#one thing I’ve learnt is that you’ve got to ride the wave

[therootednomad]

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[luanndroid]

Guys in honor of Gerard Way’s birthday, and my creative writing teacher grading this assignment, I’m posting like the first of idk part of the story I wrote

Idk maybe if you love me enough (UwU) I’ll post part two (jk) (unless…)

Seriously feedback would be appreciated

Edit: I added the whole thing. Copied off of docs so italics and stuff didn’t translate so… idk if anyone cares I could probs just link the doc

The Bull’s Eye Flies High over Crescent Point Tonight

It was a scene all too familiar; barren, empty halls, moldy yellow lights occasionally buzzing and flickering, and the sound of shouts and shrieks in the near distance. I stared down the note my uncle had given me for the millionth time today, as if I was waiting to catch the letters rearranging. I sighed when the sound of sneakers slapping against the oddly sticky hallway echoed throughout my ears. I sprinted away through the first open door I could find, the boys’ bathroom. I huffed and slammed the stall closed by mistake, the only indication I was too loud, that plus the footsteps entering the bathroom a few seconds behind me.

I covered my mouth and immediately recoiled in disgust, the bathroom stall was exceptionally sticky, and smelly, now inhaling that through my palm. A soft yet airy chuckle sounded from the other side of the door, freezing me to my core.

“Yeah man, the bathrooms are pretty gross here,” the unidentified boy said.

I bit my tongue, not ready to even humor him with a grunt or a huff.

“Oh, sorry are you like- busy?” I laughed against my own will.

“No!” I was more tense than anything. I sighed, “I uh- could you tell me where the principal’s office is?” I was so embarrassed unlocking the stall and letting the hinges creak open.

The boy was maybe my height, short and bleached buzz cut, and seemed somehow a mix of never-leaves-the-house pale and I-spend-every-day-of-summer-tanning-for-nine-hours-straight. It could have also been his rosey cheeks, which, once I got closer, I learnt was actually just because he had been playing basketball not five minutes ago, as he put it.

“Sure, man! Are you new or somethin’?” he asked, stepping aside.

I nodded and followed him down the halls. He had terrible BO, but I could tell it wasn’t as bad as it could get. His head almost made him seem like a bobblehead in contrast to how skinny his body was, not to mention the clothes he wore seemed three times his size.

In all honesty I wished he’d stayed; once I actually got to the principal’s office I felt like I was being interrogated by the lovely Mrs. A, as she said I may call her. Her smile was as big as her forehead and as shiny as her husband’s head, at least from what I could make of the pictures and the large streak of light blocking half of it. She must have been an apex predator in her past life, or maybe she is one now.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Price. I see you’ve already met one of our students here,” her voice sounded more performative than a chasheir’s, “Never thought I’d see the day Mike helped us out around here -or make any contributions to society… Anyhoo! Here’s your schedule, if you have any questions you can always come to me,” I don’t think I’ve ever felt so preyed upon in my life. And every time I spoke to her it felt like shouting into the void, my voice echoing off the ‘feel good’ posters I thought could only fornicate in nurse’s and counselor’s offices, no doubt arriving contorted to her eardrums after being dragged through the canyon.

My uncle came to pick me up after school, thank God. I saw that Mike guy again, walking home, dragging his feet through the sludge of dirt and snow. I almost asked my uncle to ask if he needed a ride, but he beat me to it. He had a bad habit of giving total strangers a ride, but I guess we were much safer betting on a high schooler.

“Hey, kid, you need a ride?” he hollered as politely as he always did. Mike looked confused but he must have seen me in the passenger seat because he waved and nodded his head.

He mindfully hopped into the backseat and thanked my uncle, “No problem, kid, I do this all the time.”

Then he took me by surprise and said, “Hey, Chris, how’s it goin’?” Since when did he know my name?

“Uhm… it’s been good. How about you?” I lingered on my ‘h’ for too long, but he didn’t seem to mind. He began to ramble on about his day like we’d known each other for years, it was almost charming how confident he was. I ended up getting home that day with his email and home number, somehow.

I decided to actually email him that night, hoping I had made a new friend and wasn’t already becoming the next new target for my grade, but he actually got back to me after dinner, I guessed he was genuine. He mentioned some local places he frequented, some local bands he liked that were super cool, -apparently- the good diners, local venues for shows, which diner and venue workers I should get friendly with if I wanted “perks”, -whatever that meant- and so on. It felt so surreal getting to talk to someone like this, like I actually had a friend. He caught me by surprise at the end when he asked if I wanted to hang out by the old train tracks near his house, -the old train tracks- claiming it was totally safe because he “hadn’t heard a train shoot through in years.” I replied with a sure -after a few of my own detail spills- and prayed to God he was being serious.

A week went by before I got the chance to head down to the tracks which were actually behind Mike’s house, where he was already waiting for me. Even in the dim light of the area I managed to make out the swinging of his legs as he sat on a bench between his house and another tiny house I figured was either a garage or a shed. I snuck up behind him with no intention of scaring him, but he didn’t even jump. He smiled and waved at me like I wasn’t two feet in front of him and gestured for me to follow him, the way he moved reminded me of a child, his clothing supporting him even less.

“How’s Williamsburg so far?” he asked in an all too chipper tone.

“Awful,” that made him laugh, “It smells like shit, it has this permanent grey filter over everything, and everyone here is either so far up their own ass or they’re the grossest person I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting.”

He kept laughing until I laughed along with him, “Yup, home sweet home. You’ll love it here someday, trust me,” and with that he stopped and plopped himself on the ground, as did I.

There was an oddly round clearing in the woods, letting in every ounce of light the moon had to offer tonight, it was truly breathtaking.

I stared through the opening and he chuckled, “Sick, right?”

I shrugged, “I guess. It’s nothing special, but it almost makes this place worth it. Almost.”

“Yeah, wait ‘til I show you some of the CDs I have though, you’re gonna lose your mind.”

A promising offer and after a few more minutes of talking and ogling the sky he brought me into his bedroom; a dark blue square with a space themed comforter draped over his bed, bright green curtains which were pulled all the way over, letting the moonlight wash over the scattered clothing and loose toys. I almost asked if this was his little brother’s room, but I knew it wasn’t, I knew because he’d told me he only had an older sister. Or maybe this was his sister’s room, but what sense would that make? He pointed out the desk which seemed nearly invisible with the amount of CD cases and collection of records.

We sat up in his bedroom until two a.m. listening to his CDs, and like he said I lost my mind. I asked about a few of the bands as some of their records played in the background, he went on like he was reading it from a paper. Just-barely-sunrise was around the time I crawled back through the window of my bedroom with a CD from this band he seemed real passionate about, even when I told him their name was stupid he just laughed and said “that’s what everyone told them too.” I dropped the CD on my nightstand and went to bed, the thought of having officially made a new friend keeping me up for another hundred or so ticks of my clock.

…

I huffed and slammed the stall door shut, lunch was the worst part of the day. No matter how hard I tried I could never seem to find Mike, even though his hair and clothes made him stand out like a sunburn; and even though the school does the open lunch thing, I don’t have a car or any friends with a car to really go anywhere with and no amount of time spent inside the boys’ bathroom could ever make me adapt to the stench, even if I’ve been seeking refuge here for the past month. The smelliest month I hope I’ll ever endure.

“This one’s broken, what are you doing here?” Mike asked, slamming the door open and catching me off guard as he casually munched on the school lunch.

“Eating? What else would I be doing?” I replied, trying to repair my ego after getting spooked.

“Why here? It smells like shit so you’re practically eating it too,” he swallowed, “honestly you might as well have thrown yourself in the can or at least sat next to it,” he blabbered on, sauntering over by my side, seeming oblivious to how he startled me, “Also,” he swallowed once more, “you know they search the place right?”

“What are you talking about?”

“They’ll let us leave and do God knows what but the second we try to just sit in a quiet, stinky area they hunt us down. And, they’ll grab you by the ear and smack you upright in front of the whole cafeteria when they catch you,” I scoffed.

“No, it’s true! It happened to Tyler Reeds last year! He was so humiliated that he ended up skipping school for a month!”

“Bullshit.”

“No, I’m serious, man,” his eyes were wide.

I nodded and kept eating, “Why’re you in here?”

“Came looking for you. Figured you’d be here. Can’t understand why you like the bathroom so much but I guess everyone’s got their thing.”

I snorted and shoved him around, “It’s not my thing! I could never find you.”

“So you decided to eat like a fly?”

“Whatever.”

Later that day he took me to the Burger King for a shake. He said the burgers there were awful, specifically at this location and no other, but that shakes were the only reason the place was still standing and I understood why. It was like they let all the rats die around their meat stock but kept everything they used for the milkshakes in a separate building for maximum protection, at least that’s what Mike said. He also said there was a rumor that they just pay the milkshake place on the other end of the block to sell their shakes which, he said, was probably the truth. I’d believe it.

Later that night at home I laid in bed with my new CD on repeat; it was awesome, maybe even the best thing I’ve ever heard. When I told him about it the next day at lunch he straight up invited me to go see them next weekend and of course I said yes. He went on about the venue, how the place was technically a bar and that we weren’t exactly allowed in there, but as long as we kept our heads down and came in by a crowd we should be okay. It felt like a lot of instructions for a simple show but I was excited nonetheless so I didn’t really think about it. Then, as I was shuffling into chemistry, I heard my name over the loudspeaker; demanding I report to the principal’s office immediately.

I regretfully sat down before Mrs. A once again, greeting me with a devilishly blinding white grin. I felt like the rabbit just waiting to be swallowed whole by the owl which stalks.

“Well, you must know why you’re down here again, right?” I shook my head, I couldn’t tell if that made her frown or glow, “Well, I’ll have you know, I’ve been hearing some… unsavory rumors about you, Mr. Price,” I felt my heart stop.

“I want to know if they’re true now.”

“What?”

“The rumors,” she sneered so condescendingly.

“Yeah… what are they about?”

“You!” It was like she was trying to suck out my soul.

“I- I don’t know what the rumors are about, I didn’t even know there were any rumors,” she cackled like a mad woman.

“Don’t play this game with me young man, just tell me the truth.”

I didn’t get to leave her office until school let out. I stumbled out along with everyone else, ignoring Mike as he waved me over. I crumbled into the back seat of my uncle’s car, unable to look him in the eyes, let alone listen to his voice which felt like I was smothering my ears in creamy peanut butter, making my stomach churn and my head feel seconds away from exploding.

“Chris?” his voice echoed up the stairs and down the hall, “Hey, I was thinking about ordering pizza for tonight, you in?” I curled up in bed even tighter, biting my cheeks as I heard his weight pressure each step as he climbed his way up, “Buddy?”

I yanked the covers over my face and squeezed my eyes shut, “Chris,” I felt a dip in my mattress, “your principal told me what she said to you,” I clenched my fists.

He was quiet for a long time and I wished he had just disappeared into the silence, but he didn’t. His body simply refused to give in to the canyon.

A knock on the front door broke the silence anyway, sending him away only to return seconds later with the words, “It’s for you”. I crawled out of bed and stared down the staircase just barely able to recognize the boy standing inside the doorframe, since when had Mike known my address?

He was quiet as I came down, he didn’t even make an attempt to talk to me once I was in arm's reach, he just grabbed onto me and took me out to his dad’s truck, waving my uncle goodbye for me. It felt like he nearly threw me into the passenger seat as I tugged my seatbelt on, being pushed back by the force of the moving truck before I heard it click. Even my mouth felt too numb to yelp when he slammed his foot on the brakes abruptly. Then he sighed.

“What’s wrong?” he asked; I shook my head.

“I don’t know either, man,” he huffed, flooring it again but this time releasing his weight off the accelerator to avoid an accident, “Anyway, I hope you’re hungry.”

He pulled up to this diner and dragged me in like a stubborn dog on a leash. He sat me down in a booth behind this group of guys, but they all waved at us, inviting us to sit with them. We slid into the booth next to them, making sure I stayed on the outside. A waitress came up and took our orders and I was finally able to punch my words out of my throat, ordering a sandwich then holding my breath.

Eventually I felt Mike poke my shoulder, “Dude, are you feeling okay? I heard you mumbling like… what- what’s up with that?”

I looked up at the huddle of guys I hadn’t seen around, they looked like they’d heard it too, “What was I saying?” I mumbled back.

“You’re just mumbling. I- I think I heard something about lying, or the sun. You were pretty loud though, I almost thought you were possessed,” he laughed.

I smiled along with the other guys, “I’m fine,”

“Yeah? You think someone who had to spend four hours with Mrs. A is fine?” I laughed this time and so did another guy, I guess I should have known him.

“She uh- she just had to tell me something.”

“For four hours?”

I leaned in and whispered as though we were playing a game of telephone, I almost expected Mike to lean over to the guy next to him and whisper what he believed I had told him. Instead he looked at me with concern, I didn’t want that, I wanted a bright smile or a goddamned game of telephone.

He stared at me with his frosty gaze, his eyes weren’t even blue yet they seemed as pale as the spider webs left in the corner of the ceiling everyone seemed to ignore. I felt him pat my back and tug me closer, ringing out a little squeak from me. I saw the way the other guys looked at us and so did he; he’d barely looked up but I nodded without needing him to ask, I watched as he began whispering the news into the ear of the boy next to him, and so on. I’m sure they felt real good knowing this guy they hardly knew was going as quickly as he came, they were quiet until our food came and when it did it became a distraction for me, pulling me from the near uncomfortable silence that I bestowed unto the group. I kept telling myself how good my sandwich was when in reality it was just as remarkable as any other grilled cheese I’d ever had, maybe I thought that referring to it as a ‘proper’ sandwich would make me think differently somehow.

Once the veil of pity was lifted I actually got to talk with the guys, turns out they’re in some band and Mike used to be part of it, but he quit because, “Linc was the better singer”.

They went on about the band some more, the longer they talked the cooler they’d sound. We didn’t leave that diner until closing, or what was normally closing time. Mike said that the diner usually closes around four but that was only if there were any huge local shows going on in the area; making it worth the time for the lady who usually ran the place after ten, according to Mike at least.

I didn’t get to talk to my uncle when I got home, I just went to my room and laid in bed until I got an email from Mike telling me some more about the guys and actually giving a name to the face. Attached to the email was a group photo of them back when he was still a part of the band. My jaw actually dropped when I saw Mike’s hair before he started buzzing it; he had these long, light curls. I think he still bleached back then, unless he was just born with platinum blonde hair. I told him how cool his hair was and thanked him for taking me to the diner. As I curled back up into bed I could have sworn I heard the faint blare of a train horn.

…

Tonight, I awoke to a tapping at my window. The weekend finally came, not this weekend, the next weekend. The weekend Mike and I were going to sneak out and go see that band he liked so much. I slinked out of my window and into the bush below, causing Mike to laugh when I hurt myself. He helped me up and then we ran. The truck would have made too much noise, likewise if I had tried to leave through the front door, but even if our movements had been soundproofed our giggling surely would have gotten us caught.

The show, like everything else Mike promised, was fucking awsome. The dudes were yelling, one guy was kicking the drum kit, the singer was swinging the microphone around every time he screamed, the guitarist even smashed his guitar once they were through. I was jumping and shaking the whole time, we couldn’t have been more than five feet away from them the whole time. At some point the singer grabbed me and started shouting in my face, I was pretty sure I knew what he was saying so I screamed it right back. The dude gave one of those affirming nods and patted my shoulder like I had done good. I shook Mike once he got us out of the bar, he laughed and shook me back.

“That was fucking awesome!” I shrieked.

“Told ya,” he chuckled, guiding me back up the road, but instead of turning right to get back home or even straight ahead to go back to that diner, we went left, back to school.

“What are we doing here?”

“A little something I’ve been doing for a while now, just a way to blow off some steam after a show like that,” he spoke so casually, the way your parents would always tell you drug dealers would when courting you.

He dashed out to the woods off to the side, picking up a duffle bag and running back. For a second I thought I was about to get peer pressured into buying a pound of coke, but instead of pulling out a flour bag of drugs he pulled out a spray can, which I couldn’t decide was more or less cliche.

“Here,” he tossed me a can, “just go wild, the janitors usually clean this up.”

“Don’t schools have cameras?”

“Not this one. Not since the fire,” he shook his can and began doodling mindlessly, his ethics never stopped swerving my understanding of his head.

“How many things has this damn school been through?” I asked, copying his acts with immense trust.

“A lot, or maybe it’s all made up. People just say things about this place, you know? I believe it… mostly,”

I laughed, “What’s the wildest rumor about this school then?”

“That Principal Amity slept with one of the seniors at the first high school she worked at and got pregnant with his child so she had to transfer and that’s why she’s here now.”

I scoffed as I rattled my can again, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Mike shrugged, a gleeful grin tugging on his lips, “Some say she only transferred so she could be with that kid without risk and that she’s even married to him.”

“Then who’s that bald guy on her desk?”

“The people who believe it say it’s actually her dad or brother since they look pretty similar, but I don’t think it’s true.”

“Geez,” I huffed, shaking my can again as I finished the details on the windmill I’d been doodling, “what about the tamest rumor?”

“That you’re hella gullible,” he giggled before aiming his can at me, no doubt getting some paint on my clothes.

“No fair, man. Who said I believe any of it?” I retorted, spraying him back.

He laughed and nudged me playfully, “I’m just messing with ya. I’d say the tamest rumor is that Mandy Till, the girl in the back of our history class, stuffs her bra and panties.”

“What?!” I laughed at the sheer absurdity of the rumor, “What does that even mean?”

“I don’t know. My ex-girlfriend told me she thinks she uses pads for her butt and toilet paper for her boobs,” I laughed again and he did too.

“That’s stupid.”

“A lot of things here are stupid. Keeps the time passing and the smiles big,” he looked up and saw my clueless expression, “It’s something my dad told me, I don’t really get it either but it makes the old folks around here nod so I just assume it makes sense.”

Come Monday and this time I actually found Mike during lunch, I sat next to him and a few of his friends including the one guy I met at the diner who’s name also turned out to be Chris.

“So, I heard what Mrs. A told you…” he spoke as if it were juicy gossip, “I still don’t get it. Like, why would your aunt need to take you away when you live with your dad already?”

“I don’t, he’s my uncle,” that made him get real quiet.

“Oh. I’m sorry, man, I didn’t know your parents were… you know,” that made me laugh.

“Dude, my parents aren’t dead, I just live with my uncle.”

Now Chris and Mike looked at me confused, “But, why?” Mike asked.

I shrugged, “It’s just the way it’s always been and I like it that way,” and that to them seemed good enough.

“But then, why would your aunt want to take you from your uncle?”

I shrugged, “Apparently he’s not a ‘legal guardian’, so I guess that means anyone who has legal guardianship over me could take me away any day. At least that’s what Mrs. A made it sound like.”

“That’s stupid, he’s still your uncle, it’s not like he’s some strange man,” Mike remarked.

I was quiet for a second, “Well… Mrs. A thinks, at least, that he’s my dad’s brother-in-law, not his brother. But I don’t know why she’d tell me that if it’s not true.”

“She’s a sadist man, I’m telling you. She has that evil smile and those big ass teeth that look like she’d tear you apart in seconds, she can’t be human,” that made me laugh.

“Then what is she, a werewolf?” apparently so, according to Chris.

“You’re crazy dude, werewolves don’t exist,” Mike teased, “but vampires do,” I laughed harder and so did they.

We laughed until the bell rang to remind us that lunch was over, as we all shuffled out of the cafeteria I felt a hand grab my shoulder and pull me aside. Before I could make any sound to indicate my involuntary kidnapping I realized it was Mrs. A which made my heart twist. She looked so serious like she had heard what we were saying about her, I felt her grip tighten as her frown produced the most wrinkles I’ve ever seen on such an otherwise smooth face.

“Chris Price, you’re coming with me to my office immediately,” I couldn’t figure out why she had to announce that, like I couldn’t tell based on who she was, but I followed her anyway with my tail tucked between my legs.

I sat down and felt my legs tremble, ready to give out just as I sat down. I looked at her desk and saw a spray can, a fucking spray can, I couldn’t imagine a better way to get caught than self-incrimination . Especially when getting away was as easy as throwing your trash away.

“Explain, now,” she demanded.

“Explain what? I- it’s a can.”

“With your fingerprints on it!” I wasn’t even ready to ask how she ‘knew’ that. For all I knew it wasn’t even ours but in fact just another random trespasser’s, I didn’t even know what color I had had and, just like Mike said, it was gone this morning.

I held my tongue and she huffed, pinching the bridge of her nose, shaking her head, “Look, I like you, Chris. I don’t want to be the bad guy, the… mean old principal who picks on the new kid or gives him a hard time ‘cause he’s less fortunate than me,” that gave me pause, “but, I can’t let this slide. If this happens again I’m going to have to get the authorities involved, as well as your aunt. Now, get back to class,” how could I argue with that?

I sat down in the back of the class like I always did, though this time I didn’t pay attention. Instead I wrote away Mr. Steele’s voice until the bell rang. It caught me off guard but I moved on, doing the same in Ms. Clyde’s and Mrs. Phillips’ class, without any regard for what I’d need to know, especially for Ms. Clyde’s class. For once my struggles with French were meaningless to me and my future.

That night my uncle sat outside with me on the patio, he tossed me a beer and still gave me that hush and wink as if anyone would have been there to stop me or put him under arrest. I heard him crack his open and I did the same as he opened his mouth.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it but… I think I owe you an explanation.”

I shook my head, “I don’t think you owe me anything.”

That brought a smile to his face and he patted my shoulder, “Well, how about I give you someone to blame?”

“Sure,” I hummed, taking a light sip of my beer.

“So, I’m not really related to your mom or your dad. I was your dad’s best friend and best man at his wedding, but your mother absolutely hated me, couldn’t tell you what for. Your mom, as harsh as it sounds, didn’t want to be a mother. But your dad did, and I did too. So, she agreed to have you on the condition that she got to travel the world with your dad and leave you with her sister. Your dad said yes but, obviously, he gave you to me. I think it was the best decision he’s ever made Chris, and you can quote me on that too,” he made me smile the way he talked about my parents, even if it meant my mom never wanted me and I was only here now because my dad lied to her about who would raise me.

“So, how’d she find out I wasn’t with my aunt? If it took this long, why even bother?”

He chuckled, making his beer slosh around the can ever so slightly, “That’s your uncle’s doing. Your dad may not have liked your aunt but she didn’t like him either. What I was told was that he was paying her a certain amount to keep up the facade. I guess your dad must have stopped paying because I got a call from him the day your principal told you, he told me to sit you down and break it to you slowly that you’d be moving out at the end of April.”

My heart sank a little hearing that. That was news to me, terrible news. He must have sensed my dread and kept his mouth shut. We sat there until both our cans were empty.

“I’ll tell you this,” his voice jolted me up right, bringing me back from the silence, “you’re close to seventeen, meaning you’ll be eighteen in a short while. I tell you what, a year from now, you run away. I promise you if you don’t get caught and don’t stop running, you’ll get back here. You’d be eighteen by then, they can’t bring you back when you’re an adult. Unless they make a new rule about that, but I don’t see that changing any time soon. Alright?”

I nodded werily, “I’ll miss you Chris. I’ll miss my favorite son.”

The next few days at school were fine, albeit the most empty and hollow days of my life. Monday came and Mike pulled me out after second period, ditching school like it was nothing, but I knew it was. I told him about the spary can thing Mrs. A was so pissed about, he laughed tiredly and told me she did that a lot but that he didn’t know why. He assured me that her husband, whoever that may be, was not able to dust for fingerprints. Even though she didn’t tell me that he said she’s told a few other students he could.

He brought me back to his place and we hopped into his truck, driving aimlessly while blaring music the whole way. We parked atop a hill and climbed into the truck bed. I told him about the conversation I had with my uncle, how he called me his favorite son and how he got me thinking more than I wish I was.

“I get him. If I raised my friend’s kid their whole life I’d call him my son too. He’s practically your dad anyway.”

“I guess. I still see him as uncle Darren, I guess he had father-like qualities to him… but I don’t think I’d ever call him dad.”

He paused, staring at the pale white sky as the sun hid behind the clouds, “I bet that’d really hurt to hear.”

I stiffened and sat upright, “How so?”

“I mean, he’s loving someone who doesn’t love him back. That’s gut clenching.”

“Yeah… but why take it so personally? I’m not even his nephew.”

He shook his head and tugged on his shorts, if he stood with his legs together it’d look like one weird, long, athletic skirt. His shirt ran a similar catwalk in that if he stood and angled himself the right way, it’d appear to be an odd looking mini dress. I noticed how his buzz seemed to have outgrown his head, reminding me of my own need for a haircut as my locks now brushed my shoulders ever so softly.

When we got back to his place he parked the truck so that the bed would face the tracks. We climbed inside again and yelled at a passing train.

“I thought you said the train stopped running.”

“It did… it must have started up some time ago, don’t know why,” he scooted closer to my side, despite the spring being more forgiving at night Mike still seemed about as able to store heat as wooden plank, he must have been freezing.

He pulled his knees up to his chest and laid his head on my shoulder, I rested my head on his, for once being able to stand such closeness from someone else. We fell asleep by accident, the 2:10 a.m. train serving as our alarm. Mike yawned as did I, we realized his dad, or maybe even his sister, had come by and draped a blanket over us. Mike wore the blanket like a cloak as he walked me back home for the last time. We stopped at the front door, without a second thought about being discreet or quiet.

“I’m gonna miss you, man. You were a riot to be around, and… sorry about Mrs. A being a bitch.”

He never failed to make me chuckle, “It’s fine. I’ll miss you too, but I'll never forget you. I’ll keep that CD you gave me until the day I die, and never let go.”

He gave me an odd smile before pulling me into a hug, he held me tighter than I held him. He patted my back one final time before heading back home, I waved him goodbye and went to bed.

I spent the next night snuggled up on the couch with my uncle watching all our favorite movies and a few of our least favorites to poke fun at, anything to take our minds off the inevitable.

“I’m really gonna miss you, Chris, but remember what I told you,” I nodded.

We kept watching movies until one in the morning. Then he patted me on the back and said I should get to bed. I nodded and gave him a hug, squeezing the fat around his spine tightly. He hugged back for too long but I refused to let him go, but when he did I marched up to my room to finish packing up. I tied up what few CDs I had into a drawstring bag, shoved the last of my shirts into my backpack and checked my desktop once more.

No new messages.

I grabbed the CD Mike had given me and slumped out of my window again, carefully following my tracks back to Mike’s house; just in time to feel the rumbling hiss of the rattlesnake tracks, just in time to hear the final howl of the weretrain for the night, just in time to save my favorite record from total destruction.

Everything felt like a panel of a beat board; I woke up with the sheets halfway off my bed, I changed my clothes, I sat down to eat my cereal, I watched dad stand at the front door, then by the phone to wait for the cops, then me standing out on the porch with my undigested breakfast yakked up all over the boards, my shirt, and my pants. Before I could even let dad tell me off about cleaning myself up or going out there when he had said not to or getting back to bed to rest I ran out there, I knew what had happened.

I found white dust which looked like bones, pink snot I thought were organs, and blood. Too. Much. Blood. Then I found it. My Bill’s Eye CD, the one I gave away some time ago. It was thrown all the way against our shed, his hand still holding it tight, only held still by the crusty blood I knew had stained the CD itself. Come to think of it I think I saw an eye smooshed between the rails, I threw up over it and grabbed the CD. I didn’t even bother with the hand, I just tried to ignore how it still felt warm. That night I think I fell asleep in dad’s lap, I don’t think I’ve done that since mom left when I was eight.

