#ree fell down the stairs

[thatsimplepoet]

New goal for the rest of my life: Never fall down the stairs again. It hurts. 0/10 recommend.

[iiamtrashqueenii]

New Years Eve

Summary: Inspired by “New Years Eve” by Mal Blum, Virgil and Janus are reunited as the New Years Eve party the sides throw. Janus doesn’t want to admit how much he’s missed Virgil, and Virgil certainly isn’t making it easy on him.

Potential Triggers: (please let me know if any I missed or any you’d like me to tag in the future) Drinking, smoking, unhealthy relationships

——————

Letting out a breath of smoke into the sky from the balcony, Janus wondered for the hundredth time if he should even bother going to the party. It’d be a waste of time. Familiar faces he didn’t want to see, but at the very least, there’d be plenty to drink, and no one would question why.

Janus found himself drunk a lot of the time, actually. More often than he’d like to admit, and more often than even Remus could guess. Not that everyone else knew, Janus was all too good at hiding it, so long as no one was close enough to smell the alcohol on him. It wasn’t too hard to avoid when he rarely left his room either.

Shaking the thought away, he let the cigarette slip from his fingers, watching as the embers slowly died out with the rushing air as it plummeted to the ground. It wouldn’t start a fire. Not unless he willed it so. He had considered it momentarily, but ultimately decided against it. It wasn’t worth it. No amount of arson would fix things, and no amount of denial would make everything fade away, no matter how hard Janus tried. With slow steps, he slipped away from the balcony, into his room to get ready to go. Soon enough, Remus bounced into his room, asking if he was ready to go, and they headed to the ‘light’ sides part of the mind palace.

The music was rather loud for it being so early, only nine, and they were going to be there until at least one in the morning. Janus didn’t mind that, going to find drinks first before trying to socialize. Ultimately, by the time it was ten, he’d mostly stuck around Remus, sharing awkward glances with Virgil throughout the night. He should’ve talked to them—he knew that, it was the only chance at fixing things. But honestly? Janus didn’t even know if he wanted to fix things anymore. Not if Virgil didn’t want to try either. Besides, he didn’t need them.

Before the first hour could pass, they had started up party games, Janus well on his third drink as Roman asked him a simple ‘truth or dare.’ “Dare,” Janus answered blankly, staring into his plastic cup and tapping his fingers lightly on it, waiting for an answer before downing the rest of it.

“I dare you...” Roman glanced around, looking for an idea, “jump down from the top step over the railing,” she shrugged. It wasn’t all that interesting, but there wasn’t much that was interesting when they were capable of practically anything with minor consequences. Janus gave a curt nod and stood up, heading to the top of the stairs and pulling himself over the ledge before jumping down. The landing wasn’t that successful, aided by the drinking, so he had stumbled a bit before regaining his balance. “Ree, truth or dare?”

“Snakey-baby, you know better than to ask,” Remus answered, a faux softness to his voice.

“Great, so truth. What’s the real reason you dragged me to this party, Ree?” he asked, clearly bitter about it.

Remus breathed out quietly. “Jan you know I meant dare.”

“I dare you to answer the question.”

“That’s not—fine. I’m tired of seeing you tear yourself apart. You needed to get the hell out of your room. You can’t waste the rest of your life there,” Remus answered.

Janus pursed his lips in response, muttering a “your turn” under his breath and looking down again. What he hadn’t expected was for Remus to turn to Virgil for the next one. Remus and Janus had practically avoided asking Virgil so far—knowing full well that if Virgil picked truth, it wouldn’t go anywhere good. Worse is that Virgil did indeed answer with “truth.” Remus paused for a second. “I was hoping you’d pick dare,” he muttered honestly, before trying to think of a truth. Dares were easy for him to come up with, being intrusive thoughts and all.

“I got one,” Janus piped up, earning a hissed protest of his own name from Remus that fell on deaf ears. “Is it true that it’s my fault you left?”

Virgil frowned at the question. “Of course not, Janus.”

“Then how come you never visit?” he asked. “Is it just that... quite frankly I’m not worth it? Please, enligh—“

“Okay! Game time over,” Roman spoke, clasping his hands together. “Who wants to help me bring out the deserts and we’ll watch a movie for a while, yeah?” Remus had jumped up at the opportunity, mostly not wanting to be a part of the awkwardness between Janus and Virgil. It didn’t take long to get set up, mainly because Remus didn’t bother arguing about a movie—Roman would rig the votes anyway. Janus and Virgil had sat on opposite sides of the couch, both of them getting a few more drinks than necessary. They stopped the movie a little short, wanting to watch the time change across different places.

Janus stood up, slipping into the kitchen and setting his cup on the counter. He had had too much to drink already, knowing better than to get more if he wanted to remember anything by the next morning. He sighed, tossing the cup into the trash and leaning back on the counter, gripping the edge lightly, wondering shortly if it’d be any easy to leave. He could hear shouting and laughter coming from the nearby room, but at the same time, he didn’t feel as though he could actually hear it. Everything felt too loud and too quiet at once, so he had managed to miss a giggling Virgil stumbling through the door way, spilling a bit of their drink as they walked through. Great, Virgil was absolutely shit-faced.

“Hey Janny,” it slurred, leaning on a nearby chair for balance. The room was spinning. Merely sighing, Janus stepped over, going to help Virgil back to the living room, but Virgil stepped back a bit, holding out his hand forward and shaking his head. “Too loud in there,” he blubbered.

“Then I’ll take you to your room, but if you keep leaning on that chair like that, you’re gonna slam your face into the fridge.” Practically as predicted, Virgil’s hand slipped forward, his eyes going wide for a short moment before Janus caught him.

Breathing out softly, Virgil’s eyes flickered across Janus’s face, before its eyes landed on the little leaf decoration in the doorway. It grinned, something that didn’t look anything like Virgil’s normal grin, too drunk to care. “Janny, they must’ve forgotten to take down the mistletoe,” it slurred, leaning forward and pressing a messy but soft kiss to Janus’s lips before he even had a chance to respond. Janus hadn’t even shut his eyes yet by the time it was over, in a little shock, and unable to savor the moment. “I missed you,” Virgil mumbled. “I know you’ve missed me too,” they added quietly, resting their head on Janus’s chest, eyes fluttering shut.

“I don’t love you anymore,” he murmured quietly, most trying to convince himself of that, especially after that kiss. He repeated it a couple of times, whispered and breathy while tears pricked his eyes, and once he said it clearly for the first time, loud enough to at least be heard over the other’s, he shifted to lift up Virgil, who was practically asleep standing up. He blinked several times, trying to blink away the tears and slipping by unnoticed by the rest of the sides, even as he carried Virgil off. He slipped into Virgil’s room, oddly not too hard to do (Virgil was rather light after all, concerningly so), before setting them on their bed. He pulled up the blankets over Virgil, watching them adjust into their space before slipping out of the room, gently shutting the door and letting out a quiet huff. “I don’t love you anymore,” he repeated, starting to walk away. He knew better than to mention the kiss to anyone, even Remus. Remus would blabber about it, accidentally or on purpose, and Janus knew Roman and Virgil had something going on. If he ruined that... well, it was definitely much more worth suffering knowing Virgil was at least happy.

Janus walked back into his room, slipping off his bow tie and pulling it off, setting it on the desk before taking off his hat as well. He rested his hands on the table in front of him, staring down at it and hunching up his shoulders, doing his best not to let tears fall. He was oh-so-lucky to hear knocking on his door. It certainly wasn’t Remus—he never walked. “Come in,” he called, wiping nearing tears in his eyes with his thumb quickly.

He hadn’t expected Virgil to already be stumbling out of their room, opening the door and leaning on the door frame with a soft pout. “I didn’t want you to leave tonight,” Virgil admitted. “Stay? Please? I’ll talk to the others and we can... we can all be together again,” they choked out, lip quivering visibly.

Janus already knew if he said or did the wrong thing it’d be waterworks for hours, until Virgil passed out. So instead, he merely agreed, whatever Virgil wanted, and went to bring it back to bed. He stepped over, expecting to bring Virgil back to their own room, but Virgil slipped right past him, climbing into Janus’s bed and cuddling into the blanket. “... You know I never wanted to hurt you right?” it asked quietly. “I just thought it’d make me happier...”

“I know, Virgil. Hush now dear,” he murmured softly, pulling a chair up next to his bed. “Sleep, okay? We can talk about it in the morning,” he suggested lightly, shutting off the lamp.

They wouldn’t talk about it the next day, actually. Or anytime soon. And Janus would hope to whatever God or gods there may be that Virgil wouldn’t remember the kiss, wouldn’t say anything about the kiss, and they could forget it. Virgil wouldn’t forget, but it never dared to mention it, their relationships to fragile to dare.

[snowe-zolynn-rogers]

Janus tries to hide or stop his own age regression because he is "Mama Janus" and he feels like he needs to always be an adult who is there for his babies. Eventually the stress from ignoring his own needs get's too much and he regresses and cries when the others find out but they are quick to reassure him that it's not wrong for him to regress and that they still love him no matter what. Baby Jannie or Mama Janus, doesn't matter, they love him.

(So I wrote it because I was bored and I thought this idea is the cutest thing.)

Janus was scared. He was all alone in his room and regressed for the first time in over three months. He hadn’t wanted to regress in the last three months because everyone was so stressed with the quarantine, which made him stressed, which made him either need to take care of them or regress and he always put his friends above his regression.

But now he’d pushed it off so long he’d regressed involuntarily and he was alone when he usually had Remus to at east pick him up and carry him around during his daily activities.

So, he did what any lonely baby does, he started crying from his position on the ground, his pet Burmese python, Ceres, curled around him protectively like he would do with anyone else if he were in his adult mindset.

He knew he felt the tug of a summoning but he was pulled up by his hair before he could really accept or deny it, which hurt his head and made him shrink into himself even more as he hid against the stairs, hiccupping and trying to age up because they obviously needed him in his adult mindset.

“I believe we know where the source of your ‘stressed feeling’ is coming from now, Thomas, do we not?” Logan said somewhere above him.

He felt hands on him trying to get Ceres off. He screamed and pushed them away, hiding from them and he was aware he was having an anxiety attack but he couldn’t quite stop it and he was too scared to calm himself down.

“Hey, baby.” Remus’ soft voice was near him, down on the floor with him. He looked up at his friend who was kneeling in front of him, not threatening.

“Ree. Can’t be big.” He sniffled out.

“Okay, baby. You don’t have to be big Janus right now.” Remus assured him.

“Is he okay? He seems kind of...off.” Roman asked and Janus hid in Remus’ arms, Ceres flicking her tongue at his cheek and then rubbing her face against his like the cat she originally was meant to be.

“Janus is regressing.” Remus explained simply.

“Oh!” Roman exclaimed, understanding it. Janus clung onto Remus’ arm, hiding behind his form from the others, besides Logan who could look over at him.

“Is he okay? He was crying.” Thomas asked. Janus looked up at him and then to Remus and he saw Remus already summoning his new black and gold pacifier and its black and gold  clip, a bottle already full of something Janus quickly found out was strawberry and chocolate smoothie thinned out, and his gecko onesie.

“You wanna be a gecko, Jannie?” Remus asked him softly.

“Up, up.” Janus grabbed for Remus as he made to stand.

“Of course, little snake.” Remus stood up with Janus in his arms.

Virgil slowly unwound Ceres from him so Remus could go upstairs and change him, draping her around his shoulders as she almost immediately wrapped herself around his chest. Remus brought Janus down from upstairs in his gecko onesie with his pacifier firmly in his mouth and he was giggly clinging onto Remus.

“So are we call a fam-I-L-Y day?” Patton asked.

“Absolutely. I definitely want to get to know the cute baby.” Thomas immediately told them.

“I bother.” Janus whispered.

“You aren’t bothering anyone, Jannie. We love you. I’ve been so worried because you haven’t been regressing at all.” Remus ruffled his hair.

“Take care of you. No time.” Janus whispered.

“Jan, you don’t have to take care of us. Not when you’re not taking care of yourself. We’re big boys, we can take care of ourselves, not that we don’t love you being like our Group Mom, but we need to take care of you too. Especially when you’re little like this. Janus, you’re a baby, literally. You can’t push this off like you did.” Janus sniffled. “And I’m not mad at you, baby, I promise.” Remus added, petting his scales.

“Scooby?” Janus asked.

“We can absolutely watch Scooby. A series or a movie?”

“Puppy!” Janus bounced happily, giggling and smiling and Remus swore he was radiating sunshine with his smile.

“You want the puppy Scooby, Jan?” Janus squealed and giggled and nodded. “Okay, we’ll watch puppy Scooby.” Remus kissed his cheek and made him squeak happily.

Janus sat happily on the couch, cuddled up between Virgil, who now had Ceres cuddling him, and Remus, who kept petting Janus’ hair. Eventually, he somehow managed fell asleep on top of Thomas’ lap with his paci in his mouth and he was hanging onto Thomas like a lifeline.

Remus was too busy laughing and taking pictures to help him even when Thomas said he had to go to the bathroom.

[kanene-yaaay-o-retorno]

The Color of my Soul(mates) [2]

[First oneshot]

[AO3 link]

Kanene’s Notes:

Nope, I do not regret the pun. New oneshot yaaaay!! Just a quick reminder that both Virgil and Patton’s mindsets are bad. They can work, of course, but only for a certain expense. Worry not. They will both start to go to a therapist and take care of themselves, even though this will not be heavily shown in the oneshots.

Warnings, fun facts, random things and stuff:

* That fanfic has Moxiety and Past Moceit and Past Virgil/Remus (no idea how it’s called dfghjdfghj) in a platonic relationship (yet), but it can be viewed as romantic, if you wish.

* Swearing, depreciative thoughts, losing someone (not death, just stopping to be soulmate), anger issues, anxious thoughts and nightmares. It’s hurt/comfort.

* [~*~]  Means passage of time

* [...] Means change in the focus of the narrative 

* This characters do not belongs to me. They all belongs to the amazing Thomas Sanders in his series of Sanders Sides.

* Something around 5.300 words. -w-)b.

* Sorry for any spelling, pontuation and grammar mistakes! Any advice is very very welcome!

* Tô com preguiça de postar a versão em português brasileiro aaaa! Thankys for reading, my lollipops! Say to someone important how much you love them, be safe, talk with the one that you love, drink water and sleep well! Byeioo!~

                          [~*~]

Loneliness is an island with missing boats.

Missing is when the moment tries to run away from the memories to happen again and can’t do it.

Memories are when, even without authorization your thinking re-presents a chapter.

-       Adriana Falcão - Meanings

[~*~]

Hey, Dee! It’s been some time, huh? Nothing really happened around here, so I have no interesting news to share today. Buut, I learned a new knock knock joke! I would finally get you to laugh with this one! It’s like that:

Me: Knock, knock.  

U: Who’s there?  

Me: Ice cream.  

U: Ice cream who?  

Me: Ice cream if you don’t let me in!

Funny, right?!

… It feels silly to continue to talk with you through those letters. I can’t-

I don’t even know where to send them! That is stup- not great.

I just… I just miss you, Dee. A lot. My uncle says that I should get your old representation out of the bed and hide it so I can start moving on, but… It feels empty, you know? Everything.

I really miss you.

Love, Heart.

[…]

“No.” 

His words echoed in his mind, the strap of his backpack slipping from his grip, his body throwing itself forward, heart jumping in the back of his throat as his steps inevitably brought him even closer to the faded green, almost white, shark plushie in front of him. 

“No.” 

He repeated, as if this was a spell able to make the scene before him change. His hands trembled and failed in touching the so loved object, a silent scream slipping from his slightly parted lips. Yet, he still tried to think of something. Anything that would erase his choices. He knew it.

He should have known. He read about it before, the butterfly effect. Any choice, any movement, any little thing you did could change drastically your future. It could make events – people – which would happen in your life just…

Disappear. 

[The stuffed animal remained quiet on his hands, it’s blank face staring superficially, not really seeing him. Not like before.]

He knew it. 

“Rat?” He knew it. He knew it. He knew, knew, knewknewknew it! “Ree?” His soul searched desperate for an answer. But he got none. No thoughts, no feelings, no small touches, no acknowledging sparks, nothing. 

That word seemed to ring unbearably in his ears. There was nothing there. Nothing except for the silence and the void which filled itself with despair at every that went by.

“This better not be a prank or this time I will throw you in the washing machine for real!” Virgil’s eyes were stinging. He should have done better, should have thought in another way or another anything. He shouldn’t have done that, he shouldn’t! 

“Ree, stop. That is not funny.” Ree actually preferred when Virgil called him Rat, and as his chest was scratched by an agonizing, crescent fear, deep down the young boy wished his soulmate would jump – his thoughts always felt like that, excited, uncontrollable jumpy frogs just playing around – from somewhere and demands Virgil called him by it. “Answer me!!”

His fingers squished the soft fabric, a short, unexpected wave of anger pleading for at least a shout of pain before Virgil realized what he was doing, immediately lighting his touch, tears shining in a sad gloom in the corner of his eyes. His breathing started to hurt.

He needed to do something.

“MOM!!”

Virgil opened his door with a strong slam, running through the wooded floor of the corridor, stumbling his way to the stairs, coming down at the highest speed he could muster. The adult figure was already standing in the living room, the Tv blasting a show in the background, probably the activity his mother was concentrating on before his cry. A frown painted her face and her dark eyes stared at the boy when he stood in front of her, holding his stuffed shark in her direction.

“Fix him!” 

[‘it’ a quiet whisper from his brain corrected his sentence.]

Her analytical eyes danced around the toy in front of her, looking for any teared fabric, any stain or hint of what happened to it, the confusion in her actions becoming more and more prominent as no visible result was found.

[And, as her analysis occurred, the quiet whisper in the back of his mind wondered if this was the original color of the shark before it became a representation of his soulmate. They were together for so long Virgil didn’t even remember what it used to look like.]

No! The boy with heterochromatic eyes firmly gritted his teeth, head shaking. This was NOT the shark’s real color. Its real color was a dark, deep, enthusiastic green full of chaotic ideas and dumb jokes and sparks and grins.

He refused to let everything end in this way.

Realization fell in her face, a soft gasp coming from her open mouth. “Oh, Virgil…”

“No, no, no! You- You need to fix him!” But her eyes… “Mom, please,” the way her arms opened to involve his small, trembling form… 

“Please, he is my best friend.”

[‘Was’]

She hugged him, cradling her fingers in his hair and lightly rocking Virgil and his sobs, her sweet words muffled by his cry. Then the younger one wiggled out of her touch, getting the plushie and running back to his room, the door slamming one more time.

He refused.

“No! No!!” He kicked his backpack, its content spreading across his carpeted floor. The shark was placed in his desk seconds before the Virgil focused his anger on his bed, throwing everything on the floor. His pillows hit the walls and the toys on his shelves. The cacophony of sounds made his head hurt, but he ignored this in order to kick and throw more things. 

Seconds, minutes, countless pieces of time passed before he stopped, panting and with stinging eyes in the middle of the room, his only possessions left untouched was his guitar and Ra- His shark stuffed animal.

Because he loves playing guitar. Because he loves Ree.

His fingers pet its soft fur, wandering in every detail, trying to burn in his soul how alive and colored it used to be before today.

Virgil felt like crying, felt like hugging his old-representation with all his might and just spent the rest of the day like this, pleading that Ree would come back and Virgil would do better and everything could be back to normal again.

But he refused.

He refused to cry like a baby. He refused to let this happen to him. He refused to be made a fool by the Soulmate System or whatever sadistic creature that observed him right now. He refused to go through all of this again. 

Ever again.

Virgil opened his closet and got up on his chair, hiding the shark on the highest shelf under a bunch of old comforts he never got to use.

They wanted him to be a Colorless? Very well, then.

[~*~]

Anger is when the dog who lives in you shows its teeth.

Sadness is a gigantic hand that squeezes your heart.

-       Adriana Falcão - Meanings

[~*~]

Hiya, Dee.

Some days are better, some are worse. 

It hurts.

But, hm, good things, right? Today was sunny and refreshing, I love when this happens. A ladybug landed in my hand yesterday, it was so small… I also found another beautiful feather when I went to the park last weekend, very fluffy and a baby on the bus smiled at me after I made some funny faces.

I hope you’re also receiving and giving some beautiful smiles there. Aunt just called me for the movie night so… See you later!

I miss-

Love, Heart.

[…]

Virgil woke up sweating. A tight feeling clutching the back of his mind. However, he managed to catch himself before his eyes opened, the back of his hand pressing them, as if to make sure they wouldn’t open against his will.

