#shanna talks

[oveliagirlhaditright]

I had a dream about Kingdom Hearts IV, and that we'll be getting worlds for The Sword in the Stone and The Black Cauldron in it: if only.

I was also dreaming about the Destiny Trio spending Christmas together. LOL

[shannaniganss]

I think finishing my romance with Astarion in BG3 would cure me of all my mental illness actually

[kithtaehyung]

@kpopfanfictrash @yoonia

Breaking news! Fic author starts writing a fic thinking it will be short and it turns out to be long! It is not the first time nor will it be the last!

[frommybookbook]

Earlier today, some friends and I were discussing one of those Star Trek captains memes. You know the ones I’m talking about, the ones that pit the captains against each other with pithy descriptions that glorify and champion the men and shit on Janeway. The ones where Picard is describe as the wise teacher and scholarly diplomat; Kirk is the brave trailblazer and lovable rogue; Sisko is the take-no-shit commander and more-than-human uniter; Archer is the quick thinking explorer and the avenging do-gooder; Pike is the empathetic Boy Scout and the quippy everyman…and Janeway is an irrational murderer and erratic loose canon. And, as usual, I went on a bit of a rant. They (looking at you @redsesame, @epersonae, and @emi--rose) told me to share it here so, if you trudge through this whole thing, blame them.

Does Janeway make some questionable decisions throughout VOY (Prodigy!Janeway is a different conversation for another time)? Yes, absolutely. But here’s the thing: every captain does. What I still love about her though and will champion until I'm blue in the face is that Janeway owns her decisions more than I think any other captain does.

Picard and Kirk hide behind the Prime Directive a lot. That's the reasoning Picard gives for not interfering in the drug running in “Symbiosis” and leaving the Ornarans trapped in dependence on the abusive Brekkans. His line, “Beverly, the Prime Directive is not just a set of rules. It is a philosophy, and a very correct one. History has proved again and again that whenever mankind interferes with a less developed civilization, no matter how well-intentioned that interference may be, the results are invariably disastrous." is a cop-out we hear from him time and time again, especially to Dr. Crusher, as she is the one who most often calls him on his bullshit.

Kirk does the same thing. We still this when he leaves Shanna and the other thralls behind in "The Gamesters of Triskelion" and when he forces Elaan of Troyius into a marriage she clearly doesn't want because it's "for a greater good." And all the while, he's got Spock at his side giving him confirmation bias that he's following regulations.

And Sisko, Sisko makes some of the most horrific and destructive decisions of any captain and uses not only the Prime Directive to fall back on, but he's got the Dominion War to blame. He poisons an entire planet to get back at one man he feels betrayed him in "For the Uniform" and don't even get me started on his actions in "In the Pale Moonlight".

Enterprise is so unjustly shat on by the fandom that I almost hate to bring some of Archer's questionable choices into this conversation but I'm going to do it anyway. Similar to Sisko and the Dominion War, Archer has the threat of the Xindi in his back pocket to excuse some of his worst behavior. If Tuvix is the worst thing people can point to for Janeway, then we have to talk about Archer and Sim, the simbiont created solely to be a living tissue donor for an injured Trip, a procedure that will kill the living, breathing, sentient Sim. Archer orders Sim created against the arguments made by Dr. Phlox. He rationalizes his decision with the same argument for the greater good that we see from all the others. He says to T'Pol before Sim is created "…we've got to complete this mission. Earth needs Enterprise. Enterprise needs Trip. It's as simple as that." And it doesn't end there. When Sim is grown enough for the procedure and has figured out what's going to happen to him, he challenges Archer himself, arguing for his own right to live, and Archer sticks to his guns. This exchange directly between Archer and Sim is haunting.

Archer: I must complete this mission; and to do that, I need Trip. Trip! I'll take whatever steps necessary to save him. Sim: Even if it means killing me? Archer: Even if it means killing you. Sim: You're not a murderer. Archer: Don't make me one.

Not only do all of these captains (except Archer, who arguably writes the damn thing himself at the end of the series) have the Prime Directive to fall back on, they also have Starfleet/the Federation/Vulcan High Council right there on speed dial to validate their choices and hear their excuses and give them another commendation. They all know that ultimately, they can turn to someone higher in command to turn to for help.

Janeway is alone. She is alone with her crew 70,000 lightyears from home with only her training and her own moral compass to guide her. Yes, she claims the Prime Directive a lot but she also goes with what she feels is right and she is clear about that with her crew. When she makes the decision to split Tuvix, despite what everyone else says, she sticks to it and more importantly, does the procedure herself. Picard would have forced Beverly to do it, saying Doctor I gave you an order, your conscience be damned, and Archer does the same to Phlox with Sim, but Janeway takes the tool out of the Doctor's hand and says it's my call, I'll do it. When everyone is angry and mad about her destroying the Caretaker's array, she stands up for her decision and says yes, I did it, because it's what my Starfleet training said to do AND because I think it was the right thing and it's on me to make the hard choices.

She also can admit when she made the wrong decision, which isn't something we see from the other captains. In the season 5 opener, "Night", we see her in a depressive state because she's questioning her decision to effectively strand her crew in the Delta quadrant but she comes out of it when she's reminded by her senior staff that the crew believes in her and trusts her, she should do the same for herself. When the Doctor has a mental crisis in "Latent Image" after questioning his own choice to save the life of Harry Kim over that of another crew member, Janeway admits she did the wrong thing by first deleting his memories of it so he could get back to work and then sits with him for days while he works through it because that's what captains do.

And she does all of this without the backup and support of Starfleet. She doesn't have anyone higher on the chain of command. She's 70,000 miles away from the admiralty and her support system. There's no one higher than her to give her a break from making every decision.

To quote my fellow Missourian Harry Truman, for Janeway the buck stops with her in a way it doesn't for any other captain and she is painfully aware of that and owns that and that is why I love her and she's my captain.

[heartfullofleeches]

Hybrid Cafe Yans

A list of the hybrid yans since it's been a minute-. The first name is their real name and the second is the nicknames reader has given them. The only exclusions are Saber and Wistera who haven't been nicknamed yet, and Doc and Trick who have never been official named

Saber [he/him] - Model/Influencer Catboy who got saved from the ran by Cafe reader on their first shift. Very snobby and feels entitled to most if not all of reader's time being their first customer

Clyde/Spot [he/him] - A lonely delivery rabbit. Shy and Sweet. Bounced around in the foster care system as a child and has severe abandonment issues steaming from it which later on resulted in him dying his fur white to be more appealing to others. His nickname comes from Reader finding a spot on his ear since it had been a while since his last dye job

Shanna/Bo [She/Her] - Reader's sheep girl coworker. Extremely clumsy and timid, but also plays up the act to lean on reader's shoulder. The daughter of a local club owner who is still coming to terms with her recent coming out.

