#pop rox answers

[monty-glasses-roxy]

Animatronics cassie au.

Roxy/Roxanne wolf her big sister.

Golden roxy her scound big sister.

( meanwhile golden roxy stuck being the forgotten middle child while normal roxy and cassie are seen as the star of the family eyes )

I mean... If Animatronic Cassie was activated before Golden Roxy, that would also make her older and the big sister. Golden Roxy would grow and mature faster by nature of being an animatronic, but Cassie would still technically be the older sibling here

Animatronic ages and relationships and stuff are fun

[myloveforhergoeson]

a short story featuring bad boy kendall - enjoy

"Hey, Rox, are you still out there?"

Hint of hesitation escaping his lips, Kendall called out to his assistant from one of the small fitting rooms in the costuming department of Rocque Records. They had already had a challenging few days - Griffin was on a mission to get a bad boy into the band and Gustavo was trying to force him into taking up that particular role in defiance.

Bad boy was the farthest term Kendall would ever describe himself with, yet, there he stood, dressed in the all-black outfit his assistant had picked out for him, ready to play the main part in her ridiculous plan.

He knew ridiculous plans - Big Time Rush practically invented the concept of ridiculous plans - but Roxy's had really taken the cake. It didn't help that the rest of the band had thought her plan to be their best shot at kicking the poser Wayne-Wayne out, fueling her ego just a bit as she grabbed his arm and pulled him down one floor to the wardrobe room.

It was hard to say no to her, he had found throughout their first few days in Hollywood. Roxy could be quite convincing when she wanted to, and it certainly didn't hurt that the blond had grown quite fond of seeing her smile.

Selfishly, he had watched it spread across her face just minutes before as she happily bounced from rack to rack of clothes, finding him the perfect outfit he was now waiting to show her.

Curse that girl... Even though she has a great sense of style.

If she didn't already have a budding career as his songwriter-assistant, Kendall might have believed she would have a promising career in the world of fashion.

"I'm right where you left me," she casually replied, and for a moment, Kendall felt a bit self-conscious as he drew back the curtain to the dressing room.

That was a new feeling he certainly didn't take to. Even though Roxy had done an excellent job in finding clothing his size, suddenly the all-black look, from his boots to his jacket to his watch, felt a little bit too tight when her eyes raked over him. Though, he would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy the attention.

Had they only met a few days ago? Sure, but the way she had so fiercely fought for him and his friends to take a chance and fly out to Hollywood to record a few demo tracks with 90s megastar Gustavo Rocque was nothing less than inspiring. It had nearly broken his heart when he made her cry in his living room the night of James' audition, so much so he found himself doing everything in his power to correct his mistake the next day. And even then, her influence hadn't escaped him, continuing her encouragement the best way she could - a song.

Roxy had written a song about him for crying out loud, the least he could do was wear the tight pants and participate in her ridiculous plan.

Unabashed, she stared him down, taking in the outfit she had created for him while she twirled a small, black pencil between a few of her fingers.

Maybe she'll write a song about this moment, he thought, his silent wish ignored by the nervous words coming out of his mouth.

"Girls seriously dig this kinda crap? The attitude, I mean... I look really good in these clothes."

At her slight nod, he popped the collar of the jacket to show off a bit more, getting her to keep her eyes on him for just a bit longer. But, the suave move embarrassed him a bit, so he turned to check his outfit in the mirror behind him to save seeing whatever expression had formed on his assistant's face.

Of course, what he had really meant to ask was, "You really dig this kind of crap?" for unimportant reasons.

Regardless of how his question was worded, he got his answer as she sucked in a breath, "You don't know the half of it..."

Before he knew it his eyes flickered to hers in the mirror for a brief moment, until he felt brave enough to turn and face her again.

Kendall changed the subject, "What are you going to do to me with that thing in your hand?"

"This?" She held the pencil up, slightly cocking her head. "None of your girlfriends wore eyeliner?"

Perhaps he was just delusional enough to believe that was her subtle way of asking if he was seeing someone. Which he wasn't at the moment. Not at all.

"Probably, I dunno," was all he could manage as a reply, trying to will his heart to stop beating so fast as Roxy continued to look at him. Kendall had only had one serious girlfriend his freshman year, but he was currently having much trouble remembering her name as he watched his assistant step a bit closer to him.

Roxy twirled the pencil a few more times. "It's supposed to help draw attention to the eye. No bad boy look is complete without dark and smoky guy-liner! We just have one issue-"

"The tightness of my pants?"

"No, definitely not," She shook her head, and Kendall just so happened to remember she said she didn't have a boyfriend the other day.

As she continued on, he didn't really process many of her words as he tried to understand why his brain decided to re-feed him such information at a time like this.

Before he knew it, Roxy ripped him from his thoughts as she placed one of her hands on his shoulder, using it as support to hoist herself up onto a small stool she had placed at his feet.

Now, they were looking eye to eye, and Kendall hoped the tightness of his shirt didn't reveal the comically insane beating of his heart.

"I didn't quite imagine we'd be on two save-our-band missions this week," He joked, trying to calm himself down as he looked down at the makeup in her hands. "Please don't turn it into a save-my-eye mission."

A playful gasp left her lips, "Kendall Knight, I can't believe you don't trust me. After all we've been through together..."

The back of her hand flew to her forehead as she pretended to faint in shock at his comment.

"I do, Rox," he couldn't stop himself from sharing, though he avoided her eyes and looked off at one of the clothing racks behind her before changing the subject entirely. "I'm just thinking of it like a weird kind of eye-black."

"Don't worry," His assistant shared, even though he hadn't been at all. "It won't be anything crazy. We're going for more of a Liam Gallagher look; it'll tie nicely with your outfit. Ready?"

Nodding, Kendall closed his eyes, trying to shoo out the thoughts racing through his brain as Roxy began to apply the eyeliner.

To be frank, he had no clue who Liam Gallagher was, but the way Roxy had said his name made him sound important. Maybe she'd speak about him like that one day.

Stupid, Kendall told himself. I doubt she'd go for a guy with zero musical knowledge... Not that that matters.

Sparing himself the pain of thinking about that for too much longer, the blonde shot out, "Which band was that guy in again?"

Even with his eyes closed, he could imagine the way her eyes lit up when she processed what he had said. She always got this flash of excitement across her features when she talked about music, be it her own or someone else's.

"Liam Gallagher? He's in Oasis, they're one of my favorites. Now he's the prime example of a bad boy, always fighting with his brother and everything."

A chuckle escaped her as Kendall made a mental note to head to the Palm Woods computer in the lobby and look Oasis up when they got home. If they were one of her favorite bands, it was probably a good idea to learn about her musical influences since she would be writing more songs for Big Time Rush.

Besides that, he knew that he had heard of that band. Slowly he peeked his right eye open to catch a glance at her expression when he stated, "You had a few of their tapes in your box."

"You remember that?" The tone in her voice came off more shocked than the frontman had hoped as her gaze connected with his. Kendall did have eyes after all, and had poked through most of the tapes she had after she asked him to put on the other morning. "I've got a good collection if I do say so myself."

Kendall wouldn't know, but now more than ever he felt a drive to impress Gustavo as best he could with Big Time Rush's demos. Her collection would easily elevate from good to perfect if his voice ended up floating through her speakers.

Silence filled the room as he closed his eyes again, ready for the other side to be completed. Once more, he felt the pencil in Roxy's hand drag across his lash line, covering most of it. At one point, the girl had lifted the pencil up and Kendall had opened his eyes, not knowing she was about to come back for more.

The pencil drove right into his sclera.

"Ow!" He hissed as his body shook at the sudden pain. Right hand flying to his eye, he managed to hit Roxy's arm - the sheer force of it all knocking her completely off balance.

Since hockey was a sport of balance, Kendall was no stranger to recognizing the signs of someone about to fall, but for whatever reason his brain went numb. Roxy had clearly lost her footing, beginning to tumble backward, and the last thing he had ever expected her to do was to shoot her arms around his neck and pull herself into him.

Contact snapping him out of his stupor, the boy reacted quickly; his hands flying around her waist in an attempt to stabilize her. Gently, he guided her back to the small step stool, making sure she had balance once more.

Roxy was shaking - shaking - as she clung to him, nose inadvertently nuzzled into his neck. All Kendall could focus on was how close they were, how fast her chest was heaving, as he ignored the itch in the back of his brain.

Tell her, tell her, tell her-

"Are you alright?" Kendall asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Neither of them moved while the girl composed herself, a nearly impossible task while the two were practically flushed against each other.

She breathed a breath in. She breathed a breath out.

"Yeah," But she didn't make any move to unlock her arms from around his neck.

Relieved, Kendall finally listened to his train of thought as his blood roared in his ears, allowing one of his hands to reluctantly leave her waist and trail up to the base of her neck, cradling her further into him.

Be it the bad boy persona he was swiftly trying to adapt to or the adrenaline rushing through his veins...

"Would it be crazy if I told you I wanted to kiss you so badly right now?"

His heart nearly stopped as she pulled away from him, eyes widening in surprise as she studied his face, trying to figure out if he really meant what he had said. The heat creeping up the back of her neck reached where his hand had gently been placed, worrying the frontman slightly.

"No... Not not at all" She quickly replied, giving him the dazzling smile he had so desperately wanted to give her by squeezing into the bad boy outfit he had picked out.

Kendall smirked right back, hesitantly leaning into his assistant before she yanked the sides of his jacket, easily bringing her mouth to his for a few short seconds before pulling away.

"Ready to go kick some Griffin-butt?" She questioned. "The sooner we get that done, the sooner we can sneak back down here and... you know..."

He did know.

At her words, Kendall's cheeks lit up, no doubt the source of another big Roxy smile gracing her lips as she hopped down from the step stool.

Holy shit, he thought, running a hand through his hair and watching as she returned the stool to where it came from. Then, she raced back over and laced her fingers through his, pulling him to the studio where he was going to surprise Griffin and WayneWayne with his new look. James is going to kill me.

[madwickedawesome]

getting bored and taking a shitload of uquizzes

silly <3 also this was super funny to me i would love to be symbolically murdered by my lover (i hate enemies to lovers but i could definitely do with the symbolism of my lover killing me <33)

wat da he'll!!!!!! its my favie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :3

SOOOO SILLY

this one was simply soooo adorable omg i struggled w answering some i am so deeply obsessed with the idea of love and being loved and everything that follows

@manuscripts-don-t-burn @pop-roxs TAJKE NOW

[tjreidwrites]

This is a write up I did as a review for the Estival Festival in Kankakee Illinois September 2023. I originally posted in on my band’s (Bluprint) Facebook page. I wanted to do something a little different. It’s more of a short story of my day at the fest disguised as a review/ write up. Hope you all enjoy!

•

I rounded up the corner where the sidewalk would end, leading to a bridge that went across the river. It was a good idea to walk, I thought. Short cut.

The bridge gently swayed as I crossed the water. The clouds threatened rain, but it ended up being a good day that saw only a light drizzle. Light shower to stay cool. Any Kankakee area native with their sanity knows that fall hoodie weather is the best time of year. Midwest vibes. Hurt- your- face cold winters. Hot ass summers. And falls you wished would last longer, of course.

I keep on past the baseball field.

Step forward, the louder the music.

Trees surround the bandshell. The Don Palzer bandshell, a stage that will be used the right way today. Situated naturally amidst a natural amphitheater of rugged rock and trees. I came from behind the action, catching glimpses of the drummer's head, the vocalist too, but branches covered the rest of the band. How do they load their gear up the rock like that? I would find out later that the answer was; efficiently

I think that’s Melodic Industries inc. They're good. The music made me feel like dancing. I put a little hop in my step. The sign coming in said in bright oranges and light blues; ESTY FEST.

When I got to the entrance of the festival, I was greeted by friendly security guards and the smell of pizza. The pizza smelled good, but I needed something quick. The next truck over had waffle hot dogs. Fare Square.

That hit the spot.

The music had everyone smiling and greeting each other. After meeting up with some friends, we walked over to where the beer was sold. It was great to see two places that I already trusted and liked; On The Rox and Ryan’s Pier, supplying the fresh cold brew. Melodic industries wrapped up a great set. Next, we got to headbang. My favorite. Ephinepic crushed it. The metal vocals were on point.

Those vox were wet .

“What are you grinning at?” Blain Smith said. He was capturing the festival in high definition video. Recap set to be movie quality from the man himself.

“This band is sick. I’m gonna check out some vendors.”

If I would have come prepared, I could have added onto my modest retro game collection efficiently at the fest. Three tents of awesome pop culture stuff and video games. I considered getting Pokemon diamond for my rusty old DS, but the wall of funko pops distracted me.

I used the well placed and convenient porter potty and hand wash station, then made my way to the other part of the fest. On the way, I noticed a play area for the kids. Thoughtful, family friendly. The neat vendor tents seemed to go on forever. No complaints, that’s a positive in my book. Everything on display was interesting. Halloween right around the corner? Plenty for that. Flowers. Sports. Wood werx creations. Art. Jewelry. All leading up to the second stage, Faber financial stage. The second stage was the perfect size, and placed in a great spot past the vendors and plenty far away enough from the main stage.

I made my way back to the Art and Sol main stage when I heard The Katzpa Jammas start. I was delighted at the beautiful high notes, with grit, and a talented band to go with it. From the moment they began, I was locked in and captivated until the end.

As the sun went down, Vaudevileins and Luck of the Draw killed it. The energy was up. Neon lights bounced off the rock and bandshell. A sight to see. Everyone is dancing and having a good time. And this is a free show, I thought.

The vibe came and it stuck.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay all night.

I trudged up the hill and around the back of the main stage. Carrying torches, a band that sounded pro as hell (and has a knack for sounding better all the time) was my soundtrack as I left the festival. Who says there's never anything to do? I would have paid to get in. The purple, blue, red and random colored stage lights illuminated the little cove. The cool breeze came off the water and hit my face as I rounded back to the bridge.

Every step, the music got a little quieter.

I smiled, still happy I decided to walk. Things like the Estival Festival can turn a shit day good again, if you let it. Events like that can provide a creative spark, if you let it.

I was across the bridge, almost home. The music faded, but it was still there in the background. The hurt-your-face winters and the hot ass summers seemed far away.

During that walk home, I lived in the moment and realized that I had been the entire day. Music, and spending a day with good people in the community could have had something to do with it.

Or it’s just about having a good mindset, I thought.

“Nah, it’s the music.”

#bluprintband #estivalfestival

[chaoticspeedrun]

Brighter to my eyes 3

Summary: Leo is good at reading people, it's what makes him a good strategist, but those blue hues of hers elude his sharp intuition.

Perhaps if they didn't he'd realize he didn't have to change himself for her to see him like he wants her to.