Urg… Not this again…

Virgil pressed harder the pillow curling around his head, the pressure easing the irritation as he groaned in protest, wondering how much more time it would take before he finally grew used to this routine. An annoying sensation banged rhythmically on his chest, hammering together with his heart and flying along with the butterflies on his stomach over and over again until a slightly nausea almost leaded the one in pajamas to give up and just find the nearest stuffed animal so his soulmate’s bond could finally be initiated, his representation showed up and then the exhausted teen could finally get some freaking rest  and then proceed to turn a blind eye to his soulmate for the rest of their lives.

Who would say that ignoring the Soulmate System would be so hard?

But, damn, even if this shit always came back at the right moment when the first ray of sunshine hit his face, usually Virgil had at least the freedom of the night to sleep!

His hand wandered clumsily, hitting the bean bag next to his bed and looking for the small device he always left there for the night. He sighs when his fingers make contact with the cold of his phone, quickly bringing it up to his face and making sure nothing else could get in his eye field. On the third try he succeeded to put the right password, ignoring the video shining on it and quickly lowering the brightness of his screen until it was almost nonexistent. 

Four in the morning. What the heck was his not-for-much-longer-soulmate doing up at this hour??

Ok. It didn’t matter, Virgil murmured to himself, his words slurring, completely engulfed by the fog of sleepiness which continued to involve him. It didn’t matter because Virgil was sure he would manage to win that battle, just like he did on every other occasion since Ree. Of course, he never had a perfect receipt for this, only a group of superficial orientations as focusing on something else, tossing around the mattress until the exhaustion took over his body or doing anything that guaranteed his suborn nature to fight until the bond faded away with some hours, maybe one or two days. 

However, this one was about to complete a whole week and his resolution was beginning to weaken, escaping between his fingers regardless of how much he fought to hold it with tooth and nails. The mild headache growing on him was the proof of this.

He flipped his pillow, letting its cold surface rest on his face, adjusting himself to lay starfished onto the bed. 

He needed distractions. 

Songs. He liked to listen to music a lot, something he would be very much inclined to do now if it wasn’t so late and his earphones were so far away. But, stopping to think about it, it was crazy how sounds work, like, even if they’re far away they manage to be heard. Pretty much like that weird sound captured by that boat who was only minding its business… The Bloop. Heh. The Bloop. Such a stupid name… He wondered if it was a Jurassic animal doing that and when humanity would be finally able to answer his question. If it is really an animal will they call him Bloop? That is a horrible name to give to something probably gigantic and scary… Bloop… Bloopers… blooo...

His muscles from his toes to the tip of his fingers began to relax, his breathing becoming more erratic as the trail of nonsense thoughts led him away from reality and straight to the cloak of Morpheus. Bit by bit he started to be unaware of his room. First the faint sound of his spider quietly scraping the sand on her terrarium, second the sensation of the pillow on his face, then the cold of his phone as it slipped away from his hand…

And, unsupervised by the teenager's eyes, his index finger hit the ‘play’ button on the video, and the blasting of Aquiles Priester’s drums filled the room in a hot shot, followed in the same second by Virgil’s hoarse scream. The confusion and sound making the one with heterochromatic eyes stumble to a sit position, blankets and pillows falling from him as his astonished movements tried to be coordinated enough to turn off his phone before his mother woke up and decided to know why and what her son was doing up at four-darn-morning. 

The button was hit and the silence was faster in cover the room all over again, being only broken by Virgil’s shaken gasps, his trembling fingers laying on his adulterated heartbeats, taking large, wobbly deep breaths in order to normalize it, his attention entirely focused on hearing any hint of muffled step outside his room.

In. Hold. Out.

In. Hold. Out.

He was fine. Everything was fine. 

This was only a scare.

In. Hold. Out.

In. Hold. Out.

Okay. No sound. Virgil allowed himself to fall on his bed, stretching and humming in attempts to ground him to reality, not taking too long to let the sleepiness begin to slowly crawl to his mind again, his body feeling surprisingly much lighter than it had been in days. A yawn escaped from his lips. What the hell he was doing with his cell phone anyway?

For the second time in the night his body fled to a sitting position, the sudden calm and coziness which hit his senses now having a slightly sour taste on his mouth as the teenager realized what it meant.

His soulmate bond was complete.

His gaze flew to the small pile of fabric on the floor, a glint of a sky-blue color shining amidst it. He pushed his blankets away and his breath hitched when the full form of his soulmate’s representation was shown.

Oh no. Nononono. That was- 

That wasn’t normal. Nor supposed to happen. Oh shit. Shitshitshitshit. What could he do?

Virgil dropped – carefully, even if the cold on the bottom of his stomach screamed for him to run! – the object on his bed, getting across the room and right in front of his closet in a blink of an eye. The door flung open, his gaze scrambling through all his possessions in search of that specific teddy bear his mother gave him a year ago, telling it was going to help him to heal, grabbing it firmly and plopping it next to the blue fabric calmly laying on his mattress. He bit his nails while his eyes ran from an object to another, waiting for the color to somewhat jump on the plushie, where it was supposed to go in the first place.

Virgil stared inquisitively at his pillow- no, his soulmate’s representation, as if he could scare the reality into changing itself. His fingers ran through his hair, feet pacing on the floor.

 Ok. His soulmate was a pillow. A literal pillow. That was not good.

Before he could fall on his parasitizing thoughts or hide the pillow and pretend nothing had happened, a badly muffled sound reached him, making his body freeze as his brain immediately recognized what it was:

Crying.

[...]

Before is a caterpillar who didn’t become a butterfly, yet.

Indecision is when you know very well what you want, but you think you should want another thing.

-       Adriana Falcão - Meanings

[...]

Hey, dear! Heart here again! It’s been a time, huh? I discovered a new Pet Shop nearby and a very nice old lady let me play with the puppies after school. You really should see the hamsters there! They’re the cutest, most precious soft things!!

They don’t have any snakes, sadly.

I… I hid your teddy bear and I’m getting used to not stare at the right corner of the mattress, looking for you. 

I still miss your smooth thoughts, your warmth, your advice and receipts and… you.

I think I’m getting better. The sensation is starting to feel… normal.

Remember we-

I used to-

I know you won’t really read this, but I’m trying to keep taking care of myself. 

Hooray?

Love, Heart.

[…]

Patton loved stuffed animals and this was a fact that anyone who got into his room for barely two seconds would realize. Small plushies of multicolored frogs rested on his shelves. A big polite giraffe sat on his desk, proudly showing off her new necktie and his older ones were in the closet, guarding his favorites clothes. His soulmates, of course, had a special treatment, receiving a seat on his bed, closer to him and within his research at any occasion, emergency or not.

And that was an emergency. Well…technically. 

Maybe…

Perhaps not. 

The teenager changed to a sitting position, his fingers trapping the mattress in a deadly grip, tears falling from his eyes, which was firmly focused on the moon shaped night light across his room, trying to kick out the too cold, too hot feeling the nightmare left on his skin. 

His brain felt fuzzy and his thoughts were all mushed together, way too messy to properly fight against the memories of his dream replaying on his head. The sensation of pure despair still running on his veins as the monster – tall, fast, its shadow hovering over his small form – chased him and his friends. Patton still felt his throat dry after running for what seemed hours, and for when he realized they would never manage to actually escape from it. He could feel the betrayed eyes of his loved ones as he made each one of them trip, the small period when the monster got them giving him enough time to escape, the screams ringing on his ears.

He muffled his sobs, slapping his hand on his mouth and getting up, going to his closet and grabbing his panda. It was one of the fluffiest stuffed animals he had and he could use a bit of softness right now. His steps were tired and he hid his face on the plushie even before laying on his bed again, curling around the bear as if it was the core of safeness, as if it would make all the bad thoughts and feelings go away.

As if it could erase all the nightmare and convince the part of his mind which said that if it was real life, that would be exactly what he would do, that it was wrong.

It was! It was completely wrong! Patton would never, ever, betray his friends, or hurt them, or go away when they needed most! He wouldn’t. He would fight, if it was needed. He would do his best every single time to help them! To be there. He wouldn’t just run away. He couldn’t. He couldn’t be alone. He didn’t even bear that thought.

[A part of his soul struggled, firm on its position. It kept holding into a bond that directed to another soul who kept pushing him away, both refusing to change their mind.]

Bear. Patton let go of a weak, barely audible, forced giggle, squeezing the panda on his touch tighter. Panda was a bear. Heh. His tears began to calm themselves, falling slower from the corner of his eyes, a strange and sudden wave of strange, but welcomed calmness hitting him.

A sudden warm touch laid on his forehead.

“Hey, are you okay?”

Patton gasped, his wide eyes flying open to stare at the now purple plushie on his grip.

Purple. Pandas weren’t purple. He was sure this one was always white with black dots and tiny glasses on it. Definitely not purple. Not unless it was-

Oh. 

Ohhh.

Oh no.

For a moment his breath was taken, adrenaline exploded across his body and his mind went blank, his face stumbling forward to press his lips on the panda’s forehead, a completely lack of words, especially when a flow of sentences began to appear running over themselves and leading to his very tired brain to struggle in order to try to grasp their meaning before another phrase came and took its place.

[His body seemed to relax, letting go of a ball of tension Patton didn’t even realize he had in the first place.]

“Fuck, sorry, that was pretty dumb. Of course you’re not fine, why else would you be crying? What I was trying to say is: Can you get better? No, wait! That sounded harsh and it’s definitely not what I meant- wanted to say. Ehh, shit. Okay. Uhh. Breath, okay? Breathing is a good thing. You have to breathe to stay alive so I think it’s already a good start. Keep breathing, please do not die. Oh god, wait, that is not a dangerous situation, is it? Are you in danger? Are you dying? Oh, fuck I can’t hear-”

A startled giggle made a run from Patton’s lips, making his new soulmate to be quiet.

“Urg, sorry.”

“No, no. I was not laughing at you!” He adjusted his grip so the only part touching the purple bear would be him holding one of his paws, realizing he forgot to stop hugging him earlier. “I am okay. I just… didn’t want to cry on you, sorry.”

“It’s okay. I don’t, huh, care.”

“Crazy how bonds happen nowadays.” Patton attempted a joke, feeling suddenly a bit vulnerable, internally wishing the other wouldn’t ask about the reason for his tears. “It-It’s hot today, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, with the Sun and everything.”

“Yeepp.” Patton sniffed, cleaning the tear track left on his cheeks before resting his back on the bed’s headboard, a beginning of a headache after that waterfall of emotions shining in the horizon.

“...Do you want to listen to a song? It helps me to calm down when I’m, ya know.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m already a bit better.”

“Ok, sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Maybe it was sleepiness or the excitement of having a new soulmate, but before he could think much more about it the hidden truth was slipping from his mouth, “I’m grounded. No phone for the week.”

“That sucks.” The teenager just shrugged, hoping his soulmate would understand the action by his movement. 

Silence impregnated the room, spreading and filling his system, his eyelashes closing bit by bit.

“I know how to play guitar. I can… play a song for you. Onlyifyouwantofcourse.” The thought was quick, quiet and disappeared as soon as it arrived, leading Patton to almost believe he imagined it.

A good feeling bloomed in his chest, a smile flourishing on his face as he held his soulmate’s free hand, carefully squeezing them in what he hoped it showed his gratitude.

“I would love to.”

“’Kay. Uh, cool. Give me a second.”

And then a few minutes later his form was engulfed by warmth. Patton let go a sigh of relief, basically melting in the so caring touch, don't having the heart - that word gave a hurtful tug in his chest - to remember his new soulmate he couldn't really hear the accords, only the shy, calming humming rumbling on his chest and lullabying them to a peaceful sleep.

[~*~]

Feeling is the language the heart uses when it needs to send a message.

-       Adriana Falcão - Meanings.

[~*~]

"How can I call you?" 

Patton stopped his voice before that old nickname got out, scratching his throat. He should try to move on, right? 

Baby steps. 

"Pat." 

"Pat?" 

"Pat-Pat!" 

Virgil rolled his eyes, denying the small smile which appeared on the corner of his mouth.

“You can call me V.”

[…]

“So, you’re a pillow.”

Patton blinked, a surprised snort filling the room. “V, I know I often say I’m soft but if you wanted to rest on me all you needed to do was ask!” He added some shadowing on some feathers, giving the drawing of the Bem-te-Vi more profundity. He was really happy he found that site about the birds of America. 

“No, I mean literally. Like… your representation is not a stuffed animal, it’s a pillow.”

“Oooh…” He blinked a few times. “I didn’t know that still happens.”

“What do you mean with ‘still happens’? This happened to you before?”

“Not with me, but I saw a video about this! Before the plushies became famous due their shape being easier to be seen as human-like, the bond would form in anything that could be quickly dyed, just like clothes, pieces of fabric, pillows… I think if they showed it to a doctor, he would describe their condition as ‘comfortable!’” Patton shook lightly the panda’s shoulder, smiling. “Uh? Got it? Comfortable? Because they’re soft?”

“Pat, that was horrible.”

“Awww, come oon.” Patton rested his chin on V’s head, forgetting his drawing for a while. “Puns are harder than knock knock jokes! You have to wait for the perfect timing to make them.” Virgil huffed. “Not even an itsy bitsy giggle?”

“Nope.”

Silence.

“Pat?”

“No. I am pouting.”

He felt a couple of pats (ha-) on his head, the touching going away in a few seconds. “You will get there some day.” The other answered his soulmate with a raspberry, giggling a bit of his own silliness before going back to his hobby. He really was planning to finish this bird today.

“The thing is… Since you’re, ya know, a pillow. I was thinking… okay, I know that this will sound weird but… I was thinking of putting some clothes on your representation so I can… try to see you better.” 

“Ah.”

“Only if you’re comfortable, sure!”

“No, no. I am! It’s just…” Patton bit his lips, lightly squeezing the shell of his ear with the hand that wasn’t holding the pencil, adjusting his body to a better sitting position. “What clothes do you have in mind? Not that I think your taste is bad or you don’t know how to choose good clothes or something like that!”

“No, it’s cool!” The thought came in the moment Patton forced himself to stop his nervous talking. “I wanted to ask you because of that, I, uh, have black t-shirts, jeans, an old grey hoodie, PJs, clothes when I was a kid, onesies, maybe I can get a dress?”

“Gasp. Do you have onesies?? Aww, I want!”

“Everyone has a onesie.” Virgil mumbled in defense, feeling his cheeks getting hot. “I have a skeleton one, a raccoon and the Toothless from How to Tra-”

“OHMYGOSH YOU HAVE TOOTHLESS!” Virgil had absolutely no idea how Pat managed to make a thought so high pitched and excited to the point the words themselves were barely understandable. “HE IS THE MOST PRECIOUS, CUTE LIL DRAGON…” and then a bunch of squeaks and mumbling took over his brain just as he has hugged and then lightly bounced before suddenly everything disappeared.

He decided it was safer to let the silence prolong itself a bit longer.

…

“Pat?”

“You might need to give me a few more minutes, kiddo.”

“You need to chill, dude.” Virgil remarked, a ray of fondness shining in his words. He gathered his onesie. It was his favorite one when he was fourteen, now it didn’t even fit on him anymore and it clearly wasn’t made to be used by a pillow, as well, but it would suffice until he thought of a better solution. “Ok. Got it, you might want to use your Blocker now.”

“Okayy, it’s somewhereeeeee...” Patton rummaged the content of his backpack, looking for the earphone-shaped object. He hadn’t the chance to buy the wireless prototype, so he struggled a few seconds to untangle the cables. “Here! So, see you in fifteen minutes?”

“Ok. If you hear or feel something just touch my arm and I will immediately stop.” 

“Right!! Bye!” Patton waved, more a habit than anything else, plugging the Blocker on his ears and the cluing its ventosa behind his head, right where his cerebellum was. A few pieces of time went by before his head became partially empty, only his thoughts filling it. He put the panda away. 

It was a strange feeling, to use this outside his school, nor parallel conversation of his classmates or a teacher’s voice filling the air to distract his attention for the fact that he couldn’t hear or feel his soulmates anymore. He hummed, wondering how Lo was and writing a self note on the corner of his paper that he should check on him later, ask for him to finish that story with the smart detective he was telling him on Sunday before Patton fell asleep due the other’s habit to keep petting his hair, probably a revenge for Patton’s constant need to hugging, holding or actively interacting with his serious soulmate’s representation, more often than not receiving fond-exasperate pokes in return.

He looked through the window, mind wandering as the wind hit the tree in his neighbor’s yard, messing with its leaves. It was a bit lonely to have your thoughts all to yourself…

But not entirely bad.

[…]

“Sooo, howz does it looks like?” The naturally excited voice asked. Virgil just pressed his hand firmer on his lips, his other arm hugging his middle. His gaze fell for what it felt the umpteen time in the blue dyed pillow before him, the sleeves of  his onesie folded inwards in a poor attempt to cut half of its original length, the ‘legs’ were criss crossed and all of this ignoring, of course, the unnatural rectangular shape of the whole thing.   

‘Like shit.’ It was his first thought, but he decided to not send it to Pat.

“Weird.”

“I am looking at my pillows right now and-” giggles, “but come ooon, it’s Toothless! There is no way it isn’t at least a bit cute!”

‘You have no neck.’ He internally panicked, looking at the few, sporadic tiny blue hearts appearing amidst the black onesie, showing the representation was getting used to the new fabric attached to it. ‘A probably-head, shoulders but no neck. It’s like a reverse freaking giraffe!’

However, Virgil decided against sharing this particular vision with the other. 

“I guess. Are you… breathing well or whatever?” His tune was a mix of nonchalant and nervous, the choice of words making him wince.

“I am. Why?”

“No. Nothing. No reason.”

“Oookay.” The teenage signed at the confusion on his soulmate’s tune, why did he had to talk in the first place or be so weird making a such big deal of something stupid like that? Urg. He stared at the blue object one more time. Damn Soulmate System. Damn destiny. Damn lack of socialization skills.

…………

But, dude, really, the guy has literally no neck here, there is NO WAY he isn’t feeling nothing because of that. Pat is probably lying because he pities him after a so horrible, futile attempt of fixing what he caused. No. Wait. He can’t just assume his soulmate is lying because of his overthinking, the other part of his brain retorted. Was he overthinking? He probably was. He always did it. Or perhaps this was a correct inkling of Pat. Soulmates were supposed to do that sort of thing after some time, right? One week was enough time? What he-

“Hey!” Pat’s thought cut his own. “Sooo, now that you can ‘see’ me a bit better… hug? You can say no if you want, sure!”

Virgil blinked one, two, three times.

“Ok. But you let go when I let go, got it?”

“Sure thing, V!” Warmth bloomed in his chest when he heard his nickname, Virgil wasn’t sure why.

He embraced the representation, feeling a bit silly, the same feeling that was fast to go away as Pat hugged him as well, firm but careful. The sensation overwhelmed his senses, but in a good way, leading the one who loved guitars and got a strange hyper fixation on drums to let go a sigh, body relaxing.

He patted Pat’s back two times before finishing the touch. “There you go.”

“Thanks! Sooo, see you later.”

“Sure thing.” He agreed, wanting nothing more than a good hot bath after so many feelings in such a small period of time. 

“uwu”

“How the fu-” 

“NO SWEARING!”

“-did you do that?”

Virgil snorted, the warmth still spreading on his chest and maybe - only maybe, - having a new soulmate wasn’t an entire bad thing.

[lio-the-chaotic-nonbeanie-weenie]

A Supernatural World: Chapter 2

Prev | Next

Summary: Fleeing their hometown of Miami, Florida due to it growing far too dangerous, Roman and his vampire brother Remus move to Detroit, Michigan. Remus hopes it’ll be safer here for his human (or so he thinks he’s human) brother. Roman only wishes to start anew after a traumatizing incident in his last college, hoping to make new friends and maybe even find love. They don’t know what this city or the future holds but it’s going to be quite the adventure as they explore their new surroundings and the…interesting people that live in it.

Pairings: Eventual roceit, Eventual Intrulogical, slowburn roceit, slowburn Intrulogical, romantic roceit, romantic Intrulogical. BROTHERLY CREATIVITWINS (rem/rom shippers fuck off)

WARNINGS: MENTIONS OF ABUSE, IMPLIED ABUSE, TOXIC PARENTING, MENTIONS OF SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, IMPLIED SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, POSSIBLE IMPLIED RAPE, SLIGHT BLOOD MENTION, SLIGHT MENTION OF MURDER, MENTIONS OF FOOD POISONING

Taglist: @mychemically-imbalanced-romance

(If anyone else would like to be tagged, let me know!)

