#ok i’m done jacking myself off

[fishwikipedia]

PURPOSE 2

[halfmoondaze]

That’s amazing I’m proud of you 💗

I’m the same anon talking about how stressed I am about my tough situation. Right now, I’m trying to be patient with myself and be hopeful about things

Tomorrow Will Be Kinder

Y/n walked through the front door of their shared apartment. She didn’t want to admit it to herself but she was going through it.

For the past couple of days, she had been working on this group project. Everything was running smoothly at first, communication was going smoothly and everyone had agreed to do their part. And in hopes of being able to get it out of the way, managed to complete her part in three days. 

Having less than two weeks until finals week, she moved on to do her finals for her other classes. 

But then she started worrying the next day, after no one responded to her on the group chat, when she asked how the work was going. Things only got worse from there, because after the chat was crickets even after Y/N finished her Human Anatomy class, her efforts to text and call each individual of the group separately, she realized it was no use as no one was answering her calls and ignoring her messages even though they were on read.

The following day was no different, and she found herself starting to spiral, at least on the inside. She had no choice but to pull as many all-nighters as needed to finish completing the group project and the rest of her final projects.

Jack on the other hand, was worried for her. He could tell something was bothering her by how all the sudden she had stopped talking to him unless it was to acknowledge his presence with the occasional “Hi”, “Hey” or “Good morning”. 

One night, Jack got home from the studio. It was around 11:45, and the only light that was still on, was coming from Y/N’s home office. 

Jack quietly opened the door and was met by Y/N’s intense angry glare at him. 

“Hey-”

“No!” she looked down at him. 

Jack turned to look down and realized there was a pile of written papers scattered across the floor and he had accidently stepped on one of them.

“I’m sorry, I-”

“It’s fine.” She said coldly taking the paper from his hand and just carried on working on her project like if nothing happened. 

“I just wanted to see how you were doing” 

“Better than ever” she responded unenthusiastically. 

“Did you eat today?” 

“What?” she turned to him. 

“I asked you if you ate today” 

“Can we not do this right now? I still have so much to get done” She dismissed him and put her focus back on her project.

“I know. I’m sorry” he scratches the back of his head finding the right words. “I’m just worried that……. you’re wearing yourself out. You should take a break” 

“No, I can’t do that. I need to get this done” 

“Y/N” 

“You don’t understand. I’m already behind on a lot of my classes” 

“It’s not up for discussion baby” 

“For fucks sake! Can you get off my ass for two fucking seconds?!” she spat fire from her mouth as she glared at him. 

Jack was taken back but remained calm and unbothered. 

Then she turned away and remained in the same spot, with her back towards Jack. 

Jack pulled her into a hug and she broke crying into him arms. 

“Shhh shhh its ok” he held her and rubbed her back.

It was like all the stress she had accumulated for the past weeks hit her like a truck.

“I’m so sorry” she said with her voice muffled.

“Don’t mention it” he kissed the top of her head.

Eventually, she calmed down and stopped crying. 

“You ok?” he looked at her.

She nodded.

“You want to talk about it?” 

“No” she softly said. 

“Ok. I’m going to run you a bath and then I’m going to order some takeout” he said wiping away her tears. “Does Chinese sound good?”

“Yeah” she softly said. 

“Ok” 

Jack ran her a bath with her favorite body wash and ordered her favorite from their local Chinese restaurant. By the time she exited the bathroom, Jack had laid her favorite sweatpants and one of his oversized t-shirts on the bed for her to get changed.

When she got to the dining room, the food was already served. 

Y/N quietly took a seat. 

“Feeling better?” 

“Yeah, thanks” 

He smiled at her. 

“Got your favorite” 

“Jack” 

“Yes?” 

“I’m sorry….for snapping at you” she said looking down.

Jack gently squeezed her hand.

“Do you want to talk about what’s bothering you?”

Y/n hesitated, but ultimately told him everything. 

“I’m so sorry” he paused. “Can you still drop the classes?”

“I can’t. Finals week is just around the corner”

“I understand” he paused. “Maybe we could get you a tutor, so you can manage the workload” 

“A tutor?”

“Yeah. I would tell you to drop the semester, but I suppose it’s too late for that now. But I also wouldn’t want you to see all your efforts and hard work to waste just because some morons didn’t want to put in the effort” 

“Thank you” she was relieved. 

“It’s ok”

“No seriously. You’ve been so kind and helpful to me. And I’ve been nothing but-”

“Great. You’ve been great. You’re just going through a lot right now, and I understand that. Yeah, I was taken back by your reaction. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you angry” he let a small laugh. “But I won’t hold it against you. I just wanna help you”

Y/n got up from her seat, walked over to Jack and hugged him. 

Jack hugged her back. 

“I love you so much” she whispered. 

Jack smiled to himself.

“I love you too bubs” 

Y/N pulled away and smiled at him.

“….but I think I’ll love you even more if you eat” he pointed at her untouched plate of food.

Y/N smiled at him.

That night, Y/N relaxed for once, knowing that with Jack’s help, she would find her way out of this problem. Today was a bad day but tomorrow will be kinder.

[earthtoharlow]

Faux Love

This was supposed to be easy, right? Pretending to be in love with my best friend, just to satisfy our families’ constant nagging about us getting together. After all, we know each other inside out, every quirk, every flaw. We could easily slip into the roles of a couple without missing a beat.

But as we share knowing glances and laugh at each other’s jokes, I realize that our friendship has always been the foundation of something deeper. It’s as though the love was already there, quietly simmering beneath the surface, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal itself….

“Hi, can I get a venti, half-caff, non-fat, extra-hot, caramel macchiato with three pumps of vanilla syrup, please?” Jean asked, pulling out her wallet for some cash.

“Name?” The man behind the counter asked.

“Jean Louise.” She replied, handing him her cash.

He shook his head at her before nodding behind her. “It’s already been taken care of.”

She followed his line of…head nodding and saw the gentleman who paid for her drink. The man was tall, hair was cut into a mullet. A curly one at that. He wasn’t looking her way but the way he was smirking and pretending to flip through a magazine, confirmed he was the one who paid for the drink.

“Hi, I’m Jack.” He said, extending his hand for her to shake as she stood by the counter to wait for her drink.

Jean ignored his hand and began texting on her phone. She responded without looking up at him. “Jack? That’s kind of boring, don’t you think”

Jack grinned, feeling a surge of confidence at her comment. “Actually, it’s short for Jackman,” he corrected her with a playful tone.

“Jackman? Now that’s more interesting,” Jean replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

“So, Jean Louise… would you like to have dinner with me tonight?” Jack drawled, Kentucky accent coming out full force.

Jean stared at him for a moment, really taking him in. She first noticed his lazy eye that she couldn’t help but find endearing. He stood in front of her nervously running a hand through his interesting looking curly mullet. He was attractive, very attractive.

“The hottest tea we have for Jack!” The man behind the counter yelled out.

Jean couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow as he grabbed his tea and took a small sip. Jack smirked before holding the tea out, offering some to her.

“No, thank you.” Jean laughed, pushing his hand away.

“What time should I pick you up tonight?” He asked with a big smile as he leaned against the counter.

That damned smile.

“A very complicated order for Jean Louise!” The man behind the counter yelled out.

“Ok, Jackman.” Jean said, grabbing her drink and a napkin. “If you can find out where I live, then you can take me out at 7pm. Thanks for the drink!”

Was Jean being kinda rude? Probably but she was nowhere near ready to be in a relationship. And she wasn't a big fan of one night stands. She was 26 for crying out loud! She was done with that. Jack was very attractive though…

***

It was around 6:30 when Jean heard her buzzer go off by the front door, she sighed as she had just sat down on her couch, getting ready to rewatch Gossip Girl for the 20th time.

“Yes?” She called out pressing the button.

“Uh, it’s Jack!”

“Jack who?”

“Man? Jackman, I mean. I know I’m a little early but I gave myself extra time just in case I got lost. I’ve actually been driving around since 6:15 but I didn’t want to seem like a weirdo for arriving so early.” He rambled against the speakers.

“How the hell did you find my location?!”

“You were in such a rush to leave that you left your wallet at the cafe, so being a good samaritan I opened it to find your address and return it. Also, are you going to let me in? It’s starting to rain.”

Jean was too shocked to do anything but buzz him in. She then ran down the hall to her bedroom to find something to wear.

She wanted something that said “I’m not a whore, but I’m not a virgin either.” Not that she planned on having sex with Jack. She was actually going to tell him that they should just be friends, after enjoying this free meal.

She threw on a little black dress, because you can never go wrong with that. And began quickly applying on makeup so that she looked alive.

Jean ignored the knock on the door, Jack could wait a few more minutes. It wasn’t until she heard thunder that she decided to go open the door.

When she opened the door, Jack stood there with that damned smile holding out her wallet for her to grab. Jean grabbed her wallet before walking back to her closet to find some heels to wear.

“So, where are you taking me? I’m starving!”

***

As Jean sat across from Jack at a private bistro, she couldn’t help the feeling of skepticism creeping into her mind. Jack was charming, and everything was going too well. He was different, refreshingly so. She felt more comfortable with Jack than she had with any guy before. Jack seemed to genuinely care about what she had to say. It was weird.

“So, your name?” Jack questioned as he offered Jean a helping of his pasta. Jean opened her mouth and let him feed her.

“Yeah, my mom was really big into literature. Her favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. My brother's name is Radley.” Jean explained tracing a finger around her glass.

“I love that, hm I’ve never met a Scout before.”

“Well, Jackman. I can guarantee I’ll be your favorite.”

With each passing moment, Jean found herself slowly lowering her guard, allowing herself to enjoy the conversation and appreciate Jack's genuine interest in getting to know her.

After spending the rest of the night talking, Jack dropped Jean back home, walking her to the front door. What shocked Jean the most was that he didn’t lean in for a kiss or ask to come inside. He just said goodnight with a hug.

Maybe she judged Jack Harlow too soon. Of course she knew who he was. He might as well be the mayor of Kentucky. He was nice and seemed like a genuinely good person.

It was a shame she wasn’t looking for a boyfriend right now.

***

AN: New Series!!!! Let me know your thoughts 💋

[daydreamgoddess14]

The Ties that Bind - Chapter 7 - The End

Time to say goodbye to this story. I've had the most fun writing it, I've loved Seren 🥰. I really, truly hope you've liked it too - hugest thank yous to everyone who's read it 😘. Always feel free to comment or message me or drop me an ask - literally I need no excuse whatsoever to go feral over Jack Lowden!

I am terrified about how emotionally traumatic Episode 5 is going to be so I distracted myself by finishing this off.

CH 1 | CH 2 | CH 3 | CH 4 | CH 5 | CH 6

Masterlist

Tagging: @cillmequick & @thomasshelbyswife

Chapter 7

“Hi.” Seren said quietly, a small smile on her lips. River nodded, his mouth pinched in a tight line. He turned and went straight back into the kitchen. David gave her a push of encouragement towards the door and she followed him. His hands held the edge of the countertop with a white knuckle grip, she could see his back was tense and feared the worst. Confused, she spoke quickly. “You… you don’t want me here.” She concluded. “And I stupidly assumed you knew about this, I’m sorry.” She shook her head and held up her hands. “I’ll go and he can explain to you, we can figure out a rota or something.”

“He gets forgiven and I don't?” He asked quietly. She stopped in her tracks. 

“I haven't seen or spoken to you? Let's not forget who left me in the middle of the night and no word since?” 

“You didn't want me there.”

“Yeah, at first. I'm pretty sure that changed when-” she lowered her voice to a whisper, “when I let you into my bed! Or did you get what you wanted and that's that?” She hissed. His face fell. 

“Seren, you know that's not it. I left because I didn't want you to think that you had to forgive me. I wanted you to want to.” Seren took a deep breath and rubbed her temples.

“Look this is… I don't know how we've gone wrong here, I'm pretty sure we're agreeing but,” she shrugged, “this has all got fucked up somewhere.”

“Why would you think I don't want you here?”

“I dunno, this is your world, this MI5 bullshit and now I'm here and involved… what if that's what messes everything up?” She asked. 

“No, no, it's not.” He assured her. She could see the hurt in his eyes. She stepped towards him and covered his hand with her own, matching finger to finger. 

