#plus she likes to try to give off the impression that shes tough/has bought into her own lie so. i wouldnt be surprised if they have as wel

[weirdbabs]

are ed's pajamas: 1. a way for them to be around dogs without actually being around a dog, for isabels comfort 2. a form of exposure to dogs for isabel, a la the various posters of dogs concentrated around her bed. or 3. a consequence of isabel trying to be tough where ed doesnt realize shes as afraid of dogs as she is

[wh6res]

UP IN SMOKES — DOYOUNG

psych student! kdy | tw. college au, violence, a knife, GASLIGHTING, hallucination, psychosis, swearing, just pure manipulation, minor charac death, there's a court scene, this is a repost! | wc. 10k she a beast

life could’ve been simple;

you shouldn't have met kim doyoung.

what does a freshman in college hate the most other than the high-stress levels of moving into a new dorm? a shitty roomie and a smelly, moldy mattress. the girl you call roommate refuses to help move the mattress because it will ruin her new manicure. what a fucking classic. 

"sounds like a 'you' problem. figure it out yourself, plain jane." 

she said before heading out, annoyingly popping her bubblegum as she kicks a few of your scattered boxes by the front door. you roll your eyes; classes haven't even started yet, so why is she already making your life miserable? as much as you'd like to snap at her, you don't, merely glaring daggers at her back as she finally turns the corner of the hallway and disappears. 

"bitch," you mutter under your breath. 

you eye the abomination that is supposed to be your bed, cursing how you shouldn't have made a 15-minute pit stop to starbucks for a drink when you could've just bought one from the instant coffee vending machines in every corner of the hallway of this dorm building because if you didn't, maybe you could've beaten regina george wannabe from taking the better bed. sighing, you suck it up and start getting to work. life's full of shit, anyway; no point sulking.

moving a moldy mattress is easier than you thought, to say the least. you can't ask for help from the other freshmen you bumped into in the hallway because they, too, are under a huge amount of stress from the move and are busy getting their affairs in order. it was a good thing, though, that a committee was formed specifically for this day to help out the freshmen if they were to stumble upon problems or mishaps with moving in. they were all around the campus, and they prove to be way friendlier than your batch mates. since this morning, three people have already offered help in carrying your luggage — which you have politely declined.

"hey, uhm… is this the stall for the welcoming committee? oh, wait. i'm sorry, there's a sign right there —"ugh.

you mentally shut your eyes in humiliation. why do you have to be this bad, this awkward at communicating with strangers? why couldn't you be born like all those socialites who already (probably) got their contacts filled with new numbers on the first day of school or something?

"yeah, this is them — welcoming committee, i mean. how can i help you?" he smiles, sweet, radiating the epitome boy next door aura as he looks up at you from where he's sitting behind the stall. your eyes quickly land onto the name tag stuck on his varsity jacket before meeting his eyes again. 

"i have an issue with my mattress. it has mold, you see..." your voice slowly trails, becoming quieter as you feel small under the weight of his piercing stare. oh, come on. he's just a guy with a beautiful face, woman the fuck up.

"really? let me see..."

he needn't finish rounding the stall when his nose is hit by the pungent smell brought forth by your mattress. frankly, you weren't that picky. you could've covered it with bedsheets and call it a day, but the odor is too strong to ignore. you mentally hope the smell didn't latch onto your clothes, especially not when someone so cute is around — what a bad first impression.

"oh, god!" he exclaims the moment he lays eyes on it, taking a step back. “now, that has to go. and you lugged it from the fourth floor?" 

ah, yes. according to tradition in these dormitories, which you've only found out today, freshmen get the curse of climbing four flights of stairs up while the seniors strut into their rooms on the ground floor like the hallway is a goddamned runway. 

"doyoung! help me carry these!"

someone calls his name as you both turn your head to spot a chestnut-haired girl clad in the same varsity jacket he's wearing. you grimace at the sight of her. for someone so small, she just had to volunteer to carry all those heavy bags. however, he doesn't move in front of you and brushes her off as if she doesn't look like she's carrying rocks over her shoulders. "i'm already helping someone else! go find taeyong or something. i'm sure that shit's loitering around here somewhere!"

"oh, it's okay, you can go help her. i'll just look for someone else —"

"nah, it's fine!" you try hard to school your face into indifference when you notice his gummy smile. "plus… trust me when i say no other person from the committee will help you with this. this shit smells like my roommate's sweaty basketball socks!"

you can't help the smile forming on your face as you help him carry the mattress off to the side of the hallway, the stinky thing leaning vertically against the wall and behind a huge terracotta plant pot. "don't worry, let's report it to student affairs so they'll get you a new one. congrats! you'll have to share beds with your new roommate tonight, freshie. it'd be a great ice breaker."

the universe truly hates you.

your expression must've been a dead give away because he's suddenly patting your shoulder, regarding you with utmost sympathy. "been there, done that. i hated taeyong, too, when i met him last year. still, for some mind fuck of a miracle, we've grown to be friends and developed a talent of not wanting to kill each other every two seconds."

"highly doubt i'd be friends with a regina george-level bitch, but thanks, anyway," you mutter under your breath. suddenly, you whip your head towards him after internalizing what he just said. "you met your roommate last year? you're a sophomore?"

he scoffs, leaning down to your height to lowly mutter against your ear as he eyes the lobby's front desk. "why? do i look like some 4th year who radiates 'don't touch me' energy?" 

you feel the heat on your cheeks with how close he is, only releasing an exhale when he finally gets out of your personal space. "i'm kim doyoung. you've heard it from wendy earlier, but anyway — i'm a 2nd-year psych major."

"no way!" you exclaim, a little too excited. "i'm taking psych, too!"

"oh, you are? well, if you need anything or if you don't understand stuff…" he winks. "feel free to approach me anytime."

hmm… how sweet of him. 

it was only hours later that you found out who kim doyoung is in your department during the acquaintance party. and for god's sake, you found out from your best friend who is a major in english lit and has never even seen the guy. "seriously, you didn't know he's a genius? i hear the professors call him a prodigy, girl! a fucking prodigy. if i were you, i'd ask for his help in every subject."

"you know i prefer keeping to myself. how'd i know stuff like that when i have no one to talk to in the psych dorms?" you look down, making the ice cubes in your drink clink against each other. "i didn't think he was this big shot or whatever. he looks normal, and everyone treats him normally."

"well, what do you expect?" she hisses, hitting your arm. "the other students don't want to make him feel alienated or something just because he's tons smarter than them. but anyway… the real question is…"

you roll your eyes when she pauses for effect, tentatively leaning closer to whisper under her breath. 

"is he cute?"

you didn't want to answer her question, but he's been stuck in your head since he offered walking with you to the student affairs office. doyoung had smiled his cute gummy smile and had even ruffled your hair before leaving you for committee duties — saying he's cute would be an understatement. 

"you have no idea."

for his first act;

he gains your trust.

fast forward to one year, many things have changed, but the only constant remaining is the handsome sophomore — who is now a 3rd-year, by the way — whom you've met on your first day. coursework has been pretty tough this year. instead of the content written in your textbook, your mind is plagued by the horrible twist of fate your best friend had encountered; she didn't have enemies. or so you thought.

she disappeared in the middle of christmas break last year. her beaten up body was found only a month later, in january, floating around the university's lake. happy fucking new year. 

the first time she chose to spend the holidays with you instead of her family back in her hometown, and that happens? some rotten luck you both have. it's why you didn't put it past her family to hate your guts with strong convictions. it's okay. the feeling's mutual. after all, it had been your best friends' own family, the same ones who had been so willing to take you in when you got kicked out, that were so eager to pin you as the murderer of their child. all under the argument that you have been the last person seen with her. 

oh, the things her mom said about you when she had stormed into the police station, red in the face, tears streaming down her cheeks..."i warned my baby not to hang out with that — that bitch. came straight out of a cursed family, that one. abusive dad, a nutjob mom. that bitch is a danger! probably got her dad's nasty temper and beat my baby to death! i want her on the electric chair!"

in those times, you once again realize this world is fucked up and cruel in every bit of its glory as you fought tooth and nail to defend yourself. but even then, they never believed you — the law will only favor the rich . the prosecution had been so sure it was you until a certain witness appeared and presented himself before the jury.

"do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" 

doyoung raises his right hand, fixing his stare straight at the judge. "i solemnly and sincerely declare that the evidence i shall give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."

"how long have you known the defendant?" the prosecutor asks, arms crossed in front of her chest as she paces in front of the witness stand.

the boy briefly meets your gaze, and it's enough to make his heart sink. doyoung can't bear seeing you in those grey overalls when he knows it himself. you're being accused of a crime you didn't commit. "i've known her for one year."

"how'd you meet?"

and the questions went on and on; your defense attorney isn't all too keen on winning the case and had never once yelled "objection!" in her seat, but what could you expect? all the evidence kept stacking against you, and some of those you knew were even fabricated. you've never felt this hopeless in your whole twenty years of living. 

"what's the point in this, anyway?" doyoung snapped in the witness stand, fiercely glaring at the prosecutor. "how is my history — or lack thereof — with the defendant any relevant to the case? you're not even asking me about evidence nor what my statement is!"

"easy there," the prosecutor retaliates, jaw locked. "i have to first measure what exactly your relationship is with the defendant for us to think twice about your statement. who knows..." the prosecutor makes a grand gesture of turning her head in your direction, affixing you with a condescending stare. "she might've just hired you to say these things."

your attorney doesn't come to your aid.

"perjury isn't my thing." 

the prosecutor seems to have taken offense by the tone of doyoung's voice, but he doesn't let her speak further. "the victim isn't all sunshine and rainbows, you know. she'd been a part of a sorority and one with quite a nasty reputation in the college, too. i have to say she made very poor decisions, ones i'm sure her family didn't even know about. you see, they take their oaths and pledges very seriously. the victim wanted out. they didn't like that."

"and you have evidence to support this claim?"

without a moment to waste, he digs around the front pocket of his jeans before proudly presenting a black usb between his slender fingers. "knock yourself out."

the professor calls your name, snapping you out of your reverie. this isn't the first time your mind had transported you back to that particular day in the courtroom, where doyoung had swooped in and saved you from a lifetime in prison. the whole ordeal had been so scary, so frightening that you remember everything vividly as if it had only happened yesterday.

the classroom is empty. even your social psych professor has long packed up his stuff and is already standing by the classroom door. damn. were you that out of it?

"i'm so sorry." you mutter under your breath monotonously as you walk past him and out the door without another word. this is bad, very bad. no one would help, much less lend their notes to someone charged with murder — especially of their very own best friend. whether you were innocent or not doesn't matter to the student body. you've been ostracized, gossips of your problematic family spreading like wildfire, and the ridiculous part is only a fourth of the gossips are true.

the damage is done. 

at this point, you realize with a heavy heart that you have to face doyoung again sooner or later. you haven't talked to him at all since the start of the new school year, ignoring his lighthearted greetings in the hallways, rejecting his calls, ghosting his texts. you are afraid people would judge him harshly for hanging around you. frankly, you were embarrassed to ask any more favors from him with how much he's done for you already and the fact that he had seen you in such a state of vulnerability.

but you also didn't want to fail your subjects and lose the one thing holding your life together — your scholarship.

that is why you found yourself standing before him, in his favorite spot in the library tucked behind shelves upon shelves of books, next to the windows overlooking the empty football field. he's wearing black-rimmed glasses and is clad in the usual navy blue sweater as his head turns to and fro between a textbook and his notebook. the air had been so silent, you hear the aggressive scratches his pencil makes against the paper.

you feel a little hurt when he makes no move to acknowledge your presence, but you think back to what you have been doing and figured he has a right to act this way. 

"hey, doyoung." your voice is meek, hesitant.

"if you're not here to explain nor give me an acceptable reason why you've been ignoring me for the last few months, then please get out of my sight. i'm busy, as you can tell." he is brutally honest, knocking down the remaining hope you have left of ever reconciling with him.

something within you snaps, the steady streams of tears running down your cheeks as you pinned your stare on doyoung's open pencil case lying on the table. you have nobody left. your family — father, specifically speaking — has disowned you for taking a course your heart wanted, and the one friend you have lies motionless in a white coffin buried six feet under the ground. you didn't want to lose doyoung, too, no matter what role he plays in your life.

"i'm sorry," your voice cracks. "life's been… fucking shitty, and i'm sure you of all people know what i've been through. i've thanked you before for — for what you did, and i'm thanking you again right now but — i'm sorry, i'm really —"

your voice cracks when you feel him pulling you into an embrace. you feel the tension in your body breaking loose as you crumble in his arms. all those months grieving and wallowing in self-pity took such a heavy toll that you can't help but tightly clutch the sides of his hoodie, scared he'll slip through your fingers.

one of his hands comes up to push your face against the crook of his neck, muffling your cries in the silent library. doyoung felt like a jerk for snapping at you the way he did. how inconsiderate can he be? however, he felt elated because you sought him out yourself and wanted his help of all people.

his eyebrow raises in amusement. 

well, not that you have a choice, anyway.

it took you a few good minutes to calm down, cringing when you see the wet patch on doyoung's sweater because of your tears. 

"why don't you tell me everything, hmm? i'll help you as much as i can."

you sheepishly look down, fiddling with your fingers as you sit across him, the open textbook and notebook before him long forgotten. "well, i've been so out of it lately? my mind's just a whole bloody mess and i can't focus on any of my subjects at all and if i can't, then i'll lose the scholarship and it's the only thing i have in my life right now —"

"hey," doyoung cuts you off, placing a warm hand against your forearm to calm you down. "you won't lose that scholarship. trust me, okay? why don't we arrange tutoring sessions and i'll even lend you some of my notes from last year. what do you think?"

"okay... thank you, doyoung."

"for the record, you have me in your life, too. i'll always be here for you."

in the first session, you woke up from your deep slumber with only 15 minutes to spare from the scheduled time, but thankfully, your tutor only lives one floor down with the rest of the 3rd-years. bringing nothing with you but a pen and a pad of paper, your textbooks were destroyed as some students from your batch thought it'd be fun to throw them into the lake to "honor" your friend. 

you offer a small smile when taeyong opens the door, sporting an oversized shirt and track pants, eyes wide in shock when he sees you. "hi? can i help you?"

"hello! i'm here for doyoung. he's tutoring —"

"he doesn't live here anymore. his mom bought him a place outside the campus."

what?

"i'm sorry for disturbing you, then. do you by any chance know where he lives?"

that's weird. doyoung never mentioned he's already moved out. you feel a wee bit irritated that he forgot to tell you; it would've saved you the embarrassment of interacting with the varsity player. you weren't stupid, you can see the hints of repulsion in taeyong's eyes the moment he opened that door and saw you standing before him, no doubt thinking about: oh, look, it's the crazy murderer with a fucked up family standing in front of me.

he had shut the door in your face. you stood awkwardly for a good minute in the hallway until the door reopens, taeyong handing you a small piece of paper with doyoung's new address scribbled hurriedly in black ink. he doesn't give you a chance to thank him for he's already closed the door again without another word. 

you opted walking to his place instead of catching a ride because the money you have on you is enough to buy yourself dinner. to say the least, the apartment building is mediocre, not too grand, nor is it too rundown. double-checking the floor level written on the paper before pushing the elevator's button, you then realize doyoung lives on the very top floor of the building.

the hallways are painted a boring brown. some acrylic number signs plastered on the doors are broken, hanging vertically with one screw left. it says on the paper he resides in room 720. taking the right hallway, you mentally count as you eye the mahogany doors. 718… 719… there it is!

when you raise a fist to start knocking on his door, there is a tinge of hesitation surging through you. perhaps being alone with a boy in his apartment is not the best setting for a girl like you should end up in, but this is doyoung we're talking about. if he had ill intentions for you, it would've manifested a long time ago. you shake your head, feeling bad for thinking of him that way as you slowly knock on his front door. not long after, it swings open, revealing the 3rd-year in a white shirt and boxers as he lazily dries his hair off with a small towel. 

"you're late," is the first thing he says to you before spinning on his heel to disappear further into his humble abode. 

"you didn't exactly inform me you've moved out of the dorms. so, whose fault is it?" you retaliate, inviting yourself in and closing the front door shut.

"whatever. let's get started!" he plops himself on the floor, coffee table filled with loose papers as he struggles to find a specific one amongst the mess. "i've already scanned, exported to pdf, and emailed you my notes. it should be in your inbox by now. anyway, answer this quiz i made so i know what i'll be working on."

"you didn't really have to send your notes, doyoung. i could've just read everything from the textbook," you sit down across from him because otherwise, you'll be too distracted to remember information. 

a thought crosses his mind. with what textbook?

"i just think it's missing some essence. that's why i love reading over other psych books in the library for fun. be grateful, those notes are like my babies and i don't simply give them to anyone," he looks at you pointedly. "they've all been summarized and explained in layman's terms so you wouldn't have to spend grueling hours of reading and trying to make sense of the big words as i did — i know that's not the definition of 'fun' normally, but it is for me, and that's why i do it."

"okay, doyoung. you sound so defensive when there's nothing to be defensive about," you tease, feeling pleased with the hint of red on his cheeks as he averts his gaze from yours, muttering incoherent words under his breath.

you spent the following tuesdays, thursdays, and sundays like that; hours upon hours with no one but your tutor, laptops with tangled chargers, a printed copy of his babies, and a mountain pile of loose papers filled with the specialized quizzes doyoung makes to measure your progress. the location varies from a cafe or his flat. but in what you've gathered from the time you spent with him, doyoung's a homebody. cafe tutor sessions are rare, and he always complained about how "noisy" the atmosphere was — "i can't stand it."

but the conversation hadn't always been about academics. 

sure, for the first few sessions, doyoung kept an image of professionalism and had heavily insisted on it — "it's for your learning experience!" — despite your lighthearted teasing. but as time passed and he eventually grew more comfortable in your presence, you find the strict 15-minute break he had initially imposed between 45 minutes of studying turned into hours of talking about whatever; how he likes his eggs in the morning, your favorite coffee brew, his favorite show, your strongest pet peeve. 

and you wholly welcomed the change, not minding that it's practically dark out whenever you go back to your miserable dorm. you feel butterflies in your stomach whenever doyoung offers to walk you home but never had you taken his offer, still cautious of other people seeing you both together despite his constant reassurances. you've already thoroughly ruined your image. you didn't want to ruin his, too. 

kdy the cute tutor, 2:14 pm —last day of midterms! & its all majors today  —good luck —remember what i taught u —lets get ice cream after u cant say no

you shake your head bemusedly. his texting style is the most doyoung thing he does and it's as if you can hear him say these things to you in real life. too caught up in your own world, you fail to detect another student sitting next to you and had nearly fallen off your chair in shock when they spoke.

"why are your notes like that?"

you fight the urge to glare at the person, especially when you turn your head and see lee jeno looking at you in genuine curiosity. he's the only batchmate that treats you a wee bit nicer among the rest. although he isn't technically your friend, at least he doesn't look at you like you're a piece of bubblegum stuck under his shoe like all the others.

"what do you mean?"

"they're… the definitions are all jumbled up. where did you even get that?" 

what? jumbled up? doyoung himself said these notes are a combination of most of the psychology books he had read last year concerning his subjects. how would it be jumbled up? then again, lee jeno was not tutored by the prodigy himself. maybe things are bound to seem "jumbled up" when information is too great to understand for a feeble mind. 

just as you were about to claim these notes aren't yours, the professor has already waltzed into the classroom with a thick wad of papers — the exams. after one last concerned glance directed your way, jeno averts his gaze with a confused tilt of the head. 

hours later, you walk out of the classroom with the biggest smile on your face. aced it, you thought. your hands feel numb with how much you wrote on the essay portion but it's worth it if it meant you get the full 25 points, which you no doubt will as it was a topic you surely tackled with doyoung. speaking of... he sure is a man of his word.

"what are you doing here?" you hiss, head ducked with hair framing your face as to not draw attention from the rest of the students filing out of the testing hall.

"i texted you that we're getting ice cream. remember?"

"i did. but i didn't remember agreeing."

he shoots you a comforting smile, planting his hands firmly on your shoulder. “i told you, y/n. i don't care if they all see us together, so what? we all know you didn't commit that crime and it wasn't your fault you were born into the family you had. i don't care about the trivial things, baby, so don't shy away from me, okay?"

how the fuck can you say 'no' when he's looking at you the way he is as he brushed a loose strand of hair behind your ear? doyoung's just so bewitching that he has you wrapped around his slender fingers. he seems pleased when you stumbled over your words as you come up with a reply, caught off guard by his bold gestures.

"i just — you, uhh — fine..." you gave in, rolling your eyes out of pretense.

he just had to call you 'baby' and erupt the butterflies in your stomach.

it had been doing that for the last few months now and it had only truly manifested today when he took you out for ice cream to celebrate the end of hell week. and since you didn't want to go back to your dorm yet, you asked if you guys can watch some movies in his house but it had simply become background noise to your heart-to-heart talks. and what better accompaniment than the classic, chicken and beer?

you listen to him drone on and on about the little realizations he had on some of his past lectures even when you barely understood anything he's saying. doyoung's so lucky to be extremely good at something he's so passionate about, talks about the human mind and the complexity of a person's behavior will never fail to make his eyes light up in interest.

he calls out your name.

your eyes snap open.

"why don't we get you home? it's past 10 and it's alright, stupid, you don't need to pretend to be interested in my psychological findings." he chuckled light-heartedly, stealing the can of the now room-temperature beer from your hands before you can protest. 

"i wasn't dozing off, i swear."

"i caught you in the act. stop lying."

like all the other times he has you as his guest, doyoung once again offers to walk you home and you decline for the thousandth time. it really isn't that much of a long walk anyway. you don't see the need for him to go out of his way to secure your safety. plus, you were the one who insisted on hanging out in his house anyway. you weren't that thick-skinned to let him take you home, too.

"you're drunk!" he scolds.

“no, i’m not. i can perfectly handle myself."

"but —"

"bye!" 

you feel a little guilty for shutting the door in his face. still, a minute longer of his persistence and you would've taken his offer. unfortunately for doyoung, you are one stubborn girl. only if you don't make brisk movements with your head, then you won't see doubles. you'll be fine, it's just a quick walk and it's not as if you're stupid enough to pass by deserted alleys. 

but you had underestimated the divine prowess of your fucked up fate.

everything happened in a matter of three seconds; one, the blinding headlights illuminate your path from behind; two, you hear the loud honk, and as you turn around — three, the vehicle sends you rolling against the asphalt.

you should have taken the alleyways.

for his second act;

he alters your reality.

when you open your eyes, you thought you were dead and your spirit is wandering elsewhere — because you don't believe in trivial things like heaven and god — until an agitated doyoung comes into view. for a split second, you thought, is he dead, too?

"i'm not dead, you idiot." too dazed, you hardly register his anger. "i can perfectly handle myself, she said. i'm not drunk, she said. this wouldn't have happened if you had simply let me walk you home! you're damn fucking lucky you're alive and breathing right now!"

a person clears their throat.

"i don't think it wise to… nag at the patient the moment she wakes. don't you agree, sir?"

pink splotches on doyoung's cheek as he looks down, embarrassed at getting scolded as he stands closer to your bed. "i'm sorry, doc."

you didn't know when your vision cleared or when you started hearing normally again, but it was enough to find out what exactly had transpired on the very night of your tragic accident. a hit and run. fifty-fifty chance of surviving. doyoung getting a call from the hospital in the middle of the night —"they were trying to contact your dad, but he wasn't answering. i was the last person in your call history." 

six months in a coma. but today, you wake… only to find out your world has crashed and burned.

"what do you mean i lost my scholarship?"

"baby, listen to me —"

"why did they take it away? is it because of my accident? i'm behind by one term only and i swear i can catch up. they need to let me back in the program. there must've been some mistake —"

"your gpa didn't reach the cut-off grade."

that can't be possible.

"but you tutored me!" you claim with conviction, pointing an accusatory finger at him until you groan, bowing in pain as you clutch your head.

doyoung springs into action. the chair's legs screech against the tiles as he jumps to your aid, ushering you gently back against the hospital bed despite your refusal. "you're not well. lay back down, please."

you don't hear a single word he says, not when you had lost something so crucial. "i put in the effort and learned everything you taught me... i aced those fucking mid-terms! i know i did!" you were on the brink of tearing up as doyoung settled himself in front of you.

"i… i actually saw your papers," his lips set in a thin, hard-line. "everything was all wrong, sweetheart. what happened to you? i tried reasoning with the professors, mentioned your state — you know, with your best friend dying — but they didn't relent. i'm sorry y/n. i'm so —"

gone. everything is gone. the money. the dorm. what if they ask you to pay the fees from last year? what if they ask you to pay the tuition fee for this year? you have no money, no family, no relatives. no one to help. who's even going to pay for the hospital fees?

you weren't able to process anything after that. not with the sudden news of your now revoked scholarship. doyoung pulls you in a tight hug. "i was a bad tutor," he says, snapping you out of it. "maybe i shouldn't have pushed you that hard to learn them. why were your answers even mixed up y/n? i thought you knew those topics already…"

he pulls away, observing your confused state as your eyes dart everywhere in the room. "what — how are they mixed up? i know i got them right. there has to be some mistake. you taught me those topics, remember?"

"i did... "he averts his gaze. "but i don't remember teaching them to you mixed up, darling. i think you did that all on your own."

"but… why would i mix up my answers? that's —"

"see, what i mean?" he cuts you off, raising a hand to give your cheek the most delicate caress. "you're not well, baby. you need to be treated, especially with how much you hit your head during the accident. don't worry, i'm here. we'll try asking if you can stay in the dorms at least until you find another place —"

"am i a charity case to you?"

oh, the surprise on the junior's face when you push him away as you pin him with a hard stare. you just don't get it. why is kim doyoung so adamant about helping you? in becoming your hero, even when you never asked him to be? if you let him help you this time around, that'll be the 3rd time he came to save your ass. it's not as if you're ungrateful. simply, you've had enough of his help. you don't know how a person like you, who literally has nothing, can return the favor to someone like doyoung.

"what are you saying —"

"i'm saying…" you fix him a hard stare. "you helping me out doesn't even benefit you in the slightest. so why do you do it?"

he pauses, staring at you with hesitance in his eyes as this seems to be the very first time you've truly seen him speechless. when doyoung opens his mouth, he mumbles, and you hardly make sense of what he said. 

"do you really want to know why?" 

you urge him on with an arched eyebrow, his softened tone creeping into your heart. 

"you're someone special to me y/n. i don't know how or when i admitted it to myself, but you are, and it hurts me to see how shitty your luck is," he cracks a small grin, slowly settling back onto the hospital bed as he grabs your hand. "it's okay to seek help from others. it isn't a sign of vulnerability or weakness. i help you because i want to, and i'm more than willing to take care of you. will you let me?"

you're not blind. you've noticed the way he had slowly started coming closer as he continued to speak, hands held securely in his as he looked straight at your eyes then down at your lips. and so, you act in a way you know that will surely answer his question — with a kiss. 

the man before you immediately reciprocates, overpowering your own eagerness as he curls the tips of his fingers into the roots of your hair. he pulls you close, cradling you against his chest. you can taste his desperation in the way his tongue dances against yours, the kiss transporting you into an alternate reality where your world revolves around doyoung and doyoung alone. 

when he pulls away bleary-eyed, both of you ignore the thin strand of saliva connecting your lips. "how about you come live with me for the time being, my love?"

still high off his kiss and natural scent, you hardly mull over the question he asks you. "okay."

days later, after you've been discharged (he wanted to chip in for your hospital bills but you had given him a firm no), doyoung had been the one to show up at the dorm to collect all your things after leaving you in his apartment. the cutie had refused to simply drop you off and had deliberately accompanied you up the elevator, through the halls, and finally into his apartment. 

"i'll be out for just a minute, sugarcube."

"oh, can you get take out?"

doyoung had smiled, playfully booping the tip of your nose. "no, because i'll be cooking for us tonight as a little celebration for you getting discharged. you'll love it; i'm making your favorite!"

it was funny how the night had been nothing but utter bliss. the foreign feeling of being taken care of sprouting in your chest as you watch him cooking from behind the counter. it felt… nice. but funny enough, as if doing a 360, you both had immediately gotten into an argument the next day. 

"i don't see the need for skipping another day if i feel perfectly fine! i'll figure something out once we get there, doyoung, so can we just —"

"you' re not fine, babylove — hell, you got discharged yesterday! i'm not just about to let you back into the arena with those students. they've only grown more immature since your coma, love. i seriously don't want you near them."

"fine! then i won't talk to them. simple." you throw your hands up. "there. problem solved. now, can we please just go to uni? i need to talk to the dean and the head of student affairs, too —"

"i'm going to uni, not you."

maybe it had been the way he firmly stated his claim, the way his eyes pierced through your soul as if daring you to argue further with him that made you snap.

"i'm not a prisoner in this apartment, doyoung! don't treat me like i have the plague! i'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself — jesus christ, i've been doing it nearly half my fucking life!"

too caught up in your anger, you've failed to notice the tears pouring down his face as he sets his gaze on the floor. 

"you're right," his voice cracks. "i shouldn't be pushy like that. i'm sorry. you just mean so much to me and i'm so scared of losing you again. with your coma — i just — it's like i was fighting a losing battle each day that passed when i saw you in that hospital bed. i've never felt so scared in my whole life and i hated myself for not being able to protect you that night."

his tears run like waterfalls, and when you step forward with your arms wide open, doyoung sobs harder as he pulls you against him. you hardly comprehend what he says as he spoke, shaking against your frail body as you felt his tears stain your blouse. "i'm sorry, i never should've dictated what you felt — i'm so sorry."

"no, it's okay. i was feeling a little lightheaded, anyway. i'll stay here and i can come back to school next semester, right? doyoung? just… please stop crying."

he lifts his head, staring at you with bloodshot eyes before giving your forehead a kiss. you let a relieved sigh escape your lips, melting into his warmth as you prop your chin on his shoulder. if you had only been more attentive, you would've seen the reflection of his wicked grin on the tabletops. too easy.

living with him became a blur after that incident. everything fell into a routine for the next four days as you spent the day watching netflix, eating, reading, sleeping. nothing felt fun anymore. but your peaceful life had ceased during the fifth night — the whispers, they woke you up. you can hear them from behind your door at night, and when you rouse awake, you see doyoung walking around the hallway from the tiny gap at the bottom of the door. you had sighed, falling back into your plush bed as you pray to god, he keeps it down. 

but what he told you the next day rendered you speechless. "me, walking around the hallways? whispers?" he says, confused. "i was already asleep, love. knocked out cold the moment my body fell on the bed."

"but…"

he doesn't spare you a glance as he takes his sweet time skimming through his notes on the dining table, coffee in one hand. "maybe it's just the meds kicking in."

"no, surely it was real! i literally woke up in the middle of the night," you repeat. "it's okay if it was you, doyoung. i'm not mad."

he sets his coffee mug down a little too loud. 