A.N. I wrote this fanfic over an idea of Rise! Leo using a cloacking brooch to hide his true self but it evolved into something way bigger, this fic will takes place in ROTTMNT after "Newsworthy" but April is 18 starting college instead of in High School, while the MC and Raph are 17, the twins 16 and Mikey 15.

Pairing: Rise!Leo x OC, Leo x Reader

Warnings: Angst, FLUFF, Sibling shenanigans, MC is a nerd, but a mean nerd in leather.

PREV • MASTERLIST • NEXT

The turtles +2 walked in and immediately heard a bloodcurdling scream from somewhere deep inside, Mikey grabbed onto Raph's arm and Victoire's grin kept getting bigger the further they walked.

As they reached the creaky stairs a group that had entered right before them yelled from above stumbling onto the stairs wide-eyed, some of them giggling nervously and the others looked panicked as they ran down the stairs, the turtles making way for them as the bunch kept yelling like they were running from something.

Donnie looked up to the next floor and his eyes widened, he made a startled sound walking back towards his older brother when a body fell right before them onto the stairs just in front with a loud thud.

Mikey screeched having climbed onto Raph's shell and the others looked on in panic, only increasing as the body started leaking something that under the little bit of moonlight that illuminated the staircase looked red, then they screamed, all except for Leo and Victoire.

Leo recovered quickly from the surprise and walked over to it rolling his eyes "Oh relax guys! It's a test of bravery, nothing is real, see?" Leo reached for the right arm of the person and it popped out, disconnected from the rest of it making Mikey scream again.

"YOU RIPPED THEIR ARM OFF!!!" The orange turtle screeched at his blue coded brother while Raph, Donnie and April relaxed.

"It's plastic Mikey, come on!" Leo chuckled walking up faster while Victoire laughed openly and mischievously at the others reaction before following Leo, Mikey sighing in relief but not letting go of Raph as they continued.

They entered various rooms, Donnie happily explaining the holograms of ghosts that had succesfully terrified Raph and complimenting Victoire on their quality, all of them running out of one room when a piano sprouted teeth and followed them, jumping with a strenuous sound as they fled the room with their stickers.

Another room was filled to the brim with huge spiders that immediately poured out towards them, making even Leo yelp in disgust before realizing they were robotic when crushing one to Donnie's delight.

They were all laughing about to open another door, the halls of the house were gigantic and Mikey asked to stay close to where they could see the staircase when they heard a crash at the end of the hall close to the them, when they all turned Victoire tilted her head at one of her friends.

"What's up Rox?" She asked realizing she couldn't really hear much from outside except a song she didn't recognize playing on the speakers.

Rox didn't answer, she just walked closer to them, footsteps creaked from the stairs and Victoire walked closer before stopping as she saw a whole bunch of party goers walking upstairs in silence with vacant eyes.

"What the-"

Rox rushed at her trying to grab Victoire but she managed to dodge before Raph took her by the arm and shielded her with his body.

"What's going on?!" He asked when the other party goers started rushing at them, the mad dogs and Victoire running down the hall.

"I don't know!" Donnie yelled "They appear to be in a trance!"

Something flew by Raph's head and Victoire recognized the object as a ratarang from one of her friend's Ratman costume.

They reached a fork of halls and ran down the left one, entering one of the rooms.

Leo shushed them all as they stilled hearing the running footsteps still outside.

"Oh Victoire!" They heard someone call from outside "Come on out! We miss you outside at the party!"

"Are you okay Victoire?" Another voice, her best friend, Victoire recognized, called out sounding worried "I could call your parents if you're not feeling well, I still have their number."

Victoire's hands tightened into fists "That's not Scott at all" she whispered "They're all acting like they're mind controlled."

"Mind controlled of course!" Donnie whisper yelled "Just like hypno! The song outside has been playing in repeat for a while, he must have used that to control everyone!"

"But what would he want Victoire for?" Leo asked before the door started rattling as someone tried to open it from outside, they all stilled and looked around for an escape.

Mikey was about to reach for the window when Donnie stopped him "No! If we go outside we'll be exposed to the music! Our safest bet is to stay inside the building."

"Uh, Donald, I don't want to alarm you but there's a bunch of dressed up people waiting to attack INSIDE the building!" April exclaimed.

"Hold on, hold on! Who is this hypno guy in the first place?!" Victoire asked glancing from them to the door.

Donnie looked up at Leo trying to communicate something as they heard the lock of the door being messed with, Leo looked from him to the door to Victoire and then took his sword from his hilt.

There was a click on the lock and Leo quickly made a portal open with his sword, Victoire's eyes widened at it as she was pulled through the blue light by Raph during her shock, the rest of them following just fast enough to avoid the mass of people rushing through the door right after.

They had appeared in the third floor of the building, furthest from the crowd and they all sighed in relief at the portal opening right, except for Victoire whose eyes were still wide open like dinner plates for a moment longer before she squinted at Leo and reached out to pinch his arm making him yelp.

"What was that?!" he asked and she squinted her eyes further while looking at her fingers with which she had just pinched him.

"What was that? What was it that you just did?! Leon, I'm not used to seeing someone pull out a magic portal out of thin air with a sword that I personally thought was just a prop three minutes ago!"

Leo tried to speak but Victoire lifted a finger to stop him, breathing in for a second "Let's ignore for a second that there's no green paint on my fingers so you guys aren't wearing costumes and are actual turtles" she said to which Raph winced and Leo rubbed where she had pinched him.

Donnie mumbled 'mutant ninja turtles actually'.

"Who is Hypno?" Victoire asked, eyes bouncing from one to another.

The turtles looked at each other and April walked over to Victoire with hunched shulders "Hypno-potamus is a magician who got mutated recently, his DNA mixed with that of his pet hippopotamus and now he has psychic abilitie-"

"Wait" Victoire interrupted looking like she was putting together puzzle pieces "Isn't that Mezmer-ron? The guy who was stealing animal companions from other magicians?"

Donnie looked at her in shock "How do YOU know that? The news never made the connection between the two" Victoire scoffed.

"I'm not stupid, unlike the news outlets, the same day this guy Ron and his hippo disappeared Hypno's attacks started, it's easier to believe too when that chef guy transformed into a giant pig on live TV."

"You mean Rupert Swaggart?!" Mikey asked forgetting the situation for a moment but Victoire nodded.

April was surprised as Victoire took things in stride, no yelling or outburst, just looking at them seriously as she processed.

She heard Donnie go near Victoire and ask in a lower voice "Are you in shock?"

Victoire looked thoughtful and responded seriously with a small nod, "Might be, I'm just compartmentalizing."

Donnie nodded at her answer and Raph raised an eyebrow looking at her "Alright, so we cleared that up, but why would Hypno be targetting you?"

Mikey joined in nodding quickly "The crowd was looking for her, not us!"

Victoire's eyes widened and then she frowned "Okay yeah, that makes more sense than Scott wanting to speak to my parents" she mumbled receiving questioning looks "My parents are extremely influential politicians, he must be trying to use me as a hostage to get something from them."

"Then what do we do?" April asked

"We protect Victoire, and find out how hypno is controlling so many people at once"

"But we were all down there, some of us ate the food, had the drinks, listened to the same music-" Donnie started and then gasped "The music! It changed while we were inside I remember because I was mad that it kept playing on loop but let it go because we could barely hear it anyway"

"So we need to stop the music? But when they attacked us they probably couldn't hear it anymore either" Leo replied with an eyebrow lifted.

"Then what could snap them out of it?" Victoire asked and Donnie grinned.

"If I can reach into their neural pathways with a coordinated harmony of-"

"English Dontron" Leo groaned and Donnie huffed glaring at him.

"I play loud funky music to make their brains go brr, BUT we need them to be distracted long enough for the music to have any effect on their psyche."

"I'll let them capture me" Victoire said "In between that and whatever Hypno wants to demand from my parents you got enough time to use your music and get rid of him."

"Are you sure?" April asked "We can find another way to-"

"It's fine" Victoire waved her off "I don't have a weapon anyways, I wouldn't be as useful with you guys."

"Alright team" Raph started "Mikey and I will go downstairs and hide from the party goers, that way we'll be there to avoid anything else happening, Donnie, April, set up your trap and keep an eye out for Hypno, Leo, you go with Victoire, stay around hidden after she's captured to make sure she's safe."

"Only for a box of Scooby-snacks Fred" Leo joked and Victoire snorted, covering her mouth to hide the chuckle that tried to escape her mouth making Leo turn to her in surprise before grinning at her while everyone else rolled their eyes.

"Okay! Let's go Mad dogs!" Raph stated before leaving followed by the others.

"Mad dogs?" Victoire asked.

"It's our team name" Leo stated making her look more confused.

"Okay...But you're mutant ninja turtles, that doesn't have anything to do with it" she wondered and Leo raised his arms.

"That's what I said!"

The both of the started walking down the hallway to the staircase.

"Okay, so you never actually explained where that magical blue portal came from though" Victoire broke the silence looking at Leo's ōdachi on his hands.

"Oh we found these mystical weapons a bit ago, they all have different powers we can activate with them, my ōdachi of course is the coolest one, it can make a portal to wherever I want" He explained proudly as Victoire looked in awe, after a moment he looked away from her and asked.

"So, why aren't you more freaked out? You seem pretty calm for everything that's happened today."

Victoire made a humming sound as they kept wandering through the hall "I don't know, I mean I am still a little in shock, it probably hasn't set in completely yet but realizing mutants were a thing and one was going after me was scary, but Raph immediately shielded me when I was in danger, Donnie kept me on the loop of what was happening as he processed it, Mikey asked for my safety what they could want from me and you took us all out of there, plus now you're acting as my bodyguard too."

She paused for a second looking back at him.

"When I met April she spoke very fondly about you guys, that's why I invited you to my party, wether you're all turtles or not you seem more genuine than most people who try to hang around me."

Leo looked at her in surprise at this but before she could say anything else they heard a sound coming from down the stairs, a group of people coming up.

Leo turned to her with a reassuring smile "I'm right here for anything, just call for me if you feel like you're in danger" She nodded at him and Leo disappeared behind a curtain.

"Vic, are you up here?" Scott's voice called from down the stairs and Victoire steeled herself for the crowd that started walking her way.

-

TAGLIST: @saspas-corner

Thank you all who are enjoying this story! I can't wait to show you all what happens next!

[twst-the-night-away]

14. What are your favorite music genres?

15. Do you play any instruments?  Which ones?  How long have you been playing?

Both Nadya and Rox!

Ask Nadya & Roswell!

(Well, they're who I want to focus on, but if you want to ask any of my other OCs these questions, I don't mind ...)

14. What are your favorite music genres?

Nadya's eyes light up and she bounces a little in her seat. "Ohhh boy. I like all kinds of music, ya know? I especially like it when two totally different genres or artists get mashed up together. Most of my routines are done to upbeat pop songs, so I'd say that's my favorite, but I also love hip-hop and EDM and anything that gets you moving!"

Roswell takes a moment to consider. "I enjoy listening to chanting and what is known as drone music. It allows my brain space to sort out new information in peace." He cocks his head. "Previous experience has shown me that my answer is quite eccentric. Would you care to inform me why?"

15. Do you play any instruments? Which ones? How long have you been playing?

"Ummm. I don't play anything," Nadya says. She shrugs. "But I can DJ a little bit. I wanted to learn how to, so I found an old record player and some old records nobody wanted at a thrift shop, and I figured it out." She beams. "I also know a little bit about remixing music, since I've gotta put my own mixes together for my routines and all. It's loads of fun. But actually playing anything? Not my thing."

"I do not play any instruments," Roswell replies. "But if I did, I would be interested in learning how to play the bagpipes, like Lilia. I find their sound to be uniquely fascinating."

[unitcd]

Oh, he'd marched straight to Merlin after finding that HE TOO was still alive. They'd had their words and figured that they were the only two left and now they had to deal with the attack. Little did either of them know that Roxy had survived. Seeing his best friend's number pop up on his phone, Eggsy hesitated to pick it up. Something in the back of his mind told him to pick it up, though, and so he answered. "Rox?" His voice shook a bit. "No. . . no, it couldn't be her. "Who the fuck is this? It ain't funny."

Roxy and Eggsy || @unitcd

Roxy still looked a mess to be honest. She had a broken arm, and was covered in bumps and bruises. Not to mention the gash on her thigh which was stitched up, but still hurt like hell. But that didn’t stop her from being here right now. She discharged herself from the hospital as soon as she could, and thats when the real journey began. She went to the mansion first to see the damage, amazed that she had survived. Then to the tailor shop, which also was rubble. Then next, to Eggsy’s place, which had been Harry’s. That too was rubble. Despite knowing so many had lost their lives, there was a strange feeling telling her that Eggsy was still alive. He hadn’t been home that night.

Her phone had been damaged in the blast, and finally getting a new phone, she was able to get the data that had been held on her old one, finally a life line.

Dialling Eggsy’s number, she waited for him to pick up.

“Eggsy…?”

[mynotsohealthyobsession]

Babe

Book: RoD

Pairing: Colt x MC

Warning: Fluff / A couple of swearing

Words: 1.267

**Tags in the reblog**

Ellie pulled the hem of the skirt she was wearing self-consciously. When she had tried it in the mall early that day, she had felt sexy, almost unstoppable. But now, leaning against Colt's bike with his arm around her waist, she wasn't so sure. Compared to all the other women there, she felt underdressed and dull. Like a kid pretending to be a grown up.

She always had struggled with her self esteem, even when she knew she shouldn't. She was smart enough to have a full scholarship, had amazing friends and a boyfriend that, even with his cranky personality, loved her. But, as she looked around, she couldn't avoid thinking how different she was from the rest of the women there. They all looked so confident, having fun, flirting around, wearing clothes that she wished to be brave enough to use. Sometimes she wondered if he maybe liked that type more, after all he had been in this world, surrendered by women like these, forever. While Colt was chatting with some guy about his bike, Ellie's eyes drifted around. The music mixed up with the noise of different engines and the voices of the excited crowd, enfolding her while her eyes drifted around, made her curious and a little thoughtful. His attention was in the conversation but his arm kept holding her, near to him, a little possessive, making her feel safe and happy to be with him.

"I'm going for a beer." His voice snapped her attention back to him. The guy had gone and they were alone again. "You want anything, El?"

"Um... No. I'm fine, thanks." She smiled at him.

"Suit yourself." He took her chin and smacked his lips against hers, briefly but intense enough, and stood up, releasing her waist and face. "I'll be right--"

"Well, well, well… What do we have here?" The voice, foxy and deep, came from behind his back where a woman was standing with one hand on her small waist and the other twisting a strand of her long hair between her fingers. "If it's no other than Colt Kaneko in flesh and blood." She grinned as Colt faced her.