“No more cast?” 

“All healed. Well, I need to be careful but, y'know.”

“You're back to throwing fake punches, then?”

“Ahh, no. I gave up on that.” She traced his fingers with her own. 

“Oh?”

“I do spin class now instead.”

“The one on the bike?” She nodded in reply as he turned his hand around so they were palm to palm, and interlocked their fingers. He pulled a face. “Sounds grim.” 

“I needed the distraction.” She mused. “I know you were doing your job.” 

“Yeah.”

“And that job comes with a level of secrecy.”

“Yeah.” She squeezed his hand lightly and let go.

“Ok.”

“Ok?” He looked confused. 

“Ok. I get it.”

“... And?” She smiled at the hopeful look in his eyes, rolling her own in exasperation. 

“Do I need to spell it out?” He shrugged, a smile pulling at his mouth. “You're forgiven.” She told him solemnly. He smiled widely until she held up a hand and it faltered. “But-”

“But?”

“But I have let the entire secret service into my life - they have looked into everything I've ever done. They found out about when I got three speeding tickets in the space of a week fifteen years ago. They know every job I've ever had - including the Anne Summers Saturday job I had when I was seventeen. They know I broke my ankle when I was twenty one, they know how much Netflix I watch. They know more about my life than I can even remember, River. That's… a lot.”

“It is a lot, Seren dear, and I'm eternally grateful to you.” David ambled through, not paying any attention to their proximity. “It's rather a big commitment to make to two men who've mostly pissed you off. What was it you told me before?” He wondered, “Ah yes, we sounded desperate.” 

“You did.” She remembered with a smile. “You still do - I should fill up this fridge. Poor bugger, you've been living on microwave meals.” 

“He brought that on himself.” River pointed out, purposely nudging her. 

“How ever did the Cartwright men survive?” She wondered. 

“We didn't. That's why you're here.” David declared. 

“Hmmm, yes, and I expect you both to grovel for as long as I say so,” she called after him as he went back to the sitting room. She felt River behind her, his warm breath by her ear. 

“On my knees. Every day. If that's what it takes.” He murmured, placing a large palm on her stomach and pulling her body flush with his. She trembled against him as he leaned in to bite her earlobe, unable to stifle the low moan. She quickly clamped her hand over her mouth.

“Seren? Put the kettle on, would you?” David called. River gently pulled her hand from her mouth. 

“Better answer him. He might come looking for you.” 

“You knob,” she scowled. “It's on David, I'll come and get the pot in a minute.”

“Righto,” he said cheerfully, she vaguely heard the rustle of the newspaper over the pounding of her heart. The hand River had on her stomach had slipped under her t-shirt and drew loose patterns on her skin. The front of her thighs pressed against the table and she had visions of being bent over it, lifting her hips to meet his while her fingers gripped the varnished wood and he pounded into her. The thought had her keening against him as his hand moved up to cup her breast over her bra. 

“Something you need?” He asked, his voice low in her ear. She didn't trust herself to speak, instead she arched her back and pushed herself back against his hard cock. He growled against her neck, “I could just bend you over this table?” She whimpered in agreement. “But not now.” Seren twisted in his arms and moved her legs to let him rest between them. She moaned into his mouth as his tongue slid against hers. 

“River-” She whispered as he bit along her jawline. 

“Not here. I want to hear you next time.” He looked at her intently, his eyes bright blue and dancing with mischief. Seren whined in frustration. “I want to see how many times I can get you to make that sound,” he kissed her again. “I want to hear you every time you say my name, and,” he kissed the tip of her nose, “I want to not wake up to an empty bed this time.”

“You and me both,” she breathed. 

“Are we OK?”

“I mean, aside from this still probably completely inappropriate -”

“At least I'm not the one paying you anymore.”

“Fair point, yes, we're OK.” He leaned in to kiss her again, “but-” Seren held up a finger to his lips which he promptly drew into his mouth, making her whimper. “We really should figure out what this is, because I don't want to make my working here awkward or confusing for David.” He released her finger and nodded. 

“You're the boss.” He said with a smirk.

“Not you anymore, is it?” She teased, “no more calling you ‘sir’.”

“Makes sense, I'm the one supposed to be grovelling.” 

“On your knees wasn't it?” She asked curiously, looping her arms around his neck. 

“You got it.”

“My place later?” 

“Fuck yes.” 

“Seren?” David called from the living room. Her head dropped to River's shoulder.

“Later.” He promised. 

“On my way,” she called back to David, pushing River back so she could stand up away from the table. She went to collect the teapot and check what he needed while River put the kettle on. 

*

Seren left the Cartwright’s late afternoon, saying goodbye to both of them. Only a couple of hours later, River knocked on her door. She let him in and had barely closed the door behind her before River had her backed up against it. 

“All day,” he muttered against her collarbone, “been thinking about this all fucking day.” 

“Oh god, River-” She panted as he grasped the soft flesh of her thighs. “Wait, wait, wait, I’ve just come from the gym, I’m disgusting.” She pointed out. He leaned back to look at her, hair piled into a bun on the top of her head wearing a crop top and lycra leggings.

“Don’t care,” he muttered, licking a path down her neck.

“Fuck me,” she gasped as he bit her bare shoulder.

“Yep, that’s what I -” he broke off, listening, “what’s that noise?”

“The shower. I told you, I’ve just got back from the gym.” He took her hand and led her to the bathroom where steam billowed out from the still running shower. He reached out to unzip the front of her crop top and threw it in the vague direction of her washing basket, he pulled off his own t-shirt and added it to the pile. “What are you up to?” She wondered aloud, taking off the rest of her gym kit and stepping into the hot shower. He stepped in behind her and poured vanilla scented body wash into his hands until it frothed. He stood closely behind her so she could lean against him, and rubbed the soapy water from her hands, up to her shoulders and across the other side. He held her against him as he gently washed her stomach, over her breasts and the rest of her body. She sighed contentedly.

“This ok?” He asked, his hands running over and between her thighs. She nodded and reached up to pull the hair tie from her bun. River guided them further under the water stream, his height over her giving him a direct line of sight down her body. Seren took the shampoo from the shelf and he took it from her, gently washing her hair. He took his time, she relaxed against him, his eyes were drawn to the path the droplets of water took over her skin, like memories of where his mouth had been.

“Why’re you doing this?” She questioned as his fingers kneaded through her hair. She moaned at the slight pull, he kissed her neck, acknowledging that he’d heard her response.

“You look after everyone.” He explained simply. He replaced the shampoo and picked up the conditioner, repeating the same process until Seren was dizzy with her need for him. 

They lay nose to nose in Seren’s bed, close to sleep.

“We should be careful, David put himself out there by demanding Taverner employed me. I don’t want to break his trust.”

“I know. This doesn’t have to be complicated, maybe we should just enjoy the distraction. Keep it simple.” He rolled onto his back and pulled her with him. He felt her nod in agreement.

“Yeah. Keep it simple.”

“I want you to be able to walk away from this one day. You don’t want MI5 in your life forever.” He reasoned, half asleep. Seren stayed quiet. His breathing evened out and the hand that brushed up and down her bare back fell still.

“What if I do?” She whispered to the darkness.

*

Seren was on her way to David's when the phone rang through the car. 

“Ms Harrison?” Her stomach dropped to her feet, it didn't sound like Taverner fortunately, so her mind immediately went to the next worst case scenario - Mags in the care home. 

“Yes, that's me?”

“I'm calling from Medway hospital, we have David Cartwright here - you're listed as one of his emergency contacts?”

“David? Oh, god. Yes, yes I'm his home help, I'm on my way there now, what's happened?” She came to a set of lights and did a u-turn.

“You're not live in?”

“No, we didn't think he needed that just yet.”

“It's not too serious, he's had a fall and managed to get to his panic button. The ambulance brought him in about half an hour ago.”

“Ok, have you called his other emergency contact?”

“Not yet -”

“I will. I'll do it. I'll be there in five minutes.” Seren hung up and flicked her eyes to her dash display to select River's name.

“I was just thinking about you,” he answered before she could get a word in. 

“He's had a fall. I'm on my way to the hospital,” she interrupted quickly. 

“Shit, ok, I'm on my way.”

“They said it wasn't serious but-” her voice cracked. 

“It’s going to be fine, I'll be there as soon as I can.”

“I'll call you when I know more.” He hung up first, she could hear muttered swearing as the handset moved from his ear so he could end the call. After hastily abandoning her car in the first space she saw, she raced to the reception desk. “David Cartwright, please? Came in an ambulance, I was just speaking with someone?” The computer keyboard clicked as the receptionist tapped her manicured fingers on the keys.

“Ahh yes, he's on the Acute Medical unit, Lister Ward, follow signs for Red 3. You're going behind me, turn left and up the stairs.”

“Thanks!” Seren ran toward the stairs to the next reception desk where she repeated who she was. A nurse led her down the brightly lit corridor to a small ward of 4 beds. In the far corner by the window was David. She rushed for the bed, managing to stop and slow down as she reached the end of the bed. “David,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. She went to his bedside and took his hand carefully, taking note of the cannula in the back. She followed the tubes up to an IV bag. His hand felt small and weightless in hers, the skin paper thin and cool to touch. 

“You've cold hands, dear girl.” He said hoarsely. She closed her eyes in relief at the sound of his voice. 

“Cold hands, warm heart.” She told him, reaching her other hand out to brush his hair from his eyes. “What have you been up to? Silly man.”

“Thought I'd get the kettle on for us, came a cropper on the stairs.” She tsked him lightly with click of her tongue. 

“Shit, I need to tell River you're OK, he's bombing down the motorway,” she picked up her phone and found his number. “He's OK, awake and talking to me. I just need to find a nurse for an update. Lister ward, Red zone 3.” She told him quietly. River arrived as the nurse did. They all listened patiently as she explained that aside from some bruises from the fall, he was perfectly fine but they did want to keep him in for a few days as a precaution. Once the nurse had left, River was able to reach to embrace David. He could only watch Seren but he could see she was itching to be closer to him. 

“You allowed a coffee old man?”

“I bloody better be, I shall discharge myself if not.” He declared. 

“Seren?”

“Yeah, I'll pop to the bathroom and help you bring them back. Won't be long, no causing trouble,” she warned David. In the safety of the corridor, away from the doorway to the ward, River pulled Seren into his arms. 

“You ok?”

“Silly bugger scared the shit out of me, I think I got flashed I got here so fast.” She grumbled, taking a deep inhale of the soap from her bathroom mixed with his own scent. He kissed the top of her head and then lifted her chin to kiss her properly, more intimately than she'd expected in public. The nurse who'd spoken to them blushed as she manned the reception desk. 

“C'mon, let's get his coffee, I only got you out here so I could kiss you.” He reluctantly let her go and went to push coins into the machine.

“You don't have to stick around here all day, you know?” David told her, “someone else is babysitting, go and enjoy yourself.” Seren looked torn. 

“I mean it. And you, shouldn't you be back in London? I certainly don't need both of you here.” He turned his attention to River. 

“I could go and visit Maggie,” Seren wondered aloud.

“Go,” David smiled. “Do go, dear girl. I'm fine, really.” River watched the guilt gnawing at her, that she hadn't been there early enough in the morning to have prevented the fall. Despite what the nurse had said, the worry was still etched in her face. 

“You should go, I'll stay here.”

“No you won't, I already told you, back to work.” River grimaced. “Go on, off you go.”

“Ok, if you insist?” Seren stood up and helped him get more comfortable in the bed, smoothing out the blanket, pouring more water for him and getting the newspaper from her bag along with a pen. “I'll be back later this evening, call me if you want me to bring anything else?” River watched, awed by their bond, the shorthand in their conversation and Seren's clear love for his grandfather. She kissed his forehead and gave him a winning smile, disguising the worry. “Be good for the nurses.” 

“I'll walk out with you, if you're sure grandad?”

“I am indeed, leave me in peace with my crossword.” River gave his hand a squeeze and gestured for Seren to go ahead of him. She turned at the door to wave at David. 

“So… going to work?” She asked once they were in the corridor. 

“No way, I'm going wherever you're going.”

“Oh you are, are you? To visit Maggie then?”

“Lead the way. We can drop your car off at the house and I'll drive?”

“Something wrong with my car?”