________________________________________________________________

Moving to a new apartment after being on the run for so long had been exhausting but they made it and they were a lot safer now. For the first time in a long time, Roman finds himself waking up with little to no worries in his mind. He sits up and yawns, stretching his arms. He takes a deep breath and perks up a little when he smells breakfast in the air. With a rumbling tummy, Roman slips out of bed and ambles out of the bedroom and to the kitchen, finding Remus at the stove and making breakfast. Bacon and eggs sizzle away in the frying pan.

“Morning, Ree. Where’d you get that?” Roman asks, plopping down at the dining table.

“Hey, sleepyhead. I wasn’t going to go grocery shopping until some time later but I figured we could use a good breakfast after all the shit we went through to get here. So, I went out and bought a few things at the convenience store across the street.” Remus replies, plating up the food.

“I do miss having good breakfasts like this.” Roman giggles before making a face. “I don’t think I want to eat more yucky hotel food or disgusting gas station meals.”

Remus huffs a laugh and gives Roman his plate.

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“I got food poisoning twice in Alabama and Kentucky.”

“Okay, fair point.” 

Remus shakes his head fondly at the memory of poor Ro throwing up in their motel room. He hadn’t meant to make his twin sick but he couldn’t exactly order anything fancy. He was trying to save up for an apartment. He did feel bad for Ro. His twin had been eager to try KFC when they got to Kentucky. Turns out that the KFC they ordered from was a bit, well, unsanitary. Oh well, at least they don’t have to worry about that now. Remus gets his own plate and sets it on the table before turning to the fridge to get juice for them both.

“So, did you sleep okay? I know I used my magic on you but it can’t always block the nightmares.” Remus says, setting the juice bottle on the counter and moving to get glasses.

Meanwhile, Roman eagerly starts eating. He makes a delighted noise and eats more.

“I did. It feels nice to wake up without worrying if someone broke in or freaking out because you thought the cleaning lady was an intruder.” he grins, taking another bite.

“That’s good. And don’t worry. I’m sure there’s no scary cleaning lady here this time.” Remus chuckles, pouring him and Roman some juice.

Roman giggles and goes back to eating, humming in thanks when Remus gives him his juice.

“I know, Ree. So, what are you going to do?” he asks.

“Well, since everything is mostly unpacked, I’m going to explore around the city and see what’s there to see. Maybe find a job too. We can’t exactly live on our money forever.” 

“True. I’m going to see if I can enroll in theatre after breakfast.” 

“Ooh, good luck with that. I know you’ll kill it out there.

“I know. Promise you won’t kill anyone out there?”

Remus huffs a laugh. 

“Promise, Ro.”

The twins share a laugh and continue talking, Roman eagerly telling Remus all the stuff he’s excited to do again. Roman used to be in theatre in high school but it wasn’t fun. He had constant pressure on his shoulders to be a star performer in their parents’ eyes. He’d spent restless nights rehearsing and practicing under his mother’s command. He’d endure other nights where his mother would reprimand him for even the smallest slip up in his plays or when he didn’t get the lead role she demanded him to get. He’d been forced into diets and dressed uncomfortably to look perfect for his parts. Theatre was ruined for him then and he endured it until high school was over.

Then there was his first year of college. Roman had been happy to have at least a bit of distance between him and his abusive home. He had tried for theatre again in hope it would go well this time. It didn’t. The professor who led the whole theatre crew was a creep along with a few techies. Roman was the poor victim who was constantly targeted, getting groped or hit on whenever he was alone with either a techie or the professor himself. At first, Roman had been clueless, thinking the groping was an accident and the flirting was all in good fun. Then it kept getting worse and worse until one day, the professor and his techies cornered Roman in the dressing room and left him a wreck with his costume torn. 

Remus found out when Roman came home crying and told him. They tried to get justice but the professor and the techies left no proof so their case fell flat and was never opened again. All they could do was leave that college. Of course, their parents didn’t side with them, accusing Roman of ‘asking for it’ and punishing him for ‘selling his body’. That’s when Remus had enough and broke out of the basement he was forced to stay in. He went to Roman and comforted him, telling him they weren’t staying here anymore. After waiting for their parents to leave the house for another drunken night at some bar, the twins packed up and left. Roman hasn’t tried theatre since. The funny thing is, that was only a year ago.

Now, Roman was feeling a bit confident and wanted to try theatre once more. He even wanted to help with costumes and makeup or maybe even make props. He also missed singing on stage so he was excited to do that again. Eager to try out again, Roman eats a little faster. He really wants to enroll and step up on the shiny stage floor again. 

Meanwhile, Remus huffs a laugh, seeing how eager his brother is.

“Easy, Ro. You have plenty of time to sign up for theatre.” he says, patting his twin’s head.

Roman smiles bashfully.

“I know. I’m just so excited, Ree! I miss the stage! Now that we’re free from our parents and those creeps, I feel like I can do theatre again without all these problems!” he exclaims, grinning.

“I know but you can’t do that if you choke on your breakfast.” 

Roman giggles.

“Right. Sorry.”

Roman slows down but keeps eating, babbling about theatre stuff in between while Remus listens along. It’s not long before Roman finishes and puts his dishes in the sink before going back to his room to get his laptop from his bag so he can start enrolling. His eager humming can be heard around the apartment and it makes the atmosphere a little bit more warm and peaceful.

Meanwhile, Remus quickly did the dishes then went to get ready to explore. He cleaned up as best as he could before getting changed into a black t-shirt, grey ripped jeans, combat boots, and a dark green leather jacket. He then returns to the bedroom and finds Roman sitting on his bed, already with his laptop on. Remus chuckles and ruffles his twin’s hair.

“Alright, I’m gonna head out now. Will you be okay with being alone for a bit?” Remus asks, watching for a moment as Roman reads through some search results.

“Yeah! I’ll call you if anything happens and Janus is upstairs too!” Roman beams.

“Good. I’ll be back later, Ro.”

“Kay! Stay safe!”

Remus gives Roman a lazy salute and leaves him to do his college hunting. He grabs his bat and his pocket knife from his backpack along with a pocket flask filled with emergency blood. Then he slips out the door and heads down to the lobby. He waves hello to Jeremiah as he exits the building, Detroit’s cool and smoggy air hitting his face. After making sure no one is around, Remus sneaks around to the back and jumps his way up the apartment building using the fire escapes there. He then climbs onto the roof. Sure, he could have taken the stairs but that wasn’t as fun. Remus takes a deep breath and walks over to the edge, taking in the view and plotting out a path.

Remus sees the bridge and the old freighter. In the distance, he can just make out the edge of Belle Isle in the morning fog. He can see a nearby police station too. Immediately, he makes a note to avoid the station for safety purposes. It takes a few more minutes but he figures out a route through a mostly empty street that leads to a cluster of small businesses and restaurants. Taking a deep breath, Remus turns and runs before leaping over a gap and landing onto the next roof. His speed picks up and he keeps moving, jumping from roof to roof.

To Remus, it always felt thrilling to go on a rooftop run. He liked the feeling of cool air on his skin and the rush he gets when he leaps high into the air. It’s almost like he was flying. He liked watching the cars and buildings rushing by him. He liked being able to explore and see new places, especially the ones with good views or creepy vibes. 

Maybe he’ll explore the burnt down mansion in the outskirts of Detroit some other time. He hears it’s haunted. Maybe he’ll explore that old tech company that shut down and became abandoned due to a lot of bad business incidents. He found some rumors online that the company was going to create an android before it fell apart and shut down. He also heard of an abandoned mansion hidden somewhere in an isolated location of Detroit. He heard rumors of the last owner being a rich CEO who was murdered by his wife and her sister. Others say his remains could be found at the bottom of his dried up indoor pool. 

The thought of it all excited Remus more. It felt nice to be in a new place so once he and Roman were settled in enough, he decided he’ll explore those places in the future. For now, he jumps to another rooftop and pauses to catch his breath. He may be a vampire but not even the undead can run without tiring. Remus decides to hop down from the roof, exiting through an alleyway and slipping wordlessly onto the street. He carefully weaves between some people and hums as he starts walking, passing by a grey haired man and his companion walking a Saint Bernard. 

Remus looks around as he walks. There isn’t much here. There’s a homeless man on the street corner, begging for change or food. There’s a stray cat sniffing at something in the garbage cans by the alleyway. There’s a small convenience store selling party decorations and supplies. Across it is an old bar with a flickering neon sign. A faded ‘Help Wanted’ sign sits in the window, asking for someone to come work as either a cleaner or to work behind the bar. Remus knew he had no skill in working behind the bar but he figured he could try for the cleaner position. Cleaning isn’t usually his thing but he’s willing to try so he can at least make enough money to pay for rent and for any funds Roman may have for theatre. Taking a deep breath, Remus steps inside.

“Oh! Welcome to Jimmy’s Bar! I’m Jimmy!”

[thatesqcrush]

Fall From Grace, Pt. 6

Brian Kneef x Reader. Fandom: The Good Fight. Reference: S4, E.4, “The Gang is Satirized and Doesn’t Like It.” CW: Smut, angst, language. I was in a mood. 

AN: Our lovely REE was on The Good Fight for all of 3 minutes so I am taking lots of liberties. I am obsessed with the anti-Barba. He was just delicious. 

AN2:  Brian remains my favorite a snarky lawyer asshole. Shh, don’t tell Barba.

WC: 3106

***

The sounds of the city coming to life filled the bedroom. Sunshine poked through the curtains of the half-open window. You rolled over and came face to Brian’s sleeping form. Brian let out a soft snore and you giggled quietly. He rolled in his sleep and you were face to his well defined, muscled back. Two large colorful koi fish encircling each other graced his back. You reached out and softly traced the tattooed scales. Brian began to stir, and he shifted again, now back on his back. You crept out of the bed and made your way to the bathroom, shutting the door with a quiet click. Relieving yourself of your ablution, you washed your hands and made way back to the bedroom.

You jumped slightly seeing Brian awake. His arms were folded against his head and the white sheet that had covered him was now resting just at mid-thigh, exposing his morning wood. You felt a jolt of pleasure shoot through you. “Good morning.” “Good morning.” Brian replied, his voice warm and inviting. “Coming back to bed, I hope?” You nodded and reached over to whip off the light pink cotton tank you had been sleeping in. You climbed over Brian and dipped your head to capture his lips with yours. Brian’s large hands made their way down the slope of your back to your ass where he grabbed and squeezed. You broke the kiss to catch your breath and leaned up so your tits were in his face. Brian took a nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue over the pebbled flesh. You moaned his name softly as he turned his ministrations to your other breast. You reached behind and stroked his cock, which felt heavy in your hands. Brian kissed you once more, his hands wrapping into your hair, bringing you close to him. You pulled away slightly and slowly shimmied down his body, marking a trail of kisses down his chest. Having been with Brian enough, you knew he enjoyed it when you grazed your teeth against his own nipples. Your eyes flitted up to his and you sucked a mark right below his pecs. “Marking your territory?” Brian groaned. You ignored his comment and ignored that flopping sensation in your gut. Instead you continued to kiss down hist stomach before settling in between his legs.

“You are so fucking cocky.”

“I call it confidence… and I’ve got your cocky right there.” Brian winked.

You rolled your eyes and then blew your breath over his weeping cock before flattening your tongue along his impressive length. Brian hissed as you continued to tease him, running your tongue up and over. His chest rose and fell, as he tried to get in deep breaths. You sucked just the head - the salt of his pre-cum filled your mouth - before releasing him. He took his cock in his hand and tapped it against your cheek. You winked and moved lower to take one of his balls into your mouth, lightly sucking. You released one to spit onto your hand before reaching up to stroke his cock. “Oh fuck, Y/N! You’re such a good cock sucker.” Brian grunted. You keened at the praise. The wetness in between your legs grew and you could feel how damp your panties were becoming. You released his testicles to suck on his cock, taking him deeply. Your nose brushed against his pubic hair which was neatly trimmed. “That’s right, take that cock all the way. Such a good girl.” Brian grunted some more. Your eyes watered as you gagged on his cock, swallowing more until he reached the back of your throat. From there, he began to fuck your face with gusto. You sputtered and gagged some more, saliva drooling out of your mouth and along his cock. His hands were firmly planted in your hair as his hips hammered into your mouth. After a few minutes, you tapped his thigh lightly, a silent request for Brian to ease up which he did. You gasped for air, coming up and sat back on your haunches. A tear rolled down your cheek. Wiping your eyes, you smiled and took him once more in your mouth. Brian groaned loudly. He could never get over how much you enjoyed sucking his dick. “Can’t get enough, hmm?” Brian asked huskily. Truth be told, he could not get enough of you. He wanted you in every way – and that shook him to his core. Anytime he swung by your office, or you his, or he saw you walking about at the firm, his heart skipped a beat. You came off - a string of saliva connected you to him. You used the back of your hand to wipe it off and then spat in your hand again. You stroked his length with one hand and used your free hand to touch yourself. You were soaking, arousal dripping down your thighs. To your surprise, Brian responded by pulling you onto him. He kissed you softly, slowly. The kiss was intimate and sensual and it surprised you, causing your stomach to knot and your breath to hitch. You both paused, your lips were barely touching and you breathed in each other’s air. Your skin prickled and you felt your heart swell. It was almost as if time stopped. You knew you were in deep. And your gut told you Brian did too. Finally, you gave into the kiss again, claiming his mouth, hungry and intense. Brian returned the kiss with equal fervor. A rumble emanated from him, deep and guttural. Brian rolled you so you were back to his chest. He pressed kisses along the nape of your neck and slope of your shoulder, before hooking your leg over his. His fingers deftly pushed your panties to the side. His fingers teased and stroked your sopping wet cunt. Your eyes fluttered close in anticipation. Brian removed his fingers and rubbed his cock along your slit. You bit your lip as he pushed the head of cock in slowly. You moaned and Brian pushed in more slowly, until he was fully sheathed. He pulled out, until the only the head of his cock remained and then slowly pushed back in. You relished in how you both fit so perfectly together. Brian began to slowly thrust in and out of you, testing out a rhythm. Your head lolled back, resting on his shoulder. Moans from both of you and sounds of skin smacking skin filled the room as Brian increased the tempo. “Oh God Brian, yes, give it to me!” Brian pistoned into you harder, he pulled your leg up higher so he could penetrate you deeper, hitting your sweet spot. Your bodies were covered in a thin sheet of sweat. You started to clench around his cock. Brian took the cue to reach down and around your body to roughly rub your clit. Finding your release, you arched against him and came hard, screaming Brian’s name. “That’s my girl. Cum for me.” Brian grunted as he quickly followed. Brian stilled and cursed as he gripped your hips, shooting streams of his hot cum inside you. He came so hard, that it leaked out of you and dripped down his cock. Your panties were ruined. Your bodies came to a still and he pulled your leg down. Brian withdrew and you flipped over to face him once more. You were just about to press a kiss when his clock caught your eye and you jumped. “Shit! I didn’t realize it was so late!” you all but yelled as you gathered your remaining belongings into a makeshift ball. “I need to get home and get ready for work.” Brian looked at the clock and swore loudly. “I have a meeting with Diane Lockhart in an hour.” Brian shifted once more. “I’ll have Gianni pull the car around and get you home.” He reached for his phone and sent a quick text message.

You quickly dressed and took the hair tie from your purse and made a makeshift bun. Brian slipped on some boxers and went to the bathroom to turn on the shower. You hopped along the hallway, trying to get your shoes on. Brian reached for the door and opened it. “Dinner at Bavette’s tonight?” you asked as you turned as to give him a kiss goodbye. The look on Brian’s face made you freeze. You turned around and came face to face with Diane Lockhart and Lucca Quinn – and while they weren’t Brian’s bosses – they were your superiors.

“Diane… Lucca…”

 “Ms. Y/L/N.” Diane replied curtly. Lucca raised a brow at you. You felt your cheeks burn.

“Diane. Lucca. Good morning.” Brian gritted.

You turned back to Brian, no words coming from your mouth. You were utterly horrified by the turn of events and you pushed past the three, and made way for the stairs, not even bothering to wait for the elevator.

 --

An hour later you were walking into the office. An iced latte graced your hand and sunglasses donned your face. The office was busy, everyone was chattering. You wondered if news had already spread about your torrid affair with Brian Kneef.

You had sunk into your cushioned chair when Marissa popped in your doorway. “Hey, are you ok?”  

You shook your head. “No. I don’t want to talk about it.”  

Marissa arched her brow. “Want to hear something crazy?”

You removed your glasses. “Always.” You needed the distraction.

“Diane and Brian got into some kind of heated argument this morning. Apparently he’s screwing someone in the office. Diane was like ‘She’s a young woman �� you’re taking advantage, blah blah. My money is on Gemma the new intern. She was flirting with him from day one.”

“It’s not Gemma.” You muttered.  

“If it’s not Gemma, then who is it?”  

You stood and walked to the door. You poked your head out and then shut the door. You leaned against the door and let out a large sigh. “It’s me.” 

“You! Since when?” Marissa exclaimed.

“Shhh!” You hissed. “Since the Statler case. But it’s just sex – nothing more.”

Marissa furrowed her brow. “Are you sure about that?” She watched you carefully.

You nodded. “Absolutely. We’re adults. He scratches my itch. I scratch his. People can just have sex and it not mean anything.” You replied.

‘Liar!’ your conscience screamed at you. 

“I don’t know. Maybe.” Marissa crinkled her nose. “You need to be careful.”

 --

Your afternoon was spent in a large meeting. Diane was pacing the floor, rattling off directives and you were taking notes. You found yourself unable to meet her eyes. You could almost feel Lucca’s eyes boring into you. The door swung open and you looked up – it was Brian. He paused mid-stride as your eyes met. Turning to Diane, he nodded and made his way up to the front of the board room.

The upcoming litigation the Firm was handling was going to be an intense one. It was all hands on deck. Diane and Brian literally split into teams of two, picking who they needed. You had hoped Brian would pick you, after all, why wouldn’t he – but he didn’t. You were chosen last – and really it was just down to you left. Everyone was given their marching orders and the boardroom emptied out slowly. It was just you, Brian, and Diane. You finished your notes and opened your mouth to say something but found yourself at a loss for words.  

“Come Y/N, we have a lot to do. I am going to need your undivided attention.” Diane barked. You nodded and followed her out. You looked at Brian wistfully as you left.  

Brian’s face was stoic and unresponsive.

--- 

Dinner that night was planned for 6pm sharp at Bavette’s. Brian didn’t show. You felt a pit in your stomach emerge.

“Miss? Can I get you anything? An appetizer while you wait?” the waiter asked as you polished off your third glass of wine.  

“No.” You replied, swallowing the last of your wine. You could hear the shake in your voice. “Just the check please, thanks.”  

--

The case ate at all of your time – including any free time you had. Your billables exploded and you found yourself working at all hours. You had attempted to reach out to Brian, but he didn’t respond to any of your texts. Weeks went by.  You tried going up one early afternoon to his office when you saw him walk by, but the STR gatekeepers made you turn back. “Mr. Kneef is very busy and he shan’t be interrupted!”  

You paced your office one evening - you had tried to finish up a motion but you could not focus. Brian had gotten to you – or rather, his lack of response had. “Fucking feelings.” With a groan, you gathered your belongings and decided to call it a night.  

You approached the elevator bank just as the doors were about to close. “Wait, hold it!” you shouted and foolishly, stuck your hand in between the doors to keep it from closing. It worked and the doors opened again.  

And you came face to face with Brian.  

“Ms. Y/L/N.” He acknowledged you quietly.  

“Oh, it’s Ms. Y/L/N, now? That’s not what you were saying when I was in your bed.” You snapped.  

“Now is not the time or the place.” Brian replied, his eyes firmly planted on the floor numbers marking the descent.  

“When will it be then? Hmmm – since you don’t answer my calls?”

Brian turned to you. He set down his briefcase and crossed his arms. Taking a deep breath, he began.  

“Whatever this is… it was what it was. Nothing more.”  

“Is this about Diane and Lucca? Who gives a shit? I thought-”  

“You thought nothing.” Brian interruped. “Want me to spell it out for you? I don’t do stage 5 clingers – I don’t do the boyfriend thing. I told you that from the beginning. We had our fun and we got caught. It’s not fun anymore. Now you need to move on. I already have.”  

The elevator dinged, signaling it’s arrival. Brian raised his brows and walked out. You trailed behind him, the distance between you two growing larger and larger.  

Brian’s car came around and it whisked him away. But not before he saw your resolve break down in front of the office building.

