#running out of hope arkansas

[musiconspotify]

#BrennenLeigh Running Out Of Hope, Arkansas

[whatislovevavy]

Sliding Stops & Beating Hearts

Reiner! Tyler Owens x Fem!Reader (Honeybee)

Summary: Tyler Owens has worked almost his entire life for this moment. And he's so glad he gets to share it with you.

Warnings: Tyler being down bad for his wife, afab!reader, fluff, swearing, smut (18+), oral (m+f), facesitting, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it)

WC: 4.6k (I'm so sorry, but not sorry enough to make it shorter)

AN: Hey girlies :) Apologies for taking so long to post this, I've been very busy and it feels like I have to wait for what feels like some kind of astronomical event for me to be able to write. Tyler Owens is essentially Jake Seresin so yeah I'm writing for him now lol. Reining has always been one of my favorite equestrian sports to watch. Granted, I've never done it nor competed so apologies to any reiners out there if there's inaccuracies with how competitions go lol. Anyways, hope you enjoy :)

None of the pictures featured are mine and were taken off of Pinterest. All of my writings will be added to my writing side blog @sophs-writing-nook 

This is an 18+ fanfic, so minors scoot pls. You are responsible for the media you consume. Do not copy, plagiarize, repost, or translate this fic without my explicit permission as it is my own creation. 

The competition had been fierce and each ounce of caffeine in your veins from your strenuous, early morning drive from Arkansas to Oklahoma had done nothing to quell your nerves. 

You could feel the sweat emulate from your palms as you watched each rider and horse pair complete their routine with near flawlessness, confidence, professionalism, and near perfect scores on maneuvers. 

Tyler would need to give it his all to bring home the NRHA world championship title for this season. 

You watched with bated breath as the pair before Tyler’s exited through the in-gate, applause and cheers ricocheting off the concrete and aluminum walls of the stadium. The announcer’s voice crackling and echoing through the speakers as the pairs score was displayed on the JumboTron that hung ominously above the center of the arena, threatening to crush Tyler's lifelong dream if a perfect score wasn't achieved. You fiddled with the competition program in your hand, waiting for the announcer to give the go ahead for Tyler Owens and Coppertone Boy, or as he was affectionately called at home, Copper, to enter the arena. 

“Come on, honeybee, I think you're more nervous than I am.” The fingers of your hand stop gingerly massaging into the muscle between Copper’s alert ears, eyes meeting Tyler’s unnervingly calm ones. You sighed, bringing your hand down to softly stroke the stallion’s velvet muzzle, looking back out at the arena that would be vacant for only a few moments more. “It's just the anticipation is all.”

He swallowed, dipping his heels down further against his stirrups, his weight settling on the back of the palomino American Quarter Horse. His thumb running along the smooth leather reins in his moderately calloused hands, his posture straightening. Tipping his hat on his head, eyes drifting from your almost perfect facade of calm collection to the no longer virginal arena footing. 

He gingerly scratched at Copper’s strong, gilded withers and neck concealed by the silken, alabaster strands of his freshly detangled mane, easing any anxiety the 10 year old stallion may have had. 

“Copper will take care of me out there, and I'm coming back, Sweets” his lip quirked into a gentle smirk, letting your anxiety ease a bit. 

Copper gently nudged you with his head, trying to get one last scratch in before entering. Or maybe to try to reassure you. “I know, I-,” you took a breath, licking your lips,” just really want this for you, and we're so close. I can taste it.” 

His eyes glazed a bit, a special kind of warmth spreading in his chest. You had helped him hitch the trailer to pick up Copper from the auction a few townships over back in his early twenties. You were the one who was with him every step of the way, through every high and frustrating low of training him and getting him ready for every competition. You were the one to stay up all night with him when Copper coliced during a muggy spring night a few years back. You were the one who encouraged him to try reining after his bull riding rodeo career came to a halt. You were the one to hide out with him on his family's ranch in Arkansas during the summer thunderstorms in the hayloft as kids and lovesick teenagers. And you were the first person he got to kiss out in the back field after the haying season was done, laying under the cover of Cassiopeia and The Big Dipper with homemade strawberry moonshine. It made the wedding band on a chain around his neck all the more meaningful. The microphone crackled as the announcer cleared his throat, announcing for Tyler to enter the arena. 

“Come on, baby, I need my good luck kiss before I go out there.” His urgent, but sweet, tone made you chuckle.  Stepping on your tippy toes, you met his lips that only seemed to get softer the more you kissed him. As your lips left his, you gave the stallion that gleamed like a new penny under the stadium lights a last, quick rub at his withers and a whispered “take care of him for me.” The stallion nudged his pink and gray muzzle into your side, letting out a puff of breath, seeming to listen and affirm your wish. 

You turned back to the man you had loved since you were a sophmore in highschool. “You'll get something a lot more when you come back.” You said softly with a flirtatious tone, trying to lighten the nerves that seemed to electrify your fingertips. Your eyes told an unspoken “whether you win, or lose.” His eyebrows rise before a smirk settles on his lips. “Looking forward to it darlin,” he winks before turning his attention to the packed arena. He gives the stallion a gentle squeeze of his sides with his calves to get him into a working walk, head low, and relaxed as his metal shoe-clad hooves rhythmically ricocheted off the pavement leading up to the arena as applause and whistles from the crowd marked his entrance like a gladiator entering the Colosseum. You watched him leave your side with bated breath. 

You always envied how he was able to feed off of the crowd instead of cowering under it, even when he was getting tossed around as a professional bull rider in the local rodeo circuit. It was a trait that Tyler and Copper had in common that made them a perfect pair.

You watched each calculated movement he whispered to Copper through his hands, legs, and seat. Each movement done in perfect harmony, from flying lead changes to each heart racing spin and rollback. You practically knew the routine like the back of your hand, softly mouthing the required movements right as Tyler and Copper conducted them with  complete poise and confidence. You couldn’t help but let your eyes flit back and forth from the golden stallion enrapturing the attention of the crowd and the judges scribbling down notes that had the potential to cut like a blade. Tyler had a calm, at-ease aura around him; his hands still with just the right amount of contact on the reins, loose hips and strong legs that wrapped around the barrel of the strong, powerful, and graceful horse below him. Copper’s ears kept at ease, each one flitting back to listen to each whispered task Tyler gave him. His mane and tail swayed beautifully with the rest of his muscular, golden dappled frame; steel horseshoes gleaming under the large overhead lights. You felt your anxiety rise as Tyler only had one maneuver left to accomplish- a sliding stop from a full gallop, the most exhilarating maneuver in reining.

Your breath felt like lead in your lungs as you watched each stride Copper took to complete his routine. With an impressive stall of his hind quarters, Copper planted himself against the arena footing to come to a full stop, his hind legs slightly folding under him as Tyler kept his body steady. The arena went quiet for only a second as Copper found his footing, remaining in a halt. As soon as the judges gave Tyler the go ahead to leave the arena, you jumped up in glee, applauding and whistling, just like the entirety of the arena   as Tyler gave Copper a loose rein, giving his strong neck deligent pats of encouragement and rubbing his withers as he made his way out of the arena at a working walk pace. After all, he had earned it. 

But would it be enough to win?

You couldn’t contain the smile on your face as Tyler met your gaze with a heart stopping grin, his handsome dimples on display, timothy grass green eyes shining for you as his chest rose and fell from his exertion, and the sweat evident under his Stetson at his hairline. 

As soon as he cleared the in-gate, he was out of the saddle and embracing you, lips on yours as you giggled against him as he picked you up and spun you around, your fingers splayed over his stubbly cheeks. Copper stood patiently as his reins hit the cement floor. Your fingers resting at the back of his neck, feeling his sweat, natural scent, and the smell of leather and horses caress your senses. 

“I’m so proud of you, baby,” you said, voice thick with tears bubbling beneath your eyes as your hands encased his gently stubbled cheeks, his grin matching your own, voice thick, “Honey, whatever happens, I’m-,” his eyes becoming glassy, “I’m just so glad I’ve been able to do this with you. I love you so goddamn much.” He brought your lips back to his in a sweet, love filled kiss that made your stomach flutter.  The crackle of the microphone breaks you both away from your kiss, his embrace still on your hips. Tyler cranes his neck to look up at the JumboTron. 

Your eyes widening, putting your hands over your mouth and looking up at Tyler’s shock-parted lips as the arena broke into cheers. Tyler swings you around by your hips before bringing you to his lips again. 

A perfect score. 

—

As soon as Tyler rode out on Copper with you by his side during the award ceremony, and your picture was taken with his NRHA Championship trophy and Copper got his red, blue, and yellow tri-colored ribbon, you both were ready to load up Copper and drive all the way back to Arkansas. 

Photographers, interviewers, and cameras followed your little group out of the arena. Tyler and Copper both walked with pride in a way that showed a healthy balance of confidence and natural charisma. Copper not once flinched as cameras flashed as Tyler had him periodically stop for interviewers to ask questions, reins loose in his hand. Copper seemed to almost pose for the camera with his ears forward and moving with momentum whenever the cameras flashed; aware that he had done a good job and was being appreciated. You, on the other hand, preferred to be on the other side of Copper’s strong withers, away from the cameras, gently running your hand along his glistening coat; it took you and Tyler countless hours for it to gleam like gold. 

“Who would you say is someone who has always supported you on the road to winning this NRHA world championship title?”

You felt like you were hiding behind the near two ton animal, peeking over his strong neck to watch Tyler with his tipped up Stetson and near alabaster dress shirt. He turned from the interviewer to you with an easy grin on his face, gently reaching behind him to take your hand from underneath Copper’s neck, bringing you around his large head and into Tyler’s chest, placing a kiss to your forehead. You couldn’t help the blush that spread across your cheeks like wildfire as you gave the interviewer a shy toothy smile. 

“I’ve had the undeserved pleasure to have by my side, during this entire journey, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known; my wife.” You felt your throat tighten and tears start to bubble up in your eyes at his gesture, all while trying to subtly hide away into his shoulder as the interviewer seemed to soak up the sweet moment between the new NRHA world champion and his wife. 

“You’ll have to forgive her, my honeybee’s a bit shy.” he chuckled, the interviewer following suit before asking her final questions with you by his side. 

As the last of the interviewers left to talk to the other competitors, you and Tyler led Copper back to the trailer to get him bedded in the trailer for the long way home.

You tried to keep your thoughts pure as you walked through the trucks and trailers with Copper in tow, passing competitors that turned into friends; like Bradley Bradshaw and his oil black quarter horse gelding, Turn and Burn, and Natasha Trace and her sorrel chestnut mare, Rising Phoenix. Both of which had gotten in the top 5 tonight out of 38. 

But Tyler looked too good right now. Too good. And his display of affection in front of the interviewer made your insides warm and jumble inside you. 

His hair peeking out from under his stetson, the color subdued from sweat; his taut jeans around his slim waist; his obnoxiously large belt buckle that glimmered in the overhead lot lights; his flushed, sweat soaked skin; bright, fern green eyes, and the defined line of his jaw to his handsome dimples. 

It didn’t help that you got distracted watching him tend to Copper as you put the tack in the trailer, biting your lip as you watched the thin material of his shirt cling to his back muscles. 

“Honeybee, you alright over there?” You almost needed to shake your head out of your trance, before trying to quickly put the tack away in the closet of the trailer, trying to focus on the task at hand and not on your lewd thoughts. 

As soon as you turned around from putting the tack away, Tyler was at the entryway. Both hands on the edge of the storage space prevented any chance of escape, sluttily leaning his weight on the frame like the scantily-clad men in those romance books Tyler always teased you for reading. He didn’t have anything to complain about though; he reaped the reward of it everytime. 

Your eyes met his mischief filled ones. “You got something on your mind, Honey?” 

You diverted your gaze from his eyes to his Stetson. He noticed, promptly removing it and placing it over his denim-clad pelvis with a teasing smile as he saw your eyes follow his movement. He always loved the dust of pink on your cheeks when he flirted with you. He took a step into the trailer, feeling his intoxicating scent invade your senses. 

You took a step forward, letting your eyes obscenely run over from his sweat-slicked back hair, to the slight crook in his nose, to his plush lips. Leaning into his ear, “I’ll tell you once Copper is in the trailer. Fed and watered.” Tyler almost shivered at the barely decent tone you used. You both were in a public space for Christ’s sake. 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

You bit your lip, a chuckle vibrating in your chest at his pace towards the patient stallion grazing from his well deserved hay bag as soon the words left your lips.

—

After ensuring all of your belongings were packed away, you went to check on Tyler and Copper. As you turned the corner, Tyler was just finishing up putting the latches on the trailer. “How’s our big guy doing?” You asked, leaning against the side of the trailer. 

He turned to you, “fed, watered, and out like a light. Copper’s going to sleep well on the ride home. Gave him a few extra flakes of hay to keep him occupied.”

“Now,” he took a step closer to you, a smirk painted across his lips, “I wanna hear what was on your mind earlier, pretty girl,” he purred. 

You took a step closer to him with a flirtatious smile blooming on your face, reaching out for his belt loops on his jeans. 

— 

“Honeybee,” he whimpered, heading hitting back against his truck as you sunk to the dusty ground beneath your knees, scrambling to unbuckle his obnoxiously large belt buckle, and unzipping his denim jeans with a harsh tug. He hissed, “careful, sweets, don't want to damage the goods,” you chuckled before bringing his jeans down to his knees. His breath freezing in his throat as you ran your palms against his defined Adonis belt and abs, scratching at the hair of his happy trail as your smooth palm found its home - wrapped around his thick, pulsing cock in his briefs. Tyler's eyes clenched shut, a hiss leaking from his kiss-swollen lips as you began to pump him in a corkscrew motion. God, he looked so good like this. Letting you take care of him and make him crumble beneath the palms of your hands. 

“Jesus, sweetheart.” His hips stuttered as you gave his oh so sensitive, engorged tip delicate kitten licks before taking him into your mouth, sucking softly. Eyes drifting shut as you savored the subtle musk of your husband and the salty taste of the precum leaking out of his cock. You hummed around his dick as his fingers weaved into your hair, keeping his cock encased in your hot mouth. 

Jesus, the glorious sight in your mind- Tyler’s head and Stetson tipped back, lips agape, cheeks flushed pink with sweat and arousal, dress shirt unbuttoned, strong abdominal and pectoral muscles exposed from years of ranch work, hips jutting out as his jeans and briefs tethered his ankles as you worked his fat cock. 

A sound akin to a mewl left his lips as you bobbed your head along his length, working his cock with your saliva soaked hand. 

“Oh fu- baby, that feels so fucking good.” His graveled voice made you clench your thighs, his eyes opening to see you pumping his cock as you playfully sucked on his balls. Saliva dribbling down your lips to the dirt below, leaving your mark on the event grounds. Your sinful acts hidden in the shadows of your truck and trailer. 

This was definitely the best way to celebrate a world championship win, he thought through a hazy conscience as he failed to find a steady tempo of breath. 

You could feel the tightness of his balls and the steady throbbing of the vein running underneath his thick cock. His fingers tightening in your hair. 

“God-Fuck-” His trail of words were cut off with a deep groan he tried to muffle the best he could.

 His hand kept your mouth around his cock as he shot his load down your welcoming throat, letting you swallow every hot drop he had to give. His body slumping against the truck, catching his breath as you rose up off the dirt, tenderly tucking him back into his jeans, bringing your lips to his. 

After a few moments, Tyler deepened the kiss,  reaching for the backseat door. He broke away from your lips, littering your neck and collarbones with messy, open-mouthed kisses. Your lips would get swollen soon from how hard you were biting them to conceal your mewls. His hands palmed and toyed with your cotton-clad breasts, feeling his calloused fingers slide under your t-shirt to fondle at your steadily peaking nipples. “Baby, we might need to do this half-clothed,” you murmured against his lips. He let his lips leave yours, realizing where you guys were: on the outskirts of the arena grounds. 

“Well, Honeybee, we’ll just have to do it with your pants down then, pretty girl.” He smiled sinfully. His gravelly tone always made you clench your thighs in need, and feel excited and jittery inside; like a new-born foal learning to run. 

He stripped off his dress shirt, leaving him with chest and abs exposed in the shadow of the truck. Before you had the chance to admire his half-bare body, he was unzipping your jeans and pulling them down along with your panties in one fell swoop. He guided your legs out of them before placing his beloved Stetson on your head. The sight of you bare below the waist and his white stetson had his cock twitching again. 

He hopped on the seat, laying down on the leather upholstery. “Come on, honey girl, get up here. I want a taste.” He purred, eyes raking from your face down to the little honey stash between your thighs with a Cheshire-like grin. 

You chuckled, excitement thrumming through your belly like a current of electricity. His hands guided your hips over his twitching dick, over his thick pecs, and right above where he wanted you. Your breath catches in your throat as Tyler brings your hips down with his broad hands, clutching at your soft waist as he starts lapping at your drenched core.  

“Fuck, Ty-” you clutched at his tufts of hair that peaked through your fingers, like the daisies in the hayfields. He toyed with your clit, his stubble scratching deliciously against your sensitive inner thighs. He gently sucked on your clit to pull each sweet moan and gasp from your lips. His thick fingers forming troughs along the soft flesh of your hips and thighs, keeping your weeping pussy pinned above his eager mouth. 

“Please.”

He grunted as your hips rocked against him, his grip tightening on your hips, guiding your movements. Your head tipping back as your thoughts failed to construe into something tangible besides broken moans and words. It’s amazing how Tyler’s Stetson has stayed on during your impromptu ride. 

God, the sight he had from below your thighs; black t-shirt riding up to just below your bra, your hands clutching at his hair and your covered breasts, beautiful parted lips, reddened cheeks and his staple atop your head.

You looked divine like this. Hell, you were divine for wanting to marry him in the first place. 

He gave your clit a delicate kiss, just enough to make you whine a little. Littering kisses along your inner thighs, feeling the tender flesh quake above him as you protested him giving attention to places that weren’t where you needed him to be. He licked his lips savoring the sweet taste of you on his tongue, and gently teased two fingers at your entrance making you gasp and whimper at the intrusion.