“Apart from the music choices?” She arched an eyebrow, 

“Tread carefully, Cartwright.”

“3 speeding tickets in one week, you got flashed this morning, it sounds like the wheels are about to drop off… anything else? Is your engine light on this week?” She scowled. 

“Not this week, no. I did do a probably illegal u-turn this morning though.” 

“Probably illegal?” He teased, slinging an arm around her as they left the hospital. 

*

“Seren, darling!” Mags called across the sunroom of the care home the second she came into view. Seren let the older woman pull her into a bear hug deceptively strong for someone in their eighties. 

“Hello Mags. God, I've missed you.” Seren squeezed tighter until Maggie clocked River standing further back. 

“Oh! You've brought your handsome man with you!”

“My friend, Mags. River is my friend.” 

“Well friendship suits you dearie, you certainly never looked this happy when you were my friend.” Maggie said slyly. 

“What's all this ‘was’ your friend, I am your friend you daft old bat.” 

“Cheeky, I can have you kicked out. Leave the man behind though.”

“No chance. How've you been?”

“Sit, sit, both of you. Are the girls getting some tea? I'm not too bad,” she flapped. “Service could be better,” she grumbled, looking around for a member of staff. 

“I'm fine, really good. You look well?” River sat down next to Seren but held back as the women talked, only being drawn when Maggie insisted. Seren's relationship with Maggie was similar to the one she had with David, she loved them and cared for them as if they were her own grandparents. He found himself lost in a near future where David wasn't around any longer. Found himself wondering and then what? It hadn't occurred to him that one day, his only relationship with someone outside of work would no longer be there. He would essentially be alone. He missed what Seren said as she stood up and brushed his shoulder as she left the room, but Maggie soon dragged him back into the conversation. 

“You're very quiet darling. I'm sure he'll be just fine.” River frowned. “Your grandfather? Seren said you've both come from the hospital this morning?”

“Sorry, yes. Yeah I'm sure he'll be OK.”

“But you're not?” She mused. “Out with it, before she gets back?”

“He's all I've got. It just occurred to me that he's all I've got apart from a few colleagues I'm not sure I'd call friends.” His brow furrowed again. 

“You've got her,” she nodded over at Seren who was laughing with one of the staff members. Her smile was radiant. He shook his head. 

“We decided to keep it simple, nothing serious.” Maggie's chuckle turned into a cough. 

“If you say so, love.” Seren came back over and Maggie fell silent.

“Apparently they're about to take you through for afternoon tea, so we'll head out.”

“Wonderful to see you. Bring cake next time, theirs is shite.” 

“Love you, Mags. Be good.” Seren gave her a hug and once she was released, Maggie ordered River over. 

“Don't be a fool, young man,” she muttered quietly. “Lovely to see you both, off you pop now.” As they left the room with Maggie watching, Seren slipped her hand into his and squeezed. 

“Everything alright?” She asked, her voice laced with concern. He nodded. 

“Yeah, yeah fine.” She didn't look entirely convinced, but let it go. “I, uhh, I'm going to head back to London if you don't mind?” Seren shook her head slowly.

“Sure, ok. I'll get my car and go back to the hospital for an hour.” They drove back to David's in near silence with Seren trying to understand what had happened over the previous couple of hours to have caused River to retreat into himself so much. “I'll call you later?” She asked, confused and a little hurt.

“Yeah, let me know if he needs anything. Otherwise I'll be back in a couple of days when he's ready to be discharged.” Seren nodded, her smile tight. She got straight into her car and decided to head straight to the hospital, not wanting to be alone. 

River made it one junction up the motorway back to London before turning around and going to Seren's house. She arrived home to find him sitting on the doorstep. She stopped suddenly, almost falling over him. 

“Oh shit!” She yelped, “you scared me half to death. What are you doing here, I thought you were going home?” He got to his feet and moved aside so she could unlock the door. She pushed it open and let him through first. “River? I thought you were going home?”

“I did. I am.” He said softly. Seren frowned a little, unsure of his meaning. 

“Ok,” she said gently, “ok. Let's get some food, you must be freezing.” He followed her to the kitchen where he sat at the table while she pottered around cooking. “David's doing fine, I think they'll probably let him out tomorrow. There's no reason to keep him in and they need the bed space.” She chatted to him, filling the silence. “I know you must be worried, but he's honestly alright. I'm sure the nurses are sick of him already. He was struggling to remember who I was, but I think it's the unfamiliar surroundings. I spent two hours with him telling me about his wonderful grandson, and then as I was getting ready to leave, he recognised me.” He moved to stand behind her, his chin on her shoulder and arms looped around her waist. She turned a little to offer him a spoonful of the rich tomato sauce she'd made. He nodded his approval and kissed her lightly, feeling her relax in his arms. His silence had made her tense, he realised. “You know you can talk to me about anything?” She hesitated, not wanting to overstep. 

“Yeah.” She didn't push any further but handed him a plate of pasta. “I always thought he was invincible.” He admitted sadly. She held her breath, waiting for him to go on. “Having you here, he was doing so much better. I thought he'd be here forever.”

“He's still here,” she reminded him, taking his hand. 

“And when he's not? Then what?” She shook her head.

“I don't know,” she confessed. She pushed the food around her plate, her appetite gone. “He talks about you constantly,” she started. “All the bloody time, even when he's lost in the past. He loves you so much, River.” 

“I can count on one hand the number of times he’s said it.” He mumbled, trying to recall the last time he heard it from anyone. His grandmother, Rose, before she'd died most likely. When he looked up from the table to see Seren watching him, he expected to see pity in her eyes, but there was none. 

“Earlier,” she took a deep breath, “when I said I thought you were going home? You said you are.” She paused, halfway between wanting and not wanting an answer to the question hanging in the air. “What did you mean?” 

“I love you.” He said softly, realising that he hadn't said the words since his grandmother had died, let alone heard them. “I've spent all day wondering what will happen when he's gone, when I'm alone, where home is. But I shouldn't have, because I'm not alone.” She shook her head, the movement spilling tears down her cheeks.

“No, you're not.” She moved from her seat at the table and onto his lap, holding his face in her hands. “You're not alone, I love you.” She kissed him, her hands leaving his face to run through his hair. “God, you're such a fucking moron.” He laughed into her neck. 

“When I saw how much you care for him, and for Maggie… She told me. She said I'd got you too. I know I said we should just be able to walk away, no hard feelings, but I don't want that.”

“You've always had me, I'm not going anywhere.” She sighed, heavy with relief and finally relaxing into him. “We do need to work out what to tell him though?” He kissed her shoulder. 

“Mmm. Give me tonight, that's tomorrow's problem.”

*

“Watch your step,” Seren warned, holding David's elbow as he lifted himself out of River’s car. River came round from the driver’s side to take his other arm but was swiftly batted away. Seren bit her lip to disguise the smile.

“Watch my bloody step,” he grumbled. “You watch out, I can still tell Taverner I’ve had enough of you too.”

“Ahh but then she’ll send back Pete who can’t play chess.” River told him.

“Is he the one who drank IPA? Disgusting stuff. I couldn’t even get him to fetch me a decent bottle of scotch. Over my dead body will he be back.” David complained.

“I’m sure he wasn’t that bad.” Seren reasoned as River went ahead of them to unlock the door.

“He was.” They stepped over the threshold together, “and he couldn’t make coffee and walnut cake.” David beamed at the sight of the cake in the centre of the table.

“God, what a crime. Looks like you did the right thing getting me back.” Seren guided him to the sitting room. “Are you feeling ok?”

“I’m not breakable, dear. I’m fine. They let me out didn’t they?”

“Yeah cos they were sick of you.” River muttered under his breath so only Seren could hear, disguising her laugh with a cough.

“I heard that young man. Seren, would you cut that cake please?”

“No problem, tea?”

“Excellent.” He settled back in his armchair, making himself comfortable. In the kitchen, Seren set a tray with cake plates and mugs. She drifted towards River as he came in.

“S’good to have him back here.” She smiled. He took her hand and pulled her away from the tray and into his arms. 

“Yeah it is. Means I shouldn’t be kissing you in the kitchen anymore though,” he grumbled. She leaned up on tiptoes and grazed her lips against his.

“As if that stopped you before.” She challenged. 

“Put her down River, goodness me I may as well look after myself if you’re going to distract her constantly.” David chided from the doorway. Seren sprung from River’s arms, blushing furiously.

“Shit, David, I’m so sorry. I-”

“No need to be sorry, dear. Did you really think I didn’t know? I may be losing my mind but I’m certain my eyesight is perfectly fine. I did tell you, he was bound to have his head turned by a pretty girl. I’m just glad it’s you.” Seren’s mouth formed a perfect O shape. “Just getting a pen for the crossword, I’ll leave you both to it.” He wandered back to the sitting room. “Wouldn’t say no to that cake, though?” He shouted.

FIN

[sl-newsie]

Hat Thief (Jack Kelly x Medda's Daughter)

Hi!! Idk if you’re taking requests (if you aren’t ignore this, but if you are) could you please write a 92sies Jack Kelly x reader? Perhaps the reader is a year younger than him, she’s quite playful and steals his hat, practically forcing him to chase her. Very very fluffy and sweet! Tyy!!!♥️                 Gotcha!

Friendship is a wonderful thing. When two people’s relationship grows so deep, sometimes it feels as if they’re one and the same person. I met Jack Kelly 5 years ago, when mother and I first traveled to New York. My mother, Medda Larkson, became very busy with her theater and didn’t always have time to entertain me. Jack cured that. The minute he first snuck in backstage we’ve been thick as thieves ever since. He’s got his dream of leaving for Santa Fe, and I have my own dream of becoming an actress like my mother. But for now we’ve let our childhoods prosper with a strong friendship connected by fun memories.

“Hey there, Annie!”

Speak of the devil.

“Heya, Jackie.” I turn away from the costume I’m sewing and face the cowboy himself. He’s been growing more lately, especially since he can afford food better since the strike. “How’s the headline today?”

He leans back against the wall and twirls his cowboy hat in his hand. “Was ok, I guess. It was about the new horse at the track. Race luved it! How’s your day been?”

I shrug and gesture to my project. “Been woiking on this for the past two hours. Mom said I can take a break in ten minutes if you wanna do someth’n.”

Jack gets a devilish glint in his eye. After setting his hat down on the vanity, he slinks over to grab my hand and starts pulling me towards the back door.

“Whaddaya say we skip the wait and you can go on a break now? I hear there’s a few boids at the pond. People’re saying they’s flying south for winter, call’n ‘em swans.”

“Jack, I don’t wanna get anodda tell’n off from- Wait. Swans?” My jaw drops. “I’ve only read about them in books!”

“I thought that’d spark your interest!” Jack grins. “So let’s go!”

He drags me behind him while I try to pull the other way. “No, I can’t! I promised I’d have this dress done by supper.”

“Aw, c’mon.” Jack pouts and sticks his lip out. “Don’t leave me alone.”

I scoff and boop his nose with my finger. “You’ll survive for ten minutes.”

I sit back down and return to sewing the dress, while Jack keeps pacing the room.

“I could ask Medda to let you go early,” he suggests.

I stifle a laugh. “Won’t work. Mom’ll have you scrub’n the stage for say’n that. Just because you’re a year older does not mean you are smarter, Mister Kelly!”

The cowboy makes a mock look of surprise and dramatically clutches his heart. “I thought we were on a foist-name basis! I’m scarred!”

Then an idea flickers on in my head. Carefully, I inch closer to the vanity. “Well, we might not be able to go somewhere else to have fun-” I grip Jack’s hat behind me and hold it up to dangle it in the air. “But who says we can’t have fun here?”

Jack’s eyes widen when he sees the hat. “Now now, Annie. Give it back.”

I think for a second. “Nah. I think I’ll keep it!” And with that, I dash out the door and into the backstage corridor.

“Annabelle Larkson, give that back right now!” I hear Jack shout behind me.

“Come and get it, Jackie boy!”

I snake through the curtains and begin climbing the stairs to the catwalk. I’ve explored every inch-a this place since I was a kid, so I know every hidey-hole there is. There’s a tucked away cupboard near the back that’s poifect for right now. Once I’ve crammed myself in, I wait to see if Jack will continue with the chase. He’s not one to disappoint, because he comes panting up the stairs in a few seconds. 

