#or is it all “oh yeah colin told me that too” “yes i agree colin. what do you think colin” “thats totally legitimate colin”

[apologetic-artist]

Movie night :] (He's picked the same movie every time it's his turn for movie night)

Credit!!: @spookythesillyfella @jumjum-crafts @the-trash-phrog @monstrous-flower

[Practice drawings under cut]

This is all to just get a feel of all the designs hehe

The Colinverse my beloved <3

[hacash]

"Alright, bruv?"

Sam doesn't even notice Isaac's presence until he thumps the locker next to Sam's head with his fist: the team captain's preferred form of greeting. He jumps, and then with a sigh goes back to staring at his phone. The beaming faces of the newly called-up Nigerian football team, resplendent in green and white. "Huh? Oh, yes. Yes, I'm fine, thank you."

"Bullshit," Isaac scoffs. "C'mon, what's wrong?"

Sam doesn't want to admit that anything's wrong. Treat your wins with humility and your losses with grace, that's what his father always says. But he supposes to do that you have to admit that there was a loss in the first place. Besides, if anyone would understand it's Isaac, Isaac who's never once been called up to the England team, who hadn't even looked up when Beard was reading out the roster. England team's bursting with great players anyway, he'd grunted when Colin had asked if he was alright. Even if I was good enough, don't think they're too keen to call up a guy who tried to throttle someone in the stands a month ago. Their loss then, Colin had said. That's, like, top of my list for qualities of a best mate. Not to mention team captain. Harry Kane's quaking in his boots whenever he sees you on the telly, boyo. And Isaac's face had split into this massive grin, and that had been that. "I just found out Edwin Afuko is the reason I didn't make the Nigerian team," he says. "What - that guy who tried to sign you up to his African super-team?" "Yeah," Sam sighs. "When I turned him down he told me I'd never play for the Nigerian national team. Now I found out he bribed the government - my home, Isaac, the place where I grew up - not to invite me onto the team." "Jesus Christ." "Yeah." "You think it was to do with the Dubai Air protest as well?" Isaac asks. "Like, this guy made us all look like a bunch of corrupt dickheads, we ain't gonna have him represent our country sort of thing?" Sam's eyes widen, and then slam shut as his head falls back against his locker. "Well I do now." "That's bullshit," Isaac announces. For once, Sam is tempted to agree. Isaac is staring intently at the ground. Finally he looks up and clears his throat with uncharacteristic caution. "Would you have done the same thing? The protest, staying at Richmond - if you knew it was gonna go down like this, I mean?" It's something he's not wanted to ask himself: but there it's been, niggling away like some horrible little imp in the back of his mind. Sam thinks about that photograph hanging on his childhood wall, the feeling he had strolling through the British Museum alongside Edwin. He thinks about running over the beaches of Lagos as a child, how it felt to see those pictures of the destruction and the dying animals on those same beaches. The thrill of returning to the Premier League. The teenagers who'd come up to him in the street, newly arrived and still stumbling over their English, thanking him for speaking out even as the glass was still being swept up at Ola's. Men like Gary Lineker and Ian Wright quoting his tweets on Match of the Day, and the UK government not being able to do anything to stop them. The way his heart had skipped, seeing young men just like him playing on Richmond Green wearing his jersey. "Of course I would," he says finally. "I couldn’t have taken a place on the team if it meant not speaking out." "Right. You wouldn't have been happy just sitting down and shutting up. Or playing for some rich prick who bribes people all the time. And it's totally shit, but - I guess it's, like, the price you've gotta pay right now for doing so much awesome stuff." "I suppose it's worth that." They sit together in companionable silence for a little while. Finally Sam sighs. "I still really want to play for the Nigerian national team though, Isaac." Isaac nods and sets an arm around his shoulders. "You will, bruv. I know you will."

-

For @boasamishipper​. There’s something really interesting about seeing reality ensue when Sam faces the backlash of following his heart - but I’d have loved to get a little scene like this.

[toomx]

Ted Lasso 3x06 Thoughts

First off, I stayed up way too late to watch this for someone with places to be in the morning but wtv 🤷‍♀️

Am I going to watch it again later? Yes, it’s just that good.

MEGA SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT, I PROMISE

First off, staying in the houseboat of a strange man in a strange country is wildly unsafe, but that’s Rebecca’s (bad) choice to make. Also, did the psychic not say something about drowning or swimming or something???

He seems nice and all but me, personally, I would not spare a second thought for a bald man with a foot fetish. But I mean, get it queen.

Keeley and Jack seem to be actually fleshing out a relationship and I’m very excited to see how it goes. Especially with Roy and even Jamie

Higgins’ marriage could never have problems wbk, but I must admit I was a tad bit concerned with all his talk of the red-light district.

If I was Will Kitman and upon being told I was going to “become a man” an entire team of people said “nah” I’d enter my villain era. But again, get it king. (I love that he told his mother about having a/getting invited to a threesome. I like to think he had one but that’s just me.)

This episode turned me into a Roy/Jamie liker. I’m sorry, there’s no hope for me now, they’ve given me too many gay people and I no longer know how to behave.

In all seriousness, James Tartt Sr. Better sleep with both eyes open cause when I find him... oh boy.

Also Jamie teaching Roy how to ride a bike made me cackle

Only my favourite himbos would spend their entire time in Amsterdam trying to agree on something to do in Amsterdam. And I absolutely adore the fact that a bunch of grown men decided the best course of action was to have a pillow fight.

Ted wandering around Amsterdam under the general impression that he’s just done drugs, only to wind up at the Van Gogh Museum, have a meaningful conversation about sunflowers, go to an American restaurant, hallucinate Nate Shelley as a cowboy (which was a jumpscare btw), hallucinate some more about triangles , then suddenly be a football coach genius was everything I didn’t know I needed.

Last but not least, the crème de la crème, the Colin and Trent plot line.

As much as I loved Trent’s outfit, I think he needs a stylist cause 🧍‍♀️

The sheer amount of times i’ve recited “I know, I’ve known for months, I haven’t told anyone, I must have a reason for that mustn’t I?” is crazy. (I wrote the word ‘must’ in class today and sent myself off again)

Also, the fucking (silent) scream I scrumpt!!!

Good day to be a Queer Trent Crimm Truther I must say

When I tell you I had to pause and walk around my room to prevent myself from screeching

Also, I would like to know what Trent’s plan was exactly cause he decided “Yeah! I’ll follow Colin to a gay bar and come up behind him! He’ll love and appreciate that!”

Colin’s spiel made me cry ngl

Richmond singing on a bus!!! Life is good! Great even!

[benedictsvestcollection]

Adventure Is Out There- A Bridgerton family/Benophie modern fic. (Also on AO3)

Summary: Bridgerton Family goes on vacation to Disney World when Hyacinth finally gets her way and of course they bring their mother's much deserving assistant Sophie (who hasn't had a holiday since she was a little girl), along. Who coincidentally, is very much in love with Benedict and vice versa but neither want to admit it. So Kate and Daphne, decide to take things into her own hands.

Chapter One: Ohana Means Family

“Okay everyone.” Anthony called to the family, plus Sophie, in his living room. “We all know why we’re here.” 

“I don’t.” Sophie piped up from being sandwiched between Hyacinth and Benedict. One of whom was plastered against her side and chattering away excitedly about how Sophie was her ‘bestest friend in the whole wide world’. And the other was doing his best to not notice how damn good his mother’s assistant smelled. 

Anthony smirked at Sophie. “You’re here because the family insisted you be included in this.” He answered mysteriously, before explaining. “It’s time to vote for the annual family summer holiday.” 

“What? No! I can’t afford that!” Sophie told the family panicked. 

Simon chuckled at Sophie. “Do you really think we’d make you pay for anything? Sophie, you told Daph and Kate you haven’t had a vacation since you were a little girl. Of course we’re paying and taking you with us.” 

Sophie shot Kate a dirty look, to which she just gave her a smug smirk as she scrolled her phone idly. “What? Like I would want to go on a vacation without my best friend.” She shrugged at her innocently. 

“I-I…” Sophie began.

“Soph, just let it go. We’re not gonna let you win this one.” Ben whispered in her ear teasingly. 

“Yeah, plus Ben would just mope the whole trip if we didn’t take you with us!” Hyacinth piped up and Ben flicked her shoulder gently. “Hey!” She protested with a pout. 

Anthony gave a long suffering sigh. “Can we just do this?” He asked the group, irritated. 

“Yay!” Hyacinth cheered. “I vote for Disney World!” 

Hyacinth had been dying to go for years but she had never won the family vote, but she had her ways this year and was determined to get it. 

Most everyone groaned. 

“Wait! Please? Ben,” She turned to Benedict. “They have that Star Wars land now.” She made the case with him. She knew he loved Star Wars. “You can build your own lightsaber.” She explained excitedly. “And ride the Millenium Falcon! You too Greg!” 

Benedict did love Star Wars, and that was appealing to him. “Hmmm that’s true.” 

“And Daph and Simon. Don’t you want Auggie to meet Mickey and Minnie? He’d love it there!” She told them. 

“Mickey!” Auggie cheered from his grandmother’s lap and Violet chuckled. 

“Dammit, she’s right.” Simon agreed and looked at Daphne with a raised brow and smirked.

“Yes!” Hyacinth bounced in her seat excitedly. “Sophie, you told me you love Disney too, always wanted to go with your dad but he died before he could take you! Your dad would want you to be able to go!” She pleaded with the woman. 

Damn, this girl was good. Sophie thought to herself. “I mean I don’t think I count in this vote.” She stammered. 

“Yes you do.” Anthony told her. “It’s why you were invited.” The whole family agreed with nods.

“Oh I ummm…” Sophie glanced at her boss, Violet. Who gave her a gentle and encouraging smile. “Sure…. Disney sounds like a lot of fun. Plus it’s Florida and warm.” 

Finally! Hyacinth thought, things were going her way! “Please guys we always go on boring family trips like the beach… Can’t we do something fun for once?” She pleaded with the rest of the family. 

Kate turned to her husband. “She has a point, Anthony, we do go to the beach every year. Her and Greg are always stuck doing what the adults want to do.” 

Hyacinth and Gregory grinned and high fived each other.

“I agree.” Violet piped up. “I vote Disney too.” 

“I’m in too.” Colin told them all. 

“So are we!” Eloise and Frannie told the family. 

“Alright, Hyacinth. Looks like you finally got your wish and we’re going to Disney World.” Anthony told his baby sister with a grin. Let’s talk about dates so I can start looking at where to stay and the like.” 

Hyacinth let out a loud screech and Benedict growled at how loud it was. 

For the next hour, they discussed potential dates and Hyacinth and Gregory were lectured that they needed to keep up with their grades before the trip. 

After the family meeting, Benedict took Sophie home because her place was on his way home and Kate had suggested that they carpool there and back together. 

Once she was gone, Kate pulled all the other women in the family together while the guys talked about potentially golfing there at the park. “I want to do something special for Sophie. The fact that she hasn’t had a holiday since she was a child is a crime.” 

“Is it too late to punch Araminta for ruining Sophie’s entire life?” Eloise asked them. 

“Eloise!” Violet chided her outspoken daughter. 

“It doesn’t matter, we’re fixing that now.” Daphne told them. “But I agree. What if we all got her gifts for the trip?” 

“She doesn’t even have any luggage. Benedict told me she just has some really old and shitty duffle bags that are literally being held together with duct tape.” Fran told them. 

“I’ll get her a luggage set then.” Kate told the women. 

“I want to get her some new clothes. Poor thing never spends money on herself and I once caught her repairing her jeans. I think she’s forgotten she can spend money on herself now.” Daphne said sadly. 

“Jesus.” Eloise muttered, heart aching for the woman. “I saw her admiring an expensive, fun Disney backpack, someone had when we went out once. I want to get her one of those to take to the park.” 

“I want to get her something!” Hyacinth insisted. “Oh! Mum, can you help me get her something?” 

“Yes dear, I will help you find something for her.” She promised her youngest daughter. “I’d like to get her a spa day before the trip. She works so hard for me I want to treat her like she deserves.” 

“I think I want to get her some new makeup. My friend has this new line of stuff that doesn’t sweat off. And it’s got SPF protection built in.” Fran grinned. 

“Oh perfect!” Kate told everyone. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Three weeks before the family trip, in the group text:

Kate: I need everyone’s t-shirt size and favorite color.

Benedict: What? Why?

Kate: Mind your business, nosy and just tell me you little shit.

Hyacinth: Am I allowed to curse now?

Anthony: Please don’t. I’m sure mother would agree with me as well.

Hyacinth: Fine. You’re no fun Ant. Mum says I’m a kids size medium and my favorite color is hot pink!

Gregory: I want yellow! Mum says I’m a medium too. Why am I the same size as my little sister?

Hyacinth: Not my fault you’re scrawny.   

Ben: Navy blue for me. Men’s large. 

Sophie: Green please! Women’s medium. 

Kate: What kind of green? 

Sophie: Uhhhhh…. Mint green I guess? Is that an option?

Kate: Got it. I’m dark purple and Anthony is black because he’s boring. 

Hyacinth: Yawn. 

Colin: You all are taking all the good colors what the fuck.

Eloise: Maybe you should be faster at choosing then, dumbass. Is teal an option? I want that if it is. Women’s medium!

Colin: Uhhhhh brown I guess. Men’s large as well. 

Hyacinth: And I thought Ant was boring. 

Daphne: I want a pastel purple if it’s an option! Simon will wear grey, and Auggie says orange because it’s the only color he can say as a three year old.

Fran: Red please! Women’s medium! Why can’t we pick the same colors? I thought we were all just picking favorites? 

Kate: I don’t know. Because you all are animals and are turning it into some kind of competition.

Violet: I’ll go with pale blue. Women’s medium please, Kate. 

Kate: Great, thanks guys!

Ben: All that, and she still won’t tell us what it’s for. 

Hyacinth: Ant, what resort are we staying at? You promised to tell me! 

Anthony: I promised to tell you once I learned you passed your classes before holiday. I’m sure mum would say you have homework to finish and tests to study for. 

Violet: That she does. 

Gregory: They caught you! 

Violet: So do you Gregory. Both of you, back to studying. 

Hyacinth: Ughhhhhh.

Ben: Suckers. 

Anthony: Don’t you have work to do? 

Ben: Not all of us are workaholics like you. I’m sure you have a very detailed and useless schedule for the vacation to work on, that absolutely none of us will follow. 

Anthony: Shut your mouth! Kate loves my attention to detail!

Kate: …. No comment. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The night before leaving for Disney World, Sophie was in her closet digging out her duffle bag when there was a knock at her door. 

“Sophie, it’s us!” Kate’s voice came through the door. 

Sophie nearly tripped at her voice. “What? Okay I’m coming!” She told her with a huff and wondered who ‘us’ was and why they were at her flat at five in the evening. 

She swung open her door and smiled at Kate, Daphne and Eloise. “What are you guys doing here?” She asked them bewildered when she saw them with bags of clothes and what looked like a luggage set. “What’s all this?” 

“Stuff for your trip of course!” Daphne told her as they barged into her flat. “We’re here to help you pack.” 

“Who’s the luggage for?” She asked, very confused now. 

Kate smirked at her. “It’s yours silly. Eloise, start getting her shit out of the bathroom and pack it in these.” She handed her a set of toiletry bags that were part of the set. “Daph and I will pack her clothes!” 

“You bought me luggage?” Sophie asked, overwhelmed that she had bought her something so nice. 

“Of course I did Soph. You deserve so much.” Kate told her with a hug and smiled at her best friend. 

“Oh I’m so glad I got your sizing right Sophie!” Daphne told her excitedly as she started pulling all the new clothes out of the bags and taking tags off. “Where’s that Star Wars shirt of yours?” She asked her. “Ben will definitely love it if you wear it one day!” 

“You…. Bought me clothes?” She asked her as she watched Kate, folding clothes and packing everything. “Why does it matter if I wear something Ben likes?”

“Sophie,” Daphne told her gently and tilted her head at her. “No offense but you’re terrible at taking care of and treating yourself when you deserve it. Your sneakers are literally falling apart.” Ignoring her question about Benedict, her and Kate were determined to get them together on this trip. 

“I’m just…” She began.

Eloise poked her head out of her bathroom. “It’s just that you’re not used to people giving a shit about you because your step mother is a giant bitch who ruined your life and forced you to be a slave for so long. So now it’s your turn to be treated well so we’re doing it for you!” 

“I-... Yeah you’re right.” She sighed. 

“Just let us do this for you?” Kate pleaded with her. 

“Okay, fine.” She agreed and gave them all a group hug. “Thanks guys.” She sniffled. 

“Of course.” Daphne told her. “Now back to work ladies!”

“Oh my god, Daph. These swimsuits are so sexy and cute!” Kate exclaimed. 

“Hey, where’s that new makeup Fran got you?” Eloise called. “I need to put it in this bag!” 

