#roddy raising his hand like OH OH ME I KNOW I KNOW and not waiting to blurt out the answer or he will die

[ratatatastic]

quite frankly im so shocked that roddy would be most excited to return to his fatherland go to finland. truly.

"Is there any of your non-Finnish teammates who've picked up some Finnish? Has Evan Rodrigues learned any words just because he's played with you and Eetu a lot?" "No, he thinks he can—some words in Finnish but he's probably the guy who thinks he knows the most Finnish and probably knows the most Finnish of the guys in the team but..." "He's gotta say 'kiitos' after that pass last night! I mean, that was a nice setup!" "Yeah, yeah, exactly."

honestly im SHOCKED that mr hot rod would ever be named in relation to finland.

who couldve forseen any of this coming? like honestly? surprising. shocking. my gasteds have been flabbered.

we live in a society truly

THERES MORE FROM MR HALF FINNISH RODDY WHOS IN EVERY FINNS BUSINESS

at this point it's become deeply comical... making history in finland... continuing to score goals despite not being in finland anymore precisely because of the robes... "im gonna have to keep it going then huh?"... sweet mary and joseph

[runningwolf62]

Sounds, Echoing Around

So for everyone not in DMs with me and @wardencommanderrodimiss my boy Brennan has ADHD and that now manifests, in part, as a sensitivity to magic. Namely, that he can hear it as background noise, the way a lot of people with ADHD hear electricity. So that's the idea we've been going feral over today. So here, Brennan as companion, dealing with auditory parts of ADHD. Some of Ena's dialogue is Roddy's, all of this is self-indulgent as a guy who can hear the fridge at work hum.

-

“Hold up,” Brennan called, turning his head at a familiar sound. The group stumbled to a halt, Ena and Esti waiting immediately, Cassandra and Varric were a bit slower to halt, while Solas had already stopped when Brennan had started looking around.

Ena turned to him curiously, “something wrong?”

“There’s a shard here.” Brennan examined the bush a moment, decided it wouldn’t give him a rash if he climbed around in it,and shoved through it, following the soft hissing until… “Found it!”

He emerged holding it triumphantly, “that’s all.”

The entire group was staring at him, Brennan slowly lowered his arm, looking to Esti and Ena for support. “Uh, what?”

Cassandra sighed heavily, “can you just find them now?" It was some mix of curiosity, and Brennan thought, scorn. He flinched back, he knew Ena was curious about them so he’d gone after it.

"Well now I know what they sound like." He explained hesitantly, “so when I heard this one I thought I’d grab it, so we don’t have to look around for it later.”

Cassandra stared at him blankly. "... What."

Solas stepped forward, to take the shard from him, and give him a curious look, "please explain, Brennan."

Brennan looked between all of them, "the shards whisper, ya know? That's all I've got for you. Can’t you hear them?”

The dead silence that met his question was answer enough. “Oh.”

Solas moved to hand the shard over to Ena, while Varric massaged the bridge of his nose, Brennan had the sinking feeling he’d somehow done something wrong. He needed to fix it, before it blew up in his face. “I- I just wanted to help.”

Ena watched him, confusion and concern slipped from her face into her words as she spoke. “So… these shards, which people set up the skulls of murdered Tranquil to find, whisper to you and only you. …I’ve got nothing. Solas? Should we worry about Brennan?”

“I didn’t know it was only me!” Brennan burst out, “I mean, now that you put it like that, I’m concerned too, but I thought you all could hear them too.”

The murdered Tranquil still bothered him. He’d remembered them from his days in the circle, how they seemed so empty. Too still, too… like statues. Like some horrifying mockery of living. It unnerved him, that he’d be expected to have the power to do that to someone. He still skittered away from the ones Mineave had brought with her. He’d been grateful to see them alive, especially after the horrifying discovery of the piles of skulls, because even if it was a twisted way of it, it was still living. It wasn’t… whatever this was.

He’d thought it had been cost effectiveness. That those who had done this hadn’t wanted to scour wide fields like this to possibly hear the whispers.

“Did the Templars do something to me?” He asked, panic starting to sink in, as everyone shared uneasy looks.

“Now, now hold on.” Varric stepped forward, raising a hand, “easy there Stargazer. How long have you been able to hear this whole, whispering thing?”

“Since we first found the shards.”

Varric nodded slowly, “alright. And, this is important, are they telling you to do anything?”

Brennan shook his head quickly, “it’s, I think it’s voices but they’re not- distinct. It’s not words at all, and not even to me. I’m just overhearing it. Not… being commanded or anything. And it stops when we touch them.”

“Curious.” Solas mused, clearly thinking, while Varric looked relieved.

“Alright. They start making sense, you tell us. Right away.”

“Of course!” Brennan nodded rapidly, “I’m not- I mean I know I probably sound stupid, but I really didn’t know-”

“Brennan.” Ena said gently, “no one’s mad. We don’t think you were stupid, or knowingly hiding anything from us.”

Esti piped up now, “yeah, we trust you Brennan.” She flashed him a grin, “just makes finding shards easier.”

“I wonder…” Solas was still musing, “Brennan, you and I were discussing the Fade, and you mentioned, you’ve always had very vivid dreams?”

Brennan nodded, “yes.”

“Perhaps Brennan simply has some connection to the Fade, unseen before.”

“But then, why the Tranquil?” Brennan asked, swallowing hard, “the entire point is to cut them off from the Fade, if I’m the opposite, why can I also find them?”

“You’re also alive.” Varric pointed out, and muttered something about spirits and magic.

Cassandra spoke, “the Seekers of Truth pull our abilities not from magic or lyrium. Perhaps, you likewise have an alternative source. It is strange, but what isn’t these days?”

“Cheers to that, Seeker.”

Brennan nodded, and pursed his lips before speaking, “I- there is something else.”

Varric visibly tensed, but Ena and Solas regarded him with a calm curiosity.

“If it’s quiet enough, because it’s not a particularly loud sound, I can hear spells as they’re being cast. First noticed it in the Templars. It was the one thing my teachers liked. I was the first to respond to a spell being cast.”

“Had to make it weird, didn’t you?” he kicked himself, with Maxwell’s voice, as he looked around at people he’d thought might come to like him, all giving him strange looks.

It was Solas who spoke finally. “When I get a chance, I will seek out spirits, those who have interacted with mages and see if something like this has ever been seen before.”

Brennan swallowed, and nodded in thanks.

Esti fell back as the group started moving again, to bump into his shoulder. “What does magic sound like?”

“It’s this quiet hum. That’s why I can’t usually hear you all cast when we’re fighting, but if it’s quiet? I can hear it as you prepare and cast.”

“Sounds neat.”

“It kind of is.”

“Plus we have you to find shards now.” Esti grimaced, “rather than skulls.”

“We should still look for the skulls,” Brennan remarked quietly. “I don’t know if we could ever identify them, but we shouldn’t leave them out here on fence posts and tree stumps.”

Esti nodded in agreement.

---

The conversation came up again a few times, but only in passing. They joked about not needing a mabari when Brennan could track down shards as well as he could.

Ena had playfully asked him for help tracking down artifacts for Solas, only for them all to discover that Brennan could find them. Or at least the area the noise was coming from which helped them narrow down searches.

And then things had started happening, rapidly.

The confrontation at Redcliffe, and the strange spell.

(“Did that have a sound?” Solas had asked him later, Brennan had shaken his head. “I don’t know. There was so much, I couldn’t- I wasn’t listening for it. I’m sorry.”)

The sealing of the breach, and celebration. Brennan’s attempt to flirt with Dorian cut short by the subsequent attack on them.

Esti screaming at him as he pulled her away, as he silently tried to promise Ena that he’d take care of her, whatever happened.

A desperate flight from Haven, and an ensuing avalanche, that left his ears ringing from the echoes of collapsing snow.

-

Brennan wished his hearing was better for something like this, he’d thought, as he and Esti had stumbled back out into the snow for look for Ena, Esti refusing to believe her sister wasn’t following them, and Brennan unwilling to not let her look.

The wolves and wind howling around them was all he could hear though.

“Ena!”

Esti’s voice rang out, and Brennan all but leapt through the snow drifts to reach her, ignoring the crying of voices behind him, to reach the two who’d offered him more than anyone else in his life ever had.

Ena was collapsing, but Brennan caught her, to prop her up.

“Hey. Hey, you didn’t make it this far to collapse on us now.” He nudged her, “Ena. Ena, please.”

Her response was something he couldn’t make out through everyone speaking at once turning into a wall of noise around him. “Come on.” He nearly elbowed the person who tried to take her from him before realizing it was Cullen.

“I’ve got her.” Brennan thought that was what he said, the cacophony was still undecipherable to him. He nodded jerkily, and fell back, to let Esti hover around Cullen as he carried Ena to their temporary camp.

Brennan had fallen back from the crowd, to where Solas stood, both of them frowning as the song echoed off the mountains.

“It’s a beautiful song.” Brennan remarked absently, Solas turned to look at him from the corner of his eyes, “I did love singing when I was in the Chantry.” He folded his arms and braced against the wind. He’d loved how the songs sounded in the Chantries, how the stones made the voices echo, the harmony. He did not offer his voice now, no longer forced to play the role of dutiful and faithful.

Solas nodded slightly, so Brennan continued, “but this… It gives them hope. What does it give Ena?”

“A group of people dependent on her. That idolize her.”

Brennan scoffed slightly, “I’m not singing for that.”

Solas smiled faintly, and Brennan let him slip away to talk to Ena, while he looked for Esti.

As he crossed the camp, he paused, eyes falling on a young man, who looked up, hat obscuring his face, and seemed surprised at Brennan’s eyes on him, where he stood next to Chancellor Rodrick.

Brennan gave him a small nod before continuing, until he found his friend, who immediately embraced him in a hug.

“Your shem songs are weird. How do they all know all the words?”

“Chantry song, but it would burn my heretic tongue to sing.”

The sound of Esti’s laughter, in his chest, he heard quite clearly.

-

The trek to Skyhold was a rush, Ena often calling on him to scout ahead with her. He wasn’t sure why she didn’t pick someone like Harding, but with Solas’s instructions, Ena guided them all forward.

“One of the wagons in the supply caravan makes a weird noise when it moves,” Brennan remarked, coming up on Esti, where she was speaking to her advisors. “I think the front left wheel is rattling.”

“You couldn’t hear me speaking to you last night, but you could hear that?” Cullen asked, staring at him, Brennan shrugged his shoulders.

“I was lost in thought. Sky is so clear up here.” His breath billowed around him, “I’ve never gotten such a view of the stars before.”

Ena smiled faintly, “Cullen, leave him be. But do check that wagon wheel.” Cullen bowed slightly and left to do that, Brennan turned fully to Ena now.

“Orders for me?”

“Get some rest. I need you in the front, you’re one of our best scouts, I can’t have an avalanche hit us now.”

Brennan nodded, and then paused, “Ena? Who’s the-” His mind went blank, thoughts of whoever he intended to ask about gone.

“Brennan?”

“Nevermind, I just… completely forgot what I was going to ask.”

Ena’s smile was slight, but it was fond. It was not Maxwell’s sneer, Evelyn’s rolled eyes. Their parents disgust that he could forget mid sentence.

“Well, if you remember, you know where to find me.”

“Will do!”

---

It was only once they were well settled into Skyhold that the problem finally came to a head.

Varric had organized a Wicked Grace game that’d turned into a gathering rather than anything else. Brennan and Josephine were exchanging stories about one particular family from the Free Marches, Brennan leaned against Dorian, who made no move to dislodge him as they talked, when a different conversation suddenly included him.

“Brennan, I have only just remembered something.”

Brennan turned his head to look at Dorian, “hmmm? How dashing you are? I thought you were quite aware of that.”

A warm chuckle came from the man, “I heard a rumor, that you can hear the shards?”

Brennan went still, as eyes turned to him, conversations ending to see what this was about. “I- yes. We don’t know why.”

“I think I do.” Dorian looked around, “where did he- Cole?”

“He’s next to Solas, on the side not between him and Ena.” Brennan nudged him and pointed. “I don’t know how you all lose him so easily.”

“I stick to you, in ways I don’t for others. But I don’t stick for you the ways I do for others. Easily seen, but easily forgotten. Things slip from your mind, I can slip with them when I want.”

Brennan frowned slightly, “I think that’s the nicest way anyone’s ever said I’m forgetful.”

“I’ve met guys like you, actually.” Bull spoke up, “couldn’t remember where they left the stein they just had, but could recall the most obscure detail about things they cared about. Often times they could do a job perfectly, if you knew the job to give ‘em.”

Brennan didn’t want to admit he didn’t know where he’d set his drink down while he’d been gossiping with Josephine, “was… was there a way to fix it?”

“What, you mean like the reeducators?” Bull shook his head, “nah. They’d teach you how to think, but there’s something off about how your thoughts work. Wouldn’t work.”

“Thoughts race, jump, like rabbits, or fennecs. Cole looks like a fennec, his hat flaps like their ears. Small, quick. Quick with daggers. Why do daggers work on spirits? Is it because they believe they should? Fennec slips away, out racing dogs, Cole slips from thoughts.”

Brennan winced slightly, Cole also flinched. “No. That’s not right. It hurts, and your thoughts scatter. One grabs the hurt and won’t let go, and you try to distract it, all while listening. So much to listen to, Dorian’s warm against my back, breaths steady, Varric’s boots scuff the floor, Sera’s chair creaks, she can’t sit still, her leg bounces, yours must.”

Brennan frowned at Cole, as his leg began to bounce, “Cole, I try not to bounce my leg.”

“Because the Templars hated that you did it. That you couldn’t sit still.”

Brennan nodded and shrugged his shoulders, which slid against Dorian’s shoulder, where Brennan was resting his back against him. “It’s just how it is. I’m not good at doing things right.”

Vivienne leaned forward slightly, “my dear, do your thoughts always race like this?”

Brennan nodded and gave a little shrug, “I mean, when I’m focused on something, they don’t. When I’m reading or studying about the stars. But I can’t always focus like that.”

“Maxwell sneers at a blurted out comment, you can’t correct fast enough. You still feel him staring as you stop to talk to Harding, saw a buck in rut want to remind her to let the scouts know to watch, conversation, but you can hear the merchants, hear Cassandra training, hear Sera on the roof, warn her about the lose shingle, Meryden sings, the words blend together, Krem’s armor, you know without seeing he’s standing on the chair again, Hardings words blend, you have missed the question. You ask her to repeat it. Halfway through, you blurt out the answer over her. Maxwell would disapprove.”

Brennan shook his head, and flushed in embarrassment. “Yeah. That happened earlier.”

Dorian’s arm snaked around his waist to keep him from moving, Brennan went still, half out of his chair.

“I didn’t ask to unearth all that. I asked because Cole made a comment earlier, and I had a thought.”

Brennan gestured with one hand, “out with it then.” He stared at his legs rather than anyone.

“Hang on, that’s normal though, innit?” Sera chimed up, “to hear all that? It’s not like the courtyard’s quiet. And I know about the loose shingle, don’t worry, gonna kick it at the head of the next uppity visitor. But Brennan, that’s all normal stuff. Everyone thinks like that.”

“My dear, most of us do not.”

Brennan sank into his chair slightly, definitely unable to meet anyone’s gaze now. “So, there is something wrong with me.”

“Darling, at no point have I ever believed that.” Vivienne’s voice was firm, but not harsh. “You make missteps, but you are quick to correct them. I think I speak for everyone at this table when I assure you, whatever might be different about you, it is not a flaw.”

“Sheesh, you never say stuff like that to me.”

“I don’t show her my ass Sera.” Brennan fired back, unable to stop himself, Sera blew a raspberry at him.

“A shame, yours would be finer viewing.”

“Dorian, that’s just encouraging her to steal my pants.”

“His belt at least. Gift it to ya, add it to yer collection.”

“What was the thought you had, Dorian?” Brennan cut in, shifting to try to pull away from him, “so we can move on.”

“Cole, you mentioned you can hear the fade around us when we cast, yes?”

“It whispers, and sings, of things far away, and dreams of things that could be.”

“Yes, that.” Dorian released Brennan, shifting around behind him until he could make Brennan look at him. “And it made me remember that I’d heard you can hear shards and spells. And I was wondering, is that what you hear?”

Brennan shook his head, “not- maybe? I think I’ve heard that, or something like it. But usually it’s this… It’s hard to explain. Like…” he gestured with his hands, before staring at Dorian, “I don’t know how to explain it. There’s this hum. I can just hear it. The shards whisper. Magic has this humming to it. It’s not unpleasant, and it’s not really distinct. Like you can’t tell bumblebees apart. Maybe, if I only listened, I’d hear something different eventually or that would be me losing my mind more than I already have.”

Dorian’s hands found his wrists, and Esti’s hand was on his shoulder, and Ena got up to come over to him.

“They don’t think you’ve lost your mind,” Cole spoke, “they just want to understand.”

Brennan let out a heavy breath and looked at Dorian, “I don’t know.”

“And that’s alright. We know it’s not dangerous, to you, or us.” Dorian spoke but Ena squeezed his shoulder.

“It seems to be, I suspect, a mix of something about the way you perceive the world, and a natural affinity for the Fade.” Solas finally spoke, “it is nothing dangerous, inherently. I imagine it does make life difficult at points.”

“It calls to him, like all sounds do. Like how it calls to everyone, but he heeds it. You hear it because you listen for it.”

“Fade shit’s weird enough Stargazer. This is just a bit of being a person weird with being connected to the fade weird.” Brennan turned from Dorian to see Varric at the head of the table. “You’re fine.”

Brennan blinked, and swallowed and nodded, not sure he could speak right now, as others confirmed the same.

“And if yer crazy, I am too, and we crazies gotta stick together.” Sera punched him lightly on the arm, “even if yer fade crazy.”

“Right.” Brennan managed, and offered a smile to the group. “But I’m guessing we’ll be doing some experiments?”

Ena squeezed his shoulders, “only if you want to.” 

“You’re one of us, Bren. That’s all you need to be.” Esti gently poked him in the back so he’d turn to look at his best friend. “Weird fade stuff or not.”

“Right.” Dorian had released his wrists, but Brennan touched his arm now. “And thanks. For thinking to ask. That’s… a relief, really. To know it might just be I can hear things other people don’t. And not… Maker, I’ve been wondering if something happened to me in Templar training or something.”

“That, I can put to rest.” Cullen had been quiet until now, “there’s nothing the Templars do that would make you more sensitive to the Fade. You simply are.” He sighed softly, “once I would’ve never said this, but, there’s nothing wrong with that. It just is.”

“I mean, as long as I’m not at risk of being possessed?” Brennan looked to Solas, who shook his head quickly. “Right. Then, uh. This has been… a lot. Can. Can we talk about something else for a bit?”

“Sure. Here, I’ve got a story for you all, I’ll even tell one about Hawke, just for you Stargazer.” Varric settled back in his chair, “let me see. I think the dragon fight might be a good one.”

As Bull cheered for the choice, Esti leaned into Brennan, and Dorian rested his hand on Brennan’s leg.

And oddly, the specter of Maxwell, that so often loomed when Brennan felt emotionally drained, seemed to have no power, as Varric began his tale.

[visionarystoryteller]

Everybody Talks|| Love For Noella Levesque

*part of ‘Love For Noella Levesque OC World*

For weeks, all that was talked about was Noellas betrayal to her dad and the WWE. Noella took a break from her socials and went radio silent on a lot of her WWE friends. Her father called almost everyday but she just kept screening his calls.

Noella enjoyed working with AEW and Tony. Tony reminded her a lot of herself and they got a long like brother and sister. She really was enjoying herself a lot.