“Alright, Annabelle. You got me! Come on out now.”

Why is this so fun? I struggle to silence my heavy breathing when I see him getting closer through the crack in the door. My heart’s beating faster and faster! But is it because of the thrill of the chase or something else? Jack walks past, and I swear he can hear my racing heart through the thin wooden door separating us. He passes, and seems to have missed me entirely-

“Gotcha!”

The cupboard door swings open and two strong arms grip my dress to pull me out. My reaction is a goilash squeal that rings throughout the empty theater as I struggle to break free.

“Oh no, you ain’t get’n away that easily!” Jack grumbles as he backs me into a wall and starts tickling me.

“No- No! Not fair! No tickling!” I titter.

After a while I stop fighting and Jack ends his tickle revenge, trying to keep a serious face but it keeps slipping into a smile.

“You give in?”

I roll my eyes and turn to face him while he’s still gripping my arms. “You know I ain’t do’n that, Jack.”

His brow furrows and he nods, seeming to think something over. “Alright, let’s make a deal.”

“I’m listening.”

He releases my arms and points to his hat I’m holding. “You give back my hat, but can keep my heart.”

His what? I frown. “Your heart? What’re you-? Oh!”

Jack leans in and presses a soft kiss to my forehead, causing me to strain against the wall in surprise. My hands press against the brick, unsure what to do. I’m speechless.

"You stole my heart too, Annie." When he pulls away and sees my shocked face, Jack starts panicking. “Did I mess up? Are you mad?”

I slowly come to my senses and shake my head. “No, no! You- you read me just fine, Jack. I’s just surprised it took you this long.”

He mirrors my surprise and playfully swats my shoulder. “You luv me too? You mean all this time I could’ve been kiss’n you? I thought you just thought of us as friends!”

I smirk. “So what’s stopping you now?”

He grins and leans in closer. “Not a thing, Annie.”

Friendship is a wonderful thing. When two people’s relationship grows so deep, sometimes it feels as if they’re one and the same person. And that’s exactly how it feels when Jack closes the gap to mesh our lips togedda. A million emotions race through me, and all in all I could never think of any odda guy I’d want to kiss me. It feels right. 

“Just curious,” Jack mumbles through the kiss. “Your mom ain’t gonna kill me for this, right?”

“Hm. No. Then she’d have to hear me complain the rest-a my life. By the way, this is yours.” I flop the cowboy hat on Jack’s head.

He chuckles. “I dunno. I think it looks bedda on you.” Jack brushes his nose against mine and wraps an arm around my waist. 

“Aw, I’m flattered. But what kinda cowboy would you be without your hat, hm?”

@amoreenaflower

Hope this is the fluff you were looking for! ;) 

[star-dust-stuf]

Jack Torrance x period!reader

title: how can I face you

warnings: mentions of blood, pain, a little angst

a/n: ok, I watched the shining for the first time and I have a new obsession with a psychopath. I can barely find fluff for this character so I made this cause I’m me, what did you expect? sorry for typos.

-

When we drove to the hotel it was going to take almost two hours to get there and we were only one hour in and I knew it would happen! I was so stupid. All month I was trying to get my period early so I didn’t have to deal with it, I tried about everything like eating things to induce my period but it just kicked in now! Now?!

I twitched in my seat, putting my legs up, crossing them, anything to help the pain, I could care less if I got blood everywhere. Jack didn’t really find it bothering considering he thought I had restless legs. But hiding the pain was just as hard than to hold still, or making any real hints I was in pain. I leaned forward at times, I tried eating something to distract me but all it did was make me nauseous.

“Jack?” I asked, my voice a little shaky.

“Can I roll down the window?” I only asked because I didn’t want the cold to bother him.

He looked over at me then back to the road. “Yes, you ok?”

“Nauseous that all.” I let the wind clear my sinuses.

“Car sick? Have you drank any water?” He asked, his hand reaching for a water bottle behind his seat but his eyes still on the road.

I shook my head, “it’s not that.”

He grabbed the water bottle and gave it to me, “then what’s the matter?” He sounded concerned.

When i tried to tell him he put his hand on my knee, it made me frozen in my seat. I gave up, i cant hold out for another hour! “I think I got my period.” I whispered the last part for I was absolutely embarrassed and angry at myself.

“Ohhh.” I heard him say, his voice softer. “Did you get it this morning?”

My eyes widened, “no, I sort of started it- in the car.”

He looked at me, “you started it now? Why didn’t you say!” He wasn’t shouting at me, he wasn’t angry but I felt so much tension.

“I’m sorry- I.”

“Don’t be sorry babe, things happen sometimes.” He had his eyes on the road.

It was a moment of silence, till he spoke again. “Think you can hold out for a half an hour? We don’t have stops but I’m sure-.” He cut off, reaching his hand back behind his seat again.

He grabbed my purse, “did you pack anything?” He meant if I packed sanitary items.

“Yeah-.”

He multitasked, one hand on the wheel and the other slipping his coat off, then switching. He gave me his coat, “put it over your legs and do what you need to do.”

His eyes back on the road I was stuttering for a minute but did it, not waisting time. I did what i needed to do, it was less embarrassing since he gave me his coat to cover up and he knew that, he knew I was a little embarrassed by it and he understood but he never made me feel like I should be.

It took a minute considering I couldn’t stand up but when I was done I handed his coat back in which he placed in his own lap. “Better, at least a little?”

I nodded, “thank you, Jack.”

He smiled sweetly. “When we get to the hotel I’ll tell them to get us to our room so you can change.”

It was just me holding out my pain now, but I didn’t have to hide it. He helped me though, he never asked me to hold still he just let me do what I needed to do, if I need my chair leaned back, I needed to roll down my window, anything.

“Almost there,” he told me. He was going a little faster on the road, he was ridden to see me in pain. I was patient, never asked him to hurry, he was trying his best.

[bondagebimbo]

Stop vague panhandling for money, pleading the starvation card and how you're practically wasting away. You seem to have the time and energy to go on Twitch and also to go out and get fucked HARD, never mind being horny on main and posting pussy pictures on your sideblog. The flea sob story wasn't a great success so now you're trying the sympathy card. For a sex worker you're not really a very successful one in terms of earning a profitable living when you're forced to ebeg every other week because you're broke as shit. You're a stunning girl with a great body and unique style so it's probably because the sex industry is over saturated. You should look for something that earns better instead of coming on here begging like a homeless person

bruh I got all the stuff to treat my flea infestation so like, do I need to take pictures of all the fucking products I bought to prove that wasn’t a scam since you’re so hell-bent on this libel bullshit and trying to defame me when you don’t know shit

because if I have to, I will 💀 it’ll just make you look even more fucking stupid in the process

and I wasn’t even begging for anything ??? I was just saying don’t expect much out of me because I’ve had to deal with a lot of shit and, on top of all that, I not only have a FUCKING EATING DISORDER, but I am also on several meds that suppress my fucking appetite even more so I don’t eat for days or over a week at a fucking time until it blindsides me that I haven’t had anything in my body both food/drink wise until I can’t fucking move without nearly collapsing ???

but ok go off and act like you know me as if I didn’t just pay my rent early for the next month, finished buying all the flea products I needed, bought more general cat supplies so I don’t run out anytime soon, bought much needed necessities for MYSELF that I’ve needed since I’ve been constantly neglecting myself, paid all my bills, and also bought — y’know, what? no. I’m not doing this. I don’t have to explain myself to you or anyone else unless they’re helping me and want proof of what the money is being spent on.

everyone on here knows I’m on a SW hiatus because of the status of my life at the moment and how I’m in a transitional period and you just want to be a cunt for no reason. but clearly YOU haven’t been on my prior blogs to know exactly just what kind of fucking shit I’ve had to deal with for over the last year and then ESPECIALLY over this summer which is why I just occasionally post PPV shit for the time being. but yeah, keep acting like you know me when you just proved you know jack fucking SHIT.

I’m done defending myself to some fuckhead ass cunt anon that only hops into my inbox when they think that have a chance at tearing me down and yet, despite many attempts, has failed. every. single. time.

you’ve both bored me and made me feel sorry for your pitiful, hateful, jaded ass. that’s impressive. being bored and indifferent towards someone’s mere existence while also pitying them because of how outwardly hateful they are. that’s a new one. I can understand why you have to hide behind the pathetic anonymity option on here, because if everyone knew who you actually were, you’d be run off this platform in the blink of an eye.

so, disrespectfully and in the most nasty and vindictive way I can say this, I hope you rot alone for the rest of your miserable fucking life because with your behavior and how you treat people on here behind anon, I can’t imagine ANYONE wanting to saddle themselves with your bitch ass for the rest of their life if they’re seeking ANY form of happiness whatsoever.

anyways, I’ll see y’all on twitch in a bit (just a chat and get stoned stream, I don’t feel like gaming tonight) just to piss this cunt off even more because I was able to order food since a couple kind souls surprise cashapped me a bit so I can get something for tonight and be able to get things for at least the next couple days to last til I get my next OF payouts lol. (thank y’all to those of you again, btw, you know who you are and I really appreciate you ���🥺🥺)

so, you, my dear fuckwit anon, can suck my fucking dick since you’re a little annoying ass pussy fucking bitch that won’t come out from behind those shades to say any of this shit with your chest. how embarrassing.

[landwriter]

WIP Game 📝

Tagged by @im-not-corrupted and @that-banhus. Thank you pals!

rules: list your WIPs and describe them

Because I do not hate myself and also am on mobile I will only list the WIPs I am actively working on! Have only been able to write for the first time this month like, this past weekend, but here’s the three I went to immediately:

Lighthouses - the seventies san francisco humans AU! 20K from a Spotify wrapped prompt and still not done! the timeless tale of an oblivious homosexual moving to The Big City and falling in love with his new (off limits) best friend that he’s in a writing course with. ft. near misses, attempted feelings confessions via Literary Reference, falling in love over landline, the chest hair agenda, furtive jacking off, cigarettes, and a surprise virginity kink. Guest starring all the historical queer ephemera I can squeeze into it! which is. a lot

Oaths - my ongoing longfic (ok it’s longfic for ME, just bog-standard novella length for fandom at large) about bandit Hob and cursed elphin twink Dream, aka Gloam’s Excuse To Go On About Landscape, set in 1539 in Selkirkshire. Now with trochaic tetrameter! THANKS, Banhus (but really.) A historic AU based on the ballad Tam Lin with a historically & regionally accurate amount of belief in the existence of fairies and the supernatural. May seem like a love story or adventure. Is actually just 50k+ on the concept of going home. Currently working on trying to make people cry buckets at the last chapter

Shaper of Forms - haven’t talked about this one yet anywhere (incredibly) but @softest-punk caused it back in January and if I ever finish this and publish it you can forward your complaints directly to them. Part paean to queer sex and part uncomfortably personal dissertation on the enormous joy and persistent devastation of being human and existing in an imperfect body. Bones and blood and grieving and envying flowers and all that. Horribly earnest.

I hope this whets y’all’s appetite because knowing something I’m working on is at all anticipated is such an enormous motivation!!!

tagging @moorishflower @delta-pavonis @teejaystumbles @hardly-an-escape and anyone who wants to share!!

[peapodsinspace]

oooookkk so uhhhhhj

List of f/os that I can name off the top of my head

These are characters that I have ocs that are shipped with them AND/OR personally find attractive btw

Also this will only include TWO of the slasher f/os I have, but do know that I don't find the murder icky parts of those f/os attractive, murder bad its the other stuff about them I like, and I like making more villainous ocs

This also is only including ONE puppet f/o because my puppet f/os in general are kinda embarrassing (especially two of them fucking christ)

Jjba (with ocs):

N'doul

Gappy

Oingo

Axel Ro (still on the fence about him tho so don't judge me)

Akira Otoishi

Jjba (without ocs):

Gwess

Rykiel (no oc yet)

Thunder Mcqueen

Other (with ocs):

George (mfn)

Finnegan Rider Wake (mh g1)

Jackson Jekyll/Holt Hyde (still on the fence about oc)

Mr. Where (mh g1)

Kinger (tadc)

Caine (tadc)

Howdy Pillar (Welcome Home)

Billy Lenz (Black Christmas 1974) [pleasepleasepleasePLEASE don't judge me super hard for this]

Gabriel May (Malignant 2021) [I honestly don't know what to say about this one just don't kill me for it ALSO HE HAS THE SAME VOICE ACTOR AS DUB BUCCIARATI]

Other (no oc):

Jack Skelington (tnbc)

Hoodude Voodoo (mh g1) [don't judge me ok he's adorable]

Ryuk (Death Note) [DON'T JUDGE ME OK-]

Discord (mlp fim)

Idk why I felt like sharing lmao

Axel ro is so real tho!!!!

