#originally i planned for this to be longer. like i planed to do the whole song but its be sooooo much more work. so. i didnt do that

[im-smart-i-swear]

cough. i did a thing

[writeforfandoms]

Listening In 4

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Well, here we are. The end of this little series. This took me a lot longer to finish than I originally planned, and I apologize for that. I hope the tooth rotting fluff makes up for it.

Warnings: Fluff, cavity inducing sweetness, Feels, idiots in love, piv sex, dirty talk, and they lived happily ever after.

Word count: 4.6k

Soap and Ghost made it back to the 141 safely, and Price congratulated them on a job well done. 

Life moved on. There was always another op. 

But Soap kept thinking back to that op. To their little waitress. 

And she most certainly was theirs, now. Just thinking about the way she'd whimpered under him was enough to get Soap riled up. 

Soap texted her as often as he could, which was almost daily. Ghost, he knew, didn't text nearly as much. 

But when he did… well. When Ghost wanted to, he was a right bastard. 

Like the time he sent their waitress an audio recording of the two of them. That was well worth it. 

Of course, it wasn't just audio recordings and the occasional video call. 

Soap managed to detour to see their waitress for half a day on the way back from an op. Ghost, lucky bastard, had an entirely accidental two day layover, most of which was spent in her bed. And that wasn't all of it - the two found themselves stopping by to see her as often as possible. 

It wasn't until Soap and Ghost had leave together and arranged to go see her again for a whole week that either of them thought more of it. 

"Hey, Si?" 

Simon grunted, cracking open one eye above his plain medical mask. That was the more plane-friendly look. 

"Think we're a bit looney." 

Simon barked a laugh, closing his eyes again. "Just now figuring that out?" He drawled, amused. 

Johnny huffed with quiet laughter. "Maybe," he admitted. Simon's lack of distress helped put him at ease, though. 

Soon, they'd be off the plane. And then they could surprise their pretty little waitress. 

They had a lot of ideas they wanted to try out, after all. 

–

You'd had an awful day. An opening shift rife with assholes and a few too many pinches. You were tired, achey, aggravated. 

Honestly, you wanted to go home and cry and ignore the rest of the world for a while.

So when your phone rang, you almost ignored it without even checking it. Almost. 

“Johnny?” you scrambled to answer it as soon as you saw who was calling. “What’s up?” 

“Got a bit of a surprise for ye, gorgeous.” Johnny sounded far too pleased. 

“Yeah?” You dodged an idiot who wasn’t watching where he was going, huffing softly. “And what’s that?” 

“You at home?”

You didn’t quite startle at the question, but you did pause. “Not yet,” you said slowly. “Heading there, though. What did you do?” 

Johnny laughed. “So little faith! It’s a good thing, promise.”

You shook your head. “Alright, if you say so. Do I need to check my mailbox or something?”

“Not exactly,” he hedged. “Ye’ll see soon, promise.”

You sighed but gave up. “Alright, sure. I need to go, it’s crowded out here today.”

“Okay. Get home safe.” Johnny paused there for a moment, like he wanted to say more, but he didn’t. 

“Will do,” you agreed and hung up. A little abrupt, maybe, but you were tired. You didn’t have your normal energy for his silliness.

The walk home was too loud and too crowded, with people jostling into you. You were so tired and so done you wanted to cry by the time you finally got into the elevator. 

The elevator opened onto your floor and you got three trudging steps off before you halted. 

Johnny and Simon stood outside your door, facing you. Johnny was grinning, bright and a little mischievous. 

You didn't let them say anything. You just walked straight into Johnny, winding your arms around him and hiding your face against his chest. 

"Hey, gorgeous," Johnny cooed, one big hand rubbing your back soothingly. "Happy to see us?" 

"Yeah," you agreed softly. "Also fucking tired." 

"Long day?" His voice softened with sympathy. 

Your laugh was dry and a little too close to tears. "Could say that." 

Johnny hummed in wordless concern, holding you closer and pressing his cheek to the top of your head. "Poor gorgeous," he murmured. "C'mon, let's head inside, aye?" 

You breathed in deep and let go of him, grabbing your keys. Simon plucked them from you, and you blinked. But moments later you were all inside. 

Simon guided you to the couch and pushed you down to sit. You blinked at him, startled. He just motioned you to wait while he brought water. 

"What's goin' on?" Johnny dropped down next to you, pulling you into his side with an arm around your shoulders. 

You blew out a breath, shoulders dropping. "Just life stuff," you dismissed, or tried to. "Nothing like your shit." They'd told you some, a little, mostly that they were military and had unpredictable schedules. You didn't blame them, not at all, and it explained the odd absences. 

"Tell us anyway." Johnny gave you a gentle little shake, eyes warm and focused on you. 

Simon dropped down on your other side, setting water on the table in front of you, leaving you nowhere to run. Of course. These two were practiced, moving in an easy tandem in and out of the bedroom. Which they often used against you. Like right now. 

You huffed, half exasperated and half amused. "Just. Work sucked today. Few too many shitty people." 

"And?" Simon drawled, knowing that wasn't the end of it. You'd ranted to him about work and handsy guys before. 

"And my rent is going up," you finally admitted on a sigh. "It's just enough that I'm thinking of moving or downgrading." 

Johnny hummed soft sympathy, pulling you closer. "Job hunt hasn't turned up anything?" 

"Not yet." You made a face. "It's just frustrating, that's all. I'll get through it."

"We'll come back to that." Johnny pressed a kiss to the side of your head, easy and affectionate as ever. "What's yer schedule, gorgeous?" 

You blinked, thrown off a bit by the question. "Tomorrow I'm off, the next two days I have closing shifts, then two mid shifts, then two more days off," you said after a moment of thought. "Not sure beyond that. Why?"

"Well, we've got a week," Johnny said, grinning at you. "Was hopin' to spend a good bit of that with ye." 

"You… are far too sweet." You smiled, relaxing between the two of them. "Next you're gonna say you've got a better idea about my job and apartment situation."

Silence. Damning silence. You turned slowly to look at Johnny, who was busy looking anywhere but you. Simon scoffed softly. 

"You'd think he'd have learned to lie by now," Simon added conversationally, one big hand landing on your thigh. 

"Ah can lie!" Johnny immediately defended himself. "Just. Not to. Well. The two o' ye."

Your heart swelled at being so blatantly lumped in with Simon, your shock plain to see. Oh, sure, you knew these two liked you - they kept visiting you, after all. 

But this was something totally different. 

"Nope," you decided. "We are tabling that because I cannot be a rational person right now." 

Simon leaned closer to your back, his bulk bleeding warmth into the scant space between you. "Don't be rational, then," he murmured. "What're you thinking, dove?"

"Very non-feminist thoughts," you drawled, shivering briefly as Simon pressed even closer. 

"Tell us." Simon scooted forward, slowly but inexorably pressing you closer to Johnny, who looked more than willing. 

You groaned softly. Simon had a way of getting you to admit to things you wouldn't otherwise, something you both loved and hated. "Really?"

"Be a good girl for me." He was so close now you could feel his mask just brush the shell of your ear. 

"Not fair," you complained weakly, swallowing hard. But Simon squeezed your thigh and you folded. "I was thinking I'd let you both whisk me away anywhere you wanted." You ducked your head to hide in Johnny's chest, flustered. 

"There's our sweet girl," Johnny cooed, immediately pulling you closer, until you were sort of situated on his lap. 

"We'll discuss that tomorrow," Simon murmured, pressing in against your back again until you were sandwiched in warmth. "We have time." 

You huffed but didn't object, just relaxing between them. You were warm, you were tired, and they were very comforting. Honestly, you were tempted to just sleep between them. 

"Have you eaten yet?" Simon asked, thumb rubbing your thigh slowly. 

"No," you admitted, grumpy because you knew that meant he'd move. 

Simon huffed a little laugh. At your attitude, undoubtedly. "We'll take care of dinner," he assured you. "You want anything in particular?"

"Don't really care," you admitted, covering his hand with yours to link your fingers through his. 

"Don't fall asleep on us yet, gorgeous," Johnny huffed with amusement. 

"Shut up," you grumbled, nestling in closer and relaxing. "Comfortable." 

They both laughed quietly, but neither of them moved, letting you soak in the comfort you so needed. 

If they kept this up, you'd do anything for them. 

Finally, you released them both and squirmed away, because otherwise you really would fall asleep. And that would be bad. 

Simon took charge of dinner, as promised, and you didn't have to do a thing. Johnny "helped" you change into more comfortable clothes (here meaning he shamelessly ogled you and got a little hands-on but you didn't let him totally derail you). 

Simon even folded his mask up just over his nose to eat with you and Johnny, which was still new enough to be thrilling, even though it wasn't the first time. 

It was very comfortable, being so domestic with them. It really was strange - you hadn't known them long, not in the overall scheme of things, but you were so comfortable with them. 

Sometimes you wondered about impossible things. Dinners at dining tables and breakfasts in bed and exhausting yourself with the two of them. 

"Gorgeous?" Johnny touched your hand, frowning a little. 

You blinked rapidly and looked at him. "Hm?"

"Where'd ye go?" He gently closed his fingers over your hand, ducking his head a little to hold your gaze. 

You smiled and shook your head. "Just thinking. Sorry. Been a long day." 

The two exchanged a quick look, a world of communication in that one look. It almost made you ache to think about how long they'd been together, to have such wordless communication. 

"Do ye want us here tonight?" Johnny asked, squeezing your hand gently. "Or should we go back to our hotel?"

"Stay." Your heart lurched. You'd blurted that out too fast, too earnest. Revealed too much. 

But Johnny just grinned, like he'd been hoping for that. Even Simon quirked a half smile. 

"Good!" Johnny leaned close to smack an intentionally loud kiss to your cheek, just to make you laugh. "Wanna watch a movie?"

And back you settled into the simple domestic bliss, letting them squish you between them on your couch, laughing at their antics, comforted by their warmth. Neither one made a move for more, both accepting easy kisses from you. 

It didn't occur to you until you were settled in bed between them, Johnny already clinging to your front while Simon curled like a shield between your back and the rest of the world, that you'd do anything to keep this. 

Simon was already up when you woke, Johnny taking a well-deserved lie-in with you. Breakfast was easy, relaxed. 

But you remembered the promise to talk about your current situation today. Honestly, you'd rather get it over with sooner than later, or your anxiety would be out of control. 

"So," you started as you washed the dishes. Johnny was drying while Simon put everything away. (And the fact that he knew without having to ask inspired feelings that you tucked away to be examined later.) "Sounded like you two had a plan for dealing with my woes." 

Johnny snorted. "Something like that," he agreed. 

"Had an idea," Simon corrected without looking at either of you. 

"Alright, let's hear it." You glanced at them both, undeniably curious. 

Johnny breathed in slowly. "Well," he started slowly. "Was thinkin' we could help ye find a place. Closer to us. If ye wanted." 

"Closer to you?" You looked between the two, the dish in your hands all but forgotten. "Like, England?" 

"If you want." Simon spoke quietly, finally looking at you, gaze assessing. 

You nodded slowly, letting the idea sit as you scrubbed at a pan. That would be a big move for you. Very different. You didn't even know if you'd be able to find a job there, or how you'd find a job. How expensive would it be to move? 

Although, really, considering how you felt about these two… maybe it was time to have another talk, too. 

"I have questions first." 

"'Course," Johnny murmured, his foot nudging into yours as he looked at you earnestly. 

You licked your lips, debating how to proceed. Because, really, you were pretty sure you could figure out the rest of it, depending on one factor. 

"Why?" You handed off the pan to Johnny and grabbed an extra towel to dry your hands. "Is this just, like, a convenience thing for you two? Or is this something more?" 

Johnny blew out a breath. "Cut right to the heart of things," he muttered, a little wry. "It's not for convenience." 

You didn't move, still watching him, towel held tightly in your hands, all but forgotten. "Johnny, please." 

Johnny dropped his head for a moment before glancing at Simon. Simon shook his head a little, just once. Johnny swallowed, Adam's apple bobbing, and then nodded. 

"Truth is, gorgeous, we wanna see ye more. All the time, if we could. We like ye. More'n we should, prob'ly. And…"

You breathed in slowly, leaning closer to him. "Johnny."

He blinked at you, setting the pan down.

"You're absolutely daft if you think I'd have let you both keep coming back if I didn't care for you deeply already." You quirked a little smile, the words coming easier now that you'd seen him near fumbling his own words. 

Johnny blinked and slowly lit up, stepping right into your space. "Yeah?"

"Yes," you confirmed, amused. "Honestly. Simon knew, didn't you?" 

But when you looked at him, Simon simply looked away. 

You blinked, flabbergasted, jaw dropping. And then you started laughing, completely unable to stop yourself. At the near-twin disgruntled looks, you flapped a hand, trying to stifle your laughter long enough to explain. 

"I've been completely gone on you two for months," you managed. "And none of us was smart enough to know it." You promptly devolved again, hand over your mouth. 

They both froze completely, going quite still. Then Johnny grabbed you with a laugh, yanking your hands away from your face to kiss you thoroughly. No sooner had he released you than Simon grabbed you, mask pulled up so he could kiss the breath out of you. 

Panting, you finally pulled away from him too, looking at the both of them as the enormity of what you'd said and how they'd reacted hit you. 

Clearly you weren't the only one attached here. 

You curled a hand into Simon's shirt, your free hand taking Johnny's wrist as you towed them both to the couch. (Only because they let you but you'd take it.) 

"Tell me more about your idea." You pushed Simon down to sit on the couch and settled yourself in his lap, knees on either side of his hips. Johnny pressed up against your back, hands at your hips. 

"We'd help ye find a job," Johnny murmured into your ear, squeezing your hips. "Get ye all settled." 

"Doesn't have to be a flat," Simon rumbled, hands big and warm on your sides, thumbs rubbing the skin just under your breasts. 

"Could do a house," Johnny agreed immediately, nipping the shell of your ear. "Big enough for the three of us." 

You sucked in a breath, biting your lip. Oh now that was temptation. "Somewhere to stay during your time off?" You rolled your hips down into Simon's lap and grinned when his grip immediately tightened on you. 

"And someone to come home to." Johnny bit your neck gently, humming in satisfaction at your little noise. 

"Fuck." You rolled your hips again, biting your lip. "If you're not serious about this–"

"We are." Simon bumped his hips up into yours, letting you feel the growing hardness there. "Very serious." 

"Give us the word, and we'll do it." Johnny nipped down your neck to your shoulder, hands still on your hips moving you to a slow, steady rhythm against Simon. 

You shuddered, grinding down harder. "Let's do it," you agreed, a little breathless. "Please." 

Johnny groaned softly and pressed you down harder into Simon, biting down gently on the back of your shoulder. Simon rucked your sleep shirt up and quickly pulled it off, his hands settling against your skin. 

Any other time, you might tease them about how fast clothes vanished, but right now? You didn’t say a word. Partially because Johnny had tipped your head back to kiss you while Simon took over guiding your hips against his, the feeling more intense now without barriers between you two. 

“Johnny,” Simon grunted, fingers tightening. 

Johnny hummed into the kiss before he pulled back, eyes already gone dark with desire. “Mm?” 

“Duffel bag,” was all Simon said, but Johnny seemed to understand, because he disentangled himself and stepped away. 

“Really?” you half-whined, pouting at Simon. You’d been enjoying being between the two of them, dammit. 

Simon had the gall to chuckle at you, one hand cupping your cheek and bringing you closer. “Just getting some supplies,” he murmured, soft and soothing. “Won’t take him a minute, dove.” 

He was proven right by Johnny coming up behind you again, pressing his front to your back and dropping a condom into Simon’s hand. You warmed and ducked your head, a little embarrassed you’d forgotten about that. 

“C’mere, gorgeous,” Johnny cooed in your ear, arms wrapping tight around your waist and pulling you back into his warmth. And subsequently giving Simon the space he needed to put on the condom. “Gonna let me fuck ye after, gorgeous?”

“You want to?” You didn’t look away from Simon, though, watching his hands settle on your thighs. 

“Oh, aye,” Johnny agreed, low and rough. “Very much.” 

You hummed softly, running your fingers over his arm still around your waist. “After, then.” 

Johnny nipped the back of your shoulder and moved the two of you forward, guiding your hips up. Simon simply watched, one big hand on your thigh. 

“Ready for me, dove?” Simon watched you closely, fingers rubbing against your skin. 

“More than.” You started to sink down slowly, only for Johnny to tsk and guide you, controlling the pace. You swallowed hard, not entirely sure why that was so exciting… but it very much was. 

“Look at you, gorgeous,” Johnny murmured once you were settled fully against Simon’s lap, hands clenched on his shoulders. “So pretty for us.” 

You huffed softly at him, wiggling a little, getting used to the stretch of Simon in you. His hands smoothed up your sides to your breasts, thumbs rubbing back and forth over your nipples. 

When you moved, Johnny quickly took control again, hands moving you to a rhythm he liked. Simon seemed content to let Johnny move you, head tilted back against the couch as he watched you with dark eyes, still gently teasing you. Heat built between the three of you, and you tipped your head back onto Johnny’s shoulder. 

“Johnny…” You whined, just a little, trying to move faster. Johnny didn’t allow you.

“Hm? Somethin’ ye want, gorgeous?” he teased, teeth grazing the shell of your ear. 

“More? Please?” Your breath caught in your throat when he bit down gently, hands tightening on you.

“What d’ye think, Si?” Johnny asked, low and teasing. “Think she’s earned it?”

“Johnny,” Simon growled, hips finally stuttering up into yours, “if you don’t, I will. And I’ll keep her.”

Johnny laughed quietly but moved you faster, until you were gasping and shivering between the two. Your hands roamed restlessly over Simon, trying to make him feel as good as you felt. Your thighs trembled, back arching. 

A second set of hands joined Johnny’s at your hips, their fingers intertwining, before Simon tightened his grip and held you still. You lifted your head, confused, only for him to lift his hips up into you instead. Your lips parted, jaw dropping, eyes going hazy with pleasure. 

“C’mon, gorgeous,” Johnny goaded softly in your ear. “Make a mess of him for me.” 

A few more hard thrusts from Simon and you did just that, whimpering through the rolling pleasure of your orgasm. 

Simon didn’t even slow down, fingers tight on your hips, chasing his own pleasure now. Your overstimulated whines only spurred him on until you leaned forward, hiding your face in the crook of his neck. 

And bit down. 

He swore as he came, hips stuttering, grip almost punishingly tight. He finally stilled against you, grip slowly relaxing. 

“Fuckin’ beautiful,” Johnny murmured, carefully moving one hand to rub a hand up and down your back. “Both of ye.” 

You huffed against Simon’s neck, an action he mirrored. You grinned, amused, and relaxed between the two for the moment. 

“Still alright, gorgeous?” Johnny asked after a few moments, hand lingering at the nape of your neck.

“Haven’t forgotten you,” you assured him, sitting up again, despite the way your legs shook. “How do you…?” 

Simon hummed softly, moving slowly to give you time to move with him. He situated himself longways on the couch, your knees on either side of him, one of his legs on the floor to make more room. 

“I’ve got you, dove,” he murmured, taking hold of your hands and linking your fingers together. The couch dipped behind you as Johnny moved too, giving your back one more soothing stroke before there was a rip of foil. 

“Could get used to this,” Johnny murmured, only half-teasing, pressing against your back. “Quite a view from here.” 

“I’m sure you’ll get to see more like it,” you agreed. “After we figure out the move.” 

Johnny groaned softly at the reminder. “Fuckin’ temptress, you are,” he muttered, one hand on your hip holding you steady as he slid into you. He wasn’t quite the same stretch as Simon, but he still felt divine. 

He didn’t give you slow, though. He started moving hard, startling a little yelp out of you. 

“Easy, dove,” Simon murmured, sweet in contrast to Johnny. “Hold on to me, yeah?” 

You could do nothing but obey, holding tight to Simon’s hands even as Johnny slid one hand up to your back to the nape of your neck, gently pushing you down until your chest pressed to Simon’s. 

“Doin’ so well, dove,” Simon rumbled, squeezing your hands gently. “He feel good?” 

“Yes,” you managed on a gasp, as Johnny drove harder into you, hitting somehow deeper. “Fuck!” 

Johnny groaned, hand squeezing your nape. “Beautiful,” he muttered again, almost worshipful. “What d’ye need, gorgeous?” 

You nearly choked when Johnny did something that hit a spot that sent sparks all through you. And then he hit it again. And again. Until you needed Simon’s support, moving as best you could with Johnny, making too many noises. Johnny was little better behind you, swearing softly but vehemently. 

“Close, dove?” Simon asked, eyes bright as he watched you. “Need a little more, hm?” He released one hand, sliding it down between the two of you. Two gentle fingers circled your clit and you whined, shaking. “Good fucking girl.” 

You were gone. That was all it took. You shook apart between the two of them, briefly unaware of anything beyond the burning, rolling pleasure. 

You slumped fully against Simon, panting, shivering still. Johnny followed close behind you, muffling his whines against the back of your shoulder, hips pressed flush to yours. He didn’t back off when he was done, staying pressed against you so the three of you were a sweaty heap. 

“Up, Johnny,” Simon finally ordered, both hands now soothing up and down your sides. 

Johnny groaned theatrically but got up, pressing one last kiss to the nape of your neck. 

“Think you can get up?” Simon asked softly. “Or do you need a minute longer?” 

You puffed out your cheeks. “Let’s find out.” You stood carefully, letting him hold one of your hands to help keep you steady. Your knees wobbled but held, at least long enough to get you to the bathroom. 

Simon herded you back to bed, where water waited for all three of you, a laptop already set up with a movie. You smiled, both touched and amused at his thoughtfulness. 

“I vote we do nothing the rest of the day,” you muttered, crawling into bed. 

“Nothing?” Johnny asked, moving over you to box you between himself and Simon. “At all?” He pouted at you, over the top. 

“Well, maybe a little something,” you gave in with an easy grin, cuddling between the two of them. “After we’ve rehydrated a bit.”

“Smart woman.” Simon settled against you, relaxed. “We’ve still got days, dove.” 

The reminder made you smile, an entirely different kind of warmth bubbling away in your chest. “Yes, we do.” 

–

Johnny stood at the end of the terminal, anxiously shifting his weight from foot to foot. Next to him, Simon was still as stone, gaze fixed on the steady flow of people coming out of the terminal. 

Johnny checked his phone again, unable to help himself. It had been two whole minutes since he'd last checked. Still no new update from you. 

Not that he was entirely surprised. You'd had a long flight, had to gather your things. 

Well. Some of your things. The rest were being shipped, something Simon had arranged and paid for over your half-hearted protests. 

Finally, finally, he spotted you walking towards them. You were clearly tired, dressed down, looking a little limp. 

And you were still one of the lost gorgeous things he'd ever seen. 

Johnny pounced as soon as you were past the last gate, picking you up in his arms and swinging you around in a hug. You yelped and laughed, clinging to him just as hard. 

"Hi," you said, a little breathless, grinning up at him. 

"Hi yerself." Johnny finally set you back on your feet, though he didn't release you yet. 

"Flight alright?" Simon asked, putting a gentle hand against your back. 

"Long and boring." You shrugged, poking Johnny until he released you so you could turn to hug Simon instead. Johnny's heart melted at the sight of you wrapped up in Simon's arms.

"You're home now," Simon murmured, almost too quiet for even Johnny to catch. 

Johnny did melt at that, throwing himself into the hug and making you laugh, a little watery. 

"Almost," you murmured, squeezing both of them. "Come on, I'm eager to get out of here. I didn't sleep a wink." 

That was all it took for Johnny to take your backpack, Simon taking charge of your luggage, both ignoring your spluttering protests with aplomb. They loaded up the car (Simon's) and Johnny let you have the front seat. 

The house they'd chosen was out of the way, at the end of a quiet neighborhood, with plenty of garden space. 

And a huge master bedroom. 

Simon parked, and you blinked awake again. Johnny had to resist the urge to cook at how cute you looked. He hopped out first and opened your door for you, eager to bring you inside. Simon brought your things in, letting Johnny unlock the door and usher you in. 

Johnny watched with an overfull heart as you turned a slow circle, eyes huge as you looked around. 

"Welcome home, sweetheart." Simon and Johnny squished you between them, trading off kissing you. 

They had all the time in the world now.

[h-c-u]

No Longer a Secret pt 6

Summary: The one with A LOT of planning and phone-calls.