--

Yet another meeting was occurring. ‘Another meeting that could have been an email.’ You thought to yourself. You stifled a yawn – pulling all nighters was starting to catch up to you. You wanted to murder whoever decided a meeting at the end of the day was a good idea.  

You leafed through a brown box of random files. All of it looked like miscellaneous junk but then something caught your eye and you perked up. You scanned the room – Brian was across the way, talking to an associate.  

“Uh – Diane?”  

Lucca looked over at you. “What did you find?” Lucca asked, walking over. She snatched the paper from you.  

“Holy shit – this is an internal memo showing that our client knew about engineering defects.”  

“We’re on the wrong side of this.” You sighed. Diane came over and put on her glasses.  

“Is this what I think this is? Brian!”

Brian came over. Diane shoved the memo at him. “I never saw this thing in my life.” Brian snapped. 

You arched your brow. “Sure looks like you did. That is your signature on the receiving end. And statute of limitations doesn't apply to fraudulent concealment.”  

“I didn't conceal jack shit.”  

“Then who signed it? Hmmm?” You shot back, rolling your eyes. “This looks so fucking bad.”  

“I don’t care how it looks!” Brian snarled. “It’s bullshit.”  

“Then tell me what’s exactly bullshit here because I'm looking at a document that undermines our entire defense. An anonymous memo with names and dates blacked out. It's damning, and it implicates you – this firm - in a cover-up.”

Brian stared at you, his eyes furious. “I don't know what crawled up your ass today, but I take care of my business!”  

You were taken aback. “Don’t bite my ass since I happened to find it. It’s not my fucking fault.”  

“Enough you two.” Diane snapped. “What are we going to do about it?”

 --

The next morning you returned to the office bright and early. Marissa slid into the empty space on the elevator next to you. “I have it on good authority that there are roses on your desk. And a card.” She reached into her top and whipped out a small white card that had your name scribbled on it. You recognized Brian’s handwriting.

You carefully opened it and took out the small card: Let’s meet.

--

That night Brian bounded down the steps to the main floor. He went to drop off a file at reception when he noticed a dozen red roses on the end of the receptionist’s desk.  

“Where did those flowers come from?” Brian asked, his eyes narrowing.  

“Oh! Y/N gave them to me. She said she was allergic. Such a shame – they’re gorgeous flowers.”  

Brian felt his blood pressure go through the roof. He bid the receptionist well and made his way to the elevator. By the time he made it to the main lobby, he was seething. He reached into his jacket’s breast pocket to call you, when he realized he left his phone in his office. With a groan, he pivoted and returned to the elevator bank.  

After a minute, the elevator dinged, signaling its arrival. It was Brian’s turn to come face to face with you.  

“Y/N.”

You looked up at Brian. ‘Fuck.’ You stood straight and stuck your chin out. “Have a good night.” You went to move past him and he grabbed your wrist.

“Like hell – you’re coming back upstairs with me. We need to talk.”  

You yanked your wrist from his grasp. “No. You have made it quite perfectly clear that we are nothing.”

Brian grabbed your wrist again and pulled you flush against him. It was clear you were angry. Your skin was flushed and your jaw was clenched. You licked your lips subconsciously. ‘Fuck it all.’ Brian thought as he crushed his lips against yours, kissing you roughly. His lips mashed against yours, teeth clashing. The kiss was intense, with one of his hands on your ass, the other wrapped in your hair. His beard scratched against your skin and immediately you felt your panties dampen.  

Your mouths parted and you both stared at each other. You both breathed heavily. And without hesitation, you slapped him across the face. 

Your eyes widened at the realization and horror of what you had done. You took off, your heels clacking against the floor, the sound echoing throughout the lobby. Brian rubbed his reddened cheek, his skin stinging at where you slapped him.  

“I deserved that.”

TBC.

--

Tags: @madpanda75 @tropes-and-tales @delia26 @mgarner1227 @beardedmccoy @youreverycolor @neely1177 @the-baby-bookworm @mrsrafaelbarba @skittle479 @ottosuricato @delia26 @sass-and-suspenders @mommakat32 @dreila03 @beccabarba @garturbo @lovebennycolon @imjustreallynosy @sweetsummertime99 @whyissvuruiningmylovelife @annabelleb49 @scarletsoldierrr @cesarofangirl78 @redlipstickandplaid @redlipstickandblacktea @zoeykaytesmom @differentshadesofgray @misssirenlove @esparza-army @bananas-pajamas @mishaissocoolike @thefanficfaerie @theenchantedgalleryofstories @catnip987 @choppedgalaxynerd @pieceofshittytitty @ktiz90 @evee87 @itsjustmyfantasyroom @blk0912 @detective-giggles @rampantmuses @jazzyjoi @caked-crusader- anyone else, just ask! xo

[kieraelieson]

For the prompt thing, how about “You’re safe now.” with Big Bro Remus and Little Bro Virgil? Maybe Tiny Anxiety sneaks into Remus' side of the Imagination when he isn't supposed to and ended up in danger? [And gets grounded at the end for it?]

Parental Fic Contest 1st Place Winner!

••^*^••

It was dark. It wasn’t nearly as fun as he’d thought it would be. 

Virgil hugged himself tightly, walking along the forest path and trying to ignore the shadows and eyes watching him. Where was the castle? Remus always took him this way, and they went straight to the castle! 

Virgil sniffed. Not because he was crying. He was far too big for that. He scared other people, they didn’t scare him. He sniffed again, and rubbed his eyes one at a time so he didn’t have to close them entirely. 

There was a snap from inside the trees, and Virgil jumped. His chin trembled. 

It was just a bit farther. It had to be. 

Virgil kept walking. 

Don’t run. They’ll know you’re scared if you run, and they’ll chase you. 

He kept walking, even though he thought he could hear heavy breathing. He sniffed again, and bit down on his lip to stop the tears from welling up. 

••^*^••

Remus was almost done. Just a little more and then he could take Virgil into the imagination for some games. They’d both been excited for it since yesterday, when they had to give it up because of some troubles Thomas was having. 

And. Just a few more. Almost. Maybe one more little bit. There!

It was the perfect nightmare. Not scary enough to wake Thomas up, but scary enough to make him wish he’d have woken up. Remus needed to have at least one on hand all the time, especially during times Thomas was having a harder time. Nightmares just lined up perfectly with troubles!

Remus set it carefully into a box, where Virgil couldn’t accidentally get into it, and went looking for the other side. 

“Viiiirge! We can go now!” 

But there wasn’t any reply. Usually by this point Virgil would be rushing down the stairs with one black eye from his makeup experiments, or slouching down pretending he was excited. 

Remus went upstairs and knocked on Virgil’s door, but didn’t get a reply. 

“Now where are you hiding?” He wondered aloud, knocking on Janus’s door too. 

Virgil wasn’t in there either, and Remus was able to cover up his slight worry with a loud laugh, so that Janus wouldn’t worry either. He was probably just napping in the closet, or sitting on top of the fridge with a snack. 

Remus walked through the house, calling for Virgil and looking in all his little hiding places. He was getting concerned now that he couldn’t find him, and his brain was very helpfully feeding him gruesome images that he was not enjoying right now. 

But when he found the door to the imagination unlocked, and not quite shut, the images tripled, nearly sending him to his knees with their ferocity. And sounds. Horrible, horrible sounds. And Virgil shrieking his name, begging to be rescued. 

And then Remus realized that it might not all be in his head. He charged through the door, running through the imagination. 

••^*^••

Virgil still trudged through the dumb, dark, scary forest. He should never have gone without Remus. If he’d waited Remus would almost certainly be done by now and they’d have gone straight to the castle like he’d wanted. 

The sniffs were coming fast now, and his chin quivered, but he was not going to cry. He would be alright as soon as he reached the castle. The guards would know who he was and keep him safe until Remus got there. 

A distant roar made him shiver. 

“I don’t like this,” he murmured, but somehow, the sound of his own voice just seemed to amplify the strange sounds all around him. “I-I don’t— I don’t—I want Remus!”

As soon as he said it he knew he was too loud, and then he heard running. Running coming towards him. Virgil bolted down the path as fast as he could run, tears streaming down his face as he screamed Remus’s name. 

He ran until he tripped on something and fell. He skinned his knee on the hard path, and the palms of his hands where he tried to catch himself, and when he sat up he could see the glints of many, many eyes all around. 

Virgil curled up in a ball, wailing and calling for Remus. 

••^*^••

There weren’t any monsters. They were hunting something, and Remus was almost sure he knew what. He kept running, all over the imagination, trying to find Virgil. But Virgil was in none of the places he liked. 

Remus tried hard to think of somewhere else, and finally remembered that Virgil couldn’t walk all over the imagination like he could. He’d still be stuck… in the forest. Remus’s brain swam with terrifying images, and he only barely shoved them aside enough to get to the forest. 

“Virgil!”

In the far distance he heard roars, and something that could be crying, or his ears playing tricks on him. He ran. 

“VIRGIL!!!”

He nearly ran Virgil over, and grabbed him up, sinking out immediately and rising up in the dark side commons. 

“What were you thinking!” He yelled, holding Virgil at arms length and scanning for injuries. “You could’ve been mauled! You aren’t allowed in the Imagination alone! Why would you go without me?! You’re grounded, you aren’t going back in there for a month!”

Virgil sobbed and hiccuped, his eyes already red and swollen. “I-I’m s-sooorryy!” He wailed, pushing forward to grab Remus around the waist and clung to him as if someone was trying to rip him away. “I’m sorry! I’m—I’m so-rry!”

Remus’s anger faded away almost instantly. He picked Virgil up and hugged him close. “It’s ok. It’s ok, I’ve got you now. I’m sorry too, I should’ve made sure the door was locked, and I should’ve gotten you faster, and I shouldn’t have yelled.”

“I-I was scared, Ree, a-and there were scary things everywhere, and I— and I couldn’t find the castle anywhere!” Virgil sobbed into his neck. 

“Shhh, it’s ok, I’ve got you. You're safe now.” Remus said, rocking back and forth and holding Virgil securely. 

Virgil’s crying slowed into sniffles and hiccups, and he didn’t try to move at all, not even to get more comfortable. Remus finally moved to sit on the couch, rubbing a hand on his back. It was then that he noticed Janus standing in the doorway, with a look he was sure that Janus would call ‘only concern’. He beckoned to him, and Janus came to sit next to them and lean on his arm. 

“Is Virgil alright?”

“He’s alright. He just had a good scare, that’s all.” 

Virgil let go of his death-grip on Remus with one hand to pat Janus until he held his hand. 

“We’ll be alright. We’re all alright now.” Remus promised. 

Janus visibly relaxed, and hugged a bit closer, getting comfy on Remus with his hand still holding Virgil’s. 

Remus smiled tiredly. Napping here wouldn’t be a bad idea. And anyway, he didn’t think that he or Virgil would be ready to let go of each other for a long time. 

Tagging: 

@flamyangelwings Happy Birthday!

@ace-in-a-shopping-cart

@pixelated-pineapple

@evoodo123

[thebestestboyo]

How Remus Started Working For Patton: Part Four

Tw: Remus being Remus/Swearing/mention of snakes but only for a moment

Masterpost

"Wow, I expected an old warehouse, or perhaps even a shady bar. This is... hilarious." The remark didn't come from Remus, no, this time it came from Virgil.

The group had stopped outside of a quaint-looking bakery, the shimmery blue and yellow sign reading 'Down With The Pastryarchy.' Virg was right though, it didn't seem to fit the vibe of 'gangster.' At least not to Remus. It was cute though! As in how a poison dart frog was cute before you realized it could kill you!

"First of all, warehouse?? Who would set up there? That's just irresponsible! How would you even heat such a large area?? Secondly, have you been inside one? Its just so loud!" Dee stepped inside, letting the others follow.

"For your information, I have been inside a bar. Probably for different reasons than you, ya overgrown garden snake."

"Excuse me! I'm not always up to no good!"

"The news would say differently."

"Society has never portrayed those who work outside its crippling boundaries as good. As you probably don't know Mr. Gloom Sky."

Pat butted into the tussle, wagging a finger at both of the men. "Now now, there's no need to be throwing names around. Its not very sweet of you two."

Those in question turned to look at him, this bubble of sunshine, and at least had some decency to look ashamed. Virgil could at least understand why Demetrius had warned that Patton was a force to be reckoned with.

Remus in the meantime, was laughing. Wait. Why was he laughing???

"That was a good pun. You know, considering the setting?"

Smiling up at him, Pat squeezed his cheek playfully. "I didn't think you'd catch that!"

"Well, I had to cake a chance! It clearly paid off," God Patton was cute. Remus was about to rattle off several more puns before Virgil elbowed his side, cutting him off.

"Less flirting, more getting to the point."

Blushing furiously, Remus swatted at Virgil, both for elbowing him and eluding to potential romantic feelings between him and Patton. Seriously, not everything he said to Pat was flirting!

Ok he was kinda flirting.

Just a little though! He wasn't about to rush anything! Especially when he hadn't asked Patton how he felt on the anatomies of several creatures, and the different ways in which you could steal someone's eye! How would he know if Patton was good for him until then?

For the umpteenth time that morning, Remus's thoughts were cut off, this particular time by Dee. Butts on a fish, he needed to chose a different time for his internal monologues.

"Come then if you're so desperate to find out. The entrance is this way."

Opening a door labeled 'employees only,' he seemed to...descend? Wait what?

A sudden grip on his arm was the only warning before Pat pulled him and Virgil in after, giggling. "You guys will love it! We worked so hard on it!"

"I find that hard to believe..."

This time it was Remus who elbowed Virgil, afraid of him upsetting Patton. "I'm sure it will be great Pat Pie!"

Virg groaned at yet another pun, but let the two of them be dragged down the stairs. It was surprising how they managed to fit this spiral staircase so seamlessly into the bakery, no surprise why someone hadn't found out their base yet. It was hiding in plain sight as far as anyone could tell.

Dee, further up ahead, called back to them, his voice echoing from the tall ceiling needed to fit in the staircase. "Pat, remember the trick step. They don't know about it."

"Oh! Right. Guys, hop over this next one ok?"

"Why would we need to-" Virgil made his mistake of not heeding Dee's warning, being thrown back by the step sliding out from beneath him. "Motherfu-"

"-By the sounds of idiocy I assume he didn't listen." Dee turned back to them, clearly hiding a smile as Remus supported Virgil, only to have the step beneath HIM slide into the wall as well. Before Virgil could snap back at him, all the steps were pushed back into the wall, resulting in all three of them falling the short distance to the ground.

"Oh I like this." Chuckling, Remus helped Patton to his feet with a flourish, before pulling up Virgil as well.

"This is some tomb raider bullshit, I'm calling it out right now."

His smirk all too clear on his face, Dee gestured to a lever right next to where the stairs had been. "No, tomb raider bullshit as you so eloquently call it, would be this lever sending you into a pit of snakes."

Eyes wide, Remus could hardly contain his delight at the prospect. "Does it send us into a pit of snakes??"

"Unfortunately, no. Just into a pit. Snakes wouldn't live well down there, there's no source of food or heat for them to thermoregulate their body temperatures."

Patton turned to face him, voice full of concern as he reached for Remus's hand again. "Plus, what if we fell on them! The poor snakes might get hurt!"

"You are right...but think about how cool it would be!"

"But snakes!"

"Ok, what about...a tank full of jellyfish? They'd have water and the water would stop the jellyfish from getting hurt!" Remus was surprised that Patton so easily took his hand, but it made him feel all fuzzy inside, the good kind. It was very unlike when you got a mouth full of raccoon fur.

Don't...don't ask.

As the two debated the moral complications of jellyfish compared to snakes and eventually to electric eels, Virgil deadlocked his gaze on Demetrius. If glaring could kill, he would have been dead where he stood. Unluckily for Virgil, he just smirked back at him in turn, continuing to lead the group to wherever they seemed to be going. At this point, he couldn't tell.

God what he would do to wipe that stupid look off of his face. It was unfair. He couldn't be hot AND evil! That was just cruel!

And he still had his stupid jacket off, showing his stupid muscular arms, and his stupid face with it's stupid grin was just making the situation worse, and it was all STUPID.

"Take a picture punk. It'll last longer."

"I'm just waiting for you to finally show us this place you've been droning of for the past thirty minutes. It feels like I've been forced to follow you for hours already."

"Don't worry Dark and Stormy, we're already here."

With that, he opened a door into one of the biggest rooms they'd ever seen. Wasn't this underground?? How did it have such a high ceiling?

And it was filled with people who Virgil would normally avoid. They all had that look about them, like if you looked at them wrong, they'd fuck you up. These were the king of people Remus tended to piss off when he was drunk and made everyone in the nearby vicinity regret him doing so.

"We're back you punks!" Dee called out to the group, smiling? Of course he was smiling. He was a gangster.

"Hey welcome back boss! And hello Patton!"

"Who are these two?"

"Where ya been? Normally you're not out so early!"

"These guys new members?"

Honestly it was kinda a lot for Virgil. Remus on the other hand was thrilled about this. They all had something chaotic about them! One of them had a sword??? Who the fuck fights with a sword!? Another was carrying what looked like a jar of live bees? Remus didn't know!!!

"These are visitors. Don't rough them up too much. Patty likes them."

"Dee!" Pat's cheeks tinted pink, clearly embarrassed at being called out. He didn't let go of Remus's hand though like he thought he would, instead tucking himself into Ree's side. Holy fuck. He was using Remus to hide in?? That was a first for him.

"Sorry, this is Patton's...friend, and the friend of Patton's friend." Cheekily, he and Pat exchanged a glance that Ree was too slow to interpret. But it made Pat's face turn even more red, so Remus assumed it was an inside joke or something.

Virgil in the meantime seemed thrown off by how domestic the inside of the base seemed, and being honest, he couldn't blame him. They both assumed it was much less...pleasant? Was that the word? No, there had to be more more suitable for this odd situation....

Calm! It was calm. God Patton was making him feel dizzy from all the sudden affection or something, usually he was better at this!

Remus looked down at the smaller man now cuddling into his side, sighing softly and unclasping their hands to set the overcoat he had brought with him around his shoulders. "You cold or something Pat?" He was ignoring Dee's comment from before, as it clearly was rubbing Patton the wrong way.

"Oh! Um, yes, a little! Thank you." Both of them played into the white lie, brushing it off to make him feel more comfortable. But perhaps Patton wasn't hiding in Remus just from the embarrassment...

Virgil cleared his throat from behind them, reminding the two that Dee had been waiting for them still.

Pat still kept the coat around his shoulders nevertheless, as they all packed into Dee's office.

"So. Remus."

"And me." Virgil interjected, sitting on the arm of couch that faced Dee's desk.

"And Virgil. You're probably confused as to why I made Remus a member of the gang."

"Uh yeah dimwit, you really had to drag us this far just to tell us this?"

Pat frowned at him, going over to sit on the desk near Dee. "That's not particularly nice of you to say."

"Sorry Patton. But I'm serious. This could have gone a lot faster." Virg couldn't believe himself. He was apologizing to the co-leader of a gang?? Just because he gave off disappointed dad vibes did not mean that he was completely trustworthy.

"I thought it best to reveal my hand, so to speak. You do know that telling the authorities about us would be unwise, due to the vast amount of resources we have. It would be a pain to have to move locations and change identities after we've set up shop here."

"So...this is a threat."

"Not necessarily. It's an invitation. For Remus specifically. He doesn't have to participate in our business, I just thought he'd appreciate being able to freely talk with Patton, and being part of our association helps with that."

Remus was...a tad shocked at this news. He was put into a gang...to be able to flirt cause havoc with Patton?

As if he could read his thoughts, Dee waved a hand dismissively. "While normally this doesn't happen, I decided to make it an exception. Originally, you, Virgil, weren't a part of the plan, but as you are Remus's roommate, I wanted to cover my bases."

"Don't tell me you're gonna pierce my ear as well."

"I doubt I could even try without losing a finger. The only reason I did it to Remus was because I was in a hurry."

Pat swung his legs gently as they talked, looking over at Ree for his reaction. It was, intrigued to say the least, Remus seemed to be pretty open to most things. Was that a strength or a downfall of his? Patton couldn't tell. But he did enjoy the coat around his shoulders, smiling to himself as he tucked into it.

Maybe this one would work?

And maybe he'd make a new friend as well! Virgil seemed nice, if not a bit guarded. He supposed that was to be expected, it's not every day that you get told your friend (best friend?) is now a member of a gang that controls half the city.

