#operation save alfie

[theycallme-thejackal]

[ I’m giffing “Someday” and this popped into my brain. ]

“Shit,” Midge mutters to herself.

She puts the change into the payphone and dials the operator, hoping his number is still the same. As it rings and rings, she worries he’s moved or isn’t home, but then, “Hello?”

She sighs. “It’s me. Midge.”

There’s a pause, and she thinks he’s hung up for a moment, but then he says, “It’s been a while.”

“Yeah,” she breathes. “I, um...I know you’re mad at me, and you have no reason to help me - ”

“What precinct?”

“No, it’s not that,” she replies. “It’s...I had a gig tonight, and the booker is refusing to pay me because I was thirty seconds late, and Susie couldn’t come because she had to go to Alfie’s show tonight - ”

“What club?”

She gives him the address, and ten minutes later he’s walking into the club, cigarette in hand. “Thank you,” she tells him. “I swear, Lenny, I’ll never ask you for anything ever again.”

He smirks a little, a joke clearly on the tip of his tongue. Even though she hasn’t seen him in months, she knows exactly what he’s thinking because she remembers the last thing she asked him for. While they were tangled in blue sheets and each other as his talented fingers slipped between them and she whispered please, Lenny.

She hopes the darkness of the club does a good job of hiding the flush on her cheeks.

He looks around, spots the booker, who looks stunned by his presence, and he turns back to her. “Go get him.”

“I - what?” She asks, furrowing her brow.

“I’m not always going to be around to rescue you from the storm,” he explains. “So woman up and go get your money.” He takes a drag of his cigarette.

She opens and closes her mouth, feeling quite a bit like a fish before saying, “I already tried. He said, you were late, so I don’t owe you shit.”

“Did you perform?”

“Yes.”

“Did you make ‘em laugh?”

“I...” She takes a deep breath and then lifts her chin, already feeling more confident. “I fucking killed.”

“Of course you did. So...” He dips his head and leans toward her. “Go get your fucking money.”

She grins at him and nods as he smiles back. Straightening he shoulders, she strides across the room, approaching Dale, and holds out her hand. “I’ll take my money now, please.”

Dale looks at her, a little flustered by her companion still standing at the bar, and then he eyes her with disdain. “You were late.”

“I was thirty seconds late because your bouncer didn’t believe me when I told him I was one of the comics because you failed to put my name on the list of talent for the evening,” she reminds him. “Now. You can either pay me or I can sit at the bar and proceed to heckle the remaining comics who are half as good as I am until you have no patrons left. It’s up to you.”

Dale clenches his jaw and then turns to head to the office. Midge looks over to the bar, where Lenny has a drink in his hand and lifts it in cheers. She gives him a proud grin before looking back toward the office.

The booker comes out a moment later with an envelope, and after she counts the money, she nods. “Thank you,” she tells him primly.

“Don’t expect another call from us,” he sneers.

“Don’t expect another laugh tonight,” she retorts. “I saw the lineup and these guys are staler than that 1952 haircut you’re sporting,” she tells him before turning on her heels and returning to the bar.

Lenny stands there, leaning on the counter and smirking at her. She takes a deep breath and sighs, “Why did you come? You could’ve just given me that pep talk over the phone. Saved you a trip.”

"And miss you in this outfit?” He asks, looking down at what she now remembers is a very blue dress.

“Well...thank you,” she tells him, slipping her envelope into her purse. “Really, Lenny.”

“Well, you did once bring me your umbrella. I thought it was time I return the favor.” His smirk softens then as he says, “I’m not mad at you, Midge.”

“You seemed pretty mad,” she points out, tilting her head at him.

“I was frustrated,” he explains before conceding, “And maybe a little mad, but that’s passed. Especially if you’re working again.”

“I am,” she promises. “So much. It’s not...it’s not opening for Tony Bennett,” she explains. “But it’s work.”

He nods. “Good. You’re too good to be hiding.”

Midge smiles. “Thank you.”

“Now,” he says, tapping the bar with his fingers. “Do you have to rush home, or can I buy you a drink?”

“As long as it’s not here,” she replies.

“Sweetheart, I don’t even plan on paying for my drink,” he tells her before taking her hand and tugging her toward the door, leading her into the night as she laughs.

[spc-rambles]

Random Dwampyverse Background Character Headcanons

Nancy is married to an agent of the British Spy Union name Verity who didn't know of her wife's involvement in evil until a particularly despicable plot that Nancy's companions persuaded her to partake in got out of hand. After that, Nancy found a way to nip it in the bud, change her ways and now she lives an easier life at Verity's home, occasionally helping with missions.

Verity is the one with the purple and white dress.

Nancy's a person of sweet nature at heart, and has innocent tendencies, and was only convinced to become a L.O.V.E. M.U.F.F.I.N. member through being told that the group's name is a trick of psychology against O.W.C.A.. Like if they believe they're the good guys it would lead them into a false sense of security and kinda making it easier to reveal their weaknesses or something like that. She's also a theatre nerd.

Here's Doof's friends from 'Act Your Age', from left to right, Memphis, Shane, Saul and Coleen.

Memphis Gero and Saul Stromberg are doctors at Danville Hospital and Saul is the more outspoken and active one. He is a good person at his job and is very qualified, which kinda gets him the more important tasks and other operations. He can get big headed because of this and jump into things without thinking which can land him into trouble.

He's the same person that took Linda and Lawrence into those caverns in 'Save Summer' but one of his incidents involved an injury on his chin and nose, which was altered from his request. He also dyed his hair blonde since.

Memphis keeps more to himself but that's not to say he isn't as qualified. He just doesn't parade it as much. He's one of the usual jokey friends along with Saul when with Heinz.

Shane hadn't been friends with them long before he passed (kinda because I didn't quite care enough to develop him lol).

Coleen is Saul's wife who runs a seaside restaurant named The Wheelhouse and gets along cooperatively with her husband. Both having a lot of the same opinions and love each other very much though Coleen sometimes has to calm him down when he gets too far ahead into potential messes. They’re also Thaddeus, Thor and Mandy’s parents.

Alfie is the calm voice of reason of the team and the level headed man who seems to have a calm, peaceful life that his friends would love to have. Gardening in a downtown allotment, teaching horticulture at Jefferson County Middle School.

He and Heinz' other friends own the O.W.C.A. agents in 'The O.W.C.A. Files' as pets. Saul and Coleen own Kenny the cat, Alfie owns Maggie the macaw as a carrier pigeon and Memphis owns Harry the Hyena.

Baljeet's mum is named Nisha. She's a Maths teacher at Jefferson County and she's the sort of teacher that's easily pushed about by students. She helps keep calm through running her own allotment on the same area as Alfie, who is a good emotional support figure to her.

She was the one who helped Baljeet become as academically gifted as he is but he was the one who helped her in return to stand up for herself and have a bit more fun in her life, thanks to the Phineas and Ferb influence.

[dishtothedeath]

On the Hook | Jun'ya | 2.2 | RE: Liêm, Yukari

Oh, it was his brother’s favourite.

Interesting. Taking responsibility, indeed. What a pity. That side of the table would become emptier yet. Even knowing what it would mean for him, Liêm had thanked Alfie as he pulled what could only be the signed, soaked death warrant out of his pocket.

These proceedings always left Jun’ya so very tired. All the tension and speculation. Accusations of cruelty and moments where the betrayal finally sank in. It’s nothing short of a miracle paired with years of practice that he can still keep himself composed. It helps, somewhat, to focus on the more pressing material realities. It still takes him another moment to be able to speak as calmly as he'd like. Someone had to be reliable.

“If Charybdis simply fell in and was unable to be revived, it would likely be considered a deeply unfortunate accident. Even if someone is dying right before your eyes, sometimes there's nothing you can do."

And that could have been the end of it. But it wasn't ever that simple.

"However, we are operating on the assumption that Liêm attacked Manaka while he was attempting to provide life-saving aid. It’s entirely possible the resuscitation attempt would have failed even if he had been able to continue as normal, but we don't know for certain either way. Being interrupted would have guaranteed that it failed. Regardless of what could have been, I presume that would be adequate for him to be considered at fault here.”

It was a less straightforward application of fault, perhaps, but preventing someone from receiving care after an accident was as much of a death sentence as holding their head under the water here. Even if Charybdis was already as good as dead at the time the compressions were administered, even if Masaji wouldn’t have been able to help her in the end, none of it mattered. Too many what-ifs. Could have, would have, should have. Everything pointed them to what was.

Their confessed killer had said it himself: it may not have been planned, but it didn’t matter why he had done what he did. He’d killed two of the most shocking possible picks. Masaji, the beloved underdog. Charybdis, the untouchable champion. (However you wished to assign blame in that matter, he was fairly confident in his assessment that the less charitable possibility was more likely.)

Killed them without really meaning to. So he panicked and ran.

And then, belatedly, confessed to it. Just happened to forget the death warrant in his pocket, was all. Things like that happen when you panic.

What a way to cut three narratives short.

[sandange]

El: OH SHIT A MAWMOUTH!

Mawmouth: OH SHIT AN EL HIGGINS! *runs*

El: WTF? GET BACK HERE BITCH!!!

It would have been so easy to make Alfie into an asshole, the high class London enclaver literally descended from the person who made the Scholomance, it writes itself. Instead, not only is he a good person, not only is he a kind person, he's genuinely a humble person.

His big spell is a carefully selective shield. He deliberately was one of the last to leave the Scholomance to keep the others safe. The only reason we know his full name is because he had to introduce his father to El, who just saved his life; same as how El doesn't talk about her parentage until it's necessary. He's an actual good person, and I'm curious how much of that is because of his family and privilege. El doesn't have a high opinion of Cooper Browning, which given her time in the Scholomance and her views on the rich and powerful makes sense. But Alfie's whole vibe reads like something reinforced from the outside as much as innate, he hasn't stumbled into rudeness even once so far (he offered condolences about Orion!) and that kind humility challenges El's biases in a good way.

I really hope I'm not wrong about this. *glances at Alfie's dad* Don't screw this up, you have the chance to be a good narrative foil here.

...I wonder how much of Alfie and Liesel's relationship going forward is just Alfie providing her with information and backup, and letting her do her thing. Or maybe a two-part operation, he's the velvet glove to her iron fist.

The opening moments of El furious as she does everything she can to try and drag Orion out of the Scholomance is giving me flashbacks of 1. Susan in Thief of Time outraged at Lubsang Ludd"You...𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰!" and 2. Annabeth Chase judo-flipping Percy when they're reunited at New Rome.

Just the most powerful "How fucking dare you, you goddamn idiot!" Tsundere outrage, with the added spice of "That's 𝘮𝘺 goddamn idiot!" fueling the fire.

El, honey. What, did you think Liesel would do when you forgot to check in? She's not a wait and see person, she's more likely to kick the door down and demand an answer, you know that. (also I think the audiobook narrator got a better handle on Liesel's accent in this one, she sounds more consistently German now.)

[evita-shelby]

Nothing More Difficult than Love

Chapter 10

Gif by @cillianmurphyaddict

Taglist: @whitejuliana1204 @livelifewondering @lovemesomevesey

Tw: casual mention of suicide thoughts

Married life is good.

Married life away from work is better.

But they leave the idyllic beach house and return to Small Heath after staying in Brighton for another week.

It’s the last week of April when they return to 6 Watery Lane.

Time passes differently then.

Its June when the telephone is put into the shop and July when Tiago discovered he had to live in Casablanca for a year if he wants to remain alive.

He was packing and Lizzie was on the fence about leaving with him because John popped the question and she had said yes.

She’s been fucking her cousin on the side, and no one save for Eva and Polly knew.

Eva was happy she was allowed to use Tommy’s office for her personal use. She would taken that pretty gun they gave her and aimed it at her temple had she been reduced to just a housewife.

Work was good, work didn’t have the risk of fucking a woman and claim its for the greater good. Work didn’t lie to her on her wedding day.

Work unfortunately came with the side effect of being near Grace.

Grace has been a competent secretary; two warehouses have been searched and Eva is this close to killing her.

How could she ever like a person like that?

“What language do you speak on the phone with your family?” Grace asked her in public where everyone can hear them. Everyone at the shop knew Eva didn’t like Grace and most would agree she was justified.

“I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.” Eva said with a wink and added, loud enough for people to overhear. “We’re on enemy territory with people waiting for us to fuck up. Better we be accused of being paranoid than for the competition to stumble on a company secret.”

“So, you talk in a language no one speaks to avoid revealing company secrets then. It’s a good strategy.” Grace said as if it didn’t bother her that they had no way of getting a person who speaks that language to listen in.

“Even the government should take a page out of our book, so easy to bribe operators, especially when most people already resent the government.” Eva continued with her work.

Freddie Thorne had been instrumental in getting them favorable contracts with the Camden Town boys.

The first ship filled to the brim with Alfie’s ‘bread’ was heading to New York this morning. In return Solomons would get a significant discount on gemstones and metals mined from the family mines.

Something Grace was unaware of thanks to Florence’s lessons in Hebrew as well as Yiddish.

Thank God, Eva has always been a linguaphile.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to threaten a factory owner who doesn’t ‘do business with bean eaters.’” Eva gestured for her to go away.

“I think you should ask Thomas for that one.” Grace’s cheeks get pink and tries to turn away before Eva or anyone else noticed.

Eva wished she could clobber her with the telephone and be done with it.

“I got his last name now, it’s as good as having him in person.” She said with a laugh.

---

Married life is good.

Married life with a woman who can match his desire and ambition is better.

She’s jealous, she’d warned him about it, but he likes how she gets when she is feeling threatened by Grace.

Tommy swears she cums harder when she knows Grace can hear them.

If they didn’t have a kid by their first anniversary, it won’t be for lack of trying.

“Can’t do this here, love.” His grip on her hips says differently.

Tommy’s lost count on how many times they’ve done it in the snug at the Garrison or his office.

“Tell me who killed Maguire and I might indulge you, wife.” He offered.

He liked the word wife, he thinks.

“I made a grown man cry today, Tommy, can’t that be reason enough for you to fuck me here.” She whined.

She must know, played coy about it and refused to tell him. Said it wasn’t the right time yet, said they were on their honeymoon and their biggest worry was getting caught fucking in the beach again.

“It’s really obvious, I’m surprised you have figured it out yet.” She tugged at his shirt and ground her hips against him. “Even said she’d gone off script that time we were in granny’s parlor.”

Grace. She’d left early, just after they did.

Eva was right she was too sloppy in her work.

“Does the IRA know it was her?” he asked, worried they’d blame it him.

“Killed him in broad daylight.” Eva nodded, her elbows resting on the top of his shoulders and brushing some stray hair away from his face. “I told Florence she should be referred for extensive training. The UVF couldn’t train a dog to shit.”

“Smart mouth like that could get you killed, love.” He tried not to smile.

“Should’ve insulted Carranza sooner if I knew I was going to meet you.” Eva said with an honest shrug.

“Mr. Shelby said they weren’t to be disturbed, sir.” Grace can be heard saying outside, but whoever it is just laughs and barged in anyways.

That had killed the mood.

“Ugh, Evita, can’t you fuck him at home like a normal woman?” Israel de Souza said with a groan as he barged in anyways.

“Why are you here, aren’t you supposed to be heading to your precious yacht, Izzy?” Eva asked him, coming to sit next to Tommy.

“Because I love you most, I waited to give my gift.” Izzy said as she handed her a box wrapped in a wine-red bow.

“What the fuck, Izzy?” She unwraps the box and lifts the lid expecting anything else. “Divorce papers?”

A part of Thomas felt relieved when she seemed shocked at her cousin’s audacity.

“Think of it as a way out, Evita.” He said a little too honestly. “In case things don’t work between the two of you. You’d be able to split the money and not fear any repercussions from the family.”

A way out.

Israel had left his bride, some American socialite named Adeline, at the altar when he realized his elder brother, Andres, was in love with her.

Now Adeline was happily engaged to the man she loved and not his homosexual younger brother.

“I don’t know what to say, Izzy.” Eva said and Tommy knew that sound was not a yes, but not a no either.

It was a maybe I’ll keep this for a rainy day.

It stung that she’d be fine with ending things even when they’ve just begun.

“Keep them, if you burn them now and decide to call it quits, you’ll find the family will make sure they get what they gave him with interest.” Israel said looking at him.

You deserve that; he can see it in Izzy’s brown eyes.

---

There is a hopeful smile on Grace.

Eva wants to commit horrible acts of violence against her person. And Tommy while she’s at it.

He may have earned some of her forgiveness, but its two steps back for every step forward.

Black Swan, maybe she could send them an anonymous tip. Karma could be so slow sometimes.

Sure it might get her on a one-way trip to Paris, or Casablanca with Tiago, or Antigua with Izzy, but it would be worth it.

“Should go for a drive, just us.” He suggests, bringing her hand to his lips.

“We should, amor, but I’d rather not interfere with work if I can.” Eva said sweetly, letting the word love fall from her lips as easy as water.

She’d said that’s what it meant, when he asked for a translation.

Grace was just about to interrupt with something or the other when he shook his head.

“Work can wait.”

---

It takes them ten minutes to change and gather the things for an impromptu picnic at a spot only he seemed to know. Some hazel tree at an abandoned fair ground.

There’s history here, two dead women he had feelings for. Greta, his first love, and Zelda, the girl who died by the time he wanted to do right by her and the baby that killed her.

“You have no idea how much I missed sunny days.” She took off her hat and unpinned her hair.

He likes running his fingers through her dark brown hair, pulling it too when they get too carried away.