An hour later, Sophie was all packed and ready to leave the next morning when Ben picked her up to head for Heathrow. They would be taking the Bridgerton company jet for the trip. She stared at the vintage inspired luggage Kate had gotten her, filled with new clothes and such from Daphne, Eloise, Fran and Hyacinth. Violet had insisted she go to a salon and spa and get a new haircut, facial and a mani/pedi for the trip. She had never felt so loved as she did by this family she worked for. 

~~~~~~~~

Ben couldn’t believe he let Kate talk him into picking up Sophie. Not that he minded, at all. He would do anything for her really. But he was mad that he was so head over heels for this woman that he walked up two flights of stairs and got her luggage. Twice. 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” She’d asked him, at four in the morning as he caught his breath before getting into his car. They were leaving London early, so they could get to Florida earlier in the day there. “You could have let me fucking help.” 

“I’m fine.” He mumbled affectionately as they got into his car and he drove to the airport. 

“Sure you are.” She teased him as she yawned and tugged on her cardigan over her custom Disney shirt Kate had ordered for everyone and Hyacinth insisted everyone wear for the trip there. She looked so damn cute. 

Thankfully, the trip to the airport was quick with no traffic so early in the morning and they were able to park the car in the hangar with the rest of the family’s cars. 

“Sophie!” Hyacinth screeched and ran to her to tackle her with a hug. 

“Hy.” Ben growled at her loud greeting. “We’re right fucking here.” 

“Hi Hyacinth.” Sophie told her and hugged her back with a grin and a gentle laugh.

“Sorry, I’m just so excited we’re going to Disney!” She told them excitedly and dragged Sophie away, leaving Benedict to deal with both of their suitcases. 

“Need a hand?” Anthony asked his brother with a smirk as he jogged over. 

“God, yes please.” Ben grumbled, ears still ringing from Hyacinth’s screeching. “What time did she wake up?” 

“I don’t know, mum says she doesn’t think she slept at all last night.” Anthony chuckled. “Same with Greg. She said she could hear him making lightsaber noises in his room.” 

“Fucking nerd.” Ben grunted as he grabbed his bags and Anthony took Sophie’s. “Are we the last one’s here?” 

“No, Eloise and Fran aren’t here yet but last Kate heard, they were on their way. Probably ten minutes behind you guys.” 

Ben nodded and locked his car with his keys after making sure he had all his and Sophie’s things out of it. “We’ll take off shortly after they get situated?” 

“Yup. Pilot’s ready, planes got food and drinks on board. Auggie’s sleeping with Daph. Just need to get everyone’s suitcases situated as soon as the girl’s get here.” 

“I need to save Sophie from Hy, she’s pretty tired I think. You know how she gets when she’s overwhelmed.” 

“No I don’t actually, you would know her better since you’re so in love with her.” 

“Wh-? I’m not fucking in love with Sophie!” Ben stopped and dropped his bags next to everyone else's so the pilot and Simon could load them in the cargo of the jet.

“Yes you are. It’s so fucking obvious.” Simon chuckled as he leaned against the jet. 

“Well, it is to everyone but Sophie. But mum says that’s just because Sophie thinks no one could ever love her. Araminta really fucked her up in the head. The bitch.” Anthony muttered. 

Benedict’s fist balled at the mention of Araminta. “Can we not talk about this?” 

“Fine.” Anthony shrugged. “But you should know that Kate put you and Sophie in a room together. It was that, or her with Hyacinth and we didn’t think she’d want to babysit on her first vacation in 20 years.” 

“What?” He growled at Anthony smirking back at him as he bounded up the stairs into the jet behind his older brother. He was fucked now, stuck in a room with the beautiful Sophie for ten days would be pure torture. Her sleeping one bed away from him and trying to restrain himself. 

Thirty minutes later, the plane was taking off and Hyacinth was irritating everyone by singing It’s A Small World on a loop. 

“Put a sock in it!” Gregory groaned from his chair where he was playing Colin in cards. 

“This is going to be a long fucking flight.” Benedict muttered next to Sophie. He was irritated with Hyacinth for taking up so much of Sophie’s attention, who was clearly tired as she kept nodding off against Ben’s shoulder. 

“Hy.” Anthony warned her. “It’s too early for that and some of us need sleep.” He mentioned to Daphne holding Auggie and then Sophie who was also trying to sleep next to Ben. Even Simon was dozing by now.

“Fine.” She huffed and crossed her arms. “What am I supposed to do then?” She asked him.

“Didn’t you bring books to read or something?” Ben suggested quietly. 

“Books? I’m on summer holiday.” 

“People read for fun you know.” He pointed to Kate, curled up with her mystery book and Eloise who was reading some book about the women of Disney World.

“Well I don’t.” She insisted with a frown. 

“Maybe that’s why you didn’t do well in English class.” He teased her with a smirk. 

She glared at her older brother. “Reading is boring.” She huffed at him.

“Why don’t you watch a movie or something?” Benedict suggested and yawned. “You can annoy everyone later when we’re closer to landing.” 

“Ugh, fine.” She told him petulantly. 

“Five pounds says she’s asleep within a half hour.” Benedict whispered in Sophie’s ear, who giggled in response before she finally fell asleep herself. 

Just as predicted, Hyacinth fell asleep within twenty minutes after she’d started watching Alice In Wonderland. Anthony snorted. “I thought she was going to stay awake for a full day.” 

“It would do Greg well to get some sleep too.” Violet spoke up from her seat next to Daphne with an arched brow at her youngest son.

“I’m not a kid mum!” He protested with a roll of his eyes. “I don’t need a nap!”

“You were up all night Gregory.” Violet sighed. “I don’t want to hear you complaining later about how tired you are when we’re going through customs or at dinner tonight.” 

“Well, I’m not taking a nap!” He proclaimed dramatically. 

Fifteen minutes later, Gregory was also asleep. Slumped in his chair and snoring. In fact, most of the family was asleep save for Anthony, Kate & Benedict at one point. 

About two hours from landing, Hyacinth was awake and was entertaining Auggie by singing Disney songs to him. “It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears-” 

“Not that stupid song again!” Gregory groaned as he woke up and glared at his sister and then joined them on the floor.

Hyacinth sniffed her nose at her brother. “Do you know a better song?” She challenged and shoved him from her spot. 

“Uh…. Yeah!” He cleared his throat before singing, “All the birds sing words and the flowers croon, in the tiki tiki tiki room-” He began to sing the second most obnoxious song in the Disney parks.

“I swear to god-” Eloise called from where she was reading in her corner of the plane. “I will take this book and beat you two to death with it!” She threatened them. 

Sophie giggled from behind her book and Benedict grinned at her before realizing something. “So, I think it’s only fair to warn you about something.” 

“About what?” She asked him worriedly. 

“It’s nothing awful, I promise!” He quickly reassured her as he rubbed her arm. “At least, I hope you don’t think it is. I just…. Anthony informed me that Kate put you and I in a room together. Apparently it was either me or Hy and she didn’t want you to have to watch her for a whole week.” He explained with a chuckle. “I hope that’s not going to be too awkward.” 

Sophie blushed at the idea of sharing a room with Ben for ten days. God, but he was so handsome and sweet. And she was so in love with him. “Oh well, that’s okay. We can make that work.” She told him quietly. “We can just shower and change in the bathroom and take turns.” She tried not to think about the idea of Ben coming out of the bathroom wet and shirtless. 

“Okay then.” He nodded at her with a lopsided grin. “I just didn’t want you to be blindsided when we got to the resort is all.” He explained. 

“Well I appreciate it.” She smiled at him.

“We’re about an hour from landing.” Anthony told the family. “Get all your stuff together and into your seats, buckled, so the pilot can descend into Orlando.” He gave Hyacinth and Gregory pointed looks. 

“I reserved rental cars for us. Myself, Anthony, and Benedict offered to drive the rentals to the park from the airport. Let’s split up who’s going in what cars.” Simon told everyone. 

“I’m going with Sophie & Benedict!” Hyacinth called excitedly as she handed Auggie back to Daphne who was going to change him before they landed. 

“Hyacinth, you’re coming with me.” Violet told her daughter. “You, me and Gregory will ride with Anthony and Kate.” She told her youngest, she could tell Sophie was doing her best to be nice to Hyacinth. She knew that her youngest could be overwhelming. 

“Aw man!” She pouted but obeyed her mother and nodded. 

“El and I will ride with Ben and Sophie.” Fran told the group. “Col, why don’t you go with Daph, Simon and Auggie?” She suggested. 

Colin nodded. “Fine with me, right little man?” He high fived his nephew with a grin as he leaned back in his seat. 

After finally landing, they all went through customs with no issues and went to get the rentals and load up. 

“Jesus, I forgot how humid it was here in Florida.” Benedict muttered as he and the girls loaded up their SUV with their bags. 

“We should hit up the pool after we check in.” Eloise agreed as she tossed her cardigan in her oversized tote bag. 

“Oh that sounds like fun!” Sophie seconded as she cranked up the AC all the way and Ben followed Simon and Anthony out of the parking garage and they headed through Orlando to the park. 

“Room updates!” Fran called from her phone. “Ben and Sophie in one. Kate, Anthony & Colin in a two bedroom. El, you and I in another, Mum, Hyacinth and Gregory in a two bedroom. And of course Simon, Daph and Auggie in a one bedroom.” 

“Yeah, Ben told me about it.” She said softly and blushed. 

Fran and Eloise smirked at each other. “Well apparently our room is right next to yours.” Fran told them. “At least the four of us are sane and won’t keep each other up with insanity.” 

Eloise snorted. “We’re just adults who know that sleep makes us all hotter.” She joked. 

“I thought the weather did that.” Sophie quipped with a grin and pulled her hair into a bun atop her head. 

“Hey, at least we all packed shorts, sundresses and tank tops.” Fran reminded them. “You won’t catch me in pants this week.” She grimaced as they made their way through the Orlando traffic. 

An hour later, they were in front of their resort Animal Kingdom Lodge, unloading bags onto carts to be taken to their various rooms.  While Hyacinth was gushing over all the animals. 

“Hyacinth, get over here!” Anthony called with a sigh. “We need to get all our magic bands activated for our rooms and the park tickets.” He told her. They had already done online check-in, but they still needed to get directions to their rooms and such. 

Twenty minutes later Benedict and Sophie were staring at what was a king bed in their room. “I-I thought this was supposed to be a double room.” Sophie stammered nervously, the idea of sharing a bed with Benedict sent her mind reeling and wishing he was with her. 

“That’s what Anthony said.” Benedict told her as he pulled out his phone and called Kate. 

“Hello?” Came Kate’s voice over the speaker. 

“Why is our room a King bed?” Benedict growled at his sister in law, who booked the rooms, as Sophie stepped out onto the patio to look at the animals.

“Oh is it?” She asked innocently as she smirked to herself and unpacked. She knew exactly why it was. “That’s odd.” 

“Cut the bullshit Kate.” Ben groaned. “What the fuck did you do. I don’t think she was too keen on sharing a room with me.” 

“I love you both, but you’re both so…. Dumb sometimes.” She told him. “She’s so fucking in love with you it’s insane, the other day she couldn’t stop talking about exploring Galaxy’s Edge with you. Besides, it’s a king bed, there’s plenty of room if you two want to continue being idiots for the duration of this trip. Besides, I can’t change it anyway, the resort’s all booked.” 

“Fine, I’ll just sleep on the floor.” He grumbled. 

“You are NOT sleeping on the floor!” Sophie’s voice came from behind him. 

“Gotta go, we’ll meet you by the pool later.” He muttered at his sister in law before he hung up. “Soph, I’m sorry, it seems Kate accidentally booked this instead and they’re all booked. So I’ll just sleep on the floor.” 

“Ben.” She blew out a breath nervously. “We’re both adults, and it’s a big bed. We can share. Your back will be fucked up if you sleep on the floor, we’ll already be walking around all day for the trip.” She insisted. She may be in love with him and it would be awkward, but she’d be damned if she was the reason Ben slept on the floor for a week and a half. 

“Well, if you’re sure.” He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. 

“I’m sure.” She nodded at him as she began to unpack. 

The next ten days would be interesting to say the least.

[gleefullypolin]

There's no way I wouldn't become the worst version of myself if I had to live through this one weekly, hah. I definitely cleared my day because I know if I don't something will happen and god only knows when I'd be able to watch after that.

Yeah, I remember them breaking up Stranger Things which I thought was a good idea as well. That one was a lot easier for me to deal with as a much more casual viewer. And to be fair, it's a decent way to get two months of $$$ from people who only sign up for that month for a show then either have to let it go another month or the people who forget about their trial period they made and they still get the money anyways.

I agree about the ups and downs, it takes them a good minute to be on the same page even while engaged. I think a lot of people took the Ross and Rachel comparison to the extreme of it all when honestly the thing about Ross and Rachel was always their timing which is what I felt they were implying. I think the miscommunication of it all is going to be a hurdle for them, Penelope especially keeps her feelings to herself and god knows Colin is absolutely obsessed with the taste of his own feet at this point by the way he keeps sticking them in his mouth.

For sure, I think he needs to know about LW. Will they hang it over their heads? I don't know. I see ways they can but I'd preferably like him to figure it out so they can hash it out once and for all and the rest of that conflict comes from their own miscommunication/the blackmail/Queen stuff going on. Friends to lovers gives me big time working on it together vibes so I'd like to see that. I don't often love the friends to lovers trope tbh so I'm hoping they really pull through for me the one time I'm really into it, ha.

The way people want him punished is a little much for me. This man is going to be living his karma, he is well and truly going to be suffering from a situation he's going to have a hand it making. His anger was what knocked him right off of his pedestal for her in the book and her keeping the secret from him knocked her sideways in the idea he had of her in the book so I feel like they're taking the spirit of it and using it in the show which is good. It's not as if Penelope has told him she's in love with him. And truly, she loves a version of him he was bound to never live up to so until they're equals in it, I don't think it's going to be whatever the other one is thinking it's going to be.

Oh Eloise. I have started her book recently and my god the woman is impulsive. A tad self centered but I do love the book version of her more than the show version at this point. I really hope Eloise comes around to Penelope's apologies and gives one of her own this season. I think we'll see it but you never know. I think eps 7 & 8 are going to be so much all at once. Between the Queen and the rest of it, it's going to be A Lot.

Yeah, I'm not sure what role LW plays with Benedict but I remember hearing it was pretty important. I know she's not really been a factor in Eloise's book, mostly since it takes place outside of London and Penelope and Colin's book is before hers. It gives too much to the show to really take it away though, I think. Reading the book makes me realize how unnecessary the Marina/Colin plot was since it was added just to the show and now I sort of want to know what they were thinking. It feels like a years early conflict for Polin and no other real reason. No idea why they made her so unlikable in the show at all, seems absurd knowing about the book version of Marina now.

I KNOW I am going to cry. Oh well, I've given into it and accepted it's going to happen. I sat through the 3rd season finale of OUAT crying like a baby over Captain Swan so there's no way this isn't going to do me in.😄

Yeah I can take something more casual weekly. I’m a nerd so I enjoy a variety of shows that I can watch weekly (Game of thrones, Doctor Who, I’m a Trekkie, and yes I handled Strangers Things going in 2 parts just fine) but for some reason this season has got me up in my feels and I just want it now. I read a fan fiction today that had me sooo in my feels I was tearing up and then I was like omg Stacy, get it together you are not going to survive this season!

You made such a valid point about the $$$$ because I have totally signed up for a trial just to watch a show and then cancelled after I binged it! So making it go weekly would totally end that practice!

Yup I think we better buckle up for a wild ride. These two have been utter shit at communication and we can’t expect them to figure out how to do it just because they were suddenly inappropriate together in a carriage lol. I snorted so loudly at the comment about his feet because damn this is so true!! Friends to lovers definitely means we get to see some conflicted feelings from Colin when he realizes his biggest enemy is his biggest alliance. I love so much about that honestly. And it will take working together for them to figure that out together on how they work that out. Because its going to be a serious issue and his love for his best friend and his confusing feelings that have now grown for Pen and his need to now protect her is going to be sooooo huge for him.

I’ll be honest after the end of last season I was on the “beat the crap out of Colin” team…but then I sat with that and all the trailer and stuff for the season came out and I was like how can you want him to suffer more than this? And I’ve been reading Romancing Mister Bridgerton chapters, and that Colin has a heart of gold and so much love for that woman so if we get even an ounce of that, I’m good. But then I think I’m as bad as Pen and have him on a pedestal LOL!! But she definitely up through last season did love a version of him that he could NEVER live up to! And this will be the first real opportunity where she can get to really see the real Colin and be honest with who she is and who he is and actually love him for who he is but lets be honest, Pen needs to learn to love Penelope too.

I’m curious if they will allow Pen/Eloise to reconcile this season or if she will disappear by end of season to start her own story before they resolve their piece. UGH I don’t want to think they leave that part unresolved tho.

I hated hated hated the Marina/Colin plot. Hated it. And I hated the way they wrote the character of Marina. She came in hot and uncaring. I’m curious how they will deal with her and if she will meet the book’s end. But her storyline in the show was annoying to me. Maybe I should read the book and see if I feel differently about her in the story!

I will cry too, I will cry at any well written romance! Oh my OUAT can still make me cry. I can cry over a well written Captain Swan fanfiction. Hell I have cried written Captain Swan fan fiction, I’m an emotional person for sure so I think I’m screwed this season!

[dreamwritesimagines]

Hi Dream,

Absolutely loved the last two chapters and absolutely loved how Cherie dragged Miriam.

Miriam’s audacity to show up at their home and be like oh I’m willing to hear Cherie out. Like she is extremely delusional to think Cherie was the one that needed to apologize wtf?!?!?!?

Here is a book Miriam can read while she disappears from the ton..

I know the angst is coming so I’m glad the Duke stopped what was happening between Anthony and Cherie at the table and I’ll tell you why.

First I think the Duke knows Cherie better than he lets on. I’d like to think that maybe there was a servant that worked for Cherie’s mother that kept him informed of Cherie’s upbringing because although he sent her away there was still that thought that she was in fact his daughter. So he kept tabs on her and having her home has just solidified what the servant had told him about her. He can see that Cherie is completely head over heels for Anthony and he wants to protect her from heart break since he knows the feeling and wants to avoid seeing her go through that.

Second he knows Anthony. And it’s been stated that he knows Anthony’s a rake and I think the minute he heard/read/saw Anthony and Cherie interacting he started to keep tabs on Anthony too. Because he knows Cherie wants a love match and he already failed her as a father so although he works behind the scene he’ll make sure his little girl gets to have a happy and loving marriage. The Duke also knows that Anthony will marry as a business arraignment so he only sees Anthony as entertaining himself with Cherie (even if he can see Anthony has feelings for Cherie) until he finds the “right” woman to marry.

Also if it’s not to much to ask a HC of the Duke losing his shit seeing Cherie crying over Anthony and when he sees Anthony he just knocks him out. Like we would expect that from Elias but if the Duke did it Anthony would be like oh shit I really fucked up. 😈

Anyways your writing is always incredible and I could read like three chapters of Cherie just dragging everyone! 😂

Hi darliiiing! ❤❤

OOOH MY GOD😂 It's hilarious how we all agree Miriam fits under the category of "The audacity of this bitch" lollll😂

Wait omg aaaa this is so interesting!? 😱😍

Omg having someone who works for the duchess to work for the duke and giving him information?! 😱 That is such a good idea! 😱 He would keep it a secret, not even Elias would know 😱

YES! He definitely knows Anthony❤ He has been Elias's best friend for decades, and I think the Duke was very close with Anthony's father as well❤ He really liked his father but Anthony? Especially when he turned into a rake? Not so much 😈😏

he only sees Anthony as entertaining himself with Cherie (even if he can see Anthony has feelings for Cherie) until he finds the “right” woman to marry. I can totally see him thinking this! 😱

That punch omg 😂 You're absolutely right! 😱 If the Duke punched him, Anthony would realize then he really messed up 😈 I think Benedict and Colin would find him later on in his study and go like,

"I didn't know the duke could punch someone."

"You and me both."

"He actually punched you."

"I know Colin, I was there."

"Is anything broken?"

"Doesn't feel like it."

"He looked really angry, Anthony."

"...Yeah. Yeah I know."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"I feel like you should go to his house to see her, but on the other hand, he might punch you again."

[extremelyblackandwhite]

innocence - 29

PAIRING: bodyguard!bucky barnes x innocent actress!reader

WARNINGS: smut (18+, underage DNI)

A/N: its angst season again!!

NEXT CHAPTER

Bucky held the old phone against his ear as he waited for Natasha to pass the line onto Steve, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. Once again, there were no news coming from them. There’s not enough evidence for us to even make a guess, he’d tell him every time he called the super soldier. It did not matter how many hours he spent on the phone, a team of synthesoids, witches, spies and super soldiers couldn’t bring upon themselves to figure out who was threatening his girlfriend. His mind couldn’t stop going to the worse places. If he didn’t figure it out, who would?