Then there was Max. Max and Noella kept up quite the flirtation with each other but never really making much of moves. Max was waiting for the right moment and Noella was just trying to not think about everything happening with the dirt sheets and tabloids. It was quite tiresome.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.

Noella was sitting at production, on her phone scrolling through her socials. She hadn’t been on them in a minute and knew she would have to release some type of statement soon. Her father and the WWE have still been closed off about commenting on anything which surprised Noella, but she also knew they wanted more from Noella.

“Alright which one of them do I have to punch” Max says upon sitting down next to Noella at production. Noella looks over at him.

“Nobody Max…just thinking about releasing a statement…” Noella says. Max nods slowly.

“You don’t owe anyone anything sweetheart, you know that” Max says. Noella breathes out.

“I hate being looked at like I betrayed people Max.” Noella says with a sad tone. Max gave her a sad smile.

“I did everything for them. To make them proud and happy but nothing worked. I’m tired of it Max” Noella says looking over at max with sad eyes.

“Fuck do I know that…but sweetheart I’m proud of you and I think you’re doing amazing. You don’t owe anyone anything because you know who you are, not them.” Max says. Noella sadly smiles at max.

“Everybody talks sweetheart. Makes them feel less like losers” Max states. Noella nods agreeing.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.

@NoellaALev: it is without malice to anyone within my family or the WWE that I left. I wanted to pursue something new and exciting. That is all.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.

Noella sat in production watching as Max was in the ring talking. Her eyes were basically glued to the screen.

“You know you both do this thing when y’all stare at each other and it usually looks like your constipated” Austin says sitting down next to Noella. Noella looked over at him and laughed.

“You’re horrible Austin” she laughs. He shrugs.

“I’ve hung around Max to long” He chuckled out.

“Now we both know it was Riley and Roddy get out of here with your shit” Noella laughs moving his foot off her leg.

“So quick to stand up for him, you really do like him don’t you” Austin smirks. Noella rolls her eyes.

“Eat shit Jenkins. Don’t you, oh I don’t know, need to go be a supportive boyfriend to britt?” Noella sasses. Austin raises his hands in defense before standing up.

“Alright alright damn sis” Austin says turning and walking away. Noella giggled before looking back at the monitors. Max was making his way up the ramp and into the back. Noella looked over to where Max walked through and his eyes found hers. He gave her a wink and made his way over to her. She turned her chair a little and Max leaned both his hands on her arm rest and moved into her neck to give her a kiss. Once it was planted he moved out of her neck and kissed the crown of her head.

“You smell so good all the time, makes me wonder if you taste good too “ max says quietly. He quickly moves his head back into her neck and swipes his tongue over her neck, eliciting a giggle out of Noella. Max quietly groaned and pulled away. Noella pulled on Max’s scarf and held it in her hands, keeping Max close. The pair stared at each other for a moment, the air between the two becoming intense. That was until Noellas phone went off. Noella closed her eyes and slowly let go of Max’s scarf. She looked over at the table and picked up her phone and sighed. It was her dad’s bestfriend, her fake uncle, Shawn. She had screened so many of her dad’s calls that now he was resorting to Shawn, at least she thought. Max pulled at her hand and pulled her up and moved her around. He sat where she was sitting and she looked at him with question.

“Max there’s another chai-“ before she could finish her sentence, Max pulled her onto his lap and clicked the accept button on the call for her.

“I’m right here” max whispers holding onto her leg near her knee. Noella nodded and put the phone to her ear.

“Hello?” She says.

“Wow no Hi Uncle Shawn!” Shawn playfully says. Noella wants to break. Shawn was always good to her. Maxs hand soothingly moves up and down her leg.

“Sorry, hi uncle Shawn” she says.

“Hey kiddo. How’s everything?” Shawn asks.

“Is this you asking or my dad…” she sighs out. Shawn releases a breath.

“Myself. Your dad…your dad has been silent on all that’s been going on with you. Vince is on his ass but we both know it’s nothing new for him. I wanted to call to see how you were holding up. I’ve seen whats been going on. I know you Noella Ann, probably better than your father does…talk to me.” Shawn sighs out. Noella felt a tear slip down her face.

“Yea…well. I’m hanging in there…I’ve kinda been screening dad’s calls…our last conversation didn’t go great…told him to not expect me at family gatherings as I saw where I stood” Noella says chewing her lip.

“You can always come spend holidays with me kiddo. You know we love having you around.” Shawn says.

“I know, but I already told Max I’d spend it with him and Piper” Noella says looking over Max who had a smirk on his face. Noella smiles at him and looked down at his hand that was on her leg and saw his dynamite ring, max watching her. She ran her fingers over it absentmindedly as she heard Shawn chuckle through the phone.

“Ooooooohhhh I seeeeee” Shawn laughs. Noella giggles and shakes her head.

“Stop” she whines.

“So I’m assuming you really like him then” Shawn encourages. Noella looks over at Max and pokes his nose, watching him scrunch his face but a small smile trying to break through.

“Yea I think so” she smiles brightly. Max watches as her face lights up and can’t help but smile at her. She was so beautiful to him.

“Does he treat you right?” Shawn asks.

“Without a doubt” Noella says.

“Then I can’t wait to meet him” Shawn says, making Noella smile.

“I know things are rough right now but your dad does love you Noella…I gotta go, I’m guest appearing tonight, if you need anything call me.” Shawn says. Noella chews her lip nodding.

“Okay, good luck” she says.

“I love you Noella, like my own, bye” Shawn says.

“Love you too uncle Shawn, bye” Noella says and hangs up the phone, looking off at the wall. Max pats her thigh.

“Cmon sweetheart, we have a flight to catch in 2 hours” Max says looking at his wrist. Noella looked at him.

“You’re traveling with me this time not Austin and Britt” Max says helping you off his lap.

“Well okay then” Noella says. Max chuckles and grabs ahold of Noellas hand and walks to his locker room to get his bag.

[noforkingclue]

Y/n losing a bet with Louisa where loser has to go on a date with Roddy (bonus points if Marcus bet on Y/N and lost, while Shirley bet on Louisa and won, and her rubbing it on his face what a terrible gambler he is.)

So I was planning on waiting to publish this but then I remembered I'm going to be busy all weekend and won't have time.

Thank you for sending in more things with everyone's favourite disaster spies. Please feel free to send in more things with them :)

Hope you like the fic!!!

Title: Winners and Losers

“Come on, best two out of three.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Why? Afraid to lose?”

“You’ve already fucking lost.”

“Maybe we should give y/n another chance?”

“Well I agree with Louisa. Y/n lost, she should accept it with fucking grace. It’s not my fault that you’re shit at gambling Marcus.”

“All I’m saying is that if Louisa is so confident in her abilities then she shouldn’t have an issue in going for a second round.”

“Oi,” Lamb stuck his head into the room, “what the fuck are you idiots arguing about.”

You were sitting on top of the table, head in hands. Roddy was smirking at you, rocking side to side in his swivel chair. If you had to see that look on his face you would definitely punch him.

“Well,” Marcus said, “You know that plan that River came up with?”

“‘Course I fucking do. I was there.” snapped Lamb

“Well we were taking bets on who should go out with Roddy,” Marcus said quietly, “between y/n and Louisa.”

“You didn’t fancy it Shirley?” asked Lamb with a smirk as he lit a cigarette

“Not if you wanted him,” Shirely jerked her head over at Roddy, “dead.”

“So it was between the lovely Louisa and the beautiful y/n,” smirked Roddy, “although I’d be happy with-”

“Alright, alright,” interrupted Lamb, “just skip to the fucking end.”

“I fucking lost.” you muttered softly

“A lot of women would say that you won.” said Roddy

You raised your head but Marcus put a hand on your shoulder to stop you from attacking the smirking computer expert.

“And who’s bright idea was it to place a bet against fucking addict?” asked Lamb although he was already looking at Roddy.

Roddy just shrugged and turned his back on the group.

“If you can’t handle it then you shouldn’t play the game,” he glanced over his shoulder at you and winked, “Y/n, I’ll pick you up at seven and make sure you're on time.”

“Oh yeah,” you said, rolling your eyes, “because you’re such a fucking gentleman.”

“That I am.”

Now it was your time to smirk. You hopped off the desk and slowly sauntered over to Roddy. You spun his chair around so he was facing you. You put your hands on the arm rests, boxing him in. Roddy folded his arms and said,

“Already coming around I see.”

“Well you did say that you’re a gentleman and you know what a gentleman does?”

Roddy leant upwards, brushing his nose against yours. You were vaguely aware of a commotion behind you but you ignored it and said,

“He’d pay for dinner and drinks.”

“Of cour- wait what?”

You jumped away and said,

“Great, thanks! Looking forward to the free food and drinks.”

“No, no, no,” Roddy stood up, “I’m not fucking paying!”

“But you said you’re a gentleman,” you pouted, “you wouldn’t lie to me.”

“I can claim it back on expenses.” said Roddy

“No you fucking can’t.” came Lamb’s voice from his office

You patted Roddy’s cheek as he stared at you in shock before you left the room. You could hear the others arguing but you had more important things to do. You almost bumped into Standish and she gave you a confused look.

“Do I want to know what happened?” she asked

“Managed to get a free meal out of Roddy and it’s only going to cost my sanity,” you said, “You seen Cartwright?”

“Yes he’s just outside.”

“Great, thanks!”

You stormed out of the building and glared at River from the top of the stairs. River took one look at your face and you could tell that he was debating running away but you were quicker. You grabbed his arm and dragged him away from the street. When the two of you were in a quiet corner you jabbed him on the chest.

“Ow!” he said, “What the fuck was that for?”

“Why the fuck did you suggest Ho for this mission?” you snapped

“Because he, unfortunately, has the skills we need. Wait, don’t fucking tell him I said that.”

“Well I’m choosing you as backup.”

“So you’re stuck as his date,” River’s face broke out in a grin, “Have fun.”

“Well you’re going to be stuck with us.”

“I’m not sure Roddy will agree if I’m there crashing your date.”

“You’re so desperate to get back into the field you can help me with this. You don’t have to be sitting with us. You can be at the bar or acting like someone unsurprisingly stood you up for a date. Because when I inevitably murder Ho I’m going to need someone to help me dispose of the body. ”

[needs-to-stop-looking-at-valves]

how about some old perverted tfa magnus having his way with roddy and op? :3c

So I know the anon that sent this in- they meant 'sentinel' not Optimus. So it's magnus, sentinel, and rodimus. With that out of the way, let's go!

"Ultra Magnus sir. The new Prime's are here to see you."

Ultra Magnus looked up from his paperwork. Thank Primus, he was getting bored of this. It was important, sure, but when there was the manner of the ceremony, everything else was awfully boring. He got up from his desk, and allowed himself to be lead to the waiting room. And upon seeing them- he immediately felt a twinge of excitement. They were so...young. So smooth in the frame and fresh in the face. Untouched by war. Pure. He listened to them for a moment, trying to decide who to take first.

"Dude how can you NOT be excited for this? We get to be PRIMES!"

"I'm excited to be a prime. I'm not excited to have this dumb ceremony for it. I wish it was like, a certificate in the mail or something, not some closeted thing. What's the point of this status if I can't make everyone super jealous?"

Two oh so different personalities. How fun. Against his better judgment, he decided, this once, to have them BOTH. He stepped into view, catching both of their attentions.

"Rodimus and Sentinel, I presume?"

"That's us."

"It IS Rodimus, but most call me Roddy. YOU can totally call me whatever~"

He shot him finger guns, only to stop once Sentinel jabbed his shoulder.

"Shut it. Anyhow, we're ready to get this done and over with."

So impatient. So flirty. He liked them. He really did.

"Patience, young Sentinel. All in due time. Both of you follow me into the ceremony room."

"A whole room? For this? Sweet!"

Rodimus and Sentinel followed him. Both muttered between them, as if Magnus couldn't hear them. Rodimus was expecting a cake of some sort, Sentinel was expecting a 'bullshit lecture'. Wouldn't they be surprised. He made it to the room, shutting the door after they walked in. It was a relaxing looking room, full of comfy looking seats, including a rather nice looking berth. In a way, it looked like a glorified hotel room. Rodimus was excited, immediately hopping into berth with a laugh.

"Yo-Sentinel! Dig this berth! Soft as PITS!"

Sentinel raised a brow, turning to look at Magnus.

"Is the ceremony code for 'slumber party?'"

"Not quite. Please, join your friend for a moment, let me explain how this will work."

Sentinel obeyed, and Magnus spoke as he dug into the dresser.

"To become a prime is a very high honor. It stands for loyalty, dedication, the willingness to give for the greater good. Therefore, you must undergo a physical trial, conducted by me."

Rodimus grinned as he rolled on his stomach, flashing Magnus the finger guns.

"Physical trial? I'm liking what I'm hearing, boss bot~"

Sentinel rolled his optics, making Magnus chuckle. He approached them with a bowl of oil, and before either spoke again, Magnus dug his hands in the warm bowl, and pressed his oiled servos across their face. Sentinel thrashed a bit, while Rodimus sat there, confused. He pulled away, but only when he saw the softness in their optics. Rodimus giggled, lightly touching the oil on his face.

"Woah. Whoah. This stuff...smells good. Really good."

"I hate agreeing with you but...it does. I don't like it."

"Your pride doesn't have to like it. Just your body."

Sentinel was first. He grabbed him by his big chin, and pressed his lips against his. That oil tasted as good as ever. Sentinel put his hands on his chest, trying feebly to push him away. He was weak against him. Weak as Magnus put his weight on him, keeping him pinned between him and the berth. Sentinel didn't kiss back, not in protest, but in uncertainty.

A virgin prime. Quite the treat, and quite the rarity. He pulled away after a moment, watching as Sentinel gave him quite the nasty little look. He turned to Rodimus, who seemed to immediately reciprocate; holding onto his face and kissing him. It wasn't just any kiss, but a kiss that reeked in arousal. Glossa against his, hands roaming up and down his chest-Rodimus probably didn't even need the oil. Good, he liked it when a young mech genuinely wanted him.

"Both of you. Hands and knees, on the berth."

He wiped his lip with the back of his hand. Rodimus was a messy pup, it seemed. Rodimus obeyed promptly, while Sentinel sat there, clearly debating what to do. Thankfully, Rodimus gave Sentinel something he thrived on- competition.

"You can't cut it as a prime, fine, sit there and watch. I'll pick up your slack!"

Sentinel got on his hands and knees, in order to properly glare at Rodimus.

"Listen here you little glitch. You keep talking slag and I swear to Primus imma beat your a-ah!"

Ultra Magnus was tired of his prattle, and started to grope and fondle his panel, making poor Sentinel melt under his touch.

"Play nice, the both of you. This is not a test of hostility, but a test of endurance and willingness. Now sit there in silence, allow me a moment to deliberate."

He popped open both their panels, allowing his fingers to toy, palm, and even lightly pull on their wet little valves. He watched their reactions, debating who deserved to have his spike, and who deserved to watch in arousal. Rodimus pushed against his palm, biting his bottom lip, and clearly enjoying himself. Meanwhile Sentinel sat there, grumbling bitterly, avoiding eye contact, and drooling. He could usually tell who deserved it, but in this case, he was at a loss. Only one way to handle this sort of situation.

He popped open his spike panel, and pushed his spike into Rodimus's little valve. He sank onto the feeling, pushing his aft into him, and grinning as if he had just won something.

"Ho- sweet PRIMUS~"

Ultra Magnus rocked his hips back and forth slowly, testing the way Rodimus handled him.

"Very good, Rodimus. I'm impressed you're accommodating me so w-"

"You ain't seen ANYTHING yet!"

Rodimus pushed himself fully back, taking Magnus in fully. He nodded, really considering just plowing such a talented valve all night. Rodimus pouted once he pulled out, and pushed himself right into Sentinel. He pushed himself back and forth, and like any virgin valve, it held VERY nicely. But what REALLY sold him was Sentinel's reactions. He hid his blushing face in his hands, face burning and frame steaming, and not to mention his little whimpers and swearing underneath his breath.

Prideful, yet bashful. Overwhelmed, yet somehow unimpressed. Now this one. This one was the one he wanted. Rodimus seemed to catch onto this, huffing.

"Ugh. They ALWAYS go for the pillow princesses."

"It just means you get to be more creative in your approach, young Rodimus. Fret not, for I WILL help you."

Ultra Magnus resumed using his hand to toy with his valve, and that seemed to be enough for Rodimus to at least stop pouting. Sentinel was having quite the rough time though, shaking something fierce.

"T-trust me, if I could pass him off to you, I...would. He's...really going at it here."

Ultra Magnus couldn't disagree. He WAS bucking into poor Sentinel with more fervor than he was previously, starting to make fluids cascade down those perfect legs of his. Rodimus chuckled, scooting closer till he was shoulder to shoulder with Sentinel. Ultra Magnus was about to ask what he was doing, before Rodimus leaned over to kiss Sentinel. It was a sloppy kiss, and Ultra Magnus enjoyed the little show.

Enough to grab onto Sentinel's hips, and start to really buck against him again. It felt good, really getting into him, using him like a toy. It made him feel like a young mech again. Rodimus continued kissing him, muttering lewd things against his lips. Not to mention he had tucked a hand between his legs, starting to play with his node. It made Sentinel whimper and beg helplessly.

"That's it Sentinel. You're a real Prime, aren't ya? Taking a big Magnus spike like that? Getting all wet and needy. Gonna let him overload?"

Rodimus was quite the professional on the field. But in personal pursuits...he was immature and he was lewd. It was all so much for him, seeing two mechs support one another for a common goal. It was too much.

"Both of you, up. Quickly. Face me."

They both moved, sitting on their knees to face him. He pumped his spike quickly, slowly pushing himself to the brink. Rodimus, kind mech he was, leaned up to help, letting his small glossa lap at the precum that leaked from him. Then he overloaded. Rodimus was kind enough to help Sentinel, pulling his face closer in order to share the copious amount of hot, thick overload. Rodimus accepted it gratefully, smugly almost, while Sentinel accepted it with a great deal of humiliation. Such a lovely contrast.

"Hey Ultra Magnus- we should TOTALLY get a pic to celebrate to the occasion!"

Rodimus stuck his glossa out, letting overload hang from it. The future of Cybertron was clearly in VERY capable servos.

[inagetawaycarxo]

Haunted House | Undisputed Era

❛❛ And for the others haunted house with UE guys, surprise s/o with sexy costume-kyle O’Reilly, and for Dean Winchester the angel/demon au. I enjoy your writing.❜❜- @shieldgirl18​

Pairings: Undisputed Era x Reader, Adam Cole x Reader {Platonic},  Roderick Strong x Reader {Platonic},  Bobby Fish x Reader {Platonic},  Kyle O’Reilly x Reader {Love Interest}

Featuring: Y/n {Reader}, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Ghosts.

Summary: Y/n and the era boys go to a haunted house on Halloween, what could go wrong?

WARNINGS: haunted house, ghost activity, Roddy trying to scare the shit out of you, it is pick on y/n  day.

Word Count: 1380

A/N: y/n/n= your nickname….Got a UE or NXT or WWE request? Send it in! WWE requests are open…

You glared at the back of Roddy’s head. As he led the boys and you through a field of overgrown grass. He claimed that a haunted house was somewhere in the field.

“So, is Marina fine with you showing us this haunted house instead of trick or treating with Toy?” You spoke. Clutching Kyle’s hand. you hoped she wasn’t, so, you didn’t have to go to this haunted house. But luck wasn’t on your side that night.

“Yeah, she is totally cool with it.” Roddy spoke dismissively.

“Darn it.” You mumbled. Making Kyle chuckle beside you. it wasn’t that you were scared, well maybe a little, you just didn’t want an entity to attach itself to you or one of the boys.