“Baby, you look so good from down here, so fucking good.”

His graveled voice was marked by a unique breathlessness that times like these brought him. Your hands pushed your t-shirt up and your bra down to toy with your exposed breasts and perky nipples as the Oklahoma evening air pebbled them. Your hazy gaze looking downward at your lover’s tousled hair, flushed cheeks and lust-blown pupils with a characteristic devilish grin on his arousal soaked lips.

“Fuck, baby”

He smiled as he guided his fingers into your welcoming heat, your pretty moans music to his ears. 

His fingers finding the perfect tempo against that little spot inside you that made your toes curl against the upholstery of the car. His free hand holding an iron grip on your hip, keeping you steady.

If you hadn’t felt like you were going to cum before, you were now.  

Tyler could feel your velvet walls constrict around his welcomed digits. A soft yelp leaves your lips as he finds your clit again; toying and sucking at the delicate bundle of nerves at the apex of your thighs. He sucked harder the more you pulled at his hair.

“Tyler, I’m so close, please make me cum baby-please.”

The wanton, sultry tone your voice got in this state made him ache in his jeans and move his fingers that much more eagerly. 

You felt the familiar build up of pleasure in your tummy and the sparks of pleasure traveling from your toes. Tyler watched as you fell apart over him with a wracked moan of his name as his fingers continued to rub that special spot inside you, and as he continued to toy with your poor, abused clit.

He slowed his movements to a halt, letting his fingers leave to hold your hips steady, bringing his lips to languidly kiss and lathe at your cum soaked folds, drawing out any last sparks of pleasure and the sweet, little noises you always made for him. 

Your thighs shook with the aftermath of your orgasm, your body still ringing with small sparks of pleasure and sensitivity, your whimpers pouring out. 

He lathed his last set of kisses to your pussy before sliding your hips down to rest over his throbbing dick, hidden behind a layer of denim. 

Tyler brought both hands to encase your face, bringing your lips to his in a kiss full of teeth and tongue, your mouth going to the prominent vein on the side of his neck, lathing and marking the flesh as your own, spurred on by the deep groans of the man underneath you. He growled, feeling you bite into the skin there. It would surprise him if you didn’t draw blood. 

“I want to ride your thick cock, baby.” you simpered.

“Fuck, you make me so hard, Honeybee.” He growled, feeling you unzip his jeans, pulling out his aching cock and lining him up at your entrance. Gently teasing the tip, running it along your folds, letting it soak up your arousal. You smirked as you listened to the borderline moans that reverberated from his chest. He felt his eyes almost roll back at the feeling of your walls welcoming him in; back home. You watched with lust hazed eyes as his face was consumed with tension; his eyes clenched shut, brow lines rippling the tanned skin of his forehead, his tense jaw and kiss swollen lips. 

He guided your hips, savoring the feeling of you. His hips bucking up into your awaiting pussy as he got more and more invigorated for his release. 

“Fuck, Honey-fuck!” He growled as he felt your walls squeeze him for all he was worth. 

“God, you’re always so good for me, such a good fucking girl” he said as he held your hips tighter, fucking up into you at a faster pace than before. Gasps and moans falling from your lips as he pummeled that sweet, heavenly spot inside you that had you seeing a kaleidoscope of sensations behind your eyes, and your fingers clawing at his pecs and shoulders for stability. Tyler could feel the coil in his stomach tightening as his release was barreling towards him like a train going into a station. His abs tightening, pace unrelenting as he chased his high. He could feel you were close with this new set pace, your lips parted as sweet sounds echoed from your lips. He held on until he felt your walls snap close on him like a vice, your thighs shaking as your high washed over him with a broken moan and tremor. His hips rose, fucking into you one last time before releasing his hot load into your pretty pussy with a deep growl. 

—

He gingerly pulled up your panties, keeping his cum trapped between your folds. He snapped the button of your jeans closed as he languidly made out with you. He changed into a t-shirt that hugged his biceps just right, keeping his jeans on. You both silently changed into your new set of clothes with content, lovesick smiles on your face. You gave him a kiss as he passed you his sweatshirt to wear during the ride home. 

You both settled into the front seat of the truck. By now, most people had gone home, the bright stars above watching over you. He placed his Stetson on the backseat, smirking as he watched you reach out for the cowboy hat, placing it on your head with a cute smile that made him smirk and shake his head. 

He leaned over, placing a soft kiss to your lips. 

“I love you, Honeybee.”

“I love you too, Ty.”

You give his thick thigh a squeeze, smiling as he groans into the kiss. He pulled black from the kiss, putting the truck into drive. As soon as his hand is free, he takes your hand in his, making your cheeks warm at the gesture, kissing the back of it as he pulls out of the dirt road onto the interstate towards Arkansas.

Let me know what you guys think :) Be sure to leave a comment and reblog :) My inbox is always open to requests and any thoughts you have <3

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[sorchathered]

The Willows Never Stopped Weeping for You

Pairing-Tyler Owens x female OC (Olivia Wright)

Warnings- language, drinking, angst, death, injury, smut

Summary- Olivia let Tyler go to carry out his dreams, but broke his heart in the process. What happens when in the wreckage of a little small town he learns the real reason she left him, and how do they repair it?

A/N- we back at it again on the angst train, third week in a row lol!! I really loved this one, twisters was so good and I am excited to start writing for the fandom! As always, like, comment, reblog anything to let me know what you think!

“We’ve gotta get the hell out of dodge, we can’t sit here any longer Ty!” Dani is panicked, sweat dripping from their brow as they tremble, eyes wild and afraid of what will happen if they don’t make it out.

“I can’t- I can’t leave without her goddamnit and you know it, go ahead of me, you gotta trust me! We will make it out of here, get everyone to safety Dan, I’m serious get the hell out of here!” He yells over the roar of the wind, shoving them towards the rv and as much as it pains the crew, they know Tyler would die in this storm before he ever left Olivia behind. She was his everything, he’d loved her his whole life, and even if things were broken between them he would die a thousand times over to make sure she was safe.

——————————————————————

The crew had been up and down the state the past few weeks, working together with Javi and his crew to test out Kate’s theory and it had been one hell of a ride. They’d mostly been able to help keep the damage to a minimum, but as always with storms like these it was always a risk.

The little town on the outskirts of Enid had been ravaged more than once, but this storm seemed to be hell bent on taking whatever was left of the small community and turning it to rubble. So many injured, and so many homes and businesses destroyed, it seemed like a no-brainer that the government would send aid relief workers to help repair the damage, but what Tyler Owens hadn’t foreseen was the bright green eyes and auburn hair of his first love as he helped people in the aftermath.

Olivia Wright had been his everything since he was fourteen years old, occupied every one of his dirty fantasies and dreams of the future. He’d never been more sure of anyone in his life, until they’d crashed and burned so spectacularly shortly after college. He’d fallen in love with storm chasing, his dreams of working for the NWS had turned into something else entirely as he and the crew of misfits he migrated to became more and more obsessed with the beauty and danger these storms brought.

Liv had their whole future planned, finish college, get married. Ty would work for the NWS and she would become a nurse, fulfilling your passion to help people and getting to be by his side while he pursued his passion for meteorology. The two of them were growing apart, everyone could see it but him, and she knew she’d have to be the one to let go, he was always bigger than the whole sky and Liv couldn’t bear to keep him down. So she broke his heart and her own, and in that time she watched him flourish. His channel and all of his friends, the articles written about his discoveries, she watched it all with rapt attention, he was living out his dreams and Liv couldn’t have been more proud. Eventually she had to decide what was best for her, and watching storms ravage communities just like hers in Arkansas became too much to bear, working in disaster relief and helping to save lives became her passion, she kept her head down and let the work take over, but never lost hope that one day she’d run smack dab into that man that was as wild as the western wind.

It had happened less like a rom com and more like a horror movie, he’d seen her first and lost his cool immediately, ducking under an awning and scrambling to find somewhere, anywhere else to be but near her. Lily, who had been both of their friends in college couldn’t quite figure out what the hell was wrong with him, but it didn’t take long to spot her bright hair and the FEMA t-shirt Liv was sporting as she handed out water to a group not far from theirs.

“Oh my God is that my Livvy?!” She shrieked as she ran for her friend, the two of them erupting in giggles and swaying each other in the midst of the debris-covered road.

“Lily bug!! Oh my goodness what are y’all doing here?! I thought from your last video you guys were over near Lawton!” She said, smacking a hand over her mouth as she realized she’d given herself away already.

“Ooh so you have been watching hmm? Come say hi to everyone cutie pie, it’s been too long and we need to catch up.” She pulled her along but Liv tried to dig her heels in, wild green eyes panicked.

“I can’t intrude Lils, and I don’t want to make Tyler uncomfortable, I’m sure he doesn’t want to see me” she says as she puts both hands up in surrender but Lily is having none of it.

“Nope, you don’t get to pussy out Olivia, life is too short and you know it. Now come on! I want to hear all about your life, and Dani makes some bomb ass burritos so you should try to eat something, it’s gonna be a long day babygirl.

————————————————————-

He somehow manages to avoid her like the plague all day, catching glimpses here and there but mostly staying close to Kate and Javi, much to Lily's frustration if the glares she’s cut at him all afternoon are any indication.

Livvy wasn’t quite sure what to make of it; she had been watching them for so long online that she felt like she knew the crew personally, they were some of the kindest people she’d ever met and it wasn’t lost on her that all of them had been brought together by Ty. He’d made himself a family, it was just another thing that she had missed her chance on and she couldn’t help but feel a little emotional over it.

When Kate had come over to introduce herself later in the evening, it had been obvious to Olivia that she and Tyler had something going on. It was hard to dislike her, she was beautiful and kind, and smart as a whip from what Liv could tell. Definitely perfect for him, so after a while of watching them all interact and being all but ignored by her oldest friend, it got to be too much and she found a way to make her escape, using an early morning as an excuse and holing up in her motel room to lick her wounds and cry.

Lily chases after her with another nasty glare in Tyler’s direction, everyone had questions now and he couldn’t give them, waving them off with a middle finger as he stumbled through the parking lot, a little tipsy and feeling an ache in his chest that he’d thought he’d healed from.

“Liv! Stop damnit, I know this shit is hard but just talk to me honey, tell me.” Lily shouts into the crowded lot and watches her friend's shoulders sag as she turns with tears sliding down her cheeks.

“Oh Lily.” She lets out a ragged breath and lets it all wash over her, everything she’s left unsaid and held deep inside. “I could never deny him happiness, if it’s not with me that’s OK, it’s been a long time and I’ve learned to accept it. If Kate makes him happy then of course I want that for him. I never stopped loving him, so of course I would always want what’s best for him. It wasn’t right back then Lily, that kinda love was unpredictable. We were growing together like two gnarled trees, neither of us were helping the other reach our potential and I had to let him go so we didn’t end up hating each other. “ A shudder runs through her at the declaration, tears are threatening to seep from her eyes but she won’t give them the satisfaction.

“That sounds like horseshit and you know it” Lily says she jabs her finger into Liv’s shoulder, her eyes are full of fire. Liv knows she means well, she’s always been a good man in the storm, someone you want in your corner when things get hard which is why she’s so glad that Tyler has her. Liv lets her shoulders sag and look at Lily full of defeat.

“I can’t change it now, even if I wish I could.”

“Do you wish you could?” She says with raised eyebrow and Olivia gives her a little nod.

“Every day. I miss him every day.” Tears well up in her eyes and she shivers as the wind blows through the camp, but she won’t let the pain overtake her, she made her choice and she can only hope that he’ll be happy.

Olivia doesn’t see it but Lily does, Tyler is half hidden behind the RV, he’s heard it all and she watches as his face goes from grief stricken to angry turning on his heel as he walks off into the dark, the weight of her confession breaking his heart all over again.

—————————————————

He paces the concrete hallway of the motel for what feels like hours, letting the weight of what she said run over him. Had he really been so blind? Olivia hadn’t wanted to let him go, and he’d never thought to question it when she pushed him away. He had been hurt and stubborn, shutting down immediately and saying some of the meanest things he could hurl at her to hurt her back. In hindsight he should have known she was just trying to give him the ability to do what he wanted, but just the fact that she had convinced herself that she was what was holding him back made a fire rage in him. Sure it would have been hard to manage, but they could’ve handled it! They could handle anything together, he’d always told her that, why she would have ever thought otherwise was something he couldn’t reconcile with.

He was at her door before he could stop himself, rapping sharply on the peeling metal and praying that she would listen. The sounds of the lock being undone told him she was still awake, the door swinging open to reveal her puffy tear stained face, hair up in a messy knot on her head and an oversized t shirt full of holes, one that had definitely belonged to him.

“Why are you here Ty? You’d had all day to say something to me, and you waited until midnight?” She said with a sniffle, there was no point in trying to hide what she’d been doing, it was all over her face and his heart clenched in his chest knowing he’d hurt her again.

“You didn’t want us to end, did you?” He said gruffly, he wasn’t leaving until he got his answers, he needed to know the truth.

“What does it matter now? You’re with Kate-“ she said as more tears formed, arms wrapped tightly around her waist as though she was trying to hold herself together.

“I’m not. We tried it, but she’s got her own demons to work out, and we agreed it would be better to be friends. Answer my question baby, I need to hear it. Do you still want me?” He was leaning in close to the door frame now, close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body and smell the beer on his breath. Liv let out a ragged breath and nodded, that was all he needed to push the door the rest of the way open and pull her into his arms, kicking the door shut behind him as he pressed kisses to her cheek and neck while she held on for dear life. Sobs wracked her body as he sat down on the creeky mattress, pulling her into his lap as he rocked her side to side.

“My sweet girl” he murmured into her hair, he let her cry it all out until she relaxed in his grip, tipping her chin up to look at him as he stroked her cheek.

“I never stopped hoping for this, I didn’t want to hold you back but- I can’t stay away anymore. I-I love you Ty, I always will.” She stuttered and he let out a groan as he pressed his mouth to hers, flipping them both so she was on her back and spread out for him, she’d been the star of every fantasy he’d ever had, and nothing would ever be as good as the real thing.

“I never stopped either Livvy girl, can I have you? Please baby I- I need it, need to show you how much I missed you.” He looks wrecked, hair a mess and eyes wild, and she can’t stop herself from pulling him down to her, licking into his mouth and running her hands over his broad shoulders, watching him shiver in her embrace as he grinds down into her.

They make up for all the time lost, re-learning each other's bodies until the early morning, finally coming up for air when Tyler’s phone begins to go off with weather alerts and texts from Boone.

“Looks like there’s another cell coming this way, we need to get these people to safety while we can.” He says with a sigh as he rolls his body off of hers, she’s sated and happy as she stretches her limbs like a cat and moans, he feels himself twitch in his boxers as he watches her. She’s like a siren, calling him back to her and he wants nothing more to than to stay right here between the sheets and ravage her again.

“Stop looking at me like that Owens, or we’ll never get out of here in time” she playfully punches his chest and he lets out a hearty laugh, they’d have plenty of time to talk and catch up, he wouldn’t be letting her out of his sight anytime soon.

“Ok, ok sugar, let’s get back out here, storms a comin’ and times a wastin’.”

——————————————————————-

He should have known. He should have known they’d never get that lucky, especially knowing how unpredictable the storms had been this season.

They thought they’d had more time, weather warnings saying the tornado would likely just pass the town, but it had all gone wrong. What had started out as one had turned into two, splitting off and causing maximum damage to what was left of the area. He’d lost Liv and Boone somewhere along the way, Kate and Javi and the rest of the crew were safely out of danger, but somehow the twister had gotten between his truck and yours, and when the dust had settled you and Boone were nowhere to be found.

He was sick, bile crawling up his throat as he trembled, they’d been searching the perimeter when he’d heard Boone screaming for help, tearing through the field of corn to find your upturned truck, mangled and covered in broken glass. Boone had tried his best to pull you from the wreckage, but his shoulder was mangled; most likely dislocated from the crude angle it hung from.

Tyler pulled Olivia’s limp body out and heard a sharp gasp from her, she was alive, that was good. At least that was what he thought until he got her in his arms and saw the jagged shrapnel wedged in her abdomen, blood flowing like a water hose from the wound, way too much to be a minor wound. She kept lolling her head back and forth as she tried to lift her hand to his face, god there was blood everywhere, he couldn’t take the metal out, what if that made it worse? He yelled for Boone to give him his shirt, tears pouring from his eyes as he tried to stop the bleeding, but it just wouldn’t stop coming.

“Livvy, baby look at me ok?” He says with a gentle pat to her cheek, her eyes keep rolling around in her head as she tries to focus on something, anything, but she just can’t seem to get there.

Finally she seems to see him through her unfocused bloodshot eyes, a small victory and he breathes for the first time since he found her.

“Oh god, Ty there’s so much blood! What happened? Are- are you ok? How do we stop it? We need help!” She cries out as her body shakes in his arms, she’s going into shock and bleeding to death but is still selfless to the end, always worried about everyone but herself.

He’s sobbing so hard now he can hardly speak, just kissing whatever skin he can get to as he holds her tightly, still pressing hard into the gaping wound despite knowing it won’t do anything to stop the inevitable. He’s going to lose her, and he just got her back.

A scream comes from somewhere, Tyler jolting awake from the world’s most uncomfortable hospital chair. He’s drenched in sweat, and his neck aches, as he looks around the dimly lit room he realizes the scream came from him. He’s replayed that awful night over and over for the past three days, it ends with Olivia choking on her own blood as she fades away and he can’t seem to make his brain understand that while it definitely happened that way, the end result wasn’t quite so gruesome. She’s alive, unconscious, but alive. How EMS found them in time will consume his thoughts for a good long while. He’d been so sure he’d lost her but the miracles just kept coming because somehow the doctors were able to save her and had assured him that though recovery would be long and hard she would in fact recover.

—————————————————————

Months later he would still be convinced it was all just a dream, the nightmares had ceased but the jagged scar along Olivia’s sternum would always be there to remind him of how close he’d come to losing it all.