"well, you can't be mad at me, sugar, because like i said — it wasn't me," it doesn't take a genius to notice he's awfully cranky today. you observe him, dark half-moons under his eyes as he relentlessly reads his notes with instant coffee in one hand. 

"you're just imagining things, okay? stop acting crazy."

for some reason, the way he had uttered certain words like 'imagining' and 'crazy' made you curl into your seat in embarrassment. he was right that your doctor did prescribe a generous amount of pills per day, but his tone made it feel off, made you feel like there was something wrong with you even when there wasn't… 

right?

you didn't say a word after that and had hesitantly pecked him on the cheek before he left for school. with the amount of time you're with him, two things stood out to you — his keen sense of observation and his knack for reading people. you highly doubt he didn't notice a shift in your behavior but a part of you thinks it's just the stress talking. he is about to take his finals and had recently started on his research paper. 

every psych student is required to present a paper in accordance with the department's annual theme. it could be anything from proposing a theory (if you dare) to constructing a well-developed psychology model. if you don't turn one in, you don't graduate — the paper's that important, and you've been bugging him for so long about sneaking a peek on what his study is about. but he always refused. 

the next week came rolling around, and both of you had been spending every day together due to the semestral break. the arguments have significantly lessened, but your episodes — eventually, you started calling it that way because that's how doyoung labels it — have only gotten worse. you end up moving out of the guest room and into his. privacy be damned. the whispers stopped momentarily but what came next became your imminent downfall.

the first time you heard it, you thought you were dreaming. but the doorknob kept rattling aggressively even as you sat up. just as you climb off the bed, your half-asleep boyfriend asks where you're going. 

"bathroom," you lied.

you were always the one to snort when it comes to the supernatural, claiming it's all bullshit. yet, as whatever outside continues to fight its way inside the room, the rattling progressing into loud bangs against the door, you're not so sure of your beliefs anymore. you're not crazy. nothing is wrong with you, and you're perfectly fine. this apartment is cursed, and you are going to prove that to doyoung.

grabbing your phone from the bedside table, you turn the flash on, pointing the camera at the door as you take a footage of the mad entity that has been playing games with you. a squeal escapes your lips when a particular bang! reverberates louder in the room than all the others. the phone slips your hand, falling onto the floorboards. you don't bother to retrieve it as you scramble to get yourself back under the blanket and into doyoung's comfortable warmth.

you snuggle yourself plush against his chest, shaking as you wrap your arms around his waist, inhaling his natural scent to anchor you back. 

bang! bang! bang!

you didn't get a wink of sleep last night.

"can't the video wait? there's a new episode of start-up, and i want to watch it already!" he whines, shoving his face further on the throw pillow situated on your lap.

you giggle, shaking your head as you scroll through your gallery to find the video. i'm not imagining things. i'm not hallucinating. i'm not crazy. "here! watch... i'm telling you this apartment is haunted, and the ghost probably likes you, which is why it doesn't bother you —"

your lighthearted rambling cuts off when you notice no sound emitting from your phone. weird. you could've sworn you started recording right when the loud banging has already started. your heart drops upon the wary stare doyoung shoots you before he continues to watch the video. 

no, no, no, no — please!

you quickly scoot over to his side, watching as the video unfolds before your very eyes. the shot was messy as the phone was handheld, not to mention you were panicking at the time. but the video is silent. not a single noise of a rattling doorknob or banging on the door can be heard through your phone's speakers. 

"maybe — maybe you didn't turn the volume up?"

you hardly contain the mortification in your face when you realize the volume's at 100 already. and as if on cue, your squeal is heard in the video and the noise of the phone hitting the floor.

doyoung's silence shakes your whole being. as you kneel before him teary-eyed, your voice breaks. "i swear, i'm not crazy."

but at this point, you don't believe yourself anymore.

for his third and final act;

he triumphs.

his deprivation began in minuscule ripples. 

it didn't take much effort on doyoung's end to convince you to stop studying for a year or two, at least, only until your hallucinations aren't as severe anymore. everyday felt like hell on earth as the fine line between what's real and what isn't has blurred over one too many times. in sheer paranoia of accidentally hurting him in his sleep, you moved out of his bedroom and had started sleeping in the guest room again — much to doyoung's frustration. 

but he's a smart man, one that recognizes an opportunity amidst the hurdles thrown on his path.

"why does my door need a lock outside again?"

he approaches you, who’s sitting cross-legged on the bed, after screwing in the last of the screws that came with the new doorknob. doyoung is familiar with the look written on your face, has observed and studied you enough to navigate his way inside your pretty little head with ease.

he can't have you doubting him, can he?

"you know i'm all about protecting you, right?" he starts. you nodded. "i've been doing it for a year now, and i will continue to do so until you need me to. the world is a bad place, sweetheart, remember? your own best friend's mother tried framing you. your dad disowned you. you've been ostracized in the whole college... do you think i'm just like the rest of them, baby?"

doyoung has already mastered the perfect expression of a kicked-puppy, one that easily pulls at your heartstrings and has you cooing at him.

"no!" you say with conviction, reaching forward to thread your fingers through his. "i know you're different, not like any of them at all. i know you're only doing what's… best for me."

he ignores the underlying hesitance in your tone. that will be corrected, sooner or later.

doyoung tightens his hold as he kisses the back of your hand. such an innocent gesture — but such ill intentions.

"the outside lock helps me in protecting you, love. you don't need to worry about anything. just focus on getting better, alright? i'll keep the bad guys away from you."

it was during his first semester of senior year, a few months back, doyoung and a good few students of his batch had been granted the opportunity to intern for a mental hospital located near the edge of the city. he was supposed to decline the offer but you convinced him to take the spot. it had only been a two-week “job” yet it was enough for doyoung to conclude — he’d rather kill you than subject you to the horrors of what the patients have to go through in the loony bin. 

eventually, the small ripples shift into unforgiving waves, dragging you into the depths as everything comes crashing down before your very own eyes.

it should have been like any other day inside the apartment. doyoung's already gone in the morning to attend classes. though not before setting a tray of your brunch on the nightstand, making sure to lock your door on his way out. he knew your nightmares and anxiety kept you up at night, resulting in longer hours of sleep during the day. 

turns out, you moving out of his bedroom had been a blessing in disguise. coming home to an empty apartment has become his biggest fear yet, and you unconsciously found a solution for him. one that doesn’t have him fidgeting on his seat as he counts down the minutes ‘til he’s back by your side.

doyoung smiles unconsciously as he listens to his professor drone on and on in front of him — his mind at peace, knowing you're safe and sound in your little prison.

until he received a text that made his blood run cold.

ty, 11:34 am —im done.

meanwhile, you rouse awake once more to thunderous poundings against your bedroom door. oh no, you thought. it's happening again. this time, there'll be no doyoung barging into your room, half-asleep and hair messy, as he tries to calm you down. you throw the blankets over you as you sob, hugging your legs against your chest as you try to 'wake yourself up' from the hallucination.

the person outside calls for your name, the desperation in their tone alighting a new-found fear in your heart. you don't know what's real anymore. is this truly happening, or is it another hallucination your fucked up mind has conjured up?

"please! it's taeyong! y/n, can you hear me?"

taeyong?

slowly, your head peaks above the blanket, warily staring at the door. doyoung has warned you about these kinds of things, has practically ingrained in your mind that whoever comes looking for you will take you away from him. not to mention, doyoung slipped one time and said he isn’t friends with taeyong anymore.

the banging on the door progresses.

“are you in there? answer me! i can’t find the key!”

you don’t say anything, merely pushing the covers off your body as you keep your eyes fixed on the beating door. it looks like it’s about to pop out its hinges as taeyong relentlessly fights his way inside your room. what are you going to do? do you open the door? oh. right. you can’t do that on your own accord. the key is with doyoung and he isn’t in the apartment at the moment.

all your thoughts come to a halt when the boy outside sends the door flying open, finally breaking the lock with one powerful kick. you flinch back, his actions pushing you on your feet, wanting to place a maximum amount of distance from the intruder. 

taeyong looks frantic, disheveled as he immediately notices your alarmed state. he approaches you cautiously, hands up to show his empty palms. “hey, hey… it’s just me, y/n. i’m not going to hurt you. i’m not the enemy here.”

“doyoung doesn’t know you’re here, does he?”

the look of surprise on his face is an answer in itself. for someone doyoung had proudly claimed to have “broken” you’re still quite quick to catch up on things, taeyong observed. and he doesn’t know what to feel about it — pity? guilt?

“that’s not important!” he claims, boldly surging forward to grasp your shoulders with a firm grip. taeyong felt his heart dropping when you flinch under his grasp. 

“listen to me. we need to get you out of here. doyoung isn’t — he isn’t everything you thought he is!” he can’t help but raise his voice, panic surging through him because there’s not much time left and you aren’t exactly cooperating. you’ve been trying to shrug off his hold the whole time. 

“do you think he actually loves you?”

“he does! stop saying bullshit!”

“doyoung never loved anyone and you want to know why? because he’s too in love with his research to care for anything else!” taeyong felt bad to have been so direct, especially when he sees the tears now falling freely down your cheeks. “listen to me, y/n! i’m not the enemy! if there’s anyone you should be pushing away, it’s doyoung! he turned you into his lab rat! you are nothing but a variable in his study! don’t you get it?”

taeyong grabs a firm but gentle hold of your head, trying to make you look at him straight in the eye for the gravity of what he’s about to say to you.

“doyoung had his eye on you since sophomore year. i told him this was a bad idea and that he should change the topic of the research and he was. fucking hell, he was about to scrap the whole thing until your bestfriend died and did you know what that psycho told me? that it was a sign for him to continue the research! and i’ve been pestering him so much that he moved out because he claimed i was going to get in the way of his discovery.

tell you what, if you can tell me right here, right now, that he has mentioned anything — anything at all — about his study to you then everything i’m saying is a lie.”

you have asked doyoung for the longest time about that research but the answers have always been the same. “not yet, my love. it’s not time for it to be seen with your eyes. soon, okay?”

with a voice not louder than a whisper, you ask. “what… what’s his research about?”

you fail to see the sorry look on taeyong’s face. “in psychology, they say a person only develops psychosis mainly through genetics or drugs. although you’re technically already a worthy “lab rat” considering your mom and upbringing, he wanted to expand the external factors of what causes the disorder — grief, grades, toxic family relations…”

you hear a ringing in your ear and a sudden urge to throw up. only, you didn’t have anything to hurl because your brunch remains untouched on your bedside. 

“but he hadn’t been successful. and that’s… that’s where i came along. doyoung thought the medications he’s been giving you isn’t doing what he wanted it to and he knew he needed a little push. i was… i gave him that push. remember the whispers, the banging on the door at night? it was all me. he made me do it. you know what that means, right? you’re not crazy. you don’t need to stay here cooped up like some kind of pet, believing all his lies as if it’s written in a fucking bible —”

he stops. and if he hadn’t, you wouldn’t’ve heard the familiar beeps of the front door’s automated lock going off. doyoung’s home. 

in lightning speed, taeyong has you sheltered behind him, throwing his warm coat over you in the process, hoping to give the smallest comfort amidst the chaos that’s about to erupt. there’s no point in pretending or hiding — one look at that lock and his crazy friend would know something’s off. 

taeyong feels you flinching behind him with every heavy footstep against the floorboards as doyoung wastes no time in getting to your room. and when he finally appears, hands braced against the door frame, you’ve never been this scared your whole life. his eyes are drawn into slits, fixated on taeyong alone. “how fucking dare you?”

“it’s over, doyoung. give it up or you wouldn’t have to suffer a longer sentence than you’ll already get.” taeyong tried with his whole being to appear intimidating.

“what’re you saying, yong? i meant, how fucking dare you barge in here and disturb my girlfriend in her sleep? that’s not very nice of you…” doyoung sports a disarming gummy smile as he approaches, hand outstretched and beckoning towards you. “c’mere, baby. i don’t think you’ve eaten lunch yet?”

“drop the fucking act, you psycho!”

“what act?” doyoung tilts his head innocently, gaze shifting from taeyong’s and yours, who keeps peeking from over his ex-friend’s shoulder. luring you out is a piece of cake unless taeyong decides to make things a wee bit more complicated, doyoung thought. “i’m just concerned for my darl —”

“we’re leaving.” taeyong cuts him off, breaking eye contact as he places a firm grip around your wrist. he pulls you towards him, farther away from your supposed lover as he tries walking past doyoung. 

but the said man pushes taeyong back with a humorless smile on his face. “and who told you that you can do that?”

a pregnant silence befalls the room as the two men size each other up. they regard each other with such hostility, you can't help but unconsciously fist the back of taeyong's sweater in nervousness, prompting the man to turn his head over his shoulder for a swift second to check up on you.

but a second is all that doyoung needed to deliver the first kick towards taeyong's legs, throwing him off his balance. if it was one thing doyoung knew, is that he needed to eliminate taeyong's agility all together if he wants to win against him. 

but taeyong isn't one to back down. the moment doyoung straddles him on the floor, with a fist raised to throw a punch, taeyong grunts as he rolls them around. doyoung now receiving taeyong's rain of fists as he yells. "fuck you! you manipulative asshole!"

you sat on the corner, horrified of the scene happening before you. you've never seen doyoung this way. he has always been your sweet, caring bunny, but after everything taeyong said, you aren't so sure you even know the man you've been living with. 

"everything i did, i did it for her!" you flinch at the sound of bones breaking as doyoung kicked taeyong's ribs. "she had nothing to lose! i saved her!"

the door is open, you noticed. wide-open and inviting you to make a run for it. and you would have made a run for it...  but taeyong. you can't leave him behind, not when he lays there bloody and grunting in pain as doyoung lets his anger take over him. so, as stupid as may be, you did it. you had to.

"you didn't save me," you say, schooling your face into indifference as doyoung whips around, forgetting about taeyong in the bat of an eye. "you caged me in here, treated me like there's something wrong with me, gaslighted me into believing everything you said! and... what did you say? 'saved me'? you made me go through hell!"

the whole time, taeyong tries his hardest to stand upright, but his broken ribs don't allow him to. the pain too great that he had no choice but to crawl instead, arms pulling his weight as he drags himself across the floorboards, desperately trying to get doyoung's attention back on him even if it meant getting beaten to death.

meanwhile, he had his eyes trained on you the whole time you spoke, sobbing as you walk backward in fear as doyoung approached you with a dark glint in his eye. he doesn't like what you're saying; that much is very clear. he wanted to yell at you, to scream of your ungratefulness despite his constant care but instead, he says.

"i thought we were making progress, baby. i guess i have to drill everything in your brain again. you're not okay, but you will be after i treat you."

you try to fight the urge to look at taeyong as he finds his strength, silently rising up from the floor to ambush doyoung while he's so busy preaching about you. 

"what i said is true, baby. do you actually think this scum over here is doing this to save you? do you actually believe everything he said? i've been here since day-1, my love. literally. and have i ever let you down? no. everything i'm doing is for us. even this damned research!"

taeyong surges forward to put him in a chokehold, but everything happened so fast, and the next thing you knew —

"did you actually think i'd fall for that?"

you didn't know the sound of a knife cutting through flesh could sound that loud, but nothing could beat the strained gasp that tumbled through taeyong's lips as he shakily held the knife pierced through his heart. you would've been concerned about how doyoung got it so accurate in one go or where the knife even came from. but you were too busy screaming, collapsing against the wall as you let out a broken sob. 

"no," you mutter. "no, no, no..."

you can't bear to avert your eyes from taeyong as he lies dying before you. the look of fear in his eyes would forever be ingrained in your mind, and no amount of brainwashing or gaslighting would ever make you forget.

doyoung killed him. you lost.

the knife clatters loudly on the floor as he slowly turns around as if he himself has yet to register what he did. you didn't know what to expect from doyoung's reaction but certainly not the eerie smile that starts spreading on his face. 

"now... how about that lunch, baby?"

✉ : a repost no one asked but i respectfully dont give a fuck <3

[harvestdew]

Hi! could you talk more about Kiki's friendship with Haley, and Cleo's friendship with Linus? They seem to have a cool dynamic :D

OMG of course i actually have a whole post here but i love haley so i will ALWAYS elaborate on anything about her ^_^ i’m sorry if this isn’t long i’m on my last week of school + finals

haley + kiki dynamic

i’ve already said this before but haley is one of my favorites because i enjoy her development. i think that mean girl with issues turned best friend is one of my favorite tropes and works with haley really well, and kiki works really well in terms of breaking the tough girl exterior because she’s WAY nicer than cleo (probably why haley takes longer to get around to liking cleo even though they’re dating)

haley didn’t get around to liking kiki that fast - i mentioned this in another post but kiki stayed in pelican town around middle school - freshman year, but she couldn’t have been that close to haley because i think haley gives me 19-20 year old vibes and kiki is 23. if she was a 13 year old in middle school, haley would be 9-10 and they wouldn’t be in the same grade. given i’ve finally nailed down their ages after writing that post i wouldn’t have kiki crush on haley to overcompensate for ME wanting to marry her, i have cleo who is haley’s age

SO why does haley come around to liking kiki? when kiki first moves back to pelican town, haley is kinda nosey and tries to figure out why someone would move away from the city without showing much interest. she’s also distrustful being haley, so it doesn’t really seem like it’s going anywhere. kiki also doesn’t get haley’s deal until emily (who she befriends faster) tells her it’s not haley’s fault she’s insecure, so she starts to feel bad for haley. but i feel like haley isn’t really won over by a lot of gifts even though kiki probably gifted her daffodils or expensive clothing she doesn’t want anymore. the only actual tipping point is when (in my funny little universe) kiki found haley crying over ALEX (no shade to him, but he does avoid haley and tells you not to tell her where he is) and talked to her about how she feels like everyone thinks she’s shallow. the whole convo ends with haley figuring “oh she’s not that bad,” warming up to her, and them becoming best friends

i also like to think kiki is just as overprotective of haley as she is over her but just not overtly. she has a pretty bad impression of alex for a number of reasons, but 1 of the biggest contenders is the haley thing. she gets defensive or mad when sebastian, abigail, sam, EVEN SHANE points out incorrect stuff about haley because it’s annoying when people make assumptions about haley

kiki does try really hard to bridge the gap between sebastian and haley, but their differences seem so disparate that it feels like she’s trying to make a bird and a cat friends. it doesn’t stop her from trying to and they both hate it like it’s the worst experience in their lives until they learn to tolerate each other

haley seems like a good cook, so she bakes with kiki frequently to spend quality time together. sometimes kiki also hangs out with haley by the river so she can forage/fish (before cleo comes to take over fishing) while haley takes pictures. when she unlocks the movies, she also takes haley a lot. i’m 100% sure that kiki hangs out with haley the most out of ALL of the villagers including sebastian because haley is less of a homebody

haley gave up on figuring out what kiki’s beef was w/ joja and zuzu city until she accidentally finds out. haley convinced her to go shopping in a district in zuzu city without knowing kiki is technically a missing person, and kiki only went because haley really wants to. like she figured, okay i dress differently and my hair is dyed, it’s fine. also, it’s some random shopping district where rich people wouldn’t go. they hit a department store anyway until kiki, being paranoid, freaked out because she thought she saw her mom and hid in a bathroom. but haley, feeling bad for her, bought kiki a hat and sunglasses to cover her so they could go back home, then figured out what happened afterwards

tl;dr: haley for best friend of the year. she is what she is and eric barone should let me rewrite her

linus + cleo dynamic

this one seems weird (?) probably as weird as kiki and shane being friends. cleo being 19 and linus being an old man seems like they’re on opposite sides of the spectrum and she’d probably hate him. in actuality linus is 1 of the first people she befriends. she gifts him the fastest, and rather than willy teaching her, linus helps her get better at fishing

cleo frequents fishing at the mountain lake more because it’s less boring. linus stands by the river at certain times of the day and she fishes according to that schedule so they can chat or she can drop food off at his tent

also if it wasn’t obvious, cleo’s 100 times harder to befriend than kiki. she’s rude asf and has an issue with being blunt, plus she thinks everyone around her only gives a fuck abt themselves. but if you’ve played the game you can tell linus is a nice old man, minds his business, etc., right off the bat. it’s his down-to-earth attitude and non-judgmental advice that makes him the least annoying and she takes his wise advice SUPER seriously. so instead of hating linus, he’s a positive grandpa/dad figure in her life

and whenever haley + cleo get married (FAR future they’re both 19 and 20), she is probably not going to invite her dumb as balls dad to walk her down the aisle, it’s 100% going to be linus. he’s probably the only old person in the valley besides evelyn that she thinks wouldn’t be awful about her being a lesbian

also, cleo is not out to her family, prior friends, or really anyone before stardew valley. she doesn’t trust her parents, actually dates a former male bandmate to stop speculation, and thinks it’ll be negatively publicized if she does. cleo might exude sapphic energy, but she doesn’t say anything about her sexuality when she runs away either. it’s not that she feels particularly unsafe with kiki or even sam (her best friend) knowing it either, but she just feels like she’s better off never saying anything. linus, oddly enough, is the person who talks cleo through dealing with this

and b/c linus gives me super “got his shit together” and calm energy, which levels out cleo’s impulsivity and anger streaks. it’s probably not a good idea to bring this up to abigail and sam because they’d hype her up more and she’s just go ballistic. so if alex pisses her off, linus gets her to cool down. she could be annoyed because pierre side-eyed her and linus would say 5 words to make her stop fuming

i also really like the headcanon that linus used to be like? a huge business CEO whatever and gave it up to live in the nature. cleo would hear that and be like are you fr? that’s so cool. i too hate capitalism

what’s even weirder is linus definitelyyyy goes to cleo’s band performances as moral support. no one knows why this old man is hanging out at a venue with young adults, but cleo says it is what it is and it’s no one’s business

anyway that’s it for now! this was a fun exercise/break for me, thank you sm for asking!!! i always have fun doing these

[everlarkficexchange]

When you were mine

Archive Warning:  No Archive Warnings Apply

Fandom: Hunger Games

Relationship: Katniss Everdeen/Peeta Mellark

Characters: Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Johanna Mason, Finnick Odair, other characters.

Everlark Fic Exchange 2020

Prompt 20: Peeta is the CEO and katniss is his secretary. They have an affair and katniss gets pregnant but when she tells peeta he doesn’t believe her and accuse her of trying to trap him. What will he do when he realize his mistake and how will he win katniss back. [submitted by anonymous]

Written by @pitualba2015​

Peeta

Peeta was on his laptop going through some documents that his legal team sent him the day before. He couldn’t focus on them because of her, Katniss.

- Where are you Katniss? – It was a question he asked a hundred times every day for the last two months. The documents he was trying to read were the reason of her disappearance. It was a good deal. He finally got the properties he wanted so he could expand his company. But at a high price. He clearly remembered that morning, the last time he saw Katniss. He had been under a lot of pressure during those days. Cato Snow was pulling some under the table strings, so Snow Enterprises could get a hold on those properties.

- Damn it! I should have paid attention to the signs- He said. Katniss wasn’t well. She had been too tired, barely was eating, throwing up constantly. She really was in a bad shape. But that didn’t stop her from work and giving him all the support, she could give him.

Flashback

“- Miss Everdeen, will you please bring me the Seam contract documents- “

“- Sure Mr. Mellark- “

Once she stepped in the office, she heard him speaking with his best friend, brother in law and legal advisor Finnick Odair.

“-Are you sure we can pull this deal through? I can´t let Cato win this one. His company will gain too much power and would start monopolizing the real estate business in Panem- “

“Ok bro. I’m counting on you- “

“- The Italians will be here any minute, you better get here fast- “

Once he turns around and face her, he is badly impressed by her appearance.

“- You don’t look well Katniss. Are you still having stomach issues? -“

“-Yes, I feel like hell- “

“- Did you go to the doctor yesterday like you said you would? -“

“- Yes, Peeta- “

“- And? -“

Katniss was very nervous. He could see her hands fidgeting on her lap.

“-Katniss? -“

“-Peeta, I… I’m…Peeta, I’m pregnant- “ She blurted out.

“- WHAAT? - “He yelled so hard that everybody outside his office heard.

“- I’m six weeks pregnant – “she said in almost a whisper.

“- ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!? –“

“- Please don’t yell. I don’t want anybody in the office to start gossiping around – “

“- I thought you were on the pill –“

“- Well it turns out that it when you get antibiotics, it lowers the effects of the pill – “

“- I can’t believe it. You think that I will buy that shit you are telling me? –“

“- Peeta…- “

“- No! You are really a piece of work. What do you pretend? –“

“- I don´t…- “

“- You don’t what? You got pregnant thinking that you could catch me? -“

“- What? You really think I did it on purpose? You are a jerk! You know very well that kids were not in my near future since I wanted to go back to college and finish it. -“

“- Is that so? –“ He said mockingly.

“-Yes. But you know what? We’re done. I’m going to have this baby ALONE. So, don’t you dare get close to me ever again! – “

Katniss stood up and start walking to the door, when Rue knocked.

“- Mr. Mellark, the Italians arrived and are in the meeting room waiting for you – “

“- Thank you, Rue. Tell them I’ll be there in a minute – “

Katniss was walking to the door and before she left the office, she turned to him very calm with a steal look in her eyes that froze Peeta.

“- I meant every word I said before. We’re done Mr. Mellark. I don’t need anything from you. I’m perfectly capable to take care of myself and my baby – “  And then she left the office.

Peeta stood there for a minute before he could get a hold of himself.

”- Dammit! I need to focus on the meeting. I don’t have time for this shit! –“

He walked to the meeting room and saw Rue taking care of the Italian people. He was about to ask for Katniss when Finnick rushed in, so he decided to start the meeting.

It was 8 pm when Peeta and Finnick finally end up with an agreement that was beneficial to both parties.

“- Hey Peet, wanna go for a celebration drink? –“

“- No, thanks Finn. I have to get home and talk to Katniss. I really piss her off this time. She wasn’t taking my calls all day –“

“- What did you do this time? –“

“- Katniss is pregnant and I basically just lashed out on her and told her that she did it so to catch me –“

“- YOU DID WHAT?  ARE YOU INSANE? No wonder I saw her so messed up while I was running to the meeting room. You need to fix this right now – “

“- I know. I just was so fucking stressed and snapped against her. I have been thinking about the baby and I’m happy about it. I was going to ask her to marry me after this Seam deal finishes. I do love very much and I can see a future with her –“

“- Good to hear that bro. Now go and apologize VERY MUCH to her. Have a great make up sex. Talk to you in the morning – “

Peeta just chuckle at Finn’s words. While driving on the way to his apartment, Peeta made a couple of stops. He bought some Italian food that he knew Katniss loved and her favorite flowers.

“- Well, I hope this will calm her down enough so I can apologize thoroughly and propose her – “  He said with a grin.

He was so excited when he arrived that didn’t notice her missing car. He opened the door of the apartment and found that it was dark and empty. Katniss wasn’t there.

“- Shit! She must be at her apartment – “

Peeta ran to his car and drove to Katniss apartment. He didn’t have a place to park his car inside the building, so he didn’t know that her car wasn’t there either.

Peeta reached her apartment and was surprised to see a young couple getting in with some boxes.

“- Hi! Umm… is Katniss here? –“

“- Hi! No, she isn’t here – “

“- Do you know when she is getting back? –“

The couple looked confused to him. “- We actually don’t think she will be coming back. We bought the apartment yesterday – “

“- She sold you the apartment? –“

“- Yes – “

“- Ok, thanks. Good night – “

He was shocked. Katniss did tell him about selling the apartment. After all she was living with him and Katniss was planning in buying a house in the suburbs. “- I hope your back home – “   he thought.

She wasn’t there.

Peeta knew that when Katniss was very upset, she just needed some space and he will give her that. Peeta went to the kitchen and placed the food he bought in the fridge and walked to the bedroom. “- This is going to be a long night – “   He sighed.

Once he got into the bedroom, he knew something wasn´t right. Peeta turned the lights on and what he saw made his heart sink. Katniss took all her things and only left the jewelry he had giving her on special days. She didn’t take the dresses and other cloths he gave her. Katniss left everything he bought her. “- I meant every word I said before. We’re done Mr. Mellark. I don’t need anything from you. I’m perfectly capable to take care of myself and my baby – “    Her words came to his mind. Katniss left him and he didn’t know where she and his unborn child were.

End of flashback

“- Mr. Mellark, we will be landing in La Guardia Airport in 20 minutes. Miss Rue has sent Thresh with the company car to pick you up – “

“- Thank you, Tom – “

On the way to the office, he pulled out of his wallet a picture. It was a picture of a sonogram that was taken during Katniss doctor’s appointment.

Everdeen, Katniss

23 years old

Six weeks pregnant

He found it on the floor near the night stand. Probable it slipped out of Katniss purse while packing up as fast as she could. It was the only thing he had, that reminded him that in a few months he will be a father and didn’t know where they were.

The ringing of his cellphone took him out of his thoughts.

“- Hi, Finn. Any news? –“

“- Hi, Peet. Nothing new. She really made a good job disappearing – “

“- Yeah. At least she has enough money for her needs – “

Peeta found out that Katniss sold her apartment in a very good price. $580.000. It was in a nice neighborhood and had a good size. Plus, she had been saving money for the last two years and made some moves in the stock market that gave her good profits. Katniss end up having over 3 million dollars in her account. She had withdrawn all the money through cashiers’ checks. Two weeks after she left, her car was found in a car dealer close to her former apartment.

Peeta had hired a couple of private detectives, but didn’t get anywhere. She managed to vanish from the face of the planet.

Katniss

She was already near 4 months into her pregnancy. It had been very tough for her. But she was sure she made the right choice. Peeta showed his true colors when she told him about her pregnancy. He had been ruthless with her and had no filters regarding what he really believed about her. She never told him about the money she gained on the stock market. She was planning to tell him once she registered in college for the fall classes. She promised herself that she would not give up and as soon as she gave birth, she was going back to college. As for her feelings for Peeta, it still hurt like hell what happened that day…

Flashback

As soon as she walked out of Peeta’s office, she made up her mind.

“- Katniss are you alright? – “ Rue asked her “- We all heard Mr. Mellark yell what? And then it looked like he calm down –“

“- Don’t worry. He was talking to Finnick about the Seam deal. He is really stressed with the whole thing –“ Katniss answered. Even though he treated her so miserably, she wasn’t going to throw him to the wolves. She knew that if their conversation got out his office into wrong ears, it would harm him and  his company badly, but most important, she couldn’t do anything against him. He was her child’s father and love him deeply.

After giving Rue a believable answer, she went to the bathroom to compose herself’ and start to grab her things. When she reached her desk, Rue walked out of the meeting room to get coffee and some snacks for the executives. Katniss took advantage of the situation right away.

“- Rue can you cover me today? I don’t feel good and I want to go to the doctor and get a checkup –“

“- Sure Katniss. I’ll tell Mr. Mellark you left to see the doctor. He won’t mind –“Katniss scoff at Rue’s comment. He could care less about her. He made it very clear earlier.