Roddy stopped suddenly, causing you and the boys to stop as well. The boys and you looking at a house that looked like it was falling apart. You gulped.

“This is the place.” Roddy exclaimed excitedly.

“Yay.” You grumbled. Making Kyle smile.

“Come on, let’s go in.” Roddy demanded. Going into the house without waiting for Bobby, Adam, Kyle and you to respond.

“Don’t worry, babe I’ll protect you from the ghosts.” Kyle spoke. Winking at you, as he let go of your hand, and wrapped his arm around you pulling you closer to his side. You craned your neck to look at him. Raising an eyebrow. Kyle pressed a kiss to your forehead. Pulling away. He then leads you into the house.

Your heart rate increasing. Palms sweating. A sinking feeling formed in the pit of your stomach. You felt like something was wrong with this house. Like something wasn’t right.

“Legends say that his wife and kids still haunt the premises, restlessly wandering the halls.” Roddy spoke, making sure he was looking at you when he said that. Making you even more anxious. You wrapped your arms around Kyle’s waist, snuggling into his side. Kyle suppressed a small laugh. His hand rubbing up and down your arm soothingly. Trying to reassure you.

“He slaughtered his entire family; they say it was the voices in his head.” Roddy spoke again.

“His poor kids…And wife.” Bobby spoke calmly. While you hugged Kyle even tighter, shaking a little.

While Adam and Kyle just laughed. You didn’t know whether it was at you or the story in general.

“Yeah, well we will see. It’s probably just a bogus story, so, swatters or kids don’t go in the house.” Adam spoke. Not believing a single thing Roddy said.

“Yeah, maybe, or maybe it’s all true.” Roddy spoke deepening his voice. Directing his attention to you when he said that. It wasn’t helping either. Kyle could feel your heartbeat beating fast against his side.

“Alright, Roddy, stop trying to get my girls heart rate up, only I can do that.” Kyle joked. Making the boys laugh. While you just hit Kyle’s side lightly. Slightly glaring at him.

“Show us around.” Adam spoke.

“We should go to the rooms where the murders happened.” Roddy suggested.

“Or we could like you know go outside and view it from there, like inspect it from outside, where nothing can scratch us, or cling onto us, or possess us or try and kill us.” You spoke. Nodding your head. While the boys just raised their eyebrows, smirking at you.

“Don’t be a baby, y/n, I’m sure Kyle will protect you from the big bad ghosts.” Roddy teased. Making you glare at Roddy.

“Roddy.” Kyle warned.

“He can armbar the ghosts for you.” Adam joked.

“I’m just messing with you y/n/n, we will all protect you.” Roddy spoke. Pulling you away from Kyle and towards his side. You quickly grabbed a hold of Kyle’s hand. Making sure you were still holding onto him in some way.

Roddy pulled you along with him, up the unsteady stairs, that creaked loudly every time you stepped on them. Kyle followed closely behind. You still held his hand in a death grip.

Walking towards a room.

“This house seems moldy.” Adam complained. Watching his step. Grimacing as he saw a Skelton of an animal.

Roddy pulled you inside the room. Making you pull Kyle in with you. Bobby and Adam, following close behind.

“This is the kid’s bedrooms.” Roddy announced. As the boys and you looked into the room. The pink walls were faded, paint peeling off. Mold everywhere. The furniture looking like it’s seen better days.

“He took an axe and bashed their heads in.” Roddy spoke. A chill ran down your spin. You wanted out of the room, and out of the house. You tried to pull away from Roddy, but he wouldn’t let go of you.

“Lovely.” You mumbled. Grimacing at what he said. Tightening your grip on Kyle’s hand. Adam tried to express his laugh from your reaction but failed. Bobby just stared around the room skeptically.

Kyle rolled his eyes at Adam.

“Alright, onto the next room.” Roddy spoke. Gesturing the boys and you out of the room. Though he guided you out of there.

“Or maybe we should investigate downstairs, just in case we fall through the floor.” You suggested.

Roddy stopped suddenly in his tracks. Making your throat close up. His eyes widening in fear. His face getting paler. It freaked you out.

“Roddy?” You asked.

“Did you hear that?” Roddy asked.

“Hear what?” You asked. Tightening your grip on Kyle’s hand. Your fairly sure it would be broken at the end of the night.

“Yeah what?” Kyle asked suspiciously. Looking at Roddy suspiciously.

“The voices.” Roddy answered you. Slowly taking small steps to a room.

“I hear them too.” Adam spoke.

“Yeah, me too.” Bobby agreed.

You craned your neck to look at Kyle. Giving him a questionable look. Kyle shook his head.

“Oh my god.” Roddy gasped out. Making your heart rate increase. You felt like you were going to be sick.

“What?” You barely gasped out.

“It’s her.” Roddy trembled out.

“Her, her as in the wife?” You asked. Feeling a shiver run down the back of your spine. Your hairs sticking up.  Roddy nodded. Looking at you with scared eyes.

Then he just laughed his whole demeanor changing.

“That’s not funny Roddy.” You grunted out. Finally pulling away from him and letting go of Kyle’s hand. you pushed past Bobby and Adam, who were laughing. Walking down the stairs and out of the house.

Kyle gave Roddy a disappointed look. As much as he thought the prank was a good one, you were his girlfriend and your feelings mattered to him.

“Guys, that wasn’t cool.” Kyle spoke. Making Roddy, Bobby and Adam look at him.

“Oh come on Kyle, it was funny. You should have seen her face it was all like…” Roddy defended himself. Mocking your scared facial expressions. Kyle gave him a blank expression.

“Yes, but you shouldn’t play her like that.” Kyle huffed out. Shaking his head disapprovingly. Turning around and going after you.

“Whipped.” Adam and Roddy joked. Making Kyle roll his eyes.

“Babe…” Kyle spoke.

“He is such an asshole.” You grunted. As Kyle wrapped his arms around you from behind you. Resting his chin against your shoulder.

“I know. It’s okay.” Kyle spoke softly.

“I hate him.” You grumbled. Making Kyle smile.

“I will hold him down while you beat him up.” Kyle spoke. Winking at you. you craned your neck to look at him. Letting out a chuckle. As you smiled at him.

“Y/n, I am so sorry y/n.” Roddy apologized. Making Kyle and you look in the direction of Roddy. He came towards the both of you. Adam and Bobby following close behind.

“I still hate you, but I accept your apology.” You mumbled.

Roddy quickly pulled you into a bone-crushing hug. Making Kyle smile. Bobby and Adam joined in the hug as well as Kyle.

“I’ll make it up to you. Come on, let’s get out of here.” Roddy exclaimed. Pulling away from the hug. The rest of the boys doing the same.

Roddy wrapped his arm around your shoulder, while Kyle put his arm around your waist. The boys and you walking away from the house. What the boys and you failed to realize was that there were three ghostly apparitions near the window, watching the boys and you walk off…

[itsadamcole]

room 431 (part 3/3)

fem!reader x adam cole

Reader has a secret that she needs to tell Adam, but things just got good between them .... part 3/3

word count: 3.2k+

warnings: angst, mentions of abortion, a slightly nsfw flashback, mentions of sex, fluff at the end

— final part ... here we go —

part 1 || part 2

masterlist

~ some 18+ content below - read at your own risk ~

You sit on the bed. You’re staring down at the positive pregnancy tests in your hands. Tears are running down your face.

You’re pregnant. It’s Adam’s baby. He’s the only guy you’ve been sleeping with.

You’re pregnant and it’s terrifying. Things just finally got to be okay with Adam. You’ve finally got him back and this could change all of that.

The two of you had a mature and honest conversation about starting a new relationship that might have led to some really hot, all night sex between the two of you.

***

You and Adam stumble into your hotel room for the night. His lips are moving quickly and roughly against yours. He kicks the door closed with his foot.

The two of you stand in the moonlit room. Adam’s hands are on your butt, holding him close to you. You pull back and you say, “I know you want sex but we need to talk.”

Adam looks down at you and says, “Uh oh. Am I in trouble?”

You shake your head and you say, “No. You’re not. Unless you should be.”

He laughs and shakes his ahead. “I don’t think I should be.”

You smile and say, “I just wanted to talk to you before the sex.” You walk away from Adam and sit on the edge of the bed. He looks at you and walks over to you.

You look up at Adam and ask, “Do you love me?”

He blinks at you and says, “Of course, I do. I care for you.”

“I mean, are you still in love with me?” you ask.

Adam blinks at you and he asks, “Why do you want to know if I still in love with you?”

You sigh softly and you say, “I want more than just sex. I want the hand holding and I want the dates. I want the all night cuddles.”

Adam looks at you and asks, “So, you want a relationship? Is that what you’re saying?”

You nod slowly and say, “I just want more than just sex. I love the sex, don’t get me wrong. I just want more than just the sex.”

He rests his hands on your face and asks, “Are you sure you want a relationship with me? Especially after last time?”

You say, “I love you. I trust you again and I hope that you don’t just up and leave again. You still have a lot to prove but I am willing to try at another relationship with you, Adam.”

Adam smiles and leans down, kissing you softly. He mumbles against your lips, “To answer your question, yes. I am still in love with you. I never stopped. I made a mistake by leaving you all those years ago. I won’t make it again.”

You reach up and wrap your arms around his neck as you kiss him back. You fall back on the bed. Adam falls onto you and lays between your legs.

The kiss goes from being soft and sweet to rough and passionate. Soon, the clothes have come off.

It’s been a long time since you’ve experienced the softer side of Adam Cole while in bed with him. That night was definitely more love making then anything.

***

You’re curled up in a ball on your bed. You’ve put the tests in the drawer that’s in the table between the beds. The sound of your quiet sobs bounce off the four walls of the small hotel room. Your hands are on your stomach, holding the baby that’s growing inside of you.

Maybe Adam doesn’t even have to know. You can go to a clinic or a hospital and get an abortion. He’ll never have to know that you were even pregnant in the first place.

Adam’s possible reaction to the news is the scariest thing about all this. Not the fact that you’re having a baby, not the fact that you’re doing to be out of the ring for over a year. Adam’s reaction is terrifying.

The hotel room door opens and you quickly wipe your tears away from your face and hide your face in the pillows.

The bed dips behind you and you feel Adam move so his chest is pressed against your back. He starts to kiss your shoulder gently and he says, “Hi, princess.” You close your eyes and try not to cry. His soft voice is making you emotional.

Adam moves the hair that’s in your face and he notices the wet cheeks. “Y/N, you’re crying.” he says. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling okay? Does something hurt?”

You shake your head and say, “I don’t want to talk about it, Adam.” Your voice cracks as you talk.

You feel Adam’s fingers run up and down your left arm. He says, “Please talk to me, princess. I’m supposed to be there for you.”

You sigh softly and hide your face in the pillows. You mumble under your breath, “I’m pregnant.”

Adam blinks at you and asks, “You’re what? I couldn’t hear you.”

You sit up and look over at Adam. He looks at you and you say, “I’m pregnant, Adam. It’s your baby. Do whatever you want with that information.”

His jaw drops and he blinks at you. He’s quiet.

You look at him and wipe the tears from your eyes.

Adam says, “It can’t be my baby. We use protection and you’re on the pill.”

“Neither of those are completely effective,” you say. “I can be on the pill and we can use all the condoms in the world but there’s always that small chance of me getting pregnant.”

He blinks at me and says, “That baby is not mine.”

You stare at him and say, “You’re the only guy I’ve slept with in the past two months, Adam. You’re it. You’re the father of this baby.”

Adam gets off the bed and says, “I’m not. You have to be sleeping around. There’s no way that the baby is mine.”

Anger begins to rise inside you and ask, “Why would I cheat on you after I’m the one who asked for another relationship? Why would I cheat on you when I wanted to try again? Why would I mess that up?”

“To get back at me for leaving you?” Adam says, his voice rising. “It wouldn’t be surprising because you’ve been known to hold grudges and get retribution.”

Tears prick your eyes and you say, “Fuck you, Cole. Get out of my room. I don’t want to see you.”

Adam gathers his things and says, “Enjoy raising the baby with its actual father.”

He storms out the door, slamming it behind him. You cry loudly. You clutch your stomach and look down.

“I’m so sorry, my baby,” you sob. “You don’t deserve this.”

You grab your computer and look up the closest clinic or hospital.

You can’t raise a baby on your own, and if Adam doesn’t want to be in the baby’s life then this is the only choice. You could never give your child away to someone else. You couldn’t.

You find a clinic and dial the phone number, sniffling.

***

Adam’s POV

I walk down to the elevator after leaving Y/N’s room. I press the down button and get on the elevator once the doors open. I press the number 4 and the elevator starts to descend.

Y/N is pregnant. There’s no way that the baby is mine. We’ve taken every single precaution. She started taking the pill in case we did forget condoms once or twice.

My mind starts to spin as the elevator doors open. I walk down the hallway to Roderick and Kyle’s room. I knock on the door and I wait for someone to open it.

The hotel door room opens, revealing a sleepy Roddy. He looks at me and says, “Cole, why are you knocking at my door at almost one in the morning? Go back to your room.”

“Y/N is pregnant,” is all I say, looking at Roddy.

His eyes widen almost immediately and he says, “Come in.”

Roderick moves to the side and I walk in. Kyle is sitting on his bed and watching YouTube on the TV. He looks over at me and he says, “You got Y/N pregnant? You just got back together.”

I look at Kyle and I say, “It wasn’t me. It couldn’t have been me.”

Roderick walks past me and says, “I’m calling Bobby. But dude, it has to have been you. That girl is head over heels for you. She would never get with anyone else.”

I look at Roddy and I ask, “What if she did?”

“Then who would blame her?” Kyle asks. “You up and left her six years ago then treated her like shit when you two finally reunited. I don’t know how Y/N managed to forgive you. I wouldn’t have.”

I sit in one of the chairs and I look between Kyle and Roderick. Roddy says, “I agree with Kyle. Adam, you’ve been nothing but rude to her since she came to NXT, except for maybe the past few weeks. You left her and waited six years to explain to her why you left. She’s managed to forgive you and start a new relationship with you no matter what you’ve said or done to her.”

I say, “Exactly why she would go and fuck someone else.”

Kyle’s voice rises and says, “She loves you, Cole. You’re messing it up and for what? Because you have a huge ass ego and don’t think that you could get her pregnant? News flash, Adam. She never would have asked to try again if she didn’t love you and you’re going to leave her again when that baby is very obviously yours.”

I sigh, annoyed. That baby isn’t mine. It can’t be mine.

Roderick says, “Don’t give us that sigh, Adam. You should be up there asking her what she needs and what she wants but instead you’re down here telling us that baby not yours when Y/N would never go and cheat on you. Go talk to Tyler Breeze, he’d tell you that she never even saw anyone after you left because she still loved you.”

I blink at at Roderick and Kyle before I say, “Tyler is probably the father of that child.”

The hotel room door opens and Bobby comes in. He looks at me and says, “You’re such an idiot, Cole. I just went up to Y/N’s room and I heard her talking on the phone. She’s crying and I heard her say that she’s going to get an abortion because you don’t want to be in the baby’s life and she couldn’t give away a baby. She can’t raise it on her own.”

Roddy and Kyle look at me. I look between the guys and say, “I should care why? It’s not like the baby’s mine.”

Bobby walks up to me and slaps me across the face. “Get your ass up there, Cole,” he says. “Before I knock some sense into you. The last thing that woman would do is hurt you. She’s been hurt like that. She’s the nicest person and she genuinely cares about you. She stands backstages and watches you with a look of love and proudness. You’re a dumbass to even think for one second that Y/N would cheat on you when that girl loves you so much that it’s hurt her.”

The fact that now three people have told me this makes me actually begin to think that Y/N never actually did cheat. She did ask to start over and to start our relationship again.

I’ve hurt her so much and yet she’s still with me. Maybe I should just stay away because they’re right. She’s loved me so much she’s gotten hurt because of me.

“Go to her, Adam,” Roddy says. “I can see that we’ve talked you down and you’ve actually realized that she’s the mother of your child.”

I look at the guys and I say, “I’ve hurt her. She might not take me back now.”

Kyle says, “She will. Now go.”

I get up and rush out of the room. I skip the elevator and run up three flights of stairs.

***

Your POV

You’re gathering your things to head to the clinic. They’re open all day and night. When you called, they said that they can take you tonight. So you’re going tonight.

You open the door to leave the room. You step out to see Adam running down the hallway. You close the door and walk toward the elevator. You press the down button and he runs up to you.

Adam pants as he says, “I messed up, Y/N. I was stupid to even think that the baby wasn’t even mine.”

You sigh and say, “It’s too late, Adam. I’m leaving to go get an abortion. It’s pretty clear that you don’t want to be in this baby’s life and I can’t raise it on my own and I sure as hell cannot put it up for adoption.”

The elevator doors open and you get on. Adam follows you in and you press the button for the lobby.

Adam stands between you and the doors. He says, “I do want to be in this baby’s life, Y/N. I do. I want to be in your life. Y/N, please. I’m so so sorry.”

He takes your hands in his and you finally look up at him. There are tears in your eyes as you say, “I don’t believe you, Adam. You left first chance you got. You left and accused me of cheating on you.”

“I’m still here,” Adam says as the elevator begins to move. “I’m still here. Believe me when I tell you that I love you and that I want this baby with you. I know that I’m the father, Y/N. I know that I am. I was so dumb to even think that I wasn’t. I love you, I love this baby, and I want to have this baby with you.”

You begin to feel a weight being lifted off you shoulder. You begin to cry for the millionth time tonight and Adam wraps his arms around your shoulders. You cry into his chest. Your hands are full of his shirt as you hold him close to you.

“I’m so sorry that I even thought that I wasn’t the father,” Adam says softly. “I’m so sorry that I said all those things to you. It wasn’t fair of me and I know that. I never should have said any of those things. I should have stayed. I neved should have walked out that door."

You cry softly as you listen to him talk. The heavy weight you’ve been feeling has been lifted off your shoulders. You never wanted the abortion. You want the baby but you want the baby with Adam. The only reason you were even thinking about it was because you couldn’t raise a baby on your own and you couldn’t put the baby up for adoption. You couldn’t.

The elevator stops and Adam says, “If you want to go through with it then I won’t stop you.”

You look up at him and say, “I don’t want to. I want the baby. I want the baby with you.” Your voice cracks as you keep talking. “I love you. The last thing I’d ever do is cheat on you, Adam. You’re it for me. I hope I’m it for you too.”

Adam uses his thumbs to wipe your tears away and says, “You’re it for me too. It’s just you and me, princess. You, me, and our baby.”

One of his hands slides down and rests on your stomach. You rest your hand on his and you smile. You say, “I want to go to bed now.”

Adam reaches back and pressses the number 7. “So let’s go to bed,” he says as the elevator begins to ascend back to the seventh floor.

The two of you get back to the hotel room. You take off your shirt and shorts and get into a tank top and sweatpants. Adam pulls off his shirt and gets into bed in his loose sport shorts. You crawl into bed next to him. You cuddle up to him and he wraps his arms around your waist.

As soon as you get comfortable, you immediately begin to doze off.

***

Nine Months Later

You wake up to the sound of a baby crying. You glance at the time. It’s four in the morning.

You groan and get up, walking out of your bedroom and down to your daughter’s room. You walk in and your daughter is crying. Almost screaming.

“Oh, what’s wrong, Aurora?” you say, picking up your two month old daughter. You smell something as soon as you pick her up. “Oh, you’re a stinky little baby. Let’s get you changed.”

Your daughter’s cries turn into soft little coos after you change her diaper.

You hold her in your arms and rock her gently.

The floors creak behind you and you quickly turn around. You see Adam standing behind you. He has a smile on his face and he walks into the nursery. “I come home from a long trip expecting to see the two of you sleeping but instead I find this,” he says.