I didn’t go to school that day. I didn’t come back until spring break was over, but by then I learnt Mrs. A didn’t care enough to make some grand announcement, instead just posting it on the bulletin board outside the main office, the one that no one ever read. Dad didn’t go to work for a week because of me, I told him not to but he continued. I missed the funeral too, not that I thought I’d be invited. My sister says I would have cried like a baby anyway.

I ended up keeping the hand. I begged my dad and he finally let me stuff it; I never told anyone about it because I knew the looks I would get. My sister says it’s gross but that it reminds her of her best friend Kelsey Brooks who stuffed her pet dog when he died, but I’m sure you would have thought it was the sickest thing ever. I still look at the scene every day and every night, sometimes I sit in the curve and trace the dried blood with my eyes. On the nights I feel like talking to you I sit out there and talk to the blood moon, I dreamt once that you knew what that meant and my memory was gone, I woke up that day thinking it was true.

[kuroopaisen]

distractions || kuroo tetsurou

➵ you’re determined to distract your boyfriend from his uni work. you’ve got a foolproof plan as to how. 

wc: 2k

warnings: f!reader, 18+, established relationship, unprotected sex (mentions of birth control), cursing

a/n: kuroo brainrot. that’s all. 

One of Kuroo’s hands lies on the inside of your thigh, his fingers running over the skin slowly. He seems totally unaware of the effect he’s having, scrolling through page after page of some bullshit about ‘breaking even’ and ‘sunk cost fallacies’.

That holds absolutely no interest for you. Not when something significantly more exciting is on your mind.

You glare at him from the corner of your eye.

It doesn’t help that he’s just sitting there, looking hot as ever in red sweatpants and a loose black shirt.

You’d initially thought, perhaps, that he’d be teasing you for wearing nothing but one of his shirts. It’s one of his, a ratty old black shirt that he’s said that you look both aggravatingly cute and unfairly hot in.

But he’s been staring at his damned laptop for the past hour, only taking a break to get up and pee.

You’d had nothing to do except absent-mindedly scroll your phone for that duration. Sure, you could’ve done some uni work, or perhaps even done something ‘fun’ for a hobby.

But you hadn’t felt like it. So you didn’t.

And now you’re horny.

You sigh, crossing your legs in an X-shape. It hikes up a little around your thighs; something that usually captures your boyfriend’s attention with ease.

He’s not paying attention.

An idea pops into your mind. Something that Kuroo would absolutely be down for. And something you’d wanted to try for a while now.

You scoff, propping yourself up on your knees. Kuroo still takes no notice.

“Tetsu?”

“Mhm?”

You grab his laptop, closing the lid and placing it on the bedside table.

“Hey!” Kuroo chuckles, raising an eyebrow at you. “What’re you doing?”

“I want to ride you.”

At those words you straddle him, settling yourself comfortably on his lap and slipping your hands under his shirt.

He blinks at you for a few seconds, eyes wide and round. But in true Kuroo fashion, that surprised expression melts into one of smug satisfaction.

He takes his shirt off and tosses it aside.

“I’m usually the one on top,” he chuckles, smoothing his hands over your outer thighs.

“And?” You hum, pressing a kiss to his neck. He hums in response, one hand moving down to grab your ass.

“I don’t know if you have the stamina,” he grins.

“I’ve put up with you for this long,” you smirk, your lips moving down his neck. “That’s got to count for something.”

He laughs at that, letting his eyes flutter shut as you begin to nip at the skin on his collarbone. You know what he’s like – he wears his hickeys proudly, so long as they can be hidden from his professors.

“What’s brought this on?” He asks, his voice beginning to roughen.

You raise your head to glare at him. “Really? You have no idea?”

He tilts his head at you, genuine confusion clouding his eyes.

“You’ve been fondling my thighs all morning,” you huff, glaring at him.

Kuroo cackles, lifting a hand to smooth over your cheek. “Sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t even notice.”

“You didn’t even notice?!”

“I was studying,” he grins.

“So, what? You were just fondling them for emotional support?”

“Sounds about right.”

“I hate you.”

“You just said you wanted to, and I quote, ‘ride me,’” he smirks. “Or is hate sex something you’re into? You never told me about that kin—”

“Shut up,” you mumble, pressing your lips against his.

He complies.

You grind against him, earning a soft moan from the back of his throat.

His dick’s already beginning to harden up. Your heart speeds up at that realisation. Even now, the fact that you’re the one who turns him on so easily makes you all flustered.

He kisses you again, deep and hot and hungry.

You keep grinding against him, letting a few gasps and moans escape your own mouth. His hands slip down to your ass, pulling you closer to him. You yelp, wrapping your legs around his waist.

Oh, fuck.

He’s so close to you, so hard, so ready.

If you wait any longer you’re going to lose your damn mind.

Your lips brush against his ear as you smirk. “Tetsu,” you moaned quietly. “I need you inside me now.”

He gulps, his grip tightening on your ass. “Do you want me to get a condom, or…”

“It’s fine,” you breath, shaking your head. You’ve been on birth control for the past few months.

His face lights up and you can swear his eyes start sparkling.

You laugh, bringing your hands up to cup his face. “That excited, huh?”

He grins. “You aren’t?”

He’s teasing, but there’s something you can only describe as ‘eager reverence’ in his eyes.

The next few moments are spent trying to get him out of his sweatpants; you’re leaning this way and that, he’s trying to wriggle out of those blasted trousers without having to get off the bed.

Somehow, he manages to get everything off, his dick bright red as it springs up.

An ache pulses in your abdomen as you look at it. You’d learnt very quickly that you had to take things slow with Kuroo – he’s big, after all.

But you’re both eager.

Your remember that as you position yourself over his cock and start to sink onto it.

“Fuck,” you breath, grasping at his shoulders. “You’re so big.”

You shudder as you settle down on his length, letting his cock stretch you out.

He grins. Even he’s a sucker for praise. “Yeah?”

You nod, adjusting yourself on his lap. He takes a sharp breath at that, grasping at your ass again.

“You alright?” You chuckle, knowing full well what that noise means.

“You’re so warm,” he mumbles, kissing your neck. “And tight.”

You grin, leaning your head back to give him better access. “Can I move?”

“Mhm,” he sighs, teeth grazing the base of your neck.  

You shift again, pressing your pelvis closer to his. Your knees are propped to either side of his thighs, holding you up.

You set a solid pace, this new position allowing you to rub your clit against him as you ride his cock. Kuroo’s head lolls back for a moment, his eyes closed and lips slightly parted.

You take a moment to admire his body for a moment – taut, tanned, muscular.

His golden-brown eyes flutter open, darkening in a now familiar way. You smile at him, running your hands over his chest.

“Get this off,” Kuroo growls, tugging on the hem of your shirt. “I want to see all of you.”

You blush, but you tear it off your body as quick as you could while continuing your movements. You settle your hands on his shoulders again, gripping into them tightly in an attempt to ground yourself.

Kuroo runs his hands over your hips, up your waist, over your boobs. Your skin tingles under his touch, making you shiver.

“I love your body,” he breaths, thrusting up into you instinctively.

You gasp as he goes deeper, clenching around him as your cheeks redden at his words.

“Shit, sorry,” he chuckles.

“It’s fine,” you gasp, “it’s good.”

There’s an unrelenting ache in your thighs, but you don’t want to stop.

One of Kuroo’s hands slinks between the two of you, seeking out your clit. You gasp at the sensation of his thumb pressing roughly against your clit, rubbing in coarse, haphazard circles.

“You alright?” He grins, voice deep and laden with lust.

“Feels so good,” you breath, rutting against him.

He makes a noise not unlike a growl.

“Are you gonna cum?” You can hear the pride in his voice. He loves making you cum, and he loves feeling you cum on his dick most of all.

“I-I think so,” you shudder, your thighs burning from the amount of work they’ve done today.

“Then cum for me,” he growls in your ear.

You moan, digging your nails into his shoulders.

“I want to feel you cum around my cock,” he growls.

“Fuck, Tetsu,” you breathe. “You feel so fucking good.”

He chuckles, tilting his chin up so his lips could meet yours in a sloppy, open-mouthed kiss. You sigh into the warmth, the coil in your stomach tightens.  

“I love being inside you,” he mumbles against your lips. “Fuck, baby, you…”

You let yourself go. “Don’t stop,” you gasp, “please, don’t stop.”

Warmth spreads through your body, a pulsing wave of pleasure that makes you dig your nails into his shoulders.

You moan, deep and long and honest. Everything feels all floaty for a moment, and yet your limbs feel so heavy. You collapse against him, your head falling onto his shoulder.

Kuroo understands immediately. He’s familiar with the look you’d just had on your face, after all.

He cups your head, his other hand grabbing your ass. He pulls you close, making your breath hitch in your throat. He thrusts up into you a couple of times, before flipping you over gently.

You yelp in surprise but lift your pelvis up as best you could.

He’s on top now, fucking you with his usual voracity. He never means to be rough, and you’re not even sure if what’s happening right now qualifies as ‘rough sex’. But his thrusts are deep, fast, hungry.

You know it’s because he’s been holding back, because you know he always tries to make sure you finish first. But he wants you – wants to be close to you like this, to let himself lose control with you.

You want that, too. Knowing you’re the one to make him lose his damn mind? Fuck, that’s hot.

He’s hot. And he’s bare inside of you. The thought alone is almost enough to make you cum again.

“Tetsu,” you moan, clenching around his dick. “Tetsu, I want you to cum in me.”

“Holy shit,” he hisses. “Fuck, are you sure?”

“Please,” you beg, “I want to feel you.”  

“Fucking hell,” he groans, burying his face in your neck. His pace speeds up, hungry and desperate. You know exactly what that means.

A few more rough, sloppy thrusts and he lets out a long, deep moan. God, what a beautiful sound.

His dick pulses against your walls as he reaches his high, chasing it with a sharp, shallow strokes.

A few more moments of thrusting and moaning and he slows to a stop, hot breath fanning over your next.

He lifts his head up to look at you, a slight tremble in his arms.

“Guess I always come out on top,” he grins.

You stare at him for a moment, a horrible realisation settling over you. “Was that… a pun?”

“I’ll never tell.”

“Get out?”

“Of you?”

“Of my house.”

“Uh, I think you mean our hou—”

“Nope. You’ve lost your privileges.”

He chuckles, pulling out of you with a contented sigh. “We should do that more often.”

“Sex?” You ask, tilting your head at him. “Or me on top?”

“Both,” he answers instantly, kissing your forehead. “Definitely both.”

“You sure?” You giggle. “I thought you always ‘come out’ on top.”

“I don’t think you understand just how hot that was,” he grins. “Also, fuck.”

You blink at him, following his gaze down your body.

Oh.

You can feel his cum dribbling out of you. You realise, not without a hint of frustration, that it might stain the sheets.

“You should probably have a shower,” Kuroo teases.

“It’s your fault,” you mumble, sitting up straight.

“Hey, you begged me to do it,” he grins, leaning in close to you.

Your cheeks flush. He wasn’t wrong.

Kuroo cackles. You punch him in the chest lightly even though you know such a move is futile. He grabs your fist playfully, tugging you towards him. You comply, wrapping your free arm around his neck and pressing yourself against his chest.

Bare chest to bare chest. Something about that almost feels as intimate as what you’d just done. Almost.

He lets your hand go, bringing one of his own up to cup your face.

Kuroo gazes at you for a moment, a soft smile on his face. “Thanks for trusting me.”

You know what he’s talking about immediately.

“We’re dating,” you giggle. “And we have been for a while.”

“I know, but…” He chuckles, shaking his head. “I love you.”

You smile, your heart hammering in your chest. “I love you, too.”

He kisses you again, surprisingly chaste.

“But,” you grin, running a hand through his hair, “we should probably have a shower.”

[blu-joons]

Law Of The Jungle ~ Lee Gikwang

The moment you stepped into the airport, noticing a swarm of crew waiting to greet you, you knew there was no turning back. With a smile on your face, you made your way over, being met by the producer of the episode who introduced you to each member of staff.

“And this is Gikwang,” he announced, introducing you to the last famous face you’d be appearing on the show with. “He’s a part of Highlight, I’m sure you’ll have heard a few of his songs on the radio.”

Of course,” you smiled, waving goodbye to the producer before looking across to Gikwang who stood before you. “Please tell me you’re as nervous as I am about what sort of things are about to be thrown our way?”

His head nodded, “I thought it was just me, I’m terrified.”

“Definitely not, who knows what’s about to happen.”

A quiet chuckle came from him as you told Gikwang about yourself, surprised when he informed you that he had in fact heard your name before. The two of you stayed alongside each other as you waited to be called to the terminal and head off to the island you’d be filming on.

Walking down the middle of the plane, you were unsurprised your seat sat right next to Gikwang who was already waiting to fly. “Don’t worry, I’ve heard the flying is the easy part, it’s what comes after that you should worry about.”

“You really know how to make someone feel better.”

Gikwang smiled back at you, moving his phone off the seat that was yours, making plenty of room for you to take a seat. You kept a small distance between you both as you put your seatbelt on, looking past his figure so that you could get a good look out of the window.

“It’s been a while since I left Korea, that’s why I came, for the adventure really.”

“That’s nice,” you smiled back at him, “my manager told me it would be good for my career, I think the contract was signed before I even had a chance to look over it.”

“That’s the business for you,” Gikwang acknowledged, making himself comfortable too, “don’t worry, I’ll look after you over the past few days, your company might stitch you up, but I won’t.”

Your head nodded, bowing gently down to him, “I appreciate that, but I’m sure I can handle myself. My company must see something in me to put me forwards to be on the show.”

“Profit, that all it ever is, I’ve learnt that the hard way, but you get used to it.”

You sat and listened to much of Gikwang’s advice during the plane journey, hearing the ins and outs of his career and all the experiences he’d had. Some of his stories were incredibly insightful for you, although you’d heard plenty about Highlight before, there were so many details about their careers that you’d never found out about until now.

The two of you were so lost in your conversation, you barely noticed that the plane had landed, as the members of crew began to file out, making sure that all of the stars of the show followed behind them, keeping them safe from everyone.

“I can’t remember the last time I was able to walk out from an airport without fans waiting for me.”

“I reckon it won’t take long before people know that we’re here,” you replied back to Gikwang.

His head quickly nodded in agreement, letting you walk ahead of him as you stepped off the plane, gasping at the heat that struck you. Whilst you’d been told to prepare for warmer climates, you never expected one as warm as the one you walked into.

“Still feeling like this is a good idea?” Gikwang questioned, quickly taking of his jacket as he too tried to combat the sweltering heat. “We’ll have fun and get a good tan if nothing else.”

Your stomach was already sore with laughter from the plane ride with Gikwang, as another chuckle escaped from you, you clutched onto your side to try and keep yourself together. You’d never met someone who could make you laugh quite as much as him.

“If I’m not paired up with you, I think I’m going to be screwed you know,” you informed him as you walked towards the airport to grab your luggage.

His eyes looked back to you with a wide smile, “don’t worry, I’ve done this show before, I’m practically family. If I ask nicely enough, I’ll stick by your side.”

You remembered seeing a couple of the other Highlight members on the show before, slightly kicking yourself for missing out on Gikwang’s episode and not finding out about him sooner.

In just a matter of hours, you could tell you were going to be well looked after by him, and even if something terrible came your way, he was going to do his best to look after you.

“Are you coming?” A voice suddenly called out, unaware that you’d found yourself lost in your thoughts, quickly catching up with the man in front of you.

Your hand nervously scratched the top of your back, “sorry, I guess I was just trying to figure out what sort of things we could be doing in a place like this,” you lied.

“I wouldn’t try, whatever you think, I can guarantee we’ll end up doing the complete opposite,” he smiled, “this is exactly how these programmes work, I thought your company would’ve told you that.”

When your head shook back at him, Gikwang wasn’t surprised. He could tell from the very start that you’d been thrown in at the deep end by your company, feeling guilty for you, even if it was no fault of his own. He couldn’t stand by and let you drown though in amongst the others who were known variety stars, opting to take you under his wing.

You managed to keep up with his pace all the way through to baggage collection, waiting patiently for yours to arrive. “I remember last time I did this show, one of the women brought a huge suitcase, anyone would think she was staying for three weeks.”

“Really?” You squeaked, suddenly feeling your heart begin to race, “it would be stupid to back too much, but I guess it’s better to be too prepared than not prepared enough.”

“She’d bought first aid kits and everything, anyone would think we didn’t have a medical team on standby for those types of situations,” he chuckled.

Your head nodded as the travelator began to turn, feeling your cheeks flush red as a huge case came dropping down, carefully taking a few steps forwards and lifting up, unable to quite bring yourself to look across to Gikwang beside you.

“You’re one of those people, aren’t you?” He laughed, rolling his eyes at how tall your suitcase was as you stood it beside you. “Please tell me you’ve not got a first aid kit lying around in there too?”

“Oh, no,” you sniggered, “I’m not that bad, just bad enough that I’ve got five pairs of underwear in the top pocket for emergencies.”

“You really think that will help you in an emergency?”

Your head nodded, reluctantly tilting your head up to look at him, “like I said, better to be too prepared than not prepared enough, don’t you think?”

“Don’t worry, you’re prepared and safe with me.”

---

Masterlist

[guessimwritingficsagain]

Delightful, chapter Two (Javier Peña x reader)

Pairing : Javier Peña x reader

Warnings : heavy drinking

Author’s note : This is going to be longer than I expected.

You were both silent in the car, except for the indications you occasionally gave him. Except you hadn’t been lying about the fact that you lived very close to the bar : the whole ride lasted about two minutes.

That didn’t deter Peña, though, who kept showing up when he could, and when he couldn’t he just sent someone else. Steve Murphy (you’d finally learnt his name) looked very happy to have to come here at two in the morning for a two-minute drive.

‘Is he bribing you ?’ You asked him once.

‘He’s doing all my paperwork for three months.’ He answered with good humour.

Which, shit, that wasn’t the answer you’d expected. It’d probably shown, because Steve softened and added :

‘Indulge him. He’s seen some shit, people he knew at the wrong place at the wrong time. He cares a lot.’

You nodded.

Next night was a slow one, and when a costumer, a really good looking one at that, got really flirty with you, you flirted right back - well, to the best of your abilities anyway, you were more than rusty in that department. It seemed to be enough for the guy, who clearly wanted to take you home. You were not opposed to that. Not at all. Except that when you closed shop, Peña was waiting there. You asked the guy to give you a minute and went to him.

‘I have a ride, tonight.’ You explained.

His eyes went to the guy and his eyebrows shot up. His answer was not one you’d expected.

‘Really ? That’s your type ?’

‘My type is not what this is about. He’s taking me home.’

Peña took his time assessing your ‘ride’, and the latter was obviously growing more confused, and, to your frustration, deterred by the situation as the seconds went by.

‘Peña.’ You snapped. That got his attention back to you, a thumb touching his lower lips pensively, a hand on his hip. After a moment of thinking, he conceded :

‘Yeah. Yeah, okay.’

You thought he was going to leave it at that but he didn’t. Of course he didn’t.

‘Didn’t think you were the missionary type, is all.’

And that, that undid you. Because though Peña had been a pain in the ass from day one, Peña had also been helpful, and caring, and you didn’t know what it was about him that got under your skin like that but one thing was sure : you weren’t friends. Two-minute drives three times a week didn’t count as bonding and him sitting on a stool, silent, until you closed the bar didn’t count as that either. He had no right to get this familiar with you. So you sneered :

‘You’re an asshole.’

He shrugged and lit a cigarette :

‘So I’ve been told.’

You turned around and walked to that guy you didn’t even remember the name of and hated yourself for listening closely to the sound of Peña’s car leaving.

The worst part of it all, though : Peña’d been right. The dude was boring and the sex, mediocre. So, out of spite, you didn’t tell Peña you were on holiday the next week. And holidays meant going out for drinks with friends, in a bar that was not were your worked. So you did just that. And you had a wonderful night, that first day off, and you got really drunk.

You woke up at 12 to someone pounding at your door like they were trying to kick it down. Still in your clothes from last night, a nice dress you didn’t like to wear at work because it drove you some unwanted attention but liked just for yourself, you opened the door to see Javier Peña fuming and angry.

‘Why the fuck didn’t you tell me you were on holiday ?’

Your head was aching, and you weren’t in the mood because you needed some water into your system before you could face anything but he didn’t let you answer anyway and kept going :

‘I fucking showed up and you weren’t there. Drove here and you didn’t answer. Came again this morning and you didn’t answer either. What the fuck are you thinking ?’

You weren’t in the mood. You were hungover, you needed some water and maybe something greasy, and you weren’t in the mood.

‘I don’t need you to baby-sit me, I’m pretty sure that if someone had wanted to kill me they’d have done it in the month and a half you’ve been monitoring everything I do.’ You spat.

Later, you’d recognize you’d been unfair. You’d remember Steve’s words. Later, you’d realized you’d talked with the assurance of someone who doesn’t know what it’s like. Who doesn’t know anything about anything, even though you should know better because what got you there in the first place was seeing a man’s brain all over the concrete.

Peña din’t say a word. He turned back, and left. You didn’t see him for a long time after that.

———

Steve kept picking you up, from time to time, the bags under his eyes heavier every time you saw him. On a Sunday, he showed up in the clothes you’d seen him wear three days before, and he showed up at the beginning of your shift. He asked for a whisky and

‘Keep ‘em coming.’

‘What’s wrong ?’

He didn’t answer right away, instead shooting a hey man without heart at Emil, who answered with a little more energy, even though his little girl had kept him up all night the day before. Okay, the night of the living dead, then. Good thing you liked that movie.

When Emil got to the kitchen and with no costumer in sight, Steve finally asked :

‘You know what I did, on Friday ?’

You shook your head, suddenly on edge because of the tone of his voice. There was something breaking there. Then, with false casualty, he offered :

‘I beat the shit out of a dude just because he was snorting coke in an airport’s bathroom.’

You stopped everything.

‘Why are you telling me this ?’

You didn’t like the way your voice wavered, but the question was genuine. There were supposed to be boundaries.

‘Because Connie’s gone back to the fucking States and I heard bartenders were the best shrinks.’ He answered, downing his drink and motioning for another. You wondered if this was wise, letting him drink. But you figured you weren’t his mother, you figured he needed that. You figured you hadn’t seen your friends in forever, so much that Steve Murphy was starting to look like one.

You found a middle ground and settled, pouring him another whisky :

‘You’re not driving me home, tonight. But you’re crashing on my couch.’

Steve hummed in answer.

Later, when he had his arm around your shoulder to steady himself, laughing way too hard at a joke that really wasn’t that funny, you wondered at the irony of the situation : the state he was in, the man supposedly there to protect you was probably more like to shoot himself in the foot trying to aim at someone. When you voiced the thought, Steve barked a laugh :

‘I don’t even have my fucking gun with me, right now.’

And :

‘That reminds me. You fucked him ? Peña ? That’s why he won’t come anymore ?’

‘Fuck you, Murphy. I didn’t.’

He went silent for a while, let go of your shoulder to turn and look at you, feet unsteady. He would have been a funny looking sight if you hadn’t known what had gotten him in the state in the first place.

‘You know why I do this ?’ He asked, the very picture of seriousness. ‘This, I mean.’ He clarified, a finger waving from him to you.

You shook your head. He stopped walking, raised a finger, and, an air of gravity and wisdom about him that made you laugh because he burped.

‘I do this because it helps Peña sleep at night. So, in the morning, he’s not so grumpy. And he doesn’t drink all of the coffee. Because that coffee is shit, and it makes him grumpier. Seriously, that fucking DEA coffee …’

He started walking again, but you were kind of frozen. You knew you’d been unfair to him, but never stopped to think Peña had cared enough to potentially ask Steve to keep coming to get you. It’d been months, after all, since what you called The Incident just so you didn’t call it The Image you still dreamt about every other night and probably would for the rest of your life or The Image that popped up at random times during the day and reduced you to a shaking mess.

‘You comin’ ?’ Steve asked.

You jogged up to him.

‘That was a long time ago, why do you keep coming ?’

‘We identified the guy. Javi doesn’t wanna stop this until we catch him him or, you know, pull a bullet in him. Never too safe.’

Fuck.

After a beat, Steve added :

‘Though, I am pretty useless right now, right ? Considering I’m completely shit-faced.’

He laughed again and, a few minutes later, dropped on your couch and started snoring.

———

The place was really busy, so you didn’t have time to think about the fact that Javier Peña was sitting in a booth with Murphy, or the fact that maybe you owed him an apology.

Steve had gotten the first round. You were not watching if they needed a new one. No. You weren’t. You had not been wondering if Peña was going to get the second one. No.

He did. He got the second one. And he came straight to you. You gave him the beers, tongue-tied now that you had a chance to speak. You hated yourself, in that moment, but you as he was beginning to turn around, you let yourself go :

‘I’m sorry.’ You mumbled, grabbing his forearm.

He was looking at you, silent.

‘I’m sorry.’ You repeated, more strongly, squeezing his forearm.

He looked at you for a bit, sighed quietly and answered :

‘It’s okay.’

‘But it’s not.’ You shot back immediately. ‘You’re… You’re insufferable. And I felt like I could’t do anything on my own. But you know the risks. I don’t. You were trying to protect me, and I was a bitch about it.’

He put down the beers at that, and sat down.

‘I’ve seen people I care about get fucked because they were here at the wrong place at the wrong time. But here’s one thing I don’t wanna hear.’ He said. ‘I don’t wanna hear that my favorite bartender has been killed because she was at the wrong place at the wrong time.’

He’d kept his voice light but you could feel how heavy the words were.

‘I’m sorry.’ You said again. Because that was all you could think of.

———

Peña started showing up at the bar again. When he did, he usually waited until you closed to walk you home. It wasn’t often, once every two weeks, but you liked it.

You were worried, though, because now that you knew what he did for a living, him not showing up could mean something had gone wrong. You’d never called Steve to ask.

One day, he did show up. It was late, you were dealing with some drunk asshole who couldn’t understand the word no. He put an end to the whole thing when he just sat down and asked :

‘Can you get me a shot of that good whiskey, babe ?’

That was enough to get the man off your back, and you were so relieved to see him you didn’t say anything. And then, the babe incident became a thing.

Give me a whisky, but not the crappy one, babe.

Yeah, I had a shitty day. You don’t wanna know about it, babe.

We need to put a second lock on your door. That neighborhood is shit, babe.

And, on one memorable moment,

I heard from Steve that your couch is a delight. I’m jealous I never got to try it. Mind if I use it tonight ? I’m fucking exhausted, and you don’t live exactly close to my place, babe.

You should have said something, but Peña was talking to you more and more, and you found that you kinda liked him, so you let him call you that. You also let him crash on your couch whenever he felt like it.

Which meant, all in all, that your couch was rarely unoccupied. You’d even finally gotten them toothbrushes, as months went by, a green one for Steve and a pink one for Javier. The latter had tensed when you told him, and you knew that wasn’t because of the color.

That man and his fear of commitment to anything.

One evening, as you were making a cocktail, the movements a force of habit, you heard a very familiar voice say :

‘So, this is where you’ve been hiding all this time ?’

You turned to see your friend Nick, standing on the other side of the counter. Nick and you had been friends for a long time, the type of friends that never really lose touch with each other, the type of friends you can call anytime. You finished what you were doing in a hurry (and maybe screwed up a bit on the alcohol but you figured the costumer would be happy to get some more than intended) and circled the counter to hug him.