"I didn't know you were back in town, Rox." His face was stoic as always, watching her walking towards him, completely ignoring Ellie. I look small beside Colt but, come on, I'm not invisible. The voice inside her complained and she narrowed her eyes at the brunette in front of them.

"I got back a few days ago." Ellie looked at Colt's face but he was serious as always. "I don't even get a hug?" She pouted exaggeratedly, her full lips popping out. "After all the fun we used to have together." She winked flirty. Oh, come on!

Ellie rolled her eyes and took a more detailed look at 'Rox', buffing annoyed. She was tall, probably taller than she was, walking in a pair of high and thin heels wearing just a short black dress with cuts showing her skin in the right places. Leaving little to the imagination, but enough. Her lips were voluminous, painted in a deep red and her hair long, almost to her waist, highlighting her perfect body. She not only is his ex but also is beautiful like a model. And she is shameless flirting with him.

"You know I don't hug." He leaned back to the bike, crossing his arms.

"Not with clothes, you mean." To Ellie's annoyance, she roamed his body with her eyes, noticing his muscles under the clothes. "What a shame. I would love to have you wrapped around me again." She flipped her hair back with her hand. Ugh. This is too much. She agreed with the inside voice.

"Aren't you going to introduce us, babe?" Okay, that was good. Her voice had sounded confident and the 'babe' thing hadn't come up wired. Rox took away her gaze from him, noticing her for the first time.

Before Colt could answer, she giggled, and fixed her perfectly cat-eye eyeliner stare in her. "I didn't know you were into middle school girls now." Ouch. Ellie's cheeks blushed with anger but quickly plastered a smile on her face. Fake, but still a smile.

"He isn't. I'm in college actually." She said, trying to sound as cold as she could.

"A goody two shoes? For real, Colt?" She laughed mockingly. Oh, that is. Game on.

"Cut it off, Rox." Colt took her waist again, rolling his eyes.

"It's okay, babe." Ellie replied, still grinning brightly. "It's true that I still look a little younger. But I guess that it's not a problem you have, right Rox?" She put the perfect amount of sarcasm in the last word.

"No, of course not. I don't need my ID to get in at clubs." Ellie chuckled, leaning against Colt's side, as close as she could, noticing his hold tightening around her.

"I don't doubt it! The bright side is that I will always look younger, even when i”m your age." She looked at him, still smiling, letting her hand casually touch his inner thigh. Who is the goody two shoes now, huh? "You never told me you were into older women too!" Even before watched her, she noticed Rox's anger. Ha! Checkpoint.

"I'm not." He squeezed her waist a bit as she made an exaggerated surprised face, staring at Rox again.

"Oh… I guess I just thought…" She moved her hand dismissively. "Nevermind."

"You thought what?" Her tone wasn't seductive anymore, fuming at Ellie. Perfect, exactly where I want you.

"Well, I thought you were at least 33 but my bad!"

"Excuse me?!" If this reaction didn't deserve a self pat on the back, she didn't know what would. Rox's eyes almost popped out of her face, a mix of fury and horror in them.

"I'm sorry. I guess that your heavy makeup marking the wrinkles around your eyes confused me." Colt snorted beside her as she enjoyed the fruits of her comment. Honestly, it felt really good. Rox stood as tall as she was, sending daggers to Ellie, who still smiled innocently. People really should stop underestimating me. Once more, she agreed with the voice.

"Of course you are mistaken. I guess people don't have to be smart anymore to go to college."

"If you say so." She looked at Colt again, completely ignoring her. "I changed my mind. I want a beer too, babe." She cupped his cheek, leading his face towards hers and passionately crushed her lips with his as he lowered his hand to her hips, pulling her closer.

"Ugh, whatever." She grinned into the kiss hearing her buff followed by her steps leaving them alone. Checkmate, bitch.

When they separated, settling again on the side of the bike, Colt lifted his eyebrow, intently observing her. "Really, El? Babe?"

"What? Maybe it's my new pet name for you."

"She made you that jealous huh?" He cockily grinned, looking at her cheeks flushing, crossing her arms, buffing a little.

"Shut up." He kept gazing at her with the corners of his lips still up with a smug smirk. "I'm not jealous."

"Let's pretend that I buy that." He rolled his eyes, standing again. "Do you still want that beer?"

"Sure thing, babe." Colt stared at her, serious and impasible, in silence. "Okay, yes, sounds weird."

"No kidding." He said ironically and she smirked at his annoyance.

"Yeah, you are too cranky for it." Without another word, he walked to one of the food trucks as Ellie sighed happily. After all, a victory, even the little ones, always felt satisfactory.

✨

[we-are-dreamers42]

Nightingale: Too Broken Too Fix Part I

Bucky Barnes x OGcharacter

photo by me.

This is the backstory or prequel of Alexandra Thomas before entering the official world of the Marvel Universe.

Word Count: 2,069

Series List

All Alexandra’s targets are scattering with no chance of finding them. She has one night to finish the men or find the others. It’s one or the other. How do you choose? 

WARNINGS: There are mentions of sexual abuse, violence, and swearing

Chapter 5

Roxy, and I are at Timmy’s the next morning. I gave him the drive to unload, and go through. Unfortunately he found a mass email that was sent to the rest of my targets, and then some warning them about me. That meant that they’re going to disappear. If that happened I’ll never find the others. They’ll move them or kill them. Either way I was out of time.

“Is there any way to know where they’re being kept?”

“I’ll keep searching.”

“This is bad. This is really bad.” I sat next to Rox that’s popping Tylenol for her hangover. 

She puts her arms around my shoulders to comfort me. “You’ll get this done.” 

“I hate just sitting here.”

“Then take a walk. When you get back Timmy will find something.”

“Okay. Call me if he finds anything.”

“The moment it happens.”

“Thanks.” Instead of a walk I ran. I didn’t have a destination, but I just needed to get the frustration out. If I lost these kids. If they’re moved or killed everything I did would’ve been for nothing.

Roxy called, making me stop. “What did he find?”

“Coordinates. One in the middle of the desert out of town, and another is a hotel.”

“Send them to me.” The hotel must be The Grand Hotel, but the one in the desert. That has to be where they’re kept. I had tonight. I save the kids or I kill all the men. If I just save the kids the men get away, and set up in some other city. If I go after the men I lose the kids.

Before I could make a decision one fell right in front of me. Over a dozen police cars speed down the street blaring their sirens. Overhead a helicopter was hovering. “You are surrounded. Get on the ground with your hands up.”

I started to sprint in the opposite direction. Running through the city I got a call. It’s Roxy. I ducked into an alley. “Hey I’m a little busy right now.” I answered.

“I can see that. You’re on the news.”

“Great. Any ideas?” A cop car stopped in front of the alley’s opening. I darted the other way. They shoot at me. I get around the corner, and out of their sight.

“Get out of there.” Roxy said still on the phone.

“No shit.”

“Go to the pier they won’t shoot if there’s civilians. Lose them in the crowds.”

Better than nothing. I pocket my phone. The pier was five blocks from here, but I had to go the way I came. I emerged from the alley on the other side of the street. There were barricades of cop cars on either side of the road.

“You have nowhere to go.” One of them yelled.

I put my hands up to surrender. One of the officers walked up to me with his gun aimed at me. He got closer. I grabbed the gun’s barrel with my left hand, and pushed his hand away with my right, disarming him.

I used his body to block behind me while I shot at the cops in front of me. I never aimed at them. Just close enough that they took cover. Once out of bullets I threw the officer I had and jumped over the barricade of cars. Then ran like hell.

One block, two, three. I saw the pier, and the people. I could actually get away from this. Then something hard hits me in the back knocking me down. I looked behind me to see what the hell hit me. All I saw was a red, white and blue shield. Fuck me. Getting out of here just became impossible. 

“Look, I don’t want to fight.” I said getting up.

“You should've thought of that before murdering people.” Captain America stood in front of me. Roxy would be so jealous. I could see how she finds him so attractive, but right now really wasn’t the time.

He walked to me. I threw a punch that he caught. He pushed against me, and I pushed back. “It’s not what you think. It isn’t murder.”

“What would you call it?”

“Justice.”

I sweep his leg forcing him down on his knees. I spin, and elbow him in his face. Before I could get away he used his shield to push me back. I grabbed the edges, and pushed against him.

For a beefcake like him he should be way stronger than me, but we’re at a stand still. Both using all our strength, but going nowhere. He looked at me, and his face contorted to a confused look. “Alexandra?”

Hearing him say my name threw me off. He took advantage of my hesitation, and used his shield to knock me over. Before I could get up there were a bunch of guns pointed at my head. This time I raised my hands, actually giving up.

I sat in an interrogation room. My arms, legs and torso are strapped down so I couldn’t move. I should be panicked about being caught, and how I’m never going to get out of here without hurting someone who doesn’t deserve it. But I’m not. I’m panicked at how Steve Rogers knew my name. There was no way. Technology I didn't exist. I’ve never had a job, drivers license, not even a social security number. So how?

An older man with an eye patch comes in. “So you’re Nightingale. The one terrorizing this city. Honestly when I look at you. I don’t see much.

“How did you find me?”

“Caught your little encounter with Mike Hammel yesterday. When he was found splattered on a sidewalk we followed the lead. Finding you was easy. Finding out who you are is a different story. Who are you?”

If Captain America didn’t tell them who I was, maybe he doesn’t know. But how would he know my name? “Who I am doesn’t matter.”

“Does to us, and to the families of the men you killed.”

“Ha! Those men’s families have no idea who they actually are. If they did, they wouldn’t care about me.”

“Then enlighten me on what those men did.”

That’s when the idea hit me.  Save the kids and get the men. Two birds with one Steve. “You must’ve tried to get into my phone already haven’t you? Just look at that.”

“We haven’t cracked the password yet.”

“I’ll tell you, but I want to talk to Captain America.”

“You are in no position to make demands.”

“I am if I give you all the answers you need. My full confession.”

“Fine.” He left. If I could convince someone to help me. It’s the most righteous man in the world. Moments later he walked in with the red, white and blue suite. He sat across from me.

“Papaya is the password.” He raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t pick it.”

“What’s on the phone?”

“Evidence, and coordinates.” For this specific situation I had all the evidence on that phone. It’s under a few files deep in the system. Product of Timmy.

“Evidence of what?”

“Of how all my targets committed a crime that couldn’t go unpunished. What I did was necessary. I’m not a bad person. Not one kill I enjoyed.”

“Then why do it? No one deserves death.” His eyes suddenly narrowed in on me. They found the files.

“These men do.”

“Who are you?”

“You tell me.” He gave nothing away on his face. “It’s hard to have an identity when you’re locked in a cage.”

“Why give us everything?”

“Tonight is it. The coordinates I believe are where the others are kept. The other is a hotel where the people responsible gather.”

“You don’t expect us to believe you.”

“There is a reason I wanted to talk to you. You tell me if I'm lying.” I leaned in as far as I could. “Nothing is more important than saving those kids. I will comply completely with you. I know you know it’s the right thing to do.”

He leaned into. “What if you’re lying.”

“I’m not.”

He paused. “You’ll be staying here while we go.”

“No, I have to be there.”

“Not a chance.”

“I’ll stay by your side the whole time… I can’t abandon them when I’m this close.”

He stared at me for a bit. It was starting to get uncomfortable, but I never looked away.

We stood yards away from a rundown warehouse in the middle of the desert.

“There are almost a dozen men fully armed.” Said an Agent.

“Any hostages?” Captain asked.

“Many.”

Captain America looked over at me. “You do not leave my side.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” 

He decided that we would go stealthy. To not tip off anyone, and they start shooting the others. We charged at the building. There were no lights coming from the building. So getting there undetected was easy.

Getting close to the building he held his hand up in a fist. I thought it was weird. So I just continued forward.

There was one guard outside. I put him in a choker hold to knock him out. Not to kill. That was the only thing for Cap to let me come with. 

He came up behind me. “This.” He did the motion again. “Means wait.”

“Sorry.”

“Just stay behind me.”

We got inside, and it’s just an empty warehouse. There was a side door. I walked up to it remembering that’s where the controls to the cells are. 

I stood to the side while he kicked in the door. Waking up the sleeping guard. He reached for his gun. Cap threw his shield, knocking the gun to the ground. Catching his shield he moves in, and kicks the man into the wall knocking him out.

“Impressive.” Don’t get on his bad side. Noted.

“Top floor secure.” He said into his comms. The rest of the agents moved in. 

On the cameras there are 3 floors below us. I counted two guards on each floor of twelve cells. Thirty six cells in total.

The first floor was easy. It was strange how easily we are able to fight together so flawlessly. Especially our first time working together. I took the guard down the hall while he took care of the one closer to him. There was one more guard at the end of the hall As I ran he shot at me. 

“Alex.” Cap called out. I looked behind my shoulder. He threw me the shield. Catching it I used it to deflect the guards shots, and got closer for me to use it to knock him down. 

“Thanks.” I said giving it back to him. Also I was a little put off that he called me Alex, but now wasn’t the time to mull over it.

The next two floors we took care of the guards. I watched as the others were escorted by Captain America. The symbol of freedom. It was so special to watch. Then realizing that things will be okay from now on.

After clearing the last floor I asked. “Is anyone here named Clay?”

None of them spoke up. I didn’t push, knowing that they’re still scared. Instead I walked into what used to be my old cell. I saw the tallies that I scratched into the wall. It was the way I kept track of the days.

“They’re all out. You know what happens now don’t you?” Cap said. He stands at the threshold of the cell not coming in. I understood. I didn’t want to be here either, but I needed to see if it was still here.

“I go back to a cell not so different from this one.” I pulled out the loose brick. There was my notebook. “I made my bed, and I will lay in it.” I knew this was where my path would lead. I was ready for it.

Turning around he was studying me. “This has all the names you need. Please get the rest of them.”

He took the book, and without looking away. “I’ll do it personally.”

I never felt the need to cry for a long time. As I’m escorted out of the building in cuffs I saw EMT’s, and police everywhere making sure that everyone was alright. As I know that I’ll never see any of them after today I know that’ll be finally okay. I felt pride in that.

Chapter 6

[drake-the-incubus]

This is a gift for @striderhell from the Homestuck Secret Santa 2020 (@homestuckss). I was aiming for 3000 words but uh, Dirk as a muse didn’t want to continue exploring the concept of gender given his rigid but philosophical nature.

I hope this was good, and if not just gimme a shout and I’ll try and come up with something better. 

Word Count: 1521 Fandom: Homestuck Characters: Dirk Strider, Roxy Lalonde Relationships: Dirk Strider & Roxy Lalonde (Platonic/Friends)

Additional Notes: Roxy uses He/Him and They/Them, I’ve never finished the epilogues but I love NB Rox. Dirk uses no pronouns in this, as I wanted to try that out. 

Please enjoy Dirk exploring his gender. 