Pauline/Belle [She/Her] - The ex head chef at the cafe. A hot headed cow woman with a soft spot for reader who's what keeps her crawling back to the city from her cozy new life on her farm

Robbie/Honey [They/Them] - A bumble bee who as their name implies is sweet as can be..... on the surface. Robbie is one of if not the most willing to beat others into submission for Reader. Their mother is the head of a massive company who gifted them the entire apartment complex they live in. Later moves Reader into one of them who pays next to nothing for rent

Trick [They/Them] - A tired Crow enjoying early retirement/hiatus from their work. Greatly enjoys relaxing with a cup of tea and gifting reader presents from the various regions they've traveled to over the years. Works as a teacher as a secondary occupation which slowly drains them as it reminds them of the empty nest they have at home

Asher/Prince [he/him] - Hyperactive Hyena boy ready and willing to throw hands for reader. Their kindness helped him get over his fear of humans after years of bullying for having a human father and a shorter stature because of it, and being wrongfully arrested when attacked by bullies and choosing to fight back

Wisteria [She/Her] - Plant woman of unknown origin. Owns a flower shop not too far from the cafe and supplies it with bouquets for their displays which she uses to eavesdrop on reader. Soft spoken and formal

Doc [They/Them] - Leech Hybrid med student. Extremely giggly and carefree. Always tries to give Reader check ups which certainly aren't ploys to obtain vials of their sweet, sweet blood. Has difficults walking on land and wears leg braces for the weak muscles in their legs

Scout/Bear [he/him] - Wolf hybrid. Doesn't like to talk much about himself, but lived with his grandmothers and dogs in the wilderness before they all passed away. Stoic and grouchy, but weak to soft praise and touches

The manager - A deer hybrid mentioned briefly in the Christmas special. Not much to them now, but I'd really like to use them eventually

[sunglassesmish]

i stumbled upon an interview with lou's dad where he was doing some convention and he comes off as, um, self absorbed, i guess would be correct? literally the only thing he could talk about is being the hulk, even when the interviewer asked other questions. or he'd give one word responses to things that definitely needed more than a "no" or "yes" it was so awkward!

Also, seeing the little things shanna writes about him on her stories is so sad. there was something about a man selling his things to help pay for his wife who has dementia. sounds like dad-lou is still not stepping up to the plate. i feel so bad for shanna, lou jr, and their other brother who seem so much closer to their mom and she's battling dementia. as some on who recently lost a parent, it hits hard!

yeah typically a lot of people who meet him at conventions have that similar experience. he doesn’t really seem to care about people and given what his own children have to say about him! well it doesn’t seem very far fetched. just like 2 days ago, shanna posted this:

[likelyamused]

Beginning / Previous / Next

Shout out to this lot creator Gallery ID schnuck01 and schnuck on youtube. The highschool and auditorium are both beautiful and well thought out for gameplay. I only made a couple changes because I don't own all the packs.

Transcript below the cut.

Shanna: So? What happened with Max yesterday? You didn’t answer any of our group texts!

Joana: I already know…

Laura: Of course, you do…

Celia:  [Heavy sigh] I’m sorry. I was preoccupied… I invited him over since no one was supposed to be home.

Joana: You guys remember she got THE talk from her mom when she arrived late from her date last week?

Celia: It was not a date. Anyway. We were hanging out in my room, just talking,…

Shanna: Right…

Laura: Shanna, let her tell the story.

Celia: …when my mom comes home unexpectedly. Max fled out the window while I tried, and miserably failed, to act natural around my mom. I did such a bad job she was about to cancel her gig. I half-convinced her it was about school, but then my dad got into it also when he got home. I couldn't get to my phone until way too late.

Laura: Oh, Celia, I’m so sorry.

Shanna: We've got to work on your poker face, girl! Have you talked to him since?

Celia: No. He hasn’t texted or anything. I haven’t either. I’m too embarrassed.

Shanna: Oh, no. I’m sure he will today, though.

Joana: Yeah, there’s no doubt he likes you. This is not enough to bother him.

Celia: You think so?

Joana: I know so. AND, if THIS stops him, he’ll be sorry, believe me.

Celia: Oh! I believe you Joana. Let’s get to class.

[astroa3h]

Travis Barker & Shanna Moakler: Their Destructive 22 Degree Composite Saturn ❤️‍🔥

Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler have one of the most toxic and aggresive Composite Charts I’ve ever seen, just looking at their Saturn placement sends me into a silent rage. Saturn can be a difficult planet, ruling restrictions and limitations and where we need to be responsible, so this placement in the composite chart can show areas of difficulty in the relationship. And let’s get real these two weren’t short on difficult moments.

Cancer Saturn in the 1st House @ 22 Degrees 

Conjunct Cancer Venus & Ascendant, Square 10th House Aries Mars

With Saturn in the 1st house and in the sign of Cancer, and especially at twenty two degrees, a Capricorn and destructive degree. We're not just talking about a challenge; we're looking at a relationship under siege. Saturn here is in detriment, meaning it feels like a relentless storm, bringing cold, harsh winds to what should be the warm, nurturing environment of Cancer. This placement doesn't just whisper about difficulties; it shouts about emotional blockades, creating a chilling atmosphere where insecurities fester and emotional connections freeze over. It's the kind of setting where vulnerabilities aren't gently tended to but rather are left out in the cold, leading to a buildup of resentment and detachment.

Twenty Two degrees symbolizes a deep, transformative pressure that's meant to push individuals (or relationships, in this case) to evolve, but not gently. It's like being in the pressure cooker of personal growth – it's hot, it's uncomfortable, but it's where you're forced to shed what's not serving you. In terms of a romantic relationship? Twenty Two Degrees is not great. It can indicate DIVORCE.

The conjunction of Saturn with Venus and the Ascendant pours salt on these wounds. Venus, when embraced by Saturn, finds its expressions of love and affection restrained, as if love had to pass a rigorous test to prove its worth. Instead of love being a source of comfort, it becomes a battleground, where every gesture of affection is weighed and measured for its sincerity. The Ascendant's involvement makes this struggle VERY visible, not just felt. 