You spent the evening catching up whenever you had time to spare. Nick was here on a business trip, and had asked your parents where you worked. He had a place to stay, but that didn’t prevent Javier from saying :

‘So, he’s taking you home tonight I guess.’

He was, in a way. You’d both agreed it would be nice to spend the rest of the night at your place to catch up. You answered :

‘Men and women can be just friends, you know.’

‘Not in my opinion.’

His answer stung. So you pushed, because the trashcan of denial was just that big :

‘Yeah, what about us ?’

His eyes were dark, heavy with something, as he answered :

‘Yeah, what about us, babe ?’

You’d known for a while you didn’t quite hate Javier Peña, but what you felt then, that was new.

Chapter one - Chapter three

Tag list :

@pedritobalmando

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Traveling with you - Shaw

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for an event, 与你同游, which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

This is an event for Chinese New Year, where you get to visit a Spring Festival Temple Fair with the love interests :>

Players are able to select the order in which they visit various locations, so they aren’t meant to be in chronological order!

Prologue: here

More: Gavin l Kiro l Lucien l Victor

🦈 TEXT 🦈

MC: Erm...

Shaw: ?

MC: Don’t panic, I’m still typing.

MC: I just wanted to ask if you’re free these days.

Shaw: Of course I am.

Shaw: Which school’s still having classes during the New Year?

MC: Don’t you have live performances?

Shaw: Occasionally. Who stations themselves there the entire day?

MC: Since you’ve got nothing to do, why don’t you come and walk around the Temple Fair with me?

Shaw: You really want to go?

MC: Mm. I heard that there are many fun things to do. So? Are you unwilling to go?

Shaw: Did I say that? 

MC: So you’re willing?

Shaw: If it’s too far away, I’m not going.

MC: Don’t worry, I’ve already checked. It’s at Flower Fair, and isn’t far from your place. How’s that?

Shaw: I’ll put it out there first - if we’re going, you’ve got to build up your stamina first.

Shaw: When the time comes, don’t beg me to give you a ride on the skateboard if you can’t walk.

MC: I can walk on my own!

Shaw: Sure. See you at Flower Fair tomorrow.

-

🦈 Location: Firecracker Stall 🦈

Shaw: One two three four five, five four three two one. Hey, ten seconds have gone by and you still aren’t finished picking?

MC: Have a little patience - I’m done.

I bring the poppers over to the assistant to make payment.

MC: Dare to compete to see whose poppers are louder?

Shaw’s standing in the middle of crackling firecrackers. Amused, his eyebrows arch upwards.

Shaw: Just look at this attitude. Do you plan to redo kindergarten?

MC: You’re indirectly calling me childish again!

Shaw: It isn’t indirect.

He pauses leisurely, then looks at me excitedly.

Shaw: But... you could compete with me if you want. First, tell me - why’s there a need to set off firecrackers during the New Year?

MC: [angrily] The sound of firecrackers chasing the beast Nian away is something I know about!

Shaw: Mm, you really don’t need to go to kindergarten.

Shaw takes the box of poppers from my hand, stuffing it into his pocket.

Shaw: Let’s go.

MC: ??? Aren’t we competing?

Shaw: How can we compete when the surroundings are so noisy?

With that, he takes my hand and we walk forward.

Shaw: Just keep it in mind first. We’ll fix another day for the competition.

-

🦈 Location: Auspicious Stall 🦈

This year’s Auspicious Stall involves pulling slips of paper which have been tied onto high places. So I bring over a ladder which has been prepared at the location.

But I didn’t expect for the slip of paper I had my eye on to be tied even higher than the others.

MC: Just a little more...

Shaw: Come down. I’ll get it for you.

As though I’ve been waiting for him to say this, I hurriedly get down, looking at him earnestly.

MC: I want the biggest one!

Seeing me like this, Shaw abruptly pauses just as he’s about to step onto the ladder.

Shaw: I suddenly changed my mind. It’d be more interesting to see you taking it down yourself. If I pick a bad slip, you might blame it on me.

MC: Ah, I won’t blame you. Hurry and get it down for me.

After urging him repeatedly, Shaw lifts his hand up leisurely, easily retrieving the slip of paper.

I hurriedly lunge over to unfold the paper.

MC: It’s “Small Blessing”!

Shaw: It’s just meant to make you happy. Looks like there aren’t any inauspicious slips here.

Seeing that my posture is reminiscent of someone ready to deal a punch, Shaw takes a small step back.

Shaw: Tch, I’m not done.

He reaches out, patting my head as gently as a dragonfly flitting across water.

Shaw: Perhaps a certain person has good luck, and everything she does will go smoothly this year?

-

🦈 Location: Traditional Snacks Stall 🦈

At the Temple Fair’s snacks stall, I’m drooling while staring at the red candied hawthorn sticks.

MC: Shaw, do you like traditional hawthorn or do you prefer the newer ones with fruits?

With his hands stuffed into his pockets, Shaw stands behind me, responding without hesitation.

Shaw: Traditional candied hawthorn is the most authentic of course. The others are just a joke.

I grin and turn around.

MC: Boss, I’ll have two traditional candied hawthorn sticks then!

Boss: Sure, but there’s only one traditional candied hawthorn stick left. The others will be done after three minutes.

MC: In that case, you could give me the one that’s ready first. 

Taking the candied hawthorn stick, I give it to Shaw magnanimously.

MC: How is it? Is it sweet?

His slender fingers pinch the red candied hawthorn stick, brows arching as he looks at me.

Shaw: Taste it yourself and you’ll know if it’s sweet or not.

-

🦈 Location: Game Stall 🦈

We’re standing near the canisters, inching forward slowly behind the crowd.

MC: I did some searching on the internet, and it said that pitch-pot requires skill and luck. Someone said that even if you were to throw the arrow in, it could bounce back out. Looks like it’s pretty difficult.

[Note] Pitch-pot is a traditional East Asian game that requires players to throw arrows, sticks, darts, etc. from a distance into a large canister!

Shaw: You have to search up strategies for a game?

MC: Normally, I can take my time to try it out. But if I succeed this time, the prize is an antique coin. I want to give it to you...

Shaw looks at me, finding this amusing.

Shaw: What do you want to give to me? I’ve seen quite a number of authentic antique coins. But since you’ve worked so hard, I’ll teach you a few tricks.

He waves his hand at me, and I lean closer.

Shaw bends over, instructing me softly at my ear.

Shaw: As long as you throw the arrow in quickly, it wouldn’t be able to react in time and will fall into the canister. So? Have you learnt it?

MC: ...

When it’s my turn, Shaw buys a huge pile of arrows, tossing them out.

Not a single one gets in.

However, on account of how many arrows we bought, we still get an antique coin as a consolation prize.

And it also counts as fulfilling my little wish.

-

🦈 Location: New Year Handmade Items Stall 🦈

MC: Shaw, look.

I place the colourful clay in front of Shaw, and he glances at it.

Shaw: Potato chips?

He teases me mercilessly.

Shaw: You’re truly creative to make potato chips.

I cough, turning my attention to the colourful clay in Shaw’s hands.

MC: You... made a bunny?

With its white, plump rounded body and tiny red eyes, it looks utterly adorable.

Shaw: Cute?

Shaw suddenly asks.

MC: Mm, of course it’s cute! But I think I saw you writing something on a slip of paper. What was that for?

Shaw laughs.

Shaw: I hid a slip of paper in its belly.

MC: Huh?

For some reason, the words surface without me realising it.

MC: Could you give that bunny to me?

Shaw does a stretch.

Shaw: There’s no space for it at my place.

Without exposing him, I happily accept this gift which contains a tiny secret.

MC: So what exactly did you write to me?

Shaw: Make a guess.

MC: You’re really smart to hide the slip of paper in the bunny. I’ll never ruin the bunny to take it out.

Shaw turns his head, adding a final ornament to the bunny in my hand. His expression remains indifferent.

Shaw: Someday, you’ll know.

[pokeexehasstoppedworking]

Love Doesn’t Do Encores Ch17 Return To Hammerlocke

To say you hated flying anywhere now would be an understatement. YOU ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY DETESTED IT!! The only reason you agreed was because it was already paid for and because it was the fastest way back to Hammerlocke. Woo hoo. You weren't really in the mood for more video game-..Uh. Strangers flirting with you, but at least Ms. Opal was nice company on the way there and it was very nice of her to pay for the entire ride over to Hammerlocke. You and Gloria buckled in on one side, with your Drizzilie and her on the other. When you all left Bellonlea you were a bit more cautious of your slow pace with her as you walked along the beautiful woods to leave, and kept snapping your head about keeping an eye out for any Team Yell members or that looney guy again. It was nerve wracking to say the least. Luckily you didn't run into neither when you finally got back to the lamp posts and the entrance into the forest. The corviknight and it's owner were fast asleep in one of the shadows of the trees before being woken up by Opal tapping him with her umbrella and requesting he take all of you to Hammerlocke. And after steeling your nerves and guts, you all piled in and did just that....for the next four and a half DAYS!! Opal had just relaxed back with her eyes closed most of the trip leaving you and Gloria to quietly talk between you two(when you weren't gripping your seat and forcing yourself to not look out the windows-) or more commonly watch more videos on her phone. Opal remaining silent and you would've sworn she was asleep if she hadn't opened her eyes whenever Gloria talked to her and talked back to you both in a polite but right to the point kinda way. Never heard anyone talk quite like her. You also made a few pitstops every few towns, mostly at night to let the driver rest and you have time to eat something at the local inn without having to worry about getting air sick for a while, before it was back to the fear inducing ride. You swore when you got back you were NEVER EVER going hang gliding, or even travel by plane after this. You also learnt within that time Opal was apparently looking for a successor to take over her gym soon and the person had to have something 'pink'...Whatever she meant by that. Eventually Gloria also found a good way to distract you away from your fear for short periods of time by the third day when she asked if there was anything you really liked listening too.

You blinked kinda surprised by her but shrugged and said, "Well, I've always loved music. In fact I wanted to go into the industry when I was your age."

She seemed surprised at your answer and even Opal cracked open a eye towards you silently. "Really? Why didn't ya ever say anythin' before?"

You shrugged with a slight frown. "Eeeeehhh. It's kinda...Complicated. I wouldn't say I'm bad but I'm not good enough of a singer for me to make a career out of it, and I can't really play any instruments too well. Unless you count the kazoo."

"What about a song writer? Bet you'd be good at that."

You shrugged. "I tried, but I'm not that creative enough to figure that out. But I am pretty good at working speakers, and I know a lot about how instruments are made and how they work. So I was going to get a business liscense and try to open by own Music Store."

"Well why didn't you?"

You paused at her question for a moment. You couldn't just say "Because I got sucked into an alternate dimension where pokemon happens to be real based off a game I used to play" unless you wanted them to think you were crazy!! Thinking quickly you shrugged and told the truth. "I left home around the time I was supposed to and started traveling." Which was the truth even tho you weren't sure exactly how you left or how to get back.

"Huh. Well I guess everyone wants ta see the world and do somethin' excitin'," Gloria said with a smile and you sighed in relief. Before she held up her phone to you. "If ya like music how 'bout I show ya more of Piers's songs? It'd be a good way ta pass the time. He's written n' sung LOTS of 'em."

You blinked....Piers?? OH! That Piers. "Oh. You mean the gym leader you told me about? I think I remember you showed me one of his songs back at Postwick."

She nodded. "He's a good musician. Ya wanna see some?"

"Sure why not?"

And thus the two of you relaxed back a little more now that you could watch this Piers person singing and mostly rock music filled the taxi cab for most of the remainder ride there. Of course you two made sure Ms. Opal was fine with it and after cracking an eye open said she didn't care at all. While you two watched him you had to admit his unique voice added to whatever vibe the music was with the accent he had melting among it....But when you looked at his blue eyes and pale-ish skin..you couldn't shake the feeling of deja vu that you've seen him before. Which you brushed off because of course you had seen him before when Gloria showed you a video of him performing with a band back at Postwick. Besides, you had more important things to worry about. Like getting home and right now getting to Hammerlocke in one piece. Which also happened the very next day. Gloria had pointed it out early in the morning when she looked out the window and pointed but you couldn't get yourself to look down in fear of losing your breakfast, clutching the seat tightly and praying the landing wouldn't be the same as the last time you landed. Luckily whoever was listening to your prayers answered them because other than one rough shove from the corviknight putting the cab on the ground, the decent and landing proceedure was pretty smooth. THANK GOODNESS!! When you finally peered out the window you were greeted with one of the entrances/exits to Hammerlocke. In fact it was the same one you two had traveled Route Six out of to head to Stow-on-Side. A Gym League staff worker awaited by the entrance, most likely for their badge rule too no doubt.

The taxi driver was quick to hop down and open the door for you three as well. "We're here ladies. Hope the trip was alright for you."

"Thank you, Young man," Opal commented slowly getting up and leaving the cab with you and Gloria right behind her. Once out she breathed a sigh of fresh air before looking up at the castle like town, "Hammerlocke. Always such a dusty town. Though I suppose some pokemon prefer it that way. "

Without even looking back to you she began slowly walking off towards the entrance, and you two slowly followed with Opal in front of you two. She was easily able to walk past the man who stood at the entrance but like the last time you were here, stopped Gloria, asked if she was a Gym Challenger, and then asked to see her badges. Opal continued walking as the two of you stopped and Gloria had to dig through her backpack to show the man her badge circle of five badges attached to it. With a nod you both were let in and she stuffed it back into her bag as you two continued off after Opal. And you looking around nervously keeping an eye out for Raihan just in case. ....But it seemed as Ms. Opal disappeared as you two walked along and looked around.

"Where did she go?," you asked peeking into the window of a cafe as you walked by but she wasn't in there. "She wasn't that far ahead of us."

Gloria shrugged as she looked at the people walking by. "She said she had some errands ta run so maybe she ducked into one o' these shops."

Hm. Maybe. You both continued walking and looking around as you neared the corner where the pink pokemon center you remembered seeing. As you two got closer and closer to the corner, someone with white fluffy hair and a giant pink coat rounding the other side of the corner onto the street on which you both walked. Both of you froze upon realizing the identity of the person who was walking towards the both of you. And he too froze lavender eyes blinking widely at the both of you as well as his jaw dropped somewhat. ...Before he pointed at you two with a large scowl.

"YOU!?"

"Uh...Hey, Bede," Gloria greeted with an awkward wave.

His scowl deepened as he shouted at her. "Come to gawk at me now that I've had my challenge band taken away and my gym challenger status revoked?!" ...WHAT!? Both your eyes widened as you looked at one another. Bede growling in frustration before gripping his fluffy white locks. "I've had to spend the past days working under that despicable Raihan person as 'punishment' for what happened in Stow-on-Side!! Do you know how much that idiot makes you work doing the most ridiculous things!? And now I run into you here too! Can you really afford to waste time like this?!"

"HEY!" Gloria scowled as well pointing a hand at him. "I was the one who saved your bloody sorry self from bein' crushed by a rock after you decided to play contruction worker with the mural! If it wasn't for me you'd be flatter than a waffle under yer own mess!!"

He scoff and turned his nose away. "Well....I suppose so. You no longer have to worry about catching up with me after all." His eyes narrowed at her. "I'll have you know though that I haven't given up! I must become the champion in order to help out the chairman! I will go and ask him to let me rejoin the gym challenge!"

"Again with the Chairman, mate?," Gloria sighed letting her arms flop to her sides as she turned from a scowl to a pitied look. "Look Bede. I dunno what to tell ya. It's kinda useless to keep wantin' ta help someone who kicked ya out of the challenge. Tho considerin' what ya did I'm not surprised that's what happened. Maybe ya should just forget 'bout the guy altogether."

He gasped offended a hand to his chest. "How dare you insult my reasonings with your twisted nonsense! Any girl who'd even consider fighting for my affection wouldn't be so brazen!"

"What are ye goin' on 'bout now?!"

"Hm? That boy." You jumped as the two kids still argued with one another, whirling around to face none other than Ms. Opal herself and she was staring right at Bede with curiousity in her eyes. ..Wait. Where the heck did she come from!? "Now that's what I could call pink! So sincere and straightforward yet so twisted and misguided. I like it! That's the kind of thing that gives people some depth!" Eventually Bede looked up from Gloria and had to do a double take blinking in confusion at the new arrival. "Time for my gym mission, Child!"

"HUH!?" Bede asked leaning back in confusion and surprise at what the older woman just barked at him. "W-Wha-!?"

You yelped as suddenly with speed you didn't think she had Opal RAN past you and up to Bede who froze in place wide eyed as she looked him over. "Pink! Pink! Pink!" She shouted as she examined him. ...What did 'Pink' even mean!? She chuckled a bit examining the frozen boy's dynamax band before looking up to him with a smile. "Congratulations, Child."

"M-Ms. Opal!?," Bede sputtered out pulling his hand away from her as he looked uneasy leaning away. Wait. Bede knew who she was? "What in the world has gotten in you?!"

"You were used by Oleana. Am I right?" Bede froze once again and behind her both of you exchanged bewildered looks behind them. Opal took his silence as a yes because she hummed and nodded. "You worked hard to gather wishing stars for her only to have her throw you away like rubbish once she was done with you." Wait...How did she know that? "Come with me, Child. I might be able to help you out." She offered.

And Bede ...blinked. "I...W-What?" He shook his head before frowning. "A-Are you saying you'd be able to get me reestablished back into the challenge?"

She chuckled and nodded. "Of course, it all depends on how much hard work you're willing to put in too."

"Are you...Are you testing me?," Bede challenged before clearing his throat and shaking his head, hands tucked into his pockets as he attempted to look calm. "Very well. I accept! In fact I plan on making sure you see my full talents and tell me everything you know about the wishing stars!"

She chuckled again before smiling wider. "I think my errands to Hammerlocke have been met." Taking a moment she turned to Gloria who blinked at her. "Farewell for now, Child. You should head to Circhester. I take it you know how to get to Route Seven." And she turned away back towards Route Six and simply began walking away. Like nothing that happened just happened.

Bede made to follow but paused before turning back to Gloria who still watched silently- Before clearing his throat and turning away again. "I-I still haven't decided what to say to you officially. I'll need more time to think and at the moment I-I'm way too busy! So d-don't follow me around!"

Gloria's brow rose more clearly confused. "Uh....Alright." You both watched as he jogged on after the older woman before she blinked and turned to you with a shrug. "What was that all about?"

......You smiled. "Oh nothing. I think they'll both be fine. I have a good feeling about this." You turned and nodded towards the train station. "C'mon. It's still morning so we'll have to wait for the afternoon train. If I remember right there's a food section in the train station. We can grab a bite there."

Gloria was quick to agree with the promise of food and you two headed off towards the station. To be honest you were looking forward to food too that wasn't bland or dried tasting camping food. You had eaten enough food like that to last you a hundred lifetimes. Without having to wait for Ms. Opal anymore the two of you could walk a little faster now and were easily near the station as you continued to look around for any signs of Raihan but thankfully still found none. When you were stopped by Gloria grabbing onto your sleeve and pointing. You blinked confused at her for a moment before looking to where she was pointing and you couldn't help but stare as well. NO WAY!! Who'd think you'd run into her again while you were here? It was Sonia! Again! She must've just walked from the station because she was coming right towards the both of you, but stopped once she took notice of the familiar sight. The three of you pausing and looking at one another before the redhead smiled and waved.

"Heya!," She greeted once she was close enough, "Fancy running into you here. The badge collecting going well?"

"Sonia!," Gloria happily exclaimed in surprise before nodding proudly. "I don't mean ta brag." She crossed her arms proud of herself. "But I won me two more badges since the last time I saw ya!"

Sonia chuckled at her antics and you asked, "What are you doing back in Hammerlocke?"

She turned her attention to you one hand on her hip. "I've been doing some research on the ruins in Stow-on-Side. The sword and shield. Once Mr. Rose had his team investigate it of course. ..But I still haven't figured out some things. What kind of Pokemon were they? And where are they now?" With a sigh she shook her head. "I still have so many questions. I was thinking about taking another look at the tapestries in-"

BOOM!! Sonia was cut off as what you could only describe as a gunshot from a gun the size of an elephant going off somewhere overhead. The very action made you react immediately by ducking and grabbing the back of your head as your Drizzilie dove behind you in terror at the loud noise and shaking of the ground. Gloria gasped and fell backwards onto her behind and Sonia had jumped back nearly falling over on those heels of hers. Blinking up and totally but understandably SHOCKED at the sensation you had just witnessed. Another boom!? AGAIN!? ....Oh NO!! Was that Bede again!? Was he doing something crazy again!? Other people around you yelling or having a similar reaction to one of you three.

"AGAIN!?," you asked to no one in particular.

"Are you kidding me!?," Sonia shouted herself glaring up towards a particular tower, "What was that!?"

"Do I look like I know?," you mumbled slowly leaning yourself up as Gloria made an attempt to get off the ground.

"Hammerlocke stadium shook...That's where Chairman Rose's power plant is isn't it?" You...nodded. You think so? It's been a while since you've been back here. But there wasn't any time for talking as a buzzing sound eminated from Sonia's pocket. She was quick to scramble, almost dropping the phone in the process, as she pressed the screen in a hurry and the buzzing noise ceased. .....Her blue eyes blinked widely at the screen. "Huh?....A..power spot?"

"Power spot?" You asked confused. "You mean like where you can Dynamax?"

She nodded not looking at you. "That's right. The power spot detector reacts when it's possible to dynamax."

You rose a brow. "Well that makes sense since there's a gym stadium here. You mean Raihan can't use the stadium's spot to dynamax?"

She went to answer but didn't get a chance too. "Usually you don't."

"GAH!!" You jumped in surprise and snapped your head around to the person who scared you...And came face to face with none other than the Champion. Leon chuckled seeing your expression...before you scowled. "HEY! I thought I asked you NOT to do that the last time!"

He chuckled some more before waving a hand. "Sorry, Y/n. Hey Sonia- Oof!" He laughed more and patted the top of Gloria's head as she hugged him beaming. "And you too, Gloria! Wow. You've gotten taller! By the way you felt the shaking right?" She nodded and he hummed before looking at the same tower Sonia had been. "Seems Chairman Rose is testing something again."

"This is bad!," Sonia insisted to him, "Pokemon might start dynamaxing right in the middle of Hammerlocke!"

"Is that so?," he asked looking back to her and she nodded immediately, "I can make sure the Chairman knows."

"You'll just get lost, Leon. I'm coming too."

"Hey. I'm not THAT bad with directions, Sonia. I only ended up on top of a barn once!"

"I'm comin' too!," Gloria piped up determined hands returning to her sides. But that melted away quickly when Leon shook his head no.

"Sorry, Glory," he apologised genuinely and rested a hand on her shoulder," But it'd be too dangerous for someone your age to be wondering about a power plant of all things. Especially since there's lots of research and development happening in there that could end up going south at a moment's notice. Don't worry about a thing and just let me take care of it. Ok?"

She opened her mouth to protest. "He's right." But blinked at you as you frowned worried. "I think with everything that's already happened in the past month, it'd be better to just let the literal pokemon champion and a scientist handle whatever's going on."

She blinked between the two of you for a moment before sighing. "Oh alright."

"So you should leave the investigation on the quaking to the adults," Sonia agreed, "In the mean time why don't you head to Circhester and get that badge? I'm really looking forward to seeing you compete in the finals."

Again Gloria nodded before turning to Leon with a slightly worried expression. "Hey. You're gonna be careful right?"

He smiled brightly in a reassuring way to her. "Of course! I'm always careful!"

"Except with directions." Sonia sighed before beginning to walk away.

"HEY! I'm always careful with directions," he insisted walking after her, "Since when am I not?"

"Says the one who got stranded on top of a barn and fell into the ocean multiple times when going to Hulbury."

"Oh my Arceus. It was just one time!"

You chuckled before shaking your head..but paused noticing Gloria wasn't doing anything but staring after them. She flinched when you put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey. Are you alright there?"

After a moment of silence she sighed and nodded before turning back towards the train station. "Yeah. Jus' a lil bit worried is all. Lee can get inta trouble if he ends up lost sometimes." And she began walking. "C'mon. Let's go get somethin' to eat. Ok?''

You blinked at her sad-ish tone but didn't push any further when you started walking behind her towards the train station by the flight of stairs leading to the Hammerlocke school where you two had encountered Paula. Sending a small shiver down your spine as you passed. Eventually you both reached the inside of the train station where you two found exactly what you were looking for. Within the train station was two men and a woman behind stands who looked like they either sold tickets or pamplets, a lot of seats, the exit for entering/exiting the train, some ATM things, vending machines, and to the very left near the entrance when you two came in was the small cafe area with it's own designated seating. A man was already seated at one table looking at what you supposed was a menu, and two very recognizable teenage boys were sat at another talking....HOP AND VICTOR!? Seriously what was the odds of running into so many people today? You tapped Gloria's shoulder to get her attention but Hop beat you too it because as soon as he looked up he smiled and waved his full arm at her.

"Oh! Gloria!," He shouted at her. Like a dog to food her head snapped to him faster than lightning before the brightest smile ever lit up onto her face as Victor turned around in his seat to look at the both of you.

"HOP! Victor!," She cried out before rushing towards them with you trailing behind with your pokemon in tow. "I haven't seen ya in days!"

"Well we- Ah!" Poor Hop was nearly knocked to the floor when Gloria practically tackled him in a hug (again-) and had to wave his arms to regain balance before leaning forward luckily not falling over. "W-We just got here on the afternoon train! Glory! You're crushin' me again!"

"After noon?", you asked before looking up towards the clock on the wall surprised when you saw it read 12: 24 in the afternoon. "Huh. I didn't think we'd get here that late in the day." You then turned back to Victor. "You guys just got back here? We didn't see you at the gyms we stopped by."

Victor shrugged back at you. "We went straight to Bellonlea after Hop won against Bea," He explained, "Then we traveled a bit so Hop could practice his battling skills before we decided to head to Circhester. Hammerlocke was just a stop before we reached there so we stopped here to restock for the weather they have up there. ...And I wanted to stop by to see the Hammerlocke castle ruins on Route Eight. Legends say that they might even be the remains of the very first castle built in Galar."

"Oh. So how was Bellonlea for you two?"

Hop sighed, having freed himself from his best friend's crushing hug, slumping his shoulders. "First that forest then that mad quiz. I've been lost in every sense of the word...But it looks like I finally caught up to you again."

"Does that mean you didn't get the badge?"

He chuckled. "Took me one heck of a try but I managed somehow to get it from her." He turned back to Gloria. "Speaking of which. Come with me to Route Seven real quick.I could use a bit of competition to motivate me for the next leg of our adventure!"

Gloria blinked. "....Our adventure as in yours and Victor's next stop?"

Hop blinked at her a moment before reaching to scratch the back of his neck and looked away. "W-Well...I uh....I've been having a lot of time to think, and i-it would be nice for you to join us again this time....AH! A-And Y/n too of course!" He was quick to add holding up his hands and a slight pink hue coming over his face. "Of course I enjoy her company too! I-It's not the same without y-you both!" Smooth, Hop. Very smooth.

But it seemed like just like with Bede, Hop's flustered state flew right over her head as her eyes lit up as she quickly agreed. "Are ya kiddin' me!? OF COURSE YES!! I missed travelin' with you guys!" She pointed to the door making Victor duck to avoid getting hit in the head. "C'mon let's go see 'bout that battle!"