   - Buck, we can go through the record off people who got into her building but do we even know if it’s the same person? 

   - It has to be, Steve. Go through the records, check for anyone who isn’t from the building.

   - Have you asked Y/N who she thinks might be? 

   - No, I didn’t tell her. - he gulped. - I promised her she’d be safe. I’m not gonna tell her. 

   - That is a ter ... - the line broke down and before he could call out for Steve’s name again, he heard Y/N’s voice right behind him. 

   - When were you gonna tell me? - she held up the letter in front of his face and he swore all the colour drained from his face. - Bucky, when were you gonna tell me? How long have you known? Where did this come from?

Bucky dropped the phone to the holder, visibly gulping at the sight of his girlfriend holding the letter he had sworn not to let her see. However, except of seeing the fear she had displayed the first time it happened, she was upset, mad even with that hidden type of serene look which he was sure would scare any army. She put the letter on the table, crossing her arms at him. 

    - It came yesterday. I don’t know if it actually arrived yesterday but that’s when I got it from the post box.

    - Why didn’t you tell me? - she sighed looking down at her feet, one hand holding her weight on the table. Bucky’s jaw locked, eyes moving from side to side before he wrapped his hand around her forearm and led her into the bedroom. Last thing he needed was for her whole family to know not only was he terrible at his job, he was also terrible at being her boyfriend. First fight in her parents’ home ... you can’t fuck up any further Barnes. - James, I’m not toying around.

     - I thought it wasn’t important. - he lied. 

     - They found my family home, James. It is important and you hid it from me. Why did you even open my mail? 

     - I hoped to be able to find who did it before I told you. I didn’t want to ruin your Christmas. - he put his hands in his pocket. She narrowed her eyes at him, arms crossed over her chest. 

     - Is that why you don’t wanna kiss me or touch me? You ... Do you ... You agree with they called me? - she frowned, her own anger replaced by her own insecurities. Bucky blinked slowly as if he was processing what she had said, not believing the words which had came out of her mouth. - I ... I didn’t mean to be too forward, I jus ...

     - No. No, no, no, no ... - he walked so fast he was almost running, holding her by her arms. - No. I don’t agree with them, I would never agree with it.

   - Then ... are you really not in the mood and I just made a complete idiot of myself?

   - I don’t, no, I just feel like I failed you, failed my job. - he cupped her face in his hands, trying to find her gaze but she refused to look at him. - I don’t want to fail you, everyone but you. I’m sorry I kept it from you, I thought that you’d feel safer if you didn’t know.

    - So you thought keeping me in my own delusion was the best thing to do?

    - I’m sorry. - he leaned his forehead against hers. She looked up, into his baby blue eyes as her hand hoovered over his arm. - I didn’t want ... I didn’t mean to delude you. 

    - You didn’t fail me. - she brought his hand up to her lips, kissing the back of it before leaning her face against it. - It is not your fault that letter came in.

    - But I should know who it was ... or at least Steve should. He’s proving himself to be quite useless ... - he grumbled on, which made her hold in her laughter by biting the inside of her lip. - I’m sorry, dollface. I really am.

     - If you ever kiss my head when I’m trying to kiss you ever again, we will have severe problems. - she pointed her finger jokingly at him. 

     - Heard it loud and clear, princess. - he pulled her arm so she was chest to chest with him as if they were about to dance. - Just so we’re clear, I do not agree with those letters. 

      - Please don’t hide things from me. - her ring finger traced his cheekbone softly. - I can’t stand it from everyone but I personally can’t stand it coming from you. You’re the only one in my corner.

     - I’ll always be in your corner but I will want to protect you and I will sometimes do something stupid. 

      - Why do something stupid when you could do me? - she looked at him with that little shy grin which was just always so endearing to him. Bucky chuckled, leaning down to kiss her. It was a short kiss, broken by him merely to look at her pout.

     - You’re getting frisky, princess? 

     - Well, you did lose your chance to see what’s under my robe. - her fingers slightly rose the hem of her robe to show a bit of her lace garter before dropping it to grab her dress. - But I do need to grab some takeaway.

    - I’m going with you. - he followed into her own ensuite bathroom, but she stopped him, holding the door edge in her hand. - You were going to show it to me anyway. 

     - Next time don’t hide stuff from me. - she smiled before locking the door leaving him alone while she got dressed in a jumper like dress. Bucky leaned his forehead against the door, his mind going haywire as the minute she was gone he immediately started thinking of how he hadn’t found who was sending those letters. How come no one had figured it out? Surely whoever had done it couldn’t be that  good at covering their tracks unless they were a professional. Y/N exited the bathroom in her jumper dress and put her hands on the nape of his neck. Bucky took that opportunity to rise up the hem of her dress, watching the soft white stocking reach its end where it connected to her garter. - No, Bucky. No. 

     - When did you have this? I’ve never seen you wear it before. - he tried to pull it upwards a bit more but she stopped him by merely wrapping her hand around his wrist. - Did you buy it for me, princess?

    - Oh no, I wore this when I was 20. In front a 150 people audience. 

    - What? - he looked as confused as the day someone explained what the internet was to him. - Someone else has seen it? Why can’t I see it?

    - Because you’re not in the mood. - she walked away to grab her coat and her scarf. - Are you coming?

    - Oh, in more ways then one, princess. - he too grabbed his jacket, following her down the stairs.

He held her hand as they stepped outside, going into a mode he wasn’t used to going into very often. Everything and everyone was suspicious to him and at any moment, he felt like he was ready to kill someone with only a snap of his fingers. Bucky wanted that and at the same time he didn’t want it. It was a hard duality, that of wanting to defend her at all costs and ensure she was the happiest and that of wanting to just bask into how it felt to be hers, because, god, did it felt god to be hers. It was like waking up in spring mornings and all his mistakes seemed to fade whenever she smiled, the way her nose scrunched up and she hide her mouth with her hands, saying her smile was much to ugly for him to see it. Of course she was lying, her smile was the cutest thing. Yet, he wanted her safe, he wanted her to be endlessly happy. He could never get rid of his demons, of what they had done to him, but he could make sure no one hurt her, no one treated her like a commodity because she was everything but that. 

    - Claire said Aunt Petunia corned you about babies. - she spoke out as they waited on the line. - I’m sorry, I keep telling her not to but I think she’s in competition with her friend about it. 

     - It’s okay. - he chuckled. - Do you want one?

     - Baby?

     - Yeah, do you want a kid someday?

     - I do but only one. I think my mum and dad lost a pound of hair each time me and my siblings bickered. Besides, Colin almost made me believe you were cheating on me.

    - What?

    - Yeah. I was desperate, I called Chuck for help. Chuck. Also, I think he’s dating.

    - Circling back to the baby question ... would you consider a baby, maybe you and me have one, someday?

    - You want to have a baby with me? - she peered up from looking at her shoes to look at him. Bucky immediately regretted the question, she was young and probably not thinking about kids. - Buck?

    - Forget it.

    - No, Bucky. I didn’t mean it like that ... I just thought you wouldn’t want to have kids. 

    - I don’t know. - he scratched the back of his neck. - I mean, I don’t really have much family left and I’d like to think, maybe someday, we could have our own.

    - Bucky ...

    - I’m freaking you out.

    - No. I’ve thought about it too, buying a house, having a baby, but ... everything I do is controlled and scheduled and tight lipped so I tend not to day dream about it. 

    - Hey ... - he hooked his arm under her waist, pulling her close to him. - You still have agency and besides, I’m really good at going undercover if you need to. 

    - You always know what to say. 

    - That’s because you’re predictable, princess.

    - I am not. - she retorted, pouting as she crossed her arms. 

    - Yes, you are, princess.

    - Really? - she cocked an eyebrow at him, before standing on her tip toes to whisper against his hear. - I’m not wearing any underwear. 

    - What? - he blushed as Y/N smiled before stepping forward to collect the takeaway bags from the customer assistant. Bucky cleared his throat as the two of them walked outside. - I thought you had something to show me.

    - I did but then I realised it is really uncomfortable to be in that lingerie, so I took it off.

Bucky felt most of his blood travelled south as he looked up and down her body. Damn it, suddenly her home felt so far away from the restaurant. He couldn’t help but stare at her body as  they  walked down the street, the way her dress draped over what he now knew was her naked body. Part of him felt jealous that she was in such a state in front of everyone else but the other part, the most overwhelming one, wanted to push her into an alley and take her right there and then and maybe he would’ve done so if he hadn’t seen a few paparazzi trying to appear invisible. He put himself on her left, mostly covering her, wrapping his hand around hers as he picked up the pace to get to her place. Once again he stood behind her as she opened her door, so close her could smell her daisy perfume and if he were a bit younger and lacked self control, he would’ve drowned her neck in hickeys. However, he thought seeing himself display some strong PDA with his girlfriend on the next morning’s paper. She took her jacket off, hanging it on the hooks by the door.

   - We’re going. - he whispered against her ear as she placed the takeaway bags on the kitchen. She opened her mouth to protest, wanting to defend her right to have the yummy food she had just bought but Bucky gave her no chance to do so, instead holstering her upon his shoulder and climbing up the stairs.

Y/N waved at her younger brother who stopped in his tracks as Bucky passed through him and straight into her bedroom. Before she could protest once more, he laid her on her own bedroom, climbing on top of her and started to kiss her neck which replaced the half done protests with small moans. His hand slide up her left to her tight, rising the dress in the process and sure enough, she had not been lying about not wearing any underwear. Other than the garter which held up the sheer white stockings, she was a bare as the day she was born. Bucky took a moment to appreciate it, the bare woman laid on the bed under him, looking at him as if he were the only man in the world.

   - I must say, princess. Whatever you had to show me can’t be better than this.

   - Maybe my food downstairs is better. 

   - You’re not walking down any stairs anytime soon, after I’m done with you. - he leaned down to kiss her, a harsh full of need kiss as if he hadn’t seen her in decades.

She smiled through the kiss, hands held over his neck as he placed kisses and sucked her skin in places she was sure to get a hickey the next day, but it didn’t matter. In all honesty, nothing really mattered when he kissed her. Y/N held her hands up as he took off the dress and basked in her nakedness. Screw all the women he had ever slept with, no one compared to her. It didn’t have to do with beauty or even seduction. She was just her, just herself in her own naked glory standing under him, eyes shining with a naive like lust as she awaited his next movement. Bucky should’ve done something else but he decided just to kiss her, fingers caressing the soft skin of her face.

    - What is it? - she asked as he interrupted the kiss once more.

    - You are the most wonderful thing in my life, Y/N. - he kissed her once more, one hand coming to remove his own trousers. 

Her lips stretched into a small smile as she rose her forehead to press it against his. She mumbled a small I love you, kissing the side of his lips as he pushed his cock into her. Her lips stretched into a gasp as he grunted once he shed himself completely inside her, eyes closed as he let the feeling of being inside of her take complete hold of him. She continued mid gasp, not a single thought forming inside her mind rather than how good he felt, how full she was. 

Bucky opened his eyes, baby blues almost navy coloured as his hand pushed some of her hair away from her face, kissing her to silence her little gaps and moans which came out in such meek tones, it made him even hard just from listening to them. The kiss was forceful, his lips  swallowing all her sounds as he slowly circled his hips against hers, one hand holding the side of her hips with a vice like grip. He pushed his hips back, removing himself from her only to thrust back into her, establishing a slow and delayed pace, grip strong enough to leave a bruise the next day. She whined, nails dug into the fabric of the sleeveless tank top he had not taken off. 

   - Bucky, please ... - she pleaded, tears pooling in her eyes. - Faster.

   - No, princess. You’ve been so bad lately ... what should I do with you? - he stopped moving, stilling inside of her.

   - Move? Please?

   - Giving me handjobs in a plane, pouting when you don’t get attention, walking around without underwear. That’s not good girl behaviour.  

   - Bucky ... - she tried to rock her hips against his but he stopped her, hand firmly pressing her against the mattress. - Bucky, please.

   - I don’t know, princess. - he leaned into the crook of her neck, playfully bitting her  sensitive skin, before kissing it and doing it again. - You look so pretty when you’re begging for my cock. I almost want to see it more. Maybe leave you like this all night, what about that?

   - Please, Bucky. Please. - a tears rolled down her cheek as she tried once again to rock her hips against his into a pointless effort. - Please, please, I need it.

   -  I know. You got so upset when I didn’t fuck you last night, dollface. - he moved out and into her in a long, slow motion, earning more moans from her. - You’re just becoming so needy for me, princess. 

   - Please. - she pouted, raising up to kiss him, her hands moving up to try and take off his shirt but he refused, shutting her actions by starting to relentlessly thrust in and out of her as if he had been possessed by mere lust. Y/N threw her head back as his hand grabbed her breast harshly and he continued to relentlessly fuck her.

Her  legs trembled as he went back to paying attention to her neck and jaw, the mix of all the emotions chasing her high. She whined, trying to deal with all she was feeling from his lips against her neck, his hand massaging her breast and flicking her nipple every once in a while as well as his cock veins against the walls of her channel.  She managed to open her eyes for a few seconds and swore she could cum merely at the sight of him as he moved away from her neck to thrust faster into her, head thrown back, pink reddish lips opened in a circle, sweat forming in hairline. She had done that, she had gotten him to look so lost in pleasure and that was as stimulating as something could get. 

His hand left her breast to start circling her clit, slowly and painful, a harsh contrast with the fast pace. Her own hand replaced the place that had once been occupied by his hand on her breast, biting her lip as he continued with his motions. Bucky did not stop until she reached her orgasm, the tight feeling in her lower stomach exploding into a particular high pitch moan which he silenced by kissing her, reminding her her parents were still downstairs after all. He didn’t take long to reach his own orgasm either, continuing to thrust quickly into her until ropes and ropes of cum painted her walls. The orgasm weakened his hold over her for a few seconds, leading to him collapsing to her side, pushing her along with him. Bucky slipped out of her, reaching up to kiss her lips followed by a small kiss to her nose. 

   - Hi. - she said shyly,  cuddling against his chest as he pushed a cover over her body. - No more secrets, promise me.  

   - I can’t promise that. I can promise that whatever I do, I do it because I love you and I want you safe. 

   - Buck.

   - I will try. - he kissed her forehead. - Good?

   - Good.

She remained in his arms, cuddling against his chest, listening to the sound of his heart beat softly against his ribcage. It felt good, it felt good to feel loved, to hear the heartbeat of someone who loved her, someone who existed, someone who she had only dreamed about and now existed in real life and loved her. The two watched the old clock on her table turn to midnight. Christmas day. She looked up to him, extending to give him a quick kiss.

   - Merry Christmas, love.

   - Merry Christmas, princess. - he kissed her nose. 

   - I thought we could trade presents between us. Make it special. 

   - Me first. - he said and before she could ever argue, he was rolling out of bed with a small blanket covering his nudity to grab a present wrapped in festive wrapping paper with her name written on it. He sat on the bed, next to her, pushing the duvet to cover her so she wouldn’t be cold. - I hope you like it.

   - I’m sure I will. - Y/N smiled at him before proceeding to unwrap her present. It was a book and one she recognised very well from seeing pictures on Google whenever she looked around jokingly for first editions on Ebay. - Buck, it’s too much. I can’t.

   - It’s mine. Well, it used to be mine but now it’s yours. 

   - How do you even know I like the Hobbit?

   - Chuck told me.

   - You and Chuck talk? - she giggled, unable to picture her best friend having a conversation with Bucky who was always brooding.

   - We don’t but whenever we’re on set, he just keeps talking. He said you liked it, so I thought it would be fun if you had the one I read when I was what? About your age?

   - Oh okay, grampa. - she poked his chest jokingly before handing him his present.

Bucky kissed the side of her temple, opening the package to see an album like photo with his name written in gold. He gave her a confused look but she merely nodded her head, telling him to open the book. Once he did, he saw “All the times Bucky Barnes was a hero” written in her handwriting followed by pages and pages of articles calling him a hero, the saviour of the day and other words he did not equalise with himself. 

   - I know you don’t believe you’re a good man but I do and it’s not just me who thinks it. There has been darkness in your  life but the way you continued onwards, doing good to the world which hurt you ... that’s noble. - he heard her voice almost in a echo like fashion as he moved page after page. It did not only ranged from his time in the Howling Commandos but even til now, with recent missions and facts. Everything was there, different journal cut outs, different testimonies. Everything. 

Bucky looked to his side, looked at her who was smiling at the book in his hand which she had put together and he knew. He just knew.

   - Y/N?

   - Hm?

   - Marry me. 

taglist: @disasterbii @lookiamtrying @buckysteveloki-me @americasass81 @jamesbarnesappreciationclub @lostinthebeans @mariahthelioness29 @bbabysbaby @peaches-roses-sins @theadorasabditory @sipsteacasually @saiyanprincessswanie @booktease21 @noiralei @learisa @everythingisoverratedbutgreat @uglipotata72829 @naturalthrone22 @husherstan @mandiiblanche​ @vicmc624 @newyorkgoddess @itsallyscorner @chipilerendi @emzd34 @writerwrites​ @bluevxnus​ @that-girl-named-alex​ @captnrogers​ @nsfwsebbie​ @sarge-barnes-sir​

[moldisgoodforyou]

bahamas (iv)

warning: everyone is drunk ! , sexual references

wordcount: 6k

_________

The next morning, Allie strolled out of the bedroom with a messy braid, a cheesy grin and a blush that started the second James began to whistle. Colin flipped him off immediately, still as sullen as the night before. “Nice of you to show up.”

“I was busy.” She retorted, then immediately shook her head. “Not like - I just showered.”

“Did loverboy join? What’s his name again?” James questioned, sliding Allie a full plate.

“Carloooooos.” Julia sang, laughing as Allie glared at her. “I saw him sneak out this morning. He said hello. Nice guy.”

“He said he had to get to his shift, he teaches scuba lessons during the day. If we’re interested he said he could snag us a discount.” Allie shrugged, popping a blueberry into her mouth.

“Does he teach underwater basket weaving too?” Colin asked dryly, scowling.

“Is that a real thing?” Rafe asked, looking like he was actually considering the activity for a moment.

Sophie glanced over at him, concerned. “Baby.”

“It’s not?”

Julia shook her head at the couple. “I thought we had a boat today?”

“We do. We’re going sailing.” Rafe confirmed, glancing at his watch. “We’ve got an hour, but we need to pack snacks and drinks. Colin, can you help me grab the cooler from the attic?”

“You can’t grab it yourself?” Colin grumbled, pushing away from the table to follow Rafe up.

“No. It’s too big.” Rafe glanced behind him, making sure they were out of earshot of the group as he led him up the stairs. “What the fuck is your problem?”

“My problem?” Colin repeated, immediately getting defensive. “What the fuck?”

“Yeah, you’re being a dick about Allie’s hookup. No one would say a word if you brought a girl home.” He coughed as he unlocked the attic door and a small layer of dust flew up, the house unused since the beginning of summer. “Actually, maybe you should get laid, you’ll chill out.”

“I don’t have a problem.”

“Then quit being an asshole to Allie. She doesn’t deserve that.”

Colin sighed, helping Rafe tug the Yeti cooler down from one of the shelves. Once it was down, he glanced over at Rafe. “I didn’t mean to be rude. Sorry.”

“Apologize to her, not me.” Rafe told him, looking Colin dead in the eye like he could figure out some hidden secret if he stared at him long enough.

“I will.”

“Good. Just because you’re jealous -”

“I’m not jealous, just don’t like this guy -”

“Ha!” Rafe pointed his finger in Colin’s face, eyebrows raised. “I knew it! You like Allie.”

Colin froze, immediately looking towards the door then lowered his voice. “You can’t tell.”

“Wait, shit, seriously? I was just trying to get a rise out of you...Colin. Seriously? You mean it?”

“The tiniest of crushes. She’s cute.” Colin affirmed, regretting telling him already. “Just - you can’t say anything.”

“I won’t. Brother swear.” Rafe nodded, extending his hand to Colin. “Don’t you dare fuck with her though.”

“I won’t, I won’t.” Colin paused, not taking his hand to shake. “That includes Sophie.”

“Fuck, Colin, for real? You know she doesn’t count.” Rafe whined, running his hand through his hair. “She’s gonna get it out of me. Somehow. She always knows when I’m hiding something.”

“I mean it.” Colin shook his head. “No Sophie. No James, and especially no Julia.”

“Damnit.” Rafe sighed, but grabbed Colin’s hand and shook it. “Fine. You’d better apologize and start making moves or shut the fuck up and let her do her thing, though. No judging.”

“I will, I promise.”

“Good.”

The door banged open, startling them both as James stood in the doorway. “Yo. You two can’t handle this thing?”

“No, we got it.” Rafe shook his head, lifting it easily on his own to haul downstairs. “They send you up here to check?”