He lived for chasing storms, he’d convinced himself it was everything he’d ever need after she’d left, but he’d been so wrong.

She’d never ask him to give it up, but he didn’t know if he could continue to run after something that had nearly taken everything from him. He and Kate took a job consulting with the NWS on her research after Ben’s article got traction, and he left his truck to Boone to continue the legacy and the channel. He wanted to prevent the storms from happening before they started and he knew with Kate’s research and the grants from the government they could really dig in and make a difference.

He asked her to marry him on her birthday, 6 months after the accident and she’d said yes before he could even finish his speech. The future hadn’t been linear like he thought, he didn’t have to accept what he thought he deserved and finally allowed himself to accept what he wanted. Olivia Wright Owens sounded damn good to him, and maybe one day a house full of babies. Yeah he could definitely make that his new dream.

Tagging- @sailor-aviator @goldenseresinretriever @hangmanapologist @roosterforme @trickphotography2 @mynameismckenziemae @seitmai @sebsxphia @im-just-ken @kmc1989 @jessicab1991 @dizzybee03 @nouis-bum @attapullman @bobgasm @floydsglasses @withahappyrefrain

[whatdoeseverybodywant]

You're the Only Girl for Me - Chapter 26

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Thanks to my good sis @paigereeder for helping me! Without her there would be no chapter 26! She is the best and if you haven't, check out her story Beautiful Scars ( it's soo damn good!)

AirielleJones

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↪@ uceyjucey :fuk this suppose to mean?

August 27th 2021 - North Little Rock, Arkansas

Yasmine glared at her cousin who was sitting across from her. This was the first time Yasmine had seen her cousin since she and Trin busted into her apartment and to find out that Airielle and Josh were not together but that she had gone out on a date with another guy pissed her off. 

“Stop looking at me like that.” Airielle muttered as she pushed her salmon and shrimp alfredo  around on her plate. Yasmine sucked her teeth. 

“I love you Airielle. With all my damn heart. But you need to relax. You hoping from nigga to nigga without giving yourself time to heal. So this Clifford dude, what’s gonna happen when five months from now, he asks you to move in with him. You gon’ run away from him too?”  Yasmine questioned, staring Airielle down. 

“Yas-” 

“No.” Yasmine cut her off. “You need to hear this Rih. I stayed out of it but goddamn it! You are letting the best man ever get away because you’re scared and I understand why you are scared but you need to talk to Josh about that. You need to let all the hurt go.”  

“What hurt Yasmine?”  Yasmine wanted to reach over and smack her cousin, but she decided against it since she didn’t want to be in a jail in Arkansas while she was 7 months pregnant.

“You lost your child Airielle. You had a miscarriage because your fiance was an abusive piece of shit. You have not gotten over that. You haven’t asked me once how my pregnancy is going,and I’m not mad about that - I promise you I'm not mad. But you can’t carry this around for the rest of your life. You’re scared because Josh has said multiple times that he loves you and wants to be with you forever. You dipped once he brought up moving in together because you know what comes next, starting a family.” 

Airielle scoffed and folded her arms over her chest. “That's not the only reason Yasmine. You know I was going over there to talk to him. You and Trin literally forced me out of my apartment.”  

“And you seen Christopher and chickened out right?”  

“No!” Airielle snapped,  “He had another woman at his place Yasmine. When he answered the door, he wouldn’t even let me in, I had to talk to him in the hallway. He kept trying to get me to come back later or for him to come over to my place later and I was so fucking confused cause like, just let me talk to you.” Airielle took a deep breath trying to calm herself down. “Then, she opened the fucking door, stading there in nothing but his shirt, nipples on display for the whole world to see, talking bout some ‘is everything okay Josh.” Airielle said, mocking Yara’s voice. “That shit hurt Yas, he did that shit to get back at me because he seen me and Raymond together the night before.” 

Yasmine was floored. She had talked to Josh a couple of times, asking what was up with him and Airielle and he ain’t mentioned none of that. “Wait, he had some other bitch at his place?”  When Airielle nodded, Yas continued. “Do you know her? Y’all work together?” 

“Bitch she’s my damn understudy.” Airielle huffed, showing Yas the text message she just received from Road Dogg stating that starting Friday, Yara would be shadowing Airielle.  Yas gasped and covered her mouth in shock. 

“You fucking lying. I know you lying to me right now!” A couple of people in the restaurant looked their way but Airielle and Yasmine paid them no mind. 

“Then he gon have the nerve, the audacity to tell me it was a mistake, like nigga are you dumb? You don’t invite some bitch over to your place and fuck them by mistake.” Yasmine was speechless, literally. She sat there, mouth agape, staring at Airielle. 

“Man, fuck him. I can’t believe he did that to you.” Airielle just sighed and handed the waiter her debit card when he came over with the check. “So what happened in Turks. Trin told me y’all spent half the day fucking.” 

“We did.” Airielle nodded her head with another shrug as Yasmine rolled her eyes. “But just because we had sex in Turks didn’t mean we were supposed to get back together.” 

"Having sex in Turks doesn't exactly scream 'let's just be friends,' Airielle."

“I know that Yas.” Airielle replied, smiling at the waiter as he brought over her card and receipt. Airielle stood from her chair and went over to help Yasmine up. “I have to get back to the hotel. It’s almost time for me to be at the arena.” 

“Okay. Joe’s waiting outside.”  Airelle and Yasmine were silent as they made their way outside to Joe’s rental. Airielle was silent because Yasmin's words of her not being over her miscarriage were playing over and over in her mind. She hadn’t even noticed that she pushed Yasmine away after finding out she was pregnant. While she was grateful she had no ties to Christopher, she couldn’t help but think about how her child would have been and what they would have looked like. 

Now Yasmines, she was simmering. She had told Josh back at Airielle’s surprise birthday party to not hurt her. She had told him that he had to be patient with her and to learn that Josh had sex with another women set Yasmine off. She was protective over Airielle and trust, Josh would be hearing her mouth today. 

“Hey Rih. You coming with us?” Joe asked as he got out of the SUV and opened the passenger door for Yasmine. Airielle shook her head and pointed over to her own rental. 

“Nope. I was Just walking her over here. I see y’all later okay?” Airielle pulled Yasmine into a tigh hug and whispered “i’m sorry” into her ear, to which Yas responded back by rubbing her back. 

“Oh, I forgot to bring this in.” Yasmine said, before releasing Airielle and reaching into the car and pulling out a white box that had a pink bow wrapped around it and handed it to Airielle. “Open it.” She said when Airielle arched her eyebrow at her. 

Airielle opened the box and let the top fall to the ground as she let out a choked sob, covering her mouth with one of her hands. “Are you sure?” Airielle asked, failing to stop the tears from falling down her face. 

“Duh. Who else would I ask? I love you and I know you're gonna love your niece slash goddaughter.” 

“Thank you.” Airielle whispered before pulling her cousin into another hug. 

To say she was shocked was an understatement. Airielle had come back to her hotel to one of the concierge telling her she had a package. Airielle’s eyes widened as the concierge pulled out nor one but FOUR bouquets of flowers. The concierge, who Airielle had learned her name was Amanda, looked at Airielle in amusement. “Do you need help carrying them to your room?”  Airielle scoffed out a laugh and nodded her head. As she and Amanda walked towards the elevator. Airielle had spotted a card in one of the bouquets but decided to wait until she was alone to read it. 

Anything to put a smile on that pretty face  p.s ; you got me watching wrestling for the first time since I was in highschool.

Airielle smiled and took a picture of the flowers and sent them to Clifford to thank him and let him know that she received them. She then took another picture and posted it on her instagram story. She let out a laugh when she seen that Yara had already viewed it in the 12 seconds that it had been posted. “Weirdo must have my notifications on.” Airielle muttered as she walked into the bathroom so she could shower and then head to the arena. 

AirielleJones posted to their story!

uceyjucey replied to your story: the fuk is this suppose to mean?

Simmons Bank Arena 

Yasmine marched through the halls of the Simmons Bank Arena with a purpose. Joe was trailing behind her with a lazy smile on his face, he loved watching his girlfriend in ‘mama bear mode’ as he liked to call it when it came to her being protective over Airielle. 

“Baby you gotta calm down. You being this mad aint good for the baby.” Yasmine huffed and flagged him off before pulling open The Bloodline’s locker room door and storming inside. 

“Aye!” Jon called out, covering himself up as Yasmine stormed in. She ignored him though, her glare set on Josh who looked confused. 

“Me and you.” She said pointing at Josh. “We got problems. Outside” When he didn’t move she looked over at Joe who chuckled and pulled Josh off of the couch and pushed him towards the door. 

“Aye man, what the fuck.” Josh yelled, pushing Joe back, then yelped when Yasmine came and grabbed him by his ear, dragging him out of the locker room and towards the docks.  “Listen Yas, I love you like a sister, but don’t do that shit ever again.” He muttered, rubbing the spot on his ear where she was pulling. 

“You had sex with another woman!? And thought that Airi was just gonna forgive you?!” Josh huffed and let his head fall back so he was looking up at the sky. 

“Imma tell you the same thing I told her, it was a mistake that I wish I could take back.” He said as he lowered his head to look Yasmine in her eyes. 

“That was some rehearsed bullshit and you know it! You sleeping with that girl was no mistake Joshua. You wanted to hurt Airielle and you succeeded.” 

“I never wanted to hurt her Yas!” He spat back. “She hurt me and I just wanted to - “ 

“You wanted to get back at her!” Yasmine cut him off. “I talked to Trin, and she said that this Yara girl has been around ever since then. You’re rubbing it in Airielle’s face and it’s corny.” Josh opened his mouth but Yasmine cut him off again. “You had that girl in the apartment that you wanted Airielle to move into. The same apartment that Airielle damn near decorated.  Had that girl lying in the bed that you and Airielle were supposed to share and all you have to say is that it was a mistake?” 

“Fuck..” Josh trailed off rubbing his hand over his face and sucking in a deep breath. “C’mon Yas, it wasn’t like that. I just..” Josh trailed off again. 

“Just admit it.” Yasmine huffed out. “You might not have known that Airielle was going over to your place but the girl works with y’all. Did you think she was gonna keep her mouth shut?” 

“Fuck..” Josh trailed off rubbing his hand over his face and sucking in a deep breath. “C’mon Yas, it wasn’t like that. I just..” Josh trailed off again. 

“Just admit it, you wanted to hurt her..” Yasmine huffed out. “You might not have known that Airielle was going over to your place but the girl works with y’all. Did you think she was gonna keep her mouth shut?” 

“I didn’t want to hurt her. I never wanted to hurt Airielle but what the fuck man, she hurt me so I just said fuck it. She was kissing up on him and holding his hand and shit but telling me she didn’t want to me with me. I was fucking hurt Yasmine.” 

Yasmine sighed and nodded her head. “Okay, I understand that she’s not completely innocent in this either. But saying it’s a mistake isn’t the way to go. You want her back?” Josh nodded his head immediately at her question. 

“It doesn't matter though. She already moved on to some dude named Clifford or something.” Yasmine rolled her eyes. 

“He don’t matter, I promise you he don’t. What are you going to do? You have to prove to her that you want her and not this Yeasty or whatever her name is.” Yasmine said. 

“Who this fuck is Yeasty?” Yasmine rolled her eyes and walked away from Josh back towards the locker room. “No forreal,” He called out. “Who the fuck is that?!” 

Airielle had just finished her segment with Paul Heyman, the second Jon and Josh stepped out of the room, Airielle had booked it. She had to stay close by because she had another segment to film but she didn’t want to see Josh or for Josh to see her. 

She did have to admit though, from the little glimpse that she did get of him, he looked good. He had cut his hair a little bit and - nope. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath trying to rid him from her mind. 

“Be right back.” Yara said in a sickly sweet voice and threw a fake smile towards Airielle and then marched her way towards Josh who had just finished his segment. Airielle watched as Yara shoved her phone in Josh’s face, laughing as he glared at her, his jaw ticking as he looked at Yara’s phone. 

Airielle rolled her eyes and looked back down at her phone. Smiling at the message Clifford had sent her, telling her how beautiful she looked on t.v. She was in the middle of texting him back when another phone was placed on top of hers. 

“What the fuck Rih?” Airielle looked up, meeting Josh's intense gaze. His face was contorted with anger and his fists were clenched tightly at his sides.

“What exactly are you mad about Joshua? You told me you were done with me. Was I just supposed to wait around for you?” 

“It’s been one fucking week Airielle! He snarled, his chest heaving and his fists clenched tightly. "One week," he repeated, his voice filled with a mixture of frustration and hurt.

“And you fucked her the day after I had my date with Raymond. So what’s the real problem here?” 

“Why you keep bringing her up? This is between me and you, nobody else. Not even that car guy you tryna replace me with.” 

Airielle scoffed, “Replace you? What exactly do you want? You’re over here bothering me for what?” 

“Because I love you and I want to be with you. I don’t want nobody else but you!” Airielle’s eyes flickered over to Yara who looked dejected and had tears welling up in her eyes. Yara snatched her phone from off of the equipment box where Josh had put it and walked away, not in the mood to be embarrassed anymore.   “You love me right?” Josh asked, bringing Airielle’s attention back to him. “Right?” she nodded. “And I love you, nothing or nobody matters. Nobody but us.” He cupped her jaw and leaned down so his forehead was resting against hers. 

“Nobody but us?” She repeated and he nodded. “So if I were to forgive you, would you be able to forgive me?”  Josh felt his heart rate start to pick up. But before he could ask her what she was talking about she blurted out, 

“I slept with Cliff.” She lied, looking into his eyes to gauge his reaction. He released ber jaw and moved his forehead off of hers. 

“You fucking with me right?” When she shook her head, he continued, “It’s been one week Airielle!” 

She scoffed. “So you can’t forgive me? You expected me to forgive you, but you can’t do the same? You’re a hypocrite.” She rolled her eyes at him before walking away, flinching when she heard the sound of him throwing something against the wall. 

So... Airielle lied just to see how just would react and chile... He big mad lol

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[ajortga]

home

pairing: jenna ortega x fem reader

summary: nothing feels more than home to jenna than you.

word count: 800+ (drabble)

a/n: wanted to get this out there as a thank you, we reached 400 followers! words actually cannot describe how grateful i am that people appreciate the stories i write. i really hope they can make your day<3.

hey alexa, play home by edith whiskers.

You yearn to feel the sense of hope and comfort.

Home.

Not the home that shields Jenna as she sleeps, a roof over her head.

But at the same time, it is that.

Not the home that she wakes up in everyday when she wakes up for breakfast, the aroma of her mom’s cooking fills the air,

The TV turned on, her older and younger siblings playing in the living room. 

Not the home that holds her, her yorkie terrier and her family.

Or the home that shakes as Aliyah and her jump on the bed with Cash.

No, not that.

Home.

As much as she loved her family, nothing could compare to you, no one.

Jenna could remember her words as she strummed her guitar, a gentle hum filling her room.

“Alabama Arkansas, I do love my ma and pa, not the way that I do love you.’

The only home she’ll be the first to run to when she has news.

“We laugh until we think we'll die, barefoot on a summer night”

As Jenna strums to her whistling, she remembers running across the sandy coast with the palette of the sunset around you. Shades of orange, yellow, pink, and baby blue hues. Holding hands with you as you two laugh and run with each other barefoot during the summer. The sweetest memory she’s ever experienced. A moment that she never felt could be better. If she could go back to one memory before she died, she’d choose that one. With you, cupping your cheeks as you two kiss as dawn was welcomed, during her favorite season of the year.

Giggling as you both collapse on the sunlit meadow on a warm summer night, bodies wrapped around each other.

“Nothing is sweeter than with you.”

Oh you were everything to her, her best friend, girlfriend, soulmate, universe.

-

When Jenna’s boyfriend broke up with her, she sobbed on her pillow, she never told you when you came over that she pretended that it was you.

She didn’t know why it might’ve helped, it’s warmth reminding her of you, it made her hug it tighter.

“La-la-la-la-la take me home”

That day Jenna’s heart was shattered, you were the one to bring it back together, her sobbing in your warm arms as you comforted her, your hands scratching her scalp in the perfect way.

You told her she could stay over, she sobbed in your arms, fell asleep as soon as her body reached your arms, melting in your presence.

The next day you made her her favorite heart shaped nutella pancakes that she always asked for when she sleeps over at your house, she knew that whenever you made her it, it was always sweeter when you made it. 

She closes her eyes and remembers it, all too vividly. A smile comes across Jenna's face as she changes the chords, her fingers strumming again.

"Girl I never loved one like you."

Even if someone were to take every single step of your recipe and memorize the grains of salt and sugar you used, it was never the same, she knows your baking by heart. 

Drives in your jeep as you two interlock hands. Travels all over the world, shares of gelato ice cream and sweet moments. 

Deep gazes into eyes as a blanket wraps around the both of you. A soft kiss planted on your forehead as you fall asleep on her chest with the campfire crackling in front of you. 

She remembered when she first realized she loved you.

To have you first in her mind when she wanted to spend time with someone. Craving your cookies, your time spent together, those soft lips she always looked at as you talked.

To have someone listen to her strumming the guitar, to have them admire her voice and closed off side. Her little Y/N on her shoulder. To be so in love that she wrote this song for you.

You loved her.

Her freckles you counted as you’re curled up by her side, her soft hands. Her.

Your first encounter, meeting her on set and immediately feeling you two click.

Your first date together, when she accidentally spilled a coffee on your white shirt and you busted out laughing.

Your first kiss.

When she asked you to be your girlfriend, officially. You wanted to be with her forever. 

Jenna was the first person in your life to calm your storm down. You were the person who struggled falling asleep, it didn’t happen easily, but in her arms, it did. You were always gone as soon as she pressed your nose into her neck.

You were each others homes, you wanted to stay with her, to always be assured by her.