"Hang on a second!," Victor interjected with a frown, "What about lunch? Hop, y'know we need to stop by the clothes store and get warmer clothes!"

"..I-...Y-Yeah. But we're staying an extra one or two days so you can see those ruins anyways, so we still have time for a battle and food and shopping..and all that stuff."

......With a sigh Victor sat back down in the seat and picked up his menu again. "Fine. But make it quick. I would like us to get supplies before the end of today. The sooner we're all stocked up the sooner we can see the ruins and head off to Circhester."

Gloria was already tugging him out the door as Hop waved him off. "We'll be right back! Don't worry!"

"That's when I worry the most," he mumbled.

You chuckled before going to sit in one of the chairs across from him, Drizzilie hoping onto your lap of course before settling down and letting you wrap an arm around it's upper torso to hold it. "Well, you two certainly looked like you had an exciting time while we were gone."

"Yeah I guess you could say that. ..Hey. Let's just order something for the two of us while we wait." Your Drizzilie gave a thrum. "Uh...Three of us. The three of us order."

"Are you sure? I don't mind waiting for the other two."

"Nah. I'm hungry, and we'll still be here when they come back."

"Well...Alright then.''

You two went ahead and ordered, not really surprising it was more curries, and it wasn't too long before the three plates were set down in front of you three all different. Your drizzilie immediately went to grab at it's saled curry you had ordered for it, but Victor stopped it before pulling out his own camera.

"Wait a minute. Lemme get a shot of these first," he said holding the camera up to his face.

"You're doing that curry dex thing too?," you asked holding your Drizzilie's protesting hands as it pouted being denied it's food even for a moment.

"Nah. I've just been collecting more pictures of curries and pokemon for Glory since she needs them. Plus I like taking pictures anyways, so it's not a big deal."

"Aw. That's really nice of you."

He was quick to take a few pictures of the curries and you released your pokemon's hands. Drizzilie was quick to grab it's own food and begin scarfing it down much to your amusement as you two yourselves dug in. You were happy that it wasn't another bland tasting granola bar thing or dried fruit snack made for traveling. And it wasn't too long when you were into your food that the two had returned and taken seats next to the two of you as well.

"Hey you two," you greeted, "Welcome back. How was the battle?"

Hop was absolutely beaming and Gloria sighed but not in a sad way before saying, "I lost. Hop really has gotten stronger!"

"Hey, congrats!," you smiled at Hop, "I told you you could do it!"

"Hehe. Thanks," he smiled bashfully before pointing towards the food, "Looks like we're just in time to order ourselves huh? Great! We can catch up with everything that happened then!"

Gloria chuckled. "Well then better get a big curry n' some popcorn! Cuz I gotta lot to tell the both 'o ye!"

"Oh boy. Here we go."

You should've expected the shocked faces that they all gave when Gloria between eating her curry(after taking pictures of them of course-) told them everything. And I do mean EVERYTHING. From helping the lad find an applin for his crush, to the strange MAYBE ghost girl that had you all deliver a letter to Mr. Frank, to the weird guy in Bellonlea who thought he was a pokemon, to how you both met Allister, to her gym battles, and of course everything the two of you went through in Stow-on-Side after they left. The two boys looked more shocked than they would've been if you had suddenly disappeared before their very eyes back the way you came and magically ended up back home. You just simply ate letting Gloria ramble on and on and tried to keep your drizzilie was getting food everywhere. You swore it was like trying to feed a toddler in your lap. Eventually sometime between all of this Hop finally spoke with a scowl pointing at everyone.

"I KNEW it! I knew that bloke was up to no good! And look at what happened!"

"Hop, calm down," you insisted holding up a hand, "To be honest I think he only did it because he was pressured by someone and did what he thought was going to help. I don't know why he thought there would be wishing stars under the mural, but he was right about there being something under there. ...And I really don't want to just talk badly of him since he already paid for what he did." You did feel bad for him but in the back of your mind you knew he'd be fine and get back on the right path now. "...But I think Victor said something about stopping by a clothes store. What for?"

"You'll need some too, Y/n," Victor said, "If you don't wanna freeze your leg off that is. Circhester and it's gyms are located in the mountains where it's always cold and snowy. If we're heading there we'll all need to stock up on food for the long trip too since they're the farthest gyms from here."

"Oh. Well I say we finish up here so we can get started then. I don't know how when the stores around here close."

The rest of the stay in Hammerlocke wasn't very eventful thankfully. After the lot of you had finished eating and paid, you left and you followed them all to the clothing store that Hammerlocke had. You weren't expecting them to actually be selling winter clothes but low and behold they were selling them amongst the regular summer shirts and shorts. All of your pants and shirts was pretty long and warm anyways so you only felt the need to find a plain coat and gloves as the others took their time browsing around and tried on various other winter type clothing. But you did find one thing you liked. A small child's sweater that doubled as a hoodie with the hood attached to it. You looked between it and the Drizzilie before taking it and after wrangling your pokemon lightly, slipped it over his head and popped his arms gently through the sleeves. Drizzilie gave a couple chirps in protest and confusion as he was slipped into the sweater-hoodie...before blinking and pulling out the hem of it to look over it. ..And looked at you with a strange look.

"Hey. If you're not going to stay in your pokeball then you're going to need something to keep you warm too."

You were pretty sure a water pokemon without any feathers or fur to cover him wouldn't fair too well in the cold weather. By the time you all paid for the small pile of winter clothes for the five of you and left the store, the sun was close to setting and with your low food supplies without there being any supply stores in Hammerlocke Victor was clever enough to come up with a better idea. Leading the confused group back to the train station, he walked on over to the vending machines in the corner of the room and considering everything in them was already made to last a long time they'd do until you all found another store with better surprises. Sounded good to you...Or it would've been if Gloria hadn't had the bright idea to use her Rotom pokemon. You couldn't believe it but the rotom pokemon actually transferred itself from the phone into one of the machines and one after another cans of soda, chips, instant noodle things, candy bars, and other snack like foods tumbled down one after the other with the lot of you eagerly grabbing at it. When you pointed out wasn't this technically stealing, Gloria assured you the rotom would be using money coming from her Gym Challenger account to pay for this all. Oh...Well you kinda guessed she'd have one of those to be paid after battles and all. By the end of one vending machine being cleaned out Victor mentioned once it was divided between the four of you it SHOULD be enough to at least last you all the trip up to Circhester. That was good to hear. By the time the four of you were finished with your shopping spree, sun set had finally taken a hold of the town and Hop suggested now would probably be a good time to set up came outside Hammerlocke and rest up to take a visit to the ruins Victor wanted to visit the next day. As much as you'd like to go to Circhester right away it was unanimous that the next day you'd be spending your entire day at the ruins.

That night you slept pretty well and by the time you woke up the next day Victor had already cooked everyone breakfast early. By the smile on his face, you'd say he was pretty excited to spend the day at the ruins. After eating breakfast and packing everything up, the four of you made your way down Route Eight. The castle ruins weren't too far down the road from Hammerlocke, just maybe an hour or two's walk. There was some blocked off areas by rope blocking access to some of the more brittle or dangerous areas of the place. And you did enjoy yourself while you looked around too. There was a couple pokemon you hadn't seen while you were traveling before and both twins seemed to get a kick out of taking pictures of either the ruins or the pokemon hiding within them, as you all walked around along with a few other people who seemed to be looking at them as well. The only ones who really seemed bored just standing around and looking at the ruins was your Drizzilie still wearing the sweater hoodie thing you had gotten him yesterday as he grumbled and walked along after you. The ruins were pretty big and decently had a lot to look at so it was no wonder the four of you spent nearly all morning and half the afternoon there looking at it all before Hop suggested heading back towards Hammerlocke in hopes of catching the night train out of town. Sounded good to everyone..Huh. You wondered if Sonia had studied the ruins here for more clues too? It wasn't too late when the group got back to Hammerlocke, maybe three or four o' clock in the afternoon at the lastest, but definately late enough to have missed the evening train out. Of course Hop and Gloria having to show their badges to the man standing guard at the entrance in order to be let in but it wasn't too much of a hassle for you five to head on in and back to the train station. In the entire time you were back here in Hammerlocke you hadn't seen Raihan again even once. You guessed he must've been traveling again or just not here at the moment. Fine by you. You all had a few hours to kill until the night train showed up sometime around eight o' clock. In the next few hours you all busied yourselves by having dinner courtesy of the guys and Victor giving a very happy glory all the pictures he had taken over the days they were seperated. A LOT of curry (when did they eat so much of that stuff-) and pokemon she was delighted to have and then secure into her books along with the newest pictures she took with help from Hop sorting them out and helping to place them within the labeled pages. Which took up most of the rest of the time it took you four to wait for the night train because it took you all by surprise when the sounds of rumbling tracks and a train horn made you all look up as a shiny subway like train pulled up into the station.

"Ah magikarp!," Gloria shouted before dropping her fork and then scrambling to pick up her thing played on the table. "Hop! Help me stuff these things back inta me bag!!"

Hop blinked but immediately did as his friend asked as he too scrambled to grab any leftover pictures and the two books to throw them back in her bag as Victor quickly dug into his pockets for something. Luckily you didn't have the need to pick anything up or collect anything other than the drizzilie sitting in your lap that you scooped up into your arms when the others scrambled to get up, and Victor tossed what looked like a two dollar tip on the table for whoever had to come collect the dishes. The horn blasting again for any passengers who wished to leave Hammerlocke, which you four sure did heading towards it. Looks like you all would be heading to Circhester and hopefully Gloria's next badge on the way.

[umaficwriter]

I’ve Got You On My Radar

First, you need to see this post here 

Now you’re ready! 

/// Kalijah Drabbles ///

The golden sundown light bathed the land just as Katherine bathed herself in the lake.

The Mikaelson’ estate lake, to be precise.

It was another of her famous rendezvous around Elijah’s property.

She had caught his eye couple weeks before, and was intrigued by what she saw. He mounted his horse with ease, although with surgical precision, showing her, from afar, just how talented he was, and also how connected with his horse he was. Better yet, it was a mare. She had learnt that from the gathering his family and hers had summoned together that same week. Katherine had also asked for the animal’s name.

“I named her Hope,” he had provided, accompanied to a smile appearing in the corner of his mouth.

His chestnut eyes told her he usually didn’t answer that to other ladies, maybe because girls Katherine’s age weren’t interested in horses? It could be. It wasn’t very ladylike, her mother would always say, only to be dismissed by her father saying his Katerina shared his love for animals and for extent, cared for them, confiding in them things you could only grasp when with horses.

Elijah had offered Katherine’s dad an understanding look.

Apparently, both men shared the same vision.

This was good.

Horse riding was indeed a demonstration act, even more so around her land. People came all the way to see Petrova’s horses and mares, also competitions were always held when in festivals. Of course, there were always cruel lords, treating their animals as if they felt nothing, and Katherine, with her family business going on long before she was even born, had learnt to identify those kind of men.

And a relief sight had left her lungs as soon as she observed Elijah riding his animal.

He did it with upmost respect, a boldness that only could be accomplished from years and years of training, a sureness in his every move, his mare comfortable in galloping with him… It was beautiful to watch. It was lovely being able to see such a bond between man and equine.

With her hair high on the top of her head, Katherine let herself relax into the water.

A swift breeze balanced the spring leaves from side to side high on the trees around her. The soft waves she was making by moving her slim arms around her leaped bringing her to the shore, just to throw her a little further. She wasn’t afraid of drowning, for she was an superb swimmer, - to her mother’s horror – as she looked around her, Katherine was only being careful not to get caught.

If she was to be honest, she wouldn’t mind. A smirk appeared in her features as she faced the horizon.

She wouldn’t mind the tiniest if someone showed up on her.

To see her naked in his lake.

Katherine could almost picture his astonished face. He forcing himself to not stare at her bare skin…

A devious glim shone on her irises.

She enjoyed herself for a little more time. And looking ahead she concluded it was indeed a breathtaking vision.

From afar, Elijah couldn’t agree more.

As per usual, he led Hope out of his private stables in intentions to ride the animal through the vast expanse of land his family possessed. It was routine. Elijah liked to appreciate the sundown from mounted in his beloved nag. It was also an excuse to ride near the Petrova’ state.

Not that he would ever admit that.

Still, he did it.

He had always known of Kathrine’s beauty.

Katerina for this was her birth name. She only insisted everyone called her otherwise.

The brunette had caught his eye years before. She’d been in every opportunity – against her mother’s wishes – entering equine competitions, passing by the town square, her horse dutifully – and out of love Elijah figured later – at her side. He had noticed all that. But then she was too young, he had also other priorities, being eldest to three siblings and the only responsible one no less, wasn’t an easy task.

His parents had died when in the sea. The bodies never found, and sometimes, Elijah cursed himself for thinking it was better that way.

Being transferred to him all responsibility for with the children, the company, the lands, even though Niklaus, Kol and Rebekah were young when it happened, Elijah knew his siblings wouldn’t be so alive and happy if their parents were still among the living.

Esther and Mikael were toxic, claiming love for their children when the truth of the matter was only status. Between four walls, they were distant, ruthless, violent…

So different from what appeared to be Katerina’s family.

Her younger sister, Elena, same age as Rebekah, was educated, well spoken, although shy. Elena and Katherine were like fire and water, still one could see the love it held their bond.

Their parents loving, always keeping in mind their daughters’ needs, be them monetary or more importantly, affectional.

And he had gathered all that from only one afternoon tea.

Elijah had also painted Katherine’s image into his brain, like a permanent picture, for when he was alone with his Hope, trotting his property, in a blink of an eye, he could see her.

So, imagine his surprise, when by the lakes, he blinks, and blinks again, only to see his muse neck deep into the dark water.

Her hair in a slopy updo over the crown of her head, the back of her neck shinning with droplets of water, he spotted her clothes by the shore, so he knew for a fact she was to be nude while relaxing into the water.

Good Lord.

It was the most gorgeous thing he had come to watch so far into his adult life. Also, the wrongest.

Hope, sensing his distress, neighed and the sound alerted the brunette by the lake, making her turn around abruptly and almost lose her balance.

How come she hasn’t heard him approaching?

Was she that distracted?

“Pardon me, Katerina, have I frightened you?” still mounted Elijah moved closer to the shore and watched her eyes going from bulge to smart in only few instants.

“Not at all, my lord,” a little smile tucked in the side of her mouth, her hands still going about around her to keep her from submerse.

“I found it flattering you find my lands so amusing to entertain yourself,” he offered her his usual side smile and leaned his body forward, caressing his mare in the neck, as the animal bound her head down to chew on some turf.

“I will only consider you to be flattered, if you’d be kind enough to join me,”

Elijah fought his urge to jump from his horse right into the water. And by noticing this, Katerina let out a chuckle on his expense.

Devine.

Indeed, it was.

Now her shoulders came to view too, the tall man eye-followed the droplets as they descended her body to where they’d found the lake again. It was hypnotizing.

And wrong. He had to remind himself of that.

She was only a girl.

One that was Niklaus’ age, so not a peasant anymore.

And if the boldness on her look told him anything, Katerina knew exactly where she was going and how and…

The Heavens knew how many nights he had dreamt something similar.

Her wet from a bath into his pristine bed as they rolled beneath the sheets, him taking sounds of her that echoed through the walls, Katerina using his body as her personal saddle…

His neck was starting to grow red from imagining. His slacks crowded.

A strange noise averted both of them from their moment and that was when they saw the damage.

Hope had chewed on Katherine’s clothes.

The devil was out to play this afternoon it seemed.

For a moment Katherine was terrified. What was she to do? Come back completely naked to her home? Wait for the night to fall do to so?

But then, she realized. Either way it played out, she had to get out of the lake. To the land.

To the land where Elijah now had his foot on, trying to make Hope relinquish what was left of her clothes.

A knowing smile arouse from her features.

And when Elijah turned around in the lake’s direction, to inform Katerina that unfortunately, Hope had ruined her garments, he almost chocked out on his breath.

With his eyes aimed down, he caught her feet sinking in the wet earth of the shore, next he caught her legs, the olive skin followed all the way up to her tights and… he averted his eyes immediately, half shrugging to get off of his jacket, offering it to her, his body turned sideways, in all ways averting his sight from her frame.    

Katherine gave him a raised eyebrow, even though he was looking away. Amused with the situation, she took the cloth, not without grazing their fingers. Catching up on his misery, she finally covered herself up in his piece of clothing, which was big on her, as to be expected. The brunette circled the jacket’s ties around her and when everything was into place, she took the pin securing her hair up to her head off. Cascades of cocoa ringlets fell down to her waist, showering her clothed shoulders in the process.

“You can turn around now,” came her voice informing him, a hint of mischief in her tone. Katherine knew all too well he desired her. Hell, most men did. Her luck was her father didn’t care for marrying her nor Elena right about now, which made suitors anxious and herself picky.

Although, Katherine had the feeling the thing her father really wanted was for her to marry into love, just as he had with her mother.

Which was probably never happening.

Katherine didn’t think she was bound to be with only one person ‘till the death did them part.

It was absurd, cliché, and intangible to her understandment, even though that was what was taught and expected of her.

Elijah slowly turned around to face the lady at his side. You could see in his face the embarrassment, Katherine caught humor to it and raised her eyebrow at him.

“Don’t be so nervous, Mr. Mikaelson,” she teased “I’m sure you’ve seen a lady in this predicament before,”

Not one that I wanted to intercourse so much, no.

Katherine kept her smile, yet shrugged and started to turn the other way when his voice sounded “where is it you’re going?” he inquired, his tone barely containing his disbelief, was she to walk in this condition back to her home?

“Back to my land,” she confirmed his suspicions.

He let out an incredulous sound “By foot? And ungarmented?”

“Want to offer me a ride, My lord?”

It was time for Elijah to shrug “As a matter of fact, I do, yes,”

“Of what kind?”

Elijah tried to convey his astonishment as her question poured down. He barely did.

He caressed the mane to his mare and looked up to the twilight approaching them.

“We’ll go by horse to my private stables, I’ll arrange clothes with my sister, so a carriage may take you to your lands,” he had it all figured out.

For the most part at least.

She nodded, her curls bouncing with the movement and once more, the eldest Mikaelson was kept hostage to her mannerisms.

She was enchanting, stunning in every way. His eyes locked with hers and for the briefest of moments, he swore the time stopped.

His nag emitted a sound and that made Katherine deflect her eyes from his and face his beloved companion.

“I assume this is Hope,”

Elijah nodded “Be careful, she doesn’t like people that are not myself,” the man warned and watched as Katerina walked closer to the animal, approaching it with sure hands although a feather-like touch.

For an instant, Elijah was cautious. Hope usually didn’t like human beings aside from himself. Not even his siblings had much luck praising the equine.

Yet, there she was, being petted by Katerina with no worry in the world whatsoever.

“Hey, girl,” he heard the brunette sweet-talking to his mare as she caressed her head. Her chocolate eyes shining in excitement by making a new friend. “She’s precious,” Katherine offered averting her eyes from Hope for only a second to face him, a sincere smile on her face.

“Indeed,” a thin smile adorning his face as he caught Hope’s dark orbs.

Traitor.

“Shall we?” he proffered extending his palm for her to take.

Katherine lightly deposited her hand above his, letting go from Hope hesitantly. Elijah helped her up, carefully aware that he was about to face parts of her he absolutely should not be facing and with tortured expression from his side and a sigh of relief she was mounted.

He followed suit and as he gripped the reins, alerting Hope of their departure, he felt Katerina’s hands hugging his midsection. He immediately stiffed.

She felt his stringent demeanor and justified “Just so I won’t fall,”

“Of course,” he cleared his throat. Their trot slow, Hope seemed to savor the day-ending vibe around also his misery, apparently.  

“Are you always this quiet?” she questioned flipping her finger into his shirt.

Elijah felt his stomach drop in despair.

Katherine smiled wickedly as she felt him adjust himself in the saddle.

“I watched you ride the other day,” he initiated.

“So, Lord Mikaelson was spying on his neighbor?” she quipped with a smirk her hands still holding his shirt.

“As you so cleverly recalled, we are near in properties, nothing more natural than to catch a glimpse of each other once in a while, would you say?”

“Sometimes more than a glimpse,” her hands dangerously falling to his tights.

Elijah cleared his throat again, “why come all this way to bathe in the lake, without a horse no less, keeping in mind your own lands have also amazing natural pools?”

He felt Katherine shrugging behind his back and her hands pressing a little further up his tights as they passed unleveled ground.

He kept his hiss inside, although his blood was starting to leave his head, swimming south.

“I was hopping someone would catch me,” those hands of hers, coordinated by the devil traveled north.

“As well as in a game of sorts?” his question followed and he felt the tips of her hair in his back covered only by the thin cloth as she nodded “Someone you say?” Elijah could see his private stables from afar. Thank the Lord!

“You,” the tingle of her whisper in his ear made his air stuck inside and he briefly closed his eyes to savor her hands finding what she was teasingly searching until now.

“Although, once I capture you, the game comes to an end,” he reasoned gripping the reins just a little more forcefully, yet not making Hope gallop.

Katherine felt as his length shaped itself inside his slacks. Her hands massaging the thick flesh above the cloth, the heat pulsating in her palm.

She continued stroking him, listening to his ragged breaths ‘till they reached the stables entrance, it was only then he gently and almost regretfully removed her hand from his shaft, only to kiss her knuckles one at a time, before mounting off of and helping her down as well.

Once more their orbs locked, he looked at her deeply and exhaled, circling his arm around her thin waist.

“I can’t seem to let you leave,” he vociferated slow and almost inaudible. His forehead touching hers, her own orbs half opened as their breaths merged creating heat, a contrast to the brisk wind catching up around them. A smirk graced her face and he mirrored her expression.

“The game can be over for an instant,” she proffered only above a whisper, her lips almost touching his.

Elijah’s free hand cupped the side of her head, his thumb caressing her plump lips as he captured every aspect of her face inside his mind.

He wanted to cherish this moment for eternity, because he knew that once he advanced with what was in his thoughts there’ll be no turning backs.

Katherine leaned to his careful and adoring caress as she felt the hand circling her waistline left her, eyes recently closed, she was about to protest the lack of his touch when she felt his hand touch her inner tight.

Oh.

She felt as Elijah descended his head to kiss her neck, his hand moving to grasp her coffee ringlets as his other palm traveled north to find the juncture between her legs.

And oh how he didn’t need a compass.

Just as his fingers grazed her entrance she felt herself buckling up and letting out a sigh as she moved closer to his ministrations.

“Elijah,” her voice cut when he deposited a finger inside of her, his lips ravishing her collarbone now while moving his digit in and out.

Katherine encircled a leg in his waist, as he inserted another digit inside her core. She moaned in his ear and nibbled his lobe, air gushing ragged from her lungs as she rode his fingers.

Elijah listened to her approval and nipped on her neck as she used his fingers as saddle, the feeling of her inner walls pulsating in his hand was amazing, the wind cutting through the night air a contrast to their heated skin. He lapped his tongue out of his mouth to taste her sweat as he inserted a third digit. Katherine’s hands hugging his upper back, her fingernails scratching through his shirt as she went up and down on his fingers.

His grunts in seeing her getting herself off that way turned out groans as he started to trust his fingers faster while his hips did the same, a bit of frustration for his member was cloistered inside his pants.

With a loud moan, it could be considered a shriek, she came crushing his digits and melting into his palm. Her juices running down his hand, their foreheads glued together once again. He noticed as the moonlight came out, her cheeks were flushed, her hair a little more tousled, he knew he couldn’t be much different from that.

Elijah observed her as she slowly opened her eyes at him and the glim inside promised him that this night wasn’t over just yet, for she jumped ahead and engrossed their lips together, pulling out a moan from him.

Elijah took both her legs apart and wordlessly commanded her to wrap them around his middle, as she did, while he moved them inside the stables.

Hope had long found her cubicle, Elijah couldn’t be certain, even less so with Katerina ravishing his neck with open mouthed kisses and sharp bites taking hisses out of him.

“We should stop,” he tried and reasoned with the exquisite beauty between languid kisses.

Katherine moved her face away from his for only a second and looked down between them.

“Someone down there doesn’t agree,” she pointed out the obvious pressing of his penis against his pants.

He followed her look and soon averted his eyes to lock them into hers once again that night.

“Katerina,” he started and moved his nose to her ear nuzzling and giving her lobe a bite that earned him a lazy gridding. “I want more than anything to take you here and now, although the first time we do this, it should be-“

“Stop analyzing things, Elijah,” she cupped his head in her hands as she moved it away from her neck. “I really do want to be here, with you, right at this moment,”

He offered her a small smile and leaned forward to deposit a kiss in her mouth, one she responded fiercely, biting his lower lip, making him moan.

Right in that moment, Elijah chose to believe in her words and take them to heart, forgetting the world outside and the problems they would face if caught, the man backed her up to the nearest stall, ravishing her neck in the process, his teeth lightly leaving love bites in his descending to the valley between her breasts, her moans echoing in the stable, the night sounds long forgotten by them.

Katherine pulled the hairs in the base of his neck as his hot mouth found her right breast, her head fell back to the wall when he thrilled her nipple between his delicious lips, she could already feel the moisture inside her thighs, the pulsation in anticipation. Elijah was mesmerized by her curves, he wanted to kiss every inch of this minx inside his arms, at the same time, he couldn’t wait to consummate what he was working to, because the need for being inside of Katherine was already leading him to madness.

Elijah fumbled with his jacket she wore and stopped when the garment touched the stable’s ground.

She was flawless.

Toned legs, hips sinuous like a high tide river, breasts full and now red from his ministrations, long coffee curls descending down her back, part covering her shoulders. Her doe eyes glistened with desire, he figured his would be just as much lustful, his gaze was glued on hers as she approached him and grazed her fingers through the fabric of the shirt he was wearing.  

“Katerina,” came his whisper as he half closed his eyes feeling her opening up the buttons to his clothes.

Katherine leaned up and closed the distance between them, gracing his mouth with her tongue and lips, her teeth nibling on his lower lip as her fingers kept working on undressing him. Elijah’s clever hands moved to her hips, running up her back, ghostly feather touches pulling out goose bumps from her as Katherine gripped his forearms, her nails digging in his recently exposed skin, but only for so long, her hands didn’t delay unbuttoning his pants long.

Elijah grinded in her as she worked the garment out of him, his moan loud in the ambient when her digits came in contact with his rock-hard member.

Their breaths coalescing as they resumed kissing, this time harder while Katerina handled his long length, moistened by pre-cum.

Elijah pulled her hair, making her arch her body to him, her mouth praying his name, as he stopped her hands movement, for he would explode if she kept going.

Katherine opened her eyes, lustful bliss inside her chestnut pools, a bold smirk featuring as he properly got rid of his clothes and silently led her to another stable corner, where one could see a makeshift bed.

“Usually, I spend the nights here when Hope’s unwell,” he offered, his hand clasped in hers, as both naked bodies moved near the bed.

Katherine shot back a genuine smile at him. It warmed her heart knowing he valued his mare companion at such lengths.

She was to walk to the bed when his hand moved to her wrist and pulled her into his arms. Elijah moved her hair out of the way and stared at her face as if she was the most amazing thing he’d ever laid his eyes upon.

And she was.

Katherine leaned her face into his palm.

“I want you to be sure,” his voice low, a trembling edge to it. By now Elijah figured she wasn’t a virgin, such was her expertise into these matters, still he waited for her allowance.