The square from Saturn to Aries Mars in their tenth house throws fuel on the fire, igniting conflicts between personal desires and professional ambitions. Mars, the planet of action and conflict, is already fiery, and in the 10th house, it pushes for recognition, success, and achievement. But with Saturn squaring off, it's like every step forward in their careers or public lives demanded a sacrifice at the altar of their personal lives. The tension between wanting to achieve and the need to connect and nurture their relationship created an almost impossible situation. Instead of supporting each other's ambitions, their successes became another source of competition and conflict, eroding the foundations of their partnership.

This toxic mix of emotional coldness, love under scrutiny, and conflicting ambitions painted their relationship not as a sanctuary but as a battleground. Every attempt at connection was overshadowed by the looming specter of Saturn, ensuring that instead of growing closer, they were driven further apart. Their story, marked by these astrological challenges, serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of warmth, open communication, and mutual support.

xox astro ash ✨ Get your own Composite Reading @ astroash.net TikTok - astroa3h

[meredith-harper81]

I’ve Always Loved You💔

She Moved On

Chapter 1:

Paring : Chris Evans x Lana Parker

Word Count: 2k

Chris Pov

I had already gotten messages from my family and friends wishing me all the best and saying they couldn't wait to see me super soon.

I look up from my phone, and the black SUV arrives. I open the door and get in.

"Ready to go, Chris?" Megan asks me as she hands me a Bud Light seltzer.

"Ready as I will ever be," I smile, opening the can and taking a sip to cool my nerves. I am so nervous and excited about tonight. It would be my last premiere for awhile, and nobody knows just yet.

"Okay, so nobody knows the news except for me and your agency, so when the media ask about your next project, just try to project them away from asking more questions, or I will try my best to drift the question away," Megan tells me, and all I do is nod.

The driver pulls out of the driveway, and we are on our way to the Dolby Theater.

After a twenty-minute drive, we pull in, and I can hear people shouting. I get out of the SUV and wave to some people, and Megan directs me along to the carpet to take some photos and answer some questions about the movie.

I'm waiting in line and can't help but notice Ryan and Ana both have their families with them tonight. Ana brought her boyfriend Paul, and Ryan is here with his kids and wife, and I feel a little jealous of them and their loved ones tonight.

Normally I would bring my brother or family to events like these, but everyone is busy living their lives.

...

I take some pictures, greet some fans, and answer some questions about the movie and some even about what I'm wearing tonight, and then we get pulled into a group photo with the rest of the cast. I look around me, and everybody just looks so happy and content, but the dagger in my heart is bleeding out bit by bit every day. I just wish she was here to support me like she always did.

After we got introduced on stage, I am sitting by the bar, and for some reason, I can't get her out of my head tonight...

'Lana Parker'

The only love of my life.

We were once engaged in 2019 and even supposed to get married, but I ended things with her on a bad note, half of which I don't even remember.

I just remember walking out. It was one of my biggest mistakes, and I still regret it to this day.

It had to do with my career. We were supposed to get married, and I was going to quit acting, but—I can't remember—I lashed out at her and woke up the next morning and left her.

I sold my house and moved to LA, and most of my belongings were placed in a storage unit with the help of Ma and Tara. I stayed down here during the lockdown and just worked for three years.

My family was really mad and didn't talk to me for a few months, but eventually we made up when Shanna got married. Now that Scott is engaged... I'm thinking about going back to Boston and trying again with her unless she's moved on or found someone else.

I was deep in my thoughts when Ana came up with her boyfriend, Paul.

"Chris I want you to meet Paul," Ana says.

I get out of my seat and pull my hand forward to greet him.

"Oh yeah, man, how are you? I say I'm pulling him into a hug.

"Good, good. Huge fan," he says and pulls back.

"Thanks. Nice. So let's get a picture. I say, breaking the awkward tension. He nods, and Ana takes the photo.

"And I guess Paul is on to his next victim," Ana jokes as she orders an old-fashioned.

I smile and finish my beer.

"So rumors say Chris Evans is retiring soon? Is that right? She asks me, taking some of the beer nuts I have in front of me.

My head is hung low, and all I do is nod.

"That's great, Chris. So are you planning on settling down with Lana soon?"

I look up at her, and she immediately has a look of regret on her face.

"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to; it just slipped out since you guys were last together," she says.

"It's okay. Umm, I'm not sure. I need to get to Boston first," I say, looking at the time, which reads 6:45 p.m. I get up and tell Ana to have a good night.

I decided not to go to the after-party and just head back home to Dodger Stadium and finish packing.

Once the car service arrived at the gate, I gave him some cash and walked inside, where I was greeted by Dodger. I know he is probably hungry, and with all the moving boxes and things, I can't find anything.

"Yeah, Bubba, hold on," I say, finding the bag behind some random moving box near the living room. I scoop a few cups and place them in his dog bowl.

Meanwhile, I head to the bedroom, change out of this suit, and take a much-needed shower to wash all the stress of tonight off.

After my shower, I warm up some leftovers from last night and sit down to eat when a whiny Dodger comes by with his puppy eyes.

Which either means he did something bad or wants me to grab his favorite dog toy, which he probably tossed somewhere.

I get up and start looking under the sofa, and I'm about to give up when I find the darn lizard's tail hidden under the curtain.

I walk over and lift the curtain, pick up the stuffed animal, throw it across the room, and step on something cold.

I pick it up, and it's a gold infinity necklace. I open the clasp, put it around my neck alongside my Christopher necklace, and go back to eating dinner.

I remember Lana losing this necklace when I brought her here for a week, and she loved this necklace in an Instagram ad. I bought it for her and surprised her, and the look on her face when she lost it was devastating.

I wonder if she's doing well or has moved on. I haven't had the time to keep a tab on her, but I miss her so much.

I pull out my wallet and put my hand over the picture I have of us laughing, taken at Ma's house one Christmas. She is sitting on my lap, laughing at something I said.

I take out the engagement ring I remember taking off of her and throwing it.

I regret that day so much. I was so drunk, I don't even remember it. Ma was the one who found the ring and gave it to me at Shanna's wedding, and since then I've kept it in my wallet.

.....

I was leaving LA for good and leaving my house to my pal Jimmy to look after and move into.

After dinner, I take all my boxes with my personal belongings and place them in my room. I will deal with them later in life if ever needed. I call Ma, letting her know I will be home by early lunch, and she answers very coldly and tells me it's okay.

And after tonight, I'm ready to settle down and start a family of my own.

I mean, I'm forty-one, for crying out loud. These swimmers are even more likely to drown if I don't plant them somewhere.