Pairing: Toto Wolff x fem!reader

W/C: 7.1k

Rating: PG, age gap

TWs: none

A/N: So... I honestly wasn't planning on writing it today, but welp - it kinda spilled, so here we go... There is not a lot of action in this one, but a few Original Characters were very briefly introduced. Most of them will become a part of this story, so if you have any questions about them - please feel free to ask. One day, when there will be more of them included, I will most likely make a separate post dedicated to them, but for now - there are comments, asks, and messages :)

Taglist: @crimeshowjunkie, @omgsuperstarg

Series Masterlist | Masterlist | List of tags | Playlist for the series

Of course, there was a party after the race. Your first one with the team... And you seriously considered it being the last one, because currently you could hear the grass growing with your whole body and it hurt like a motherfucker. How the rest of the people on the jet weren't hungover? You had no idea. It must have been witchcraft. Because you couldn't explain it any other way, since you were the youngest of them all.

There was some light teasing, but after they realized how genuinely miserable you were, they stopped, and someone even brought you another alka-seltzer, a bottle of cold water, and chewing gum, for which you were extremely grateful because without it you would have definitely thrown up when the plane was climbing to the higher altitudes.

When it was safe to unbuckle the belts, everyone started moving and making conversation. Still, you were definitely not in the right state of mind for any of that, so when Toto motioned you closer to him, you gladly did just that and sat across his lap, with your legs over the soft armrest. He reclined the chair, so you would be more laying on your left side than sitting, which helped relieve the heartburn almost instantly. He was so gentle with you, that you almost melted into his soft shirt that smelled faintly of the detergent he used at home. With his one arm supporting your back and the other resting on your thighs, you felt much better.

You could see the other people trying to hide the surprised looks on their faces at the sight of you two cozying up because even though your relationship was no longer a secret, it must have been a little bit weird to witness the casual physical affection for the first time. But if you were completely honest, you didn't mind. You were all still getting used to the new dynamic between you and them, so it was only natural that it might take some time. And they weren't exactly weird or uncomfortable either, so you knew that sooner rather than later all the wrinkles will iron themselves out.

- Schatzi, we were supposed to decide on who should do the interview... - Toto said quietly, gently rubbing his thumb over your thigh. You honestly forgot about it, so you were glad that he brought it up. - But if you're not up for it now...

- No, I'm good, I'm good. - you said with a weak smile. - But after running it over and over in my head, I honestly think that Laura would be the best choice. - you stated, and when normally you would look up at him, this time you kept your head on his shoulder and kept your eyes closed.

- The talk show host? - he knew who Laura was from your stories, but he still made sure.

- Yes. In the past she had a few special episodes dedicated to interviewing one person when the topic was hot, so we could fit into that category. - you started explaining, and your warm breath tickled Toto's neck, which made him scrunch his nose and smile. - She's known for not taking any bullshit, so she definitely wouldn't go easy on us, but her reputation and the fact that it would air on BBC would give it more weight. - you explained the reasons behind this choice, and Toto only hummed in agreement.

- Don't you think we're a bit too low on a food chain to appear on her show? Doesn't she host celebrities? - those questions were genuine, and under normal circumstances, you would have agreed. But you two unintentionally became a sensation overnight and even people outside of the racing community were interested in you as a couple.

- She does, but right now... Let me show you, it will be quicker. - you mumbled and reached for your phone, but it was in your bag, so instead you took his from the table, unlocked it, typed his name into the browser, and showed him the screen with numerous headlines. "Toto Wolff is a spoken man and ladies are howling", "19 things surprisingly younger than the age gap between Toto Wolff and Y/n Y/ln.", "What do we know about Toto Wolff and Y/n Y/ln?", "Y/n Y/ln - from a respected reporter to a WAG of Toto Wolff" and many, many more.

- I see... - you could tell he wasn't exactly enjoying this type of attention, but you couldn't do anything about it right now.

- I'm sorry, I could have planned it better... - you mumbled quietly and put your head back on his shoulder.

- It's not your fault, Schatzi. - he squeezed your body a little bit tighter and placed a soft kiss on your temple. - I just wasn't expecting it to blow up to this degree. But we'll get through it together. - you could hear a smile in his voice. - So. Laura? - he circled back.

- Yes, Laura. She'll be tough, but if we ask her to avoid specific topics, she will. And that reminds me... Our families. - you sighed. Because you were so caught up in the heat of the moment, and then the race, that you didn't fully grasp the number of things you haven't thought about. - My mother is one thing and I will deal with her, but your kids... At the party, you told them you were going to call them back. - you reminded him, because you weren't exactly sure how much of last night he remembered, and his son called him rather late.

- Thank you, I'll do that when we land. I would also like you to officially meet them sooner rather than later if that's ok with you. - you weighed his words for a short moment in your head, considering if Toto having some time alone with them first wouldn't be better, just to let all the possible emotions out, and answer all the questions without an outsider present, but on the other hand they could read it as him trying to hide you from them.

- Of course. Let me know when, and I'll make the time. - from what Toto told you about them, it shouldn't be that hard, and you hoped that seeing with their own eyes exactly how much you loved their father would help, although you felt like you were starting from a weak position. Fortunately, Toto already told them that he was seeing someone around half a year ago, but he hasn't told them specifically who. So, finding out from social media or worse - their friends might have been hard.

Even though his face was donning a gentle smile, it wasn't hard for you to notice that he was in a sour mood, but you also knew it was temporary. He liked to have everything covered, and the whiplash of your announcement wasn't something he predicted. And you were no better because even though you knew people would be interested, you would have never thought that it would be such a giant sensation.

- We have a lot of fires to put out. - you chuckled quietly and closed your eyes again. - I'll call Laura when we'll land and hash out the details, but if we don't want to wait till next week, we should be ready to do this on Wednesday. - you put your hand over his heart just to feel it beat under your fingers.

- What about the guests she's supposed to have? - you could feel the vibrations of his voice under your hand even through the material of his shirt.

- Let me worry about that, Dashuria Ime, you already have enough on your plate. - you replied, rubbing your cheek on his shoulder and it was his time to laugh, unintentionally grabbing the attention of the rest of the plane, but seeing you two cozied up and clearly talking about something, they didn't interrupt. Although you suspected that they would start listening closer to what you were saying, and they were in for a treat. - I was also thinking about our conversation from Friday... - you started quietly, and you could feel him perk up under you.

- And...? - he asked after your intentional pause.

- And considering the race schedule and the fact that most drivers will stay in the UK, I'd like to start the company and recordings as soon as possible... - his shoulders slumped just a tiny bit, but the smile on your face didn't go away. You knew he was expecting to hear something else, so you stalled on purpose just to tease him. - And to start the recordings, I'm gonna need a studio. And to have a studio...? - you left the end of the sentence hanging in the air and Toto laughed out loud again.

- You will need to move out...? - he finished for you, even though he didn't have to, and you could almost hear the others getting quieter, sensing something interesting, almost like piranhas. Although they were significantly less bloodthirsty.

- I will need to move out. - you confirmed, and the others were no longer pretending to talk, now openly listening to your conversation, and you didn't even have to open your eyes to know that.

- So I'm guessing that... How did you say it...? "I'm not just gonna move all my stuff in one day"... - he imitated your accent surprisingly well, and you couldn't hold the laughter. - ...was a lie? -

- Wait, are you guys moving in together? - Lewis was the first one to jump on the topic and the excitement in his voice was very clear.

- It looks like it... - you finally opened your eyes again and rested them on Lewis’s bright smile.

- Congratulations! - he immediately wanted to get up to get closer to the both of you, and ask more questions, but this was the moment when turbulences hit, and just as he was standing up, he fell back into his chair, and the whole plane's attention was on him. Partially to make sure that he was ok, but mostly because he made a funny sound when he fell over, and now everyone was either openly laughing or trying to hide the giggle. - Hey! Not my fault! Anyways, what do you guys want as a housewarming gift?

- Some damn peace and quiet would be nice... - Toto mumbled loud enough that everyone could hear him, still a little bit hung up on the whole media hurricane.

- We'll worry about that on the ground. Let's just have a few more moments without that, hmmm? - your voice was soft, and he couldn't help but agree; there was nothing either of you could do right now, and your hand gently placed over his heart made him take a deep breath and then let it out, which you instantly recognized as him banishing the thought from his head. - And, Lewis, we don't need anything, but the thought is appreciated, thank you. - you smiled at the driver, and he just nodded in response, but you had a sneaky suspicion that one day there will be a package waiting for you on the doorstep.

- By the way, we were talking with Valtteri about something... - he started, and you looked at the Fin, not even trying to hide the curiosity. - ...how we, as drivers, could help you guys with the media. And I had a rather radical idea, so I wanted to run it by you before implementing it. - you nodded your head, urging him to continue. - Because as you said, there is no way you'll be left alone for a while, and there is a high chance that we will be asked about the two of you as well. So, I thought that we could just... Thank them for the interview, end it, and walk away without saying anything more. - he explained, and you couldn't help but wonder when exactly they found the time to discuss it between the party, sleep, and all the hecticness of the morning.

- This way it'll send a clear message that we're sticking together as a family. - Valtteri added and you took a moment to contemplate their words. You looked up at Toto, trying to gauge what he thought about it, and he didn't have to say a word for you to know how he felt.

- As much as I love the idea, I think it should be run first by your PR team. There might be a clause somewhere that you're obligated to do a certain amount of media time, during race week. - you started carefully. Now, that you realized what a clusterfuck this whole situation was, you thought about everything in a much more professional and calculated way. - Plus, I wouldn't want you to face additional heat because of us.

- Neither of us would. - Toto echoed, and you could hear a smile in his voice.

- I don't think we... care about that...? - Lewis looked at Valtteri with a question in his eyes as if he wasn't sure.

- No. - Fin added with a smile - And we want to take the stand. - it wasn't rare to see them agreeing on something, but it still felt nice - knowing that they had your back even though they found out just a couple of days ago.

- Yeah, because the longer it goes, the longer all of us will have to deal with it. And it's just not right... - you couldn't help but sigh at his words, because he was 100% right. - But of course, as you said, we will run it by PR first.

- Thank you, guys... And I really appreciate it. It means a lot. - you gave them both a gentle smile. - And we will do an official interview, so hopefully, it will satisfy the public at least a little.

- Oh, you're doing one? When? - Lewis was much more interested in that than Valtteri, who went back to reading his book.

- We're still a little bit fuzzy on the details, but if it goes our way - Wednesday. - you answered, but before Lewis managed to ask more questions about it, the pilot said over the intercom that you'll be landing soon, and everyone should take their seats and fasten their belts. Before you got up, you wanted to place a quick kiss on Toto's cheek, but he turned his head and intercepted your lips with a cheeky grin.

Eventually, you were back in your chair, and it wasn't long before you were steady on the ground. It was the first time you flew on the private jet, so you weren't exactly sure what was the customs procedure, however, you definitely weren't expecting an officer to board the plane and process you right then and there, but you were grateful for not having to deal with the crowds of the airport.

Before Toto even started the car, you gently touched his shoulder and mouthed silently "Your Kids" while you waited for Laura to answer. He smiled as a thank you and left the car to call his children and explain everything in more detail, while you went off at the speed of light as soon as your best friend picked up the phone, explaining your plan and overall situation, at the same time confirming that she will have exclusivity on the interview. You knew that appearing on Laura's show was coming with risks and exposing you and Toto to an even wider audience was one of them, but it was a risk you were willing to take. You quickly bounced the ideas for the placement, set, wardrobe, and everything else, and because you knew each other so well, something that usually took at least a few days and a bunch of emails, took you around 15 minutes.

Toto was still outside, talking with his children, so you also shot a message to the other potential interviewers, thanking them for being willing to take that opportunity and rescinding your offer. You also quickly realized there was not a chance in hell you would be able to handle everything by yourself during the next week, so you took two deep breaths and started compartmentalizing and finding possible opportunities to delegate.

First - you shot a message to Mellie, asking if she could talk, and almost instantly after you click "send", she was calling you back, which didn't even surprise you.

- Hey Mells, are you free this week? - you asked, without even exchanging pleasantries, because in the type of friendship you had, they were simply not needed.

- Do you really have to ask, hun? - her laugh sounded like delicate chimes. You could almost imagine her lounging next to her pool while a professional chef was somewhere in the background preparing breakfast.

- I know, I know, but I wouldn’t be myself if I didn't ask. - you chuckled. - So, I'm gonna need someone to oversee the renovation of my apartment into a recording studio, and since you are elbows deep in real estate and you know my taste pretty well... - you didn't even have to finish.

- Say no more! I was bored anyway. What's the timeline? - she asked with pure excitement in her voice. You knew she liked to help her friends and had both the means and the time to do so, but you still felt a little bit bad asking her for such a huge endeavor.

- If we'll pack and move everything tonight, you could start tomorrow. Do you think you'll be able to finish by the end of the week? - you asked.

- Honey, with the right equipment I can finish in less than two minutes. - she laughed and you couldn't help but chuckle. - But in all seriousness, if I'll be able to get the crew there tomorrow, everything should be ready on Friday. - it was much sooner than you expected, but you also knew she had her tricks.

- Even if I wanted to build a wall separating my current office upstairs from the downstairs? Because I would like to put the recording studio there. - you made sure.

- That won't be a problem. It will be enough time for the wall to dry, so you're good. I'm gonna prepare a few sketches before we'll meet in the afternoon, ok? - you could almost hear gears shifting in her head.

- Ok, but just to be quick. Guest bedroom into a quiet place to recharge, my bedroom into an office that can be quickly turned into a conference room. The kitchen and bathrooms stay as they are, but you can of course make changes, I'm leaving it up to you. And the salon should be an office space with 8 working stations. Oh, and that closet next to the terrace into an equipment closet. Just please don't treat the budget as a light suggestion... - you quickly explained. Fortunately, Mellie was at your place enough times to know the layout pretty well.

- The wardrobe on the left to the entry stays as a wardrobe, I assume. And you want to leave two full bathrooms with no one living there? - she asked, already making mental notes.

- Yeah, it stays, and the bathrooms... I mean, I'm not sure about the smaller one, but overall, I plan on having 11 or 12 people hired, so at least two toilets would be nice. I mean, some of them could definitely work remotely on a daily basis, but one bathroom definitely won't be enough. - you said after taking a few seconds to think.

- I can renovate the bigger one, get rid of the bathtub, add a wall or two, and fit two stalls there. And leave the one with the shower as it is. - she offered.

- That actually... sounds amazing. Thank you, Mellie. - you were grateful for the suggestion because you haven't even considered doing something like that.

- You got it. Anything else you have in mind? - she inquired, and you went through your mental list.

- No, not really. I trust you. - you eventually replied.

- Ok, then I'm hanging up and scheduling the crew for tomorrow at noon. Love you, Boo. - she made a kissing sound over the phone, and you laughed.

- Thanks again, Mells. - she was the one who hung up, and you took another deep breath, deciding what to prioritize next, but just as you were about to make another call, you saw a message from Laura, sent from her business email, which meant it was an official BBC business. The message included a very lenient but still long contract, and you didn't have the time to go through every point, but just as you were about to ask Toto if you could steal Mark again, you got a private message from Laura.

"I've fought for it, it's good, but you can still run it by your lawyer. Both of you can sign it before the photo shoot."

And a few seconds later you got another email from her, this time containing the exact schedule for Wednesday, and extensive details about the photoshoot that - if you agreed - would take place in about two hours. Laura also compiled a file with the names of the photographer, stylist, make-up artist, and hair stylist, their previous works, and a few proposals of what they had in mind for you and Toto. Sometimes you forgot how quickly your best friend could work, and how detail-oriented she was, for which right now, you were extremely grateful. You could see that she definitely included herself in every part of the process, judging by what options were prepared for you.

Just as you were about to look closer at the proposed wardrobe, Toto came back to the car and gave you a quick kiss on the cheek.

- Everything went ok...? - you asked, still scrolling through the file. Usually, he had your full attention, but right now, there was no time.

- Yes. As it turns out, you are Rosie's favorite reporter on the grid, so you helped me score some points back, because she - indeed - found out from one of her friends. But they both can't wait to meet you in person. - he gave you a warm smile when you quickly glanced up from your phone. - And how are things on the battlefront? - he asked as he started the car.

- Hectic. The interview will be live on Wednesday at 21:00, but we will have to be there at 19:00. I already have the contracts, and Laura assured me that they're good, and I trust her, but we can still run them by a lawyer. - you looked at Toto with a question in your eyes.

- Forward them to Mark and add P1 before the title. That way he will look at them immediately. - he smiled, and you quickly did what he asked, while you were slowly rolling out of the parking lot.

- BBC also wants to do a quick photoshoot for promotional materials, because right now they have nothing to run an announcement with. - you added, sparing him all the specific details. - In the main studio at 11 if we agree of course.

- Wow, you are really quick, Schatzi. - he chuckled. - And the sooner we get it over with, the better.

- That was actually Laura. But we have about an hour to freshen up in my apartment before we go. - You quickly replied to the second email that the photo shoot is a go.

- A lot can be done in one hour... - he said in a teasing voice, but he immediately realized, that you had other plans, so he dropped the topic. What was happening right now, was your domain, and he intended to put his full trust in you. - Is there any way I could help? - he asked sincerely.

- Actually... Could I borrow Mark for a few days? I will need help with registering a new company, trademarks, and the first few contracts. Just until I find my own lawyer who I could trust. - you asked, with your eyes still glued to your phone. - And do you want to choose your clothes and hairstyle for the interview?

- Of course, you can. I have him on retainer, and I never used his full hours. And – just an idea - you can stay with his company, I'm sure he will find someone who will suit your future needs. But for now, I will let him know that he should expect a bigger workload from you. - you were extremely grateful for that because everything was happening so fast. You landed in England not even an hour ago, and you already had your next few days fully packed. - You have a much better sense of fashion than me, Schatzi, so I’m leaving it up to you... - he answered the second question, and gently placed his hand on your thigh, seeking the physical touch that brought both of you comfort. You quickly chose the hair, make-up, and clothes for the photo shoot, sent it in the reply to Laura's email, and took another deep breath, holding it for a few seconds in your lungs. So many things were happening at the same time, and you had to keep yourself in check because if you didn't, you would be crushed under the weight of all the decisions. And after analyzing everything, you came to the obvious conclusion - you needed more help if you wanted everything to be done on time, but that had to wait a moment because you just arrived at your apartment.

Toto took both his travel bag and your suitcase from the car and carried them into the building, while you wrapped your hand around his waist and hid under the pleasant weight of his arm, where - at least for a moment - the outside world couldn't reach you.

You didn't have to tell him where anything was, because by now he was here enough times to get familiar with not only the layout, but also with where you kept the extra bag of flour in the kitchen, or in which drawer you kept your fresh linen.

- I'm going to take a shower and make breakfast... You do you. - he stated, anticipating that you will be much busier during that hour than he will be. He was right, of course, and you were extremely grateful that he was willing to help.

- Thank you... - you gave him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek before he brought your bags to the bedroom. While he was under the shower, you started scrolling through your contact list, searching for potential future employees. You needed trusted people, people who you worked with in the past and you knew from experience that you worked well together. So, when you spotted a familiar name almost on the top of your list, you immediately dialed her.

- Hey Lynn. It's Y/n Y/ln. - you introduced yourself because you weren't sure if she still had your number. - You were interning under me around a year ago when I was interviewing David Coulthard and you helped me with some research.

- Yes, of course, I remember. It's good to hear from you. - a soft, soothing voice replied, and you could almost hear the smile in it.

- I'm calling to offer you a job... - you started bluntly because you didn't have time to dance around the topic. - For one month as my assistant, and after that - as a full-time researcher, mostly into things related to F1. - you took a quick breath - I'm not gonna lie, the first month would be brutal, but I promise not to bother you outside of working hours. Starting pay is 3k, but it will be changed as your title will change, to reflect your new position. Insurance, private medical care with dental, and all that legal shabang will, of course, be covered. For the first month, I would need you with me in London, but after that - the job can be performed remotely, and the equipment will be provided. - you quickly hashed out the details. You didn't have everything mentioned lined up yet, but you thought about it a lot yesterday, and you knew you wanted to be a good employer, and from experience, you also knew what most people needed from a job to stay happy and loyal, and that's what you were aiming for.

- What's the catch? - she asked in that smooth tone.

- You would have to start tomorrow. And like I've said - the first month will be brutal. - you replied, slowly suspecting which way she was leaning, but you still gave her a few more moments to analyze the pros and cons.

- Since your departure from the Network was rather public, I assume it would be for some other project? - she quickly deduced.

- Yes. I'm starting my own company, and I'm piecing together a crew for it. It will focus on long and extensive interviews. First with current drivers, and if it will catch some winder under its wings - hopefully we will expand. - you replied.

- Independently or for a streaming service? - she dug a little bit deeper, and you couldn't help but admire just how quickly she was able to connect the dots.

- Fully independent.

- I'm in. - she replied as soon as you finished saying the last word.

- That's awesome! Thank you. I will send you the contract either today evening or tomorrow morning. And if I'll know that I won't be able to send it to you today, I will let you know so you won't be pointlessly waiting for it. But for now - do you have any more questions? - your heart honestly felt lighter than just an hour ago.

- What time do I start tomorrow? And where do we meet? - you couldn't help but laugh with relief.

- 9 AM. But you can start from your own apartment. I'm gonna need you to compile a list of external HR companies that also handle accounting, with the best independent reviews, not that bullshit point system from the most popular websites. I want someone legit who won't take bullshit. And since I already know you're good at what you do, the top 3 would be enough. And if you will have enough time after that - I will also need a company that offers both web and graphic design services, with a focus on quality and time; budget right now doesn't matter. - you explained and just as you finished, you felt your phone vibrating with yet another notification.

- HR. Web and Graphic Design. - she repeated.

- I know you're already confirmed, but I'm gonna ask once more. Are you sure you want this job? - you asked because yet again - you got this feeling that everything was happening with the speed of light.

- I'm sure. To be honest, I've somehow landed in a stereotypical corpo-job, so I'm taking your offer as a sign to stop slaving away. - she laughed, and you joined her. - Plus, I know you keep your promises, and you wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t serious.

- And you won't have any problems with resigning on the spot? - you made sure.

- Not with the contract I have with them. - she soothed your worries.

- Ok then. I'll speak to you tomorrow. Oh, and send me your personal details, including the current address for the contract and the courier. I'll try to get a new phone and computer to you by tomorrow, and if you have any preferences for your set-up, please include that in your message. I honestly want you to be as satisfied with everything as possible.

- Do I have a set budget? - she asked quickly before you managed to hang up, and you had to think about it for a moment.

- Don't make me regret it, but... no. Just be sensible and don't order something with i9. - you both laughed again. - Thank you, Lynn.

- You got it, boss. - she laughed and ended the call. You quickly checked the notification that came during your conversation. It was an email from Mark giving you a green light to sign the contract with BBC and asking how you managed to negotiate such terms. You quickly replied and asked if it would be possible to talk over the phone. And yet again today - he was calling you almost as soon as you send the message.

- Hi Mark, I hope I'm not interrupting you too much.

- Hey Y/n. Not at all, I cleared my whole week for you, per Toto's request. - you made a mental note to thank your wonderful partner for helping you so much. - From what I understood, you will need help with registering your company and you would also like to find our own lawyer, is that correct? - he was godsent. And someone definitely was watching over you, because considering how hectic everything was, it was impressive that - at least for now - everything went so smoothly.

- That's right. I will also need help with drafting t first few employee contracts. - you added, as you got up from the couch and started walking around the apartment to focus better on the conversation.

- That's understandable. I assume Ltd? - he inquired.

- Yes. How long does it usually take?

- I will send you a form to fill out and a list of documents you will need to provide. If you'll be able to send it back to me before noon, the company will be registered by the end of today. - his voice was confident.

- You're joking... - you couldn't believe it.

- I assure you, I am not. It usually takes 3 to 5 hours to fully register and process a new Ltd. - he replied, and you were stunned because suddenly everything started to feel a little bit too real. You took one deep breath to ground yourself and closed your eyes.

- Ok then. - you finally replied after a moment of silence.

- Would you mind if I asked you something?

- Ask away. - you chuckled and resumed your walk around the apartment, just as Toto was leaving the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his hips, and you couldn't help but smile.

- Do you already have someone in mind for your permanent HR position? - you stopped again because you weren't expecting that question.

- I have someone looking into external companies to hire from. Why...?