“Yeah, Jules started asking questions about last night and Allie clearly didn’t want to gossip with me around, so Sophie sent me up here to get you guys.” James paused, thinking. “She muttered something about you probably getting stuck in some secret fancy passageway. You gonna tell her this house is your dad’s company house, not some family heirloom?”

“I’m pretty sure Sophie wants to know as little as possible about what my family owns. I think she cried for a solid hour on the first night here.” Rafe frowned, taking each step one at a time.

“You tell her about the deb thing yet?” James asked.

“Deb thing?” Colin echoed. “Sarah’s ball? What does Sophie have to do with that?”

“...No. I’m not sure. I think she’ll either agree or rip my head off, no in between.” Rafe sighed. “Sarah’s getting presented at the debutante ball in the spring, Rose suggested Sophie gets presented as well with me as her escort, and somehow my dad thought that was a good idea. Establish her with high society, or whatever. I don’t think he’s forgiven me for breaking up with Brooklyn a week before her deb ball. Apparently me being her escort would have been good for us. Our family.”

James cocked his head. “She broke up with you.”

“Whatever.”

“Huh. Well. That conversation should be fun for you.” Colin patted Rafe on the shoulder just as they got down the attic stairs. Rafe now sported a thin layer of sweat from hauling the cooler down alone, despite him already having no shirt on.

“Oh yeah. Looking forward to it.” Rafe deadpanned, then put on a grin as they all re-entered the kitchen. He didn’t miss the way Sophie’s eyes trailed over his exposed chest, the way she leaned forward on the counter and bit her lip a little. “Found it!”

“Excellent.” Julia clapped her hands together and began filling it with a selection of drinks she’d laid out on the counter. “Sophie, stop eye-fucking your boyfriend and help me out.”

Sophie snapped to attention as Rafe held back a laugh at Julia’s lack of tact. “I wasn’t -”

“Yes you were. Drinks.”

Sophie shook her head, handing Julia drinks with a rising blush on her cheeks.

“I don’t mind, sweetheart.” Rafe murmured to her lowly with a grin, trailing his hand down her spine ‘til he rested his palm on her lower back.

“Ew, we just ate.” Allie complained, pushing her plate away from her. “Thank you for pancakes, though.”

“No problem. It’s my specialty.” Rafe beamed, gathering up the plates and sticking them in the dishwasher.

“Only ‘cause you can’t cook anything else.” Colin pointed out, dodging as Rafe aimed a square punch at his arm.

“He’s not wrong.” Sophie agreed, reaching up to kiss Rafe’s cheek.

“Aw. Thanks for breakfast, Mom and Dad.” James grinned, patting them both on the head.

Sophie whirled on James immediately, only held back by Rafe slipping his arm around her waist (more to protect James than her). “Stop. I mean it.”

“What are you gonna do?” James taunted, grinning. “Hit me? Rafe won’t let you.”

“I will, if you don’t shut up.” Rafe replied, shaking his head imperceptibly behind Sophie’s back.

“What? You weren’t pregnant, it was just the flu - hey!” James took off running the second Rafe let Sophie go, who immediately sprinted after him through the house.

“Fuck off, James!” She yelled, chasing him down the hall.

“I didn’t mean it!” He yelped as she threw someone’s flip flop at him, nailing him in the shoulder with surprising aim. “I’m sorry! Rafe! Help me!”

Everyone else watched from the kitchen, thoroughly entertained. “You gonna help?” Allie asked, glancing at Rafe.

“Nah. He deserves it.” Rafe shrugged. “They’ll get tired soon enough.”

“She only likes fighting when she’s flirting anyways.” Julia added. “I swear all your arguments before you two were dating was just foreplay.”

“Doubt it. She could be pretty mean.” Rafe grinned at Sophie fondly as she strolled back into the kitchen with a triumphant smile, then looped his arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“Who’s mean?” Sophie asked.

“You.” James informed her as he followed her back to the group, dramatically rubbing a red mark on his shoulder.

“Okay, both of you, knock it off.” Rafe took charge like always, glancing at his watch. “Everyone go get ready, we’re getting picked up in twenty to get to the dock. Don’t forget sunscreen.”

“You really make it too easy.” Julia rolled her eyes, but chose to refrain from calling him Dad again for the fourth time that morning.

“So everyone knows?” Sophie asked the group, frowning.

“For the record, I was team baby. I think you guys would have very cute kids.” James said, already flinching away as Sophie lifted her hand toward him.

“Yeah. Rafe accidentally let it slip when I asked why you looked like hell that weekend.” Colin confirmed. Sophie had stayed at Rafe’s instead of her house so he could take care of her, and Colin had found her sleeping on the bathroom floor curled up in a ball at 2pm when Rafe was in class. (He decided not to wake her up, thinking she was just wildly hungover, and had texted Rafe a photo instead.)

“Great. Fantastic. But if one more person calls me Mom this week, I’m going to rip your heads off.”

“I told you you’re mean.” James grumbled, clutching his shoulder. “I’m gonna have a bruise. How am I supposed to explain that to whoever I’m hooking up with tonight?”

“Tell her you’re into pain.” Allie suggested, shrugging when everyone gave her a look. “What? It could work.”

“...Alright. Everyone go get ready, I don’t want to hear another word from anyone about their sex lives.” Rafe instructed, shooing everyone out of the kitchen as he and Sophie made it toward their room. “Sorry, baby.”

“It’s fine. I’d be more upset if we actually had a kid on the way.” Sophie conceded with a shudder at the thought. “How much did you talk about it with the boys?”

Rafe thought about it, about how James kept going on and on about how he wanted to be a godfather and how their kids would be adorable, and how Colin said he wasn’t really a huge fan of kids but obviously their kid would be family. He thought about how he shared with the guys how nice it would be to have a big family and know their kids would have several metaphorical aunts and uncles, and how much love and support they’d be surrounded by. It made him excited for the future - the far future, of course, but still.

“Not much.” He finally settled on answering, giving her a small smile. “You gonna wear my favorite suit today?”

“The pink one?”

“No, the blue one with the daisies. The one you wore in Nice?” He grinned. “Or, I guess, didn’t wear?”

She blushed, shaking her head. “I think that one’s dangerous to wear around you with our friends.”

“Any bikini is, sweetheart.”

“Control yourself.” She flicked his shoulder in warning. “I have a surprise for you tonight. Don’t let me forget.”

He perked up immediately, smirking. “A surprise? What kind of surprise?”

Sophie just shrugged. “You’ll see.”

“I’ll see...is it a leave-the-bar-early kind of a surprise? A need-the-house-empty kind of surprise?” He asked eagerly, his smirk broadening as she pulled out the light blue bikini from her suitcase.

She laughed, pulling off her shirt before she fumbled with untangling the bikini strings. “I think you can stay quiet enough that we’ll be fine.”

“Will you be able to stay quiet?” He teased, beaming in appreciation as she stood there shirtless in front of him, tongue in between her teeth as she concentrated on fixing the bikini. (He didn’t bother to help.)

Sophie ignored him, rolling her eyes, but glanced up and caught him staring. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”

“Don’t tempt me, you know I will.” He shot back. “I know you brought your film camera I got you for Christmas.”

“The last person I want seeing my nudes is the freshman art student that develops my film in the photo studio on campus.” She replied with an eyeroll. “Though I’m sure he’d enjoy it.”

Rafe’s face dropped as he immediately grew protective, grabbing the bikini top away from her and deftly untangled the strings. “Get dressed. We’re gonna be late.”

“Okay, Daddy.” She replied innocently, biting the inside of her cheek to hide back a grin.

He paused, considering, then shook his head. “No. Sorry, no, can’t vibe with that. Find a different kink please.”

She burst out laughing, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, James paid me $10 to tell you that.”

Rafe huffed, tugging on his swim trunks and shoved his feet back into his boat shoes, then promptly slammed open the door, striding back to the group. “James! Fuck you!”

________

Later, once everyone gathered their things and made it down to the dock after their driver for the week picked them up, the boat driver helped them all onto the boat, offering his hand. He was younger, around their age or a little bit older, and Rafe scowled as the driver’s eyes lingered maybe a little too long on Sophie’s bikini top. Then the driver politely leaned over to Rafe to inform him that Sophie had the tag sticking out of her top, hanging on by a thread, and he dropped his scowl quicker than it had appeared.

It only took them twenty minutes before they cracked into the cooler, everyone satisfied with a drink in hand, and two failed attempts to go head-to-head in a shotgun contest with James left Sophie drunk within the hour. She had her sunglasses perched askew on her nose, eyes closed as she rested her head in Rafe’s lap, lying down on the seat next to him.

“This trip is good for you. I think this is the most relaxed I’ve seen you all year.” Julia commented, snapping a quick photo of the couple.

“I do feel very relaxed.” Sophie hummed, taking Rafe’s hand and starting to play with his fingers. “Hm. Relaxed. Relaxation. That’s nice.”

“You’re hammered.” Rafe pointed out, but looked down on her fondly. “I want you to eat soon.”

“Snacks.” She affirmed. “You’ll have to feed me. I’m not sure my jaw works anymore.”

James giggled, more tipsy than anything, but still lacked any filter. “Better for dick sucking.”

“Hey.” Rafe warned. “Watch your mouth.”

“Sorry. Just came out.” James shrugged, having zero remorse. “Can we go swimming? I wanna see dolphins. Do they have dolphins here?”

“Some dolphins. I’ll take you.” Their driver interjected, changing direction of their boat.

“Dolphins can travel up to 80 miles a day,” Allie informed them, confused when she got weird looks from the groups. “What? I’m from Florida, I wanted to be a dolphin trainer growing up. Everyone did.”

“Aw. You would have been good at that, Al.” Julia told her, topping off her drink. “Sophie, no sleeping.”

“M’ not sleeping.”

“No drunk napping.”

“M’ not drunk.”

“Well now you’re just lying.” Rafe told her with a smile, gently nudging her up. “C’mon, I need you to drink water for me. Have some snacks.”

“Here, Sophie.” Colin waved the bag of Sun Chips under her nose, grinning. “Try some. Yummy.”

She batted it away, frowning as she leaned back into Rafe. “Everyone leave me alone.”

He pushed her back upright immediately, ignoring her frown, and pressed a water bottle to her lips. “Drink.”

“Do the thing.” She lowered her voice, challenging him with a smirk.

“Sweetheart, I’m not gonna -”

“Then I’m not drinking.”

He sighed, resigned. “Drink water or I’m not letting you go out tonight.”

“Let me? You don’t let me do anything.” She argued, grabbing the water bottle away and took a long drink.

Rafe just nodded, clearly not in the mood for a fight. He knew Sophie was in charge of the relationship, but the second he said he wasn’t comfortable with something, she listened right away. “Okay. Sure.”

“Trouble in paradise,” James sing-songed, only to receive a glare from Sophie.

“You’re still on my hit list.”

“Me? What did I do?”

“You and Julia are on it.”

Julia sighed, glancing over. “You’re really still hung up on that?”

Sophie sat up a little more, her eyes lighting up, and Rafe braced for an argument. “I told you no -”

“And we’re both grown adults, Soph, we can make our own decisions -”

“You don’t even like him -”

“Ouch.” James mumbled, shrinking back into his seat as if he couldn’t be seen.

“Hey!” Allie clapped, standing and putting herself in between the girls. “Both of you, let it go. We’re not doing this again. Julia, drink more. Sophie, no more drinking.”

“But -”

“No.” She crossed her arms, staring them both down until they sighed, mumbling apologies. “Thank you.”

The boys all watched in silence, impressed, until Colin spoke up. “Right, well, I’m gonna go swim.” He and James nodded, jumping off the back of the boat, and Allie and Julia took a second but followed suit.

Sophie moved to join in until Rafe grabbed her around the waist, protective as he pulled her onto his lap. “Hey. You okay?”

“Yes. I feel good.” She promised, but couldn’t fully meet his gaze and was swaying with the rocking of the boat. “Can we go swim?”

“Will you wear a life jacket?”

“That’s embarrassing.”

“It’ll be more embarrassing if you drown.” He pushed her hair back, out of her face, and kissed her forehead. “You’re way too drunk right now, you’re making me nervous.”

She frowned, placing her hand on his cheek. “I make you nervous?”

“No, I’m just worried something’s gonna happen. Life jacket? Please?” He pulled it from under the seat, offering it to her.

Sophie rolled her eyes but let him put it on, strapping it tight across her chest for good measure. “Now can we go?”

He scooped her up with a grin and stood on the seat, ready to jump. “Now we can go.”

“No, Rafe - wait no!” She screamed, grabbing around his neck as he jumped into the water with her in his arms, plunging down and letting her go to float back up.

James snorted, splashing water toward her. “Nice life jacket.”

“I’d like a life jacket.” Allie interjected, closing her eyes and floating on her back. “Wouldn’t have to do any work.”

“Hold on - Allie, are you high?” Colin questioned, swimming closer and poking her arm. She’d only had half of a drink since they were on the boat, but was still acting strange and zoned out the whole day.

“Carlos gave me an edible. I ate it before we got on the boat.” She mumbled in reply. “I have more if you want it.”

“You took sketchy drugs from a sketchy guy?!” Colin exclaimed, much louder than necessary.

Rafe swam over with a frown, shaking his head like a dog. “Who’s taking drugs?”

“The bartender -”

“Carlos.” Allie corrected.

“The bartender gave Allie drugs.” Colin cut her off. “And now she’s high and probably something else.”

Rafe cocked his head, looking over Allie. “Al? You good?”

“I feel nice.” She replied, moving to tread water and smiled at them. “So nice.”

“Jesus Christ.” Colin cursed, while Rafe kicked him under the water.

Julia swam over, tugging Sophie’s hand to drag her along. “Oh, it’s finally kicking in?”

“You knew?” Rafe questioned, pulling Sophie into his arms as she tried to be subtle and unclip the life jacket.

“Of course I knew.” Julia replied. “Don’t freak out, I looked at it, it’s fine.”

“Oh, you looked at it, great. Thanks, Julia, I didn’t know you were the resident expert on drugs.” Colin huffed.

“Just weed, actually, I haven’t done anything else -”

James seemed to finally realize the whole group was congregated instead of doing their own thing, like he was. He swam under the water, grabbing Rafe’s ankle - who immediately screamed like a child and kicked James in the face. James bobbed up straightaway with his hand clapped to his nose and blood trickling from it like a leaky faucet. “What the fuck?!”

“Why’d you grab me?!” Rafe defended, letting go of Sophie. “This is on you.”

James launched himself onto Rafe, grabbing at him, and the two promptly started wrestling in the water, despite everyone’s protests. Colin stuck his arm in between them to break them up after a few minutes, tugging Rafe off of James and being careful not to hit James’ nose again. “Hey! Hey. Everyone back on the boat.”

“C’mon, Colin.” James argued, but hauled himself back up onto the boat anyways when Colin tapped his watch and reminded them all of their dinner reservations.

Once they all clambered back onto the boat and James had a towel and a can of beer pressed to his nose, the boat driver started taking them back to the shore. Sophie had sobered up somewhat and Allie was asleep with her head in Julia’s lap, with Julia absent-mindedly stroking her hair. “Hey, Rafe? Do you have any good recs for somewhere we could go for dinner?”

Rafe furrowed his brow, confused. “We’re going to dinner tonight, what do you mean?”

“No, no, tomorrow. I was thinking it could be just the girls, you guys could do something else -”

“No.” He replied, firm. “None of you are going anywhere alone. I don’t trust any of you when you’re drinking.”

Allie stirred, finally opening her eyes as she’d been listening in on the conversation. “We could invite Carlos to chaperone,” she mumbled.

“Yeah, I’m sure he’d love to tag along. Drag you into some trafficking ring too.” Colin grumbled.

James pulled the towel away from his face, confused. “So that’s a no to guy’s night?”

“No one is splitting up.” Rafe insisted, firm, and reached over to press the towel back to James’ nose.

Sophie cocked her head at her boyfriend. “Where is this coming from?”

“Look, I don’t even let Sarah go out alone here, and we’ve been coming here for years, she knows this place like the back of her hand. I don’t want something to happen to you guys.” He slung his arm around Sophie’s shoulders, pulling her close. “Any of you. I mean it.”

“Man, even my own father isn’t this protective.” Julia remarked casually, then immediately regretted it upon seeing Rafe’s wince. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine. But that’s final say.”

“Okay, got it.” Julia raised her hands in defense. “So. Back to Carlos. Do you think he’d get all of us drugs if we had a threesome with him?” She suggested, only for everyone to stare blankly at her. “Oh my god, I’m just asking. It’s not like I suggested meth.”

“Who’s in the threesome?” James questioned, cocking his head.

Julia ignored him, barreling on. “That’s, like, an appropriate thing to ask, right? It feels like an island vibe. He’s gotta know where to get something.”

“Something.” Rafe repeated.

“Yeah.” She directed her question back toward him. “Hypothetically, if he could get us coke, would you say no? That’s like a rich person drug.”

“Rafe hasn’t done coke.” Sophie interrupted, assuredly, then frowned as Rafe seemed contemplative. “Right?”

“...No. Had to think. Been in the room, though, so probably got something secondhand.”

“That’s literally not how coke works.” Julia dismissed.

“I wouldn’t. I’m pretty sure that ruins the lining of your nose.” James supplied helpfully - Julia nodded in agreement, considering this newfound information.

“I’d consider doing molly.” Colin added. “But not from him.”

“Oh, like that makes a difference.” Allie deadpanned, always quick with the comeback while the rest of the group registered their surprise, because - Colin? Drugs? Two words that didn’t go together.

“It does, actually, but I get drug tested at NASA every single week, so.” Colin shrugged. “Not worth losing my future job.”

“Right. No one answered my question.” Julia sighed. “I’m open to a threesome with Allie or James. Rafe and Sophie, you’re out. Colin, I -”

“Yeah. Agreed.” Colin nodded, then hurriedly added, “I’m not saying I’m down for a threesome -”

“Hold on, why are we out?” Sophie frowned. “We’re hot.”

“Neither of you would share. It wouldn’t be fun.” James pointed out, only for Julia to nod enthusiastically in agreement.

“Exactly. You two are too, like, in love or whatever. It’s sick.”

“We would be great in a threesome.” Sophie argued, crossing her arms.

“You are too damn competitive.” Rafe mumbled to himself, shaking his head. “No one is having a threesome, no one is doing drugs. Not until we’re back under American laws. I’m not bailing anyone out of jail here.”

“Boo, Dad.” James grumbled, making Sophie lean toward him and raise her hand.

“James -”

“Okay, Sophie, chill, you can be the only one to call him Daddy -”

“Oh god, gross -”

“Home again!” Their driver announced with a grin, bumping the boat a little against the dock. The group snapped to attention, with James and Colin grabbing the coolers and Rafe helping the girls off the boat. He clapped the driver on the back as he was last to get off, murmuring something in his ear and slipped a wad of cash into his hand.

_____

After dinner, the group was dropped back at the house with the same driver they’d had all week, who now knew them all by name and knew way too much gossip about each of them. He knew that Rafe always sat in the front, the girls crammed into the back and James and Colin shared the middle, unless the girls were too drunk to crawl all the way back safely, and the boys would trade. They were all tired from a long day in the sun and agreed to call it with a lowkey night back at the house.

Once they’d all changed into comfier clothes, rather than how they dressed up for dinner, they congregated in the living room, sprawled out on the couches.

“All right, games. I have...uh…” Rafe rifled through the cabinet under the television, coming up short with only a deck of cards. “There’s just this and a poker set. We didn’t exactly play family games growing up.”

“That’s alright. We can play B.S.” Julia concluded, clapping her hands together with a grin.

“Last time we played B.S. it ended in a screaming match, and you and Colin didn’t talk for a week.” Allie reminded her, wary. Drunken card games in their group usually resulted in made-up rules that were only kept on track if someone wrote down the rules to lock down any possible room for arguments.

James and Sophie returned from the kitchen with two bottles of Sprite, two bottles of lemonade, a handle of vodka and six shot glasses. “Okay! Ready!”

“What the - guys, I said a chill game night.” Rafe raised his eyebrows as Sophie passed out the shot glasses.

“Yeah, we decided it’s our only senior spring break so we want to enjoy it.” Sophie told him, smacking a kiss to his cheek. “We’re playing B.S? Whose rules?”

“Normal rules, for the first round. Second round everyone adds a rule as you get away with bullshit.” Julia declared, shuffling and dealing the cards out to everyone with a surprising amount of skill. “Next birthday goes first, and if you don’t get away with it you have to take a shot. Or chug your drink for five seconds?”

“That’s me. And player’s choice, I think.” Sophie decided, sitting up and angling her cards away from everyone, looking a little too contemplative. She placed her card down, and Colin immediately shook his head. “Bull.”

“Nuh uh.”

“Take the shot, Sophie.” Colin insisted, flipping her card to reveal a jack instead of the needed 2.

“Fuck.” She muttered, following suit.

Rafe shoved her cup of water closer to her before she could pour herself a vodka lemonade instead, shaking his head. “You’re not even sober right now. Finish this first.”

“It’s alright, I’m fine.” She waved him off. “You’re next.”

The game continued on, escalating dramatically as they kept playing. By the time the first big bullshit was called, Allie had to accept at least 30 cards, the group had all taken at least one shot, Julia had been banished to the corner for a whole round, James was wearing Julia’s pink sunglasses upside down and Rafe had made out with Sophie three times, due to a rule he’d made up.

“Total bullshit.” Allie giggled as James placed five cards down at once on top of a huge stack. She was rivaling Sophie for drunkest of the group by far, slumped on the couch with her arms wrapped around one of the pillows as she wore a happy grin.

“Is not.”

“Is too!”

“Challenge!” Julia exclaimed, setting up two cups at the end of the table and handed them each a ping pong ball. (No one was sure when this was added to the rules, but everyone accepted it easily.) “Ladies and gentlemen, please stand.”

The two stood and took each other’s hands, laughing as they followed the customary pre-pong rule of spinning each other three times before taking their aim. “That was four! That was four.” Allie protested, having to grab James’ arm for balance as the room spun behind her eyes. “You need an extra spin.”

“Wait, dude, you put five down.” Colin pointed out, cocking his head. “Fucking idiot, take the cards.”

“Julia said challenge!”

“But you cheated!”

“The whole point of the game is cheating, dumbass!” James retorted, shaking his head. “She said challenge!”

