luke: you better get ready for the long ass night you’re in for when I get home

Me: ooooooh, getting dominant here are we?

Luke: Harper, please do something :(

Me: give me a minute

Luke: fuck

I laugh at my phone before going into my lone bedroom. Changing into my most sexy jet black underwear and then going to my wardrobe to grab Luke’s flannel, knowing he will recognise it. I stole this from him before he left, I needed a few items of his that reminds me of him. I took a few of his shirts and a couple of flannels. To make up for it, I slipped a load of notes in his luggage, just things that will make his day a little, for example have a great day or love you to the moon and back. Just to name a few.

Slipping on the flannel and then kneeling infront of my mirror, like the pose Halsey does in Hold Me Down but just still. Taking a few pictures, before I put my clothes back on and send them to Luke.

Luke: oh, baby girl

Me: don’t leak anything because you aren’t exactly tecsavy.

Luke: that’s really not something I’m thinking about right how.

Me: just go do your business then come back to me

Throwing my phone onto my bed and then making my way into the shared kitchen.

“Oh hello.” I smile as I notice someone is in here.

“Hey, you are?” The girl with blue streaks in her hair asks.

“I’m Harper, I moved in a couple of weeks ago.” I inform her.

“Oh, right. I’m Tori by the way. I’m number 39.” She grins.

“I’m number 37, the one with the squeaky door.” I chuckle.

“That’s you?” She laughs. “Are you here for university or just live here?”

“I’m here for university. How long have you been here?” I ask.

“A couple of years. I’m in my final year of uni. I love drawing, painting, graffiti, anything art related really. What are you studying?” She questions.

“That’s really cool. I’m studying philosophy.” I answer.

“Where do come from, you’ve got a slight accent.” She notices.

“Oh, I come from England, but live in Australia.” I explain.

“Right. I lived in Germany for a year when I was 18.” Tori says.

“I went there with my best friend at Christmas time once. It was really pretty.” I say.

“Is your best friend here or in Australia?” She asks.

“He is on tour right now, with my other friends.” I explain.

“Tour?” She furrows her eyebrows.

“Yeah, he is in a band, 5 Seconds Of Summer, ever heard of them?”

“I think I’ve heard of them but never listened to them.” She shrugs.

“Their pretty cool, anyway I came in here to make some lunch.” I chuckle and take my stuff out of the fridge.

“There’s actually a party going on at one of the boy’s flats, down by the university. Would you wanna join me?” She offers.

“It’s not really my thing.” I sheepishly say.

“It would be great to meet everyone.” She reasons.

“Sure, what the hell, this isn’t high school anymore.” I shrug.

“Damn right. So it starts at like 9, but we’ll probably go around half nine.” She explains.

“Please don’t let me get shitfaced, last time I did, I ended up getting a tattoo of my boyfriend’s name.” I beg and show her Luke’s name.

“Isnt he the one in the band, that’s also your best friend?” She furrows her eyebrows.

“He is my best friend as well as my boyfriend. We grew up together, our parents are friends.” I tell her.

“Oh, right.” She nods. “I’ll leave you to make your lunch, I’ll come knock on your door when we should start getting ready.” She smiles.

“Okay, thanks for the invite, I’ll see you later.” I wave.

She walks out the kitchen and I smile to myself, before putting my pasta on to boil.

I lean against the counter top and begin to type in the group chat. “Holy shit!” I yell slightly as a cat comes slyly walks in.

“ROGER!” Someone calls.

I hold my phone to my chest, as I wait for them to come. I miss my cat Bess, so to satisfy my cat cravings, I sit cross legged on the tiled floor. The cat comes right up to me and rubs itself against me.

“Awe, who do you belong to?” I ask.

I thought we weren’t allowed to have pets in this place.

“ROGER?” The same voice calls, this time a lot closer. “Oh, there you are, I can’t lose you in the first week of having you.” A girl with red dyed hair walks in.

“Um, a couple of questions,” I start off, “firstly, cute cat, secondly cool hair, thirdly I thought we weren’t allowed animals in this building.”

“Thank you,” she smiles. “She’s a shared cat between everyone in this hall.”

“She?” I question.

“Her name is Roger, yeah. I mean, how many people name their cat Roger, let alone their female cat.” She explains.

“Right,” I nod my head. “How long have you guys had uhm, Roger?” I ask.