“Figured you’d like it.” He kept his eyes closed. The romantic girl in her thought the sunlight made him look like some fairytale prince she’d wake with a kiss.

She loves him, but she’s too much of a coward to say it.

Ever since Antonia left her high and dry, Eva’s developed a fear of rejection.

“I love it. Reminds me of home. Makes me regret all those times I took it for granted.” She wouldn’t deny it she missed Mexico. The Mexico of her childhood, before the war touched her and her loved ones. “Sunlight, palm trees and endless beaches.”

And hurricanes, earthquakes and heatwaves so bad clothes dried in fifteen minutes and several people dropped dead by the end of the day.

But she traded all that for rain, snow and cold so bad Tommy now rubs her ankle until the pain subsides because she wanted to live.

Three suicide attempts and Eva decided she wanted to live when death was coming on someone else’s terms.

“Haven’t done this since before the war.” He said, hands behind his head and hat now forgotten under it.

“I’m honored that you chose to share it with me, Tommy.” She gives in to the urge to snuggle up to him.

“Who else would I share it with?” he asked with a small smile.

She likes his smiles the most, she thinks.

A name comes to mind, but she won’t bring it up. Wouldn’t kill the moment by summoning her.

“If my exile is ever lifted I’m showing you all my favorite places back home.” She promised him. “The hammocks on the back porch, linen closet I had my first kiss in, the beach by the house—”

“Who was your first kiss?” he asked ,stopping her from rambling.

Should she tell him?

“My childhood friend and first love, married the cousin I liked most of all, so now we don’t even write to each other.” She keeps it vague and looks away, embarrassed and hoping to convey that she doesn’t want to talk about it.

“His loss was my gain, Evie, I’m glad he didn’t marry you.” He said, shifting her underneath him. Elbows on each side of her head, making her look at him.

He wouldn’t want her after she said it.

“Promise me you won’t overreact, Tom.” She asked him wanting to avoid his eyes.

“Can’t be that bad, Evie. Whatever it is won’t change my feelings for you.” He kissed her as if to prove he meant it.

They always say that and then act like she just grew a tail and horns.

“It wasn’t a man I had been in love with, it was a woman.” She was afraid of seeing his reaction, so she looked at the bark of the tree they were underneath of. “Kissed her in a linen closet when I was fourteen, thought it meant nothing until we both ended up hostages when we were fifteen and fighting in Villa’s army when we turned eighteen.”

“Go ahead and say what you think, I’ve heard it all before.” She added cynically.

“Polly’s had women lovers, Greta’s brother liked boys, and I’d have to cut out my own tongue if I lied about all the men who fucked men in France and had wives or girlfriends back home. Why would I think you disgusting, Evie?”

Its so sincere it makes her forget he doesn’t love her.

“You know how people are about this, if I told the wrong person I'm bisexual, I’d have to find another country to grant me asylum.” She caressed the side of his face and leaned upwards to kiss him again.

“I’d like to see them try and take you from me, Mrs. Shelby.”

[wandawiccan60]

Someone Like You

Part 2

Tuck Hansen X Rya(FemOC)

TUCK HANSEN MASTERLIST

A/N: I hope you are all having a wonderful and hydrated weekend everyone. I am again with another part to my Tuck Hansen story and I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I enjoyed typing this story out. Again I want to thank every one of you for following and liking my first part of this series. Again guys please like comments and reblog it'll mean a lot and also for my blog too. You guys are so awesome and again thank you for the following and without further ado. Enjoy!!! and once again I'll catch you guys in the next one. See Ya!!!

TAGS: @hecatemoon87, @kittycatcait219, @jarvisrocks, @alikaheroes, @annisse, @zablife, @potter-solomons, @pottersolomons2, @rikki-b-lake, @mollybegger-blog, @edwardthomashardy1, @bubblyani, @buttercup32sstuff, @tomhardyspinkyfinger, @veddieiscanon, @solomons-finest-rum, @omgeternal, @thealmightybitchgoddess, @theshelbyclan, @queencoraline3, @raincoffeeandfandoms, @darklydeliciousdesires, @lovebitesimagines, @tea-atfive, @thefics-that-drip, @97freaknik, @rayanee05, @theshelbyslimited, @professor-alfie-solomons, @symbean, @quarterpastmidnight, @smellslikeillusorydreams, @mariadecapitated, @ninja-potato-shelby-solomons, @ao3feed-symbrock, @symbrock,

Word Count: 6,824

WARNING 18+ ONLY!!!: Some Cussing, and Somewhat Lots of Fluff

🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕

Tuck was trying his best to recover from that whole wild fiasco that Rya triggered while on their way to the restaurant. But, he found it very thrilling, and something he should dumbly know that he’s used to that sort of craziness. Since he is a CIA operative, well was one. Tuck had some eventful experiences in driving in fast cars with FDR and, of course, with Lauren. He still remembered that day when they saved Lauren from that criminal Heinrich, which made Tuck feel relieved Lauren was well and not dead. However, after that close-to-death scenario, she ended up marrying FDR, and Tuck felt happy for the two newlyweds. But deep down in his heart, he still had feelings for Lauren, even though she had forgotten how much he had done and showed his love for her when they were dating. But that was all in the past and Tuck had gotten used to not winning her heart in the end. 

“Alright, how about this plate that I should get, Calamari, with linguine pasta? I haven’t tried it yet, but it sounds superb. How about you there Blue Eyes? You’re still going to get your spaghetti with meatballs, or have you lost your appetite already?” Rya said in a joking way, seeing that he was busy daydreaming from his train of thoughts.

Tuck shook his head lightly as he held the menu in between his hands, clearing his throat while he shifted a bit on his seat.

“What did you say? Oh yes, right, well, you should if that’s something you’re looking to taste. And I’m still deciding on whether I should try something new, and it still has meatballs on it. Sorry if I didn’t hear you the first time I was… thinking of things that I remember for a moment,” Tuck said while gazing through the menu, not wanting to look shy or weird.

“It’s fine, really believe me I have those moments myself too, but I always shake them off after some time after. What were you thinking if that is ok for me to ask?” Rya said as she laid the menu flat on top of the brown wooden table.

“It’s nothing really serious just… I just thought about someone that I fell in love with so hard that in the end… they didn’t seem to see how much I have given my heart and energy towards them,” Tuck said, folding his hands together in front of him while he shook his right leg in uneasiness. 

Rya nodded her head in reply to this, knowing very well what Tuck was talking about... Seems like Rya could straight away know what type of story Tuck must have had in his love life. Just by the way, he tried so hard not to say that person’s name, his tone of voice, body language, and just overall not liking to mention so much about the past. She as well didn’t like to bring up any of her ex-names either, since it leaves an unpleasant taste in her mouth. She had a few guys who were straight-up assholes that took advantage of her or just simply lost interest in her. While Rya gave and showed so much of her willingness and passion to satisfy her men and give all her time and energy to them. They showed nothing back to her, not even a single moment where they said ‘I love you’. All she could learn and think about those events with them is it’s better off in being by yourself than to give nothing back to anyone who won’t return that favor or dedication. As Rya nodded her head at this as she continued to hold the menu in front of her hands until an old middle-aged server came over to take their orders. 

“Hello, guys, do we need a bit more time to decide or we are all ready to order now?” the young server asked as she took out a pen and small notepad.

“Yea, I am going to try that calamari and linguine pasta please, with some garlic bread on the side as well, please. And oh yeah, can I also get some of your mini quiches as well? Those sound great too,” Rya said while Tuck’s eyes grew wide at how much she was ordering for herself.

“Why of course no problem honey, seems like your little girlfriend here might starve for sure huh?” the old woman said jokingly, letting out a chuckle while writing on her notepad.

“Hehe, well madam, she isn’t my girlfriend, she is just a friend of mine that is all really,” Tuck said, giving a smile at the server, as he could feel his cheeks blush, while Rya bite her lips together.

“Ahhh well, my apologies but got to tell you, hun you are a pretty girl. It’s nice you have a good-looking man friend. Here, no going to lie,” the woman said, making both Tuck and Rya become timider than before.

“I appreciate that very much, ma’am, but yea, he is a good friend,” Rya said as she looked up at Tuck, who shifted underneath his seat as he caught her eyes in his.

“Anyhow what can I get for you, young man?” the server said as she finished writing Rya’s order.

“Right, yes,” Tuck said as he cleared his throat and lifted the menu up with his hands as he continued. “Can I try that meatball sandwich with extra marinara sauce and also I’ll try some of those fried calamari on the side as well please,” Tuck said giving a smirky smile at Rya who arched her an eyebrow at him thinking that he was trying to show off.

“Well, goddamn, don’t mean to curse, but seems you two really are hungry for sure. I’ll get back with your orders as soon as possible,” the old lady said as she took menus with her, leaving Rya and tuck alone.

“Are you trying to impress me or are you just trying to embarrass yourself, Blue Eyes? Which one is the truth and which one is the lie?” Rya said, trying her best to not seem dazzled, but a smirk was appearing on the corner of her mouth.

“Hehe, a bit hungry, but yes, you can say I am trying to be full of surprises. Consider that you also ordered yourself an amount of food yourself. Don’t you think that’s already a bit too much for a woman as small as you?” Tuck said, giving her a smirk and a wink.

“Ha, you think I’m small and can’t have a whole big feast all for myself? We’ll see about that buddy, and how about a challenge then? If either of us doesn’t finish our plates, then I or you might have to pay for the next meal. If you get up the next morning after loads of that extra red sauce, you will goggle up. What do you say, Blue Eyes? You want to bet on that?” Rya said as she held out a hand to Tuck, as she stuck out her tongue playfully.

He then just chuckled and nodded his head from side to side, wondering why she was being this way, and yet he was enjoying it. Tuck had something else in mind, wanting to make this challenge a bit more interesting than what Rya was betting. 

“No, no, how about this, then? If I win and you lose, then for the next meal that we might have next time and to put it lightly. I dare you to surprise me with a meal that you have to come up with. And to be very nice to you, it could b anything and as long as it’s coming from you and nobody else. How does that sound to you?” he said as he gave a wide smile as he raised his eyebrows at the same time.

“Ahh, now that is quite a challenge for you to remark, I like that, and you're lucky that I am very competitive in making food. Then it’s settled then Blue Eyes, you got my word then, may the best man win?” she said as both Tucks and Rya’s hands clasped together.

“Challenged accepted then. Let the battle begin then and don’t blame me if you whine about having to make food for the both of us,” Tuck said while giving goo-goo eyes at Rya, still holding hands in between them.

“Oh, you’re on boy. Let’s see who is going to be the baby by the time I clean everything off of my plate. Because this girl is the champion of eating everything in one quick, swift,” Rya said as she smiled back at him, feeling his soft and lovely skin against her hand.

“We’ll see about that once we know who is going to come out as a new champion or not,” Tuck said as he bites his bottom lip with a smile in between.

Rya chuckled as Tuck looked in front of his face as he realized the size between his hand and hers, not noticing how delicate and yet small it looked.

“You know not to seem weird, but you seem to have tiny hands for a tough girl like you,” Tuck said as he looked up at Rya’s eyes, rolling her eyes at his compliment.

She removed her hand from his grasp as she leaned back against her seat, crossing her arms, feeling reluctant while she shrunk down on her seat.

“You’re just saying that because you want to sound nice and trying to distract me from our bet we just shooked hands-on, is that it? Or are you being for real?” Rya said as she arched an eyebrow at him, not knowing if she should believe in him or not.

Tuck gave a puzzled face at her, feeling as if he accidentally hit a trigger on her or was being silly and just wanted to sound intimidating. Rya unfolded her arms as she placed her hands on her lap, looking down for a moment.

“What if I say that I am being seriously real with you and have nothing to do with what we just talked about? And I am truly drained at how… hehe, how adorable your hands really are,” he said as he laid his hands on top of the table. 

Rya then felt a bit more relaxed as she straightened herself up a bit more, trying to not seem surprised or anything. But deep inside her consciousness, she believed in what he said, knowing Rya was fully aware of how small she was. It has been a while since the last time someone who presumably was her ex. Had said something for once when she was with him, but after that, there was nothing else lovely to say about her appearance. Rya eyed Tuck for a moment or two, giving up on the fact that he was right and just letting it sink all in.

“Well, I guess thanks, it’s just… I’ve never been the type to be praised for something that I am not happy about. But you know I always try to ignore it. And accepting the fact that I should be grateful for who I am and not let anybody tell me how I should be like and act, you know what I mean? Anyway, I’m carrying this too far but again your sweet Tuck, but thank you anyway,” she said, fiddling with her hands while he just simply nodded his head. 

“No, really believe me. I also tell myself to ignore what others think about me. And that’s how it should be. Don’t let anybody tell you what should or shouldn’t be. Because… because you’re beautiful, rebellious, just the way you are, really. Even though we almost died on our way here, I got to say I’ve never felt so sped up and alive once again. I have to thank you for making me feel that way,” Tuck said as he smiled at her, while Rya chuckled at his sweet compliments.

As they both waited patiently for the food to arrive, Rya then hummed a tune. While drumming some breadsticks against the table making Tuck giggle at this site. He noticed a bit about Rya is that she loves to hear anything that is very loud, wild, and spirit-free music. To Tuck, he had never been the type he entered that alternative world before in his younger years. Since he was more of that normal chill jazzy listener and never had an interest in hearing something new. He had a bit of a “not wanting to try something new” attitude, but since he had stumbled upon Rya now, it was making his safe bubble zone pop little by little.  

“Alright, here you go little hungry birdies, here are your meals. Please dig in and enjoy. Let me know if you guys want dessert,” the server said, setting down their food in front of them, making Tuck look in awe.

“Thank you,” Rya said to the old woman as she walked off to attend to other customers in the restaurant. 

“Well then, what can I start with first? Rya said as she has her knife and fork in her hands, eyeing every pleasant and delicious dish in front of her.

“Don’t forget about that bet we did, eh? Now then, may the best man win?” Tuck said cheekily to Rya as she gave a side smirk while letting out a chuckle.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1 Hour Later

“You still feel you’re about to lose this challenge, love?” Tuck said as he took another bite of his meatball sandwich with a silly smug smile on his face.

“Hell nooo-, oh shit, I feel like I’m about to explode like a bomb or something,” Rya groaned out loud, feeling her belly aches here and there but not wanting to fail just yet. 

Tuck then burst into small laughter as she saw the woman struggling to get another bite from her food. Rya didn’t want to look like a failure in front of him, but it was no use in wanting to continue. She then scooped another piece of her pasta with her fork, while a low groan escaped from her mouth. Thought if she took another bite, she might end up running straight to the restroom and puke everything up. Rya then just placed the fork back on the plate as Tuck smiled at the now defeated girl.

“Ding ding, I won, haha. Now you have to plan something to make food, now love,” Tuck said jokingly as he took a sip from his cup of red wine, while Rya lean slowly back on her seat.

“Oh shut up Tuck, I never lost a challenge like this, but man, that pasta was good. I will not lie. And don’t worry, I got something special for us to try when I come up with something good for our next meal,” she said as she placed a hand above her pregnant stomach, feeling many pain aches.

“Well, then I can’t wait for what you will cook up and make, if you like, since I am that type of pleasant gentleman. I would be happy to help you out. It would be fun as well and maybe learn something new about cooking. How about that in being a fair and kind man?” he said as he side smiled at Rya, which she just shook her head as she chuckle.

“Sure, why not? But I thought you said I am the only one who should make it without nobody’s help. Why suddenly do you want to tag along if this was a challenge, to begin with?” Rya said as she winced a bit as she sat up more straight in her seat.

“Because… Ummm… I don’t know. I just think there’s something I’ve noticed about you this whole time. And I don’t know how to explain it to you, you are just different but a good different. I’ve never stumbled upon a woman like you who just doesn’t take no for an answer and just be of your own free will. And don’t care what others would think and say and I really respect that and I wish I had that same spirit as yours. It sounds stupid, but I am being honest with you,” he said as he looked straight into the woman’s eyes, making Rya smile and feeling her body become warm.

“Well, thank you Tuck, but I am nothing special. I just always tell myself to be proud of who I am and just live life no matter how ugly it gets. You have been really nice to be, which no man before has ever shown in return. But you also are different Tuck, and I like it. I really do,” she said as she placed her hands on top of the table, as shook her legs under the table.

“You're welcome, but hey what you say we get out of here? It’s already getting late. I would also like some dessert after this fun challenge, or you’re going to be a wimp?” Tuck said with a smile and wink, making Rya laugh out loud.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

After getting some ice cream that was near to where the restaurant was, Tuck and Rya were enjoying their desserts as they sat in front of the store’s window. As they then played I spy until they finished their ice creams, which only became funnier and more interesting.

“Alright, how about this I spy something with dark blue?” Rya said next as Tuck looked around to see and try to guess what item or person has with dark blue. He tried his best to look around the cross of people walking around and the cars passing by, but Tuck had a hard time looking around.

“Is it that color on that store across? That one has dark blue painted frames,” Tuck said with a small finger, pointing at the building in front of them.

“Nice try but nope, try it again,” Rya said, taking another small spoonful of her chocolate ice cream with a smile on her mouth.

Tuck tried to look deeper around the crowd until he saw someone that made him panic out of control. He tried to act calm beside Rya as he looked at the other person walking next to the other. It was none other than Lauren and FDR walking beside each other as they held hands. 

“Oh shit, Ummm I mean how about that pole light over there,” he said looking the other way while in the corner of his eye he could see them approaching in their direction.