- If you wouldn't mind some good old nepotism, I would like to send you a CV of my daughter. She specializes in employment law and just got her undergrad degree in business management. She has 2 years of experience in a similar position in a tech startup. I can also include her references. - he stopped for a moment, and you honestly needed a minute to process what you heard. - Just a CV. And if you'll like what you see, you could set up a proper interview. I'm not trying to force anything here. - you took a moment to think as you resumed your walk around the apartment at a little bit faster pace.

- Can you send me her CV now? - you requested, because honestly - you wanted to ride that wave of green lights and squeeze as much good luck from today as you could.

- I'm asking her to send it to your email right now. You should have it in a few minutes. - you could hear him smiling on the other side of the line.

- Ok, I will get back to her before 10:30. - everything was going so smoothly, that you were honestly starting to get suspicious, because life was never that easy, and some part of your mind was waiting for the other shoe to drop. After that, you quickly went through the possible private medical packages, sports cards, and the terms of employment you would like to offer your employees, which included a small budget every month for self-improvement, which could be spent either on learning new skills or improving your mental health by relaxing. You also went through the terms of NDAs, and something that popped into your head when Lynn asked you about the equipment - a payment plan to buy it out from the company by deducting it in installments from the pension. By the time you ended the call, it was almost 10, and Toto finished making simple 3 ingredient crepes, which were his specialty, but you weren't done just yet.

You opened an email from Mark's daughter that included a letter of recommendation as well as her CV, and you recognized one of the companies she was working in around 3 years ago because one of Sammy's sisters worked there. So, you quickly called your friend.

- Hey Brocksby... Can you send me Lizzie's number? I have a quick question.

- I mean... I could... but I'm at home and we're eating breakfast, so... you know... I can just pass the phone to her. - you laughed.

- Thanks, Love... You have my gratitude. – you waited a moment until you heard a familiar voice. - Hi Lizzie, sorry to bother you with such a random question so early, but by any chance, do you know Charlotte Zane?

- Hey Y/n! Not a problem at all... And of course, I know One-Fear-Charlie. - she laughed.

- One-Fear-Charlie? - you inquired with a slight smile.

- Well, yeah. Do you know that meme in a form of a comic panel? The one with a guy in a t-shirt that says, "No Fear" and then it changes to "One Fear"? - she asked, and this time you laughed.

- Yeah, I know it.

- So, she was that one fear. - Lizzie explained further

- Was she that bad? - you already started working on a gentle way to reject her CV, but your friend’s sister continued.

- Not bad, just... Strict, I guess? I mean - she knew how to have fun, but when it came to work - everything had to be absolutely perfect and every scenario had to be included in writing, so when you got an email from her - you knew that something was missing from your work, and you basically fucked up. She wasn't a bitch about it though, and she was really patient with new people, but you know...

- She was really good at finding imperfections? - you offered before she found the right words.

- Yeah.

- Did you like working with her? And her as a person overall? - you asked, slowly erasing that speech to gently turn Charlotte down.

- I mean - like I've said - she wasn't a bitch, and always gave you the opportunity to correct your mistakes before someone higher got a chance to see them. She was strict but definitely fair... And personally...? We weren't super close, but she seemed ok. She mostly hung out with paralegals, not us in the bottom of the barrel, but she was always kind to us on breaks and stuff. She had a really dry sense of humor though... You know, cheesy dad jokes and wordplay. - she offered.

- Thank you so much, Lizzie. And sorry again for bothering you. Say goodbye to your brother from me.

- No problem. And take care, Y/n! - you quickly hung up and sighed.

- Eat. You have 20 minutes to take a shower and eat something before we have to leave. - Toto quickly intercepted your phone before you got the chance to do anything else with it and pushed a plate with crepes with plum jam under your nose.

- I need to reply to an email... - you groaned, but despite your words, you started eating.

- Dictate then. Just don't choke... - he smiled, and you chuckled as he placed a small kiss on the top of your head.

- In reply to Charlotte Zane - Could we meet today at 2 PM in Saint Luke's Garden? - you swallowed a bite as Toto typed on your phone. - My signature... - another bite. - …and in PS "Not an official interview, just a walk, so dress in whatever you feel comfortable in. Preferably no business attire. - you continued with a piece of a crepe in your mouth. - Add a smiley face and hit send. - he did as you asked.

- You have a message from Mellie asking if she should include computers in the budget. - you nodded in reply, and Toto passed that in a message form. - And another one from Laura, telling you not to wash your hair or wear any make-up because everything will be done on set. - you were almost inhaling your breakfast, so instead of speaking you just showed him a thumb up, and she sent said emoji in reply. You looked at the clock, took the rest of the crepe in your hand, and almost ran to the bathroom because you had less than 15 minutes.

After the shower, you quickly chose fresh clothes, but before you got dressed, you quickly started applying lotion to your body.

- Hey, could you open the last email from Mark, and download the attachment? - you yelled loud enough for Toto to hear you in the kitchen, or wherever he was. Instead of yelling back, he came into the bedroom and leaned on the doorframe. He was watching you as you finished moisturizing your skin, and you gave him a small smile when you caught him. - The attachment. What information is needed? - you asked, while you put on your underwear, but he didn't reply immediately, instead letting his gaze linger. Only when you looked at him for the second time, he unlocked your phone and started reading the form. Fortunately, most of the information you could provide from memory, or you could find it on your phone, so at least you didn't have to dig through your apartment in search of any documents, and you could fill out that form in the car.

You were ready exactly four minutes before 10:30, but before you left the apartment in a hurry, Toto gently grabbed you by the arms and stopped you from moving anywhere for a moment, and your gaze almost instinctively found his eyes.

- Breathe. Relax your shoulders. Unclench your jaw. Close your eyes... And for one minute just... breathe. - he said. You wanted to protest, because you had to leave, but his grip on your arms told you that it would be futile, so you did as he asked. With every slow breath, your racing mind started to slowly calm down. All the things that you had to do today were still there, but they were slowly stopping to fight for the place in front of the line.

After the full minute, Toto released your arms, but instead of running out of the apartment, you wrapped your arms around him, rested your face against his chest, and stayed like that for one moment longer.

It was easy to get lost when the pace of the day was so rapid, but you were fortunate to have someone who understood that and was able to help you find yourself again.

- Thank you... - you mumbled against his shirt, and he just pressed a soft kiss to your temple in reply. It was his time to be your rock, just as you were his yesterday. 

A/N 2: Please don’t feel obligated/pressured to reblog, because I write mostly for myself. A comment would be appreciated though :) Love, G.

[goldenempyrean]

Caring for a Kryptonian

〚 Prompt - "You need to rest so you can get better and be your cute self again." 〛

〚 Pairing - Kara x Reader 〛

〚 Wordcount - 1800 〛

〘 Check Out My Masterlist! 〙

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“Oh god, seriously Kara, again?” You found yourself sighing deeply into the phone as your blonde-haired girlfriend admitted the news that yet again, she had lost her powers, “How’d it happen this time then?” 

Kara groaned and you were pretty confident that she was pouting too, “Stupid alien that I was fighting, it was resistant to everything!” 

You shook your head, “And let me guess, you pushed yourself way too far?” 

“Maybe…” She sighed a little this time and it was obvious she was beyond disappointed, “The whole point of flying out here was to get stronger and now I’m being sent home only 2 days in.” 

“Wait, they’re sending you home?” Kara had originally been sent out with the DEO for what Alex had called ‘a week of intensive hell’, they’d planned to had Kara train somewhere in the remote outback of Australia to test her endurance in different climates despite her insistence that it really wouldn’t make a difference. But the sudden appearance of other worldly life had put the week to a sudden halt. 

“They’re putting me on a plane later tonight,” Kara whined a little louder this time, “It’s so not fair, I hate flying inside metal boxes when I could literally just do it myself.”��

You couldn't help but chuckle at her complaint about flying in a metal box. It was a typical Kara response, always longing for the freedom her powers provided. However, you couldn't deny that her situation was less than ideal. 

"Well, at least you'll be back home soon," you replied sympathetically. "You push yourself way too hard, we both know it. So maybe some time off will do you good, just come home, we’ll grab some junk food and relax. Then maybe we’ll throw James down an elevator shaft again and get those powers of yours back.” 

Your girlfriend gave a small chuckle, “Maybe,” There was another voice coming from the other side of the phone, “Baby, I need to go, they want to do some tests then I have to go pack my stuff up. They can’t spare anything private so I’m gonna have to take a commercial flight so It’ll be like 9 hours or so. I’ll be home around 10pm.” 

You felt a pang of sympathy at the news of Kara's long journey home. Nine hours on a commercial flight sounded tiresome, especially for someone used to soaring through the skies effortlessly. But it was part of the reality she had to face, balancing her superhuman abilities with the mundane aspects of life. 

"Alright, Kara," you replied, trying to sound supportive despite your own frustration. "I'll be waiting for you when you get home and don't worry, I'll have all your favourite snacks ready for you." 

"I love you," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and longing. 

"I love you too," you replied, your voice matching hers in tenderness. "Stay safe, and remember, you're amazing with or without your powers." 

With that said, you finished your phone call and began tidying your apartment up - after all you didn’t need your girlfriend coming back to a messy home. Truthfully as day grew into night you couldn’t help but get excited, tomorrow would mean Kara and that was all you could think about. 

It was all you could think about the following day as well, you’d slept in a little, hoping to pass the hours somehow. The day was seemed to slowly creep day, each hour feeling longer than the last. 

Dinner consisted of some frozen microwaved meal, a little bland but the hoard of snacks and drinks that you’d secured was sure to tide you over, all you needed now was SuperGirl herself. To be honest though, you were kinda surprised she hadn’t texted by now, Kara definitely wasn’t one to go radio silent. 

But after what felt like a lifetime you finally heard the latch to your apartment door click open and the distinct sound of your girlfriend’s boots hit the wooden floor. 

“Hi sweetheart!” You called out excitedly, rushing out of the kitchen into the entrance way, opening your arms to give your girlfriend a huge bear hug, “How was the flight, how come you didn’t text, I-“ 

Kara stopped you suddenly when you went to reach out for her, keeping you an arm's length away, “Don’t- hih!- come too close, I thinHh’iishoo! ..Heh-Hh’iitshiew!” 

You blinked in surprise as Kara sneezed not once, but twice, in quick succession but before you could even begin to wonder what was wrong, your girlfriend answered your question. 

“It happened again!” She whined hoarsely, sending herself into a small flurry of coughing but she didn’t stop you from coming closer this time and you gently ran your hand down her bag as she regained her breath. 

“You’re sick?” You filled in the obvious gap, hand leaving her back and instead coming to meet her own instead. She felt hot. I mean, Kara ran hot usually but this was different. Her usually peachy and bright complexion was pasty and white, she definitely wasn’t feeling well. 

She huffed a little, sniffling at her runny nose as you guided her to sit down on the couch, “The lady next to me in the lobby was sniffling the whole time and I thought I could just avoid her but guess who I was sat next to on the plane?” You already knew the answer before she continued, “Nobody else but miss contagious hhH- lady- Hi’tshiew!” 

You made a sympathetic noise whilst reaching over to take a couple of tissues from the box sitting neatly on the coffee table, “Oh darling, I’m sorry. You’re non-super immune system really sucks, doesn’t it?” 

Kara sniffled and nodded, blowing her nose into the tissue. "Tell me about it," she replied, her voice still hoarse. "I wish I had my Kryptonian immune system right now.” 

"Well, lucky for you, I'm here to take care of you," You said with a smile before giving her a playful nudge, “Just try to keep those super-germs to yourself this time, alright? We don’t want a repeat of the Alex situation.”  

The last time Kara had gotten sick she’d managed to not only break her arm but as a consequence of that, her tissue covering skills were severely impacted and unfortunately for her sister, Alex just so happened to be in her line of fire resulting in a very sick, very sulky agent a few days later. 

Kara chuckled weakly, remembering the incident with her sister. "Yeah, I'll try my best to contain my super-germs this time," she replied, giving you a sheepish smile. "I really appreciate you taking care of me, though. You're the best." 

You returned the gesture before pressing a small kiss to her warm cheek, “Don’t mention it. I have snacks, movies and blankets. We even have potstickers. I wasn’t originally planning for a sick-day evening but I’m sure we can improvise. Oh! You do know this means I’m gonna make you take the green goo right?” 

The ‘green goo’ is what Kara had originally called NyQuil when she first saw it out of the bottle and the name stuck ever since. Oh, how you wished you could’ve captured the way her face dropped at the mere mention of medicine. 

But before she could complain, her face shifted from an expression of disbelief to waiting anticipation as she scrunched up her nose preemptively. 

“Bless-“ You cut in a second too early, causing her to lose the tickle and the blonde rubbed at her nose as she gave you an adorably pouty frown. For added measure you made sure to boop the tip of her red nose as you stood up from the couch before heading into the kitchen as you called out, “Stay put, I’ll return with your green goo that you’re definitely going to be taking.” 

As stepped into the kitchen you heard Kara sneeze once, twice… trice? Before whining loudly afterwards as her raspy voice carried her displeasure, “Those were your fault!” 

“I know.” You laughed back before hurrying to locate the medicine and another box of tissues, both of which were under the sink in the small white basket you’d dedicated to sick-day supplies. “Bless you, by the way.” You smiled, coming back to Kara to hand her the medicine and extra tissue box before disappearing and quickly reappearing with a glass of water and a can of Dr Pepper. 

“Alrighty, water for you miss sickie.” You offered the drink of water when you sat back down beside her, to which she crossed her arms as she looked longingly at the cool can in your other hand and you easily knew what she was hinting at,  “No way missy, this is mine. Property of me.” 

“I like Dr Pepper too y’know.” She murmured, trying to sound alluring but the facade was quickly broken when it sent her into a flutter of coughing. 

“Really? Who would’ve known.” You smiled playfully as you teased her a little, 

“If you take your medicine and drink the whole glass of water then maybe you can have one, okay?” 

She seemed to mull over your deal before agreeing, wordlessly handing you back the NyQuil to pour out a dose for her, “You sure you couldn’t have done that yourself SuperGirl?” 

“Well if I’m too sick to have Dr Pepper I wouldn’t want to strain myself opening a lid, would I?” Kara sighed dramatically, taking the green goo from you and giving you a mock glare. "You're too good to me," she added lovingly before downing the medicine with a sip of water. 

"I know," you replied, smirking. "It's just one of the many perks of being your amazing girlfriend." 

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're such a dork," she said, leaning back against the couch cushions. "But I love you." 

“I love you too pumpkin, now try and relax a little.” You whispered back, kissing her forehead as you took the blanket draped along the back of the sofa and pulled it around yourselves, allowing your girlfriend to sink beside you whilst she cuddled into your side. 

You didn’t really pay too much mind on what movie to put on, you knew she’d fall asleep soon anyway and your point was so perfectly proved because you were still browsing the seemingly endless rows of Netflix when small, congested but oddly cute snores began rising from the sniffling superhero at your side. You smiled, not bothering to pick a movie anymore. 

Instead, you wrapped your arm around her shoulder and pulled her in close, sure you both might’ve been comfier more in bed but for now, you were content just to hold her like this.  

Afterall, nothing in the world mattered more than when Kara was in your arms. 

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[vinelark]

can you talk more about your writing process? do you outline? what does your drafting process look like? I love to hear about the ways my fave fic writers write because everyone is so different!

hello! a while ago i wrote a bit about the broad idea-to-ao3 journey my fics usually take, and i’m always happy to go more in depth about outlining/drafting since i find it really interesting when i see other writers talk about it too 😊

i do outline, and often extensively—my outlines start out long and get longer as i go. usually my initial outline is a basic version of me telling myself the story; i have all the major beats in chronological order and all the random details/scene ideas i’ve already thought of while brainstorming. it’s very messy and often just for me, so i’m barely even using punctuation at that point. but by the time i start drafting i know where the fic ends, even if i don’t know the exact final scene/beat. for example, before i started even drafting chapter 1 of bbts i already knew what all the 5 + 1 scenarios were, when the identity reveal dropped (and didn’t drop), who the Big Bad was, and how that overarching plot connected to each scenario, so i was ready to start filling in the actual story details from there.

after that my outlines are constantly growing documents because i jump around and add things as i go, getting more detailed the closer i get to drafting—by the time i reach a scene to actually write it, it’s usually pretty well beated out for me. i zerodraft scenes right in the outline document, and then draft over those zerodrafts, so the outline eventually becomes the fic itself.

here are a few examples of what some bits of bbts chapter 4 looked like in the outline by the time i started drafting it vs. the final fic (also copied under the cut because they’re a bit long for alt text):

i don’t write every day (i wish!) but i do usually at least open the document every day or jot down ideas. especially in a mad scramble after i shower, because i always end up planning whole conversations/action sequences in my head while showering or brushing my teeth or otherwise doing something where i can’t reach for my phone immediately 😅 i tend to outline/zerodraft quickly but draft slowly (details always take so much longer than i expect), but i do write faster and faster the closer i get to finishing a chapter/fic.

also, i workshop a lot as i go! going to friends like “hey i’m trying to [hurt a character in a specific way] but having trouble blocking the scene. can anyone help me achieve this more practically” is one of my favorite parts of the process.

text for outline vs. final snippets:

original outline:

have you ever been?

hmm? yeah i, uh, studied abroad here for a bit.

ah. kon should’ve figured;

before he can feel too disappointed, though, tim flashes a small smile and says, never seen it from this angle, though.

final snippet:

“Have you ever been?” Kon asks.

“Hmm?” The mylar crinkles as Tim leans further. “Yeah I, uh, studied abroad here for a bit.”

“Ah.” Kon probably should’ve figured.

Before he can feel too disappointed, though, Tim flashes him another smile and says, “Never seen it from this angle, though. Plane windows don’t really do it justice.”

original outline:

tim and bruce talking, bruce is like, yes, it’s safer the less people know who we are, but it’s not just about that. i want you to have something to return to. i want your civilian identity to be a haven—i don’t want robin to define you. if you ever stop being robin, i want you to still be able to be tim.

also if bruce wayne is compromised, it compromises my ability to keep you safe. i want you to be safe. but i also have another reason. it’s selfish of me. if tim drake is compromised, it would be much harder to keep you here with me, as my family. as someone i can care for as bruce wayne. and i want to keep you, tim.

final snippet:

Bruce holds up a hand. “It’s not that. That is—yes, the less people who know, the safer we are. But I’m trying to say…it’s not just about that. I have trouble explaining this part; it always comes out wrong. I think the first time I tried was the first time Dick called me a despot, actually.” He snorts, quiet and wry. “I’ll try to do better this time. What it really comes down to is this: I want you to have something to return to. I want your civilian identity to be a haven—I don’t want Robin to define you. If you ever stop being Robin, I want you to still be able to be Tim. If Tim Drake is compromised, it’s harder for you to have that option. And if Bruce Wayne is compromised, too, it compromises my ability to keep you safe. I want you to be safe. But I also have another reason, and this is the selfish part. The part I couldn’t explain right last time. Which is: if Bruce Wayne were compromised, it would be much harder to keep you here with me, as someone I can help in all of your identities. As my family. Not impossible—I would never let it be impossible. But it would make it harder, and that’s what scares me, more than the rest of it combined. Because I want to keep you, Tim.”

original outline:

oh, tim says. no, that’s. it’s fine. i didn’t. doesn’t know what else to say. it’s just. i’m robin, there on the tip of his tongue. he can’t say it past the hot embarrassment clawing at his throat, pulsing behind his eyes. he summons his mother, summons brucie wayne, summons normal, boring, see-through tim drake, and manages a vacant smile

final snippet:

The words have sort of been washing over Tim like a tidal wave, but he recognizes that he’s probably supposed to respond in some way. “Oh,” he says. “No, that’s. It’s fine. I didn’t.”

He doesn’t know what else to say. His hand is still resting against the mask in his pocket, I’m Robin right there on the tip of his tongue, technically irrelevant to whether or not Kon wants to date Tim Drake. But he can’t say it past the hot embarrassment clawing at his throat, pulsing behind his eyes. He wants to ask for a minute to think, to turn around so Kon can’t see his face, and immediately feels even more humiliated for needing that. He should’ve known. He should’ve known.

“Tim?” Kon says quietly.

Tim draws in a long breath. Another. He summons his mother, summons Brucie Wayne, summons normal, boring, see-through Tim Drake, and manages a vacant smile. “It’s fine,” he says. “I get it. Thanks for being honest.”

[doukeshi-kun]

I think the ending was fire,why didn't you like it?

i dont wanna drag this longer but generally i feel like fyodor's death is undeserving. he's bring chaos to a whole world with his plan and this is how he leave? by a plane crush? bffr. and of course he is outsmarted by vampire cosplay! what about sigma? what about dazai's promise to him? sigma is lying somewhere, probably braindead. fyodor's origin, motive, ability—all unanswered. nikolai wanted fyodor dead but i kinda dont like the execution of his reaction. fyodor is dead just like that after he was being hyped up. i really wish this is just a fever dream for the anime. i know manga would probably follow those event but i do hope there's a change of plot. i am sorry shippers but this feels like a fanservice too. of course chuuya is acting. of course skk has been cooperating. this is all just... god i can't say. i dont know i really dont know how to feel positive about the ending

clarification that this is my opinion, ok. if you think the anime ends well, then good for you

[disfrutalakia]

Okay going to throw my two cents about what might be Baghera's and Jaiden's pasts with the feds, like with some more specific stuff than the post that I made earlier. Under a cut cause you guys knows I like to ramble :)

Baghera

Obviously today we got confirmation that she was a federations experiment, although we don't know for what or how did she get there

I do like the whole theory of Baghera being the Duck's child, and I think it makes the whole thing a lot more sinister that he would use his own child for experiments for an unknows goal (kinda make me think about that one fullmetal alchemist plotline with the father and child (you guys know the one))

Baghera had plans of running away and she did, although I think that one nice worker she mentions it might've helped her with it, to like gather material and stuff like that, or even covered up her absence so it would took longer for people to notice.

Now, I do think that Baghera still had all her memories from her time with the feds, her memory only got affected as an adult when she returned with the plane crash but sometimes she has flashes about things, like being alone and she is probably terrified of needles and stuff

Now a little voice in my head tells me that her feathers were used to create the eggs, maybe not the ones we know now but definitely the first versions

Jaiden

Although it looks like it, she was not an experiment but she did work for the feds.

I like to think of her as a scientist (yeah I know it might not fit with her personality but that's the exact reason why I think it's interesting) she was probably involved with the creation of the original cucurucho (the "perfect" one) osito bimbo was made after she left the island and they didn't have Jaiden's touch to create beings.

She rarely interacted with Baghera, sometimes only seeing the child being dragged around corridors and finding some of her feather laying around.

Baghera was probably the reason why Jaiden left the island, yes they never interacted but Jaiden's heart broke everytime she saw the child's scared eyes around the corridors, so when she heard about Baghera escaping she decided it was her turn.

I think that she was the one to erase her own memories after leaving the island, not wanting to remember all the things she might've done.

[swampymelonpatch]

yo

lore dump the shiney

I didn’t really expect people to want shiney lore so soon lol. Of course I’d love to ramble about my chaos child. <3

HERE YOU GO!

(sorry this is a little long lol I didn’t even go into too much detail.)

imma keep this to info that is important to Shiney! (A lot of his lore connects to other oc lore that I’ll get into later lol)

Shiney’s og form is based of a dnd monster called Nishruu (they are magic consumers.) so if you took him out of their pony form. That is kinda what they’d look like. A massive cloud of mouths and eyes. (And tentacles for shiney lol) Truly though many mortals will ever see their real forms, as it often drives mortals to madness.

Shiney and his siblings are slightly modified versions of that monster. They were made by god knows what. In an outer plane of unknown origin. In total their are seven of these beings. Shiney is the youngest of them. The rest in order are, Topaz, Starr, Gum-lee, Gimlee, Lefty, and :3 (yet to have a name). (Also that could change. My sister and I like giving them more siblings.) They were given the freedom to go and do what they’d like. Exploring any universe they could reach. The only rule being to not eat more than is necessary, as to maintain a delicate balance. Not all the siblings could follow that rule. One particularly greedy sibling took upon themselves to gain as much magic/power as they could. Only one of the siblings noticed. Despite trying to warn their other siblings, the greedy one did not stop. The others didn’t believe it to be true. The greedy one was confronted and a fight occurred. A whole universe went dark. When the dust settled the greedy sibling was nowhere to be seen. The one to give the warning was left standing. They were huge and needed to be stopped. So together the siblings banished them to a void prison. All the siblings were scattered shortly after. (And disfigured in some way.) Shiney did not get to participate much in the fight. Until he was knocked back and sent soaring toward equestria. Topaz tried to help hem but were too late. They got a hold on them for a moment. Only managing to stretch the youngest, before they slipped away. Plunging down into Equestria. She made note of where he was and finished banishing their sibling. That’s where we are now. Shiney is stuck in Equestria. Him and his siblings use their magic to take the form of the most prominent species of any given world. The longer in said form the more acclimated they become to it. After finding themselves alone in equestria. Shiney was taken in and helped by a family run circus. (Well sibling run circus.) where He’d meet his bestie and the ring leader, Laughy Taffy! Shiney works as the light guy for them. They have a tour planned to celebrate Twilight Sparkles coronation. as a thanks for reading all that here’s some Shiney art :)

:D If any of that didn’t make sense I’ll answer any questions!

other random facts!