I started up at the ceiling, daydreaming about how my life would have been if I didn't leave Boston; maybe I would've had a family of my own... I turn off the lamp and Dodger layers next to me, and I give him some cuddles and try to get some good shut-eye.

...

I've just landed in Boston, and before I left LA, I met up with Megan. She told me to just give her a call, and she can have statements sent and ready for the press. She gave me a hug, wished me all the best, and hoped I got the family I'd longed for.

I grab Dodger's leash and have him sit in the car as I load my things in the back. I run over to the other side, and the Uber takes off for Ma's home.

When the driver drops me off, Dodger runs off to the front door while I am slowly wheeling in my two suitcases.

I walk over to the front door and ring the bell and knock, but nothing happens.

I look under the mat and see the spare key. I use it and let Dodger in, and he starts to sniff around and bark, plants himself on the sofa, and goes to sleep. I walk further into the house.

"Ma?" I walk over and see a note on the table with a key.

The note said my room for a while is in the basement, and this is the key for the basement, and lunch is in the oven, and Ma is out with a friend.

Since when does Ma go out on a Friday afternoon? I shrug it off, and I wheel my things down to the basement.

I head downstairs, walk into one of the guest bedrooms, and decide to take a shower. After my shower, I head back upstairs and notice Ma is still not home. I heat up some food, eat it, and decide to take Dodger on a walk to his favorite park, which we used to go to all the time.

I pull on some running shoes and take his leash, and we take off. I text Tara, letting her know I need to find a new place, and we decide to meet up for dinner at Ma's tonight.

I've known Tara since I was in middle school; she has been one of my all-time best friends, but she and Lana never got along. I sort of remember Tara always bringing something up about Lana being selfish or using me for her money.

Recently, Tara got a divorce, and I wasn't there. I feel like a shy friend, so I also need to make up for that. Ma is inviting all my siblings for dinner tonight, and I called Tara and invited her as well.

...

I arrive at the park, and as I let Dodger off his leash, I notice it isn't busy for a Friday afternoon. Which I find a little strange.

I walk over to one of the beaches and take a seat, watching Dodger jump around, waggling his tail. I had a huge smile on my face. I really missed this place, and by the looks of it, so did Dodger.

After I let Dodger run around in the dog park, I called him over, and just as I put on his leash, he took off, catching me off guard. He starts to run in the other direction, running at full speed.

"Dodger! Bubba Stop! I yell after him, trying to catch up, but he is not stopping; in fact, he is running faster now.

What has gotten into him?

Dodger keeps running off across the dog park to the larger area of what looks like a children's park.

As I catch my breath, I hear a little baby crying, and Dodger is running faster.

I catch up to Dodger, and when I look up, I see him lying on top of a little girl as she giggles and Dodger licks her face.

The little girl is cooing to Dodger in some sort of baby nonsense...

I find it weird that Dodger only plants himself on humans he knows, and he is fully playing around with this baby he's never met.

"Dodger, you don't do that," I say, and I grab his leash, pulling him a little back off of her. I get a good look at this girl; she is wearing overalls, has pigtails, and has bright blue eyes.

I look at her jeans, and they are a little ripped, and she has a cut. I'm guessing she tripped on the tree root. I look around us, but I don't see anyone near us. I wonder where she came from and where her parents are.

"Swilly Doggy," I hear the little girl say as she is underneath Dodger and still giggling. I smile and move Dodger a little off of her.

"Hi, my name is Chris, and this is Dodger," I say, smiling and getting on her level.

"My nawe is Awia," she babbles as she pets Dodger as he starts to lick her tiny finger.

"Well, nice to meet you, Awia. Where is your mama? I say it, and then I hear it.

"Mawa," she says as her head turns, looking around.

"ARIA! ARIA, HONEY, WHERE ARE YOU? I hear a voice coming closer.

Just as I was turning, Dodger got up and ran across the grass, and I pulled him by his leash this time.

"Oh, my God, Aria. Here you are." I hear a voice coming closer. The voice... Lana's voice.

It's like the wind is sucking the wind out of me. It can't be, and then I see her standing far across the sidewalk. Her hair is in a ponytail, and she's wearing jeans with a black long-sleeved shirt. She's more beautiful than I can remember. Dodger gets up and runs toward Lana, almost taking her down.

Lana makes eye contact with me and wastes no time running up to the little girl and grabbing her, pulling her to her chest as she lets out a deep breath and kisses her head.

"Aria doesn't scare me like that. You were supposed to stay with Steven," she says.

"Ouchie, mawa," Aria says, pointing to her leg.

"Mawa, look dodgy doggy, Aria says as she gets distracted from what she was saying. Lana holds her close, kissing her chubby cheeks.

Just as I was about to say something, another man walked up to them.

I look over, and I don't see Lana wearing a ring or even this man.

"Oh my god, Aria," he says as he reaches and rubs her back, and Aria clings to her mother.

"Thank you; have a good day, Mr.," she says, leaving me and Dodger both baffled.

'Mister?' Did she really call me Mister?

"LANA!" I yell after her and I see her walk faster.

I see Lana walking away as Aria is babbling some more baby talk and waving to us, and Dodger is barking and nudging my leg to follow.

I am just frozen. Lana moved on and now has a baby. Maybe she's even married. I couldn't even get a word in, and she just walked away like nothing had happened. She didn't even acknowledge me or Dodger, and she just walked away. Did she not recognize me? I'm utterly shocked, as Dodger is whining.

...

I walk home with so many questions in my mind. I open the front door and take my shoes off, and Dodger runs into the kitchen, and I can smell Ma making something. I follow Dodger, and I walk in and see Ma in the kitchen cleaning up.

"Hey Ma," I say, walking over and hugging her.

"Welcome back home; how are you? She asks

"I just saw Lana in the park with her daughter," I say, and Ma's face changes all of a sudden.

Yeah, she had a baby two years ago after you left," Ma says while she rubs my back.

"I'm so sorry, Christopher," Ma says as she rubs my back.

"Are you ever going to tell me what happened between the two of you? Ma says, and I just look at her, and she frowns.

"You should get ready for dinner; everyone is coming soon. I nod and walk downstairs to get ready for tonight.

[hollybee8917]

Blueprint for Romance

Chapter 1: Sparks on the Fourth of July

Characters: Chris Evans, Bekah Baker (OFC)

Plot: Chris, an actor, meets Bekah, an architect, and falls faster for her than he does for anyone else.

Word count: 2321

Warnings for this chapter: Language

A/N: Big thanks to @joannaliceevans-fanficblog and @cevansbaby-dove for proofing this! Y'all are awesome!