“Nooope, try again in actually making it a bit more tough this time for you,” Rya said as she took another spoonful of ice cream from her small cup.

Tuck then looked back at Lauren and FDR as they were now approaching the ice cream shop. He then felt his heart pumping hard against his chest, not knowing if he should hide under the counter or shove Rya out of the shop without a word. However, he took the biggest risk that he could ever think of, knowing it would not end well between the two.

“Rya, please forgive me for what I am about to do to you right now. It’s nothing personal.”

“Wait, what are you talking ab-.”

As he cut her off mid-sentence, Tuck then cupped Rya’s face with both of his hands. And with no further questions, he closed the gap between them, feeling his lips against her smooth lips. Rya tried to restrain him away from him, feeling out of place in what he was doing to her. Her muffles became a bit enraged while Tuck continued kissing her, but after a moment or two, she then parted away from him. 

“Tuck, what the fuck was that all about? Have you some brain cells on you or something?” Rya angering whispered out as he tried to gain his breath knowing that it was a bad idea after all.

“I’m sorry Rya, it’s just… it’s jus-.”

“It’s just what Blue Eyes, huh? We just met today and you’re going all up into my pants and this is a way for you to think we can still be friends? Hell no,” Rya said as she got up from her seat while Tuck tried in begging her to stay.

“No Rya, please let me explain. It’s not what you think. I’m not the type of person to do any of those things you’re thinking. I will never do such a thin-.” 

“Sure, whatever you say I’m done, I’m going home no-.”

“Tuck, buddy, is that you man, wow long time no see,” called out FDR from behind as Tuck then felt a lump form inside his throat.

“How’s it going FDR? Long time no see, eh? How long has it been since I saw you? And hey Lauren,” Tuck said as he looked at both of the couples, while Rya crossed her arms together as she leans back a bit against her car.

“Hey, Tuck, and you already know when was the last time all three of us saw each other. And by the way, you look great as always. You have never changed,” Lauren said with a smile as they both hugged each other until she saw Rya from behind Tuck. “And aren’t you going to introduce the girl that’s behind you?” 

“Oh yes, yes um this is Rya she is… Ummm she is my fr-.”

“Girlfriend?” FDR said before Rya could even speak, feeling a bit out of place in all of this.

“Oh, are you kidding wow Tuck congrats well it’s nice to meet you Rya I am Lauren. I got to say you’re lucky to meet this man, trust me I know. consider that I went out with him when I was dating these two at the same time. No offense Tuck,” she said as she shook hands with Rya, while a fake smile formed on her face while Tuck could feel his cheeks blush red.

Tuck felt very embarrassed on the inside, feeling guilty about putting Rya in this whole introduction. And it got worse when Lauren mentioned he used to date her while she also was seeing FDR. It made him feel more humiliated as Rya was next to him. He then hated to just disperse and just have someone kill him already. However, Rya was interested in the blonde woman mentioning this, which made her want to question Lauren more than anything.

“Did he know well then? Seems like he could be a keeper after all, and also FDR, right? Tuck is just a friend, but he is a good friend and not a wicked man at all,” Rya said as she eyes back at Tuck as he made a forced smile towards her, which she knew was a fake and an uncomfortable one.

“Trust me Rya you’ll know him better once he shows his true colors later on is that right buddy?” FDR said as he gave him a quick wink, Tuck just gave a shaky nod at his old friend wanting this conversation to be over already. “Anyhow, I hope you have a good rest of your night. We are about to head home. All four of us should hang out sometime later and have some dinner. We could also maybe go dancing as well if you two are up to it. I know you have my number Tuck, but again, you guys have a good one, and it was also nice to meet you, Rya.”

“It was good to meet you two as well. You both have a good night, too. And for sure, we should sometimes if Tuck is up to it,” Rya said as Tuck looked at her, wanting to know if she was kidding or not.

“You both drive safely and catch you all later, we’ll meet again later and goodnight,” Lauren said lastly as she looked back at Ruck for a moment, knowing deep down in her gut she had some feelings for the British man.

“Good night and yes, I’ll call you if I and Rya decide to plan something with you all. But for sure, we would love to do something together, but see you later,” Tuck said as he gave off another uncomfortable smile as FDR and Lauren walked off into the night.

Rya and Tuck were then left alone as they saw the couple walk their way to their car. Rya then unlocked her car. 

“Are you coming in or not?” she called out as she opened her door to the driver’s seat, while Tuck looked at Lauren and FDR drive off into the road.

Rya just sighed as she went inside the car as she then turned the vehicle on as Tuck then made his way inside, shutting the door along with him.

They sat there in silence while Rya’s radio played some old Elvis song she used to love and hear. As they both said nothing for a while, Rya then put the car on drive and made their way off to nowhere in particular for a while. 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

After what felt like hours had gone by and it was getting close to 1 AM, Tuck looked out of his window as the radio continued to play silently in the background. Rya’s eyes were focused on the road and she thought back about the kiss that Tuck gave her back in the ice cream shop. Still wondering and thinking what the hell was all that about, it made her think for a moment. And it clicked to her for a bit that it had to do with Lauren and FDR. For a moment Rya thought maybe, but she thought Tuck did it for just being idiotic. But the more Rya thought, the more of it and thought that Tuck wanted to do it because he may debate to show off to them? Wanting to let them know he is not a loser, and he found someone to love and care for? There were so many endless thoughts that Rya could think of, but she just shook those thoughts off. 

As Tuck sat straighter up against his seat as he then looked at what the radio was playing now. Rya still had her eyes out in front of the road as he then pressed on another radio. As a new song, she recognized made her mood swings feel sad. 

“Was it alright with you if I changed it to another station?” Tuck asked shyly as Rya just gave a quick “hmm” as she made a stop at a red light. 

Tuck could see the change in her eyes as she looked outside of her window, while she waited patiently for the light to turn green. He wanted to apologize to Rya for how he put her through something that she would still be pissed off about. He knew it was such a stupid move in wanting to show off to Lauren and FDR that he wasn’t such a loser. But he knew it made Rya look more like a trophy than an actual human being. As the light turned to green, Tuck, then had the guts to say sorry to Rya, but she got to him first.

“Can you please turn the radio off please,” she said as she tried her best to not let her emotions get the best of her.

Tuck nodded his head as he turned the station off, feeling a bit confused about why she asked such a thing. Rya then pressed on the pedal a bit more then it became quiet again between the two as she let out a small sigh under her breath. 

“Hey… Rya, look I’m… I’m sorry for what happened back there earlier. I didn’t intend to do something like that to you. I felt like an idiot for kissing you without your consent and I know it wasn’t the best thing to do to you. Please forgive me for what I di-.”

“Tuck, please… it’s alright. I kind of understand why you did it, is it because of her, wasn’t it?” she said as her hands gripped either side of the wheel.

“Ummm… well, it’s just complicated.”

“Tuck, please just admit it, it’s alright. You can be honest, if it was because of her, then I understand. I can tell you guys had a history together, especially since she said that she used to date you while she was also seeing FDR. I just don’t understand why would do such a thing like that. It just makes me feel like any other random piece of meat to be used. It just made me remind me of something that I wish never happened to me,” Rya said as a small tear escaped from the corner of her right eye as she tried to not look in Tuck’s direction.

“Rya love, please pull over I beg you,” he said as she did a screeching halt on the sidewalk. Tuck inhaled a big breath at this sudden action.

“You don’t get it, Tuck, you don’t! I have never felt so embarrassed and taken advantage and I thought you would not be such a bad person. But I was right. You seem to like those types of people that want to show off women as nothing but a trophy, then nothing else. Is that it, Blue Eyes?” Rya said as she now looked at Tuck’s face, seeing her eyes filled with flames of anger.

“No, no, of course not. I would never ever do such a thing like that to you, please Rya. I am very serious about what I am about to tell you. You are gorgeous and different from Lauren.”

“Oh, so now you’re going to compare me to her? You are so unbelievable, you know that, right? And I bet you nothing that you still have some feelings for her, even though she already has someone. Do you think I want me to believe you when you say those words to me? I don’t think so you just like them, saying useless words that in the end, they mean nothing. Therefore, I never opened my heart again to anyone for years. I just thought you would have been at least that change that I have been waiting for. But I guess I have been fooled once again,” she said, looking out of her window as small tears continued to come out of her eyes again.

Tuck placed his hands against his face, feeling sorry for seeing Rya in this state, knowing that he hit some sensitive spots. He then let out a small sigh as he closed his eyes for a moment, thinking if he should stay quiet or say something next. Rya then leaned her head back as she crossed her arms together, looking out in front of the windshield of her car. 

“I’ve never had a healthy and lovable relationship before, and the things that have happened to me in my past made me feel that way. That is why I thought you did that kiss for being a showoff or you’re just using me for your own pleasure. It just made me think about the times that these men that “love me” made me feel like nothing in the end,” she said while she looked above the ceiling of the car as she continued speaking. “It’s been of a fucking curse and in thinking that I might never find someone who would never accept me for who I am, and give that kindness that every girl should be treated. But I am carrying myself too much on that because I know I don’t deserve it, so that’s why I have been alone for so long.”  

Tuck side-eyed looked at her while he was listening profoundly to what she was saying, and he also felt the same way. Even though he has a son and a wife with that they haven’t gotten along for a while, he still understood what Rya was talking about. He had a similar feeling when he was younger, having some events when some girls would use him for his looks, charm, and personality. But most of all, some of them ended up cheating on someone else, which left an enormous mark on his heart. But now that he had met and found a girl like Rya, he hoped it would be another opportunity to feel that flame burn once again.

“You know, I also felt that same way until I found someone that I thought I was happy with. But that person and I haven’t gotten along for a good time and we both have not seen each other for almost a year or two. Especially my son Joe. He is a good boy, but I just wish I didn’t see these sorts of things between me and that person,” he said as he looked down, fiddling with his hands.

“Is this person your once girlfriend or wife?” Rya asked as she looked at Tuck sideways as well.

“I feel like an idiot right now, in saying this and to answer your question. Yes, she was my wife, but now she just cut me off completely. And most of all, she doesn’t allow me to see Joe either. I love him so much, but I feel terrible. That is also why I have been alone as well for a long time, knowing that I will never see my son ever again and that is why I closed myself to everyone I know and care about. But hear me when I say this. I would never compare you to another girl, especially Lauren. Because all I have seen today from you Rya is your fun, adventurous, crazy but good crazy if you know what I am trying to say,” he said as he heard a small chuckle coming out of her as she wiped her tears with the back of her right hand as he continued speaking. “You just… I don’t know you are just someone that I have been waiting for and maybe make me realize that there are more people like you. Who makes life feel funnier and more exciting? I have been wanting something like that for such a long time. But again Rya, I am sorry for kissing you, really I am.”

Rya then nodded her head as she felt a bit more relaxed but was thinking about whether it was good she shared about her relationship experiences. Yet somehow, it made her feel comfortable in sharing it with Tuck, which made her question why him. The only person she would share her feelings too was her friend Grace, but outside of her, that was it. But now that Tuck unexpectedly appeared into her life, it seemed like Rya felt she should try it out again. But also still felt she had to keep her guard up knowing she doesn’t want to be fooled again.

“I never thought you had a wife and a son, and I can tell you love your kid. I do sometimes think of wanting to have kids of my own, but I always tell myself to forget about that plan completely. Because I don’t want a child to see their mom and dad not getting along well and have to go from one parent to the other. And that is one of my fears and that is the reason I closed the world away. And that is why I tell myself that it will never come true. I still have faith no matter what, but right now I am just very closed-minded,” Rya said as she bite her bottom lips, while Tuck nodded his head quietly.

“It is pretty shit to think about. Believe me, it’s difficult being a parent. I also have that feeling if my son sees me as a terrible and useless dad. But this is the life I had and be in and I have to accept it,” Tuck said as he closed his eyes, feeling disappointed.

“You shouldn’t think that way, Tuck. I am sure your son loves you very much and misses you, too. I’m sure he would want to see you again and be with you more. But I don’t think you’re a bad dad at all because I can tell you love him very much. You are kind, caring, and also want the best for your son, but don’t let yourself down about you being a dad.”

“I know, but it’s very difficult, you know, but yea, that is my life. But again Rya, I’m serious about what I said and I’m just glad to meet someone like you. You also have been nice and wonderful this whole time. You are lovely too,” Tuck said as he smiled at her while she just nodded her head with a smile.

“Tuck, look thank you, but I ain’t nothing special. I am just me. I’m still mad at you for kissing me. But I tell you what, you're lucky that I’m also a person who gives you a pass, but it also means that I need to see if you really are that type of person who you’re saying. So from now on, if I find out you have been playing around this whole time, then we both have to part ways with no excuses. Do agree on this?” Rya said as he sat sideways to see Tuck more fully, as Tuck did the same.

“I promise you I am a man of my word. I mean everything to you, Rya. But you have all the right to be skeptical, but I hope that once you see the true me and my colors. Then you can state your opinion if you believe me when that moment comes. But I am all forward with this, and I cross my heart that I will not hurt,” Tuck said as he made a big X across his chest, making her laugh a bit.

“You know we have been driving all night and you’ve never told me where you live. Where is it exactly, by the way?” She said, placing the car again in drive as they made their way into the dark, lit night.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

When they arrived at Tuck’s home, Rya then put the car in park, and they then smiled at each other.

“Well, I want to say thank you for bringing me home, and I also had a wonderful time besides the other thing,” Tuck said as he looked back at Rya, as she just smiled at him. “I’m again sorry for doing that. I hope it doesn’t bother you for a while.”

“It's fine. I am still mad at you for it, but it shouldn’t be a big deal after two weeks,” Rya said jokingly as Tuck chuckled at this.

Tuck nodded at this as they both felt shy they became quiet for a moment.

“I guess I’ll see you again since you lost that challenge back in the restaurant. But like I said as a good and nice man I am, I'll be helping you out. So you won’t have such a tough time to do some of the hard work, eh?” he said as Rya gave him an unsure eyebrow at him.

“Well then, that’s very nice of you, Blue Eyes, but I have something special that I’ll cook up for our next date then. But I’ll see you then sooner than you think. Do you want to exchange numbers if that’s alright with you?” Rya said as she took out her phone and handed it over to Tuck.

“Oh, right yes, of course here you can also put in your number on my phone here,” he said as he took his own phone as she also took his phone in her hands.

As they both finished putting their numbers, Tuck and Rya then exchanged their “goodnights” with each other.

“I’ll see then again soon Rya, and you drive home safely and can’t wait for what we will cook together,” Tuck said as he gave her a last smile as he got out of the car.

“Same here and I got some things, so we have to wait and see,” she said as she smiled at him, too.

“Goodnight Rya, again I’m sorry for what I did earlier tonight.”

“Tuck, stop, please. You're alright. Now get yourself some sleep. I’ll let you know when I get home, ok?” Rya said as she turned the vehicle on once again.

“Please let me know when you get home, ok?” he said tilting his eyebrows at her.

“Tuck, I will. I have to go now, goodnight Blue Eyes,” she said as she now made her way home with a smile on her face.

“Goodnight beautiful Rya.”

🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️🖤💕❤️

[psycheswritings]

Rumor Has It

Title: Rumor Has It Fandom: Peaky Blinders (Modern!AU) Pairing: Thomas Shelby x Reader Warnings: Smut, smoking, drinking. Word Count: 3172 Author's Note: Please, be gentle with me, it's been a while since I wrote a sex scene, so it might not be the best. But I was feeling like it, so here it is. This is a Modern!AU, the reader is a cop working undercover and Tommy is working with them as a informant of some kind. As always, this haven’t been proofread, so feel free to report any mistakes back to me. Also, your feedback is also highly appreciated I really want to hear what you think of it. Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No copyright infringement is intended.

Summary: (Y/N) goes undercover in a attempt to get information to take down Sabibi and ends up in a rather delicate situation, only to be saved by the one and only, Thomas Shelby. However, the outcome of his actions may lead to something she wasn't expecting - the admission that she had developed feelings for the Brummie gangster.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Sabini, but she is already taken for the night.” From all the things (Y/N) expected when she had gone undercover, the last of them was that Thomas Shelby would come to her rescue. But that was what he had just done.

She had been serving drinks all night, dressed in a tight and revealing outfit in one of Alfie’s clubs. Rumor had it that Sabini and Solomons would be meeting there tonight to work out some business deal – information provided by the Jew, himself. Alfie had been working with the police for quite some time now, he had made himself a good deal to not root in jail and in the time that she had to work with him, (Y/N) had actually grown fond of the man.

Thomas Shelby – and all the Shelby clan, for that matter – was an entirely different thing. The head of the Peaky Blinders was arrogant, overconfident and a helpless womanizer. However, the Shelby’s had connections - connections that the intelligence could use to get to bigger fish - so (Y/N) had to get used with them around.

What she never got used to was the way Tommy’s eyes always seemed to find her in a room, always lingering a moment too long before moving away, how he always seemed to be able to irritate her to no end even when he wasn’t doing anything at all. Oswald had said that it could only be one thing: attraction, but (Y/N) refused to believe she could fall for the enemy – even when said enemy was, in fact, working with them.

She wasn’t informed that he would be there tonight. Again, it could be a last minute thing, it usually happened in this kind of operation and she most certainly hated it. (Y/N) liked to know about things beforehand so she could prepare herself in how to react to it. That’s why she was so pissed off when she saw Thomas sitting at the same table as Alfie and Sabini. She was supposed to stay nearby and distract the Italian enough for him to slip information so intelligence could make a move.