I will say usually when you’re like “DONT JUDGE THO” it’s always a character I don’t know

So I am not judging you ;]

Also discord……….. yeah

I guess I don’t really have any f/os i ship myself with but as far as oc x canon I have like. Mostly one

Mainly:

-Tonio!!!

And then I also have:

-polnareff

-pocoloco

For the last two, pol was originally for a gag, but it’s mostly just that I haven’t done much on their dynamic yet. And I have an oc I made to ship with pocoloco, but I’m still a little on the fence? I dunno heheh

[doctorstethoscope]

Sink or Swim || November

lets all ignore the fact that the last chapter of this is supposed to come out next week and it's not done yet ok

masterlist

contains: food consumption, grumpiness, a tiny bit of innuendo

wordcount: 1.9k

“Babe?” you call out to Aaron, who is upstairs trying to wrangle Jack out of his Spider-Man pajamas and into a polo for Thanksgiving dinner at Rossi’s. “Do you know where Alexis’ shoes are?”

“If I had seen them, I would have put them in her closet where they belong,” he calls back, a little tense. You take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s always stressful for both of you getting the kids out of the house on time, let alone when there’s a special occasion involved.

The shoes, as it turns out, are in a bucket of Lexie’s blocks– no doubt her or her brother’s doing. You buckle her into the teeny-tiny mary janes that compliment her baby overall dress and turtleneck, and by the time you’re done, Jack and his father are bounding down the stairs, ready to go themselves. 

“Look at that, and everyone is in one piece,” you smile. “Let’s hit the road, then.” 

Once everyone’s settled in the car, you flick the radio to the holiday music station and take a deep breath. The hard part was over, and now you could enjoy a calm, reflective day with your family.

“I’m hungry,” Jack whines from the backseat. 

“You’ll eat when we get there,” Aaron chides. 

“But I’m hungry now,” he groans. 

“I know, bubbers, I’m hungry too,” you console him. “What food is your favorite?” You ask, trying to distract him. 

“The cranberry sauce with the ridges,” he tells you excitedly. 

“Naturally, the pure sugar from the can,” you remark with a little roll of your eyes. 

“How come Lexie gets to eat whenever she wants?” Jack asks. 

“Because she’s a baby, Jack,” Aaron snarks back.

“She doesn’t understand that food is coming the same way that you do, and she needs a lot more food than you do, bud,” you supplement his father’s explanation with a more gentle tone. 

You make it to Rossi’s without further complaints, and Jack’s all but forgotten his hunger once he sees Henry. 

“Aaron, can you come help me hang up the kids coats?” You say, passing Lexie off to Penelope and giving Aaron a quick glance that says “follow me to the closet and don’t ask questions.”

He, gratefully, reads you as well as he always has and follows you to Rossi’s coatroom. 

“Baby, are you alright? You aren’t acting like yourself today,” you whisper to Aaron as he shuts the door behind him.

He sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face. “I’ve been a bit of an asshole, you mean.” 

“You’ve been… a little grumpy,” you say, stepping closer to him and winding your arms around his neck. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing that excuses my behavior,” he answers. “The end of the year is always difficult administratively… Strauss and the rest of the brass have been breathing down my neck about the budget and our annual numbers. But I need to leave that stuff at my desk, it’s not fair to you or the kids.”

“Neither one of us is perfect. Yesterday I just about played Connect Four by myself because I told Jack we couldn’t play unless he ate a vegetable,” you confess, and he chuckles. 

“I’ll do better. I know I’ve been staying at the office late, and you’ve had to take on more than your fair share with them,” he apologizes. 

“I’m not watching the clock, hon. Work needs more from you right now, down the line I’m sure something will come up for me and you’ll take it in stride. I’m more concerned about you– are you eating when you come home at night? Or taking breaks during the day? The team can help before you’ve run yourself ragged, you know.”

“I need reminders,” he admits. “Maybe a pretty lunch date would help,” he smirks, leaning in to kiss you, which you happily return. 

“I think I can make that happen,” you assure him. “Come on, let’s get back out there before someone gives Jack pie and ice cream before dinner.” 

Rossi has dinner catered, and the meal is lovely. Aaron puts Jack’s plate together and settles him at the kid’s table, and you set up Lexie’s high chair next to you, cutting up some turkey and carrots for her to gnaw at. It keeps her entertained while the adults eat, and JJ is more than happy to give her a bottle after dinner.

“How have you and Hotch been?” Emily asks as the women of the BAU gather in the living room while the men break for whisky in the study. 

“We’ve been good,” you say. “Work has been busy for him. But things are good– I feel like Lexie’s developing more and more of a personality every day, which keeps us on our toes. She’s into throwing food onto the floor and taking off her socks and shoes right now. She’d run around barefoot in the snow if we’d let her,” you tell the girls, and they all laugh. 

“When’s the last time you and the boss got out of the house? No kids, no case.” Penelope asks. 

“Oh, gosh…” you say, running through the calendar in your mind. “Is it awful if I say August? We had dinner and went dancing. It was lovely,” you smile. 

“It’s not awful…” JJ says with a hesitant cringe. 

“But it’s not good, either,” Emily interrupts.

“We’ve got our hands pretty full,” you remind your friends. “Even if we were able to plan more dates, we’d probably get interrupted for a case.” 

“That doesn’t mean you don’t try!” Penelope interjects. “Let us take the kids this weekend.” 

“Pen, that’s sweet, really, but I couldn’t ask—” 

“You didn’t ask. We’re offering,” Emily cuts you off. 

“It will be good for both of you,” JJ intercedes. “Regular date nights saved Will when we were in this stage. And if I recall correctly, you were one of the biggest insistors that we take the help offered to us,” she teases you. “It’s practically my job to return the favor now.” 

You fret a little bit, biting at your thumbnail. “It would be good for Aaron. He needs a break,” you agree. 

“And so do you,” Emily insists.

“Well, let me talk to him about it. But can I give you a tentative yes?” You ask. 

“Of course!” Garcia insists. “Hotch will say yes.” 

“What am I saying yes to?” Aaron asks as he emerges from the study with the rest of the guys.

“Date night,” you explain, and he breaks out into a smile. 

“That one’s always a yes,” he confirms, ducking his chin to plant a kiss to your cheek.

*******

“So, Penelope gave us rules for this evening,” you mention to Aaron as you both settle into a booth at Lafayette in DC– you don’t know how he managed to get reservations on such short notice, but you’re grateful. He likes to spoil you– and you can’t help but be pleased by it. 

“Oh boy,” Aaron groans playfully, the shadow of a grin playing on his features. 

“No talking about the kids, and no talking about work,” you explain to him. 

“Seems simple enough,” he says. 

“Yeah,” you agree. “It’s a good rule.” 

The two of you peruse the menu in a comfortable, practiced silence– with the chaos of your lives, neither one of you feels the need to fill every moment with conversation or noise. When the waiter comes, you order a bottle of wine to share and your respective meals, and without the distraction of the menus, the two of you are left to stare at each other. 

“Every time I go to say something, I realize I’m going to break one of the rules,” you confess after a few minutes of silence. 

“Oh, thank god. It’s not just me,” Aaron lets out a relieved sigh. 

“Are we bad? This feels so bad,” you lament. 

“No, honey, no,” he insists, reaching across the table and taking your hand in his, which comforts you just as it always does. “Our lives are just different. Raising two kids takes up a lot of energy, and so do our jobs. It’s not a moral failing that those are the first things we’d want to talk about.”

“Not just the first thing– we couldn’t think of anything else to talk about,” you point out. 

“When someone tells you not to think about something, it becomes pretty hard to think about anything else, angel,” he reminds you. “This is a good thing, that we’re talking about it. It’s important to me that we aren’t just co-parents. I love you, hon. I love you and I love our kids, and I love you separately from our kids and our kids separately from you. We can do both.”

“Ask me a question,” you insist. 

“What?” He questions.

“Ask me a question that’s not about work or the kids,” you clarify. 

“What did you have for breakfast today?” 

“Aaron,” you whine. 

“What?” He chuckles.

“Take this seriously, please.” 

“I am taking it seriously. Have you ever known me not to take things seriously?” he teases you. 

“You know what I had for breakfast. You made my breakfast.” 

“Well, what did you think of it?’ He asks. 

“It was good,” you tell him. “I like when you cook for me,” you elaborate. “You put more butter on my toast than I ever would, but it tastes better that way. I like my bacon chewy, though. Not crispy,” you confess. “You look sexy in the kitchen. Don’t ask me to explain that.” 

He smiles and lets out a warm, gracious laugh. “See? We’re getting somewhere,” he reassures you, running his thumb over the back of your hand. 

“What do I do that makes you feel cared for?” You ask him in turn, reflecting on how his hand over yours and the breakfasts he prepares make you feel. 

“I’m sure everything isn’t an acceptable answer here,” he attempts, and you narrow your eyes at him in response. He draws in a breath, thinking on the question for a moment before you respond. “Sometimes you look at me from across the room, and it’s like you tell me exactly what I need to hear just by the look in your eyes. Or, I don’t know, I look at you and things just feel clearer. But you’re always there, and you always know just what I need. When the kids are driving us up the wall and you just smile and remind me that bedtime is coming, or when we’re working on a tough case and you assure me that I don’t have to shoulder it all… When things are hard, you’re the person I look for. When they’re good, you’re the person I want to celebrate with. And every time I look for you, you’re always looking for me too. That means a lot to me.” 

You draw in a breath, willing back the tears that were welling up in your eyes, and reach across the table to place your hand over his face. “There’s nobody else I’d rather be looking at,” you smile.

taglist: @spacecowboyhotch @honeybrowne @angelfxllcm @rousethemouse @infinite-tides @gspenc @anlin2058 @zetasaturno99 @realdirectionx @witheldclouds @sbeno22 @el-vs94 @hausofwhores

[galactic-pirates]

Ok Picard finale.

Spoilers below.

My expectations were very low. I had made a list of cynical predictions. I was scared as deep down I was worried it would be even worse. I really thought they might kill off Raffi and I just did not want to see that.

So actually in a lot of ways going into the finale expecting it to be terrible, I wound up almost pleasantly surprised. It was still not good but it was much better than my worst fears, so I ended the episode as a bit of a puddle of relief. It could have been so much worse.

I loved that Raffi just pulled together a new invention of being able to shoot transport beams at people. She’s so smart I love her! I love that she got actual screentime shooting at people (I was expecting her to be sidelined the whole finale tbh), and she even appeared in shot with Seven a few times!

I am amazed that they managed to not shoehorn more Shaw in. I had pretty much convinced myself that Seven’s plot this episode would be all about him, so actually getting to see Seven doing her job, retaking the bridge etc. inspiring the other unassimilated who had been left behind, fighting the impossible fight for StarFleet… yeah that sure was something. I loved that the crew still called her Commander as it was new but Raffi - Raffi!! - was the first to call her Captain as Seven had that role. That’s what Seven was and I think it was important to acknowledge that. It was also so nice that they showed a very brief glimpse of the horror of assimilation and the “what did I do???” from Sydney and Seven hugged her because if anyone was going to understand.

Having Shaw appear at the end via hologram complimenting Seven as apparently something he said weeks ago… I side eye that so hard. So what he was a constant AH to her in person but in private he is redeemed because he actually said something nice? I could have done without that. Why Tuvok couldn’t have said something poignant like “the very qualities that you think disqualify you are the exact ones that give you strength, the ones that saved your crew.“ and convinced Seven that way but alas /sigh I guess Shaw had to have his moment.