As the song comes to a close, she looks up at the polaroid picture of you two. The orange hue from the salt lamp the only source of light. Polaroids hung of you and her all across her string of fairy lights. Her walls were filled with her girlfriend. And as her fingers pluck the strings, Jenna smiles faintly. The song nears the end as she sings the last of the lyrics.

"Oh, home, let me come home Home is wherever I'm with you"

-

i love this song sm it's crazy.

[rootedinrevisions]

Never Left Me: Part 6

SUMMARY: Lauren's day back home takes an unexpected turn when her sister Madison ropes her into a spontaneous outing to the creek with Boone and Tyler. What starts as a simple day outdoors becomes a journey into memories, laughter, and unspoken tension as Lauren grapples with old feelings stirred by Tyler’s presence. The familiar creek, brimming with childhood nostalgia, now holds a deeper, bittersweet significance.

OTHER PARTS: Prologue I Part 1 I Part 2 I Part 3 I Part 4 I Part 5

WARNINGS: None

WORD COUNT: 5.8k

TAG LIST: SEE COMMENTS

If you would like to be added to any of my Tag Lists or be tagged for a specific character please feel free to comment, send an ask, or send a DM and I'll be happy to get you added! Below are the fandoms I currently write for.

Glen Powell (himself and the characters he's played)

Twisters (Mostly Tyler right now, but possibly others soon)

Top Gun: Maverick (Hangman, Rooster, possibly others soon)

Marvel / MCU (Bucky Barnes as of now, but possibly others soon)

WWE / Wrestling

The morning sun had barely crested over the fields when Madison burst into the kitchen, her excitement filling the space. “So, Boone’s got the day off, and we thought we’d do something fun,” she said, flashing Lauren an inviting grin. “You should come with us!”

Lauren glanced at her dad, who was finishing his coffee across the table. “Maybe I’ll just stay here today,” she said, gesturing around the room. “There’s still a few things dad wants to clean out in the barn, and I should probably help him-”

But their dad shook his head, his eyes soft with encouragement. “We’ll have plenty of time for that. You two don’t get to see each other often. Go out, have fun,” he insisted. “I’ll be just fine here.”

Lauren hesitated, but Madison’s hopeful gaze and their dad’s gentle nudge left her with little choice. 

“Alright, I’ll go,” she said, laughing as Madison pumped her fist in victory.

“Great!” Madison jotted down the directions and handed them to her. “We’re meeting at up with Boone here at his place, but I need to run a quick errand first. Just follow those, and I’ll meet you there.”

Lauren took the paper and, after a quick hug to her dad, headed out to her car. The drive felt like a familiar slice of Arkansas countryside—open fields, the occasional pickup, and winding roads that felt like second nature. 

She followed Madison’s directions carefully, counting turns and scanning for landmarks until she turned down a gravel road and spotted a house up ahead. As Lauren pulled onto the gravel drive, dust trailed behind her car, billowing in the warm morning air. 

She had expected Boone’s place, maybe a modest ranch-style home surrounded by fields. But instead she was met with the sight of Tyler’s grandparents’ house nestled amid the trees. She slowed, her pulse quickening as she recognized the slightly beat-up, dented red truck parked in the driveway.

Before she could make sense of it, Tyler emerged from the garage, wiping his hands on a rag. He shielded his eyes against the sunlight and squinted at her, a trace of a smile forming as he walked over. 

She stepped out of the car, heart thumping with a mixture of nerves and surprise.

"Hey," he greeted her, his voice carrying a relaxed warmth. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Lauren tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, forcing a small, polite smile. “Yeah, I, uh… Maddie told me to meet her at Boone’s house…” She trailed off, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep into her cheeks.

“Well he is here enough he could probably make an argument that he lives here.” Tyler chuckled, glancing around at the empty driveway. “But he’s not here. Said he was going to meet Maddie somewhere.” He raised a brow, his smile widening just a bit. “But you’re welcome to hang out here until they get back.”

She bit her lip, glancing back toward her car for a moment. But the thought of leaving felt abrupt, almost rude. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. “Alright. I’ll wait.”

Lauren followed Tyler into the garage, her curiosity piqued. Inside, the smell of engine oil and metal hung in the air, and she immediately noticed two motorcycles. One stood sleek and polished, its chrome catching the light, while the other was in various stages of disassembly, parts and tools spread across the workbench beside it.

She gestured to the bike in pieces, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “So, what’s going on here?”

Tyler glanced over his shoulder at the bike and shrugged, his easy smile returning. “Bought it cheap last year. Figured I’d have it running by summer, but… turns out I’m a little slower than I thought.” He chuckled, picking up a wrench and twisting a bolt on the half-assembled engine. “Just trying to get it road-ready. Kind of a project I tinker with whenever I have the time.”

“Is it hard? Fixing a bike?” she asked, genuinely interested.

“Sometimes,” he said, meeting her gaze with a warm smile. “Depends on the problem, and this one has a few too many for comfort.” He paused, looking at her curiously. “You know, you could take a ride with me sometime. Once I actually get it put together.”

Lauren laughed softly, nodding. “I might take you up on that, if I’m still around.”

Her eyes drifted around the garage, taking in the familiar details she hadn’t seen in years. “This house…” She trailed off, a mixture of nostalgia and wonder in her voice. “It was your grandparents’, right? I remember coming here with Maddie when we were kids. We must’ve spent half our childhood playing out in these fields.”

Tyler’s face softened. “Yeah, it was. After they passed, I ended up inheriting it.” He glanced around the garage and back at the house, a fondness evident in his expression. “It’s a little bit of a fixer-upper, though. They were in a nursing home for the last few years, so there was a lot that needed some attention. I’ve been taking on small projects here and there, making it feel more like home.”

“That sounds… nice.” She glanced back toward the house, letting memories flood in. “I remember how your grandma always made cookies, like, constantly. Just in case someone stopped by. And your grandpa had that old tractor we weren’t supposed to go near.” She smiled at him, realizing how much she’d missed these pieces of her past.

Tyler chuckled. “Some things don’t change. That old tractor’s still here out by the barn, and I’ll bet you a hundred bucks you can still smell cookies if you walk inside and take a deep breath in the kitchen.”

Lauren shifted her weight against the workbench, her gaze lingering on Tyler as he worked, his movements both precise and effortless. “Do you… like it?” she asked, her voice quieter than she’d intended.

Tyler paused, glancing up from the bike with a slight smile. “What do you mean?”

“Being here,” she clarified, watching as he resumed tightening a bolt on the engine, half-focused on his work and half on her. “Sticking around Arkansas. Living here in our hometown, where it feels like nothing ever changes.”

He thought about it for a moment, a faint smile spreading across his face. “Yeah, I do. There’s something about having a place to come back to, you know?” He nodded toward the fields that stretched out beyond the garage. “After running around at rodeos for years, and now chasing storms and being on the road, it feels… steady. Feels like home, I guess.”

She couldn’t help but smile at his words, sensing the quiet comfort he found in this place. “Guess that’s something I’ve kind of missed,” she murmured, glancing out toward the familiar view. “I always felt like I was supposed to leave, find something bigger. And I did, but…”

Tyler set the wrench down and leaned back, meeting her eyes. “But sometimes it’s hard to shake the feeling that something got left behind, right?”

She nodded, a little surprised by how he’d put it into words so easily. “Exactly. It’s strange, though. I thought coming back here would just be a formality, you know? But it’s… I don’t know. I forgot how much I loved it.”

Tyler tilted his head thoughtfully, his eyes studying her expression as if weighing his next words. “You know… you could always move back.”

Lauren laughed softly, glancing down as she rubbed her hands along the worn wood of the workbench. 

“Yeah, I’m sure Jonathan would love that idea.” She shook her head, half-joking, half-exasperated.

Tyler’s brows drew together, his expression serious. “There are plenty of law firms in Bentonville,” he offered, shrugging. “He could find a place and commute. It’s not too far.”

She shook her head again, this time with a hint of sadness. “Jonathan would never leave Chicago,” she said quietly, trying to keep the finality of it from seeping too deeply into her voice.

Tyler’s gaze held hers, steady and unflinching. “Not even for you?”

The question settled between them, weighty and sharp, and for a moment, she was at a loss. She felt her heart catch, stumbling over the silence. 

When she finally spoke, her voice was softer. “I wouldn’t ask him to. I know what Chicago means to him—his family’s there, his whole life is there.” She tried to lighten the mood, flashing Tyler a small smile. “It’s a little crazy, don’t you think? The idea of giving up everything you know, just because you love someone.”

Tyler didn’t smile back, his expression faltered for a moment as his eyes moved back to the motorcycle part he was working on.

“Would you?” she asked, shifting the spotlight back to him, looking to end the ache forming in her chest. “Could you ever see yourself leaving Arkansas just for love?”

He thought about it for a long moment, eyes drifting to the bike, then back to her. “Yeah,” he answered slowly. “If I met the right person, I think I could.”

Lauren swallowed, taken off guard by the certainty in his voice. Her gaze searched his, her heart thudding a little faster, wondering at the quiet intensity in his expression. For the first time, she wasn’t sure what to say.

Just as Lauren opened her mouth to respond, the hum of an engine and the crunch of tires on gravel signaled Boone and Madison’s arrival. She watched as Madison hopped out of the car, barely giving the engine a chance to quiet before jogging over and pulling her into a hug.

“I’m so glad you came!” Madison exclaimed, giving Lauren a squeeze. “I was starting to think you’d stay holed up at the house with dad.”

Lauren gave her a wry smile, crossing her arms as Madison pulled back. “Would’ve been easier to get here if you’d told me the right place. You said Boone’s, remember?”

Madison’s eyes went wide, her mouth forming an “oops” shape that was just a little too innocent.

“Did I really? Must’ve slipped my mind,” she said, waving it off with a quick grin. “I meant Tyler’s place all along, promise! But it worked out. I’m sure Tyler didn’t mind the company for a bit, right?”

Lauren shot her a look, catching the glint of amusement in Madison’s eyes. Madison played innocent, but the small smirk tugging at her lips gave her away. Tyler, who had been quietly watching from a few steps back, chuckled as he tucked his wrench back into a tool belt slung over a stool in the garage.

“Guess I’m not complaining,” he said with a shrug, his gaze lingering on Lauren for a beat. “It was good to talk to Lauren again.”

Madison turned her attention back to them with a satisfied grin. “Well, now that we’re all here, let’s get moving!” She threw a look toward Boone, who was still leaning against his van with an easygoing grin, watching the exchange unfold. “There’s more fun to be had than just hanging around in Tyler’s garage, right?”

“So, what’s the plan for today then?” Tyler asked a hint of excitement in his voice.

Madison perked up, her eyes brightening. “Boonie and I were thinking we should do something fun before you two head out. How about hitting the creek? We could swim, maybe have a little picnic.”

Boone grinned, leaning back in his chair. “I’m down for that. I could use a break from all the gear we’ve been loading up.”

Lauren watched them, her heart lifting at the idea of a carefree day, yet something inside her hesitated. “But don’t you guys have to finish packing?” she asked, glancing at Tyler, who shrugged.

“It can wait. We’ve got all day. Plus, it’ll be nice to recharge before the chase,” Tyler replied, shooting Lauren a playful smile. “Right, Boone?”

“Absolutely. We need to get our heads straight before the storm starts rolling in.” Boone laughed, glancing at Madison. “But what do you say, Lauren? You in?”

Lauren hesitated, thinking of Jonathan back in Chicago and the wedding plans still hanging over her. “I don’t know…I might just head back to Dad’s and try to work on some wedding stuff that Jonathan sent me.”

Madison leaned forward, nudging her sister with her elbow. “Come on, you’ve got to get out! The wedding stuff will be fine for a few hours.”

Tyler nodded in agreement, the easy smile on his face making her heart flutter unexpectedly. “We’ll be back soon. You’ll have time to do whatever you need to this afternoon. What do you say?”

Lauren felt a pang of guilt but also the enticing pull of their carefree plans. She glanced back at her dad’s car which she had borrowed parked in the driveway, considering the sunny day beyond. 

She should go back to her dad’s place. She should work on the wedding stuff that Jonathan had asked her to. But…she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. Something about the offer laid out in front of her was too tempting to not take up.

Finally, she took a breath and nodded. “Okay, fine. Let’s do it.”

Madison cheered, before throwing her arms around Lauren. “Awesome! Just give me a minute to change.”

Tyler’s truck rumbled down the dirt road, the sun hanging high in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the landscape. Madison and Boone sat in the back, their laughter echoing against the truck's metal frame as they playfully nudged each other, their chemistry palpable.

In the front seat, Lauren tried to ignore the warmth spreading in her cheeks as she caught glimpses of Tyler, who drove with a relaxed confidence. The sound of the tires crunching on gravel filled the moments of silence between them, but she couldn’t help stealing glances at him, at the way the sunlight caught in his hair and the way he focused intently on the road ahead.

“Are we there yet?” Boone called from the back, a mock whine in his voice, which sent Madison into a fit of giggles.

Tyler responded with a grin, glancing in the rearview mirror. “It’s just a little further, Boone.”

As they parked the truck, laughter filled the air. Madison and Boone jumped out first, their excitement palpable as they raced toward the creek, the sound of water gurgling over rocks beckoning them closer.

“Come on, slowpokes!” Boone called over his shoulder, not bothering to look back.

Tyler chuckled, stepping out of the truck with a more relaxed pace. He stretched, taking a moment to breathe in the fresh, earthy scent of the surrounding woods. The sun shone brightly, casting warm rays that danced on the surface of the creek, making it look inviting.

Lauren, however, lingered behind. She stepped out of the truck, her feet hitting the ground with a soft thud. As she turned, the sprawling landscape unfolded before her, and her heart sank.

This was not just any creek; it was the creek on the south side of Tyler's dad's property—the very place they had visited countless times as kids. But now, it was also the place where everything had changed eight years ago. The memories rushed back, uninvited and overwhelming.

She hadn’t paid much attention during the drive, too caught up in the chatter and the thrill of the day ahead. But standing here, looking at the sun-dappled water, she felt the weight of the past settle heavily on her shoulders.

Her gaze shifted northward, and she could see the hill where Tyler had parked that night. The memories flooded her mind—laughter, joy, and then chaos. The sudden shift from innocence to loss felt like a tidal wave crashing down on her, pulling her under. She swallowed hard, trying to push the memories back, but they clawed at her heart.

“Lauren?” Tyler’s voice broke through her thoughts, his concern evident as he stepped closer. He had noticed her hesitation, the way she lingered behind the others. “You okay?”

She turned to him, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, just... taking it all in.”

Tyler tilted his head slightly, studying her face. “What do you mean?”

“Do you remember this place?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He furrowed his brow, confusion flickering across his features. “Of course, I remember the creek. We used to come here all the time during the summer.” As he spoke, he noticed her gaze drifting up toward the hill. The realization hit him like a jolt. “Oh,” he breathed, his voice trailing off as understanding dawned on him. “You’re talking about that night.”

Lauren nodded slowly, her heart heavy. “I hadn’t realized where we were until just now.”

Tyler's expression shifted to one of empathy, the playful lightness of the moment dimming. “I’m sorry, Lauren. I didn’t think—”

She shook her head, cutting him off. “It’s fine.” Her voice was steady, but there was an edge of insistence that suggested she wasn’t ready to discuss it.

“Are you sure? We could go somewhere else if this is—”

“No…Really,” she interrupted, forcing a smile. “It’s fine.”

With that, she turned and headed toward the water where Madison and Boone were splashing around, laughter echoing in the air.

Tyler watched her go, concern etched on his face. He understood her need for space but wished she would let him in. Hesitating for a moment, he glanced back up the hill, the memories of that night creeping back into his mind like unwelcome shadows. The laughter of their past felt like a distant echo against the weight of what had happened here—an innocent summer evening that had shattered both their lives.

A sigh escaped his lips as he kicked at a loose stone on the ground, frustration bubbling up inside him. How could he have been so careless? He hadn’t even considered that this was the spot where everything had changed. He’d wanted to bring Lauren here to show her the place that held so many happy memories, and remind her of the good times she had here. But all he had done was bring her back to a moment that haunted them both.

“Tyler! You coming or what?” Boone’s voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present. Tyler looked up to see Boone waving from the creek, a grin plastered on his face as he splashed water playfully at Madison.

“Yeah, I’m coming!” Tyler called back, shaking off the weight of his thoughts. He forced a smile as he walked toward the water, determined to keep the mood light. As he joined the others, he reminded himself that today was about making new memories, ones that could help eclipse the old ones.

The water glimmered in the afternoon sun as the four of them settled onto the blanket, the gentle sounds of the creek providing a serene backdrop to their chatter. Madison and Boone were quickly immersed in playful splashes, their laughter echoing off the water’s edge. Tyler and Lauren remained seated on the blanket, a comfortable distance apart, though the closeness felt charged with unspoken words.

“So, what do you think?” Tyler asked, glancing at Lauren, who was absently toying with a blade of grass. “Old creek’s nice, huh?”

Lauren looked up, forcing a smile. “Yeah, it’s beautiful. I don’t remember it being this calming when we were twelve  and splashing each other.”

He nodded, his eyes drifting to the creek as he leaned back on his hands. “It’s peaceful. Just nice to get away and clear your head.” He paused, contemplating his next words. “You know, sometimes I think about how different things could’ve been if we hadn’t-.” But then he trails off unsure or unable maybe to finish the thought out loud.

Lauren felt a pang in her heart at his mention of the past. “Yeah, I get that.” She swallowed, her gaze shifting to the water’s surface, which shimmered like a million tiny stars. “I mean, it’s hard, but we’ve found ways to cope, right?”

Tyler watched her closely, sensing the weight behind her words. “What about you? How are you coping with everything? I mean, with being back in Arkansas and all?” His tone was light, but his eyes held a deeper curiosity.

She hesitated, feeling the familiar tug of her complicated feelings for Jonathan. “It’s… a lot. I thought coming back would be easy. But ever since I got here it feels like I’m stuck between two worlds.”

“Two worlds?” he asked, intrigued.