It didn’t come with words, as she lightly pushed him to the bed, a knowing smile showing in both their faces.

Elijah’s back collided with the poorly arranged mattress as he marveled with worshiping eyes while she mounted his hips. Her head descending in his chest, her teeth biting, her tongue appeasing it. Elijah’s hands moved to her butt-cheeks squeezing there and making her moan in his lower stomach.

Katherine felt his lava-like skin, burning with desire just as her own, she couldn’t wait for the time to taste him. And taste him she did.

Her resourceful tongue licked his head taking the pre-cum there, and leading in to its base, swirling her tongue in the process taking a loud moan out of him, followed to a groan and her name sighed breathless.

Elijah was being led to another reality with her sweet lips devouring him in the most heavily of ways, yet he lightly pulled her hair again to guide her mouth to his own and position his penis near her core.

The eldest Mikaelson locked eyes with her as she sank into him.

Her head bent backwards with a sigh of satisfaction as Elijah made the first move inside of her.

“Elijah!” her exclamation followed when he took almost all of him off her to thrust it all in with force.

His hands moved back to her hips again as she slowly started ridding him.

Her own personal human saddle, she thought with a smirk as she watched Elijah’s eyes never leave her figure up and down on his hips.

Her breasts bouncing as well as her hair, were hypnotizing Elijah. His eyes never left Katerina, he tried and keep his eyes wide open in the poor lit cubicle, although for moments he saw himself so engrossed into the sensations Katherine was giving him, he just couldn’t not close his orbs and moan her name like an entreaty, his hips moving up in the same rhythm she was sinking, creating the perfect friction.

Elijah couldn’t help but admire how her body bounced as she rode, he smirked with the thought of being her nag, for her could forevermore mount him in all hours of the day and night, for that matter.

Katherine moans started to grow louder and shirker as she got closer to her climax. Elijah’s short nails digging onto her hips as he fucked her harder and faster, he too was close.

Their skin was sleek and glistened into the low light coming from candles above, Katherine felt her orgasm building up in the pit of her stomach, her toes tingling with the familiar sensation and her breathing ragging. With Elijah’s name on her tongue she came down, feeling a horse-race rush run through her as she continued to feel Elijah’s shaft explore her insides purposefully as he sought his release as well.

He closed his eyes as he felt her walls clench him hard, breathing out while still pounding in her for instants ‘till his vision blurred and his body started to energize welcoming the familiar sensation of deliverance.

Katherine collapsed above him, covering his chest with her body, his shoulder with her chocolate drapes as she tried and caught her breath after such activities.

Elijah caressed her back lightly, his digits barely touching her damp skin.

He looked down and watched as she moved her orbs to face him, her arms laced together squeezed between his upper chest and her chin.

The sated smile she gave him made he smile back at her. His hands moving to adjust her hair behind her ears affectionately.

She didn’t say anything, neither did he.

And in a couple of minutes both were contently asleep.

///

Elijah felt the sunrays in his skin and heard the birds shirking outside.

How come…

Then he recalled last night’s events and smiled with himself.

By himself.

Elijah leaned up in his elbows to look around the stable. Only Hope was there, in the far corner, still asleep.

Katerina was nowhere to be found.

Neither were his clothes.

Elijah got up startled and looked around the cubicle, the other stalls, but found none of his garments.

Adamant he felt a smile appear in his features. She had taken his clothes and abandoned him in the ungodly hours of the day, leaving him with no option but to chase her.

And chase her he would.

[anxiouslyfred]

Out of Ice Cream

for @magpiemorality​‘s Sanders Sides creative challenge I’ve done a story carrying on from this Dukexiety one shot where Virgil find out Remus is ticklish.

Here’s how I think they could get together

Warnings: Suggestive talk, quite a lot of suggestiveness really, tickling,

Let me know if I’ve missed anything. I’m never sure quite what to include in warnings

/\/\/\/\

Remus was actually innocent of the thing which currently had him carefully tracking every noise in the apartment. He just hadn't been listening to what Roman asked while his brother was over and looking for a snack in the kitchen. He still knew his room-mate would blame him for the last mint ice cream having been eaten and the punishment would be swiftly carried out.

While he wouldn't mind being pinned down by Virgil again, or being ordered to beg him, neither of those things were as pleasurable when accompanied by tickling. In fact Remus would happily put himself into position to beg if only it was for less innocent actions.

The awareness of the sounds of the apartment currently was a little pointless though, as the clock distinctly showed Virgil was still at work and wouldn't be home for another hour. That possibly gave Remus enough time to go to the shops and hopefully get some more ice cream.

Hopefully. Fingers crossed and toes tied in knots.

Actually tying his toes up made walking difficult so at least until he'd gotten the ice cream that could wait. No time for tripping over when its a serious case of avoiding wriggling fingers.

It was as he took the receipt, already reading it to thank the cashier by name that Remus saw his doom signed. The time was after Virgil would have left work and it would take a large dork sized miracle to get home before him now. At least he remembered to yell his thanks as he raced off, still hoping to avoid any retribution.

The hallway being silent outside their apartment could either be very good or a sign of doom and Remus couldn't decide which as he tried to catch his breath after the run. That was before he heard the footsteps moving about inside and had to just bite the bullet and race through it. Dodging the executioner sounded like a lot more fun than this afternoon was proving it to be.

“Virgie! I'm home and I have ice cream!” He trilled, almost singing, as he half ran half slid through to the kitchen, already getting the box out of the bag to throw in the freezer, using the door to stop his slide. No point in delaying anything by seeing how hard he could hit the cabinets today.

“And why might I ask were there none in there anyway? Those are my ice creams that you never touch.” Virgil raised an eyebrow, fingers twitching a little, enough Remus was very tempted to put one of the ice creams in his hand. Ice play wasn't really something he was into though.

Remus still just exaggerated a laugh. “Silly thing, a thief broke in, demanded ice cream and that was all we had! Roman was over. He can confirm.”

“So you gave my ice cream, repeating Mine, to your brother? Cause look what I have here.” Virgil smirked, bringing up the hand Remus had thought he was leaning back on, one of the blackberry and liquorice ice creams Remus loved in it.

“You want an adventure story or can I just start running now?” Remus bounced a little, already feeling the phantom tickles he was sure Virgil was about to threatened.

He was more enthralled by Virgil standing to lean over him to throw the ice cream back in the freezer to actually run though, at least until he heard the whisper of “Beg!”

Then it was all movement and Remus was dizzy in the best of ways as he raced through the rooms of their apartment, spinning past corners and trying to dodge past tight sections Virgil couldn't leap.

It was one of those areas that Remus was caught passing, Virgil apparently had learnt a few better ways to leap their furniture since discovering how ticklish Remus is. Being suddenly pinned to the floor when he'd been running a moment earlier made him feel even more like prey for some soaring birds even as he tried to scramble up again.

That just meant he was incidentally giving Virgil a piggy back ride and achieving nothing towards escaping the arms now teasing his neck and the top of his sides just above where Virgil's legs had wrapped and locked into place. “No no no nonononono. Ssssstoppppppp popopopop. I didn't mean to. Nononono.” Remus whined through loud laughter, nowhere near to his usual cackle, curling up instinctively as much as he could in the small space between furniture.

Remus didn't quite know what to make of it when instead of the tickling getting worse at their new position with him curled under Virgil on the floor he felt a kiss get placed on his neck as soon as his hand moved to try protecting his sides more.

“You're cute when you get all flustered like that Re. Maybe actually listen to what Roman asks if he can have next time though.” Virgil knelt up enough for Remus to roll until he was laying on his back. “I wonder if being tickled or the threat of it is the only way I can see you like that.”

“Almost sounds like you wanna ravish me there, Spidey Skelly.” Remus gasped, more than aware of what fun they could have with Virgil on top of him like this. It was just his nature to try and make him see it too.

Virgil didn't react in any form of rejection or disgust he'd expected though, instead leaning forward until there was little space between them. “If I do, are you objecting?” The whisper was lower than it had been by the freezer and entirely to blame for the groan Remus let out before finding Virgil backing off and getting up. “We should probably actually talk about, you know, being in a relationship and shit before that though, right?” Virgil sounded like his anxiety had just kicked in over just how forward he'd been acting.

Remus just blinked for a second, taking in yet another abrupt change of direction for the conversation happening without his input. Usually he'd be the one making the conversation derail but now Remus was convinced there had been no tracks to follow since he entered the apartment again. “Sure. I mean I don't mind if ya wanna ravish me without all that romance talk but we can do that now if you'd prefer? Or are you going to get annoyed over the ice cream again, cause you've kind of stolen my ability to get distracted today?”

“You got me more. I kind of assumed that was what you were doing when you weren't home anyway. We're cool on that.” Virgil waved it off, shaking his head a little. “So you actually do like me then? This isn't something Roman put you up to or whatever?” He'd moved to sit on the back of the sofa while speaking, only looking back over at the end of the question.

Remus just sat up, happy to stay on the floor. “Dude, if I thought you'd be willing to wreck me I'd have been kneeling and begging forgiveness as soon as you got home. You want candles and romance and I'll try my best. It ain't something I'm used to doing but you're way more than any of the hook ups I've had before could ever have been.”

“I was more thinking dates to see the trash marketed as horror movies and seeing how many cinemas we can get banned from, but trying to get kicked out of romantic restaurants while attempting Roman's version of a date sounds pretty hilarious too. You yell obscene things while I have panic attacks and we'll either have then jumping to give us free food or calling security on us within ten minutes.” Virgil shrugged, obviously ignoring the start of what Remus said, or rather just treating it as a Remus version of admitting to feelings.

“You get me, Jack Frost! So we're boyfriends now?” Remus cackled, kneeling to lean closer to Virgil as he spoke.

“Looks like we are.” The agreement was all he needed before Remus was pulling Virgil into a deep first kiss.

[writer-jamie]

Crimson Lips and Black Tux - Sam Drake x Reader (Part 1)

Summary: Y/N is a sex worker from London who was recently employed by Rafe Adler. At a meal one nights she caught the eye on one Samuel Drake who decides to show her what a real man is like. 

Warnings: Talk of sex work, smut is implied, abuse.

Tag List: @peakymarvels @missdictatorme @samdrakeftw @easy-and-steady @the-drakeboys 

A/N: I promise I'm not procrastinating my Joel x reader series...I swear 🙃 So turns out i haven’t actually written any Uncharted stuff yet (i’m actually shocked) so while i’m inspired i’ve decided to write some Uncharted stuff. This has meantions of abuse and sex work, so if this triggers you, please don’t proceed. I recommend you should read Seaside Beauty by @desertvvitch (it’s beautiful and good smut!) My requests are open atm! Make sure to reblog and keep an eye out for the rest of my work ❤️

You tapped your ring finger to your top lip as you applied a fresh coat of red lipstick. You ran your hand over your cheeks as you looked into the clean mirror before fixing your hair and leaving the bathroom. You walked outside and back to the table, sitting next to the man you were with. His name was Rafe Adler. And he has money. That’s all that matters. You grabbed your martini with your hand, your rings banged against the glass as you lifted it to your lips, watching as three men and a woman walked towards the table you were sat at. Rafe stood up, you joining soon after. “Ah late as always.” Rafe mumbled and shook hands with the older man. “Better late than never, Adler.” A Boston accent rung in your ears as the older man placed a small kiss on your hand. A gentleman. The one with the Boston accent followed suit, as well as the other one. You shook hands with the woman who was in a green dress, a strong contrast to your black one. “Elena Fisher.” The blonde smiled and looked at you. “Y/FN. Nice to meet you.”

You sat down and crossed your legs underneath the table, placing your hands on your lap. “I see you've already introduced yourself to Miss Fisher. This is Victor Sullivan and these are the Drake brothers, Nathan and Samuel.” Rafe pointed to each of the brothers, you smiled at Nathan but your eyes lingered on the other brother a bit longer, causing Rafe to grab your thigh underneath the table. You shot him a look but tried to keep yourself calm. ‘Just two more days’ You reminded yourself and put a smile on your face. 

“Where are you from, Honey?” Victor asked, taking a sip of his drink. 

“London. My father was from Spain but my mother was English. I like to travel; my passport is full of stamps.” You smiled at the man before looking at Rafe as he took your hand in his. Your freshly done nails were a stark contrast to his short nails. 

“So Adler. How did you manage to bag such a beautiful woman? She’s way outta your league.” Sam laughed and looked at you. “How much is he paying you, Hun?” He was joking of course but you looked into his eyes and told him straight up. “For tonight or the whole week?” You asked, watching as Sam’s eyes went wide, not realising you were serious. “I’m clearly giving her too much, especially for a girl who likes to run her mouth.” Rafe spat. The guests looked at him with concern but he brushed it off with a laugh and drank the rest of his wine. “Shall we order?” He suggested, while looking down at his menu. You grabbed your menu and looked across the table at Sam, who was trying to send you messages via a look. You didn't know what he was doing so you looked back down at the menu and drank your beverage. 

Throughout the whole meal you would sent Sam looks. You would drink some of your martini and lick your lips, making sure he was watching. But Rafe was also watching. You ate your food in silence as the men talked about the business they had to discuss. You and Elena made small talk, about your life and stuff but Elena kept away from asking the stupid questions, like “Oh so are you a sex worker?” Thats the best thing about women, they have mutual respect and etiquette that men just wouldn't understand. You learnt that herself and Nathan were married and that the boys went to school together. She also told you how Victor was like the father of them all and was very protective, especially of Elena.

At one point in the meal you disappeared to the bathroom, followed by Elena. It was an unspoken rule that women would go to the bathroom together, either to touch up on makeup, to provide moral support or to hold your hair back while you threw up. You used the bathroom and as you walked out to wash your hands, Elena was stood at the mirror. “Y/N, you can tell me if you want to.” She reassured you. You looked in the mirror, fixing your hair. “There is nothing to tell, I’m a sex worker and Rafe hired me. I have sex with him, do whatever he wants. He can hurt me, hit me or punch me. As long as he pays at the end of the run that's all I care about.” Elena walked towards and touched your arm. “No. He shouldn't touch you like that. You have your own free will. You aren't a machine programmed to be abused by him. Do you want our help?” 

“Elena. I’ve had worse clients than him. I need to be paid. I can’t just run away from my issues when the client is abusive. You wouldn't understand so how about you back off?” You turned to face her, small tears ran down your cheeks. The woman tried to console you but you walked out of the bathroom, wiping your eyes as you arrived back at the table with a smile on your face. 

You all finished your meals and Elena couldn't keep her eyes of you. Making sure that Rafe didn't hurt you anymore, at least while she could see. You said your goodbyes and smiled as Sam kissed your hand goodbye, waving as you got into the cab with Rafe. The ride home was long and silent. You knew as soon as he took you home he would kick off. For flirting with Sam, for leaving for so long. Anything he could get he will use it. Rafe paid for the cab and walked you to the front door, unlocking it and bringing you inside. As soon as that door shut, he was in your face shouting. “Who do you think you are?! You are a whore for hire, nothing more, nothing less! I own you.” Rafe swore as he grabbed your wrist, pulling you closer to his chest. “Only for two more days.” You spat back, trying to pull away from him. 

“You listen here, bitch, making eyes at Drake while I’m paying you to sleep with me isn’t how this works. I own you until Monday so you will work, until Monday. Now get on the floor and work. You’ve made me angry now.” You did as you were told and got down on your knees, very uncomfortably because of the tight dress you wore. You played with his buttons on his trousers before pulling them down along with his boxers and got to work. 

You woke up in the large bed to your phone vibrating. You groaned and turned around, squinting due to the brightness. 

Mr Adler: I’ve left early. Get yourself dolled up and meet me at the coffee shop around the corner at 12. I need a pretty face with me when we meet up with boss.

You rolled your eyes and laid back in the bed, resting your phone on your naked chest. You couldn't wait for this weekend to be over. The sooner you were done with Rafe, the better. Elena was right. You shouldn't have yelled at her, she was just trying to help. But Elena would never understand her. Elena didn't have to sell herself for money. 

You moved into the shower and turned the cold knobs, allowing the hot water to hit the bottom of the shower quickly. You stepped underneath the hot water, groaning in relief as you ran your hands through your hair. You grabbed your shampoo and washed your hair deeply, allowing yourself to relax for the first time in days. You ran your hands up your arms, noticing the new bruises and red marks, along with the older marks along your stomach and upper thighs. You rolled your eyes and winced in pain when you saw the way your thighs looked. He fucking ruined your skin. He wasn't even that good at sex, he just thought he was. He had a banging cock, but he just didn’t know how to use it. You couldn't help but think about that Samuel Drake boy. He looked older than Nathan but younger than Victor. But he was hot. There was something about him. You bet he had a banging cock but knew how to use it. Maybe you could interest him in some work after you finished with Rafe. 

Maybe Sam had the same plan. 

[foolishlovebugbaby]

ten-thousand miles gone

prologue

summary: they say time heals all wounds, but the one left by han jisung on your heart is one that you still treat tenderly. alternatively; han jisung reappears into your life like a whirlwind, knocking you off of your feet, after leaving you without a goodbye.

genre: angst

warnings: nothing triggering or rated

word count: 6k

note: in my head, the mind map of the way this particular fic ended went in so many directions, but this was very draining to write so i settled on the one that wouldn’t leave you hanging. 

been travelling these wide roads for so long my heart’s been far from you ten-thousand miles gone

In your younger years, life had always seemed to move gradually. Time seemed to be muffled by all the firsts and seconds that came and went like waves, distracting everyone from the reality of growing pains. But college certainly ripped off that bandaid, a cushion no longer supporting your fall into the harsh realities of life. 

Second semester of sophomore year had just ended, so now every college student across the country was making a beeline for the airports and bus stations, with tickets home clasped tightly between hands that were potentially developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Luckily for you, home was two train rides and a taxicab away. But like all your independent adventures of navigating life unhinged, no journey would be complete without twenty-something voicemails from your mother telling you to padlock your luggage and some vague, superstitious advice she read on Facebook. 

[To ma: yes, i didnt forget to pack your scarf and no, im not going to drink ginger and ginseng to ward off bad train spirits.]

[From ma: thank you. suit yourself , you will be bad spirit magnet !]

You chuckle and shove your phone into your pocket, hailing a cab with one hand while the other slings an abnormally large duffle bag over your shoulder. “North-Hill train station please.” You say to the cab driver and shove your luggage into the seat next to you. 

You let out a tired sigh and slump into the pleather seats. Butterflies swarmed your stomach- you always seemed to get them whenever you went back home. Back to the place of some of your greatest and worst memories. Somehow, through the years, the fear of seeing him again in that godforsaken town died down, because the thought of ever being able to see him again at all proved itself to be almost impossible. 

Even a fool knows this, you’re the best thing I’ve got…

You almost choke on your spit when that song comes on the radio. Of course that song had to come on so conveniently in the middle of your trip down melancholy lane. You have half a mind to reach over and turn the radio off, but decide against it when you see the cute old man bobbing his head to it. 

So instead your mind traces its steps back a few moments until all you’re reminded of is him. 

In your head you remember all these great experiences- graduation day, senior prom, camp nights during wintertime and summer carnivals down at the boardwalk. But then your mind tortures you and conjures up these images of what it would’ve been like to have experienced it all with him next to you and suddenly the memories become less fond. It’s treacherous, really, being your own worst enemy. But you learnt the hard way that time slows down for no one. 

When you get to the train station, you move in a daze. The muscle memory of validating your ticket and walking to the platform does all the work for you. And usually that would be a good thing, except now it only allowed you to stay in your head a lot more. It’s funny, really, how everytime you see posters and billboards of his group around you don’t flinch. Not anymore at least. Because you don’t know him anymore, and he’s probably forgotten about you.

Sometimes, you’re convinced he was just a character that your very active imagination conjured up to fill gaps in your life with meaning. But every time you open a picture of the pair of you way back when, you’re met with the reality that he was real. Even if it was just for a short amount of time, he was visible to you. Tangible. And meant galaxies to you. 

[From mama han: cant wait 2 see u back again ! have dinner with us soon xoxo] 

You smile fondly down at your phone once you’re situated in your seat, typing out a reply to the woman you consider a second mom. 

You thanked the universe for still keeping her in your life. Sure, her son would probably be known to you as the biggest jackass to exist for eternity, but she would remain sweet and tender in your heart for longer than that. 

[To mama han: can’t wait to see you too:)]

You don’t confirm your spot at their dinner table, because frankly speaking, the last time you stepped foot in their house was the summer before university when you went to drop off a box of jisung’s things that you found in your room- sweatshirts, t-shirt’s, notes and other miscellaneous items that demanded you remember every miniscule moment spent with him. And since then you’ve found every excuse not to go near that place. You knew it probably hurt the woman whenever you conjured up some arbitrary excuse to not dig in to her incredible cooking, but the finger is to be pointed at Han Jisung and Han Jisung only. Screw him. 

She sometimes tries to address the elephant in the room whenever you do get to talk during her visits at your childhood home. Like It would be great to have you both visit at the same time or Would you like me to call him? I’m sure he’s not busy right now. Yeah, subtle as a gun, but you love her still. 

You’re not one to believe in luck, and if you did you’d actually quite fancy yourself as the most unluckiest person of them all, but you thank the heavens that he’s never been back home the same time as you have. Either that, or you’re just way too good at being further than a 10-mile radius from him. Like last semester break, when you got word from one of your childhood friends that he would be in town so you decided to cancel all your plans of going back home under the guise of going on a group excursion somewhere up north. Obviously, all you did was stay in your dorm and binge watch Gossip Girl for three weeks, but you concluded that anything would be better than having to confront your demons- or demon. Singular.

What would you even say if you saw him? Realistically, not that much. Ideally, you’d destroy him with words. All that pent up anger for him leaving you behind and all the unresolved feelings left to concentrate in an urn you buried deep in yourself exploding like Pandora's box right before him. 5 years passed, and yet you still found it difficult to imagine what a conversation would be like with him again. 

Honestly, you’d tell him to stay a while longer, just so that he’d remain vivid in your memories once he decided to leave again. 

When the taxi cab pulled up in front of your childhood home, you were half asleep and in desperate need of a solid meal. “Thanks, keep the change,” you say groggily as you pass the money to the driver. 

You take a deep breath once you’re out of the car, your duffle bag slung around your frame. It’s been a very long time since you were last here. The months seemed to pile up without you noticing, and now that you think about it, it had been a good whole year that passed. You don’t know where the time went, but you were definitely here now. 

You trudge up to the door, ringing the bell once. “Hey ma,” You say as she squeals and pulls you in for a hug. “I’m glad you’re back in one piece, especially since you ignored my advice.” She says pointedly and ushers you in. “Yeah, well, I guess the train spirits didn’t feel like victimising me today.” She looks at you with her mouth hung open and slaps your arm. 

“Don’t say that!” She’s about to scold you more when your dad enters the living room in his pajama pants. “My daughter finally decides to show her face around here! Send in the doves!” You always knew that you got your flare for drama from your dad. 

“How are you doing sweetie, we missed you.” He gives you a big bear hug and you sigh. “I know, it’s been too long.” 

“There is not enough time in this world to mope around! Now, darling, it’s very late so your father and I are off to bed. There’s some leftovers for you in the toaster oven in case you get hungry,” They both smother you in a hug and you almost suffocate. “We’d love to hear all about your university in the morning. Sleep tight honey.” 

And so you’re left to your own devices. Again. Sighing, you reluctantly head up the stairs and make your way into your old room. A smile finds its place on your lips.

The room is oddly clean- you figured your mother must have emotionally cleaned in here (more than once) during your time away from home. But the walls are still the same ugly navy blue, and your star-print curtains remained planted in front of your windows with planet decorations all over the ceiling to match. Funny. He helped you decorate. Said it made your room feel like the universe was just the two of you.

You didn’t know that what he really meant was that you were his safe place.

You spend a good thirty-minutes unpacking, tinkering around your old room and texting your friends about your trip home. It feels like an eternity passed when you finally decide to listen to your growling stomach and go get something to eat. But you’re picky and nothing in your kitchen seems to entice you enough to devour it, so you swipe your house keys off the kitchen countertop and head to your door. 7-Eleven it is. You’re dressed in a pair of leggings and a pink sweater with fluffy slides to match, but you could care less.

As you walk out of your driveway and head down your street, you pass by his house. The lights are off (of course, since it’s an ungodly 1AM) and it practically looked like a dollhouse. 

You turn your gaze away. 

The walk to the local 7-Eleven is only 5 Hozier tracks away, so you reach there in no time. Your tummy growls when you enter, and you immediately head to the instant section. Hmm, ramen, tteokbokki or pasta, choices choices choices…

You’re too busy pondering to notice the figure clad in sweats and a baseball cap standing frozen at the end of the aisle, gaping like a fish your way. He practically isn’t breathing, but your presence had knocked the wind right out of his chest. 

“Y-Y/n?” He manages to breathe out, and you look around, confused. Did someone just say my name?

Your eyes slowly turn to his figure, and you can barely see who it is from afar. Tan skin can be seen from the collar under his hoodie, and dirty-blonde hair peeks out at the ends of his baseball cap. You feel like you’re seeing things, because you know that baseball cap. You bought it. 

Slowly, your eyes trail over his face, and you feel the air leave your lungs.

Jisung still remembers the last time he saw you. Well, the last time he saw you before he didn’t say goodbye. 

It was a Thursday afternoon, History class had just ended. On the way out, he caught a glimpse of you. He hadn’t seen much of you the entire week, but that was because he was actively trying to avoid you. But there you were, at your locker putting away your books with that puppy-dog expression you always wore whenever you were tired and in need of a good nap. He stood for a few moments, taking you in. Even if your hair was messily up in a bun with a hoodie two sizes too big drowning your frame, he still thought you looked like an absolute dream. He wanted to go up to you and ask you how was calculus? And when you pout and say boring, he would suggest you come over for some hot chocolate and a movie. And you would say yes, with a sleepy, lopsided smile, and his body would feel all warm and fuzzy at the sight of you.

But he doesn’t do any of that. Instead, he leaves his heart by the lockers, and with one last look, he walks away. His jacket does nothing to warm the cold that creeps its way up.

Had he known he wouldn’t get to see you one last time after that, he would’ve watched you for a few seconds longer. Had he known that you would fall sick and stay home from school the day before his flight, he would have told you to take better care of yourself. And had he known that the last time he’d see you would be when you’re drained and tired and down, he would have gone up to you to make you smile, one last time. 

He never stopped recreating pictures of you in his head, fearing the outlines of you would fade. 

Except now, as you stand a mere six feet away, he feels as though you stepped out of his mind and into his world once again. He can see you. You’re there. 

None of the pictures of you that he drew up in his head would ever compare to the way you looked right then. Beautiful, just as he remembered you.

Your name feels like a foreign language when it leaves his lips. 

The air is so thick between the pair of you that it makes everything around him slow down. He sees your eyes move from confusion, to shock, to utter fear and bewilderment, and then to pain. It feels as though a knife impaled his heart when he sees your eyes quiver.

He always loved your eyes. Dark brown, like freshly turned over earth, warmed by the sun. They look at him with sorrow now. 

Your arms drop to your sides and your lips quake, “J-Jisung?” God, he forgot what it was like to hear his name in your voice. He hates that it’s said with so much heartache. 

You run out without thinking twice. 

“Stop, slow down! W-wait!” You hear his voice call out for you, but you continue to run- where? You don’t know. You just wanted to get away. Your feet take you far down the sidewalk, lamp-posts your only source of light at this time of night. 