Things were going well, despite the unexpected presence. She had stayed nearby, serving their table and the other ones close, Sabini had followed her movements more than once - everything was going smoothly. That is until he decided to make a move and try to have her for the night.

She looked at Alfie that was already looking at her. They both knew that he couldn’t do anything or it would arouse suspicion. If she refused his invitation she could blow her cover, if she accepted it she would certainly do it because there was no way in hell that she would sleep with him. For a moment time seemed to freeze while she tried to think about what to do, but Tommy worked faster.

After he had made his claim, Tommy beckoned her to come closer. (Y/N) had no alternative but to play along, so she walked to him. It was known that some of the girls working in the club used to go home with clients – if for money or just fun it was another matter – so it wasn’t unusual for them to sit with both men and women in the tables around the room. Alfie said that it made them spend more money than they regularly would, so he allowed it. Regardless, it drew a lot of attention around the room when Thomas Shelby all but pulled her into his lap.

She made a special effort to do it graciously, wrapping her arms around his neck while he rested his hands on her, one sprawled over her lower back and one on her exposed thigh, displayed in front of him. The Italian all but laughed before talking directly to Tommy.

“You certainly don’t play with your meal, do you Mr. Shelby?” Tommy’s answer was a sideway smirk. Then he pulled a pack of cigarettes from the table along with the lighter. As if on cue, (Y/N) took the cigarette from the man’s hands bringing it to her lips and lightening it, taking a drag before giving it back to him, all the while looking into his eyes, that seemed to become a shade darker. The display was enough to erase any doubts that Sabini could have had. “You sure you’ll be focused enough to do business with that beauty in your lap, Shelby?”

“I’m very sure that I’ll be even more focused to finish this faster so we can get out of here.” There was a playful tone in his voice but she could sense his discomfort. The other man at the table laughed and continued the conversation as if she wasn’t there. At least now she could hear better what they were talking about.

They played along this game for quite some time. It wasn’t the easiest of things – this part of the job never was – the sideway looks directed to them, the lingering touches, the smell of him that seemed to invade her nostrils every time he made a move to take his glass from the table. (Y/N) had to reprehend herself more than once for letting herself get distracted during the job, but it was difficult to focus on anything but Tommy when he was so close or when he made his personal job to touch her skin whenever he could.

When they were done, Alfie quickly excused himself and disappeared into the crowd, leaving them alone with Sabini, who seemed quite amused by the sight in front of him. He had already moved his attention into another one of the female waitresses. Before the Italian could say anything, Thomas made his move.

“Now, if you excuse us, Mr. Sabini. I wish to take this beautiful lady out of this place as quick as possible.” She got up and, in a moment, he was right behind her, his left hand securely placed on her waist, the other he extended to the Italian. The older man simply shook it, smiling.

“Be my guest, Mr. Shelby. If I had a woman as beautiful as her I would have already left.” Thomas guided her to the exit, nodding to a few people in his way out. One of the security guards handed (Y/N) her purse before they reached the main doors - Alfie’s courtesy, she was sure. When they were already outside, Tommy took her to his car, opening the door for her to enter. Her phone started ringing and she didn’t needed to look at the screen to know that it was her boss.

“Good job at the club, (Y/N). We recorded everything, this will help to set an operation to take Sabini down.” She knew by the tone of his voice that there was more and that she wasn’t going to like it. “Tommy saved your cover over there and for you to maintain it you’ll have to go to his hotel with him. I know the situation isn’t ideal, but it’s a means to an end.” (Y/N) let out a loud breath massaging her forehead with her free hand. Thomas had just entered the car, closing his door and by the smirk in his face he already knew about the plan.

“I understand, Sir.”

“See you tomorrow, then.” She turned off the phone and closed her eyes for a moment. This had to be a nightmare.

“I guess we are going to mine, then?” The look (Y/N) gave him could have made any man run for his life but all he did was laugh before starting the car.

“Just shut up and drive, Shelby.” The ride to his hotel was mostly quiet after that. She just ignored that she was sitting beside the Brummie gangster in his expensive car, riding to his hotel were she would have to share a room with him. Anything to keep her mind of thinking what she would do when the two of them were truly alone.

When they arrived in front of the hotel, one of the valets opened the door for (Y/N) to step out of the car just to be quickly replaced by Thomas himself. He only murmured a short “to keep the appearances” to her before he placed his hand into her lower back one more time, guiding her inside. She noticed the glances towards then when they walked to the front desk. (Y/N) found it odd, after all she couldn’t be the first woman that he had brought back here. She certainly wasn’t the most beautiful, since she had been with that horse trainer not long ago. The concierge gave him the key without a second thought and the both of them headed to the elevator.

He didn’t take his hands off of her when the doors of the lift closed in front of them or when they walked through the hall to his room. The heat of his palm on her skin was giving her goosebumps and for the first time (Y/N) thought that Oswald could be right, after all.

Thomas opened the door for her and she entered without taking a second glance at him. She took a sit on the recamiér at the end of the bed, promptly taking off her shoes. When she lifted her gaze, she found Tommy standing still in the middle of the room, hands in his pockets, looking at her. They just held each other gazes for a moment before he asked.

“Why do you hate me so much?”

“I don’t hate you.” Her prompt answer surprised them both.

“Well, you certainly despise me them. Have I done something for you to feel that badly about me?” (Y/N) blinked once, twice before she could answer him.

“I don’t know why I feel that way about you. I just do.” He laughed without humor and turned away to pour himself a drink. After that, he walked to the massive frameless window that displayed the view of the city, sipping his whisky while staring out. (Y/N) just stared into nothing for a couple of minutes, before getting up to go to the bathroom. It was going to be a long night.

She didn’t made it to the door before his hands were on her again. He twirled her around, her chest colliding with his, looking into her eyes before he crashed his lips on hers. Her arms went around his neck once more and before she could process what was happening, (Y/N) was already responding to the kiss.

Thomas’s lips were demanding, moving against hers with a fervor that she haven’t experienced in a while. He held her as close as humanly possible and even that didn’t seemed enough for them. His hands reached the back of her top, opening it with mastery and (Y/N) never thought that her body could react so quickly to someone else’s touch. When they parted for air, he looked straight into her eyes.

“Then say to me, say to me that you don’t feel this thing between us. Say to me that you don’t want me to touch you, that you don’t want me to have you, because there is no other way of stopping me, (Y/N/N).” She just stared back at him, at loss for words. “Because every time I see you all I want is to kiss you and show everyone around that you are mine. Because back at the club when Sabini said that he wanted to have you for the night all I wanted was to get up from that chair and beat him until he stopped breathing. Because everything I wanted since the moment that I laid my eyes on you in this tight little outfit was to rip it out off of you and have you in all the ways that I know.”

There in his hotel room, in the middle of the night, looking at his blue irises swirling with desire, (Y/N) left herself acknowledge the truth that she had been hiding since she met him: she was falling for Thomas Shelby.

“Then have me.” Her voice was hoarse with her own need, barely a whisper, but he heard her loud and clear. His lips found hers in the blink of an eye and his fingers made quick work of removing her top. She mimicked his actions, making quick work in taking off his vest and unbuttoning his shirt, more than grateful that he had already discarded his jacket and the gun holster. In the meantime, his hands explored her upper body with a tenderness that she wasn’t prepared for.

He found her breasts in an instant, massaging them before playing with her peaked nipples. The calloused skin of his fingers made (Y/N) moan against his lips. She could feel him smiling at the sound but she couldn’t care less at the moment - he could brag all he wanted if he continued to make her feel this way.

She slipped the shirt from his torso and threw it on the floor, tugging his undershirt off of his trousers just as quickly. They stopped kissing just enough for him to tug the garment off to have the same destiny as the others. He led her to the bed, unzipping her skirt in the way there and sliding it off her before she settled in the middle of the mattress. Then he took off his own trousers before climbing in after her.

He kissed her as if she was the only woman for him in the whole world and, for a moment, (Y/N) wondered if that was the way every other woman that he had had in his bed felt, because damn, Thomas certainly knew what he was doing. He didn’t gave her much time for second guessing though, his lips traveled from hers to her neck - biting, sucking and licking the skin there until she was moaning mess. Then he moved to her chest, kissing the valley of her breasts before taking one of her nipples in his mouth all the while one of his hands massaged the other, alternating between them. (Y/N) closed her eyes, biting her lips to prevent a moan to leave them, her hands founding their way to his short hair and them it was his time to left out a soft moan.

When his ministrations were done, he trailed down, leaving wet kisses all over the skin of her belly, he stopped when he found the lace of her panties. Looking up, right into her eyes, he hooked his fingers on each side of the garment and started to bring it down her legs. The hunger in his eyes made (Y/N) remember of a predator looking at his prey and the devil be damned, she wanted to be devoured by him.

He didn’t lose time in diving in, bringing her knees up and pushing her closer, his mouth quickly finding its way to her core. Tommy took his time tasting her, kissing, nibbling and lapping before he went to her clit. (Y/N) grabbed the sheets into her fists when she felt him suck the nub of nerves into his mouth, right before inserting a finger inside of her.

She clenched her muscles in pure reflex and couldn’t hold back the loud moan that left her lips. He smiled, she felt him smile, and all she wanted was to wipe that grin out of his lips but, again, he didn’t gave her time to think when he inserted another finger into her and she could do nothing to prevent his name from coming out of her lips. When her orgasm came, it hit her like a wave. (Y/N) felt like she was drowning, drowning in pleasure brought to her by the man she swore to despise.

Tommy didn’t stopped until her breath came back to normal after she had rode out her pleasure. Even then, after wiping his mouth on his arm and crawling to kiss her, his fingers were still inside of her. (Y/N) clawed at him, her nails digging into the skin on his back while she tasted herself on his tongue.

He lifted himself off her, getting up from the bed to take off his boxers and take a condom, opening the package and rolling it in before climbing back to her. She took him in for a kiss while he adjusted himself above her, rubbing his cock into her wetness making her bite his bottom lip in want. Thomas rubbed his tip into her clit and (Y/N) cried out in pleasure. She was soaking wet, the need to feel him was unbearable, so she grabbed his face and made him look at her.

“I need you inside me.” His pupils seemed to expand even more, hiding some of the blue. “Now.” He obeyed her wishes and entered her wetness slowly, deliberately, inch by inch, looking into her eyes as he did so and although all she wanted was to close her eyes, she fought the urge to maintain eye contact. It was worth it, to see the pleasure painted on his handsome face, to see him fighting the same urge to close his eyes. Then he pulled out just as slowly as he had entered her, picking up a rhythm of going in and out of her. Grabbing one of her thighs and bringing it up, holding it beside his ribs, (Y/N) could swear she saw stars.

However, her patience was running thin and she was having none of that slow pace so she distracted him with a kiss and rolled them over, landing on top of him. The surprised look on his face was priceless and (Y/N) would cherish that moment for a long time. She reached between the both of them to take him in her hand, seizing the opportunity to pump him a few times, making him shut his eyes in pure bliss, a loud moan reverberating in the room, before sinking down onto his length.

She was not sure if the cry of pleasure came from her or him, but at this point, it did not matter anymore. His hands found her hips while she found her own tempo, her hands resting into his chest for support, holding each other gazes until the pleasure was too much to handle and they closed their eyes, bracing themselves for what was to come. (Y/N) fell into his chest, nestling her head in the crock of his neck, her core clenching around him eliciting a moan of her name from him before they were both spent.

A few moments passed before she took herself off of him. Then he made his leave to the bathroom to discharge the condom and clean himself. (Y/N) searched for her panties, putting them on and adjusting herself underneath the covers. Tommy soon joined her, bringing her closer, his arms around her, the baby blue of his eyes staring back at her. None of them said nothing, but there was no need – they just knew.

[bran-writes]

Updated WIP Intro: Apocalypse Kings

Apocalypse Kings

A group of friends investigate the deaths of two loved ones years before, stumbling upon a conspiracy involving a robotics company and dark intentions. A robotics engineer must decide what to do and who to trust when her boss’s contract with the military leads to the construction of an inter-dimensional gateway on their compound, and one of their frames is sent through before being trapped on the other side. All paths lead to horror and a brutal fight for survival as malevolent entities set their sights on our world and those involved are about to be introduced to a realm beyond their worst nightmares.

Genres: Action, Sci-Fi/Horror, Mystery

Kwin Bergeron lives with the trauma of discovering the bodies of his uncle, Drew, and his younger cousin, Ritchie when Kwin was just twelve years old. Their deaths were officially ruled a murder/suicide perpetrated by the man Kwin looked up to the most. Plagued with years of nightmares, questions and regrets, Kwin is now coming out of a stint at The Morner Psychiatric Treatment Center, and he wants to move on after finally handling his grief. He wants to go back to his old life, get back to work, spend time with his family and finally confront the feelings he has for his best friend, AJ. However, Kwin discovers that he can’t let go of his past when he’s presented with evidence that his loved ones were actually murdered by someone who’s still roaming free. Fortunately for Kwin, he doesn’t have to search for answers alone. Kwin’s friends decide to help him pursue the truth. In the process, they discover a winding conspiracy of dead journalists, religious cults, a strange book and a dark plot that leads to Bergeron Robotics, the company Kwin’s grandfather owns and operates.

AJ Longoria has known Kwin since they were kids. He’s also been in love with him for as long as he can remember. AJ himself is no stranger to trauma, being orphaned and rendered mute by the violence of his mother’s death at the hands of a serial killer whose brutal attack also nearly killed him. From that day on, AJ never spoke a word, but when he moved to Three Pines with his uncle, he found family and comfort in his new friends, especially Kwin. However, besides his feelings for his best friend, there are other emotions AJ has never confronted: The fear he feels when he closes his eyes, the phantom pain in his back from long healed knife scars and the crushing realization that at any moment, everything could be taken away from him. So when AJ agrees to help Kwin find the truth, he not only does it for his best friend, he does it in the hopes that he might heal himself as well. Yet, when the group finds themselves in dangerous waters, that familiarity with the darkness may save AJ and his friends.

Lori Fowler is the lead engineer of the Bergeron Robotics Companion Initiative and the trusted protege of Sam Bergeron, the world’s most famous and successful roboticist. Their mission to build robots, dubbed frames, and bring them to life with personalized AI took a turn for the unexpected when the military approached Sam and offered him a spot on Project Meridian. High-level military personnel and scientists wanted to reconstruct an inter-dimensional gate at the Bergeron Robotics Headquarters compound, and they wanted to send one of the companion frames into it. Lori warned against this, but Sam was driven by curiosity and an urge to be on the forefront of this discovery. And when Sam chose Companion Frame AF-94, known as Alfie, to go through the gate, all Lori could do was hope for the best. Instead, the experiment went wrong and Alfie ended up stuck on the other side- in a dimension they only saw terrifying glimpses of before they were forced to shut the gate down and stop something from coming through. The problem escalates when Alfie begins communicating with them somehow… and he wants back in.

Kwin, AJ and Lori don’t know it, but they’re about be caught in the middle of an insidious plot to open their plane of existence to something terrible. They have a chance to stop it, but if they’re too late, a very specific kind of hell will break loose. If Alfie has his way, he’ll bring more than a taste of The Other Side back home and reign as a king of the apocalypse.

Tag List:

@remi-writes-sometimes​ @writerinafury​ @the-violet-writer​ @anomaly00 @writinglyra​ @drabbleitout​ @carmina-solis​ @druidx73​ @pen-and-inks​ @myhusbandsasemni​

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Hello 🤗 could I request for Alfie from the hugging/kissing prompt list. Either Needing to kiss to hide from bad guys or Jealous kiss. I can't choose.🤗🤗

            It was always better to be on Alfie Solomons’ good side rather than the latter. You had learned this early on when you inherited quite a sizable gin operation from your father. With very little knowledge of how to keep the distillery running, you turned to a man who had the expertise you needed.

            Alfie, granted, was going to take advantage of you. Could he honestly be blamed? A young woman inexperienced in pushing gin coming to him for advice? He planned on roping you into a very unfair contract and running you dry of your inheritance before he inevitably took over the distillery.

            Trouble was, you were too likable. Alfie knew he was fucked just a few minutes into the meeting when you greeted Cyril sweetly before even making introductions. And when he saw the color of your eyes? Forget about it.

            So, he turned out to be a genuinely good business partner and helped the distillery function normally. As you got the hang of things, you were starting to make your own decisions and didn’t need Alfie’s guidance as much. Yet, you still visited him on a regular basis, much to his delight.

            One morning, you greeted Ollie with a basket of baked goods from the bakery below your flat. You saved a pumpkin muffin to bring to Alfie, setting it on his desk when you walked in.

            “Y/n, you are a fucking dove, you are.” He said, seeing the muffin then looking up to see your usual cheerful self.

            “A smile from Alfie Solomons gives an angel its wings.” You quipped as you sat down, patting your knees so Cyril would come over for a pat.

            “What’s got you in such a good mood then?” Alfie asked, rubbing his hands together as he eyed the delicious smelling muffin.

            “I had a meeting yesterday with Tommy Shelby about moving my gin to America.” You answered.

            That knocked the good mood right out of him. “The Shelbys?”

            “They offered me a good deal but I was hoping you’d look over the contracts just in case.” You pulled the papers out of your purse. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

            “Not too much trouble.” He muttered and put on his glasses before taking the papers.

            “Tommy was very interesting to meet with, you were right about him.” You remarked as you leaned down to give Cyril a belly rub.

            “Yeah?”           