Sometimes in an effort to define ourselves, we feel trapped to conform to some rigid aspect or label in hopes to reach an understanding of who we are. At times this process can be frustrating and dissatisfying. Other people take weeks or days, and some of them take years or never figure it out. 

Perhaps gender, as a construct, can’t be fully understood, but we can understand ourselves as people without it. The tale before you, is only a short of someone who wishes to take a journey many end up doing, and most have never encountered.

Dirk was sitting in a cafe on Earth-C, sipping on a coffee in between tinkering with another pair of shades. The goal was updating and adding a better set of graphics, hoping to add some additional features to make things easier.

It had been a while since the Prince of Heart had seen the rest of the gods. Jake would visit once in a while, and they would have a friendly spar or talk. Roxy would message once in a while, letting Dirk know any spicy news about the rest.

Dave would randomly show up, they would stare each other down before both Striders would give a thumbs up and go their separate ways.

Rose would often come by, trading witty banter and wisdom. Both of them struggled with the massive impact of their god tiers and would often talk about it to one another.

Today though, Dirk decided a change of area would suit this project best, specifically needing to leave the workshop and enjoy some caffeine. Recently a problem developed that would continue to nag at the Prince even through the night. Lack of sleep was the reason why Dirk had picked a coffee shop. It made the most sense.

Gender did not.

Dirk had been going through a lot lately, and when Roxy had come out as trans, it had been taken pretty well by most of them. Not that it would be different if Dirk came out either, but rather that would take knowing what was going on.

This was a laughable moment, since they all had beaten the game, made it out and enjoyed their own little home in the midst of nothing. Creating entire worlds and civilizations with the help of their space and time players, but Dirk was sitting there, in a cafe, trying to figure out what gender even was and how it related to the god’s own identity.

Pronouns were hard, but so was even figuring this shit out. Making a copy of your brain at thirteen was much easier than figuring out if you’re cis or not, and Dirk didn’t know.

The more it was thought about, the more the thought cropped up, what if it turned out the being Cis wasn’t the result. Dirk was absolutely sure about not being a chick, nothing really appealed about that, but then again there was a very similar feeling over the current gender.

Man, agender or woman. Those were the categories that presented themselves currently. Working harder to connect the shades to the newly built chip, Dirk jolted when suddenly Roxy sat down across the table.

“I called out to you, but you didn’t answer.” He said leaning over and looking over the project. “I was wondering what made you change location, you’re pretty adamant to work in your workshop Dirkie.”

“I needed to think, which I was doing when you were calling out to me. Thinking so hard about creating a new line of orange pop with more caffeine than this cup of coffee that the world died out and I was left to only the one set of thoughts for once.”

He raised an eyebrow at that, and crossed his arms. “Really now? You think that I can’t tell something bigger is going on in that Strider head of yours? You’ve come up with projects while having a philosophical discussion with Rose and texting Dave a rap battle. You’re the king of multi-tasking, which also means your attention is usually divided more, and you’re attempting to put a wire on the wrong side of that.”

Dirk frowned and sighed, putting the project down. “Well, I can’t get nothing past you I suppose. I guess one thing that’s on my mind is how much I miss AR, since he was a good source of introspection, then again I have no idea if that would have helped in the first place.” Tapping fingers filled the space between them as the Prince looked outside at the billions of humans and trolls walking over the streets.

“I’ve been contemplating what gender is and how I relate to it since you came out as nonbinary. It’s been making me think about what is my gender, and I’ve come to the conclusion none of them really fit, but that’s also something to worry about since that means I don’t relate to any of the options-“

“Before you go on a long tangent, I want to ask, what are the options?” He interrupted Dirk while cocking his head.

“Agender, man and woman.” Dirk said bluntly, staring at Roxy. The laughter that resulted made the god tip the iconic shades down to stare at Roxy with deadpan orange eyes.

“I get greeted by your eye colour, score! But no, you got it all wrong, gender isn’t rigid categories, it’s a spectrum. You can’t define it by strict labels and there’s too many to count. So you don’t fit in three, there’s millions of genders. Some might not have a word for it right now. I’m nonbinary, but that’s because I’m not a man or a woman completely, I’m somewhere in the middle, closer to a man if I were to describe it as like, a sliding scale. So don’t be in a hurry, and don’t worry if you don’t figure it out.”

“I need to. Not knowing makes things difficult. I know it might be unhealthy to obsess over, but ever since I made Auto Responder, I had the need to understand myself fully and everything about myself.” With an elbow on the table, Dirk took a hand and raked it through the mess of hair. Having done so more than a hundred times earlier, the Prince was sure it was a complete and utter mess at this point, and would need to be taken care of at home.

“Well, I have a list of some of the other more known ones, maybe one of them check out for you?” He offered a tablet.

Dirk took it, and looked over the list of options and each description of it, mumbling under breath before placing the tablet back down with a definite, “I’m going to use Genderless for now and see what happens.” It looked interesting, the excerpt specifically outlined not having a gender at all due to neurodivergence, rather than lacking a gender or having no gender, different from agender. It didn’t feel much different from everything else, but nothing did. Having several of the entries be defined by one’s neurodivergence was weird, but the more thought placed into the concept, the more it felt real to Dirk. Rather it meant that the Prince would have to take Rose up on her offer to get a fully evaluation soon, even if both of them came to the conclusion Dirk was probably neurodivergent and that it wasn’t impactful with how the god had lived life before the game. 

“Are there any pronouns I should use for you?”

Pursing lips, Dirk gave a shake of the head. “None preferably. I think I need more time to actually think everything over. I have no positive or negative feelings for anything on there, and so I’m debating on if I’m everything or not. I can figure out how to make an exact replica of my own brain as a teenager, create robots, plot out the exact way I can kiss Jake and even save everyone's lives getting into the game. I’ve designed complex interactions to lead to the outcome I desire, and I can’t even pick a gender. This is quite frankly, ridiculous.”

“You don’t gotta. Dirk, it’s not about just picking a gender, it’s about figuring out a big part of yourself, and something most people don’t do for yours. You figured out you’re gay, now you’re figuring out what else you could be.” He placed a hand on Dirk’s and gave him a smile. “Whatever your result, I’m here for you. Even if you later think you’re a Cis man I’ll still be here for you. We might be siblings but we were friends first and that matters the most to me.”

Dirk gave a snort. “This is so fucking corny, but thanks Rox. I appreciate the love and support. Maybe I can treat you to another coffee since I feel like if I don’t buy one soon I’m going to be kicked out for making a mess of a window table.” Motioning towards the table, and standing up, the god stretched out. “What are you in the mood for?”

“Caramel Macchiato please.”

“Gotcha.”

[monty-glasses-roxy]

How would cassie dad react to if cassie got turn into a animatronics?

Would he still be like

Your still my daughter even if you become a animatronics and time out you disobey my rule of dont go to the pizzaplex no matter what time out .

Well I like to think he's a pretty good dad. Not perfect, because what dad is, but still a pretty good dad!

So uh yeah I think he'd just be happy to not have lost her. If she's just entirely a Fazbear animatronic though, he's going to be grieving. He should have been there to save her, been there to protect her, but he wasn't. Now she will never grow old. She will forever be comodified by a brand that does not, and never will care for her. He can never take her home again, her birthdays will never be the same, Fazbear can just scrap her the moment they decide they don't want her there anymore, he's lost his daughter in so many ways it's difficult to comprehend.

If this is caused by Mimic or something, he could very easily blame Roxy for not protecting her. It's her job to keep Mimic hidden and keep it from harming anyone else. She failed. But then again, so did he.

It's uh... probably a lot??

He wouldn't blame Cassie though. Not in a million years. How could it be her fault? No one could have known this would happen, least of all her. And she's still his daughter, isn't she? It's still her! He could never see her as anything but!

And as for timing her out and stuff, he'd absolutely not do that. The poor kid has been through enough, why would he punish her for that? That'd just be cruel. It's not like it would even accomplish anything anyway. Surely going through whatever made her into an animatronic is bad enough without him putting anything else on her. I doubt the thought would even cross his mind

[myloveforhergoeson]

for the ask game, i think question 12 (a song they hate/dislike) might be an interesting one to answer!

YES OH MY GOD my friend this is such a good one thank you for sending it in

send me a number 1-15!!

Roxy

hey there delilah by the plain white t's if anyone remembers all the way back to chapter 2, when kendall raids her box of tapes he pops one into her tape player called 'for my songwriter' and that was the first song on there. it's one of mag's favorite songs, and one he placed on a tape he made for his other band members (rox/dani). while it was a song she used to like quite a good deal, and one she would often break out on the ol' guitar, she hasn't been able to listen to it since she left brand new day

2. Carlos

c'est la vie by b*witched his sisters played this non-stop after it first came out... he could not escape this song EVER it just drives him up the wall because he's heard it soooo much

3. Kendall

teenage dirtbag by wheatus DO NOT TELL ROXY IT'S BECAUSE SHE PLAYED IT ON HER RADIO SHOW TOO MUCH!! it makes him think of standing at the checkout line at the grocery store and dealing with bitchy customers with a million coupons while the most generic (again, don't tell her) 90s music played over the store loudspeaker

4. Logan

hot n cold by katy perry NOT becuase he thinks it's a bad song... it just got suck in his head during finals week of his freshman year and it got in the way of his ability to retain the proper information for his tests! talk about being wrong while it's right... he was too busy trying to get that earworm out of his head while he was doing his exams and now hearing it reminds him of the first b he ever earned in school

5. James

piano man by billy joel one of his dad's favorite songs... he used to make james play it on the piano a lot when his parents still lived together and he'd sing along to make his mom laugh. before his parents got divorced he caught them fighting once and ran to the piano to play what he considered 'their' song and they just yelled at him to go to his room : ( the piano did NOT sound like a carnival

[umbrahighpriestofgiratina]

Mother Of DOGARS!

I, somehow, never posted this here. Well I’m fixing that now. This was written for  @ ChloboShoka on the Serebii forums years ago for a gift exchange that went down there.  it involves unusual headcanon parentage and aliens. 

Mother of DOGARS!

Fantina was busy cleaning out the gym, along with her Pokemon and several Gym Trainers. The last Gym battle had been hectic, and everyone was working hard to make sure the scorch marks, toxic sludge, and such were all removed carefully. Fantina herself was removing some errant Grass-type vines from the wall when her Mismagius approached with a ringing cellphone levitating before it.

"Oh, it's Paul!" Fantina said. "I wonder how his career at Pokestars is going..."

She answered the phone, with "Paul" quickly replying.

"Fantina, honey! I need your help!"

"Help?" said Fantina. "Paul, what could you possibly need my help with all the way over in Unova?"

"Call me Pop Roxie, that's my stage name! I'm talking about our daughter!"

Fantina froze. All color seeped away from her skin. She double-checked to make sure the chill in the air wasn't from her Mismagius, which was merely looking at her with concern.

"Our- Our daughter?"

"Yes! It's near Christmas! And we've been so many Christmases apart! Please, Fantina, I'm begging you to win her over so we can be a family again!"

"But... Juan, dear, why can't you help? She's our daughter, not just mine!"

"That's the thing, honey! I would! But I'm stuck filming a big picture! And you know how persnickety my director gets!"

"I heard that!" said another voice from the phone.

"I know!" said Pop Roxie

He addressed Fantina again with a sigh.

"So I'm booked! Fantina, you're my only hope!"

"A-alright... Pop Roxie." said Fantina. "I shall."

"Thank you, honey! Good lu- I told you to keep an eye on those SFX Zoroark!"

The phone abruptly hung up, and Fantina promptly groaned and collapsed to the floor, her Mismagius floating over and futilely attempting to prop her up. A gym Trainer came over to her, concerned.

"Fantina, are you OK?"

"Physically, pretty much fine," she said. "Psychologically not so much."

"Do you need me for anythi-"

"Yes. I need help with getting a plane ticket to Unova."

"Er, all right?"

The Gym Trainer left to get what was needed as Fantina picked herself up and sighed, her Mismagius dusting her off as she placed a hand to her forehead.

She had no choice. She was going to have to reason with Roxie.

------

At the Virbank City Gym, a punk rock band was playing at its loudest and screechiest as a Garbodor and Scolipede looked on. 

<Do you think Roxie's backups are ever gonna improve, Algernon?> said the Scolipede.

<I hope so Socrates,> said the Garbodor. <Right now it's like Roxie's backing them up!>

Algernon and Socrates gave hearty laughs.

Meanwhile, as the band was playing, the guitarist looked up at a gaping hole in the ceiling.

"...Are we ever gonna fix that?" he said.

The singer and bassist, Roxie, shrugged. "Eh, probably not. Adds to the grunge-y look of this place."

"But didn't it happen after that weird hole on the sky opened up?" said the drummer. "While freaky shit was going down in Alola?"

"That got cleared up by someone else, didn't it?" said Roxie. "Why should it be my proble-"

At that very moment Fantina burst in through said hole in the ceiling atop her Driftblim.

"Roxie, I'm here!"

Everyone in the Gym froze. The drummer and guitarist stared. Roxie, however, glared at her mother, and made a dismissive motion toward the others.

"Leave."

"But-"

Roxie gritted her teeth. "This is personal."

At that the drummer and guitarist panicked and fled off into side doors leading into back rooms. Fantina descended upon her Drifblim and jumped off directly in front of Roxie, the two entering a silent staredown as the Drifblim floated over to Socrates and Algernon. 

<Ay, Antoinette!> said Socrates. <What're you doing here stirring up old family feuds?>

<To ensure that both parties are kept in line,> said Antoinette. <I do hope you two can assist.>

<Sure thing,> said Algernon. <We wouldn't want Rox to be smothered by her mother!>

The three Pokemon took their places behind their Trainers as Fantina broke the silence with a sigh. 

"Roxie, it's been ages..." 

Roxie growled. "And I'd rather it'd had been ages longer."

"Sweetie, I've always wanted to make up with you... Didn't you have a fight with your father and have that work out?"

"That did. But that was different. Dad was being a dim-witted, dense, dumb daft dippy dorky doltish doofus, sure, but he was only being a dim-witted, dense, dumb daft dippy dorky doltish doofus. You are on another level entirely."

Fatina finally scowled back at Roxie and put her hands on her hips. "Sacre bleu! What did I ever do to you to deserve a status as lowly as that?!"

Roxie rolled her eyes to the point they almost reached the back of her head. "Oh, where do I begin... Well, first, you never let me be myself. I always wanted to live the punk dream, but you never liked that. You wanted me to be graceful, majestic, fabulous, glamorous - hell, I think it would have been death by glamor for me if you kept it up! But it wouldn't matter to you because my last living moments would have been absolutely beautiful, would it?!"