The words between his brother and Virgil grew muddled, as Patton daydreamed what this meant. It was a little shocking for him to find Remus calling his attention, snapping his fingers from the spot he had taken next to Virgil.

It was enough to get Patton back into reality, and to hear that Dee was asking him a question. "Pat were you listening? I asked what you thought about Virgil being allowed in as well."

"Oh! Sorry Dee Dee, just caught up in some thoughts! Sure Virgil can come in, maybe he can try some of your baked goods!"

Pat had seen the way his brother kept looking at Virg, so he thought he'd...well, help him out a little. Even if it resulted currently in an embarrassed Dee in the meantime. Sorry!

"Wait were you the one to come up with the idea of having your super bad gang cover being a pastry shop??" Virgil grinned mischievously at this new information, and Patton could tell that it lessened the stigma about Dee, at least a little bit.

"Not completely! I just thought it might be a good cover, and Pat had already come up with the name! What was I supposed to do???"

"That's rich! The snake in the grass bakes?"

"Wha- no!!!"

Glancing back over to Remus, Pat was delighted to find him cackling at the chaos Pat had created.

Perhaps this would become their new normal? If it did, Pat definitely wouldn't mind.

-Just an author's note-

Sorry it took so long to finally get to this point! I wasn't expecting the buildup to last four chapters 😅There will certainly be more backstory and action as I write this, so I apologise for how slow it is

Thanks for sticking around through it though! I really appreciate it

[turning-dreams-into-chaos]

Sooo... I broke my butt. I had a seizure (yes I'm epileptic) at the top of my staircase, and instead of having violent spasms- cause I can't be freaking normal- I go ragdolling. Anyway, long story short, I fell down a flight of stairs, and broke my tailbone, busted up my hip, ankle, and back. How have you been, Ree Bee?

OH MY GOD ARE YOU OKAY???? Holy fuck, that sounds awful honey! I hope you heal quick! 😣

I mean, I’m good, just chillin and livin I guess 🤷‍♀️😂

[skeletaldarling]

Chase The Fire Away 7

More Than Daisies 

AO3

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Summary: Remus and Patton test his powers a little bit more, followed by some Remy and Virgil being soft.

Ship: Eventual Intruality, Sleepxiety, little bit of Lomile 

Word Count: 1347

Warnings: Food mention, swearing, vampires and witches, Remus Sanders, I don’t know if there’s anything else 

“Okay, so we know you grow flowers and open lockers and stuff. But I think if we just try to move a bunch with your mind, some cool shit might go down.”

Patton nodded. He was sitting cross legged on his bedroom floor while Remus did a handstand against the wall. 

“So how do I start?” questioned Patton. 

“Hmm… turn the light off?”

Patton fought back a shudder as he remembered when he’d accidentally blown out the lightbulb on his first day with Emile and Logan. “No… no, something else. Please.”

“Uh… move that cushion closer with your mind.”

“Can I do that?”

Remus scoffed. “We don’t know. That’s the fucking point, pancake.”

“Right.” Patton took a deep breath and focused on the cushion that had fallen off his bed. He held his breath for a couple of seconds before exhaling steadily and willing the cushion drag itself closer. 

It took a couple of tries, and a lot of Remus listing cute things Patton did to encourage him before the cushion moved a couple of inches. Patton squealed and Remus came down from another handstand to push Patton to the floor in a hug. 

They laughed from the carpet as they collapsed into a pile of hugs and celebrations. Patton found himself flat on the floor with Remus on top of him, grinning as the pair tried to catch their breath. 

Patton watched Remus’s eyes. They were their usual glittering grey and Patton had trouble not getting lost in the bright smile that covered Remus’s face. Patton’s eyes flickered down to Remus’s lips for a second too long. 

Remus pulled back away painfully slowly and sat on his heels. He cleared his throat. “Um… maybe I should go-”

“No.” Patton blushed as he realised how abrupt that sounded. “I um… you could stay for dinner?”

“Is that okay?”

“Definitely,” assured Patton. The witch felt his cheeks go even pinker but he did his best to ignore it. He crossed his legs and shuffled closer. “I want you to stay.”

Patton could’ve been imagining it but he could swear that Remus was getting a little pink as well. 

“Good.” Remus said, his voice unusually soft. “I’d like to.”

They stared at each other again before Patton blinked and looked away. Just tell him you like him! 

Patton almost scoffed out loud at the thought but instead he stood up. “I’m gonna tell my dad you’re staying for dinner.”

“Cool. I’ll come!” 

They hopped down the stairs together and found Logan in the kitchen where he was looking through the fridge. “Hello, boys.”

“Hi, Papa.” Patton greeted. “Can Remus stay for dinner?”

“Of course. Just make sure his parents are aware too.” Logan pulled some things from the fridge. “I’m making pizza if you two want to help.”

Patton perked up and turned to look at Remus. “You want to? It’s fun.”

“Yeah, sounds cool.” 

Patton beamed and dragged him over to wash their hands while Logan prepared the bases for them. They actually made the pies pretty quickly, and they were sitting at the counter, playing tic-tac-toe when they were startled by Emile greeting them suddenly. 

Remus jumped and Patton nearly fell off his chair with a yelp. He heard something pop behind him. 

Logan frowned. “The dining room lightbulb just blew out,” he muttered. 

Emile stepped over to Patton. “Sorry, pumpkin. Did I give you a fright?”

Patton flushed. “Maybe.” 

Emile kissed the top of his head, “sorry again.” He pulled back and went into the kitchen. “Hey, Remus.”

“Hi, Emile.”

Logan pulled Emile over by the waist and kissed him quickly. “Hi,” he murmured. He hugged him close. “How was work?” 

“It was very good,” Emile grinned and Logan recognised it as his ‘patients made some amazing progress today that I can’t talk about but I’m very happy’ smile. The vampire rubbed his arms. “Good.” 

After dinner, Remus had to go home. Patton walked him down the path to the gate before turning to fully face him. “We could hang out again tomorrow?” 

“Obviously,” Remus grinned. “You moved a fucking pillow, pancake. With your motherfucking mind.”

Patton looked down at his feet with a blush. “I also broke a lightbulb. Again.”

“You’ve done that before?” Remus questioned. He looked so excited at the thought. 

“When I first got here, yeah.” Patton shrugged, refusing to meet Remus’s gaze. He took a deep breath. “It doesn’t matter. I just need to try to figure out my abilities… without accidentally breaking lights. And opening lockers.”

Remus laughed. He tilted Patton’s chin up to meet his eyes and ran his thumb over Patton’s cheekbone. The witch froze and followed Remus’s movements, his lips quirked up in a faint smile as Remus swept some hair behind his ear. 

“G’night, pancake.” Remus murmured. He turned on his heel and walked off down the street. He skipped into a cartwheel before continuing his walk. 

Patton stood, staring at where he’d been standing. He swallowed and blinked himself back into reality. “Bye, Ree.” he whispered. 

+++

Remy wiped down the counter as Virgil flipped the open sign over. “Are we done?” 

“Almost, babe.”

Virgil waited (semi) patiently for Remy to finish cleaning before they linked hands and left together. 

Remy lifted their arms up and got his fiance to twirl him around. He fell back into Virgil who simply scooped him up and set him on his feet steadily. The witch laughed, the sound of his voice echoing pleasantly off the damp pavement. It had rained that day and although it was clearer now, the street was littered with puddles. Virgil smiled fondly as Remy danced around him. 

The street was empty, it was almost midnight and the small sliver of a moon wasn’t providing them with much light. The streetlights were glowing golden off the road below them, giving the couple just enough guidance to stay safe. Not that they needed much help. 

Virgil looked around to check they were alone in the night before letting himself fully relax into Remy’s dancing. 

“Dad thinks there’s another witch in town.” Remy said. 

“Oh yeah? Who?”

“Dunno,” Remy pushed his sunglasses up and jumped into a puddle, causing a big splash. “He said that kid who works in his store smelt like he’d been near witchcraft.”

“But he’s not the witch?”

“Apparently not,” Remy spun around and leaped forward into a different puddle, he made an even bigger mess of his jeans and grinned triumphantly. 

Virgil just sighed and opened his arms, letting Remy jump into them so he could carry him a little further. “You’re a menace to society.” 

“You love me for it.” 

Virgil kissed him with a low chuckle. “That I do.”

“Go hop in that puddle!” 

“Nope.” 

“Then let me down and I will.” Remy wriggled in his fiance’s arms. 

Virgil smirked and tightened his arms around the trouble-making witch. He only laughed as Remy tried to escape. Remy squawked and poked Virgil’s cheek. “You’re mean!”

The vampire bared his fangs with a hiss and Remy pouted overdramatically and fell limp in Virgil’s arms. “Mean vampire.” he muttered. 

Virgil kept walking, enjoying Remy’s whinging more than he probably should have. They were both quiet for a bit before Virgil spoke again. “So do you believe your dad?”

“About the witch thing?”

“Yeah.”

Remy hummed in thought. “I don’t really know. I mean I trust Dad but, like… who would it even be? This town isn’t that big, we know most of them.”

“I guess.” Virgil rubbed his thumb back and forth on Remy’s arm and watched him yawn. “We’re almost home, Rem.” 

Remy closed his eyes and snuggled into the vampire’s chest. “Go fast.” he requested. 

“Fast fast?” 

“Fast fast.” 

Virgil adjusted the sleepy witch and pulled him closer to his chest. “Alright, babe. Hold tight.” 

He zipped down the street and reached their house in just over a minute. When he slowed to a halt, Remy was grinning like a toddler. “I love you.” He leaned up to kiss Virgil’s jaw. “And I love your superspeed.” 

“I love you too, Rem.”

Taglist:

@sander-sideblog , @korsaromantic66

[sanderssides-springfling]

for @jadelikestodraw

Synopsis

Roman is a ballerina, and an advanced one at that. One day a teacher pushes him too hard during cheer practise and he is left to pick up the pieces of a potentially career ruining injury with only the help of his twin Remus.

Story

“One, two, three four, five, six, seven, eight. Point your toes Roman! Really lift that back foot Jessica! …two, three, four, Get ready, and finish!” Roman stood, posed and panting, but not letting his face drop before Ms Alex said. “Alright guys, great last runthrough, this is really coming together.” He let his arm drop, and sat on the floor for a minute with his head in between his knees before getting up off the floor. Everyone else was filing out of the studio, saying their farewells to Ms Alex, and promising to practice. Roman pulled some sweatpants on over his tights, and a coat over his t-shirt. He knew Remus would be waiting for him, and they didn’t like waiting. 

“Thanks Ms Alex, see you tomorrow.” Roman waved as he left, still red in the face from the night’s hard work. 

“Good night Roman, make sure you practise your pirouettes en pointe, I want full turns, not three quarters.” Roman smiled at the critique as he walked out the door, starting to scan the half full car park for Remus. Not yet having seen them, he heard a car honk its horn at him, and instinctively turned to see Remus pulling out of a parking space, ready to take him home. 

“Hey.” Roman jumped in the passenger seat, trying to ignore the cheshire grin on Remus’s face. “What are you smiling at?” He shoved them in the arm when they didn’t stop grinning.

“Oh you know, nothing much.” Their smile widened as they pulled away from the car park. Roman shuffled in his seat. “Nope, you can’t hit me anymore, I’m the driver.” His plans foiled, Roman flipped them off instead. 

“Hey Ree, my favourite twin on the face of the planet?”

“Mcdonalds or KFC?” Remus rolled their eyes.

“Why do you assume that I want you to take me through the drive through, why can’t I just be saying that I love you?” Roman pouted.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’ll just take you home to the leftover lamb and mushroom stew mum made.”

“Okay I’m sorry, you were right, please take me to Mcdonalds! I can’t eat more of mum’s cooking.” Remus smirked in success.

“Alright, but since I’m your favourite twin, you can buy my food as well.” Roman nodded eagerly, glad to be getting edible food.

“All joking apart though Ree, you really are the best twin ever.”

***

“And what if you don’t get into this school Roman, what will you do then? Because you don’t sound like you have a real plan?” 

“It doesn’t matter what I would do if I didn’t get in, because I am going to get in.” Roman retorted. He hated how his parents would ambush him. Everything about his future was certain, it was planned to a tee, why did they need to continually remind him that they thought he would fail?

“But how can you be sure? What if you got injured? Or you just didn’t make it? There’s a lot of talented dancers out there Roman, dancers who are stronger, more athletic, have better stamina, or better technique than you, and you have no idea how many of the dancers that are better than you are going to be applying to this school when applications open. Get your head out of your ass and realise that life doesn’t dance to your tune.”

“I can’t stand it when you do this! Why can’t you just be encouraging for once in my life? Why do you always have to remind me that you don’t think I’m good enough?” Roman stormed out of the sitting room, and ran up the stairs into Remus’s room.

“What the hell Roman?!” Remus turned around as Roman’s guard fell. “Roman?” Their parents were such dicks.

***

Cheer practise was Roman’s favourite part of the school day. It was the only time he got to spend with Remus, as it was their only shared interest. Luckily, a practice rarely went smoothly, so there was always some sort of gossip to chew on.

That day, the gossip was going to be how Roman would not hold this stunt. It was his fifth attempt in a row that he dropped Kayleigh, and it was starting to get dangerous to her. Not that she ever said that; she was so supportive, encouraging him every time he messed up to try again, and giving him pointers on how he could support her better. After all, it was his job to support her and keep her in the air. On their sixth repetition of the lift, the first half went well. Roman would go as far as to say it went really well. But then, he turned, just as he had the other five times he had done that stunt on that day, and the countless other times he had done that stunt on other days. But unlike all the other days and attempts, something went wrong. He didn’t know what, because in his mind, the timeline went like this: really good first half, turn, blinding pain, he was on the floor and Kayleigh had been caught by the spotter.

He tried to curl into a ball, but pulling his knee to his chest hurt like hell, so he did the next best thing; he got up. Remus was there to support him, but as soon as he was off the mat, Remus sat him back down, not listening to Roman’s arguments. Then the coach was there, inspecting his knee, bending it much farther than was comfortable, but Roman’s head was so consumed with the pain that he couldn’t form the words “ouch that hurts”. Maybe the look on his face told coach and Remus the amount of pain he was in, but Remus disappeared, and came back with painkillers and water. Holding Roman’s hand, they helped him take the pills, before making sure that he took a long drink. 

“Aww, you even got my water bottle!” Roman cooed, eyes wide and teary from the pain.

“You bet I did, no way in hell am I letting your mouth anywhere near my bottle. That’s like indirectly kissing you.” They huffed a small laugh, but the joke seemed to fly over Roman’s head. “I’m gonna have to go bro, we’ve got some practicing to do, but I’ll be back soon, I promise.” They patted Roman on the head before running back onto the mat. Watching the team, his team, do a full out without him made Roman’s heart shatter, and by the time Remus was walking off the mat back towards him, he was pulling himself up on the wall, ready to get back into the routine.

“Ro, where are you going?” Remus joked warily.

“The mat.” Roman gritted his teeth, putting a little pressure on his right leg to see if he could walk on it. 

“Oh no you’re not.” Remus grabbed Roman around the waist, not letting him move, and caught the attention of the coach, who saw Roman standing up and came running over.

“I can do the routine!” Roman half yelled when he saw the coach coming over. “Remus, let go of me!”

“Roman Sanders where the hell do you think you’re going?” The coach barked.

“To the mat. It’s only a sprained ankle, I can still perform.” Both Remus and the coach looked bewildered as they processed Roman calling his injured knee (which was by then the size of a considerable melon) a sprained ankle. 

“Remus?” The coach turned to Remus, who still had their arms wrapped around Roman’s waist. “Take him to the ER.” Remus nodded, and maneuvered his arm under Roman’s shoulders to help him walk.

“Please coach, I’ll be fine, I can still do the routine!” Roman protested, but Remus shushed him as they collected both of their belongings. 

“Ro, please stop fighting this. Something is wrong. Your knee is literally the size of a melon, and you need to go to the emergency room.” Hearing Remus plead with him indicated to Roman how serious they were, as well as how worried, and he hung his head.

“Fine, I’ll go to the emergency room.”

***

“From the MRI scan, it would seem like you have a radial tear in your meniscus.” The doctor said. “This will require physiotherapy, and due to the nature of the tear is also likely to need surgery in the future. In the meantime, Mr Sanders, a nurse will be down soon to bandage your leg, and give you a knee brace, and you will be discharged tonight with some crutches and a prescription for codeine.”

“So, um, this is kind of weird, but will I be able to dance on it?” Roman’s face fell as the doctor shook her head.

“I am terribly sorry, Mr Sanders, but you really should take it easy until you have your surgery, and any sports should be avoided, which sadly includes dancing and cheerleading.” Roman couldn’t speak, so Remus thanked the doctor as she left, before turning to Roman.

“Hey bro, it’s gonna be okay.” They placed a hand on Roman’s and squeezed, letting Roman cry at them until the nurse came to bandage his leg.

When he was discharged, Remus told Roman to wait inside until he brought the car closer to the door, but Roman insisted on going with them, as a chance to get used to using the crutches. “After all,” he joked, “School isn’t the most forgiving place to learn how to walk again.”

In the car on the drive home, Roman was silent. Remus wasn’t feeling ecstatic themselves, but they tried to cheer Roman up, until it became clear that that wasn’t going to happen, at which point they put on the radio and drove the rest of the way home in silence.

Their parents didn’t say anything when they got home from work to see Roman on crutches and a little high on residual morphine from the hospital, but Remus could tell that they were dying to make a quip about how they warned Roman to have a backup for when he failed at dance. They didn’t think that Roman could take being broken down again after everything that had already happened that day. The other thing Remus knew was that Roman still had dance at 7, and that Roman wouldn’t miss it for the world, even though he had been told in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t to dance on his knee. When Remus went to ask if Roman still needed a ride, they found him curled up, or as curled up as one can be with a knee brace, on his bed, crying into the bear they had got him when he first got the lead role in a recital nearly three years ago. 

“So,” Roman looked up, wiping the tears from his cheeks before seeing Remus, and dropping his head back to the pillow. “Do you want to tell Ms Alex in person or over the phone?” Remus sat on the bed next to Roman, and placed their hand on his back before Roman rolled over, looking at them in contemplative silence for a minute.

“What do you think I should do?”

“Do you want honesty, or do you want me to tell you what you want to hear?” 

“Honesty.” Roman muttered, inviting Remus to share their honest opinion. 

“Well then, honestly, I think you owe it to her to tell her in person. Not that it’s your fault, but knowing you, I think you’ll chicken out over the phone. You’ll think you’re a failure and you have to protect the school from your fault.” Roman stayed silent, not knowing how to respond to the brutal honesty. “Now come on, I’ll give you a lift.”

***

When Roman walked into the dance studio still in his cheer uniform, nobody’s heads turned. But when Jessica whispered the word “crutches”, it rippled round the room and everyone was jumping to their feet. In less than a minute, Roman was surrounded by everyone, asking him what had happened, when can he dance again, can he still do the recital. It was almost too much, and Roman was oh so close to turning around and running out the door as fast as he could before Ms Alex saw the commotion. So when he felt the familiar, heavy hand of Remus on his shoulder, there no longer only in spirit to support him, he asked his question:

“Is Ms Alex here?”

Surely enough, the group parted and gestured to the office, with mumbles of “she’s having tea” and “she’s in there”. And as Roman and Remus made their way across the studio, everyone returned to their warm ups, despite their eyes remaining on their injured lead.

Roman’s hand hovered above the door for too long, and he gave a pleading glance to Remus, who acknowledged it with a light knock on the office door. They entered together, and Roman sat in the chair opposite his teacher, whose cheery disposition had turned cold the minute she had seen Roman’s crutches.

“What happened Roman?” Her voice was caring despite the coldness in the room.

“I- It was cheer. I was lifting Kayleigh, and I…” He trailed off, knowing that the story had been conveyed. Ms Alex took a sip of her tea, assessing what question she could ask.

“And what’s the damage?”

“A torn meniscus. No dancing, no cheer, no application for college, and probably surgery, depending on how the physio goes.” He took a deep breath, but it was shaky, and he knew his nerve was failing him. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, I should’ve been more careful, the recital is only a month away, and I’ve messed it up for everyone. I’m so sorry.” 

“Remus, would you give me a moment alone with your brother please?” Remus obliged, shutting the office door behind them.