            “But I found him a bit more agreeable than you make him out to be.”

            Agreeable? Alfie scoffed. “Whatever you call it.”

            You noticed how prickly he was being and you wondered exactly what part was making him that way. Maybe he was being overprotective, maybe he didn’t think it was a good idea to work with the Peaky Blinders, or maybe…

            “He’s quite handsome too.”

            Alfie’s brow knit together and he put the papers down to look at you over the rim of his glasses. “Pardon?”

            “Well, all three of them are I suppose. They dress well.” You shrugged, pretending you weren’t trying to get a rise out of him.

            He made a noise of disgust. “I didn’t think they were your type, love.”

            “Oh, I think they’re every girl’s type.” You had to hide your grin. So, it was what you suspected, after all, Alfie was jealous. Your heart began to beat a little faster because it finally confirmed what you’d been hoping for months. You wanted to catch his eye, you wanted him to think about you, you wanted him to want you.

            “Whatever you say.” He frowned.

            “Well, I’ll let you read that in your own time.” You stood up. “Enjoy the muffin.” You turned for the door but heard Alfie get up out of his desk chair and cross the office in a matter of a couple of strides. He placed a hand on the door before you could open it.

            “What’re you playing at?” He questioned grumpily.

            “Me?”

            “Yes, you. Fucking fess up, I know you’re tryna get something done.”

            How close he was standing to you was making your face heat up. “I was just saying that Tommy Shelby was a nice looking man.”

            “Yeah, you were saying it to me. Why’s that?” He didn’t bother moving his hand from the door.

            “Just wanted to see what you would say.” You said back as if it were a reasonable thing.

            His eyes narrowed. “I don’t believe you.”

            “D’you know something?” You moved from the door and began to close the blinds on the windows that looked out into the bakery.

            He watched you with a perplexed look.

            “You get rather huffy when you’re jealous.” You said as you went to stand back in front of him. That’s when you could finally see the pieces clicking in Alfie’s eyes.

            “Yeah?” He stepped closer until you were pressed flush up against the door. He placed both hands near your shoulders, boxing you in and making your breath catch in your throat with excitement. “How’s about this?” He used two fingers to tilt your chin up. “You’re mine, love. Not the Shelbys’ not Tommy’s, mine.”

            There was nothing left to say. You crushed your lips to his, throwing your arms around his neck. He picked you up, locking your legs around his waist as he pushed you against the door, kissing you deeply. He groaned gratefully when you knotted your fingers in his hair.

            “Say it again.” You begged against his lips.

            “You’re mine.” He growled before capturing your lips again.

            You were both so lost in the moment that you didn’t realize Cyril had wandered over. But then he began to whine, thinking his owner was causing you harm.  

            You and Alfie parted and laughed when you saw Cyril looking a bit lost. Alfie set you down.

            “S’alright, Cyril.” He assured the bullmastiff. “She’s alright.”

            You smiled, your face flushed. “It had to take me talking about Tommy Shelby to finally get you to get your act together.” You accused playfully.

            “Better late than never, love.” Alfie reminded her and gently kissed you again.

[dishtothedeath]

rule number one: is that you gotta have fun || trial 2.2 || yukari || re: liem, haruki, alfie // attn: judges

The game didn't work if the others didn't fulfill their roles. There was a heavy weight in her stomach hearing and seeing how some of the others talked. Two in particular made the unease worse. Yukari knew the name for the feeling but couldn't acknowledge it. Not while this was just a game. So for now she could settle for disappointment. It was disappointing to hear Fergus speak. It was disappointing to see Haruki react. All of this was just disappointing. 

Yukari raises her hand once Alfie is done.

"...We did find the golf ball, Fergus. Remember how it helped us discover the broken pencil?"

She won't go into further detail than that and trusts that the rest of her investigation group wouldn't either. Nothing they needed to dwell on. 

"So as we can agree, our killer was playing golf." She pauses, looking for something more in this. Yukari was supposed to be able to see past the big picture to the finer details. It was what made each work she did a masterpiece. But it was harder to focus when she wanted to stop everything for the sake of giving her friends time to breathe... Now she was disappointed in herself. 

"So... May I propose a possible timeline?" 

Yukari doesn't wait for a response but smiles all the same.

"I think our killer was below playing golf the same time that Masaji was above eating and reading and Charybdis was poolside. The first domino that fell was the cutout scaring our dear frontrunner. She probably screamed or shouted at the very least before falling backwards into the pool. With her weak heart and panicked state, it would be hard to swim. Masaji reacts first and runs down, having seen this.

"Meanwhile, our killer also reacts. They would be startled by the noise and-" Yukari tightens her hand, jumping slightly in her seat to mimic the act. "Snapping the pencil. Our killer would either have to have a heroic side or dangerous curiosity and rushed over to where they think they heard the noise, abandoning their game."

She relaxes back in her seat, keeping her hand up as she speaks.

"When they finally arrive to the pool, they would see what they think is Masaji killing Charybdis and rushed over to..." She pauses, sitting back slightly. "Now... here we have two options. They could have either wanted to save Charybdis or..." Her eyes light up, Yukari uses the hand that was raised to cover her mouth, deep in thought. Only Yuzuki could get a clear view of her expression. "Or... They wanted to save Masaji." 

Yukari clears her throat and takes a sip from her drink.

"We know what happens to killers thanks to Riley's decisions... So if they were operating in a panic... They didn't want Masaji to suffer a similar fate. Their thoughts were kind but not very helpful... At the position Masaji was in and given that we have no proof a weapon was used... Perhaps they kicked him? After all, he would have had to be on the floor to be able to administer CPR... Which by the way, thank you for clarifying, Kamata." She nods politely in his direction. 

"After a good kick, Masaji's head would bounce... Now, Skull-kun had mentioned something interesting to me not too long back when we were trying to get medical care for Alfie..." 

Yukari turns her attention to Skull, smiling sweetly as she always did to the robot. 

"Can you clarify the rule on accidental murders? Earlier you had said that had Alfie succumb to his wounds, no one would be held liable since there was no murderous intent. Would this not count as an accidental death since our killer was purposefully violent towards Masaji, regardless of intentions? And with Charybdis's unfortunate death, would we have to find a killer if it was - or at least we may believe it to be - the fault of the production team?"

While she waits for an answer, Yukari sets her hand down, satisfied with her work. She was no longer disappointed in herself. Even she could still feel a painful buzzing in her chest. Perhaps even pride hurt like this. 

[imaginesbymk]

PINK + WHITE.

—CHAPTER SEVEN ; FINN, ALL GROWN UP.

summary: teresa’s permanent resignation from the peaky blinders leads her to a whole new chapter of working in an art museum. but little did she know her best life would be butchered some time later when her former lover tommy shelby gives her no choice but to return to the peaky blinders after they make new enemies, with the leader, of all people, being the man teresa fell in love with one night after a wedding reception back in post world war; luca changretta.

pairing: luca changretta x OC x tommy shelby

tags in this chapter: swearing, smoking

[ chapter index / meet my oc / wattpad link ]

"Just remember, never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line." - The Princess Bride (1987)

"PENARTH ART GALLERY." Tommy cleared his throat before speaking to the operator on the telephone. He pulled a long drag off his cigarette as he waited, even though he knew his call would lead to no avail. He hasn't heard back from her in hours. It wasn't even that difficult of an instruction: reach back to him with her mind made up once she finished her errand in Camden town. Either Teresa forgot, was abducted, killed, or she never kept true to her word when she agreed to phone him. Tommy needed a response so desperately. It had been a while since the vendetta began, and he doubt he would be spared a second to take a deep breath before the Changretta mob comes in to take them out by surprise. He needed an answer now.

No response. He slams the receiver shut, almost nearly breaking the telephone, and sighs. If Tommy had to pick up and reach the operator, the same response of no communication on the other end of the line would come up once more. No point.

Groaning in exhaustion, Tommy rubs his nose bridge as Polly walks in, noticing him leaning back in his chair.

"I told you," she says. "she won't come back."

Tommy grunts. "She will. Just give it a few hours."

"We gave her a day, Tommy. Now we're giving her a few hours?" Polly slams Tommy's diary containing weekly schedules & anything important jotted in black ink, each were separated with a blank box. She flipped to the bookmarked page that highlighted one day of the week, a star coloured in the margins. She jabs a finger on it. "The boxing match. We're losing time."

"Yes, Pol. I'm aware," Tommy says, annoyed. It's not like he wasn't giving Aberama Gold's son a dream of being a boxing champion and possible boxing career in exchange for extra hands to have blood on them in a vendetta. "And what other things I'm aware of that you have to tell me?"

"Are you also aware that Teresa Griffith is no walk in the park—"

"Neither of us are, Polly."

"Are you aware that Teresa Griffith is no walk in the park," Polly repeated her sentence, sternly this time, "and that begging for her help is no use? We've got what we already need, why do you still need her? You miss her?"

"Teresa will reach out to Luca Changretta."

"For what? A fuck while he isn't looking?"

"I've dug deeper, Pol. He's scavenging for things to claim in all of Britain. If he'll start with Alfie Solomon's business, that means he's not shy to come after Teresa's. The Penarth art gallery will be signed under the Changretta name so she will try to withdraw the unjust negotiation, which will give us more time to reach out to Michael's updates before Bonnie and Goliath will face each other in the ring." Tommy slammed his diary, brushing off his wonder on how Polly was able to gain access to it in the first place when it's usually Lizzie who technically is only allowed to touch it.

Polly stared at him with a hint of dread.

"What is it?"

Frustrating as it is, Polly really didn't have the answer to pinpoint. "I read her tea leaves before she walked out on us. It said she'll lose what she loves the most."

"What or who?"

"I couldn't tell. But I imagine it being her new chapter. But now it makes much more sense. She'll lose the gallery, perhaps."

Tommy leans forward to look up closer to Aunt Polly. "So like I said, give it a few hours. I know she will come back. I doubt she keeps a handgun in her glove compartment anymore. I'll ensure her safety and keep the gallery up under her name. She needs us just as much as we need her."

Polly let out a small sigh, collecting the heavy-weighted diary to carry out with her through the same way she came in. Let's hope...

Returning to Penarth was a relief. Teresa was far away from the next person who could get on her last nerve, unless one of the tour guides or management decides to point out a small circumstance to the owner, but the Welsh woman found comfort and bliss when she looks up at a painting made by an iconic artist that speaks through their canvas.

"We should really put up more exit signs, Miss," one of the tour guides said to Teresa as they walked down the halls together. "some of the guests have been getting lost with the new corridors. And they were wondering about the empty room upstairs?"

"I've spoken to people from Nice. They loved what we did with the exhibition and they want to place up more paintings, so I saved some extra room."

"On... the second floor?"

"Why not?" Teresa shrugs. "We've set up enough for the main floor, second floor should be okay as well." And she walked down the opposite direction, hoping the tour guide wasn't gonna follow her and object the display plans.

"Miss Griffith," an exhausted employee rushes over to her, clearly out of breath from searching around the entire building for one woman. "Your office is being blown up with phone calls from Birmingham."

Teresa frowns. Did Mr. Shelby not take the hint already?

"Shall I leave a message?"

"Just ignore it. Probably someone looking to pest. We've no time for that," Teresa let out a sigh, continuing down the way she meant to go through, passing a couple of guests who read each art piece like a picture book. She had to frown again. The least she could do was answer one phone call from the man, say the word and he'd leave her be. Ignoring him would push him towards her even more.

Teresa rested her walking by standing in front of the painting. The painting, to emphasize—the one Luca pointed out to her when they first met. She hadn't looked at it in so long. Every time she passed that wall, she just had to avoid making eye contact. How ridiculous it is to look away from art, which is the opposite of the common reaction. But it was a painting only Teresa felt like a curse. Teresa doubted Luca even cared about what the painting was, since his excuse to reel her attention was to poke fun about what she loved. If only she could gain that much luck of approval to remove the piece off of that wall with her bare hands. Disrespectful and unprofessional, yes. But if she had the chance to, she would do it.

Now his voice spoke just as loud as the form of the oil painting. You were just another woman.

Teresa shook her head. It was indeed an awkward encounter, and if she had to describe it; maybe it was a heartbreak about another.

It doesn't matter anymore. Luca is here on business, to kill the man whose phone calls you're ignoring, but that is okay. You're not a Peaky Blinder. It's time to turn around and move on...

She did turn around actually, just to be greeted with another familiar face.

"Finn?"

SHE had to chuckle in disbelief. Seeing Finn holding a cigarette in his hand so casually just proves that he was no stranger to the addicting habit. He was the youngest of the family and Teresa used to chase him around the streets in a game of tag. He was much shorter than she was, voice higher, and after watching them, he mimicked the little things his older brothers did, even though it was dangerous for a young boy like him to fully understand.

"Do they know that you're here?" Teresa took a puff out of hers.

"Arthur sent me," Finn replied.

Teresa rolls her eyes. "Right," she mutters under her breath. She kicked a few rocks on the large paved steps that laid out as the entrance of her gallery. "Don't tell me. You're here to scold me for ignoring Tommy. It's not like I don't get migraines from my telephone ringing so fucking much."

"Why are you avoiding him, Teresa? Even when you were at the Garrison, agreeing to let Tommy fill you in on what needs to be done. He would of thought you got shot, otherwise."

"I went to Camden and then came back here."

"Without giving him a final decision?"

"He should get the hint by now. Is that bastard so desperate for a decoy? I doubt the Italians would fall for another trap." That was another thing she was informed about. Polly and Tommy's plan was a semi-success, however Luca Changretta is still alive, and his blood must be boiling because of how much time he had wasted sparing Michael's life when he had the chance to shoot him in cold blood.

"Luca Changretta will come after Alfie Solomons' business, as he will yours," Finn says. "He will come here and make you hand it over to his family or he will kill you. Whether he does that before or after killing us all, it will happen sooner or later."

Typical Luca. If he really thought she was just another woman, he would definitely threaten her over her business. "Did Tommy tell you to say all of that?" she chuckled.

Finn shrugs. "Maybe. But it's good that you know now. So, that gives you a valid reason to help?"

Teresa grinned. "The last time I saw you, you wore tiny suspenders, even your shoes were tiny. I could of lifted you like a doll from a toy store. Look at yourself, Finn."

"I can't, that's physically impossible."

"Finn, all grown up!" Teresa teases, using her hand to pinch together his rosy cheeks.

Finn groans in annoyance, rubbing his cheek to sooth the stinging pain after shoving her hand off him. "Fuck's sake, Teresa! We need you! You were big help when you were last with us, and you can still be the big help. Seriously, you're all our last bet."

"Tell Tommy I need more time to think about it."

"Teresa, there isn't any more time. We're out of it. We need a solid answer now."

"You guys did fine without me. Am I still being used a distraction? What if Tommy wants me as a mole?"

"He won't. That's not something we do often, most of the time it doesn't end up working out."

"Finn..." Teresa shook her head, taking him seriously this time. "I can't help kill Luca Changretta. I thought about it but I promised to never get involved with the Peaky Blinders, or anything that would paint me as a criminal. If things didn't happen the way it did, I would of said yes without a second thought."

Finn furrowed his brow. "What are you talking about?"

She let out a soft sigh, hoping the pain would burn out like the end of her cigarette. "Because I knew Luca. He and I were once lovers."

+ basically,,,,, teresa wants to help but at the same time she doesn't want to help lmfaoo.

[whentommymetalfie]

Lights On

A/N: A quick little one shot I wrote for the Tommy/Alfie prompt fest over on Ao3. Modern AU and not connected to any of my other works. Established relationship and lots of hurt/comfort. 

Summary: Every year on Bonfire Night, Tommy hides under the covers terrified by all the fireworks, this year Alfie is under the covers with him comforting him.

Tommy doesn’t acknowledge him. His breathing continues to come in erratic burst, wheezing out of his throat. Alfie strokes his hair

“It‘s just noise, love, just noise,” he whispers. “It’s scary fucking noise, I’ll give you that, all those bangs. But it’s just noise."

Pairing: Tommy/Alife

Wordcount: 1800

Warnings: ptsd

Never fucking drive in London... Alfie should know better by now and he thoroughly hates himself for this decision, as well as the one to ‘just swing by for some groceries’ despite working late in the bakery to prepare a dough. But his royal highness Thomas Michael Shelby will be most displeased if there’s no milk tomorrow and honestly, whatever his princess wants, he shall have. If only because it gives Alfie the excuse to say that exact phrase and watch Tommy scowl at him.

Right now however, he’s fairly sure Tommy would’ve taken his tea without milk indefinitely if it had meant Alfie would’ve been home on time.

Finally, he has to give up and park several blocks away from their apartment. And it’s possible the front tire ends up on the sidewalk, but that seems completely irrelevant at the moment. Far above him, the smattering of fireworks continue relentlessly. He slams the door shut using his foot, one arm around the bag of groceries and fishing for his mobile in his coat pocket with his free hand. The signals go through, but there’s no answer. Making his way down the street he starts typing out yet another text, despite the three previous ones remaining unanswered. Will be home in less than five minutes love-

“Oi, watch where you’re-“

He doesn’t even slow down to apologize to the highly offended owner of the voice.

Two minutes later, he’s standing outside their apartment, cursing and wrestling with the locks on the door, wondering who on earth decided doors needed this many fucking locks. If people are determined enough to break in and have gotten through one lock, why would a second one stop them? Would they suddenly fucking… give up halfway through?

Finally he gets the door open.