"Honey, you're a budding young woman who can make her own choices now, and you know I would never neglect you to such a lev-"

"You never respected what I wanted in Pokemon either! You kept talking about the unearthly grace and majesty of Ghost-types when I wanted the grungiest of Poison types!"

Fantina pointed to Algernon. "Well I have reason to take offense if that means raising things like living garbage and getting yourself sick!"

<Hey!> said Algernon. <I'm made of refined garbage, lady!>

Only hearing growls and a "Garb!", Roxie still scoffed at Fantina. "Algernon takes offense to that, mother."

Fantina scoffed back. "Well even so I don't see why you'd treat me this way even as I try to apologi-"

"That's not even the clincher!" said Roxie. "You spent so much time focusing on your contest and gym leader careers that aside from when you were disapproving of me you never paid attention to me at all! It was to the point when Dad took his sailor career off to Unova I went right off after him! You are a horrible mother and I don't think you'll ever change, you bitch!"

She started storming off; Antionette, Algernon, and Socrates stared off in shock while Roxie's words finally struck a nerve in Fantina and she started heading after her.

"R-Roxie, sweetie, wai-"

The front door busted open as Pop Roxie charged in.

"Roxie! Honey! I need your help!"

The two stopped and whiled around to face him.

"Dad?"

"Sweetheart?"

"I'm so glad you're both here, but making things up for Christmas needs to wait! There's a disaster in Pokestar Studios!"

"Merci!" said Fantina. "What sort?"

"The SFX Zoroark - they're rioting!"

"What?!" said Roxie. "Why the hell would they do that?!"

"The more and more Pokestars pushes for CGI everything, the more people and Pokemon they piss off!"

said Pop Roxie. "Zekrom, I remember when the animators rioted..."

He shuddered.

"But the Zoroark had only one job anymore: To sub in for any live Pokemon the studio couldn't get! And now they've gotten that taken away from them they're on a rampage!"

Roxie and Fantina stared in awed silence at Pop Roxie before the former gave the latter a glare.

"...We work together. Just this once. That's it."

She headed off with her father and Pokemon. Fantina and Antionette sighed before doing the same.

------

Pokestar Studios was in chaos.

Most humans and Pokemon had retreated elsewhere or deep inside buildings. Everywhere else, however, were yowling, frenetic Zoroark, Night Dazing buildings and ripping panels off the roofs with their sharp claws.

Roxie, Pop Roxie, and Fantina charged into the situation looking on in horror before Pop Roxie grabbed a Pokeball from his belt.

"They can make themselves invisible, but I've got something for that... Go, Darrin!"

He sent out a Lucario, which immediately flared his Aura feelers to sense out the Zoroark. The Zoroark gave a frenzied collective snarl at the appearance of a natural enemy, and began hiding themselves with their Illusions.

At the sight of her father's main Pokemon Roxie got to thinking.

"Fighting type... Wait..."

She immediately rounded on her mother.

"Hey! Why'd Dad drag you along for a Dark-type invasion? You just have Ghost types, you're literal dead meat!"

Fantina cracked her knuckles. "Ohohohoho, Roxie, don't underestimate me; I've had plenty of experience with Dark types and know my workarounds...

She sent out her Mismagius to accompany Antionette, then addressed the latter. "Communicate a bit with Darrin, please?"

<Where are the cloaked Zoroark?> said Antoinette.

~Trying to close in on our location in front of and behind us,~ said Darrin.

Antionette swung her body in both directions to send Gusts at the hidden Zoroarks, damaging them lightly but breaking their Illusions. 

"Joan!" Fantina shouted to her Mismagius. "Give them a Dazzling Gleam!"

The Mismagius cackled and produced gleaming rays of pink light from the gems on its body, hitting the Zoroarks and sending them sprawling. Those who tried to duck out of the way were met with Aura Spheres from Darrin.

Several of the Zoroark tried to take a third option and leap at Roxie, but they were met with the thick antennae of Socrates in a Megahorn. 

Roxie pumped her fist. "Hah! We got thi-"

Suddenly Darrin's eyes widened as his aura feelers tremored violently and he started looking around wildly.

~Guys! Something's very wrong here... The Zoroark, something else, something wrong, is driving them crazy! And it's approaching fast!~

<What the hell do you mean by tha-> said Socrates.

He was cut off by a critical Power Gem that sent him skidding to the ground.. 

"Socrates, no!" yelled Roxie.

She stopped and stared in horror as an otherworldly, translucent jellyfish-like creature descended before her.

"What is..."

The Zoroark were thrown into a further frenzy by the sight of the creature, and began lobbing Dark Pulses, one of which hit Antionette. Sensing her weakness, the creature lobbed a second Power Gem at Antionette, sending her crashing into the ground.

"What in Giratina's name is going on?" said Fantina.

"I don't know, but I'm taking this thing down!" said Roxie. "Algernon, use-"

She was interrupted by the creature lobbing a third  Power Gem at her, the gems of light cutting into her skin and clothing hard enough to draw blood and knock her to the ground, helpless.

"Roxie, no!" yelled both Fantina and Pop Roxie.

Fantina saw the creature start to advance towards the prone Roxie and scowled.

"Not my daughter, you jelly bitch."

She, Joan, and Algernon moved toward the beast. Pop Roxie and Darrin moved to follow, but the Zoroark began encircling them en masse, and they were forced to keep them at bay with volleys of Aura Spheres.

Fantina, meanwhile, pointed at the creature with a gim expression on her face. "Joan? Nasty Plot into Shadow Ball!"

Joan's power grew with wicked thoughts as she lobbed a ball of dark energy at the creature; it was hardly phased, however, and retaliated with a Venoshock that sent her reeling back.

While the creature was distracted, however, Algernon picked up a piece of Pokestars rubble, which he tossed up and down. "Hey creep! Rox taught me this for dealing with floaty types!"

He threw the hunk of rubble at the creature for a Smack Down, taking it by suprise and leaving it stunned by a following Psychic from Joan, leaving it dazed and reeling.

Fantina looked up at the sky; it was night, with stars faintly glimmering. "You know, whatever kind of Pokemon you are, I could just end this mercifully..."

Joan charged a Nasty Plot into another Psychic.

"...But given you hurt my daughter..."

Algernon lobbed a Gunk Shot.

"...You need to learn a more proper lesson."

The strange creature was blasted to the floor by both attacks, and feebly twitched and crawled around, barely moving otherwise.

The Zoroark stopped what they were doing, dazed and confused; having forgotten what they were mad about they all shrugged and made their way back to their homes, giving Pop Roxie and Darrin time to catch their breaths. Fantina, meanwhile, glared at the near-unconscious creature before seeing Roxie again out of the corner of her eye and rushing over to caress her.

"Roxie, dear, are you alright? I'm so sorry... So sorry for everything..."

Roxie coughed and looked up at her mother weakly. "No, I... I'm sorry... You... You saved me... You actually cared..."

Fantina smiled and stroked Roxie's face protectively as ambulance sirens wailed in the distance.

----------

In the hospital, Fantina and Pop Roxie sat by Roxie's bed, having idle conversation with her as she rested. Eventually a nurse came up to them.

"The results are in; she's going to be all right. The creature's neurotoxins didn't get to her, so the stitches she got will be all she needs."

The others sighed in relief.

"Speaking of that creature, however..."

She made way for a man with graying hair in a brown trenchcoat that caused Fantina's eyes to light up upon seeing him. 

"Bonjour, Looker!" said Fantina. "It's been a while."

"It has!" said Looker. "But I'm here to tell you that creature you defeated was an Ultra Beast - a strange type of Pokemon that resides in the Ultra Dimension! The one you caught specifically was UB-01 Symbiont - otherwise known as Nihilego, a Rock/Poison type. The Ultra Beasts gave us a hell of a time in Alola, and if they're spreading elsewhere we'll have to keep an eye out..."

"So what do we do with it now?" said Pop Roxie.

"Usually HQ wants us to bring those Ultra Beasts back for study or... extermination..."

He shook his head, then smiled at Fantina and handed her a strange, blue, striped Pokeball with gold ringlets. "But we've made exceptions for powerful yet compassionate Trainers before and can do so again. I feel that Ultra Beast will be in good hands with you, Fantina."

Fantina smiled back. "Thank you, Looker."

Looker nodded and left the room with the nurse; as soon as they were out of eyeshot and earshot Fantina gently nudged Roxie.

"Psst! Sweetie!"

Roxie blinked. "What Mom?"

Fantina pulled the strange Pokeball out of her dress and handed it to Roxie.

"It's a Poison-type, right? Then it's my gift to you!"

Roxie started. "Really?"

Fantina winked. "I beat it down so it so it could be taught a lesson for hurting you, didn't I? Why don't you deliver a further lesson personally?"

Roxie grinned. "Then oh hell yeah I will!"

----------

The Christmas tree and lights were shining in Pop Roxie's house, as Pop Roxie, Fantina, and Roxie sat together talking and laughing.

"So," said Roxie. "On that week to Alola to find out more about my Nihilego I got you both something."

"Oh?" said Pop Roxie.

"What are they?" said Fantina.

Roxie tossed a Quick Ball towards her father, revealing a small, purple, crablike Pokemon that scuttled up his back.

"That's a Crabrawler. Like climbing things, so watch out for that, but I think he and Darrin will get along. They evolve in cold places too."

Pop Roxie petted the Crabrawler, which gave a happy chittering noise and a "braw!".

"And for you, Mom..."

She tossed a Lure Ball to summon a strange spectral creature that seemed like an animate, moss and rust-encrusted anchor.

"That's a Dhelmise. Ghost/Grass type, but it can power up its Steel moves with its Ability too."

Fantina looked the Dhelmise up and down. "Fascinating..."

The Dhelmise gave a creak and groan that seemed vaguely approving in response.

Fantina then approached Roxie. "Now, if that Nihilego isn't too much of a handful, I've got a present for you as well - my Gengar Olympia was being a bit feisty and..."

She handed Roxie a Pokeball, which Roxie opened to reveal a young Gastly, who giggled and danced around Roxie's head, making her laugh. She then turned and smiled at Fantina.

"Thanks, Mom. You're pretty great."

***

 Here's an added OLD ART bonus kindly donated by @daydreart​ (she still had the file after all these years, which is good, because I sure lost it)

[brightbeautifulthings]

MAYHEM BY ESTELLE LAURE BLOG TOUR & CHAPTER EXCERPT

The Lost Boys meets Wilder Girls in this supernatural feminist YA novel.

Available July 14th, 2020

It's 1987 and unfortunately it's not all Madonna and cherry lip balm. Mayhem Brayburn has always known there was something off about her and her mother, Roxy. Maybe it has to do with Roxy's constant physical pain, or maybe with Mayhem's own irresistible pull to water. Either way, she knows they aren't like everyone else.

But when May's stepfather finally goes too far, Roxy and Mayhem flee to Santa Maria, California, the coastal beach town that holds the answers to all of Mayhem's questions about who her mother is, her estranged family, and the mysteries of her own self. There she meets the kids who live with her aunt, and it opens the door to the magic that runs through the female lineage in her family, the very magic Mayhem is next in line to inherit and which will change her life for good.

But when she gets wrapped up in the search for the man who has been kidnapping girls from the beach, her life takes another dangerous turn and she is forced to face the price of vigilante justice and to ask herself whether revenge is worth the cost.

From the acclaimed author of This Raging Light and But Then I Came Back, Estelle Laure offers a riveting and complex story with magical elements about a family of women contending with what appears to be an irreversible destiny, taking control and saying when enough is enough.

About the Author:

Estelle Laure, the author of This Raging Light and But Then I Came Back believes in love, magic, and the power of facing hard truths. She has a BA in Theatre Arts and an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and she lives in Taos, New Mexico, with her family. Her work is translated widely around the world. 

Twitter | Instagram | Get Your Copy

Read on for a special chapter excerpt of Mayhem!

three Santa Maria

“Trouble,” Roxy says. She arches a brow at the kids by the van through the bug-spattered windshield, the ghost of a half-smile rippling across her face.

“You would know,” I shoot.

“So would you,” she snaps.

Maybe we’re a little on edge. We’ve been in the car so long the pattern on the vinyl seats is tattooed on the back of my thighs.

The kids my mother is talking about, the ones sitting on the white picket fence, look like they slithered up the hill out of the ocean, covered in seaweed, like the carnival music we heard coming from the boardwalk as we were driving into town plays in the air around them at all times. Two crows are on the posts beside them like they’re standing guard, and they caw at each other loudly as we come to a stop. I love every- thing about this place immediately and I think, ridiculously, that I am no longer alone.

The older girl, white but tan, curvaceous, and lean, has her arms around the boy and is lovely with her smudged eye makeup and her ripped clothes. The younger one pops some- thing made of bright colors into her mouth and watches us come up the drive. She is in a military-style jacket with a ton of buttons, her frizzy blond hair reaching in all directions, freckles slapped across her cheeks. And the boy? Thin, brown, hungry-looking. Not hungry in his stomach. Hungry with his eyes. He has a green bandana tied across his forehead and holes in the knees of his jeans. There’s an A in a circle drawn in marker across the front of his T-shirt.

Anarchy.

“Look!” Roxy points to the gas gauge. It’s just above the E. “You owe me five bucks, Cookie. I told you to trust we would make it, and see what happened? You should listen to your mama every once in a while.”

“Yeah, well, can I borrow the five bucks to pay you for the bet? I’m fresh out of cash at the moment.”

“Very funny.”

Roxy cranes out the window and wipes the sweat off her upper lip, careful not to smudge her red lipstick. She’s been having real bad aches the last two days, even aside from her bruises, and her appetite’s been worse than ever. The only thing she ever wants is sugar. After having been in the car for so long, you’d think we’d be falling all over each other to get out, but we’re still sitting in the car. In here we’re still us.

She sighs for the thousandth time and clutches at her belly. “I don’t know about this, May.”

California can’t be that different from West Texas.

I watch TV. I know how to say gag me with a spoon and grody to the max.

I fling open the door.

Roxy gathers her cigarettes and lighter, and drops them in- side her purse with a snap.

“Goddammit, Elle,” she mutters to herself, eyes flickering toward the kids again. Roxy looks at me over the rims of her sunglasses before shoving them back on her nose. “Mayhem, I’m counting on you to keep your head together here. Those kids are not the usual—”

“I know! You told me they’re foster kids.” 

“No, not that,” she says, but doesn’t clarify. “Okay, I guess.”

“I mean it. No more of that wild-child business.”

“I will keep my head together!” I’m so tired of her saying this. I never had any friends, never a boyfriend—all I have is what Grandmother calls my nasty mouth and the hair Lyle always said was ugly and whorish. And once or twice I might’ve got drunk on the roof, but it’s not like I ever did anything. Besides, no kid my age has ever liked me even once. I’m not the wild child in the family.