“- I’m going to send a few emails and head off to the doctor –“ Katniss replied. Rue nodded and left to grab the coffee and the other things for the meeting. Once alone. Katniss wrote her resignation letter, printed it and slip it into an envelope. She wrote a second letter, a private one, to Peeta. She left instructions on her desk for Rue and took her few belonging from her desk and put them into her bag. Before she stepped out of the office, she went into Peeta’s office and place the envelope with her resignation letter, on his desk. She knew that this meeting would be a very tough one and probably he won’t read her resignation letter until the evening.

“- OK –“ Katniss said to herself “- It’s 10:30 am. First things first. The bank –“

She spent a bit over an hour closing her bank account and retrieving her money in cashier’s checks. After that, she went to Peeta’s apartment and packed up her things. She sat on the bed and let herself cry out until she got exhausted. She fell asleep for about an hour.

“- Shit! It’s 1:30 pm. I need to get out of here fast-“  She didn’t have much to pack up. Peeta bought most of her cloths and jewelry and by no means she was taking those with her. She put the letter on the pillow. The keys and her cellphone (another gift from Peeta), she put them on the coffee table. She took a deep breath and left the apartment. After she put her luggage in the trunk of her BMW, she took off and ride out of New York City. It had been a 5-hour drive but it was worth it. The cabin was beautiful and very cozy with all the appliances, furniture, light, phone and internet. She hadn’t had time to put the property on her name, since she just found out the day before. About a year ago, her uncle died and left her the cabin along with a 10 million dollars inheritance. She was sure that Peeta would try to find her. She never got the chance to tell him about the cabin. Once she settled herself in the cabin, she took a warm bath to relax her aching body.

“- We will be just fine sweet pea. I’ll take good care of you and maybe someday I’ll tell you about your father –“ Katniss said to her growing baby in her stomach-

End of Flashback

August was being very hot. Katniss wasn´t feeling too good. She was 5 and a half months into her pregnancy and was having serious health issues. Her blood pressure was getting near the top limit and the last blood tests showed she was very low on red cells counts, which meant that she was near in getting an anemia. She didn’t understand why all of this happened. She ate very healthy foods, took her vitamins, didn’t have to work. She really had been taken good care of herself. She asked her doctor if she did something wrong, but the doctor assured her that some pregnancies are like that no matter how much care the future mother would’ve taken. After her last checkup, a couple of days before, she put on her health record Peeta’s full name and phone numbers in case something happened to her. He was the father her child anyway.

Katniss stopped in a grocery store to buy a bottle of water and some fruits. It had been a long morning, but finally she got her last will taken cared of. All her money and the cabin were left to her unborn daughter, Helen, and left Peeta as her legal guardian until she turned 21 years old.

“- Maybe someday he will grow to love you sweetie – “  She said rubbing her belly.

After her last pregnancy checkup, Katniss had started to have nightmares. All of them were about her child alone and abandoned, asking her why she didn´t left her with her daddy. That made her take all the necessary actions to secure her daughter wellbeing just in case.

She went the cashier to pay for her things when a strong pain hit her on her lower back. She started to feel dizzy and was losing her balance. Jenny, the store owner, saw Katniss get very pale.

“- Katniss, are you ok? -“

“-No, please call 911. My baby…-“ Then she passed out.

Peeta

“- Well Finn, I think everything is running very smooth with the community center project –“ Peeta said very satisfied as he looked through the papers. Finally, one of his dream projects was coming to life. He had told Katniss that he wanted to build a community center big enough to give medical assistance, extra-curricular activities for children and teenagers in high risk positions, and other activities for the general public. It was due to open in about 6 months and will have the best medical technology his company could get.

“- Yeah, Peet. Everything is working out pretty good so far –“

“- Not everything. She still is missing. I know something is not right with her Finn. Every night I keep dreaming that she is dying. I’m close to put a generous reward on national tv and see if we can get some information on her whereabouts – “

“- I think it’s a good idea. We know she will be very pissed off, but it’s your kid too and you have every right to be there –“

There was a knock on the door and Rue came in.

“- Yes, Rue? –“

“- Mr. Mellark there is a Dr. Coin on the phone and wants to speak to you. She says it’s very important – “

“- Rue, I really don’t want to talk to nobody. Please tell her that I’m in a meeting and take her message – “

“- Peeta, you really need to pick up that call –“ The fact that Rue called him on a personal basis shook him and looked at Finn. So he reached the phone and put the speaker on, so the three of them could hear what this doctor had to say.

“- Mellark speaking –“

“- Mr. Mellark, good afternoon. My name is Alma Coin. I’m a doctor here in Rochester and have your number as an emergency contact –“

“- And who’s emergency contact, am I? –“ he replied as he looked at his friends very worried.

“- Miss Katniss Everdeen –“

He felt his heart stop as Rue and Finnick gasped at her name.

“- What happened to her? –“ He asked trying to keep his voice as even as possible.

“- Miss Everdeen has a high-risk pregnancy. Her blood pressure went sky high and has anemia. Although she has been taken care of herself, I think there must be some family back ground health issues that she couldn’t answer –“

“- You’re right. Her parents passed away when she was 10 years old and she was raised by her uncle who passed away over a year ago. So there was no way she could have any information about her mother´s health –“

“- Well Mr. Mellark, Miss Everdeen passed out this morning at a grocery store. She needs special medical assistance as fast as possible or she may lose her baby –“

“- I’m going to hand you to my PA so you can give her the address. I’m getting over there in a helicopter. Please get her ready and if you could assist me with her transportation I’ be very grateful –“

“- Sure Mr. Mellark. May I ask what is your relationship with my patient? –“

“- I’m the baby’s father –“ He answered as he left the office.

Peeta was running to the roof as fast as his legs let him. Finnick was right behind him calling to the New York-Presbyterian Hospital giving all the information Dr Coin had provided about Katniss health.

“- Annie says she will be waiting with a special team –“

“- Thanks Finn. You’re coming with me, right? –“

“- Of course, bro. You need somebody level headed right now. Just calm down, everything will be alright –“

“- Finn, she could lose the baby…-“

By the time they reached the roof, the helicopter was ready waiting for them. It took about an hour and a half to reach their destination. Just as Dr. Coin promised, she was waiting with an unconscious Katniss very well strapped in a stretcher, with a portable heart and blood pressure monitor, as well a heart monitor for the baby.

“- LET’S GO! – “ He yelled at the pilot once the doctor and Katniss were safe aboard.

As soon as they reach the hospital, Annie with several specialists took over while doctor Coin handed Katniss medical history, telling them what happened to her earlier in the morning.

“- Peeta, you need to stay here. As soon as I have any news I’ll come and tell you, ok? –“

He nodded. It was all he was able to do. He sat down and the whole situation sink into him like a ton of bricks.

“- It’s my fault, Finn. I should never say all those things to her. If I had just listen to her and not acted like an ass, she and the baby would be fine –“

Then he started to cry. Finnick let him cry out, he needed it. He had been there all these months watching his friend trying very hard not to fall apart, by working endless hours. Finnick knew from the start that Katniss was all Peeta needed. He saw his best friend fall for those silver eyes, but was too stubborn to accept it. It took Katniss to leave so he could finally realize his feelings. Now he was witnessing a complete meltdown of his friend. The fact that Katniss was very delicate and on the brick of losing the baby, tore Peeta’s heart in a million pieces. Finnick called Rue to update her and asked her to call Peeta’s family. He was going to need all the support he could if things didn’t end up right.

After 2 endless hours, Annie walked in the waiting area. Peeta’s parents, his brothers and their wives arrived at the hospital thirty minutes after Katniss was rushed in the emergency unit. Peeta stood up immediately and waited for the worse.

 “- Peeta, we have stabilized Katniss and the baby. She has a condition called preeclampsia, which is a complication during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure. Generally, it begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had been normal, like Katniss. If left untreated, preeclampsia can trigger serious, even fatal, complications for both the mother and the baby. She barely made it Peeta. If you didn’t bring her on the helicopter, she and the baby surely have died –“ 

Peeta felt everything swirl around and begin to fall. He was grabbed by his brothers and made him sit.

“- I’m not going to sugar coat things to you –“ Annie continued “- Her condition is very delicate. Neither one of them are out of danger. The next 24 hours will be extremely important since we have sedated her so her body can accept the medication for the high blood pressure and hopefully save the baby’s life. Usually when we have this situation, we have the baby delivered so both, mother and child are safe. Unfortunately Katniss is a little over five months, so the best we can do is wait and see if the treatment works –“

“- Can I see her? –“Peeta asked with a whisper

.“- Sure. Come with me –“

Annie led him down the hall and reached her room.. He started to cry again when he saw Katniss lying in bed with an oxygen mask and all those cables around her. He slowly walked towards her and kiss her forehead.

“- I’m so sorry Katniss. I really am. Please come back to me.I love you. I love our baby. Please fight for our baby. I’m not going anywhere –“

He reached his wallet and took out the neckless with a pearl he gave her, along with the letter she left him on the pillow. He opened the letter and read it again. 

Words spoken, my heart open No I never had butterflies like that We danced in the moon glow Your hands moved slow You kissed me on the lips Swore I wouldn’t look back It was just like we were flying In another time

I felt the world was ours for the taking When I fell into your eyes Never a doubt we would make it if we tried You promised you’d never break my heart Never leave me in the dark Said your love would be for all time But that was back when you were mine…

He hold her hand and place the neckless around her wrist. Then he moved the chair close to the bed and the waiting start.

The amount of stress of the day wore out Peeta and fell asleep.

He was slowly waking up as he felt somebody stroking his hair.

“- Katniss? –“

“- Hi –“

He got up and hold her face while tears were running down his cheeks.

“- You’re awake –“ She noded at his statement.

“- I’m so very sorry about everything. The last 4 months have been the worst in my life. Every day I was hoping to find you. I know that my reaction when you told me about the baby was the worst. It has been killing. But if you can give me another chance, I promise I will live every day of my life making it up to you. Please will you forgive me? –“

Katniss looked at the man in front of her. He was a complete mess. She could see his eyes full of guilt, anxiety and hope. He wasn’t the same man she left that Friday morning in the office. This one was broken and beaten up. This one was begging for forgiveness and a second chance.

He was holding her gaze hoping she could see the honesty of his words. As time was passing by, he was losing hope. She wasn’t going to forgive him. He pulled away from her and headed to the door.

“- I understand that you won’t forgive me. Just let me be part of her life. I’m going to get Annie so she can check you up –“  He walked out the door defeated. In the room Katniss felt her world fall apart again. She didn’t realize that while she was looking at him, time flew by. He waited about three minutes for her answer. So, he just left thinking it was the end. She was still processing the whole situation when Annie and Dr Coin came into the room.

“- You almost lost the baby, Katniss. If Peeta didn’t fly you in, right now we were preparing your funeral –“ Annie told her. Katniss gasped at her words.

“- What did you say to him Miss Everdeen? He looked very beat up when he came to tell us you woke up –“  Dr Coin asked.

“- He was begging me to forgive him and give him a second chance. I think a drifted away for a while because the next thing a know he was leaving the room saying that he understood that I won’t forgive him and told me he wanted to be part of her life –“ Katniss said with a hoarse voice.

“- You know, he almost got arrested for flying the helicopter with no previous authorization, just to get you here as soon as possible? Finnick told me that he lost it once we ran to ER with you. He thought neither you or the baby would make it. He never left your side the last 24 hours, waiting for you to wake up. He was completely messed up when you left. He hired two private investigators hoping he could find you. All this time, he somehow managed to keep it together. But now, I only saw a broken man with no life in his eyes. I know what happened Katniss, but he has suffered like hell all this time. He was considering stepping down as CEO so he could spend time with you and the baby. Now I think he will go back and work his ass off like before. He’s going to hold on to the only thing that has kept him sane all this time. His company. It won´t fill the space that you have in his life, but at least it will keep him going, until he gets over you and find someone willing to share his life and grow a family with. You almost fooled me Katniss. I truly believed you loved him. He fucked up big time, but sure as hell he has paid every single day for it. I’m not saying that you have to forgive, but at least let him be a father to his child –“  After Annie said this, she and Dr Coin left the room.

Katniss’s mind was whirling with everything that has happened since she woke up. She already had taken care of the baby’s welfare. She forgave Peeta long time ago, but wasn´t ready to face him yet. Her pregnancy problems rushed things too fast. Annie’s words hit her very hard. Suddenly the idea of seeing Peeta with another woman raising a family made her heart sink and break up again. She started to cry and the soft sobs quickly became in loud whimpers which made the machines alarm set off. Katniss was having an anxiety attack and her blood pressure went sky high again.

Annie along with a couple of nurses had to restrain and sedate her again. Once she was out, Annie called Peeta and told him what happened. He thought it was his fault, so decided not to visit her again, instead, he asked Annie to keep him updated.

“- Finn, I need you to help me in something –“

“- Sure, what is it? –“

“- You know what happened to Katniss a few weeks ago, right? –“

“- Yes, seems she had a panic or anxiety attack –“

“- I’ve thought that it was my fault. Probably she thinks I’m going to take the baby away from her. I need you to visit her and tell her I’m not doing that, but that the baby will have my name and if something ever happens to her, I’ll will become the legal guardian. Please make the necessary arrangements. Thanks –“

Katniss have been almost a month in the hospital. She was transferred to a room that looked like a suite. Since Annie’s outburst, Katniss only saw her 3 more times. She was walking a little every four hours to gain some strength under the careful watch of a nurse. She was feeling very good.

There was a knock on the door and Katniss asked the nurse to let thar person in. She had called her lawyer the previous day and told her to bring with her the documents she signed before she passed out at the grocery store.

“- Hey, Katniss! –“ The brunette woman greet her

“. Hi, Jo! –“

“- WOW! This place is incredible! He really is trying to make up his shit! –“

Katniss just laugh at her lawyer and friend’s comment. She slowly sat down on the couch and motion to her friend to sit.

“- Well after that day when he talked to me, he hasn’t come back. I know he’s been given updates of my progress, but nothing else. Seems he is trying to keep going on with his life –“

“- Of course he will do that, brainless! You didn’t say anything and as soon as you’re transferred in this hospital suite, you called me instead of him and fix things up! –“

“- That’s why a called you and asked to come with the documents. He needs to know what I did before everything happened –“

“ Here.You’ll need a lot of luck to fix your mess –“

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Katniss was startled and motioned to the nurse to open.

“- Hello Miss Everdeen –“  Finnick said as he enter the room

“- Finnick? What are you doing here? –“

 “- Unfortunately, my visit is not personal. Is legal –“

“-Before you say anything, please read these –“  Katniss replied and handed him the documents. Finnick began to read the papers and a small smirk showed on his face.

“- Looks like you took care of the baby’s situation before Peeta –“

“- It was done the same day before I passed out in Rochester –“

“- You want me to take these to Peeta? –“

“- No. Call him and tell him that I want to talk to him as soon as possible. I need to fix things up –“

Finnick grabbed his cellphone and waited for Peeta to answer.

“- Hey, Peet. You need to come to the hospital now –“  Then he finished the call.

“- Why you say that? He will think that something happened to me or the baby! –“

“- Trust me. If I told him that you wanted to talk to him, he wouldn’t come –“

“- I like this guy. He’s smart. I’m Johanna Mason –“ She said as she moved her hand to shake his.

“- Finnick Odair lovely lady –“  He smiled

“- Finn, behave or I tell Annie –“ Katniss said jokingly.

The three of them talked and shared some memories for about forty minutes, when the door slam open with a very agitated Peeta storming in.

“- Dammit Peeta! You can make me go on premature labor! –“ Katniss blurt while trying to calm herself.

“- Sorry, but Finnick’s call was very scary. I’m glad that you’re ok though –“

“Miss Mason it’s time to leave these two love birds alone so they can talk. Do you mind if you can come with me to visit my wife? She works here _”

“By all means Mr. Odair. Looks like we can get along pretty fine! –“ And both left a very confused Peeta and a very amused Katniss.

“- Peeta, please sit down. We need a heart to heart talk –“ Katniss said. Peeta walked to the chair that was across Katniss and sat.

“- I’m going to start, so just listen. Let me finish and if there is anything you need to say then I’ll listen. Fair enough? –“

“- Fair enough –“

“- You really hurt me the day I told you about my pregnancy. I was very scared because having a baby wasn’t in my near future. You knew how I felt about it but you lashed out in me by accusing me on trapping you. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but staying in the office was not an option –“  He dropped his head on his chest, with the guilt consuming him.

“- Remember I told you about my uncle Haymitch’s death over a year ago? – “ He nodded while looking very confused to her.

“-  What I didn’t told you was about his inheritance. I found about it the same day I found out I was pregnant. He left me a beautiful cabin in Rochester –“  Recognition dawn on Peeta mind. That’s why she was there.

“- I withdraw all the money I had in my account. 3’250.000 dollars. You must be wondering how come I ended with that amount of money? Well, I learned quite a bit from the best Mr. Mellark –“ She let out a small laugh while he raised one eyebrow.

“- I made a few moves on the stock market and got good profits. That added with the money from my apartment ends with the amount. I took the money in cashier’s checks in different amounts so I could cash them fast when I need it. I had to contact Johanna Mason since she was the lawyer in charge. I had a meeting with Johanna and she handed me the keys of the cabin. But my biggest surprise was to find out that besides the cabin, my uncle left me 10 million dollars. Everything was still on his name so I figured to keep things like that for the time being –“

Peeta couldn’t believe what she was saying. Even before knowing of her inheritance, she had a respectable amount of money. Now he understood Katniss’s words when she told him that she didn’t need anything from him. He was felling very miserable. He was now completely sure that Katniss wasn’t going to forgive him.

“- On my last pregnancy check up with Dr Coin, I was warned about my delicate situation. After giving it a lot of thought, I went to Johanna and told her to make these documents and signed them before I blacked out later that morning –“  She handed the papers to Peeta so he can read them.

His eyes went wide as he read page by page. He was stunned. Before he could start talking, Katniss raised her hand in a gesture that silence him. She didn’t finish talking.

“- I decided to give you full legal rights if anything happened to me because you are her father, and with the money she will be getting when she turns 21. There was no threat towards your money. Regardless if you marry with your dream girl and raise your own family, Helen will have her own money –“

Peeta could tell that Katniss was starting to get upset, but remained silence waiting patiently for her to finish. Katniss took a deep breath and continued.

“- Peeta, I forgave you long before I got bad. The day I woke up after my blackout, I was very confused and dizzy. I couldn’t tell if I was in some sort of dream or if it was real. That’s why I didn’t answer you right away. It felt so unreal. When Annie walked in to check me up, I was barely aware of my surroundings. Annie assumed things and told me some that were true and it hurt. After she left, I was completely aware of everything and started crying which led to an anxiety attack. So, Annie and the other doctors, decided to keep me sedated most of the time so the baby won’t be at risk.

I was transferred to this room when the doctors deem it was ok. As soon as I got here, I called Johanna and here we are. I know you’re sorry for what happened. And right now is up to you on how things are going to be from this day on –“  Katniss finished and waited for Peeta to talk.

“- Katniss, I can’t tell you how sorry I am for causing you so much pain. It’s no excuse, but that day I was over the edge with the whole Seam deal. As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I screwed up. I should have run after you instead going to the meeting with the Italians. They weren’t that much important: You should have been my top priority at that moment. I thought that giving you some space that day would calm you down. I bought you your favorite Italian food and some flowers. I was going to propose to you after the Seam deal got through, so I decided to asked you sooner. But when I got home, you weren’t there. Since then I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I even hired a couple of private detectives with no luck. I was about to give up when I got the call from Dr Coin. I freaked out and got in trouble with the authorities for flying the helicopter with no permission -”  He chuckled. He stood up, walked to Katniss and kneeled before her. He hold her hands between his and continue talking.

“- Katniss, I know I messed up things between us, but I just can’t bare the idea of losing you. I promise that I will do whatever I can to make it up to you. So please, will you honor me by being my wife? –“  Peeta just waited expectantly for her answer. Katniss was staring at him. She could see behind those blue eyes hope and love. She had no doubt about them. They would have some bumps on the road, but she was sure they will work it out.

“- Yes –“ She answered in a whisper  “- Yes, Peeta I do –“

Peeta grab her face with his hands and give her a kiss full of love and hope. Then he pulled apart clearly worried that Katniss could have a relapse. She laugh and hold him.

“- Don’t worry, I’m fine. Oh! –“

“- What is it? You want me to call the doctors? –“  He said with a panic voice.

“- No, relax, I’m fine –“  She placed his hand on her belly so he can feel the baby moving. His eyes open wide and a huge smile showed on his face.

“- Katniss, we’re having a baby –“

“. Yes, Peeta, we’re having a baby –“

[huffle-dork]

Heterochromiacs: The Chromies Go Shopping!

(This is a fun lighthearted chapter of the new trio trying to help Kenna find new clothes to wear! Enjoy the fluff- it’s gonna get a bit heavier after this jghgh)

Chapter 1

Drew grins before giving Kenna a mock salute. “Ay ay Captain!” They follow after Darcio pushing the cart with ease, despite the new added weight.

Entering the shoe aisles Darcio gestures grandly around. "So you can buy anything here just direct Drew where to go."

Kenna stares dumbfounded at all the shoes, her eyes sparkling, “I... I don’t even know where to begin!” She does seem drawn to the smaller but wide boots farther down the aisle.

Drew looks towards Kenna’s gaze, following its trajectory. Not all the way near the back, but... Drew pushes the cart down the aisle, making sure not to hit Darcio. They keep pushing, not stopping their pace. “Let me know when you see something.”

They pass by the kids and sparkly shoes which Darcio sees a pair of highlaced boots with way too many buckles and swipes off the shelf on his way by.

Kenna watches the shelves with careful interest until perking up, almost tipping the cart over, “There!!!” She sees a pair of brown large buckled boots that look roomy and comfortable, but durable and easy to walk in. It’s like- the exact opposite of the dainty shoes she was forced to wear at the circus, if she could wear any. She bounces with glee, “I want those ones!!”

Drew brings the cart to a halt, adding a screeeeeeech! sound effect. They bend down and pull up the boots Kenna points out and looks them over. She’s got good taste if she wants these to last long, Drew thinks adding a quick glance to their combat boots. “Nice pick!”

"Not bad kiddo. Those will look both fashionable and be durable." Darcio looks around and adds a few more things to the cart. "Can never have enough shoes." They tell Kenna.

Kenna giggles as she takes the boots from a Drew, looking them over herself. She then beams and hugs them. Finally- she thinks... she thinks this is the first thing she owns that is just hers-

Drew is honestly taken a little aback by Kenna’s reaction, but their brain puts together the pieces rather quickly. The excited reaction, how she wanted these for herself, the fact she didn’t even really know what shopping was... “You sticking with those?” Drew asks, before taking a look at Darcio’s picks in the cart. Oh my Heavens.

Darcio grins up at Drew already knowing what they're thinking. A mischievous thought comes to them and they turn to Kenna. "Well since I picked out shoes and you now have your own shoes Drew should get some shoes too right?"

Kenna blinks out of her thoughts then looks back to the others, “Oh uh- I mean! If they want to, sure!”

Drew waves their hand in a dismissive manner before shooting Darcio a look. “No no it’s okay. My shoes are still in working order!” Drew slings their boot up near the cart, showing it off. Midnight green in color, tough material, all around very strong combat boots. “Plus, the person who gave me these means a lot to me. A good way to remember em.” Drew adds with a smile.

Darcio stuck their tongue out slightly before gesturing. "Well let's head on."

Kenna blinks in confusion, “More than shoes?”

Drew nods. “Mm-hm. Surely you would want something better to wear than that?” Drew gestures to the outfit she’s wearing from the hospital. “Something that fits, well, you!”

"We also need to get you other necessities. Like toiletries and a phone." Darcio looks up at the signs to determine which was closer. "Clothes are to the left if we want to head that way."

Kenna looks a little overwhelmed and hunkers down in the cart but her eyes sparkle in excitement, “More clothes? A phone?? ...Wow…”

“Alright, let’s head that way.” Drew says as they push the cart down the aisle and swings a left. Drew keeps a visible eye out to see where the clothes are while flashing glances back to Kenna and Darcio. “Yep!” Drew comments to Kenna. “You’ll have more of your own stuff now.”

"I think I see it-is that a petticoat?" Darcio blinks in confusion at the rack of pioneer like clothing. "I didn't know society was regressing this badly...Let's just...head on..."

Kenna is staring at all the different color clothes and styles in wonder and awe. She doesn’t even know where to start! There’s so much- she’s only ever been given clothes, she’s never been able to choose them on her own before.

Drew lets out a laugh at Darcio’s comment. “Hey whatever works in this day and age I guess.” Drew looks in Darcio’s line of sight and winces. “Oooh, oh yeah no.” Drew looks back towards the clothes and slows down a bit. “Kenna do you have a favorite color? We can work from there if you want. Or maybe Darcio can think up something.”

Darcio was already edging closer to the clothes. "I think in this instance we should go more by style than color. Less overwhelming in the long run." Darcio suggested.

Kenna laughs and shrinks down in the cart, “I-I dunno?? I... I’ve never really gotten to pick anything before? ...I want pants-”

“Pants?” Drew looks carefully through the aisles that the store has, and once they see some they dash down it, going not terribly fast cause, well, there’s a Heterochromiac in the cart. “Alright we got a lot of options here. Colors, sizes, shapes, uhhhhh...” Drew flatlines and a look of guilt comes across them. ‘I don’t really know clothing stuff oH NO.’

"We've got cargo, crew, straight cut, straight, wide, flare, skinny, bell bottoms, cropped." Darcio began listing all the pant types while flicking through the nearest rack. "Just start looking pumpkin and I'm sure you'll find something."

Kenna looks overwhelmed by the listening of the names but then nods at Darcio’s last statement. She finally climbs out of the cart, jumping out gracefully and looking at all of the pants curiously. Finally she finds a soft looking pair of green pants that are bunched at the bottom and her eyes sparkle. “I think I like these! They look comfy!”

Drew silently praises and thanks Darcio for their knowledge on this stuff. They take a closer look at the pants and grabs them carefully, looking them over. They could definitely work, considering the boots she bought. “Whatcha thinking Darcio?”

"They're a good match." Darcio looks it over with a critical eye. "You've got a good eye. Might want to grab a few pairs though."

“Oh!” Kenna looks at the racks and sees a couple matching pairs, some in the same color and some in light blue! She grins and grabs a huge armful, at least 4 pairs and walks back over with a big grin. “Like this Darcio??”

Drew looks and watches Kenna carry all the pairs over, but her big grin makes them chuckle.

"Just like that!" Darcio praises. He grins at Kenna as he flips through some nearby pants. "We'll have you stylish in no time."

Kenna smiles real wide and dumps her new finds in the cart. “You really think so?”

Drew nods. “Of course! You’ll look super awesome.” ’As long as she’s taking Darcio’s advice and not mine.’

"You'll be a star!" Darcio winks at Kenna and flicks their finger. "Just gotta pick out some shirts now."

Kenna blushes and giggles, pushing her matted hair behind her ear. She starts to look around at the other stuff then her eyes light up and she gasps slightly. She runs over and then points excitedly at a display. It’s a red and blue dress with cold open shoulders and big open skirt. A red loose hoodie lines the neck. “Oh!! What about this?”

Drew brings the cart over before stepping out from it and looking at it closely. They look to and from Kenna and the dress-hood. Loose, comforting... It surely fits what she’s picked so far. “I like it! How about you Darcio?”

"I think you might have the perfect eye for fashion pumpkin." Darcio says gravely. A big grin splits his face. "Go grab it. If it's what you want, you should have it."

Kenna smiles giddily and quickly tries to find the dress amongst the other stuff and squeals when she finds it, skipping back to the others. “I got it!!!”

Drew covers their face with their hand, a huge grin trying to peek through. They swear their cheeks are starting to hurt. When was the last time they smiled this much? “That’s great they still have it in stock!” Drew comments after removing their hand.

Darcio holds their hand out for a high five as they grin happily at Kenna. "Good job!"

Kenna looks a bit confused and stares at Darcio’s hand. She looks at hers then gently slaps her hand against his.

Drew stares at the high five and specifically Kenna’s reaction. Their heart twists a bit but god dang if it isn’t cute too. “That’s a high five Kenna, it’s a way to celebrate something with other people!”

"Yeah it's fun too." Darcio looked around and his eyes lit up as he saw something nearby. "And actually another way we celebrate is by documenting the journey." He swiftly strode over and grabbed a camera off an endcap. "By taking pictures!"

Kenna tilts her head to the side pictures? Then she perks up. “Oh! They sometimes had posters around the circus! Are those like pictures?”

“In a way! Pictures tend to be more of real things taken by a camera, which is what Darcio grabbed. Posters can be made by people, such as drawing on them with paints, pens, or even on things like technology.” Drew then stops their thoughts. Circus. ... Drew needs to talk to Darcio about this later.

Darcio tosses the camera from hand to hand as Drew explains. "They take a shot of the moment that you can keep forever and look back on." Darcio smiles at Kenna.

“Woahhhh!” Kenna says in awe looking at the camera. “I didn’t know things can do that!”

Drew ruffles Kenna’s hair. “Kenna just wait till we get you your phone. You think this is impressive? Wait till that.”

"We'll have to get her one of the fire proof ones." Darcio tapped his chin and pursed his lips as he thought.

Kenna giggles then hears Darcio and frowns slightly- thoughtfully rubbing against her neck bandages. ”... Ah... Right-”

“Hey hey hey.” Drew says and bends their knees a bit to look at Kenna eye level. “No need to think about that, okay?” Drew carefully and gently takes Kenna’s hands and moves them, holding them in their own. “You’re here now, okay? And we’ll help you all the way.” Drew pauses and looks at their hands, before looking back up. “But for now, let’s get you the rest you need okay? And celebrate, cause you took a step forward to your better future!”

"This is always a cause for celebration but I don't think you're ready for a full on party yet." Darcio smirked. "Maybe in a few days we can go to a nice restaurant but for now let's get you everything you need because you're here and you're amazing with how strong you are."

Kenna flushes and hides her face slightly in her shirt, “You guys are really too nice to me…”

Drew gently squeezes her hands before letting go and standing back up, putting their hands on their hips and grinning. “You deserve this kindness though! You honestly look like you’ve been through a lot, and while I won’t ask about it here, I can only imagine.” Drew turns to Darcio. “That nice restaurant sounds great by the way, like that idea.”

"Who can resist the call of a nice restaurant. With candles! And pasta!" Darcio's hand movements became larger and grander and it looked like the camera would go sailing soon. "One of the ones where they have a live jazz band playing softly in the background!"

Kenna looks surprised but excited, “Oh! No one’s ever taken me to a restaurant before! And what’s jazz!? It sounds cool!”

“Jazz is a type of music! In the music area it can be looked upon as kind of boring but it can really swing up and be super exciting to listen to. Not my overall favorite genre but it’s up there.” Drew explains as they adjust the cart.