“Tommy, love, I’m so sorry I’m late. It‘s fucking bullshit this… was an accident on the A40 and I had to-“ He struggles out of his boots, leaving them haphazardly in the middle of the hallway. “Had to fucking take the tunnel, didn’t I? Yeah. Absolute fucking bullshit- Some people clearly shouldn’t be operating any vehicle more complicated than a bike.“

All the lights are on in the apartment, but Tommy is nowhere to be seen.

“Tommy?” He shoves the entire bag of groceries into the fridge -fuck actually sorting them into shelves, he’s got more important things to do, and then sets off towards the bedroom.

There’s a small lump in the middle of the bed, covered entirely by the duvet and several blankets.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he sighs as he walks up to the bed, sinking down onto the mattress and rubbing his palm over the figure. “It’s okay.”

The lump remains motionless but he feels the slight tremors under his palm, can hear the hitched breaths. When he lifts the covers ever so slightly he finds Tommy curled up into a tightly wounded ball, knees drawn up to his chest, face tucked against them and arms covering his head. He’s not just trembling, but actually shaking violently, which becomes painfully clear now. When a smattering of fireworks go off just a block or two away, he lets out a choked whimper and winds his fingers into his hair.

“It’s alright, love, I’m here now,” Alfie says and lies down behind him, pulling the covers up over them both again. Then he curls himself around his quivering frame, opting for wrapping an arm all the way over his knees and letting him stay in his position. Tommy doesn’t acknowledge him. His breathing continues to come in erratic burst, wheezing out of his throat. Alfie strokes his hair

“It‘s just noise, love, just noise,” he whispers. “It’s scary fucking noise, I’ll give you that, all those bangs. But it’s just noise. Happy people who just want an excuse to play with a bit of… fire and gunpowder, but it’s all fun and games. And the worst that’ll come out of it are all those colourful plastic bits you find all over the city for days afterwards.”

He presses a kiss against the nape of his neck.

“You’re home, you’re safe, and no one in the world will ever hurt you again. Because I’m going to personally hunt them down and end them in the most painful way possible if they do.”

There’s a high bang right outside the bloody window and Tommy lets out a horrified shriek that seems to cut like a dagger through his chest. Then there’s another one and Alfie realises that whoever is setting those off is hanging out on the street beneath their flat. If he listens closely, he can hear the unmistakable drunken hollering of a few lads apparently having the time of their fucking life out there.

When the third firecracker goes off, Tommy starts crying. This heart wrenching, desperately frightened sound that cuts him to his very core.

And fuck it, Alfie might not be able to do anything about the entire goddamn city losing their collective mind, but he can at the very least keep them away from this small patch of street…

“I’ll be right back, love,” he promises in a whisper and squeezes Tommy tightly, before climbing out of bed and stomping over to the window. He throws it open and stares down at the street, where a group of five young men are having a grand ole time with a box of matches and far more firecrackers than anyone should reasonably have. Which of course must break all sorts of laws but he couldn’t give less of a fuck -as long as they���re far away from here.

“Oi, you fucking lot!” he bellows and successfully gains the attention of at least two of them -one wearing a spectacularly dumb hat with some print he can’t read but instantly hates anyway, and one with a slightly less dumb hat. “Fuck off with that noise will you?”

“Nah, you fucking…fuck off,” Dumb Hat Guy yells back. Now, that’s really fucking eloquent, innit?  

“Alright, this is the deal,” Alfie barks at them, somehow trying to burn Dumb Hat alive with his gaze alone. “I’ve got someone up here who can’t fucking stand all this noise. So if I have to fucking tell you again, I’m going to come down there and shove one of those so far up your arse you can fire it through your fucking mouth!” He does wish he was a bit closer -he cuts a more imposing figure face to face, he’s well aware. But thank fuck the guys don’t seem to be out for trouble tonight.

“Fucking fine,” Less Dumb Hat Guy bellows as Dumb Hat Guy starts dragging him down the street to join their three friends, who are blessing the neighbourhood with a terribly off key version of God save the queen.

All things considered that went easier than expected. Alfie shoves the window closed and quickly returns to the bed and Tommy, who hasn’t moved an inch since he left, still shaking violently and choking out heart wrenching sobs. He pulls him close again.

“There we go, they went away. I know I can’t make all of the noise stop, but it’s a start,” he whispers and rubs his palm over his side. “But it’ll stop soon, I promise.”

For a bit, there’s no change: Tommy stays curled up so tightly that Alfie thinks he might’ve frozen like that, the quiet sobs wracking his frame. Alfie just holds him. Holds him, shushes him gently and mutters soothing nonsense against the soft skin on the back of his neck. It’s all he can do for now. He wishes he didn’t have to know shit like that, but things are the way they are, right? So he’s well versed in how these things usually go. And he knows that right now, Tommy can’t quite hear him. Mostly just registers that he’s there, that he’s not alone. But there’s no point in getting into elaborate stories. Simply repeating that he’s safe, that he’s not alone and holding him is enough.  

Bit by bit, Tommy’s muscles seem to soften, and his legs relax enough for Alfie to wrap the arm around his waist instead. He places a hand on his chest, feeling the quick pitter patter of Tommy’s heart against his palm. Like a frightened rabbit’s. He pulls him a bit closer. Hoping his own heartbeat will somehow seep into Tommy’s chest and calm his racing pulse.

The fireworks continue to thunder in the distance.

“So, a lady came to the bakery today,” he begins quietly. “Wanted to buy raisin bagels. Of all the things in the world. Whoever began stuffing raisins into perfectly good bread should be charged for their heinous crimes against humanity.“

He talks a bit about the nerve of certain people. It’s becoming quite warm and stuffy underneath the duvet, but it’s a small price to pay. Whatever makes Tommy feel even marginally more safe is worth it. As he talks, he can feel Tommy relax further into his embrace. Finally he turns around to face him, burying his face in his chest.

“Would you like to get out of these clothes, love?” he asks then. “Think you’d be more comfortable.”

After getting a small nod in response, he helps Tommy out of his clothes and goes to turn the light off, making sure to first switch on the lamp on the bedside table. When he climbs back into bed, Tommy is watching him from under heavy eyelids, his long lashes still wet with tears. God, if he could, he’d go out there and personally rip the fireworks from each and every fucking idiot holding them, consequences be damned. A statement that when said out loud finally earns him a faint smile, even as Tommy still trembles ever so slightly.

Soon, Tommy is safely wrapped up in his arms again, face buried in his chest. Outside, another round of fireworks go off right nearby and like clockwork, his breathing hitches.

“Did I ever tell you about the time me and my cousin tried to build a hot air balloon and send his action figure to the moon?” Alfie asks and Tommy makes a noise that could almost be the beginning of a quiet laugh.

“I don’t think so.”

“Well, it’s an excellent, excellent story, so strap yourself in,” he says and starts stroking his hair again, raking his nails softly against his scalp. “So, me and my cousin, right, we used to spend a few weeks every year at his grandmother’s place outside Margate. Big fields and all that, and-“

It’s a long story. And once that is finished, he follows it up with another one, and another, as the fireworks outside continue to brighten the sky into blue and green and red. Tommy clings tightly to him, as if he’s drowning. Perhaps he is, in a way. But Alfie will do his best to keep him afloat.  

[schrijverr]

Operation Nappy Change

After staying the night at Alfies place Tommy accidentally puts on the other mans shirt. It’s way too big and he panics, luckily Alfie has a plan to save him.

On AO3.

Ships: Alfie x Tommy

Warnings: mentions of sex

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Fuck” Tommy cursed as he rushed around the room, he was late and he couldn’t afford to be late, because he still had to get to another part of town, get into the lobby, collect himself and pretend to his brothers, who were coming to pick him up, that he had been at the hotel for the night, not at Alfie's, the person he was supposed to meet later.

Yeah, that’s right, the great Tommy Shelby was quickly grabbing clothes off Alfie Solomons floor. He wasn’t really looking at the items, just quickly pulling them on and making them as presentable as he could, which is why he was quite annoyed at his shirt that just wasn’t working with him today.

It was way harder to straighten it out without weird bumps in his pants, the piece on his chest would puff out a bit and getting his arms in his suit jacket was a challenge if he wanted his sleeves to sit correctly in them.

He practically ran into the kitchen, where the bastard himself was calmly enjoying his tea in a luxurious robe. The bastard in question greeted Tommy merrily: “Good morning, Tommy dear. Why the rush on this sunny morning?”

Tommy tried to glare the grin of the others face while simultaneously stuffing the piece of toast in his mouth that Alfie had handed him. Through the bread he choked: “Fuck you, Alfie. You shouldn’t have let me sleep in.”

“After all that exercising last night, you needed it.” Alfie smirked.

Tommy gave him a slap as he walked past towards the door and threw a “I’m going to murder you, Solomons.” over his shoulder.

The sound of Alfie chuckling followed him out the door.

He wanted to run down the street, but he had a reputation to uphold, so he strutted as fast as he could to the hotel he had booked a room at for pretenses. He had gone a day earlier under the pretense that something came up with one of his secret informants. Arthur and John would come a day later and they would meet him at the hotel in the morning. The hotel he was not currently at.

Fuck.

He checked his watch again and tried to straighted out his shirt, no luck on either. He groaned and rounded the last corner, slipping through the hotel door as his brothers came barreling down the street in their car, sadly John behind the wheel.

Tommy took a few calming breaths, he had made it, then he calmly walked out the door like nothing peculiar had happened that morning. Arthur greeted with a bellow, Tommy just nodded back and got into driver seat demoting John to the back.

“First order of business, a potential partner on the docks, Mr. Rodger. I heard he is a dick, but he has connections and he can help, so no fucking fighting unless necessary.” Tommy began the conversation.

“What falls under necessary?” Arthur asked.

“Yeah, does looking wrong count, looks can be very meaningful.” John piped in.

Tommy sighed and said: “No looks, or direct insults for that matter, count. We only fight if I give the signal, like I said, this man has connections, we don’t want him as an enemy.”

His brothers looked unhappy with that statement, but they didn’t argue, which Tommy counted as a win. He let it be for now and let him mind go to his strategy with this guy.

They were a bit early to the meeting spot, so they smoked while they waited. Tommy also used this time to take a better look at what was wrong with his shirt. It was still floofing up at multiple points and it bunched weirdly in his sleeves. He pulled on the underside of his sleeve, his shirt was tailored for him, so it was supposed to make it sit nice and straight inside his suit jacket. This, of course, was not what happened.

He pulled and it extended over his hand, more fabric coming out than should have been possible if it was tailored right, which Tommy knew it was. Then it suddenly hit him like a gunshot, it wasn’t his shirt. No, his shirt had subtle blue stripes while this one was completely white, it wasn’t his shirt, because it was Alfie’s.

He almost choked on the smoke of his cigarette as his eyes became wide with the realization. He quickly tried to cover it up by tugging his shirt sleeve back up his suit jacket sleeve and smoothing down the front of his shirt. Once he had convinced himself he looked okay and it didn’t stand out as odd, he allowed himself to be sucked into a small meltdown.

Okay, he thought to himself, Alfie’s shirt. Fuck. I can’t be seen in this, when we get back Polly will notice, fuck, fuck, fuck. I need to burn it, burn the evidence. But how? I need to have a shirt and Mr. Rodger is almost here. And how will I get my shirt back? Everything sucks, luckily Arthur and John haven’t-

“Mr. Shelby, I presume.” a too smooth voice cut off Tommy’s inner rant.

The meeting began and even though it went well and they got a favorable deal, Tommy was uncomfortable the entire time. He had to resist the urge to tug at his clothes the entire time and he had never been more relieved that a deal was done.

~

When he was back in the car, this time allowing Arthur to drive, he tried to form a plan of action, but he couldn’t do it alone, he had to talk to Alfie. Of course, Alfie could help!

“I need to get to a phone booth.” Tommy told Arthur, who luckily did what he was told.

Once he had shoo-ed his brothers away he grabbed the phone and rang The Bakery. After a second Ollie picked up and Tommy said: “Give me Alfie, tell him it’s urgent.”

He felt his breathing pick up while there was fumbling on the other side, he let out a relieved sigh once he heard Alfie’s voice, he didn’t know how much he’d wanted to hear it until he did.

Alfie picked up on and asked: “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“I have a problem, well not just I, but we.” Tommy was fumbling over his words, “We have a problem, yeah.”

“Did you piss Rodger off?” Alfie asked, “Tommy, I don’t want to be dragged into a war with him, that would fucking suck, wouldn’t it?”

“No, not that, no.” Tommy suddenly felt stupid for overreacting, so he said in a small voice: “I left something at your place.”

It was quiet for a second, then Alfie said: “That’s not that big of a deal, innit. What did ya leave, I’ll get it and slip it to ya, problem solved. That’s the thing with things, right, you can just get them back if you know where you left them, quite handy that they don’t move on their own, you know.”

Tommy was certain that Alfie could go on about how useful it was that stuff didn’t move unless someone else moved them, but he didn’t have time for that, so he cut him off by snapping: “I left my shirt at your place, okay, sorry if my reaction seems out of proportion.”

“Your shirt?” Alfie sounded curious.

“Yes, my shirt.” Tommy snapped again, why didn’t Alfie see how serious this was?

“Are you joking?” Alfie said, “You must be joking, dear. I saw you this morning, you were wearing a shirt.”

“It could have been not my own shirt, eh.” Tommy said.

On the other side Alfie swallowed, then he lowly said: “Are you wearing my shirt right now?”

Tommy stayed quiet, he could feel a blush creeping up his face. When the silence went on Alfie commanded: “Dear, answer me.”

“Yes,” Tommy whispered, “I didn’t notice until later. It’s one of the white ones and it very big on me. Fuck, people might notice, Alfie.”

“Fucking hell.” Tommy could visualize Alfie rubbing his face after that statement.

“We need a plan to get me out of this shirt and into my own before I drive home this night. I’m too busy worrying someone might notice to think, so ideas are welcome.” Tommy said.

“Hm.” Alfie replied, “Get your stuff from you hotel in the back of your car before you come here, I think I have something, but it’ll work better if you’re not in the loop, okay.”

“Okay, see you then.” usually Tommy would be more suspicious or annoyed that he wasn’t in the loop, but he was so exhausted that he was just glad Alfie had a solution.

They said their goodbyes and hung up.

With a lighter heart he exited the phone booth and got into the car. There he said: “I’m going to my hotel, if I check out now I won’t have to pay for an extra day, let’s go.”

Arthur started the car and John asked: “You seem better after that call. What was it about?”

Without missing a beat Tommy lied: “You remember that I had to go early to solve that problem? It’s solved now.”

John seemed pleased with that answer.

~

Tommy was buzzing with nervous energy when they got to the bakery an hour or so later. He didn’t let it show, but he could feel the hum under his skin as he wondered what Alfie had planned.

Inside Alfie was waiting for him, Ollie next to him and one of his man a few feet away, resting on a barrel. As they walked towards them Alfie opened his arms as he welcomed them with a: “Tommy!”

The moment the name left his lips there was a flurry of moment as the henchman's head shot up and he dove forwards, breaking Tommys nose as he tackled them. There was a short scuffle on the ground, which was ended by Alfie whacking the man on the head with his cane.

Tommy got up and felt the blood flowing down his face, he was mentally cursing at Alfie about what the fuck had gotten into him, when he realized blood was soaking into his, no Alfies, shirt. He smirked behind his hand as he wiped his face, then he stoically asked: “What the fuck was that about, Alfie.”

Alfie shrugged and said: “We’ve been getting trouble from a guy named Tommy Marshall, yeah. Heard the name and thought it was that guy, probably. That’s the problem with dumbasses for personnel, innit, they’re too stupid to see context. Anyway, you got something to replace that with, you look like you murdered a baby.”

Tommy looked down to asses the damage, the shirt was ruined, but that had been the point, he could also throw away his tie, a pity, because he quite liked that tie. He grumbled in response: “I think I have something in me car.”

Alfie clapped his hand: “Fabulous, Ollie will help you with that nose and I’ll get your brothers a drink, sound good? Good, let’s go.”

Tommy rolled his eyes at that, but gestured to Arthur and John to just follow Alfie as he himself followed Ollie in the opposite direction.

Ollie lead him to a small room where he got a bowl of water with a piece of cloth. He said: “I think your nose it broken, so I’ll have to reset it. Do you want a countdown?”

Tommy settled on the edge of the desk and shook his head, a countdown only made it worse, you wanted to be unprepared. Ollie shrugged and got in position, right when he was about to snap he casually commented: “So, you and Alfie are quite close.”

Tommy chocked on his spit while simultaneously trying to groan in pain. When he had regained his senses a bit he said: “What the fuck was that about.”

Ollie shrugged, when one works for Alfie Solomons it’s hard to be scared or impressed by someone you see on a weekly basis in friendly context. He explained: “You needed a distraction before I set your nose and, you know, it is quite interesting. I had a hunch of course, Alfie doesn’t like to meet outside the Bakery and he usually doesn’t meet that often with business associates, but until now there was no proof. Though, I had to admit I was worried for a second when he loudly yelled ‘Who wants to hit Tommy Shelby for five pound’, after he had hung up the phone loudly.”

Tommy couldn’t help but snort at that, immediately wincing because it hurt, just because it was so typically Alfie. He shook his head a bit, before getting serious again and saying: “I hope you know the smart thing is to never make a comment or say a word about that again.”

Ollie put his hands up: “I won’t, you know I won’t. I’m pretty fond of my limbs, life and family, if I’m being honest. Besides, I don’t mind, ever since you started showing up more he’s been in a better mood, we had to hide less bodies.”