“Hey, Chris! Come on back, man!”

Chris Evans stepped through the gate and grabbed his buddy Jason’s hand and pulled him into a hug, “Thanks for inviting me.”

Jason nodded, “Of course! The party is just starting. Tara, Carly and Ryan are in the back with the kids. Your mom pulled got here about five minutes ago with Shanna. Lisa is currently talking to Tara’s parents. My parents should be here soon. There are a bunch of other people coming too.”

Chris nodded and made his way to the backyard. Music was playing and the kids were splashing in the pool. Carly waved, “Chris! I’m so glad you finally got here! Tara has a story to tell you!”

He laughed and grabbed a beer from the cooler. Tara began her story but Chris didn’t really listen. Zach Jarvis, Jon Leonard, Mark King and their families all wandered through the gate and with each arrival, Chris’ face fell a little more.

“Hey, you okay?” Tara wrapped an arm around Chris and he returned the gesture.

The actor sighed, “Yeah. I just… Sorry, it’s a bit ridiculous.”

The woman shook her head, “Not at all. I know it’s hard seeing everyone so happy. You’ll get there one day.”

Chris could only exhale lightly. Tara hugged him once more, “You wanna talk about it?”

“Not really. I’m gonna go get another beer. You might wanna keep an eye on Winnie. She’s about to go jump in the deep end and I know she doesn’t know how to swim yet.”

“Oh shit.” Tara turned and ran toward her young daughter.

Chris laughed as he watched Tara grab her child. Isaac Harden approached him and handed him a Stella Artois. Isaac smiled sheepishly, “Hey man, I hope you don’t mind but my fiancée invited a friend to come. I ran it by Jason and Tara and they said it was okay. Just wanted to give you a head’s up. I doubt she will cause any trouble but just in case, do you want me to keep her away?”

“No, it’s okay.”

The friend tilted his head, “I hear she’s cute. And single.”

A scoff escaped Chris, “Is that why Alaina invited her? Is it a set up?”

Isaac laughed, “Naw man. I wouldn’t do that to you. That’s some shit Jon or Kath would do. The friend’s name is Bekah.”

Chris shrugged, “Okay. So?”

With a sniff, Isaac replied, “I haven’t met the girl before but Alaina says she’s gorgeous and sweet. She also says that Bekah has like 7 properties around the world.”

Cocking an eyebrow, Chris bit back, “You think that impresses me?”

“Did I mention that she has a master’s in architecture from Oxford University? Alaina tells me that Bekah is amazing. I haven’t seen it yet though. Whenever she gets here, I’ll have Alaina introduce you to her.”

“Whatever. I’m gonna grab some food. You want anything?”

Isaac shook his head, “I’m good right now.”

Chris nodded and made his way into the house where people were milling about the table grabbing food. His mother pulled him aside, “You okay, baby boy? You seem a bit down.”

“I’m fine, Ma. I’m just hungry. You want anything?”

Lisa replied, “I’m okay. I’ve been snacking a little bit here and there.”

He smiled back at her, “Once I have a little food, I’m going to head back outside.”

“Okay baby.”

He walked around the table and piled his plate full of cheese, crackers, fruit salad and a couple of sandwiches. Then he went back outside to mingle,

Chris was sipping on his drink and talking to she walked through the gate. He stopped mid-sentence and could only stare. Her chestnut hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and the sunlight made her green eyes shine. She was a bit taller, maybe five foot and seven inches tall and lean. In her hands, she held a twelve pack of Stella Artois beer, a container of homemade cookies and a bottle of wine. Alaina greeted her and her smile took Chris’ breath away.

The woman wore a light red and white sundress with a polka dot ribbon in her hair and white flats. Her sun kissed skin perfectly contrasted with the shade of red in the dress. Things started to grow dark for Chris and he realized he had been holding his breath. Now, though, he couldn’t start letting air into his lungs. The actor started to tilt.

“Chris!”

As he hit the ground, he felt his nose being pinched closed and air being pushed into his lungs. Slowly he took a deep breath then began to cough. His eyes opened and he saw her leaning over him. He sat up and tried to catch his breath. Lisa sat down next to her son, “Are you okay, Chris?”

With a gentle smile, the woman before him said, “Easy. Your lungs are hungry for air. Take slow deep breaths.”

The woman’s voice was soft and melodic, “Hi Chris. I’m Bekah.”

He slowed his breathing, “Thank you, Bekah.”

Jason extended his hand and helped Chris to his feet, “You scared us pal.”

Bekah stepped back, “You are feeling okay?”

Chris gulped slightly, “I’m better now. Thank you for helping me.”

She smiled again, “Of course. Take some water. I would slow down on the beer. Just my recommendation.”

Then she walked away. Chris’ eyes followed her the entire way. Tara tilted her head and looked up at her best friend, “I think she’s the one, Chris. Go talk to her.”

“It’s embarrassing. I just passed out in front of her, Tara. There’s no way that she’d ever consider me.”

His best friend of over twenty years bit back, “Just give her a try. You never know. I saw how she looked at you. She’s interested.”

“Not after what just happened.”

“Give her a fucking chance, Chris.”

“Honey,” Lisa broke in, “She’s glancing at you. I don’t think it’s out of concern either. She seems curious and interested. Go talk to her.”

Reluctantly, Chris looked over to where Bekah was sitting. His eyes met hers and he dipped his chin as if he was asking permission to approach her. Bekah tilted her head with a smile and nodded.

The actor made his way over to the brunette and she motioned for him to sit down, “I was talking to your friend about your time in the theater. I’m a bit of a thespian myself. Were you more musical or non-musical?”

Chris bit his lip, “I was more into musicals. You did theater too? What plays did you do?”

Bekah laughed again, a melodic sound, “It’s easier to say what plays I didn’t do. Honestly, I didn’t do a whole lot of theater. I was too busy with my acting career.”

“Acting career? I thought you were an architect.”

Bekah glanced away for half a second then focused her attention back to Chris, “I’m an architect now but I did some acting from the ages of eight to fifteen.”

Leaning back, Chris scratched his cheek, “Anything I might have heard of?”

A short pause filled the air then Bekah waved her hand, “Oh just small things. My first gig was a reoccurring role on a little show called 7th Heaven.”

“No shit? I knew someone on that show. And that’s not exactly a little show.”

“Yeah, I know. You dated Jessica Biel for five years. A couple of those years, I was on the show. It’s a small world because Jessica is a good friend of mine. Or she used to be before she went off her rocker with the anti-vax stuff.”