You smile at your fiancée as he approaches you. You say, “She just woke up. Maybe she sensed you were coming home and woke me too.”

Adam kisses the top of your head and he says, “She’s good like that. Why don’t you put her to bed and come talk to me? I have some news for you.”

You nod as Adam leaves the nursery. You put your daughter back to bed and gently close the door. You walk down to yours and Adam’s room. He sits on the bed, facing the door as you walk in. You close your bedroom door and walk over to Adam.

“What did you need to tell me?” you ask, standing in front of Adam.

He looks up at you and he says, “I was talking to Regal and Triple H. They want to start using me on the main roster since we’re so close to Survivior Series.”

You smile and say, “Adam, that’s amazing.”

Adam says, “I told them I wouldn’t do it unless they agreed to let me bring you and Aurora with me. I’ve been away from my family for too long and I think that Aurora is old enough to travel.”

You say, “I’d love to get back on the road, especially to see you on the main roster.”

Adam smiles widely at you and says, “I’m on Smackdown in New York in two weeks and on Raw in Philly the Monday after Smackdown. Then I’m back on Smackdown in Atlanta on Friday. Survivor Series is that Sunday and that’s back down here in Orlando. Think you and Aurora will be able to handle that?”

You nod and say, “Definitely. Anything to see you for more than a few days every few weeks.”

“Well now you get to see me for the next few weeks straight,” he says. “Because right after Survivor Series is our wedding.”

You giggle and say, “I’m definitely excited. We have a lot of missed time to make up for.”

Adam wraps his arms around your waist and pulls you into the bed. You squeal as you land on your back and Adam hovers over you. “Let’s start right now.”

[tarklesbehindthescenes]

Request: some G1!Roddy/Galvs fluff if you're feeling it. I couldn't think of anything more specific though.

With pleasure! Roddy and Gal fluff, here we go!

Word count capped at 1,688

-

It was a pleasant evening on Cybertron. Cybertronians—Autobot and Decepticon—aliens, and humans alike were all going about their business, making the roads and pathways feel and sound busy. Lights shone from the buildings, lightposts, signs, and headlights, chasing away what darkness approached with the setting of the evening sun. Among those littering the pathways were Galvatron and Hot Rod, walking side-by-side and conversing with each other.

Hot Rod was not the tallest mech around, he had come to terms with this, but he still wasn’t that small, either. And yet with how enormous in height Galvatron was, he couldn’t help but feel like he needed a boost. It would save his neck from cramping, at any rate. Speaking of cramping, there was a knot in his knee joint that was agitating him as he walked and it quickly reminded him of an event that transpired just earlier before a peace conference the two had with the newest planet that wanted to join in the trade market.

The youth paused his stride to twist and stretch his joint. “I can’t believe you shoved me down those stairs,” he griped to the giant purple mountain who came to a stop a few paces ahead of him.

“You’re still on that?” Galvatron mused with a smirk. “It’s not like it was a particularly large set.”

“Something’s caught in my joint because of how I landed! And then we had to fragging run to catch the peace conference on time!” Hot Rod reminded loudly, drawing some attention of passersby. Upon seeing the source of the loud voice, however, most went back to minding their own business with a shake of their heads or amused grins. The two mechs had been together for a good while now, and most everybody local knew how rowdy the couple was.

The Decepticon leader placed a hand on his hip. “Then you shouldn’t have kept interrupting me while I was giving Cyclonus instructions.”

“That was an overreaction!” the Autobot pouted.

“I think it was a perfectly reasonable amount of payback. Simple, small, and hilarious.”

The little sports car was about to complain some more when he heard a small grinding noise and felt his knee lock into place. “Whoops,” he uttered after a bit of silence.

Galvatron frowned. “What was that?”

“You broke my knee,” Hot Rod replied calmly, testing the joint for any give. There was absolutely none.

“I broke nothing,” his conjunx retorted. “You were the one that kept messing with it.”

“I can’t walk like this. I can’t even hobble. It’s stuck at this awkward angle.” The red and orange mech extended an arm out to Galvatron expectantly. “Gally, since you caused this, you have to carry me. It’s only fair.”

The Decepticon leader didn’t move for a moment. “I could just leave you here,” he started slowly with a grin.

“Gally—”

“But then you would just irritate someone else passing by to bring you back.” The large mech strode over to his conjunx and picked him up bridal-style. He watched as Hot Rod pointedly got settled, wrapping an arm around his neck as he crossed his locked joint over his good leg to provide it a little more support. If he didn’t know Hot Rod better, he would have been annoyed by the snooty-princess performance. But this was all part and parcel of their relationship.

This act, the banter, the antics. They found that it made their relationship a little more lively and fun. Not only did it keep them both in good spirits, but it seemed to lighten the atmosphere around them. Galvatron hadn’t noticed it at first, but once Hot Rod brought it to his attention he realized that those around them genuinely paid some mind to how the two interacted with each other. Given Galvatron’s reputation, people expected him to act cold, aloof, and perhaps abusively. And while that may have been true an age ago, Galvatron had since learned to let loose and have a little more heart with the help of his beloved. That wasn’t to say he didn’t still have a temper, but it was certainly easier to control nowadays, and now his first reaction to irritations wasn’t violence, so Hot Rod called that enough of a success.

The Decepticon leader continued walking along the pathway, acknowledging the odd civilian with Hot Rod here and there that gave them any attention. Yes, the banter and acts helped everyone around them understand Galvatron’s change in disposition much more. Now instead of wary, angry, or distrusting looks, he received much calmer reactions. They could see that he had changed himself for the better. They understood that if he ever acted in a ���violent” way, it was only ever toward Hot Rod and even then it was never anything huge. A punch to the arm, a smack to the back of the head, or a shove down a short flight of stairs. All in good fun. Hot Rod usually shrugged it off and never took it as a personal slight. Or if he felt particularly childish, he’d use it against Galvatron later.

“You owe me a massage, too,” the Autobot piped up.

Like that. The older mech rolled his optics. “No, that is extra.”

“Oh, are you going to be fixing my joint, Gal?” Hot Rod asked mockingly. “Since you caused this?”

“You are so fussy,” the purple bot griped. “It was just a flight of stairs.”

“And need I remind you that I am a delicate princess? I could tell Optimus, you know. He’d set you straight.”

“He’d say you deserved it and to stop wasting his time.”

Hot Rod snorted. “You don’t know Optimus very well.”

“Neither do you, it seems,” Galvatron quipped, causing the sports car in his arms to chortle.

“I guess so,” he admitted with a grin.

The two continued on like this for several more blocks until they reached the unit they called their home. Once inside with the door shut firmly behind them, the two lingered in the entryway and took a moment to breathe. Out of the public eye. They could relax. Galvatron moved to a doorway leading to an open room. A combination of kitchen unit, living room, and dining area. He gently set Hot Rod down on the sofa and gave his hand a squeeze before straightening up again.

“I’ll go grab the tool kit,” he stated.

His conjunx smiled up at him and relaxed into the cushions. “Thanks, Gal.”

The Autobot didn’t have to wait long. The Decepticon came back in less than a minute, and pretty soon he was lifting up Hot Rod again and taking his spot on the couch, to then set him down across his lap so Hot Rod’s legs stretched across the sofa cushions. Quietly, Galvatron held the tool kit for him while the young mech got started on making the repairs to his knee.

On average, this was usually the only time of day they had to themselves where they could enjoy each other in silence. Out in public they had images to maintain, politics to get through, and responsibilities to meet. The banter only did so much to ward back the stresses of each day. The evenings in their home, though… Hot Rod hummed happily as he felt Galvatron absentmindedly run the knuckles of his free hand up, down, and over his spoiler fins. He shot a glance at the older mech. His optics were closed and his head was bowed slightly.

“Rougher day than usual?” the Autobot asked softly, not wanting to chase away the calm atmosphere in their home.

Galvatron grunted. “Just a few rogue Decepticon extremists that can’t handle coexistence,” he muttered without opening his optics or looking up.

“You’ll whip them into shape, I’m sure.”

“Oh, I’ll whip them, all right…”

Hot Rod chuckled and tried not to move too much so he could enjoy the fin stroking. After a few more minutes of silence, he tested his joint then closed the tool kit. “There. That’s that sorted.” He took the kit from Galvatron’s hold and set it on the floor.

Without opening his optics, the purple giant slowly wrapped his arms around the young bot and pulled him closer, resting his face in the crook of Hot Rod’s shoulder and neck. He heaved a tired intake before giving it a little nuzzle.

The Autobot cuddled up and returned the embrace, rubbing his digits on the back of his sweet’s neck. This side to Galvatron the two guarded jealously. It was something Galvatron figured would ruin his image so no one would take him seriously, and Hot Rod felt proud that only he was allowed to see the teddy bear that the old Decepticon could be. This was all Hot Rod’s and he wasn’t about to share it with anyone.

The two stayed in this position until the last bit of sunlight outside left, then Hot Rod spoke up. “Got your second wind?”

Galvatron rumbled lowly with thought but didn’t move. “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”

“Either way, I’m getting up.” The red and orange mech tried to pull away, only to grunt as Galvatron tightened his hold. “Galvatron!” he groaned as he continued to try and break free.

The Decepticon smirked and raised his head, his optics glinting mischievously. “You don’t need to get up.”

“Come oooon!”

“Why would you need to get up? It’s movie night. We’re all settled.”

Hot Rod fixed him with a squint. “Maybe I want some goodies to snack on. Ever think of that?”

“You don’t need them,” Galvatron said.

“I will for this movie!” the Autobot insisted. “It’s a romance drama! There’s going to be shedding of tears!”

It was Galvatron’s turn to groan as he released his conjunx. “What do you even like about these types of things? I don’t understand.”

Hot Rod got to his feet and moved toward the kitchen. “I’ll convert you one of these days. It’s only a matter of time.”

“We’re watching an action thriller after your sappy stuff!” the Decepticon called back to him.

The young mech replied with a nonchalant, “Uhhhh huh.”

[coffee-n-bagels-comic-universe]

Family Pride or Clan Trevor

Quick Tag List: @kuruumiya @spacelizardtrashboys @stupidbluegirl @enigmaticandunstable @nattinngrst

This Passage Contains Potentially: swearing, violence, blood, angst, whump, fluff and very smutty content.

Summary: Rod and Kirby talk more about what a potential future together might look like and Rod meets the rest of the Trevor Clan.

Kirby's POV:

The rest of the day was quiet, too quiet, almost as if Roddy was planning something for the get-together tomorrow. The morning of the Twenty-Ninth was quiet still, then we had to leave to go to the get together, we got in my dad's Vauxhall Firenza and I zoned out until we reached the community centre and parked in the overflow parking lot.

I spotted two of my cousins walking over, the identical twins, Mona and Meredith, with their husbands and kids not to far behind them.

"Su’mae"

"Su’mae" They repeated, in unison.

My skin crawled as I recalled all the times over the years that the twins had spooked me.

"Beth ydy eich enw chi?" Mona attempted to ask Roddy.

"Mon, he doesn't speak Welsh, this is Roddy. Rod, this is Mona and Meredith."

"Hi Ladies, I'm Rod, Kirby's boyfriend."

"Cariad?" Meredith looked up at me, my face unmasked showing flushed cheeks, "Cawsoch chi'ch hun yn gariad?"

"Aye."

"Llongyfarchiadau!"

"Thank you, Meredith, How're the kids?"

"Oh, They're fine."

"You speak English?" Rod asked, incredulous.

"Of course we do." The twins answered in unison.

Rod shot me a concerned look, I gave him a knowing but still somewhat scared look in return.

We walked into the centre and I immediately saw the 'welcome home' banner and I couldn't stop the rush of emotions and Rod noticed the change in me, seeing the softer and much more hidden side of me, the part of me that never wanted to leave my homeland for the USA. I rushed outside, sitting on the bench next to the door, Roddy following quickly behind me.

"Woah, woah. Are ya alright, baby?"

"I'm fine, just a little light-headed is all."

"Don't you go lying ta me."

"I'm just a little emotional, Rod, it's been a while since I was here and I haven't seen half of my family for much longer than that."

My cousins Pat and Rod came up to the bench.

"Hey Kirby, new fella."

"Hey Patrick, Roderick. Uhh, boys, this is my boyfriend, Roddy. Roddy, my cousins, Patrick and Roderick."

"So," Pat started, "When's the wedding?"

"What are ya talkin' about," Rod (My cousin, Roderick) added, "There's got to be an engagement party before a weddin, Paddy."

"I know Roddy, but then there's also the Hen and Stag Do's, too."

"So, How long you two been dating?"

"Not long enough for you two to be making those jokes." I chided

"Okay, we'll leave you two to your business."

They scarpered off quite quickly after that, leaving me and Roddy (Piper) alone for a while.

"Those two are weird."

"Rod, they're family, of course they're weird."

"They raise a fair point though."

"What do you mean?!" I shot him a confused look

"Well, when would our wedding be?"

"That depends."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, knowing your 'appetite' it depends on if you y'know put me 'up the duff' so to speak, before or after the end of the year."

"Well, if I get you 'knocked up' before the end of the year, you'd marry me at the start f next year?"

"Exactly."

"What if I get you 'knocked up' before the end of next month?" he teased

"Roddy, don't tease me, boyo."

"Oh come on, we'll sneak back to ya Da's Firenza, get in the back, shack up and-"

I covered Rod's mouth with my hand, "Don't be a fuckwit, Roderick," I let him speak again.

"I'm not being a 'fuckwit', I'm suggesting," he placed his hand on my thigh, close to my knee, slowly moving his hand closer to my groin, "We go, shack up, fly back before the second of Feb, if I get you pregnant, then we'll get married sooner rather than later, if I don't then we'll try again."

"Rod, I'm twenty-nine."

"So am I, until April seventeenth. Why? When are you suggesting I get ya 'Knocked up'?"

"I dunno, when I'm thirty, or in my thirties. Not now."

"So, next year. I think I can wait until then," He then whispered something to himself that I could barely hear, "If I don't get blue balls and die."

"Roddy!"

"Ya heard that, didn't ya."

"Rod, I, you, ugh."

"C'mere baby." He pulled me closer, one hand on my thigh and the other cupping my cheek, giving me a quick kiss on the lips, "I love ya baby, I would wait an eternity to have a family with you," He pulled me back into a longer and more passionate kiss, pulling away when we both needed to breathe.

"I love you, Piper."

"Do you want me to marry ya, before we have kids?"

"Preferably, I don't want you to leave me."

"I'd never leave ya, never, not me."

"Yeah, like you're Prince fucking Arthur."

"That would make you my Guinevere."

"I'm nothing like Guinevere."

The rest of the evening was quite quiet, a family meal at a local restaurant, resulting in a drunken Roddy and me getting somewhat tipsy. Safe to say, my Da did not enjoy driving us back to the house. But I had sobered up somewhat by the time we were in bed for the night, Rod not so much.

"Oh, baby, let me make love to ya."

"Rod, shush."

"But we could be havin' so much fun."

"Roddy, get some rest or you'll hate yourself in the morning."

"But I just wanna kiss ya, and hug ya, and stuff ya pretty little maw wit ma co-"

"Roderick. Shut up."

"Fine, fine. I'll get some sleep, ya bi-"

I pulled him into a rough and passionate kiss, slipping my tongue into his mouth before pulling away and shifting positions to straddle his lap.

"ya big sexy beast, c'mere."

He pulled me down into another rough but passionate kiss, using his free hand to grind my grin against his, making sure that I can feel the heat rising from his crotch, barely covered by his briefs, grinding against my own barely clothed frame. The bulge in his pants pressing into the curve of my groin, Rod letting out small grunts and groans, feeling his hand move from my ass to the front of my crotch before feeling him rub at my clit before he slipped his hand into my boxer shorts, rubbing at my clit before checking to see if I'm wet, letting out a satisfied grunt before pulling away from the kiss.

"Would you like me to get you off, Roddy?"

"How about, you give me my release and I give you yours."

"Sure, but we gotta keep this quiet."

Rod pulled me into another heated make out session.

When we woke up the following morning, limbs intertwined, Rod's body on top of mine.

"Morning, beautiful."

"Good Morning, my love."

"What day is it?"

"Monday. Thirtieth, January. Nineteen Eighty-Four."

"I gotta make some calls."

Rod tried to get up, not realising how intertwined our legs were, climbing out of the bed, pulling us both off the bed and landing on his back on the floor with a thud.

"Oh my God, Roddy, are you okay?"

"I'm alright baby, I'm ok, you?"

"I'm alright. I was scared that I hurt ya."

"Nah, you could never hurt me."

I got off of him, pulling him up afterwards and kissing him before he went off to make the calls he needed to. I did my morning routine, my Mam gave me a coffee and I set myself up in the gym half of the garage.

At least an hour passed before I saw Roddy again, I was drinking the final drops of my coffee when he rushed into the gym his concerned expression instantly turning into relief.

"Ya alright, handsome."

"I'm okay honey, I'm okay. Turns out we need to leave earlier than planned, as in before the fourth."

"Then we'll leave tomorrow, my parents will understand. My Da won't like us leaving so soon, so if I were you, I'd go build the familial bridge now so that he doesn't kill ya."

"Alright, I'll go do that. I love ya. Oh, you have a match on the Sixth against S.D Jones."

"Okay, I love you."

I spent another hour in the gym before Piper returned.

"Ya Da has said that he'll kill me if I hurt ya or break ya heart, however he knows that we need to go back to work eventually and trusts that you'll put me in my place."

"Sounds like my Da, hey Hot Rod."

"Hey baby," He got closer, wrapping his arms around my waist, "gimme some sugar."

"No, I'm covered in sweat," I tried to avoid him kissing my neck but failed, "alright, fine, fine. I give in."

He cupped my jaw with his left hand, pulling me down into the kiss, his eyebrows knitted together and my eyelids fluttered closed for a moment, letting Rod control the moment. The moment Rod pulled away I pressed my forehead to his.

"Do you wanna watch me work out?"

"You box, Rod?"

"Golden Gloves Champion. Black belt in Judo, too."

"Handsome and athletic, you are the whole package."

"Thanks for the compliment, but y'know, a strong man is only as strong as his partner."

"Do you mean me or Orndorff and Schultz?"

"You, ya dafty."

"Rod."

"Yes, Kirby?"

"Do you wanna leave tonight, red eye flight, get back before tomorrow morning?"

"Sure, if that's what ya wanna do, we'll go tonight."

"Rod."

"Yeah."

"I want … I would like," I took a second to compose myself," I would like to have a family with you."

He pulled away, locking eyes with me, his tone optimistic, "Really?"

"Absolutely," I wiped a tear away from my eye, "I want to marry you, I want to be a wife and a mother and I want to be with you."

"Do you want to live here, or in the States?"

"Well, America would mean we can work easier."

He let out a small chuckle, smirking up at me, "I love ya, I want to marry ya and be with ya through thick and thin, anything happens, I'll be by your side."

"Promise me, you won't fight with Damien any more."

"I promise you I won't. Promise me, you'll let me tell people about us."

"I promise you, you can tell whoever you want."

"Let's go make ourselves a new home, alright baby?"

"Yeah."

We packed our things and my Da drove us to the airport. I gave my parents a tearful goodbye and we got the next flight back to New Jersey, checking into a hotel in Edison and I left Piper for half an hour to pick up the D200, collecting my paperwork from a nearby DMV centre and going back to the hotel. Rod opened the door, letting me in and slumping on the double bed next to me.

"Hey beautiful."

"Hi Rod, help me with this, please." I gestured to the paperwork

"What is it?"

"Insurance stuff, getting you insured on the D200."

"Give it here, I'll deal with it."