“Well, all right then.” Roxy messes with her hair in the rear- view mirror, then sprays herself with a cloud of Chanel No. 5 and runs her fingers over her gold necklace. It’s of a bird, not unlike the ones making a fuss by the house. She’s had it as long as I can remember, and over time it’s been worn smooth by her worrying fingers. It’s like she uses it to calm herself when she’s upset about something, and she’s been upset the whole way here, practically. Usually, she’d be good and buzzed by this time of day, but since she’s had to drive some, she’s only nipped from the tiny bottle of wine in her purse a few times and only taken a couple pills since we left Taylor. The with- drawal has turned her into a bit of a she-demon.

I try to look through her eyes, to see what she sees. Roxy hasn’t been back here since I was three years old, and in that time, her mother has died, her father has died, and like she said when she got the card with the picture enclosed that her twin sister, Elle, sent last Christmas, Everybody got old. After that, she spent a lot of time staring in the mirror, pinching at her neck skin. When I was younger, she passed long nights telling me about Santa Maria and the Brayburn Farm, about how it was good and evil in equal measure, about how it had desires that had to be satisfied.

Brayburns, she would say. In my town, we were the legends. 

These were the mumbled stories of my childhood, and they made everything about this place loom large. Now that we’re here, I realize I expected the house to have a gaping maw filled with spitty, frothy teeth, as much as I figured there would be fairies flitting around with wands granting wishes. I don’t want to take her vision away from her, but this place looks pretty normal to me, if run-down compared to our new house in Taylor, where there’s no dust anywhere, ever, and Lyle prac- tically keeps the cans of soup in alphabetical order. Maybe what’s not so normal is that this place was built by Brayburns, and here Brayburns matter. I know because the whole road is named after us and because flowers and ribbons and baskets of fruit sat at the entrance, gifts from the people in town, Roxy said. They leave offerings. She said it like it’s normal to be treated like some kind of low-rent goddess.

Other than the van and the kids, there are trees here, rose- bushes, an old black Mercedes, and some bikes leaning against the porch that’s attached to the house. It’s splashed with fresh white paint that doesn’t quite cover up its wrinkles and scars. It’s three stories, so it cuts the sunset when I look up, and plants drape down to touch the dirt.

The front door swings open and a woman in bare feet races past the rosebushes toward us. It is those feet and the reckless way they pound against the earth that tells me this is my aunt Elle before her face does. My stomach gallops and there are bumps all over my arms, and I am more awake than I’ve been since.

I thought Roxy might do a lot of things when she saw her twin sister. Like she might get super quiet or chain-smoke, or maybe even get biting like she can when she’s feeling wrong about something. The last thing I would have ever imagined was them running toward each other and colliding in the driveway, Roxy wrapping her legs around Elle’s waist, and them twirling like that. 

This seems like something I shouldn’t be seeing, some- thing wounded and private that fills up my throat. I flip my- self around in my seat and start picking through the things we brought and chide myself yet again for the miserable packing job I did. Since I was basically out of my mind trying to get out of the house, I took a whole package of toothbrushes, an armful of books, my River Phoenix poster, plus I emptied out my underwear drawer, but totally forgot to pack any shoes, so all I have are some flip-flops I bought at the truck stop outside of Las Cruces after that man came to the window, slurring, You got nice legs. Tap, tap tap. You got such nice legs.

My flip-flops are covered in Cheeto dust from a bag that got upended. I slip them on anyway, watching Roxy take her sunglasses off and prop them on her head.

“Son of a bitch!” my aunt says, her voice tinny as she catches sight of Roxy’s eye. “Oh my God, that’s really bad, Rox. You made it sound like nothing. That’s not nothing.”

“Ellie,” Roxy says, trying to put laughter in her voice. “I’m here now. We’re here now.”

There’s a pause.

“You look the same,” Elle says. “Except the hair. You went full Marilyn Monroe.”

“What about you?” Roxy says, fussing at her platinum waves with her palm. “You go full granola warrior? When’s the last time you ate a burger?”

“You know I don’t do that. It’s no good for us. Definitely no good for the poor cows.”

“It’s fine for me.” Roxy lifts Elle’s arm and puckers her nose. “What’s going on with your armpits? May not eat meat but you got animals under there, looks like.”

“Shaving is subjugation.”

“Shaving is a mercy for all mankind.” 

They erupt into laughter and hug each other again.

“Well, where is she, my little baby niece?” Elle swings the car door open. “Oh, Mayhem.” She scoops me out with two strong arms. Right then I realize just how truly tired I am. She seems to know, squeezes extra hard for a second before letting me go. She smells like the sandalwood soap Roxy buys sometimes. “My baby girl,” Elle says, “you have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to see you. How much I’ve missed you.”

Roxy circles her ear with a finger where Elle can’t see her.

Crazy, she mouths. I almost giggle.

[princesstreaclefanfic]

We Meet Again Chapter Nine

Disclaimer - All recognisable characters belong to their original owners. I do not make a profit from writing this; I simply do it for my own amusement. No copyright infringement intended.

Moving Forward

"We should start fresh in the morning," Emily told everyone before they left the office for the day.

Luke's eyes went to Penelope and he could see just how distraught she was over Reid. It was killing her that she couldn't do anything and Luke knew that when she went to visit him she was struggling to recognise her friend. He'd studied the effects of prison on inmates so it was no wonder that Reid was acting like he was. But still, it was hard for Penelope.

Everyone went their separate ways and Luke watched as Prentiss and Rossi both disappeared into their respective officers, neither one looking like they were going to come out any time soon.

He gathered his things and made his way down to the parking lot. When he got there, Penelope was leaning against her small blue car looking completely lost.

He placed his bag into his car and watched. She didn't move.

Luke walked over to her.

"Penelope?" Her eyes shot to his and he could see the tears welling up in them.

He didn't give her the chance to say anything, he just wrapped his arms around her and held her. Much to his surprise, Penelope wrapped her arms around his back and held him.

When she finally pulled away, she spoke so quietly that Luke almost didn't hear here. "I don't want to be alone tonight… do you think you could come over… or I could come to you?"

"Yeah, let me just go home and sort Roxy out and then I'll be over."

Penelope nodded. "You could bring Roxy over if you like."

Luke smiled. "She'd love to see you."

They separated and Luke helped her get into her car, shutting the door behind her and watching her drive out of the parking lot.

Luke got into his own truck and made his way home.

He fed Roxy and took her for a quick walk before changing his clothes into something more comfortable.

He grabbed her favourite toy (a pink soft pig) in case she needed something to keep her occupied and loaded Roxy into his car.

The drive to Penelope's passed quickly and soon he found himself at her door, Roxy sat patiently at his side with her pig in her mouth.

Penelope answered the door quickly, dressed in pink polka dot pyjamas.

She greeted them both with a small smile and invited them.

Roxy set about sniffing everything she could. Her nose getting into every nook and cranny.

Simon, who had been napping quite happily on the sofa, was quite affronted when he was rudely awoken by a wet lick across his face by a very excited Roxy.

"Rox!" Luke reprimanded.

"It's alright," Penelope chuckled. "Simon just really likes his sleep."

Luke and Penelope watched as Simon and Roxy took a few minutes to warm up to each other. But once Simon had bopped her on the snout and Roxy had offered up her pig as a peace offering, they both settled down, Roxy lying on the floor next to the couch and Simon rolling onto his back as sleep consumed him once more.

"Do you want a drink?" Penelope asked quietly.

"Yeah."

In no time at all, there was a steaming pot of tea in the middle of the dining room table and Luke was sipping from a blue and white striped mug.

"Do you want to talk?"

"Not about Reid," Penelope said as she shook her head. "It just makes me so sad to think of him… in there…" She shivered. "Tell me a funny story - about anything."

Luke thought for a moment and then the perfect story popped into his head.

He told her about the time his cousin, who is a teacher had a major falling out with her best friend. It was bad, there were names thrown back and forth, screaming and Luke was sure that there was even some food thrown. He never found out what it was about but he did know that the girl had sent his cousin a letter detailing why she had been a bad friend and why she was so glad that their friendship was over.

Penelope interrupted him. "How is this a funny story?"

"Let me get to that part," he chastised.

When his cousin got the letter, she had read it, before getting out a red pen and picking up on all the spelling and grammatical errors that were strewn throughout the letter - did he forget to mention that his cousin was an English teacher? Then she had graded it, folded it up neatly and sent it back to her old friend.

The end of the story had Penelope laughing with tears down her face.

The sight made Luke smile and he was glad that he could do that for her. Make her forget, even for a minute about all the crap they were dealing with.

"What happened after that?" Penelope asked.

Luke shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing. Never heard from her friend again. Not that I think that's a bad thing."

"Your cousin sounds amazing!"

"She is - she's a mom the two most fantastic boys I have ever met." Luke was Godfather to both of them and he loved them so much.

"I'm going to have to disagree with you on that," Penelope said as she placed her mug down. "Henry, Michael and Hank are the most fantastic boys I have ever met."

"Well, you've never met my Godsons."

"And you've never met mine," she countered.

"We'll have to change that then." His eyes glittered when he said that and met hers over the table.

Penelope cocked her head to the side and a vulnerable looked drifted over her face.

"Will you kiss me?" Her question surprised him. But the answer was so obvious.

Luke shot off his chair and knelt at her feet. Reverently, he took her face in her hands and gave her a wide smile. Slowly, he leaned in, stroking her cheeks as he did so.

When their lips met it was sweet relief. He sank himself into the kiss, tasting her lips and feeling the soft skin of her cheeks under his thumbs.

Pulling away, he looked into her eyes.

They were closed but then they opened and her green eyes were blazing with heat.

Penelope moved forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close and kissing him.

Their lips moved together, slanting over each other as both Luke and Penelope revelled in the kiss.

She moved closer to him until she was teetering on the edge of the chair, dangerously close to falling onto him (Luke didn't think he would mind if she did).

When her tongue swept over his bottom lip, Luke felt his cock begin to stir in his jeans.

Her hands slipped down his chest, finding the hem of his t-shirt before she began to move it upwards.

Luke pulled his lips away so she could remove it before diving straight back in.

His lips frantically found hers and he found himself devouring her, needing to feel more and more of her.

His large hands cupped her breasts through her pyjamas and she moaned into his mouth, the noise heading straight for his cock.

"Luke," she moaned, leaving his lips as she kissed down his neck. Her lips were soft on his skin and Luke let his head fall back as her tongue and lips explored the expanse of his chest.

Her tongue slipped in between his pecks and Luke grabbed the chair she was sitting on. When he tongue circled around his nipple, his body rocked towards her.

"Do you like that?" she mumbled and Luke wanted to respond but he couldn't. There was no blood left in his brain to make his mouth work, it had all travelled south and was pooling in his cock.

Penelope's lips moved back up to his and she placed a simple kiss to his lips. "Luke.."

"Hm?"

"You're phone is ringing."

Her words didn't register and he moved forward to kiss her again.

"Luke," she giggled against his mouth. "You need to answer your phone."

He pulled away and stared at her for a second as if she were speaking a foreign language.

"Your phone…" she started again before Luke's eyes widened in realisation when his ring tone broke through the 'Penelope fog' and he shoved his hand into his jean pocket, trying to find the offending device.

"Sorry," he mumbled, finally managing to pull his phone out. "It's my mom," he told her, flicking the green call button across the screen.

"Hey mom," he greeted, a soft smile spreading across his face simply because he was talking to his mom.

"Hello darling, how are you?"

"I'm fine thanks, mom." He looked up to see Penelope smiling at him. "Is everything alright?"

"Oh yes. I just wanted to ring you as I've not heard from you for a few days." Luke had been so preoccupied with the cases and Reid that he'd let his daily calls to his mom lapse.

"Sorry - work has been so busy," he explained.

"Don't worry about it; I just wanted to make sure you were alright."

"Yeah I am, can I call you back later?"

"Of course… why, are you with someone?"

"Yeah…" He felt himself blushing as Penelope bit her lip.

He could feel his mom's narrowed eyes down the phone. "Is it that girl you like?"

His eyes went wide and his blush deepened.

"I'll call you back, mom."

"It is! I want to know everything!" she squealed, hanging up the phone.

Luke took his time looking up at Penelope and when he did he was glad to see an amused look on her face.

"Sorry," he said again. "I can never refuse a phone call from my mom."

"Don't apologise, it's really sweet."

Silence surrounded them and Luke became very aware that he was knelt on the floor, shirtless.

"Do you want your shirt back?" Penelope asked and Luke nodded, trying not to give off an awkward laugh.

Penelope handed it to him and Luke pulled it over his head.

"Thanks for coming over tonight," she said to him in a quiet voice.

"It's alright - I don't mind being the one you come to when you need someone." His words were similar to their earlier conversation when he found her crying in her office.

Roxy chose that moment to come over and nudge her way in between Luke and Penelope.

"Hello beautiful girl," Penelope cooed, rubbing her hands over her coat as she loved on her.

Luke grinned and gently tickled the underside of her belly.

She tucked her face under Luke's arm.

"Do you want to go to the potty?" he asked and her tail wagged hard against the dining room chair leg.

"I think that's a yes," he told Penelope, getting to his feet.

Roxy grabbed her pig from where it was laid on the floor and ran over to the front door.

"I think that's my cue to leave," he said.

Penelope nodded.

They walked to the front door together and Penelope opened it for them both.

As Luke went to leave, her soft hand grabbed onto his.

"I really am grateful for tonight, Luke."

"I know."

"And if you ever need me… just ask."

That made him smile.

"Goodnight, Penelope." He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"Night, Luke," she whispered.

As difficult as it was, he walked away from Penelope and down the steps to where Roxy was waiting patiently by a tree.

She did her business and then he loaded her up into the car.

When he glanced back at her apartment, Penelope had come out and was stood at the railing. He gave her a wave and she waved back.

Luke smiled and got into his car, driving away from Penelope and back to his house.

He was glad he could be there for her. It felt like they were moving forward.

[catchester]

12 Days of Christmas

Title: Twelve Drummers Drumming

Authors: @evieplease​​​​ and @catchester​​​​

Which character: Actor!Tom and OFC Rocky

Genre: Humour/Explicit

Fic Summary: Tom and Rocky spend their first Christmas as a couple and Rocky meets Tom’s Mum for the first time. Expect 12 gifts, too much boozy, bad puns and lots of fun!

Rating: Mature

Previous Chapters: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17138390/chapters/40304798

AN: Well, we just scraped it in on the 12 night (as long as you don't live in the UK) and we have a special little epilogue planned, which we hope to bring you tomorrow. 

Also, sorry for not tagging directly, but tagging seems to work much better for @evieplease​ than  for me.

12 Drummers Drumming

When I told Tom to bring his guitar he knew I had something musical planned but I could see him becoming confused when the cab drove us away from the centre and towards Croydon. He held his tongue until we parked in a very nice new development of town houses and flats. 