“I said challenge!” Julia cried out, tapping her shot glass against the glass table to regain order. “Now throw.”

Both of them missed their mark terribly, James’ ball falling short and Allie accidentally nailing Rafe in the forehead with hers. “Sorry! Shit, sorry!”

“Oh, no, baby, are you okay?” Sophie asked worriedly, smoothing her hand over Rafe’s forehead as she combed through his hair with her fingers.

“I’m fine. I’m not sober.” He replied, humming with a smile as he leaned into her touch.

Everyone stared at the two of them with grins as they realized Rafe’s mistake in his own rule that he’d made up. The couple took too long to realize, slowly glancing around at the group. “What?” Sophie asked, sitting up straight. “What happened?”

“James missed the shot.” Colin grinned at Rafe, way too smug. “Pucker up.”

Rafe’s face dropped as it clicked for him - he’d made up the rule that a missed shot from falling short meant that person had to make out with the player who’d gone before for at least two minutes. It was a carefully calculated rule, he’d played pong with everyone in the group countless times and knew that everyone besides Sophie tended to overshoot, almost every single time.

Almost.

James laughed at Rafe’s expression, crooking a finger toward him. “Come here, buddy. Do you want me to get chapstick? Soph, do you have chapstick?”

“Do I have to?” Rafe groaned, standing up and striding over to sit next to James on the couch.

“It’s your rule.” Julia pointed out. Sophie shrugged in agreement, not quite putting together all the pieces.

“I’m really honored to be doing this with you, seriously.” James joked. “Sophie, can I touch him?”

“Just the head.”

Julia snorted, and she and James exchanged equally delighted grins at Sophie’s accidental innuendo.

Colin pulled up the timer on his phone, flashing it toward them. “Okay...alright. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Fucking hell.” Rafe sighed, but leaned in to make the first move, eager to get it over with. Both of them had their eyes closed and the kiss was relatively tame, albeit impossibly long.

“Oh.” Sophie murmured quietly, unsure how she felt, but uttered a warning “hey” when James’ hand automatically went to Rafe’s face. She decided she felt mainly neutral about it, but would be a lot more neutral if it was James and Colin kissing instead.

Julia was quiet for the first time all night, unable to tear her eyes away as she watched. Allie couldn’t resist a quick photo but giggled, hiding her face in Colin’s shoulder.

“Hey. Hey! Hey!” Sophie yelled the second the timer went off, leaning over and grabbing at Rafe’s arm to tear him away. “No more.”

James had his eyes closed and had unconsciously chased Rafe’s lips with his as they were pulled apart, but made a show of wiping his mouth afterward. “Okay. Well. Mark that under something I thought I’d never do.”

“And you’ll never do it again, so I hope you enjoyed it.” Sophie scowled, wrapping her arms around Rafe from behind and pulled him back to lean against her chest. “Stupid fucking rule, Rafe.”

“Sorry. Wasn’t thinking.” Rafe laughed, clearly unbothered as he tilted his head to press a short kiss to Sophie’s neck.

She grasped his head in both her hands, leaning down to press a sound kiss to his lips, as if it was a mark of ownership. “There. No one kiss my boyfriend again, I’m getting more snacks.” Sophie declared, getting up and heading into the kitchen.

“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m lowkey horny right now.” Julia muttered much louder than she intended.

“Thanks for sharing, Jules.” Allie laughed.

Julia glanced toward James with a desperate look, pressing her legs together. “Are we done playing? Or do you guys want to keep going?”

Oblivious as always, James shrugged, unfazed, moving back to his seat beside Julia. “Whatever you want. I’m down to keep playing.”

“Fuck, I need to get laid.” Julia mumbled much quieter so only he could hear, and he straightened up immediately like a bolt of lightning had shot up his spine.

“Actually, I’m good. Tired, actually. Yeah. I’m gonna - yeah.” He stood, offering his hand to Julia. “You look tired too.”

“Guys.” Rafe warned, glancing toward the kitchen where Sophie was still raiding the cabinet for any leftover snacks.

“Night, y’all.” Julia grinned, ignoring Rafe’s warning as the two strode off hand in hand to Julia’s room, making sure to go around so Sophie wouldn’t catch them.

Rafe sighed, but bit back a smile as he saw a dirty text pop up from Sophie, with a very detailed idea of how they could use up the rest of the whipped cream in the fridge. “Alright. Night, guys.” He promptly got up and left, leaving Colin and Allie alone.

“And then there were two.” The tension hung thick in the air as Allie leaned on Colin, giggly. “Fuck, I am so drunk.”

“Yeah?” He didn’t dare move, especially as she took his arm into her lap and started tracing lines as she connected freckles on his skin.

“I think I’m gonna call the bartender.”

“No you’re not.” Colin frowned, shaking his head. “No. You need sleep.”

She yawned, blinking up at him. “I’m pretty sure my room’s occupied.”

“You can take my bed.” He offered immediately, resisting the weird urge to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “It’s fine.”

“Where are you gonna sleep?” She asked, reaching up and tracing her finger along his cheekbone. “Your eyes are pretty, did you know that? You have a freckle in your right eye.”

“A freckle?” He smiled. “I’m not sure that’s right.”

“It is.” She insisted. “I can go in your bed?”

“Yeah, I’ll take the couch.”

“Okay.” She agreed right away, hauling herself up. “I gotta brush my teeth.”

“Good thing your bathroom’s shared with mine.” Colin reminded her, following her down the hallway. “Unless you really want to go into your room while...that’s going on.”

“No, thank you.” She shook her head quickly, stretching and nearly smacking him in the face. “Sorry! Sorry.”

“It’s alright, just be careful.” He laughed, ushering her into the bathroom. “Do your thing, I’ll fix my bed.”

They’d all changed into comfortable clothes and showered before playing the game, anticipating intoxication, but Colin still wished he had a reason to offer her something of his to wear to bed. He re-made his bed, even fluffing the pillow, before tugging on a hoodie.

Allie returned a few minutes later, giving him a grateful smile. “Thanks, Colin.” She touched his arm as she passed, crawling into bed.

“Of course. No problem. Yell if you need something, yeah?” He told her, smiling back before leaving and turning out the light, resigned to a night on the couch.

taglist: @drewstarkey @lemur46 @jjmaybanksbaby @edgeofgr8 @quxxnxfhxll @obxtess @hoodpankow @vtgirl802 @outerbankies @messagesinthesky @nicolecarsley @svechnikolan @ilovejjmaybank @obxtess @abbyj1822 @oopsiedoopsie23 @g4bster @jjmaybankzz @freddymaybank @dontjinx-it @illbesafeforyou @moniamaybank @tovvaa @jailcalledlife @sunshineitsfine44 @randomficsandshit @outerbankspreferences @outerbanksbro @karsinner @kkmaybank @whoeveniskendall @lemur46 @outerbankies

[ginisbetterthanfirewhisky]

What Goes Around Comes Around

A HBP missing moment...

View the story on FF

View the story on SIYE

Harry woke up exceptionally early on the morning of 30th April, taking an obnoxiously long time (according to Ron and Seamus) in the shower, and taking particular care to flatten his hair. After Dean, Seamus and Neville went down to breakfast, Harry persuaded Ron to go on before him as it would take time. Ron threw a maddeningly Hermione-ish smug and meaningful look to Harry before he left. The mirror yawned. ‘Aren’t you finished yet? You’ve been standing here trying to comb your hair for over half an hour. It isn’t going to work, young man. Anyway, it looks like you’re planning to ask someone out. If you are, then that girl has probably always seen you in your unruly hair. Wasting your time like this won't help,’ it finished shrewdly. Harry felt a flush creeping up his neck. ‘I am not going to ask someone out!’ he said, worrying if he was being that obvious. ‘Oh, don’t lie,’ it said airily. ‘I recognize the signs. Your father and his cronies used to stay in this dormitory too, you know.’ Knowing it was useless trying to argue and flatten his messy hair, Harry gave up. It didn’t matter anyway, because his hair would soon stick out in all directions. Feeling incredibly self-conscious, and making a mental note that it was now or never, Harry walked out of the dormitory and the common room and headed towards the Great Hall. As he walked down the stairs, however, he bumped right into Nearly Headless Nick, and felt the familiar unpleasant feeling of being doused in a bucket of ice-cold water. Nick was looking very cheerful. ‘Good morning, Harry!’ he said jovially. ‘Hey, Nick. How are you?’ ‘Good, good,’ he boomed, in a rather Slughorn-ish fashion. ‘How are you, Harry? Haven’t seen you since that night near Gryffindor tower! Do you know that the Headless Hunt has finally agreed to take me in?’ ‘Oh, great,’ said Harry absentmindedly, scanning the Great Hall for a trace of flaming red hair. To his surprise, Nick chuckled. ‘Trying to ask some young lady out, aren’t you,’ he said to Harry’s utter horror. First that nosy mirror and now Nick? Why was everyone suddenly becoming annoyingly like Hermione? ‘I remember the old days… when I was trying to woo the beautiful Lady Constance Cummington,’ he sighed, looking ahead wistfully, ignoring the look on Harry's face. ‘Er… Nick, I am somewhat in a hurry, so…’ ‘Alright, alright, you can go on,’ said Nick vaguely, looking misty-eyed, and lost in his long reminiscence, still muttering things like “Duke of Brian” and “traitor”. As he moved ahead, he once again bumped into someone else. A short, over-enthusiastic, camera-clutching someone. ‘Hiya Harry!’ said Colin brightly. ‘Please don’t tell me I look like I want to ask someone out too, Colin,’ he said warily. ‘Huh?’ asked Colin, looking confused. ‘Actually, I was just asking whether-‘ , Colin began. ‘Uh, Colin, I’m getting a bit late, talk to you later!’ Harry felt slightly guilty for sidestepping Colin like this, but nobility and politeness had to wait. He would ask Colin what it was later. He had business to do. Urgently. Ron and Hermione were already seated on the table when he finally arrived. Both looked amused at his impatient state as he took a seat on Ron’s right and eagerly scanned the Hall once again. So much for being discreet thought Harry. 'Looking for someone?' asked Hermione, following his gaze. 'Huh? Er.. no. Just looking... just like that...' he finished somewhat stupidly. Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry helped himself to some pumpkin juice to calm his nerves. What was he going to do once he spotted Ginny? Just ask her if she would go out with him? What if she said no? Hermione had told him that she had given up on him ages ago. What if she didn't fancy him anymore? What if he ruined their friendship by asking her? 'Harry, can you hear me?' 'What?' asked Harry, turning to look at Ron. 'You-er-seemed a bit lost, mate.' 'Oh, erm, it's nothing... just-just thinking about the-umm- Horcruxes, yeah, the Horcruxes.' Harry knew very well that he was sounding extremely stupid, but he really could not help it. When Ginny did not arrive even after ten minutes or so, Harry threw caution to the winds. 'Umm.. Hermione... d'you know where Ginny is? I mean, she hasn't come down to breakfast yet... she usually isn't late...' he asked, trying and failing to sound nonchalant. 'Hmmm... well, maybe, she is with Justin Finch-Fletchley, you know... I overheard him telling Ernie that he really fancied her and was hoping to ask her out...' Harry choked on his pumpkin juice and didn't notice Hermione winking imperceptibly at Ron. 'What?!' 'Well, yes, but why are you so interested?' she asked, with the slightest hint of a smirk. Harry was saved from answering by a wonderfully familiar voice. 'Hey!' 'Hi!' Harry said automatically, turning around and literally pushing Ron so that he could make space for Ginny on his left. Ginny sat down, and helped herself to some toast and marmalade. What was he supposed to do now? Ron and Hermione were sitting right there... maybe he could ask her to a walk near the lake and... spontaneously kiss her? Should he stand up here right now and confess his undying love? Harry didn't realize he had actually half-risen from his seat until he heard Ron. 'What happened, Harry?' he asked with an amused note in his voice. 'Uh, no-nothing. I just- er- wanted some more juice,' he said, quickly taking the jug and pouring some juice into his glass so that no one would be able to see the blush forming on his face. He looked at Ginny out of the corner of his eye. She was looking really pretty, as she always did. She had tied her beautiful, long hair in a high pony and used an emerald green barrette clip to fasten them. Had he ever noticed how her hair turned hundreds of different shades during the day? Oh, well, he probably had, seeing that he had spent almost all Quidditch practices staring at her flaming hair. He heard Ron cough faintly and was recalled to his surroundings. None of his companions were talking, and Ron was looking at him with an half-amused, half-incredulous expression. Ron and Hermione then shared a look and grinned. Harry fervently hoped that the eye-catching was simply because they had sorted out their feelings for each other or something and were going off to find a nice, quiet broom cupboard, and not because they had noticed his obvious attraction towards Ginny. 'Come on, Ron,' said Hermione, taking Ron by the arm. 'You've finished breakfast, haven't you? You really have to complete that essay on Befuddlement Potions for Professor Slughorn.' To Harry's astonishment, Ron didn't argue and went up after Hermione. However, what astonished Harry even more was that Ron winked at him before going. Thinking it was only a trick of the light, he went back to wondering about how to ask Ginny out. Ginny broke the silence first. 'Have you heard about the recent development in the Holyhead Harpies team?' 'Why, what happened?' Ginny went off explaining Harry about their exchange players with Puddlemere United, and how this wouldn't be really good for the team. Harry heard her speak, admiring how her freckles highlighted her bright eyes, and breathing in the intoxicating flowery smell he had come to associate with Ginny. He vaguely registered feeling something wet in his elbow, and was shocked to see Ginny gripping his arm. Feeling goosebumps erupt in the arm which Ginny was holding, he looked at her. She was looking like she was suppressing a grin. 'Harry... you put your elbow in the butter dish...' Horrorstruck, Harry looked at his elbow, and sure enough, it was covered in butter, and hovering inches above the butter dish. Suddenly, Harry vividly remembered something very similar happening in the summer before his second year. Well, Karma had struck. He looked at Ginny once again, ignoring the blush creeping, once again, onto his face. She was smiling now, and suddenly, Harry wanted nothing more than to kiss her. Before he could act on that impulse, however, the bell rang loudly. 'See you later, Harry,' said Ginny, who was still smiling, but look slightly confused. Harry thought he saw a faint blush on her cheeks too.

*wrings hands nervously* How is it?

[elocinnicole]

Butterflies – Part Three

Pairing: Collin Hoskins x Black!Reader

Rating: M for Language and Death

Tagging: @ohsoverykeri

Part One Part Two Part Three

You spent most of the day in your room not wanting to be around Collin. This isn’t the first time you and Collin got into a fight. The last time you could recall, was when he first went to jail and he was complaining about his mom not coming to see him.

A Year Ago

You played with your fingers waiting to see Collin, he’s been locked up for almost a month and the people who came to see him regularly were Miles and yourself. Of course, Val didn’t come but the past couple of times you came to see Collin you would ask his Mom to come along. At first, she would agree but then when it came to the day of she would cancel.

“You got one hour.” You heard the gruff voice of the CO. Collin was escorted to your table, you offered him a small smile which he returned, having been his friend for almost twenty years you knew something was troubling him.

“How you been, Y/N?” Collin pulled you in for a hug, you smiled into the embrace, Even though you saw him last week, it was hard visiting your friend in prison.

“I’ve been good, Collin.”

“That’s enough!” A booming voice barked, Collin rolled eyes and the two of you pulled away. Collin saw the bags of chips on the table and his eyes lit up

“You got some for little old me?” He teased

“Shut up, I only did it because your Mom asked me to.”

“You talked to my Mom?” He asked, you looked at him with sad eyes. The last time you came to visit him, Ms. Nancy had told Collin that she would come to visit with you

“Yeah, uh I know she said she was gonna come with me today, but she wasn’t feeling good this morning…” Collin slowly nodded his head

“Collin—”

“Y/N, I don’t know how she can’t come and see me. I’m her son, Y/N! I’ve been in here for a month and she still hasn’t come to see me. Don’t she miss me?” Collin asked his voice growing loud

“Of course she does, she said she misses you all the time.

“Oh yeah?”

“She said it’s too hard for her.”

“It’s too hard for her?!”

“Hey! Keep it down Hoskins!”

“How do you think I feel? I’m the one that’s locked up!” Collin asked in a loud whisper

“Yeah, over some dumb shit.”

“Oh really? So you been talkin’ to Val?”

“Collin, don’t go there!” You were hoping that this would be a good visit but as time went on you were getting increasingly irritated with your friend.

“How do you think I feel when my Mom won’t come to see me?”

“How do you think she feels? Who do you think called her when you got your ass arrested? Did you know she put a second mortgage on the house to try and bail you out? When I told her that you got arrested the first thing she asked me was did they shoot you? Collin every time I see her or call her on the phone, she cries, the entire time, for you. So, before you get mad think about why she may not want to see her son in handcuffs.”

“Alright, visiting time’s over.” Collin’s CO said and before you knew it they were escorting Collin away from you…again.

You were finishing up a wig for a client when your phone ringed and you saw a text message from Trevon,

You went back to your wig when another text came through, this time from Janelle

The sound of your door creaking open made you look up, you saw Collin slowly entering your room holding a plate of nachos. You tried hard not to smile, nachos were your favorite food to eat. You and Colin would eat them all the time when you were in high school. “Figured you were hungry,” Collin said sitting on the edge of your bed.

“I am, thanks.” You said grabbing the plate of nachos and placing them on your nightstand and joining Collin on your bed. As much as you wanted to discuss your argument from earlier there was an even bigger elephant in the room.

“We need to talk, Collin,” You started

“I’m sorry for not asking about Val, that shit’s foul and it’s your place—”

“I don’t wanna talk about that.” Collin frowned in confusion

“We got gotta talk about the other night, because you can’t be getting mad at me when I go out on a date but I have to ‘understand’ your booty calls with Val.”

“They not booty calls,”

“Oh so what are they?”

“I’m trying to work things out with Val trying to see if we have something,” you rolled your eyes and sighed heavily

“Why do you act like you owe her something?”

“Because I do!”

“Collin, when was the last time you heard from Val other than her wanting some dick?” Collin turned his face away

“Exactly!”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“You bringing all types of niggas in here!”

“First of all, no the fuck I don’t, two, it’s my house. If I wanna bring a nigga all up and through my house I can do that. Besides, it’s not niggas, I’m actually talking to someone and he’s been here once, try again.”

“I’m doing the same thing!”

“No, you’re not, you getting your dick wet just because some bitch says ‘jump’.”

“Don’t be like that Y/N, we didn’t really end things. I just want to see if there’s anything still there.”

“How many times, does Val have to tell you she don’t wanna be with you? Did she come visit you, put money on your books, did she even call your ass?”

“You don’t gotta give me a history lesson, I know all that shit,”

“Did you know she was gonna let your ass rot in that jail cell? She didn’t even want to attempt bail you out.”

“Y/N—”

“Collin, she’s not good for you. I just don’t want to see you hurt again.”

“What makes you think she not good for me?” You were done talking in circles with Collin, at this point, all you wanted to do was be alone.

“You know what Collin, Imma drop it because you gonna do whatever the fuck—-”

“Nah, air out, tell me why you think Val’s not good for me,”

“I’m not about to do this with you, Collin.”

“Y/N, as my friend, shit, one of my best friends, you gotta air out,”

“Janelle sent me a text—” Your phone ringing interrupted you, you almost ignored it but you saw that it was your Mom calling.

“We’re not done with this conversation,” You said before answering your phone.

“Hey, Mom—wait, wait, slow down. What’s going on?” Collin saw your face drop and instantly grew worried

“Okay, okay I’m on my way.” You ended the call, still trying to process the conversation you just had.

“What’s going on?”

“Um, I gotta get to the hospital, my dad just had a heart attack.”

You stared out the window while Collin drove the two of you to your parents house. By the time you got the hospital your mom told you that your dad was gone. Various memories of you and your Dad flashed through your mind. From learning how to ride a bike to when you graduated from cosmetology school and how your Dad treated it like it was a college graduation. That was your Dad though, he went above and beyond for every event for you and you brother no matter how small it was. Being the oldest, you were always a Daddy’s girl. Life without your Dad never really ran across your mind, of course you knew that he wouldn’t be here forever but you didn’t think that time would be now.

You laid on the twin size bed in your old teenage room, staring at the ceiling your eyes focused on the Nelly poster. If you looked at anything else in your room you would’ve broke. You’ve been doing a great job, so far, at managing your emotions, you didn’t have time to fall apart. You have to be there for your Mom, your brother, and your nephews. The bed sunk letting you know that Collin had got in the bed with you. You insisted that he sleep in your brother’s room. Even though it was still the same size bed in his room as well, you know that he would have more space rather than sharing with you. Collin could sense you were barely hanging on, he turned his body toward you, waiting for you to look at him.

“Y/N,” You ignored him, “Y/N, look at me.”

“Collin, I’m fine. We have to get some rest, we gotta get my brother and his kids from the airport early tomorrow.”

“Y/N, can you look at me? Please,”

“Collin, I’m fine. Goodnight.” You turned off the lamp and rolled to your side, hoping Collin would drop it.

The next day Collin, tried to get you to slow down but if you sensed he was trying to talk to you about your Dad you would change the subject or busy yourself with something else. Your mom made a Instagram post so you were getting calls and text messages all day, it was becoming over whelming. Luckily for you, Collin had to work that evening so you didn’t have to deal with him following your every move making sure you were okay. Your brother, Cameron, and you were now attempting to draft your Dad’s obituary.

“I don’t know why we can’t put that in there.” Cameron mumbled under his breath.

“Because, it’s not important! He only spent one semester there,”

“And? That’s where he met Mom!”

“Cam, we only have one page for this obituary, it’s not an autobiography. We can say when they met and got married, period!”

“So you just gonna cut out an important part of Dad’s life?”