Shiney can summon tentacles!

He gets energy from magic and in turn friendship! (Especially in equestria)

His neck can grow real long

they can invade dreams :)

their magic has been acting odd ever since they got stuck (usually they can change the form they are in but have been unable to)

they also are a little weaker after falling into equestria

they can be any color, so long as it’s saturated! :)

their mouth does open but it’s freaky in there!

they can stand on two legs!

[katielovably]

Time passed and soon they were eating, with the littes eating at the coffee table using pillows as chairs watching kid's shows (little Matt put on) as the originals sat around the kitchen, telling stories.

It was a while since they had that time (didn't help Tord had the dumb mission).

Oh, right. Tord! TJ running up holding a notebook.

What's that? Tord said... before looking to where TJ was then we're he was peeking from around the the corner.

What did you...

DO NOT TOUCH! Was written on the front.

TJ. Tord sighed.

He saw Red leader in it as he flipped threw it... he was holding Red leader's plan book.

TJ was right to be mad at the guy.

He's whole plan was there (written in Norwegian) ... Tord froze at the hand drawn picture of Tom's monster form before... him with TJ crying in his arms... then a gruesome end detailed death scene under it.

TJ gave a whimper hiding more making Tord look up.

This won't happen, TJ. Tord said softly on Norwegian.

I... I know. But it could have. TJ said softly as TJ's voice said softly "it could be a trap."

It was... that's why that ass was wanting Tord and TJ found but they were unsmarted.

TJ, your going to get us kill for taking this. Tord said.

I... I know. He said softly

Besides he's here. We're fine. Making it obvious who he was talking about. Tom's eyes flickered purple at Tord before smacking Tord.

Ow, I deserve that. Tord said as TJ revealed more written pages... a plan B if plan A didn't work (which it didn't obviously). The end goal was to get rid of Tord so "red leader" could take his place.

How gullible does he think my friends are? Tord snickered... TJ revealed the answer.

Oh the next page.

Oh. Tord said softly

We know now right. Tord said Edd slipped it away and flipped threw it.

Why does it have to be in Norwegian... at least there's pictures. Edd said.

Your reading... looking at a madman's world domination plans. Tord said taking the book back but Edd pulled it back seeing the pattern. Not only were the zombies made to make the "red army" (of course it's called that) look like heroes... being in the Army Tord would of course come back one way or another to aid them... what wasn't part of the plan was TJ. TJ knowing things, recognizing the Red leader and knowing he's up to something. TJ guiding him to the plane. Hence the plan changed, you can tell by the change in ink, frantic writing ... it was no longer nice and organized... which was bad for TJ because Red leader wanted him dead or on his side, brain washed and longer TJ. Tord is never leaving him alone again. Maybe TJ sensed he was safer with Tord hence why TJ fallowed him after he was told to stay in the vehicle... TJ also helped Tord in a way.

Looking at TJ with the Littles peeking around him Tord was looking at into the past. TJ was is him when he first met Edd... maybe more reserved but that was true now, why TJ fought against Tord all these years about being reunited with his friends. Now he sees why he fits so well with them... well, little Tom might say otherwise but he needed TJ to bunt heads with hence why he wants to fight with him or mess with TJ.

Oof! Little Tom hitting the floor after looking down from on top of the kitchen entrance.

What are you... how did you get up? TJ said as Little Tom picked himself up.

Tom's pain is the best. Little Matt whisper to little Matt. Little Tom said looking if he hurt himself. TJ held out his hand.

What do you want, Commie? Little Tom said standing himself up getting his Tommie Bear.

It's called being nice, trash goblin. TJ said.

I'm not a trash goblin. Little Tom said 4pinning

Your right, vaskebjørn. TJ said.

Why is he a raccoon and trash goblin? Tord said in Norwegian.

He was found in a dumpster. TJ said.

I'm going to kill you. Little Tom hissed.

Likewise. You bullied them because I wasn't around. TJ snapped giving a growl (sounding like a purse dog) the two got in the others face

Should we step in? Little Matt wispered to Little Edd

I think we just need to let them fight it out like that one time when Tom first got really drunk. Little Edd said.

That was fun and I hated it! (Pretty sure those mean the same thing) TJ said before getting punched.

Ok, That's it! You want to fight fine go ahead ... in the back yard because Edd doesn't like fighting in the house.Tord and Tom! TJ said dragging little Tom outside.

Be careful out there, it's night time! Little Edd called.

We should probably go supervise. This is annoying. Little Matt said.

Your so annoying! Little Edd said paddling To the sliding door.

Hey, that's rude! Little Matt said following him into the night. Little Edd coming back for a torch showing before going back out.

Sad that TJ remembered my rule about fighting... after they faught in the house but. Edd said.

I think I just zoned outs going on! Matt said

TJ and Little Tom are fighting outside... wait, isn't that a bad thing according to this? Edd said.

SHIT! Tord said running out and bringing them inside (they were yelling at the other). With little Edd and Matt fallowing behind like ducklings.

Pausing and setting little Tom in his chair confusing him.

Why am I here? He said.

It shut you up! TJ called over Tord's shoulder!

Cut it out. Tord said.

He started it! TJ said before getting set on the couch.

Poke. little Matt say as he poked TJ's check.

Watch the telly, Matt. TJ said.

Ok. Little Matt said as Tord appeared.

Go play. Tord said.

No! Little Tom said folding his arms.

What is your problem? Little Matt sighed coming and gabbing little Tom and dragged him off and into the living room.

Wait, Tommie bear! Little Tom said.

Yeah, yeah. I got him. TJ said grabbing the bear.

Your such a baby. TJ said disappearing into the living room before sitting on Tord's lap.

Why did you stop us? TJ said.

You gave the reason, theirs a crazy clone of me who wants us dead! Tord said.

I've been telling you that but you didn't believe me! He nearly got Edd killed... I mean you were the cause of it. I told you he's evil! TJ said folding his arms.

TJ. Edd said as Tord looked at the book.

I think him become Tord is set in stone. Tord said.

Edd looked at the living room then Tord.

It's ok if you leave. He said with a saddened smile.

But... my friends! You said you would help to turn us back! I want to be normal again! TJ said (Norwegian) waving his arms, Tord stroked TJ's hair

Stop speaking Norwegian, commie! Little Tom said looking over the couch at them getting raspberries blown at him before going to the room to pount.

But what about you? Tord said.

We got can take care of ourselves. We got Tom. Edd said.

Gee, thanks. Tom said as he stretched before standing, he had a couple beers while gaming and another at supper... scratch that he got another. Oh, Tom.

I'm more concerned about them if anything because unlike you we don't have space and rent is pretty high to pay as it is. Yes, they're us but we do want to help. Edd said

TJ was right about them being only three. It's not like they can just crash here then be on they're way. Matt said.

Uck, what a mess. Tord said holding his head.

Hours later, Tord and TJ were driving home. Both quiet. Tord felt like a coward as he drove out of London.

His wife watched him pull up hugging TJ and him.

I'm relieved you ok. She said, leading them inside. They went to bed soon after.

Part 11 of ???

[evrybodydies1]

Gods plan part 1

Maxine had a plan she always had a plan.

But for ,3 year shes been at godolkin she had been wating for the perfect time to carry it out.

She was different ,her original power was manipulation of water. But her parents didn't think that it worked. So they gave her more  compound V almost killing her. But know body know that only her than her and her parents. Because she was exposed to compound v twice It multiplied so is able to Grab on to other people's powers that were given by compound V .She is able to harness other people abilties by connecting with the compound V their blood. The longer she was near this person the longer and the better she could use it. Another thing that she could do was she could see the compound V radiating off of them.

From a young age she realized that she could be so powerful. But she knew she had a wait for the right time and that time was now.

Maxine Riordan the twin sister to Luke Riordan the older siblings to Sam Riordan .Even though Maxs was two minutes older her brother he was always the one in the spotlight or the favorite. She was meant to be a boy hens the name, Mistakenly the doctor said that they were twin boys, and her parent were over the moon .They never wanted girls they always thought they were to much So, her parent's didnt like her that much non the less they had to take care of her.she was their daughter. They raised her (if you could even say that she did most of the raising herself) but it wasn't the same way they raised Luke or luck is what they used to called him. They raised her with no love.

So, you could imagine the happiness her parents felt when they found out that they're new baby was a boy that being Sam. He is two years younger than them. Max loved Sam so much because she didn't have to fight for his attention, she was his favorite out of the whole family growing up, Sam clung to max. maxs was a quiet kid so she observed a lot she spent most of her time watching Sam for her parent of you could call them that. Sam had issues Unbenounced to their parent's max was the only one who noticed so she wanted to help him so when she had told her parents they sent him away. When he was 17, he was sent to Sage Grove Center when max a Luke were just starting at godolkin university. So not being ableto see her younger brother every day it hurt her, but she could live with it if it means that he could get the help he needs. Over the next couple of years Sam mental health when up and down it not only did it hurt Sam but Max and Luke. That their brother was in pain, and they couldn't help.

Unbeknown to them cate Dunlap lukes girlfriends of two year had been wiping their memories because they using Maxine's and Sam's powers to stabilize lukes. Because he had become the school's golden boy there could be no problems from him.

So when Sam die in their sophomore year i tuck a toll on Maxine's life overall but she continued on with her life like nothing happen.

But the thing is that Sam never did died it was a cover up for them to keep him in the woods under the school, Some how Luke would rember everything that happened, and that Sam wasn't dead and would tell Maxine and then they would be wiped again. This happened multiple time in the past two years at godolkin. But this year is when thing started to take a turn and everything changed forever.

One thing about Maxine tha many people didn't know ,was her jealousy was strong she was dangerous. And things don't always go as planed. Her love for Jordan li stops her from Reaching her potential and she hates it she hates that they make her feel this way they were so nice to her. She felt like they were the only person who truly knew her. That could see though her Disguise. Theyd protect her.even when she didn't want them to they would die for her if they had to.

[occult-roommates]

You’ve changed a lot

After a five hours flight, Akva landed in Los Angeles, Del Sol Valley being a rich suburb located nearby. The whole time, she would ask question to the flight attendants, on how to fly a plane and stuff. None of them really knew how to answer her. Well, she could have asked one of the pilots, but apparently entering a cockpit as a passager is frowned upon these days for some reason.

Once she made it to the airport, she was greeted with someone she hadn’t seen in forever: June. Meeting the baby she gave up for adoption was too much to do so alone, so might as well invite her bestie she didn’t had the occasion to see since well...since she gave birth 18 months prior. June meanwhile hadn’t left Sulani since then too.

June: AKVAMAREEN! GIIIIIIIIRL! I missed you so much!! Akva: Me too! Your new haircut is so cute with the little braids and stuff. And your glasses are so pretty! June: Thanks, I need them to see apparently. Which good, cause otherwise I couldn’t tell that you look good too. Akva: By the way, weren’t you supposed to come with Jay? Where is he? June: Oh, well you know. Originally that was my plan. We had thought I would land in Portland first, then we would drive from there to Del Sol Valley, but then we checked and we found out that would be a 15 hours drive minimum. So I thought just flying to Portland and then fly to DSV with him. But like, not only was I not able to find a flight from Sulani to Portland, but like...I didn’t really felt like doing two flights back to back anyway. Basically I have no idea where he is.

So she texted “him”, and found out “he” was already waiting for them near the airport’s entrance. Though, Jay did send a warning, one “he” had already sent the day before. Not to be shocked that “he” changed a lot since they last saw “him” back in 2019.

June: HIIIIII! Akva: ‘Sup. Jay: ...Hey... June: You don’t seem that different. Like...You’re just wearing a bit of eyeliners. And it’s trendy now for guys to do so now. Akva: Also aren’t you hot in that hoodie? It’s like 85 degrees outside. Jay: A-Alright but don’t judge my shirt. It was my most like, decent and public appropriate one. Laundry day you know. June: Oh I have that stuff pack for The Sims 4.

Jay took off the hoodie, and the girls had no idea why he seemed that worried. Like yeah, that shirt was not his usual style, but they were both expecting way worse. This also revealed his hair were much, much longer than what they were 18 months earlier.

June: Damn...they grew fast. Akva: I mean, merfolks are known for having hair that grow abnormally fast. Like, you know, how mermaids who were raised in the ocean don’t have a taboo around breasts so they will use their hair to cover them when chilling at the surface in case a human sees them and freaks out cause god forbid women have titties. June: Isn’t that an awful evolutionary trait though? Like, long hair underwater is so messy and the situation you described is so niche I doubt it’s the reason why merfolks hair grows that fast. Akva: Well, there’s a reason why merfolks culture puts a lot of emphasis on braids and having elaborate hairstyle that we take a lot of pride in. It’s to keep it out of our face, plain and simple. Though really I think the reason why we have that trait is probably for camouflage purposes. But like I’m not really sure like do I look like a biologist to you? Jay: So like...opinions? Akva: You look good, I don’t know why you seem that worried. June: Yeah..you slayed my friend...You slayed.

Ok well, what June said was no comment really, but now they had to leave. Paisley had sent her driver no less to pick them up at the airport, and he had just arrived. And so, as her friends were walking in front of her, she looked sad at the ground, disappointed she didn’t had the gut to reveal it to them.

“Fuck, now that they’ve seen me, I need to tell them soon, it’s getting harder and harder to keep it to myself...” Jay Athena thought to herself.

Prev - Next

[itdisneymatter]

Leaving on a jet plane

So its finally time, in just a few hours we head to the airport and we are currently flying out to Orlando, Florida for our first holiday in 5 long years, after much rescheduling since we originally intended to go back in 2019. And of course with that, THE BLOG returns (I am sorry in advance, truly)! This was meant to be posted before now (last night, then this morning, now whatever time zone we are flying across), but the last 24 hrs, nay the whole week has been absolutely choc-a-bloc, from lastminute.com stuff at work to the important stuff like making customised t-shirts, fixing switch controllers and making up snackle boxes (which we couldn’t use anyway because of someone’s stupid stupid peanut allergy).

And since the last time we were there, we’ve seen more than a few changes.

Our “kids” are no longer kids really. Patrick turns 18 at the end of the month and is off the Uni is September. Roberts in studying Advanced Physics and Applied Maths and doing a HNC in Cyber FREAKING Security all while still in six year. And Grace is the only one who is not yet taller than me which I don't think that’ll be the case for very much longer. Oh and fun fact: Grace is older that Patrick was the last time we were here back in 2017… eesh! No more buggies (well not ruling that out completely for me and Ann), and obviously no more tantrums or arguing from the kiddos (lol, I wish).

Old School

Social media, since the last time, has seen a big change. Patrick laughed at me when I told him I was continuing to use Tumblr for my blog, because everyone’s on YouTube, Tiktok or Instagram these days (well maybe not even Insta, I can’t keep up). I’m a terrible speaker so me doing live, unedited vLogs is an absolute no-go. And Tiktok? I’m sorry I just cant, I dont have the actual energy or sanity to plan and film a little skit of me talking to myself, pretending to be another character (seriously can we check on these people I’m worried for them). And the purpose of this blog is mainly to create a somewhat historical record of our events, intended mainly for personal consumption. Anyway, I’m too committed now to stop and this continues to be the format, however boomer it is.

I digress.

So only a short unofficial update today before we start the main event and roll out a rundown of our daily escapades. Michael graciously dropped us off at the airport this morning with our luggage which came in at just under the limit (not looking forward to smashing said limit on the return leg that’s for sure). Check in and security was fairly breezy and managed to get an obligatory pint & some decent Eggs Royale for breakfast oh and a wee sneaky purchase of a nice 14yo Aberlour. This, mainly for me during our three weeks, will also likely be Patrick’s first sip of alcohol EVER, as he won’t legally be allowed to drink until he’s back home and above the country’s legal age limit. Not bad for his first ever drink and sure beats Rolling Rock for a quid or so down at McFly’s in Coatbridge watching Shifter on a school night 😏

Best laid plans

Writing down this last part from the sky above the Atlantic, we have about 4 hours left until we land in Melbourne. I had, rather optimistically planned to watch ALL of The Last of Us and play the Switch at the same time but due to having about 8 hrs of sleep all in in the past 72hrs, and the kids probably not far behind, we pretty much all crashed as soon as we took off. So all in all I’m about two episodes in and had my Switch on for a total of 30 minutes. At least we’ll be rested for when we get there, though will probably play havoc with the old body clock, with an emphasis on old. Absolute belter from Grace because we’ve been plane buddies today - she turned around to me after struggling to get back to sleep at one point due to the noise and said “there’s too many kids on this flight” Oh dear… 😂

Itinerary is locked in (on a nicely formatted Excel spreadsheet I may add), and contains everything from Restaurant prices and happy hour deals down to best snacks and secret hacks at each of the parks. We’ll be kicking things off with Islands of Adventure tomorrow on our first full day (it would have been Magic Kingdom but they don’t do 21 day tickets any more 🤷🏻‍♂️). Once we pick up the car, we plan to head via Disney Springs to pick up our Magic Bands and grab some food (if we’re hungry which we probably won’t be). Then onward to the hotel to get unpacked, grabbing the traditional Starbucks at the Java cafe, grabbing some provisions at Walmart then heading to bed for some semblance of sleep.

Pauline & Kevin have been here since last Sunday too so we’ll also be catching up with them this week and it looks like they’ve had a blast thus far… 😁

Right I’m going back to watching The Last of Us on plane tv and kidding myself on I’m going to get back to sleep, so will catch you guys on the flippity flip!

[specter319]

Behind the Writing Scenes: Operation: Sentinel BTS #1 — Origins.

Meet the boys — Lieutenant Kaden "Rabbit" Lincoln and behind him, Second Lieutenant Damon "Ninja" West. TW!! Blood, Violence, Gruesome scenes,'Self-harming injuries, and the like relating to Zombies and how they operate are linked and weaved in this post! Do not click if you do not want to, though this is still done with CGI and are only fake clips, I understand the warrant of not wanting to do so. You have been warned. Welcome to yet another post, this time. A Behind the Scenes of what inspired this story, there is a lot of information behind this, so this will be quite the lengthy post. As well as introducing the characters of The Black Angel Squad.

So where do we begin?

As far as I can remember, I always had an itch in my bones for a zombie apocalypse story. There had been great inspiration in the forms of movies and games initially, from the comedic and subtle ways the world had changed overnight in Shaun of The Dead (2004). To the handi-camera-operated panic of Quarantine (2008), I knew there was something in my bones that was telling me to write something about it, but I never did. More movies came along, which included the likes of Cloverfield (2009). (Though this was more related in the sense of bringing in the element of aliens to a post-apocalyptic world), I Am Legend (2008) (Though I would later go on to find out that this would be an almost vampire-like ordeal much rather than zombies.) It further took my understanding of diseases and the likes of zombies to a whole new level. 2013 was rough along with some bumpy personal times, and something that no one had really done before, or so I'd thought. The likes of the game Dead Trigger (2011) somewhat gave me a tone of dealing with the likes of a zombie-ridden world, it was with how quick the world went to shit with World War Z (2013) that it had caught my attention further. I wasn't really writing much around then, and the thought of writing a zombie story stuck in my mind, but, as to how to write it, it never came once to my mind. I always thought it needed time to simmer. And that it did, for another six years. There was one movie in particular that I could remember watching one time, interested in the way it executed itself almost like World War Z, but not in the fast-paced way of it. But the way the world slowly crumbled around the characters got me writing something at the very best. It was none other than Dawn of The Dead (2004). In Late May of 2019. A bare week after I had surgery on my nose to correct it, I had a weird dream. While I was able to lie in bed, falling asleep was difficult, and it was always in that state of falling asleep, but never anything deeper than that, that I had stated weird dream. It was as simple as a plane going over our house one night but in my mind, it sounded like the plane was going down. Something akin to this scene from War Of The Worlds, except, of course, less dramatic. And that's where the inspiration laid its seed inside my head. In the early hours of the morning, I got to it and wrote upon a piece of paper the plan I had story-wise that could start a zombie apocalypse, or in my younger mind, one that would make sense.

In this Story Plan, you can see the rushed handwriting, the plan of what happened, and where I wanted to go with it. Evan, the main character, would change to Theo. And after heavy consideration, knowing this part wouldn't work out, it changed to two girls with a rivalry, and a guy being friends with them. Written in notes, the story got far, far enough to where the published Wattpad story no longer exists, but had plenty of clicks from people who wanted to read it (I dare not state who I cast in that story because god forbid I bring up those days again.)

Nothing came to me again shortly after I pulled the plug on this project. Though I'm well aware of how badly drawn up this planning is, it was only a year later that I broke through, further in the ice on where to get, with an entirely different execution this time. Try #2 which was just a tad better. During the likes of March-June of 2020, I wrote something about how cold, isolated, and baron it had gotten to be in Victoria during the COVID lockdowns, and how everything seemed so quiet, like no one was on earth anymore.

This time, it was done with a new character, but the same idea about the plane. Introducing a new character named Vance, his friends, and a cop named Jason. Funnily enough, I'd foreshadow my entry into the world of Resident Evil 2. Though this game didn't help as much, another replay of the game had me understanding the lore around the story, and that's when I bit into the writing aspect of it.

The first Chapter of the story "Dead On Arrival", was done in June of 2020. The story, known as "Dead On Arrival" never got past its drafted state and was chucked in the vault once more. It had five chapters and 8,905 words to it, but it never moved past that point. l And I was once again, stuck in a dead loop of knowing I could write a zombie story, but never getting past the point of a few ideas here and there, and never having them stick. It became a frustrating ordeal, knowing that I was going back and forth in this turbulent ordeal, have knowledge I was going to write something about zombies, but not knowing what. It was however, after three grueling years of letting it simmer, that bubbles started forming on the surface, first, an introduction to Call of Duty, and second, hearing about the fact that zombies exist in various games like Cold War and Vanguard. And with one Reddit post, posted a single month ago as of writing this, everything flipped on its head.

Credit to LoonlyPaper for the concept, the 'message' and the quote

The minute I laid my eyes upon this video, I immediately ran to make a draft in regards to how a zombie apocalypse could happen on the soil of Australia. And with The Black Angel Squad story stuck plot-wise, this, was what it needed in order for the characters to grow, understand how they work, and for me to put a spin on the Task Force 141 boys, placing them in territory unknown, all the while, with the upcoming release of MWIII, as far as we know (as of writing this) as to whether or not they'll be included in an alternate timeline of zombies. This is how the concept of Operation: Sentinel started. With a video, a concept, and pure brain rot of being on Character.AI (yes, I too am guilty of doing so) and endless Tumblr scrolling. That concludes this BTS #1 of how Operation: Sentinel came to be, and the next BTS, will be on the works that drove me to keep pushing this story into its written form. See you in another couple of days with a new post!

[knullanon]

Invincible, mark’s older sister seemingly didn’t get powers, but after mark got his, Nolan is led to believe that she’s hiding her powers. It’s an awkward conversation for a returning college student

hmmmmmm.... good idea blooming.... also this?? was so good for me to write?? it just felt like I actually wrote something good??? thank u for this, I'm tired but I'm actually happy rn thank u :)

Disappointment

words: 2401

summary: getting accepted to a college almost across the country was you plan, but now that your father is suspicious of your timing, you realize it's not going to go to plan.

warnings: arguing,

--------

markie: did dad tell you about the family dinner tonight...

me: what dinner?

markie: he wanted to host a dinner to show his congratulations on you getting into collage

markie: lol, lucky ass. I'm getting tossed to the curb when I get out of highschool 😭

me: nuh-uh, bitch, I'm bringing your ass w me!! fuck this shit

me: besides can't be that bad. bring up a map and show me mongolia

markie: …bitch are you for real

me: YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE MONGOLIA IS????

markie: …no :')

me: yeah you're getting kicked out lmao

You shut off your phone to stare out the window of the cab, starting to wonder if it was a good idea to even tell your dad about the acceptance. The original plan you had was to get whatever college accepted you first and get a plane ticket, a dorm, the whole thing, and then tell him.