“Now you listen to me Roman, there is absolutely nothing that could have been done to prevent this. Is it unfortunate? Yes! Do I wish it hadn’t happened? You bet your backside! But do I blame you, even in the slightest? Never. This injury is way out of your control, and I would be a bad teacher if I let you continue to blame it on yourself. Oh, and one more thing! Don’t you dare think that you’ve gone and let us down by getting injured. We’re a team, and you have an understudy. You need to focus all of this energy that you’re putting into blaming yourself, and focus it on getting that knee better for next year.” She smiled, letting Roman process everything she had just said. “But, if you ever need something to fill your time in with, the studio door is always open as long as there’s a class on, and the younger pupils would love you to come and help teach.” Roman wiped at his eyes. “You inspire them, y’know. All of you do, but especially you Roman. Do you know how many boys I have in my junior class this year? Eight, and do you know how many of them said they want to be as good of a dancer as you? Every single one of them. You inspire young boys Roman, and even through this hardship, you will continue to be an inspiration to them as you peel yourself up off the ground and continue to fight for your passion.” Roman had no response, but every bone in his body was telling him to get out of that room before he let something slip out and he revealed how scared he was.

“Thank you, Ms Alex. I’ll see you around.” And he left.

As soon as he was out of the studio, he shut down. His muscles were shaking, tears were rolling from his eyes at an alarming rate, and he felt like he needed to hit something. So he punched the wall. Again and again until his knuckles were bloody and his emotions were gone.

“You quite finished? Only I wouldn’t mind getting some food.” Hearing Remus’s voice behind him, so carefree and normal, reignited all of the anger that Roman had managed to extinguish on the wall.

“How dare you? How dare you talk down to me like that? I would give anything to be in your shoes right now! You have no idea how easy you have it, you’re the best on the team in cheer, and mum and dad love you more because you’re the special one that uses they/them pronouns and doesn’t have a gender anymore! You make my life a living hell! I wish I hadn’t been born a twin!” Roman was shaking on his crutches.

“Ro…” Remus’s face had fallen, and their eyes were sheened and ready to burst.

“I don’t want your sympathy! Just leave me alone.” He stormed off. It was the only thing he could think of to stop himself from causing more damage. When he heard the sobs from Remus, he forced himself to keep looking forwards, not to turn back, because if he turned back he would be reminded of how angry he was, and he didn’t want to hurt Remus. He never wanted to hurt Remus. Ever. And now he had, and they would never forgive him. 

***

Remus was frozen. They were hurt, that was definitely a fact, but they didn’t know what to do. Ever since they had started to come out, a process which had taken nearly five years in total, they had faced backlash from nearly everyone. Roman was the one person who never batted an eyelid when a new identity was presented to him.

Remus was gay: cool, probably same?

Remus was asexual: didn’t see that one coming, but I’m glad you trust me enough to tell me.

Remus was questioning: I’m here to support you every step of the way, whatever you need, whatever the outcome.

Remus was non-binary: cool, I have a sibling now! what are your pronouns? Would you explain a little more so I can understand your use of the label? 

Remus was agender: no idea what that one means, but I trust you to explain to me so that I can support you even more. I’m proud of you for coming out.

Remus was demisexual: I’m glad you found a label that you think fits, but I am really running out of ways to encourage my support and love for you every time you come out, so if there’s a next time you may just get a “yay!” but it holds all of my love and support for you as much as any other speech I’ve given you.

But now: now he was saying that through all of their time questioning, through all of the insults and abuse they had faced, and through the rejection from their parents, that they were the lucky one, just because he had a knee injury. Roman never had a problem getting on the cheer squad, because he was male, and he took a male role. But Remus had to fight, when their parents told the school out of spite, they had to fight tooth and nail to get onto that squad, because there’s never been a trans cheerleader before, what role do we give them?

But despite the hurt, Remus knew Roman didn’t mean what he said, and though they were going to seriously go off at him, they hoped that everything would be alright. But, before they could do that, they had to find him. 

***

Roman luckily still had his headphones with him, but that didn’t stop him from hearing the car pulling up beside him. When he looked across to see Remus in the driver’s seat, he didn’t stop, not wanting to hear how much he had upset them. 

“Get in.” Remus called.

“I’d rather walk.” Roman continued along the path, but it was another three miles until he would be home, and that seemed like an awfully long way on crutches that he still wasn’t very good at using.

“You seem to think I’m asking. Get in the fucking car.” Roman knew he owed them, so he stopped and climbed in the passenger seat.

“Before I start driving again, I want you to know that right now I am really fucking mad at you, and I am going to shout at you.” Remus pulled away from the curb.

“That’s understandable.”

“But before I do that, we’re going through the drive through because I’m hungry, and you’re paying.” Roman grumbled something in return, but didn’t dare repeat it when Remus asked him to.

***

Over their food, Roman started to apologise, but Remus stopped him.

“Nope, you don’t get to apologise without knowing how much you’re apologising for. You were the only one who ever supported me. Mum and dad hate me, they’re only letting me stay under their roof until I’m eighteen, then I have to be gone. You stood up for me, and I trusted you, but you acted just the same as every other person who has, both metaphorically and physically, tried to beat me with a stick for being different. And I earned my spot in the cheer squad. I fought ten times as hard as anyone else did to get onto the squad, not least to get a mat position. I don’t expect you to understand, I never have, but just because you’re hurting doesn’t mean you get to pull that bullshit on me and go nuclear.” Remus took a drink of their milkshake. “Now you may apologise.”

“Okay. I’m sorry. I know I went nuclear on you, and I have no excuse, and I’m not even going to try and make one. But, I need to tell you that everything I said was a lie, I wasn’t thinking and I used whatever weapons I had to cause destruction, and I accidentally destroyed you instead of me. I am so sorry, and I would completely understand if you wanted to punch me, or maybe beat me with a stick, or…” Remus smiled, and soon they were both laughing. 

“Thank you.” Remus said, causing Roman to calm down.

“What for?” 

“For being supportive. You’re a pretty great brother, even though you can go a bit ‘I will destroy myself and anyone that gets in the way is a casualty’ sometimes.” They both started laughing again, but more subdued. The kind of quiet, calm laughter that can end a conversation into a comfortable silence.

“Let’s go home Ree.”

“Okay Ro. Let’s go home.”

[rage-is-babey]

Game Night

Pairing:  Ragxiety

Warnings: Verbal fight (it can come off as unsymp, but they had a lot of emotions at the time), cursing, breakdowns, sexual jokes (just nicknames and implications), making out, spoilers for the newest episode, I think that’s it but if you see more let me know!

Word count: 1.9k

Summary: Virgil and Rage have some unresolved tension between them.

A/N: Alright, so I’ve had this done for awhile now, and if I don’t post it now, I never will. (Not proofread.) Also, Rage’s name is Richard, but that only pops up a few times. And I know that I can’t write romance/kiss scenes, so don’t scream at me about it.

Rage walked downstairs into the commons room. Janus and Virgil sat at opposite ends of the couch, each holding a popcorn bowl to themselves. Even though Virgil was always hanging out the light sides, there’s no way that he would pass up a game of Mario Kart with some past friends. One of the floorboards creaked under Rage’s steps, causing Virgil’s attention to shift.

His expression dropped slightly as his world figuratively crashed in. His shoulders tensed, not daring to look away from Rage. Janus lifted an eyebrow at Rage, but nonetheless, he wanted to help Virgil get comfortable. 

“Oh, uh Vee, Rage wasn’t wondering if he could join us this time.” Virgil played with the inner part of his jacket sleeves. 

Rage felt his world quietly crashing down at the sight of that. It was as if Virgil was afraid of being around him. No- he was afraid of him. 

Rage took in a sharp breath at the thought of that and quickly said, “I’ll understand if you want me to leave.” The words came out so rapidly that Virgil would’ve misheard him if he wasn’t paying so much attention. 

“...you… you can stay.”

It took all Rage had to not go sprinting down the stairs and thank Virgil. So instead, he slowly stepped over to the couch where everyone was at. Was Rage hesitant because he didn’t want to scare off Virgil, or was he feeling just anxious himself? Nobody knew the answer to that question.

Remus barreled into the living room, wearing a dark green onesie, “Upset pants decided to join us? Oh fun!” Nobody dared to respond to Remus’ comment. Unironically, anxiety radiated off of Virgil at this point. “Y-yeah, he’s here too.” 

“Oh jeez, what’s with all the sexual tension, Hot Mess?”

Virgil let out a small laugh, “That’s the best you could come up with?” 

Remus’ eyebrows furrowed together in a fake anger, “Oh Virgey, I doubt you could beat that!”

The world seemed to drift off from Rage, letting the three have their moment. 

The sides around him, each showing their enjoyment from the situation differently. Remus, with the loud laughs that he shared with his brother. Janus, with a slight smirk, always in the middle of an eye roll. Then Virgil- Virgil was smiling with a slight blush on his face, easily complimenting the way his hair fell onto his face. Rage wished that he would see Virgil more often.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Remus waved a hand in front of Rage’s face. “Hey, steamy trunks, you with us?” Rage’s face burned from embarrassment.

“Y-yeah, I’m here.” He internally cursed himself for the stutter, but Remus shrugged it off and walked around the couch. Virgil and Janus were both skeptical, but only the latter shrugged it off. 

“So, Rage. How have you been recently?” Virgil’s neck burned with familiar anxiety, but he tried his best to ignore it. 

“I’ve been alright, how’re the light sides?” As soon as it left his mouth Rage regretted every word. “I- I mean how have you been?”

Virgil wasn’t quite expecting that either. Maybe he expected an argument to start, but Rage apologizing? He didn’t quite expect that from their last interaction.

---

“You can’t just fucking leave! You’ve only known those lights for 6 months. That isn’t enough time to pick favorites!” Rage roared, threatening to shake the walls with his voice. 

“I- I’ll pro-promise to be back s-soon.” Virgil knew Rage would respond the worst out of everyone. 

“I’m not Deceit, but I know you’re lying. I’ve seen how much you care about them.” The tremor in Rage’s voice grew, but with something deeper than anger or jealousy.

“Look if you would just look out for me for once instead of yourself, then maybe I wouldn’t want to leave in the first place!” Virgil’s voice went low at those final words. 

Tears threatened to spill over Rage’s cheeks, but he refused to let them fall. Rage thought he was being secretive about it, but Virgil found out.

“Oh-oh god Rich- I d-didn’t mean to-” Virgil’s words came out fast, attempting to undo the damage to Rage’s heart. He stepped closer to pull the side in an embrace when Rage shoved him away.

“Leave.” Virgil looked at him with wide eyes. 

“R, pl-please lis-”

“I’m done fucking listening. If you love the lights so much, go to them.” Rage spit out at Virgil. The salt in Rage’s voice burned Virgil’s figurative wounds. Virgil’s shoulders tensed again as he crossed his arms.

“Fine,” was the last thing he said before he sunk out. Rage’s heart had shattered upon the sight. He let go of his tears and let them spill. He pushed Virgil away, he could’ve saved something. He could’ve ended on a better note. Rage’s legs shook as he fell down into Virgil’s spot. 

“God, what’s fucking wrong with me,” he found himself whispering to the cold air. He should’ve kept it under control. There’s so many things he should’ve done, but he didn’t move. He sat there, wishing for Virgil. Wishing for him to come back, for something else to be said. 

He wished he wasn’t so fucking pathetic.

---

“We’re- well, I’m good, and they are too,” Virgil said, avoiding Rage’s eyes at all costs. 

“...Well, now that the family reunion is done, let’s play!” Remus yelled, possibly too loud as Virgil slightly covered his ears. Rage looked at the screen, already lit up with Mario Kart loaded. Janus must’ve set that up before he came down. 

Remus grabbed a fourth controller from the bin next to the tv and plugged it in. After it was connected, he passed them out to everyone. When he gave one to Rage, he could’ve sworn that Remus had winked at him. As a blush crept onto his face, Janus selected the start button. 

“This time you’re not going to beat me,” Janus proudly claimed, giving a determined look to Virgil. 

“Oh, how cute! You think you’re a threat to me,” Virgil responded, slightly sticking his tongue out at Janus. 

“It isss on!” Janus hissed out at Virgil. 

---

After they all played a few rounds, there was an unspoken chaotic energy vibrating in waves off of Remus. Unexpectedly, he grabbed Janus’ controller and ran to the kitchen, the cord trailing behind him. “Remus!” Janus called out as he hastily got off of the couch. 

“Give that back!” 

After Remus ran out of the room with Janus trailing behind him, Virgil and Rage were left alone. 

“God Virgil- I’m sorry”

“Dude, don’t worry I’ve always been horrible at this game”

“No- I’m talking about…” Rage sighed out in annoyance. No matter how many times he imagined apologizing, he could never find the words that fit perfectly into what he was feeling. 

“...oh,” was all that Rage heard from the anxious side. A few moments passed between the two, both finding the silence suffocating.

“I’mfuckingsorry!” Rage blurted out, closing his eyes tight, afraid of the reaction from Virgil. 

“What?” Virgil asked, still tense at Rage’s outburst. 

“I’m- When you said you were going to leave- I was scared, Virgil. So fucking scared. You- you were the only one who understood me. You were the only one I could actually trust and then- And then you fucking told me you didn’t want what we had anymore. That you didn’t want any part of me in your life anymore.” Rage’s eyes were filled with water, the tremors in his body offering no support.

“R, you don’t have to apologize,” Virgil quietly said, not surprised if Rage didn’t even hear him.

“No, Virgil. You don’t understand all the ways I went wrong. I pushed you away. I told you to go. I- I deserved all of it-” Rage’s voice broke at that, his whole body shaking as he tried desperately to think of the right things to say. 

He pulled his knees up to his chest, letting his arms fall around, wrapping himself in a familiar embrace. However, what Rage didn’t expect was another pair of arms around him. He looked up trying to blink away the tears to help him see, and he saw purple and black arms holding him. 

“N-n-no, I-I don’t d-de-deserv-” His voice broke off into another sob as he let go of himself and clung onto Virgil. Virgil accepted the embrace as he rubbed circles into Rage’s back and put his hand into Rage’s hair.

“Rich, y-you didn’t do anything wrong. I- I was scared too. I am sort of anxiety.” Virgil let out an empty chuckle, hoping it would help the side in his arms.

“And I honest to god was a bit of an ass when I left. I should’ve told you differently,” Virgil’s voice trailed off into a whisper that Rage could barely hear. 

“D-don’t you dare tell me about should’ves” Rage commented, a watery laugh leaving him in the process. Virgil let out a half-smile that he knew Rage couldn’t see. 

“Okay okay, but seriously, I was acting like a huge jerk to you.”

“C-c’mon we both were assholes.” 

“Careful, Ree might hear you,” Virgil said as he played with Rage’s hair. Rage groaned and played the back of Virgil’s hoodie. Moments passed between the two, not daring to say anything to ruin what this fragile moment they shared.

“Vee, are you- are we okay?” Rage hesitantly asked, nuzzling into Virgil’s chest.

“Well, it would depend on what we are” Rage hummed in agreement. Things have always been strange between the two. Their fake fights were borderline flirting, and the emotional moments between the two didn’t answer any questions either side had. 

“Well, it would be nice for something more” Rage mumbled, dancing around the topic in hopes Virgil would understand for him.

“Well, it would also be nice if you properly asked me” Virgil half-joked, pulling away from the side to look him in the eye. Rage’s tinted glasses were slightly askew, complimenting his messy hair and wrinkled shirt. 

“God, you’ve always been difficult, haven't you” Rage teased, softly punching Virgil in the arm. 

“Oh- don’t even speak about being difficult” Virgil responded, as he playfully pushed Rage to the floor. 

However what Rage didn’t know is that he was still holding onto Virgil’s shirt, so he tumbled to the ground too. Virgil hovered over Rage, a deep blush slowly coming onto both of the sides. Virgil subconsciously lowered his face to be closer to Rage’s. 

“May I?” The question came out as almost a whisper as Virgil’s eyes drifted to Rage’s lips and back up to his eyes. Rage couldn’t wait as he closed the gap between the two. The kiss was soft and tender, neither wanting the kiss to go far, but still wanting it to last. Rage let go of Virgil’s shirt and put it into his hair. Rage’s eyes flickered shut, moving the hair around in his hand, wishing he told Virgil he wanted this sooner. Virgil used the hand that wasn’t holding him up to cup Rage’s face, which Rage happily leaned into as he pulled away. 

“Well, I’m back- woah! You two sure are getting it on aren’t ya!” Remus’ voice interrupted the scene, making Virgil clumsily scramble away from Rage. Rage grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at Remus.

Janus entered after Remus, holding the controller in his hand, taking note of the situation. “Vee, Rage, are you guys not okay?”

“We-” Rage looked over at Virgil, who slightly nodded, “-we’re okay”

“Yeah, we’re okay.”

[monobts]

Carved Ice PT. 1

Paring: YoongixReader Genre: Ice Hockey AU, Social Media AU, Angst, Fluff

PT1, PT2, PT3

a/n: This is my first fanfic ree, I’ve been daydreaming about this whole idea for a few days now so here it is. Please excuse any errors and stuff.

As the snow settled on the ground around the lake, your skates carved small circles and loops around its frozen surface, coming to a stop you looked up to see a dark haired boy sheepishly watching, in his hands were a pair of hockey skates and a hockey stick. "S-sorry, I just couldn't help but watch.." He shyly said as his skates clanked against each other as he nervously smiled and looked at you. "That's ok! I'm guessing you need the lake now right?" You said pointing to his skates as you glided over to the edge. "U-uh y-yeah, I mean if you're finished." He stuttered as you waddled over to the bench seat and sat down. "Go ahead, I need to head home soon anyway" You said as you fought with your laces trying to get them undone. You felt the weight shift on the bench as he sat down too, his hair starting to stick to his forehead as he bent down to put his skates on. Now you could look at him properly, his skin was pale and his eyes were dark to match his hair, you were pulled out of your daydream as he looked up at you. "You okay?" He said as you jumped a little at his voice. "Y-yeah of course! I've got to go, good luck with your practice!" You said as you gathered your things and headed off. As you started to walk you felt a hand wrap around your wrist, looking back you saw the boy staring at you. "I'm Yoongi...M-Min Yoongi" He quietly said as he let go of your wrist.

"(Y/N)... (Y/N) (Y/L/N)" You said smiling slightly and looking at his face as he broke into a gummy smile.

As you approached the lake you groaned and whined, you had hoped to get one last skate in before the ice became too thin but as you got closer the shimmer of water gliding along the surface said it all. "Ahhh shit!" Was all you heard from behind you as you threw your head back and sighed. "You can say that again!" You said as a boy stopped at your side. "But now you can't ruin the ice before I skate, I guess that’s good." A small laugh came from the boy as he looked at you. "Me? Min Yoongi? Ruin the ice? Don't kid yourself, all your twirling is what ruins it!" Yoongi said in a whiny voice.

You smiled and looked at him, you’d become close friends after the time you met here at the lake, everyday he’d come earlier and earlier to watch you skate until he ended up getting here before you on many occasions.

“My twirling does nothing to the ice Yoongi! You know this!” you said as he laughed and looked at the lake.

“Well I guess we aren’t going to skate today, do you want to come over for a while?” He asked as his boots kicked at what was left of the snow.

“Sure, It’s better then feeling sorry for ourselves here.” You said as he smiled, picking his gear up and heading off towards his house. You ran after him as you placed your skates into your bag and flung it over your shoulder.

Walking to Yoongi’s house didn’t take very long as he only lived a few streets away from the lake, the house was small but no larger than yours and the yard in front had a hockey goal placed in the middle.

“Mom, we’re home!” He yelled as he swung the door open and let your through first. “We?!” You heard back as he laughed and dropped his gear in the doorway, you smiled as you dropped your gear on top of his and followed him further into the house.

“The lake’s finished” He said as you both walked into the kitchen, his mother standing by the sink washing some fruit and other plants off.

“Ahhh! (Y/N) It’s great to see you again.” She said as you smiled and said the same to her.

“We’re going to go upstairs and we’re going to watch a movie, okay?” he said giving her a hug and taking your hand as he leads you away, you manage to smile and give his mother a small wave before you’re heading up the stairs.

It was your choice this time and of course Yoongi was protesting about it, he knew he’d fall asleep and even the weather agreed, the clouds had covered the once blue sky and the light patter of rain turned heavy and loud, so loud that the movie started to drain away and all you could hear was the rain on the roof.

You felt warm and safe as the sound of the rain got heavy once again , your eyes opening to find the room dark and the movie playing at the menu screen for probably the 100th time, you curled back into the warmth and you took no notice of where you were, in your mind you were safe.

The loud crash from outside woke you, bolting straight up from were you were curled up as you looked out the window and saw the large tree across the road had fallen down in the winds that had now joined the rain. 