Chris let loose a long laugh and Bekah joined in, “I’m kidding of course. Jess is a great person and a good friend.”

The man beside her stood, “Do you want anything to drink? I’m gonna go grab me a beer.”

Bekah followed his lead and stood up, “I’ll join you. I could use a Stella right now.”

As the pair approached the cooler, Chris turned to Bekah, “So what other ‘small’ things have you done because I doubt they’re small.”

The woman beside him rubbed the back of her neck, “A cult following series called Harry Potter, a fantasy trilogy no one has heard of called Lord of the Rings and a little known sci-fi movie called Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.”

Chris all but dropped his beer, “Say again? Those aren’t small things!”

“Oh and I did this silly little superhero film starring some guy named Chris Evans as the Human Torch. I can’t quite remember the name of it. The Incredible Quad? The Fabulous Foursome?”

“The Fantastic Four.” Chris cocked an eyebrow in amusement.

She smiled broadly at him, “That’s it! I never had any scenes with the guy but I hear he’s lovely to work with.”

Chris smirked, “I wouldn’t know.”

Retreating back to the shade of the trees, Chris and Bekah sat at a small table that had been set up for the party. As they talked, Chris found himself completely enamored with this girl. She made him laugh so easily and it was obvious that she may be interested in him so he pushed a little further, “So why did you quit acting?”

Bekah sighed, “Honestly, I was tired of the lights and the cameras and the exposure. I went to my parents when I was sixteen and told them I was tired of the limelight. I didn’t want to be a child actress anymore. They accepted it with grace. I was about to graduate high school so I wanted to focus on other things like college and relationships that were crumbling.”

“You graduated high school at sixteen? And you went to college after?”

“I did. But I feel like we are talking too much about me. I want to know more about you.”

Chris shuddered a bit, “My life isn’t all that interesting.”

“Nonsense. I’m sure over your twenty plus years of acting, you have seen and experienced some stuff. What is the most exciting place you have filmed?”

The actor leaned back and raised the bottle to his lips, “I filmed in Costa Rica once. South Africa and Namibia were cool too when I went there. As for most exciting? I would probably say filming in Costa Rica. How about you?”

“Oh, most definitely New Zealand. I went to a set in Auckland and shot on a green screen. I also went with a couple of others to the area of the Shire. It was beautiful. I have filmed in London as well and that’s quite the city. If you have to pick a comfort character that you have portrayed, who would it be?”

Rolling his eyes to the sky in thought, Chris thought a moment then answered, “I know the most logical answer is going to be Steve Rogers but as my comfort character, he doesn’t quite make the cut. If I really had to choose? Fuck, that’s really hard. Hmmm. I’ll have to think about that. What about you?”

Bekah opened her mouth to reply but her phone rang. Glancing down at it, she threw Chris an apologetic glance, “I’m so sorry. I have to take this.”

As she walked away, Chris heard her say, “Hallo, das ist Frau Baker. Was brauchen Sie?”

Chris sat in shock unable to comprehend the fact the woman knew German. Tara and Lisa wandered over. Plopping down in the vacated seat, Tara smirked, “So, how’s it going?”

The man looked between his best friend and his mother, “She speaks German.”

Lisa spoke up, "Well, that's new. You’ve never been with a girl who knows German before."

Tara gasped "Chris, she's amazing! You have to ask her out."

He looked over to the side of the yard where Bekah was speaking animatedly on her phone. Tara poked him, “Earth to Chris. Pay attention to us.”

Lisa shot Tara a look, “Take it easy. He’s obviously interested in her. He just needs time.”

Tara made a face, stood and walked away. Chris turned to his mother, “Do you think I actually have a chance with this one?”

His mother put her hand on his arm, “It will only happen if you make it happen. Whether or not you have a chance is up only to you.”

Bekah returned to the table just as Chris was about to respond to his mother. With a smile, she addressed Chris and Lisa, “I’m sorry for interrupting but I just wanted to say how lovely it was to meet you both. I’m afraid I have to dash. I wish I could stay for the fireworks but something has come up with my Germany office. I have to leave in the morning to handle it.”

The older woman returned the smile, “It was nice to meet you too. I hope we see each other again.”

But Chris stayed silent. Lisa prodded him in the ribs and he yelped. Bekah’s lips twitched for half a second, “I hope so too.”

She turned and wandered over to Jason and Tara where she said her goodbyes. As she walked to the gate, Lisa poked Chris again, “If you don’t do it now, you’ll never know.”

He jumped to his feet and followed Bekah around the house, “Bekah, wait.”

She turned and almost hopeful asked, “Yes?”

“I wondered if you would like to go on a date.”

A wide grin spread across her face, “With you? Sure.”

“Great! Um, when?”

Bekah tightened her ponytail, “How about Friday of next week?”

“That sounds amazing. Do you wanna do dinner or..”

“Dinner sounds wonderful.”

His heart soared, “I’ll see you then.”

Bekah tilted her head, “Hand me your phone.”

“Why?”

“How else will you get ahold of me, silly?”

Feeling a hundred feet tall, Chris did so and Bekah input her information. As she turned to her car she stated, “I like pizza.”

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Also, apparently Buffy was actually affected by Angelus' "I came to say goodbye. You're the only thing in this dimension I will miss," line, but acted to hide it.

ANGEL There's time enough. I wanted to say goodbye first. You are the one thing in this dimension I will miss.

BUFFY (suppressing emotion) This is a beautiful moment we're having here. Can we just fight, please?

[shannaniganss]

I have to break up with my therapist today bc I don’t think she’s helping me anymore but I definitely still need therapy bc I am so anxious

[strawberry-metal]

I can finally show the surprise I'm making as a thanks for 1k watchers on deviantart! I'm making a Koron Miku edit! Self shadow is turned off! The download will be a pack. It'll be my Miku, Shanna Style Miku, and Shanna Style Miku pants. Individual credits for my model will be posted when I post the download image sometime this week if things go according to plan.

Also none of yall better talk bad or be mean about the original Koron Miku, she's lovely.

All Changes I made: Texture changes, texture edits, thicker legs, bigger shoe soles, slightly taller, one square on collar instead of two, transparent sleeves from wrist down, sparkles, longer hair, layered hair, hair flicks, autoluminous compatible, finger magic bones, face edit, fangs; heart eyes; cry; sweatdrop; anger mark; and extra blush expressions added, all expressions have english translation, model draw order fixed up, eye spa added, smaller skirt belt thing.

Koron Miku by Koron. Koron Miku edit by me. Stage by Touko-p. Pose in the first image by KitsuneNoKiba.