"No Rod, I'm capable of filling it out, just help me with the details."

"Just, gimme the papers," He leaned over and kissed my neck, "let me handle it, baby."

"Not with the mood you're in."

"I can't help that you're sexy."

"Rod, stop thinking with ya dick for five minutes and help me."

"Alright, fine."

We were almost finished with the paperwork when there was a knocking at the door.

"Who is it?"

"Piper, let me in or I'm kicking this door down." The muffled voice threatened.

"Shit, that's Schultz."

"Holy shit, Piper. Are you fucking the female giant?"

That was not Schultz's voice. It sounded like Orndorff.

Piper groaned as he opened the door.

"I'm not fucking her right now, Paul."

"Hi Schultz, Orndorff. Rod get your ass back over here and help me with this."

"Pay me." Rod teased

"With what?" I jokingly responded

"With sex" Schultz and Orndorff said almost simultaneously, giving each other a knowing look.

"All three of you share a brain." I mumbled

Piper groaned, gesturing for me to give him the papers, I complied and he read through it, mumbling the words of the document to himself.

Schultz looked from me to Piper before nudging Orndorff's arm, "They look like they're already married, Paul. Piper's got himself a wife."

"I'm not his wife-"

"She's my girlfriend." Roddy interrupted

"I was gonna say that Roddy."

"I know baby, I know."

"Jeez Rod, get her pregnant or somethin' boy."

"David!" I chided

"I would, but she's got a fight on the sixth."

"Roddy!" Orndorff chastised

We spent the rest of the evening with the boys and eventually I fell asleep next to Roddy. I woke up the next morning with Roddy next to me.

"Morning Kirby."

"Good morning, Roderick, ya handsome fool."

"I love you too honey," Rod kissed my forehead, "I filed the paperwork for ya."

"Thank you. What's the time?"

"About, half ten in the morning. Do ya wanna go grab breakfast?"

"I'd thought you'd never ask."

END OF FAMILY PRIDE or CLAN TREVOR

[theabominableblogger]

Rewatching “Fright Night” (the 1985 version)

No I ain’t watching the remake with David Tennant.  ‘Cause I said so.

*does Borat impression while loading the movie on Amazon Prime*

“Sit here beside me on the veranda.”  Is this the... TV show scene?  The show with Roddy McDowall?

SCARE CHOOORD!

“So... luminescent.”  *laughs*

Those were some... horrible kissing noises

I like the out of context implication that as soon as the woman asks the dude to lay on her chest, Peter Vincent’s like “NONE IN THIS HOUSE!”

“IF SHE BREATHES...”

What idiot puts their smelly ass soccer cleats on their headboard?

“We’ve been going together almost a year, and all I ever hear is ‘Charley, stop it.’“  Well then maybe that’s a you problem

Also what the hell is that map thing next to Amy?

“Let’s get into bed.”  *bug eyes*

Amy, that is not the look of someone who is ready to have sex.

“It says right here that the divorce rate is 76% higher among couples who don’t argue before marriage.”  Shut up, Mom.

“Thank you [Amy] for helping Charley with his homework.”  ...I was gonna make a sex joke here but nah.

Oh I hate Charley’s friend in his movie.

Charley’s car, while super nice, looks like a sunburnt cow

“My luck.  He’s [the neighbor] probably gay.”  AAAAAHHH THEY EVEN SAID IT!

I really Charley to slap Teach [Ed] at some point but I know it’s never gonna happen.

For a moment, I thought that the carpenter dude partner was gonna be like Kenny from “The War at Home” but nah.  He probably just uses his teeth a lot.

*silently jamming to the background synth music*

*Charley spots a woman removes her bra in the window*  What was this rated again?

AN:  It’s rated R

*yells when Jerry looks over to see Charley through the window*

*Shot of Jerry’s hand pulling down the window blind*  That... is a lady hand.

AN:  They were actually extensions that Chris wore and he helped apply them himself so that he could just rip them off after a day of shooting

*Charley’s mom ruins Charley’s cover*  DAMN IT MOM

This movie is basically “Who Cried Wolf” but with vampires?

“I’m his roommate Billy Cole.”  Can you believe just that the fact that this movie was made in the mid 80s when the AIDS crisis in the US was getting ready to happen and director Tom Holland and the screenwriter went “YES they’re gonna be GAY and THAT’S FINAL”

“You actually saw the body, Charley?”  Uh doesn’t that tone raise any suspicion from the detective STANDING NEXT TO HIM?

*snorts in hilarity when Billy jokingly does the sign of the cross*

Charley, I would not trust anything Teach tries to tell you.

AND OF COURSE CHARLEY’S MOM INVITED JERRY OVER

OMINOUS SYNTH CHORD

My God, Chris Sarandon...

What’s with the celery?

Charley’s mom is the most oblivious character in this whole movie, I swear

FISH EYE LENS

I forget, do we ever see Jerry in vampire bat form or do we just see him as Chris Sarandon with fangs the entire movie?

Why yes, Charley, use your tiny crucifix.

Doesn’t the whole “enter with permission” count with bedrooms too or just the house in general?  If it counted with bedrooms, couldn’t Charley just put up a sign on his door that said “NO ADMISSION WITHOUT PERMISSION” and that would keep Jerry out?

Jerry is the most casual vampire I’ve seen so far.  Someone would just throw a chair at him and he’ll just No-Sell it like “Listen... I was just saying...”

There’s got to be a logical way to explain this Christmas thing.

We just need a vampire that’s like Catherine O’Hara from “Schitt’s Creek”

I love how Charley’s like 80% out the window and yet he can still reach for an entire mug of pencils

NO WAIT WE SEE HIS [Jerry’s] VAMPIRE FACE NEVERMIND

Valium?!?

Christopher Lee!

THAT FRAMING [of Billy kneeling directly in front of Jerry’s legs] ISN’T OBVIOUS AT ALL TOM HOLLAND

The logic for this movie is something else.  Charley sees someone on TV perform a vampire killing ON A TV SHOW and thinks “YES I’m going to ask him to help me with this vampire situation!” 

This is like asking Drew Carey if he can assist in a vampire hunting

*imitates Peter Vincent shooing Charley away*

*snorts at Teach and Amy walking in on Charley setting holy stuff ALL OVER HIS HOUSE*

Also I absolutely forgot about the weird side plot with Amy being an incarnation of a past love.  What is it with this and Bram Stoker’s Dracula going this route?

Man, Roddy McDowall is just a masterclass in classical acting.  You can tell the different style between him and the other actors.

There’s a bust of Klaus Kinski’s Nosferatu in the glass box!

AN:  *in best Janet from ‘The Good Place’ impression*  Fun fact, Klaus Kinski was actually an asshole

I like the red and black plaid night coat

God, all those clocks going off at once reminds me of the scene in Pinocchio.  That would give me so much anxiety in real life.

WHO TOSSED JERRY THE APPLE?!?

OH AND THEY [Jerry and Billy] WALK OFF TOGETHER OF COURSE

*imitates Peter Vincent saying “Good evening good evening”*

*going through AO3′s Fright Night 1985 tag as Peter explains what he’s doing*  Wow there’s four pages.  I might have to bookmark some of these.

Ohhhh kay, nevermind on half of these.  Not into that.  Nope nope nope.

I forget, is Billy also a vampire?  Or is he like some ghoul?  Werewolf?

...Interspecies romance?

For a fact, I know that if CinemaSins covers this movie, they would award Jerry the “eating an apple because he’s an asshole” sin and I would laugh

Oh he’s [Jerry] gonna go for the hand kiss, isn’t he? 

OH GOD DAMMIT

*has to still register it*

Wait, did Jerry hold the bottle up in front of the fire in case there was actually holy water?  Would heating it up counteract the holy water inside?

WAIT DOESN’T PETER CATCH JERRY’S LACK OF REFLECTION IN THE MIRROR AS THEY LEAVE?

How did they do that?  Did they just... comp Chris Sarandon out or did they have him tuck out of frame but still say his lines?

AN:  Tom Holland originally goofed up the shot I guess but they ran with it

JERRY IS BI HEADCANON CONFIRMED

WAIT HE FOUND THE MIRROR SHARDS

The overhead tracking shot following Ed in the alleyway is actually pretty good.  And the way it slides to a normal shot is great.

Oh they do the creepy Dracula fog!

Wait, this movie came out the same year as Nightmare on Elm Street 2.  Dang.

And that movie also had a weird homoerotic tone to it.

You know what, the way Jerry offers Ed salvation only to attack him was actually pretty solid.  Just good acting from both of them.  I was sold.

WAIT IT’S THE CLUB SCENE!

*Peter presses a cross to Ed’s forehead*  Great prosthetic too, holy crap!

*jams out to the song playing at the club*

Why do Jerry’s dance clothes look like either my pajamas or really lame exercise clothes?

God, it’s [Jerry pacing back and forth watching Amy] like a cat stalking a bird holy crap

NOOOO I DON’T NEED TO WATCH THIS SHE’S LIKE SIXTEEEEENNNN

*jaw drops when Jerry runs his hand up Amy’s leg*  NOOOOOO

Not gonna lie, this song almost sounded like a remix of the Nightmare on Elm Street theme

NOOOOOOOO STOOOOOPPPP CEASE DESIST

Amy’s hair just gets wilder and wilder during this dance sequence

STOOOOOOPPPP

Quick, Charley, start a fight!  Just... punch someone!  Commotion!

*just yells when Jerry steals a kiss from Amy*

*Amy wakes up in a white dress in Jerry’s house*  NOPE

God and he [Jerry] took off his shirt too just *hides face in hands*

*covers mouth with hand in attempt not to say anything*

*Jerry’s dragging finger scrapes off wood on the banister*  Oh that’s just mean

*Jerry drapes his arms over the back of Billy’s shoulders*  HMM

They would be that duo who would pick up a phone and take turns to go “...surprise, Sidney...”

*A wolf walks out of Mrs. Brewster’s room*  WHAAAAATTT?!?

Dang they really just tossed a plushie wolf off the stairs

WAIT the guy that did the VFX for this movie also did “Ghostbusters” if I remember correctly

AN:  Yes

They are just... really dragging out Ed’s death scene

That kinda exasperated look Peter gives the smoking house is great

Wait is Billy a vampire too?  Zombie?  What is he?

I really just want Charley to reach out and just slightly poke dying Billy in the chest so that he crumbles backwards.  That would have been hilarious.

How long is Amy’s hair?

HE [Jerry] DOES TURN INTO A BAT!

Real plot twist would be that the bat bite also starts turning Charley into a vampire so Peter would have to kill three birds with one stone (heal Charley and Amy and kill Jerry)

Boss move:  Peter closing the coffin in front of Jerry

And it ends with the same shot as the opening!

“Oh, you’re so cool, Brewster.”  So is Ed alive?

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Blue Eyes Part 22

Summary: After the Garrison is shot up, the youngest Shelby daughter finds a new home in London. She strips herself of her last name and tries to live a peaceful life far away from her brothers’ chaos in Birmingham. But fate leads her right back into it after she runs into Alfie Solomons.

Part 22: Alfie copes with Ella being away with the Lees. Ella learns to cope with her loses. 

         Alfie was not a patient man. Of course, he would cross land and sea for his wife, didn’t mean it was easy to wait for her return. To keep his spirits up, he reminded himself that it was for the better. She was clearing her head after the months of trauma she endured while in Small Heath. He imagined the day they reunited. It couldn’t come soon enough.

           Alfie turned over and felt a warmth coming from Ella’s side of the bed. In his sleep-addled state, he furrowed his brow and blinked a few times. “El?”

           Cyril lurched forward and began licking his owner’s face. He had taken it upon himself to travel from the foot of the bed, where he usually slept, to take Ella’s empty spot.

           The man grumbled and shooed the mastiff away. “Oi, fuck off. Your breath smells like shit, mate.” He sighed and flopped back onto the pillows, staring up at the ceiling.

           There was a soft whimpering from the window. Alfie turned over onto his side and saw Anthea with her front paws resting on the window sill so she could look outside. Her brown eyes watching the street below.

           “Thea, what’re you doing?”

           The pit bull whined and dropped down to pace around Ella’s side of the bed.

           “Yeah, I know, I miss her too.” Alfie rested a hand over his eyes. “I miss her too.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

           Ella had forgotten how sharp the forest air was in the early morning. She nearly forgot the stinging cold of a river as she washed. Her teeth chattered as she worked quickly, scrubbing away the dirt under her fingernails. But she paused when she dragged the soap over her abdomen. The scar was ugly, ugliest she’d ever seen. Still slightly bruised and purple with what was left from the stitches that had been removed.      

           She frowned and passed the soap over the scar once, twice, three times. Hoping with every scrub that it would disappear.

           “Brought you some warmer clothes.”

           Ella jumped and turned, her eyes going to her gun which was concealed in the pile of clothes she’d left on the bank of the river.

           “Easy.” Isabel stopped a few feet from the bank so Ella wouldn’t spook more. “It’s just me.”

           Her shoulders fell in relief and she began to rinse the suds off her skin.

           “Mum was right, you Shelbys have gotten jumpy.” The young woman laughed softly. Isabel was a Traveler girl through and through. Her long ash-brown hair.

           “Sorry,” Ella mumbled and stepped out of the river, reaching for the towel that was hanging on a nearby tree.

           “No need to apologize.” Isabel smiled. She’d been partly made responsible for trying to help Ella through her withdrawal and see her through the grief. It had been a year since she’d lost her own daughter, who was only sixteen months old. There, of course, was a mystique around the Shelby family. But Isabel had known them growing up. It was strange to see how much Ella had changed but it was understandable.

           As Ella dried off, Isabel handed her the long skirt and jumper. “You must be freezing, you’re so thin.”

           “I lost weight in the hospital.” She mumbled and pulled on the warm clothes.

           “Well, I know we’ll get you back to a healthy weight.” Isabel smiled and sat down beside the river.

           Ella ran the towel through her hair. “Do you think people want me here?” She wondered.

           Her friend frowned. “Why wouldn’t they?”

           “It’s been a long time. I know Esme was on the road with you for a bit.” Ella couldn’t imagine that her former sister-in-law was gushing about how amazing the Shelbys were. Not after her beloved husband was gunned down.

           Isabel nodded and pulled her knees close to her chest. “Mhm, she’s with the Youngs now. Might see her in the spring or at the fair.”

           “Still.”

           “I think you’re forgetting that gypsy families take care of their own. Your brother made a deal with us and that’s that. There’s no ill blood between us.” She smiled.

           Ella sat down beside her. “I miss my husband already.” She sighed.

           “I can imagine. I saw the way you two were looking at each other. You must love him very much.”

           Tears stung her eyes. Coping through the withdrawal made her cry at the drop of a hat. Everything seemed to make her sad or angry. She tried her best to keep it under wraps. After all, she was a guest to the Lees and the last thing she wanted was to lash out at them. But it was gnawing at her insides like a parasite. “We’ve fallen so far apart. I didn’t want to fucking go to Birmingham but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He wanted to protect me. Instead, my life ended.”

           Isabel wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “El, your life isn’t over.” She said softly.

           “Yes, it is.” She sniffled. “Alfie and I were meant to have a family together. Twins, a boy and a girl. And then Tommy’s fucking mess got me shot. Everything just came apart at the seams and I couldn’t do anything to fucking save it.”

           “But Alfie still loves you, you know that.”

           “There’s something in his eyes though, every time I look at him.” She hiccupped. “I know it’s bad. It’s like looking at me makes him sick.”

           “Oh Ella, that’s not true.” Isabel soothed. “You want him to be angry at you. You want him to hate you because you think you deserve it. But you don’t.” She began to trace spiraling designs in the wet sand of the riverbank. “When I lost Flora, I blamed myself. How could I let her die? She got sick so that made me a bad mother. But there are things in this world that we can’t control.”

��          Ella wiped her eyes and felt a tremor go down her spine. She desperately wanted to numb the anguish inside.

           Isabel saw her friend start to tremble and twitch. “Here.” She took her hands and dipped them in the ice-cold water. Ella instinctually went to withdraw her hands but Isabel kept them submerged. “Just focus on the cold. Feel that?”

           Ella wanted to push her away but she forced herself to stay still. The chill in the water traveled up her arms leaving goosebumps. It was like a stinging injection right under her skin. A shock of the senses.

           “You’re alive, Ella.” Isabel urged. “That’s not a mistake. I know you don’t want to feel anything but you need to. It’s the only way you’re going to get through this.”

~~~~~~~~~

           Alfie scratched at his beard while he read through the numbers. “You double-check these?”

           Tommy nodded from his spot across the desk. “Polly did.”

           “Right, well, fucking trust her more than I trust you, mate.” He set the documents aside.

           “Most people do.” The Blinder didn’t seem insulted.

           “Good, right, it’s a deal then.” Alfie tipped his hat at the paper. It was funny how simpler business interactions went after he and Ella got married. Of course, he and Tommy could go down the usual course of negotiating until one of them pulled out a grenade or a gun. But both of them were well aware the other was flat out bluffing. Neither of them was willing to face Ella’s wrath. So, the trick lost its fun and purpose.

            “You hear from Ella?” Tommy asked once they signed documents and shook hands.

           “Yeah, got a letter yesterday,” Alfie answered. The handwritten pages were tucked inside his waistcoat. He’d pulled them out various times throughout the day to reread them. Reading his wife’s words made her feel closer to her despite the difference. “They’re in Wales. I suppose she’s having fun but there’s still…” He gestured with his hand as if trying to pluck the word out of the air.

           “Sadness.” Tommy nodded. “It’ll take time.”

           “Right, I know.” He grumbled and slipped off his glasses. How strange it was to have Tommy as sort of a confidante? Of course, the man wasn’t an expert on the relationship. But at least he was there and listening. Alfie wasn’t about to start monologuing with Anthea and Cyril. The day he did that was the day he committed himself to an asylum. “Just miss her.”

           “The whole family does.” Tommy nodded in agreement. “But I think we’re all hoping she finds some clarity. That’s the end goal, aye?”

           “Yeah and…” Alfie paused and held up a hand. His brow furrowed. “Hang on, did you just group me in with your family?”

           Tommy hadn’t realized what he said. After telling his sister Alfie would never be considered a part of the family, he’d been carefully walking the line. Sure he could consider the man his brother-in-law for legal purposes. But to see Alfie sitting in future family meetings made him want to both laugh and cringe in horror.

           “I think you’re reading into things.”

           Alfie raised an eyebrow. “Here’s the thing, Tommy, I’d rather be hung from me fucking thumbs than be considered a Shelby. So you don’t hafta worry ‘bout me going ‘round saying I’m a part of your fucking family. Just married your sister. We ain’t brothers.”

           “Touching, Alfie, truly.”

           “Oh, fuck off.”

~~~~~~~~~~

           Roddy was possibly the largest dog Ella had ever seen. He very well could’ve been the largest dog on the planet. But Isabel treated him like he was her baby. A massive Irish wolfhound, Roddy hit well above Ella’s waist. He was taller than her standing on his hind legs. Despite his unthinkable size and wolfish appearance, he was just as gentle as Cyril. It was a good thing he was around too because Ella missed her dogs. Having the shaggy gray-haired dog was a good comfort.

           Isabel took Roddy along with them on their early morning walks. For the first few weeks, Ella got physically sick nearly every morning. But her friend still insisted they go out. Ella complied but didn’t make it very far. Less than half a mile and she was begging to go back to camp to lie down. As the weeks turned into months, they traveled further every morning. Often times bringing food along because they wouldn’t return to camp until after lunchtime.

           Ella went barefoot as she used to as a child. The cold earth beneath her feet was soothing. She kept her right hand out to the side, grazing across the rough bark of passing trees and the fragile leaves of bushes and flowers.