“Stop moving so much..” You heard as your gaze shifted down to where Yoongi laid, curled up against the back of the couch in his room, his arms around your waist as he looks up at you.

“Sorry, It’s just the weather outside is getting pretty bad..” You said quietly as you wiggled back down and resting your head next to his again, this was a common occurrence for you both, to fall asleep next to each other and to think nothing of it but something about today made you feel different, like there was something tugging at your heartstrings.

“Just stay here for the night, please..?” He said as he rested his head against yours and pulled you closer. 

“You think I’d actually dare step outside in this weather?” You laughed as he held you tightly, the rain was getting heavier as you fell back asleep, it was as if the weather was getting worse and telling you to stay. 

~~~~~~~

You’d finally made it to the ice arena, your bus was late and you’d wasted half of your allocated time getting to the arena itself. Walking in you expected to hear the sound of skates carving up the ice but instead the rink was empty. Normally you and Yoongi book the arena for two hours, one for him and one for you, but today he was no where to be found, even the ice hadn’t been touched. Whipping out your phone you sent him a message.

No reply. This wasn’t like Yoongi, he’d even messaged you the day before asking if you were still going. As you got your skates on and headed to the ice you felt a pang of sadness hit you, Yoongi would always reply to you but what was more weird is that Yoongi would always stay after he had finished so he could watch you, it was also good having someone there in case something happened. Something was off and you knew it.

You lined yourself up for as simple warm up jump, gliding along the frozen surface as you came up to your take off point, digging the toe pick into the ice you launched yourself into the air, but then a thought struck you, the forecast for the lake said it’d be fine to skate on, but you knew this wasn’t the case as you walked past it on your way to the bus and it was melting.

“What if Yoongi went to the lake to skate and he’s hurt?”

As soon as that thought had passed your mind your whole body came crashing onto the ice, the wind was knocked out of you and you were sent sliding for another few inches. You couldn’t move for a few seconds and you began to panic, wishing Yoongi was here to check on you, suddenly everything went blank and dark.

[odinsonsobsessed]

Beautifully Complicated || Chapter 14: Broken

A Tom Hiddleston x OFC Matchmaker AU series by @odinsonsobsessed and @mrshiddleston-uk

Kate Rees just wants some romance in her life, but she hasn’t had the most pleasant dating history. After yet another date gone wrong, she nearly gives up until her work colleague mentions a matchmaking website she’d seen an ad for. Little does she know, the mystery man she’s been matched with is handsome, rising star, Tom Hiddleston. And that’s when things get complicated.

Rated M (18+) || Word Count: 5.4k || Warnings: Swearing, NSFW

A/N: It's finally here!!! Chapter 14, which deals with post break-up feels on Kate's end. It's not going to be pretty, but wasn't that to be expected? As always, we appreciate your patience and we hope you enjoy!

You can also find us on AO3:

@odinsonsobsessed - Mischievousbellerina

@mrshiddleston-uk - Crimson_peak

Likes, Comments and Reblogs are always encouraged and appreciated! Enjoy!

Series Masterlist

Kate walked away from Tom’s house, trying to hold in the large sob that was threatening to escape from her chest at any moment. She desperately fought the urge to turn around to see if he was watching her, but she knew that if he was, she wouldn't be strong enough to not run back to him. Back into his arms, back to the man she loved more than she’d ever loved anyone in her life. But Kate had to remain strong and stick with her decision, even though it already made her sick with regret. It's for the best.

She quickened her pace as she emerged onto the main road back to her flat, tears blurring her vision. It was then that she realised she was holding her breath. She exhaled a heavy, shaky breath, keeping her head down and blinking a few times to try and clear her sight. Perhaps she should have thought ahead and had a taxi on standby to take her home. She knew she was going to be a mess, but maybe she'd hoped to have it a bit more together than this. 

A whole new wave of tears started to fall as Kate finally reached home and unlocked the main door to her building, beginning to climb the stairs. As she took the last few steps she scrubbed at her eyes, throwing herself off balance. She stumbled forwards, her knees and forearms hitting the hard concrete floor on the landing as she fell.

“For fuck's sake!” She hissed in pain as she picked herself up again, reaching across the floor for her keys which she’d dropped as she fell. Snatching them off the ground, she sat back on her heels and looked at her arms which were dirty and scuffed. Sighing, she sat down against the wall. “I’m such a fucking mess.” Kate stuttered, dropping her head back against the wall and closing her eyes, finally allowing herself to let go of all the emotions she’d been holding in over the last hour or so, as her cries echoed around the empty hallway.

Fourteen hours and thirty eight minutes. Fourteen heartbreaking hours and thirty eight miserable minutes ago, Kate had walked away from Tom and for most of the time since then she had been laying on her sofa. She had the same Spotify love song playlist on repeat, every song making her cry even more than the last time. She couldn’t sleep, she couldn’t eat - damn, she didn’t even want alcohol. She just wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole, putting her out of this misery that she only had herself to blame for. 

What had she done? She'd just thrown away one of the best things she'd ever had - and for what? Charlotte. She let that nasty, selfish woman wedge herself between her and Tom, and she won.

It's not just Charlotte. She told herself, It's the schedule, too. The constant disappointment and longing when he was away or busy. The loneliness.

God, she was needy. It was a wonder he hadn't broken up with her first for that alone. Maybe she did him a favor. Maybe once he got past the initial shock and sadness that overtook those beautiful features when she had left him, he'd feel relieved. Free.

Her google search history ranged from Can you die from a broken heart? to Is it really possible to cry your eyes dry? and the answer to both was yes. So she was pretty sure that in a couple of days someone would find her dead on her sofa with big, bulgy dried out eyeballs.

Suddenly her phone alarm started chirping, scaring the life out of her and making her jump so hard that she fell off the sofa. “Jesus!" she cursed, grabbing blindly for her phone on the table as she still lay where she’d landed. Finally getting hold of the device, she held it at arms length in front of her as she tried to swipe the screen across to silence the infuriatingly annoying chimes. Losing her one handed grip on it, it slipped from her hand and hit her square on the forehead. 

“Give me a fucking break!” She hissed, snatching it from her face and finally managing to make the noise stop. Yep, she was cranky. Sighing, she realised that her alarm meant she’d been awake all night and now she should be getting up to get ready for work. Crawling back into the sofa, she scrolled through her phone book and dialed Roxy's number. It rang quite a few times and Kate was about to give up when finally her friend picked up.

“Hey lady! I’m guessing you wanna grab breakfast before work? That’s the only reason you ever call me this early.”

“I can’t come in today, Rox." Kate's voice came out hoarse, her throat hurt from crying.

“Are you okay? Are you sick? You sound horrible.”

Kate had to take a breath and steady herself before she answered. Clearing her throat, she ignored the burning pain that lit the insides of her throat up. “I broke up with Tom.”

The line went silent and Kate pulled it away from her ear to check that the call was still connected.

“Roxy?” She questioned, wondering if she was still there.

“I’m here, I just… shit, Kate. What happened?" She paused, "This wasn't because of what I said, was it?" She could hear the guilt in Roxy's tone and she sighed.

“I… I can’t talk about it right now. I’m sorry Roxy. Not yet… and I can’t come to work today.”

“Are you okay though? I can come over after work?” Kate knew her friend was worried about her, but the thought of seeing anyone and having to talk about what had happened made her stomach turn. She just wasn't ready to face anyone yet.

“I’ll be okay, thanks. I just wanna be alone I think. I need to get my head together so I'm not a basket case during work.”

“Alright, well.. if you’re sure? Call me if you want anything, okay? And don’t worry about work, I’ll take care of it.

"Thanks Roxy.”

“Just promise you’ll call me if you need me, okay?”

“I promise. I’ll see you soon."

Kate hung up and stared blankly at her phone as she realised her screensaver was still the picture of her and Tom. Meaning to change it, she scrolled through her pictures, skipping quickly over any of Tom until she found one of her and Roxy making stupid faces into the camera. She saved it as her background picture and went back to Tom's. She lingered her gaze on her favorite picture of them, reminiscing over the memory of that particular day. Pain pierced through her heart and she went through, frantically selecting each of the pictures with Tom in them, with the intention of getting rid of them. Once they were all queued, her fingers hovered over the ‘delete’ button... but she couldn’t bring herself to do it, to erase another part of Tom from her life. She locked her phone and threw it down on the sofa next to her, as she lay back against the cushions and closed her eyes after throwing her arm over them. 

Tom had loved her sofa. It was years old and pretty worn but every time he’d sat on it he would always make some sort of comment about how cozy and comfortable it was. Kate remembered how he used to stretch his legs out across it, taking up all the space so she would have to sit on his lap. Of course, she didn’t mind. But none of that mattered now, Tom would never sit on her sofa again, infact Tom would never be in her flat again. Her heart ached as the memories came flooding back. Their first kiss at her door step, their risky business in the taxi, their first time having sex… 

Kate was sure she had cried her eyes dry, but more tears escaped, pouring out of the side of her eyes as she thought about the man that she loved. She had never loved anyone as much as she loved Tom and yet she had broken up with him. God, she missed him already and it hadn’t even been a whole day yet. 

Kate didn't move much the entire day. She made herself eat a little bit and she tried watching some of her shows. She wanted to get lost in their drama instead of hers, but it only worked for so long. Finally about halfway through the day, she passed out from exhaustion, but she dreamed of Tom. She dreamt of him lying next to her in bed, his fingertips grazing her back as he gazed into her eyes. Sunlight shone across his cheekbones, highlighting their beautiful structure. His blue eyes were warm and full of love, her dream self felt so happy.

The doorbell ringing pulled her from her dream and she desperately fought to hold onto it. But she was unsuccessful, her eyes opening as she groaned. Who the hell was coming over unannounced? When she shook the fogginess from her head,  her heart raced and she wondered if Tom had come. Was he here to beg her to change her mind? To tell her he couldn't live without her?

Kate got up and checked her appearance in the bathroom, gasping as she took in her red, puffy eyes and her extra messy messy-bun. She quickly threw water on her face, washing it and patting it with a towel. She brushed out her hair to make it more presentable before throwing it back up a bit neater this time. Kate made her way to the door and exhaled, mentally preparing herself. She flung the door open hopefully, but the person standing there wasn’t Tom.

“Zack?”

“Hey doll.” He smiled at her sympathetically, his tone soft and vigilant as he eyed her appearance. ”Roxy called me and told me what happened… She was worried about you and I’ve been trying to reach you all day."

She blinked, surprised to see him standing there. "I… my phone must've died…" She mumbled, trying to sort through her thoughts.

His voice was so calming and she felt a comfortable warmth envelope her as her best friend stood before her. Kate burst into tears again, relief, disappointment and sadness all mixing together. Zack stepped forwards and scooped her up into a hug, squeezing her tightly, closing the door behind him.

"Oh Zack…" Her voice came out in a squeaky tone as she tried to speak through her tears.

"Shhh, it's okay." Zack hushed her, stroking her hair and letting her cry for a few moments before pulling back. When his fingers ran over her arms, he looked down with wide eyes. "What happened to you, Kate?"

"I… fell yesterday on my way home…" Heat rushed through her cheeks and Zack frowned. 

"And you didn't clean yourself up? Jesus Kate, come sit down." He guided her over to the couch and left the room, returning with a first aid kit and a wet cloth. He bent down on his knees and studied her arm, taking the washcloth and cleaning her up. "Always making me take care of you…" He held back a smile, shaking his head. The nurse in him was kicking in, he always did this when something happened. Always scolded her when she didn’t properly take care of a wound or did something dangerous to her health, like the time when she briefly picked up smoking. She tried to hide it from him because she knew what he’d say, but he caught her in the end and made her give it up.

"S-Sorry…" She sniffled, wiping her eyes with her free hand.

"And stop doing that or you're not gonna be able to see soon. They're so swollen." He lightly pressed the skin around her eyes. “I wish you’d take better care of yourself.” He murmured took his hand away, shifting to get some ointment and a bandage. 

“Why didn’t you call me?” He asked, busy at work with applying the cream to her scrapes.

Kate shrugged as she stared into her lap, “I needed some time and…” She sighed, “I’m okay.”

He paused, looking up at her. “No you’re not.”

After considering his words, she decided she couldn't fool him. He knew her too well. Kate shook her head “No, I’m not. I’m not okay and none of this is okay.”

Zack stared at her for a moment before looking back down at her arm and resumed fixing her up. “Do you want to tell me what happened?” He placed the bandages on and set her arm down, looking back up at her. Avoiding eye contact, Kate picked absentmindedly at the bandages.

“Hey…” Zack encouraged.

She sighed again and finally met his eyes, “Charlotte won.”

Zack sat back on his knees and opened his mouth to say something but Kate held a hand up to silence him, ���Don’t say it, ok? Don’t tell me I should have fought for him, because I couldn't fight anymore! I’m tired, Zack. I’m tired of this whole situation and I have no fight left. So yeah, Charlotte won. She got what she wanted and I lost the man I loved more than I’ve ever loved anyone or anything. It’s done, it’s over. It’s all gone.”

Abruptly, she got to her feet and stormed away to the kitchen, getting a glass from the cupboard and opening the fridge to take out a bottle of wine. As she reached for it, she hesitated and withdrew her hand, closing the door and going back to the other side of the kitchen where a bottle of whiskey stood on the side. Tom’s bottle of whiskey. She glared at it for a few seconds before quickly undoing the lid. Opening the cupboard, she replaced her wine glass for a smaller tumbler style glass and poured a shot of Whiskey into it, immediately downing it and exhaling as she refilled her glass. 

“Kate.” Zack's voice came from the doorway

Without turning to face him she shook her head, “I’m exhausted, Zack. Emotionally and physically fucking exhausted. I just couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t…” She trailed off as her voice broke and she started to cry again. Zack crossed the room quickly and turned her around, hugging her as she started to sob heavily,

“It’s okay, doll. Everything’s going to be alright, I promise."

“Is it?” Kate stuttered into his chest, “Because at the moment it doesn’t feel like it. It just hurts. It hurts so much that I can’t even think straight!"

Zack released her, gripping her shoulder gently so that he could look at her. “It’s gonna hurt for a while. And you’re gonna scream and shout and cry a whole lot more. But I’ll be here with you, and in between all that stuff, we can eat our body weight in junk food, drink alcohol, watch hours of Netflix and be social recluses until you’re ready to face the world again.”

He bent his knees so he was the same height as Kate and smiled at her “How does that sound?”

Biting her lip, Kate smiled back at him weakly and nodded “Thank you.”

Aside from running home to pack an overnight bag with a few needed essentials, Zack vowed to not leave her side the entire weekend. He was there through every break down, sat through every sappy movie Kate wanted to watch and he listened to her when she was finally ready to go into detail about what had happened the night that Kate decided to end things with Tom.

By Monday morning, Kate was up and showered, preparing to go to work. She had thought about taking an extra day off, but what was the point? She had her couple of days to get her head straight and she didn't really want to miss another day of work, since she had taken quite a bit of time off earlier in the year for her holiday with Tom.

It was all thanks to Zack for keeping her sane through this and she felt like she could get through her day without breaking down again. 

He insisted on walking her to work, so they left a little early to grab some coffee from her favorite shop to perk herself up a little more. Kate grabbed one for Roxy and as she did, she began to feel anxious to see her. She needed her friends now more than ever and she felt really lucky to have one so dependable and another to be able to work with and see every day.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright? You're not going to call me from Pizza Express again, are you?" He hadn't meant that as a jab at Kate, and she knew that. His look of concern was genuine and she appreciated how accommodating he was being, having moved his work schedule around for her without her even having to ask.

She gave him a smile after she finished a sip of her coffee as they walked along the sidewalk, approaching the museum. "I'll be fine."

"I can come see you at lunch?"

She chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll be okay Zack, I'm going to have lunch with Roxy. I'm sure she'll want to chat about everything. I've barely talked to her all weekend and I feel awful, I know she was just trying to look out for me."

"Alright, if you're sure… but I'm only a phone call or text away!"

Kate turned toward him, throwing an arm around him, "Thank you for everything this weekend. Really, I appreciate it."

Zack nodded and returned her hug. "I'd do anything for you, Kate, you know that."

Kate smiled, "Will you come over tonight for dinner? I'll make you something."

He squinted his eyes, "No more sappy kissing movies and we have a deal."

She laughed, "Deal."

Kate walked into the museum with her head held high after she'd parted ways with Zack outside. She was determined in trying to have a decent day at work and not think about Tom. Well, aside from the talk Roxy was going to want to have and she couldn't blame her, she'd given her hardly anything when they'd spoke the day Kate had called off.

When she walked into the office, she found Roxy already hard at work on her computer, so she simply dropped the cup off on her desk and went to go sit down at her own.

"Hey." Roxy stopped typing and cautiously watched her sit.

"Hey Rox." Kate set her bag down and booted up her computer.

"How's it going?"

Kate swallowed back the lump forming in her throat and she sighed, realizing she was already beginning to get emotional. "It's going… I feel a little better than I did the other day, but not much." 

Roxy shot her a sympathetic look. "It's going to take time. Time and… lots of wine."

Kate let out a shaky laugh, trying to hold herself together. "Already got that covered." She forced a grin and Roxy laughed along with her.

"But seriously though, you're going to get through this. Especially when you have friends like me and Zack. There will be other guys, Kate. I know it sucks now, but you'll find someone even better than Tom and you won't even think twice about him!"

Kate's chest tightened at the thought of having to date again, to move on from Tom and be with somebody else. "I highly doubt that… I-" She shook her head, holding back the tears that were pricking her eyes. "I don't know if I'll ever get over him. I just… I know that it was only a few months, but it felt real Rox. Like sure, we had a lot of amazing sex and it was fun, but it was more than that, it was special, like nothing I’ve ever had with anyone else before. He was the first person I’ve ever imagined a future with." She paused to sigh before continuing “Maybe if we’d met in a different time and place, under different circumstances, we could have had a future. But here and now, no matter how much I loved him, it was too complicated. I couldn’t be the person he needed and deserved."

Roxy reached across her desk and put her hand on Kate's. "It's still early, Kate. I know that it hurts and I can understand you're feeling that way, but it'll be okay."

"I know…" Kate grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes that were damp with unshed tears. "Right now, I just miss him so much. At times like these, whenever I was feeling down or upset about something, I could just call him and it's like his voice alone made everything better."

Roxy stroked the back of her hand comfortingly as she listened, nodding in acknowledgement. "It's okay. You have me and Zack, okay? I know we're not Tom, but we're here for you Kate. Any time."

Kate nodded, sniffling. God, this is exactly what she wanted to avoid. She did not plan on crying over this today. "I know Roxy and I appreciate it."

Roxy proceeded to calm her down for a few more minutes before they had to get to work on their upcoming project. It was just what Kate needed, to throw herself into something to be able to forget about Tom even for just a little while. Work ran late and she quickly texted Zack to let him know she was on her way home as she headed out of the office, but he was already standing outside of the museum waiting for her. 