“Good.” Tommy replied, it should be quite concerning that Alfies good moods were measured by the amount of bodies that had to be hidden, but in this line of work it was pretty usual, so Tommy didn’t bat an eye.

Ollie then grabbed Tommys shirt from the table and handed it over. Tommy changed quickly.

He handed Ollie Aflies shirt with his ruined tie and said: “Burn it.”

Once that was done they left for Alfies office where Arthur and John would be. Tommy just hoped there wasn’t a fight already. He got lucky, they were sitting there with a drink in hand and even though the silence was tense, it was still peaceful.

When they opened the door Alfie greeted the with: “That took you long enough, were you having a tea party over there.”

Without thinking Tommy shot back: “No, we were just conspiring together to murder you.”

Normally Alfie would laugh at this and tel him that he couldn’t murder him if he had murdered Tommy first, but this wasn’t normally. So, the silence that followed got even more tense, but it was quickly broken by a pale Ollie who said: “No, I would never- he’s not- I won’t.”

Ollie could be casual about murder, but only when it wasn’t his boss who was threatened and it wasn’t by him. He knew that Alfie had a short enough fuse to maybe take this seriously, which would be terrible for Ollies health, because he would die. The two leaders looked at each other as the tension rose, Tommy could see his brothers reaching for their caps and he knew he had to stop this before it got out of hand. He said: “Your guy broke my nose, it had to be set and I had to change, it’s gonna take more than a second, eh.”

Alfie gave him one squint, before letting his shoulders relax a bit and exclaiming: “Well after that harrowing and painful experience you could use a drink, just to numb it down a bit, then business.”

Tommy nodded: “Sounds good.”

After that things went smoothly, they talked business, something that they really needed to do before this point, but they had never really gotten around to it. Tommy found it quite of nice to get a clear oversight and he even managed to up their percentages a bit. He also felt more comfortable in his own shirt, without the constant fear of getting discovered it was easier to relax. But, a part of him kind of missed it, the too large shirt felt as a claim, a claim like the bruises on his thighs and chest. It had been soft and safe.

Then after a while Alfie announced: “Well, it’s time for me and Tommy to talk in private for a while, leader to leader, it’s important for trust and expanding. You wouldn’t know and that’s the point, innit? Sometimes it’s better to be left in the dark for a while, makes it easier to keep everything under the wraps and all, nothing personal. Ollie could show you the best pubs in town.”

Arthur and John gave Tommy a look, who replied: “It’ll be good for bonding, eh, but not too much we still have to drive home tonight.”

Then the three left and he and Alfie were alone together once more.

Alfie sagged in his chair, with that terrible posture that Tommy was always hounding him for, and sighed: “Well, Operation Nappy Change was a success.”

“Operation what?” Tommy shot back.

Alfie smirked as he spelled out: “Operation Nappy Change, that’s what I’ve been calling it in my head. Seems fitting don’t you think? A boy in too big clothes, who needs help to get changed?”

Alfie tutted a bit as a hot blush swept over over Tommys embarrassed face. He now felt even more like a baby, especially when he thought back about the softness and safeness of it all. He looked stubborn, though, as he said: “It was your fault that I got into this mess in the first place.”

Alfie chuckled, Tommy was pouting and embarrassed, it was a cute look. He then asked: “How come, I don’t recall giving you my shirt to put on.”

“You woke me up late.” Tommy huffed, “I had to rush because of you, so I didn’t have time to pay attention and an error was made, your fault.”

Alfie raised his eyebrow and said: “Sounds to me like it was you that made the mistake by not paying attention. You’re just lucky I got you out of this big mess.”

Tommy wanted to object, but Alfie ignored it and went on: “I even gave up, getting to watch you squirm and be uncomfortable, while that is such a pretty sight to see. Pity. Bet you looked like a darling in my shirt, dwarfed you, made you even smaller than you already are, my dainty little thing, that’s what you are.”

Tommy swallowed as the blush got redder, he said: “Yeah, it came to my knee, almost a dress. The sleeves covered my entire hand.”

“You’re making me regret helping you.” Alfie told him, then the man gave him a devilish smirk as leaned forward and said: “Next week you can make it up to me.”

“Really?” Tommy asked, voice higher than normal, “How?”

“Well, you can start by wearing my shirt again. Just the shirt.”

[fishfingersandjellybabies]

When You’re The One Who’s Loved - fic

For @northoftheroad! Thank you a million times over for donating. <3 Their reward request was anything with Dick and Damian.

Characters: Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, Tim Drake Summary: Damian doesn’t understand why Dick is so upset. Tim does, though. A/N: If it’s not obvious, Tim and Damian are on pretty good terms here. The box got there so quickly because Dick called Wally, and yeah it probably came from Selina on loan (because Bruce won’t allow it to be permanent of cOURSE probably). When Damian falls asleep, Dick asks Tim wtf Damian was talking about and Tim just said “we talked shit about you while you were gone.” Damian, of course, recovers eventually.

~~

There was a sharp inhale in the doorway, cutting of his and Tim’s conversation as they both looked over.

“…Oh, great.” Damian droned at the sight of his eldest brother. Dick didn’t react, face already solemn and gray.

And it was probably rude – he of course was thrilled to see Dick. They hadn’t seen each other in months, and contact had been minimal in the in-between.

But he didn’t want Dick to see him like this. Confined to a bed due to injury from a recent case. Covered in bandages that kept obnoxiously bleeding through.

Weak and a failure.

Father had promised to keep it a secret. Drake only knew because he was present, was basically the one who saved him. Got him out of the situation and was Alfred’s assistant during the subsequent surgery. Was only here now doing the surgery follow-up, and it just so happened to turn into a personal visit.

Tim stood from his chair. “When’d you get in?”

“Few minutes ago.” Dick murmured, refusing to take his eyes off Damian.

Damian crossed his arms, and couldn’t find it in him to hold the stare. “Who told you?”

“Cass.” Dick returned, just as monotonously, just as blankly. Like he was on complete autopilot. “Said Bruce has emotionally shut down about it, and has buried himself in his work. Said Alfred was worried the operation wouldn’t fix it, and an infection would take hold. Wanted me to come, in case…”

Tim and Damian waited. Tim’s shoulders slumped as Damian demanded, “In case what?”

Dick opened his mouth, but whatever the word was, he seemed almost unable to say it, and just began shaking his head instead as he walked forward.

Damian wanted to be annoyed. Wanted to pout and turn his brother away. But…he missed him. Missed his affection. And as much as he didn’t want to admit it – he hurt. His body hurt, and even a quick embrace from his former partner felt like it would just fix everything.

Tim stepped out of his way, watching silently as Dick sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped an arm around Damian’s shoulder, basically dragging him protectively into his side.

“How you feeling, kiddo?” Dick whispered into Damian’s hair.

Damian just shrugged, because it all hurt worse than the thing before, and he couldn’t think quick enough to give a lie.

“…So far so good, Dick.” Tim promised. “I know we were…we are all worried, but Damian’s a fighter, and all the things Alfie and I were worried about from the surgery haven’t manifested. Grant it, he’s still under observation for another forty-eight hours, but…I’m feeling good about it.”

Dick nodded silently, just gently rubbing his fingers up and down Damian’s arm. Damian just stared softly up at him.

“Really.” Dick whispered with a careful smile. “How are you feeling, Damian?”

Damian shrugged again. “I hurt. But I guess that happens when they puncture your lung a few times and slash through your aorta.”

Dick’s fingers twitched against his arm almost violently.

“…Anything I can do to help?” Dick hummed as he swallowed the lump in his throat. “Make you feel better?”

“Bring me a basket of kittens.” Damian drawled. He laughed at his own joke, but immediately flinched and clutched his chest.

“Who’d have thought I’d have to tell sour puss Damian Wayne to stop laughing.” Tim snorted himself. “But relax, you’ll tear the stitches.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Damian waved off, trying to look tough. Difficult, when Dick shifted to stand back up, and his face betrayed him by morphing into one of disappointment against his will. “Grayson?”

“I’ll be right back.” Dick sounded distracted as he stepped away. But then he paused, glanced back, gave a tight smile and grabbed Damian’s hand for a moment. “I will be right back.”

Damian and Tim watched as Dick all but ran from the room, pulling a phone from his pocket. Tim sighed and shook his head as he sat back in his chair.

“…What’s his problem?” Damian scoffed nonchalantly, trying to break the mood Dick had left in his wake.

But then Tim looked up at him with curiousness that made him uncomfortable. Nervous.

But then Tim smiled, and leaned back in his chair. “You’re cute.”

Damian scowled. “Excuse me?”

“You’re young and I keep forgetting that, and it’s just so cute how…naïve you are.” Tim laughed. But when the laugh died down, his older brother looked sad. “…Dick loves you.”

“I’m…aware.” Damian hummed. “But that’s got nothing to do with what I asked.”

“It has everything to do with what you asked, actually.” Tim sighed. Crossed his arms. “Dick loves you��more than a lot of things. And seeing you in any way less than okay…messes with him.”

Damian tilted his head.

“And that even counts emotionally, but we’re just as screwed up as you in that department so I guess that’s easier for him to bear.” Tim rambled. “But physically…with these injuries and stuff…well.”

He paused. Damian waited.

“It used to be bad enough because you were a child, and his partner and his responsibility and yada yada.” Tim explained. “But…then you died.”

Another stop, to let that sink in, for the both of them.

“And you didn’t even die like…a simple way. You died in the most painful, heartbreaking way imaginable, so that made it even worse.” Tim winced, remembering the day himself. Remembering the bottom line, that Damian died protecting Dick, and how well Dick knew that, and hated himself for it. “So…he worries. Every cut, every bruise. He worries about people hurting you, because he loves you. But now on top of that, he worries about losing you all over again. And that’s honestly something I don’t think he could handle. He’d…collapse.”

“…He loves and worries for all of us the same.” Damian offered, embarrassed by Tim’s truths. “I’m not special.”

“No, not special. Just different.” Tim agreed. “I’m his brother. Jason’s his brother. You…are different. You are his brother…but you’re also so much more than that, to him.” Tim shifted in his chair. “Because I mean, he didn’t raise me. He was never my guardian, legal or otherwise. He’s always been just my brother. But you…blurred a few lines.”

Damian didn’t admit that Dick blurred a few lines for him too, but he had a feeling he didn’t need to.

“And then I think it was just one of those ‘you don’t know what you have until it’s gone’ thing.” Tim sniffed. “And with how much death we’ve all dealt with, you think we’d learn by now but…we don’t. Because we’re all dumb. And so I don’t think he realized or knew just how much he loved you, how special you are to him, until after you were murdered and supposedly gone forever.”

Damian lowered his eyes as Tim spoke, glanced out the window.

“So, to answer your question.” Tim inhaled. “Dick’s problem is that he loves you, and he’s petrified of losing you again. His problem is that, right now, he just got a call from his sister saying you’ve been attacked and left for dead, and might be so before the week is out. He’s crumbling under the idea of that.”

“He shouldn’t.” Damian argued. “I am not worth…destroying himself over.”

“He’d disagree.” Then Tim smiled. “And honestly? I think I would too.”

Damian watched him, then after a moment, huffed, crossing his arms. “Thanks for saving me. I guess.”

Tim snorted back, reaching up to ruffle Damian’s hair. “I’ll say you’re welcome when we know you’re in the clear.”

Damian smiled, leaned back in his pillows, watched as Tim picked up his chart again, probably about to do a follow-up to his follow-up, because that was so him.

“Please.” He hummed. “It’ll take a lot more than a slashed aorta to keep me do-”

Without warning, there was a sound in the hall. High-pitched and loud. Then repeated. Then again and again, and then suddenly – multiples of the sound, each one going at its own rhythm, overlapping.

Meows.

And not just any meows. This wasn’t the meow of Alfred, deep and sophisticated and lazy. No, these were…

Dick was suddenly in the doorframe again, looking no less ragged than when he’d left ten minutes ago. There was a large cardboard box in his hands, and Damian realized that the sounds he and Tim heard were coming from that box.

Meows.

…Kitten meows.

Dick came across the room silently and without preamble, carefully tipped the box over the bed, dumping the contents onto Damian’s knees.

Five fat little kittens came rolling out, yelling for all the world to hear. Orange, black, tuxedo, tortie and gray, tumbling around in surprise at their new location.

Damian immediately smiled, reaching out to pet the closest babies. They all immediately spotted him and wanted his attention, climbing up his body on tiny, underused legs, wobbling this way and that.

“One basketful of kittens.” Dick murmured breathlessly. “Just as ordered.”

Damian chuckled lightly as the kittens swarmed him. He kept his smile, even as Dick sat next to him, and threw his arm around his shoulders once more. “…Grayson, I was kidding.”

“…Feel better?” Dick whispered against his temple anyway as he curled his legs up into the bed, tucking Damian back against his side like it was Damian’s home. But then his already quiet voice trembled, and Damian glanced up at Tim as he spoke. “…Please just tell me you to feel better, kiddo.”

Tim just gave Damian a sad smile that said, See?

Damian glanced down at the kittens, their weights not enough to put any pressure on his chest. But he kept his smile as he pet them, as he leaned his head against Dick’s neck and reached up to hold the hand on his shoulder.

“Much better, now that you’ve returned.” Damian promised. A kitten popped up in front of face, and bounced their noses together. Damian laughed, glancing up at Dick. His eyes were tired, with dark circles, and desperate. But he smiled back at Damian in reflex. “And the kittens don’t hurt either.”

Dick laughed and held him a little tighter, kissing a kitten when it reached a paw up to touch his chin.

Damian didn’t mention the shaking of Dick’s fingers. Just as Tim didn’t mention the tear tracks on Dick’s face.

But Damian did glance up at Dick, and watched him for a moment. He squeezed Dick’s hand, while gently petting the smallest feline on his chest. “I’m not going anywhere, Grayson.”

Dick’s eyes darted down to him. “Hm?”

“I won’t leave you.” Damian reiterated. “I promise.”

Dick blinked in surprised, and looked over to Tim for explanation. Tim feigned innocence, shrugging.

“So don’t worry about me.” Damian demanded. “Don’t destroy yourself over me either.”

Dick looked back down with a confused smile. But Damian didn’t elaborate, just clung to Dick’s hand, while petting the cats with the other, and using Dick as his own personal pillow.

After a moment, he shook his head and laughed, pecking Damian’s temple and lingering there for just a bit longer than usual.

He was silent, watching Damian play with their guests, smiling and laughing and even downright cooing.  Tim eventually joined them on the bed to see the kittens, and Dick purposefully tickled at his stomach with his toes.

But it was when Damian was slowing down, when the kittens were starting to doze off all along his lap, that Dick kissed Damian’s head again, rubbed at his arm, and whispered a quiet, watery and grateful:

“Thank you.”

[margoshansons]

Where do Alex & Ray end up after leaving the Waverider? I know you where between Ivy Town and National City, Also, any headcanons on post-legends domestic family life?

Oh my god I have so many. But after they leave the Waverider, they officially start their life in Ivy Town, but they have a house in Coast City which they use to visit Kara, Alfie, and their friends in Star City as well as vacations.

Headcanons: 

Alex still operates as Wonder Woman but is really only needed for the crossovers and big Justice League type threats.

Ray becomes a Stay-at-Home dad, taking care of Steven and Minnie while their mom is off saving the world. 

Alex, despite having more than enough money, gets a job as a museum curator in Ivy Town because she loves it.

They have special cooking nights where they teach Steven and Minnie how to cook basic foods and afterward they watch baking shows together.

They spend every summer in Coast City, heading down to visit Kara, Alfie and their daughter Amara, who Steven has a huge crush on.

On the flip side, when they visit Star City, they visit Felicity who is raising Mia and Donny. 

They very rarely make it out to Central City, but when they do, Jas and Barry are always there to welcome them with a smile, a cup of Jitters coffee, and a case for them to help out on.

Also when they’re in Central City, they meet up with Jax, Lily, and their kids for playdates and getting caught up.

Alex and Ray spend most of their nights playing board games or watching the Food Network before falling asleep. 

The Legends will occasionally drop in on them. 

They call up Mick whenever they need a babysitter and he agrees because despite what he says, he actually misses Alex and Ray.

Sara drops in on anniversaries and birthdays for board games and movie nights. They all still meet up for trivia night.

Nate hardly visits them, but he calls them every day over Skype/Facetime just so it can feel like they’re back on the Waverider with him.

Nora always drops in on their birthdays with Fitz, and is the best older sister to Steven and Minnie.

Once the kids are old enough, Alex takes them on a trip to Themyscira, where she introduces her family to Diana and the rest of the Amazons.

Diana is an amazing grandma, and loves Ray so much. She’s incredibly proud of Alex for starting a life of her own.

Alex trains the kids every day, despite not being on Themyscira, because she wants them to be able to protect themselves.

They attend every science fair, volleyball game, gymnastics meet, and robotics competition their kids ever participate in.

They’re happier than they’ve ever been.

Ask Me About My OCs!