Kenna’s eyes are so bright and she claps, “I’d love to listen to new music! That’s so rare for me!” She spins in place for a second, a great big grin on her face. “This place is so fantastic! There’s so many things to do and things to see and I know this isn’t even everything yet! So much more than back there-!”

Drew lets Kenna mention the little bits of her background, but enjoying her excitement. “Just wait till we have you all prepared and ready and we can explore more of the safe zone! You’ll love it so much.”

Kenna squeals and beams at Drew, her eyes even a bit misty. “This is... just a dream come true-”

"Well then onward to adventure!" Darcio crows while pointing forward towards a wall. A few employees nearby fondly shake their heads, used to Darcio bringing in others.

Drew watches Darcio point, and slowly brings a hand to their face. “We- We still have to pay for this first right?”

Kenna blinks and watches the two and looks down at all their goodies so far. “Can we pay for all this?”

Darcio whips out a gold credit card with a crooked grin. "Trust me. We can pay."

Drew stares at the credit card and a look of confusion crosses their face. “... Since when did you get rich???”

Kenna blinks more in confusion then leans in and whispers, “Are you a thief Darcio??”

Darcio blinks in confusion before buckling over in hysterical laughter so hard he can't breathe. "D-Drew! Kenna! It's my Mama's!" He wheezes before remembering Kenna's whispered question and breaks down again. "I have a semi steady income but I am by no means rich. Mama though works at a big name bank plus my family gets monthly payments for fostering and adopting orphans."

It doesn’t hit Drew until after Darcio finishes, and when it does it feels like a train hits them. “Oh my Heavens- of course it’s your Mom’s.” Drew grabs the cart and starts slowly pushing it towards the register, feeling like a complete idiot.

Kenna still looks confused by all these terms she doesn’t quite understand but she follows after Drew and giggles in a confused manner, “Oh- okay!”

Darcio winks at Kenna. "My Mama is paying today so don't worry Kenna. No thieving today." He pats Drew on the shoulder while trying to stifle random giggles as they approach a register.

Drew pushes it up and starts handing some of the items to the person behind the register and looks back to the other two. “I hope you don’t thieve period Darcio.” Drew says. “You too Kenna.” They add quickly.

Kenna blinks innocently and cocks her head, “I don’t think I’ve ever thieved! ....Thieving is bad right?”

Darcio gives Drew a look that missed innocent by a universe. "I would never Drew. Cross my heart and hope you never find out."

Drew gives Darcio a punch across his arm then crosses their own and looks at Kenna. “It is very bad, don’t do it. Even when I was a street-teen I never stole.”

Kenna giggles at Darcio until Drew hits him and looks down at her. Then she fidgets slightly, and plays with her hair, “-Oh- I... didn’t know.”

"It's ok Kenna. You know now." Darcio knocks his shoulder into Drew's before paying for Kenna's items and handing her the bag. "And you now have your own stuff!"

“Mm-hm.” Drew looks around the store before returning their gaze to the two of them, giving Darcio a quick glare. “Do you wanna change first before going on Kenna?”

“Oh I don’t wanna slow us down...” Kenna mumbles, now fidgeting with the bag straps. “It sounds like we still got a lot to do right?”

Darcio brushes a hand lightly through Kenna's hair with the experience of a sibling who's done it countless times. "We have time darling."

“Considering we’re in a safe zone too, yeah definitely.” Drew adds. “You wanna go hunting for a dressing room then?”

Kenna blushes and ducks down her head but eventually she nods shyly, holding the bag against her chest.

"That a way!" Darcio points before his expression blanks when he sees a sign saying Restrooms. He turns and points in the right direction. "I mean that way!"

“Darcio that’s my job to get directions mixed up.” Drew states before pushing the cart back to entrance, then making their way to the changing room.

Kenna giggles. “I’m so glad you guys are showing me around-” She quips with another innocent giggle.

"Soon enough we-" Darcio looks at Drew and away. "-I mean I will have you knowing every nook and cranny of the safe zone!"

“I will have you know I do know where stuff is! Just have trouble getting to it...” Drew admits quietly.

Kenna giggles again and pats Drew on the shoulder, “It’s okay, I don’t know where anything is!” When they get to the dressing rooms Kenna sprints over and finds any empty room and quickly goes in to change. After a few minutes her head pops out of the curtains shyly then she comes out in her new outfit and boots- gripping at the big poofy skirt and shyly looking at her tapping boots on the ground. “Um... does it look okay...?"

"You look amazing Kenna!!" Darcio gushed. He clapped his hands together excitedly as he looked Kenna up and down. "It suits you so much!"

Drew covers their mouth, but glee exudes from their visible eye. Well, at least, sympathetic glee. They look down to their side. ‘If only you were here to experience this with me.’ Drew looks back to Kenna, and without much thought runs over and gives Kenna a hug. “You look great Kenna, don’t doubt yourself for a second.”

Kenna’s face turns bright red and she short circuits for a second from the unexpected hug. But then she returns it and laughs, looking beyond happy and trying not to cry- “O-Okay-! Okay...”

Darcio let's a hand fall on Kenna's head to ruffle her hair. "Happiness looks good on you darling."

Drew lets go and let’s out a breath of relief. Drew smiles and stands back up, and puts their hands on their hips. “Let's add some more happiness, whaddya say Darcio?”

Kenna blinks as Drew lets go and cocks her head. Did she forget what they were doing next? ...Wouldn’t be out of character- she tends to forget stuff pretty easily- but she bounces on her toes excitedly, happy that with her feet bandages and in these boots she can hardly feel the pain anymore! “Oh what?!”

"Food of course! You always get food while shopping. And then..." Darcio grimaces. "The registration office's...."

“Oh Heavens I forgot about that.” Drew adds with a groan. “Yeah definitely food first. I can try and sneak off to get Kenna a phone later.” Drew reaches out a hand to Kenna for her to grab. “You wanna hold on or get another piggyback ride?”

Kenna’s shoulders get stiff at the mention of registration- and she gets a slight panicked look in her eyes, “Wait- registration...?” Her breathing starts to pick up. “No- no-! T-They could find me that way! They can’t know I’m here!!”

"Kenna even if they don't already know you're here they still wouldn't be able to do anything. This is the safe zone. They cant touch anyone in here." Darcio says with a small pained smile.

Drew grows a concerned look in their eye and stores Kenna’s words in their mind. “Yeah, I’m registered here last I checked. No bad guys have came after me.” ’Trust me, they would’ve by this point if that was the case.’ Drew adds mentally.

Kenna shakes her head and holds her hands against her chest. “I-I- t-they can do anything-” she whispers in fear. “They can go anywhere- they’ll find me!”

"Then they'll have to get through me then Kenna." Darcio declares. "If they want you it'll be through me."

“Yeah! I’ve tussled with enough officials in the past couple of years, they never stopped me. With us around, pffft! They won’t have a chance.” Drew comments.

Kenna still looks uneasy and scared. “...You two still barely know me... You- you don’t know who you’re trying to fight against... I barely know who I’m running from- I... I just know they’re powerful…” She hugs her arms and looks down at the floor, trying not to shake. On her hand, there’s a symbol that the others might recognize. The symbol of the bureau, branded and scarred against her deep tan skin.

"I've taken on a man who thought he was the new coming of the apocalypse and I'll take on anyone else who tries to get you." Darcio says stubbornly.

“Listen Kenna I barely may know who you are, but based on what I’ve heard you say you’re someone who managed to flee from people who are like the ones who tore my family apart and the ones I face when I go to free camps. They’re clearly an enemy to you so I’ll gladly help in defeating them. You don’t deserve to be hurt, no one +deserves to be hurt by them any more.” Drew spits. “I hate what humans have done to us Heterochromiacs. And if they think they can land a finger on you they’ll be dealing with us first and last.”

Kenna’s gaze is still on the ground, her fingers reaching to try to scratch at her bandages- but then her eyes harden and she nods, looking up at them. “...Alright... Okay...” She closes her eyes and sighs, taking a deep breath then gives them a tight smile. “Thanks guys...”

"The paperwork for killing a bunch of humans would be horrendous but anything for you darling." Darcio brushed imaginary dust off his skirt.

“As cruel as my attitude is towards them are I’m on a moral oath not to kill, so Darcio can do that part if he wishes. I’ll blind em though if they deserve it.” Drew adds with a wink. “And it’s no problem Kenna, again you’re like us. We stick together, trust us, you'll be safe.”

Kenna nods again. “I... I trust you...” She wipes a bit at her eyes then smiles widely, like nothing just happened- “Now, we were talking food?”

[angelicthor]

billion dollar man - part 3

pairing: tony stark x reader

summary:  after mounting bills and debt cause you to look at alternative means of making money, you’re thrown into a whole different kind of life when one of the most famous billionaires on the block offers to be your sugar daddy, of course in exchange for a different from of payment. non-superhero au.

warnings/genre: +18 only, sugarbaby/daddy relationship

masterlist | billion dollar man masterlist

You woke the next morning still in a state of disbelief, laying in bed as the events of the previous night replayed in your mind. Your thoughts of Tony were abruptly halted by the knock on your door and you remembered that you were having a delivery today with your outfit choices for the evening. Padding over to the door you were shocked to see not a delivery man but Wanda, your neighbour and best friend standing in front of you with her hand on her hip and her eyebrow arched at you, clearly annoyed about something.

“What the hell were you thinking?” She questioned instantly, only leaving you more confused as to what the hell she was talking about. Before you could open your mouth to respond she shoved her phone into your hands, storming past you and into your apartment.

Looking down at the phone, you saw that the app loaded was Babble Babe, more specifically the article from last night; the picture of you and Tony centred on the screen. How Wanda had figured out it was you from your back alone was beyond you but you knew she wouldn’t be happy – Wanda was there for everything after your messy split from your ex, consoling you when you seemed inconsolable to everyone else and you knew she was protective of you, you hadn’t factored in her response to you ‘dating’ Tony, the world’s most notorious womanizer, and with the pointed look she was giving you, you started to wish you had.

You knew better than to lie to Wanda, if she knew it was you then you just had to tell her the truth, the woman was like a mind reader, absolutely nothing got past her. It was honestly freaky sometimes how she could read people, no secret was safe around Wanda Maximoff. With a dejected sigh, you turned to her: “How the hell could you tell it was me?”

“Oh please, I’d recognise that ass anywhere! Plus, that’s the dress you wore for my birthday two months ago and I know for a fact you only wear it on special occasions, so I ask again: What the hell are you doing?”

You quirked a brow at your friend, eyes widening before you shook your head, deciding to ignore the fact that she could apparently pick your ass out of every other in New York and jump right to placating her growing annoyance. “Ok will you please calm down; it was just a date Wan.”

“A date? With Tony Stark?” She questioned incredulously, arms crossed over her chest in a defensive manner. You knew you were going to have to tell her the truth or she’d march down to Tony’s apartment herself to get the answers she wanted. The woman was persistent, you’d give her that.

“Just, promise me you won’t freak out ok? Just listen to everything I have to say before you start telling me how stupid this is and swear on your life not to tell anyone.”

Wanda’s defensive demeanour shifted lightly at your words, concern shining in her eyes as he nodded, not entirely sure what you were going to tell her. Walking past her you made your way over to the draw in your kitchen that had all your final notice bills in, the multitude of letters stacked neatly and tied together with an elastic band. Wanda took the bills from your hand, eyes widening as she flicked through them and saw just how bad your financial situation really was.

“Oh Y/N, I knew it was getting tough but I had no idea it was this bad,” Wanda’s expression changed to one of sympathy, hand resting on your arm as a sign of comfort, “But I still don’t understand what dating Tony has to do with this.”

“Well, see we’re not really dating. It’s an act, one that I’m getting paid good money for, he just needs to prove himself to his company’s chair board to be stable and a ‘relationship’ is one of the ways to do it.”

“So, he’s paying you to play make believe with him?” Wanda still had her doubts in all of this and it was understandable, the more you told her the more ridiculous it sounded.

“Pretty much, I promise I’m not actually dating Tony Stark. There are absolutely no romantic feelings involved in this Wanda, we’re just going to be friends if anything.” 

She definitely doesn’t need to know about the sex part of the arrangement, she’s struggling to accept this as it is.

You could see her pondering over everything you had told her, the gears turning in her head as she created a thousand and one ways this entire situation could go before she finally relented with a sigh; “Alright, alright. I promise my lips are sealed, just be careful ok?”

You let out a chuckle at her constant worry, pulling her in for a hug at her support, “I promise Wan, it’s not like I’m going to fall in love with Tony freakin’ Stark for God’s sake.”

The two of you dropped the discussion on your new means of earning money for the time being, deciding instead to have breakfast together before Wanda had to go to work at the floristry she owned in Brooklyn.

You were just sipping at the fresh cup of coffee you had made for yourself when another knock sounded at your door, only this time it wasn’t Wanda. A multitude of delivery men stood at your door carrying various boxes, bags, and dresses all in covers to protect them, every single thing they held had a designer name strapped across it that you could never even dream to afford and you stood staring at the men before you with your mouth agape, unable to comprehend just why Tony had got you so much.

“Miss Y/LN?” the voice of one of the delivery men snapped you out of your stupor and you nodded your head in conformation, “Where do you want us to put the bags Miss?”

Where indeed, they had more clothes on in their hands than you had in your wardrobe, you had no idea where you were going to store all of this. “Just, uh - the bedroom I guess?”

You lead them through your small apartment into your cramped bedroom and they placed everything Tony had gotten you on the floor and your bed, every surface seemingly covered in the poky room. Thanking the men as they left, you want back to your room to stare at the numerous bags and boxes that littered it, feeling like a child on Christmas morning opening their presents as you made your way through each one.

Tony really had bought you everything you could possibly need for tonight; Tiffany bags filled with stunning jewellery, Chanel bags brimming with make-up, Versace perfume that smelt heavenly, a selection of Louboutin boxes that held gorgeous shoes all in your size that fit perfectly, Tony had even had deliveries from Romanoff’s Delights with the most luxurious lingerie you had ever seen – how he knew your sizes was beyond you.

Rifling through the box of silken bras you found a note at the bottom: ‘Couldn’t help but think how good you’d look in these, Kitten. Feel free to wear them tonight, I’ll see you at 7:30. T x’ 

You couldn’t stop the amused smile spreading across your face at the note, shaking your head as a chuckle escaped you. You retrieved the card Tony gave you from your bedside table, punching the number into your phone and sending him a quick text.

        - How the hell do you know my bra size?

You didn’t have to wait long before your phone was lighting up with Tony’s response.

        - I have my ways, Sugar. Do you like them?

You couldn’t help but smirk as you wrote out your response, only able to imagine his reaction.

         -  They’re cute but I normally prefer lace.

You could have sworn his reply was even faster this time and you could picture his shit eating grin as you read over his words.

         - Lace huh? Kinky. I’ll have to remember that.

You put the phone down, moving to the dresses that were spread out over your bed, your amazement at the beautiful garments growing as you revealed each breath-taking design from the covers they were in. Each one fit you like a glove, accentuating some part of you and making you look better then you ever have before. These dresses were made to be worn by actual women, the lavish fabric cut and sown to adapt to the curves of the female body, unlike the cheap fabric that made up your other clothes that were designed to only look good on coat hangers.

You tried each dress on, admiring your reflection in the full-length mirror in the corner of your room and trying to decide which one you should wear tonight, not actually knowing anything about the event you would be going to. In the end, you decided to play it safe, choosing to stay classic and refined in the black number Tony had bought you; the material was unbelievably soft against your skin, the off-shoulder cut and fishtail trail giving you an effortless sense of elegance.

Once you finished playing dress-up, you put the other dresses in your closet, keeping them in their covers to protect the designer clothing. You tried to organise everything else Tony had bought you, as difficult a task as it was, you simply didn’t have much room to spare. Storing the smaller things like cosmetics and other luxury toiletries was easy, keeping them in your make-up bags and in the space available on your small, shabby vanity under the window but you had to keep the numerous shoes he had bought you in their boxes, stacking them in the corner of your room in an impressive tower.

You busied yourself tidying the apartment until it was time for you to get ready, heading towards your cramped bathroom with your new toiletries in hand. You filled the tub with water, examining the new bath oils Tony had provided you with, the regal styled bottle of Floris looking nearly too good to use and left you wondering just how much Tony had spent on you already. The soft scents of lime blossom and lily filled the room as the oil mixed with the running water and when your bath was just perfect your turned off the taps, stepping into the bath and easing into the warm water.

You relaxed in the tub until the water went cold, the oils making your skin feel soft under your fingers and you couldn’t wait to test out everything else Tony had bought for you. You dried yourself off and styled your hair, moving to do your make-up before slipping on your underwear; you took a moment to admire yourself glammed up in nothing but your luxury lingerie, hands roaming down your sides and over the material of your panties, noticing how similar your skin felt to the expensive silk and smiling at your reflection.

You slipped the dress on, smoothing the material down your body as it clung to you like a second skin, matching it with a pair of the Louboutin’s gifted to you before you took the necklace from the Tiffany’s box, clasping it around your neck and admiring the way the pearls alternated by diamonds wrapped around your throat. Your reflection was nearly unrecognisable, you were certain you had never seen as much money in your life like you were wearing at the current moment, you only hoped it would be enough to impress Tony because it was definitely an improvement to waiting tables.

Your phone pinged on your bedside table and you read the text from Tony, telling you that he was a few minutes out from your apartment. Gathering the Yves Saint Lauren clutch bag that completed the outfit and shoving your phone and other necessities into it, you gave yourself one last glance in the mirror to make sure everything was perfect before heading out the door, grateful to not run into Wanda on your way out and sparing yourself her concerned looks.

By the time you got downstairs to the entrance of your building, Happy was waiting by the door, giving you a small smile and nod of his head as greeting before leading you over to the car and opening the door for you, to which you thanked him before gracefully sliding into the backseat of the pricey car that you noticed was different to the one that brought you home the night before. Tony was already seated in the back, sipping on a glass a scotch from the mini bar to the side of him, his eyebrow raised as his gaze swept over you, his tongue poking out the lick at the amber liquid that stained his bottom lip.

“Well Gorgeous, money definitely suits you, that’s for sure.” Tony reached for the glass of bubbling champagne already poured, handing you the flute as his eyes continued to roam your body. “How are you feeling?”

You took a sip of the sparkling liquid, feeling it fizz on your tongue as you savoured the taste, “A little nervous but nothing I can’t handle. Do you think we’ll be convincing enough?”

Leaning back and resting his head against the back of his seat, Tony let his eyes slip closed as a chuckle escaped his lips, “Sweetheart, all I have to do to make this look convincing to the world is go in there and make it look like I want nothing more than to take you home – and with the way you look right now that isn’t going to be a challenge in the slightest.”

You rolled your eyes at his comment, unable to fight the smile playing at his lips as you heard the underlying compliment under everything he was saying: you look nice. You couldn’t help but admire just how good Tony looked in a suit; waistcoat visible from between his open jacket, the crisp white shirt a contrast to the all-black ensemble, the burgundy tie the only colour evident. The white strip of his handkerchief was barely peeking over his breast-pocket and you couldn’t deny how classy the man looked.

You both made idle chitchat as the car made its way towards the hotel and it struck you how easy you found it to talk to Tony, there was no awkward silences or forced conversations you could simply be around him. Maybe it was due to all the messages you exchanged before you released just who ‘iron man’ was or maybe it was just the fact that Tony was just someone who you could be around, you didn’t know nor did you dwell on the issue – it was a good sign that this arrangement would work and that’s all you needed to know.

Happy finally pulled up outside of the Plaza and the flashing of cameras could be seen even through the tinted glass of the car windows and a sudden wave of anxiety struck you; you had no idea how to act in these sort of formal events and you didn’t want to discredit Tony, not only that but you would effectively be meeting so many people who came from such a different background to you, what if they could see right through the fine clothes and jewellery and looked down on you?

Sensing your abrupt apprehension, Tony took your hand in his, thumb rubbing calming circles into the skin on the back, intense gaze willing you to look up at him; “Hey, it’ll be fine, ok? Don’t worry about it, just stick by my side and we’ll be golden.”

Your eyes met his, finding nothing but sincerity in his stare as your teeth nibbled on your bottom lip, a nervous habit you had, nodding your head in agreement. You didn’t miss the way Tony’s eyes followed the notion, his eyes becoming heavily lidded as his tongue peeked out to swipe over his lips before a smirk spread across them. The sight gave you a boost of confidence and your lips curled in a cheeky grin which only grew as Tony chuckled, muttering ‘trouble’ under his breath and lacing his fingers through yours.

The door to the car opened, Happy standing by waiting for you and Tony to exit and shutting the door behind you. The bright flashes from the photographers where blinding and the shouts from multiple reporters asking Tony a million and one questions about who you were and what was happening with Stark Industries was deafening. Pulling you closer to him by your waist, Tony whispered in your ear to just smile and ignore them, the both of you making your way to the front of the building and being escorted inside by a member of staff.

You breathed a sigh of relief when the doors closed behind you and the relentless questions were muted. Tony’s hand didn’t move from your waist as you were lead through the hotel and towards the charity dinner that was being held in the terrace room and you couldn’t find a single part of you that cared, if anything Tony’s signs of attraction towards you were welcome – you couldn’t deny you found the man alluring and you were most definitely looking forward to the afterparty he had planned for the both of you.

The room the charity ball was being held in was stunning, easily one of the most luxurious places you had the fortune of seeing, the room practically glowing golden under the lights of the chandeliers. There were tables dotted around the room, most already occupied, and in the centre, there was a dancefloor that already had a few patrons twirling elegantly on it. As Tony led you to what you assumed were your assigned seats, you couldn’t help but take in the beauty around you, the intricate architecture of the room was breath-taking and the people that filled it matched seamlessly; men dressed in perfectly styled suits, practically oozing class and style and the women were decorated in fine dresses, appearing to be dipped in the most precious jewels that sparkled under the low-light of the room.

Even with all the money Tony had spent on this outfit alone you still couldn’t help feeling out of place, as if they could see through the charade you were trying so desperately to put on: Tony could put you in the most expensive dresses in the world, it still wouldn’t change the fact that this wasn’t the company and lifestyle you were accustomed to.

Tony stopped in front of a table that already had a few taken seats, cocking an eyebrow at the group until they stopped talking and turned to you both; the gorgeous red-head’s eyes travelled over you and you couldn’t help but feel she was going to eat you alive, her expression unwavering as she picked you apart. The two men seated beside her seemed much more welcoming and you couldn’t help but think that you’d seen them before; a tall blonde with kind eyes and a trusting smile and his brunette friend with piercing blue eyes and a cheeky grin that made you melt a little inside.

“Guys, this is Y/N, my date. Y/N, this is Steve, Bucky, and Nat,” Tony introduced you to everyone as he pulled out your chair for, making sure you were comfortable before sitting down next to you.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Y/N,” the blond – Steve – said, pulling your hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to the back of it. Your eyes widened at the gesture, you didn’t even think anyone in the 21st century did that anymore.

Before you could take your hand back, it was already firmly clasped in Bucky’s; “A great pleasure Dollface, you look spectacular.” Bucky pulled your hand to his mouth, steel-blue eyes locked on yours as he pressed a kiss to the skin and you felt your face heat up at the action.

“Alright Barnes hands to yourself, this is my date unless you forgot.” Tony shot Bucky a look, his arm coming to wrap around your shoulder and pulling you into his side, a silent demand for Bucky to keep his charms to himself.

Barnes? Wait, as in James?

Your eyes flittered between Steve and Bucky before you put the pieces in place: “Wait, wait, wait; you’re James Barnes and Steve Rogers? As in Barnes and Rogers Attorneys? You guys are the best lawyers out there!”

Although you were slightly embarrassed by your fangirlish outburst nothing you had said wasn’t true. Barnes and Rogers were the best of the best and their clientele list only proved that fact – they were even the designated attorneys for Stark Industries if you remembered correctly.  Steve and Bucky’s eyebrows both shot up at your exclamation, not expecting to be recognised by one of Tony Starks dates.

“Uh, yeah that’s us. You’ve heard of our work?” Steve was still in shock, not knowing how to handle the sudden attention on him whereas Bucky seemed to be basking in it.

“Of course. I used some of your work as case studies at law school, it’s very impressive stuff.”

This caught all three’s attention; Steve still looking adorably shocked, Bucky leaning forward in his chair and even Nat – who had been pretty adamant on ignoring your presence up until now – arched a brow at you, a look of confusion washing over her features as her eyes darted over to Tony, trying to get a read on him.

“You’re a lawyer?” Bucky asked and you were sure that if his eyebrows got any higher they would be forever lost in his hairline.

You fumbled slightly at this question, were you technically a lawyer if you weren’t employed? More importantly, what exactly were you supposed to tell them?

“Uh y-yes. I’m just taking some time to myself before I jump into the field; I feel like I’ve spent every day of my life studying, I just want some time away before I dedicate myself to the job.” You glanced at Tony who was sipping on the champagne flute in his hands, he offered you a small nod and a smirk and you knew you were on the right track. You relaxed slightly at that, reaching forward for your own glass as you smiled at the people before you.

“So where exactly did you two meet?” You nearly choked on your drink at Natasha’s question but quickly saved yourself from sputtering like a fool.

“Yeah Stark,” Bucky gasped dramatically, clutching his hand to his chest in mock theatrics, “Have you been seeing other lawyers behind our backs? I thought what we had was special!”

You felt Tony stiffen beside you and panic began to set in, the two of you had gone over nearly everything - apart from a story to explain how the hell the two of you had met. Natasha squinted her eyes at you both and you could practically hear the gears whirring in Tony’s head to try and come up with something, anything!

Thinking fast you came up with a something simple and easy to remember in case you were asked again and hoped it would work, you knew the longer you stayed in silence the stranger It looked. “Tony bumped into me on the street one day and I dropped my coffee, he insisted he buy me a new one and we got talking and it led to him asking me on a date.”

You could see the tension leave Tony’s body as you gave the three of them a plausible explanation, his hand coming to rest on your thigh and giving it a squeeze that said what he currently couldn’t voice – thank you. Steve and Bucky seemed to buy it straight away but Natasha still seemed cautious, turning towards Tony and asking him directly, you wouldn’t be able to save him this time. “You brought her to this boring-ass charity event as a first date? This thing is going to drag on for hours.”

“I didn’t bring her here as a first date; our first date was last night,” Tony seemed to have regained his confidence after that little stumble and was currently the perfect picture of relaxation against his friends ruthless questioning; he was reclined against the back of the chair, his arm draped over the back of yours as he swirled his drink around his glass with the other.

His words, however, had all three sets of eyes staring at you both in complete astonishment. Tony had managed to stun Steve so much that his glass had stopped moving towards his lips, frozen in mid-air as he tried to process Tony’s words.

Bucky was the first to break out of whatever spell he was under, shaking his head and letting out a disbelieving chuckle; “I’m sorry – did you just say this was your second date?”

“Yep,” Tony popped the ‘p’, completely unfazed by his friends whereas you were more than confused at their response.

“Huh, I guess pigs really do fly. Tony Stark is on a second date,” Steve muttered under his breath before taking a big drink from his glass.

“You guys should really get used to seeing her face around here cause there’s going to be more dates too.” You turned to face Tony at his words and he offered you a sly smirk to which you could only respond with a shy smile.

The three of them decided to drop the subject, instead asking you about your life – Bucky and Steve particularly interested in your education. The evening seemed to be going smoothly but you still couldn’t shake the idea that Natasha did not like you one bit and you couldn’t help but be intimidated by her.

A few others joined the table, taking the attention of Bucky and Steve off you and you decided to try and forge a steadier footing with Nat, especially if you were going to be spending more time around Tony’s friends. Tony watched with a curious look as you moved to sit next to Nat, taking a shaky breath to steady your nerves, “So what do you do Nat?”

The red-head rolled her eyes at you, opening her mouth to speak but only being cut off by one of the newer guests at the table, Norman Osborn. “Natasha owns Romanoff’s delights, sexiest lingerie there is – I sure as hell won’t go near a bitch that isn’t in it,” Osborn chuckled, the sound as repulsive as its origins and you could see Nat’s jaw tick as her fists clenched on her lap.

Before she had a chance to retort, your temper got the best of you, your head snapping towards Osborn as your glare burned holes in his head; “I believe I asked Natasha. I suggest you keep your unwanted opinions to yourself,” The man began to snort indignantly as you spoke, seemingly offended at being called out by you, “I just hope to god you provide the girls you fuck with blindfolds cause they sure as hell need them to sleep with you.”

Osborn left in a flurry of mumbled curses, face bright red with mortification at being so publicly humiliated. As he retreated you suddenly became aware of what exactly you said, face burning hot in horror as you felt the stares of four sets of eyes on you, looking around the table you could see the same look of complete and utter shock mirrored on each face and you truly thought that it was all over for you.

That was until Bucky burst out laughing, tears streaming down his face with his mirth, Steve shaking his head as laughter escaped him too. Tony actually looked proud of you, his head tilting back as if he was appraising you, happy with the choice he had made. And Nat? Nat, for the first time since you had walked over to the table, was smiling at you, her green eyes shining with humour and her gaze once again swept over you – only this time it didn’t feel nearly as threatening, more like she was seeing you for the first time.

“Oh god, that was hilarious! Did you see his face?” Bucky had barley recovered from his uproar, eyes wiping away the stray tears.

“This one’s feisty Stark, you so sure you can handle her?” Steve joked, sending a wink your way as he smacked Bucky on the back, trying to calm his friend down.

Tony pressed a kiss to your temple, easing your building nerves as he gave you a reassuring smile, eyes not leaving yours as he answered Steve: “Nope, but I’m sure as hell gonna try.”

After your little outburst, Natasha’s attitude towards you completely changed, her hostility completely vanished and she welcomed you into her little group of friends, enthusiastically telling you about her work, gushing over her fiancé and her upcoming wedding and asking you questions about your own life. This time, however, she held a genuine interest and curiosity rather than probing for information to try and get a read on you. You found yourself relaxing around her and actual started enjoying her company – especially when she started telling you the most hilarious stories about Tony and the ridiculous situations he somehow got himself into.

You couldn’t help the raucous laughter that escaped when Nat told you about the time Tony had to run through a hotel with nothing but a napkin to cover his dignity to avoid paparazzi after a failed one-night stand, tears streaming down your cheeks at Nat’s recall of the memorable event and the red-head had to fan herself to try and keep composure, much to Tony’s chagrin but he was pleased you seemed to be mixing well with his friends, it was a promising sign.

Nat tried to stifle her giggles as she spotted a familiar figure make his way through the crowds, the smile that spread across her face the brightest you had seen on her all night and she practically glowed as she locked eyes with the man who you could only assume was the fiancé she had told you about. The man’s eyes that were focused on Nat as if she was the only person in the room, the burgundy suit he wore standing out amongst the sea of black and navy he was parting, and you noted how beautiful a couple they made.

“Hey beautiful, sorry I’m late traffic was crazy,” He ducked down, pressing a kiss to Nat’s ruby painted lips which she eagerly responded to.