“Okay,” he said, looking around as he retrieved the guitar case from the boot while I paid. “I give up, why are we here?” 

I just smiled and took his arm, tamping down my own nervousness, leading him to one of the new townhouses and ringing the bell. It was opened a moment later by slim, sandy blonde man in a black t-shirt and faded blue jeans. 

“Rox!” he said with an enthusiastic smile, leaning forward for a cheek kiss. I never liked that nickname, but he was family so he got a pass . . . sometimes. And since he and Dave had allowed me to hijack their evening at the last minute, he definitely gets a pass tonight. Though I did wince at the name.

I turned to Tom, just in time to catch his smirk. I knew he was filing ‘Rox’ away in that prodigious brain to use in some future nefarious plan. I would, if the situation were reversed, after all! I warningly narrowed my eyes at him, and his smirk grew wider. He knew I couldn’t do fuck all about it at the moment.

I dragged myself back into the moment. I do want him to like my family, and my family to like him. Right, so.

“Tom, this is Ryan, my brother-in-law.” 

Tom had to switch his guitar to shake hands but he professed he was pleased to meet him. He even managed a warm smile for Ryan, while shooting me a glare that promised retribution for not warning him that he was about to meet my family.

Ryan shook Tom’s hand and then froze, giving me wild eyed look as he twigged to Tom.

“Oh, Rocky you’ve outdone yourself! Dave is absolutely going to shit! I can’t believe you brought Loki home! No wait. Yes I can.” Dave shook his head and grinned at Tom. “Come on in, Tom, you’re just in time for the fireworks!” 

Ryan offered to take our coats and Tom’s guitar. 

“What can I get you to drink?” Ryan asked Tom, then listed off the wines they had available. 

“Whatever’s open is fine,” Tom smiled, as we seated ourselves on the sofa and Ryan headed off into the kitchen. Tom grabbed my elbow and hissed in my ear as soon as Ryan was out of the room..

“You didn’t tell your family anything about me?? Rocky...” 

“Sure I did, Tom! I told ‘em that you’re wonderful and kind and fun. You make me laugh  and you like me. What else do they need to know?”

Tom’s eyes softened. “Rocky, you…”  he shook his head, apparently speechless. But I knew better. I was sure to hear about it later.

I flashed him a cheeky smile as we sat down. “I just thought it was probably best not to give you time to get drunk before meeting my family,” I teased. 

The glare he levelled at me was slightly spoiled by the smile he couldn't quite repress. 

“You’re here!”

We looked to the doorway where my clone stood, assuming I was 6 inches taller and 60lbs heavier. He also had short hair but the family resemblance was uncanny. 

“You must be Dave,” Tom said, rising from the sofa to greet him. 

“I am indeed,” Dave grinned, shaking Tom’s hand genially. “And I’ve heard an awful lot about you. All good, of course.” 

Tom turned and gave us both some serious side eye, looking back and forth. 

“Have you met your sister?” he asked Dave.

Ryan clapped a hand over his mouth and did his best to stifle a giggle and letting out a small snort over madly twinkling eyes, while Dave laughed ruefully.

“Too true, but ‘All I know is that you have dodgy plumbing and work away sometimes’ doesn't really sound very polite.” 

I stood to reach up and kiss Dave hello. “And that’s why you haven't met my family yet, Tom,” I glanced at him and teased. “Let me just apologise in advance for my brother.”

“Right,” Ryan said as he returned with three glasses of red wine and a bottle of beer for me. He’d been a bartender in college so he could juggle far more beverage than the average Joe. “Can’t you lot stop sniping at each other for just one night?” he teased us.  

“Oh please,” I smiled. “You give as good as you get.” I’d always liked Ryan. 

“Yes, but I find it’s best to break new people in gently.” He tilted his head at Tom in a ‘sorry, mate’ eye roll.

“Oh, don’t worry about Tom.” I waved an airy hand. “He’s so broken in I’ve ridden him hard and put him away wet many times now.”

Ryan nearly choked on his wine and Tom couldn't stifle his laugh. 

“She speaks the truth,” Tom agreed. “Although she could learn a little tact.” 

“That’s what I keep you around for,” I explained. 

“Well, don’t stand on ceremony,” Ryan gestured to the sofa behind us and as we sat down I heard a small ‘ding’ emanating from the kitchen. 

“I’m up, I’ll go,” Dave offered since Ryan had taken a seat too. 

“I knew I could smell something delicious,” I said as Dave went into the kitchen to serve the nibbles. “Ryan’s a caterer,” I told Tom. “A very good one too.” He’d catered a few prestigious events so he was used to acting naturally around famous faces, although his events tended to be business and politics more than theatrical, but he’s told us all about meeting Stephen Fry at one of his events. 

“I can’t believe he hasn’t noticed yet,” Ryan whispered. 

“I know!” I whispered back. He’d understand once we took him upstairs. 

Tom looked slightly nonplussed by the conversation but he turned to Ryan with a friendly smile and asked, “What are we having?” 

“Well given what Rocky said about tonight, we’re just having a series of finger foods, starting with mini kebabs marinated in satay and hoi sin sauce. The satay is a teeny bit hot but nothing most people can’t handle.”

“Is it just us?” he asked.

“While introducing you to my family really should be a one at a time thing to avoid premature ageing, Dad and Paul are still in Florida.

“Well they may have sun, but we have hors d'oeuvres.” Dave returned with a serving plate of mini kebabs, two small pots of extra sauce in the middle. He put them on the coffee table then sat on the sofa opposite us, next to Ryan. 

“Rocky tells me you work in Finance?” Tom said to Dave as he helped himself to a kebab. 

I jumped in. “Dear god, Tom, don’t get him started, we’ll be hip deep in spreadsheets!”

“It’s a little more sophisticated than that,” Dave rolled his eyes. 

“What Dave, I keep telling you that one and one are two. Two and two are four. It’s not hard.” I teased him, tipping my glass at him.

Dave grinned back. “Bet you can’t tell me the square root of three, though!”

I opened my mouth and shut it. I had no idea. Dave took a sip of his wine and managed to look like the cat who got the cream.

Ryan laughed. “Do you want to tell her, or shall I?” 

Dave toasted Ryan and snickered. “Be my guest.”

Ryan put a consoling arm around me. “Darling. Three is a square root,” he said gently.

“Well, shit.” The two men chuckled at me, but Tom winced. I knew he didn’t know, either. I flopped back on the sofa and scowled at my smartypants brother. For some reason Dave got all the maths in the family. Dad was right annoyed when he went into banking, instead of staying home and doing the books for the family plumbing business. But really, Dad’s very proud of Dave. And so am I, come to that.

“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” Tom tried being more direct this time as he reached for another kebab and offered me the plate. 

Those things were moreish and I was tempted to hold onto the plate and finished off the remains. Good manners won out however and I returned them to the coffee table. 

“She didn't tell you?” Dave asked playfully. 

“No, she didn't,” Tom levelled a narrow eyed glare at me. “Secrets abound tonight, it seems.”

It was time to put him out of his misery. 

“It just so happens that although he wears a suit and tie, and has the world’s most boring job, in his spare time, my brother here happens to be a world-class drummer.”

“Hardly,” Dave blushed. “But I enjoy it.” 

“Don’t listen to him. He’s good. Really good, and I have the scars to prove it!”

“I can’t see any scars!”

“They’re all mental, dear brother.” I smiled sweetly and took a sip of my wine.

Ryan choked a bit. “Shall we get on then?” 

“I thought you two could have a little jam session,” I told Tom. 

“While Rocky and I will gaze on adoringly,” Ryan added, batting his eyelashes only slightly sarcastically. 

“Oh no,” Dave shook his head. “If I have to play, you two have to sing.” 

“I’m game,” I grinned. “Besides, we’re running low of kebabs,” I said as I popped the last one in my mouth.

“So,” Tom cleared his throat, “When do we start?” he said in his Loki voice, doing his best to suppress a smirk.

“All right,” Ryan stood up. “Let’s do this!” 

Tom picked up his guitar from the hall and we all trooped upstairs. The Marvel posters lining the stairway and the upper landing didn't escape his notice and I could see the penny drop with regard to why Ryan as surprised Dave hadn’t recognised Tom. 

“Who’s the Marvel fan?” Tom asked. 

“That’d be me,” Dave answered. “Do you like the MCU too?”

“Well, I suppose you could say that, yes.” Tom blushed slightly but I don't think the boys noticed.

“I’ve got a collection of awesome memorabilia in the bedroom. I’ll show you once we’re done here, if you’re interested.”

“Are you indecently propositioning my boyfriend?” I asked innocently. 

“No, but I do have a new life size cutout of Captain America that might tempt him away from you,” Dave fired back with a smirk. 

Tom snickered. “I’m fairly sure that Rocky looks better in tights, mate! ” 

“I can feel the righteousness surging! Let’s hear it for truth, justice, and the American way!” I did my best Loki impression, which was shite, but when I tried to walk backwards at the same time and nearly fell on my arse it got a laugh.

Tom lept forward and caught me. “Darling, that was pitiful! Are you sure you want to talk about our kinky bedroom habits in front of your brother,” Tom teased as we were guided into the music room. 

“Our kinky habits?!” I tried to sound outraged.

Ryan laughed out loud. Dave narrowed his eyes..

“Wait, there’s an American Way?” He glared at Tom. “Just what the hell are you doing to my sister, mate??”

I clapped a hand over Tom’s mouth just as he opened it to tell Dave. “Now Tom, there’s no need to tell my brother just what you get up to in Captain America’s tights!”

Ryan held up a hand. “Right! That’s enough out of all of you! You’ll be giving Dave nightmares, and I need my beauty sleep!”

Tom didn’t let it go, though. He bent down and purred in my ear so just I could hear. “Don’t worry, darling, you will kneel for me later.”

Fuck me! My knees wobbled.

He, of course wandered off into the room without a care in the world leaving me feeling all hot and bothered on my brothers landing. 

Bastard. 

The largest bedroom had been turned into the music room and the walls were covered with some sort of soundproof foam. A large drum set took up about a third of the room, but there was also a keyboard against one wall, and a guitar propped up against it.  

There were also two small sofas and a couple of stools, so obviously jamming sessions weren’t unheard of. 

Tom looked around. “This is great, man!”

Ryan nodded. “Dave needed the space for his gear, so we use one of the smaller rooms for our bedroom. 

“It’s a terrific set up!” Tom enthused. “Do you play the piano and guitar too?” Tom asked as he pulled his guitar out of its case and began to tune it. 

“The guitar is mine,” Ryan admitted with a grimace. “I haven't been playing long, though.”

“The keyboard is something I keep meaning to learn,” Dave added. “Trouble is, the drums are just such good stress relief.” 

“We’ve pretty much decided we’ll have to adopt some kids and fill out our band with them,” Ryan teased. 

“The Osmond’s mark two,” I quipped. 

“The family that plays together stays together,” Dave shot back, while Ryan clutched his head.

“Oh god no! Not the bloody Osmonds! 

We all laughed. 

“Go on then,” I gestured for Dave to play his drums as I took a seat on one of the couches. “I promised Tom drums, after all.”

“But what about the other eleven drummers?”

“Sorry. This is the discount 12th day. All the other drummers were sold out. All you get is Dave. But he can play Wipeout like he has twelve pairs of arms!”

“All right Oh, thanks very much, sister dear! No pressure there!” He sat behind his drum kit and looked surprisingly nervous. A few deep breaths, however, and he launched into the familiar opening bars of Wipeout. His hands and feet moved with a furious pace and at the correct time, Ryan jumped up and grabbed my hands and we both launched into a gyrating dance and sang along, sort of na-na-na-ing the missing electric guitar accompaniment. Tom joined in after a minute, riffing on his acoustic guitar. Who didn't know Wipeout? 

At the end we all fell back, laughing and clapping.  Tom got up and offered his hand for Dave to shake. 

“I’ve got to say, I’m impressed.” He said that last in his slightly deeper Loki voice, but Dave was too busy blushing to notice. 

“Thanks.” Dave had turned a bit pink around the ears. “It’s one of my favourites, so I’m very practised at it.” 

“Very,” I agreed dryly. 

Dave chuckled. “When  we were kids I went a bit overboard one summer, obsessed with getting it right. One day Rocky got so fed up at hearing the same tune over and over she stormed into the garage and swore that if I ever played Wipeout again, she would get a gun and stab me to death.”

That story was one of the family staples now, Dave’ll be telling his grandkids one day about crazy, homicidal Aunt Rocky, no doubt!

“I’m not very coherent when I’m angry,” I shrugged. “And while we’re on embarrassing musical stories, I seem to recall you having a thing for Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror, only you kept singing, ‘and no moustache could have been any clearer’.”

Dave blushed again. “Oh please, I was only about 12 or something.”

“Yeah? I was 12 when you were driving me mad over wipeout, and you’re still telling the story!

Tom smiled and doing his Michael Jackson impression, carried the song on. “If you want to make the world a better place take a look at yourself and then make that... shave.”

We all laughed. 

“Excuse me a second,” Ryan left the room.

“If you want to talk misheard lyrics, you can’t beat our dad,” I smiled at the memory. “You know that Abba song, Chiquitita? He always used to sing Chicken Tikka. ‘Chicken Tikka, tell me the truth’.” I sang. 

“Our brother, Paul, has the best one of all time though,” Dave explained. “Everyone knows Bohemian Rhapsody but when Paul was about seven or eight, he kept singing, “Beelzebub has the devil for a sideboard.” 

“Did you correct him?” Tom asked me. 

“I was too young to, I didn’t know,” I explained. “And I think Dave enjoyed the fact he got it wrong.” I slanted a look at Dave. “In fact, I think Dave used to feed him wrong lyrics all the time. Remember ‘Scare a moose, scare a moose’?” I grinned.

“Bastard’s good at everything, I can’t enjoy the fact he fucks up such a well known song?” Dave growled. “I think he figured it out in his teens. I remember him being moody as fuck one day because his friends made fun of him for it. Now he knows better, but he does it just to annoy me.”

Ryan returned with a tray containing a selection of crispbread with various toppings, plus a pitcher of margaritas and 4 glasses. “Got to keep our strength up.”

“And our dutch courage,” I added. 

“Absolutely! Citrus is good for the vocal cords, as well!” He grinned as he handed me a glass. “Right, what’s next?”

“Let’s do something we can all join in on,” Dave suggested. “Anyone know any Queen?” 

“Not well enough to play without sheet music,” Tom admitted. “Unless, maybe Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” 

“I love that one! It’s a great dance tune! What about it Ryan? I’ll take the low parts if you’ll take the high ones!” 

“Deal!” 