“Two years. She is very friendly, as you can see. Everyone loves her. She’s kinda part of the whole community. If you didn’t guess already, the landlord is a bit quirky. Each floor has one, most of them are abandoned/rescued or the one noone wanted, so he decided to give them each a home. Here we are a few years later. Everyone has their turn of taking care of him/her, I just started taking care of him and I have him till the end of the month.” She explains. “Oh and she can be out in the halls, but needs to be supervised. She is allowed in other people’s rooms, but in my room when he needs feeding and stuff.”

“That’s really cool. Which floor has the youngest?” I question.

“Apparently the top floor, the one above us, got a new one last month. He is still a kitten.” She says. “I’m Izzy by the way.”

“Harper.” I shake her hand.

“You’re the person that just moved in right?” She asks.

“Yeah, I’m surprised I haven’t really met anyone yet, I just met Tori.” I tell her.

“She’s really nice, total babe.” She laughs. “I’m gay by the way.”

“My friend from back home is gay too, unfortunately she’s take, so I can’t play matchmaker.” I sigh.

“If they break up hit me up,” she jokes and I laugh.

“Will do.”

“Thanks.” She winks. “So, are you going to the party tonight?”

“Yeah, I’m going with Tori.” I smile. “Are you going?”

“Of course. I’d never miss an oppertunity to regret my decisions.” She exclaims.

“You should come with us.” I offer.

“Really?” She asks.

“Unless you’ve got other plans…” I trail off.

“No,” she shakes her head, “well, guess I’ll see guys later.” She smiles and begins to walk off.

“Cat, Izzy.” I remind her with a sigh.

“Fuck.”

***

It’s nearly time to go, I’m just finishing off my make up. I’ve dressed in a tight fitting black dress, with some ankle boots. I haven’t dressed up like this in ages, it’s actually really nice, I mean, I wouldn’t want to dress like this everyday but I feel very confident in myself.

“I’m a YouTuber, my friend Erika and I run it.” I explain.

“Really? How have I been so isolated about all this? How long have you been doing it?” Tori asks.

“3 or 4 years, I think.” I answer as I lean forward into the mirror to do my mascara.

“What are you guys called?” Izzy questions.

“Just Erika and Harper.” I shrug and put on some red lipstick.

“Jesus fucking Christ, you guys have 1 million subscribers?” Tori exclaims.

“Yeah,” I sheepishly say, “well 1 and three quarters.”

I run my hand through my loosely curled hair. I should really get my hair cut again, it’s really quite long, just under my boob.

“Nearly 2 million.” Tori breathes.

“Nearly,”

Standing up and smoothing out my dress, before going to get my phone, for the vital picture before going out.

We’ve gotten to know each other quite well over these past few hours. Izzy is a real free spirit, kinda hippy but not, she’s also really out there fashion wise. Tonight she is wearing a denim flared jump suit, which have tiny hand sewn flowers on it, with some see through heels. It looks pretty cool actually and really suits her. I’ve only spent a few hours with her, yet she is so different to everyone I’ve ever met. She’s kinda like Pheobe from Friends.

Tori is cool too. She’s very different from Izzy but they get along really well. They’ve been friends, but never really gotten to know each other. Tori is your basic white girl, but not the annoying kind; you know the ones I’m talking about? She’s really funny and is fun, she’s the kinda person that’ll call you up, and ask you to go for some ice cream or something.

In the short time I’ve known them, I already love them to pieces. I feel as if they are gonna be some good friends for the next few years and a lot of memories are gonna be made.

“Yes! Work it! Get that picture! Just like that! Yes! Get it! Oooo! Work it! Girl!” Tori says as I take the pictures, causing us all to laugh.

“I’m gonna post this to my account, so a lot of people will see this. Is that okay with you guys?” I ask for consent.

“It’s fine with me.” Izzy shrugs.

“Yeah, same.” Tori nods.

I post them on all my social media platforms with the caption: What should our squad be called?

In the span of five minutes, my phone blows up with notifacations.

Dicks and Chicks

Michael: you’re replacing us already?

Erika: dude, we were supposed to be together forever!

Ashton: who is the girl on the right?

Calum: you all look hot to be fucking honest

Luke: dude! That’s my girlfriend.

Calum: I’m so scared

Me: jeez, calm down guys! I knew you all loved me. You hardly expect me to just be left alone for three years…

Maddie: no on likes you Harper.

Me: shut the fuck up, Maddie. I have more friends than you.