You already knew how angry he would've been, and the only reason you had told him a few days after the letter came was because of a mix of guilt, self doubt, and most of all fear. What would he do if you just told him "hey, leaving in 2 hours, say your goodbyes until maybe Christmas"? It wouldn't be a disaster, it would be the disaster.

The memories of him being so mad, no, enraged at you leaving the house only telling Debbie came back to you within those 3 days. With him being possessive and angry whenever you didn't do something right...

And when your powers never showed up, it almost felt like he was disappointed. You were, supposedly, disappointed as well, but for those first few months, he acted like he only had you for those reasons.

Which is exactly why you wanted to get out. It's why you started saving up, getting better grades, looking for possible places to live, colleges, everything you've done was now for what you wanted, and it was no longer just the "I'm going to be a hero" route.

While, yes it was a struggle to get everything in order and actually do it secretly, it was supposed to be worth it. Now, you were almost regretting deciding to announce it.

The slowness of the car made you focus, and you saw the house you were almost dreading to see. Was dreading the right word? You didn't know.

It almost felt unreal. You hadn't been going to actually live in the place for almost a year. Sure, you visited now and then, but you were more focused on your job, and more importantly, the research to get out of town.

Walking up the steps, you didn't even knock on the door when it almost slammed open. You were about to be knocked on your ass if not for the strong arms embracing you in a tight hug.

"_______! You take forever with everything!" Mark lifted you up into the air, and spun you around, before he set you down again.

"We're almost done with dinner, let's get your stuff back up!"

~~~~~

You thought looking at your room, neatly presented and almost untouched was a slap in the face of how much you missed home. And then you actually started talking to everyone.

"Oh, honey, I'm so glad you got that scholarship! I know you've always wanted that college for a while." Debbie was still the supporting mom you remember, always wanting for you what you wanted. "What major did you pick?"

You ate some food off your plate before you responded. "Well, they haven't said which ones they were available because of last years over-acceptance, but I was thinking of-"

"Where is the college, again?"

Oh no. Here was the conversation you were hoping to avoid. "It's on the West Coast, dad." Nolan was already looking pissed, and while you knew why, it still almost hurt on why he was like that. He set down his hand, and continued talking. "Why not a college nearby? Even a state away would be better than that, right Debbie?"

Debbie simply turned towards her husband before turning back to you. "_____, while I'm happy you got into a college, Nolan does have a point. What made you think of going so far."

Fortunately, overthinking sometimes gives you an advantage in these situations. "Well, I kinda just went for the top colleges since I had good grades. I mean, I'm never going to have a guaranteed job, so I might as well make sure I will."

You almost regretted your words as soon as they came out, but it was too late.

Nolan simply hummed, before he continued his dinner. Debbie realized what you meant, but she just simply lingered back to her food. You didn't turn your head to look at Mark, but you could feel the tension in the room. He probably felt it as well.

Which is probably why he spoke up. "So, dad, uh, I heard you caught a weird bird man?"

Nolan, who visibly jolted, looked up at his son and replied, "Oh yeah, that guy. Huh, I'll tell you that he was weird and creepy at the same time. So, I was flying around town when..."

~~~~~~

2 hours later, and you were sitting up in bed on your phone, looking through your phone, and reading through different news stories. The bird ones were almost comical to read, and the Invincible stories were wholesome or made you proud.

What if you did that?

You cut that thought out as a story popped up, the headline in big bold letters:

KILLER OF GUARDIANS OF THE GLOBE: WHO, WHY, AND HOW?

You clicked on it, remembering attending the funeral a few weeks prior.

While the killer hasn't been found, it has been notified that Omni-Man, the only survivor of the attack, has been found to be healthy and is now continuing his hero work. Meanwhile, the deaths of these heroes has been affecting the whole world and while support and love have been shown from around the globe, it does bring up a new question: who will be the new Guardians of The Globe, and will they meet the expectations of the world?

You sat there staring at the screen for a minute, before you started to actually think about the whole situation. It just made you feel more guilty.

You could be helping! Saving lives! Making your family proud! But instead, you decide to live a life and leave them to help themselves! For what? Will you not be a good hero? Will you do nothing anyway?

Are you afraid of him?

You tossed yourself off your bed, and grabbed your headphones, and put on a jacket and some comfy pants.

Walking outside of your room, you remembered you didn't drive here, so you couldn't drive anywhere, which narrowed down a lot of places. Then, an idea came to your mind. You tiptoed over to your parents room, and saw that they were fast asleep. You did the same thing to Mark's room, and saw the same thing.

You decided that the coast was clear for the night, at least. You flew to the outside and up and into the air. It does feel better to move this fast without feeling like I'm giving up something, you thought to yourself.