           Three months in, Isabel, Roddy, and Ella found a beautiful clearing. They were stopped near a town called Geufron on the River Severn. Ella had done her best to take no notice of the distance they’d traveled. She was afraid that if she knew how far away, she was from Alfie and her family, she would panic. Instead, she kept following them west, never calculating how long they traveled between each stop. She simply was wherever they landed.

           Roddy loped through the clearing, scaring away a few birds. He dropped to the ground and began to roll around in the long grass. Isabel laughed softly and found a spot to rest.

           Ella sat as well and watched the wolfhound traipse about. Despite having most of her withdrawal symptoms faded, she was still left in a dark space. Being out in nature helped somewhat, but the sadness felt almost permanent. How could she possibly ever get back to her past self? The woman she was before returning to Small Heath?

           “You were crying last night,” Isabel commented gently after a few minutes of silence between the two.

           Of course, her friend heard her. The two slept only feet away from each other. “I’m sorry, didn’t meant to wake you.” She mumbled and picked at her nails.

           “You always apologize for things that don’t need apologies, El.” Isabel pointed out with a frank smile. “Have you ever apologized to yourself for treating yourself so badly?”

           Ella gave her a funny look. “Apologized to myself? For what?”

           “Well, have you been very kind to yourself lately? Or have you been negative?”

           The question was a difficult one for Ella to really think about. What nice things could she possibly say to herself? Kudos for losing your children? Good job for getting hooked on drugs? Bravo for screaming at your husband more times than you could count? “Negative.” She finally admitted.

           “You’re still angry.” Isabel noticed.

           She shrugged. “I suppose. I’ve got a lot to be angry ‘bout.”

           “Scream.”

           “Huh?”

           Isabel gestured to the open, empty space around them. “Go on and scream. Get some of the anger out. It’s doing you no good just stirring up inside you.”                                          

           Ella scoffed and shook her head. “I’m not going to scream.”

           “So, you’re just going to keep it balled up inside of you?”  

           The question was hauntingly familiar. Hadn’t Ella said that to Tommy at one point? Gazing blankly at the blue sky above them, she realized how much she had turned into her brother. “Fuck.” She grumbled and stood up. For a moment, she felt stupid. But then something punched her in the gut. It was anger, anger at so many things and so many people. Raw hurt and pain that had been eating her from the inside out. Tears stung her eyes and she began to scream. She kept at it until her lungs began to burn and her voice went hoarse. When she finally lost the energy, or she was satisfied enough, she looked up. Roddy was staring at her, his tail and ears perked up in confusion. Isabel was smiling.

           “How was that, then?”

           Ella took a deep breath. Admittedly, she did feel a bit lighter. “Felt alright.”

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

           “Ab-.” Alfie frowned and peered at the name again. “Abers-Aberysh-fucking hell.” He scratched the back of his neck.

           Aberystwyth.

           That’s where Ella said they were headed towards. A town by the ocean in Wales. Their journey west would come to a stop and they’d head south before heading back east. Ella didn’t tell Alfie, but she had a choice. Isabel gave her the option of going back east with her family or meeting up with the Youngs to go further north, thus prolonging her time away.

           Still, Alfie didn’t question the date of her return. The last thing he wanted to do was pressure her. But he couldn’t help but have a sickening worry for her all day and all night. To say he didn’t trust the Lees was an understatement. Despite being married into a family of Travelers, the Shelbys weren’t nomadic so Alfie could relate to them a little better. But the Lees were always on the road. It made him uneasy, not to mention he didn’t know any of the clan.

           Tommy had to reassure his brother-in-law that the Lees were allies. Had been ever since Esme married John. And despite John’s fatal fate, that alliance was still strong. The Shelbys had grown substantially stronger than they were over five years earlier. Tommy assured Alfie that the Lees were well aware of the consequences if something were to happen to Ella.

           However, many times he was told this, it didn’t completely sway Alfie’s opinion. Did he think Ella was in immediate danger? No. But he couldn’t imagine any good came from constantly being on the move. If she hadn’t been sending him letters the entire trip, he might’ve gone insane.

           She was brief, to her husband’s dismay. But Ella described some interesting things and people they came across. It was a much simpler way of living, as she wrote, and most of the day-to-day tasks went into keeping camp. Doing chores took much longer than they did in the city and filled up most of the day. But she seemed content with this. She gushed about how nice it was to be around horses again and to be submerged in the Welsh wilderness. It made Alfie smile when she spent an entire paragraph writing about the family of deer, they came across one day. She couldn’t get over the speckled fawn with its spindly legs and fidgety movements.

           Reading her write about the simpler things in life reminded Alfie of how they fell in love. When she admitted she wasn’t very worldly. Alfie could scoff at that statement looking back. Sure, maybe she hadn’t been to France or even have left the country. But she saw the world through lenses that some people could only dream of. Her gentle and thoughtful nature was beginning to blossom again. As well as her fiery spirit that had nearly been snuffed out by the coal filled air of Small Heath.

           So, while Alfie worried, he also gained some hope. It was just a matter of time before his Ella returned to him. He couldn’t wait to see the light in those blue eyes again.

Permanent Tag: @papa-geralt-of-cirilla​ @giftofdreams​ @biba3434​ @kimmietea​ @karmezii​ @enrapturedbythemoon​ @vampgirl1997​

Tag list: @deaflikehawkeye​ @octaviareina​ @mylovelykelsifer​ @doubletriplepowerbomb​ @ramblingbaby​ @fuseburner​ @kaetastic​

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[ladylillianrose]

You’ve Got SPRQS a Max Richman/Zoey Clarke Fanfiction

A/N: Thanks to everyone who has been reading and commenting!

The song this time is "I'm Into Something Good" by Herman's Hermits, Listen to it here https://youtu.be/MDUCOwp1p60

Thanks to aubreyrichman for her beta work (if you haven't checked out our collaboration "Extraordinarily Star-Crossed, you should do it now!)

Someday I shall return the characters to Austin Winsberg, but today is not that day!

Summary: Movie night and Zoey makes a decision

Chapter 5

Chapter 4

Chapter 3

Chapter 2

Chapter 1

Zoey raced around her apartment trying to make sure everything was ready before Max arrived. 

Her watch buzzed, there was a new message from Billy. 

“I’ve got another song for you....if you want to hear it.”

If she wanted to hear it? The last one had inspired dreams of his talented fingers running teasingly along her body, causing her to wake up flushed and aroused. She hadn’t told him that...yet...

“Of course I want to hear it! Though I may go MIA for a bit, I have a friend coming over soon.”

“Oh well, I don’t want to disrupt your night…”

Zoey groaned out loud, was he trying to torture her?

“If you don’t send it to me now, I’ll be too focused on anticipating it that I won’t be able to enjoy my night.”

“As m’ lady commands ;)”

She glanced at the time, she had fifteen minutes before Max said he’d be there, plenty of time to give it a listen. She pressed play with a grin on her face, the song was much more playful and upbeat than the previous one. Just like last time, he had thoughtfully included the lyrics.

Woke up this mornin' feelin' fine

There's somethin' special on my mind

Last night I met a new girl in the neighbourhood, whoa yeah

Somethin' tells me I'm into something good (Somethin' tells me I'm into somethin')

She's the kind of girl who's not too shy

And I can tell I'm her kind of guy

She danced close to me like I hoped she would (she danced with me like I hoped she would)

Somethin' tells me I'm into something good (Somethin' tells me I'm into somethin')

We only danced for a minute or two

But then she stuck close to me the whole night through

Can I be fallin' in love

She's everything I've been dreamin' of

She's everything I've been dreamin' of

I walked her home and she held my hand

I knew it couldn't be just a one-night stand

So I asked to see her next week and she told me I could

(I asked to see her and she told me I could)

Somethin' tells me I'm into something good (somethin' tells me I'm into somethin')

(Somethin' tells me I'm into somethin', ahhh)

I walked her home and she held my hand

I knew it couldn't be just a one-night stand

So I asked to see her next week and she told me I could

(I asked to see her and she told me I could)

Somethin' tells me I'm into something good (somethin' tells me I'm into somethin')

Somethin' tells me I'm into something good (somethin' tells me I'm into somethin')

To something good, oh yeah, something good (somethin' tells me I'm into somethin')

To something good, something good, something good

Zoey had a giddy smile on her face as the song finished. She wondered if he was saying something about having "met" her with his song choice. She wanted to ask him, but felt nervous, she was enjoying their conversations and she didn't want to push him too much.

She could hear voices in her head that sounded suspiciously like Joan and Mo.

"What are you waiting for. child? It is a dating app!" Mo's voice said.

"This is meant for you to put yourself out there, take risks! Not shyly glance at one another across the table, or coyly pass notes in study hall!" Joan's voice scolded. 

"Ooh, see, I knew I liked you," Mo's voice told Joan.

There was a knock at the door. 

"I hear you loud and clear! If I do it, will you leave me alone?!" 

Zoey opened the door to reveal Max, looking at her very confused.

"Umm, Zo? We can reschedule if this is a bad time."

"What? No of course not…oh that…." She laughed nervously, gesturing for him to come in. "I was just yelling at David on the phone. He was asking me to take Peter to a playdate they arranged for him this weekend because both he and Emily have to put in some overtime at work…." It was only a half-lie, David had texted her earlier in the day asking if she would, she just hadn't gotten back to him.

"Oh well, I can go with you if you want. I know the whole small talk with people isn't really your thing." Max offered as he got the movie ready for them.

Zoey felt her stomach flutter at his offer. "Really? You'd come along with me on a boring infant playdate, and talk to people you don’t know, just so I don’t have to?"

Max grinned at her, "Well yeah, what are friends for?"

Right...friends, just friends….best friends even….nothing more. She realized that brain Mo and brain Joan were right, she was done waiting.

"That would be great! My very own knight in shining armor," she teased, smiling at him.

"You and I both know I prefer the casting classes," he quipped.

Zoey giggled and headed to the kitchen to make the popcorn.

She took a deep breath and typed out a message and hit send before she could chicken out.

"I think we're definitely into something good here."

Max couldn’t wipe the grin off his face after he got that message from Red. Even though they had only just started messaging one another, there was undeniably a connection between the two of them. Something between them just clicked, it reminded him of how he and Zoey had been when they first met.

“I would be lying if I said I hadn’t intentionally picked that song.”

Zoey came in carrying their popcorn and saw him smiling at his watch. “What’s got you so happy?”

Max looked up quickly, “Nothing, just checking on some stuff for my project.”

Zoey furrowed her brow, she could tell he was hiding something, but since she was hiding something too she let him off the hook. “You get the movie set up?”

He nodded, they settled on the couch and he hit play.

Max was surprisingly less talkative than normal during the movie. Sure he still pointed out that the blonde guy was the wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper, and that Zoey would at least recognize the dulcet tones of Keith David if nothing else. Zoey nodded appropriately in response, and while both of them attempted to pay attention to the movie they were both too distracted thinking of their online connection.

The credits rolled and they sat there in silence, neither of them willing to admit they hadn’t really been watching the movie.

The light flicked on and revealed Mo standing there grinning at them.

He gestured for Zoey to move over and sat between the two of them.

"If it isn't two of my favorite fashion-challenged people."

Zoey shook her head, refusing to rise to the bait. "What's up Mo?"

"I just wanted to hear how things went with your musician last night. Were there thoughts of his fingers?" he waggled his eyebrows at her.

Zoey shook her head, frantically gesturing to Mo to stop.

"What?" Max asked confused, looking at Zoey.

"Oh yes," Mo turned to Max to explain. "I was telling Zo-Bear yesterday, musicians have very talented hands and fingers….actually, do you play any instruments, Max? Your hands…"

"OKAY!" Zoey stood up quickly, cutting Mo off. "Can I talk to you, please?" She quickly headed to the kitchen without waiting for an answer. 

Mo raised his eyebrows at Max who shrugged his shoulders in response.

"Max doesn't know anything about SPRQS," Zoey hissed as Mo entered the kitchen.

Mo just looked at her, confused.

"I was just keeping it quiet for now, just in case things don't work out," she admitted.

Mo shook his head, "So, you'll tell me, But not your best friend?"

"I don't know, I just feel a little embarrassed. I can't explain it." She hadn't admitted it to Mo but she'd started falling for Max about a month ago. She'd barely admitted it to herself. But, Max had made it clear that they were friends and just that. So, she was moving on, and right now she wanted as few people to know as possible. She'd tell Max eventually….

"Whatever, although now we have to think of something to tell Max."

Zoey sighed, "I'll figure something out."

Mo took his leave, gesturing to Zoey that they were not done talking about this.

Zoey sat back down with a sigh. 

"Do I even want to know what that was about?" Max asked.

Zoey shook her head. "Mo was teaching me more about music so he sent me some videos to watch. Mostly some famous piano guy who he thinks is hot."

Max nodded, "Oh, okay. Random."

She chuckled, "You're telling me."

"I should probably head home. Ollie will be wondering where I've disappeared to," Max said, rising from the couch.

"Sweet Ollie. I feel like I haven't seen him in forever," Zoey smiled.

"You'll have to come by soon, then. I know he misses you, you're the only one who falls for all his tricks and gives him treats no matter what." Max laughed and shook his head.

"I can't help it, he just looks at me with those big brown eyes and I just melt," Zoey admitted.

"He knows who the pushover is."

"Oh, because you certainly have never spoiled him."

"I would never," Max gasped dramatically. 

Zoey laughed and smacked his arm playfully. "You and I both know that's not true. You spoil him worse than I do!"

Max grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "Like you said, he looks at you and you melt."

Max grabbed the movie and headed to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

Zoey nodded and gave Max a hug goodbye, her arms lingering slightly as she lost herself in the feeling.

She pulled back reluctantly and closed the door behind him.

She sighed and looked down at her watch. She decided to really put herself out there, and sent a message to Billy. 

"How do you feel about us meeting in person?" 

[snarkwriteswrasslin]

FFT: walking the line; roderick strong

Notes:

This is the second part to the FFT i literally just posted and it was sent in by @vonschweetz​ I think. And I really, really liked writing it. I really loved the idea of things finally coming full circle. Plus, it was cute af. I said what I said.

Summary:

Angel and Tyler continue to have problems, but when Tyler puts Angel into a position to where she’s forced to choose, the choice she makes is surprising in the end.

Pairing:

Roderick Strong x OFC, Angel

Warnings:

Uhh.. a breakup. Sexual tension that finally gets somewhat resolved. First kisses.

“What the hell is going on?”

Both men stopped shoving at each other and turned to look at Angel. Angel looked from Roderick to Tyler and back again, shaking her head. She’d heard Tyler start the confrontation, and she wasn’t thrilled with him at the moment.

Tyler started to speak and Angel raised her hand, silencing him. “I don’t want to hear it. I’ve told you a thousand times, Tyler.. Roderick is my best friend.”

“But I..”

“Just don’t, Tyler. If you can’t trust me…”

“I didn’t say ��at.”

“You don’t have to. Literally every single action you’ve taken to this point proves it. Look.. I’m not your ex girlfriends. I don’t start dating a guy just to turn and fuck around.”

She bit her lip and found herself facing Roderick, raising a hand to his face, the bruise already forming on his cheekbone and extending upward to circle his eye. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”

“He’s a fuckin idiot.” Roderick barely managed to un grit his teeth to say it, glaring at Tyler over his shoulder the entire time. Tyler got angry all over again and stepped up, this time Angel put herself between the two.

“Just fucking stop!”

Her shouting when she normally wouldn’t seemed to snap both males focus back to her and off their anger.

Tyler stepped closer to her, about to rest a hand at her hip and Angel couldn’t stop thinking about how every single little action he took lately just proved how little he knew or trusted her, so she lowered his hand with her own and then sighed.

“Just go, Tyler. I’m not doing this tonight. I need to think..”

Tyler’s stomach sank and his eyes darted from Roderick to Angel. He eyed her and she nodded, pointing her index finger to the door. “I meant it. Go.”

“What about ‘im?”

“What about him? You picked this fight. The least I can do is patch the guy up.” Angel deadpanned, pointing to the door again. Tyler lingered there and before he could stop himself, he said it, “Y’ need t’ think about what y’ doing here, Angel.. Because if y’ do this..”

“Are you seriously asking me to choose right now, Tyler? Because if you are…” Angel’s stomach churned nervously and she fought to keep the sound of her about to cry out of her voice. It still wavered.

The weird thing was that while it hurt to think Tyler was issuing her an ultimatum, she also felt… Free.

And scared to death with how she planned on responding. She’d never taken to ultimatums that well, Tyler should’ve known that.

“Tyler, go.”

Tyler gaped for a few seconds, but he made a hasty retreat, making sure to slam the door hard behind him. Angel rolled her eyes and turned to look up at Roderick, nodding to the chair in front of her stylist station. “Sit down, big guy.. I’ll go get a bottled water outta the back, maybe it’ll be cold enough to stop the swelling.”

She turned to walk away but Roderick grabbed her wrist, eyeing her in concern. “You good, Blondie?”

“As good as I can be.”

“Ya didn’t have to do that.”

“Oh yes.. Yes I did. I’m sick of the childish bullshit.”

“I’m sorry I lost my cool and exploded.”

“I know. It’s really not you I’m angry at. I mean I’m a little mad, but I’m more angry with him right now.”

“If he don’t trust you..” Roderick started to say something, but he stopped himself. Angel stared up at him a few seconds and nodded, mumbling quietly, “He knows how important you are to me. If it bothered him, he never should have pursued me. I mean… you’ve been there for me when no one else has and I… You’re like a part of me.”

They were migrating closer, Angel didn’t fully realize it until his arm went around her and she was pressed totally against him. His other hand cupped her jaw, tugging her gaze upward. “It’s okay to cry, Blondie. I know it hurt.”

“Not as bad as it should’ve.” it slipped out before Angel could stop it. She rose to tiptoe, brushing her fingers over the bruise gingerly as she shook her head. “I cannot believe he went there and did that. Idiot. I…. need to go get the bottled water.” and she made herself step back, turn and walk to the back of the room, grabbing the bottled water.

She’d been just about to kiss him and it.. Well, frankly, it shocked her a little. Even though it shocked her, she still wanted to do it. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she missed him walking up behind her until she felt him tentatively press against her from behind and gripping her hip to turn her around.

“You good, Blondie?”

… how did I go from you being my best friend to suddenly wanting to kiss you?…

Angel bit her lip and found herself staring at his lips intently, as she puzzled it out. Roderick chuckled and reminded her again, “It’s okay. You can let it out. Not gonna say a word.”

Something inside her snapped and into his arms she went, raising her own to rest on his shoulders as she pressed against him. “I shouldn’t do this, I…”

“Do what?” Roderick was eyeing her, confused. Had he missed something?

“Tyler was right.”

“No, Tyler was bein…” Roderick started to protest, but her finger pressing against his lip cut him off mid sentence. Angel took a deep breath and explained quietly, “Somehow, he realized this before I did.”

“Realized what?” Roderick, despite knowing it wasn’t the best idea, -or even remotely a good one, found himself migrating closer, staring down at her, his hands squeezing her hips to hold her against him just a little longer.

Maybe it was feeling the way he felt and quietly ignoring it or whatever for so long, but he just.. Couldn’t. “He was bein a jerk.. Whatever he said… i’ll go beat his ass. You want me to beat his ass?”

“No, I.. I don’t mean all that. I mean, the way he was always so irritated by me spending so much time with you. He saw it before I did.”

“Saw what?”

“That I.. I have feelings for you.”

It took a second to sink in, what she’d just said, but when it did, he smiled bright and asked quietly, “Wait.. what are you sayin right now?”