For the next two weeks Zack stayed with Kate at her flat, and every morning he would walk her to work on his way to his shift at the hospital, and every night when he finished he would come back to the museum and meet her so they could travel home together. Kate didn’t think she could ever thank him enough for how much he’d done for her and how he’s been there for her since she’d split up with Tom, and she was pretty sure she would have gone crazy if she’d been in her flat alone for the last couple of weeks. Some evenings her and Zack barely spoke, they just chilled on the sofa watching tv, but just knowing Zack was there if she needed him was reassuring enough, like he was her safety blanket. 

There was one evening that Zack had some errands to run on his way home and wouldn’t be passing the museum to meet Kate after work, so he told her not to wait up and he'd meet her at her flat.

“You gonna be okay getting home without Zack?” Roxy asked as Kate pulled on her jacket and switched her computer monitor off.

“I’ll be fine, Rox." Kate reassured her with a smile.

She gave her a casual wave goodbye and made her way down the corridors and out of the museum onto the street. She stopped briefly to pull her EarPods out of her bag, sliding them into her ears and starting one of her more upbeat playlists for the walk to the tube. 

As she got on, she thought about what her and Zack could have for dinner later on. She'd forgotten to check what she had back at the flat to make, so she might need to run to the store if she didn't have anything sufficient. Deep in thought, Kate stepped off when the tube reached her stop after nearly missing it. There were a lot of people getting on and off, which was normal for rush hour, so she just weaved in and out of people.

Suddenly, she caught sight of the back of someone extremely familiar. Her heart quickened in her chest and before she knew it, she was rushing after them, shoving past the crowds of people to catch up.

"Tom!"

How could he be here? Of all the places and times, he was-

Kate reached her hand up to touch his arm, but when he turned to look at her with confusion on his features, her stomach dropped. It wasn't Tom.

"Sorry, I-I thought you were…" She stuttered and ran past him, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Was she really expecting it to be Tom? She felt so silly for even thinking that it was him, that she was hoping it was. It was for the best that it wasn't him... So why was she so disappointed?

Once Kate left the station, she rounded a corner and collapsed onto a nearby bench. She hunched over and dropped her head in her hands while taking a couple of deep breaths. She could not break down here. After taking a few minutes to compose herself, she started for her flat. Tears slipped down her cheeks the entire way home, unable to do anything but cry as her heart ached for Tom. Would it always hurt like this? Would it ever get any easier? 

She shoved her key into the lock when she arrived at her flat and let herself in. When she shut the door, she began to take off her shoes and heard footsteps approaching. As Kate slipped off both shoes, she looked up to see a concerned Zack.

"Kate? What's the matter?"

Instead of answering, she just shook her head and stepped forward, burying her face into his chest and wrapping her arms around him. She began to cry, both out of relief to see him here already and out of sadness.

Without hesitation, Zack slid his arms around her and stroked her hair soothingly until she began to calm down. He pulled back and swiped his thumbs across her cheeks to rid of the tears on her face. "C'mon."

He slid his arm around her shoulders and guided her over to the couch, urging her to sit. He draped his arm over the back of the couch and waited for her to start talking. 

"I thought I saw him." She began, unable to look at him as she confessed what she'd just done. "There was a crowd of people at the station, I thought Tom was there and I just… I went for it. Without even thinking, I rushed after him. Only it wasn't him." She sighed and rubbed her hands over her face. "What did I think was going to happen if it were? I…" Her voice cracked.

"It's okay…" Zack reached over to rub her arm comfortingly as he gazed at her with sympathy.

Kate shook her head, "It's not. It's not okay. I'm not okay."

Zack pulled her into another hug and Kate wrapped her arms around him, welcoming the embrace. It felt so good to be in his arms, it was so soothing and she felt so safe. He was always there for her no matter what.

"I was so stupid, Zack." She mumbled into his chest as he stroked her back.

He pulled back slightly with a soft expression, "You're not stupid. You're so smart, Kate. I think you're sweet and genuine, and you've got a big heart." 

"Then why hasn't he called, Zack? I tried not to let it bother me, but it's been two weeks since I walked out that door and he hasn't once tried to reach me! I mean, I'm not expecting him to come and sweep me off my feet, but… doesn't he want me back? Doesn't he care?" Her eyes were watering again and she desperately tried holding it in. Her chest tightened up again at the thought that Tom didn't care enough to at least try to talk to her. She was torn between not wanting to be swayed into getting back together with him and being disappointed that he didn't even try. Kate thought she would go crazy, her mind tugging her in both directions until Zack brushed her hair back from her face, the sudden tender gesture distracting her from the torment going on inside.

"I can't speak for him, I don't know what he's thinking. But what I do know, is that he's an idiot for letting you go so easily."

For a brief moment, Zack's words melted her heart and caused a temporary lack of judgment. It felt so nice to have someone care for her that it tugged on her heartstrings and before she knew it, she found herself stepping over a line she had no business crossing.

Kate closed the distance between them, her lips brushing over his. It was light, tentative at first, until Zack cupped her face and began to kiss her more firmly. His lips were soft and warm, his breath hot and pulling her in further. She was getting lost in kissing him as his tongue demanded entrance, sweeping across her bottom lip. Kate parted them, allowing him to explore her mouth, to brush his tongue against hers. Zack slid a hand to her back and she snaked her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Her hands rubbed just underneath the collar of his shirt while he ventured his own under the hem of her top, sliding them up and down her back.

While kissing Zack felt good, it didn’t feel right. His touch didn’t light her body on fire like Tom’s did. She didn’t ache for him like she ached for Tom the moment his lips collided with hers. He wasn’t Tom.

“Kate…” Zack’s breathless utter of her name between kisses brought her back to reality. “I-...”

Kate pulled back with a gasp once she realized what she was doing. Zack was her best friend! She should not be sitting here right now with his tongue halfway down her throat! She looked at him with wide eyes, mortified that she even went down this path. Oh god, what he must think of her, suddenly attacking him like that!

“Zack, I…” She placed her hand over her mouth to steady her thoughts. When she pulled it away, she started spewing out her apologies. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I did that.” She scooted backward to give them space and Zack stared at her, his chest heaving. “I’m sorry.”

“Kate, Kate… It’s okay.” He grabbed for her hands, but she pulled them away as she shook her head.

“I shouldn’t have done that. I lost my head for a moment and I guess I was craving closeness with someone and I just…” She exhaled deeply and gave him an awkward laugh. “I just miss Tom so much, you know? It was stupid of me and I totally regret it. Forgive me?”

Zack studied her face with an unreadable expression before looking down and rubbing the back of his neck. “You don’t have to apologize. It’s okay, really.” His eyes met hers once more and he forced a smile. “We can just forget about it…” Suddenly he grinned, any trace of discomfort gone from his face. “Although, I thought it was pretty great.” His tone sounded a bit off, but Kate brushed it off.

She cracked a smile, “It was, wasn’t it?”

Zack laughed for a moment before clearing his throat. “Anyway, um… If we’re going to eat, I should run to the store, because you have like, no food.”

Kate frowned, “I don’t? Shoot, I can go, I-”

“Don’t worry about it. I have to grab a couple of things for myself anyway. I’ll go.” Zack jumped up and grabbed his keys off of the table. “Be back soon!” He called, making his way out of the flat.

The moment the door closed behind him, Kate blew out a breath and flopped onto her back. What the hell was that? Kissing Zack? What was wrong with her? She almost just wrecked her long time friendship with her best friend all because she missed her ex-boyfriend. 

He’d been spending so much time with her lately and taking such good care of her, she just… She thought that’s what she needed, but it was only confusing her. Zack being there all of the time was making her much too dependent on him and maybe it was time for him to take a step back and go home. He’d picked up all of the pieces of her broken heart, now it was time for her to begin to glue them back together. That was not his job and she couldn’t believe she let it go this far.

God, what a mess.

@fandom-and-feminism @fadingcoast @igotloki @nikkalia @manager-of-mischief @spidey-bites @dangertoozmanykids101 @xxloki81xx @furstinnajoelle @just-the-hiddles @wholelottatiffy @libbymouse @kitsuneharo12 @michelegurl @I-cant-remember-my-old-login @thathedonistgirl @vethrvolnir2 @fairlightswiftly @jessiejunebug @ihthr @devilbat @exbandragirl @joyofbebbanburg @sabine-leo @mandapanda8 @officiallyunofficialperson @wolfsmom1 @littlefrogstuff @writingmi @drakesfiance @scorpionchild81 @little-moonbeam–666 @canadianjelly @originalsoulcollector @gorgeous1974 @teylacarter91

[hanniiesuckle17]

Immune Heart; Prologue

A/n: please enjoy this series and give me feedback on what you would like to happen!!💕💕 high key I wrote this a year and a half ago

It started when I was six. My dad was stationed in South Korea at one of the US military bases there. It was right after he remarried to a native woman with three kids. Like everyone else, we had seen the news and even the huge ship pass over a couple of times. But, we didn’t expect this. This unstoppable force from the sky sent down terrors the world never could have imagined. It was the beginning of what would be known as The Purification.

Few had actually seen one of the aliens before the first attack. Some claimed to have seen them, but were quickly debunked. Now I couldn’t remember a time where I didn’t know what one of the Tsarklary (Zar-cla-ree) looked like. They are a broad alien species as we have now figured out. A few types of them won’t do you any harm, and in fact some are part of the rebellion against the Tsarklary.

They came quickly. One day their ship just showed up in our orbit. Then it entered our atmosphere. It was months before the first attack. My new step brother, Taehyung, and I were outside playing at a city park after school with a friend of mine, Jimin. Hearing screams, I turned and saw people running toward  us. Taehyung screamed and I turned to the sound.

The first thing I saw wasn’t him though. Up in the sky, looming over the skyscrapers, was this ship. It almost blocked out the sun it was so big. I stood paralyzed in fear. “Tate!” Taehyung ran to me and I collapsed against his chest. “Oppa! Where’s Jimin?” I shouted over all the chaos. He was about to answer when we both heard a huge crash. Suddenly huge projectiles were launched down from the craft. It crashed into a building which came tumbling down. We held onto each other and started running. The force of the building near us sent, tumbling down.

The last thing I remember before waking up was the stones coming down around us. We spent two days trapped in the rumble. One of the rocks had landed on my left hand and broken it. Taehyung and I were separated by about three tons of stone.

My family and I packed up our bags. Jimin stood next to me, his already packed. His parents had died in the first attack so he was coming with us. “Taehyung, come on! We have to leave!" I said motioning out the door. Jimin already had started downstairs. “Wait!” Tae's seven-year-old form ran to the dresser. He pulled out the bracelet I made for his birthday last year and the necklace he got me the year before.

He handed me the bracelet and put the necklace on. “Let's go.” We raced down the stairs and met my family at the door. We quietly ran through the city which had been invaded on the west side by the Tsarklary. Soon we reached the forest. Jimin and Tae held my hands as we ran, so as not to get lost. My parents directed us through the forest, my father leading. We tried to be as quiet as possible. The night was just setting in and the forest had this eerie blue light from the moon breaking through the trees. We had made it about a mile or two when we slowed down to a walk. “This way.” My father said. He had his arm around my stepmother who held onto my step sister. My half brother Jeonggyu held onto my father.

A screech was heard from somewhere near us. “They’ve found us.” my stepmother whispered. A loud wail sent all our heads flying in the direction behind us. There stood two of the alien creatures, I now knew as Injectors. Their height reached halfway up the tall trees around us. The two things charged towards us and my family started to run. Jeonggyu started to fall behind so I let go of Taehyung’s hand for just a second to pull Jeonggyu onto my back and carry him. Hearing a scream behind me, I saw my brother get picked up and flung by one of the beasts who had caught up to us. “TAEHYUNG!” I screamed.

His body slammed against a tree and went limp as it fell to the ground. “Tate! Jimin!” My father yelled. He had stopped in his tracks. He let go of my mother and sister and ran towards me. I sprinted as fast as I could to his arms which held the safety I needed. I was only a few yards away when the second creature crossed in front of me and picked up my father.

Screaming I watched as its talons crushed him. My stepmother screamed at us to run the other way. Jimin pulled me away from the sight of my father’s mangled corpse. The creature dropped him and his lifeless body landed with a thump on the hard forest ground. Jimin had taken my brother off my back and I ran to my father.

“Dad! Wake up, Daddy! Please!” Tears streamed down my cheeks and fell onto his. Gunshots rang out behind me as my stepmother tried to fight back. “Daddy! Please! I can't do this without you!” I heard another scream and my little step sister was picked up in one of the alien's grasp. Little tentacle-like things came out of its mouth and seemed to be analyzing her as she struggled and screamed in its grip.

“Eunjin!” I screamed. The monster seemed to reject her and threw her against a nearby tree, the power causing the sound of her neck to be heard throughout the forest. “Tate, go!” my stepmother yelled. Jimin screamed at me and tried to pull me away from my father. “No! Leave me alone!”

“Tate! We have to go!” Little Jimin said. I held onto the jacket hanging off my father’s backpack as Jimin pulled me away from him. The jacket and I were pulled away with one last good tug. Jeonggyu, Jimin and I ran deeper into the forest, away from the screams and gunshots coming from my mother. Another screech sounded and I looked to see the other beast trekking after us. Jimin, who still carried my brother on his small six-year-old back, was starting to slow down. The next thing I knew, I saw Jeonggyu's terrified face as the talons of the monster pried him from Jimin’s back. Time seemed to slow as I reached back for my brother. His hand reached out for mine. The speed of my turn caused me to fall over and I scrambled up trying to reach him.

The tentacles of the creature came out again and started to analyze my little brother.

“Give him back to me!” I screamed in desperation. Taking the small gun my parents had given me, I shot at the creature, missing it twice. “You took my brother, my father, and sister away from me! You can't have Jeonggyu!” I yelled. The beast made a sort of clicking sound and it's long pointed tail came up to the side of my brother's neck like it was taunting me. I shot at it again and Jimin started throwing rocks at it.

It's buried the sharp tip deep in my little brother's neck. He screamed in agony. “Jeonggyu!” We both yelled out. My little brother's eyes started to turn black and his body became completely still as if he was paralyzed. After a second he started to move. And his eyes returned to normal. The alien removed its tail and a strange scar was now in its place. It set my brother down.

“What did it do?” Jimin asked quietly. I just stood there. The monster made another clicking noise. “Jeonggyu-ah....” As if on command my brother came launching toward us. He tackled Jimin to the ground with a force unimaginable for a four-year-old.

Jimin screamed as my brother tried to strangle him. The monster let out a howl and picked me up. The tentacles started to examine me, their rough and slimy surface moving decisively on my skin. It made another clicking noise and I screamed, as it brought it's tail up to my neck. I heard Jimin call out to me before the sharp tip was plunged into my throat. The pain was unimaginable.

You know when people say you see your life flash before your eyes when you die. It's a lie. I saw all the people I loved. The people I had lost. Their faces flashed before me as the pain became greater. My vision became blurry and I heard the creature screech. It removed its tail from my throat and my whole body seemed to burn. The alien flung me forward and I hit the ground and rolled until a stump stopped me. Everything seemed hazy. The world was distorted. I saw Jimin run up to me. His mouth was moving but nothing was coming out. The world around me was spinning. He pulled me up and ran as best as he could helping me along. My vision was not getting any better, and I could feel my heart beating and pulsing in my brain. Nothing made any sense to me.

The only sound I heard was Jimin's heavy breathing and his footsteps on the forest floor. That's the last thing I remember before blacking out.

Masterlist

[wircdhcarts]

MUSE INTERVIEW.

BASICS:

► NAME ➔   ❝ Terri Rees Driscoll. ❞

► ARE YOU SINGLE? ➔   ❝ ...Yes. ❞

► ARE YOU HAPPY? ➔   ❝ Do I have a reason not to be? ❞

► ARE YOU ANGRY? ➔   ❝ Maybe. ❞

► ARE YOUR PARENTS STILL MARRIED? ➔   ❝ ...No. My mother’s fucking dead. ❞

NINE FACTS:

► BIRTHPLACE ➔  ❝ Cardiff. ❞

► HAIR COLOR ➔  ❝ Brown. ❞

► EYE COLOUR➔  ❝ Cyan. ❞

► BIRTHDAY ➔  ❝ June 10th. ❞

► MOOD ➔  ❝ Aren’t you just tired of being nice? Don’t you just wanna go apeshit? Because that’s my mood. ❞

► GENDER ➔   ❝ Male. ❞

► SUMMER OR WINTER? ➔   ❝ Winter. Cold like my heart. ❞ Fucking Emo.

► MORNING OR AFTERNOON? ➔   ❝ Afternoon. ❞

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE:

► ARE YOU IN LOVE? ➔   ❝ No. ❞

► DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? ➔   ❝ Uh-- fuck if I know. ❞

► WHO ENDED YOUR LAST RELATIONSHIP? ➔   ❝ No one? ❞

► HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN SOMEONE’S HEART? ➔   ❝ My own? ❞

► ARE YOU AFRAID OF COMMITMENTS? ➔   ❝ No? I’m committed to protecting what my mother tried to protect, so... ❞

► HAVE YOU HUGGED SOMEONE WITHIN THE LAST WEEK? ➔   ❝ My little sister. ❞

► HAVE YOU EVER HAD A SECRET ADMIRER? ➔   ❝ No..? ❞

► HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN YOUR OWN HEART? ➔   ❝ My heart has been dead since seven years ago. ❞

FOUR CHOICES:

► LEMONADE OR ICE TEA? ➔   ❝ Fuck the two of them, coffee. ❞

► CATS OR DOGS? ➔   ❝ Both. ❞

► A FEW BEST FRIENDS OR MANY REGULAR FRIENDS? ➔   ❝ Few best friends. ❞

► DAY OR NIGHT? ➔   ❝ Night. ❞

FOUR THREE ‘HAVE YOU EVERS’:

► FALLEN DOWN / UP THE STAIRS? ➔   ❝ Yes. ❞

► WANTED SOMEONE / SOMETHING SO BADLY IT HURT? ➔   ❝ I’ve wanted my mother back. ❞

► WANTED TO DISAPPEAR? ➔   ❝ ...Yes. ❞

FAMILY:

► DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GET ALONG? ➔   ❝ Yeah, we do. ❞

► WOULD YOU SAY YOU HAVE A “MESSED UP LIFE?” ➔   ❝ Uh-- sort of. ❞

► HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN KICKED OUT? ➔   ❝ Nope. ❞

FRIENDS.

► DO YOU SECRETLY HATE ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS? ➔  ❝ No. ❞

► DO YOU CONSIDER ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS GOOD FRIENDS? ➔  ❝ Yeah, I do. ❞

► WHO KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU? ➔   ❝ My dad and sister, and my best friend. ❞

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

BASICS:

► NAME ➔   ❝ Tara Gabrielle Driscoll! ❞

► ARE YOU SINGLE? ➔  ❝ What’s that? ❞

► ARE YOU HAPPY? ➔   ❝ Yes! ❞

► ARE YOU ANGRY? ➔   ❝ Nooo..? ❞

► ARE YOUR PARENTS STILL MARRIED? ➔   There’s silence. No answer from her.

NINE FACTS:

► BIRTHPLACE ➔   ❝ Uh-- my daddy says I was born in Prince Charles Hospital..? ❞

► HAIR COLOR ➔   ❝ B-- no, can’t lie, I... ❞ There’s a pause, ❝ White. ❞

► EYE COLOUR➔   ❝ Reeeeed! ❞

► BIRTHDAY ➔   ❝ October 9th! ❞

► MOOD ➔   ❝ I want Mammy’s pie right now..! ❞ Is that even a mood?

► GENDER ➔   ❝ I’m a girl! ❞

► SUMMER OR WINTER? ➔   ❝ Summer!! ❞

► MORNING OR AFTERNOON? ➔   ❝ Morningggg! ❞

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE:

► ARE YOU IN LOVE? ➔   ❝ No..? ❞

► DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? ➔   ❝ Yes! Like in stories! ❞

► WHO ENDED YOUR LAST RELATIONSHIP? ➔   ❝ No one..??? ❞

► HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN SOMEONE’S HEART? ➔   ❝ N-- no? ❞

► ARE YOU AFRAID OF COMMITMENTS? ➔   ❝ What’s that mean? ❞

► HAVE YOU HUGGED SOMEONE WITHIN THE LAST WEEK? ➔   ❝ YES! I hugged Mammy and my big brother! ❞

► HAVE YOU EVER HAD A SECRET ADMIRER? ➔   ❝ No? ❞ Cough cough Nicholas.

► HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN YOUR OWN HEART? ➔   ❝ No..? ❞

FOUR CHOICES:

► LEMONADE OR ICE TEA? ➔   ❝ Lemonade! ❞

► CATS OR DOGS? ➔   ❝ BOTH!! I LOVE BOTH! ❞

► A FEW BEST FRIENDS OR MANY REGULAR FRIENDS? ➔   ❝ Few best friends!! ❞

► DAY OR NIGHT? ➔   ❝ Day! ❞

FOUR THREE ‘HAVE YOU EVERS’:

► FALLEN DOWN / UP THE STAIRS? ➔   ❝ Uh... I fell down! In general! ❞

► WANTED SOMEONE / SOMETHING SO BADLY IT HURT? ➔   ❝ I.... wanted to meet my real Mammy. ❞

► WANTED TO DISAPPEAR? ➔   ❝ No..? ❞

FAMILY:

► DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GET ALONG? ➔   ❝ I love love love my family! ❞

► WOULD YOU SAY YOU HAVE A “MESSED UP LIFE?” ➔   ❝ Nope! ❞

► HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN KICKED OUT? ➔   ❝ Nnnnnope! ❞

FRIENDS.

► DO YOU SECRETLY HATE ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS? ➔   ❝ No! I couldn’t! ❞

► DO YOU CONSIDER ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS GOOD FRIENDS? ➔   ❝ I love all my friends!!! ❞

► WHO KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU? ➔   ❝ Uh-- Terri, and Daddy. Maybe Nick, too! ❞

TAGGED BY: @sxvethequeen thank you

TAGGING: @a-persevering-soul, @the-starlit-souls, @seven-bitter-souls