And while you flew off to find a mountain. Nolan stared out the window, mouth gaping as he saw you fly away.

~~~~~

The silence helped out a lot. Just being left alone with our thoughts makes you calm down.

Everything had happened so fast. You were ready to go, and relax with your mostly stress free life, when they just... died. You knew you shouldn't be mad at dead people, it wasn't their fault, you saw the devastation it had caused, and yet...

You were pissed. Everything was working. Everything was in motion, why hadn't it worked? Oh, that's why, because someone decided to murder all of these people and then your guilty conscience was fucking you up now?

You didn't want to fill in their shoes, you didn't want to deal with their problems, that was for your brother, your dad, actual heroes. You knew why you didn't want to be a hero: it was obvious.

You weren't meant to be one.

When you got your powers, you were so excited to tell your mom, your dad, Mark: especially Mark: it would've been good to rub it into the face of an annoying 9 year old Mark.

And then you looked at the actual job of a hero.. What they did, what they achieved, everything: it wasn't for you. You didn't have the patience, the attitude, or anything to do it.

So, you hid it all. You only used the powers when you were practicing, like flying around a mountain, or practicing fighting. You were almost caught some times- the news article of a strange blur of a human figure going at Mach 2 near Mount Everest made you think you were done for- but it had all ended up good and great.

And now you were guilty: you were guilty of not helping. Of not being there for others. And now look at what happened.

Taking out your headphones and shutting off your music, you sat and watched the night sky go by. You didn't know where you had flown to, only that you were having a very big moment, and that no one could take it from you.

Except, that's what you believed until you heard him.

"So, UC San Diego, huh?"

You whipped around, flying in the sky for a minute before realizing your mistake and setting yourself on the ground.

"Oh, you think that's gonna convince me?" He said, now setting himself on the ground. "Like I didn't see you fly to this mountain and then fly off the goddamn ground."

"It's not your business anyway." You turned your head to the side, refusing to look him in the eye.

"Oh, so not only can I not have a say in the colleges you go to, but I can't have a say in your powers?" By now he was right in front of you, and you felt the anger and rage coming off of him, almost like an alarm, flashing over and over again, telling you to get out.

"You never had the choice to do anything I did." You ground out back, realizing now that it was fruitless to sit back and wait for him to say something else, so you decided fuck it, you're already waist deep in this shit.

"Oh, really? Like I'm just some random guy who wants to use you?" He almost chuckled

"Well from the looks of it, you are." You turned to face him, now in his face instead of the other way around. "When you realized it wasn't gonna happen, you acted like I was nothing! Like I was just a burden to the family. I wasn't gonna break easy, I knew you only wanted me for my abilities. And you have Mark for that now, don't you? You couldn't have cared about me for a minute after you realized that I was just what you didn't want: a normal human with no abilities."

He didn't say anything, only looked at you with almost a softer look, but still mad.

"Yeah, look at you. You're realizing I'm not an idiot. You liked Mark so much more than me, huh? When you realized he was the perfect son?"

His fists curled up as he sat back, maybe for the first time in a while during your arguments. "I didn't tell you because I don't want you as a dad: I wish you weren't anything related to me. You proved me right on a lot of things, but this one- this one takes the cake.

"You just wanted a kid who was just like you, who you could train to do whatever you wanted."

Nolan didn't know what to say: that he loved you still, even if you never did have powers? That you were still his daughter? That you were his pride and joy, and that no matter what you did he would always be with you?

But then he saw it: he was disappointed in the fact that you didn't have powers. He was so excited for that moment: when you got them. Honestly, he was much more prepared for you to join his side rather than Mark. He saw it in you, he knew it was there.

And then he ruined it. Because of his selfishness and stupidity. He realized that, in the moment, everything, you going to a different college, leaving suddenly, hiding your abilities: it was because he had failed.

He had realized that he was failing at his true mission: but he had failed at the one he wanted to do, as well.

He didn't realize you were walking away until the last minute. "Well, since you know what you did, you might as well go and tell Mark. And Mom."

He reached out, wanting to say something: but what? What could he possibly say to make anything better?

And when you turned around, and seeing you start to choke up and cry, he knew he couldn't do anything in the moment.

"______-"

But you flew away. It was quick too, making dust fly off the floor. The ground shook from the force. It made his heart ache even more, realizing you had been practicing flying on your own-

And there, he saw it. His behavior that had made you like this.

For one of the only times in his life, he felt like he was in the wrong. It came like a slap to the face. Like he had been hit by a planet and tossed around. It was this booming realization, and his guilt started to show itself.

He knew he had to fix this. There was no way he could leave this be: he had to prove to you that he was...

Not a good person. No, he realized that with his mission and failures he would never be that.

But maybe a better father. Maybe someone who you would be willing to talk it out with. He had to convince you of that, before you left.

And who knows, if you don't listen to reason, there's always the option of just holding you with them, until you are convinced of reason.

------

nolan you fucking moron

[trulymadlysydney]

Wait For Me in the Sky: Nine

The elevator arrives seconds later, and Harry practically pushes Mars into it. He grins at her, and she half expects him to pounce on her the minute the doors close.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she giggles as the elevator hums to life and begins it’s ascent.

Harry only shrugs, his smirk deepening. “Like what?” he says, as if he’s completely innocent.

God, it’s infuriating how sexy this man is.

“Like you’re going to devour me at any given second.”

Harry chuckles. “I am,” he says, matter-of-factly. He takes a step towards Mars, as if to prove his point, and puts his hands on her hips.

“Well that’s rude,” Mars teases. “Shouldn’t you at least ask me how my day was or–”

“How was your day?” Harry is only a few inches away from her now, eyes looking straight at her lips.

Mars can feel herself growing more and more flustered by the second. Of course she doesn’t mind this at all, but she does want to keep up the tease. “It was good,” she says.

“That’s good.” Harry leans in, fastening his lips to Mars’ before she can say another word. She tries to speak, but he kisses her again, a smirk on his lips as he mutters a gentle, teasing “shut up.”

***DO NOT REPOST WITHOUT PERMISSION**

Get all caught up HERE

MARS

“On behalf of all of us here at Golden Horizon Airways, we want to thank you for flying with us this evening.  From our family to yours, have a safe and happy New Year.  Welcome to St. Thomas.”

With the end of her announcement, Mars hangs the interphone back up in its receiver, unable to hide the smile on her face. She’s practically bouncing in her seat as the plane bumps along the short runway en route to its gate at the Saint Thomas Airport.  It’s December 30th, and when the last passenger exits the plane, Mars will officially be on vacation. She glances out the small, circular fisheye window in the door beside her jumpseat in hopes to catch a glimpse of the beautiful island she’s going to be spending the next few nights on, but unfortunately the sun has set almost entirely, making visible only the lights of the small airport.

Despite the lack of a view, however, it doesn’t make Mars any less excited.

“Girl,” Alex, the younger flight attendant with whom Mars shares a jumpseat, speaks up. “You’re glowing. I can feel the excitement from here.”

Mars giggles.  “Can you?”

“Yes!” Alex smiles.  “Enjoy your vacation for those of us who can’t.  You know that 5:45am van time is going to come too soon for us to do anything enjoyable.”

Mars smiles sympathetically, because she really does know the struggle. This trip was almost impossible to get, and it had taken several nights of stalking the trade-board of her company’s scheduling website (and a few bribes to other flight attendants as well). She knew the flight attendant originally scheduled for this trip-- a girl named Corrie who’d been hired months after Mars-- and with a few words of persuasion (and a whole fifty bucks venmoed directly into Corrie’s account), Mars was able to take day one of the trip off of Corrie’s back.

It had been a long day--  a five hour flight from Los Angeles to Miami and then another leg from Miami to St. Thomas-- but Mars hadn’t minded.  She knew at the end of the day that it would all be worth it, because the whole reason she’d even picked this trip up was to see Harry.  In fact, this all worked out according to Mars and Harry’s master plan to bring in the new year together on vacation with friends.  And now that the longest part of the day is over with, Mars could not be more excited.

The deplaning process seems to take hours longer than necessary, although Mars is fairly certain that it's just her excitement making her anxious. She tells seven different passengers which carousel to claim their bags at (despite having made the announcement only minutes before) and wishes every single person a very happy and healthy new year.  She gathers all of her things a little too quickly, nearly leaving her own phone behind on the front galley counter, and chats cheerfully with the crew as they make their way down the airstairs.

The airport is much smaller than Mars is used to: just a small building they have to enter after a brief walk across the tarmac.  The one-terminal airport serves a few different airlines in one place, and it seems packed for such a big holiday.  She has a smile for every person she passes, and she giggles at a small baby who waves it’s chubby hand at her.

When they exit the airport once again, however, they go their separate ways; the crew hop onto their airport shuttle, and Mars searches for the car that Harry has sent for her.

She pulls out her phone, shooting him a quick text.

“Waiting outside now. Cannot wait to see you.”

She smiles when his response is almost instant.  

“You have no idea how excited I am x”

This, of course, is a lie.  Mars does know how excited he is-- because it’s all they’ve talked about for the past few weeks.  She hasn’t seen Harry since December 20th--which, granted, was not that long ago, but still-- and she’s itching to get her arms around him again.  They’d had this trip planned since then, when Harry had invited her.  He’d presented the trip as, “A little miniature vacation with some friends of mine.  We’ve had it planned for a while, and I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”

While the thought of meeting Harry’s friends was slightly intimidating, Mars had taken the challenge in stride; and over the next week and a half of her crazy holiday hours and Harry flying all over the place for album promo, Mars had been added into a groupchat including said friends.

She’s learned their names are Jeffrey and Glenne, and while they aren’t married they may as well be.  She remembers them vaguely from that awkward flight she’d worked from Cancun to Los Angeles upon which Harry, Jeff, and Glenne had all been passengers-- something the four of them now laugh about. They’d been understandably guarded at first, but over the days of vacation planning they’d opened up to Mars.  Harry had assured her that they would love her, and though she does already feel a friendship forming with them, being here now-- finally about to meet them-- is making her all the more nervous.

Not to mention, the raunchy texts that she and Harry have been flooding one another’s phones with all day has her head reeling with thoughts of what she’s in store for.

It isn’t that much longer until a black car pulls up to the curb.  A sharply dressed, bald-headed man steps out from the driver's seat and nods at Mars-- her signal to make her way over to the car.

Lugging her suitcase behind her, she makes her way towards him, and he smiles.  “Mars Tyler?”

“Yes!” she says cheerfully.  “Hello!”

They make pleasant conversation as Mars approaches the vehicle. Mars jokes about her suitcase being heavy and the man makes exaggerated noises lifting it into the back of his car.  He opens the door for her and extends his arm to her, telling her that Mr. Styles is ‘very excited to see her.’

She whips out her phone and shoots Harry a text in the short amount of time it takes for the driver-- Oscar-- to make his way around the car and back into the driver's seat.

“Who do you think you are?  Christian Grey?”

“Who?” is his response, and Mars rolls her eyes.

“Fifty Shades of Grey?”

“I’ve never read it, you kinky thing.”

“Okay, Mr. Styles.”

Mars finds herself giggling quietly to herself as the car begins to move, and she engages in pleasant conversation with Oscar as he drives. She listens intently as Oscar gives her a bit of a history lesson on the island.  While she can feel her phone vibrating in her lap (most likely with texts from a very impatient Harry), she’s enthralled in Oscar’s story telling, and they arrive at their destination much quicker than anticipated.

The resort is even more gorgeous than Mars had imagined, and she gawks up at it as she steps out of the car.  A soft island breeze carrying the scent of salt water wafts through the air, and Mars’ skin tingles in the humidity after stepping out of the air conditioned vehicle.  Oscar retrieves her bag from the back of the car and sets it down beside her with a smile.

“Welcome, Ms. Tyler.”

His words pull her suddenly from her thoughts.  “Oh, here!” She begins rummaging for her wallet to tip Oscar, but he holds his hand out to her.  When she eyes him, confused, his smile softens.

“Your money's no good here,” he jokes. “Mr. Styles has already taken care of it.”

“But--”

“Happy New Year, Ms. Tyler.”  With one last head nod indicating finality, Oscar makes his way back to the other side of the vehicle, leaving Mars alone with her thoughts.

She watches as he drives off, dumbfounded and suddenly overcome with nerves as if this were the first time she’s ever spent time with Harry.  Butterflies scramble around her belly, and she has to take a deep, giggly breath to remind herself that she’s perfectly fine.

But god, she’s missed Harry.

She enters the hotel and gasps at the grand entrance.  She’s certainly never stayed in a hotel this gorgeous before.  Large chandeliers adorn the ceiling, and the polished wooden floors give off an elegant vibe Mars has only seen in movies.  Faint, tropical sounding music emanates from the speakers, and the entire lobby smells of flowers.  Every member of the hotel’s staff is dressed sharply, with bright white smiles and jewelry clad fingers and wrists.  It’s remarkable, and Mars feels strangely out of place.

“Mars?”  A young, feminine voice comes from behind her, and she turns around to see a young woman around her age walking towards her.

It only takes Mars a second to register that this is Glenne-- the woman who has only existed in her phone via group chat and instagram photos for a week and a half now   She visibly relaxes, stepping towards the other woman and closing the gap between them.

“Yes!” she says.  “Glenne?”

“Oh my god, hi!” Glenne giggles, immediately wrapping Mars up in a hug. “I can’t believe it’s you!”

The hug is warm and comforting, as if the two women have known one another for years. Glenne smells like sunscreen and some fruity drink, and she’s shorter than Mars had imagined her to be.  Mars gives her a big squeeze back.

“Oh my god!” She says. “Hi! This is crazy!”

They pull away and Glenne is beaming, studying Mars’ features in a welcoming, kind way.  “Harry said you were on your way from the airport but I didn’t realize you were gonna be here so quickly.  We’re all hanging out by the bar but I came over here for the restroom. Oh my god, you’re so pretty.”

Mars laughs. “Oh please, I’ve been working all day.” She gestures down to the uniform dress still on her body, wanting now more than ever to take it off and feeling ridiculously overdressed in Glenne’s presence.

“And you still look like that?” Glenne laughs. “Please. I love that dress.  It makes everyone look glamorous.”

Mars giggles and thanks Glenne, relieved at how comfortable she already feels in Glenne’s presence. Not that she’d felt any other type of vibes from their group chat-- it’s just that she’s known that Glenne and Jeff are protective of Harry.  To be welcomed so warmly and so quickly is quite the relief.

Glenne gestures towards an area out of sight, further away from the entrance to the hotel. She begins walking, and Mars has no choice but to follow  “Please, oh my god, let’s get you to Harry.  I’m sure you’re dying to get comfortable and take those heels off, and he has your room key.  I’ll grab you a drink so it’ll be ready by the time you get back downstairs.  What do you like?”

Mars’ head is swimming and Glenne hasn’t even said that much to her yet.  She’s relieved that her plans for the evening seem to already be set for her; she’ll go upstairs and get changed, spend some time down here with Harry, Jeff, and Glenne, and then-- hopefully-- get some much needed time alone with her handsome boy.   She smiles at Glenne as she matches her step.  “Uh.  I could go for a glass of wine.”

Glenne makes a face as if she’s impressed.  “Red or white?”

“Mm… red.”

Glenne nods.  “Good girl. I like that.  I don’t really get to drink a whole lot of wine with the guys.  You know Harry drinks tequila?”

Mars giggles.  “Yes,” she says, “and it scares me sometimes how easily he drinks it.”

Glenne laughs as they round the corner, approaching the hotel bar.  It’s grand and glamorous-- of course-- and Mars feels particularly out of place in her uniform.  She clears her throat, gripping her suitcase a little bit tighter.  “This place is nice,” she says, quietly.  “I feel like--”

“Harry!” Glenne cuts Mars off, calling out to Harry who sits hunched over at the bar, deep in conversation with who Mars knows from pictures to be Jeff.

Both men turn around and smile when they see the women approaching, and Mars’ stomach swirls when she sees Harry’s face light up instantly.  

“There she is!” says Jeff, as he and Harry scoot their barstools back and rise to their feet.  Harry is by Mars’ side instantly, wrapping her up in a hug that makes her feel the safest she’s ever felt in her life.

He smells delicious-- like expensive tequila, cologne, and sunscreen.  His skin is warm to the touch, and although the lighting in here is quite dim, she can see he’s got a bit of a tan going.   He kisses the skin of her cheek just below her ear, and despite the commotion of the restaurant around them, Mars hears him sigh quietly.

This is it.  This is the moment she feels at peace once again.

She gives him a squeeze, pulling away and smiling up at him.  “Hi,” she says softly.

He hums, running his hand up her arm and allowing his eyes to dart quickly and subtly down her frame.  “Hi,” he says back.

“Jeff, this is Mars!” Glenne’s voice breaks them from their semi-trance, and Mars turns to see Jeff and Glenne smiling back at her.  Glenne gestures to Mars, and Mars expects for Jeff to shake her hand; instead, he opens his arms out for a hug.

“Mars!” He says.  “It’s so nice to finally meet you!”  He chuckles as he hugs her.  “Well, meet you again.  Officially this time.”

Mars giggles.  “I know,” she says.  “This is significantly less awkward.”

Jeff sits back down on his bar stool, one arm leaning against the bar and the other snaking around Glenne’s waist. “How was the flight in?” He asks casually.

Harry mimics Jeff’s movement, sitting back down and pulling Mars into his side. His fingertips trail up and down her spine, and she relaxes into him.

“It was fine!” Mars replies, trying to ignore Harry’s wandering hand that creeps subtly towards her ass.  If she hadn’t already known he was in a mood from the texts he’d been sending her all day,  she’d definitely know now.  She talks casually about her flights today but eyes Harry out of the corner of her eye, noting the gentle smirk that tugs on the dimpled side of his face.

They continue to talk for a bit before Glenne speaks up.  “Okay let’s let her get settled in,” she says, gesturing towards Mars.  “I’m sure you want to get comfy.  You want that wine?”

“I’d love some wine.”  She turns to Harry, who’s already looking at her.  “What are you drinking?”

“Tequila,” he says, eyes trained on her lips.

“Of course.  A margarita?”

“No.”  His eyes flicker up to hers.  “Neat.”

Mars giggles as Harry leans in to press a kiss to her lips.  “That’s disgusting,” she muses, and Harry doesn’t seem to care.  Right now, all he wants is her.  And who is she to deny him?

She turns to Jeff.  “I’ll take a pinot noir.”

She hardly even has time to hear Jeff’s response before Harry’s on his feet, pulling Mars along with him.  He takes her luggage wordlessly in his other hand, smiling to himself as he listens to Mars and Jeff try to scramble over who’s paying.

“We’ll add it to the tab!” he hears Jeff call after them.  “It’s not a big deal!”

They walk side by side through the lobby, and Mars stumbles a bit as she tries to match Harry’s stride.  “God,” she giggles,  “That was kind of rude Harry.”

“They’ll be alright,” Harry says with a grin.  They approach the elevator and Harry pushes the button impatiently a few times.  “Missed you too much.  They’ll understand.”

The elevator arrives seconds later, and Harry practically pushes Mars into it.  He grins at her, and she half expects him to pounce on her the minute the doors close.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she giggles as the elevator hums to life and begins it’s ascent.

Harry only shrugs, his smirk deepening.  “Like what?” he says, as if he’s completely innocent.

God, it’s infuriating how sexy this man is.

“Like you’re going to devour me at any given second.”

Harry chuckles.  “I am,” he says, matter-of-factly.  He takes a step towards Mars, as if to prove his point, and puts his hands on her hips.

“Well that’s rude,” Mars teases.  “Shouldn’t you at least ask me how my day was or--”

“How was your day?”  Harry is only a few inches away from her now, eyes looking straight at her lips.

Mars can feel herself growing more and more flustered by the second.  Of course she doesn’t mind this at all, but she does want to keep up the tease.  “It was good,” she says.

“That’s good.”  Harry leans in, fastening his lips to Mars’ before she can say another word.  She tries to speak, but he kisses her again, a smirk on his lips as he mutters a gentle, teasing “shut up.”

They arrive on the 17th floor making out, and they’re both caught off guard when the doors ding open.  They giggle as Harry steps out, nodding his head to signal Mars to follow.  She floats out into the hallway and takes a left, but Harry catches her wrist in his free hand and tugs her, squealing, back towards him.  He crashes his lips to hers again and they laugh into one another’s mouths before he mutters, “s’this way” and gestures to the right.

She hasn’t even had a sip of alcohol and yet she feels completely intoxicated off of just his kisses alone.  She laughs again, turning on her heel and walking down the hallway.  “Okay,” she says, adding a little bounce in her step as she walks.

She expects Harry to catch up with her and walk beside her, but when he doesn’t, she glances over her shoulder. “What now?” she giggles.

Harry shrugs, still making no effort to increase the speed of his step.  “Just love watching you walk,” he says cheekily, and Mars rolls her eyes.

“You’re so dirty,” she teases.

“Oh am I?”  Harry quirks his brow, lunging for her out of nowhere.  She squeals, breaking into a run to escape his grasp.

They keep up their little chase for a moment, and Harry blames the fact that he’s carrying her suitcase on why he “can’t catch her.”  Finally, he stops in front of a door and teases Mars.  “It’s this one!” He says.  “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Some direction would have been nice!” Mars retorts, slightly out of breath from her running.   She closes the gap between her and Harry as he digs in his pocket for the room key.

When she arrives back at his side, he grabs her unexpectedly, flipping her so her back is against the door and kissing her passionately.  Her giggles die down into their kiss, and she sighs as he licks his way gently into her mouth.  Behind her, she can feel him fumbling with the room key on its magnetic lock, and then suddenly the door is clicking to life.

With one hand on Mars’ lower back to steady her, Harry pushes the door open, mumbling “careful” against her lips as she backs into the room.  She pulls away from him gently in order to watch her step, and he pulls her suitcase into the room behind them.

Mars only gets a brief moment to admire the room, but from what she can see it’s gorgeous.  It’s like a small apartment, really-- with floor to ceiling windows and a living room larger than any apartment Mars has ever owned in her life.  An enormous flat screen TV sits idle in the corner of the room, across from a kitchen and bar that seem to be fully stocked.  She can’t see the bedroom, though she assumes it's through the large double doors on the other side of the room.  She lets out a breath as she kicks off her heels.  “Holy shit, Harry, this is--”

She’s cut off when she feels his hand on her wrist-- spinning her back to face him.  His lips crash against hers before she can even finish her sentence, and one hand holds her lower back by means of keeping her as close to him as possible.  His other hand cups her face gently, and he rubs his thumb along her cheek tenderly before his hand grazes lower.  His fingers curl around the scarf that adorns her neck, and Mars can feel him smile before pulling away to speak.

“God,” Harry says, fingers curling tighter around the scarf in order to grip it better, “I’ve been waiting for this.”

With a harsh tug that appears almost effortless on his end, Harry yanks Mars by her scarf, lips crashing against hers quick and fast once again.  He’s already smirking into the kiss, which is amplified the moment he hears a startled little shriek escape from her pretty lips.  He keeps his fingers hooked into the fabric, moving gingerly through the room, and they seem to realize simultaneously that they both enjoy the way he can control her simply by tugging.

He tugs a bit more, and Mars’ breath hitches in her throat when his knuckles press unintentionally against her skin.  He takes a few steps back, bringing Mars along with him, until the back of his legs hit the mattress.  He spins them in one swift motion, jolting Mars ever so slightly but keeping his grip as tight as possible around the fabric.  He pushes her down onto the bed then, delighting in the little grunt that comes from her lips upon landing.  

“You should see yourself right now,” Harry says, grinning down at her and beginning to unzip his pants.

“Yeah?” Mars wiggles her eyebrows.  “Got a flight attendant kink?”

“Perhaps.”  Harry shrugs.  “You look fucking beautiful like this.”

“Gonna take this thing off of me?”  Mars gestures at her uniform.  “Can’t get it dirty you know…”

Harry cocks an eyebrow.  “You expect me to do it myself?  Is that the kind of customer service they teach you in training?”

He’s teasing, and this entire dialogue is goofy in and of itself-- but they’d both be lying if they said this roleplay dynamic wasn’t doing something for them.

“No sir.”  Mars fingers at one of Harry’s belt loops. “They teach us to leave our passengers satisfied.”

Harry quirks a playful brow. “Then satisfy me,” he says. “Take it off.”

Mars sits up, immediately reaching behind her to unzip the dress.  Harry watches her with hunger in his eyes, and Mars takes her sweet time.  When it’s unzipped as low as it goes, she rises to her feet to shimmy out of the dress and pull it over her head.

She discards the dress with little care onto the ground, telling herself she can get it dry cleaned and pressed later in case of wrinkles, and she smirks up at Harry.  She has to admit, she feels somewhat small and slightly awkward under his gaze as she stands in only her bra, her tights, and the scarf around her neck.  She giggles once again, reaching up to begin untying the knot of her scarf, but Harry is quicker— reaching out to place his large hand over her own.

“That can stay,” he says, his tone laced with an air of cockiness. “Leave it.”

A look of half-fake surprise crosses Mars’ face.  “Oh,” she says.  “Really now?”

With no warning, Harry grabs it again, yanking her towards him and smirking when she shrieks again.  Her face is now only a few mere inches from his, and she can feel his lips moving.  “Yes, really,” he says.  “I think I quite like the idea of all the ways I can use it.”  

He turns her around quickly, bending her at the hips and taking a good fistful of her tights.  Mars isn’t quite sure what he’s doing until it’s too late and she feels a slight rip and then a sudden burst of cool air.

Harry tuts, ripping the tights even further and then discarding them off to the side.  “Ohhh,” he coos.  “We’re going to have to buy you a new pair of those, aren’t we?”

“Those were good quality tights,” Mars pouts, only half-joking, and Harry chuckles.  He curls his fingers into her scarf once more, tugging softly-- not enough to choke her, but enough to signal for her to stand upright, and then presses his lips to her ear in a tender kiss.

“Don’t worry,” he says, his voice dropping any dominant tendencies as he kisses her ear again.  “I’ll buy you another pair.  Promise.”

“You better,” Mars teases.  “Those weren’t cheap.”

Harry says nothing, tilting his head to kiss her lips and successfully quieting her half-hearted pouts.  She half giggles, half hums into the kiss, allowing him to gently open her mouth wider with his own.

After a moment, Harry gently pushes her back down to sit on the bed and finishes unzipping his pants..  He grins down at her.  “Won’t ever get tired of seeing you like this.”  He kicks his pants to the side and reaches down, running the pad of his thumb along her cheekbone.  “And with that… fucking scarf around your neck--”

“Really?” Mars asks, her tone intrigued and almost surprised.  “I hadn’t realized the scarf was such a thing for you.”

Harry hums, hooking his fingers into the front part of the fabric once again and giving it another tug, just enough to pull her face closer to his boxer-brief clad hips.  “I hadn’t realized it either,” he muses with a soft chuckle. “But it’s working for me.”

Mars licks her lips, allowing her eyes to dart lower.  She knows what Harry wants, and she looks back up at him from under her lashes as seductively as she can manage.  “Yeah?” She lowers her voice, taking his hips in her hands.  “You like that?”

Harry groans low in his throat, his head falling back just slightly before he seems to get ahold of himself once again.  He grips the scarf tighter and gives it a good yank.

“Gonna be good for me?” He asks, voice low and breathy.  With his free hand, he takes Mars’ hair, which she hasn’t taken down from it’s ponytail yet, and twists it around his knuckles.  He nods down at his boxer-briefs.  “Gonna take these off of me?”

“Is that what you want?”

“Don’t ask silly questions.”  Harry jostles her by the scarf again and she giggles as seductively as she can manage.  Harry visibly gulps.  “Take these off,” he says, slowly.  “I won’t ask again.”

Something about the way his hands grip both the scarf and her hair is really working for Mars, and although she wasn’t expecting to get so kinky straight away upon her arrival she definitely isn’t complaining.  Without removing her eyes from Harry’s, she moves as slow as she can.  “Yes sir,” she says.

With nimble fingers she meticulously hooks her fingers into the waistband, taking her time to slide the fabric down around his hips.  His fingers never loosen their grip on the parts of her he’s holding on to, faltering only slightly when she accidentally-on-purpose brushes her knuckle along the outline of his prick.  She grins mischievously up at him, letting him know that yes, that was on purpose, and he groans low in the back of his throat.

Harry twists the hand gripping Mars’s scarf just so, twisting his thumb to push against the cushion of her bottom lip and coaxing her lips apart.  She obeys his silent command, her smile never wavering as he opens her mouth and allows for him to push his thumb inside.

“Good girl,” he breathes, “that’s a good girl.”

She closes her lips around his digit and sucks, smirking when his eyes practically roll back in his head.  “Fucking hell, Mars.”  He groans when she continues her work, finally freeing his hardening prick.  “Have I told you—“ He pauses to gulp when she runs her thumb along the underside of his cock, “how badly I’ve missed you?”

Mars pops off of his thumb with a cocky grin and wraps her fingers around his cock.  “All because of the way I tease you?”  She begins stroking him.  “Is that all you’ve missed?”

Harry frowns, clearly still turned on by the actions of her hand but wanting to be clear that that isn’t the only thing he’s missed.  “No,” he says.  “That’s not the only thing I’ve missed.  Have I not—“

Mars giggles, cutting him off mid-sentence.  “Oh my god, Harry, I was teasing. Please. I know that.”

Harry eyes her for a moment, just to make sure she’s telling the truth, then shakes his head, the playfulness returning to his expression.  “You….”  He chuckles.  “Don’t do that.”

Mars grins, and she’s about to say something else, when he pushes her abruptly backwards onto the bed with a laugh.  He offers her a cheeky grin.  “What am I going to do with you?” he teases, shaking his head before reaching down and grabbing her by her ankles.

Mars shrugs playfully.  “Not sure,” she says, “But I’m excited for whatever it is.”

Harry hums, parting her legs and leaning down to kiss her lips softly.  He rests her feet on his chest, just before his shoulders, and runs his hands affectionately up her calves. The kiss grows slightly heated, and Harry pulls away when Mars’ begins to arch her back.  “You are impatient, aren’t you?” Harry teases.

Mars says nothing, pouting up at him with her best “fuck me” eyes she can manage, and Harry fumbles in the small travel bag that sits on the nightstand.  He shakes his head, but the smirk on his face is unwavering.  “Put that lip away,” he comments.  “I’m going to fuck you soon enough.”