Breaking away from the kiss, Nat introduced you to her fiancé, “Sam this is Y/N – Tony’s date. Y/N, this is my fiancé, Sam Wilson.”

Sam cast you a bright smile, enthusiastically taking your hand in his and shaking it; “Nice to meet you Y/N, thanks for keeping my girl company whilst I was held up.”

“It was no problem, she’s good fun to be around,” You and Nat shared a smile, something which caused Sam to raise an eyebrow to and he turned to Bucky and Steve quizzically.

“Ok, what’d I miss?”

Such a simple question spouted another round of laughs from the boys and you could only look bashful in response: “We’ll explain later, you want a drink?”

The boys and Nat left towards to the bar leaving you and Tony alone for the first time that night, his arm circled your shoulder pulling you into his chest as he pressed a kiss to your cheek. “How are you feeling?” He murmured into the sensitive skin of your neck before kissing it, teeth nipping it lightly, lips curling into a smirk as he heard you gasp, your hand shooting down to clutch at his thigh.

“Honestly? It’s going great, your friends are really nice,” You hummed as Tony’s beard scratched the column of your throat and it took everything within you to stop yourself from outright moaning at the sensation, “Do you think that little, uh, outburst is going to bother people?”

Tony’s chuckle tickled your skin and you couldn’t help squirming in his hold before he raised his head from where it was buried in your shoulder, turning you to softly kiss your lips as his hand sought out your own, entwining your fingers together and giving you a reassuring squeeze. “Trust me, that was the funniest thing that’s ever happened at one of these things and it sure as hell hasn’t put anyone off you, ‘specially not me. I told you; you’re trouble of the best possible kind. It’s refreshing, for all of us really.”

Not knowing what else to say, you opted to kiss him instead; your lips caressing his, eyes fluttering shut as his hand cupped your neck, tongues tangling in a languid dance, his hand slowly sliding up your thigh as your own hand buried itself in his thick hair. Your first kiss with Tony Stark and my god could you get used to the feeling of those lips on yours. The man had a talented tongue.

You had nearly forgotten you were in a very public place with a very noticeable figure and you definitely had forgotten that this was only your second date with said figure. You had no idea why you were so comfortable around Tony so early on: maybe it was his charms, maybe it was the fact that you knew it wasn’t exactly real, merely beneficial for both parties, either way, it didn’t matter.

The sound of someone shouting ‘Stark!’ pulled you out of your thoughts and you detached yourself from Tony, chest slightly heaving and a flush painting your cheeks as you noticed just how lost in the moment you were. Tony cleared his throat, swiping his hands through his hair to fix his tousled tresses and you knew he was as dazed as you, causing a swell of pride to grow inside you – it takes a lot to be able to fluster a playboy.

You both turned to the source of the shouts and you watched as Tony leapt from his seat, a grin on his face as you embraced the man in front of him in a strong hug, “Rhodes, God it’s good to see you. I didn’t know you were back, where’s Carol? How is everything?”

“It’s good to be back Tony, Carol’s flying back in a couple days; I came early to make sure everything was set. Everything’s going great man, business is good, life’s good. I can’t complain about a thing – who’s your friend?”

The man, Rhodes, was clearly a good friend of Tony’s – he was practically flying out of his chair to great him and Rhodes only responded with equal enthusiasm.

Tony turned to you, offering you a hand and helping you out of your seat, wrapping an arm around your waist as he made introductions; “Rhodey, this is Y/N Y/LN, my date. Y/N, this is James Rhodes, my best friend and former trouble-seeking companion, before he became boring of course.” 

Rhodey rolled his eyes at Tony good-naturedly and turned to you with a smile, speaking to you but aiming his words at Tony, “And by ‘becoming boring’ he means settling down, something he should be doing by now – it’s nice to meet you Y/N, good luck with this one, alright?”

You couldn’t help but giggle at the playful banter between the two of them, it was clear that they were good friends with the way that they dug into each other, something only people who are extremely comfortable with each other do.

You spent some time talking with Rhodey, learning more about his life and becoming increasingly impressed the more you heard about him; Rhodey used to be a Colonel in the US Airforce – which is where he met Tony in his weapons manufacturing days but since then had left to start his own business, using his expertise of aircraft to start his own airplane manufacturing company with his wife Carol Danvers, which was doing quite well in his own modest opinion.

Rhodey and Tony seemed thrilled to be back together again and Rhodey was only more than willing to tell you of all the ridiculous stunts Tony had pulled; between the stories Rhodey was telling you and what Nat had said you were beginning to wonder how he ever had time to actually invent anything for Stark Industries.

You and Tony spent some more time with Rhodey, his arm not once leaving your waist before another man caught Tony’s attention, this time Tony’s reaction was void of any excitement and he actually seemed nervous. Both you and Rhodey caught the shift in Tony’s demeanour and Rhodey decided to make his exit, telling you it was nice meeting you but he had yet to make his rounds around the room, patting Tony’s arm as he moved past him.

Studying Tony’s face, you noticed how his brow furrowed ever so slightly, his lips drawn tight in a grimace as he studied the older man laughing in a group a few tables away. His attention was solely on him and all traces of happiness he had at seeing his best friend again had vanished. You rested your head on his shoulder, reaching up to press a kiss to his cheek, your hand cradling his face and diverting his attention back to you. “You ok?” you whispered, not wanting anyone to overhear and draw attention to yourselves.

Tony blinked down at you as if he was coming out of a trance, offering you a forced smile that wasn’t fooling you for a second, “I’m fine it’s just - see the guy in with the beard and cigar?” You nodded your head, eyes drifting over to the man that had seized Tony’s attention, “That’s Obadiah Stane, he was one of dad’s business partners, he’s pretty much the only family I have left now. He’s trying his best to help me keep the company but, well, with my track record of recklessness there’s only so much he can do.”

It was obvious how much this all meant to Tony and you vowed to yourself to help him keep his company in any way you could; you’d keep up the charade of the loved-up couple as long as you needed to, “Hey, that’s why I’m here right? It’ll all be ok, the board will vote in your favour, it’s your company. You’re Tony fucking Stark, what would they do without you?”

Tony pulled you into him, his arms encasing your waist in a tight hug as he shot you a crooked smirk, “I just don’t want to let him down.” The words were so faint you may have missed them if you hadn’t been pressed flat against his chest. Your heart nearly broke at the vulnerability Tony was showing you right now, you knew for certain this wasn’t a common occurrence for him - Tony Stark wasn’t a man that easily trusted - but he already had to put a lot of faith in you just to suggest this relationship.

Not having the words to reassure him, you pressed your lips against his in a gentle kiss which he eagerly responded to before breaking away, resting his forehead against yours, “You know, you’re really good at that.”

Giggling, you shook your head at him, “Come on, let’s go say hello.”

Obadiah Stane was a strange man, there was just something about him that you didn’t trust. Whereas Nat didn’t instantly take to you, she was at least obvious about it, Obadiah on the other hand hid his disdain for you, although not that well. You could see the flash of contempt as his eyes roamed over you as Tony introduced you before he schooled his features into an overbearing grin. He was too enthusiastic with his greeting, his grin not faltering for a moment and you knew it was all fake, the man didn’t like you at all and you didn’t know why for the life of you. You would have thought you would have been over the moon at the prospect of Tony showing signs of stability like the board wanted. Apparently not.

You remained silent throughout their conversation and Obadiah made no attempt to even try and talk to you. He and Tony mainly talked business but you could feel the stress rolling off Tony in waves, his body rigid under your hands and you knew he found Obadiah petrifying, there was a seriousness between them that was none-existent with Tony’s other friends. Their talk was brief before Obadiah was moving on, rubbing elbows with other rich businessmen who had little cares other than the absurd amounts of money they had.

“Come on, let’s dance,” Tony led you to the dancefloor, twirling you into his arms before swaying elegantly across the room, the music from the band creating the perfect ambiance for the night. One hand was rested on his shoulder and the other was firmly clasped in his, his hand on your waist pulling you close to his body as you mirrored every step he made, your faces barely a breaths width apart; it was oddly intimate, no words exchanged between the two of you as you simply enjoyed the feeling of being pressed against each other.

You could still hear the gears turning in Tony’s head, his anxiety obvious after his encounter with Obadiah but you didn’t want to talk about him, not trusting him and not wanting to put those feelings on Tony, he was already weighed down with so much. So, you did what you thought was right, you distracted Tony the best way you knew; humour.

 These kinds of places were always full of snooty woman and patronising men and you took advantage of this, casting your eyes around the dancefloor for victims of your game, finding suitable couples and telling Tony your playful thoughts about them much to his amusement.

“See the guy that looks like the fat controller from Thomas the Tank engine dancing with Cruella De Vil?” You cast your eyes the couple stiffly dancing not too far from you, smirking to yourself as Tony subtly turned to see them.

His eyes found them and a cheeky grin spread across his face, biting down on his lower lip to try and stifle the chortle your comparison had brought out of him, not looking away from the short, round man and the tall, thin, woman draped in furs who were rigid in their movements across the dancefloor, heads held obnoxiously high as if they were too good for the present company, “What about them?”

“Bet they have sex as stiffly as they dance; I’m talking full on robotics in the bedroom, it’s not the bed that squeaks its Mr. Roboto and I guarantee her face doesn’t change from that bored as fuck expression the entire time.”

Tony could barely contain his boisterous laughter and you had to bury your face in his chest to muffle the sound of your own giggles, your body shaking with your laughter and you peeked up to see tears forming in the corners of his eyes, face turning red as he tried not to cause a scene.

“You’re unreal, you know that right?” Tony asked.

“Oh I’m very real Mr. Stark, I’m just unlike anyone you’ve ever met before,” You purred into his ear, lips grazing the shell with every words you spoke, the sultry tone of your voice causing Tony’s eyes to dilate with desire.

“Oh Gorgeous, I am really starting to see that,” Tony licked his lips as his eyes glided over yours, desperate to lean forward and close the small gap between you, “Do you want a drink?”

You nodded your head as Tony led you away from the dancefloor and towards the table where Nat, Sam, Steve, and Bucky were all situated, laughing amongst themselves whilst he went to the bar. They welcomed you back, all animosity that Nat previously held for you gone as if it was never there and she even gestured to the seat next to her for you to sit in as Tony got you your drinks. You were quickly pulled into the conversation they were having, Nat and Sam telling everyone about the engagement party they were planning, hands entwined the entire time, looking at each other as if they were the most incredible thing they had ever seen; it was obvious they were head over heels in love with each other.

Tony returned with your drinks, pressing a kiss to your forehead as he sat down next to you, the action not going unnoticed by the others who were still very stumped as to what exactly was going on with Tony; this was not typical Tony Stark behaviour, that was for sure. Nevertheless, no one mentioned it and the conversation continued, laughs being shared amongst everyone and you felt yourself relaxing amongst your new company; they were good people and you were enjoying yourself which is far more than you thought would happen tonight.

The night went on until you excused yourself to go to the bathroom, Nat jumping out of her seat to accompany you, her sudden excitement to head to the bathroom with you confused you but you let it slide – maybe she just wanted to make amends for how she treated you earlier.

Once you were finished, you excited the stall to find Nat checking the others to make sure that you two were actually alone in the room before she turned to you, arms crossed against her chest as a sly smirk curled her lips, “It’s been bugging me all night – you and Tony. But I think I finally have it figured out.”

You tried to fight the rising fear in you, there was no way she could possibly know the truth, right? You hadn’t once mentioned the situation between you and Tony, how the hell could she actual see it after one night? Dear God, how obvious had you been? You attempted to school your features into a look of confusion but you knew your eyes were wide, giving you the look of a dear caught in headlights.

“What do you mean? We’re just dating Nat,” You cursed yourself for the way your voice broke at the end but Natasha Romanoff was an frightening woman, there was no avoiding that fact, especially when she appeared to be aiming her efforts at you.

“But it’s not just dating, is it? You’ve got a special arrangement going on; I couldn’t figure it out at first, you’re not one of Stark’s typical dates – you know how to use a knife and fork for starters and you could actually hold a conversation about something other than nailcare – but I still couldn’t figure out what exactly was going on between you. Then it hit me, when he took you over to Obadiah, you’ve got a very specific purpose for him. You’re the girl that’s going to make Tony Stark look domesticated, tamed from his wild playboy days and seem capable enough to run his own business that is being threatened to be taken away from him. But you’re smart and he wouldn’t be able to string you along without you realising, which means you’re in on it too, and getting something out of it.”

“You’re not choosing to spend some time away from the job you worked so long to get, are you? You can’t actually find one, it’s a tough world and sometimes life just doesn’t work the way you want. Just tell me something though; how the hell did Tony Stark find his sugar baby?”

You were going to be sick. Physically sick.

No one was supposed to know and not even one night into this relationship you’d already been called out. There was no way you could deny it, Nat had everything figured out and you could only stand there gapping at her, struggling to form the words needed to explain yourself.

With a sigh, you ducked your head, trying to avoid Nat’s smug smile as she watched you try to worm your way out of the situation. “Online – there was a website I signed up for and we started talking,” You relented, words tinged with dejection.

Oh god, was she going to tell everyone?

“My god, there is literally a website for everything these days – that’s sure as hell not how I did it.”

Your head snapped up at her words. ‘Not how she did it’? Surely that didn’t mean what you thought it did.

“I- you- What?” You stammered out in the most inelegant fashion, chastising yourself in your head for sounding like a bumbling idiot.

Before Nat had a chance to answer you, the door to the bathroom opened and two giggling, clearly intoxicated girls tried to enter. Emphasis on tried.

Nat’s head snapped in their direction, barking “Out!” at them and watching them immediately turn on their heel and head towards another restroom in the hotel. Even you jumped at the severity of her voice but when she turned back to you she held nothing but humour in her expression.

“Of course, how did you think I met Sam?” She stated, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Maybe she thought everyone was as perceptive as she apparently was.

“Wait, so, you were Sam’s... sugar baby?” You were uncertain in your asking, praying to every God there was that you hadn’t somehow misread this whole situation and were making a complete fool of yourself.

Nat’s melodic laughter caught you off guard and you panicked thinking you really had got this whole thing wrong. “Oh no sweetness, I wasn’t the sugar baby – he was.”

Noticing your slack jaw, Natasha explained herself further, “I didn’t want to date but everyone else expected it of me – commitment wasn’t my forte and I had some severe trust issues – but I still had to come to these god-forsaken things and listen to people’s judgements of me. Appearances mean a lot in this world and the pressure was starting to get to me, and then I met Sam. He had just lost his job as an accountant and, well, you can’t live in New York for free. So, I propositioned him, I pay him a hefty salary to follow me everywhere and anywhere I needed him too. The whole world would think he was my boyfriend, getting every gossip monger out there off my back, and Sam wouldn’t be homeless. It was a win-win.”

“So, the engagement?”

“Oh no, that’s all real. God, I wouldn’t go as far as to fake a marriage. I guess one day it just wasn’t acting anymore, I genuinely loved him, he just became my person, you know? The one person you turn to for everything; all the good times and the bad, your shoulder to cry on and your body to hug in happiness. And I, unknowingly, became that for him. I knew the original deal wouldn’t work anymore now that I loved him, so I let him go, got him a job as an accountant at a good company and honestly, I never expected to see him again. But if Sam’s good at one thing, it’s his ability to always be able to surprise me. I let him go, but he was still always there for me. I guess that’s when the real thing began and now we’re here, ready to be together for the rest of our lives.”

By the time Nat had finished, she had a wistful smile on her face from remembering all the things she had shared with Sam and you couldn’t stop your own smile from lighting up your face as you heard the red-head gush about her fiancé.

“You’re not going to tell anyone about me and Tony, right Nat?” You were still unsure what Nat was going to do and you wrung your hands together as you awaited her answer.

“God no! I would never do that, I swear,” She moved towards you, placing her hands on your shoulders, “I just wanted you to know that I know what you’re going through, trust me when I say that this isn’t always going to be easy but if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

You heaved a sigh of relief, thanking the woman in front of you that had only known you for a few hours and yet was still showing you so much kindness. You’re first impression of her was wrong, that was for sure.

“Don’t worry about it. Honestly, I’m kinda glad to have you around, it’s a very testosterone filled environment and to say you make things interesting is an understatement,” Nat shot you a wink, clearly referring to your slight confrontation earlier.

You and Nat didn’t realise how long you had been in the restroom, time becoming lost to you both as Nat told you about the time her and Sam got a little reckless at a charity auction and had to walk out in front of everyone completely dishevelled as they were bidding off Jane Fonda’s leotard. Hearing about how Nat’s panties were clearly sticking out of Sam’s back pocket as they made their way down the centre aisle of the auction had you clutching your stomach in hysterics, Nat’s laughter just as boisterous.

“Worth it though, that boy has the finest ass, that’s for sure,” Nat quipped, causing another round of laughter from the pair of you.

It was only when a knock sounded on the door and you both turned to see Tony peeking his head into the room, his brow raised as he watched you and Nat laughing together, “Uh, Romanoff? Do you maybe think I can take my date back? You guys have been in here forever.”

“Gee, I don’t know Stark. I might want to keep her,” Nat hopped off the basin countertop she was sitting on, linking her arm through yours and walking towards the door where Tony stood, utterly perplexed at what he was seeing.

Nat stopped in front of Stark, detaching her arm from yours and leaving you with Tony, walking back to the table and Sam but not before calling over her shoulder, “I like this one, Stark. You better keep her around.”

You were certain you could have knocked Tony down with a feather with how stunned his was and you couldn’t help but giggle at him, he looked awfully adorable when he was baffled like this.

“Ok, were you eating her out in there or something?”

The seriousness of his absurd question caused you to choke on your, “What on God’s earth are you talking about Tony?”

“How the hell did you get Natasha Romanoff to like you after one night? It took her years to warm up to me!”

“I’m just a very likeable person Mr. Stark, I thought you knew that by now,” You grabbed Tony’s hand and starting walking backwards, pulling him along with you, “But if you want, I can show you how likeable I can be later.”

Shaking his head, Tony quickly closed the space between you, his arms snaking around your hips and pulling you flush to him, crashing his lips on yours in a breath-taking kiss, tongue dancing with yours before pulling away, nipping at your bottom lip as he did and a slight moan escaped you at the action.

“Believe me Gorgeous, I know just how likeable you are. Now come on,” Tony began walking through the crowds and towards the exit to which you furrowed your brows.

“Where are we going?”

“I’ve wanted to head straight to my apartment and skip this whole thing ever since I saw you tonight, we’re going back to mine - it’s time for your second interview Sugar, and something tells me you aren’t about to disappoint.”

a/n: i don’t have a tag list but if you want alerts please follow @angelicthorwrites and turn on notifications

[lockdownuk]

Lockdown Diary Part 9

A personal account during the lockdown in the UK due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

23/03/2020 8:30pm Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister, gives a live address to the nation to, effectively, put the country on lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus strain, Covid-19.

Many of us have been self-isolating for days but this latest development within the UK in reaction to the pandemic feels very serious and very scary. I decided to keep a simple diary and where better but online.

Day 241: Shit day at work. To cut a long story short, I could complete a task Sueanne gave to me and then I got it in the ear, including a snotty email ay 5:40pm. Pissed off.

Day 242: Had a meeting with Sueanne (our weekly 1-2-1 actually) and she was alright. I feel much better tonight. Last night I didn’t even have an appetitie - unheard of! Going to make up for that tonight, pie and loads of veg! A much better day. Ridiculously, I believe yesterday was all my own fault - I take work for granted sometimes and I let myself down by ignoring the urgency of a task just because it was Sueanne asking me to do it and she was a peer. She is now my boss, and I should respect that.

Day 243: So-so day at work. It’s strange how used to work I am after over six months on furlough. It’s been less than two months back but all the highs and lows amd frustrations are commonplace. Most importantly, it being Thursday, I cannot wait for tomorrow eveninga dn to kick back, drink and smoke. Spoke to dad this morning, he’s same as...that’s always good to know. Sugar levels have been a fucking roller coaster today, and it has really fucked me off! No salad at lunch due to them being so fucking high when I got back from my walk. It ended up being my tea. Sarted watching The Undoing...it’s OK. 

Day 244: Glad it is Friday. Just cooking a (very hot) chicken madras, cracked open my first beer. Gonna eat, drink, smoke and watch a good film.

Day 245: Gold was the film I watched last night, with Matthew McConaughey and it was a good choice. I then watch a Kevin Hart stand up show on Netflix...very Eddie Murphy, very funny. I did a 12 km walk today...fucking felt it in my legs. Walked the footpath from Stoke Doyle road to Benefield road for the first time. I liked it and it comes out between Lytham Park and Wakerley Close....I posted on FB about the fact that when I move to Oundle, Clifton Drive was the last street heading out of town. Saw Becks on the walk down Benefield road, She mentioned she’s tired of lockdown. I replied that I’m tired of the virus!

Day 246: Up at 1pm, nice long walk, ordered new slippers and waterproof jacket (my Craghopper is bust again).

Day 247: I screwed up at work today, went for a (ridiculously) late lunch right when I was meant to be at an online meeting that Sueanne had reminded me about in the morning. There’s mitigation but, when push comes to shove, I fucked up and now Sueanne’s on the warpath - one more slip up and it’ll be an offical disciplinary matter. 

Day 248: Suzanne wants me to troubleshoot a ticket she has in her queue, some database request for a Cork guy. It’s a test and it’s fucking me off.

I did testing for a network change tonight...8 till 11:15pm.

Elliot and Aaron cleaned the windows today. It was nice to see them.

Rita sent a couple of emails recently. Dad’s ear is all clear but Paul has got testicular cancer.

Day 249: New waterproof jacket arrived today. It’s very nice, bargain for £25 odd. Also picked up slippers from M&S food hall in Corby so, while over their, did a shop at Tesco’s...£109 mainly booze.

By the time I was back, I ended up doing my evening walk at 9.30pm!

Day 250: Leigh from Oundle Chronicle has got back to me. She (he?) has selected the photos that are going to be in the article and wants me to write a sentence on each - where they were taken and what inspited me to do so. Whether that means the stuff I wrote before is not going to be used, or not, I dunno! New slippers are OK and the new jacket is still impressing me.

Day 251: Typing on Day 252. Usual Friday, beers, meatballs, pizza, long chat with Fog. I should mention that, as we approach the end of Lockdown2 in England, Boris and his government have laid out a three tier structure for how the second lockdown will be eased. It’s caused confusion and consternation across the board. None of it affects me, still isolating like I was on day 1. Day 252: Totally forgot about my diary entry yesterday! Up at 1pm, nice long walk, nipped rong Elliots to pay for my windows, had a chat with him, Artron and Camilla - it’s so nice to socialise! Gonna make fish pie and supp a few ales. Day 253: The weekend is over way too quickly. It’s 7.30pm on Sunday as I type and I wish it wasn’t. I wish it was 7.30pm on Friday. Day 254: In a meeting, a working Zoom, with Andy Ashler in the US re: qfiniti, which Sueanne pissed me off about earlier in te day (RCI diary updated), but the meeting went well. I am desparately trying to buy an iPad on Black Monday. As usual with tech, I cannot make my mind up which to buy! Day 255: I haven’t bought an iPad....I’ll wait for the 10.2″ iPad to come down in price. I had more involvement with Andy Ashler and in the US with the Qfiniti project at work. I’m really enjoying it, it’s very technical...although I didn’t finish ‘til 6pm because of it. The Oundle Chronicle is out and an article about me and my pics is on the back page. Leigh, the editor, sent it to me electronically. It’s good. I am chuffed!  Day 256: I booked some holidays today, making sure that I didn’t include any days off in the week December 14-18 (SB’s off). So, this coming Friday (4th Dec), Next Weds-Fri and Monday 21st. I know I have only been back from Furlough a couple of months but I am more than ready for some kick-back time.  1-2-1 with SB today, it was a relaxed affair, most espcially becaus eof my success thus far with the Qfiniti project - that being said, I got pretty much nowhere with it today.  Ordered a couple of long sleeved Ts and a fleeced hoody from a shop called Doubletwo today, well cheap in the sale. I saw half a dozen joggers on the Milton Road blind bend tonight, oblivious to any other potential path user. I posted about it (in my own, sarcastic way) on the Oundle Chatter FB group. It was met how I’d expected plus some direct digs so I deleted it. Cowardly but, I figure, I don’t get my point across, the vast majority of joggers really don’t think they are doing anything wrong by bulldozing there way around town and, lastly, I couldn’t be bothered with the flak, and its tennis like back-and-forth!

Day 257: Got tomorrow off so worked late tying up loose ends, including the qfiniti project - fucking nuts really, making sure no one asks any questions of SB or the team, in terms of my work load, for just one day off! Still, just had tea, cracked open a beer and am watching Shaun of the Dead. Nice.

Day 258: The main thing I did today is walk. It was about 12km but felt much longer ‘cos it was wintry, pissing down, windy and slippery as fuck. And I really enjoyed it! Badge messaged me today to ask how I am and, in replying, I mentioned that I think I am becoming addicted to walking...it wasn’t a throwaway comment. Just cooked up a chilli (which I think I have ruined with a Knorr beef stock pot), and will tuck in with beers, smokes and telly. While it’s been a day off, this Friday evening will be as all others are at the moment, late, drunken and solitary fun - no doubt.

Day 259: Typing on day 260. That chilli last night was actually OK. Plus I ‘invented’ a meatball wrap - moving on from the TikTok ham and cheese wrap you fold into the toaster, I tried the same with meatballs but no fucking way could I fold it into the toaster slot (pissed up kitchen shenanigans), so I wrapped it in tin foil and heated it in the oven, Fucking delicious. I watched Shaun of the Dead. I think it’s the first time since its release and I couldn’t help thinking “zombies just aren’t like that [in real life]” Wtf?

Day 260: I was quite sensible (for a Saturday) last night, in bed by 2am, up at my alarm this morning, 10:30am. Nice long walk, taking in a new path up by Biggin Grange and took plenty of pics that turned out really good. Btw, posh lost yesterday at Portsmouth (with 2000 fans there) and they lost midweek and last weekend in the FA Cup to Chorley, at home. 

Day 261: It’s freezing today...actually 0 degrees. This house is so fucking cold, even with the heating on.

Day 262: Typing on day 263. Last day of work for 5 days. Beers are in order. And a sausage casserole. Day 263: I completely forgot to do a diary entry yesterday....concentrating on starting my work break off on the right foot, which I did. As a result, I didn’t get up until 1pm. So, to stop that sort of day wasting, no beers tonight. Just got back from a shop (£90 in Tesco’s), trying to sort out Romiley’s Christmas present, then something to eat (more sausage casserole) and a early, sober night.

Day 264: So, after abstinence last night, I was up before 11am and did a walk that included the track from Benefield Road to Monson Way past Park Wood. It was fucking hard work due to mud. I have lost coumd the amount of times I nearly slipped right over. Throw into that a hypo, the 12-13km walk was tough. Sorted out Romiley’s present (guitar stand, music stand and guitar exercises book). Took soime nice photos today as well which I’ve prepared and shared. No booze today/tonight either. Some break, a younger me would say!

Day 265: Friday, and I am typing with a beer, balti on the hob and I am just gonna choose a film and roll a single skinner. I am knackered. Up at 10am, cleaned the hall and stairs after a 10km walk. Also, I spoke with dad who is, as always, fine.

Time to make up for the last two sober nights.

Day 266: I am typing this on day 267. So drunk last night I left nearll a full can of beer and went to bed in my jogging bottoms and t-shirt. I have had a day off from any exercise at all which felt very odd. A few beers and watched Snatch. Day 267: While I was nowhere near drunk last night, due to sleeping in late (2pm) I was up ‘til 3am watching TikTok so today I struggled out of bed at just before 1pm. Watch the start of the season’s final GP (Verstappen won from pole and it was boring af), back on the exercising including a 9km walk. Back to work tomorrow which I feel totally conflicted about! Posh won yesterday at home to Rochdale (with the allowed 2000 fans) 4-1 including a 17 minute first half hatrick from Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Day 268: Back to work - Sueanne’s off and it’s the first day I’ve been at work with Jon in charge which involves a daily ‘SUMO’ (whatever that acronym stands for?) at 9.30am every day. I am still involved with te qfiniti upgrade project which seems to have taken a step backwards in the 3 days I had off, so I was working until gone 9.30pm! I have decided to do a quiz, hopefully for Christmas, whereby I don’t want the actual answers (to 25 particular questions, all with a common theme in the answer), merely an omitted question!  

Day 269: Stand Up Meeting Online. SUMO. Ian Bird told me. I might struggle with double Y for my quiz. Work was OK, more Qfiniti stuff. Posh drew away to MK 1-1. Posh were 0-1 up but Lincs lost at home. I can’t undertsand why that pleases me so....oh, yeah I can Steve Dee.

Day 270: Struggling to order Dad and Rita booze for Christmas without it being a Morrison’s delivery that I can do through Amazon Prime. That would be OK but it’s just a bit clinical! Meanwhile, now I am paying for Prime, and they are showing some Premiership games (for example, tonight I watched Liverpool v. Spurs (2-1), I really have to contact Sky - I am paying £71pm atm! Sam posted pic of her Christmas tree but mentioned how she’s finding it hard to get in the spirit - Paul has testicular cancer and the outlook is bleak - fuck know’s what she’s going through with all that, trying to shield Romiley from the worst without lying!

[thetokenmuggle]

Of French and Ice Cream

Sailor Moon Au : Part Two

“I can’t believe you all crashed my morning coffee date,” Jane huffed looking over at Minah, Tyler, Lucas and, sadly even, Tara and Enzo. “And I can't believe he actually bought you all coffee,” she grumbled as they stepped into Astor Academy.

“Well in my case I am going to assume that I am M’s favourite, other than you of course,” Tara said. Jane's nose scrunched up, she couldn’t even argue against that. Tara was everyone’s favourite, to be honest, many a time she had heard Luna wish she could stay with Tara instead. “And I offered to pay him back for mine,” she said with a frown.

“Maybe M felt guilty about the bad news he shared and realizes he made a stupid decision and is trying to win our forgiveness by giving us coffee,” Tyler snapped taking a sip of his coffee. “Honestly how M even made it to college with his bad decision making,” he continued ranting ignoring the way Jane was plotting his death. Jane took a deep breath in trying to stop herself from snapping, hearing Daehyung or Daniel as he was called now was in town was a bit of shock but if he didn’t shut up soon Jane would have no choice but smacking him across the back of the head.

“Tyler,” Minah warned, “Maybe you boyfriend, bless his heart, understands that going to school is an impossible task without a little caffeine,” Minah said. “Especially when you consider we have to deal with Lucas fangirls and worse - Tyler fangirls,” Minah said with a shudder. “Why would these girls do that to themselves,” she said shaking her head. “They could at least fangirl over Lucas and Enzo instead,” she said earning a glare from Tyler and a smirk from Enzo.