“Cam, I’m not—you know what, I can’t do this. Ever since I picked you up from the airport, you’ve been fighting me with every decision. I’m going back to my place,” You huffed quickly getting your bags together.

“So you just gonna leave?”

“Yes, the hell I am.” You left your childhood home, slamming the door shut, once you were halfway down the block you realized that, you didn’t have your car. You let Collin drive it to work. The walk to your place wasn’t long but it was late, your pride hindered you from walking back to your Mom’s and facing your brother again,

“Damnit,” You pulled out your phone and called the first person you could think of. “Hey, can you give me a ride?”

“Thanks, Miles, for picking me up. I know you and Ash are busy with Shauna—”

“You fam, it’s no problem and I’m sorry about your Dad, he was like the only guy I looked up to.”

“Thanks, Miles. You remember that time he caught you skipping school?” Miles chuckled at the memory

“Yeah, I ain’t know he was following me and shit. He hopped out the car like he the muh fuckin police. Then he had my ass running back home while he drove behind me.” You laughed while Miles reminisced until he got a text from Ashely.

“Miles, go home before Ashley beats your ass.”

“Well, shit I’m waitin’ on your ass to get out my car.” You jokingly shoved your friend before getting out

“Bye, Miles!”

“Ay, when you gonna come braid my hair like Ash’s?”

“Bye, Miles!” You shook your head as Miles sped off. Once you got inside you realized that you hadn’t eaten all day. You honestly didn’t feel like cooking so decided to order something from UberEats. Nothing looked appetizing to you so you decided against it. Sitting on your sofa, glass of wine in hand, you finally had time to yourself, no one asking how you were feeling, no one calling to offer condolences, family members and friends you haven’t heard from in years were reaching out, it was too much. Finally having a moment to yourself, you felt the tears coming

“Y/N?” Collin called out, you quickly wiped your tears, not wanting him to see you cry.

“In the living room.” You called out, Collin walked with takeout boxes in hand.

“Figured you’d be hungry,” you gave him a small smile in return.

“Thanks, Collin, but I’m not hungry.”

“You need to eat something—“

“I told you I’m fine, I’ve been telling everyone I’m fine all day! Damn!” You snapped

“Aight, I was just checking on you!”

“I don’t neeed anyone to check on me, I only want one person to check on me and he’s not here!” For the first time today, you finally cried. Collin sat eside you and pulled you close to him

“No amount of food, texts, or phone calls can bring him back.” You cried into Collin’s chest as he held you. You pulled away and Collin cradled your face in his hands, you leaned into the embrace. He gently grabbed your chin and before you knew it, you were kissing Collin. You were the first to pull away and Collin frowned

“What about you and Val—”

“Fuck Val,” Collin said pulling you in for another kiss.

Please let me know, if you would like to be tagged in this series.

[chromium7sky]

The Devil wears Armani | chapter 12

A/n: I'm really sorry for the long hiatus of this au 😭. Finally got some spark about this update and I hope you guys enjoy it. Btw, guess who finally meet Raven? 😆😆

Raven finally reached her home after outing and small reunion with Karen. She remove her heels awkwardly as she yawned. It was a long night.

She tell Karen everything about what happen between her and Damian and of course minus the intimacy in his office.

-flash back-

Karen land her chin on her palm propped on the table as she listen to Raven's story. "You know, this is an interesting story though but did he knew about Melchior?"

Raven narrowed her eyes. " Why would I mention that jerk? Besides me and Damian still haven't declare about our relationship, I mean, he does flirt me back. Not to mention we did kiss..." Raven stop at the kissing part.

"Men can be complicated sometimes." She sighed as she take a bite from the cake she ordered.

"Couldn't agree more since I'm about to marry one." Karen wiggle her fingers that had betrothed ring on it.

Both designer and ex model giggled.

"I...I just hope Damian is serious about it. I'm quite invested my feeling for him." Raven chewed her lips.

"I hope so, Rachel. I hope he does." Karen smiled.

- end flashback-

Raven sighed on her bed after she change her clothes into night gown. "Gotta get some sleep because I'm going to meet him tomorrow. Should I ask again about us?"

Raven's mind wander about the golden question, her eyes start to droop as the cold night beckons her to the land of morpheus.

--------

Damian watched the E! Entertainment as he tidy up his studio to catch up any news on fashion industry then the anchorman, Josh Dirkmann said about a known designer from Europe came to town known as Melchior Draco.

"Melchior?" Damian arched his brows. Another designer in town? Maybe there's an event? And as soon as the reporter had some short interview with the silver hair gentlemen with black suit.

"So what makes you come to Gotham?" The reporter pointed the mic towards the designer.

"Well, a big company invited me to launched both of our collaboration and they said Gotham fit the aesthetic." He answered as he tug his silver hair behind his ears which earn a sneer from Damian as he watch the interview.

"Do you know Raven the designer?"

" Oh, yes. We did compete each other in Paris Fashion Show. She won first while I won second. It was a tough decision for the judges. Just so you know, between you and me, we kinda close during that time." Melchior slip out some interesting info towards the reporter.

The reporter almost gasped and demand for more answer but Melchior quickly waved away and walked towards the hotel lobby.

Damian quickly grab the remote control and closed the show.

" What do you mean close each other?" Both of his eyebrows knitted together. He closed his eyes and throw the remote at the couch. "It doesn't matter."

-------

Raven now in mess. The phone call came in nonstop just because of a statement when Melchior mention that both of them were close and the paparazzi possible sniffing out a scandal.

She sighed and landed her head on her desk. A hard knocking landed on her door makes her jolted. " Come in." As she turn her head towards the door.

Mona came in a hurry with an apologetic face. " Miss Rachel, I forgot to inform you that there will be a journalist came for your gala interview today. I'm really really sorry." Mona bow her head.

Raven stare blankly at Mona while her internal having conflict. 'First it's was Melchior statement and now interview? What...what should I do?'

Her palm start to sweat but quickly she fist up her hand. " When will be the journalist comes?"

The assistant girl check through her tablet. " In two hours."

"Who from where?"

"Jonathan Kent from Daily Planet, ma'am."

"Oh?" The same journalist who interview her winning success in fashion show. " Well, make sure escort him to my office and prepare our boarding room. Easier to execute it in there." Raven gives a stern order.

Mona nodded her head vigorously then quickly exit her room.

------------

She straighten her back as she heard a knock. She breath in. "Come in."

"Ms. Rachel!"

"Mona."

"A journalist came to meet you for Wayne's Gala interview." She gesture her hands towards a young man with curly hair and those prominent square glasses. "Mr. Jonathan Kent."

"Ah, Jonathan. Hi! It's been a while." Raven stretch her hand towards him.

Jon adjust his specs then handshake with her. "Thank you for letting me interview again , Ms. Roth." His face display his friendliness towards her.

Mona bowed her heads and quickly went out of her office. "How about we bring this interview to boarding room? More comfy?" Raven suggest about changing place.

"Yeah, you're right." Jon nodded.

Raven stood up and escort Jon to the meeting room for more proper place to interview.

She open the light switch and pull out a chair. " You can sit here."

"Ah, right, thank you." Jon smiled sheepishly as he pull the leather chair and sit, opposite with the owner of AMZ company.

" So, how long does this interview lasting?" Raven asked him as soon as she's in her seat and lean on the table with both of her hands propped on her chin.

"Well, not long, more or less 10 minutes." The journalist smile sheepishly. "Anyway..." He pull out his notebook, voice recording and a pen."Let us start with, how long you know Damian Wayne?"

"Well...since I was freshly involved in this industry, Mr Wayne offered me to promote myself at Gala." Raven calmly answer as she tried to cover Damian from being involve with fashion drawing class back in those days.

Jon then stopped the voice recording which made her jolted then adjust his specs. "You are the one who have the same class with him right?"

Raven almost gasped but she quickly act nonchalant as she tried to deny it . "Are you try to dig something from me, Mr Kent?"

"Ah, yes. Such as wanted to know more about Dami's secret girl." He smiled.

Dami? Her eyebrow arched as she heard the name. Why in the world he would address Damian that way? "You must be mistaking. We were only in term of business."

"Seriously? I thought you guys were serious." He's moping. "He did ask me about how to flirt a girl too. Man, he's really an emotional constipated." He laughed. "Besides, Dami said he haven't meet her in 3 years after he's graduated."

Raven with her eyes wide as she heard it from him. "HOW DID YOU KNOW ALL THAT?!" She quickly rised from the desk.

Jon jolted as he seen her reaction. " Ah, I guess that's why he keep a secret about his girl." Sweat drop start to rolled down on his forehead. "I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable. Let me introduce myself again."

Jon straighten his back and stretch his hand. "Hi, I'm Jonathan Kent. Dami' s childhood friend and school mate, same goes with roommate at uni and currently, a journalist." He smiled.

Raven tried to process all the information at once and it takes a few moment. "So, you are Damian's close friend?" She point out with as she narrowed her eyes.

"That's right!" Jon's smile getting wider.

"Ah, hello." She slowly put her hands on him which Jon grab it and makes a several shake as he excited to met her.

"It's really pleasure to meet you by the way! For sure if Maya and Colin knew about you they will be screaming or teasing him saying Dami has finally grown up!" He laughed.

Raven sit on her chair with unsure feeling. First the confession, then his childhood friend meet her, and then what? A wedding? She press her lips into a thin line.

"You know, Dami is not that kind of guy when it comes to women. He always thought they were hyenas." Jon chuckled.

"Hyenas?" Raven puzzled. "What's with hyenas?"

"Ever since he lives in Gotham, he always seen his father been in and out with other women who prey for money. Still, poor him having lack of parent's love." Jon sighed.

That explain why he's being hard on anyone. Raven attentively listen to Jon's story. "You know, he has pets like a zoo at his house. From cow to snakes. I remember when I came, This Alfred the cat always sulking and threaten to scratch me."

"An animal lover? That much?" Both of Raven's eyebrow jumpy as she heard it. She could imagine if Damian standing on the field, as birds will land on him, it either makes him look like Disney princess or a scarecrow.

"Most of them are animal rescue." Jon nodded.

"I see..." Then Raven suddenly remember something. "How did Damian took fashion drawing class by the way?"

"Actually we suggested to him. I mean seriously, you haven't seen his potrait and figure drawing, Those are amazing! He most likely to observe the surrounding and draw on his sketch book while on his free time."

Wait. Does that means Damian has a secret sketch book like her? Raven unconsciously put her hands on her lips.

"Still, what makes you suspect it was me? I mean we haven't contact it for a while."

"Other than he told me that he haven't met her in three years, I've seen a drawing that looks just like you at his studio." Jon smiled.

There it is.

Raven sighed and there's a slightly red tint on her ears.

"Why you haven't contact him when he's in middle east?" Jon asked curious question.

"It was because when I know that he's Damian Wayne, I..I was screwed. I mean, Wayne as in Wayne Enterprise. The biggest contributor on east side. Me? I'm just, just an orphan girl who try to rise my own feet."

"Oh?"

"My mother died when I was 14. I still don't know who were my father is and all I got is this necklace from my mother." She showed the necklace to Jon.

The young journalist seems to be fasinating with it's design. "I wonder where did your mother got this?"

Raven sighed as she try to remember. " I'm not sure. All I remember that it's been in heritage for years."

"I see." Jon rubbed his chin. "Well, Maybe you should hang up with us sometimes. I'm sure Colin and Maya would love to see you." He smiled.

"The thing is, Jon. I'm still unclear about between us." Raven chewed her lips.

"Ah nonsense, he really likes you. I can see from the way he look at you."

"Is it? Wait, where did you saw him see me?"

"I think it was two day before?"

Raven slap both of her cheeks. OH MY GOD, HE SAW BOTH OF US KISSING.

"And don't worry. I won't tell a soul, though, I've been warn by him and probably will be dig out by Colin and Maya." Jon widen his smile as sweat start to rolled down on his cheek."Dami has been my friend of more than a decade. I understand the way he express himself."

Raven nodded slowly. " Jon, a question."

"Yeah?"

"Since you are a journalist, do you know anything about Melchior?" Raven voice change to serious tone.

"That Silver Blond guy?"

"Yeah."

" I heard he's having collaboration with a big company. However, another speculation I heard that he choose Gotham because of its mysterious aesthetic."

"Well, uh, there's something I heard during interview. He claimed that we were close during the fashion show competition."

Raven as stared at the desk.

"Been wondering myself too. Are you close to him?" Jon's curious eyes start to lit.

"We do only for a while but the thing is he stole my design during that time which I never forgive myself for letting me get fooled by him." Raven sighed then she looked at Jon. "Wait. Don't tell me you're going to put this on paper?"

"Wait, I get it." Jon again propped his hand on his chin. "No wonder I've seen familiarity design between both of you. Plus you're having a hard time too."

"Uh, Jon?"

"I think I found something to investigate." Jon's mischievous smiles start to paint on his face.

"Now you act like Damian."

"Damian is more hardcore. I'm still on the average level." Jon beamed his happy face on her.

"Well, I think our interview stopped here. Besides, I need to cover some story from Me Wayne itself about the gala."

"Dami?"

"Yep."

"So, nice to meet you, Ms. Rachel Roth. It's been a pleasure talking to you."

"It's been a pleasure to spill tea with you." Raven smug.

Jon blinked then put on his mischievous smile.

-------

Somewhere in his office, Damian sneezed for no reason. " Is it me or is this office are getting colder?" He looked at the air ventilation.

[fangirlovestuff]

A Very Colin Christmas - Colin Shea x reader

Ch.4 - A Holy Jolly Christmas

ch.1  ch.2  ch.3

a/n - hey lovely people!! here’s the fourth chapter, and a reminder that tomorrow there’s no chapter and friday will be the last one, so happy Christmas eve eve to those who celebrate, enjoy!<3

Summary: Slowly but surely, you discover why Colin was so apprehensive about having his family over, and also realize something you should’ve realized long ago...

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: curse words, angst if you squint

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, it was the morning of Christmas eve, and you figured you should do some grocery shopping before stores close down for the holidays, so you put on your clothes and headed out of the apartment, locking the door behind you and turning around to –

"Good morning," Eleanor was standing in the threshold of Colin's apartment, the morning newspaper in her hand.

"Good morning," you answered with a smile you hoped didn't look too fake.

"Who lives there?" she asked.

"Just, uh… my friend," you shifted uncomfortably. "I um, this morning I got a text to… come help her, and now we're done and it's still pretty early so I figured I wouldn't bother you. I was just going home to change."

"Alright, we'll see you later I assume," she stated.

"Of course," you smiled awkwardly and went down the stairs as quickly as you could. Once you were out of the building you started heading to the shop, and as you were walking you pulled out your phone to call Colin. He didn't answer, and you sighed in frustration before putting your phone back in your bag. You hoped he had enough sense to handle it on his own.

While you were shopping, there were some interesting developments at Colin's.

"Colin," Eleanor barged into his room and opened the curtain. "I think your girlfriend is cheating on you."

It took his foggy brain a second to register her words. "What?"

"I don't think you can trust her," she crossed her hands on her chest.

"Good morning to you too," he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"Colin, I'm being serious, I-"

"I know mom, let me just wake up for a few minutes and we can talk about it, alright?"

"Fine," she said, her lips drawn into a thin line and left the room. Colin sighed groggily and went to get dressed and brush his teeth. He didn't know what the fuck his mom was talking about, but he sure as hell was going to stall as much as he could without knowing.

When he went into the kitchen, she was there. Obviously.

"There you are! So this morning I went out to bring the newspaper."

"Anything interesting in it?" he asked as he started making himself a coffee.

"No, but listen to this – when I was in the hallway the door opposite opened, and guess who came out? Your girlfriend, Colin. It was your girlfriend."

It took all of his willpower not to burst into laughter on the spot. Instead, he frowned. "What did she say?"

"That her friend was living there and needed help. But I'm not buying it," she shook her head. "She looked very suspicious."

"Well, she's telling the truth mom," he smiled. "Her friend is living there. She introduced us, actually," he lied casually.

"Oh," Eleanor frowned. "Okay then."

Only when she left Colin could allow himself to snicker into his coffee. That was close.

When you came back with your groceries, you prayed Eleanor wouldn't see you, since you couldn't excuse that away if she had. But thankfully, the hallway was empty, and you let yourself into your apartment without any more awkward encounters.

You shot Colin a text asking him when he wanted you to "arrive" at his place, and he said that in about an hour or so. That gave you just enough time to take a long shower and almost forget about the morning.

An hour later, fresh out of the shower, you knocked on Colin's door. Eleanor opened the door, and she smiled a tight-lipped smile as she ushered you in.

You both sat down in the living room, Colin and his dad nowhere in sight. You assumed they were both somewhere in the house and simply didn't hear you arrive, but you thought asking where they were was maybe a little tactless as Eleanor led the way to the living room, sitting down seemingly eager to talk to you.

"So," she started, "how did you and Colin meet?"

"Oh, um," you fumbled over your words for a second trying to come up with a convincing story, "I met him at a gig of his. I thought his music was great and when we got to know each other I realized how great he was himself," you smiled.

"Really? That's funny, because Colin told me your friend from across the hall was the one who introduced you…" she trailed off in an unsaid question.

Your heart was racing as you tried to keep up with your lies, but you didn't let it show. "Well, she actually did. She was the one who brought me to see his show that night. When she told me her neighbor was a musician I was a little skeptical, but we both had a great time. After the show she took me backstage and introduced us, and the rest is history," you channeled your relief into a smile.

"Grilling her already, mom?" Colin said from behind you and you resisted the urge to sigh in relief as he came to sit beside you, wrapping his arm around your shoulders.

"We were just having a conversation, son," she chuckled.

You chuckled as well, trying to diffuse the tension. "Yeah, I was just telling her about the night we met, when we were at that gig of yours."

"Oh yeah, it's a cute story," he smiled at you.

"When are Andy, Laurie and Jacob coming for dinner?" you asked in an attempt to change the subject before it gets awkward.

"They should be here at around six," Colin replied.

"Oh, you know Andy's a lawyer, right?" Eleanor asked you.

"Yes, we talked about it last night," you chuckled embarrassedly.

"Ah, of course! Anyway, I'm just wondering why his brother here doesn't follow in his footsteps," she reached forward as if sharing a secret with you. "You know, if you ever want to start a family, a steady income is very important."

"Well, we haven't even moved in yet, Eleanor," you were getting a little pissed now. "I'd say I have no say in what Colin chooses to do or not do, right?"

"Of course, I'm just worried about my little boy," she smiled at Colin and he returned what looked more like a grimace than a smile.

"You shouldn't be," you said, "he's wonderful," you looked at him and smiled genuinely.

"Awww, thank you," he said playfully, and you giggled.

"You two are such a cute couple," William, Colin's father said as he entered the room, sitting next to Eleanor.

"Yeah, you are," she agreed with him.

You and Colin just smiled at them. You didn't know what he was thinking, but what you yourself were thinking terrified you. I wish we were.

Soon enough everyone was there and you could start on the Christmas dinner, which was mostly courtesy of Eleanor and Laurie but at least Colin provided the venue. While you were eating, they were all talking amongst themselves, which left you plenty of time to think things over.

The thing was, while you had initially agreed to all of this, you just thought of it as a favor to a friend, nothing more, and now you were starting to realize just how… magical denial was. Because even in Colin's family was kind of annoying, apart from his admittedly hot older brother, Colin was surprisingly un-annoying for the last couple of days. He was actually being really… sweet.

It was the last thought that truly sent you spiraling. Because knowing Colin can be this sweet made it all the more bitter that it wasn't true.

Before, you could just tell yourself that Colin Shea wasn't really capable of love. That he wasn't ready. But now that you were seeing him like this, you knew that wasn't true, it couldn't be. No, the agonizing reality was – he can love. He just didn't want that, and certainly not with you. He had every opportunity to start something with you – hell, even just a one night stand – and he didn't. Sure, he flirted and joked around, but when it came down to it, you knew what Colin Shea seriously flirting looked like, and it never once happened with you, and you were sure of that.

Because if he really tried, deep down you knew you would let him succeed.

The food in your mouth suddenly became too dry, and you gulped down some water to steady yourself.

After dinner, everyone sat down in the living room to watch a Christmas movie. You and Colin sat next to each other on the couch, and you were trying to concentrate on the film when his hand wrapped around your shoulder. Nothing too bold.

You tried to hold your concentration, but then he started drawing patterns on your shirt, running his hand along the covered curve of your shoulder and all together with your thoughts it was… just too much.

"You know what guys?" you said after a few minutes, "I think I should probably go. I'm just pretty tired, I'm sorry," you said as you left your chair.

They all just kind of stared at you, and you didn't blame the after that out of the blue statement. All you knew is that you needed out of here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[venialsun]

to begin with, take warning (2/3)