Lauren nodded slowly. “Chicago is Jonathan’s life, and I thought it was what I wanted. When I met him I really thought I’d fit right in. But ever since I’ve come back here, it’s like I’m reminded of who I used to be. It’s hard to figure out who I want to be.”

Tyler could see the conflict in her eyes, the way they flickered with uncertainty. “You’re not just the girl from Arkansas, Lauren. You’re so much more than that. You can embrace both parts of yourself.”

A small smile tugged at her lips at his encouragement. She bit her lip, the silence stretching between them. “Did you ever think about leaving? You said you’re happy here now…but did you ever want to leave?”

“Sometimes.” He chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. “But then I remembered how much I love it here. This place has roots for me. My family is here, and there’s something about knowing where you come from that just… grounds you, you know?”

“But what if your dreams take you somewhere else?” Lauren replied, her tone thoughtful.

“I guess I’d figure it out as I go,” he said with a shrug, his easy smile returning. “I mean, life has a funny way of taking us where we need to be. You never know what’s around the corner.”

Just then, Boone and Madison splashed them, breaking the moment. Boone grinned, his face gleaming with water droplets. “You two are way too serious over here! We’re supposed to be having fun!”

Lauren laughed, the tension lifting slightly. “Okay, okay! I’m getting in!” she called, playfully nudging Tyler as she stood up.

As Lauren stood up to shake off the remnants of their earlier conversation, she took a deep breath, preparing herself to dive into the cool water, when her gaze caught on Tyler. He was pulling his t-shirt over his head, revealing a sculpted chest and defined abs that shimmered in the sun.

For a fleeting moment, Lauren found herself entranced, her heart racing as she traced the lines of his physique. It was a sight she hadn’t expected to linger on, and she could feel the warmth creeping into her cheeks. She quickly looked away, her pulse quickening. Get it together, Lauren, she chided herself, feeling a mix of embarrassment and thrill.

Trying to shake off the moment, she focused on her swimsuit, her fingers fumbling slightly as she slipped off her shorts. No big deal, she reassured herself, pretending the heat in her cheeks wasn’t there because of Tyler. As she secured the straps, she glanced over her shoulder, catching Tyler’s eye just as he finished adjusting the waist of his swim trunks. The corner of his mouth twitched, a teasing smile forming as their eyes met.

“You coming in or just planning to stand there all day?” he called out, his voice playful.

“Just a moment!” she shot back, the banter flowing easily between them.

But there was an undeniable current of tension that crackled in the air. She took a deep breath, pushing any lingering thoughts about him to the back of her mind.

With determination, Lauren made her way to the edge of the water, feigning nonchalance. As she stepped into the creek, the cool water enveloped her legs, sending a delightful shiver up her spine. She turned around, splashing water at Boone and Madison, who were mid-laugh.

“Hey! Watch it!” Boone protested, his arms going up in mock defense.

“I’m just warming up!” Lauren quipped back, glancing over at Tyler to see him wading in after her, his playful expression still intact.

She felt a mix of excitement and nerves, worried that her earlier moment of distraction had shown too much. But as Tyler moved closer, water dripping from his hair, the teasing look in his eyes reassured her that the tension was mutual.

“You look like you could use a little more fun in your life, Lauren,” he said, splashing her lightly. “What do you say we have a little competition?”

“Oh? What kind of competition?” she asked, feigning innocence as she prepared for whatever playful challenge he might propose.

“Let’s see who can hold their breath the longest,” he challenged, grinning as he gestured toward the deeper part of the creek. “Just like when we were kids.”

Lauren raised an eyebrow, a competitive spark igniting within her. “You’re on! Just don’t go easy on me because I’m a girl.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he shot back, his tone light but his gaze serious, the underlying current of attraction undeniable.

As they both counted down, Lauren couldn’t help but steal another glance at him, wondering how she could feel so comfortable yet so unsettled at the same time. This is just friendly fun, she reminded herself, plunging under the surface as the thrill of the moment enveloped her.

When Lauren finally surfaced, gasping and laughing, she looked around to see that Boone had already started wading out toward a rock ledge that stretched over a slightly deeper area of the creek. Madison followed close behind, calling over her shoulder for Lauren and Tyler to join them.

“Y’all coming, or are you too busy playing kiddie games?” Madison teased, casting a knowing glance at Lauren.

Lauren shot a splash of water at Madison. Tyler laughed, moving alongside her as they joined Boone and Madison on the ledge. The water beneath was a darker blue, indicating its depth. Boone, always up for a little thrill, was already psyching himself up to jump in.

“Alright, Maddie, ready?” Boone asked, grinning as he took her hand, clearly relishing the idea of plunging into the deeper water together. Madison looked between him and the creek, her face a mix of excitement and slight apprehension.

Tyler leaned toward Lauren, his voice low and just for her. “They really are crazy, huh?”

Lauren chuckled, crossing her arms as she watched them. “If by ‘crazy’ you mean ‘completely reckless,’ then yes.”

Boone and Madison counted down, their voices echoing against the trees as they held hands and jumped, crashing into the water below in a splash big enough to ripple up to the ledge. They emerged seconds later, breathless and laughing.

“You guys have to try it!” Madison called out, her voice carrying up to where Lauren and Tyler stood. “Come on, Laur, don’t wimp out like you used to!”

Lauren glanced down at the water, then over at Tyler. The creek seemed deeper from up here, and her heart thumped with a mix of excitement and nerves.

Tyler seemed to sense her hesitation. “I’m up for it if you are,” he said, his eyes meeting hers in a way that felt encouraging, almost like a dare.

Taking a steadying breath, she nodded. “Alright. Just… don’t laugh if I scream on the way down,” she warned, trying to keep her nerves under wraps.

“Only if you do the same for me,” he promised, a grin tugging at his mouth. 

He offered her his hand. She took it without thinking, feeling the strength in his grip as they edged closer to the ledge together. The warmth of his hand in hers sent a pleasant flutter through her stomach, one she quickly shoved aside.

“Ready?” Tyler asked, looking down and back at her with a playful spark in his eye.

She squeezed his hand, steadying herself. “Let’s do it before I change my mind.”

They counted down together, and with a shared leap, they jumped off the ledge. The exhilaration of the fall stole her breath, and she couldn’t help but laugh as they hit the water in a wild splash. The cool rush surrounded them, and when Lauren surfaced, she was still laughing, her heart racing as she looked over to find Tyler nearby.

“You didn’t scream!” he said, shaking the water from his hair as he swam closer, looking impressed.

“Neither did you!” she teased, splashing him.

Madison and Boone cheered from the shallower end of the creek, beckoning them over. Lauren swam with Tyler toward them, joining the little group that had begun to drift lazily around a few smooth rocks that formed a natural seating area just beneath the water’s surface.

“So what’s the plan now?” Boone asked, draping an arm over Madison’s shoulders, the easy familiarity between them making Lauren smile.

“Picnic, maybe?” Madison suggested, pulling herself up onto one of the rocks, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “We’ve got all that food in the truck. Someone’s gotta eat it.”

The four of them made their way back to the shore, laughing as they navigated the slippery rocks and shallow water. Tyler and Boone grabbed the cooler from the truck, while Madison and Lauren unpacked the food. They set the picnic on the blankets under a nearby oak, and soon the impromptu picnic was underway.

As they sat eating, the sun filtering through the leaves above, the afternoon took on a tranquil, golden warmth. Boone launched into stories about recent adventures on the storm chase, his animated voice filling the air as he gestured widely, occasionally nudging Tyler to jump in with his own side of the tales.

“You should’ve seen Tyler, Laur,” Boone said, wiping crumbs from his mouth as he leaned closer, his tone growing conspiratorial. “There was this one night, pitch black, storm brewing just west of us. He was all ‘calm and collected,’ you know, his usual self. But the second the lightning struck, he—”

“Watch it, Boone,” Tyler interrupted, feigning a warning as he threw a crumpled chip bag at him. “You’re gonna ruin my reputation.”

Lauren laughed, feeling lighter than she had in weeks, caught up in the easy flow of the day. The creek, the laughter, the familiar faces—it was as if time had slowed, giving her a momentary reprieve from everything waiting back in Chicago.

As the sun began to dip behind the trees, casting long shadows across the creek, the group gathered their things, packing up remnants of their picnic and shaking out damp blankets. The peaceful, easy afternoon had left everyone smiling and a little drowsy from hours in the sun. Lauren couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness that the day was winding down; it was the kind of day she knew she’d miss once she was back in Chicago.

They drove back to Tyler’s in his truck, the air between them now quiet but comfortable. When they finally reached his place, Boone headed inside, tossing a casual invitation over his shoulder for everyone to stay for a while.

Lauren shook her head,  “I better get going. Got a ton of wedding things to finalize tonight.”

Madison rolled her eyes with a playful groan. “Always so responsible,” she teased, but she pulled Lauren into a hug anyway. “Drive safe, okay?”

Lauren smiled, squeezing her sister back before Madison disappeared into the house, leaving just her and Tyler in the calm of the fading evening light. Tyler stepped closer, his hands tucked into his pockets as he walked her toward her car.

They stopped just by the driver’s side door, lingering in the warm silence. Lauren felt a soft ache as she looked up at him, realizing this might be the last time they’d see each other. With his next chase lined up, and her own flight back to Chicago soon after, the chances for another moment like this felt slim.

“Well,” she said, forcing a small smile, “I guess… this is it.”

Tyler ran a hand through his damp hair, his gaze drifting to the horizon before settling back on her. 

“Maybe we’ll see each other sooner than you think,” he said, the smallest smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. 

But they both knew that wasn’t true—she’d be back in Chicago long before he returned from the chase.

Lauren sighed, “I think I’ll be back in Chicago by the time you’re back.”

He was quiet for a moment before he said anything. “Yeah, guess so. Don’t be a stranger, though. Next time you’re down here…” He trailed off, as if even he didn’t quite know how to finish the sentence.

Lauren chuckled softly. “Next time,” she echoed, though she didn’t know when—or even if—that would be.

Tyler shifted, glancing down before looking back at her. “Take care, Laur,” he said, his voice low, sincere. “And… if you ever need anything, you know you can call, right? Doesn’t matter what it is.”

His words, simple yet steady, tugged at something deep within her. She nodded, swallowing the sudden tightness in her throat. 

“Thanks, Tyler,” she replied, her voice softer than she intended.

A beat of silence passed, and for a moment, neither of them moved. Then, before she could second-guess herself, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug. Tyler hesitated only a second before he returned it, his arms closing around hers in a way that felt both natural and…right. She could feel his steady breath against her shoulder, and she let herself linger, feeling the warmth of him, memorizing it in some unspoken way.

When she finally pulled back, Tyler’s hand slid from her shoulder to her elbow, lingering there for a second longer than necessary.

The unspoken words hung thickly between them, a tension neither dared to break. But then Lauren reached for her car door, letting out a breath as she offered him one last smile. “Good luck out there. Keep safe on those chases, alright?”

He gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on her as she climbed into the car. “Will do.”

She climbed into her car, and with one last wave, she backed out of his driveway, watching in the rearview mirror as he stayed standing there, his figure framed by the fading light. The image of him didn’t disappear until she rounded the bend, the trees obscuring him completely.

As the road stretched before her, her thoughts drifted, circling back to Tyler, to their day at the creek, to this strange, lingering feeling that today had given her. She shook it off, reaching into her bag to grab her phone and check the time.

Her screen flashed a text notification from Jonathan, reminding her about the wedding details he needed help finalizing. Reality settled back in around her, and with a quiet sigh, she focused her mind on the road ahead.

[chicken-wayng]

If Rhaenyra was truly a Valyrian supremacist she wouldn’t have had three kids with Harwin Strong. Also her mother is half Andal just like her siblings.

She’s not a supremacist like Daemon but I do think she’s a narcissist, genuinely believing the world revolves around her. That’s what made the rift between her and Alicent inevitable imo, she expected Alicent to want to be nothing more than her dutiful lady in waiting for the rest of her life with no ambition or desire of her own.

Rhaenyra does mellows down when she’s older, mainly because Jace keeps calling out her bs but you can’t truly change who you are. Even in 2x03 although she desperate for peace a part of her was still expecting Team Green to simply give up rather compromising because the idea of either her or Jace stepping down was incomprehensible.

So prev anon was right that 2x08 only worked because Alicent has degraded herself back to her bare bones, she’s exactly how Rhaenyra wanted her to be 20 years ago: the dutiful handmaiden who will wait on Rhaenyra and her sons, no wants of her own.

I disagree. I don't think Nyra sleeping with Harwin (+ having his children) is enough evidence that she wasn't also a Targ supremacist. I grew up in Arkansas, where racism is still very much alive. Yet all of those racist fucks would still get down dirty with a black Mamacita because they're attracted to her (but just don't respect/view her as a person, which a lot of Arkansans don't see women as to begin with). So it is possible to mess around with someone and literally have not a drop of respect for them. Also - still from what I've seen in Arkansas - it's possible to have a mixed heritage and be racist towards part of it and prefer the other more. In MY OPINION, what I observe from Nyra is similar to this. I especially think after she marries Daemon it becomes worse. I think her Targ Supremacy and Bastardphobia run hand in hand (her bastards are okay because they're Targaryen/her's while others are a sin, type of mindset). Also doesn't she say to Laenor that each time she had hoped they were his? So she hoped she was carrying his children not Harwin's, is what I gleaned from that line (also I'm thinking 3 way but that's a different post). However I do understand what you're saying and I don't believe it's like full racism but more of a casual racism, like I don't think she's fully aware of it.

I do agree that the rift between Nyra and Allie is because of both of their mindsets and I do think Nyra never thought about Alicent's future more than how it would connect to her's. I truly do think if she did think about it she did think Allie was always going to be her's in some way, probably never marrying so Rhaenyra could spend her time with her whenever. I also think that Alicent knew this and that's why she stripped herself of her titles/colors to see Nyra in 2×8. She wanted Nyra to see her as the human she is but seeing that confirmed to Nyra her own supremacy.

Also I absolutely love how they show us Jace confronting Nyra. It reminds me a lot of confronting my mom. My mom has 3 bastards (myself being the most awesome) and she's also racist. It's out of her love for me that she's starting to unlearn a lot of toxic behavior that she's realizing came from her dad. I see a lot of Nyra in this, however Nyra doesn't have a child who believes love is why we were put on this earth and we are all a part of a huge puzzle that only forms it's picture when we share our stories. Plus she's in a world so dominated by the patriarchy even as Queen she has no fucking say. Jace is trying but unable to properly verbalize it cuz he's still a child (say what you want, until someone is 20 I don't fully count them as an adult, plus Jace is like 17 when he dies, right?) and has so much weight put on him. Plus terms like "bastardphobia" aren't a thing, it's just the norm.

Thanksya for sharing your opinion and allowing me to do so as well!! I hope you're having a good day💜

[iwannascreameurekaa]

ahem... everyone ignore my last post shhhhh

my valgrace playlist! In a format that can actually be used because links hate me and I'm cursed yippiee

@erosjournal

angst playlist fluff playlist smut playlist

Cupids Chokehold / Breakfast in America  by Gym Class Heroes (Ft. Patrick Stump)

Something in the Orange by Zach Bryan 

Stick Season by Noah Kahan

Fourth of July by Sufjan Stevens

All I Want by Kodaline

Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Line Without A Hook by Ricky Montgomery

Tears over Beers by Modern Baseball

Everyone Adores You (At Least I Do) by Matt Maltese

Mr Loverman by Ricky Montgomery

ocean eyes by Billie Eilish

Dear Arkansas Daughter by Lady Lamb

Paper Rings by Taylor Swift

I Don't Smoke by Mitski 

This Year by The Mountain Goats 

Wolves by Selena Gomez & Marshmallow 

Happy News For Sadness by Car Seat Headrest

Wet by Dazey and the Scouts

Let's Fall In Love by Mother Mother 

What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish

Inarticulation by Rio Romeo 

The Adults Are Talking by The Strokes

Break by Alex G

Sex, Drugs, Etc. by Beach Weather

Stressed Out by twenty one pilots 

Two Birds by Regina Spektor

TV by Billie Eilish

Things to Do by Alex G

Take Me to Church by Hozier 

the way things go by beabadoobee 

Mind Over Matter by Young the Giant

I'd Rather Sleep by Kero Kero Bonito

anything by Adrianne Lenker

Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now by The Smiths

Pretend by Alex G

Nothing's New by Rio Romeo

Good Looking by Suki Waterhouse 

Time Moves Slow by BADBADNOTGOOD & Samuel T. Herring

Bruno is Orange by Hop Along, Queen Ansleis

Twin Sized Mattress by The Front Bottoms

Be Nice To Me by The Front Bottoms 

I Bet on Losing Dogs by Mitski

Meteor Shower by Cavetown

Brother by Madds Buckley

Electric Love by BØRNS

Harness Your Hopes (B-side) by Pavement

Sweater Weather by The Neighborhood 

For The Record from 36 Questions 

Where Is My Mind? by Pixies

Shut Me Up by Mindless Self Indulgence

Lone Star by The Front Bottoms 

Too Sweet by Hozier

HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan

Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) by Edison Lighthouse 

the fruits by Paris Paloma

Girl With One Eye by Florence + the Machine

i like the way you kiss me by Artemas

Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story from Hamilton

Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine

Symphonia IX by Current Joys

Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

Run Boy Run by Woodkid

Washing Machine Heart by Mitski

Sarah by Alex G

Race by Alex G

lucy~ by Corbon Amodio

Waiting Room by Phoebe Bridgers

Not Strong Enough by Boy Genius 

Gilded Lily by Cults

The Archer by Taylor Swift

BritRock by McCafferty

Beachboy by McCafferty

Bottom by McCafferty

Fentanyl by McCafferty

Trees by McCafferty

Babooshka by Kate Bush

When Will I See You Again by Shakka 

Candy by Alex G

Your Best American Girl by Mitski

You're My Best Friend by Queen 

Abbey by Mitski

That's What I Like by Bruno Mars

Maneater by Nelly Furtado

Vampire Empire by Big Thief

Vampire Empire by Adrianne Lenker

That's Life by Frank Sinatra 

Wasted Summers by juju<3

The 30th by Billie Eilish

Me and the Devil by Soap&Skin

Static by Steve Lacy

The Masochism Tango by Tom Lehrer

The Gold by Manchester Orchestra & Phoebe Bridgers 

It's Called: Freefall by Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Little Lion Man by Mumford & Sons

Habits by Genevieve Stokes

Best Friend by Rex Orange County

Revenge by XXXTENTACION

Anything You Want by JAWNY

Lay All You Love On Me by ABBA

Over & Over by Rio Romeo

Heather by Conan Gray

Young Dumb & Broke by Khalid 

Freaks by Surf Curse

Tear in My Heart by twenty one pilots

Goodbye, My Danish Sweetheart by Mitski

Exit Music (For A Film) by Radiohead

forwards beckon rebound by Adrianne Lenker

Creep by Radiohead

Feel Better by Penelope Scott

Shut Up and Drive by Rihanna

Casual by Chappell Roan

Never Enough from The Greatest Showman 

Rewrite the Stars from The Greatest Showman

Sailor Song by Gigi Perez

Once More to See You by Mitski

Back to Life by Mother Mother

Nasty Dog by Sir Mix-A-Lot

Black Hair by Alex G

Sandy by Alex G

Stay Behind by Mother Mother

Wait for Me (Reprise) from Hadestown

Rollercoaster by Bleachers 

Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus

Good at Loving You Mother Mother

Wont Bite by Doja Cat

Cold as Ice by Blacklite District  

Brown Shuga by Sir Mix-A-Lot

Bark Like You Want It by Sir Mix-A-Lot

Fable by Gigi Perez 

Calm Me Down by Mother Mother

Arms Tonite by Mother Mother

Death Cup by Mom Jeans.