But you’re not fast enough, and for the first time in a long time, you feel his grip on your arm.

“Let go of me,” You say, your voice already breaking. He breaks with it.

“Y/N listen-” He pants out.

“No, let go of me!” You snatch your arm away from his grip. God, you’re furious. And hurt. And every other emotion there is to feel when you see the person who left you with nothing.

Your raised voice startles the two of you, and you both stand there for a moment, breathless. From running, from shock. 

He doesn’t say anything and just gapes at you, “Well?” You provoke pointedly. “What? Cat got your tongue?” 

“No ‘Hey y/n! How’ve you been? Long time no see since, you know, I abandoned you’.” You say harshly and the knife in his heart twists. 

“I know you’re hurt-” You cut him off.

“Hurt? Hurt? Hurt doesn’t even come close to what I feel, Jisung.” All the words you want to spew get caught in the back of your throat and you fight yourself to keep it together because you don’t want him to see you cry. You don’t want him to catch you vulnerable and raw, because you don’t know if you can trust him with that part of you again.

“Can we please just- can we please just talk?” He begs, and you scoff. “Please?” His eyes plead with you, and you frustratedly run a hand through your hair. 

“So talk.” You cross your arms over your chest and look at anywhere but him. He doesn’t say anything, and each time he tries to, all he does is end up biting his tongue. Where does he even begin?

“I’m sorry,” He croaks out, even though it’s the worst thing to say. 

“Great. All is forgiven.” You’re ruthless, but that’s only because he didn’t show any mercy when he left. 

He searches your eyes, not knowing what he could say to make things right. Or if that was even a possibility anymore. You both stand in silence for a while, and slowly your resolve breaks away.

“Why?” You say, your voice coarse and exhausted. “Why’d you do it? I tortured myself for months- no, years asking myself what I did wrong that caused you to leave me like that. What- was it something I said? Something I did? Please- tell me, I’m begging you,” You’re full-on sobbing now, tears flowing down your face like waves. They twinkle in the warm streetlights and he feels the ground beneath him crumble. The wound he left on your heart was ripped open again, and you couldn’t help but bleed in front of him. “P-please, Jisung. It’s been killing me for so long.” 

Tears leave his eyes, “It wasn’t your fault,” He says softly. 

“Then what was it? Because for all this time I broke myself down, questioning why you left like that. For so long I thought you were mad at me- I thought you became tired of me, bored of having me around. Do you know what that’s like? Tearing yourself apart to find answers you know you can’t answer by yourself?” “Shit, I thought you didn’t need me anymore. Which sucked, because I needed you.” You whisper through ragged breaths and he takes careful steps closer to you. 

“Of course I still needed you- I haven’t stopped needing you, y/n.” His voice is as broken as yours.

“Then why?” Your voice is barely above a whisper and you struggle so hard to not fall to the ground. 

“Do you know what it felt like to wake up one morning, clueless and thinking everything was fine, and then finding out that it was, in fact, not? Do you know what it was like to find out the person you cared for the most up and left you alone and with no explanation- not even a single goodbye? To be desperate to hear his voice again, and wonder to yourself why it was so easy for him to cut you off like that?” He stood right in front of you, so close that he could touch you. 

“I searched for you. I still looked for you in the hallways at school, hoping it was just one of your stupid pranks. I waited in my room for you to climb up to my window again and whisk me away to the park for one of our late-night walks. I called your phone for days, just in case you’d finally get annoyed and pick up. You never did. You never did,” You didn’t notice that your face was in his hands and that he tried so desperately to wipe your tears away, his own streaming down his face.

He sucked in a breath, “I left like that because I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get on that plane with you watching. That I would drop everything, all my stupid dreams, to stay in this stupid town for god knows how long with you. Leaving you was the most painful part,” 

“That day I found out I passed the audition- do you remember? You were so happy for me, more happy than I was. The only thing on my mind was the fact that I had to leave everything behind to chase after this dream- to chase after a dream that came true because of you. I wasn’t sure anymore. But you were so sure of me, so ready to see me attain everything we talked about, that the thought of all of that being in vain because of my cowardice ate me up inside. I thought that maybe if I could keep you at a distance- make you mad at me for ignoring you, have you hate me- that it would make it a little easier to let you go of me,” Your lips quiver.

“It wasn’t easy-”

“I know, I know that.” He rests his forehead against yours and squeezes his eyes shut as he hears your soft sobs. “It was so that I wouldn’t have a memory of leaving you behind in an airport. I wasn’t ready to have that image in my mind haunt me. I’ve regretted it everyday. You have to believe me when I say that.” 

“Then why didn’t you call back? Or even send a message?” Your eyes search his for answers as you pull your forehead away from his to get a clearer look.

“I thought you hated me. That you didn’t want anything to do with me anymore.” 

“Bullshit. You thought wrong.” Angrily, you push at his chest with closed fists and shut eyes, “You thought wrong,” You push him away until you’re no longer in his grip. “Let me go,” You whimper when he tries to reach for you again. “That doesn’t justify why you left me like that. I felt like I meant nothing to you for so long. You threw me away like I didn’t mean anything- made me feel like I was insignificant.”

“You meant everything to me!” He shouts out, shocking you into silence. “Don’t you see it?” When you only stare at him in confusion, he sucks in a breath. 

“The mere thought of leaving you was enough for me to think twice. Sitting with you in French class and giggling because we didn’t understand a word, spending so many nights with you in your ridiculous dinosaur onesie, getting to walk around aimlessly until 4am in this godforsaken town as if time wasn’t fleeting- I-,” He runs a hand over his face, frustratedly wiping his tears away. “I wasn’t ready for it to be over. I didn’t want to miss graduation, the day we looked forward to since grade school. I didn’t want to facetime you on prom night while you look so goddamn beautiful, knowing that someone else would be getting to slow dance with you. Knowing that I wouldn’t be there, that I would be missing out- that I would be missing you every goddamn day made me realise I wouldn’t be able to last without you.” 

“Selfishly ripping you apart from me felt like the only option. And it was so cruel, I know that. I’m the selfish asshole,” He takes exactly five steps to stand in front of you, and places a hand tenderly on your cheek. 

“I was selfish because I knew I couldn’t have you. I was in love with you, y/n. So fucking in love and you didn’t even know. And after all this time, I still am.” He says that last sentence in a whisper, and before you know it, his lips are on yours.

His mouth is so warm against yours, so tender, and yet they set your skin on fire. 

You pull away and take two steps back. 

“Y-you don’t get to kiss m-me like that, not again,” You say breathless. You’re reminded of sophomore year, and the kiss in his living room that made you feel weightless and lightheaded.

“Y/n-”

“I think we’ve talked enough for tonight,” Your heart hammers in your chest and the blood rushes to your face so fast that you swear you’re shivering. His eyes are illuminated by the streetlamps and you see them break right before you, defeated. Yours are no different. 

You walk away, choking back sobs.

He doesn’t try to stop you.

It’s 4PM when you decide to get out of bed. 

Your eyes are practically closed shut from your lack of sleep and you don’t bother to brush your hair, or undrape the blanket around your shoulders when you head downstairs. Your parents are sitting in the living room, oblivious and unassuming, but when they see you they almost go into cardiac arrest. 

“What’s wrong?” Your mother asks tentatively, extremely unsure as to why her daughter looked so abnormally disheveled. “Did you know he was going to be back in town?” You croak out, and she sighs. 

“So you saw him.” She states, and your dad pretends to read the newspaper. 

“Why didn’t you tell me ma, you know what happened-”

“Exactly; everyone knows what happened, and everyone knows how ruined you’ve both been because of it. But nothing’s going to change if you keep sweeping it under the rug. Honey, I know you’re hurting,” She rests a hand on your cheek and you close your eyes at the feeling. “But this is your chance to get closure.”

“What if I don’t want it anymore?”

“Oh that’s a load of cow dung. Look at you; you’re a mess.” Gee, thanks mom. 

She bites her lip and pauses for a second, “What if I told you that during your first year in college, the very first semester you were away, he came back? It was the autumn before things took off for him, and he showed up in town looking for you everywhere, not knowing you had left. I felt so bad, but you’re my daughter, and my first instinct was to protect you because I knew that for the first time in a long time, you were enjoying yourself. So I didn’t give him your new number, said your phone was broken, and he was absolutely heartbroken. I regret it slightly, but maybe this time you both can stop being constantly out of step.” 

Your mouth hung agape and your head spun. He looked for me?

“Don’t leave things like this, you need each other.” She gives you a squeeze, and you sigh. 

She was right. Years passed with so many things left unsaid, so much time gone. And as much as you hated to admit it, you were never going to get that time back. It would kill you knowing that you didn’t take the chance to fix things. You were already broken down to your bones, what’s left to chip away?

You uncoil yourself from your blanket and fling it onto the couch, groaning when you realise you’re going to have to face him again. The events that had elapsed last night were still hard to wrap your mind around, and you found yourself wondering if it ever did happen. You could already feel your heart pound at the thought of it. His words float in your mind ceaselessly; so much so that when you step out of your house, you almost miss the slumped figure on your sidewalk.

He gets up at the sound of your door closing. 

His hair was messy, pointing every which way, and the same clothes from earlier were now wrinkled and crimped. His eyes devastated you. They looked worn down and exhausted, much like yours did. 

“Walk with me?” He breathes out, and you nod. 

Seeing him in daylight is different. As you two walk, you become increasingly aware of exactly how much he’s grown. He used to be only a few centimeters taller than you, but now you only reach his chin. Barely. But his skin is the same golden tan and his cheeks remained full. You’re close enough that you can smell his scent- a scent you didn’t know you missed until now. But in retrospect, you just missed him. 

You both reach the small park in the middle of your neighborhood, and you find yourselves under the big oak tree that he had deemed our spot all those years ago. You look up into his eyes, and for a moment you remember what it’s like to feel home again.

“Do you remember the first time we found this place? You were always so terrible at hide and seek.” 

You find yourself smiling at the memory. He hid from you, behind this very tree, for so long that it had felt like you spent hours searching for him. When you finally did find him, you were angry and upset with him with red cheeks to match. 

“That’s only because you were always so good at hiding from me,” There’s ambiguity that you didn’t intend in that statement, which brings you both back to silence. 

After a while, you gather the courage to speak again. “So about that kiss-” He winces and scratches the back of his neck.

“I’m sorry for catching you off-guard like that last night-”

“I’m talking about the one on your birthday, sophomore year.” His lips squeeze into a tight line and his round eyes stare at you dumbfoundedly. 

“I-I always thought you never remembered that. You never brought it up, so I thought that it was just a mistake.” You fiddle with your fingers and gnaw at your bottom lip, feeling the heat creep to the back of your neck. 

“Y/n, it was never a mistake. I wanted to kiss you- and I did- because I was sick of being confused about my feelings for you.” You look back up at him, “I didn’t bring it up because I was too scared of scaring you away with it all.”

“Well you should’ve, so that I wouldn’t be so confused either.” His expression changes, and you didn’t think it was possible, but it becomes even more defeated than it was a few moments ago. He rubs his face with his face with his hands, leaning against the tree. 

He’s about to speak again, but your lips reach his before he gets the chance.

His soft cheeks rest in your hands as you taste him, soaking in the feeling of his warm lips against yours. This time, for the first time, the kiss lasts longer than a few seconds. 

The sensation sends shivers up your arms and down your spine. When he kisses you back, he kisses you with so much fervour that you’re worried you’ll pass out at the feeling. But his arms grip you tightly around your waist to keep you there, with him, firmly in place. Your mind is fuzzy and your heart beats erratically in your chest when he squeezes your waist. Craving him like this is new to you, and yet you can’t help but yearn for more. 

Where words failed you before, you make up for it in slow dances across his lips. 

“It was worth it, right?” Your question comes as a surprise to him. 

Earlier, when the sun had begun to set, the two of you decided that public parks were not exactly the most ideal place to have a heart-to-heart. So you walked back to his place, hands shoved in to the depths of your pockets, but your shoulders brushing against his with every step. 

The two of you laid face to face on his bed, pillow-width apart. 

“Leaving, yes. Hurting you, not at all.” He answers quietly, his hand drawing circles on the small of your back. 

Under his bedroom lights, you take his breath away. His eyes trace over your features, over every dip and bump of the outlines of your face and he hopes that this vision of you never leaves him. He takes in every mole and freckle on your face like it’s the first time he’s seen them, when the reality is that he always used to map out constellations on your cheeks while you slept. He’s afraid that if he blinks, you’ll vanish again, so he tries to keep his gaze steady on yours, unwavering and certain. The way he looks at you sends the butterflies in your stomach into a frenzy.

“I miss you,” You say, your voice meek and he feels his heart break all over again. “I miss you too.” You both speak in present-tense because even though he could touch you, see you, he knew it would take an indefinite amount of time for the pain of losing so many moments to heal. 

He pulls you into him, savouring the feeling of your embrace. Holding you makes him feel at home, and god knows he’s been away for so long. You nestle into the crook of his neck, and his hands rest under your sweater and on supple skin, willing your pain to go away. 

There are an infinite amount of things he wants to tell you, but he figures “I love you.” would suffice for now. 

Life never slowed down. As much as it felt like it had when you spent your days with him again, the days piled up one by one. And soon enough, time caught up. 

Soon enough, you would need to book your train ticket back to the city, because your three-week long semester break would draw to a close. He would have to book a plane ticket back to glitz and glamour, and the pair of you would wind up in the same dilemma that you were in five years ago. 

Only this time, he never leaves your side during your fleeting time together. This time, he tries to make up for all the lost moments within the span of three weeks. He doesn’t let go of any chance to be with you- to hold you, to touch you, to kiss you. He imprints the feeling of his skin on yours so that you never forget. So that he never forgets. Your eyes are cosmic in the moments that you share intimately, and he soaks up every inch of you so that he never forgets what it feels like to share the same breath. 

He listens to all your stories and all your bizarre adventures with a fond smile, because you tell them with such wonder that it makes him feel like he was there. Your voice is the only one he wants in his head. 

When he drops you off at the station, he doesn’t say goodbye. But not like last time; he doesn’t say goodbye because instead he says I’ll see you soon and Get there safely. When he watches the train pull away from the platform, he prays he sees it soon again because it carries his heart with him. 

He likes to imagine that you send him voice notes of your day and how frustrated you are with you OChem professor. That you send him pictures of yourself, and all the cute little cats you come across during your walks to class. That you send him long letters in the mail like the hopeless romantic that you are. In return, he would introduce you to his members- he knows you’d get along with Hyunjin the best, because you both would like to bitch about him while he’s still in the room. He likes the idea of facetiming you whenever you have the time, and getting to say he misses you, even if it’s only through a screen. He likes to imagine that in every lyric he writes, an essence of you treads in his words, because you’re his only muse. And he envisions the day when he’s finally back in the town where time slows, up in your room where the rest of the world crumbles away and your slates are clean once again. 

But for now he watches as the train becomes nothing but a speck in the distance, waiting for it all to play out.

[chrisevansbabymama]

Daddy Hair Care - Chapter 5

Chapter 4.2

_

Chapter 5 - Cupid, Draw Back Your Bow:

“Good morning gorgeous,” Sebastian said loud and obnoxiously from his kitchen island, with the intention to wake Chris up as it was almost midday and he was still sprawled all over his couch, now stirring.

Chris groaned as he turned over, greeting his friend back with a lazy wave as opposed to the middle finger that he would have preferred.

“And what time did you get in last night?”

Chris could hear the smile in his friend’s voice and so he slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes and stretching.

“Sometime after 2 – I think,” he yawned.

“Where did you guys go?”

Chris paused, suddenly remembering last night’s events with Kayla. There was no way for Sebastian to have known whom he’d spent the evening with; Chris was so sure of this because the snitch – Lauren, and Seb were not on speaking terms. When the lies she’d told both Chris and Kayla last night didn’t add up, Chris automatically assumed that she was covering up for shackling up in bed with Seb for a few rounds of make-up sex. 

It soon made sense when he later saw Lauren’s messages; she’d sent him a couple of Snapchats in her hooded onesie and a wine bottle, with her thumbs up and a cheshire cat grin, captioning over the image:

Sike! Enjoy your date! Sipping this as I wait for updates…

If I get to the bottom uninterrupted then it means you two fucked and I win!

He couldn’t be too mad, he supposed; that had worked out to be one of the best night’s he’d had in a while and since his pulling game was rusty, he needed all the help he could get. Even if meant an intrusive Lauren pulling a few strings and lying to make it work because they were both stubborn.

“Uh, this little place in Lower East Side, and then we watched a film,”

“That’s different, you guys are typically high-brow; it’s usually something Michelin and VIP sections at the most elusive spots,” Sebastian chuckled innocently, chopping ingredients for his morning green juice.

Chris chuckled too at the epiphany of how different his night was, but despite the change of pace and crowd; it had been a blessing. He’d been able to let his guard down and be himself around Kayla; she hadn’t treated him like a precious stone or egg, like everyone seemed to do when they were around him. Where everyone would call him “Mr Evans,” to kiss ass, she called him “Hollywood” to keep him grounded – as she’d testified. And he loved that. And he liked that authenticity and consistency.

“I was coming from a press event so we just wanted something chilled, it’s Lauren that usually picks the high brow spots,”

“Mhhh,” Seb said with an eye roll at the mention of her name. He would know, he’d dated the woman for four years.

“What time is it? Is Mya still sleeping?” Chris asked quickly changing the subject.

“11:47, I was going to let you sleep some more but I need to use this guy, y’know my routine,” he pointed a thumb to his noisy Vitamix that he would usually use first thing in the morning, but Chris occupying the living room space a few metres from the open-plan kitchen, had perturbed his plans.

Chris laid back down, “Nah, go ahead bro. I was actually going back to the hotel last night, but my ride drove past this way, so I thought I might as well stay the night instead of coming back in the morning to pick up Dodger and Mya, then I fell asleep here watching replays of the match,”

“Y’know the door’s always open man,”

“I know,” he had the spare key too. “How is she still sleeping so late?”

“She didn’t sleep too well last night,” Seb said sheepishly. “I made the mistake of caving in to everything she wanted: pizza, candy, ice cream, popcorn – she was flying off the wall with the sugar rush and then threw up twice. She didn’t sleep until 1,”

Chris clasped his hands behind his head, “That’s what you deserve, she sleeps at 8 and she’s not allowed more than one treat,”

“Just because you’re on the Cap diet doesn’t mean she has to be,”

“I don’t force her, she throws up every time she eats most of that junk,” Chris had learnt this the hard way and since then, he kept the treats to a minimum.

“Yeah but you know how she has me wrapped me around her finger,”

Chris shook his head in a disappointed acknowledgement, “I know. Was she okay though?”

“Yeah, she settled down well after,”

“If she’s not up in thirty, I’m waking her up or I’ll be paying the price tonight,” Chris said reaching for his phone.

He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but he’d envisioned missed calls and messages from Kayla. It was a farfetched little fantasy he had cooked up before he fell asleep after their text message exchange, hoping she took him seriously on his offer. He reopened the conversation, re-reading it like a hopeless romantic trying to uncover hidden meaning or any flirtatious hints. It was their first text exchange since they had met and that hadn’t been how he’d planned for it to transpire; he’d always hoped it would be something overtly flirtatious and sexy, but given the circumstances last night; that was the best he could do.

He wanted to send her another one message: wishing her a good morning and ask her how she slept, ask her what she had planned for the day and tell her that she looked absolutely beautiful last night. He’d also wanted to tell her that last night was possibly the best night he’d had in a while and that he couldn’t wait to see her again and that Monday was really far away. And Monday was the only day she was scheduled to see him, until the following week, which was jam-packed with press and a couple of shoots.

“Why are you smiling like that you creep?”

“Nothing - just on Twitter,”

Seb pierced his eyes at him in contemplation, “You’ve got this weird smug look on your face. Did you get laid?”

Atypical, his face flushed, “Huh – no -I didn’t-”

“Come on, I’m on your team. Tell me, who was it?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Mhhh, so it was just the whole team that went out?” Seb pushed. “You didn’t meet anyone?”

“Uh yeah, just the whole gang,” Chris lied, his attention locked on the device.

“Huh,” Sebastian hummed. “Interesting,”

Chris finally looked up, triggered by his friend’s suspicious and interrogative tone.  “What is?”

“Nothing,” he commented. “Just interesting, that’s all.”

“Is there anything you want to ask me man?”

“That’s what I’ve been tryna do,” Seb walked over to the fridge, retrieving two bottles of water, throwing one into Chris’ direction, pouring the other into his blender. This was usually a topic they reserved for beer, but even they knew it was a little too early to start drinking. “You were finally with a woman last night, I know that but who is she?”

“You don’t know her,” Chris finally resigned, knowing fully well that his best friend would find out sooner or later, and Kayla was too close to home to keep it a secret.

“I didn’t say I did, I asked you who she is, but your default response was defensive which makes me think that I do know her,”

“Again, is there anything you want to ask me?”

“I am asking, you’re deflecting,” Seb repeated. “Let me rephrase myself, maybe you’ll get me this time: where did you go last night? And who with?”

Chris took a big gulp to buy himself sometime to think and deliberate on whether he wanted to answer this question or not, eventually opting to because as much as he would have preferred to keep it a secret; he really needed his best-friend’s help. If there was one thing about Seb, like Lauren, he was persistent; if Chris didn’t offer the answer, he would find out one way or another. It was safer this way, Chris decided, at least his friend wouldn’t have to go on a digging rampage and ruffle unnecessary feathers.

“Kayla,”

“Kayla…” it didn’t ring a bell.

“Y’know, my hairstylist and –“

“The one she-whose-name-shall-not-be-mentioned always said you have a secret crush on? That Kayla?” he frowned, alluding to Lauren.

Chris smiled, bringing the bottle back up to his lips to shield his smile but his skin tone kept warming up in betrayal. He resented that trait.

“Oh,” Seb put his bottle down and sat down on the stool at the island, this warranted all his attention. “So, she-whose-name… was right all this time. I thought it was a joke that no one was taking seriously. Wow. So you went for it, huh?”

“I didn’t make the move,” Chris corrected. “Lauren set us up and decided not to show up, so it was just the two of us hanging out,”

“So, how was it?”

“There was no it,” Chris said, sipping again for a dramatic pause. “We just got something to eat, hung out and went to see a film,”

“That is the most boring fake date ever,” Seb said flatly. “I’m just saying, you get to finally be with the woman you want and all you do is just go to eat and watch a film. Did you at least fool around in the back of the car or theatre?”

The bottle was becoming Chris’ trusted prop.

“Did you?”

“Nah,” another sip. Should I even tell him I fell asleep?

“You kissed her though, right?” he pushed “At least?”

Sip.

Sebastian sighed, “Wow,”

Chris placed his bottle down. He shrugged.

“So you were basically just babysitting each other last night? Couple of dumbasses,”

“It was the first time we were ever together alone,”

“I’m not too sure on the details, but ahem-Lauren-ahem told me once in passing that you had the hots for the girl, but I didn’t take it seriously because I know you man, I thought back then I’ll know it’s true because you don’t take so long to make a move. But that was old Chris: he made moves, fast. So what is it – what’s the deal with you and her? Do you even like her or do you just want a bed-buddy – cos this is not like you to not make a move,”

“No, I like her,” Chris shrugged, speaking honestly; more candid that he could with Lauren because she always had an agenda to set him up or manipulate situations and end up embarrassing him. He wanted to be transparent with Seb because he was objective and didn’t know Kayla to run back to her. He’d met her once or twice but it was formal and pleasant, and at the time, Chris had given nothing away.

“I do like her, but I don’t know if she likes me the same. It’s just confusing because all my past relationships have been easy because the women have always made it clear and so it was easier for me to make the first move. Kayla, she’s different,”

“She works for you though, so she probably wouldn’t be too explicit because she’s afraid to lose her job, because I’m guessing you’re holding your cards close to your chest too. You are gonna have to just go in for it and be a little aggressive in pursuit because seems like she’s gonna need you to take the lead on this one,”

“You’re right, I don’t blame her. I haven’t given her much to work with either, we are just playing this dumb game with each other,”

“You just need another chance to feel her out – and don’t let other people meddle in,” Seb frowned, Chris was very aware that he was referring to Lauren’s handiworks. “What was she like when it was just you two?”

Sebastain didn’t know it but that question had opened a can of worms, because the second Chris opened his mouth in reply, he couldn’t stop. Even his face now had a glow to it, his smile radiant and eyes dancing with excitement. Sebastian remembered that feeling that was etched across his best friend’s features because it was only a few years ago that he had fallen for Lauren and he wouldn’t stop smiling or talking about her. She was all he could talk about. All he wanted to talk about.

“…she’s so cool and funny too. Really cool. It’s like she’s got her life together, she’s so comfortable in her own skin and has this confidence about her that is really sexy. And she’s just an assured person. Everything about her is just so – I don’t know, I don’t know how to describe it. Like she’s just full of peace and goodness, and I know there’s even so much to her that I haven’t uncovered yet and it’s so exciting,”

He trailed off babbling away about her and that feeling from last night, the overwhelming elation that he couldn’t express in words tormented him again. It was a pleasant feeling; like a heady summer night after making love. A high that he couldn’t come down off and sent chills down his body, through to his core.  He felt embarrassed when he finally snapped out of it, noticing Seb’s grin.

“Sorry, you don’t care about all that,”

“No, do carry on,” Seb motioned with his hand.

Chris bit his bottom lip, now embarrassed to carry on. He’d said too much and felt incredibly vulnerable; he trusted Seb with no doubt, but he hadn’t been this raw with his friend since his last break up, which had taken him years to recover from. Chris had adopted a defense mechanism of pretending he was fine and building walls and now the very wall he had erected was falling apart at his own hands.

“Why don’t you blend your juice or something,” Chris deflected.

“It can wait,” Seb patted the machine, filled and waiting, but it was too noisy and interruptive. This conversation was much better. “When do you see her again?”

“Monday, I have a fan event that she’s grooming me for. But after that I don’t see her until the following week,”

“Talk to her on Monday and get her alone again and maybe you can get together in those days you’re both not working,”

“What if she’s busy?”

“You wouldn’t know unless you tried right?”

“I guess, but-“

“Stop that, I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to find reasons for her to say no because you’re scared to actually go through with it. Just make the first move, and everything will fall into place,”

“And if she says no?”

“Well it wont ever be a ‘no,’ I know that for a fact, otherwise she wouldn’t have stuck it out with you last night. You remember four years ago we had this conversation about Lauren?”

“Yeah,” Chris chuckled, remembering telling Seb to go for it and make a move on Lauren. Seb had taken a liking to her when they had hit off during the Winter Soldier press tour. “But look at you two now, barely talking and can’t even bear to be in the same room, I don’t ever want that with Kayla,”

“Me and Lauren are me and Lauren, we have our issues. You and Kayla will have your own unique relationship, what if you don’t end up like us?”

“I don’t know man, I’m used to being interested in women and being okay to let them go, because I feel like I can’t do both: be with them and protect them from all this Hollywood stuff,”

“The way I see it, she knows what it entails, she’s with you and Keith all the time to know what your publicity landscape looks like, so she knows what she’s getting into,”

Chris nodded, running out of excuses to shelter him from making a move. Sebastian was making a lot of sense but it was scary nonetheless, to make that move and leave his single life behind. It wasn’t his single dad bachelor life that he was afraid to give up – because that wasn’t as glamorous as it sounded, it was more about what Kayla would have to give up and tolerate to be with him. Those reasons he feared, were the same reasons his previous relationships hadn’t been successful even with actresses he dated: the people he thought were very well-versed about the industry and its pressures, couldn’t handle what came with dating a man so carefully observed and adored by the media and fans amass. What more Kayla?