“I’m saying, Roddy.. You’re not just my best friend. I don’t think you ever were just my best friend. I mean maybe at first…” Angel bit her lip as she said it, her stomach churning nervously as she looked up at him, waiting on some kind of reaction.

A reaction she got when he pulled her up his body and swept some things off the counter nearby, sitting her on top of it, cradling her face in his hand as he pulled her in for a deep and slow kiss that left her totally breathless.

[the-observant-frisbeetarian]

Of Ponies and Edelweiss

By George deValier

Status: Completed One-shot, sequel to Libelle Hall

A low, muffled thump echoed in Roderich's dozing mind, causing him to wake just enough to feel the fluffy pillows beneath him and smell the familiar, smooth aroma of coffee wafting from the kitchen. He waited, drowsily, on the edge of consciousness, for another thump. Not hearing one, he sighed quietly to himself, and drifted easily back to sleep. The next bang was a little louder, and a little harder to ignore. Roderich reluctantly cracked open an eyelid, taking in the muted sunlight creeping through the frost-covered windows. The dull thuds gradually grew louder until Roderich had no choice but to stir languidly, stretch slowly in the soft, warm bed, and wonder what Gilbert could possibly be doing at this time of the morning to make so much blasted noise. Roderich yawned sleepily and debated whether to stay where he was, or to find and berate his frustratingly loud boyfriend. He was just deciding on the former when…

"Morning, Roddy, baby!"

Roderich groaned. Sleeping in was a thing of the past since Gilbert Beilschmidt had barrelled into his life three years earlier. Roderich pushed himself up, reached for his glasses from the bedside table, and blinked incredulously. He was immediately certain he was still asleep and dreaming. Because Gilbert stood at the foot of the bed, grinning proudly, holding a tray with a coffee pot and mug, a small selection of pastries, and a single red rose. Roderich rubbed his eyes behind his glasses, but the remarkable vision remained the same. When he finally convinced himself he was not dreaming, Roderich narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "All right, what did you do?"

Gilbert laughed and carried the tray towards him. "Can't I bring breakfast to my boyfriend in bed without a reason?"

"Not really, no." Roderich sat back against the pillows, fully awake now as Gilbert placed the tray on the bedside table.

"In that case, I'll give you one." With wild, messy hair, stubble on his face, and wearing nothing but his Tweety Bird pyjama pants, Gilbert looked both dishevelled and annoyingly gorgeous as he held out the rose. "It's Valentine's Day, baby!"

Oh. Ohhh… Roderich immediately felt guilty. He had been so busy rehearsing for his next recital in Toronto that he'd completely forgotten. Yet, regardless of the day, Gilbert bringing him breakfast in bed was completely unexpected. "Oh, well… thank you, that's…" Roderich took the rose and gave it a puzzled glance. "...surprisingly sweet." And Roderich truly was surprised. Gilbert never did things like this; he did not have a romantic bone in his body. Roderich had accepted that long ago.

Gilbert fell heavily onto the bed beside him. "Don't act so shocked, babe, it's coffee and a rose. You'd think I'd proposed or something."

Roderich laughed and accepted Gilbert's messy, forceful, morning-breath scented kiss with only the smallest groan of reluctance. He broke it, however, before things got too out of hand. "Yes, yes, don't get carried away." Roderich leant across Gilbert and reached for a pastry.

"Snobby prude," said Gilbert, but there was no malice in the words. Roderich just put his nose in the air and took a bite of the pastry. It was meltingly delicious.

"Oh… it's one of Francis'."

Gilbert scratched his head a little sheepishly. "Well, I was going to make you French toast, but I thought that would be too much Francis in the morning." Roderich snickered softly. "And then I thought about a Spanish omelette but again, you know, just way too Antonio-inspired, and you know how eggs upset Gilbird. So then I decided on the perfect starter course for the day..." Gilbert grinned and his deep bronze eyes flashed red. "Prussian sausage!"

Roderich furrowed his brows and looked back over at the tray. "But there's no food but the pastries…"

Gilbert winked. "I wasn't talking about food, baby."

Well, there was the Gilbert he knew. Roderich was caught between laughing and sneering as Gilbert pressed him into the pillows. "I should have known you couldn't keep this romance thing up!"

"Lucky for you there's something else I can keep up…"

"Gilbert, you are so utterly crass it's… oh… ahh!"

.

Three hours later, after finally managing to extract himself from both Gilbert's arms and the bed, Roderich sat down at his piano in his downstairs studio to get some serious practice in. He had recitals coming up, and recordings to make, and… Roderich paused, blinked, and stared, puzzled, at the unfamiliar sheets of music sitting on the stand. They were printed with elegant old-fashioned script on beautiful ivory paper, and tied with a red satin ribbon. Roderich reached for them slowly, and noticed the title written at the top of the page. 'Gaspard de la Nuit,' by Maurice Ravel.

Roderich's mouth fell open. This was the most difficult piece he had ever encountered, so difficult he had never even bothered to obtain the sheet music. He had once mentioned to Gilbert that he would love to play it one day, but that he knew he would never be able to. After all, some of the greatest concert pianists in the world could not manage it. So why on earth was this beautiful, brilliant, notoriously demanding music now sitting on his piano? Roderich untied the red ribbon and a small note fell onto the piano keys. He picked it up and read the five small words in Gilbert's handwriting.

Because I believe in you!

Roderich's heart swelled in his chest. He blinked disbelievingly, touched and bewildered that Gilbert would remember something like this and make such a thoughtful, heartfelt gesture. Smiling, he turned the small note over to find more writing on the other side.

I looked this song up on YouTube and I think it sucks but baby, you are awesome enough to pull it off! P.S. I could totally play this trash but I don't wanna.

And there, again, was the Gilbert he knew. No one else would call one of the greatest works of French impressionism 'trash.' Roderich rolled his eyes, sighed, then laughed softly to himself. And just for the sake of it, he began playing out the first few bars of the exquisitely difficult third movement.

.

"So, did you learn that song yet?"

"It's not a song, Gilbert. And no, I did not learn arguably the most challenging piano piece ever composed in the twenty minutes you allowed me to practice before dragging me out the door."

Gilbert hummed disapprovingly. "Hmm, losing your touch, old boy."

Roderich decided to ignore that. He and Gilbert strolled along the walkway beside the river, coats and scarves drawn close against the cold February day. Roderich had to admit - with how much he had been working, it was nice to spend time with Gilbert like this. He did still feel rather guilty that the silly little gift he had planned was not finished yet. After all, Gilbert seemed to be making an effort for the day - Roderich had the very odd feeling that he was trying to be romantic. Well, as romantic as Gilbert could manage, anyway. But even just strolling quietly together, their eyes meeting occasionally and their hands sometimes brushing, perhaps just the fact that they weren't squabbling was romantic enough.

"When are you heading away again?" asked Gilbert.

"I have that concert in Toronto next week."

"Oh, that's right." Gilbert looked down and scuffed his heel on the ground. "I'll miss you."

Roderich glanced up quickly. Gilbert did not usually say things like that. "Well… you're still working on that old department store building in town, aren't you?"

Gilbert brightened somewhat. "Yep! She's coming down next week. It's gonna be massive!" Gilbert's job as a demolition worker worried Roderich sometimes, but of course he would never say it.

"Well, there you are then. You'll be so busy blowing things up, you won't even notice I'm gone." Roderich smiled, but Gilbert did not return his look. Instead he stopped short, looking at the bench beside them.

"Hey, what's that?"

Roderich stopped and followed Gilbert's gaze. A red envelope sat on the wooden sidewalk bench. "Probably nothing, just…" Roderich trailed off when he noticed that the envelope had his name on it. His eyes narrowed. "All right, what…"

"Oh, hey, would you look at that!" Gilbert spoke with exaggerated surprise, his eyes wide and his hands spread. "It's addressed to you, babe! I wonder how that could possibly have happened!" Roderich raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Gilbert grinned and winked. "Well, you'd better open it." Roderich sighed wearily. This was entirely too suspicious… but he picked up the envelope and opened it anyway.

"Okay, what have you done now?" Inside was a map of the south part of the river and its surrounding locations, with a dotted line leading from their current position to a nearby location. Roderich stared at it blankly for a few moments. Could Gilbert possibly have something else planned? Roderich looked up warily, ignoring the tiny part of him that melted at Gilbert's silly gesture and thrilled at his unexpected attempt at romance.

Gilbert giggled, his brilliant eyes twinkling. He looked far too self-satisfied. "You've got to follow the map now!"

Roderich allowed himself a tiny, wry smile. "What will I find when I get there?"

"That's a surprise!"

"You're up to something."

Gilbert attempted to look affronted. "Hey, can't I do something romantic for my boyfriend on Valentine's Day!"

Roderich raised an eyebrow. "But Gilbert, you're not romantic. Last Valentine's Day you gave me a hammer."

"That was last Valentine's Day, babe. And hey, for someone not romantic, I'm doing a pretty awesome job at it!"

Roderich still felt a little cautious, but he had to admit – that was an incredibly sweet thing for Gilbert to do with the music, and that morning had been a rather… er… inspiring way to wake up. He sighed, looked back down at the map, then took Gilbert resignedly by the arm. "Very well. But I swear, Gilbert, if there's a power tool at the end of this map I am going to most upset."

Actually, there was a wine café at the end of the map. Gilbert disappeared immediately to the bathroom, leaving Roderich to sit alone, drumming his fingers impatiently on the table. Roderich suspected that, with one destination, this was possibly the lamest treasure hunt in history - if that's even what it was supposed to be in the first place. Still, it was more effort than he'd expected from Gilbert, so the silly German got points for that at least. And it was a rather nice wine café, after all. Roderich looked out across the water, wondered just how long he would have to wait, then startled when a waitress appeared beside him and placed a glass of champagne on the table. "Oh no, I didn't order…" Roderich trailed off. The beautiful crystal glass was engraved with words. His stomach flipped as he picked it up and read.

Dearest Roderich, I love you! Always, Gilbert. Valentine's Day, 2011

Roderich was no longer surprised. He was completely stunned. He read the engraving three times before blinking up at waitress, who smiled down at him knowingly. "I was also asked to give you this, sir." She handed him another red envelope. Roderich took it slowly, a little thrown.

"Oh… thank you."

"That's a very sweet boyfriend you've got there… I'd hold onto him." The waitress winked. Roderich raised his eyebrows. He wondered if she'd think Gilbert was so sweet if she knew that he had an unshakeable whistling habit, bit his toenails, and occasionally came home at four a.m, Spaniard and Frenchman in tow, smelling like a brewery. But Roderich just thanked the waitress again as she left, and turned his attention to the envelope. He opened it a little faster than the last, and as he turned it over a key fell out and clattered onto the table. Inside, as expected, was another map, with a note.

Edelweiss, Edelweiss, Every morning you greet me. Small and white, clean and bright, You look happy to meet me.

The last two words were scrawled in large, bold letters. Roderich stared at them wide-eyed. So Gilbert had gone to more effort, after all. Roderich was really starting to wonder now – what on earth had gotten into Gilbert today? Where had this come from? Roderich and Gilbert did not really 'do' the romance thing. Yes, they had given each other flowers a few times, and Roderich was pretty sure Gilbert had told him he loved him once or twice. But when a relationship started with both people actively hating the other, romance just never really had a chance to bloom. However, looking down at the map, and the key, and the glass, Roderich couldn't stop the warm feeling that spread through his chest; that strange, happy frustration that thinking of Gilbert always seemed to invoke. If Gilbert wanted to be romantic for once, for whatever random reason, then Roderich decided it couldn't hurt to play along. For one day, at least. He quickly drank the champagne, put the key in his pocket, then left the café; map and glass in hand.

The map led Roderich to the botanical gardens beside the river. He entered through the gate, headed onto the path, and found that the little line on the map finished exactly where he currently stood. Now what was he supposed to do? He looked up, glanced around in confusion, and saw it – a single edelweiss flower, attached to the first tree in the middle of the path. Roderich's heart leapt. He walked cautiously past the tree, and immediately noticed another edelweiss on a signpost up ahead. He quickly realised the small white flowers were making a trail. But what did a key have to do with this?

Roderich followed the trail of edelweiss, his pulse pounding and his stomach fluttering. He followed it onto the grass, past tall trees and timber benches and picnicking couples; through green lawns and colourful gardens; over small trails and little wooden bridges; until he finally reached a vine-entangled wall with a tall wooden gate covered in edelweiss. His heart thrummed even faster in his chest now. Roderich could not remember the last time he had felt this nervous, or this flattered. He reached out and ran his hand over the old gate, finding a latch with a little locked keyhole. Taking the key from his pocket with a slightly shaking hand, and still clutching his glass with the other, Roderich turned the key in the lock and pushed open the gate.

Roderich stepped onto a small, lush, grassy lawn, strewn with edelweiss and enclosed by vine-covered walls. And in the middle, beside a large white blanket and a picnic basket, stood Gilbert, holding a single edelweiss and a bottle of champagne. Roderich felt his heart leap and his jaw actually drop. Gilbert just grinned at him. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Roderich shook his head, his lips turning in an unstoppable smile. He put his hand to his forehead and walked across the grass. "Oh, Gilbert. What have you done?"

"I know, right? I mean, come on baby. How awesomely romantic is this?" Gilbert bowed slightly when Roderich reached him. "Your glass, sir?"

Roderich rolled his eyes, smiling, and held his glass up as Gilbert filled it with the fizzing champagne. "You never cease to amaze me, do you?"

"I don't believe I ever will!" Gilbert finished pouring the champagne and held out the edelweiss, his eyes suddenly intense. "Did you know, that in the olden days or something, infatuated young men used to brave the dangers of the high alpine cliffs to collect edelweiss for their beloved? As a sign of their courage and devotion."

Roderich smirked as he took the white flower, turning it over in his hand. "What are you telling me? That you climbed a mountain to bring me a flower?"

Gilbert scoffed. "Oh hell no, I just went to that florist on Main Street. I did have to brave downtown traffic at peak hour, though, and I think that for sure beats climbing the measly Alps."

And there was the Gilbert he knew. Roderich couldn't hold back a burst of laughter, then gasped as Gilbert grabbed him by the waist. "Hey, don't spill the champ-mmph…" The kiss was warm and strong and playful and surprising and everything Gilbert was, everything Roderich loved. He smelt like warmth and home; he felt like joy and wonder. When Roderich finally managed to pull away, he was slightly flushed, and laughing softly. He straightened his clothes with his free hand, then looked from Gilbert's amused gaze down to the picnic basket. "Tell me you didn't cook."

"Nah, you're not getting that lucky." Gilbert reached for basket as they sat on the blanket. "Courtesy of the little Italians for the main, and Francis for the dessert."

"Oh, thank goodness. I mean, oh… what a shame."

Gilbert tossed an edelweiss at him. Their eyes met, sparkling, and Roderich knew, he loved this brash, loud, arrogant, strange, uncouth man more than anything he had ever known. More than his piano, and more than music, and more than life itself. This was Roderich's best, oddest, most surprising Valentine's Day with Gilbert. But sitting here with him on the grass, surrounded by edelweiss, Roderich knew it would not be the last.

.

That evening, when the long, mad day was done, Roderich led Gilbert to the bedroom dresser. He was actually starting to feel terrible that he hadn't done anything for Gilbert after all the effort he had gone to for Roderich. Roderich's little present now felt pitiful in return, but he had to give Gilbert something after all he had done today.

"It's not really anything compared to what you've done for me, just silly, really, but… here." Roderich opened the top drawer and pulled out his unwrapped gift. "They're not completely finished yet. Feliciano was helping me with them, you know how artistic he is." Roderich handed them over, feeling a little ridiculous giving My Little Pony's to his twenty-six year old boyfriend. But this was some mad, strange part of Gilbert, and as much as Roderich didn't understand everything about him, he loved every part of the Gilbert he knew.

Roderich knew immediately it was the right gift. Gilbert looked stunned as he took them, almost overwhelmed. He stared intently at the two ponies - one violet with brown hair, glasses, and a music note on its flank; the other with white skin and hair, red eyes, a black iron cross on its flank, and a tiny yellow bird perched on its head. Gilbert gave a short, amazed laugh, looked up into Roderich's eyes, and said, "Marry me."

Roderich laughed. Gilbert didn't. It took a few moments for Roderich to realise that Gilbert wasn't smiling, and that his eyes were focused and steady. He was serious. Roderich's heart stopped, his stomach turned in knots, and he gasped loudly. "Oh, God, I knew you were up to something..."

Gilbert spoke quickly. "I know that came out really fast, I didn't mean to say it like that... I actually wanted to ask at the gardens, I wanted to be romantic, but then I thought maybe it was too romantic, and I thought you might... I mean..." Gilbert broke off, flustered. He took a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair, and put the ponies on table. Then he took Roderich's hands in his. Roderich didn't know if he could believe this yet; his heart pounding, his skin burning, his head spinning... "Roderich, I don't ever want to be with anyone else but you. I know I go on about how you're the luckiest guy in the world, but the truth is - I am. You're just the only one on earth who can put up with me."

Roderich couldn't help but smile. That was the truth, after all. "But Gilbert..." He looked down at their hands, his brow furrowing, still unsure if this was real. "You don't believe in marriage."

Gilbert shrugged. "But I believe in you." Roderich's heart started again, thundering rapidly in his ears. He looked up into Gilbert's beautifully unusual eyes, and felt his words flow into his heart and soul.

"Oh."

Gilbert smiled and squeezed Roderich's hands. "When you're miles away, in another city, or another country, playing to an enormous concert hall - I want you to be able to look down at your fingers on the piano keys, see your wedding ring, and know that I'm waiting for you to come home. That I'll always be waiting."

Roderich was astonished. Amazed, overjoyed, thrilled, ecstatic, and had Gilbert actually said… wedding ring? "Oh…"

Gilbert grinned. "One last present." He pulled a box from his pocket, and Roderich's heart stopped again. This wasn't some random spur of the moment idea - Gilbert really meant this. He held the box on his open hand, his eyes bright and hopeful, his breath coming too fast. Roderich reached out, still disbelieving, not even sure what to expect, and opened the small box with shaking fingers. He was almost relieved. Inside was a plain, elegant, white gold band. It was perfect.

"Oh," he said again. Roderich wasn't sure he would ever be able to speak again.

Gilbert bit his lip uncertainly. "I hope it's all right. I was going to get you a thick yellow one with our initials in diamonds, but Francis said that would be tacky. So, uh, I'm taking your silence as a good sign, but… I can make it official, if you like, I mean, I'll get down on one knee if it'll seal the deal…"

Roderich gave a short breath of laughter. Gilbert couldn't be completely serious even when proposing. But then, true to his word, Gilbert took the ring from the box and dropped to one knee. And Roderich nearly fell over.

Gilbert gazed up at him, his white hair falling over his hopeful, eager face, his lips turned in a bright, playful smile. "Roderich Edelstein. I love you. Will you marry me? Please?"

And Roderich's chest swelled, his heart melted; he felt all those silly cliché romantic things you were supposed to feel at a time like this. He even felt a lump in his throat, but he stubbornly ignored it. He swallowed heavily and forced himself to speak. "Oh, Gilbert. Get up."

Gilbert's smile faltered, his expression slightly worried. It was the most uncertain Roderich had ever seen the boisterous, confident German. "Er… is that a yes?"

Joy rose bubbling in Roderich's chest; wild and incredulous and overflowing. He smiled, grinned, laughed. "Of course it's a yes."

Gilbert's eyes positively lit up. "Awesome!" Laughing brightly, Gilbert placed the ring on Roderich's finger, stood, and swung him into his arms. The embrace was even more wonderful than their kiss in the park; it was love and fulfillment and promise. Roderich had never felt anything so perfect or so right. It had taken Gilbert an entire day of ridiculous romance to get to the point, but goodness – wasn't it worth it in the end. Finally breaking the kiss, Roderich smiled up at Gilbert and thought he'd better make something clear.