She Knows by J. Cole

Christmas Kids by Roar

Seventeen Going Under by Sam Fender

I Love You So by The Walters 

Midwests Best by Nik Salah

Picture You by Chappell Roan

Cop Car by Mitski

St. Chroma by Tyler, The Creator 

Positions by Ariana Grande 

Need To Know by Doja Cat

Ride by Sir Mix-A-Lot

obsessed by Olivias Rodrigo

Toxic by Britney Spears

No One Noticed by The Marias

Bed Chem by Sabrina Carpenter 

Juno by Sabrina Carpenter

Closer by Nine Inch Nails

we can't be friends (wait for your love) by Ariana Grande

Anyone Else But You by The Moldy Peaches 

Apartment by Modern Baseball

Au Revoir (Adios) by The Front Bottoms 

Bag of Bones by Mitski

Bobby by Alex G

Brand New City by Mitski

Brave as a Noun by AJJ

Broken by lovelytheband 

Broken Cash Machine by Modern Baseball

Bubblegum Bitch by Marina and the Diamonds

Burn from Hamilton

Change by Alex G

Come into the Water by Mitski

Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift

Cupid by Jack Stauber's Micropop

Dance With Me by Topline Addicts

Dancing With Your Ghost by Sasha Alex Sloan

Dead-Bird by McCafferty 

deja vu by Olivia Rodrigo

Dial Drunk by Noah Kahan

Dread in My Heart by Mother Mother

Dream Sweet in Sea Major by Miracle Musical

Enchanted by Taylor Swift

Fifteen by Taylor Swift

First Love / Late Spring by Mitski

Fool by Frankie Cosmos

Francis Forever by Mitski

Freak by Doja Cat

From The Start by Laufey

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) by ABBA

 Good Graces by Sabrina Carpenter

Government Hooker by Lady Gaga

Groan by Dazey and the Scouts

half return by Adrianne Lenker

Get This Right (Outtake) from Frozen II

Sex With A Ghost by Teddy Hyde

Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-A-Lot

Bubble Pop Electric by Gwen Stefani

Fergalicious by Fergie

Lovegame by Lady Gaga

Hickey by Nik Salah

Would You Fall In Love with Me Again from Epic the Musical

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Grist:

On Monday, Senator Debbie Stabenow, a longtime champion of programs that support farmers and increase access to nutritious foods, introduced a new version of the farm bill, a key piece of legislation typically renewed every five years that governs much of how the agricultural industry in the U.S. operates. 

Stabenow, who is retiring next month after representing Michigan in the Senate for 24 years, has staked her career on her vision for a robust, progressive farm bill: one that, among other things, paves the way for farmers to endure the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

The text of her bill comes almost two months after the 2018 farm bill, which initially expired last year and was revived thanks to a one-year extension, expired for a second time on September 30. And it comes mere weeks before the end of the year, when funding for several programs included in the farm bill will run out. 

But more importantly, the bill comes after many months of infighting between Democratic and Republican lawmakers over what matters most in the next farm bill — and just weeks before the current congressional term ends. In order to pass the bill, Stabenow would need to gain the support of Republicans in the Senate agriculture committee and the House of Representatives, where Democrats lack the votes necessary to pass their own version of the legislation. 

It’s likely, even expected, that that won’t happen. Senator John Boozman, a Republican from Arkansas who is likely to chair the Senate agriculture committee after Stabenow’s retirement, criticized her bill on X, calling it an “insulting 11th hour partisan proposal.” Meanwhile, in the House, Republicans are reportedly hoping instead to pass another one-year extension of the farm bill, pushing negotiations over the new bill into next year, according to Politico. There’s virtually no reason for Republicans not to prolong the process of hammering out the next farm bill, as starting in January they will have majority control over the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of the federal government.

[alouiadina]

MotA Zombie AU

So, a bit ago I posted something about workshopping a zombie au with someone. I now feel like elaborating on my idea in hopes someone will see it and maybe, possibly want to flesh it out/write it with me.

So, the idea came to me after remembering this Star Trek Zombie au fan fiction All The Loveless Land by pastmydancingdays on ao3 (https://archiveofourown.org/works/3795652/chapters/8450587)

It's been a while since I last read it, but the basic set up is that sometime after the zombie apocalypse, this woman(?) is interviewing Kirk and the people who would eventually be on the Enterprise after being rescued from Earth. It also has alternating pov.

Anyway, here's the idea(s):

Wrap around: Modern au. Jack and Harding (along with a few other military personnel) live near the wall that was built around the only safe states in the US (that aren't Hawaii or Alaska). The last people that came through the wall came through like 2 years before (Quinn and the guy he was with whose name I can't remember) They live together on base, and they're having a lazy morning in bed when they get called up because a group of survivors had shown up at the wall. They meet the survivors in the infirmary while they're getting checked for bite marks and any disease/sickness they might have contracted in the five years they spent out in the quarantine zone. Jack and Harding both seem a bit appalled that there are children, one or two missing a limb and one or two looking younger than five. They're all dehydrated and one of the group seems to have heat stroke, another of the group never leaving his side. When trying to separate one of the group members to interview them (probably Bucky) they get antsy/ standoff-ish, making Jack and Harding come to understand that they have to wait until they're mostly okay. When that happens, Jack and Harding take them separately, but not to separately, to interview them.

Five years ago:

Bucky- He and Josephine are married and have two children, a five year old and a one year old. He had been honorably discharged from the military the year before. He's on a school trip with his eldest daughter at the aquarium when it happens.

Buck- He and Marge are at the hospital when it happens. They've been married for a year, and she's pregnant (though idk how far along she is.)

(Idk which ship is going to have the one with heat stroke, and idk if one or both of Curt/Dickie will survive)

Crosby- Is also at the hospital, maybe the same hospital, but his wife just gave birth to their son. She is having some difficulty after the birth.

Bubbles- I haven't put much thought into where he is (maybe we don't focus where he is at the start, maybe just briefly mention it) Maybe he's one of the nurses at the hospital, or maybe he's Bucky's daughters teacher.

Ken- In a car in Arkansas with winks trying to loose his virginity to Winks, who's either his friend or boyfriend. Someone interrupts them (maybe Curt), or they hear it on the radio as an emergency broadcast.

Rosie- At his law firm, in a meeting with Dickie about something, idk what yet. Maybe a lawsuit or something.

Dickie- in a meeting with Rosie

Curt- I feel like after being honorably discharged (bc maybe he was shot down or something), he managed to end up homeless in Arkansas because his family wouldn't take him in and he did know Bucky in the Air Force, but didn't want to impose on him or his family bc Bucky has a family at home. He either somehow manages to meet up with Bucky and his daughter as they're trying to go back to Josephine and daughter #2, or he interrupts Ken and Winks' car time running away from a zombie

And maybe there are others from the 100th in the group, but I don't want to jump around too much with the POV. And the idea is for each chapter to have both halves of each ship from the past, and maybe some cute domestic moments between Jack and Harding in the wrap around parts.

If it wasn't clear, the main ships are: Clegan, Crubbles, Rosielemmons Curt x Dickie, JackHarding

edit: They're all also the same age as they are in the show in when the apocalypse starts. Bucky and Josephine just got married relatively young (22-23 ish).

[atths--twice]

Five Times Mulder Kissed Scully

Seven years together, there had to be moments where a kiss was needed to express the words that could not be spoken.

I love the little look-ins to their lives, imagining what could have been. To see the tender and caring moments we may have missed. Hope you do too.

1994

The first time was so unexpected, it took a second for Scully to realize it had happened.

In and out of consciousness, she had felt like she was floating. She could hear Mulder, her mom, Missy, doctors and nurses, and the sounds of medical equipment as she fought to make sense of where she was exactly.

Here or there.

Pick one.

It’s not your time, Starbuck.

But I’m so tired…

“Please don’t leave me, Scully,” she had heard Mulder whisper from somewhere far away, desperation in his voice.

It had sounded loud and quiet all at the same time. It had hung around, echoing in her head as she felt pressure on what she knew were her fingers, but she could not squeeze back in response. She had wanted to, but she was unable to make her body do what her mind was demanding.

Then he was gone and it was quiet. So very quiet. Her fingers ached to feel the pressure of his again.

But then, she had come back to the world of the living and he was there, smiling and giving her a silly gift from a blue plastic bag that no one but she and him would understand.

He had left after a quick visit, though she knew he wanted to stay, his eyes saying as much.

When her mother and Missy had gone for the night, he came back, quietly coming into her room and taking her hand.

Fighting hard to stay awake, feeling she had missed so much already, he ran his fingers tenderly across her eyebrows.

“Sleep, Scully. Rest now.”

Unable to argue, sleep calling for her, she nodded as his fingers continued moving so softly, it did not feel real.

When the gentlest kiss she had ever received was pressed to her temple, she wondered if that had been real too.

But when it happened again, as his fingers traced her face and he whispered, she knew it for sure.

“Rest. I’ll be here.”

And she did.

_______________

1995

“You’re sure you’re okay?” Mulder asked as they walked into a motel room, thirty miles away from Dudley, Arkansas.

And away from Chaco Chicken.

“Yeah,” Scully said softly, nodding her head, causing her to wince.

“Wish you would have let the paramedics take a look at you.”

“I just wanted to get away from there,” she whispered, closing her eyes as she thought of the horrors she had seen in the past couple of hours.

“I can take a look at it. You’ve got that first aid kit in your bag, right?”

“Yeah,” she breathed, opening her eyes as she licked her lips.

“Good. Here, sit down,” he said softly, pulling out a chair and taking off his coat before rummaging through her suitcase.

She sat, staring down at the table and running her finger over a large scratch that was etched into it. The first aid kit was set on the table and her attention was diverted to Mulder’s hands, watching them as he looked through it, searching for the items he would need.

“Okay,” he said, touching her shoulder lightly. “I’ll be right back.”

He went into the bathroom and she heard him washing his hands. Returning quickly, he sat beside her in the other chair.

“This alcohol is going to sting. I’m sorry.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, knowing that it would.

Learning forward, she gave him better access to the cut that was causing her head to throb. He pushed her hair back as he exhaled softly and shook his head.

“Okay, here we go.”

He dabbed the alcohol swab gently against her head and she inhaled sharply at the sting it created, gripping her coat in her fists.

“I’m sorry,” he said again and she nodded slightly, knowing that it needed to be done.

When it was clean and she could feel the alcohol cooling her skin, he opened a bandage and looked at her.

“It looks good. Don’t think it will leave a scar.”

“Wonderful,” she said in a monotone voice and he gave her a small smile.

He leaned closer and carefully applied the bandage, making sure it did not stick in her hair. She closed her eyes, suddenly feeling exceedingly tired.

“There,” he whispered and she hummed as his hand moved to her jaw and he brushed his thumb across her cheek. “All done.”

“Thank you,” she said, opening her eyes and letting out a sigh.

“You’re welcome,” he whispered, his thumb still brushing softly. He moved closer and pressed his lips against her bandage. “I thought… I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Me too,” she breathed, closing her eyes again as she drew in a breath and he nodded, leaving behind a quiet kiss as he pulled back and began to clean up the table.

______________

1996

She was pacing in an autopsy bay as she awaited the arrival of a possible murder victim. She shivered as she paused in her steps, but it was not from feeling cold.

No, the shiver was because of the woman she would be autopsying.

The pictures that had been in her missing persons file had so resembled Missy, she’d had to excuse herself for a few minutes when she first saw them.

Mulder had insisted they needed to find someone else to do the autopsy, but she had gotten upset and refused that suggestion, telling him she was fine.

But she was not fine.

Far from it in fact.

The doors opened and the gurney was pushed into the room. Taking a deep breath, she swallowed hard and stepped forward.

Three hours later, she sat on the bed in her motel room. She had showered and put on a robe, but that was as far as she had gotten. Her hair was wet and slowly dripping onto her robe, but she did not notice.

“Scully? Scully, can you hear me?”

She blinked her eyes and looked around, surprised to see Mulder crouched down in front of her.

“There you are,” he said softly and she frowned at him.

“What?”

“You weren’t answering your phone or the door.”

“I was…” She glanced around again and began to realize that she was not dressed beneath her robe. Pulling it closed tighter, she looked at him. “I… How did you get in here?”

“The manager let me in when you didn’t answer the door,” he said, still in the same soft tone. “Come on, you need to get dressed and dry your hair. ”

“I’m… I’m fine, Mulder,” she said as he helped her to her feet, her body feeling heavy and awkward.

“No, you’re not. Come on.”

“Mulder,” she said, trying to pull her arm from his gentle grasp. “I can… I don’t need you to… I’m fine.” He let go and stood before her as she adjusted her robe again. “I can manage and you don’t… don’t…”

“Scully,” he whispered, sighing softly.

“I’m fine. I just need to get dressed.”

She walked to her suitcase and began to take out her pajamas, fighting against the tears that were threatening to fall. A sob escaped and she cursed internally as she failed to hold back another.

“Scully,” she heard him say again and she turned quickly, falling into him and wrapping her arms around his waist as she cried.

He held her until she had calmed, rubbing his hand up and down her back.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

“She looked so much like her,” she cried, shaking her head.

“Scully,” he said in a defeated tone.

“I don’t want to talk about it. Or think about it.”

“Okay,” he agreed as she pulled away. Grabbing her pajamas, she walked into the bathroom and shut the door.

When she came out, her hair towel dried, the lights were all off except for the one on the nightstand. The blankets had been pulled back and Mulder stood awkwardly by the dresser.

“I just wanted to be sure you were…”

He did not finish his sentence and she said nothing as she walked to the bed. Lying down and covering herself to her chin, she sniffled as the tears started again.

“I’ll go. Let you-”

“Stay. Please,” she sobbed as she turned her head into her pillow.

He lay behind her, his arm going around her and pulling her close. She turned over and drew further into his embrace, needing more from him.

He held her as she cried, murmuring and stroking her hair. His lips were feather soft as he kissed a path across her forehead, stopping at her temple and sighing.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered and she cried, thinking of Missy and how much she missed her.

He pulled her closer and within minutes she had cried herself to sleep, succumbing to the toll of the day.

____________

1997

“Do you want me to get you something to eat? I could go pick it up or we could order in?” he said as they walked into her apartment and he set her bag onto a kitchen chair.

“Honestly,” she said, shaking her head. “I just want to wash the smell of the hospital off of me, maybe burn these clothes, and sleep for hours without any interruptions.” She closed her eyes and hummed with a smile at the thought of sleeping in a dark room without a nurse coming in every few hours. “That will be really nice.”

“Yeah,” he agreed with a chuckle and she opened her eyes to look at him.

“I’m not really hungry right now. But if I feel it later, I could make some toast or something. I’m sure there’s bread here at least.”

“Okay,” he said with a nod. “I’ll let you get to that shower.”

“You could… if you wanted to, I mean… you could stay.”

“If you want me-”

“I mean if you want-”

“It’s up to you-”

“If you’d like to-”

They stopped speaking and stared at each other before they both laughed and shook their heads.

“I’d like you to stay, but it’s up to you,” she said and he nodded.

“I’ll stay.”

“Good,” she said as she smiled back. “Order something, if you want. I’m not entirely sure about the bread now.”

“Yeah. I got it. You go on ahead.”

She walked out of the room and down to the bathroom. Closing the door, she turned on the shower and let it warm up before stepping in with a sigh as the antiseptic smell of the hospital was rinsed from her body.

Two hours later, after watching a movie on the couch, she was exhausted.

“Thank you for, well…” she said, as she walked with him to the door and touched the back of her neck where she had replaced the small bandage that covered the recent incision.

“Yeah,” he said, taking a deep breath and giving her a small smile. “I’m glad it worked.”

“Huh, me too,” she said, chuckling awkwardly as the reality of it not working suddenly seemed to weigh very heavily in the air.

He stared at her for a second and then stepped closer, pulling her into his arms. She closed her eyes as she hugged him back. With her cheek pressed against his chest, she could feel every breath he took and hear his heart beating.

So beautifully alive. Both of them.

He pulled back and smiled at her, his hand going to her neck and softly rubbing the bandage.

“Glad isn’t the right word,” he whispered as he shook his head. “It doesn’t come close to adequately describing how I feel. Knowing that you’re okay, that you’ll continue to be okay…” His thumb rubbed into her hairline and she closed her eyes with a shiver as he pressed his forehead to hers. “The alternative, Scully… I will not ever accept.”