I am surprised that Shaw is still dead. I was sure given Matalas’ comments and how rabid the fans are that they’d revive him somehow. I really didn’t want them to because if any spin-off happens with Seven and Raffi and they put Shaw in it, then it will become the Shaw show. I am not at all happy about Jack looking like he might be part of it for the same reason :(

I do love that it is finally, FINALLY, Captain Seven because everytime I heard Hansen I flinched. I have such an aversion to it I won’t reblog gifsets that have it written on. Just no. So finally.

Anyway in fact nobody died. When Deanna was looking at Riker as he left, it felt like she knew he wasn’t coming back. So I got worried for a minute there about Riker. I was pretty convinced Picard was going to die (I predicted his sacrifice) but nope he lived as well.

I think my only real cynical prediction that came true was the approximate “we are on our own” when Data said “we are the cavalry” and that Picard reached Jack through the dad bond. But it was blowing up the beacon that saved the day, so that was more about saving Jack.

I am amazed at how big the Enterprise is and that it just flew through the Borg Cube like that. Real Falcon and Death Star vibes. I laughed so hard when Deanna was like “I am sensing enjoyment” and Data was just smiling like pew pew I fly the ship haha.

I also laughed really hard when Geordi said he hadn’t done the weapons systems and Beverley was like “no problem” and just blew shit up and then the three of them all turned to look at her, like WTF? And she’s like “a lot happened in 20 years”.

I’m sorry my thoughts are all out of order and I am just writing them down as they come to me. Kestra! Oh for all the love of… I can’t believe they still never mentioned her!! Like seriously have Riker and Deanna forgotten they have a daughter??? All this love for biological families and no mention of that. Or you know Soji for Data? There was barely a hint of Geordi to his daughters either, I was expecting more there.

I also didn’t really appreciate or find funny that Deanna was only pretending to listen to Data and searching for vacations. She is seeing him professionally. Now she either needs to be strict about ending the session on time, and/or not booking them so often if it’s too much for her, or if she is going to let it happen she needs to be present. As someone who has had therapy I find it very uncomfortable and feel really sorry for Data. Yes he should be more aware of the time and not keep talking, but Deanna could wind the session to a close earlier. Honestly you’d think this wasn’t her job. It is making her look bad. Deanna deserves better.

I’m glad that Deanna got to do semi-something in that she sensed Riker and that’s what saved them. I still wish that Deanna had more agency beyond being a love interest. But I can be soppy on occasion and the thought of their love being powerful enough to be felt so she could find them, that is kinda sweet. Like a love conquers thing. Not very realistic but sweet.

Jack as special ships counsel is a big WTF? I am guessing that’s a bit like ‘officer without portfolio’ so they can plug him in wherever needed as a Jack of all trades - ha pun not intended. But ugh I did actually predict his joining StarFleet and getting fast tracked. I’m glad it wasn’t quite as bad as I was cynical but I am still not thrilled. I don’t like him as a character and if they were kinda setting up a potential spin-off then he is part of the crew and just ugh, would rather not.

As for Q’s appearance at the end… dear Trek writers I am begging you please create something new. What is the point in ever concluding a story arc if you are just going to bring them back and do it all over again? Allow for new characters, new stories. Let it rest.

Worf leaking Raffi’s service record to her family was nice. The Worf and Raffi friendship this season has been one of the few bright spots. However I am… I had always thought that the narrative was they knew Raffi had saved the day, that she was right about Mars etc. and her family didn’t dispute that she was a hero, just that she was never around for them. The old “you put the world first and us second, and that’s great for the world. Someone has to sacrifice but why you? Why us?” and that kind of pain knows no logic. Feelings can be complicated. Being told “oh she’s a hero so you have to accept being second all the time” is not easy. There’s guilt for feeling selfish but wanting it to be different. Anger, resentment and that’s just for the job. Remember Raffi also had addiction problems, probably triggered as a coping mechanism because of the job but that addiction will also have hurt her family. And to wipe that away with “oh they never actually knew it was worth anything and now they love you” like it’s nice that Raffi can have her family back. Raffi is a good person. She made mistakes and she cares a lot. But it’s too easy and too trite and it feels hollow. Like they decided to slap a happy ending on it which just doesn’t fit.

Also not going to lie as much as I do love the Worf and Raffi friendship. They knew each other for a matter of weeks. Seven and Raffi have known each other much longer, been romantically involved for an unknown length of time within those years. If it was so easy to fix Raffi’s family. I can’t believe Seven wouldn’t have leaked the file years ago. It feels like if that was going to be a moment, then it should have gone to Seven and not Worf.

Speaking of Seven and Raffi’s relationship. Not a hint, not a nod, not any kind of anything? Like the epilogue skipped a year and they are Captain and Number One on the Enterprise-G (side note what happened to the Enterprise-F that was seen last episode with all the fireworks?). So yeah they are working together. The shots were practically beat for beat how the season 2 finale went down. They are ending up as Captain and Commander how they were headed then but it’s now 2-3 years later and they are broken up? Or not? Like what is up with that?

As predicted the changelings barely got a sentence wrapping up their involvement. Just a “Beverley worked out how to find them with the transporters as they were de-borgified”. Side note does that mean the changelings were also assimilated? How would that even work?

Still no mention of the Jurati borg? Or Elnor? Or LARIS?? I mean poor Laris. What a waste. Continuity I don’t know you.

Ok I am sure I am forgetting things. But one last comment on the lighting. It was extra bad this episode. Like really couldn’t see a damn thing on occasion. No exaggeration, literal nope. If they do a spin-off please for the love of Trek make them light the damn thing. I can not take anymore of this no lighting. It’s ridiculous.

Oh! The end scene with the poker. That’s the kind of fan service I don’t really mind. There was some warm fuzzies there.

This was probably the best episode of the season, which given how terrible the season was doesn’t really say much. I have overwhelming relief that Raffi didn’t die and I am also very thankful that the season is over. Each episode I was like “so how bad is is going to get?” And yes there is always fanfic but something being canon can be miserable even if it’s firmly ignored.

For all that I would like a Seven spin-off I don’t trust them in the slightest to do it any justice. I would rather they didn’t make it. Than make it and absolutely butcher their characters, queer-bait the relationship, stress me all out and just generally make me super unhappy about something that should have been joy.

[bruh-changbin]

new nails + life updates + blog updates 😸

heyyyy guys sorry I have been kind of dead on here as of late 😭 I haven’t posted a nail pic on foreverrrre and @drunkjaked asked me to share so here’s the new set I got done a little bit ago

ignore my jack skellington-esque fingers lol they’re simple but v nice for the winter and cold weather yasss my nail tech kept saying she loved the colour hehe

anyways on w some more important stuff!!! finally finished the semester (which was kicking my ass ngl) 😵‍💫 I had a ton of really big really important papers due like back to back for the past few weeks which is why I’ve barely been on here lol…. and since uni has been draining me of all of my life when I finally got home I was feeling so drab so I caved and allowed myself to a couple new super cool tattoos that had been on my mind for a v long time… reinvention yas 😻 but now that I’m done the semester and my semi annual aesthetic change I can chill and read and write and fantasize about changbin and jay for a whole month (ish)!!!!!!!

with that being said I have some fic updates hurhur 😸 ok so I was planning on doing a super fluffy smutty university boyfriend channie fic that’s like winter/holiday related but I think I’m gonna switch that to hyunjin bc I haven’t written for him in forever AND I have smth really big planned for channie (and another aussie idol…) for the new year lawl 😻 and am also planning on trying to grind out a short jongseong blurb sometime soon bc he’s literally my enha bias and I haven’t written anything for him yet??????? like what

ok that’s it I’ll shut up now there’s a possibility I’ll post a teaser for winter uni boyfriend hyunjin but I might just drop the whole fic on you and then fuck off ok bye love you

[cerealmonster15]

HELLO. YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS !! IT IS GAME TIME !!!

This quiz is very simple :) you shouldn't have any problems with it :) it's just their names after all !!!! Tell me which character each name is 😊

Admittedly though, taking this chance to study up on them myself bc even though I play on the JP server, I only recognize a couple of these 😭

カリム・アルアジーム

ルーク・ハント

ジャック・ハウル

ジャミル・バイパー

フロイド・リーチ

リリア・ヴァンルージュ

ジェイド・リーチ

ラギー・ブッチ

リドル・ローズハート

トレイ・クローバー

アズール・アーシェングロット

エース・トラッポラ

シルバー

マレウス・ドラコニア

オルト・シュラウド

エペル・フェルミエ

デュース・スペード

ケイト・ダイヤモンド

イデア・シュラウド

セベク・ジグボルト

レオナ・キングスカラー

ヴィル・シェーンハイト

excuse me. Oh my god.

see if you had asked me these back in like, late 2020/early 2021 i maybe wouldve done slightly better than im about to do bc the only way i could ever find twst fanart back then was by constantly copy pasting their names into pixiv bc there wasnt much of an english fanbase at the time... virtually none on tumblr... but i havent done it much recently- i did a few days ago [from when u initially sent this LOL] but it's nothing compared to when i did it like, DAILY jklfdsjklfds

at least. at least silver is a freebie LOL

umm. Ok this one both first and last name end in ム but I don’t know what ム is 🤔 I think this is gonna be Kalim or ruggie. The ム is probably either -im or -ie bc they’re the only ones left that have names that have that pattern… going with KALIM bc I have another guess later for ruggie

uhh. god i remember the dashes in some of these names specifically tripping me up when i was learning how ship names worked LOL. Mmmm I think it’s either gonna be rook or vil bc the name is short and snappy and written similar to Ace (I think. Maybe I got fucked on the Ace guess bddbcbfbf) but the last name seems shorter which makes me wanna think it’s rook? The last names both end in the T/-to sound…. ト you are Everywhere…. OH but I think it’s ROOK HUNT bc the next one I said is Jack howl and both of the last names for those two start with ハ so maybe that’s a hhhhhh sound??? Rook bb is that you???

Backwards process of elimination from 7 and 4, I think this one is JACK HOWL

i think this one might be azul or jamil but idr which LOL. i mean it looks too long to be either of them BUT im almost positive that triple line thing was in there when i looked up azujami LOL and i dont see it anywhere else so umm. idk jamil maybe??? unless i recognize that one for a different name and remember wrong sfjdsklfjd. Ok yes I think it’s Jamil bc of my same reasoning for #7

leech. Floyd?

Liiiilia? Going off ア at the end of probably idia matching here. Lilia please do not bamboozle me AGAIN

leech. Jade? I was back and forth for a while but since three characters start with the Ja- sound and there are three names with that same character at the start… I think this is Jade.

Ummm. R-ruggie. Maybe. Going on yet another limb bc it ends in チ and the only other names that end in that are leech, so maybe bucci’s ch sound matches??

A bit of a stretch guess but I’m gonna say riddle? For the same ド reasoning i say in 17; riddle has that -do sound near the end of his name but I feel like there’s an extra sound thing after it. Specifically when trey screams his name in book 1 but I can’t really remember LOL. But the last name also has ト… -to… rosehearts… rosehear-to….

trey or cater. i think trey.

Doing another stretch guess and saying azul, bc he’s the only one with same letter for both his initials and this one has a same character at the start of both. I am hesitant bc az and ash I would think might be different? But I can’t think of anyone else that would have a similar start 🤔 and the length of names looks possible. And by that logic, ト at the end might be the -to sound, which does line up with the to- for like trey’s name. Idk how it’s actually spelled but when I mumble it to myself that’s what it sounds like hdjfjfngng

Ace I think, with the ト in tr- appola to match tr-ey and ashengrot-to… which I mean in English maybe doesn’t match but I think I’m Japanese spelling/pronunciation they are??? Also this one looked familiar from my pixiv days and I couldn’t place it, but I think the A for a-deuce is what I’m remembering LOL

SILVER

Malleus? The ア at the end of maybe draconia matches the -ia for maybe idia and lilia

idia or ortho. I think ortho once again bc of the ト -to sound??

PROCESS OF ELIMINATION YOU WERE THE LAST ONE LEFT. EPEL???

Deuce? Bc names like Jade, Floyd, Diamond, and shroud all have the ド at the end, and spade should have one too I think 🤔 beloved juice spade please don’t fail me now 🙏

cater or trey. i think cater.

idia or ortho. Going with idia bc I decided the other is ortho probably….. ooh and his and lilia’s names mmmmmaybe would end the same? Possibly???