“Sure are taking your sweet time, though,” Mars grumbles, sitting up a bit to unhook her bra.  She tries (and fails) to hide the grin on her face as she tosses the bra onto the ground.  She knows exactly what she’s doing, trying to rile Harry up, and by the arrogant roll of his eyes and smirk of his lips, she knows it’s working.  

“Like you're not dripping fucking wet from the anticipation alone,” he mumbles, nodding his head down to her dampened panties.  “Look at you.”

Embarrassed by his bluntness, Mars moves to close her legs.  But Harry is quicker, grabbing her ankles once again and keeping her in place.  “Oh no, don’t pretend you're all shy on me now.”

He finishes rolling the condom up his prick and Mars’ belly is in knots.  She and Harry both have been waiting for this for ages, sending almost constant filthy texts and raunchy pictures.  And as much as it had helped them both survive through the past week and a half apart, nothing-- absolutely nothing-- compares to this feeling she’s experiencing right now.

Harry reaches down to gently stroke the skin of Mars’ cheek, taking a bit of it between his thumb and forefinger and stroking his thumb back and forth.  He smiles at her, as if he knows something she doesn't, before trailing his fingers down her face and back to her neck.  He hooks his fingers into her scarf, somewhat abruptly, and yanks, forcing her to sit up just the slightest bit.

“Open your mouth.”

When she obeys, he shoves two fingers onto her tongue and taps, nodding once when she closes her mouth around them. “Good girl,” he says again.  “You already knew what I wanted, didn’t you?”

Mars nods, popping off his fingers with a sucking noise.  A long thread of spit connects his digits to her lips as he pulls his hand away, and he chuckles, as if amused by it, before lowering his hand.  He dips his fingers into the waistband of her panties, and both let out a sigh of relief when his fingers come in contact with her dripping pussy.

Her back arches immediately, breath hitching in her throat.  “We have—“ she pants, “—to be quick.”  She rolls her hips against Harry’s fingers, angling herself. “Jeff and Glenne will be w-waiting.”

“I know, baby,” Harry nods, gently picking up the pace with his fingers before sliding two digits gently into her.  “I know.  Gonna be quick, but m’also gonna take good care of you, yeah?”

God, Mars loves the way his accent gets thicker during sex.

She nods, mouth gaping ungracefully open as she watches his every move.  “Okay,” she says.  “Can you fuck me?”

“Yeah baby,” he says, voice low, “yeah I can fuck you.  Just trying to get you ready.”

He removes his fingers, bringing them up to his own tongue and moaning at the taste alone.  “How do you fucking taste like that?” He asks.  “How do you taste so fucking good?”

Mars giggles, but doesn’t answer him verbally.  He flatters her, and she has to admit she enjoys it.  He grins down at her, grabbing his own prick and raising his eyebrows, as if to ask if she’s ready.  She nods, taking her bottom lip between her teeth.

With her feet still on Harry’s shoulders, she lifts her hips up off of the mattress so he can slide her panties off.  He discards them with little care onto the ground and eyes her pussy hungrily, rubbing his hands up and down her calves gently.  She braces herself against him as he slowly guides himself into her.  She lets out an almost guttural moan-- partly for show but mostly out of pure happiness that she’s found herself in this position right now.  She gasps, then bites down on her bottom lip again as she works to adjust herself to his size.

Harry lets out a breath, and his voice sounds strained when he speaks.  “You okay?”

Mars nods, and all she can manage to get out is a meek little “m-hm.”

“Yeah?”  Harry clears his throat.  “You sure?”

“Yeah.”  Mars sighs.  “Fuck, it feels so good.”

“Good,” Harry says, slowly beginning the movement of his hips.  “Good, baby.”

They work together to get into a slow and steady rhythm that feels good for both of them, and every time Mars lets out a whimper or Harry a groan, they seem to feel closer and closer.  The noises emanating from the spot where they connect are disgraceful and flatter neither one of them, but somehow that adds to the entire experience-- making it filthier and so much better.

With one hand, Mars reaches behind her, grasping at the bedsheets and bunching them up in her fingers.  Her other hand cups desperately at her own chest, thumb grazing her nipple just so.  “Harder,” she pants, hardly audible.  “Harry, harder, please.”

Harry groans, the muscles in his abdomen visibly flexing as he pushes himself.  Mars arches her back just the tiniest bit and Harry uses this to his advantage, taking her by the hips and pulling her impossibly closer to him.  She yelps, eyes rolling into the back of her head as the hand that grasps her chest moves lower to rub at her clit.

“That's it,” Harry mutters through gritted teeth.  “There she is.  Get yourself there baby.  Fuck.  Good girl.”  Harry’s knees buckle slightly and he almost falls forward onto the bed.

He’s making pathetic little noises that he’s almost embarrassed of, but Mars adores them.  She grins up at him, feeling her chest bouncing rhythmically with his pounding.   “Fuck,” Harry groans.  “I’m.. I’m already close.  We need to slow down.”

“Are you gonna cum baby?”  Mars bats her eyelashes up at Harry and he sputters, his muscles spasming again.

“Not yet,” he says, slowing to a stop.  “Fuck, n-not yet.”  To Mars’ dismay he slowly and carefully pulls himself out of her. “Can you flip over for me?”

Mars wordlessly complies, pushing herself up on the bed as Harry steps back to allow her room.  She flips over onto her front, glancing halfway over her shoulder.  “How do you want me?” She asks.  “Like, laying, or--”

“Hands and knees,” Harry says, his voice tinged with lust still.  She can’t see it from her angle, but she can hear the way he strokes his own cock behind her, and it makes her shudder.  “Please, baby.”

It only takes a few seconds for Mars to get into position, and she whimpers when Harry gives her ass a gentle smack.  He grabs her ass in his hands, spreading her slightly and moaning low in his throat.  “God,” he says, more to himself than to her.  “Fucking beautiful.”

He gently guides himself back into her then, and Mars gasps, buckling forward.  “Oh fuck!”

Harry lets out a moan and breathlessly asks,  “Do you like that, baby?”

“Yes,” Mars pants, “but I… oh fuck--”

Harry slows his movements.  “But what?” he asks, and it touches Mars’ heart that he wants to check in with her.

“I have an idea,” she says, voice quiet.  “Want you to try something…”

“Oh.”  Harry pumps himself into her again, and she drops her head onto the mattress.  “Anything, baby.”

“Take the scarf,” Mars says, face buried into the duvet.

Mars can feel Harry’s surprise, because his movements halt again.  “What?”

“Take the scarf.”  Mars lifts her head to be heard better.  “Choke me a little.”

Although Mars can’t see him, she can picture the exact look on Harry’s face right now.  He runs a hand through his sweaty curls.  “My god,” he says, voice thick.  “Are you sure?  I don’t want to hurt you--”

“Please,” Mars says.  “I like it.”

“Being choked?”  Harry’s movements pick up again, and he scratches affectionately up her back.

Mars moans, nodding sleepily as she shudders.  “M-hm.”

“If you’re sure, baby.”  He grips the scarf in his fingers-- somewhat hesitantly-- and tugs as gently as he can manage.

And god is it enough.

Mars lets out a noise that is a cross between a moan and a gasp, and she can feel Harry loosen his grip ever so slightly.  “Oh my god,” she says quietly,  “yes-- fuck, just like that.”

Harry still seems hesitant in his movements, which of course Mars can understand, but when he rolls his hips into her once again, she arches her back.  “Is that how you like it?” Harry asks, voice gruff as he slowly continues the movement of his hips. His fingers tighten their grip around her scarf ever so slightly.  “Is that what you like, you filthy thing?”

Mars moans as Harry pounds into her.  He’s beginning to pick up his speed once again, mindful of the hold he has on her scarf.  He’s being so gentle with her, while also fulfilling one of her long-buried fantasies-- and it's enough to get her close already.

The noise she makes is raunchy and stiffened, and although she can feel Harry’s slight hesitancy to pull any harder, she can feel in the movements of his hips that he’s loving this almost as much as she is.  “Fuck,” he says.  “You’re so sexy, Mars.  Fucking hell.”

Mars’ toes curl when one particular movement hits her g-spot just so. Her voice when she speaks is strained and wet sounding.  “Harry, fuck, I’m--”  She cuts herself off with a long drawn out moan when Harry hits the spot again, as if reading her mind.

“Is that it, baby?” he asks, his voice adapting a gruff rasp. “Is that the spot?”

With careful and gentle fingers, Harry tugs just the slightest bit harder on her scarf, and Mars gasps.  She swallows, arching her back a little bit in order to guide his prick to her spot once again.  “Fuck!” She almost sounds like she’s crying, but in a good way, and she grips the bedsheets between her fingers.

It only takes a few more pumps before she feels a familiar stirring; a spiral starting at her sides and honing in slowly towards the center of her belly before erupting into waves that travel lower and lower.  Her orgasm begins gradually and builds, until suddenly it’s exploding between her legs.  Her upper body goes weak and she falls forward a bit more, grateful for the fact that Harry can sense what is going on and let's go of the scarf completely.  She rests her head on the duvet, feeling herself drool against the fabric as she rides out the feeling.  “Oh my god,” she cries,  “Oh my god.”

“That’s it,” Harry says through clenched teeth, increasing the speed and force with which he pounds into her.  His hand that once grasped the scarf now rubs tenderly along her back as he guides her through the sensation.  “Good girl.  That’s it.”

She tenses suddenly when the orgasm slows to a stop, letting her breath out in a loud groan.  She practically goes limp against the mattress, and she moves along with Harry as he continues to pound into her.  “So fucking good,” Harry mutters.  “You feel good?”

Mars says nothing, nodding against the duvet.  Her eyes prickle with tears in the best way, and she has to clear her now raspy throat.  She knows Harry’s close by the speed at which he pounds into her.  She’s overly sensitive now, but in the best way, and she lets out a whine when he hits her spot again.

“That’s it--” he says.  “I’m close.. I’m close--”

It’s only a few seconds later when she feels it, and Harry’s loud, uninhibited grunting follows shortly after.  His movements become rigid, his thrusts harder, and his balance shakier.  He nearly falls over, and Mars has to give slight pushback against him in order to keep him upright.

“Oh my god,” he says around a thick throat.  “Oh my god, Mars.”

Mars uses all of her strength to lift her head from the mattress, glancing over her shoulder at her boy.  Although she can only see him slightly out of the corner of her eye, she can tell he looks absolutely wrecked.  His curls hang loose around his face, and she can see the sheen of sweat covering his chest.

She gives one last particularly hard roll of her hips at the same time Harry practically collapses on top of her, letting out all the rest of his breath in one long huff.  Mars adjusts as best she can with his body weight on top of her, allowing for them both to lay flat on the bed as they catch their breath.  His warmth and his weight feels comforting against her back, and she loves the way he breathes against her neck.  

They stay like this for who knows how long, both of their breathing gradually slowing to its normal rhythm, before Harry begins to show signs of life again by pressing gentle kisses to Mars’ neck.  She smiles into the duvet, the feeling of his facial hair slightly tickling the skin below her ear.

“God,” he says quietly, “You’re so fucking good at that.”

He moves slowly as he pulls out of her, careful not to jostle her too much or put too much weight on her as he raises his body.  “How is your neck?  Does it feel okay?”

Mars giggles weakly, shuddering when she feels Harry pull out of her completely and rise to his feet.  “It feels fine,” she says, although her hoarse voice would lead Harry to believe otherwise.  She gently rolls herself over onto her back, the area between her legs hot, sore, and wet-- and she laughs again when she sees Harry frowning at her.

“You don’t sound well,” he says.  “Your voice, I mean.  Was I too hard?”

“No!” Mars clears her throat.  “It wasn’t from the…” She seems to suddenly grow embarrassed about what they’ve just done, as if she wasn’t completely filthy only minutes before.  She reaches up to begin untying the scarf, which is now significantly more loose than it was when she put it on for work this morning.  “It wasn’t from this,” she says.  “It was from, like, being so loud.”

Harry grins smugly down at her..  “I’ve heard you be much louder than that before, sweetheart.”

Mars groans, hiding her face in embarrassment.  “I knowwww,” she whines, “but, you know.  With the… the…”

“The choking?”  The fact that Harry seems to have absolutely no issues talking casually about this only flusters Mars even more, and it's obvious that he’s loving this.

“Yes, Harry.”  She sighs, exasperated.  “With that.  It makes it harder to be loud.”

“I see.”  Harry chuckles, reaching down to affectionately scratch at Mars’ thigh before turning and heading towards the bathroom.  “Well, in any case,” he speaks over his shoulder.  “I loved it.  We will absolutely be doing that again.”

“Oh absolutely,” Mars calls back, adjusting herself on the bed so she’s sitting up against the pillows now.  “Ten out of ten, would recommend to a friend.”

She hears Harry snort out a laugh from the bathroom before he returns a few moments later, sans condom and carrying a puffy white towel.  He stands naked and proud, and Mars finds it impossible not to let her eyes wander lower as he approaches.  He laughs, tossing the towel playfully onto her belly.  “Let’s get you cleaned up,” he says,  “and we can go back down to our friends and tell them all about it.”

Mars laughs, sitting up more and taking the towel in her hand.  “We’ve been gone long enough,” she remarks.  “I’m sure they have some idea.”

They chat casually, Mars telling him about her day as she cleans herself up, Harry telling her about the plans they have for the next couple of days.  It’s so domestic, and somehow so sexy just to be like this with one another-- after completely wrecking each other only minutes before.  Mars feels a soreness on her neck that Harry offers to kiss for her, and they joke that if he does, they aren’t ever going to make it downstairs to their friends.

When they do reunite with Jeff and Glenne, they’re met with sarcastic comments and cheeky side-eyed glances, but for the most part, it's entirely welcoming.  Mars marvels at how easily she fits in in this group of people, and how fun it is to be with them.  To be by Harry’s side.

To be Harry’s girl.

They stay downstairs till the bar closes, talking and laughing and drinking until the entire world seems to glow pink.  And when they part ways, it's with the promise that the fun will continue bright and early the following morning.

That night, Mars falls asleep with a smile on her face, wrapped up in the arms of the man she swears she was always meant to be with.   She doesn’t know it, but he falls asleep nearly a whole hour later-- after spending his time just watching her.  Thinking to himself how lucky he is to have someone like her.  To have someone who fits into his friend group like she’s always belonged there.  Who understands him and his lifestyle, and knows him so well it’s like she was made for him.

Neither of them know it yet, but they are both completely in love with the other.

The following day is spent much like the night before.  Mars and Harry wake and share a shower before joining their friends down at the bar for brunch.  It’s New Year's Eve, and the four have decided to spend it getting as drunk as they possibly can.  They start with mimosas during brunch, and follow it with several drinks throughout the entire rest of the day.

Mars is intrigued (and slightly starstruck) upon meeting a few of Harry’s other celebrity friends -- the likes of James Corden and the one and only Adele-- who just so happen to be there for the celebrations as well; and although she does a great job of keeping herself together she knows Harry can sense her nerves and excitement by the way he gently squeezes her knee under the table every now and again.

The night continues with several shots and drinks, and as the group gets progressively drunker Mars grows more and more relaxed.  She becomes less aware of the people watching her, and she and Harry even end up befriending a young fan.  Glenne and Mars share several dances that have Jeff and Harry hollering, and for the first time Mars doesn’t seem to feel the weight of her phone in her pocket; she has no nagging voice in her head telling her to check Twitter to see if people are saying anything, no internal battle between her and her self esteem.

The more she watches Harry, and the more drinks they share, she realizes just how deep her feelings for this boy are becoming.

When he scoops her up and kisses her out of nowhere, everyone cheers, and for the first time in a long time Mrars feels completely, utterly, and relentlessly happy.

It’s 11:43pm when she loses sight of him, and she frowns as she scans the crowd.  “Where’d he go?” She yells to be heard over the music.

“Bathroom!” Comes a voice, and Mars turns to see James holding a mostly empty champagne flute. He laughs, holding it out to Mars in a “cheers” motion.  “Saw a girl stop him on the way though, so. Could be a minute.”

Mars frowns, not out of jealousy but purely because she knows Harry is probably not in the mood to be approached right now.  James laughs, stumbling on nothing for a moment and saying something to Jeff that Mars can’t make out.

“Well,” she says, to anyone who may hear her. “I hope he’s back by midnight.”

“He will be,” Jeff chimes in.  “He wouldn’t miss that.”

Mars smiles back at Jeff, who is already lost once again in conversation with James.  She takes a moment to really observe him, as well as all the other people celebrating around them.

Moments like this choke Mars up in the strangest way, and if she thinks about it for too long— especially in her current drunken state, she fears she may cry a little.  

Everyone around her seems lost in their own bliss, and she herself feels choked up over the prospect of the new year.  Looking around, it hits her where she is and who she’s with.  Never in a million years would she expect to be in this kind of position, but she’s so incredibly happy that she is.  Not only just because Harry is the biggest light in her life right now, but also because of the beautiful people he’s managed to bring into her life in just a short while.

She looks out onto the ocean in the distance.  The waves seem calm and inviting, and the way the moonlight glistens on the rippling water is almost hypnotizing.  She watches from a distance for a moment before taking a sip of her drink and making her way towards the water.  

Away from the partying crowd, she slips her shoes off and allows herself to feel the cool, damp sand beneath her bare feet.  She makes her way out towards the water, feeling more alive than she’s felt in ages.  The breeze nips at her hot skin, and she hums at the sensation.  When she approaches the wet shore where the waves have been gently lapping, she stops walking and waits for the tide to bring the water back in.

Mars reckons this may be the happiest she’s ever been in her life.

When the water makes its way back to the shore, enveloping Mars’ sandy feet, she gasps at the contact. It’s colder than she’d anticipated, though not unbearable, and it hits her like a shockwave to all her senses.  Perhaps it’s the alcohol mixed with the general buzz of the happiness in her life, but she swears nothing has ever felt better.

She doesn’t realize how long she’s been standing here, nor just how relaxed she is until she’s pulled from her thoughts by the feeling of arms wrapping around her middle.  For a split second, she’s startled, but she relaxes instantly when she realizes who this person is.  

She hums into the embrace, relaxing back against Harry as he gives her a squeeze.  He tilts his head, kissing the shell of her ear before speaking.  “What are you doing out here all by yourself, hm?”

“Just thinking.”  Mars reaches behind her, scratching gently at the nape of Harry’s neck.  

“About me?” She can feel Harry smile against her skin and he peppers soft kisses down her neck.

On any other occasion, Mars would make some snarky little comment that would have them both laughing and make Harry roll his eyes.  But right now she’s feeling far too happy.  She giggles. “M-hm.  And… well, just about how happy I am, really.”

Harry hums, pressing one last lingering kiss to her shoulder before resting his chin there.  “Are you? That’s good.”

They stand like this for a bit, not saying anything but just enjoying one another’s presence.  Every now and then Harry presses another kiss to Mars’ warm skin, and with each peck she finds herself melting further and further into him.  He’s got her exactly where he wants her, and she loves it.

After a while, she takes a deep breath in through her nose.  “We should get back,” she says, giving Harry’s arms a soft squeeze.

“Should we?” Harry chuckles low in his throat.  “Was beginning to get comfortable here.”

Mars giggles. “I could stay here all night with you.  But I don’t want us to miss the new year.”

“Yeah.”  Neither of them make any sort of effort to move, and it makes them both giggle softly when they realize it. Harry shrugs.  “Suppose we should get back though.”

He begins to pull away, but Mars is quick-- turning on her heels and grabbing his arm.  She can hardly see his face by the moonlight alone, but the alcohol causes everything to glow a bit, and it makes her heart skip a beat.  “I want to-- tell you something,” she says, stepping closer to him.  She pulls him into her, leaning up to press her forehead to his.

Harry giggles, happily obliging and brushing his nose against hers.  “Okay.  What.”

“I--”

And then she stops herself.

She can’t say this. Not yet.  This isn’t the right time or the right place, and she certainly can’t say it when she’s drunk.  She isn’t even 100% certain that Sober Mars feels this strongly about him, and she knows she’d never forgive herself for confessing this to Harry for the first time while drunk.  

Still… she really, really wants to.

She starts again.  “I think I--”

Harry snorts, wobbling a little bit on his feet and holding onto Mars’ hips tighter for balance.  He doesn’t push her to speak, but he does start kissing her again, causing her to lose her train of thought almost entirely.

Their kisses dissolve into giggles before Harry pulls away.  Mars takes longer to open her eyes than he does, but when she does he’s still smiling at her-- still waiting for her to say what she needs to say.

“I think we should go back now,” is all she comes up with.  It’s not at all what she wanted to say, but it will have to do for right now.

Harry lets out a belly laugh.  “I think so too. S’almost midnight.”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah.”

If Mars is being obvious about how she’s feeling right now, it goes right over Harry’s buzzing head.  He reaches down, interlacing their fingers together and leading her back towards the resort.  Neither of them bother putting their shoes back on, and Harry swings their clasped hands enthusiastically.

They return just in time to each receive a champagne flute and a little horn to blow.  There’s a television that hangs behind the bar set to the channel on which the ball drops, but it's such a crowded area that there isn’t even a chance of seeing it.  Mars and Harry elect to stay behind, following the lead of those around them in staying put.  Harry takes a cheeky sip from his champagne and Mars scolds him for being impatient-- although two minutes later he convinces her to do the same.

As loud as the bar is, it seems to grow impossibly louder when the clock strikes 11:59. Chaos ensues in every direction; people scrambling to find their lovers or refill their glasses, everyone shouting numbers in descending order.  Mars is swept up in the excitement at first, unaware of the way Harry watches her in absolute adoration.  It’s around “thirty” when she looks at him and grows slightly self conscious.  

She giggles.  “What?”

“I’m just so happy,” Harry says with a shrug, as if he’s only just now realizing this.

Mars, taken aback by his words, softens.

Twenty-three.

“I am, too, baby.”

“Feels like I’m dreaming,” Harry continues.  “Like, I’m gonna wake up and you’re gonna be gone.”

Mars giggles. “Well that isn’t going to happen, my love. You’re stuck with me.”

Eleven.

“Don’t know how I’ll ever make it.  Stuck with you.”

Mars giggles, only halfway conscious of the countdown that’s going on around them.

“I think you’ll manage.”  

The two press closer and closer together as the crowd around them seems to get louder and louder, and when the number goes as low as five, they join in screaming.  Though they count down the remaining five digits with everyone else, they’re only looking at one another with toothy, drunken grins and heart shaped eyes.

“FOUR.  THREE.  TWO.  ONE.”

——-

HARRY

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Harry wraps his arms around Mars’ waist at the same time she places both of her palms on his cheeks, and they pull one another impossibly close for a smiley kiss.  Harry tilts, dipping Mars into the kiss ever so slightly, and she shrieks into his mouth.  His tongue teases along her bottom lip, and she gently allows her own tongue to peek out and greet his.  The noise of their laughter is drowned out by the sound of the crowd around them cheering and the fireworks exploding overhead.

Harry is the first to pull away, and both of their eyes flutter open.  They look sleepy, drunk, and so, so infatuated with one another.

“Happy New Year, Marzy,” Harry says, bumping her nose with his own.

She giggles again, rising onto her tiptoes to kiss Harry’s nose. “Happy New Year, handsome.”

Harry grins, squeezing her tighter from around her waist and lifting her off the ground.  He spins and she squeals, burying her face in his neck as they move.  When he sets her down once more, they share one more smiley kiss.

“Lucky,” Harry says, as if to himself.  “Fucking lucky.”

“What?”

“To be starting this year off with you.  To have you here with me right now.  I’m so lucky, aren’t I?”

Mars laughs.  “I’m the lucky one,” she says.  “You have no idea.”

From somewhere behind them, James arrives carrying more drinks than he knows what to do with, followed by the young girl that Mars and Harry had befriended earlier.  James says something that Mars doesn’t quite catch but it earns a laugh from a few people around them.  The young girl takes a few cups from James’ hands to help him out, someone else jokes about Mars and Harry “getting a room,” and all the while Harry jokingly flips his friends off behind Mars’ head.

Mars trails her hands down Harry’s backside until she reaches the curve of his ass— which she gives a playful squeeze at the same time his phone vibrates twice in his pocket. She giggles.  “You got a text,” she comments.

Harry smirks.  “Probably my mum.”

“Isn’t it late in London?”

Harry gives Mars a sleepy, half lidded smirk and a shrug.  “It’s New Years, baby!” is all he offers her before pressing another kiss to the corner of her mouth.  

He finally untangles himself from Mars and walks over to join his friends, taking two champagne glasses from where they’ve been placed on a table and handing one out to Mars.  “Here!”  Before he has a chance to say anything else, Jeff and James are taking over, drunkenly rambling and laughing with him.

“Mars!” squeals Glenne, her voice up an entire octave than usual.  She clinks her glass against Mars’ and giggles, hip-checking her.  “Happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year!” Mars squeals, wrapping an arm around Glenne and giving her a squeeze.  “I’m so happy!”  

“Aww!” Glenne says, reaching for Mars’ hand and giving it a squeeze.  “Me too! I’m so happy you’re happy.  I’m so glad you joined us!”  She drops Mars’ hand and takes another sip from her champagne glass before speaking again.  “It’s nice to have another girl around here anyway.”

Mars snorts.  “I bet.”

Glenne wobbles a bit on her feet, and both girls fall into a giggle fit that they can’t seem to break themselves from.  As they clumsily try and steady one another, their gazes trail over to their boys who seem to be having the time of their lives dancing together.  Glenne shakes her head.  “You know,” she says after a beat, “I know this sounds like… cheesy.  Like a Lifetime movie or something stupid like that but… God, Mars, I don’t know the last time I’ve seen Harry this happy.”

Mars smiles, trying to mask just how elated Glenne’s words make her feel.  “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”  Glenne nods.  “It’s like… well, I mean, Jeff and I have known him forever.  And we’ve seen him get his heart broken so many times.  I mean--” She shoots Mars a knowing look and lowers her voice, as if they’re about to share a secret.  “You know Nicole.”

Mars rolls her eyes.  “I know Nicole,” she replies, nodding.  “I mean I don’t like, know know Nicole obviously.  But like--”

“No yeah, for sure!’  Glenne cuts her off.  “And that’s the thing! Like, none of us knew Nicole.  Even Harry didn’t really like, know know Nicole I don’t think.   We all saw how she treated him, and I think he kinda knew-- well, I know he knew-- how badly she treated him because we were constantly telling him.”  Glenne shakes her head.  “I don’t know why he does that.”

“Does what?”

“Lets people like, shit all over him.  I don’t know.  It’s hard watching him get walked all over, you know?  He picks people who do that sometimes.”

Mars frowns, taking all of Glenne’s words in as Glenne takes another sip from her drink.  The thought of anyone hurting Harry makes Mars unbelievably sad, and remembering the big fight they’d recently had fills her with guilt.  She swallows an unexpected lump rising in her throat.  

As if reading her mind, Glenne speaks again.  “But you!” she says, by way of almost changing the subject.  “You, Mars, have something special about you.  I don’t know what it is.  And I wouldn’t just, like, say that to just anyone, you know what I mean?  Like we all see how happy you make him.”

Mars perks up a bit. “Do you?”

“Oh yeah!” Glenne nods vigorously.  “It’s like, even in Cancun when you guys like… well, you know… that first meeting.  He was so happy.  And then you were our flight attendant and it’s like… like obviously now we know you but we didn’t then but we saw how he got and we like, teased him and…”  She laughs, realizing that she’s rambling.  “Anyway.  Thanks for making our boy happy.  That’s what I’m trying to say.”

Mars opens her mouth to say something, but Harry’s voice comes from a few feet away.  “Hey!” He says.  Both women turn to him.  He’s smirking as hee holds his glass out to them. “Are you chatting shit?”

Glenne snorts, as Mars closes the gap between her and Harry. She snakes her arms around his middle, giving his hips an affectionate little squeeze.  “We would never ‘chat shit,’” Glenne says, mocking Harry’s accent.

Harry presses a nonchalant kiss to Mars’ head, but Mars can practically hear the gears turning in his head as he comes up with some smart ass remark to say back to Glenne.  He chuckles, and opens his mouth to say something, but it seems to get caught in his throat when Mars tucks her head into Harry’s neck.

His demeanor shifts, and he seems to soften entirely. He rubs a hand up her back gently, teasingly squeezing at her side and smiling when it makes her curl further into him.  “You okay?”

Mars nods against his skin.  “M-hm.  Just really happy.  And maybe kinda drunk.”  She giggles, and it makes Harry--in his own drunken state-- giggle as well.

“Yeah?” he says.  “Me too.”

He’s torn slightly from his own thoughts of affection towards Mars when he feels his phone in his back pocket vibrate with a text.  He thinks practically nothing of it, until it vibrates again a second time.

Mars laughs again.  “Mr. Popular,” she remarks, and Harry snorts.  

Harry goes to say something, but stops when his phone rings-- longer this time-- as if someone were calling him.

Mars lifts her head sleepily, smiling the cutest little smile up at him.  “Think you’re getting a call,” she says..

“Think so, too,” he says.  Mars hums, cuddling back into him as he pulls his phone from his pocket to see who the caller is.

What he sees on the screen makes his heart immediately sink to the pit of his belly.

He shoves the phone back in his pocket before Mars has a chance to see it.  Wrapping her in another hug, he kisses all over her face until he gets a giggle out of her.  And although the sound does lift his heart slightly, he can’t stop thinking about the person blowing up his phone right now.

When he pulls away with one final kiss to her nose, he beams down at her.  “I feel like we should get a drink,” he comments.

“Another one?” Mars says, although she’s already taking his hand to begin their journey to the bar.

Harry says nothing, and the two begin walking in step through the crowd of people.  “Think I may need to stop after this one,” Mars giggles, and Harry chuckles back.

“Maybe if we just go slow,” he retorts with a laugh.

Mars doesn’t stop walking, but she does beam at him from over her shoulder.  “Love it when you’re drunk.”

Her words prick Harry’s ears as they arrive at the bar, taking two empty seats at the end corner.  “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Mars replies, stumbling a bit before taking the seat beside Harry.  “It’s the cutest thing.”

Out of habit, Harry removes his phone from his back pocket so as not to crush it and places it, face down, on the bar top.  He nudges it further away from himself and wills the bartender to please, for heaven's sake, hurry up.

His phone vibrates again, this time rattling the bar top a bit.   Harry’s breath halts in his throat; he knows what he’s going to see when he picks the phone up. He prays Mars doesn’t notice and raises his hand when the bartender turns a bit so as to catch his attention.

Mars nods her head toward his vibrating phone.  “I think your phone is ringing again,” she comments.

Harry nods, relieved when the bartender finally sees him.  “Yeah,” he says. “I’ll call them back tomorrow.”

“You didn’t even look to see who it was, silly,” Mars giggles, reaching for his phone without thinking.

Harry is much quicker, swooping his own hand into hers just as the bartender approaches.  “Hi there,” he says.  “Can I get two uh… two margaritas.”

If Mars had been at all suspicious of Harry’s hand-grabbing movement, she isn’t now.  She gasps.  “Mooooore margaritas?” she giggles.  “You don’t wanna switch it up?”

Harry turns to her.  “Do you want to switch it up?” he asks.

“No,” Mars says, then laughs at herself.  