"I love you too, Gilbert."

Gilbert grinned wildly, maddening and beautiful and Roderich's forever. "Best. Valentine's Day. Ever!"

The End.

.

Disclaimer: This story belongs to George deValier. Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya. I own nothing.

[ja-barakrispy]

The Moon in Your Eyes - Chapter One: Jasey

OK, so this is an original story that I have written - it’s your typical teem romance story, full of lil dramas, about a 16-year-old girl who moves from Baltimore to a new school, and falls in love with an aloof ‘bad-boy’ type, who has also had his fair share of heartbreak in recent years. It’s honestly a tumblr-perfect teen story.

Lots of music and pop culture mentions as well - the likes of Harry Styles, Elton John, Nirvana, Lewis Capaldi (my characters have really good taste in music, if I do say so myself), and both main character’s favourite film is Donnie Darko. Just so you know the characters a little better, and to give you as a reader a better idea as to wether these will be characters that you can relate to!

The chapters flip between the point of view of Jasey (the female protagonist) and Spencer (the male protagonist), but I will highlight this at the beginning of each chapter.

Posting this online is a BIG confidence thing for me, as I love writing, but have 0 confidence in my ability. BUT I have enjoyed writing it so far, and feel like maybe others would enjoy it too?

Any feedback, likes, reblogs would be so greatly appreciated! If this gets like no response, I probably won’t post any more, but we will see!

                                                             One                                                             Jasey

Warnings: Few curse words, slight anxiety.

Word Count: 1,848

A/N: These characters have all been created by me, and this is not based on true events - any character resemblance to anyone alive or deceased, and any story resemblance, is purely coincidental.

I checked myself over in the full-length mirror one last time. I tugged at my burnt-orange, corduroy skirt, the buttons running down the centre of it cold against my fingers. I pulled up the polka dot tights around my knees, and straightened out my over-sized, white sweater embroidered with maroon, orange and yellow flowers over the chest. I’d paired the outfit with plain black Doc Martens – because really, you can’t go wrong with Docs.

   I’ve always tried to look my best. Back in Baltimore everyone used to say I dressed like hipster/indie kid hybrid, but I never really cared. I was always comfortable with my look, and that was all that mattered to me.    But there was something about my outfit today that I questioned; what if people thought I was… overdressed?    Usually, I wouldn’t care, but today was my first day at Nightingale High, and I wanted to make a good first impression. What if the people here were a little more refined than I was?

   My dad is a Chemistry Professor – he used to teach at my old middle school, so when he was offered a position at Orley University, just outside of Pittsburgh, my family packed up our life in Baltimore and headed west. I was excited. Mostly.

   Born and raised in Baltimore, leaving it behind was tough. But, really, I guess I kind of knew I was ready for life’s next adventure.    As I stared myself down in the mirror, I clasped my necklace close to my chest and began to fiddle with it between my fingers.

   “Jasey, come on, we gotta go.” My older brother, Tyler, called me from downstairs, snapping me out of my trance.

   I grabbed my backpack, took one last glimpse into the mirror, and made my way down.

   Tyler was waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase, tapping away on his phone. I gently slapped him on the forehead as I passed him – no reaction.

   Tyler was 17, and going into his Senior Year at Nightingale. Being so close in age, we always used to get mistaken for twins, until 9th Grade, when he started to get taller and bulked out from playing football.

   “Sociable as ever, I see, Ty.” I rolled my eyes slightly.

“I am being sociable,” He looked up, gesturing to his phone. “Everyone back home is sending me good luck texts, and I - being the polite young man I am - am making sure I reply to everyone individually.” He gave me a sarcastic smile, as I folded my arms across my stomach.

   “Hey, you are home!” My mum pointed a finger at Tyler as she entered the hallway from the kitchen, her British accent still as evident as ever.

  My parents are both from the UK – my mum is from Chelsea in London, and my dad is from Glasgow in Scotland. They moved to the US 16 years ago, when Tyler was a year old, and mum was pregnant with me, along with my two older half-sisters from my dad’s first marriage, April and Norah.

   “Yeah, OK.” Tyler sighed. “Roddie, we’re getting in the car.”

   Roddie is our youngest sibling – 13 and just starting 8th grade at Westinghouse Middle School. Roddie isn’t short for anything; not Rodney or Roderick; he’s just Roddie. Our mum is obsessed with Rod Stewart, and when she was in labor with our littlest kin, she’d put on a playlist she had created, ready for her sprogs arrival. ‘Hot Legs’ by none other than Rod Stewart himself popped up on shuffle at the exact moment my wonderful little brother made his appearance into the world. And so, Roddie was born, named after the man who was there for our mother during his birth.   “I’m coming!” Roddie ran into the hallway, nearly slipping on the laminate flooring.

“Have the most amazing day, all of you,” Mum embraced all three of us in a group hug. “I love you guys so much.”

“We love you too, mum.” I smiled sweetly at her. “See you later.”

   We piled into Tyler’s car, mum blowing us a thousand kisses, as we pulled out of the driveway and headed to our new schools.    Tyler switched on his car stereo, Drake blaring through the speakers, which prompted me to put in my headphones. I scrolled through my Spotify, before deciding on shuffling the songs in my Elton John playlist.    My phone pinged, a new text illuminating the screen.

Isaac Good luck at your new school today, Stinks. I’ll be thinking of you xxx

I smiled as I read the message.

   Leaving Isaac back in Baltimore was tough. We’d been together for just over a year, and he was the first guy I’d ever really had feelings for (if you discount Warren Princeton in the 7th grade).

Jasey Thanks sweet cheeks, missing you so much xxx

Isaac Facetime later? xxx

Jasey Wouldn’t miss it xxx

I caught myself smiling as Isaac and I sent a stream of messages back and forth.

   “Aw, texting your boyfriend?” Tyler said, making kissy faces.

Rolling my eyes, I took the ear-bud out of my left ear. “At least I have a boyfriend,” I raised an eyebrow at him. “You can’t seem to keep a girlfriend for more than five minutes.”

“I need to spread my wings.” He shrugged. “I don’t like being tied down.”

I rolled my eyes again – harder than last time – and sighed, “whatever you say, Romeo.”

   “Besides,” Tyler grinned. “How could I pick just one girl, when so many want me?”

Roddie began to make retching noises from the backseat, as I belly laughed. “Oh, Tyler,” I gasped for a breath, “You really are something else.”

   Before we knew it, we were at Westinghouse.    As we pulled up in the drop-off layby, Roddie unclipped his seatbelt and shuffled to the edge and the centre of the backseat, so that he was closer to Tyler and I. He put his arms out in front of him, his thumbs hooked together and pinkies sticking out from both hands, almost resembling a bull. Tyler and I both did the same, this time connecting all of our pinkie fingers together. We started to chant softly and slowly; ‘Tanner kids rule’. Gradually, we got faster and louder, eventually swapping to a vocal Mexican wave of ‘woahs’, before breaking our finger circle, lifting our bull-formed hands over our heads and shouting our last name – “Tanner’s out!” It was cringy, and ever so corny, but we’d been doing this since Roddie could barely talk; it was our little tradition.

   “See you guys.” Roddie smiled, climbing out of the car.

“Have a great day, bucko.” I waved.

Roddie skipped up the steps to his new school, excitement in his eyes, before turning back to the car and giving us a cheerful wave. I blew him kisses as Tyler waved back.    “OK,” Tyler began, once Roddie had disappeared inside. “Let’s go take Nightingale High by storm, little sis.”

                                                        *     *     *

We walked up the school steps together, shoulder to shoulder, holding our breath until we walked through the front doors.    The hallway was alive with hundreds of teens, some stuffing their blue coloured lockers with bags, books and binders, while others stood around chatting, chortling and checking in on what had happened over the Summer. It was almost too loud to hear yourself think, the buzz was electric.    The school’s crest was displayed on a huge banner above the doorway, as well as laminated onto the floor in front of us – a nightingale bird, with a lamp hanging from it’s beak, displayed in blue and gold.

   “So, this is it.” I breathed in. “I guess we should go and find the office.” Tyler placed a hand on my shoulder, looking down at me. I nodded boldly, as we searched the hall for any clue as to where we needed to go. I noticed a board a little way further into the hall, which had a map of the whole school. “Over here,” I tugged on Tyler’s arm. “We need to carry on down the hall, and take the second left.” Tyler studied the map. “OK, let’s go, I’m ready for this.” I attempted to pump myself up.

   In reality, I was petrified.    I grew up with all my friends in Baltimore: we had known each other since Pre K, so I’d never really been in a position where I had to prove myself as worthy to a bunch of new people in one hit. Making friends is a lot easier when you’re 4-years-old.    Now, I had to try and make fresh friends, and settle into a new school environment, all whilst trying to maintain my high grade average.    Tyler and I followed the directions on the map and came to the main office. A young woman sat on the other side of the desk, and greeted us with a warm smile. She looked pretty young - perhaps only in her early 20’s - her short blonde hair framing her soft face.      She gave us both our timetables for the semester, along with a locker number and combination each, and a map of the school to keep.    “You’ll both need to go to your homeroom classes first, and if you need any help at all with finding your classes, the teachers, and I’m sure your fellow students, will be more than happy to help you out.” She smiled.    Tyler and I said our thank yous and headed back out into the hallway. It wasn’t as busy as when we’d first arrived, but the after-Summer-buzz was still apparent.

   Tyler studied his timetable, his brow forming into a frown. “My first day of a new school, and they give me all the worst classes – I hate this place already.” “I dunno,” I smirked. “My classes don’t seem to be so bad.”

Tyler grabbed my timetable out of my hands and whispered each class to himself; “English Lit, Music, Astronomy, Art…” He opened his mouth wide and made his frown even deeper. “Study Hall?

“So I get all the whack classes, and you get let off with a fuckin’ Study Hall?” Tyler whined. “Sorry dude, I didn’t write the timetable.” I held my hands up.    I jumped slightly as the bell rang, signaling the start of our first period of the day.

   “Right, I’m out. See you later, loser.” Tyler began walking to his homeroom class, flashing the ASL for ‘I love you’ to me as he walked away. I put my fingers up in the same formation, “Hope you have a shitty day.” I called after him.    I looked down at my map and timetable while simultaneously walking, trying to figure out where my homeroom was.    I came to a bright red door, with one singular square window in the centre. The door had ‘C7’ engraved into a plaque right at the top – I was in the right place.    “OK,” I breathed, prepping myself to go inside. My stomach flooded with anxiety, filling to the brim with intense butterflies: “you can do this Jasey. You are OK.”

[ofchargers]

WORLD WAR ONE .  THE WESTERN FRONT .

feat .  @osterreiich  and  @rexblut .

Ludwig had practically begged for them all to let him go to the front.

He remembers first going to Gilbert.  Neat, tidy uniform, adjustments made in the final moments before he enters the room with an air of confidence.  The stern gaze he forced himself to maintain as he explained his reasons to go to the front, to follow in Gilbert’s footsteps, to prove to him that he could handle it like Gilbert had done for centuries before now.  The firm no he’d received in return that stunned him.  And nervous, Ludwig fixed his fringe, gently brushing it back with a gloved hand, stuttering over his first few words before finally starting to form coherent, persuasive arguments.  Ludwig wanted to win over Gilbert’s favour first…  Relying on Gilbert’s tendency for war and glory to tilt the argument.

It took him a bit longer than he expected, but eventually, he got an answer.

“Fine.  You want to go to the front.  And I’m proud of you for wanting to do that, and I guess I didn’t teach you all that strategy for nothing.  But I’m stationed elsewhere on the front with my troops…  So, you’ll have to ask Johan.  And you know what?  Roderich too.”

Roderich was next, he determined.  Ludwig had mustered all his confidence to convince Roderich to let him out on the front, seeking the desperate approval of entering the war on his own volition.  He’d even taken the chance to ask during a piano lesson with the other nation, taking the opportunity of a calmer environment to persuade him;  keys playing a magnificent tune as they play, a duet unheard by all but the two, something the two could share compared to Gilbert’s strategizing and Johan’s survival skills.  At first, it was an even stronger no than he’d received from Gilbert, but regardless of the initial answer, he did his best to convince his uncle to let him go.  He was determined.

“I want to protect you, Roderich,”  Ludwig would say;  the nickname Roddy remains a decade unused, but he considers using it in his favour.  Gentle coercion, he calls it.  “Please, let me go to the front.  You can’t stop me, realistically, but…  I just want your approval.”

He still doesn’t know if he got a yes or no.

And last was Johan.  Oh, Johan, even more insistent than Gilbert and Roderich combined that his no was the hardest to convince into a yes.  He didn’t bother with formalities, only taking the chance to seek an answer during a friendly spar, a quiet moment between clashing steel against each other.  They’d then spent the next few hours debating the point, with Ludwig wanting to fight and protect his people;  Johan would argue that war is not glorious.  Dear Ludwig would retort that it wasn’t glory he was seeking, merely protection for the people he’d sent to war.  Was he guilt tripping?  Well…

“I sent the blank cheque, Jo Jo.  Please, this is my fault.  I have to do something.”

“No!  You have never been to war before, Ludwig.  You--  have you seen my scars?  Have you forgotten I’ve lived for thousands and thousands of years longer than you?  I would not wish this upon anyone, least of all you.”

Their argument carries on through to dusk.  The tense silence that follows is overbearing.  But finally, an hour after the sun fully sets, Johan relents.

However, it isn’t without terms.

“You will be stationed with me.  I will be in direct contact with Roderich and Gilbert the entire time we’re on the front.  And if you die out there, or if you are severely injured, you will not be returning on any circumstances whatsoever.  Understood?”

His enthusiastic nod is followed with a, “yes sir”.

…

Ludwig was not prepared for the horrors of the Great War.

Icy blue irises widen at the sight of bullets whistling past the top of their trench, colliding with whatever they could find beyond that, the ground flattened and muddy and bloody.  Ludwig scrunches up his nose when he smells the terrible stench;  an unbearable stench, of iron and rot and earth, of gunpowder and smoke, filling his lungs and threatening to make him cough in disgust.  That same smell leaves a lingering taste on his tongue, followed by grains of dirt that he begrudgingly swallowed with his saliva.  He feels so dirty.  No matter how much the rain they got washed over him, it never scrubbed away the dirt on his uniform, the mud splatters on his face;  and now that he looks at his uniform, it’s starting to fall apart, damage evident in the seams around his shoulders.

He glances upwards at the ever-growing height of their trench.  So far, it’s dirt and mud held by wood, further protected by sandbags and set mud and--  Ludwig turns his gaze away.

Instead, Ludwig looks to the boy on his left.  Younger, but not by much;  old enough to convince someone that he’s 18, old enough to fight in the war.  His green eyes are wide and his pale lips are chafed, mud and blood splattered and smudged across his face.  The tale in those eyes says he’s seen thousands of lifetimes.  Ludwig frowns.  How could a human endure the pain and sorrow that comes with such a terrible war, how could anyone handle the pain and sorrow that comes with comrades dying around them?  He could see it in the young boy’s face;  he’s afraid to look up above that trench, to cross No Man’s Land.  Ludwig asks him, “Geht’s dir gut?”, and he gets an unconvincing nod in return.

(A blatant lie, even now?)

Ludwig then turns to the other man on his right.  An older man, in his 30s perhaps.  Stare is steady and breathing is methodical, even;  but Ludwig can see the fear in this man’s eyes, the determination dancing with the other emotion.  He can’t help but ask if the man has a family waiting for him at home.  “Ja…  Berlin.  Mein Frau und mein Sohn leben dort.”  Ludwig only offers his prayer for him to return home to them in the end.  The man gives a smile.

A deep breath.  Silence.  He remembers what Gilbert told him;  silence means the enemy is up to something.  It means they’re planning one of two things.

Silence is deadly.

The men wait in anticipation.  He feels the tension rising as they all glance at one another, all wondering when the mortar fire will rain down on them once again, when the rifle shots will fly by the trench at the smallest hint of movement.  Ludwig can hear his heartbeat in his ears with a steady rising heart-rate  --  it’s terrifying.  There hasn’t been a break in the war so far.  There’s been constant sound and rapid fire and everything was wrong, so wrong, where was the mortar fire?  Where are the shells?

Ludwig turns to the boy who’s entire body was shaking like a leaf, the fear so obvious, so evident;  he reaches a hand to that boy’s shoulder with caution.  He sees the boy flinch but calm.

And then he hears a whistling sound.

Ludwig shoots both his hands up to his ears but they ring with an agonisingly high-pitched sound, staggering to the ground as fast as he can.  Blond strands of slicked back hair fall down to his face as his pike helmet finds its way onto the ground, with him throwing it off with such force;  he can’t hear.  He can’t fucking hear his pike helmet collide with the mud.  He can’t hear the young boy on his left or the father of a young son on his right.  Icy irises stare at the ground wide, trying to focus, trying to see straight, trying to gather himself enough to just kneel down and pick up his rifle, pick up that damned rifle, dammit Beilschmidt if you could just grab it and get back up-- !

He feels a pair of hands pick him up and shake him.  Ludwig feels himself wince but focuses in on the person shaking him;  Johan.

Weary hands reach up to brush his rogue strands out of his face, eyes darting around Johan’s face to find a focus, find out what he’s saying, trying to read his lips and gather what in the hell just happened. A hand reaches to Johan’s face.

Breathe.  In…  And out.

In…

“I’m fine,”  he manages, hearing finally coming back.  His voice cracks and it wavers with just the two words, and it betrays what he’s trying to say to his brother, but he strengthens his resolve and tries it again.  His voice doesn’t waver so much this time when he manages to speak with a clear and concise voice, “I’m fine.”

A glance to his left.  The boy is screaming… But he seems to have no evident injury.  No wounds anywhere. Ludwig looks at him with surprise when it finally registers;  he’s heard plenty about shell shock, the horrible circumstance some men find themselves in when they fight in this dreaded war, and a shell explodes right next to them, loud and ringing and un-apologetically dangerous.  It forced normal men to their knees. It made those same men change so that they’d never be the same again. He just… Never thought he’d ever see it. He never thought he’d find someone suffering from it so much that some might consider the point of no return, this poor kid lost but not dead.  The boy was so young.

How was this fair?

When he turns to his right, he sees the man;  shaken, but still standing, pike helmet re-fixed onto his head as he turns his gaze to the blond next to him, looking him over.  The man seems more concerned about those around him than himself.  He sees the boy on the ground and immediately rushes to his aid, there to try and support him, to try and bring him back to reality;  he remembers that this man is a father.

Ludwig wipes the dirt off his face to the best of his ability.  He reaches for his helmet and brushes off the mud where he can, putting it back on his head with a slow uncertainty, eyes glancing over to Johan--  ah, General Lindemann.  He’s nervous.  Ludwig doesn’t want to admit it, but there’s a sinking feeling in his stomach as the mortar fire continues.

Icy irises gaze absentmindedly in the distance, listening out for the shells, waiting for the silence to consume the battlefield once again.  Cacophonous screams carry through the air from both sides of him, mud and dirt splattering down from the collision of shell against ground, threatening to blind anyone that dares look up while the symphony of fire and destruction.  All the disturbance of earth raises the terrible smell from earlier;  the dust and iron and rot and smoke fill his lungs enough to make him cough.  He hates this more than he can care to imagine...  The boy and man stick beside each other, the father using his paternal instincts to keep him calm enough to handle this constant horror.

Ludwig had never seen the horrors of war until now.

And now that he’s on the Western Front, facing the worst of wars, the war to end all wars, only a few words manage to leave his mouth in the silence that comes.

“Möge Gott uns beistehen.”