“Can I ask a question?”

“Yeah,”

“Why the hell didn’t you just kiss her? At the very least, I mean you had every opportunity to,”

“I don’t know, I asked myself that very question over and over,” Chris was reminiscing. “I don’t know, she’s different and it scares me. I was scared that maybe I wouldn’t be able to stop,”

“I don’t know if I should swoon or throw up,” Seb deadpanned. “But the fact that she scares you, alone outweighs all your dumb excuses you were listing just moments ago! I used to have this friend who got offered an amazing opportunity to play Captain America, but he had anxiety about the role and what it would entail and how it would affect his personal life. So he almost backed out until he realised that ‘maybe the thing you’re most scared of is exactly what you should do,’ he told me those words when I wanted to pursue this woman, and it worked. And he says them every time in an interview, so I never forget those words,”

Chris smiled, shaking his head and looked down bashfully, playing along he said: “So what happened to this friend of yours then?”

“I don’t know, he’s some hotshot Hollywood actor now but we stopped talking because he was a hypocrite and never took his own advice,” Seb teased.

“Pity,”

“Back to you though; why don’t you ask her out tonight or tomorrow?”

“No, I can’t this weekend is reserved Mya. I miss her,” Chris expressed. “I feel bad, like I just dumped her on you last night over some woman,”

Seb grimaced, “You didn’t dump her on me, I offered and y’know I don’t mind, I know that’s Tiffany’s job but I like the kid. And you didn’t know you were going to be alone with Kayla, clearly she’s not just ‘some woman,’”

Chris hissed, cringing at his poor choice of words, embarrassed that he would reduce her to being ‘some woman.’

“I guess this is all a bit new to me, I’m having a hard time trying to negotiate the balance between the two worlds,”

“The balance will work itself out once you figure out what you want and work towards it. You’re allowed to enjoy some me-time without Mya you know,” Seb said reassuringly, Chris smiled immediately at the familiarity of those words. “What?”

“That’s what Kayla said yesterday,”

“See! She practically threw herself at you and you didn’t even meet her halfway. Unbelievable,” before he turned on his blender, he pointed at his friend, “If you don’t at least make a move next time you see her, I’ll get myself involved. Use those perfect blue eyes and pretty face to your advantage,”

“Well actually, there’s a bit of green in the blue of my eyes,”

Chapter 6 >>

_______________

Disclaimer: Gif not my own

Tags: @thegirlwithpaperheart  @disaster-rose @youlifetime @mississippifangirl @thinemineours @tessathedragon @thottio @caninoona @eratotalles @allonszassbutt@thinemineours@dreamingwithmendes @void-imaginations @daybreak96 @l-auteuse @cliffordasparagus @bumber-car-s@lvlyab@melaninmarvel @milkymil-k@dyckvandyke @prettymuchboodup  @i-fear-neither-death-nor-pain@the-doctors-fallen-angel @tfandtws @mariswritingforfun @renesmeeharelds

@turn-thy-paige @disaster-rose

[dyanlzbb]

The recovery of the lost Moon

Jason Todd x Sister!OC

SUMMARY: Jason finds a girl and decides to help her find her mother... the only way to do it is with a DNA search. He gets surprised by what he finds.

Part 3 of 3

----   

Everything was set at home. Now it was Jason’s turn to meet Lina and tell her about what he had discovered. He still couldn’t believe that the daughter of Catwoman managed to pickpocket him. And he could not imagine what Batman would think about the fact that his daughter was a small criminal.

Jason came to the burger place and took a booth at the back. It was four o’clock and there was no sign of Lina. Perhaps she lied to him. He wouldn’t blame her, after all he knew what it feels to be caught up and in all honesty, a few times he wanted to run from the life Bruce offered him.

He waited for ten minutes and decided that she was not coming. He stood up and was on his way out when Lina entered the place. She had a bruise on the cheek, she probably got it not long after their last meeting because now it was more like a clear shade of greenish purple on her left side. Her eyes were looking for someone as she entered and when she saw Jason standing she smiled and wave.

Lina sat in front of Jason and a pretty waitress came to ask for his order. He asked for two cheese burgers and large fries and dismissed the waitress as fast as she could.

When they were finally alone, Lina started to talk. “Hey Jason I got what you wanted.” She took out from the pocket of the hoodie she was wearing a small bag with three pills. “Eddie said that he’s got twenty doses for sale every third day. He said that Arminzole, as his boss ask to be called, sits in the shadows as his goons distribute the packages to all of the kids he’s recruited. Oh, and he’s very adamant that he would kill their families if the bats get word of his operations. And very much… that’s all I could get out of Eddie.”

Just as she finished her story, the burgers came in and both of them enjoyed a peaceful meal. That until Jason asked “What happened to your cheek?”

“T’was Eddie… He… was scared that I was to betray him for what he’s doing and hit me a bit when I bit him to get the pills. But I told him I just wanted to experiment with them… I told him that I wanted to know what would happen if I throw it to a fountain and birds drink from that water. I had to pay the price later though… I got Eddie some money because this Zole guy is not patient and I don’t want Eddie to be hurt.”

Lina was so casual about the whole ordeal that it surprised Jason. He knew that deep down she was just a girl worrying for her friend. And he knew that living in the streets made having real friends difficult. He understood.

It was a defining moment for Jason. He wasn’t sure it was the best idea to reveal everything he learnt in the last week to the cheerful young girl in front of her. But he resolved to give her the opportunity to decide for herself. He sensed her anxiousness increasing now that she had fulfilled her part. She wasn't sure what was next with Jason.

“Hey Lina… Thank you very much for what you did there. I don’t want you to worry about your friend Eddie, he will be fine and I won't tell the cops.  Now… How about I take you to a ride in my bike and I give you enough money to cover these three doses you’ve given to me so Eddie has no problem with his employer? We will have make a strategic stop but I swear you will be fine.”

It was a strange proposition, yet Lina had nothing to lose. She had never ridden a bike and this guy Jason was nice. Plus she had dealt with worst living in the streets since she had to fend in this life all by herself. She was scared and excited at the same time and accepted Jason's proposal without hesitation.

The ride was full of fun. Jason brought an extra helmet for Lina, because Alfred would kill him if he gets word that Jason drives the girl without all of the safety measurements needed. Lina was even more surprised when she saw the big mansion they were approaching to. A wave of panic started to grow in her and she hugged harder the guy in front of her.

“Jason… is this… this is where you’re taking the money from?” Lina only knew about the life in the streets and how you get money there. And Jason didn’t seem the kind of person who would live in a mansion with all of the facilities and money. Somehow in her mind, Jason was about to break in this house and steal some money.

To their luck, Alfred opened the door in the moment they arrived. His eyes rested on the young girl next to Jason. She was around 12 years old with black hair and brown eyes. He knew perfectly who she was because of the DNA results he heard Jason and Tim sharing. But even if he had no previous knowledge of those results, the resemblance the girl had with Selina was formidable, yet some of Bruce could be seen in her. “Welcome Master Jason, the others are in the Living room waiting for your arrival.”

Seeing the familiarity of the butler towards Jason, Lina asked before she could think “Is this your house?”

“It hasn’t been for a long time… I do come often though.” Lina’s eyes opened like big moons she turned to look at Jason who just smiled at her and took her hand to guide her in.

They arrived to meet big oak doors. Jason was ready to face the family inside, but Lina grew scared by the second. Before she tried to run… Jason opened the doors and greeted the ones in the room. “Hello family… How you doing?”  In a second all eyes were on him. He was especially loud this time to attract the attention of everyone. He stepped in and moved to let the family see the girl accompanying him.

When Selina turned around, her eyes fell immediately to the figure next to Jason. Even when she hadn’t seen her in almost seven years she would recognize that face anywhere. She memorized every single line and figure every night while she watched her sleeping. Selina carried the last picture she had of her every second of every day. She was the daughter she lost… Her Luna.

“My Moon!” Before the girl could run away or react at all, Selina hurried to hold her tight against her chest. “My Moon… My Luna… you are fine. You are back to me… my baby.” She chanted as a soft mantra while caressing the hair of the girl.  For six years she looked for her, six years she lived in angst not knowing what happened to her and in fear of find out that she had died. Yet here she was, safe and sound in front of her.

“She is the moon you lost?” Bruce asked finally understanding the cryptic message that Selina had been reproducing for a long time. Sometimes Selina repeated the message on her sleep or when she was extremely distracted. And even in her Whatsapp status she had a sad emoji saying I’ve lost my Moon but never told him what she meant by it.

Finally releasing the girl from her grip but not allowing her to leave her side she explained to the family, but mainly to Bruce, who she was. “Yes Bruce, she is the Moon I lost… and she’s our daughter, my Luna, my little Moon. I put her to bed like I did every day and when she was sleeping I left home for a moment because Mario wanted to see me. I was out an hour or max two. But when I went back to check on her, she was nowhere to be found. I looked for her everywhere… but I couldn’t find her. I never stop looking for her… Luna was six.” Selina was caressing the face of the girl with tenderness, paying special attention to the place where Eddie had hit her.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Bruce was oscillating between being hurt and surprised. The hurt wouldn’t last because he really never had time to miss a lost daughter since he just now learnt he had one. And he was surprised that Selina managed to keep Luna as a secret for 13 years.  But then again he was hurt that she carried that weight alone for so long.

Selina became a master in understanding what Bruce wasn’t saying and she hurried to explain. “Because of the most recurred cliché of all… I didn’t want her to be hurt. There was a lot at stake at the time I got pregnant with Luna. And somehow Mario and Alberto were on me. I never even registered Luna.” There Tim intervened absent mindedly “That’s why we couldn’t get any record on her, plus she said her name was Lina and didn’t provide a last-name.”  

“tt – You were on this too Drake and you didn’t say a word?”  Damian felt he was betrayed, yet he had nothing against Luna. She certainly represented no competition to him. However, Cass hit the back of his head for him to watch what he was saying.

Selina ignored the comment from Damian knowing well that he deemed Luna no worthy of being of the same blood than him. “I know that maybe I could have told you, but things weren’t great among us either. When Luna was born I tried to settle down, and it worked for a while. But then, I lost my Moon and went back to my old deeds.”

The moment became overwhelming to Luna. In less than two hours she passed from being alone and almost betraying one of her only friends to meet a bunch of people that claimed to be her family.

Luna was certain she was about to hyperventilate. The attention over her was diverted by the faithful butler that arrived with an announcement “Dinner is ready”.

Bruce turned to see Alfred playing it cool about a new kid in the Manor. “Al… you knew?” Bruce was almost too calm during the revelation. He tried to hide his surprise for the moment when he could process this new reality. Being honest, accepting another child was getting easier each time. It was great that this one at least, could have his name in the birth certificate.

“Well Master Bruce, I may have heard Master Tim and Master Jason talking about a girl’s matching DNA… I had to give you the opportunity to discover it by yourself.” Alfred excused himself to go and serve dinner.

All of it was shocking for a disoriented Luna who now recovered her name plus got to have a last-name. She remembered why she decided to be Lina instead of her original name, because she was afraid that her mother was mad at her for getting lost. However now she was certain that her mother had forgiven her.

With the enthusiasm that characterizes him, Dick directed everyone to the dinner room trying to steal Luna from her mother. He was over the moon to find about a new sibling, at this moment he was quite experienced in welcoming the new children of Bruce.

During dinner, Jason told them about the pickpocketing making Luna sink into her seat. Dick was laughing at Jason for allowing himself to be robbed, while Bruce was not amused of what his daughter had to do to survive, after all, one of the responsibilities that the Wayne Family had with Gotham was the chance for every child to have a better life.

Damian was only assessing the new competence he had to deal with; he will have time to put the girl to the test.

At the end of the night before everyone went out to patrol, Selina and Bruce decided that it was for the best interest of all that Luna stayed at the Manor. Fearing that she would run away again, they made her promise that she would stay inside and don’t run away again. Luna agreed and that gave Alfred opportunity to take her to her room so she could take a shower and change her clothes for some other options.  

Before they all left, some for their homes and others to their nightly patrol, Luna ran after Jason and pulled his arm attracting his attention “Jason… this makes you… my brother?”

Jason wasn’t much of a hug person, but he saw the eyes of the girl full of wonder. “Apparently, we are related.” Then he disarrayed her hair before going out. “I’m glad I found you Luna.”

The last thing he saw that night was Luna going back to the Manor. Jason was preoccupied of what he had brought to her life, but at the same time he had a smile on his face because he had now more reasons to come back to Wayne Manor.

[niall-is-my-dream]

Lost Without You - Part Eight

2695 words

Catch up below

https://niall-is-my-dream.tumblr.com/post/186235732118/lost-without-you-masterlist

Six weeks later

You had just finished sorting out your bag for work when the door buzzer went, it was early only 8am but you knew who it was. After buzzing the person up you went and opened your front door.

"Bonjour, Mademoiselle Emma Pearce?" Hello, Miss Emma Pearce?

"Oui, c'est moi." Yes, that's me.

"J'ai une livraison pour vous. Signez ici s'il vous plait."     I have a delivery for you. Please sign here.

"Bien sur." Of course.

You took the electronic device from the delivery girl, your eyes wandering over the huge bouquet of flowers in her arm as you signed your name.

"Ceux-ci sont pour vous." These are for you. She said with a smile.

"Merci." Thank you. You replied.

You took the bouquet from her and waved her a goodbye. After closing the door you made your way over to your kitchen. When Niall had first started sending you flowers on a weekly basis, you hadn't owned a vase. You'd had to make a trip to the local store a few blocks away to invest in a few. The arrangement was always the same, an exact replica of the flowers he had sent you the day after he met you.

Your city centre Paris apartment was small but perfectly formed. It kind of reminded you of your dorm room actually, a small area with your desk, a kitchenette, the living space had just a sofa and a tv in. Around the corner of the L shaped room was your bed. Off of that was the shower room with a basin and toliet. You were only here for 3 and a half months so the space didn't bother you. A big two bedroom flat was waiting for you at home in London and anyway you were in Paris it didn't matter about the size of the apartment! You were living the dream and using the degree you had spent three years slugging your guts out at University for.

While lying in bed with Niall the day that you almost lost him, you had agreed to FaceTime weekly on a Sunday and to text everyday. Even if either of you were busy, a simple heart was to be sent to show you were thinking about the other.

Hearts were sent frequently from both of you, especially when Niall was in the U.S. Time differences made it difficult for you to both be free to speak at the same time everyday. Work was busy for both of you and the messages over the last four days had been just full of hearts, some from you and some from him.

Being in the Paris office of Foundation Interior Designs was amazing but challenging. Luckily you had taken A-Level French so could hold a decent conversation and read an email. Google translate was also your best friend. Everyone was sweet in the office and you had made friends with Francine and Gabriel. You went for coffee together and they had invited you to dinner with some of their friends.

You definitely missed Hannah and Jess, although they had already taken advantage of your living status and caught the Eurostar to Paris three weeks after you arrived. You had spent the weekend with them being a tourist and chatting about anything and everything.

When you're used to seeing someone everyday it is strange when all of a sudden they are no longer living right there in the same city as you. You missed hugs from Audrey and obviously her coffee and pastries. You missed joking with Jasper and Luke at the pub, but most of all you missed Niall.

And he was coming to stay the night in 2 sleeps time. In fact he was staying two nights.

He had been the one to count it down in sleeps. When he knew his plans for definite, he had text you a count down of when you'd get to be together.

Niall was in London at the moment, just a short flight or train ride away. He had interviews on some of the main UK radio stations and was then coming to Paris to appear on a Saturday morning broadcast. Then he was yours until he flew to Germany on Monday morning.

You had estimated him to have about 44 hours with you and you couldn't wait.

Being apart had been hard, but your slight wobble about it was past you. 

Ok major wobble.

You'd been so confident when you'd first met him. But as time went on and your feelings grew you had found yourself to be a complete mess. Having always been someone who didn't take risks, being with Niall was a big one. The constant travelling and being apart and his high profile status were just a few of the things that worried you. Getting hate because you were with him was a worry, but the main thing you were concerned about was getting your heart broken.

You put the flowers that had been delivered in a vase and placed them on your coffee table. The ones from last week were still blooming, those were sitting on your chest of drawers in the bedroom area. Taking the card between your fingers you opened it to find just a few words.

Just 2 more sleeps now Petal. Can't Wait! N x

When you arrived at the office an hour later you got yourself a coffee and set to work. You hadn't been sure what your internship role would entail, but you were pleased that it wasn't just making coffee or note taking. Jacqueline was the boss in the Paris office and her fiery red hair made her look feisty and fierce, but she was actually a really sweet woman. She wanted to make sure you learnt everything you could from her and her team while you were in Paris.

With a huge contract coming in just a week after you arrived, you found yourself in full on design mode. Everyone's ideas for a full refurbishment of a stunning hotel in a town not far from Paris were taken on board. 

You had just finished up some ideas for the main reception area a few hours later when Gabriel came by your desk.

"Coffee break?" He asked. Although your day to day meetings were in French a lot of the time, your colleagues were sympathetic to you and would often speak in English to you.

"Yes please."

The break room was empty when you arrived, and Gabriel went straight for the coffee machine. After being in the office for 7 weeks now, you had got to know him and a few of your other colleagues well.

"Do you have any plans for this weekend? Christopher and I are heading out for food and drinks Saturday night." He asked you as he made the coffees.

"I'm sorry I cant, I have my boyfriend coming in for the weekend."

"Oh I forgot, are you excited?!" He replied as he handed you your cup.

"Yes! I've missed him. Can't wait to spend the whole weekend with him."

"He hasn't been to visit yet has he?"

"No, he's been busy with work."

"It's sad that you've had to be apart for so long."

You nodded in agreement but didn't say anything, choosing to take a sip of your coffee instead. It wasn't that you were keeping Niall a secret or anything but you weren't ready to share that your boyfriend was Niall Horan. You had kept information of your relationship to yourself. Privacy was really important to Niall and you respected and understood that. All your work colleagues knew was that he travelled a lot with work and that his line of work was music. You hadn't elaborated anymore than that. In fact the only people who were aware that you were in a relationship were Hannah and Jess, your parents and your brother Rob.

Gabriel asked about your plans for the weekend and you weren't sure what you and Niall were planning to do. He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed telling you to at least venture outside to see some sights. You blushed at his words and he laughed even more.

*********

When Saturday finally arrived you got up early to prepare for Niall's arrival. Usually on a Saturday morning you would have a lie in. The days at your internship were long and there was a lot to learn so by the time the end of the week came your mind was flooded with information. But with Niall due in just a few hours you were up, dressed and your small studio apartment was spotlessly clean.

Making your way down the stairs of your building you wrapped your coat around you as you braced the October morning. With no car you were happy to see it wasn't raining and would be able to make the 20 minute walk to the supermarche. With hardly any food left in your fridge, you had planned on stocking up on some things for your weekend with Niall. 

After buying too much stuff to carry home, you caught a taxi back and managed to get all the bags up the three flights of stairs and put away before Niall arrived. 

When the buzzer went off you to alert you that he had arrived, you couldn't help but feel the butterflies in your tummy. Finally after almost 7 weeks you'd get to see him again. Reaching for the button, you held it for a moment as you spoke.

"Hello."

"Hi, it's me." He said.

"I'll buzz you in, straight up the stairs, three flights unfortunately!" You replied smiling.

A quick check of your appearance in the mirror was of no use. Even if you weren't happy about it, Niall would be at the door in just a few minutes. A pair of plain black leggings and an oversized off the shoulder burgundy top was what you had chosen to wear this morning. You'd fretted about it for ages before deciding that keeping it cute and casual was the way to go.

Making your way to the door, you opened it just as Niall had reached the bottom of the last staircase. His eyes never left yours as he made his way up the steps. Your body suddenly felt flush under this gaze.

He had his large leather overnight bag on his shoulder and some similar sized paper shopping bags in one of his hands.

As he crossed over the threshold you couldn't help but breathe him in. Your fingers were shaking with anticipation as you closed the door and locked it. Niall had placed his things down on the floor by the side of the sofa and took the few steps towards you as soon as his hands were free of his belongings.

"Missed ya so fucking much." He whispered as he took your hands in his and wrapped them around his neck.

"Missed you too." You whispered back.

Resting his forehead against yours, he gently nudged your nose with his. You had only been apart once before, when Niall had spent three weeks in L.A. at the start of your relationship. At the time you weren't even sure of what the two of you were. All you knew was that you'd been so desperate for each other when he came to your dorm when he arrived back in the UK, that you both were still half dressed as he fucked you against your dorm room door.

This time however when he finally brought his lips to yours he was savouring every minute of the kiss, taking his time to reacquaint your lips with one another. The feeling of your body finally being held close to his was what caused you to melt against him. Allowing him to lead the kiss, when your body was high from the feeling that you'd been missing.

Who knows how long you'd stood by the door kissing each other. Time meant nothing at that moment.

Niall's lips moved from your lips and across your jaw, his teeth nibbling at your throat when a satisfied mewl came tumbling from your lips.

He brought his face up to yours at the sound.

"Been so lost without you, so fucking lost. Facetiming just once a week with a few messages in between has been shite."

"You agreed that was what would be best considering our difference time zones." You replied to him, your face buzzing with a smirk at his frustration.

"Well I was fucking stupid." He smirked back. "We need to FaceTime more!"

"Lets not argue about this now. How about I take you to bed and show you how much I missed you?" You said with a wink.

"Well, we are in the city of love." He joked.

You burst out laughing at his answer.

"Oh my god I can't believe you just said that to me!" You snorted.

"What?!"

You continued to laugh until he picked you up and you wrapped your legs around him with a squeal.

"Niall!"

"Come on love let's get you naked."

*******

How long is too long to lay and just stare at one another?

You had no idea how long it had been. His finger tips had been slowly drawing circles on your bare hips. The thick quilt you had on your bed was pulled up to your shoulders and you lay on your sides just looking at one another. 

As much as you loved your city centre apartment, it was an old building and a little drafty. It had bothered you when the weather has begun to turn colder, but right now your naked body was warm and cosy.

"Could lay and watch you all day." You whispered. 

"Mmmm." Niall replied moving closer to you. "Same to you."

His lips brushed softly against yours, tender and sweet.

"Shall we chill out here for a bit, then go do some sightseeing and dinner?" He asked you.

You looked behind him and noticed your alarm clock showed it to 2:34pm.

"Will it be ok for us to be out in the city? Aren't you worried about getting spotted together?" You replied, laying back down.

"It'll be fine. We can go out when it gets dark, I've heard the city is great to explore when everything is lit up. I can ask Basil to come with us if you'd prefer?"

"No, I'm fine about it if you are."

And you were. This was how much your relationship had developed over the last few months. Emma, the non risk taker was taking a big risk being in Paris, being away from home, being in a relationship with a celebrity and you were embracing the risk.

Call it getting older, maturing or just falling in love. You weren't going to shy away from things.

"Well I'm going to jump in the shower and then make us some late lunch. We can head out and grab dinner a bit later. We could go for a cruise along the river and go to this amazing bistro that Gabriel told me about."

"Gabriel?"

"Yeah, my friend from work. I told you about him. He and Francine have been great, inviting me out with them and stuff since I arrived."

"Oh yeah, I remember." He replied, and you could instantly hear the jealous tone in his voice.

You couldn't wipe the smirk off your face at his reaction.

"Gabriel is married." You said slowly. "To someone named Christopher."

His eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh..... Hey I never said anything." He replied, trying to act innocent.

You laughed at his jealous nature.

"Niall you're the one who's a lusted after musician, shouldn't it be me that acts jealous?!"

"I wasn't acting jealous!" He protested.

"Yeah you were, but it's quite cute actually."

"Wasn't." He mumbled.

You sniggered at his reaction as he cuddled into your side. His face resting in the crook of your neck.

"Come on jealous boy, lets get showered and changed. I'll make us a late lunch."

"Stay and cuddle for five more minutes." He begged, his breath tickling your neck causing goose bumps to erupt on your skin. "I've missed you."

Part nine

https://niall-is-my-dream.tumblr.com/post/188653210248/lost-without-you-part-nine

Tag list

@awomanindeniall

@horanscran

@flnialler

@winchesterwife27

@ihearthemcallingforyou

@niallismymuse

@someoneunimportantxx​

[iamkatehardy]

The Portrait (Alfie Solomons x Reader) - Pt 3

Word Count: 2.2 k

Warnings: Just cursing 😁

Summary: Can (Y/N) Shelby and Alfie finally reach an agreement? Will they say “See you later” or “Goodbye”?

Preparing the ground for the final part(s)!

The Portrait Pt.3 

 The first rays of the rising sun, which shone in through the large window in the bedroom, woke you up. You lacked courage to immediately get up, so you just rolled on the bed, covering your head with a pillow; another round of negotiations with Alfie Solomons definitely wasn’t something you were eager for. Furthermore, he made you wait for about an hour last time, didn’t he? He deserved a possible slight delay.  

You took your own sweet time getting ready; if you were going to trash Alfie, you would do it in style. The dolling up process was followed by a strong cup of coffee, while you leafed through the day’s newspaper, two vitally important things for a Shelby in the morning.

After getting a lecture from his boss, Ollie knew better than keeping you waiting. Not many women visited the bakery; when he heard the staccato sound of your heels clicking on the floor, he hurried to meet you at the entrance, escorting you down the hallway, to Alfie’s office.

“At least you’ve learnt something from my last visit, haven’t you, young man?” – A self-satisfied smile formed on your pouty lips.

After Tommy’s little prank involving grenades, Ollie had realized Shelbys were crazy motherfuckers, just like Alfie, or maybe worse ; he kept silent, trying to stay low and out of trouble.

Alfie waited in his office, even more impatient than usual; he kept coming up with excuses for his rather odd reaction to your delay , telling himself  it was because he was eager to get his hands on Shelby Company Limited, or maybe because you were thirty seven minutes and fifty two seconds late already. He knew exactly how late you were; his piercing eyes had been absolutely glued to his golden pocket watch since the appointed time.

When the doorknob jiggled, he nodded his head gravely, expectantly looking at the door.

“Ollie?!” – Alfie’s eyes moved to the man staying behind you, before he closed the door.

“Yes , Alfie?”

“Note this down, next time Miss Shelby graces us with her presence, we should offer her a watch, aye. Now, go.” – Waving his hands, Alfie shooed Ollie away.

“Oh Mr. Solomons, that is very considerate of you…” – You shot him a scornful appraising look, taking a long breath. – “ And I really appreciate that, but you don’t need to bother… It was a deliberate fashion delay.” – Your gaze locked with his, as the corners of your mouth lifted, to form the Shelby irresistible signature smirk.  

“Fashionable?! Women…” – He watched you closely, as you sat down, amused, yet cautious.

“ I didn’t expect you to know a lot about that subject anyway…” – Raising a caustic eyebrow, you looked down with a mocking air, while straightening your skirt.

“About what’s fash…”

“No, Mr. Solomons, about women.” – You interrupted him,  eyes darting over his face again; you could see a vein pop out in his neck, but his expression was seemingly neutral.

“May I offer you something to drink, aye?” – He tried to avoid the topic.

“A decent business proposition would be a good start…” – You shot him an impatient look. – “But after that, I wouldn’t say no to an Irish whiskey.”