[k-evans-reads]

In Living Color

Chapter 20

Summary: When Natalie Marton, lead character designer for Buzz Lightyear, meets the voice of Buzz, Chris Evans, the sparks are undeniable. But when their work pushes them away from each other, both physically and emotionally, will the sheer differences between their worlds be enough to force them apart?

Pairing: Chris Evans x Pixar Animator OFC Natalie Marton

Word Count: 3,953

By: @k-evans-writes and @ourfinest-hour

We do NOT give permission for our works to be reuploaded, translated, or reposted on any other site. Our work is our own.

Warnings: None.

Previous | Main Masterlist | In Living Color Masterlist

April 2022

The soft beep of Chris’ security system echoed through the otherwise quiet home just as he was pulling plates out of a cabinet. With a glance backwards over his shoulder, he watched as Lisa came into the kitchen, her face tired as her hands held a take-out bag from her favorite restaurant in town.  

“You look beat,” he chuckled as he took the food from her, but knew he felt the exact same way as she looked. 

“That’s what all mothers of the brides look like the day after a wedding,” Lisa shook her head as she sat down heavily on a barstool, taking a sip of water from the glass he’d sat out for her. Chris busied himself with putting their food on plates, sliding Lisa hers as he walked around the island to sit down next to her, putting his plate down in front of him. “Did you have a good time last night? I was a little worried about you.” 

“I had a great time. I love to see Shanna this happy,” he honestly replied, knowing how momentous the occasion was for his younger sister. He shook his head as he picked up his sandwich, brushing off her concern by saying, “Don’t worry about me, Ma. I’m fine.” 

Lisa shrugged back, holding a chip in her hand as she pointed out, “You’ve just seemed a little more subdued this weekend.” 

“I’m just tired,” he placated, knowing it was the truth. Between a heavy filming schedule – one where he was almost entirely alone, save for Josh and Dodger, on his off hours – and flying from Atlanta to Boston late Friday, spending all of Saturday with their entire family, then putting everything back in his suitcase and rolling it to where it now rested, next to the front door, waiting until it was time to head out for his flight back to Georgia. 

But Lisa simply raised an eyebrow at her eldest son, looking at him suspiciously as she suggested, “I thought it might have a little more to do with the fact that Nat couldn’t come.” 

His face fell into a small frown, knowing it was the truth. “That too,” he murmured. It’d been worrisome when Nat called – tired, but most of all under the weather and stressed – on Thursday, just as Chris was leaving set for the day. But the other shoe dropped on mid-morning Friday, when Nat called, extremely apologetic as she told Chris she wouldn’t even be able to make it out of bed, not to mention down to LAX to make it onto the cross-country flight to meet him in Boston that evening. 

“How is she doing? The poor thing sounded terrible yesterday morning when you had her on speaker phone,” Lisa asked him, her eyes worried as she recalled Nat’s strained voice. 

“I haven’t talked to her much since then. I tried calling her a few times this morning but she didn’t answer,” Chris informed her, his voice low as he shrugged, but was unable to quell the overwhelming worry that he felt for Nat.

“Hopefully she’s getting some sleep.” 

“God knows she doesn’t get it any other time,” he muttered, sighing as he paused and took another bite of his sandwich. “I’m not really surprised that she’s been sick so much lately, I don’t think she ever stops working.” 

“I’m sure she would have made it if she could,” Lisa tried to assure him, but her efforts fell well short.

“It’s not that,” Chris insisted, wanting her to know he wasn’t upset about the sickness leaving her behind in Los Angeles. It was about what got her to this point. “I know she wanted to come this weekend. She was crying on the phone when she said she couldn’t come and was really upset about it. I’m not frustrated about her getting sick, but just more that she has done nothing but work for the past four months.” 

“Won’t that be over with soon, though? She’s only busy while she has the two movies overlapping, right?” 

“That’s the thing though, Lightyear is completely finished,” Chris said. He knew it finished last month – having been on the email thread of the main crew celebrating, but having also seen Nat’s calendar with the deadline circled in red. He remembered her sky-high stress levels in the week leading up to that hard deadline, but then only got to see a fraction of the stress leave her shoulders as she jumped into the next projects, the next deadline, the task. “Her work load is just insane and she doesn’t ever say no to anything. She keeps saying that it’s a season but I’m not so sure it is.” 

“Do you feel like it’s different than it was last year?” Lisa asked, her brows furrowed as she listened to his words and ate her sandwich.  

“Definitely,” Chris agreed instantly. He remembered how carefree Nat was last year, coupled with them growing closer to each other and beginning their relationship. But now he felt like something had shifted inside of Nat, and he struggled to reconcile this overworking and burn out with anything that he knew Nat to be. “I know earlier this year it was because of the two movies overlapping, but I feel like it’s worse now that I’m working, because she just never shuts down for the day. Even when she visited here in Boston in February and Atalanta in March, she’d work in bed when I was falling asleep.” 

Lisa nodded as she listened to Chris, pointing out, “It’s a hard line because Nat’s job is who she is.” 

“That’s the thing though. Being an artist is who she is and her job was just what she did, but now I feel like her job is her life,” Chris replied, his hands flying in the air as he finished his lunch. “Her job has become her identity and I don’t know why. She never wanted that. Ever.” 

“Why do you think that is?” 

He struggled to answer her simple question, at a true loss for words. Nat to him was always so self-assured, strong, and capable. But now, from what short conversations they’d been able to have before he fell asleep or had to go back to set, or in between her meetings, he just felt as though she was doubting everything she did. She always brushed off his concern, saying she was fine, but his worry only grew larger with every passing day where she didn’t go back to being Nattie. “I honestly don’t know. Nat doesn’t care about doing things in a traditional way or being stuck in societal norms and that’s what I love so much about her. I love that Nat’s her own person in every way but I feel like she just keeps slipping into… I don’t know… what she thinks she should be doing or what she thinks it means to be successful. I don’t really understand.” He finally answered, feeling as though nothing he said would make sense to anyone except his mother. 

“I feel like this is maybe something you should try to talk to her about. Maybe just bring it up in a gentle way and see how she’s feeling,” Lisa suggested, her hand resting comfortingly on the back of his shoulder as she stood up to put their dishes in the dishwasher. 