When he pulled back again, he kissed her forehead, temple, and then the corner of her mouth, causing her to draw in a shaky breath.

“Not ever,” he whispered, squeezing her neck gently and then stepping back.

She opened her eyes and he nodded as he opened the door. Smiling, he stepped through and closed it behind him. She exhaled as she locked the door, leaning against it for a few moments, before she went to her room and fell into a dreamless slumber.

________________

2000

“Here are these to finish. And then these ones just need your signature,” she said, handing him a few files.

“You want me to sign something without reading it first?” he asked and she gave him a look.

“Are you insinuating that I haven’t done the paperwork properly?”

“No. Not exactly.”

“Then…”

“I just feel a person should read things first. Or you end up losing something important to you.”

“What?” she asked, thoroughly confused.

“In my case, some very precious comics I recently found.”

“What?” she asked again and he sighed with a pout.

“I told the guys about them, there was a poker game, and Frohike… well… he’s now the happy owner of them.”

“Is comics code for… vintage erotic magazines?”

“No!” he said, looking at her in shock. “You think I’d give him those? Scully…”

She laughed as she shook her head and he smiled with a wink.

“Well, rest assured, this is just paperwork about the case. I’m not betting you anything,” she said as she gathered her things. “Especially those magazines.”

“Your loss,” he said with a shrug.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” she said sarcastically and rolled her eyes. He smiled and she drew in a breath. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight.”

She watched him as he looked down at the file, waiting for a second, but he did not rise from his desk.

“Bye,” she said, walking to the door and looking back at him.

“Bye.” He waved and she walked out the door, waiting outside of it for a few moments.

“Okay, then,” she said as she turned and continued down the hall and into the elevator.

A couple of hours later, at her mother’s house to celebrate her birthday, she was on her second drink of the evening.

People from church, whom she did not really know, along with some of her mother’s close friends were there, wishing her mother well and laughing at old stories.

The doorbell rang and seeing as no one went to answer it, Scully sighed and walked over to do so as she sipped her drink.

Opening the door, her eyes widened as she swallowed and then coughed, a hand at her chest.

“Hello,” Mulder said, grinning happily and holding a small, wrapped box. “Didn’t expect you to answer. I was looking for the birthday woman.”

“What are you-”

“Fox!” her mother said as she walked to the door. “I’m so glad you could make it. Come in.” Scully stepped back and he grinned at her again as he crossed the threshold.

“Happy birthday, Mrs. Scully,” he said, handing her the gift. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“Maggie, please,” her mother said, taking the gift with a smile. “Thank you. Please come in and have a drink and some appetizers. Dinner will be ready soon.” She nodded at them and walked away.

“Yeah, I can’t call her Maggie. Just seems wrong,” he said in a low voice as he smiled at Scully.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, frowning slightly as she shook her head.

“I was invited.”

“And you didn’t tell me? Didn’t mention it when I told you last week that I had to leave early today? Or two weeks ago when I said her birthday was coming up and I needed to get her a gift? No time between then and now to mention you would be coming here today?”

“And ruin the fun of this moment? Why would I deny myself that?” he asked with another smile.

“What did you get for her?”

“Patience now. She’ll open it soon enough,” he teased and she narrowed her eyes at him. “Is there a place I could put my coat, seeing as I intend to stay awhile?”

“Yeah. We’re using my dad’s office. I could show you.”

“Much obliged,” he said and she smiled as she took another sip of her drink and led him to it.

Coats were lying across the small couch in the room and as she watched him add his own, she finished her drink. Setting it onto the desk, she looked him up and down.

“You knew I was coming here,” she said quietly, stepping closer to him.

“I did,” he agreed as he adjusted his tie.

“You stayed to get the paperwork done.” She continued stepping closer and he smiled.

“Someone’s gotta do it,” he stated and she breathed deeply.

“She invited you.”

“She likes me,” he said with a shrug as his fingertips brushed her wrist.

“She’s smart like that,” Scully said, her breath increasing as he gently scratched his nails against her skin.

“Hmm,” he hummed, nodding as he brought his other hand up to cup her jaw. “You know, you forgot something when you left today.”

“I did?” she asked, her eyes closing as his thumb caressed her lips.

“Mmhmm,” he replied, kissing one eyebrow and then the other.

“What… what did I forget?”

“This,” he whispered and then his lips were on hers, kissing her slowly.

She gripped his waist as she whimpered softly, the feel and taste of kiss nearly intoxicating.

“I…” she breathed as he kissed her again. “I didn’t forget.”

“No?” he asked in a whisper, kissing along her jaw. Soft, gentle kisses that made her stomach clench with desire.

“No. You did.”

“I did?” he asked, pulling back to look at her and she smiled.

“Mmhmm,” she said with a small nod. “I informed you I was leaving. Gave you ample time to approach me. Even waited outside the door in case you were to realize your mistake.”

“Is that right?” he asked with a smile.

“One hundred percent factual.”

“But you said not at work,” he reminded her, his hand at her neck as his thumb gently grazed her jaw. “So I wouldn’t have known you were waiting.”

“Then by that logic, I didn’t forget anything.”

He blinked a few times and she chuckled softly.

“It was you who implemented the rule,” he informed her.

“I’m aware.”

“Yet you were waiting for me to come after you.”

“Also true.”

He blinked again and shook his head.

“I think we may be walking around the point and missing each other when we reach it.” She chuckled again and he smiled as he caressed her neck.

“I had to create the rule as it was for a good reason.”

“Which was what again? Remind me please.”

“Because…” she said, licking her lips. “A kiss isn’t usually enough.”

“For whom? Are you trying to say that after only one kiss, I’m unable to keep my hands off of you? As if I can’t control myself?” he asked in an overly incredulous tone even as his other hand slid beneath the hem of her sweater, and she bit back a smile.

His breath was warm on her lips as he leaned closer, his hand beginning to move towards her breast, and her stomach quivered from the anticipation of his touch.

“Scully,” he whispered and she exhaled into his mouth, his lips barely touching her own.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” a voice said and they jumped apart.

His hand got caught under her sweater for a second and then he pulled it free. As she looked past Mulder and saw who was standing there, a hot flush began creeping over her entire body.

“Fa… Father McCue,” she said, clearing her throat. “I… it’s… did you need something?”

“Yes,” he said with a slightly embarrassed smile. “I just realized I left your mother’s birthday card in my coat pocket. I was going to get it, but I can-”

“No! Please. Of course you can…” She stepped back to allow him to find his coat, Mulder moving with her to give him space.

“Thank you. Ah. Here it is,” Father McCue said as he picked up his coat and removed the birthday card. Setting his coat back down, he smiled at them. “I’m sorry to have interrupted. I’ll leave you now.”

“No. Yeah. We… it’s… okay,” Scully stammered, feeling like a fumbling teenager who had been caught out by her father.

At the doorway, Father McCue stopped and turned around.

“I’m glad to see you here today, Dana. And Mr. Mulder? It’s good to see you again as well, especially under better circumstances.” He nodded at them and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

“Oh. My. God,” Scully breathed, stepping away from Mulder and shaking her head, her eyes wide. “I cannot believe that just happened. I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed in my entire life. I have never-” She stopped speaking and turned around, staring at Mulder.

He was laughing. He was doing so quietly, but he was absolutely laughing, apparently thoroughly enjoying the situation in which they found themselves.

“Are you serious right now?” she asked, shaking her head. “This is funny?”

“Oh yeah,” he said, still laughing quietly. “It’s very funny.”

“What part of it?”

“All of it,” he said. “Oh… it’s too good.”

“Mulder,” she said, crossing her arms. “He is our priest. We see him, or my mother does anyway, all the time.”

“And?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders.

“And? And he just walked in to find you… copping a feel.”

“I actually wasn’t, if that changes things. I was close, but…” He shrugged again with a grin and she whined quietly. “Scully, come on.”

“He’s a priest, Mulder. That’s like… like doing that in front of God. Or one of his… friends.”

“Friends of the Father in Heaven? Confidants of Christ?” he teased.

“Stop,” she said, her eyes widening again.

“Mates with the Maker?”

“Mulder,” she warned.

“Acquaintances of the Almighty?”

“Mmmul… Mulder,” she said as she started to laugh. “Stop.”

“Bet you’re rethinking the “not at work rule” right about now, aren’t you?” he asked as he walked towards her and she scoffed loudly.

“No. I’m not. If that had been Skinner… or anyone else from work-”

“They would have won the pool?” he asked, putting his arms around her and smiling. “Found themselves flush with cash?”

“Mulder…” She closed her eyes and sighed before opening them again.

“Relax, Scully,” he said, kissing her forehead. “He’s a priest. He can’t say anything. He’s sworn to secrecy.”

“That only applies to confessionals,” she said and he hummed with a nod.

“Well… I don’t think he even saw anything. My body shielded most of the view of what was happening. I think we’re good.” He smiled and she sighed again.

“It’s not that it’s a secret, it’s just…”

“I know.”

“And it’s not as if nearly everyone at this party, at some point, hasn’t asked about you while also subtly hinting at our relationship, wondering if it wasn’t more platonic than strictly professional.”

“Platonic,” he repeated softly. “Platonic…”

“Yeah,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“Platonic I can get on board with, at least until recently,” he said as he pumped his eyebrows and she smiled knowingly. “But professional? Hmm… We are professionals in a professional field, but… do most professional relationships include disrobing within the first few days of knowing one another?”

“You dick,” she whispered and he grinned.

“I think platonic with a… slight sprinkle of professionalism would best describe us,” he whispered back and she smiled.

“I’d say that covers it.”

“Until recently anyway, as previously stated,” he said and she laughed.

“Oh yes. It’s definitely no longer platonic.”

“Definitely,” he agreed, staring at her with a smile and she nodded.

“We should… rejoin the party.”

“We should,” he agreed, rocking them slightly.

“You’re not moving.”

“Neither are you and it’s your mother’s birthday.”

“Something tells me,” she said, moving her arms to encircle his neck. “She’d excuse my absence if she knew what I was doing.”

“With a priest in the next room?” he asked with a mock gasp.

“Oh,” she said as she pulled back and he groaned. “I forgot about that.”

“Scully, I was joking,” he said as he reached to pull her back, but she walked to the door and put her hand on the doorknob as he groaned again. “Forget I said anything.”

“I can’t. It’s in my head now. It’s… whoa!”

The door opened suddenly and she jumped back in surprise.

“Oh, there you two are,” her mother said with a smile.

“I was just showing Mulder some of dad’s things in here,” Scully lied smoothly and Mulder hummed in complete agreement.

“Oh, that’s nice,” her mother said as she looked around and smiled with a sigh. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Just wanted to let you know.”

“Okay. Thanks. We’ll follow you out.”

“That’s okay. Don’t want to disturb you if you’re having a look around.”

“Yeah, Scully. Wasn’t there something else you wanted to show me?”

She turned to look at him and he smiled innocently at her, but she did not fall for his charm.

“Maybe next time, I want to refill my drink. Would you mind grabbing the glass for me there?”

He hummed again as he picked up the glass and they followed her mother from the room. He placed his hand on Scully’s back and she looked sidelong at him, silently telling him to stop. Smiling as he nodded, he moved his hand and went to get them each a drink while she filled a small plate with appetizers.

Father McCue came to stand beside her and for a moment she froze, unsure of what to say.

“It’s good to see your health continues to thrive,” Father McCue said and she let out a quiet breath. “I know it’s been some time, but it’s always good to see it.”

“Yes,” she said, still feeling uneasy. “Father, what you may have seen earlier-”

“Dana,” he said with a smile and a small shake of his head. “What I saw was nothing less than I would have expected after the brief times I’ve seen the two of you together. Actually, hoped would be a better word than expected.”

“Really?” she asked quietly, her attention drawn to Mulder as he left the kitchen. He was laughing at something and it made her smile slightly.

“Oh yes,” Father McCue said, touching her arm briefly and nodding. “I’m happy to see that you’re happy.” Nodding again, he walked away and Scully breathed a sigh of relief.

“Oh no. What did he say?” Mulder asked, walking up and handing her her drink. “Do we need to leave the country and assume new identities?”

“No,” she chuckled and he raised his eyebrows in mock surprise. “He said he was happy to see me happy.” He stared at her as she took a sip of her drink.

“And are you?” he asked, his voice low and serious. “Happy, I mean?”

She smiled slowly and nodded once, watching as his eyes lit up and he smiled.

“Then, I’m also happy you’re happy.”

He held out his glass and she tipped hers to his, clinking them together.

“And you?” she asked and he held her gaze, licking his lips and glancing down at her own with a hum.

“I’d show you the answer to that question if there weren't so many eyes currently watching us.”

“Later then,” she said as dinner was announced.

The chatter around them increased as people began to line up to head to the kitchen and make up their plate.

“Later,” he agreed, moving closer to her.

His fingers hooked onto hers and she smiled, squeezing them gently. He winked at her as someone in the line laughed and she wondered if her mother would forgive her if they were to leave now, leaving behind nothing but half empty glasses of alcohol.

“After gifts and cake, of course. I don’t want to incur the wrath of Maggie Scully,” he said, his eyes widening and her smile grew.

“No, you don’t,” she agreed.

“But as soon as it’s done…” He squeezed her fingers and she nodded.

“I’ll see if I can find a stopwatch. I think there’s one around here somewhere,” she said and he laughed heartily as the line began to move and he squeezed her fingers once more before letting go.

Later, she thought with a smile as his hand found its familiar place on her back and this time she did not tell him to move it.

[atomicwinnerdreamland]

do you have any headcanons on texahoma or NY/NJ/CA? (or opinions on them?)

also here's two headcanons of my own: Oklahoma sometimes lets Texas brush his hair since he knows how much Texas loves it. Texas likes to run his hands through it, play with it, and style it when Oklahoma lets him. His hands are pretty roughed up (scars, burns, etc) from wars/Mexico/farm work so Oklahoma's soft hair feels nice on his rough hands. New York, California, and New Jersey go skateboarding together a lot. New Jersey and California saw New York eyeing a rat stuffed animal at a store and instead of being smart and just paying for it, they stole it for him. New York yelled at them for being stupid (he treasures it and keeps it next to his bed)

Hii! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to answer this, life just hit me with everything these past few days and I just saw your ask. I hope you know that I appreciate you and your request so much & I'll answer it the best way I can :D

Texahoma

OPINION: I love this ship so much! I love how they have an enemies dynamic that has the potential to turn into a love story (some enemy dynamics can be toxic to the point a potential romance is out the window, but that's not the case here). To me, they have a married couple vibe where they bicker over the smallest stuff but wouldn't hesitate to comfort each other when needed. "Must be exhausting thinkin' about me all day, huh?" is a banger line, and it defines their romantic tension to me. They're so awesome :D

(also I reside in Texas, and I can confirm that many of my Texan fellas dislike Oklahoma bc there's nothing much to do there as opposed to Texas & Oklahomans hate Texans bc they think Texans are mean, but honestly I wouldn't call it full hate. Just a rivalry)

YOUR HEADCANON: I love your hc for them! Oklahoma definitely has soft long hair that he maintains in the best way he can (even if the hair products can be expensive) and Texas definitely knows how to treat hair :D That's such a sweet hc and definitely one of my favorites I've heard.

-Texas has taken Oklahoma to an HEB before and has raced with him to get every single item on their grocery list. Texas knew that Okie would lose bc Texas knows this HEB like the back of his hand, but to his own surprise, he let himself walk through the aisles slower than he usually does so he could see Okie be proud of himself when he gets all the items first. It worked. Okie bragged like there was no tomorrow but Texas wouldn't dare change the happiness Okie felt.

-They go to HEB every weekend. They don't even shop there sometimes, they just roam around the store and somehow entertain each other as they do so. "Remember that time you tried to microwave this cake mix?" "I did that so I could poison you, idiot." "Mhmm.."

-Oklahoma and Texas go tornado watching in Okie's state. They're not scared though since Okie's used to it and Texas practically goes hurricane watching with Loui and Florida. One time they blacked out from hitting their head in their shaky car when it caught into the tornado, and Texas was the one who managed to wake up first and get them home safe.

-Texas cooks for Oklahoma & Oklahoma chooses the outfits that Texas wears. Big dude can't dress himself in something other than a button-up, old jeans, and cowboy boots, so Okie changes it up. Okie also validates Texas when Texas wants to wear something that's considered more feminine (dresses, skirts, crop tops, etc).

-Oklahoma humbles Texas. Big dude is super prideful and can sometimes forget to be humble, so Oklahoma never hesitates to humble him. Kind of like how Washington called Texas out ("Texas, you're killing jobs!" from Table News: Ida goes North, Texas goes Backward)

-Oklahoma and Texas both have scars, and occasionally, they caress each others' scars to tell each other that they'll love their scars just as much as they love every other part of each other. <3

-Louisiana and Arkansas have been their go-to when it comes to Okie & Texas' at-home dates. Louisiana cooks the food for the dinner and Arkansas sets the mood up with decorations and music.

-Loui and Pirate Kansas have also been one of the main reasons the 2 got together in the first place. Loui and Texas are best friends & Okie and Arkansas get along somewhat, and once Loui and Arkansas found out their best friends like each other, they got to planning. Florida has also joined in, and while neither Texas or Oklahoma wanna admit it, Flo's goofy wingmaning is another reason they got together.

-They had a heavy, angsty confession over in Texarkana (a city that's in TX, OK, and AR) that led to crying and a short trip to Buc-ees to feel better :D

-[this one is kind of suggestive] Before they got together (a.k.a when they were still rivals), Oklahoma dragged Texas out of Texas' little hut in the countryside and took him to see his state, saying, "Who said there's nothing to do here?" and Texas lowkey thought, I'd do you here if only you'd let me. Texas left Oklahoma still thinking that the state is far inferior than his though. Of course, Texas couldn't get the dirty remark out of his head, and that's when he realized that shoot, he likes Oklahoma.