Luke: where are you going anyway?

Me: we’re going to a party

Luke: nooooo, I’m not there to protect you :(

Me: I’ll be fine. Oh and Ashton, that’s Izzy, she’s gay

Maddie: oooooo, that’s my territory

Erika: ahem

Maddie: soz babe :/

Luke: be careful out there, remember that you have a boyfriend

Me: how could I forget Calum?

Calum: 😏😏

Luke: fuck you

Me: no, Calum does that

Calum: damn right

Michael: trouble in paradise…

Ashton: leave my boyfriend alone, Harper. Cashton 4 lyfe

Me: maybe I should replace you guys.

Laughing at my phone and then stuffing it in my bra. “Whats so funny?” Izzy questions.

“Um, my friends back home. We have a group chat and we are just messing around.” I answer. “Pre drinks?” I offer.

“Party time!” Tori cheers.

“God, yes.” Izzy sighs and we make our way to the kitchen.

Tori grabs three shot glasses, whilst Izzy mix up a drink, and I just sit on the counter top, calling up an Uber.

“To a great night!” We all say in unison, bringing up our glances and then downing them, cringing at the sour taste.

“Holy shit.” We all mutter.

“Pretty sure this just pure vodka, Izzy.” I claim. “Kinda nice,” I shrug as the taste lingers in my mouth.

We do another round and eat some stodgy food, before getting into our Uber.

***

We’ve been at the party for around an hour now. I’m really enjoying it so far, I’m just pressed against a walls, observing everybody. Some people are absoloutly smashed, a few people are off their face on drugs, and a lot of people are just chilling out in their own little groups of friends. Tori and Izzy have left me to go pee and get a new drink.

I’m okay on my own though, just sipping on my bottle of beer. I’m a little tipsy, I’m no where near drunk and I don’t plan on being either.

“Hi, I’m Blake.” Someone introduces themselves and he leans on the wall with his shoulder.

I look to my left and see a boy with blonde hair, in a quiff and outstanding bright blue eyes.

When I first came in, Tori and Izzy warned me about this whole group of people, especially Blake.

“I’m Harper,” I nod.

“So you’re famous?” He blurts out.

“Um, no.” I say and take a sip of my drink.

“Then why did someone come up for a picture with you half an hour ago?” He questions.

“Because I’m cool as fuck, why wouldn’t you want a picture with me?” I state.

“Is that so?” He asks and I nod. “So this isn’t you with Luke Hemmings?” He questions and pulls out his phone with a picture of Luke and I. We’re just on Michael’s sofa, laughing together.

“Nope.” I tell him and take a swig of my drink.

“You wouldn’t happen to be… dating him would you?” He questions with a smirk. “No.” I shake my head.

“So this isn’t you here, here, oh and here?” He asks and pulls up a photo of Luke and I holding hands, then me and him looking at each other with loving eyes, the last one is of Luke and I making out on the night of my birthday.

“What do you even want?” I question.

“I’m not quite sure yet, but you seem interesting.” He muses and rests an arm on my shoulder.

“You know, I’m not an object. I may not confess on who I’m dating, but I do have a boyfriend. So if you could get your fuck boy-ness away from me, that’d be great.” I tell him.

“And this is what I like about you.” He claims.

“You don’t know me.” I laugh.

“But I’d like to, firstly you seem pretty cool, I’ve been observing you this whole time you’ve been here, same as you have, secondly you’re really hot.” He explains.

“Am I supposed to fall in love with you, because under all this fuck boy you’ve got a heart of gold, and nobody really sees who you really are?” I questions with a grimace.

“If you want.” He shrugs.

“You’re really annoying. This type of stuff happens in America, not England- wait, no, this stuff happens in movies.” I whine.

“You’ve got a bit of Aussie in you, I hear.” He says.

“I grew up in Aus, then moved over here when I was seven, moved back when I was thirteen, spent the rest of my teen years there, this is the first time I’ve lived here for a while.” I explain with a bored expression.

“Can we take a picture together?” He asks.

“Why?” I question.

“Because you’re cool as fuck.” He quotes.

“Don’t use my words against me.” I laugh. “Fine, we’ll take one picture, because I’m cool as fuck.”

“Wasn’t that hard was it?” He mutters and takes his phone out of his pocket,

He holds his phone in front of us and we both smile into the camera.

“Luke is gonna be mad, when he finds this.” I mutter with a chuckle.