Ok this one and 22 last names both end in ト, that -to sound, and all I have left are Leona vil Epel and sebek, so this one has to be either Schoenheit or Zigvolt… I’m going to completely guess and say this one is SEBEK. bc of the two this name looks less familiar to me and I k ow I used to look up several vil ships on pixiv LOL. also the last name looks shorter. So I think sebek

Ok down to Epel or Leona. I’m going with Leona tho bc it’s Slightly Longer than #16 AND bc silver and Probably Viper both end in the same dash and I think phonetically they sound more like -ar??

Reasoning for 20, I’m saying vil 🤔

LAYS FACE DOWN ON THE GROUND. DO UR WORST WHATS MY GRADE ☠️

[onboardsorasora]

2, 4, 16, 22, 56, 58, 70 & 74 😊

hey Bestie!! it took me a minute lmao but here we go!

2. Do you plan each chapter ahead or write as you go?

Short answer: I try to. Long answer: I try to have an outline where I might jot down ideas in the spaces I think they can go and then I just write and see what happens. That's why I don’t like posting my big fics til theyre done because I add a lot of stuff after the fact.

4. Where do you find inspiration for new ideas?

😂😂😂 I know a lot of my ideas are very… out there and wonky. And truly it could be a random thought or a conversation/media– anything and if it snags then I try to think ‘ok [idea] what comes next’ and if its something I get excited about, i have a whole lot of moments where I’m audibly going ‘ooh but what if…’ and then I take up my phone and make a note in a doc. Some ideas get chosen, some don’t.

16. How many fic ideas are you nurturing right now? Share one of them?

So I’ll answer this in two ways: how many fic ideas do I have written down right that havent been fleshed out or posted: 9

How many of these ideas have more than just ‘idea au?’: 4

One of them is a music teacher au, where Daniel is a private music tutor and he’s supposed to be teaching Max how to play piano/cello (i haven't committed to any yet) and Max spends their tutoring time watching Daniel’s hands/fingers and how he feels the music and jacks off about it

22. Are there certain types of writing you won’t do? (style, pov, genre, tropes, etc)

I currently don’t have any because I’m willing to get out of my comfort zone to try new things (for example my new Dewis fic– terrified of doing a poor Lewis characterization)

56. What’s something about your writing that you pride yourself on?

I think I have to give myself some props on my ideas and being able to actually flesh them out into interesting stories. And my comedy. (and my ability to put angst in everything lmao)

58. What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most? (Brainstorming, outlining, writing, editing, etc)

I do love outlining. And then I procrastinate starting, because I find writing to be all encompassing, like I will ignore life if I’m trying to get an idea out. Editing is the part I like least, but it makes me giddy because that means I’m almost ready to share my idea

70. When asked, are you embarrassed or enthusiastic to tell people that you write?

I actually don’t tell people anymore. Because then they think it means I can write anything and that’s just not true. But I used to be embarrassed to tell people  when I wrote Inuyasha fanfiction haha so there are people that know and more than likely have forgotten. I don’t hesitate to tell people i read fic though, so idk 

74. You’ve posted a fic anonymously. How would someone be able to guess that you’d written it?

Oh this is hard because I truly don’t know if theres anything I that I do across fic. If there is, please lemme know!! I’ve managed to shoehorn a twilight (movie) reference in 2 of my big fics tho so that makes me giggle

[sl-newsie]

Chapter One: Lodging House (Spot Colon x Female Newsie)

Ok so I’ve been sitting on some written Newsies material for a while and I figured the new 2023 year was a sign to let some of it out. It’s a 92sies Spot Colon fanfic, and I’ll leave it up to you whether or not it’s good. I’m proud of it, you don’t have to read it, but I do hope y’all enjoy it! :)

(BTW there’s LOTS of spelling errors due to me attempting to write a NY accent! I also added a few characters and songs, and I will take certain suggestions and requests!)

Ah, Manhattan. A place fer dreams ta thrive and die. I neva woudda thought that I’d have ta make a liv’n here, but we all can’t choose our lives. Be’n a resident of tha Manhattan newsies lodg’n house is plenty enough.

“Get up! Sell the papers!”

Ugh… morn’n already? My eyes squint as soon as my bed sheet is ripped off me.

“Morn’n sunshine!” A bright-eyed kid announces in my face.

I groan. “Hello Race. You’s lucky I’s ain’t fully awake yet, ‘cause if I was I’d throw you out tha window! You’s wake me up like this again, and I’ll see you’s banned from tha races fer good!”

“Aww, c’mon! Lighten up Beccy!” 

I sit up and stare square in his eye. “Wanna bet?”

“Not this early in tha mourn’n!”

I groan again. Then I, very un-enthusiastically, roll out of my bunk and grab my clothes bag hidden undaneath (I know some would steal it just ta taunt a goil). I’m a night person myself, but I’s found it best ta start early. I also make sure my modda’s gold ring is still in there. Ah, life in The Newsboys Lodging House… with a few exceptions, o’course. 

“Get up!” Kloppman yells at Skittery, who’s still asleep.

“I didn’t do it!” He jolts awake.

“What do ya mean, you didn’t do it? Get up! Carry the banner! Sell the papers! Sell the papers!”

Behind me I hear an argument already pann’n out:

“That's my cigar!” Race complains.

“You'll steal anudder,” Snipeshooter retorts.

“Hey, bummers- We got work to do!” Blink interrupts.

“Since when did you become me mudder?” Snipeshooter asks.

“Ah, stop yer bawl’n!” Crutchy says.

“Hey! Who ast you?” Everyone shouts back. I roll my eyes and try ta hide a smile. Mak’n my way ta tha washroom, I see it’s already bustl’n with boys.

“Mourn’n Boots, Mush, Blink, Skittery,” I mumble.

“Hey guys- it’s Becca! Give her some privacy!” Crutchy tries ta shove and make room fer me, but loses his balance. Luckily, I catch him before he can hit tha floor.

“Thanks,” he says in a small voice.

“No problem. Ya leg do’n ok?”

“Not tha best.”

“You’ll do fine,” I say encouragingly as I help him up. “Ladies can’t resist help’n a crip.”

“Alright, really guys- let Becca through! Give tha goil some room!” Mush yells. A path ta tha restrooms is unquestioningly formed.

“Thanks, Mush.”

“Anytime!”

“Now put a shirt on!” I holler as I walk away.

“You know ya like me!” Mush taunts.

“In yer dreams!”

I pull on my usual faded blue shirt, black suspenders, dark gray vest, black knickers, brown boots, and gray cap with my brown hair tucked undaneath.

Afta I’m done dress’n, I hear tha guys giv’n Crutchy suggestions.

“Try Bottle Alley or the harbor,” Mush suggests.

“Try Central Park, it's guaranteed,” Race inputs. 

Jack flicks some shav’n cream at Mush and joins in: “Try any banker, bum, or barber.”

“They almost all knows how to read!” Skittery joins.

“I smell money!”

“You smell foul!”

“Met this goil last night!” Mush brags at me. I gag dramatically.

 “Move your elbow,” Crutchy asks Boots.

“Pass the towel,” Racetrack demands, his face covered in soap.

“For a buck, I might!” Skittery jokes, dangl’n it outta Race’s reach. He stumbles and falls inta me, so I push him off.

Tha rest of us join in:

“Ain't it a fine life,

Carrying the banner through it all?

A mighty fine life-

Carrying the banner tough and tall!”

We all jump in line and file down tha stairs. I quickly grab a broom and sweep up tha dust, earn’n an approv’n smile from Kloppman.

“Every morning

We goes where we wishes!

We's as free as fishes!

Sure beats washin' dishes!

What a fine life,

Carrying the banner home-free all!”

I look ova and begin ta see tha rest of tha younga boys wake up. 

“Hiya Becs!”

“Sleep well, Beccy?”

“Morn’n Joey, Dusty, Kenny, Skippy. Can’t complain- but I still can’t get a full night sleep. You’s sleep ok?”

“Yeah, but Skippy threw up. And he’s warm.”

I frown. “Must be a bug or someth’n. Leave him here ta rest fer taday. As fer tha rest of yous- don’t work too hard today, boys.”

I follow tha boys a few block ‘till they split up and continue ta follow tha olda fellas. It breaks my heart ta know that such young kids don’t have a family and have ta sell papes.

“It takes a smile as sweet as butter,” Jack states.

Crutchy adds: “The kind that ladies can't resist.” 

Mush leans in, giv’n me a wide grin. I just punch him and roll my eyes.

“It takes an orphan, with a studda,” Race inputs.

“Who ain't afraid ta use his-” Jack starts.

“Fist!” Blink finishes.

We take off, run’n and jump’n through tha street, unaware of any odda passerbys. Next we have some fun and leap onta some barrels.

“Summer stinks and winter's waitin'.

Welcome to New York!

Boy, ain't nature fascinating

When you's gotta walk?”

 We all run back inta tha street.

“Still, it's a fine life,

Carrying the banner with me chums!

A mighty fine life,

Blowing every nickel as it comes!”

 Crutchy sings:

“I'm no snoozer,

Sittin' makes me antsy.

I likes livin' chancy.”

 We add:

“Harlem to Delancey!

What a fine life,

Carrying the banner through the slums.”

 We stop and notice tha church wagon com’n down tha street. We begin to walk ova and I see tha boys take off their hats. I’d do that same, but then my hair’d come out, and I’d get more attention than I’s need.

 Some Nuns call out ta us:

“Blessed children.

Though you wander lost and depraved,

Jesus loves you.

You shall be saved.”

 They hold out cups of coffee and rolls, and we’s all eagerly reach out.

“Just gimme half a cup,” Race begs. 

Tha nuns always give me dirty looks ‘cause I dress like a guy, but I don’t care. However I do care when they’s neva give me any food.

“Something ta wake me up,” Blink asks.

“I gotta find an angle.” Mush hands me half a roll, which I take gratefully with a smile.

“I gotta sell more papes.” Crutchy holds up his hands.

 “Papers is all I got

Wish I could catch a breeze

Sure hope the headline's hot

All I can catch is fleas.”

 “God, help me if it's not

Somebody help me, please.”

 We jump inta an alley and join in togetha:

“If I hate the headlines,

I'll make up the headline

And I'll say anything I hafta.

'Cause at two for a penny

If I take too many

Weasel just makes me eat 'em afta!”

 “Look, they're putting up a headline!” A group sings. I look where they’s point’n and see: Trolley Strike Drags On For 3rd Week. I groan.

 “What's it say? That won't pay!” Tha rest follow.

 “They call that a headline?

I get better stories

From the copper on the beat!” We all jump ova tha fence and make our way tha tha distribution center.

 “So where's your spot?”

 “I was gonna start at twenty,

Now a dozen'll be plenty.”

 “God it's hot!”

 “Tell me, how'm I gonna make ends meet?”

 We sing togetha:

“We need a good assassination!

We need an earthquake or a war!”

 “How 'bout a crooked politician?” Snipeshooter calls.

 We all shake our heads.

“Hey, stupid- That ain't news no more!

Uptown to Grand Central Station,

Down to City Hall.

We improves our circulation

Walking 'till we fall!”

I sing along, leap’n, dropp’n, and roll’n as I do.

 “Still we'll be out there,”

 “Look, they're putting up a headline

They call that a headline?

The idiot who wrote it

​must be working for the Sun-”

 “-carrying the banner man to man!”

 -”Didja hear about the fire?

Heard it killed old man Maguire-”

 “We'll be out there,

Soaking every sucker that we can!”

 “-Heard the toll was even higher!

Why do I miss all the fun?”

 “See the headline:

Newsies on a mission!”

Kill the competition!

Sell the next edition!”

 “While we're out there-”

We break inta jump’n around tha square.

 “-Carrying the banner through it all!”

 “A mighty fine life,

Carrying the banner

​tough and tall!’

 “I was gonna start with twenty

But a dozen will be plenty

Would you tell me how'm I ever

Gonna make ends meet?”

 “See the headline,

Newsies on a mission!

Kill the competition!

Sell the next edition!

We’ll be out there, carry’n the banner in the-!”

 We all stop and look ova at Morris and Oscar Delancey, tha two guys you most neva wanna see.

“Dear me, what is that unpleasant aroma?” Race jokes, fann’n his face. “I fear tha sewer might have backed up over tha night.”