-They like to listen to country music and ballads together and even sing on occasion. Since Texas knows so many languages, he knows ballads from all around the world and sings them to Oklahoma to put him to sleep (preferrably Spanish & Filipino love songs). Oklahoma also puts Texas to sleep except with folk songs or old stories.

California/New York/New Jersey

OPINION: Honestly, I'm not sure if I love it or if I'm neutral about it, but I know I don't hate it. I usually ship CaliYork or California/New Jersey separately and never really thought about putting the three into a poly relationship, but I've seen your take on the three and it's actually growing on me. My fav's still CaliYork, but I like these three goofballs together too. I need to read more stories on them though 😅

YOUR HEADCANON: Oh they definitely skateboard a lot together and are competitive when doing so. I betcha their clumsy selves have gotten injured before too :3 And the stuffed animal theft is beautiful, they'd do anything to see their bf York happy. Aww :3 (you have such a creative mind omg)

I don't have many headcanons on them, but here are a few that I have:

-They all ride motorcycles together. Sometimes New Jersey's the one that drives and Cal & York ride with him, and other times they each have their own bike and race each other in whatever road they please (they all agree that I-4 is a no)

-Jersey and York cook for California to make sure he is well-fed. They've tried to teach Cal how to cook, but they've all decided that it's better that he doesn't 😅

-They're all fashionable goofballs and have been mistaken as models once when they were walking through the streets of Hollywood. New York's fashion is either business-casual or punk, New Jersey's usually in shorts and a casual tee but the accessories make it stand out, and Cal changes his style a lot but usually is in a crop top w/ shorts or a designer fit. Despite all of them having different fashion tastes, they like to match outfits.

-They maintain a garden filled with their state flowers. When they all got together, New Jersey showed the other two his personal garden filled with violets and sunflowers (in courtesy of Kansas, whom I think Jersey likes to talk to sometimes), but as their relationship progressed, it slowly turned into a garden of violets, California poppies, and red roses.

-They all like to go to beaches in California to de-stress. Sometimes they go there at 3am just to avoid crowds and hear the waves, other times they go at noon to feel the sun as they swim in the waters. They always go home with a smile on their faces.

-They've driven in each of their states to see which state is the worst to drive in. California has traffic, New York's kinda disorganized, and Jersey has roads where you're doomed if you take a wrong exit. All of these roads trips have ended in arguments, but nothing violent because they all learned to communicate w/o violence.

That's all I have for now 😅 Thank you sm again for your ask, and happy new year to you!

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

I got up early today to knock out some work -- my Daily Announcement -- so that I could spend the rest of the day doing Compound Eclipse Day festivities, but I ended up running into all kinds of difficulties, so it took me longer than I wanted and I nearly had my head explode. By eclipse time, though, I was good to go.

Gus finally got to fly his $20 drone around and it was all he had hoped for. Multiple times he said, "Dad, will you tell everyone that if they want to watch a drone to come over here?" I told him he needed to practice more before putting on a show. About 20 minutes before the total solar eclipse, I made him sit on a blanket with me so he would be ready with his glasses. But while I was looking up at the sun in the moments leading up to it, he sneaked away. I found him inside, hiding under the dining room table, eating cookies. I was inordinately adamant about him witnessing this thing, even though I knew he probably wouldn't remember it. It's been a while since I've felt like such an out-of-touch dad. But I really wanted him to witness something that he's not likely to see again until he's 27 years old.

After the eclipse, Mom and I were out of patience as we tried to pack up and head home. We packed. I couldn't find my wallet. I couldn't find my phone. I forgot the car keys at Nana's. Magnus wouldn't stop yelling. Gus kept pummeling us with questions. I was sunburned. Oof. I was so glad to get home and sit on our porch and watch you two play in the yard. I'm so glad we didn't travel any further for this event.

Dad.

Beebe, Arkansas. 4.8.2024 - 1.54pm.

MORE PHOTOS FROM TODAY.

[chaoticarson16]

Idk if you still doing these but if you do:

Main six +NJ

👪🍜👔🟣🗡️

Hope this is ok

Yay I haven’t had one of these in a while! :D

🧑‍🧑‍🧒 - Family

California: Him and the other Spanish colonies are siblings (Cal, Tex, Four corners, Florida, and Nevada). He’s the second oldest of his siblings, Texas being the oldest. He really wants to adopt a kid with New York, but he’s been too anxious to ask. So for now he’ll just be the best and totally the favorite uncle to Utah’s kids.

New York: He’s siblings with the other og13. Somewhere around being a middle child and he’s also twins with New Jersey. IDC, Gov, Maine, and DC are his niece and nephews (PA, Mass, and Maryland being parents is totally cannon I swear)

Louisiana: You’ve probably noticed a common theme. He’s siblings with the other French colonies and he’s the oldest. Those siblings are the twins Bama and Sippi, Missouri, Michigan, Arkansas, Illinois, and Oklahoma.

Florida: As mentioned in California’s, he’s siblings with the other Spanish colonies. He’s pretty close with California, even thought they don’t act like it but messing with each other is how they show their affection. Utahs kids love him because he doesn’t have any rules and he loves to do science experiments with them. Much to Utah’s dismay.

Texas: You know the drill. Since he’s the oldest he practically raised the others with help from the other older siblings.

Gov: He’s twins with IDC and they’re actually identical twins but IDC likes to dye her hair so it’s not that noticeable. If you put both of them plus their father side by side they look like carbon copies of each other. The only differences are the twins hair is darker and their eyes colors are a little different. When he was younger, his uncles would spoil the hell out of him and his sister. They would also go on play dates with Maine quite a bit. When DC was (born?? spawned??) they would take care of him too and treated him like a younger brother. There’s so many photos that they all use to embarrass Gov, IDC, Maine, and DC from the shenanigans they would get into.

New Jersey: Same as New York, middle sibling of the og13 and twins with York. Jersey was the uncle that spent the most time with the kids because he was the only one who could get them to go to sleep (to everyone’s surprise). They would rope him into their shenanigans cause they knew he would never say no to them.

🍜 - Food

California: Most people believe he’s vegan, but he’s actually not. He’s just a bit picky with meat and will only eat it if it’s seasoned certain ways. Like he can eat burgers perfectly fine but if you season and cook chicken the same way he’ll puke. That’s why he only eats vegetables or fruit if the others offer, cause there’s nothing done to them.

New York: This man is a picky eater. His siblings all know this and will either make him something else and or prepare the dish differently so he can eat it. Jersey’s been the only one who could get him to eat everything he made.

Louisiana: He is chef. No but fr this man loves to cook and everything he makes is amazing. He also eats everything, like he’s the opposite of New York.

Florida: He’ll eat any and everything. Except oysters and clams. He hates them. Only Loui knows why. It’s their texture

Texas: Everyone assumes he eats meat with every meal. Since he’ll jokingly make fun of California, they think he doesn’t like vegans or vegetarians (which California isn’t). He actually only eats meat maybe once or twice a week, usually on the weekends during cookouts. Them bull instincts make meat seem very unappealing.

Gov: This man runs on coffee and spite alone and the occasional grilled cheese

New Jersey: He can eat anything and I mean anything. Stupid little goat boy

👔 - Clothing

California: He’s usually seen in a skater boy kind of aesthetic, but he also likes wearing those cottage core type dresses. He’s also definitely got those glasses chains with the little charms at the end. He’s got many different ones but his favorite and New Yorks have little knives on them.

New York: He’s got that typical city style but when he doesn’t have meetings he likes to wear dark academia type outfits. This man has style

Louisiana: He is Adam Sandler and he’s waiting on them to play Gangnam style. Nah but fr the only stylizing he does are the occasional pieces of jewelry and the charms in his hair.

Florida: He’s got that beach boy/surfer boy style like you see at the table. He hates the way pants feel on his legs and he rarely wear sweaters only his husbands

Texas: Typically in farm wear like jeans and button ups or t shirts but he can also be seen in lounge wear when he’s at the statehouse

Gov: Usually in business attire since he’s at work almost 24/7. When the others actually manage to drag him out of his office to go somewhere, they’re surprised to see him space themed outfits. The most common thing is he’ll have stars on his clothing then planet based jewelry

New Jersey: Grunge goblincore is all that came to mind for him. Just the more earthy tones and the sweaters but also perfect for doing outdoorsy things. Perfect

🟣 - Romantic/Sexual/Shippy

California: I’m mainly a Caliyork shipper but I’m open to any ships that are legal and not toxic! His love languages are definitely physical touch and acts of service. He loves just holding his partners hand or hugging them and picking them up. He also loves doing anything they ask. Whether that be cooking or cleaning or just going with them somewhere. He likes feeling useful.

New York: Again the Caliyork brain rot is real. His love language is quality time. He loves just being around his partner. They don’t even have to be interacting, one could be on their phone and the other could be reading on the other side of the room and he’d be happy.

Louisiana: Flouigov are the husbands ever. They help teach Gov to relax and Gov helps them find better ways to regulate their energy that won’t upset anyone. His love language is acts of service

Florida: Same as before but Florida loves to cuddle them. His love languages are touch and acts of service. He also loves baking for them (the only form of cooking he can do)

Texas: I’m a major multi-shipper but my current fav is Texahoma (enemies/rivals to lovers fr) his love languages are words of affirmation and gift giving

Gov: He loves info-dumping about his interests to his partners. And they listen because they know he rarely gets to. He’s always either working or in meetings so the very rare occasions when he has free time he cuddle with his partners and starts talking. His love languages are words of affirmation and quality time

New Jersey: I see him being with both Nevada and Wyoming (it’s random I know but I love them) his love languages are quality time and physical touch

🗡️ - Fighting

California: Mainly fights with his legs and he’s really strong with them. He once dislocated Florida’s knee after he broke one of his mugs

New York: Mainly uses his fists and brass knuckles but he also uses his bat and a gun

Louisiana: Mainly magic but he can and will shoot someone and when he somehow gets a gun he shoots to kill

Florida: He uses any and everything. That chair? Oh word. This stick? Hell yeah. His brother who just so happened to be standing next to him? Let’s do get help.

Texas: Gun. That’s it just gun. And occasionally his fists but mainly gun

Gov: He’s an excellent manipulator. He can usually dissolve the situation before he has to fight but he does carry a combat knife on him for when that doesn’t work

New Jersey: He uses all his limbs. His fists, his legs, his teeth. Whatever works

Got a bit lazy at the end but I’m so sorry this is late I’ve been pretty busy

[flamingredanon]

Had a not so fun dream and couldn't get back to sleep so I decided to iron out Wolf's backstory some. (Putting it under a read more as it might get long)

CW for possible parental neglect/abandonment, injuries and blood mentioned but never going into detail, betrayal mention, being shot in the back by said betrayal (Wolf lives through these), brief mention of a building collapse and being used as a test weapon (not quite rewiring and he does get rescued)

Wolf Dirklaser was born as Dolphenise Radman, an only child to his parents, who were both Government soldiers at a military base around Arkansas.

Wolf grew up at that base and didn't make many friends due to the combination of parents and their kids moving bases, how rough Government schooling was and how strict Wolf's parents were. They loved their son and made sure he had all his basic necessities met, but didn't do things like celebrate achievements or birthdays and holidays.

Eventually Wolf enlisted in the military once he graduated high school, just like his parents did and expected him to do, eventually landing in a squad mainly meant for rescues of people in natural or otherwise disasters when not pursuing criminals. Wolf's parents didn't really like their son going to this branch of Government, expecting him to be either a front line soldier or something weapons related, and eventually they just stopped talking with Wolf all together.

Wolf was hurt by his parents' actions but kept with his squad, finding a small joy in helping people in need, at first.

But as it went on, Wolf slowly discovered that who the Government helped wasn't as obvious as he thought, finding themselves helping more famous or richer people and sometimes the middle class or poor if it made them look good. Wolf saw so many people that needed more help in disasters that his squad just left as those weren't a priority.

Eventually Wolf would sneak out of camp or use his few days off to help the more unfortunate when he could, sneaking in tents, warm blankets and what food he thought he could safely steal from the base's pantry.

Wolf did this for awhile before eventually deciding to confront his Captain and squad after a rough storm ravaged a town but they only went in to help a few notable people. He went off on how the Government should help everyone regardless of their status and not what they can pay them.

The captain just told Wolf to take a walk and calm down, that they had all been up for several days and that everyone including Wolf was just being extra cranky and that calming down would help clear his head.

Wolf felt like he wasn't being heard but did what he was told, hoping that if he gave it some time that he could explain it better.

But a bullet to his back would put a damper in that, Wolf falling to the ground and only seeing familiar standard issue combat boots and green pants walking away, not knowing who backstabbed him, but knowing it was someone from his squad.

Wolf roughly tied his jacket over the wound the best he could, running off in a random direction and knowing that he wasn't welcomed anymore in the Government and leaving behind a bloody dog tag in the ground.

After a few days of just running, he found his way to Eden City, Nevada and found out to his horror that not only was this city a Government ran city, but that he was officially declared a traitor and was wanted either dead or alive.

It didn't take long before the police found and started chasing after Wolf, not helping was his bullet wound that still hadn't been properly treated and was bleeding again, causing the man to have to run in and out of various alleyways to try to find somewhere to just hide and rest.

But one of those alleyways led to not only a dead end, but another person there as well, causing Wolf to get into a defensive position as he didn't know who this person was.

The person however assured Wolf that he meant no harm, explaining that he was also hiding from the police after throwing several glitter bombs with stink spray into a fancy party for some of the richest members of the city.

The person then showed Wolf his slightly glittery hands as proof and told him that his name was Lex Laytor and that he could help Wolf escape and find temporary shelter from the police while he rested his wound.

With no other option available and Wolf starting to feel the blood loss get to him, he accepted and next thing he knew, Lex slung him over his shoulders and pulled out a grappling hook gun, pulling them out of the alleyway and eventually into the small little apartment Lex called home.

Wolf kept quiet the first few days in Lex's apartment, just letting his wound get looked at or eating a small meal or two, but one day Wolf happened to chuckle at a joke Lex made and the first little small talk happened, leading to Wolf feeling safe enough into telling him his name.

Weeks passed and the two got to know each other more, becoming friends as Wolf rested his injury and eventually decided to stay with Lex at his apartment since Wolf didn't have any money on him and his wanted posters were advertised almost everywhere, even deciding to change his name from Dolphenise Radman to Wolf Dirklaser and burying his past with the old name.

Soon Wolf was strong enough to get out of the apartment and went with Lex regularly to help out any poor person in need, antagonize the selfish rich and famous or just go to get something to eat at small little restaurants. It was a regular routine and with that routine came with Wolf starting to see Lex as more than a friend.

Lex apparently had the same realization as the two asked each other out on a date at the same time, going from friends to lovers and thankful for the other being in their strange and chaotic life.

Two years passed and Wolf and Lex knew that they needed to eventually leave Eden City not only for their health but for the safety of the unfortunate that they had helped out, eventually finding out on TV that the Eden City Museum had a newly launched large gemstone exhibit and getting inspired by the Tunisian Diamond heist just a month ago in a different state, Wolf and Lex planned to steal this gem and drive out of Eden City, where they would sell the thing and the two could live much more comfortably in secret.

However they didn't plan on Government troops swarming the place, being sent by Captain Galeforce to prevent another theft of a gem and possibly catch anyone that could be a Toppat.

Wolf and Lex were found with the gem and the two had to run, their fire power weren't enough to take on several heavily armed soldiers and both men knew what would happen if they were caught.

But the Government were persistent and in their rampage they managed to damage the building enough that part of it was very unstable. Wolf saw this and knew he needed to act quickly, pushing Lex to safety just in time for part of that building to collapse over Wolf.

Lex tried to get to Wolf but collapsed trying to remove the rubble, being carted off by an ambulance to be looked at before the plan was throwing him in prison.

Meanwhile the Government soldiers got Wolf unburied and took his unconscious body back to a special squad deep in the Colorado woods, where he would be saved and augmented with cybernetics, but only for testing purposes as the Government squad there prevented Wolf from accessing his memories and emotions, sending him on various missions when he wasn't forced to rest.

The Government's plan was to test the cybernetics out and once they got the results they were looking for, they would remove most of the tech besides the basic life saving cybernetics, activate Wolf's memories and emotions and send him off to federal prison for all his crimes.

That didn't come to be as a pissed off Lex managed to eventually save Wolf and take out many members of that Government squad, driving the two straight towards a place called Dogobogo Jungle and more importantly to the base of a group of criminals called the Toppat Clan.

It took a bit for Lex to tearfully break through to Wolf, letting him override the commands placed and getting his emotions and memories back and the two glad the other was ok, though Wolf doesn't remember a lick of his time as a Government test subject.

The two soon made it to the Toppat base and after helping the Toppats fight off a Government attack so that the Toppat rocket could launch, Wolf and Lex became members and started their new life together with their giant new family.

[gambitsheart]

dropping a little shameless self promo because i just recently started my etsy shop back up and am looking to run it more permanently! i have tons of ideas and will be implementing them soon, but here's what i have currently!

my shop!

my shop is called gumdrop syringe! here's the link

what i sell!

i do comfort character playlists! i started my shop back in july and haven't gotten many sales since then, but i really enjoy making these and i'm hoping this boosts my visibility.

there are currently two listings, but you can purchase literally whichever you want since they're virtually the same.

these are the listings:

reviews!

here are the two reviews i've gotten out of 17 sales!

playlist examples!

and here are a few of the playlists i've made!

i can do any character or person (as long as they don't have boundaries against stuff like this), as long as there is a reasonable amount of info on them! i do specialise in a few medias, such as twd, pjo, tua, saw, scream, etc etc. but anything you want, i can most likely make happen!

i'm really hoping this gets a few views, i'm trying to promote as much as i can and i've found tumblr to be the most helpful. if you can't buy anything, i'd appreciate you sharing it!!

as mentioned above, i WILL be bringing new things into my shop if this takes off! you can find that in the about me of my shop :]

thank you for stopping by gumdropsyringe <3