“Maybe M is just nice,” Lucas offered, Jane turned to face him, brows furrowed. “Just saying,” he muttered, shrinking into himself which admittedly was an impressive task given his height. Unlike Tyler’s reaction to hearing about Daehyung, Lucas was a ball of excitement about Eunha possibly coming to their school though he had become more subdued when they got closer to the school.

“Also notice that neither Lucas nor Tyler have been swarmed by their rabid fanbase yet,” Minah said, raising an eyebrow. “Do you think a miracle finally happened and they managed to grow some brain cells?” she asked sarcastically.

“Ha ha ha,” Tyler said with an eye roll.

“It's kinda true though,” Tara said with a frown. “No fangirls and none of the lovestruck fools that normally follow Minah either,” she said, causing Minah to scoff. “You’d think after a whole Summer of not seeing them in person they would be waiting for them to arrive,” she pointed out. “Also where are those girls who usually wait for Jane and Minah to show them how to style their uniform for the year?” she said. Jane and Minah looked over at each other and smirked, it was kinda fun seeing how everyone tried to recreate their style.

“Maybe Minah was right but an even bigger miracle happened and they went and got a life?” Enzo suggested.

“Too unrealistic,” Jane commented, shaking her head. “I bet it's an alien invasion,” Jane half-joked. She was enjoying just being a normal teenage girl who was just trying to figure out how to see her boyfriend but ever since that Asteroid had landed at the start of Summer, Jane (and Luna who hadn’t been able to shut up about it) had a feeling something bad was going to happen.

“Well, maybe we should see what that crowd is looking at?” Enzo said pointing to the staircase where everyone was standing around. Jane’s eyes narrowed as she looked over, spotting the majority of the senior year gathered around the stairs. She even spotted a few of Lucas’s more loyal fangirls.

The group moved over to the staircase, frowning as the sound of a guitar being strummed assaulted her ears. She couldn’t explain it but something about it just seemed weird. Like she knows it should sound nice but it was just off.

“Can anyone see anything?” she asked turning to her friends, Minah and Tara both shook their heads.

“It’s just some guy playing the guitar and a girl standing next to him,” Enzo said, sounding bored. “How boring,” he shrugged, stepping away from the crowd.

“And it’s not Eunha,” Lucas frowned in disappointment. Jane tried not to coo at how cute Lucas was, if Eunha did come to this school she better treat this boy right. “Honestly it’s nothing special,” Lucas shrugged. Jane frowned, she knew her classmates had a habit of idolizing their fellow peers but this was a little ridiculous.

Minah scoffed next to her, “This is so dumb,” she said with a scowl. “Come on let's go, I am not waiting here all day,” she said linking arms with Jane and Tara (who had grabbed onto Enzo not letting him escape this). “Lucas, Lee, let’s go,” she called as she moved forward, Jane was pretty sure she stepped on some people’s feet by accident, unlike Minah who may or may not have dropped her coffee on someone on purpose.

They stopped at the top of the stairs where the guitar boy and his friend stood. Guitar boy stopped playing while the girl looked extremely annoyed by their presence. “Excuse me,” the girl said in an obnoxious and potentially fake french accent.

“Maude no,” Guitar boy said, his eyes solely focused on Minah. Jane raised an eyebrow as this boy stepped forward, reaching out and grabbing Minah’s hand, bringing it up to his lips and kissing it.

“Julien,” Maude all but growled at the guitar boy. “What are you doing?” she asked glaring daggers at Minah. Jane moved forward just enough to shield her friends from this girl.

“Yeah what are you doing?” Tyler said, stepping in front of Minah, puffing his chest out to make him seem tough. “Keep your hands and lips to yourself,” he snapped. Jane rolled her eyes at this testosterone-induced staring contest, men, how tragic.

“Mind your business chipmunk,” Minah said elbowing Tyler.

“Don’t talk to him like that” The girl, Mauve?, snapped, racing over beside Tyler. “Are you okay?” she asked sweetly. Jane turned to Tara wondering if she had any idea what was actually happening but even she looked confused. “I’m Maude, do you need to go see a nurse, I can’t believe that girl you were only looking out for her… how ungrateful,” she continued as Tyler looked at her perplexed.

“I am fine?” he said, raising an eyebrow as the Maude girl leeched onto his arm.

Tyler was saved by the bell ringing and the entire student body pushing past in a rush to get to class leaving their group behind, the newcomers seemingly disappearing in the rush. “Well that was interesting,” Jane said as the six of them stood at the now-abandoned staircase.

“That’s a nice way of putting it,” Enzo said, Tara and Lucas nodded in agreement, all four of them looking over at Minah and Tyler curiously. “Well we have to get going,” he said nodding to Tara and Lucas, “good luck with those two,” he said gesturing to Tyler and Minah who were now bickering.

Jane groaned, “Lucas, your know how you are Tyler and Minah’s favourite?” Jane asked sweetly. “Maybe they would like it better if we swapped classes … just for today -” she said pouting. If Enzo wasn’t around she would have bought up the fact that Lucas was one of her sailor guardians who swore to protect just to make sure she got her way.

“I am not,” he started to say when a girl came running down the hallway cursing herself for being late. They watched said girl crash into Lucas, Jane winced feeling sympathetic for the girl, Lucas was like a wall. “Hey are you okay?” he asked, an arm wrapping around her to stop her from stumbling back. His eyes widened as he took in the girl, mouth hanging open.

“Oh i am fine, sorry,” The girl said, causing Jane, Tara, Minah and Tyler to turn and look at her. They all knew that voice, it was Eunha, well Emily as she apparently goes by now. Jane didn’t think it was a coincidence that she did end up going to the same school as them, just like them being in the same apartment as M wasn’t whether it be by design or fate.

“Why are we all staring at that girl?” Enzo whispered. Jane snapped out of her thoughts to see the girl shifting uncomfortably.

“I am just gonna,” she said as she wriggled out of Lucas' grip. ”Excuse me,” she said nodding before racing down the hall leaving a pouting Lucas in her wake.

“Well that - let’s just go to class,” Jane said with a frown. “We can figure out what is going on during lunch,” she said.

      ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

  Jane never imagined being the fifth wheel at their table despite being the only one of her friends who was actually in a relationship but here she was watching as Minah and Tyler both dealt with the school's newest students. Julien and Maude, two exchange students from France who in Jane’s oh so humble opinion had some of the worst french accents she had ever heard and she had heard a few.

She had zoned out halfway through this lunch, Tara and Lucas had stayed for a few minutes but after the Julien and Maude show decided that they had to catch up with their other friends and they would talk about Emily and Daniel later.

“I find it hard to believe someone as beautiful as you doesn’t have a boyfriend,” Julien commented looking at Minah with what could only be described as heart eyes. Minah hummed, looking down with the smallest smiles on her face. Jane raised an eyebrow, she had never seen Minah be affected by any guy flirting with her, especially not with such a basic line. If anything it was usually Minah flirting and reducing the boys to a puddle only to leave them because she wasn’t interested in anything serious.

“I can, she isn’t that pretty,” Maude said haughty, looking down her nose at Minah. Jane’s eyes narrowed a silent plea for the brunette to continue so she could punch her stupid face for saying such nonsense.

“Oh that is because she isn’t looking, we have a will they won’t they thing going on,” Tyler said glaring at Julien. Jane covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing. “Plus our dear Minah is dealing with some issues thanks to her ex,” he pretended to whisper before letting out a yowl. It didn’t take a genius to figure Minah had kicked him under the table.

“We have nothing going on,” Minah said, eyes narrowed.

“That’s not what you said last night,” Tyler shrugged, a cocky smirk on his face. Jane looked between the two of them not noticing the way both Julien and Maude looked practically murderous. “Why must you hide our love like this?” he said dramatically.

“I will end you,” Minah said through gritted teeth.

“I think we should go,” Julien said standing up, Maude followed suit. Jane felt a little sympathetic for the pair, mostly for Julien (if she was going to be completely honest.) having to witness this argument it was disturbing for her to watch she could imagine what it would be like to be an almost stranger watching along.

“Oh no don’t leave, especially not because of that fool,” she said reaching out to grab Julien's wrist. Jane raised an eyebrow at the way Maude seemed to fume, her eyes narrowed at Minah’s hand. “Or how about I come with you,” she said sweetly, eyes fluttering and a soft smile on her lips. Jane rolled her eyes knowing that Julien was a goner. The boy nodded, a dumb smile making its way onto his face and like that the pair had gone, walking off to the other side of the schoolyard. Maude had been completely forgotten.

“I am still going,” Maude said, eyes darting to Tyler hopefully.

“Okay see you in class,” Tyler shrugged before turning to Jane. “Can you believe her? What is Minah thinking?” he ranted. Jane once again had to cover her mouth to stop herself from laughing at Tyler’s complete dismissal of Maude. “What’s wrong with you? Why do you keep covering your mouth?” he said, sparing Jane an annoyed glance. “I swear everyone is losing their mind today,” he said shaking his head.

“Just a cough,” Jane lied. “And you say that like you are not included in the mind losing,” she said shaking her head. “Saying all that stuff to Minah, it’s like you have a death wish,” Jane commented.

“I am saving her from her own terrible taste,” Tyler shrugged. “Between Minah and Lucas, i swear i am going to be exhausted. Let's hope Enzo does his job and keeps fools around for Tara,” he grumbled, a determined flash behind his eyes.

“You could just, you know, mind your own business and not get involved,’ Jane said in a sing-song voice causing Tyler to roll his eyes.

“Clearly i can’t,” Tyler said simply, “Lucas wants to run into the mess that is Eunha and Minah is going around with Julien who by the way smells like dead roses,” he huffed.

“You were smelling him?” Jane asked, scrunching her nose up. “That’s a little weird,” she said looking at Tyler judgmentally.

“Tyler’s being weird again, nice to know somethings don’t change,” Lucas teased, making his presence known. Tyler rolled his eyes, flicking a crumb up at Lucas. “Did you really smell him?” he asked looking at Tyler curiously.

“Oh shush,” Tyler said with a huff. “You can’t judge me, mister. I've been following Eunha around like a sad little puppy dog,” he said, judgment clear in his voice.

“Her name is Emily now thank you very much,” Lucas corrected. “And i have not, I’ve been with the guys,” he said proudly before pouting. “Plus even if i did want to talk to Emily she has become friends with Mimi,” he said sitting down where Minah had been sitting. “Why is life so unfair?” he questioned.

“Oh stop being so dramatic,” Jane said. “Who cares if she is friends with a girl who doesn’t like you because you beat her high score at some silly Sailor V game,” Jane said, rolling her eyes at the whole situation. “I am sure one proper look at you and Eun- Emily will be in love,” Jane said patting his back. “And if she isn’t there are plenty of other girls who would love to be with you,” she added.

“Though your fan club as dwindled thanks to that new weirdo,” Tyler said with an eye roll. “You know I saw him making eyes at Eunha just before,” Tyler teased, smiling faintly.

“Please that boy only has a heart eyes for Minah, mon cheri ,” Jane said mockingly, Julien’s use of the French language irked Jane but to his credit, he did better than Maude who seemed to just make odd noises. “And if Lucas’s fan club has dwindled then yours must be non-existent now,” she said looking at Tyler who blanched at the thought.

“Look just because neither you nor your boyfriend are fan club worthy but -” Tyler started to speak but was cut off by the sound of an ice cream truck jingle. Jane’s brows furrowed together, she would never say no to ice cream on a hot day but they had never heard an ice cream truck around their school, well ever.

It was like everyone paused as the truck's song continued to play, “creepy,” Lucas muttered under his breath. The day got even stranger as the school gates opened allowing the truck to come in. Their principal was notably strict about what was and what wasn’t allowed in their schools, Jane can recall that one time Antoine tried to order a pizza at school - he was in detention for two months and had to work as a delivery driver for one of them.

Within the blink of an eye majority of the student body had surrounded the truck causing Jane to pout. She wanted to get an ice cream cone but with that line lunch would be over before even half of the crowd disappeared.

“You’d think they’d have never seen an ice cream van before,” Tyler murmured, face contorting into one of thinly veiled disgust. “How childish,” he said with an eye roll.

“Okay Mr I’m too cool for ice cream,” Jane said, watching as Tara and Minah made their way over. She raised an eyebrow last time she looked over at Tara was chatting away with her friends and Minah had disappeared with Julien, probably to find an empty classroom ‘to get to know each better’.

“Problems?” she asked as they arrived, the pair couldn’t look any different, Tara’s eyes were downcast and she chewed her lip while Minah stood with her hand on hip and annoyed huff escaping her lips.

“Apparently Julien really likes ice cream,” Minah said rolling her eyes. “As soon as he heard it he was all like i have to go excuse me and just disappeared on me, people do not disappear on me,” she ranted.

“Julien and the entire school,” Tara said, “Does anyone else find it weird how literally raced over?” she questioned.

“Everyone but us,” Lucas pointed out rather unhelpfully.

“Yeah, but at the same time it’s the first day of school, who doesn’t need a mid-afternoon pick me up?” Jane questioned, trying to squash the nerves in her stomach. This year was going to be normal, she was going to have a normal senior year dealing with normal girl problems. No negaverse. No Beryl. Just homework and boy problems ( not that she has those.)

“I know but everyone, I am pretty sure one of the girls in my grade is lactose intolerant,” Tara pointed out.

“Oh and Stephanie told me once she doesn’t eat ice cream because it ruins your skin so -” Lucas frowned. “But maybe it’s the first-day blue’s, I felt little nuts after Mr Warren’s class,” he added hopefully.

“Hey T, i got you an ice cream,” Tara’s friend Ara called out, tossing a wrapped ice cream at Tara before taking a bit of her soft serve and fainting.

“Ara,” Tara raced over to where Ara had just fallen, Tyler followed after her. While Minah and Jane shared a concerned look.

“Looks like the negatrash is back,” Lucas said looking around the schoolyard as students rapidly started to fall to the ground.

“Unfortunately,” Jane said with a frown. She couldn’t believe it though, she had beaten Metalia, the evil force had been defeated by the power of the silver crystal. It couldn’t be Enzo she thought, maybe Daehyun and Eunha? But why would they? Sungjae was a possibility, no one had seen or heard from since the rebirth and he was the most heavily influenced. Maybe he was calling the shots, somehow got Daehyun and Eunha to work for him. Regardless she needed to deal with the problem at hand. “Moon! Prism! Power,” she shouted to transform. Minah and Lucas had followed suit transforming into Sailor Venus and Sailor Jupiter respectively.

“Mimi,” They looked towards the van seeing Eunha crouching down next to her new friend. “What the hell did you do?” she shouted towards whoever was in the van. The only thing that could be heard was maniacal laughing and icy tentacle springing from inside the van. The tentacle wrapped around her waist holding her in place as it started to drain her energy.

Jane and Minah didn’t have time to react as Lucas raced forward. “Supreme Thunder!” he called out as a lightning bolt sprung from his crown at the tentacle creature. Eunha crumbled to the ground barely able to move. That ruled her out as a possible suspect.

The monster leapt out of the van, as expected it was as ugly as ever. A vaguely human esque blue creature with tentacles for arms, its eyes were shaped like snowflakes and its midsection was covered in what looked like sprinkles. The creature hissed at Lucas who was now standing protectively in front of Emily.

“Venus love chain,” Minah called out, her power whipping the monster causing it to swirl around to face herself and Jane.

“Hey Ugly,” Jane called out, causing the monster to turn around to see her and Minah. “Yeah you, I get that you aren’t from around here but this isn’t going to end well for you,” she said down at the monster in contempt. “I am Sailor Moon, the champion of justice and i say on the behalf of the moon, I shall right wrongs and triumph over evil and that means you,’ she said with her usual arm movements. By this point, she had her speech down a fine art.

The creature turned to hiss at her before lifting one of it tentacle arm up and aiming it directly at Jane. Jane watched in morbid curiosity as it opened revealing a slimy ball of what looked like at icecream. “Gross now icecream has been ruined for me forever,” she muttered. The ball of icecream grew bigger that closer it got to Jane, she leapt out of the way only to see Minah got caught in a ball of ice cream.

Despite the seriousness of the situation Jane had to stop herself from laughing because honestly, the image in front of her was hilarious. She couldn’t look for too long because the monster hadn’t forgotten about her and started to rapidly fire at her causing her to run and jump all over the yard. The one plus side with a Jane sized distraction the monster had forgotten all about Lucas who had moved to aid Minah who was less than happy about her situation.

“Can you give me a break,” Jane panted, she had to get back into her old Cardio program if she was going to be doing all this running again because right she was really struggling. The monster hissed, using one of its tentacles to reach and grab Jane. “Crap,” Jane snapped as she was hung upside down by the monster.

Jane struggled to fight her way out of it. “Mars fire ignite,” was heard before a fireball hit the tentacle causing Jane to be released with a thud.

“Everyone say thank you Sailor Mars, you have the best power,” Tyler boasted. He was served a piece of humble pie when the creature took aim at him, he just escaped. “Mercury a little help right now,” he said through gritted teeth.

“Oh i thought Sailor Mars could handle this since he has the best powers,” Tara called out from whatever she was, Jane spun around trying to figure out where exactly she was but had no luck. “Mercury Aqua Mist,” was heard before the whole school was covered in mist. Any chances she had of finding Tara was gone now all she could see was the ugly ice cream sundae in front of her.

Jane knew that this was her opportunity to finish that creature off. “Moon Tiara Magic,” she exclaimed, attacking the creature watching as it let out a pained screech and turning into a vapour leaving nothing but what looked like a card. That was new. Jane stepped forward tentatively picking the card up. It was empty except for a border. She hummed pocketing it, she would show Luna it when she got home. Maybe she had an idea of what it meant.

She knew soon the rest of the school would be waking up and if it was anything like when Shitennou attacked they would have no memory of what happened at all, it was as weird as it was annoying. Luna had tried to explain why it happens to her once but Jane at the time didn’t really care and now she was too afraid to ask knowing that she will get a scolding from her moon guardian.

“I am never eating ice cream again,” Minah said shivering, “That was disgusting,” she whined. Jane looked at her sympathetically as they began to de-transform. “So much for a normal life huh,” she said somewhat bitterly. “Let’s just go to class before the rest of the masses wake up,” she huffed.

“I thought you look pretty…. Cool,” Tyler said chuckling causing everyone but Lucas who was moving an unconscious Emily into a more comfortable position. What a gentleman. “Hey it’s not my fault she looked pretty sweet, too bad Julien wasn’t around i am sure he’d tell Minah she looked yummy,” he continued.

“Oh that is it,” Minah said smacking his side causing Tyler’s eyes to widen. “I’ve had enough of you today,” she said as Tyler raced away, Minah following after him threatening to cause him serious harm.

“Do you think it’s the negaverse again?’ Tara asked quietly. “Should i be keeping an eye on Enzo?”

“I don’t know,” Jane sighed, that was her answer to both questions. She didn’t know what was going on anymore but Minah was right their hopes of a normal year were dashed.

[hellfirenacht]

Can’t Be Unseen Chapter 4

Sal Fisher x Reader

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

AO3

Chapter Summary: You attend a holiday party and you consider abandoning ship.

The week leading up to the party at Sal’s place wasn’t anything exciting. You spent most of it either catching up on your sleep or hanging out in the basement with Larry, Sal, and whoever else was around at the time. It wasn’t exciting, but it was normal which is all you could have hoped for after everything that happened. Sure, you still found yourself harboring feelings for your friend but it was more tolerable now. You still held yourself back from flirting too hard for him, but when anyone else was around it was a lot easier. 

“Hey, your dad need any decorations for the party?” you asked one evening as you all huddled around the tv, none of you paying much attention. “My parents have so many Christmas decorations they don’t have room to put out, I’m sure they’d be happy to lend it to someone else.” 

“I’ve never seen anyone act more like a cheesy holiday special like your parents.” Larry said, shoving some popcorn in his mouth. “It’s almost creepy how much they try to push the holiday spirit.” 

You just shrugged. “They met and fell in love during the holidays, so they really are the living embodiment of every bad holiday rom com.” 

“Got any decorations that aren’t strictly Christmas?” Sal asked. “Dad’s trying to be more inclusive.” 

“Oh yeah, we got tons of general winter stuff. Plus my uncle’s wife is Jewish, so we have an alarming number of dreidels and star of David’s for a house that doesn’t even go to church. Larry stop hogging the popcorn!” you scold, pulling the half-eaten bowl away from your friend. 

“Come on, I’m hungry!” he pouted. 

“You’re stoned.” Sal corrected. 

“Puff puff pass includes more than the joint, Larry. You gotta share the snacks, too.” you laughed at him and threw an unpopped kernel at him. 

“It’d actually be helpful if you could bring some decorations.” Sal said, pushing some popcorn under his mask. “I love my dad but he’s really bad at this kind of thing. I think it was actually Lisa’s idea.” 

“Yeah, my mom’s been doing the decorating for Addison Apartments for about 10 years now.” Larry chimed in. “Sometimes they give her a budget for it, but most of the time she’d had to reuse old stuff that’s fallen apart.” 

“My parents go wild for post-holiday sales so we should have some sturdy things lying around. I’ll see what I can dig up.”

...

LarryFace: who else is coming to the party?

SallyFace: us, Ashley and her new girlfriend, Todd, Neil, Chug, Maple, your mom uh...

LarryFace: that’s a lot of highschoolers for a holiday party your dad wants to throw

SallyFace: yeah but I think its cause he wants me to be a normal teen and have a normal party for once. I didn’t even start celebrating my birthday until I moved here

LarryFace: wait really? I had no idea. 

SallyFace: yeah theres also a chance hes using this as a way to fake a surprise party for me

LarryFace: SallyFace is gonna finally be 18, i’m so proud. No more having to lie on porn sites that youre an adult!

SallyFace: ha ha and did I mention ha? 

...

You spend most of Friday digging through the large tubs of old decorations that your parents hadn’t put out, picking out what would be the best and easiest to bring upstairs to Sal’s place. You couldn’t help but shake your head, when it came to winter decorations, your parents were borderline hoarders. Really, you were doing them a solid by going through all this stuff and throwing out broken decorations or unsafe looking Christmas lights. 

The past 3 years that you lived in the apartments, come winter time you always knew which window was yours when looking outside the building. Your parents always insisted on some sort of light up winter decoration, as they didn’t have a house to fully blow the power out on every December. It was one of the few things you humored them on. You didn’t want your own personal tree in your room, but you could live with a snowman waving out at anyone who happened to be on the street. 

After filling a small tub with enough decorations, you looked at the clock and cursed to yourself. It was already 4 pm and you told Sal that you’d be their early to help set up! That didn’t give you much time to get ready. 

You rushed through your routine of getting ready, changing into your favorite comfortable outfit and topping it with a Santa hat to keep it festive. Despite the rush job, you had to admit to yourself that you looked pretty damn good. It had been a while since you had dressed up for yourself, without worrying about wanting to impress anyone. This was you, and you liked it. 

Shoving keys in your pocket, you ran to the fridge and pulled out two bottles of apple cider that your parents had bought. 

Have fun at your party! We’ll be out late recreating the first night we met!

Which you decided to translate to “gone boning for the weekend, don’t die”. Gross, but at least you go the place to yourself for the next few days. 

With everything in hand, you finally made your way to the elevator and towards the Fisher apartment. Henry was the one to open the door and let you in, thanking you for lending him the decorations. 

“These are from my parents.” you added, handing over the bottles of cider. 

“Alright, now it’s a rager!” Larry laughed from the kitchen while his mom laughed. Looks like they came here early as well to help out. From where you stood, you could see that Larry was also wearing a Santa hat with the word ‘naughty’ on it. 

“Do you want to give me a hand with the decorations?” Lisa asked, still managing to be in work mode even on her day off. “I’m sure we can make this place look real special for tonight.” 

“Is anything special specifically happening?” Asked Sal, his head facing your direction. 

“Nope, it’s just a nice little holiday party for our sons and their friends.” Lisa replied. 

“So I should ignore the cake that my dad brought home and is hiding somewhere?” Sal asked with a small laugh. 

“You sure should if you don’t want to be smacked with a broom.” Lisa scolded playfully. 

“She’ll do it too, dude.” chimed in Larry. 

Sal held his hands up in defeat. “I understand, this is just a regular holiday party that just happens to fall very close to my actual birthday and the fact that you had me invite all of my friends and none of yours it just a coincidence.” 

“Now you’re getting it, son!” Henry laughed. 

With your decorations, Lisa’s eye for making things work, and Larry’s tallness, by the time 6 rolled around, the apartment looked awesome. There were strands of lights hanging all around, food on the counter and table, and Larry was setting up a tape deck to play music. From the corner of your eye you saw Larry remove a green and red tape and Sal putting in an older more beat up tape. They pressed play and you were a little surprised to hear generic holiday music play. Larry caught you eye and gave you a wink that made you feel like something was gonna happen later. 

Todd and Neil were the first to arrive, not surprising as Todd lived in the building as well. You and Neil had English together but had never really talked before, but Todd was really happy with him and that’s all that mattered. 

Ashley arrived next with her new girlfriend, Jamie. She was pretty cute and bubbly and excited to meet and talk to everyone. You swear that when it was your turn to talk that you went through five different topics in three minutes before the bounced to the next person. Jamie sure was energetic, but she’d always bounce back to Ashley to give her a kiss on the cheek or check on her. It was too damn adorable really. 

The arrival of Chug and Maple surprised everyone. They showed up late, citing that he’d been waiting for Maple to arrive, but that wasn’t what surprised everyone. What was surprising was him and Maple holding hands as they walked in. 

“We’ve been dating for a few weeks,” explained Maple. “I just didn’t wanna make it public until I thought it was solid.” 

You were happy for the two of them, but you were starting to see a pattern with the guest list. Was this a holiday party or a Valentines party? You found yourself glancing at Lisa who leaned over to give Henry a quick peck on the cheek before moving some chairs around. 

“They also made it official with us right after Thanksgiving.” Sal said, watching his dad and Lisa. “I’m really happy for them.” 

“Yeah, me and Sal have a master plan to make them get married so that we can be one big family.” Larry explained. “Total Parent Trap material.” 

“Seems more like an It Takes Two to me.” you offered up. 

“So Sal,” Larry said, looking around the party. “Why didn’t you tell me that this was a hook-up party? Looks like everyone brought a date but us.” 

Sal shrugged. “I didn’t really plan for it to be, looks like everyone just got together at once.” 

Larry suddenly slung his arm around your shoulder. “Well if that’s the case then I call dibs on this one.” 

You couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “Do I get a say in this at all? Come on Larry, at least pretend to romance me.”

“You’re hot, lets date.” Larry replied, and you couldn’t help but fake a swoon. 

“I’m won over instantly. I’m changing all my relationship statuses to ‘taken’. You are clearly my soulmate.” The three of you couldn’t stop laughing. 

“Wait, that means I’m the only one here without a date at my own not-birthday party.” Sal suddenly realized. 

“Sounds like a bad song from the 50’s.” 

“At least I still have Gizmo?” Sal replied half-heartedly. 

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that, dude.” Larry said looking over at Todd and Neil where Gizmo was enjoying the attention from the two of them. 

“He only loves you for your pets and food!” Sal called over to them in fake hurt. 

“Tough break, Sal.” you said. “But hes’ got the right idea. I’m also hungry and constantly wanting attention.”

“On it!” Larry said, removing his arm from around you and running off towards the kitchen. You were confused for a moment, looking at Sal questioningly. He just shrugged, and a moment later, Larry was back with a plate of food in one hand as his other draped back around your shoulder. 

“Food? Check. Attention? Check.” Larry said with a smile. “I’m totally nailing this boyfriend thing.”

You snorted. “Boyfriend already? It just seems like five minutes ago you asked me on our first date. Oh where has the time gone?” 

“It was more like three minutes ago.” Sal replied, stealing a cookie from the plate in Larry’s hand. You followed his lead and shoved one in your mouth as well. 

“Details, man, details.” 

As the night continued on, Larry didn’t let up on the whole ‘boyfriend’ act. It was a little confusing but you found yourself not completely minding the attention. He kept his arm around you, called you really stupid pet names and always made sure that there was food on your plate. You had to admit for a moment that it felt nice to have someone else putting in the effort for once. You were usually the one to pay attention to the little details, to move things forward, to think of things that you and a possible significant other to do together but to have someone do the same in return? It just felt nice. 

So nice that you continued playing along, and with you on board did Larry crank it up to eleven. It even started to feel more like a challenge- who could out-date the other one? He called you a pet name? You threw an over the top compliment back. Larry got you more food? You hand fed him from the plate. It was absolutely disgusting, and you were loving every minute of it. 

Of course, every relationship has its ups and downs. Larry complimented Sal on his ugly holiday sweater by calling it ‘the sexiest thing he’d ever seen’ and it was only logical that you faked offence and dumped him on the spot. Heartbroken, Larry had no choice but to try and rebound with Sal, who was having absolutely none of this nonsense. However, when you were done with your soda, you realized the error of your ways and begged him to take you back and also please get you another drink. 

Before the end of the night, you and Larry would have broken up 3 times, gotten engaged, called off a wedding, and had announced that you two were going to elope. It was all very stupid and very dramatic. 

But before that, it was time for the cake to be brought in. Lisa cut the lights and Henry walked in with a large cake with two candles that had 18 on them. 

“Happy birthday, Sal!” Henry said to his son, and Sal shook his head a bit. 

“Wow, what a surprise that I did not see coming. At all. I’m super surprised!” Sal said with a slight laugh in his voice. 

Larry was the first to start singing Happy Birthday, and it was only when everyone was done that everyone realized that maybe this wasn’t the most well thought-out plan. 

Sal, taking it in stride, took a deep breath and blew.

Of course, nothing happened as he was still wearing his prosthetic which blocked his mouth. 

“Oh, maybe we could-” started Lisa, when she was interrupted by a sudden change of music. The pleasant generic holiday songs suddenly swapped over to what you think was a heavy metal cover of Jingle Bell Rock. 

Larry jumped up and moved away starting to thrash his head back and forth. Sal took the moment of confusion to unstrap the bottom of his prosthetic and blow out the candles before strapping it back on. He was next to get up and run over to Larry and start headbanging. 

You suddenly remembered seeing Larry and Sal switch the tape earlier. You wondered if they planned on this during the cake or it if it was just a coincidence. It didn’t matter much though as Ashley and Chug also got up and joined the headbanging, Jamie was quick to follow. You looked over at Todd and Neil who shrugged, Todd setting his glasses carefully on the table and also joining in. 

There was no way that Lisa and Henry had intended a yuletide holiday mini-pit for Sal’s birthday, but there they were. It was quite the site to see all these high schoolers banging their heads in their ugly sweaters and Santa hats for three minutes straight. Lisa quickly pulled out a camera and took a snapshot of everyone which was bound to be blurry with all the movement but it was okay. 

At some point during the song your Santa hat flew off, but you didn’t care. The rush of adrenaline spending this moment with your friends was enough. When the song ended, it abruptly went back to the soothing holiday music from before. Larry and Sal were laughing hard and high fiving each other. 

“And how long had you been planning that?” asked Lisa. 

“Ab... about two days.” laughed Larry. 