“Nah, that’s too good a smell. It must be- tha Delancy broddas!” Crutchy taunts.

“Hiya boys!”

Oscar sneers at us, then shoves Snipeshooter ta tha ground. “In the back, you lousy little shrimp!”

I grit my teeth and step up ta fight, but Jack pushes me behind him

Race shakes his head. “It ain’t good ta do that. Ain’t healthy.”

“It ain’t good ta call people shrimps, unless you’s refer’n ta tha family resemblance of yer brodda here,” Jack points ta Oscar.

“Hey, who here’s up for a bet that Cowboy can take ‘em?” Race asks around.

“I’ll take it!” I speak up.

“Well if it ain’t Kelly’s baby sista,” Oscar sneers at me.

I sneer back. “Well if it ain’t Weasel’s goon and his dumber-than-a-box-a-rocks brodda!”

He tries ta grab me, but Jack steps in between us. 

“That’s an insult!” Morris says.

“Yeah, it is.” Jack leans in his face. “And so is this!” He swipes Morris’ hat and takes off run’n, mak’n tha Delancys chase afta him and earn’n a laugh from everybody.

While Jack goes ta taunt tha Delancies, I go inside tha distribution center and hear:

“ Go! Go! Come on! Get tha lead outta yer pants! Come on! Move it! Move it!”

I walk in and smile as I look up and see tha yell’s origin. “Hey, Flix! How’s it go’n?”

“Not now, Becs! I got these numbskulls ta work with! Don’t push it- you’ll have yer papes!”

Flix deals with print’n tha papes, and I likes to annoy him wheneva I can. When I see Jack again, he’s still run’n with Morris’ hat. Typical.

I also see a pair-a newcomers, who are a bit surprised and confused ‘bout Jack’s behavior.

“What’re you doing?” Tha olda one asks when Jack runs up ta him.

Jack looks ova his shoulda, then back at tha kid. “Runn’n!”

I smile wide and run ova ta join in tha crowd watch’n Jack take on Morris:

“Go get 'em, cowboy!”

 “It's a fine life

Carrying the banner-”

 “You got 'em now, boy!”

 “It's a fine life

Carrying the banner-”

 “Go get 'em, cowboy!”

 “It's a fine life-

Carrying the banner!”

 “You got 'em now, boy!”

 “It's a fine life-

Carrying the banner

It's a-

Go!”

We all break out laugh’n and walk up ta tha distribution counter.

“Ya got ‘em, Cowboy!” Race punches Jack’s shoulda.

“You’re too kind!” Jack bows.

“You’re dead, Cowboy!” Morris remarks as he and Oscar retreat behind tha counter.

We all join up again in line. 

“Oh Mista Weasel!” Jack taunts and rings the bell.

Tha window opens, and I hear: “I told ya before, the name’s ‘Whilesel’.”

Jack skims today's pape, while Weasel grows impatient.

“Well?”

“Back off! I’m inspect’n tha moirchandise!” Jack talks back.

I lean in. “Any good today?”

“As good as any old headline- noth’n new. But we’s gonna make it woik.”

When I pass Weasel my 50 cents for my papes (very stiffly, mind ya), he says: 

“Ya know kid, you really shouldn’t be sell’n. People see a goil in guy’s clothes and they get uncomfortable. Maybe try the workhouse-”

“I paid ya my money, now give me my papes!” I pound tha counter. I’s neva gonna work in a sweatshop!

“Watch it, toots. You wouldn’t want another… reminder, would ya?”

Rats. It’s tha Delancies again. Their ‘reminder’ I got last time was a black eye that lasted a whole week!

“I’s leav’n! I’s leav’n!” I bark at ‘em. I start ta go, see’n as I’s got a while ta walk. My sell’n spot’s tha furthest away aside from Race’s.

Behind me I hear: “Didja miss me, Weasel?” I have ta smile. Jack loves ta get on his nerves!

“Good luck today, guys,” I call.

“See ya, Becs.”

Oh yeah, that’s me. Rebecca “Becs” Carlyle, tha only goil newsie resident of tha Manhattan Newsboys Lodging House. Harlem and Jersey gots a few goils, but theys ain’t so friendly. Tha only friends I’s got is tha ‘Hattan newsies, along with a few from Queens. Odda than that I’s never been outside of New York. Our leader and my big brodda, Jack, says he wants ta go ta someplace called ‘Santa Fe,’ but don’t got the money for it. That’s how dreams die: ya wake up with a slap in tha face called ‘reality’. Now we’s just give up on dreams and sell papes. It ain’t much, but it’s a liv’n, and a family-a sorts.

Alright, time to get to work.

Chapter 2 will be out soon, I promise! If you have requests, please let me know! :)

[talia-rumlow]

My Brother´s Best Friend Chapter Nine - Get your fucking hands off!

Mrs.Rumlow? Stupid ass. If it wasn’t for that fucking car, you’d be in New York tomorrow, and now… Now you’re stuck here… With him. For two fucking days. If not more. God, you should’ve found a Greyhound at that Motel. Well, too late for that now anyway. Might as well have a drink or ten in the Hotel bar. Maybe even flirt with some random dude. Get Brock out of your head for a while.

Again you hit the shower. For some reason, it’s easier to think in there. Why is he doing this? Is this just the way he is? Is he like this to everyone? You could ask Jack, but that would probably give you away. Jack is stupid, but he’s not stupid.

You take your time in the shower, washing your hair, the hotel shampoo actually smells pretty good. And they have conditioner. Good, you think to yourself. You’ll never touch your brush again. Stupid Brock, ruining just EVERYTHING! Stop fucking thinking about him, YN!

Should you shave? You decide on yes. You can never know what’s going to happen right. Maybe there actually is some decent looking guys in this Hotel. That isn’t Brock. You could try to see if he gets jealous. You’d be jealous if he found himself a girl. But then again.. You remember, he obviously doesn’t.

You search your suitcase for something that fits with drinks in a hotel bar. Jeans or dress, YN? That is the question. After thinking for a while you decide on dress. The little black one have never failed you. You put on the dress, before fixing your hair and make up. When you’re done, you take a look at yourself in the mirror. You don’t look that bad. Dark brown hair, framing your face. Your green eyes, hinting with brown here and there. You look decent enough.

You grab your purse. Check if everything is there, before you open the door. Rumlow stands outside, hand lifted, about to knock. A pair of dark denim jeans, with a black belt, resting on his hips, and a black t shirt, hugging his biceps like it was made for just that. You jump. You really didn’t expect him to stand there.

– Whoa, YN!

– What are you doing here, Brock?

He lets his hand fall down to his side.

– I was wondering if you wanted to join me downstairs. Looks like you had the same idea.

– Well. I didn’t exactly think about you when I made that choice. But I guess it’s company.

He looks you up and down. Before sending you one of his teasing smiles.

– In that outfit. I don’t think you’ll be having trouble finding company. If you know what I mean.

Great. What is he? Like your wingman? Fucking perfect!

– Get out of my way, Brock!

You start to move towards the elevator.

– Oh, come on, YN!

He catches up to you.

– OK! I promise, no more jokes.

You stop. Look at him.

– No more jokes?

– No more! I’ll play nice tonight. I promise!

He extends his hand to you. You look at it for a second, before you shake it. It’s warm and strong. Your mind wander to the magic wand. You take a breath, before you let go of his hand.

– The first joke you crack. I’m out of there. Just so you know.

– Fair enough..

He pushes the button for the elevator..

———————–

The bar is half full. It’s easy to find a place to sit down. You find a round table with two chairs by it. Typical hotel bar chairs. Red velour, and armrests that is way too high to actually rest your arms on.

– Do you want anything?

Rumlow stands up.

– Ehh.. What are you having?

– I was thinking beer. It’s been a long day, and well. I’m not gonna be driving tomorrow, so I might as well enjoy myself.

– I’ll just get what you’re having.

– A woman after my own heart…

He says when he turns around and over to the bar to order. You look after him. Was that a joke? It didn’t sound like one. He didn’t use his normal joke voice. God, YN. He was just happy he didn’t have to order you a drink that he cant pronounce. Enjoy yourself. You take a look around at the other guests. Well.. You’ll probably won’t find a guy. Maybe someone will show up later, although you doubt it.

– Here you go. They had three kinds. This is my favorite. Cheers.

He lifts his bottle up. You do the same. Before you both take a sip.

You sit there and talk for a while. Mostly about you selling the house in San Francisco, and SHIELD. You learn alot about Jacks job. It’s not like he ever told you. After you finish your third bottle. Rumlow stands up.

– I… I have to use the… ehh.. The mens room.. Be right back..

– Sure, Brock.. I’m not your babysitter. You’re free to do whatever you want.

He smiles to you. A real smile this time. None of that smirking thing happening.

– I’ll be right back.

You look after him as he walks away. His boxers slightly visible, and that body. God..

– Now what is a bleutifule lady suph as yoseff, dng heve alone?

You jump. And without realising you turn around. You’re usually pretty good at ignoring overly drunk guys. But this one caught you off guard. His stinking red wine breath hits your nostrils, and you instantly feel the need to hold your breath. You turn away from him again.

– I’m not alone!

– Idon schee nobdy!

God. He’s so drunk he can’t even talk properly. This is just your luck. Ignore him, YN. He’ll leave.

– Hey pretty lady Im tashking to yo!

You hold in the urge to hit him with one of the empty bottles on the table. Please, Brock. Come back!

– He’s in the bathroom.

You say, without turning around. Instead of leaving the guy puts a hand on your shoulder.

– Wat me to order yo drak?

Jeez. Just piss off already. You really don’t want to make a scene. But you could if you wanted to. This isn’t the first time someone has been overly friendly with you. God, Brock. Did you like drown in there or something? Just come back already.

– If noth yo can have thich!

The guy lifts his glass of red wine, before dumping it all over you. You jump up.

– Just WHAT is your problem dude!!??

The guy grabs a napkin from the table, and tries to dry the red wine off you. His hands on places you REALLY don’t want them to be.

– Hey! Get your fucking hands off!

You’re starting to get scared. You really shouldn’t be. You know how to handle yourself. You could put this guy to the ground like that. But this is a public place.

– Hey!

Rumlows voice. Finally. You don’t get to think anymore, before Rumlow stands between you and the guy.

– Just what the fuck are you doing with my wife, huh?

Your eyes widening. Wife? He actually called you his wife? Is it because of the whole Mrs. Rumlow joke?

– Shcorry, schorry!

The guy says, while raising his arms in the air. Rumlow almost blows himself up, taking another step towards the guy.

– Get lost!

Rumlow turns towards you. Look at your dress. Then he looks up at you. You look back. Then you look down on your dress. Your cleavage red from the wine. Thank god it was a black dress.

– Come on, YN. Let’s get you out of that! After that we can empty the minibar up in my room.

– Haha.. You really think I’d fall for that?

You say it kinda like a joke. But you’re unsure if he takes it like one.

– Nothing to fall for, YN! I just want you to have a good time. Come on. Let’s go back upstairs. You can take a shower and change, then Come over to my room. Sounds good?

You nod. A couple of drinks you can manage. If he’s not gonna crack jokes all the time.

Thankfully you’re alone in the elevator. Rumlow casually leaning against the wall. You stand by the other wall. Feeling the stinky red wine making your body sticky. Yak..

– Are you OK, YN?

His expression concerned.

– Yeah.. I’m cool. What a loser..

– With your looks, YN. I bet you meet a lot of them.

What? Your looks? What did he mean with that? The doors opens on your floor. You walk in front of him down the hall.

– Did I say something wrong?

Did he?

– Brock?

You say it while still walking, not turning around.

– Yes!

– Why did you say I was your wife?

You can almost see his smile, although your back is against him.

– Well, as long as we are here, you are. Discount, remember?

You turn around.

– Discount? You’d marry me for a fucking discount?

– Hey! It was a joke! Laugh a bit, YN!

– You promised me no fucking jokes. And I’m not your wife!

You reach your door, and enter your keycard.

– And who’s fault is that, YN?

– I’m not your fucking wife, Brock!

– See you in a bit.

– Don’t hold your breath!

You say, before slamming your door shut.

Why can’t he just tell you if he likes you or not?

@nekoannie-chan @late-to-the-party-81 @here4thefanfics

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