[yesbiffwritesthings]

“don’t get your hopes up too high”: An Exhaustively Curated 2018 Playlist

So, since time immemorial I have been putting together year-end playlists and for a long time they were pretty sloppy affairs overall.  Last year, I decided to make up some kind of formula for putting these playlists together.  Basically what it comes down to is, from every new album I listen to, released in the given year, I pick one song.  No repeating artists because that gets to be too much (although featured acts aren’t subject to this rule).  When deciding what releases are going to get my attention, aside from my own personal tastes (skews toward alt. rock and punk a lot of the time) and releases from longtime favorites (this year we saw releases from Metric, and Animal Collective, as well as a long-awaited A Perfect Circle album, and even a Spotify single from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), I try to get give more of my time to queer artists (and this year there were TONS of queer acts releasing great music--Adult Mom, Laura Jane Grace & the Devouring Mothers, Janelle Monae, Snail Mail, SOPHIE, etc. etc. etc. hallelujah).  I also try to make an effort broaden my musical worldview by making time for artists that operate within genres I don’t always naturally gravitate towards.  This was a great year to get back into hip-hop (Rico Nasty, Cardi B, Tierra Whack, Black Panther OST) after not really vibing with some of the directions it has taken in the past ten or so years.  I have also tried to include a track by every band I saw in 2018, providing they actually released something in 2018 and it is available on Spotify (strong apologies to Partner, Bully, Shellshagg, Kimya Dawson, Rozwell Kid, Los Campesinos, the incomparable Liz Phair, and the legendary Fleetwood Mac--y’all didn’t release anything this year).  I give myself until the end of January of the following year to finalize my expansive, year-end playlist, and here we are.  This years playlist is over 15 hours long--almost long enough to put on while you’re doing all that laundry you've been putting off.  I hope you enjoy.

Full list of songs:

The 1975 - “Love it if We Made it”, from A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships

Ab-Soul - “Bloody Waters” [ft. Anderson .Paak], from _Black Panther _OST Adult Mom - “Drive Me Home”, from Soft Spots Amanda Palmer - “Mr. Weinstein Will See You Now” [ft. Jasmine Power], from “Mr. Weinstein Will See You Now” single Amen Dunes - “Miki Dora”, from Freedom American Pleasure Club - “New Years Eve”, from A Whole Fucking Lifetime of This Animal Collective - “Jake & Me”, from Tangerine Reef Anna Burch - “Quit the Curse”, from Quit the Curse Anna Calvi - “Don’t Beat the Girl Out of My Boy”, from Hunter Antarctigo Vespucci - “Not Yours”, from Love in the Time of E-Mail Arctic Monkeys - “Four Out of Five”, from Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino Ariana Grande - “No Tears Left to Cry”, from Sweetener Ava Luna - “Centerline”, from Moon 2

The Bascinets - “Jangle Bee”, from 378 Vol. 1 EP Bat Fangs - “Bad Astrology”, from Bad Astrology Beach House - “Last Ride”, from 7 Bear Hands - “Back Seat Driver”, from “Back Seat Driver” single Bettye LaVette - “What Was it You Wanted” [ft. Trombone Shorty], [Bob Dylan cover], from Things Have Changed Big Freedia - “Karaoke” [ft. Lizzo], from 3rd Ward Bounce Billie Eilish - “When the Party’s Over”, from “When the Party’s Over” single Black Belt Eagle Scout - “Soft Stud”, from Mother of My Children Bleachers - “Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)”, from Love, Simon OST Blood Orange - “Charcoal Baby”, from Negro Swan Bob Dylan - “He’s Funny That Way” [Gene Austin cover], from Universal Love: Wedding Songs Reimagined Booji Boys - “Locked (Barely Open)”, from Unknown Pleathers EP Boygenius - “Bite the Hand”, from Boygenius EP Brandi Carlile - “Every Time I Hear That Song”, from By the Way, I Forgive You The Breeders - “Walking With a Killer”, from All Nerve  Bristletongue - “Thistle Among Roses”, from Femme Florale EP Brockhampton - “Thug Life”, from Iridescence

Camp Cope - “The Opener”, from How to Socialise & Make Friends Cardi B - “Ring” [ft. Kehlani], from Invasion of Privacy Caroline Rose - “Bikini”, from Loner Caroline Says - “Cool Jerk”, from No Fool Like an Old Fool The Carters - “Apeshit”, from Everything is Love Cat Power - “Wanderer”, from Wanderer Celine Dion - “Ashes”, from Deadpool 2 OST Chai - “Fried”, from Pink Chance the Rapper - “My Own Thing” [ft. Big Purp], from “My Own Thing” single Childish Gambino - “This is America”, from “This is America” single Christine & the Queens - “Girlfriend” [ft. Dâm-Funk], from Chris Chvrches - “Get Out”, from Love is Dead Closer - “This Year”, from All This Will Be Cloud Nothings - “So Right, So Clean”, from Last Building Burning Company of Thieves - “Window”, from Better Together EP Comrade Question - “Never Change”, from Four Seasons Con Connections - “Low, Low, Low”, from Foreign Affairs Control Top - “Type A”, from “Type A” single Courtney Barnett - “Charity”, from Tell Me How You Really Feel Cupcakke - “Total”, from Ephorize

Damn the Witch Siren - “I Don’t Want to Say I’m Sorry”, from Red Magic Daphne & Celeste - “You & I Alone”, from Daphne & Celeste Save the World Dashboard Confessional - “We Fight”, from Crooked Shadows David Byrne - “Everybody’s Coming to My House”, from American Utopia Death Cab For Cutie - “Gold Rush”, from Thank You For Today The Decemberists - “I’ll Be Your Girl”, from I’ll Be Your Girl” A Delicate Motor - “Do For Self”, from Fellover My Own didi - “Haru”, from Like Memory Foam Dilly Dally - “Bad Biology”, from Heaven Dirty Projectors - “I Found it in U”, from Lamp Lit Prose Django Django - “Beam Me Up, from Marble Skies Downtown Boys - “Fotos y Recuerdos” [Selena cover], from “Fotos y Recuerdos” single Drake - “In My Feelings”, from Scorpion Dream Wife - “Spend the Night”, from Dream Wife DRAM - “WWYD?”, from That’s a Girl’s Name EP Drinks - “Pink Or Die”, from Hippo Lite

El Perro Del Mar - “We Are History”, from We Are History EP EMA - “Dark Shadows”, from Outtakes From Exile EP Empath - “The Eye”, from Liberating Guilt & Fear EP Empress Of - “Love For Me”, from Us Ezra Furman - "Suck the Blood From My Wound", from Transangelic Exodus

Father John Misty - "Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All", from God's Favorite Customer Fatoumata Diawara - "Nterini", from Fenfo (Something to Say) Fields & Planes - "Alice", from Press First Aid Kit - "It's a Shame", from Ruins Fischerspooner - "Discreet", from Sir  Flasher - "Business Unusual", from Constant Image Florence & the Machine - "Hunger", from High As Hope Frank Ocean - "Moon River" [Audrey Hepburn cover], from "Moon River" single Franz Ferdinand - "The Academy Award", from Always Ascending The Frights - "Over It", from Hypochondriac Fucked Up - "Tell Me What You See", from Dose Your Dreams

Gabby's World - "Winter, Withdraw", from Beast On Beast Gerard Way - "Baby You're a Haunted House", from "Baby You're a Haunted House" single Gia Margaret - "Smoke", from There's Always Glimmer Girlpool - "Picturesong", from "Picturesong" single The Go! Team - "The Answer's No--Now What's the Question?", from Semicircle Goodbye Honolulu - "Lorry Can't Love", from More Honey Goat Girl - "The Man With No Heart Or Brain", from Goat Girl Greta Van Fleet - "When the Curtain Falls", from Anthem of the Peaceful Army Gymshorts - "Ding Dong Ditch", from Knock Knock

H.E.R. - "Lord is Coming", from I Used to Know Her: Part Two EP harunemuri **- "sekaiwotorikaeshiteokure", from harutosyura Hatchie - "Sure", from Sugar & Spice EP Hinds - "To the Morning Light", from I Don't Run The HIRS Collective - "Not For You" [Moor Mother remix], from Friends, Lovers, Favorites Hop Along - "Not Abel", from Bark Your Head Off, Dog Hovvdy - "Late", from Cranberry Hozier - "Nina Cried Power" [ft. Mavis Staples], from Nina Cried Power EP

Iceage - "Take it All", from Beyondless  Idles - "Smaritans", from Joy As an Act of Rebellion Illuminati Hotties - "The Rules", from Kiss Yr Frenemies Interpol - "If You Really Love Nothing", from Marauder The Interrupters - "Gave You Everything", from Fight the Good Fight Iron & Wine - "Milkweed", from Weed Garden EP

Jack White - "Over & Over & Over", from Boarding House Reach Janelle Monae - "Pynk" [ft. Grimes], from Dirty Computer Japanese Breakfast - "Dreams" [The Cranberries cover], from Spotify Singles Jay Rock - "Redemption" [ft. SZA], from Redemption Jeff Rosenstock - "Let Them Win", from POST- Jenn Champion - "O.M.G. (I'm All Over It)", from Single Rider Jenny Hval - "Spells", from The Long Sleep EP Jorja Smith - "I Am", from Black Panther OST Joyce Manor - "Fighting Kangaroo", from Million Dollars to Kill Me Juice WRLD - "Lucid Dreams", from Goodbye & Good Riddance Julia Holter - "Turn the Light On", from Aviary Juliana Hatfield - "A Little More Love" [Olivia Newton-John cover], from Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John  Jupiter & Okwess - "Ekombe", from Kin Sonic

Kacey Musgraves - "Space Cowboy", from Golden Hour Karen O - "YO! MY SAINT" [ft. Michael Kiwanuka], from "YO! MY SAINT" single Kendrick Lamar - "All the Stars" [ft SZA], from Black Panther OST Kero Kero Bonito - "Time Today", from Time 'n' Place Kesha - "I Need a Woman to Love" [Janis Joplin cover], from Universal Love: Wedding Songs Reimagined  Khalid - "Love Lies" [ft. Normani], from Love, Simon OST King Princess - "Pussy is God", from "Pussy is God" single Kimbra - "Right Direction", from Primal Heart Kississippi **- "Adrift", from Sunset Blush Krimewatch - "The Big Picture", from Krimewatch Kurt Vile - "Check Baby", from Bottle it In

Lala Lala - "I Get Cut", from The Lamb Laura Jane Grace & the Devouring Mothers - "Reality Bites", from Bought to Rot Laura Stevenson - "Maker of Things", from "The Mystic & the Master" single Lauren Ruth Ward - "Well, Hell", from Well, Hell Leikeli47 - "Top Down", from Acrylic Leon Bridges - "Bet Ain't Worth the Hand", from Good Thing  Loma - "Relay Runner", from Loma Long Neck - "Elizabeth", from Will This Do? Lord Huron - "Wait By the River", from Vide Noir Low - "Rome (Always in the Dark)", from Double Negative  Lowpines - "Parasite", from In Silver Halides Lucius - "Woman", from Nudes Lucy Dacus - "Timefighter", from Historian Lykke Li - “Jaguars in the Air”, from So Sad, So Sexy

The Men - "Come to Me", from Drift Meshell Ndegeocello - "Smooth Operator" [Sade cover], from Ventriloquism Metric - "Dressed to Suppress", from Art of Doubt MGMT - "One Thing Left to Try", from Little Dark Age Middle Kids - "Edge of Town", from Lost Friends Mister Moon - "Plastic", from Codes EP Mitski - "Nobody", from Be the Cowboy Mountain Man - "AGT", from Magic Ship Mourn - "Candle Man", from Sorpresa Familia Muncie Girls - "Jeremy", from Fixed Ideals Mungbean - "Wednesday", from "Wednesday/Aimed at You" single

Natalie Prass - "The Fire", from The Future & The Past Neko Case - "Gumball Blue", from Hell-On Night Flowers - "Head On", from Wild Notion Noble Vices - "Wheelhouses", from "Wheelhouses" single Noname - “With You", from Room 25 Nothing - "Us/We/Are", from Dance On the Blacktop Now, Now - "Window", from Saved

Ohmme - "Icon", from Parts The Ophelias - "Lover's Creep", from Almost Ought - "Disgraced in America", from Room Inside the World Ovlov - "Stick", from TRU

Palm - "Swimmer", from Rock Island Parquet Courts - "Normalisation", from Wide Awake! Peach Kelli Pop - "Parasomnia", from Gentle Leader Peggy Gou - "It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)" [edit], from "It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)" single A Perfect Circle - "So Long & Thanks For All the Fish", from Eat the Elephant Petal - "Stardust", from Magic Gone Phoebe Bridgers - "Friday I'm in Love" [The Cure cover], from Spotify Singles Pinky Pinky - "Robber", from Hot Tears  Poppy - "Play Destroy" [ft. Grimes], from Am I a Girl? Preoccupations - "Espionage", from New Material Princess Chelsea - "I Love My Boyfriend", from The Loneliest Girl Protomartyr - "Wheel of Fortune" [ft. Kelley Deal], from Consolation EP

Q-Tip and Demi Lovato - "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" [Elton John cover], from Revamp

Radattack - "Rock & Roll Party Queen", from "Rock & Roll Party Queen" single Rainbow Kitten Surprise - "Hide", from How to: Friend, Love, Freefall Remember Sports - "Making it Right", from Slow Buzz Rico Nasty - "Oreo", from Nasty Robert Delong - "Favorite Color is Blue" [ft. K-Flay], from See You in the Future EP Robyn - "Missing U", from Honey Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - "Exclusive Grave", from Hope Downs Ron Gallo - "Really Nice Guys", from Really Nice Guys EP Rosalia - "Di Mi Nombre", from El Mal Querer Saintseneca -  ” Good Hand", from Pillar of Na Say Lou Lou - "All Love to Me", from Immortelle Screaming Females - "Deeply", from All at Once Shame - "Concrete", from Songs of Praise Shannon & the Clams - "The Boy", from Onion Shannon Shaw - "Golden Frames", from Shannon in Nashville Shilpa Ray - "Shoot This Dying Horse", from Nihilism The Sidekicks - "Twin's Twist", from Happiness Hours SiR - "Summer in November", from November Skating Polly - "Free Will at Ease", from The Make it All Show Sleep - "Marijuanaut's Theme", from The Sciences Slothrust - "For Robin", from The Pact Smashing Pumpkins - "Silver Sometimes (Ghosts)", from Shiny & Oh So Bright, Vol. 1: No Past, No Future, No Sun Snail Mail - "Pristine", from Lush Snarls - "Lonely", from Snarls EP SOB X RBE - "Paramedic!", from Black Panther OST Soccer Mommy - "Cool", from Clean SOPHIE - "Immaterial", from Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides Souther - "Enough", from Blume EP Spiritualized - "On the Sunshine", from And Nothing Hurt SSION - "1980-99" [ft. Patty Schemel and Sky Ferreira], from O St. Vincent - "Los Ageless" [piano version], from Mass Education Stef Chura - "Degrees", from "Degrees/Sour Honey" single Sunflower Bean - "Burn It", from Twentytwo in Blue Superchunk - "Erasure" [ft. Stephin Merritt and Waxahatchee], from What a Time to Be Alive  Superorganism - "Night Time", from Superorganism Swearin' - "Big Change", from Fall Into the Sun

Tanya Tagaq - "Run to the Hills" [ft. Damian Abraham] [Iron Maiden cover], from "Run to the Hills" single Tanlines - "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", from Presents EP Teenage Wrist - "Dweeb", from Chrome Neon Jesus They Might Be Giants - "Let's Get This Over With", from I Like Fun Third Eye Blind - "In the Fade" [Queens of the Stone Age cover], from Thanks For Everything EP Thumpers - "Tenor", from Life All In EP Tierra Whack - "Fuck Off", from Whack World Titus Andronicus - "Above the Bodega (Local Business)", from A Productive Cough Tom Misch - "Isn't She Lovely" [Stevie Wonder cover], from Geography Tomberlin - "You Are Here", from At Weddings Toto - "Hash Pipe" [Weezer cover], from "Hash Pipe" single Tracyanne & Danny - "It Can't Be Love Unless it Hurts", from Tracyanne & Danny  TT - "Take One", from LoveLaws tune-yards - "Colonizer", from i can feel you creep into my private life Turtlenecked - "Knocked Down By Another Ghost", from High Scores of the Heart TV Girl - "King of Echo Park", from Death of a Party Girl Twin Shadow - "Saturdays" [ft. Haim], from Caer

U.S. Girls - "Rage of Plastics", from In a Poem Unlimited Ultra Beauty - "Pegasuss", from Ultra Beauty EP Unknown Mortal Orchestra - "Hunnybee", from Sex & Food

Vacation - "Action Road", from Mouth Sounds #2699 The Vaccines - "Surfing in the Sky", from Combat Sports Valerie June - "Mad About the Girl", from Universal Love: Wedding Songs Reimagined

Waxahatchee - "Takes So Much", from Great Thunder EP Weaves - "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)", from "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" single The Weeknd - "Wasted Times", from My Dear Melancholy EP Weezer - "Africa" [Toto cover], from "Africa" single Westerman  - "Albatross", from Ark EP Wished Bone - "Ohio", from Cellar Belly The Wombats - "Dip You in Honey", from Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life  Wussy - "Cake", from What Heaven is Like Wye Oak - "I Know It's Real", from The Louder I Call the Faster it Runs

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Thirteen" [Big Star cover], from Spotify Singles Young Fathers - "Fee Fi", from Cocoa Sugar Young Guv - "Ain't Fallin' in Luv Again", from 2 Sad 2 Funk Yowler - "WTFK", from Black Dog in My Path Yungblud - "I Love You, Will You Marry Me", from 21st Century Liability

https://open.spotify.com/user/barfwalker/playlist/7mCLnG6CZG1yB4q8uhzcys?si=Ip-Lka-0TOWCWRLMXGZ26w