“We didn’t plan on it happening during the cake, just kinda happened that way.” added Sal. “Couldn’t have picked a better time though.” 

“At least you guys didn’t knock anything over.” Henry said with an amused smile. “Was everyone in on it?” 

“Nope, just us. Having everyone join was just an added bonus.” Larry reached down and handed you back a Santa hat. You noticed that his had been flung off as well. 

Lisa cut the cake for everyone and Henry pulled out a gift for Sal- a vinyl copy of Sanitys Fall first single. You felt a little bad that you hadn’t brought anything for Sal, but considering no one else had known that this was a surprise party (well, except the birthday boy, ironically) it was okay. You mentally made a note to get him something or do something special for him later. 

Cake time was filled with small talk and a relaxed atmosphere. Larry fed you a bite of cake, but in typical fashion it looked like he was trying to shove half a slice in your mouth instead. It took you a good minute to finally chew it up, followed by a few huge gulps of your drink. The whole thing was dumb, but it was all in good fun. 

Once everyone had their fill of cake, Henry announced that it was movie time and everyone else wondered back to the sitting area. 

Larry sat next to you on the couch, his arm wrapping around your waist. Even though the night had been filled with playful teasing and flirting, there was something about having him so close in the dimly lit room that felt a little more... intimate. Every flirt and touch tonight had been something of a joke for everyone’s enjoyment, a good goof to make everyone else laugh. Not this though, in the light of the tv that Henry was setting up, it was a gesture for just the two of you. 

Your hips were pressed against Larry’s, and his arm was around your waist and it felt like something a real couple should be doing. You looked around to confirm it; Chug had his arm around Maples shoulders on the other side of the room and Todd was holding hands with Neil. Your heart was starting to beat faster and you felt your face heating up, suddenly glad that it was dark in the apartment. 

This really wasn’t like you, to get so flustered. You were used to being in control of situations like this, but Larry had suddenly thrown you off your game. He had created a tension between you two and you could tell that he was feeling it too, whatever it was. 

The best way to take back the situation, you decided, was to just lean into it. Enjoy the attention from your (admittedly) attractive friend and for the next 45 minutes, just pretend that this on-going gag between the two of you was real. Maybe it’d even distract you from your lingering feelings for-

Sal plopped next to you on the couch. Ah, yes, of course, why would anything be easy? Nope, you were going to ignore the blue haired boy next to you and watch this cheesy holiday special, and not think about how last week he held you while you cried. 

Ah, fuck. This was gonna be a very long hour, wasn’t it? 

The first few minutes were a slog to get through, as you mind wouldn’t let you focus on anything but the two boys who you were sitting between. It got easier as the plot picked up though, soon you found yourself able to focus all of your attention to the television. At least until you felt something heavy press against your shoulder. 

Prosthetic slightly askew, the side of Sal’s head was pressing limply against you. Sal was completely conked out against your shoulder and you had no idea what to do. As much as you had joked about wanting to be between these two boys, this wasn’t exactly what you had in mind. 

You glanced at Larry, hoping that he could help you out, but he was engrossed in the movie, not paying any attention to the fact that his best friend had fallen asleep on his fake-girlfriend. Looking at Sal, you considered nudging him awake, but remembering how hard it was for him to fall asleep most nights anyway stopped you. Who were you to prevent him from getting some much needed sleep? He was probably still messed up from some of the all-nighters during testing. 

The thumping in your chest felt so loud as if everyone should be able to hear it. Even worse, you couldn’t tell if your heart was pounding for Sal or Larry. You still liked Sal, that much was true. Getting over Sal was a slow process, some days you’d be okay with just his friendship but some days you still found yourself daydreaming about being more. Shutting down those feelings were never easy, but they were necessary. 

With Larry it was always an easy friendship, and you had to admit that you found the greasy stoner look more attractive than you should have. Plus the attention he had been giving you all night had been so nice. 

What did that really mean? Yes, the attention was nice but was it nice because it came from Larry or would you be feeling this way about anyone who paid attention to you right now? You tried to imagine someone else in Larry’s place. Chug? It didn’t feel right with Chug but that felt more because you didn’t feel comfortable daydreaming about anyone with a significant other. 

Damn, that was almost everyone in your friend group by this point. Why did this have to be so confusing? On top of all that, you didn’t even know what was going through Larry’s head right now. As far as you knew, this was still just part of the joke and you were now the punchline. 

Something warm snapped you back into reality, making your head spin. Larry’s thumb was rubbing small circles on your hip idly, sending small sparks up your spine. Now he was just playing dirty at a game you weren’t sure you knew all the rules to. 

Between the two boys who you found very attractive it was starting to get very warm in more ways than you wanted to admit. You were going to need a long shower after this, and you weren’t sure if it was going to be a warm or cold one at this point. 

Your mind continued to wrestle with itself for the rest of the movie until the end credits rolled. Larry got up without a beat and announced that he needed to use the bathroom, leaving you to deal with the still passed out birthday boy on your shoulder. A few months ago you would have been thrilled to be his pillow and let him sleep for as long as he wanted, but now it felt wrong to have him so close. 

“Sal, you’re drooling on me.” You said quietly, nudging him awake. Sal sat up, taking a moment to remember what was going on before adjusting his prosthetic. 

“Ah, sorry about that.” he said. 

“No worried, I’m gonna go help Lisa and Henry clean up.” you told him before quickly moving to the kitchen where the two adults were putting away food and taking down some of the decorations that you had lent. 

“Thanks again for the decorations and helping set up.” Henry said before waving goodbye to Chug and Maple who were headed out. 

“It’s no problem. Like I said, my parents love the holidays. Half this stuff wasn’t gonna get put up at our place anyway. 

As the rest of the guests filled out it was just you, the boys, and the adults left to clean up the party. It was quiet, but not uncomfortably so between the five of you. You were looking forward to going back to your place and having some quiet time away from boys. 

“I think that’s the last of your decorations.” Lisa said, setting the box on the counter. “Lar-bear we’re almost done here. Why don’t you help her carry those back to her apartment then you’re free to go.”

So much for having some time alone to think. You were about to protest and say that you could handle taking it back on your own, but Larry was already lifting the box. 

“Great party, Sally Face.” Larry said, giving his best friend a fist bump. 

“Glad you two could make it.” Sal replied, before leaning in and giving you a quick hug. 

These boys were so good at playing dirty it wasn’t even funny. 

“Thanks for the invite. See you all later!” you said with a smile and followed Larry out into the hallway. There was an awkward tension between the two of you still, he hadn’t said much to you since the beginning of the movie, and as much as you wanted to ask him about his arm around your waist earlier, you were worried that bringing it up would make things worse. 

“So where’d you find that Jingle Bell Rock cover?” you asked, trying to change the mood as you two got into the elevator. 

“I found the tape while looking through my dad’s old music collection.” Larry replied. “I was wondering why he had a tape of generic holiday music and just stumbled onto it.” 

“Ah, I see.” You wanted to smack your head. Way to accidentally bring up his disappeared dad. Good job. The awkward tension returned to full force for those few long moments between exiting the elevator and entering your apartment. You flipped on your light switch and the apartment lit up like a Christmas tree. In fact it lit up the actual Christmas tree in the middle of your living room, along with strings of lights all over the apartment. 

“What the fuck...?” Larry started.

“I know.”

“I knew your parents were into-”

“I know.”

“You weren’t kidding at all.”

“I knooooow.”

“Actually I think you downplayed it.”

“Yes Larry, as I have stated, I know.”

Larry set down the box of decorations next to the door and invited himself in to look around. The whole living room looked like something out of a Hallmark movie, with silver and gold decorations all over the place. Snowflakes were plastered over the walls, garland was draped over every window, and along the wall hanging over the tv were three hand-decorated stockings, each carefully customized for you and your parents. Larry was looking over them with a slightly confused expression. 

“It’s a tradition for my family.” you explained. “We’ve used the same stockings every year since I was born. Each year we get to pick a pin or a decoration or something to add on to the stocking that we feel defines our year. The only rule is that we have to keep it winter themed, so it can get pretty abstract.”

“That’s... kinda fuckin’ neat.” Larry said, looking over your stocking. “Care to share with the class?” 

You looked over the stocking and pointed to a very small present box that was hot glued on. “Okay, so I added that when I was about fifteen right? So when I was a kid I was a total space cadet and had a lot of trouble making and keeping friends because I was very introverted.”

“You? Introverted?” Larry said with a surprised tone. 

“We moved around a lot.” You shrugged. “I guess I got used to being by myself to the point where I stopped making an effort. But anyway, this was the year I moved here and met you and Sal and Ash. Between the three of you, I felt more grounded. Plus my parents promised that this was the last time we were moving so anyway, long story short, I glued that gift box on my stocking because I felt more... present.”

“That was terrible but also so fucking adorable I don’t even think I can be mad at it.” Larry said with a straight face. 

You shrugged. “You guys are the best friends I’ve ever had.” 

Larry moved away from the stockings and looked around the decorations more. You were more than happy to point out which ones held the most sentimental value and which were bargain bin decorations that your parents just had to have. 

“And what’s with the frog?” He asked suddenly, pointing up at a stuffed frog hanging above your head. It was green with a santa hat with thick red lips. Your heart suddenly sped up to sonic speeds as you realized where you two were standing. 

“It’s not a frog.” you said quietly. 

“I think I know a frog when I see one.” 

“It’s a toad.”

“What’s the diff-”

“A mistle-toad.”

Larry let out a groan at the pun. “Do all of your decorations have a terrible pun attached to them?”

“I don’t wanna hear that from you.” You laughed. “You’re like the king of terrible puns.” 

“Yeah but I don’t deserve this kind of punishment.”

“...Pun-ishment.” 

“Don’t start.” 

“I swear it was pun-intentional.” you continued. 

“Oh my god, shut up.”

“Make me.”

There are fewer words known to up any sexual tension between two people than the combination of ‘shut up’ followed by ‘make me’. Those two phrases alone can change the course of an entire relationship between two people. 

“Okay.” 

What?

Larry reached out and placed a hand on your lower back, pulling you closer to him. He stopped for a moment, as if to give you a chance to pull away or make any indication that you didn’t want what was about to happen to happen. You found yourself unable to move any way but forward into your friend, which he took as a sign to go ahead. 

‘He has enough nose for both him and Sal.’ you found yourself thinking.

His lips were warm and slightly chapped against yours but it was far from unpleasant. Warmth spread throughout your body and in the back of your head a small voice said that tonight's shower was gonna be a cold one. Your hands found his hips and you felt the cold metal of his wallet chain against your warm hands for a moment. The kiss was in a weird limbo where though it was more chaste, there was a hint of wanting more from both sides. 

You were about to give into the side of you that wanted more when Larry pulled back, his cheeks a bit red. 

“I gotta admit, I’ve kinda wanted to do that all night.” he said quietly, taking you by surprise. 

“Do... you like me?” you asked, hands still on his hips. 

“I don’t know.” he admitted. “I mean, you’re really funny and easy to talk to and you look really hot tonight. I’m gonna be completely honest, I’m definitely thinking with my dick right now more than anything.”

You found yourself smiling up at him, feeling a little relieved. If Larry had admitted to having any feelings for you right then, you weren’t sure if you could handle it, but if your close attractive friend was just wanting to kiss you, that was okay, right?

He took a step back. “I’m sorry. That was probably a bad idea. I know you’re still dealing with the whole Sally Face thing and this isn’t helping-” 

“Larry, do you wanna make-out?” you asked. He looked at you in surprise and you gave him a small smirk. “Best way to get over someone is to get under someone else, right?” 

“Are you sure? I don’t wanna complicate our friendship or make anything weird between us.”

“I won’t catch feelings if you don’t.” you said, lowering your voice a little. 

He stared at you for a moment before grabbing your hand and dragging you over to the couch. “Oh fuck yes.” were the last words he said before pulling you into another kiss.     

Next Chapter

Author Note: Sal x Reader is still end game. 

[anastasiaskarsgard]

X Marks the spot

Part 3

Brooke POV

Midsummer

Selling a house was so much more work than it seemed. Mark was a godsend. I don’t know what I would of done without him. I knew I had to keep my guard up tho.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s an absolute gentleman. Always respectful. Never tries anything. I wasn’t cautious of him because how he treated me, it was because the way people reacted to him.

Every time we ran to the hardware store, or grabbed a bite to eat, he knew everyone. I understand when you live in a smaller town it’s like that, however, it was either almost hero worship reaction... or hate.

And if it was a female, they were clearly not impressed with me.

But I knew that with a guy that all the girls like, and all the guys worship was dangerous. It was tough, cuz he was so gorgeous and tall, and oh my god, how his muscles look when he was working in the yard.... the man was delicious.

Plus, his creativity with his work. He added this cute cobblestone path and an adorable bridge that gave the yard an almost fairy tale feel. He built a few planters and moved some trees and flowers around and it was wild how different the house looked. It was so welcoming. You’d never guess it had the history it did.

I assumed they’d cleaned up all the blood after that terrible night. I thought they would of gotten rid of the bloody carpets and shower curtain. The toothpaste tubes and the bath toys. My little nieces nightgown and her slippers.

Nope. It was all still there, covered in blood. I wasn’t sure if it was my sisters blood or Nicks’ blood,but when I went up those stairs, I crumpled to the ground, and I couldn’t breathe. I had never had a panic attack in my life, but I knew that’s what had happened. I don’t know what I would of done, if Mark hadn’t been there to sweep me up, and take me downstairs.

I don’t even know if he realized I blacked out a moment. I just remember waking up to his worried face, and thinking; ‘He is so beautiful’. For a moment, that’s all there was, his face.

Then it all came crashing back down on me, and I needed to be held. And he did. He didn’t object when I straddled him. Who does that to a guy they just met?

It surprised me when I snapped out of it, and realized how intimately i was holding him. I didn’t feel any signs that he was aroused, and was slightly taken aback. What 20 year old has that kind of self control? Not to toot my own horn, but I’m not ugly, and he’s a guy.

(Flashback)

“Brooke? Baby?” Mark asked me as I straddled him, and nuzzled into his neck.

“Baby?” I asked incredulously, pulling back to look at his face.

He was blushing. He’s so fucking adorable.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t call you baby. You’re not a baby, you’re obviously a grown woman. And I’m a man, so calling you baby.... where the fuck was I going with this?” He looked like he might cry.

I wanted to kiss him so bad. We sat there, just staring at each other for several minutes. Finally I got off of him, but I can’t forget the look in his eyes when I did.

He looked lost.

(End flashback)

After that, he’d made me a list of things to go pick up while he single-handed cleaned everything upstairs and got rid of all the bloody stuff.

Fast forward to now; He showed up everyday for a few hours for the past month. Even after the yard was done, he saw it through to the end.

now the house was finally ready to be listed. I should be excited, but I’m terrified. I’ve grown to enjoy Marks company, and now today was our last lunch. There wasn’t anymore reason to see each other after today.

I nervously looked for his truck. What if he didn’t show up? he was 5 minutes late and he was never late. I ordered another drink and decided to wait a bit longer. I got to chatting with the bartender, and when I told her who I’m waiting for, she bought me a shot.

Some girls that were also at the bar knew Mark too, and they bought me a shot as well. And then I bought them shots, and then we decided fuck yes kareoke! Who cares if it was Applebee’s. We. Were. Smashed.

I didn’t care though, because I thought I’d been stood up, so I was on the mic serenading these bitches, when guess who finally walked in?

“Motherfucking Mark is here ladies! 43 minutes late!” I said into the mic so everyone could hear. Did I mention this was At Applebee’s?

Mark turned red and rushed over to me. “Brooke what are you doing?” He asked quietly, pushing the microphone down.

“Oh no no don’t touch my microphone Mark!” I sang into the mic. I looked around, and everyone was staring.

“Brooke you’re drunk at Applebee’s in the middle of the day.” He gritted thru his teeth, trying to block everyone else out.

“I don’t like your judgey tone Marky Mark! Not. one. bit.” I walked over to my new friends that were trying to avoid eye contact for some reason. “You see these glorious bitches right here? They know what a dick you are and they bought me drinks! And I bought them drinks! And then we drank more drinks and they told me all about you buddy!” I handed the mic back to Ashley or maybe Em, fuck if I know.

“Sarah. Ashley. Em.” Mark smiled at the girls and they all started giggling like idiots.

This was not the reaction I was expecting, so I stumbled back dramatically. “Wow wow wow!” I said nearly falling, but Mark caught me. “Hands! Pretty boy!” I yelled as I slapped him in the chest.

Mark rolled his eyes at me. “I think we need to go.”

“Wait wait.” The one named Sarah jumped up and wrapped her arms around Mark. “I’m drunk too.”

“What’s new?” Mark said venomously.

“HOLD THE PHONE” I yelled way louder than I’d planned. “You’re Sarah? Stalker Sarah? You cannot be that Sarah!”

“Excuse me bitch what did you just call me.” Sarah turned around to come at me but Mark grabbed her shoulders.

“BROOKE GO GET IN MY TRUCK NOW!” Mark ordered.

“You don’t have to yell. Jesus Mark.” I slurred. “Can I get a to go cup?”

“BROOKE. Now!”

“Fine!” I said as I grabbed my purse and marched outside.

The sunlight, combined with the fresh air made me realize I was really fucking drunk. I really shouldnt drive in this condition I thought and then couldn’t recall why I even came out here. I decided to go back in.

When I turned I saw Mark headed straight for me. He looked pissed. He also looked sexy. I bit my lip as he came closer. What was I going to say?

Not far behind him there was that girl from the bar chasing him. Just as I was about to tell him, he scooped me up and threw me over his shoulder.

“Oh my God Mark! This! it’s like the first day I met you! You fucking caveman!!! Your hair smells nice.” He opened his passenger door. Threw me in and buckled my seatbelt. “Fucking hero status.” I slurred as I booped him on his nose.

He ran around the front, and got in and started the truck. All of a sudden the back window busted out. I screamed and ducked.

That’s one way to sober the fuck up. Mark peeled out and I poked my head up and looked behind us to see my drinking buddy only wearing one high heel. I looked in the back and spotted a black crystal Louboutin heel. “Fuck yes!!!”

“What?” Mark asked..

“My first Louboutin!!! I always wanted a pair of these but they’re like thousands of dollars. Oooh maybe she’ll give you the other one to pay for your window, and then you give it to me and I’ll buy your window.”

“Are you really scheming in this condition?” Mark chuckled.

I turned my obnoxious drunk Brooke off, and tried to be serious as possible. “Mark I am not drunk at all. I just wanted to leave, and use the alcohol as an excuse to yell at you.” I was so full of shit. There were literally 2 of him.

“Why would you want to leave with me?” Mark asked with one eyebrow up and the cockiest smirk on his gorgeous face.

“Because you’re going to take me to your house right now, and you’re going to fuck me into oblivion.” I settled back in the chair staring straight ahead. That was the craziest, bravest thing I’ve ever said. I couldn’t look at him. I was being cool Brooke. Unfazed Brooke. Confident Brooke. Slutty Brooke.

“Wow. Ok. Can’t argue with that.” Mark said as he grabbed my hand and laced his fingers through mine.

Holy shit, this was happening.

[southside-vixen]

Fire and Ice (Sweet Pea) 2

Chapter 2. Unwelcoming Committee 

AO3

Adrianna Rivera has just made a difficult move from Arizona to the southside of Riverdale. With the history of her life in Phoenix behind her will she be able to find a new family in the Southside Serpents? Or will a certain tall, dark, and rage inducing Serpent cause issues?

“Okay so that’s the ins and outs of draught beer pouring” Toni put her hands on her hips “Tall Boy wants a Budweiser, let’s see what you got.”

It was Adria’s first day working at the White Wyrm. And it sucked. She followed Toni’s directions and titled the glass as she pulled the lever and poured in the beer.

“That….is half head. You need to angle it so you get more beer and less foam.”

“This is stupid. I shouldn’t even be here.” Adria groaned and leaned up against the bar

“Listen.” Toni lined herself up to Adria “I get you think this is beneath you and you���ve never worked a day in your life. But you’re a Southsider now, designer jeans or not. So get used to it.” She backed up a few steps to give Adria some room “Now try again. You need to get it this time. We don’t have the money to waste on shit pours.”

“Jesus fucking Christ this should not be this difficult” Adria groaned as she stared at another glass half full of foam.

“There she is” She looked up to see Ness walking to the bar with a big smile on her face “How did she hold up, Toni?”

“Well.” Toni sighed “She’s a shit bartender but we’ll have her up to snuff in a couple weeks. As far as school goes she sticks out but she’ll be a Southsider in no time”

“Well, she’s not dead so I do have to thank you for that” Ness raised her pint and took a large swig.

“Also day 1 and she’s already putting Sweet Pea in his place” Toni smirked

“What?” Ness put her drink down “Adria come on. The boy’s got some serious anger issues. The last thing I need is him snapping and you ending up with permanent brain damage.”

“Wow. That’s some exaggeration” Adria replied “You seriously think he’s going to hit me? A girl half his size in the middle of a high school cafeteria? I bet that’d make him look real tough.” She had never been in a fight in her life though. Hopefully she wouldn’t have to start now.

“Just…don’t push him too far.” Ness resigned herself to the fact that there was no way in hell her niece was going to listen to her “if your case worker finds out you’re getting into fights it’s only going to make things difficult”

“I’ve got this. No physical fights, scouts honor.” Adria smiled

“I’ll take what I can get” Ness took another sip of her beer “Now if you’ll excuse me I need to take a look at the end of the month books. Keep up the good work Toni”

“No physical  fights, huh?” Toni smiled after Ness was sufficiently out of sight

“Tearing people down with words is an Adrianna Rivera Specialty.”

“It’s like you walked out of Mean Girls. Or Heathers”

“Toni. I have no idea what Heathers is. But I’m definitely a Regina.” Adria flipped her hair trying to give her best impression

“You don’t know Heathers” Toni feigned surprise “I’m not surprised honestly, but it’s the OG Mean Girls. Except with more murder. That’s it, you’ve been conscripted to join in a movie night.”

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

By the time the weekend came around Ness was going crazy making sure everything was perfect for a movie night. The usual takeout boxes and newspapers covering the table were wiped clear, and the counter tops were stacked with snacks she bought the day before.

“Okay girls, there are plenty of snacks and pizza is on its way. If you need anything just give me a call, I’ll be out the majority of the night making sure the Wrym doesn’t catch fire”

“Bye Ness!” Both Toni and Adria shouted in unison.

It was maybe 10 minutes after the pizza arrived that there was another knock on the door

“Expecting anyone else?” Toni asked

“No. Ness shouldn’t be back for hours.”

Toni pulled a switch blade out of her purse and slowly moved to the door. “Stay behind me” she whispered.

‘Seriously?’ Adria mouthed as Toni swung up open the door, her knife going inches away from the stomach of the person on the other side.

“Fangs!” Toni shouted putting her knife down “What the fuck?”

“Woah, woah” Fangs was laughing while putting his hands up in the air “Nessie invited me! She promised pizza and snacks, you know I’m a sucker for free food. And I am your next door neighbor, Adria. I’m offended I wasn’t invited in the first place”

“Don’t let Ness hear you call her that or she’ll kill you before I get the chance. Get your ass in here.” Toni shut the door behind him.

“So when do we get started? Are we gonna talk about boys? Play some truth or dare, maybe some never have I ever? Topless pillow fight or two?” Fangs sat down at the table and grabbed a slice of pizza “You know. Typical girl’s sleep over stuff”

“Not even in your dreams, Fangs.” Adria rolled her eyes “So are we gonna watch this movie or what?”

“Are we not inviting Sweet Pea? I thought he was a staple?”

Adria glared at Fangs while he sorted through the pile of snacks on the counter, taking a bite of his slice. She was outside her comfort zone already trying to be friends with Toni, then Fangs showing up threw her for another loop. The last thing she needed was the tall, angry one glaring at her while she tried to watch cheesy 80’s movies.

“I think its best it’s just the three of us tonight. Let Adria ease into Southside life” Toni shot a reassuring smile at her “Besides Fangs, we’re going to have enough problems trying to get food before you eat all of it. If we bring Sweet Pea here Adria and I will starve.”

“Fine. Fine.” Fangs conceded “But I’m telling him we had a threesome.”

“You absolutely are not.”

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

Fangs must have left around 2 or 3 am and Toni decided to stay for the night. Overall her first movie night/sleepover had gone well. Toni was really trying to connect with her, despite how awful she had been the first couple days after they met.

Adria stared up at the ceiling and stretched out her arms, only to immediately hit something solid

“Fuuuuck.” She must have jumped a foot in the air as she looked to her side to see Toni clutching her eye. Right, they had shared the same tiny twin size bed last night. It was a feat that they both fit.

“Jesus, I’m never sharing a bed with you again. You nearly pushed me off 4 times last night and now I probably have a black eye. “Toni sat up and ran her hands through her hair to remove the tangles

“This bed is barely big enough for me. I don’t know why you thought it was a good idea to share.” Adria grumbled. She got out of bed and ran a brush through her hair, tousling it in the mirror until she was satisfied “Up until a week ago I had a king size. I’d give anything for my beautiful memory foam mattress and my down pillows.” She must have looked like she had stars in her eyes

“Ah, yes. Rich girl luxury.” Toni laughed “How the mighty have fallen, now she sleeps on a hand me down twin mattress like the rest of us.” Adria made a face at her while she rummaged through her overstuffed closet. The weather was starting to get a chill and she had next to nothing to deal with it. In another couple of months there would be snow. She shuddered at the thought.

“So I text Fangs last night after he left and he agreed that we should all head over to Pop’s for brunch” Toni walked over to the closet as well “I didn’t bring a change of clothes so I’m stealing some of yours. Welcome to friendship with Toni”

“Pop’s?” Adria asked “That’s the diner, right? If so I’m down. I could use some breakfast”

“Great!” Toni smiled, pulling a shirt out of the closet “I’m borrowing this one.”

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

“Is it too early for a strawberry milkshake?” Adria asked eyeing over the menu as Toni sat across from her

“Ads. It’s 12:30. Even if you wanted a milkshake at 7AM I’d tell you to go for it.” Toni hadn’t even bothered to look at a menu, she never strayed too far from her regular.

“Did you just call me Ads?” She raised an eyebrow and put down her menu

“Adria is too long, plus I feel like Ads has a more Southside feel to it. It’s your new edgy, bad girl persona.” Toni could hardly contain her laughter

“I’ve never been edgy in my life.” She looked down at the outfit picked out for the day. She didn’t look like a Southsider at all. She didn’t even know if she wanted to be one of them. Hopefully soon her father’s legal team would sort out his release and she’d be home in Phoenix, ready for her next jet set to Rodeo Drive.

Toni lifted up her head as the doorbell rang and waved someone over. Adria looked up as well to see Fangs walk in, followed by Sweet Pea.

“What did you do?” She whispered harshly

“Hey guys!” Toni waved them over “Have a seat!” she flashed Adria a quick smile.

Adria looked back at the door to notice Fangs speed walking toward the booth, and then sliding in next to Toni. Adria felt a wave of dread crash into her as she looked up to see Sweet Pea standing over her.

“Are you going to move over or what?” he asked, his voice completely deadpan. She quietly moved over to the window and attempted to stare down Toni, who would only smile in return. After the waitress came and took orders the table was overtaken by silence. Adria stared at the table, stacking creamers then knocking them over, re-stacking them again.

“So…” Fangs tried to break the ice “How are you liking Riverdale so far, Adria?”

“Its…good.” She kept her eyes on the construction of her creamer tower. She could hear Sweet Pea scoff next to her and tried her best to ignore it.

“Think you’re gonna join the serpents? You’re an honorary member already considering your aunt and all. We could go through initiation together.” Fangs was all smiles this morning, it was almost like he completely forgot the tense atmosphere at the table. Or he was deliberately ignoring it.

“You just want to see her dance.” Toni threw a sugar packet at him

“Dance? You have to dance to join a gang?” Adria lifted her head up from her makeshift tower to look at Toni

“What does it matter? You honestly think princess here could be a Serpent?” Sweet Pea spoke up, not even sparing a glance in her direction

“You think I can’t?” Adria turned so she was facing him, her back up against the wall so she didn’t have to be any closer than necessary “I’m tougher than I look”

“Yeah? Ever been in a fight?” He angled himself to hover over her, his height was imposing on its own but the lack of light in his eyes made it worse.  “You’d be the weakest link we have. You can’t handle it”

Adria was done shrinking down in her seat, back against the wall. She sat up straight, as tall as she could, which was still considerably shorter than Sweet Pea

“I’m anything but weak” her eyes were serious as well, burning with resolve. She didn’t know why she felt the need to prove herself. She shouldn’t be here long, and in the grand scheme of things the opinion of one hot headed gang member shouldn’t matter. But she wanted to belong to something, just as she always had. Maybe she needed to adapt.

“Prove it.” His face was so close she could feel his warm breath on her skin. The exchange was far too intimate for her liking, but she wasn’t one to back down from a glaring match. Each second felt like an hour passed, until Toni finally broke it up.

“Pea, that’s enough. We’re here to have breakfast.”

Adria and Sweet Pea both took their eyes off each other and moved back to their respective sides of the booth. The rest of breakfast was silent, the tension somehow getting 10x worse. Adria stared out the window, picking at her food while Fangs and Toni were both on their phones. Sweet Pea, however, finished his meal as fast as he could before he slammed money down on the table and stormed out.

“That went well…All things considered.” Fangs said after he left

“Are you serious? That went well?” Adria put down her fork and stared at him “The only way that could have gone worse is if one of us stabbed the other. What’s his issue with me?”

“He’s hated the Northside for a long time. They blame us for all their problems and generally just shit on us. I don’t quite understand why he has an issue with you since you’re from out of town.” Toni sighed “But one thing does need to be said, Ads. You can’t just join the Serpents to prove a point. If you join it needs to be for the right reasons.”

Adria let her head rest against the window. Why couldn’t anything ever be easy?

[thedeaditeslayer]

Interview with Ash vs. Evil Dead writer Bryan Edward Hill.

I wrote my first article on NAQB with pain in my heart. After spending years hoping for a fourth installment of Evil Dead, three years ago the announcement of the Ash vs Evil Dead pilot directed by Sam Raimi, (that Sam Raimi) and written by Sam, Ivan Raimi and Tom Spezialy… the same authors of the Evil Dead Trilogy was made.

After I watched the trailer with my closest friend we thanked God, hoping that it was not a farce, or a revival made only for money. Then we saw the pilot, in silence, with our eyes wide open. At the end of it, we looked at each other and we both thought the same thing: Evil Dead is back in the best way possible.

During that episode we got so excited by the absurdness of it, the intense thrilling sequences, the over the top humor and that pure horror that kept us glued to the screen since we were kids.

Raimi’s direction explains the Evil Dead world so well in a particular scene featuring the character of Amanda Fisher. She faces off against the demon who possesses the girl Ash had a one night stand with.

At one point, this creature gets up when her brain is decimated and looks Amanda in the eyes telling her, “We know who you are.”