[read on ao3]

1 | 2 | 3

When Damian found his way to his first class of the day, having missed something called homeroom and the first ten minutes, the instructor shook his head playfully and made Damian introduce himself and explain what he had done over the summer. He could not say he had spent the past few months traipsing across the globe, hanging out with killers and thieves, and dying more often than not as he tried to escape the oppressive feeling that had descended upon Gotham after years of tragedies and increasing catastrophes. So he said he spent some time with his mother’s family on their private island, which was close enough, took a seat at the back of the room, and listened to his classmates reconnect with old friends and talk about their vacations and holidays with an increasing sense of annoyance.

The rest of the morning classes were no better. The teachers would guide the students through introductions and some small talk, go through their syllabus, and sometimes begin a lesson that Damian was entirely bored by. A few of his classmates tried to speak with him, asking him questions about his family, about himself, and smiling welcomingly at him, but the last thing he wanted to do was talk about that can of worms. He was not sure what he would say, how to spin his life into something half-truthful yet still benign. He’d never had to before. The rest of the students ignored him, and he was more than happy to ignore them right back.

By lunchtime, he was contemplating leaving and telling his Father he was done with this whole experiment. But Yanez’s yellow slip burned in his pocket, and Damian was not one to give up so easily. He would make it through the day, if nothing else.

The technology atrium was between the main academic building and the arts auditorium. A squat addition to the main building with walls made of glass and supported by steel beams, it stuck out like a sore thumb against the dark slate stones and high neo-Gothic arches and spires of the rest of Gotham Academy. Damian glowered as he neared and realized this was not only the technology atrium but, according to the placard over the main entrance, the Kenneth H. Wayne Technology Atrium.

Of course.

Inside, rows of computers and long tables encircled a central desk where a young woman sat typing at a laptop. She looked up as Damian approached and asked, “What’s up?”

Damian fished out the yellow slip and showed it to her. “Principal Yanez assigned me community tutoring or whatever.”

She took the slip and scanned it. “Already? Dang, kid, what’d ya do?”

“Nothing.”

“Yeah, yeah, that’s what they all say. Hold on. Let me pull her notes.” She busied herself clicking and scrolling, then paused. “Oh, wow. I see. Well, hi, Damian. Glad to have you. I’m Miss Daisy.” She handed him back the slip.

“Daisy?” he repeated, incredulous.

“Well, Miss Daskalakis, but I got tired of all you runts mispronouncing it.”

“Miss Daskalakis,” said Damian, exactly.

Daskalakis smiled. “That was pretty good, actually. Okay, in about ten minutes, we should have some of the PSAT and SAT kids show up for their first prep. Make yourself comfortable at one of the tables, eat some of your lunch, and when they show up I’ll introduce you and explain the rundown.”

“Lunch?”

“You brought something to eat, didn’t you? Or you can go pick something up at the cafeteria.” She glanced at her laptop. “There’s still time, and since it’s the first day, there’s no rush.”

Damian hesitated. “Principal Yanez said I was to report here.”

“We’re not going to make you skip lunch, Damian,” said Daskalakis. “I’m pretty sure that’s illegal. Here, what do you want?” She pulled out her phone. “I’ll message my assistant to bring you something. He should already be at the cafeteria.”

“Anything vegetarian,” he said.

Daskalakis gave him a thumbs up. “Got it.”

He went to sit at one of the long tables. Surreptitiously, he pulled out his phone to figure out what in the world the PSAT and SAT were supposed to be. He was puzzling his way through the most confusingly worded, backwards maths questions he had ever read, when the door opened. Damian glanced up and froze.

The red-headed boy at the entrance to the atrium also froze, eyes wide like he had seen a ghost.

“Colin!” called Daskalakis. “Hey, this is Damian. Thanks for grabbing lunch.”

“Colin,” Damian said.

“Damian,” said Colin Wilkes. “Oh, my god. Damian. Dude!”

“Do you two know each other?” asked Daskalakis.

“No,” said Damian, at the same time Colin said, “Yes.” Then Colin said, “No,” at the same time Damian said, “Yes.”

“Cool,” said Daskalakis, dragging out the oo. “Cool, cool, cool. Can you guys figure that out? We have, like, five minutes.”

Colin approached and deposited what looked like a rice dish with vegetables in front of him. “Um, this is for you. I didn’t know what you wanted, so I got you a taco bowl minus the taco.”

“Thanks,” said Damian, accepting the not-taco bowl.

“So.” Colin sat across from him. “Long time no see, huh.”

Damian snorted. “I’ve been busy,” he said.

“No shit. Your family has been freaking out for like the past six months, saying you’re missing and Robin went rogue or something. Then the old Robin came back. The Titans restarted. Then there’s video of another Robin sword-fighting crime all over the world. I assume that was you. Dude, I thought you were dead.”

“To be fair,” said Damian as he opened his taco bowl and mixed the ingredients, “I was. A couple of times. Doesn’t seem to stick.”

Colin laughed. “Your mom?”

Damian chuckled, startling himself. “Something like that. Though the first time was a few years back. I was—gone—for nearly a year, and my Father resurrected me with alien magic.”

“Sick. I remember that,” said Colin. “You dropped off the face of the earth. Didn’t come by the orphanage anymore or sneak out with me for patrols. People were saying Batman went crazy. I thought you just decided you didn’t want to hang out anymore.”

“I—” Damian spooned some rice into mouth. Chewed, swallowed. Colin looked at him throughout, unrelenting. “I didn’t ignore you deliberately. And then after I came back, things were so…”

Colin waved a hand and unwrapped a greasy slice of pizza. He took a bite. “It’s cool, man. You literally just told me you’ve died multiple times. Plural. I can get over my hurt feelings. Seems kind of trivial in comparison.”

Damian frowned and ate some more rice. Colin ate his pizza. Then Damian set his fork down, resolute, grip tight on the handle. As evenly as he could, he said, “I apologize for not being a better friend to you.”

“Whoa.” Colin’s eyebrows shot up. His expression pinched with worry as he searched Damian’s face. “What happened, man?”

Damian swallowed.

Then the door opened again, and an older boy—sixteen or seventeen—peaked inside and asked, “Is this SAT prep?”

“Sure is,” said Daskalakis from the central desk. She stood and indicated Damian and Colin to follow her. “Come in, come in, I’ll set you up right over here.”

Damian stood. “Later,” he said in an undertone. “I’ll explain later. I promise.”

“Okay,” Colin agreed. “But if you disappear on me again, this time I know where you go to school, so there’s no use hiding.”

“Have you known me to ever hide from anything?”

Colin smirked and said nothing.

Damian’s face felt suddenly warm. “Shut up,” he said. “We have work to do.”

•

Surprisingly, tutoring his fellow students was not the disaster he thought it would be. There was some initial skepticism from the upperclassmen about being tutored by a fourteen-year-old, but after Daskalakis declared him “a genius prodigy or something, according to Yanez,” that eventually quieted. It helped that though the PSAT and SAT problems and questions were simple enough, the wording and specificity grated on him, and soon he was insulting the intelligence of the College Board and standardized tests in general. That endeared him to the upperclassmen, and afterward the rest of the lunch hour passed without trouble.

Colin sidled up next to Damian as he gathered his materials to leave and showed him a crumpled-up piece of paper. “What’s your next class?” he asked. It was his schedule.

“Physical education,” said Damian. He had already memorized his own.

“Oh, really? Sweet. Me, too. We’ll go to PE together. I met Coach Freeman at the orientation. I think you’ll like her. What about after?”

Damian listed off his afternoon classes: physical education, then biology, then ancient rhetorics, and ending with a free study period. They shared no core classes, only homeroom, lunch, and physical education. Colin teased him for taking the honors track, and Damian started to complain that the classes were not interesting let alone challenging. But then he got sidetracked by wondering why Colin was somehow not in the honors track but still Daskalakis’s assistant for community tutoring (which, Damian insisted, was a dumb idea for punishments and an even dumber name). Colin laughed and explained he mostly helped with the younger kids. He said he was good with them, thanks to all the practice he’d had helping the nuns wrangle traumatized orphans and foster kids while growing up in the orphanage.

“After all that, spoiled rich kids are easy,” Colin said. He nudged Damian in the ribs. “It’s why we’re friends.”

“I thought that was because we both liked beating up on creeps a little too much,” said Damian, wry.

Colin grinned, and for a moment his face seemed to take on the grisly severity of Abuse—Venom-distorted and menacing. “That too.”

Physical education—“Just call it PE, dude,” Colin said—was a bore, more than Damian had anticipated. After changing into their gym uniforms and the requisite round of introductions, Coach Freeman set them on an obstacle course made up of rubber tires and colorful ropes. Damian was not impressed. But he remembered what his Father had said about damaging school property and refrained from destroying the so-called obstacles as he passed his struggling classmates and returned to Coach Freeman.

“What now?” he asked. To his frustration, he had hardly broken a sweat.

“Excuse me,” said Freeman. “Why aren’t you on the course?”

“I’ve finished it.”

“You’ve finished it?” Freeman checked the stopwatch hanging from her neck. “In slightly under six minutes? I don’t think so. Did you take a shortcut?”

“No,” said Damian. “It was easy.”

“Right. Well, if it was so easy, then hop to it. Do it again,” she said. “And this time, I’ll be watching you.”

“Weren’t you already supposed to be doing that?” asked Damian, but he did not argue further and restarted the course. It was better than doing nothing and standing around like an invalid, anyway.

This time he forced himself to go slower, aware he had done something abnormal. But it wasn’t his fault he was above this child’s play. He jogged the 100 meters to the start of course, climbed up the wooden incline, jumped down, belly-crawled under the mesh ropes, alternated jumps between tires then between wooden slats, climbed the rope to ring a bell, balanced across the too-wide beams, swung from bar to bar, and finished off by climbing over three wooden walls of increasing height. At the last wall, he paused and pulled a girl who had been struggling for the last two minutes up and over. Then he jumped down and high-fived Colin, who had finished his first runthrough. Going slower had forced him to focus the strain on his muscles, and the burn in his body and clarity of mind was starting to feel comforting and familiar.

He jogged back to Coach Freeman. “Shall I go again?”

She clicked her stopwatch and stared at it. Then she stared at him. “Slightly under eight minutes,” she said. “What’s your name, son?”

“I’m not your son.” He crossed his arms. “And name’s Damian. Damian Wayne.”

“Wayne, huh?” Freeman grinned. “Well, Mr. Wayne, Gotham Academy’s happy to have you. What’s your poison?”

“Pardon?”

“Your sport, Mr. Wayne. Your sport. Everyone’s got one. And if you don’t, not to worry. The Academy’s got a team for everything. You’ll be attending the end-of-day assembly, correct?”

“It is mandatory,” said Damian.

“Perfect,” said Freeman. “The main teams will be doing showcases there. Scope them out, see what you think. General tryouts are in two weeks, and I expect to see you there.”

Damian grimaced. “Do you now.”

Freeman nodded. “Sure do.” Then her attention drifted; her nose scrunched, she blew her whistle and screamed across the field, “You two, under the mesh! Keep your hands to yourselves! No one needs to see all that!”

•

The rest of the day passed quickly. He ran the course twice more, for the hell of it, alternating between pausing to help a classmate over a particularly difficult hurdle or shouting at them to hurry the hell up so Damian could finish already. He got used to the rhythm of it, the formula of general teacher attention interspersed with student social-play. By Ancient Rhetorics, he was an old hat at describing his incredibly fun island adventure halfway across the world and not scowling whenever anyone bemoaned their envy at the life of a rich socialite without responsibilities or true problems. He had even managed to hold a few short conversations with two or three of his classmates, though for the life of him he could not remember their names. A day of nothing but introductions had thoroughly fried his brain and prevented him from retaining anything more complicated than Jessica—because there did seem to be an awful lot of Jessicas.

His phone buzzed as the early bell rang and he merged into the streaming crowd of students heading for the auditorium for the back-to-school assembly.

It was a message from his Father:

Dinner tonight.

He frowned and tapped out a quick reply.

“Hey, Damian, over here!”

Damian looked up. Across the auditorium, Colin was surrounded by a group of teenagers and waving him over. Damian approached, pocketing his phone as he went. Then he paused and groaned when he recognized the small girl with yellow hair ribbons hovering excitedly between Colin and another group of older-looking students.

Fuck it. Damian ducked behind some large boys in jerseys and helmets—not hiding, per se, just utilizing his extensive array of evasive maneuvers to achieve a desired outcome—but it was too late. She had already spotted him.

“Oh my crap! Damian! You’re here?!”

Damian sighed and accepted his fate. With as much dignity as he had left, he emerged from behind the football team.

“Of course you two know each other,” he muttered.

“Huh?” said Colin.

“It is you!” exclaimed Maps Mizoguchi. “Olive, look who it is!”

From the group of older students, a girl with platinum blonde hair glanced over and, seeing Damian, scowled. “Oh,” said Olive Silverlock. “I did hear a Wayne was coming to Gotham Academy. Weren’t you expelled already?”

“You’ll find I’m hard to get rid of, Silverlock,” said Damian.

“Yanez is a softie, of course she let you back in,” continued Olive, as if he hadn’t spoken. “Hammerhead would’ve rather died.”

“You guys know each other?” asked Colin, looking concerned and glancing between them.

“No,” said Damian and Olive, at the same time Maps said, “Heck yeah! We’re all friends!”

“Doth mine ears deceive me? Did I hear Wayne—as in billionaire, more-money-than-I-would-know-what-to-with, bordering-on-unethical-wealth Wayne?” An older boy with sunglasses popped up behind Damian and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Good sir, might I interest you in—”

“Remove yourself from my person at once before I break your arm.”

The boy held up his hands and stepped away. “Got it, got it. No touchy. I can respect that,” he said. “So, Wayne, how do you feel about acquiring some fireworks for your own personal mischief?” He tilted his sunglasses down, conspiratorially. “At a discounted price, of course. Us trouble-makers have to stick together, y’know.”

“Quit it, Colton,” snapped Olive.

“Yeah,” laughed Colin. “That was Damian being nice.”

“You associate with these people?” Damian asked.

Colin shrugged. “I’m a part-time member of the Detectives Club.”

“Pizza club,” corrected Maps.

“The what.”

“Nerd club that solves school mysteries and shit,” said a girl from Colin’s group of younger students. She waved. “Hey, I’m Jess. Nice to meet you.”

Another fucking Jessica.

“Damian,” said Damian, putting up a hand in greeting.

This started another round of introductions and names he immediately deleted from his memory. Who knew Colin was so popular? It was the first day of school; he had not thought it was possible to align yourself with so many friends so quickly unless your name was Dick Grayson.

Slowly, both groups of younger and older students shuffled forward to their seats, helped along by the half-hearted encouragement of manic-looking adults. Somehow, Damian found himself squished between both groups, Colin on one side and Maps on another, as they chatted across him about summer and clubs and the teachers they already hated. Sensing an opportunity Damian told them of his run-in with Headmaster Hammer that morning, which triggered another round of commiserating laughter and louder complaints about what a hardass Hammerhead was—for they called the headmaster Hammerhead. Olive and Maps were the only ones to defend him, citing his one-man defense of the Academy when Joker had tried to take over the city two years ago.

“So?” said Damian. “Joker’s a bitch. He tries to take over the city all the time. That’s not impressive.”

By which a stuffy-looking blond boy in the row behind them became offended, scoffing, and Damian begrudgingly felt his respect grow for Colin’s friends as they immediately dog-piled on the boy for his shit opinion. Then no one could agree who of the Gotham rogues wasn’t a little bitch. And the argument devolved from there until Olive said Batman was a little bitch, too. Everyone laughed.

The lights dimmed. An off-key note rang out as the school band warmed up, and Headmaster Hammer and Principal Yanez stepped on stage.

Slowly in fits and starts, the auditorium quieted, and the assembly began.

next ->

[comfy-whumpee]

Polycule 1

I don’t know what else to call this arc. Polyamory comf makes me happy.

Taglist: @lonesome--hunter, @iaminamoodymoodtoday, @wildfaewhump, @ishouldblogmore, @lektricwhump, @that-one-thespian, @raigash, @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi, @rosesareviolentlyread, @castielamigos-whump-side-blog

“Oh shit! Oh shit, yeah, I’m right there.”

Addison grabbed her jacket and her keys and jogged from the house to her bike. A kick and a twist, and she was roaring off down the road. It was a ten-minute ride to Nic’s – and – Nic and Ellis’s place. For the first time, Ellis was there.

She pulled up and dismounted. She was almost nervous. Nic had told her a lot about Ellis since they’d met four months ago, and because of the whole situation with the guilt-tripping parents, she’d kind of become their confidante. Nic was ninety-five-percent sunshine, and Iz had no problem being there when it rained. Nic needed to vent, and that wasn’t hard to listen to. They needed hugs, and those were a pleasure to give.

And now, Iz was being invited to meet the man himself, and be a friend he sorely needed.

She knocked on the door. Nic opened it with a smile, and made Iz wait a second before stepping back. “He’s already met Felicity, and it went okay. He agreed to meet someone else.”

Iz nodded, resolving not to screw this up.

Nic then turned back to the house, “Hey, honey. My friend is here. You ready?”

There was no audible answer, but Nic smiled and tilted their head, inviting her in. Addison stepped into the room, and looked immediately to the right, where the living room proper was half-screened by a coat rack. Visible through the gaps were pale folded hands and knees.

Nic went over first. Iz followed more slowly, sensing the tension in the air despite Nic’s casual attitude.

She sat down on the floor by the stairs, taking off her boots and jacket. She smiled at Ellis, and fuck, he was even prettier in person, but she didn’t hold his gaze. Instead, she leaned back to look at the room as if she hadn’t seen it before. “Oh, the succulent,” she remarked, seeing the little plant on the desk with its flower.

“Yeah, it bloomed!” Nic agreed, picking up the pot to show her. They were on the sofa, still acting casual. “Its name is Colin, I decided.”

“Isn’t that your brother’s name?”

In the edge of her vision, she saw Ellis shake his head, even as Nic said, “No, that’s Calvin. I wouldn’t name something this cute after that lil shit.”

Iz laughed quietly. “Do you have siblings, Ellis?”

Maybe the question was too sudden, because he looked up at her in alarm. He hadn’t expected to be included. Light brown eyes went wide, but she noticed that he didn’t open his mouth to speak. He shook his head.

“Ah, lucky. I have twin baby sisters. I love them a lot, don’t get me wrong, but Daisy especially is a drama queen. She’s always got beef with someone at her college and I’m so done with it. Last time I spoke to her she was up in arms about this presentation they’re doing, and how she was totally doing all the work because her group mates are too busy partying, and I know she’s exaggerating because she’s out almost every night.”

Ellis was still paying attention, but he looked nonplussed.

“Nothing compared to Calvin, though. Have you met him? I’m guessing so.”

Yes and no questions seemed to land easily enough. Ellis nodded.

“Like him?”

He glanced at Nic, who covered their eyes with a hand and gave him a thumbs up with the other. The ghost of something resembling a smile crossed his face, and he shook his head.

Iz grinned. “You get me. I’m glad they have someone else who stands up for them.”

“Um,” Nic interjected, “I stand up for myself, thank you very much.”

“Sure, whatever. Do y’all want to watch a film? I brought Captain Marvel, you seen it?”

This time, her gaze was on Ellis. Nic smiled, impressed, but of course Iz remembered learning about his love of space and superheroes. And he’d been gone while it came out, so...

She smiled in triumph when he shook his head. “I think you’ll like it. You too, Nic.” She got up, noticing but not reacting to the way Ellis tensed, and crossed to the sofa to put the disc into the computer. Nic sat down, and waved her to their other side, by the window, as the loading screen came up.

“Do you wanna join us up here, Ellis?” they asked. “You’re allowed.”

A cold chill passed over Iz at the words. Nic had explained a little bit of the way Ellis had been held captive, and the degrading shit he was forced to do, but hearing Nic gently, achingly counteract it, for something so simple, made her heart clench.

She stayed very still as Ellis slowly unfolded himself and his weight settled on the other end of the sofa.

“You can have touch or no touch, if you have a preference today.”

Another pause, and then the shuffling of someone snuggling close. Iz glanced over to see Nic’s arms around his shoulders, his around their waist, face half-buried in their shoulder. The way he must have hugged the bastard who kept him. Nic’s expression was a smile, with sadness buried deep in their eyes. This hurt. It hurt them, and it wasn’t right, and there weren’t enough knives in the world for that guy and what he’d done to them both.

Don’t get angry. Ellis would be terrified of anger. She had to be safe. She would be safe.

Iz took a quick calming breath, and set the movie to play.

[before-we-get-started]

Dream Come True

Colin Shea x O/C Corinne MacAdam

Multi-Chapter Story - Complete

Summary: Colin Shea and his band Rock the Cradle are finally making it big - until something unexpected happens. When he meets a girl that makes him reconsider his player ways, he thinks his life may be coming together, until she blows it apart.

Warning: Bad language, smut, suicidal ideations - no one under 18, please

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please do not read if you are underage. I do not own the character of Colin Shea; the rest are my original characters. By reading beyond this point, you understand the disclaimers as posted.

Chapter Six

To say Rapscallion’s was hopping on Saturday was an understatement. Waitresses were balancing round trays with mugs of beer and drinks, spinning around customers as they piled into the bar. Cori was glad she got there early and grabbed a table. Her friends came in and she waved to get their attention.