Harry grins.  He knows his girl so damn well.

Mars and Harry’s young friend, the sweet fan from earlier, approaches-- appearing as intoxicated as both Mars and Harry, and she greets Mars shyly, as if unsure if she’s welcome here or not.  

Mars,in her Mars Way, greets her as if she were greeting a friend she hasn’t seen in years.  She pulls the empty barstool beside her closer and pats the top of it, telling the girl to take a seat.

“Harry!” Mars says.  “Look who’s here!”

And fuck it, Harry thinks.  The more the merrier.

Harry beams.  “There she is!” He greets.  “You want a drink? What do you want?”

The girl seems visibly nervous at his words.  “Oh I don’t want to--”

Harry holds up his hand to stop her.  “I’m buying.”

Mars nods aggressively.  “He’s buying!”

The girl giggles.  “Okay um… vodka soda!”

“Yessss!” Mars squeals, launching herself into conversation with the young girl as Harry turns back to the bartender.  

He orders the drinks and fidgets anxiously with his phone, feeling it vibrate a few more times with texts.  He glances at Mars out of the corner of his eye, then angles his phone the tiniest bit away from her to confirm what he already knows.

Text message after text message floods his screen, all from the same person, and it infuriates him.  

Maybe if he’s quick he can just block the number without Mars noticing.  She and this girl seem deeply invested in their conversation anyway.  Maybe if he just turns the phone over quickly and moves his thumbs as fast as he can, he can get this taken care of.  Maybe--

The angle at which he’s holding his phone causes it to audibly vibrate against the bartop when he receives his next message, and it draws Mars’ attention.  She turns to him, eyes wide and an amused smile on her lips.  “Jeez!” she comments.

Harry chuckles nervously, dropping his phone back down on the bartop and patting her knee.  “Sorry,” he says quietly.  It vibrates again.

For fucks sake.

Mars tries again.  “Is it important?” she teases.  

Harry shakes his head dismissively.  “No,” he says, quietly, “not important.”

At first, she thinks nothing of it. She giggles, turning back to the bartender as he places their drinks down before them.  What she doesn’t notice-- at least not entirely-- is the way Harry’s entire demeanor has shifted.  Sure, she gets the sense that it isn’t a welcomed call by any means, but mostly she assumes it’s something to do with work.

Harry picks up his phone, trying desperately to block the caller before they call again-- because he knows they will.  Sure enough, a text message pops up at the top of his screen, from the one person he wants absolutely nothing to do with.

“PICK UP MY CALL!!! IT’S NEW YEARS BAYBEEEE! Where are you?!”

Mars turns back to Harry, mid-sentence in conversation with the younger girl.  “And that’s what I was telling him!”  Harry tries to quickly block the phone screen from Mars’ view without seeming suspicious. Mars, almost entirely oblivious, continues.  “I figured it would be cold like… at night! Like maybe I would need a jacket or something but no, it’s literally so warm.”

Harry tries his hardest to remain as nonchalant as possible, but then another text arrives, causing his phone to vibrate noisily.  He smiles at Mars, putting his phone face down again.  She eyes him suspiciously, but he prays she’s too drunk to question him further.

“You’re so popular!” She remarks for the second time that night. The young girl beside her giggles her agreement, and Mars laughs, turning back to her.  “Like, imagine having that many friends!”

Harry moves slowly, once again in an attempt to block the phone number without Mars catching on, but she nudges his knee with her own before he gets the chance.  “You okay?” She asks quietly.

Harry nods, raising his drink to his lips and smiling into the glass.  “Mm,” he hums.  “Why, are you okay?”

“Yeah…”  Mars narrows her eyes at him, “it’s just…”

“What?” Harry hates how defensive he’s being, but the alcohol certainly isn’t helping his case.  He bites his tongue before he can get himself into trouble.  

“You’re just acting weird,” Mars says.  “Like, something is wrong.”

“Nothing is wrong,” Harry says, shrugging defensively.  “If something was wrong I would tell you.”

Mars swallows, eyes darting away from Harry’s face and into the phone in his hand, which is now vibrating once again.  “If it’s something important,” she says quietly, “you don’t have to talk about it. But I won’t be mad if you need to take care of it. It seems like someone really wants to talk to you.”

Harry remains frozen, mouth open as he debates what to do.  He can’t let Mars find out who’s calling— not now.  Not when things are so good with them. She continues to watch his face, gentle concern etched into her features.  She strokes his arm tenderly, and Harry fears the guilt may eat him alive. She doesn’t deserve this.  He’s all in for her and her alone, but there are things he has to take care of in order to ensure that.

She gives his bicep a soft, reassuring squeeze, and the look on her face is so gentle he swears he could cry.  

This ends tonight.  He belongs to Mars.

“Uh,” he says, clearing his throat.  “You know what, yeah. I’m actually going to go take care of this.  I’ll be back in five.  Is that alright?”

The slight hurt on Mars’ face is not well disguised-- thanks, of course, to the alcohol-- but she nods.  “Yeah, that’s okay!  Do what you’ve gotta do.”

He pulls her in softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead that lingers a tick longer than it should.  When he pulls away, he nods.  “I’m turning my phone off when I get back, yeah?”  

She giggles, nodding in agreement as he begins to walk away.  He beams at her, pointing his finger.  “Don’t go anywhere!”

The minute he’s out of her sight, the panic in the pit of his belly rises.  He yanks his phone from his shorts and checks the notifications: Seven missed calls and nine text messages from Nicole Harker.

Fucking Nicole Harker.

He rounds a corner and lets out a breath, unlocking his phone to read her messages.  He scans through them all, but his eyes settle on the most recent one.

“I can see that you’ve read these Harry.  You know your read receipts are on.  LOL”

He shakes his head, cursing under his breath.  While he isn’t a hateful person, he swears he absolutely hates Nicole.

He takes another swig from his glass, ignoring the slight spin of his head, and taps on the screen a few times until he hears a ringtone.  He raises his phone to his ear and waits until, after only two rings, she picks up.

“It’s about time you called!”

She sounds drunker than he is, and he lets out a sigh to remind himself to handle this maturely.

“What do you want?” Is all he asks.

Nicole cackles on the other line.  “Ouch,” she says.  “Rude ass.  It’s New Years! Lighten up!”

“I’m busy,” he spits back.  “What is it that you want?”

“Well I just wanted to wish you a happy New Year is all!” She giggles into the phone.  “And to maybe see if you wanted to come over.”

“Of course I don’t want to come over!” Harry says, louder than intended.  He glances around to make sure he hasn’t caught anyone’s attention, then lowers his voice again.   “Why can’t you just--”  

“You don’t have to be such an ass you know.”  Harry can practically hear the scowl on Nicole’s face.  “God you can be such a fucking dick when you want to be.”

“How many times do I have to tell you to stop contacting me?” Harry’s hands are shaking, and he has to ball his free hand up into a fist.

“You know, for someone who doesn’t want to hear from me, you sure had no issues reaching out earlier this month.”

Harry’s heart sinks.  “Nicole—“

“You don’t really want me to leave you alone,” Nicole says, with a malicious chuckle, “or else you would leave me the fuck alone.”

“I’ve already talked to you about this.”  Harry shakes his head, as if she can see him.  “Dammit, I already told you--”

“Oh yeah, you told me!” Nicole’s tone adopts that awful, condescending cadence that Harry hates so much.  “You told me all about little Mars, who apparently means so much to you that you can’t stay away from me whenever she leaves you.”

“It’s not like that.  It’s not like--”

“You can’t just pick and choose, Harry.”

Harry feels a fire in the pit of his belly, an anger bubbling up that he knows he’s going to have to work through before he makes his way back to Mars. “I’m not doing this with you anymore, Nicole.”

Nicole snorts.  “Alright, Harry.  I’ll talk to you in a few weeks when things get fucked up with your girl again.”

“For fucks sake--”

“Where is she right now?  Hm?  Are you with her?”

“Yes, actually we’re--”

“Then why are you on the phone with me?  Why did you fucking call me back?”

“Because!” Harry practically shouts.  “You won’t leave me alone!”

“You do this every time, Harry.”  Nicole scoffs again.  “Every fucking time.  You blame everyone but yourself.”

And fuck. Maybe there is some truth to her words but still. Ouch.  Especially coming from her.

“I’m trying to be better,” he says, sounding a bit more timid than he intends.  “I’m trying to—“

“Starting by calling me?”

Harry groans.  “Oh, goddammit, Nicole, you know that’s not—“

“You sound fucking crazy,” Nicole comments, suddenly sounding disinterested and annoyed.  “Literally you sound insane.  You started this whole fight.”

“I didn’t start anything! You’re the one who—“

“Oh my god.” Nicole laughs condescendingly.  “Harry, calm down.  You literally sound crazy.”

“Stop talking down to me!” He’s practically yelling into the phone.

“You live for this shit, don’t you?  You know you didn’t have to call me back.”

“Or else let my phone ring away the entire rest of my night?”

“You could’ve blocked me ages ago.  Especially when you told me that you and your new girl worked things out. But you didn’t. And you know why?”

“Because I thought you’d have the common decency to--“

“Because you love me, Harry.”

Harry’s blood is absolutely boiling at her words, which are so ridiculous it’s almost laughable.  “What?”

“Admit it.  You love me. And you can’t get enough of me.  Your new girl doesn’t do it for you the way that I do, does she?”  Nicole’s tone takes on a teasing, cooing sort of whine.  “Ohhh, poor Harry.”

“Don’t you dare--”

“You’re pathetic.”  Nicole laughs, but it's obvious that she’s making it more dramatic in order to get a rise out of Harry.

He takes a deep breath in, slowly, so as not to lash out entirely, and speaks through gritted teeth.  “Nicole,” he says.  “I’m sorry that I did this to you.  Okay? I’m sorry for stringing you along or..  Or whatever it is you think I’ve done.  But--”

“Stringing me along?” Nicole cackles.  “Stringing me along? Oh honey.”

“What do you want then?” Harry hates how desperate he sounds.  “Hm?  What do you want from me Nicole?”

“For you to come to your senses and realize what the fuck you’re doing.  That’s what I want.”

“And you think I love you?”

“I do.  And I think you know it, too, you’re just too stupid to admit it.”

“You know what? I--”  

“Bye, asshole.”

Harry goes silent when he realizes Nicole has hung up on the other line.  He removes his phone from his ear and looks at the screen, now blank, for his confirmation.  

He groans, louder than he realizes, and it takes everything in him not to throw his phone into the ocean.

Fuck this.  Fuck all of it.  He has one person, and one person alone who he truly cares about.  

He turns on his heel to go back to Mars-- to finish a drink with her and take her back up to their shared room and treat her the way she absolutely deserves…

And then stops dead in his tracks.

What he sees behind him is not at all what he wants to see.  Mars stands, two glasses in hand, giving him a look that he swears could turn him to stone if he made eye contact long enough.

On the one hand, he wants to brush it off.  He wants to go to her, kiss her, and forget all of this.  But even in the darkness, he can see her eyes glistening with moisture, and he knows this entire thing is completely fucked up.

“Mars.”

“How dare you,” is all she says, shaking her head slowly.  

“No,” Harry takes a step towards her, stumbling a bit as his latest drink begins to hit him.  “Mars no, I--”

Mars takes a step back.  “Don’t!” she says, voice thick and frantic.  “Don’t you dare.”

She turns to leave, but Harry is quicker, rushing to her and taking her by the elbow.  The contents of the drink she holds in her hand slosh a bit when he turns her around, and Harry doesn’t even care that a bit of his shirt gets wet.  

To be honest, he feels like he deserves the whole drink to be poured on his head.

But the alcohol in his system fogs his judgment, and somewhere inside of him, the chaos of the moment translates right into anger.  Perhaps it’s anger towards himself that he has nowhere else to throw but at her, but right now the only thing he knows how to do is be mad and frantic.  So he shakes his head.

“Not this time,” he says.  “I am not going to let you walk away without hearing what I have to say this time.”

“Watch me.”  Mars yanks her arm out of Harry’s grasp and stumbles slightly on the sand, dumping the rest of both drinks out as she walks.

“No!” Harry says, following after her.  Fuck, was it always this hard to walk on sand, or is he just drunk?  “Mars, no, you do not get to--”

“I am done, Harry.”  Mars turns around.  “I am done with this.  I don’t care what you have to say.  You betrayed my trust--”

And now, Harry’s anger turns to cynicism.  “Betrayed?  Oh please.”

Mars shakes her head.  “You prick,” she says.  “You fucking son of a bitch.”

“Woah, woah, woah.”  Harry knows he’s on thin ice right now, but he can’t stop himself.  “That’s harsh, isn’t it?”

Tears spill over Mars’ cheeks.  “I can’t fucking believe you, Harry.”

“I can’t believe you don’t even want to hear what I have to say!” Harry slurs.  “Again!”

“Why should I?”  Mars’ hands ball up into fists.  “Hm?  Give me one good fucking reason to listen to you.”  Her volume attracts a few people nearby, and they both seem to notice at the same time.  Growing slightly embarrassed, Mars clears her throat.  “I’m fucking done, Harry.”

She turns on her heel, kicking up sand as she goes, and Harry knows it's in his best interest to leave her alone, but he’s drunk and he’s mad and, goddammit, he can’t seem to keep his mouth shut.

“No,” he says.  “M’not letting you be.”

“Oh,” Mars scoffs,  “You’re not letting me be?  Fuck you, Harry.”

“At least listen to me,” he says, taking another step towards her.  “And not here.  Not in front of all these fucking people.”

“You’ve completely ruined everything, Harry.  Why should I listen to you?”

“Because you care about me?” Harry says with a shrug.  “Because you care about us?”

“Not anymore I don’t,” Mars says through gritted teeth.  “Not when you don’t give any sort of a fuck about me--”

“That’s a fucking lie.”

“No it’s--”

“That’s a lie and you know it, Mars.  Lets not pretend that all of our feelings have suddenly gone out the window because of one phone call--”

“One phone call?  Harry, if you think that’s the problem then--”

“Just talk to me,” he pleads, voice quieter.  He’s pissed off, but he has to remind himself that they’re in public.  He can’t afford any type of scene and, to be honest, he isn’t quite in the mood to fight.  Not in front of people at least.  “Can we go up to the room?  Please?”

Now that they’re closer to the light, he can see the tears on Mars’ cheeks glistening, and it breaks his heart.  The alcohol clouds the sadness with his anger, however, and he isn’t sure what exactly he’s feeling-- he just knows he’s uncomfortable.

Mars looks around, as if considering his words.  She sees the few people looking at them, and although they don’t seem too concerned, it’s still a little bit intimidating to know that they may be aware of what’s going on.  It's apparent that she’s absolutely furious, but somewhere in her eyes Harry can see that she’s still soft.

“Fuckin’...” She says, trailing off as if she still needs to think about what she’s about to say.  She lets out a long sigh.  “Fine.”  She turns on her heel without waiting for him to start walking.

They walk in silence, a few wandering eyes watching them as they pass.  Harry can hear Mars breathing heavily through her stuffed up nose, as if willing herself not to completely break down, and he feels helpless.  Whether he wants to run to her or ignore her completely he isn’t sure, and his emotions stir inside of him like a poorly mixed cocktail.

They arrive at the elevator and Mars won’t even look at him-- which infuriates him.  She jabs her finger into the elevator button and shakes her head as two more tears drop from her eyes.

“Mars--” Harry tries.

“You fucked up, Harry.”  She speaks through clenched teeth, her eyes red and skin visibly hot.  “I don’t really give a shit what you have to say right now.”

And this infuriates Harry even more.

“Then why are you coming with me?” he says, voice louder than he realizes.  “Hm? Why the fuck--”

“Because you begged me?” Mars takes a step closer to him.  “Because your ego is too fucking big to let anyone else even suspect you’ve done anything wrong.”

“If you would just--”

The elevator doors open slowly, effectively cutting Harry off, and Mars shoves him less than gently out of her way.  She goes to one corner of the elevator, as close as she can get to the wall and turns around to look expectantly at Harry.

He stands, dumbfounded, before shaking his head and stepping into the elevator himself.  He takes the opposite corner, as far away from her as he can get, and pushes the button to take them to their floor.

It's a quiet and tense elevator ride-- the only noises being the mechanics of the elevator and an occasional injured sniff from Mars.  It eats Harry alive, and he knows he doesn’t really have much of a reason to be angry right now but goddammit, why have they found themselves in this position yet again?

When they finally arrive on their floor, it's a silent walk to their room.  Harry feels anxious--like when he was a little boy and he misbehaved in public and knew he was going to get in trouble the minute they got home-- but he also feels angry, guilty, and just all around sad.  He struggles with the key against the magnetic lock (and perhaps he’s stalling a bit as well), but when he sees the flashing green light on the door, he knows there is no turning back.

Mars pushes past him without a second thought.

They stumble into the bedroom, and Harry curses when he knocks something on the bartop over.  Mars makes her way further into the room, not bothering to check what fell or if Harry needs any help picking it up.  When he bends down to grab it, his head spins, and he has to grab the wall to balance himself.

Fuck, why did he let himself get this drunk?

Mars, on a similar note, isn’t doing much better, and nearly takes a spill kicking her flip flops off.  On any other occasion, they would laugh until their bellies hurt over this.  

Harry winces when the door slams shut behind him.  He tosses his phone onto the couch and looks up to see Mars standing as far away as possible, arms crossed over her chest and tears streaming down her cheeks.  She’s crying harder than she has all night, presumably because she wanted to wait until they were alone, but she stays silent.  Her eyes are angry, and she seems more hurt than Harry has ever seen her.  

He says nothing.  He’s absolutely frozen.  How does he handle this?

Mars sniffles, raising her eyebrows.  “Well?”

“You go first,” Harry says.  “I get the feeling you’re not going to let me speak anyway.”

“You’re kidding me.”  Mars shakes her head.

Harry shrugs.  “It’s not like you would want to listen to me anyway.”

“I cannot fucking believe you,” Mars says, hands trembling.  “After everything.  After everything?  You couldn’t even--”

“You can’t blame me for this, darling,” Harry bites out, bitterly sloshing his drink in his hand.  “You can’t even blame me a little bit. You’re the one who left.”

“So you immediately went back to the person who is the biggest reason why I left?” Tears form in Mars’ eyes, but she’s angry, and as much as Harry wants to go to her and wipe the tears away, he knows it’s in his best interest to leave her be.

“I didn’t go back to her,” Harry says finally, trying his best to keep his tone even.  “I didn’t.”

Mars scoffs, gesturing angrily at Harry’s phone.  “Somehow I’m having a hard time believing that.”

Harry scoffs.  “Yeah? Well.  Forgive me for thinking you wanted nothing to do with me when you stormed out of my house and bought yourself a ticket back to the states without letting me get a word in edgewise.”

“And can you blame me?”  

Harry shrugs.  “You came back, didn’t you?”

“As did Nicole.”

Harry’s mouth closes as he processes her bitter words.  He shakes his head slowly.  “You still don’t understand.”

“No,” she says,  “I don’t. And I don’t think I ever will.”

The air between them is charged and thick, and they stand in it awkwardly, eyeing the other as if waiting to see which one will cave first.  But neither of them does.

Finally, Harry shrugs again.  “There you go again,” he says.  

Mars narrows her eyes.  “Excuse me?”

“You don’t want to hear a single thing I’ve got to say.”

“Are you kidding me?” Mars gestures at the empty room around them.  “You’ve got more than enough space to say what you’d like to say, Harry.  You just don’t want to because you know you’re in the wrong and you’re too fucking arrogant to admit when you’re sorry.”

“Oh,” Harry scoffs, “that’s rich.”

“It’s true, isn’t it?  You know I’m right.”

Of course he knows she’s right.  He fucked up.  The minute he gained her trust back, he lost it again.  And this time, there is no one to blame but him.  And she’s right, he is an arrogant son of a bitch, but still.  He’s drunk and has no idea how to communicate how sorry he actually is.

Mars shakes her head.  “This is a fucking waste of my time.  You only asked me up here to fight with me.  Not to talk.”

“You left,” is all he offers her.  “No explanation.  No nothing.”

“I told you why,” Mars says through clenched teeth.  “I fucking told you why I left. And you didn’t have the decency to let me know that night that you were still with fucking Nicole?!”

“I’m not with her.”

“Does she know that?”

Harry takes a moment to catch his breath.  He knows he doesn’t quite have a leg to stand on in this fight.  She’s right.  He’s an asshole.  “You left me,” he says again. “What was I supposed to do?”

“Not this!” Mars shouts.  “Literally anything but this! You could’ve thought about why I left.  You could’ve worked on yourself. You could’ve blocked Nicole, Harry, instead of falling back into her fucking bed!”

He says nothing.  He hardly even breathes, he just watches her, unmoving, allowing her the space she needs to speak.

After a long beat, she shakes her head slowly.  “And you,” she says. “You’ve got nothing to say?”

Harry swallows around a dry throat.  “No,” he says finally.  “Nothing.”

Mars scoffs. “Go fucking figure,” she says. “You’re a prick.”  She begins to walk away, then stops in her tracks, turning around quickly.  “I told you why I did what I did.  I trusted you.  You knew about me, and how hard this is for me.  And you said nothing.”

“Mars, I--”

“You. Said. Nothing.”  She wipes aggressively at her cheeks with the back of her hand.  “Not now, and not when I opened up to you. You sat there, and you let me pour my fucking heart out to you, and apologize to you, knowing fully goddamned well that that girl was still in your life.  How can I trust you after that, Harry?”

The alcohol hits Harry the hardest in this moment for whatever reason, and it shakes his emotions until they’re a heady combination of anger and heartache.  The best emotion he can present to her is arrogant indifference, and so he only shakes his head at her-- offering a gentle, barely visible shrug.  “You can’t.”

Mars shakes her head, swallowing around an almost visible lump in her throat.  “You’re unbelievable, Harry.”

She turns to leave, and Harry’s temples are pounding. “Don’t like when you say my name like that,” he says, sounding pathetically like a child.

Mars laughs a vicious sort of laugh, stopping when she reaches the door.  “No? Would you like me to call you any of the other names in my mind right now? Because I really don’t think you would.”

She takes the doorknob in her hand and Harry lunges forward, as if suddenly sobering up.  “Wait—“ he says.  “Mars, wait.”

Mars let’s out a breath, but doesn’t remove her hand from the doorknob.  She turns around. “Yes?” She asks, obviously completely out of patience.

Harry rubs at his temples, wincing a bit, and suddenly he can’t even look directly at her. “Where are you going?” He asks quietly.

“Why?” Mars bites back.  “Wondering how long I’ll be gone so you can contact Nicole?”

“Don’t say that!” Harry shouts, taking even himself by surprise at his sharpness.  “For fucks sake, Mars.”

Mars takes a long, slow breath in through her nose, then raises her eyebrows expectantly at Harry.

He rolls his eyes.  “I’m sorry,” he says, before repeating his question.  “Where are you going?”

“Downstairs,” she answers simply.  “Any other questions?”

“Can you please stop shutting me down? Please?”  Harry hates how pathetic he sounds, but goddamn she can be stubborn.  “Downstairs where?”

“To get another room.  Do you mind?”

Her words feel like a slap to the face, but Harry can’t deny the slight relief he feels.  “So you’re not… leaving?”

“Not tonight, no.”  Mars shrugs.  “Maybe tomorrow.”

“Mars--”

“Maybe not though.  Are we done?”

Harry feels like an absolute child, pouting in the corner of the room.  “Please don’t go.”

He hates the way his voice sounds.

Mars shakes her head in disbelief, but for a moment her guard lowers, and she softens so quickly that if he’d blinked he would’ve missed it.  “I’m not going to stay here,” she says,  “Not with you.”

“Please--”

“Harry, I can’t talk about this anymore.”  She turns to open the door again.  “Please--”

“At least take your suitcase.”  Mars stops in her tracks again, obviously taken aback by his words and unsure of how to react.  She gives him a puzzled look, and he tries to explain himself.  “You can’t sleep in that dress.”

Mars swallows, another tear rolling down her cheeks as she shakes her head at him again.  “Don’t,” she says.  “Don’t do this to me.”

“Do what?”  Harry steps towards her, but he stops when she holds out her hand at him.

“Don’t be fucking sweet to me to get me to give in.  You don’t get to do that Harry.  Not again.”

“I’m just trying to make sure--”

“No!” She lets out a sob, then immediately covers her face with her hands.  Harry wants nothing more than to go to her and hold her, but he knows that isn’t a good idea right now, and it breaks his heart.  He stands, frozen, waiting for her to say something else.

“God dammit!” she groans into her hands.  “Harry, fuck! Why can’t this be easy?”

“It can!” He insists.

“It’s not!” Mars bites back.  “It hasn’t been! You’ve been lying to me!”

“I haven’t been lying, Mars!” Harry says, hands trembling as he pleads with her.  “Don’t accuse me of things I haven’t done! Please!”

“How do you still not see what you’ve done wrong?” Mars lets out a choking sob.  “How are you still acting like you haven’t—“

“I love you Mars.”

Mars’ mouth closes immediately, and the silence is deafening.

Whether Harry regrets his words or not, Mars isn’t sure. His facial expression is immediately unrecognizable, but he doesn’t look comfortable by any means.  His face pales, and his hands tremble by his sides.

Mars swallows around a burning throat. “Don’t say that to me.”

“Mars--” Harry takes a step towards her, his tone apologetic.

In turn, Mars takes a step back, hot tears blurring her vision.  “Do not.  Say that to me.”  She’s surprising herself at how even her voice is.

“But why?”

“Because.”  Mars shakes her head, more hurt than she’s felt this entire night.  “Because if you really did--” her voice picks up intensity as she speaks,  “You wouldn’t be choosing now to let me know!”

“Mars--”

“You’re all the fucking same!” Mars spews, all of her emotions overflowing all at once.  Her words are hot and they sting her own mouth.  She doesn’t care how loud she’s being anymore.  “You’re using that as a way to get me to stop fighting you!  You think you can just shut me up and-- and I’ll just forgive you! It’s bullshit!”

“Baby, that’s not--”

“Don’t call me baby again! You don’t fucking love me!” Mars shakes her head.  “You don’t, and you won’t ever.  You just want this to be over and you think I’m stupid enough to fall for it!”

Harry falls silent, hands trembling more visibly at his sides.  He holds his breath, and when he finally looks away from her he sets his jaw.

Mars speaks again. “Tell me I’m wrong, Harry.”

And Harry comes up short.  He says nothing.  Because in a way, Mars is right. He was hoping that those magic words would fix everything.  And although he does reckon he feels very deep, emotional feelings for Mars— perhaps even love— he knows this is not the right time or place to discuss that with her.  

She’s right, he is doing this for all the wrong reasons. And the thought that he is that type of person absolutely kills him.

Mars shakes her head.  “That’s what I thought you’d say.”

And this time when she opens the door to leave, Harry doesn’t stop her.

She isn’t careful about closing the door behind her, and only feels a twinge of guilt after it slams somewhat loudly into its frame.  Half of her expects Harry to come after her as she walks through the hallway, but then what would he say?  What else is there for either one of them to possibly say after any of this?

He doesn’t love her.   There is no way he can dig himself out of this one, and his silence was an admission of that.

With her vision growing blurry with tears, Mars presses the elevator button and waits impatiently.  For tonight, she can ask for another room.  She can wash her face with hotel soap and sleep in her underwear.  Maybe Glenne can grab her suitcase from Harry’s room in the morning. But she can’t be around him any longer.

Right now, she isn’t even sure she ever wants to see him ever again at all.

She cries herself to sleep that night, in a room much cheaper and far less nice than the one she’d been sharing with Harry, and she prays for a way out.  She does have the strongest feelings for this boy, but not like this.  This is not what she wants out of a relationship and she knows that.

What she doesn’t know is that Harry, upstairs and alone in the California king bed meant for the both of them, cries himself to sleep, too. He stares at her suitcase tucked away in the corner of the room, knowing that she should be here unpacking something from it before crawling into bed with him.  This isn’t what he wants either, and he’s fucked up beyond repair.

And never, in his entire life, has he ever felt so lonely.

[britcision]

Our dnd monotheist is At It Again btw

I’m having a lovely time watching their journey, they’re trying to explain “their god is the only one all the rest are fake” a little differently each time

Trying to build it into the lore, to make sense of it with what the party knows, tying in the world building but at the same time…

It’s REALLY showing me where they have and haven’t been listening to the lore cuz they’re coming up with some great explanations! Great reasons why the rest of the world makes sense!

It’s just, little things the entire rest of the world knows about the world that poke instantly straight through

There was a Big Level 20 Fight 135 years ago game time (and boy the elves working out who was alive for that was funny, one of them is lying about her age by fucking 80 years)

As in, a chunk of the map is a crater where the fight took place, because one of the gods from the Celestial Plane tried to step directly into the Prime Material where everyone lives, and use the power of the ensuing explosion

(Because yeah, the Prime Material plane is much more fucking delicate and is not capable of withstanding divine presence directly, it’s “the world is made of cardboard” but the cardboard already burned to ash)

To power themself up enough and take over the surviving realms

So the world knows exactly what happens when divinity tries to walk directly

I told our monotheist this before the game started, part of our “this is how we gonna introduce cracks in his cult conditioning” because… yeah, the cult believes their leader is the only god. In the flesh

Which the rest of the world knows can’t happen, but that does not matter to the cult because they’re a cult, all except our lone PC

And this god was defeated by an alliance of powerful heroes and villains, who solved the problem by taking the beginnings of the crack, whole punching through every realm at once, and slammed the god and their mortal accomplice out beyond time

Neither of them can be remembered, not names, species, what they looked like, what they were the god of, so most of the stories instead focus on the Incredible Love Story of a villain and her rival hero Joining Forces And Dying Tragically In Each Others Arms To Save The World

Cuz yeah, can’t try and do it again if no one knows how it was done, just that it went Really Really Fucking Badly and should not be attempted again

And our monotheist knows this story, it’s come up in game and they went to a play about it and all as part of our world building, and I gave them some spoilers for part of their cult planning

And last session, oooh they did a good last session, they had their lad justify it as maybe the Incursion was the one true god trying to come through directly? And they were proud of them and I was proud of them

And I reminded the party that the only thing y’all know about the god in question is that they have been removed from time

Can’t be remembered, is no longer here

And my dear monotheist looked so surprised? Like they expected their boy to be right? And I just

It was one of my three big bullet points about the incursion

1) god tried to come to world

2) god and follower removed from time

3) Tragic Love Story That Totally Won’t Be Relevant Later

I know they remember he’s supposed to be wrong and have the revelation because He Chose Another God To Paladin To (Verenstra) and because the bit of his story we’re fucking vibrating to get to…

Is learning the cult is wrong and attacking them to get in and rescue his Beloved Brother/I Think Originally Love Interest But They Decided On Brother and helping break his conditioning

Like, most of what we talk about is the deprogramming of brother and Fan Service Best Friend (who will be getting a character arc they don’t know about yet 😈😈😈)

Just in the moment, in character, I fucking swear they forget Every Single Time and I’m starting to worry about them

We can’t get to the arc they want to get to so badly until he starts to ask questions????

But he did just tell the cleric to his face that his god is either a lesser employee or fake and the cleric’s a petty bitch so that’ll come up again when he needs healing

Monotheist is so proud of his one level of paladin cuz he can heal now but he’s about to learn just how little that first level is because oh yeah, directly after that conversation? They’re going into a boss fight

The cleric has 100% of the time been the one connecting pieces in the background and unlocking everyone’s secrets (he also takes no notes and plays drunk I’m very impressed), he remembers EVERYTHING