After that point, the rules are clear: Deadites are not decaying Zombies, every deadite requires attention and details. Deadites are not the result of a virus.

When evil shows up again, Ash Williams tries to run away from it because he’s tired of facing it. His neighbor Vivian delivers a message to him when she is possessed, “It is time to test the mettle of man.”

Yeah… These three years were a test for Ash to prove his mettle. The Dictionary defines mettle as the “courage to carry on.” If someone wants to “test your mettle,” they want to see if you have the heart to follow through when the going gets tough.

It is no coincidence that The Mettle of man is also the title of the last episode of Ash Vs Evil Dead.

Ash vs Evil Dead has been canceled. What leaves me bitter about this turn of events is the fact that this series was created to make the fans happy. Now, these same fans have also contributed to the end of the series.

The Mettle of Ash, The Mettle of Bruce Campbell, a man who in order to please his fans, decided to take the risk of revisiting his iconic character 30 plus years later.

If I meet Bruce Campbell one day, I hope I never mention anything about Ash’s universe, I’d rather go in the woods to talk about nature than to mention Evil Dead to him. As a fan, I feel guilty about asking him anything about Sam Raimi and the Necronomicon, because in the end he gave us what we wanted and we failed to respond in kind.

The following is an interview conducted a couple of days before the announcement of the cancellation of the series.

The interviewee is Bryan Edward Hill, screenwriter of the episode Rifting Apart, the eighth episode of the series directed by Mark Beesley (the director of 2×07: Delusion).

I consider this episode to be one of the best in the series, so I decided to contact Bryan on Twitter who was kind enough to answer my questions. There are no questions about the cancellation.

This interview was made in collaboration with Emanuele Crivello of Evil Dead Italia (I will never stop thanking him for the last three years we spent talking about this series and doing everything we could to get it renewed. Also, thank you to the #bringbackboomstick movement designed by Susan Leighton) and the comics portal Lo Spazio Bianco (which dedicated an article to Bryan Hill and his career in the world of comics) and you can read the second part on the blog at the end of the interview.

NAQB: We interviewed the Meza Brothers, and we have discovered that they are hardcore fans of Evil Dead. How much and how did you know the Evil Dead franchise before starting to work on this episode?

Bryan E. Hill: Quite a bit, actually. When I was a kid, EVIL DEAD was that hard to find, completely insane horror movie that only the local, family-owned video store had. Watching it felt like I was watching something that was impossible. It had so much energy and creativity. Instantly, I was a fan of the franchise. I even wore a blue shirt for a little while. Had to be like Ash.

NAQB: AVED has always had a respectable soundtrack, was the music chosen during the script writing process or later in production? And how were The Drifters, MC5s and AC / DCs chosen for Rifting Apart?

Bryan E. Hill: That’s all show-runner Mark Verheiden. He’s got great taste in music, and he knew what he wanted to highlight the moments in that story.

NAQB: The scene in which Pablo fights in the hardware store alone gave me a shiver down my spine making me think of the S-mart Ending of Army of Darkness. Is it possible to read a piece of the script, with your comment?

Bryan E. Hill: I’d love to, but we have to keep the scripts under wraps. I will say that part of the fun with ASH vs EVIL DEAD is figuring out how to slay deadites in the coolest ways. It’s impossible to go into a store with a paint shaker and not think about putting a deadite’s head in it. At least it is for me, hahaha.

NAQB: Rifting Apart is one of the very few episodes in which Ash’s chainsaw does not appear … and it works so well! Is it important not to repeat too much in writing an episode of the series?

Bryan E. Hill: In general, you don’t want the audience too far ahead of you. You want to do new things and sometimes that means not using all the old things, all the time. Ash is such a great character that he doesn’t need a weapon to make a story work. With this episode, we wanted to dig a little deeper into his character and show the heroism he has underneath all that personality. Bruce did such a great job in those moments. He’s incredible.

NAQB: Seeing the complete episode on screen, what is your favorite scene in Rifting Apart?

Bryan E. Hill: I’m a fan of Kelly. Dana is just an awesome person so seeing her refusing to buckle to the evil in the rift was a joy.

NAQB: And what is your favorite episode of Ash Vs Evil Dead?

Bryan E. Hill: Mine! Ha ha ha. Not too proud to say it.

NAQB: Working with Ivan Raimi must be exciting. How was the script of the episode written? And what are the indications provided to you in order to work?

Bryan E. Hill: Ivan created a LOT of the work that inspired me as a kid. Having him in the room was an amazing experience. For everything we were doing, he would tell us what was “Evil Dead” and what may have missed the mark. Having him there was invaluable. He’s just a humble, brilliant and great guy.

--

PART 2:

Between the writing of the episode and the actual realization, how many changes have occurred? Can you tell us some behind the scenes?

Not too many, and all of the changes made the episode better. In television, the show-runner guides everything after the other writers finish their scripts and Mark did the great work of refining every script, making them as effective as possible.

What changes between writing a comics story and writing an episode of a TV series that involves many more people in the making?

Any time you adapt a written work you have to make changes, just to fit the format of live action. Every choice you see in a film or a television show represents the work of at least 100 people, all trying to make it the best thing possible. You try to keep the spirit of the original work, but you have to adapt it to fit the new format.

You have very respectable career, which were the authors who made you understand that in life you wanted to become a screenwriter?

George Lucas and STAR WARS were huge influences on me. As far as straight authors go, I was inspired to be a writer from reading Hemingway. There’s an honest in his work that struck me like lightening.

Which educational path must we follow to become a screenwriter? Is it enough just the school or do you have to do something outside the box?

Well, in addition to studying English, History and those disciplines, you need to read and re-read screenplays. Analyze them and learn from their execution. For me, the work of Joseph Campbell and Stephen King helped form my approach to storytelling.

Where does a good idea for a subject come from?

It can come from anywhere. Dreams. Moments in life. Anything. The key is to follow that inspiration when it hits. If you think there’s a story inside of something, there likely is.

I read the first volumes of Postal. I was really impressed by the protagonist Mark with his Asperger syndrome and his “Everything it’s in the right place” (I can not stop thinking about the song of Radiohead every time that sentence is pronounced). In Italy there are many positive reviews of the volume (published in Italy by Panini Comics). How was working on the plot and what are the satisfactions that came with this publication?

That was really challenging because it’s a story about people, not superheroes. It pushed me to consider people from different perspectives and experiences and learn to write them with authenticity.

I also know that it was bought for a TV adaptation! (We also write a news of it months ago) Can you give us some updates (if you can)?

Nothing yet, but if people follow me on twitter @bryanedwardhill you’ll get updates as soon as I can share them!

If you had not been a screenwriter, what would you have done with your life now?

Batman. I would have been Batman.

What are your future projects? Where do we have to wait? TV or comics?

Currently I’m writing TITANS for DCTV, my DETECTIVE COMICS story starts with the first issue in June. I’m writing MICHAEL CRAY for DC as well, and a few other projects that I can’t announce at the moment. Should have a feature film announcement soon. Follow me on social media!

[dressedupkiss]

27 days

Until March!! Then 20 days til spring then a month til all the snow is gone and it’s warm!!

Just gotta get thru February.

I ordered 2 oz (2!!!) for $95 plus an extra 3.5 for $12

Joel paid me for one oz and it is of the strain Snowcap: Snow White x Haze

Snow White is either northern lights x white widow or it is a jack herer cat piss strain but I’m thinking and hoping this one is NL WW

Cuz those are some of my fave strains!!! I don’t really care about jack herer or cat piss

And I have $275 for 23 days of February. I have enough food to last me a week and then I’m gonna get groceries with my dad, a bit over $100 in my fridge and cupboards, and that should last me until the end of the month.

I’m gonna be shopping with Joel this month for boots at cabelas, shoes at shoe company and shoe warehouse, shirts and such at marks, fabric markers at michaels, and anything else I can afford that I see out there.

I shoukd be able to afford buying new footwear this month, I’m trying to save my money for food but I’ll have enough.

I got some really nice joggers at value village yesterday with Joel, they are aegean blue and I really like that colour. Like the ocean.

I’m a bit fat right now, from wintertime eating a lot and not going on many walks. My tummy and back have an inch or two excess over my waistband and it’s not the best. I’m hoping when it’s warmer days I can start going on walks and carve my fat down somewhat. I’m trying not to eat too late or too much anymore and trying to stop eating sugary foods and fatty foods. It’s tough. I feel like I have this fat cuz it’s my store of energy and safety in case I am homeless again: but I don’t have to worry about that, it’s not gonna happen.

I gotta sculpt myself, I just don’t have the energy to do much in winter. I wish it were warm out so I can enjoy the nature. I would go to the park nearby and exercise and run around a bit. Connect to the trees.... enjoy the sunshine...

At least my size 30 pants still fit me. I’m just a tiny bit too fat. All my fat is on my tummy and love handles. It’s not a terrible amount but I look lazy. It feels safe and comforting to have a bit of fat stored away but I need to be healthy. I’m surprised I have this extra fat, I feel like my body can naturally burn a lot of energy but I guess my body thinks I need this fat for survival.

I can’t wait til spring. Less than two months!! 47 days actually. Month and a half.

I’m gonna go on so many walks and really be present with the sunshine and nature, I’m gonna be so grateful for the warmth cuz this winter was just too long and cold. Some days have been nice and I did go out soemtimes but mostly I stayed in: I’m sick of staying in all day!!

I’m gonna be so alive for the warm weather and boy is it gonna get hot!! I’m gonna tan and Joel is gonna show me a place I can tan naked by the river hehehe

Joel is gonna get a new vehicle and a new apartment in the next couple months, so exciting!! I hope their car is good for the price. Her brother bought a car for $500 I think and it is 1995 and quite small but it works to get him where he needs to go. Joel needs a car like that. Someone selling a little old car for cheaps. Maybe Joel could borrow her friends car and we could go looking for cars with for sale signs in them.

Something will show up on kijiji one day and Joel will have $1000 cash saved up with me and any extra they might have for it.

I hope they get a car soon!

And a place but that will happen later

I’m glad I have my own place

I’ve really healed the last year

I feel more awake and aware now

I don’t have any feelings about anyone bothering me

I’m not screaming by myself

I’m just really bored

I want to find friends this spring summer

I want to find so many friends....

And I don’t want to be fuckbuddies with them

I think it’s gross how people fuck their friends

I don’t like how girls feel good about that

I like falling in love and being respectful. Sex is a delicate thing. I wouldn’t just do it with anyone.

I’ve never cum from anyone touching me,

And that’s only been 3 people

And I didn’t even feel attracted to any of them.

Joel has touched me but not well. They’re not very good at sex. They are porny about it even though they think they’re not. It’s gross.

Joel sluts around and that’s just part of their life. I think that’s sad to only make connections with people if you’re gonna hook up with them. Joel has fucked like every one of their friends. Like how fucking gross is that. It’s not impressive and it’s not cool. It’s sad. I wish I never let them touch me cuz they act like they have a charm over me. I can’t believe they can’t tell I don’t even like them that way. They’re not my type and they think they are. They like to brag about how they got me. They think I’ve cum for them but I’ve never been close. It’s gross. I can’t cum to someone I’m not into.

They are just pompous and rough and eager to fuck, they want to see me cum oo oo but they don’t want to actually do what it takes to get me there, not that they could cuz I don’t have a starting line cum to start from. It’s just zero.

Joel is a fucking mess and I don’t really love them soemtimes. They are ratchet and irresponsible and needy and conceited. They think I’m fucking conceited. I love myself for my beauty and I protect and treat myself well. Joel hasn’t protected themselves very well in their life and it shows. They need to take safety more seriously. I think it’s gross how lesbians slut around and shit. Slutting around isnt cool.

Risking a permanent disease isn’t cool. Having sex with guys is disgusting. I’m gonna find myself a safe clean woman to love.

I deserve a beautiful girl who loves me for me.

I don’t want to ever be with someone less than ever again. I will not settle for bullshit.

I need to cum to a hot girl so a hot girl I must get.

People think they know they can make me cum sometimes. Every one of them was lying to themselves. I’ve never met someone who can get me to cum. I met a super hot lesbian but she was a jerk so it was a turn off so I masturbated to her cuz she’s hot but she doesn’t have it in her to do it for me. Nobody can live up to their dreams.

I used to have sworling cum around me and boys would put their jizz in it. It hurt.

They acted like I would just give it up one day.

Rape is everywhere.

I fucking hate guys.

I hate gross slutty lesbians

I hate people who think they know my pleasure

I hate my mom for thinking I have to be a lady

I hate my dad for so many reasons

I love my kitty cat Mooney

I love the sun

And I love the moon

And the stars and sky

And trees and grass

And I love the internet and weed

And money and shelter

And FOOD

And art

And music

And movies

And cartoons

And video games

And comic books

And fruit juice

And hats

And durable clothing

And I love life

And I love mystery

And I love cryptic messages

And I love visions

And I love getting high and drunk

And I love WARM WEATHER

And GOOD HAIRCUTS

and LOVE

[justniggatrynahelp]

The Gang As Girls (Headcanons)

Ponyboy:

-she’s so adorable omg

-has freckles

-her hair goes to the level of her shoulders

-Soda always makes the most adorable braids of her hair

-likes to craft all sort of stuff

-has flowercrowns she made herself

-she just loves adding stuff to anything

-got plain jeans? give it to her and she’ll make a miracle out of it!

-doesn’t like to show off

-wants to grow longer hair like her sister’s

-small bit jealous of Soda’s hair

-pretty tall for her age

-doesn’t like loud music

-kinda insecure about her freckles

-but everyone loves them and finds them so ultra super couper extra cute

-gets nervous while talking about her crushes

-johnny’s bff

-just the cutest girl you’ll ever meet

-won’t admit but loves The Beatles

-would marry all 4 of them

-no question

-they’re the reason she has bangs

-Two-Bit has all their albums and she’s so jealous

-she has a diary

-her favourite actor is Marlon Brando

-favourite actress is Audrey Hemburn

-there isn’t a movie on this planet that moves her world as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Sodapop:

-has long soft & shiny hair

-big baby eyes

-how does she do it???

-wears a lot of different hair clips

-uses hair spray

-takes good care of her nails

-everyone just loves her

-has a very weird fashion sense

-she can go from pink girly dress to guerrilla pants, denim jackets and big boots

-has a tini tiny crush on Steve

-no one knows it

-besides Ponyboy

-and he’s teasing her about it when they’re alone

-likes taking ponyboy’s stuff

-she still didn’t return that flowercrown she took last month

-Pony’s reminding her 24/7 that she has to give it back

-she acts like she’s keep forgetting to give it back

-she actually gave it to Steve

-so, Pony better say goodbye to your beloved flowercrown

-tried cooking

-failed

-Darry’s been on edge of nerves to learn her to cook

-nope

-still failure

-has a huge poster of Elvis in her room

-would sell her soul for it

-acts like she can wear heels

-no she cannot

Darrel:

-100% wonderwoman.

-she has hair which goes to the middle of her back but most of the time she keeps it in a tall ponytail

-usually wears baggy jeans and wide shirts

-COOKING LEVEL OVER 99999999

-makes the bEST brownies in whole Tulsa

-it’s like a social gathering whenever she makes brownies

-very protective of her sisters

-secretely knows about Pony’s “beatlemania” but won’t tell

-always there to save her sisters from any kind of trouble

-wishes they could do more stuff on their own

-cracks puns on a good day

-cracks pans against somebody’s head on a bad day (jk jk jk 😂)

-loves to get dressed real nice when going somewhere important

-her mother left her pearls and she wears them only on special occasions

-loves wearing bracelets

-for her last birthday Soda & Pony bought her a small box full of different bracelets

-each one for each day

-she was extremely happy with the present

-she wears them everyday, making sure they know how happy they made her with it

-Two-Bit is her bestie

-they didn’t hang out that much in since Darry started working

-she misses those days

-but they still get to hang out sometimes

-also listen to records

-she loves listening to The Who

-has 2 albums under her bed

-would wear bell bottoms 24/7

-makes her legs look longer

-plus comfortable & fashionable

Dallas:

-has boy-short hair

-has a blade in her backpocket

-cheekbones as high as her ego

-porcelain pretty clean face

-if you don’t count few bruises from last week’s fight

-not into girly style of dressing

-rocks leather jacket

-owns a collection of chokers

-has wild hair

-Johnny tried putting hair clips to make it look decent

-nope

-the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

-sometimes she goes out in a skirt

-rarely but it happens

-the girl got all the whisles

-and she punched every guy who even dared to say something about her look

-her favourite actor is James Dean

-she rewatched “Rebel Without A Cause” too many times

-feels kinda insecure about her teeth

-she tried not to smile too often

-Johnny noticed this and told her she has the prettiest & brightest teeth she ever saw

-since then Dally’s been laughing like crazy

-a huge fan of The Doors

-would kill if it meant she can go to one of their concerts

-has posters of Jim Morrison in her room

-and if you look a bit closer you can also see a few photos of Marilyn Monroe

-she absolutely adores her

-she and Johnny sometimes recreate scenes from “Some Like it Hot”

-of course, Dallas is going as Marilyn Monroe

- “I swear to god, if you tell anyone what we just did, not only I will beat you up, I’ll beat you up for good!”

- “You’ve got my word!“

-professional at doing makeup

-not many people know this since she only wears makeup during night’s out

-Soda is jealous of her skills

-has a small plant which is placed on her room’s window

-loves the plant

-she even caught herself singing to the plant so it’ll grow faster

Steve:

-a bit shorter than Soda

-has curly hair that goes a little above her shoulders

-loVES sweets

-specially anything with chocolate

-she looks tough & masculine

-but still adorable and effortless

-when she was younger she didn’t like her nose

-no one would even think about it but she she stood in front of a mirror, stared at her face and cried

-one time Soda came in and saw her crying in front of a mirror

-Soda walked closer to her and pulled her into a hug

-they sat in Steve’s room for few hours

-Soda didn’t wish to leave until Steve was completely satisfied with her look

-“Why would you even think your nose is ugly? It’s beautiful the way it is, just look at it! Look how beautiful is your whole pretty face!”

-since then, Steve hasn’t let even a tear

-her favourite movie is “Gilda”

-she’s a pro at fixing cars

-and she looks super cute in her working suit

-specially when she wraps a ribbon around her hair

-you wouldn’t even believe what kind of beauties work at DX

-there are times she walks out in a dress

-her favourite dress is dark blue with white dots all over it

-her favourite thing to wear on her head beside her ribbon is a flowercrown soda gave her a month ago

-simply loves wearing everything

-from all makeup, she only uses lipstick

-her car is the coolest car in whole Tulsa

-has her name written on back of it

-she dreams about being Rita Hayworth

Two-Bit:

-goofiest of all the gang

-has straight hair which comes to level of her shoulders

-her hair is most of the time tied in piggytails

-her dream is to go to Disneyland

-she’d take all her friends with her

-has a big jewerlly box she made herself

-she filled it with all kinds of badges

-she has her own collection of badges

-gang only knows about it

-she has all albums by The Beatles

-has no idea Pony is head over heels crazy about them

-she likes to wear denim jackets

-some of them has a mickey mouse drawn on them

-she likes to draw

-she made her own little comic series just like mickey mouse

-she called the comic: “Two & The Bit”

-she had nothing else on her mind so it was more than okay

-used to be very close with Darry

-hopes those days will be back again

-a big fan of color blue

-Paul McCartney is her idol

-John Lennon is her saviour

-the movie she enjoys watching is “Sabrina” with Audrey Hemburn

-she and Pony watched it together

-both fell in love with it

-Steve gave her a lolipop with Mickey Mouse’s face on it

-she stared at it so long

-she didn’t want to eat such a masterpiece

-but still ate it since Dally said he’ll eat it if she won’t

Johnny:

-her hair is little longer than Dally’s

-she has beautiful dark skin

-such a cutie beautie

-big dark eyes

-small nose with few smaller moles on her face

-she wears whatever she finds in her closet

-she and Pony are like the cutest duo in history

-she reads a lot

-her favourite book is “Sherlock Holmes”

-she watched every movie based on the book

-Pony lets her take some of her jewelly

-and Johnny lets Pony some of hers

-SLEEPOVERS

-she’s amazed by Pony’s designs, like the flowercrows she made

-Johnny even tried writing poetry

-she really likes Jimi Hendrix

-she knows the lyrics to all his songs

-she even got Dallas to listen to them with her

-she really admires Dally

-but thinks she should try to not get in so much trouble

-really quiet

-doesn’t like attention

-wishes she could get to go to London

-she loves doing impressions of Sherlock Holmes

[jaybug-jabbers]

Bug Run 4: The Final Reckoning

So, here’s the thing. I wanted to go into this last gauntlet as low-levelled as possible.

So I tried several times. I’ll give some recaps of those warm-ups. But in the end, I did find I needed to level up on levels on par with Cynthia in order  to properly face her. I do want to include the warm-ups, however, because those lower Elite fights become quite trivial at higher levels. So I feel like the warm-ups do cast an important light on the merits of the team.

Just as a quick refesher on the rules:

1.) no healing items during battle unless the foe uses them first, and then I can only match the items one-for-one.

2.) no entering the Elite four at levels higher than the highest-level pokemon in the Elites/Champion.

Warm-Up One

With this first warm-up, my team was all at levels 55. Honestly, they did surprisingly well, all things considered. The first few Elites, specializing in Bug and Ground, were not any trouble. After all, ROFLCOPTER’s Ancient Power/Air Slash could just sweep the bug team, and I had plenty of ways of handling the ground team as well. (In fact, Maestro took out Rhyperior all on his own– which I am so proud of. The power of Screech and Brick Break, and Rhyperior missing one of his Megahorns, heh.)

The true challenge was Flint.

One of only two Elites who specialize in the Fire type, surely this was the true test of a bug team’s mettle.

I started off with my Drapion, as you can imagine his typing and his Earthquake were pretty important for this match. Sadly I fall JUST short of a 1HKO on Houndoom. The dog gets Sunny Day up, which is … really, really bad. Then Flint heals. I take out Houndoom the next time, but that’s the least of my concerns. Infernape is next up, and I send out Yanmega, because I’m certain it will outspeed Drapion. After a little Protect just in case, I Air Slash, which juuuuuuust barely falls short of killing. Fortunately Infernape Flare Blitzes and takes us both out. My Black Fang is back out again, squaring off against Flareon. Sadly, my EQ doesn’t one-shot, so I get an Overheat straight to the face. I finally bring Flareon down, but next up is the scary horse that is Very Fast. I revive my dragonfly (potion was used on Houndoom) and send him out. While Rapidash spends a turn getting Sunny Day back up, I throw some rocks. Another turn of rocks and it goes down, but then the major problem hits.

It’s Magmortar. In the sun, no less.

My Ancient Power hardly even phases him, depressingly. Once ROFL goes down, that’s it. Magmortar outspeeds everyone in a giant ball of fire.

Warm-Up Two

So, no real surprise that Magmortar presented a bit of a problem for us. My second warm-up had my team all at levels 57 when I started out. This is the level of Flint’s ace poke. These higher levels made things a lot easier: Black Fang took Houndoom out in one hit, preventing Sunny Day. ROFL’s Air Slash on Infernape took him out clean this time. Fang’s EQ could also clean out Flareon in one hit. Rapidash was the first to not fall to one hit: he took one Ancient Power, just barely. However, ROFL somehow survived the Flare Blitz and Rapidash fell to recoil.

I’m sad to say ROFL’s rocks still barely put a dent in Magmortar; and Magmortar still outsped nearly everyone on my team still. Except for one– Black Fang. Thankfully, EQ killed, letting us squeak on by.

The last Elite member was a Psychic specialist. As you can imagine, for a full-bug team, this wasn’t too terrifying a prospect. I sent Maestro out first, 1HKOing the Mr. Mime. Gallade was the ace, and pretty damn tough. I decide to send Fang out to get a couple Scary Faces off, because his speed terrifies me. Then I smash away with Poison Jabs, poisoning him in the process. I’m almost home free until (of course) Full Restore rains on my parade. So I continue the process, stabbing away with Poison Jab, but my foe decides to be clever and switch Bronzong in. I try using Crunch on it just to see, but it’s not really worth much; I drop to Extrasensory and probably shouldn’t have wasted Drapion like that.

That said, Maestro goes in and has this covered for me. I’ve spent many an hour beating up Bronzongs in Victory Road and know that one Screech and the bell falls to my X-Scissors, despite the bulk and the resistances. No worries.

Gallade returns from his break, so I send ROFL in. I proect on what I think is his last Stone Edge before Air Slashing him to death.

Last is Alakazam. Air Slash puts him at 1 HP, which is quite annoying, because of course Full Restore is next. Yes, I don’t have Bug Buzz on ROFL. I know, that’s a bit silly, but I wanted to pack a bunch of coverage moves on him. Anyway, I bring Fiberglass in and smash away with Iron Heads as plan B. I take 2 Focus Blasts to the face easily and immerge victorious.

Easy peasy.

But truth be told, despite how far we had gotten, we just weren’t ready for a particular pokemon to come.

Cynthia’s opeing Spiritomb is easy enough. I used Cleo to toxic it and healed heavily, and swooped in with Attack Order when the time was ripe.

Togekiss was out next, which … is pretty scary. I had equipped Black Fang with Rock Slide, but Togekiss is still bulky as fuck. Plus, Air Slash did a LOT to Fang, even though it wasn’t super effective. I got lucky with the flinches, simply put (even after one full restore from our champion). Somehow, against a Togekiss, this seems fitting, though.

Luck wasn’t going to carry us through Garchomp, though. The run ended there, once again in flames. It was just too high-levelled and too strong.

Warm-Up Three

I spent some time grinding more, getting the team up to levels 60-62. I also bought and grabbed a few extra HMs and items. I would need to be careful and incredibly precise with this battle.

This fight came so incredibly close. It certainly confirmed I was on the right track.

I opened with Fiberglass, setting down my Stealth Rock. I bashed away at Spiritomb with Iron Head, which was around a four or five hit kill. That sounds slow, but Fiberglass resisted the Dark Pulses and Shadow Balls that it threw at me, so it was quite reasonable. I did get some bad luck with a Special Defense drop on a Shadow Ball, though. This means when Cynthia stopped to potion up, I did too. Eventually Spiritomb fell, though.

Next was Garchomp. She was going right to the big guns this time. I had a plan for this, though. I sent out my Drapion, equipped with a Focus Sash. The plan was Scary Face. I absolutely needed to drop its terrible speed. Lacking any paralyzing moves whatsoever, Scary Face was all I had. Earthquake brought me down to 2 HP (which was hilarious, not even consuming the sash) and I got the Scary Face off; then I pondered my next move. I decided to risk swapping Cleopatra in.

She switched in on an Earthquake as I had hoped, and then was able to Toxic. She tanked Garchomp’s Flamethrower damn admirably, and was able to heal off the damage several times. Then a critical hit catches her and she goes down. Still, it felt like holding back an ocean tide, and I was impressed she managed to do it as long as she did.

Then I sent Maestro in.

“A fucking Kricketune against a Garchomp?” you ask. “Are you mad?”

But this Kricketune had a Pomeg berry and that weird move Natural Gift. As most of you probably don’t remember this weird-ass move introduced in gen IV, the move’s power and typing changes depending on the berry you hold. It’s kind of like Hidden Power, but easier to manipulate … but can only be done once, as it consumes the berry.

Pomeg berry translates to a base 70 Ice attack. And it worked, taking the Garchomp down. It was deeply satisfying.

Next was Togekiss. I had hoped Fiberglass could do a little chip damage but her health was just too low and she went down immediately. Somehow, I manage to take Togekiss out with 2 Ancient Powers from ROFL, though (after surviving an Air Slash).

Milotic is out next, and I’m fully aware how tanky this beast is. I send out Sparkler to try a Bug Buzz, and get a very lucky critical hit– sending the HP down to 1/3. Ice beam then takes us out, but ROFL can easily revenge with Air Slash.

Lucario is next! I try Air Slash, and it brings him down to less then ½ health, which is great! But what’s not so great is Lucario has Stone Edge. Another bug drops.

Maestro manages to get the kill with Brick Break– surviving a Stone Edge to do so. It feels fantastic, but we’re in deep trouble now. I’m down to just two pokemon; Maestro and Black Fang, and they’re both in the low red.

It’s just not quite enough. She outspeeds Maestro and so he’s gone.

And that’s it. The run stops here. I know Fang can’t 1HKO.

We came so close, though. So ridiculously close. What if our luck had been just a little bit better? Or what if … what if I put the Focus Sash on Sparkler? I’d already seen Fang could just barely survive one hit.

What would happen then?

One More Fight

The rematch is very, very similar to before, with only a few small differences.

This time round, Fiberglass got through Spiritomb a little more easily. I didn’t need to use a potion to get through it when Cynthia potioned it; I just plugged away and brought the ghost down.

The fight with Garchomp went pretty similarly. I got a Scary Face off with Drapion, swapped Cleo in, did some toxic stalling … although once Garchomp’s health gets into the red and I choose “Toxic” again, anticipating the Full Restore, for some odd reason it never comes. Garchomp Dragon Rushes instead– which misses, and toxic of course fails. The following turn, Garchomp goes down. I have no idea why Cynthia didn’t Full Restore that time, but in the long run, it didn’t make a difference, as you will see.

Next up was Togekiss, and I send Fiberglass back in, but potion up Drapion this time– using the potion I was owed that Cynthia used before on her Spiritomb. Fiberglass goes down to a critical Air Slash, and Drapion goes out to tough it out again with Rock Slides. Once again, Cynthia potioning up and I need to Rock Slide through another round, but manage to not fall victom to Rock Slide misses. I’m thankful.

Milotic is next again, and Sparkler Bug Buzzes. He does not score a crit this time, and I see just how pitiful the damage is when it’s not a crit. Oof. My sash is consumed and I get one more hit off, which helps, but Milotic is not as low as before. When I send ROFL in, Air Slash does not kill.

Oddly, Milotic decides to Mirror Coat instead of Ice Beam. I take heavy damage but don’t die. I try to Giga Drain, now confused over what Milotic was doing, and thinking the HP might help me survive a non-ice hit. It brings Milotic down into the red but she still doesn’t DIE, and Cynthia potions back up.

This wasn’t going good. I attack more, finally go down to an Ice Beam, and bring Fang in to revenge-kill with a Poison Jab, which thankfully does the job.

Lucario is out next. I swap in Cleo, who’s in the low red. I use the chance to do one thing: potion Drapion back up again. Cleo goes down, and Drapion can kill with one EQ.

Finally, Roserade. I’m back to the same scenario as before– with Maestro and Fang the last ones standing– but both are at full health this time.

Two Poison Jabs take Roserade down, and that’s that.

This is a repost on a new blog. The original post was on Dec 14, 2018.

[isabellaklein97]

How Often Do Unneutered Male Cats Spray Awesome Unique Ideas

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6 Year Old Male Cat Peeing

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Comfort Zone Cat Deterrent Spray

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