“Holy hell, this place is rocking!” said Sarah. “I haven’t been here in a long time, looks the same.”

“This used to be my brother’s favorite place, I always wanted to sneak out with him and come here,” said Jana.

They’d been friends since elementary school, stayed in touch during college and now they were all making their way in the world. Only Cori had been in a serious relationship. The other girls were playing the field, enjoying single life.

A waitress took their order and they picked out appetizers and beers. It was eight o’clock, the band should be out any time.

“So you know someone in the band?” Jana asked as the lights dimmed and stage lights came up.

“Yes, he’s my neighbor,” said Cori.

“What’s his name?”

“Colin Shea.”

Both of her friends all but dropped their beer bottles on the table. “Colin Shea? Are you kidding?”

“No,” she said. “Why?”

“That bastard. He picked me up at a party and told me he’d dreamed of a girl like me. The next morning, he was gone when I woke up. He never even called.”

“I’ve got one better than that!” said Sarah. “I slept with him at his apartment and when I woke up, he was gone. From HIS apartment. Turns out he was hiding out across the hall until I left.”

“Across the hall?” said Cori.

“Yeah, the girl that lived there let him hide out from all the conquests he didn’t have the balls to talk to anymore after sleeping with them.”

Cori looked down at her beer bottle and made a face.

“What?” said Sarah.

“I think that’s my apartment now. I live across the hall from him.”

They all looked at each other and started laughing. “Well, you should put a toll booth on the sixth floor. You’ll retire early with all the traffic at his apartment.”

“And be careful. He’s incredibly charming,” said Sarah.

Just then, the manager of the bar took the stage. “This is a big night for us here at Rapscallion’s. We’re happy to host the return of our favorite band, ladies and gentleman the ones you’ve been waiting for, Rock the Cradle!”

A roar went up as Colin and the boys took the stage. Of course he was out front, lead guitarist and singing lead. Cori gasped when she saw him, then tried to find some air to breathe. He had on black leather pants and boots, a white button up shirt with the sleeves roll up to just below his elbows. His hair was moussed and his chain with the medallion and sexy chest tattoo were on full display. He looked gorgeous.

“Damn,” Sarah said next to her, “now I remember why I slept with him.”

The band played a set and sounded fantastic. They recognized a couple of the songs but she bet the others were originals. They were all good. When the set ended, Colin announced they were taking a break and would be back in a few.

The girls decided this would be a good time to hit the bathroom, so they decided Cori would stay with their purses and go last. Sarah and Jana made their way through the crowd, shoulder to shoulder with the other customers. As people filed past their booth, a guy stopped, gripping onto the edge of the table as the crowd brushed past him.

“Sorry,” he said to Cori, “just trying to stay alive.”

She burst out laughing and so did he. He was tall and thin with brown wavy hair and wire framed glasses. He had on a Pixies t-shirt and jeans and had gorgeous brown eyes. He tried to merge back out from the table but the crowd was too heavy.

“Do you mind if I sit?”

“No, please,” said Cori, pulling the purses over.

“I’ll just wait until I can actually merge without crashing. Seth, by the way.” He extended his hand.

“Cori.”

“Nice to meet you Cori. Do you come here often?” He stopped, his eyes wide. “Did I really just say that?”

She laughed again. “Actually no. I came to see the band, I’m friends with one of them.”

“Oh yeah? My buddies and I used to come and hear them all the time, we missed them when they quit playing. I was glad to hear they were back.”

“Yeah, they’re really good. It’s my first time seeing them play. I just moved into a new apartment and one of the guys is my neighbor.”

“Very cool. I love the nachos here, probably have more of them than I should,” he said. He had a gorgeous smile, and Cori found herself smiling back.

“I live a few blocks over, share an apartment with my buddy.” He pointed over his shoulder towards another table. “I work for a legal office down the street, run their IT department. I love this neighborhood.”

“Me too,” she said. “I just got here but it seems great.”

He hesitated and took a breath like he was preparing for something. “Would you join me one night? For nachos? Or whatever you want, I mean, if you don’t like them, but, like, for dinner?”

He was nervous and she found it so charming. “I’d love to,” she said. “Thank you.”

They traded phones and gave each other their numbers, relieved and laughing as they chatted. Across the room, Colin managed to make his way out of the green room where the band was hanging out. He’d spotted Cori in the crowd as soon as he took the stage and he loved seeing how into the music she was.

As he moved through the crowd, he could see her at her table. She had on a strapless top with a rhinestone choker and her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail. He’d seen her in makeup for work but tonight she’d changed it up, smoky eyeshadow and dark eyeliner. She looked gorgeous. He saw her through a totally different lens tonight. He was closer to the table and the crowd parted, and he stopped. She was with a guy. They were talking and laughing, exchanging cell phones. The guy leaned closer to her and she threw her head back to laugh. He suddenly felt like he couldn’t breathe. Not only was she more beautiful the closer he got, the stab of jealousy he felt took him by surprise. How hadn’t he noticed her this way before now? He thought for just a second and realized that, for the first time since he met her, she looked happy. He thought about what she’d said, about being cheated on by someone and getting a fresh start. He suddenly wished he was her fresh start.

“Hi Colin.” He was suddenly surrounded by three girls telling him how great he was and how much they loved the band. He thanked them, checking them out but not losing focus on Cori’s table. He noticed two more girls sliding in next to her. She said something to the guy and he walked away, then she slid out of the booth.

“Excuse me ladies,” he said, pushing his way towards the women’s restroom. He cut her off just as she got there.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey! Oh my gosh, you guys are so good!”

“Thanks,” and Cori noticed he actually blushed a little. “So you’re having a good time?”

“Yes, best time I’ve had in a long time! I met some friends and we’re having a blast.”

“Good, it means a lot that you’re here.” He hesitated, then “uh, there’s a party afterwards at our building on the roof. Do you want to come?”

“Uh, sure. Ok.”

He shook his head, smiling that irresistible smile and it was all she could do not to jump him right there. “Ok, see you at the party.”

“See you at the party!”

The rest of the evening flew by, the band bringing down the house and getting called back for an encore. When the house lights came up, everyone started moving around again, some leaving now that the band had ended.

“Well, that’s it for me. I can’t believe I have to work tomorrow,” said Sarah.

“Yeah, I need to go too,” said Jana. “Wanna share an Uber?”

“Sure.”

Cori was so sad the evening had ended, she’d had so much fun. “Please tell me we’ll do this again soon. We should do this all the time!”

“Agreed,” they both said. They made their way out of the bar and exchanged hugs and said good night. It was such a gorgeous night. Cori had planned to get a cab but it was too nice not to walk.

“Hey stranger.” Seth came up from behind her. “How was your evening?”

“It was so good! I was just telling my friends how we should do this more.”

“Which way are you going?”

Cori pointed towards her building.

“Mind if I walk with you?”

“That would be great,” she said.

She found talking to him so easy. He told her he too should try to get out more. He spent too much time at work and his mother was all over him to get a life.

Cori laughed. She told him she’d started a new job and really loved it. “It was a great opportunity and I’m making the most of it.”

As they neared her building, she was feeling courageous. “I got invited to a party with the band on the roof of my building. Do you want to come up with me?”

“Yeah, sure,” he said, enthusiastically opening the door for her. They made their way up the stairs to her apartment, stopping in so she could drop off her purse, then they headed up to the roof.

As she stepped through the doorway, Colin saw her. He’d been waiting impatiently, willing her to walk through every time the door opened. He smiled brightly, jumping up from the couch – until he stopped. She wasn’t alone. The guy from the bar was with her. This wasn’t what he’d hoped for.

She smiled and waved at him, stopping to talk to some of their neighbors and introducing the guy she was with. He let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. She made her way towards him, the guy following behind.

“It was so good Colin,” she said, pulling him into a hug. That shock between them happened again. “So good!”

“Thanks.” Damn she smelled good.

She turned to the guy, taking his hand and pulling him toward her. “Colin Shea, this is Seth Miller.” The guys exchanged hellos and Colin noticed when she lowered her hand, she kept hold of the guy’s hand. “We’re going to grab a beer, do you need one?”

He lifted his bottle. “No, I’m good.” They walked towards the cooler and grabbed beers, talking to the people near the cooler.

Alright, two could play this game. He took a look around and zeroed in on a blonde standing alone. He went up and started to introduce himself but there was no need, she knew who he was and was happy to be his arm candy.

Cori and Seth found a place to sit and started talking. He’d grown up in a suburb of Boston and gone to school at Virginia Tech where he’d stayed for a master’s degree. He snagged the job with the law firm right out of college and found an apartment nearby. He had a younger sister and his parents still lived in his childhood home. He was a huge baseball fan. His dad had season tickets and he joined him often at Red Sox games.

Cori’s story was similar, growing up in Waltham and going away to a small college in Connecticut. She’d initially moved back in with her folks but then shared an apartment with a friend until the accident (which she didn’t mention). They both loved Italian food and action movies. She was feeling a connection that was really comfortable.

Just across the roof, Colin was dancing with the blonde. You could barely slip a credit card between them, he was holding her so close. All the while, he kept an eye on Cori. She never looked up, not once, she was so engrossed in her conversation. He noticed how much she laughed and smiled, really smiled, the entire time. When she’d made the comments to him that she did about her past, he didn’t really think about it. She was obviously deeply hurt. He’d blown it off, and then sped out of her apartment to go meet his booty call for the night. What a jerk.

He tried to focus on the blonde instead of why what Cori was doing mattered to him. Truth was, he felt a pull to her. She was beautiful, but it was more. Her independence, her sense of humor, her prowess in the kitchen, the way she’d lit up when he handed her flowers that night. He felt some kind of connection to her. He was sure she felt something for him too. He looked over at her again, and she had her hand on her date’s arm. If she did feel something for him, this guy was fixing to make it disappear. He worked his dance partner closer to where Cori was sitting, and she finally looked up. When she did, Colin planted a slow, deep kiss on the blonde, then pulled away and looked into her eyes. As he looked back at Cori, he saw the smile leave her face for a minute, then she focused on Seth again and the smile returned.

He knew it. She did have something for him. When the song ended, he let the blonde go and found someone else to flirt with. He was suddenly the center of attention, everyone talking about the show and how good it was. He was enjoying the conversation and almost didn’t notice Cori and her date slipping through the door to leave the roof.

He waited a few seconds and excused himself, slowly descending the stairs into the building, and creeping down to the sixth floor. He could hear voices as he came around the corner. They were at Cori’s door, and it looked like their evening was ending. He watched Seth put his hand on Cori’s cheek and move closer to her, their first kiss inevitable.

“Hey 6C!” said Colin. Cori and Seth jumped, startled. “I was telling Cathy about that amazing pasta you made us for dinner the other night. She wondered if you’d share the recipe.”

Cori stared at him. Seriously? “Uh, sure. I’ll get with her later.”

“Ok,” he said. He shoved his hands into his jean pockets, standing in front of his door. And he stayed that way. Didn’t move.

Cori cleared her throat. “Ok, well thanks for walking me home.”

“Thanks for the party,” said Seth. He kissed the back of her hand. “I’ll see you Tuesday night.”

“Great,” she said with a smile and he stepped away, walking around the bannister and directly past Colin.

“’Night,” Colin said, tilting forward on the balls of his feet, rocking up and down.

“Good night,” said Seth and down the stairs he went.

Cori walked up to the bannister, waiting until Seth was out of ear shot.

“You have shitty timing,” she said to him, her mouth in a grim line.

“Aw, sorry about that,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wanted to catch you before you went to bed.”

“Yeah, that was some Earth shattering info you needed.” She rolled her eyes and unlocked her door. “Good night Colin,” she said, rich with sarcasm.

“’Night 6C,” he said with a smile. “Sweet dreams.”

She slammed the door behind her.

[adenei]

Fake It Til You Make It - Ch. 3

AO3 || FFN

Harry’s finally introduced in this chapter!

Ginny set off across town after catching her aunt and agreeing to participate in the debutante ball. Unsurprisingly, Aunt Muriel already had a room reserved, as if she knew Ginny would relent. Ginny was set to move into Beauxbatons in two days, and had a lot of work to do to make sure she was prepared. So, she decided to visit the two people she knew would help her with her cockamamie plan: Fred and George.

In addition to owning their wildly successful joke shop, Ginny’s older twin brothers also dabbled in wigs and disguises for local theater productions and Halloween. If anyone could make her look and act like Ron, it was the twins.

“...Let me get this straight; you want us to help you look like Ron for two weeks?” Fred looked completely baffled when she walked into the shop and pulled them into their office.

“Yes.”

“Fred, I think our dear sister here has gone mad. Did you forget that he’s about a foot taller than you?” George chortled.

“Or the fact that he’s a boy?” Fred added.

“Will you two shut up and help me? I only have two days to pull this off, and there’s a lot at stake here!”

“Just one question, little sis. Where’s Ron going to be while you pretend to be him?” George cocked an eyebrow at her.

Ginny sighed deeply. “Will you promise not to say anything? Mum and Dad will literally kill him. And me.”

“We’re listening,” the twins said in unison. 

“He took off to some music competition in Germany. He’ll be gone for two weeks, so I’m going to pretend to be him so I can make the Hogwarts football team, play Beauxbatons, and kick their sorry arses!” Ginny felt her face heating up as the anger threatened to return.

The twins looked at each other, no doubt having a silent conversation. After what seemed like forever, they turned back to Ginny. “We’re in.”

“Yes! Thank you! I knew I could count on—”

“You’ve got loads of work ahead of you, though,” Fred warned. “George, go tell Verity and Leah that they’re covering the floor. Gin, we need some time to get a wig ready for you, and I’m thinking some sideburns and thicker eyebrows, too. So we don’t waste time, go out and study the way guys walk and talk. You’re going to have to do all those things to blend in.”

Ginny snorted. “How hard can it be?”

It turned out it wasn’t as easy as she planned. Blokes walked a lot of different ways. She was out there for at least an hour, trailing behind random men and trying to copy their mannerisms. She only got caught once or twice before Leah waved her back to the shop.

“They’ve got everything ready for you!” Leah said brightly. “How’d the studying go?”

“Not great. Why do guys walk so weird?”

“Not sure, but if you ask me, I think it’s because of the…” Leah gestured below the belt.

“Ah, maybe,” Ginny agreed as Fred and George whisked her away into the office.

The next hour or so consisted of the twins attempting to fit her with various pieces of facial hair. She wasn’t sure who was more interested in what a moustache would add to the disguise, but it beat sitting at home, so she humored them. In the end, they opted for no facial hair and simply stuck with the wig, sideburns, and eyebrows. When they brought a mirror up to Ginny’s face, she almost didn’t believe it.

“Holy shit, I really do look like Ron!” she exclaimed.

“It’s scary, isn’t it?” Fred agreed.

“For being seventeen months apart, you’d think you were another set of twins,” George commented.

“Before we forget,” Fred reached for something in one of the cabinets, “you’re going to need this.”

It looked like a wide ankle wrap bandage.

“What? Why?”

“Do you really need us to explain that to you?” Fred asked sarcastically.

“You see,” George went on as he gestured to his chest,” you have certain anatomical parts that need to be disguised, too—”

“Alright, alright! I get it!” Ginny stopped him.

“We’ll come by the Burrow for dinner tonight and help you figure out what clothing you can reuse and pass off in your wardrobe,” Fred told her.

“And we’ll do you a favor and get you anything you don’t have tomorrow.”

“Thank you. I owe you both,” Ginny said sincerely.

Her brothers could be a right pain in the arse much of the time, but they always pulled through when she needed help.

The twins stopped the car outside the halls where Ginny would be living for the next couple of weeks. People were milling about everywhere, and for a split second, she was having second thoughts about whether she could pull this off or not.

“Is this too crazy?” she asked them.

“Not at all!” Fred reassured her.

“Seriously, Gin, if anyone can do this, it’s you. Now, get out of the car. There’s no way we’re going to let all our hard work be wasted,” George added.

“But—”

“Out! Don’t make us drag you,” Fred warned.

Ginny adjusted her tie and opened the car door. She stepped out and grabbed her backpack and two duffel bags. 

“Now, let’s hear your voice,” George asked.

Ginny cleared her throat and deepened her voice. “Yo, I’m Ron. What’s up?” She added in a head nod for good measure.

George nodded approvingly while Fred reminded her not to sound too ‘gangsta.’ “How about your walk?”

“Come on, I can’t do it with all these bags,” Ginny complained, but the twins eyed her expectantly. “Ugh, fine.”

She did her best to show off her walk for a few paces before doubling back to the car like she forgot something.

“Excellent! And last but not least, let’s hear the belch,” Fred asked.

“Ugh, you guys are gross,” Ginny said as she rolled her eyes.

“Ah, but you’re one of us now,” George joked.

Ginny swallowed a bunch of air and did her best to let out a loud burp. It wasn’t easy to manage on command, so the twins would just have to deal.

Both bobbed their heads back and forth as if contemplating whether or not she passed. Not that it mattered, considering she was about to head to Gryffindor hall in a few minutes.

“I think she’s ready, Fred,” George determined.

“I do, too. Now, remember Gin, if you ever have any doubts, remember that there’s a man inside every woman, and you’ll do just fine!” Fred advised.

Both Ginny and George gave him a look. “Ew, Fred, that’s gross,” Ginny said as she made fake retching noises.

“Er, yeah, I don’t think we should be giving her any ideas. Not that you should act on them while posing as a guy,” George agreed.

“You know what I meant!” Fred defended.

“Yeah, yeah, I need to get going. I’m pretty sure trials start today, and I need to get settled first,” Ginny said as she was about to head off.

“Keep in touch!” George told her.

“Yeah, let us know how things are going. We’ll be here if you need anything else. But don’t mess up the wig; it’s the only one we’ve got!” Fred reminded her.

“Noted. Thanks, guys!” Ginny said.

She turned and began walking through campus. Gryffindor Hall was close, but she had to make her way through the commons, and there were people to dodge everywhere. When she finally entered the hall, it was like a madhouse on her floor. That was saying something considering she lived at the Burrow, which was always bustling with excitement.

Various balls and other items were being thrown from room to room, music was blasting, and some idiot thought it’d be a good idea to go skateboard luging down the hall. She almost had her head taken off more than once, but she could handle it. After all,  at one point in time, she lived with six older brothers. How hard could this be?

Finally finding room 205, she opened the door to meet her new roommate. If the bags hadn’t been slung over her shoulders, she probably would have dropped them. Standing in front of her was a tall, reasonably well-built guy with messy black hair and piercing green eyes. He was dressed only in a towel, and Ginny knew she was undeniably attracted to him.

“...Can I help you?” he asked, giving her an odd look.

“Uh, yeah, hi,” she said in her normal voice before realizing she needed to sound like Ron. Ginny cleared her throat and began speaking in the deeper voice she’d been practicing. “I’m your roommate. The name’s Ron. Uh, Ron Weasley.”

She held out her hand in an attempt to exchange pleasantries, but the shirtless guy simply laughed at her.

“Yeah, right. How old are you anyway?” 

She heard more snickering behind him and realized there were others in the room, too.

“No, really, I am your roommate. I, uh, skipped a couple of grades.” For once, being short and petite was not on her side. 

“Um, sure, whatever you say. I’m Harry. Harry Potter.”

“Nice to meet you. D’you happen to know when football trials are?” Ginny asked, changing the subject.

“Er, yeah, they start at noon. You play?” Harry was clearly sizing her up.

“Yeah, I do,” Ginny answered defiantly.

He contemplated her a bit more before saying, “Alright, then. This is Seamus and Dean. They play too, along with Neville and Colin, across the hall. You might want to unpack and get ready if you plan on getting there on time.”

“Uh, yeah, right,” Ginny said as she turned around and set her bags on the bare mattress.

So far, so good, she thought as she began unpacking her things. She’d make the bed later as she pulled out a couple of pairs of shoes and some of her athletic clothes. Ginny didn’t notice when one of her boots fell over, and a box of tampons fell out.

“What the bloody hell is that?!” Seamus shouted.

Oh, shit, Ginny thought. She needed to think fast. What the hell was she going to say?

“Oh, they’re um, they’re for—uh—bloody noses! Yeah, you’ve never used them?” God, she hoped this would work.

All three boys looked at her in horror as they shook their heads. Ginny was sure she was losing her mind as she pulled one out and opened it.

“Yeah! I mean, the purpose is to plug, uh—stuff, so it works the same way. Just up your nose instead,” she said as she shoved one up her nose.

She attempted a smile as they all looked at her as if she were insane. It was almost like a switch flipped as they all got lost in a fit of laughter.

“Er...forget I asked,” Harry said as he turned around and pretended to be busy with something else.

“Yo, man, your roommate’s crazy,” Dean sniggered as he punched Harry in the shoulder.

Well, Ginny thought as she went back to her unpacking, things definitely could have been worse. Yeah, it wasn’t that bad. At least that’s what she forced herself to believe.