Mounted on the wall over the keyboard was a huge flat screen TV because Dave limed to practice with some musical accompaniment sometimes, and Ryan liked watching Youtube guitar tutorials. Oh, the things you can afford when you’re a DINK. For the uninitiated, that’s Double Income No Kids household, and Dave does not like being called that, but that’s mainly because he think’s the word dinky doesn't reflect well on his manhood. So of course I use it whenever I can.

Ryan turned the telly on and spoke his google search into the remote. They’re gadget freaks too. Just about every room has an Alexa. It wouldn't surprise me if she was even wired into some of their sex toys! EWW! No, no, nasty stray thought! Back to lyrics. 

Even with the lyrics on screen, we still got some parts wrong because we were too busy trying to dance while seated and just generally hamming it up. 

“I hear Adam Lambert might leave Queen and try going solo again. You should audition,” I teased Ryan. 

He clasped his heart and uttered a gasp that would rival any of Ru Paul’s drag queens. 

“Sacrilege!” he pointed at me. “Get this blasphemer out of my house this instant! Away, demon! By the power of Gay I command you, leave this place!” 

We all laughed. His views on replacing Freddie Mercury were about on par with mine, only I wasn't quite so theatrical about it. 

When we finally stopped laughing we continued disavowing any new iterations of Queen for a minute or two, then we discussed songs again. 

“Hotel California,” I suggested, “Everyone knows that.” 

“Not known for it’s drum solos, though,” Tom reminded me. “But if it’s for everyone,” he turned to Ryan. “Don’t tell me you haven't learned to play Hey Jude yet?” 

“Well, it is one they usually teach beginners,” Ryan admitted. 

“That’s a yes,” Dave explained. “Come on, if I have to perform, so do you.” 

Tom handed Ryan his guitar and approached the keyboard. 

“All right, I can take a hint.” 

“How do you turn this thing on?” Tom asked, examining the keyboard.

“Need to turn it on at the plug.” Dave did it for him. 

“My saviour is here,” Tom teased and Dave smiled. He got the marvel quote, he just hadn't had the second realisation yet.

Tom sat down and played a chord, which sounded like a church organ. He switched it to piano and tried again. 

“There we go,” he smiled. 

“Is this a Gibson?” Ryan asked, examining Tom’s guitar. 

“It is,” Tom confirmed. “Beautiful instrument, you’ll love it.”

Ryan looked a little green around the gills and swallowed, probably understanding its worth. He slipped the strap around his neck despite already sitting down.

It had left me breathless for a moment when I realised how haphazardly I’d been slinging around a £2,000 guitar, but it had survived my laissez faire treatment, so I was fairly confident of its ability to survive Ryan’s playing. 

Tom  and Ryan played around for a few moments, familiarising themselves with their instruments. “Ready?” I asked when they quietened. 

They nodded and I counted to four then began. We’d sung this fairly often as kids. Dad had an accordion and Hey Jude was one of his favourites, so I was fairly confident the words would come back to me. If not, I didn't expect to be the only one singing, someone else would pick up my slack. 

There’s something about hey Jude, it just sort of unites people, like a world war two knees-up around the piano or something, except a totally different style. 

Usually I thought the na na na nas went on a bit long for my tastes but I’d have been happy carrying on longer tonight. The final note held for four beats, then we all clapped. 

“That was brilliant!” Ryan gushed. 

“It was! We should form a cover band! We could call it Duvet!”

“Dung Beatles more like,” I joked.

“Scarabs, if you don’t mind, Tom said loftily. 

“Oh we’re in treble now, boys!”

“Speaking of the Osmonds, and given geek boy here’s comic book addiction, we could be The Ozymandias… ians?” 

“Not the snappiest name,” Ryan laughed. 

I took a sip of my drink and helped myself to one of the last crispbreads. 

The evening continued in a similar vein with Ryan regularly bringing fresh treats and drinks to keep us nourished and hydrated. 

We played, drank, ate and sang for a good couple of hours. 

Tom dropped a few more Loki hints but it seemed my brother was determined to remain  as dense as Thor [Love it!]. Then Tom suggested Immigrant Song. It actually sounds really good on  an acoustic guitar and Dave  was able to provide drum backup, but I have no idea if he was true to the original or not. 

Tom handled most of the lyrics but Ryan and I join in on the bits we knew—basically the ah-aah-aaaah-ah bits. Turns out Ryan can get that bit really high when you pinch him at just the right moment! When the song finished We were all smiling. 

“I’d never really paid much attention to the lyrics before, but that stuff about hammer of the gods and what not, I can see why they used it for Ragnarok.”

And then I could literally see the penny drop as I watched the colour drain from Dave’s face. It was enough to gladden a sister’s heart!

“Wait, you— You’re not—? Holy fuck, you are!” 

We all cracked up laughing, Ryan even clapped. 

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” Dave rushed on. “It’s  just with the ginger and the glasses and the tan you’re so. . . and with the black and pale skin he’s so. . .”

Poor Dave. I was going to pay for not warning him earlier but it’s a sister’s job to torture their siblings. And honestly, I really did think he’d recognise Tom instantly. He even had a Loki action figure for Christ’s sake! 

“Sorry, mate. It’s all Rocky’s fault, you know” Tom ticked his chin at me.

I clutched my chest dramatically. “Under the bus! I can’t believe you pushed me under the bus, Tom!”

“Yes, well, I needed company under here, didn’t I?”

Ryan turned to Dave and slipped an arm around his waist. “They’re well matched, don’t you think?” They both turned to look at us. I stuck my tongue out at them.

Dave snorted, looking at Tom with pity and shaking his head. “Poor sod.”

Tom wrapped his arms around me from behind. “I know. But I like a challenge…”

I rubbed my arse against Tom and reached back to pat his bum. “It’s alright. He’s well up to the job!”

Dave groaned. “I’m going to need brain bleach after this night,” he muttered.

“Why don’t you play us some Hank Williams,” I suggested, to give Dave a chance to recover a bit. 

Tom played Move it on Over which we didn't know but on the choruses we could just echo him and be his backup singers. Everyone knows Hey, Good Lookin’, of course, and then he sang Your Cheatin’ Heart, which we knew from Patsy Cline (our dad was a fan) but the words were the same so we joined in. Dave had even recovered enough by then to back him up on the drums.

After that Ryan and I managed to do Chasing Cars together. He’d been teaching himself the tune and I’d been obsessed with that song it first came out. Then Tom and Dave were forced by popular demand to play In the Air Tonight, and Dave made the most of his drum solo, expanding it. 

“Couple of kids I went to school with had that song as their first dance at their wedding,” I laughed as I clapped. “I sat there trying not to giggle as they gazed into each other’s eyes while Phil sang, well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand.”

“Okay,” Dave held up his hand. “Worst first song to play at a wedding, winner gets the first serving of Ryan’s sinful sticky toffee pudding. Go!” he pointed at Tom. 

“Uh . . . U2, I Still Haven't Found What I’m Looking For.”

His suggestion was greeted with a mixture of laughter and wincing ‘Ooh!’s

“Rox,” Dave pointed at me. “And no, you can’t say Phil Collins!”

“Ummmm . . . My Chemical Romance, I Don’t Love You Like I Did Yesterday!”

“Ryan.”

“Don’t Marry her, Have Me, by The Beautiful South.”

“You turn,” I told Dave. 

“Lady Gaga, Bad Romance.” 

Then the suggestions were just flying and I could hardly keep up with who was suggesting what.

Tainted Love by Soft Cell, D.I.V.O.R.C.E. by Tammy Wynette, The Human League’s Don’t You Want Me Baby... Jar of Hearts... What’s Love Got to Do With It?... You Give Love a Bad Name

 You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling... Another One Bites the Dust... Highway to Hell... I’m All Out of Love, anything by Adele, You’re So Vain… You Can’t Always Get What You Want... I Will Survive... Gold Digger by Kanye, 

“No, I’ve got it,” Tom cut in. “Engelbert Humperdinck and Please Release Me, Let Me Go.”

“Step back!” Dave said. 

“We have a winner!” Ryan finished for him. Everyone clapped and cheered.

We adjourned back to the living room for dessert, Dave and Ryan going off hand in hand to the kitchen to fetch it. They’ve been together for about five years now, and it’s good to see they’re still just as lovey and gooey as they always were.

Tom pulled me down onto his lap on the sofa, making me giggle and squirm just as the boys returned with the sticky toffee.

Ryan handed me a double sized portion on a single plate, and went to sit on Dave's lap with theirs.

Tom moaned out loud when I fed him a spoonful, and everybody cracked up. Except Tom, who was too busy having a food orgasm.

“That’s brilliant stuff, Ryan! Can I have the recipe?” I nodded my head frantically, my mouth too stuffed with deliciousness to speak.

Ryan chuckled as he fed another spoonful to Dave and listened to his own moan of appreciation. 

“Nope. You’ll have to come back if you want more!”

Dave chimed in. “Oh yes, please do Tom! You can even bring my sister with you, if you must!” He leaned in confidentially, “Ryan only makes it for company, you see. It’s the only time I get it!”

Ryan rolled his eyes at Dave and turned his attention back to Tom. “But I’ll send the rest home with you, if you like.”

Tom popped the last bite into my mouth and shoved me off his lap, standing abruptly. “It must be getting awfully late! Don’t you think so, Rocky?” He stretched and yawned ostentatiously.

“Oh, um...yes.” I looked at my bare wrist. “Will you look at the time! I’ll just go get the rest and we’ll be off, shall we?”

Ryan laughed and shook his finger at us. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re planning on doing with my sticky toffee, you naughty things! Tell you what, I’ll even give you an extra pot,” he winked.

Dave thumped his head on Ryan's shoulder. “Ryannn,” he whined, “that’s my sister!”

Ryan turned his head and dropped a kiss on Dave’s head. “Oh like you aren’t planning something naughty for the extra piece I kept!”

Dave leapt up. “Here, let me help you with your coats! So sorry you can’t stay longer!”

Despite being hustled out we had hugs and kisses all around, and plenty of laughter.

“I like your brother. Ryan too. They’re nice chaps.” Tom said later as he was hanging my coat at his front door.

“Yeah Dave’s not bad. He got bloody lucky with Ryan, and he knows it too. Now, where’s that pudding? I have things to do with it!”

The smile on Tom’s face broadened into a leer. “Do you?”

“Yep. I have to give my boyfriend his just desserts for being such a good sport tonight.” I reached for the carrier that Ryan had given us, but Tom lifted it high over my head teasingly. 

I narrowed my eyes at the bag. Nah. Too high. Well, if Mohammed can’t get to the mountain, the mountain will have to come to Mohammed! 

“I’m not jumping for it!” I stamped my foot.

“But darling, it does such charming things to your...charms when you jump!”

I took a couple of steps back, and started to peel my jumper off. “Oh, I think my charms are fine just the way they are.” I reached back to undo my bra strap and the rustle of the bag hitting the floor signalled my victory. Darting under Tom’s arm as he lunged, I swiped my prize and scrambled for the sofa, holding the bag behind my back.

“To the victor go the spoils,” I grinned. 

“Too right,” Tom smiled. “Looks like I win either way…”

I glanced down at the girls. My bra had slipped down under one boob and the shoulder straps had come down to bind my elbows. Well, damn.

Tom strolled in front of me, reaching a finger out to push my bra the last bit off my other boob. I could have easily struggled out of my bra, but Tom looked so happy, what the hell.

Still being in possession of the bag, I raised my head defiantly. “You want my pudding?” I asked.

“Darling, I would love your pudding. Name your price?”

“Hmm,” I pretended to think aloud. “Nice newish car on the driveway… Decent bank balance… Lots of designer gear… Hmm… I want…” I drew it out. Maybe there was a little bit of drama queen in me. “... A kiss.”

“One kiss?” he clarified and I nodded. “One single, solitary kiss?” I nodded again. “That sounds easy enough, deal.”

“Oh, I may have forgotten to, mention, this kiss has to make my toes curl and forget my own name.”

“Is that all?” he smirked. “I think I can oblige.” 

Tom knelt on the floor, carefully taking the bag from my hand and setting it on the side table. He lifted his warm hands to cup my boobs, and I'm honestly not sure who moaned. His hands slid smoothly down my ribs to the waistband of my jeans and deftly undid them, pushing them down and helping me step out.

He nuzzled at the junction of my thighs and made a deep humming sound. Abruptly he stood and slung me over his shoulder. I shrieked as he grabbed the dessert bag and strode off to the kitchen.

He set me down on the edge of the table and opened the bag. “Now, let’s see what we can do with this…”

I opened my mouth to tell him just what he could do with it, but he beat me to it, sliding a finger full into my mouth and following it with his tongue. This time we both definitely moaned. God, the silky toffee flavours, combined with Tom’s tongue? Nirvana!

We giggled and fought a bit over the morsel, Tom trying to steal it back, but he conceded it at last and he let me swallow.

Putting a hand between my breasts he pushed me slowly back to lie on the table. I blinked up at him, still trussed helplessly in my bra, and licked my lips.

“Now I have you just where I want you, my pretty!”

I rather thought that I had him just where I wanted him! The bag rustled and he was dripping caramel sauce over my boobs with a maniacal grin. God, it’s cold! I shivered.

“Thank Christ he didn't make rice pudding!” I joked as Tom drizzled more toffee sauce over my nipple. 

“But baked Alaska might have been fun!” Tom suggested.

“Thanks, we’ve done that—” My words cut off as Tom’s hot mouth wrapped around my nipple, sucking the sauce off and leaving me nearly dizzy with want.

Tom stood back to admire the artistic swirl of sauce he’d left on my body, and fortunately for him, to take his clothes off. I growled at him for taking so long and opened my mouth to scold him, but he popped another bite of the sticky stuff into my mouth.

“Hush now, Rocky! None of your lip, I’m busy!”

He planted a large hand on my torso and began to very delicately lick up all the sweetness from my body. Oh god, he was driving me mad.

Heat was flowing through my body, making me squirm and I felt Tom’s chuckle vibrating on my skin. When he lifted my hips and took a long lick and swirl around my clit I nearly came off the table.

Then Tom was pushing into me at last, leaning over me to kiss me as he thrust into me, rocking us both on the table. I could feel the coil inside me tightening and tightening, Tom’s breath harsh in my ear. 

“Fuck, Rocky!” Tom’s burning eyes stared into mine and I couldn’t look away. His hand went between us, and at the first press of his fingers I exploded with a scream. Tom shouted along with me and I felt the hot wash of his release, both of us still grinding into each other the last little bit of pleasure.

“Oh,” I sighed, getting my breath back. “Thanks for pudding up with me.”

Tom chuckled at the awful pun. “I think you’re flan-tastic, Rocky.”

I groaned. “You know what this means,” I said with gravity. 

“What?”

“We need a bath now.”

“But you’re  cleaning the table!”