The phone rang, in the otherwise silent office. Alfie looked at it, then at you.

“You should pick up; it seems to me like they won’t be giving up. Furthermore, we’ve got some time on our hands.” – You nodded silent approval, eyeing him warily.

“I’m sorry. I won’t be long, a’ight?“– He answered the phone and you took the opportunity to get your sketchbook once again.

Alfie spoke slowly, thinking and weighting his every word, as he stroked his beard. He blinked slowly, focused; his blue-green eyes were dark oceans of immeasurable depths, where you could drown yourself in, with no need of ever again coming up for air. His thumb slid across his lips; they looked soft, luscious, warm and unusually inviting, despite the coarse speech that often left them. His mind changed from brute to brilliant in a matter of seconds. He was immovable, irreverent, intriguing; it was annoying, but definitely enticing. He probably didn’t realize all that about himself, but even if he did, Alfie seemed to you like the kind of man that wouldn’t care; you loather it, and you loved it.

While working furiously on the drawing, your eyes devoured and took in each of his gorgeous features; you were possessed by a frantic need to have his portrait done, an undeniable appeal to capture all the secrets hiding in his features, the ones he wouldn’t voluntarily tell. He had no idea how much he inspired you, and you didn’t want him to; as soon as you’d lay your eyes on him, inspiration struck you as swift and sudden as a lightening, a raw electrifying feeling down to the cusp of you being, and the need to let it out through the thing you liked the most : art.

You woke up from your creative trance when you heard the name Tommy. After angrily closing the sketchbook, to keep it away from Alfie’s sight, you leaned forward on the table.

“Tommy, like my Tommy?”

Alfie just nodded; he liked to bargain with your brother, Tommy was way more flexible about the conditions than you were.

You ripped the phone off his hand, sitting over the table.

“Thomas, fuck off, keep your nose out of my business. You weren’t so willing to do business with Mr. Solomons when you sent me here, were you? Well, now I’m in charge, and this time, you can’t fuckin’ boss me around! Are we clear?” – You yelled, before slamming down the receiver. “If he calls again, you’re not answering, it’s my signature you need.”

He never though there was someone brave enough to shout at Tommy Shelby, let alone tell him to fuck off, and hang up on him.

“You’re in charge, sweetie.” -  A soft low laugh escaped his throat, followed by an amused smile.

“Let it be a warning for you too, Alfie. I’m not screwing around. Now, the contract, did you rework it?”

Alfie took the contract out of one his desk drawers, along with a bottle of Irish whiskey; after scooting the contract to your side of the table, he poured you a drink, which you promptly took in your hand, taking a sip as you carefully analyzed the contract.

“Way better than the first one…” – You swirled the whiskey that was left I the glass, tapping your foot slowly on the ground.

“So, what do you say, sweetie?”

Taking a deep breath, you put the glass down. Bending over the table slowly, you chuckled, making sign for Alfie to approach. He did; his elbows were resting on the table, hands clenched together, as he dipped his chin, looking  at you over your glasses.

“I say… Fuck. You.” – You whispered right in his face, before sitting back down. – “This is not what we agreed upon!  I don’t know what kind of deal Tommy promised you, but I’m not my brother… So, from now on, we’ll play by my rules, or we won’t play at all.”

He sank back in the chair, closing his eyes; a corner of his mouth lifted.

“Listen, love, it really pains me to be the bearer of bad news, especially to such a beautiful, determined, cunning little lady like you, a'ight… But you’re hardly in a position to make any demands, innit doll?” – He unclasped his hands and threw them up, opening his eyes to face you once again.

“Why am I even wasting my time?” – Rolling your eyes, you got up. – “You’re such a leech!”

“I’m a skillful exploiter of situations…”

“And you take pride in it, unbelievable…” – After grabbing your stuff, you turned on your heel.

“(Y/N), wait.” – He took a deep breath.

“What?” – You gently turned to face him.

“If you leave now, you lose.”

“I guess it makes two of us, Alfie. I’ve got something you want too, and I would gladly give it to you in exchange for your support and loyalty, if you know what that means, that is. But it’s never enough for you, and I refuse to give in to your disproportionate greed. So, negotiations end immediately.”

“ You’ll be losing far more than I will. You will be facing a war, not a single ally.”

“We’re fuckin’ Shelbys , Alfie, we are forged in fire… We stick together through thick and thin, and that makes us ready to face any war. If you can breathe, you can stand, and if you can stand, you can fight… With or without you, we’ll make it. Our demons will keep us company anyway. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a long ride home, and I should be getting on with it. ” – Your gaze stayed on him a moment longer than it had to, before you gave him a courtly nod.

“I am sure that we can come to an arrangement in this regard, a’ight? Please, let us sit and talk.”  - He had weighed your words; the togetherness of your family had always been its strength, he knew it, and he envied it. Alfie didn’t have a family structure to back him up, or for him to back up, but maybe he could compensate that void in his life by helping your family.

“We tried, twice… Regrettably, however, we have failed to reach an agreement. We’re both too stubborn, and inflexible, for that.” – A faint smile crossed your face, disappearing as quickly as it appeared.

“Sweetie, I insist. We draw up a contract together and sign it.”  

“But this is the final try.”

“Name your terms, Miss Shelby.” – He made place for you on his side of the desk, bringing an extra chair, pulling it for you to sit, and bringing you pen and paper.

You shot him a look in which surprise and amusement were nicely fused, before siting by his side. After making a list of the demands and concessions of both of you in the negotiations, you discussed it for hours, before you finally reached an agreement that pleased both. You finally signed the contract, before Alfie folded it and put it on the drawer.  

He poured you another whiskey.

“Thanks.” – You took a sip, rubbing  the back of your neck  with your free hand.

“When are you going back to Small Heath?”

“Soon, I need to rub this in Tommy’s face, as soon as possible…” – You smirked victoriously, giving him a look of triumph.

“Oh…” – He pressed his lips together, furrowing his eyebrows, somehow disappointed you had to leave so soon. You were a tough nut to crack, but he could relate. – “ Didn’t like the city, huh?”

“As a businesswomen these were hard days here, Mr. Solomons…” – You glared at him, but then you chuckled. – “But I actually like it here… As an artist, I had a blast! I hadn’t feel so alive and inspired in ages.”

“An artist? “ – His eyebrows rose, and he curiously studied you.

“We can say I didn’t get the gangster gene in my DNA…”

“You’d never know it to look at you…” – He made a face.

“I’ll take that as a compliment…” – You got up. – “ It was a pleasure doing business with you , Alfie.“ – You extended your hand for him to shake

“Likewise, Miss Shelby.” -  He looked at your hand, then at you, and he finally took it, kissing your knuckles softly, instead of offering you a handshake.

Chivalry and Alfie Solomons combined? Was hell freezing over or something like that?

“(Y/N).” – You gave him a warm smile.

“(Y/N), a’ight.” – He reluctantly let go of your hand.

“I know you said I wasn’t in position to make demands… But may I ask you something?”

“Of course, by all means, yes.”

“I might have been drawing you…” – Your cheeks turned pink

“Might?” – He looked at you over his glasses.

“And I might as well finish it, if you wouldn’t mind, that is.” – Cocking your head lightly, your eyes widened, waiting for his answer.

Since he couldn’t come up with an excuse to see you again, he was thankful you did.

“I…” – He hesitated for a second.

“It’s ok to say no, I get it, really ” -  Nodding courtly, your lips curved into a sincere smile.

“NO. I’d like that, aye? We could meet up..” – He tried to set up a date, but you interrupted him.

“I don’t want to bother you, Alfie. I’ll come here later in the week,  before I leave for Birmingham. I will ask Ollie if you are available. If you are, we can finish it, if not… We can finish it another time.”

“We have a deal.” – Letting out a deep throaty laugh, he rubbed your shoulder.

“So long, Mr. Solomons.” – You decided to dare, and gently kissed his cheek, before heading out the door.

Once you left the bakery, Alfie called Ollie to his office.

“Cancel all the meetings I have this week, a’ight ”

“But Mr. Solomons…”

“Don’t question me! Need to available when… Never mind, just do it, aye? I have an important appointment, I just don’t know exactly when, so cancel all the others. “– He shooed Ollie away once again.

“He’s getting even more nuts with age.” – Ollie whispered to himself.

“But definitely not deaf, little boy!”-  Alfie shouted, throwing him a book before he disappeared through the door.

Tags: @picassho-18 , @sparklyreaderx , @titty-teetee , @but--dear-this-is-not-wonderland , @tiredoffeelinglost , @theladynevermore , @moralesunflower , @alexa4040 ,  @innerpaperexpertcloud , @marvelgirl7 , @eap1935 , @ellar21 , @captstefanbrandt , @iv-nyc (In case you want to be tagged/untagged , let me know <3 )

[sign-from-god-complex]

A Gift From Me To You - Chapter 8

Chapter Summary: Virgil works up the courage.

Warnings: Descriptions of bullying even though none is actually occurring, violence mention (though again, not occurring), anxiety attack and general anxious thoughts (this is Virgil after all).

A/N: Just the epilogue left to go!!!! I wrote 75% of this chapter all in one morning and honestly thank god I had cause I would not have been able to get it done otherwise, hahah. Honestly, thank you all so much for reading this fic. It’s been both a joy and a disaster at times, but I’m just so glad people are enjoying it.

AO3 Link //  Link to Chapter One! //  And Two! // And Three! // And Four! // And Five! // And Six! // And Seven!

————————————————

Virgil wandered the hall in an aimless haze. He had a free period last that day and it would be so easy just to go home early like he usually did, leave all this worry for another day, but something was stopping him. Virgil knew he wouldn’t get another chance like this for a week.

He knew where Roman was. And he had an excuse to be there.

Roman shared his last class with Remy—classics, because they’re both geeks, even if neither of them would ever admit it—and they frequently offer Virgil a ride home since he was too anxious to ever get his license. It wouldn’t really be that weird for Virgil to hang around outside the classroom under the guise of asking Remy for a ride and then…

Virgil exhaled sharply.

Then what? Just… go up and talk to him? Roman had never spoken to him before the hallway collision—it was unlikely he would know his name or even recognise him—why in the world would Roman want to talk to him? What if Virgil went up to him and he scowled in disgust? Or laughed in his face? What if he did recognise him and he demanded Virgil repay him somehow for knocking him over in the hallway? What if he got all his friends to force him to the ground and-

Virgil forcibly cut off his train of thought, counting through his quickening breaths. His hands went to tear at his hair but he stopped them halfway, bunching them up in the fabric of his hoodie instead.

Roman had no reason to do those things. Roman had never done those things before, and he had no reason to start now. Roman did not seem upset by Virgil running into him.

Roman was a nice person.

Or at least, for the first time, Virgil hoped he was.

Despite his insistent worries, Remy and Patton’s words were still echoing in his head, strengthening what little resolve he had. It wasn’t fair to keep things like this from his soulmate, no matter how much he wished he could.

He had a choice here, but he knew he had to at least make an effort. He had to try.

He was going to try.

Virgil marched his way down the corridor towards the classics room, hearing the bell echo through the halls as he approached. Kids rushed out of the classroom, pushing and shoving their way out the doors in a desperate attempt to escape and Virgil had to fight to not get swept away with the tide.

“Virge!”

Remy’s voice cut through the crowds of people and Virgil managed to force his way over to greet them, giving a nod to their knowing look.

“He’s still in the classroom. Hasn’t left yet,” Remy smirked, taking a sip of their coffee—and Virgil wasn’t exactly sure where they’d gotten that; the one from this morning must be cold by now—“Want me to introduce you? …Again?”

Virgil laughed but he knew Remy could tell he was losing more and more of his bravado the longer they both stood there. “Uh, yeah. Yeah, I think so.”

Remy grabbed his arm, dragging him into the classroom and Virgil actually felt his heart skip a beat when he caught sight of Roman. He was alone, which Virgil was thankful for. He leant against the edge of his desk as he saw them approach, cutting himself off mid-laugh and hurrying to put away his cellphone.

“Roman,” Remy announced, pulling Virgil to their side in front of him. Virgil had to remind himself to breathe because locking eyes with Roman was overwhelming and more than a little terrifying. “This is my friend Virgil. He has something he needs to talk to you about.”

Roman raised his eyebrows, nodding his head slowly. “Right, okay.”

Virgil cringed into himself, pulling at the sleeves of his hoodie again and ducking his head slightly. He felt a steady hand land on his shoulder and looked up to meet Remy’s gaze.

“Oh, V, you need a ride?”

The posed question seemed casual but Virgil knew it was anything but. This was Remy's way of asking whether he was good to do this alone or whether they needed to hang out with comfort and chocolate in case things went wrong. Virgil gave a small smile; he had such a good best friend.

He placed his hand on top of theirs for a brief moment, tapping his fingers against the back of their hand before pulling back. “Uh, could you maybe wait for like 10 minutes and I’ll let you know?”

“No prob, hon. I’d be happy to,” Remy smiled. It was a genuine one, void of its usual playful nature and filled instead with compassion. It wasn't a smile many got to see—pretty much just himself and Emile—so Roman should count himself lucky.

With one last squeeze of Virgil's shoulder, Remy pulled away, disappearing out the door with a subtle wink.

There was a long moment where neither of them said anything, Virgil fidgeting and averting his eyes and Roman watching him with what Virgil thought was a curious gaze. He hoped it was only curious anyway. He didn’t think too much about it—if he let his mind run away with all the possibilities of what else it could be, Virgil would never work up the courage to say anything.

“Hi…?”

At the words, Virgil looked up, taking in the comforting smile that had graced Roman's face. He tried to ignore the way it made him feel to have that smile directed at him, biting at the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing nervously.

“Uh, hey,” Virgil replied.

Roman's eyes narrowed for a brief moment, before returning to his regular expression. He glanced around the classroom awkwardly. Virgil realised Roman was waiting for him to say something but it was like he'd suddenly forgotten every word he'd ever learnt; he was sure that if he opened his mouth to speak it would have a disastrous outcome.

Clearly given up on waiting, Roman cleared his throat.

“Are you feeling better? You know, after the whole—” Roman waved his hand about generally—“bathroom thing.”

Virgil flushed bright red, panic seizing his chest and crushing all the confidence he had left.

Had Patton spoken to Roman about what Virgil had been freaking out over? Did Roman know that Virgil had his soulmark and hadn’t said anything because he didn't want him? Was he just humouring him now? Giving him hope before shooting him down?

At least this answered the question of whether or not Roman had remembered him, though he honestly wasn’t sure if this was the better of the two outcomes.

The fear must have been obvious on Virgil's face because Roman rushed to assuage him. “Oh! No! Patton didn't tell me what upset you, just that you were upset! He wouldn't do something like that, I swear.”

At the mention of Roman's boyfriend, Virgil felt a spike of guilt shoot through him, but he managed a tight smile nonetheless.

He felt like such an asshole. He was essentially telling someone, “The universe decided your relationship isn’t good enough and instead said you’re destined to spend the rest of your life with me! Someone you’ve spoken to a grand total of one time!”. Yes, Patton may have been the one who'd urged him to go ahead with this in the first place, but he still couldn’t help but feel like he was ruining everything.

Roman tilted his head as he watched Virgil compose himself, studying him, not necessarily unkindly, but still in a way that made Virgil feel vaguely uncomfortable. It was just a little too open for his liking and Virgil drew his hoodie tighter around his body.

“Um, if you don’t mind me asking, what was it that upset you so? It-” Roman scrunched up his face for a moment. “I just feel I made things worse somehow.”

“No!” Virgil yelled, before hesitating. He didn’t want to lie, but there was also no reason for Roman to feel guilt over Virgil’s own shortcomings—him being upset was certainly not his fault, even if he did technically make things worse. “Well, I mean, not… intentionally. Look, it’s complicated.”

Roman shoved himself back so he was sitting on his desk with his legs hanging off the side, swinging back-and-forth. “Well, I’ve got time. If you’re willing to tell me.”

“That was kinda the whole point of coming in the first place,” Virgil muttered under his breath.

Roman furrowed his brow. “What?”

“Nothing. Look, um… I was up… late, last night and something… happened… to me. And I heard—and I guess saw—that it… um, might have happened to you too?”

Okay, that was possibly the least descriptive Virgil had ever been in his life. He winced, pulling his eyes up from the floor to meet Roman’s confused gaze.

“I have no idea what you are talking about right now.”

Virgil deflated. Oh, what the hell. This whole carefully-explaining-every-aspect-of-what-led-you-here thing was agonising, he might as well just get to the point. Band-aid method. He could do this.

Virgil pulled his sleeve back, revealing his soulmark to the cool air of the room. He watched Roman’s eyes widen as his gaze traced over the skin, taking in the sight before him, and Virgil was sure he’d never felt more exposed in his life.

“This,” he admitted finally. He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself for sharp words and denials.

But it didn’t happen.

Virgil cracked his eyes open a fraction, watching as Roman stood up from his desk and made his way over towards him. His motions were careful and deliberate as if he was afraid Virgil might run away if he moved too quickly—something he may not be entirely wrong about.

Reaching a point directly in front of him, Roman went to grab Virgil’s wrist and Virgil made no move to stop him. The emotion in his eyes was difficult for Virgil to place, Roman trailing his thumb along the mark, outlining thin borders and bright colours. He could feel his skin tingle at the contact and he tried his best to not let out a sigh. The hard part may be over, but they weren’t done yet.

A quiet, “Oh,” filled the air and that’s all Virgil was able to process before he was being dragged out the door of the classroom.

Shit.

Virgil’s mind immediately kicked into overdrive.

Roman hated him. Roman didn’t believe him. Roman was most definitely going to take him outside to where his friends would be waiting and they’d all laugh at the loser who faked his soulmark to get with his high school crush or worse they’d push him up against the brick wall and scrape his skin along it until he was raw and bleeding they would hurt him they would hurt him he’s in danger he’s in danger he’s in danger-

“This is Virgil.”

Roman’s voice cut through Virgil’s panic and he managed to open his eyes—and when did he close them?—enough to see the silhouettes of two people standing in a semi-circle in front of him. He didn’t recognise them, the sun too bright and his fear too large for him to process anything outside of they were people and they weren’t Remy.

As much as he could right now, Virgil readied himself for mocking words or harsh shoving.

But it didn’t happen.

Instead, he heard a voice say, “Roman! He’s having an anxiety attack!”

The voice sounded familiar but Virgil wasn’t really focusing on that right now because he knew with every fibre in his being that he had to get out of here. He had to find Remy. He had to go home. He couldn’t do this anymore, he couldn’t.

There was the sound of overlapping voices, apologies from Roman and chastisement from one of the others, but Virgil tried to focus on the voice directly in front of him. He could hear reassurances break through the arguing of the other two and although he wanted Remy or his mother or someone familiar, Virgil settled for this.

“You’re not in danger, Virgil,” The voice said softly, “No one’s going to hurt you. You’re safe, you’re alive and you’re okay. You’re okay, honey. It’s okay, I promise. Nothing bad is gonna happen.”

Virgil listened to the voice mutter on as he slowly opened his eyes. He still kept his gaze firmly directed to the ground though, avoiding the harsh or judging stares he was expecting to see. The voice may seem kind, but Virgil knew better than to make any assumption on its character based on that—lots of people he’d met had seemed nice at first, before they’d gotten to know him.

“You’re okay, sweetheart. Everything is okay.” The voice seemed to have a happier note to it now, something brighter, though Virgil didn’t necessarily understand why. “Am I allowed to touch you?”

Virgil thought back to the way Roman had traced over his soulmark, how his skin had prickled and heated at the contact and how he wasn’t sure if he could handle that again right now. He shook his head quickly.

The voice didn’t seem discouraged by that, continuing its whispering until Virgil could finally take a deep breath, look up, and lose all of it again.

Patton.

Of course, it was Patton. Virgil knew this was coming, he knew he’d have to face Patton and let him know that he was the one in the bathroom stall and he was the one who’s boyfriend had the same soulmark as the boy in the bathroom stall, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to do it right now.

Patton's eyes were kind as he recognised Virgil slip back under another wave of panic. “Hey, hey, hey. It’s alright. I promise you, it’s alright.”

And he looked so sincere that Virgil let himself believe it for a second.

He looked around himself properly, taking in the sight of Roman and Logan, who were still arguing. Patton spun around and glared at them for a moment before loudly clearing his throat, causing the two of them to freeze mid-sentence and look over at them.

“Roman,” Patton said, very reminiscent of a disapproving parent, “I think you have someone to apologise to?”

Roman’s reaction was immediate. He rushed his way over to Virgil, dropping to his knees in front of him, much to Virgil’s dismay. He didn’t really need an apology. It wasn’t Roman’s fault that Virgil freaked out, it was just how things were sometimes.

“I am so, so sorry that I didn’t pay enough attention to how you were feeling, my dear. I only hope you can forgive me.”

Virgil winced at the endearment coming out of Roman’s mouth. It sounded so natural—Virgil having heard it a dozen times directed to Patton and even a few jokingly directed to Logan—but at the same time, they’d barely discussed their relationship. Virgil wasn’t sure pet names were a step they’d reached yet.

“Don’t sweat it, Princey, it’s no big deal,” Virgil mumbled, “And do-”

Virgil was interrupted by a gasp from Patton, his eyes wide as he flung his hands up to his mouth in shock. “Anxiety?! Oh my goodness, I’m so proud of you!”

Virgil blinked.

“Proud of me?” he asked incredulously, “Patton, I essentially just told you I’ve had a crush on your boyfriend for years and you’re telling me that you’re proud of me? How can you be so happy about this?!”

“Oh, kiddo…” The look on Patton’s face was pitying, like he knew something Virgil didn’t, but it didn’t last long.

Patton drew the sleeve of his jumper back, revealing a bouquet of daisy-like flowers sitting right there on his wrist. Virgil froze, taking that in for a second, but was startled by Patton elbowing Logan in the side.

Logan scowled at him. “Alright, alright.”

He reached to pull back the sleeve of his button up and… They matched. They all matched.

“Oh.”

It wasn't love at first sight, because that doesn't exist. It wasn't as if Virgil saw the soulmarks on Patton and Logan's wrists and suddenly he realised he'd had feelings for them the whole time because he didn't. He respected them, it would even be fair to say he liked them from a distance, but he didn't feel the same way for them as he did for Roman—and even that he knew, wasn't really love.

But that was all okay.

Because now Virgil could imagine it.

What Virgil felt now wasn't love, but potential. He could imagine movie nights, curled up on the couch, bickering and snuggling and loving each other just the same. He could imagine Roman coming home from work and collapsing directly onto Logan, much to his loud protests, with Patton puttering around the kitchen making dinner. He could imagine date nights with Patton and Roman dragging him and Logan by the hand because "we've been waiting to see this new Disney movie forever".

He could imagine looking up one day—seeing Logan and Patton maneuver around each other as Patton made pancakes and Logan attempted to pour more coffee out of an empty pot, seeing Roman burst in through the door singing his good mornings—and realising he was in love.

He wasn't right now, but that was okay.

Because he could be.

Roman turned his head sharply to look between Patton and Virgil, the expression on his face half disbelieving and half cocky. “Wait, I’m sorry, did you say years?”

Virgil rolled his eyes.

“Yeah,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck, “Since the musical in our second year.”

Roman snapped his fingers and pointed at him, a bright smile on his face. “Oh! I knew you looked familiar! Virgil Moore, right? You ran backstage for a couple of my scenes! You did such a good job!”

Virgil bit his lip, feeling a bit taken aback. He hadn’t actually expected Roman to remember his involvement—it was such a different time.

The musical felt like decades ago, back when his moms weren’t even together yet and Remy was still going by he/him pronouns. So much had changed since then. He had changed so much since then and he wasn’t entirely sure that he wanted Roman remembering the way he had tripped and knocked over half of the set the same way Virgil did basically every time he closed his eyes to go to sleep.

“Uh, yeah-”

Logan interrupted his stuttering acknowledgement. “You are also situated behind me and slightly to the left in our shared chemistry class.”

He blinked. He’d be honest, he wasn’t really expecting some of the most popular people in the school to recognise who he was in almost any capacity. And, woah, his soulmates were some of the most popular people in the school. Virgil shut that train of thought down immediately.

“I, uh, didn’t think you’d noticed me,” he admitted.

Logan raised an eyebrow. “Why would I not have? You’re an incredibly competent individual, even if that friend of yours seems to have a hugely negative influence on your ability to actually pay attention to the lesson.”

Virgil didn’t even have time to process the compliment as at the reminder of his best friend, he blanched.

“Oh, shit! Remy! Can I…?” He gestured with his hand over to the parking lot. Patton must have realised they were waiting for him, despite not being there to witness the conversation, as he gave a bright smile.

“We’ll wait for you here,” he answered, “I can drive us all back to Roman’s after. I think we have a lot to talk about.”

Powerwalking his way over towards the parking lot, Virgil spotted Remy’s car stationed towards the front, eclipsed by the shade of the building. He pulled the door open and threw himself into the passenger seat, watching as Remy jumped so high they almost hit their head on the roof of the car.

“Jesus, fuck, Virge, you scared the everloving shit out of me!” they exclaimed, breathless.

Virgil just grinned, unable to hold back now that the reality of the situation was finally sinking in. He had 3 soulmates. They liked him. Holy shit, they actually liked him.

He had a future with them—a future where he didn’t have to worry about overstaying his welcome or overstating his importance, a future where he was accepted and loved for the person he was, a future where he truly was good enough.

There was still a voice in the back of his mind telling him it was too good to be true, but Virgil pushed it back. He wasn’t going to let any more anxiety ruin this day for him.

He could feel himself tearing up slightly as he spoke. “They’re all my soulmates, Rem. Roman, Logan and Patton. All of them.”

Remy’s eyes widened as they turned in their seat to face him. “Oh, holy shit, gurl! You hit the jackpot!”

Virgil laughed—he knew it sounded slightly hysterical but he was mostly past the point of caring.

“Yeah, I, uh-” He cut himself off with another laugh, launching himself across the middle of the car to wrap his arms around Remy’s shoulders. It was kind of uncomfortable but Virgil wasn’t focused on that, trying instead to somehow form a coherent thought among all of the chaos that filled his mind.

“Thank you.”

Remy shook their head, pulling back to look at him properly and it was so similar to that day all those years ago—Remy looking him firmly in the eyes and telling him everything his emotional mess of a self needed to hear.

“There’s no need to thank me, V. I might have given you a little push, but actually working up the courage to tell them? That was all you. You did it.”

Virgil beamed and he was definitely crying and it was so stupid but he was so happy.

“I did it.”

He took a moment to get himself together, trying to stop the tears that continued to make their way out, clinging to his eyelashes and dropping onto his shirt. Eventually, he managed to calm down enough to breathe properly again, giving Remy a small smile which they returned effortlessly.

“So, am I driving you home?” they asked, swinging their keys around their finger.

Virgil shook his head. “Nah, Patton said he’s gonna take us back to Roman’s so we can work some stuff out. But… thank you for staying.”

“Anytime, hon.”

Virgil took a steadying breath as he stepped out of the car, preparing himself to head back to his soulmates. Before he closed the door, however, Virgil leant down and poked his head in one last time.

“Remy?” They looked up from where they were inserting in their keys to glance over at him. “You are the best best friend that I could have ever had. And you might not be my soulmate, but you mean just as much to me as they do. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, V,” Remy smiled, “I love you too.”

————————————————

Epilogue

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