“Lately when I talk to her it just feels… different,” he admitted, swallowing anxiously as all his fears came to the surface. “Nat’s always been honest. I’ve always loved how she’s just so open and upfront with her feelings but lately it just seems like she isn’t telling me the truth about what’s going on and isn’t open about things. I’m starting to wonder if maybe it’s more about her pulling back from me…” 

“Chris, I don’t want to see you just sit back and let it get to the point where it’s too big to figure out,” Lisa began, her voice more worried than it had been at the beginning of the conversation. 

“I think I just need to talk to her,” he nodded, moving to put the bag and containers from the restaurant in the trash can. His shoulders slouched a little as he added, “But we barely get time to do that anymore.” 

“Well if it’s worth it to you, then you’ll make the time,” Lisa simply – and firmly – replied.

“Nattie’s worth it,” he said, without a moment’s hesitation. “I love her so much Ma and I guess I’m just afraid that when we talk, what she says might be something I don’t want to hear.” 

“There’s only one way to find out,” Lisa smiled, then her look grew wider as she suggested, “Besides, the answer to all of this might be a lot more simple than you’re imagining it to be.” 

With a hopeful grin, Chris went to grab his coat and backpack from the living room before he and Lisa headed out for the airport, with Chris’ departure back to Atlanta rapidly approaching. He’d been looking forward to this weekend for a variety of reasons – celebrating his sister and her new husband, Daniel, getting to sleep in his own bed, see his niece and nephews, and be back home – but most of all, he’d been looking forward to seeing Nattie. It had been a huge disappointment that she couldn’t be there, especially with this uncertainty and worry that had cropped up in their lives, but he found himself counting down the hours until he could somehow get a visit in to see his girl, because he knew that once they were together everything would feel a lot more right. 

Mark stared at Nat in near-disbelief as she pulled the door to her apartment open, leaning on it for support. “You look like absolute shit,” he decisively told her before brushing past Nat and heading into her apartment, the smell of soup wafting from the bag he held. 

“Thanks for that,” she rolled her eyes as she shut and locked the door behind him then followed him down the hall, arms wrapped around herself as she shuffled down the hallway. 

“I just mean you really are sick, aren’t you?” Mark asked as he eyed Nat carefully, sitting down at her table. She rolled her eyes to herself at Mark’s obvious intentional distance-putting between them, but instead opened the bag that was sitting on the counter and pulled one of the soups out, grabbing a spoon on her way to sit at the island. 

“Well I’m not hunched over the toilet throwing up anymore like I was yesterday. I'd say I'm actually doing pretty good right now,” she shrugged, her eyes shutting as she tasted the chicken noodle soup. 

“Hopefully this soup helps,” her friend chuckled, a fond grin on his face. 

“Thanks for bringing it over, Mark, I really appreciate it,” she told him honestly. 

“Happy to,” he shrugged, brushing off her appreciation. “I knew you felt like shit and I’m sure having to stay home this weekend didn’t help.” 

Nat’s face fell a little at the reminder of what this weekend was. She and Chris were supposed to go to his younger sister’s wedding together back in Boston, spend time with his family, have fun, and let their guard down a little while surrounded by the Evanses’ closest friends. She’d been so excited, not only to be a tiny part of the family’s big day, but to also see him. Life had been…. Hectic, to say the least, over the last three months for them both. With Nat’s work schedule as busy as it’d ever been and with Chris spending his weeks in Atlanta, they were lucky to have gotten two quick visits in with each other, but her schedule and lack of sleep had taken its toll, leaving her with a stomach bug and a canceled flight and having to write an apologetic message to the bride. She was also disappointed, however, because she’d wanted to tell him about the latest news she’d received that Thursday morning. 

“Going to Boston has been the one thing I’ve been looking forward to and I had to get sick this weekend,” she admitted, a deep frown on her lips as she stared down at the still-warm soup. 

Mark sighed, a long and low sound from across the room. She picked her head up to look at him, seeing the concern in his eyes as he confessed, “I can’t say that I’m surprised with how hard you’ve been working. You haven’t really taken great care of yourself lately, Nat.” 

“Well you know how busy it’s been, and then with me taking off last month to go see Chris on set and then this weekend, I’ve had to pack in more,” she shrugged, trying to – not for the first time – brush off someone’s obvious concern and worry for her. 

“And the other day you were in that meeting for nearly half the day,” Mark recalled, the furrow between his brows growing as he tilted his head in curiosity. “What was that about anyway?” 

“Jamie didn’t tell you?” Nat asked, her voice trailing off in surprise. 

“No he was busy in meetings all day yesterday so I didn’t get to talk to him,” Mark informed her, but quickly asked, “So what happened?” 

“They offered me a promotion,” Nat told him, feeling a soft smile crawling across her lips as she looked over at him going on to explain, “They want me to be in charge of the animators for Inside Out.” 

Even from a few feet away, she could see Mark’s eyes nearly bugging out of his head as he exclaimed,“Are you serious, Nat? That’s incredible!” His excitement quickly turned to curiosity as he wondered out loud, “Are you going to take it?” 

“I’m not sure yet,” Nat muttered as her eyes fluttered back down to her soup as she watched the noodles floating as her spoon pushed around in the broth. She took a breath before glancing back to her longtime friend and revealed, “The catch is I have to move to Pixar headquarters.” 

“In San Francisco?” 

“Yeah…” 

“That’s an incredible opportunity though Nat,” Mark couldn’t help but bring up with a soft shake of his head, knowing all that this meant but asked, “What does Chris think?”

“I’m not sure, I haven’t talked to him. With his sister's wedding he’s busy and I kind of wanted to tell him in person,” she stopped momentarily to fish the tissue out of her sweatpants pocket, blowing her nose before telling Mark that, “I talked to my dad and sisters though and they all were excited. My dad kept telling me how proud of me he was.” 

“Your dad is always proud of you, no matter what.” 

Although she knew that Mark’s words were true, her dad being so full of joy and love not only just for her but for her two older sisters as well, there was more to it than just that. In her family, both Heather and Alex were apparently like their mother being more driven and structured whereas she took after her dad and inherited his love to dream. But when her mother had passed away and Eric was left a single dad raising three girls, so many of his own dreams were put on a shelf where they had since gotten covered with dust and forgotten. 

Although Nat knew that he didn’t resent one bit of it, and instead spoke about being so thankful to have his girls, she knew that there was a part of him that took pride in helping Nat achieve her dreams in a way he didn’t get a chance to. She could feel tears in her eyes when she remembered finding out how her dad had taken on extra hours to help scrape the money together to put her through art school and how he’d search through Goodwill every day on his way home from work to find art supplies for her. She held those memories so close to her heart, remembering the sacrifice he’d made for her, and still to this day wanted to make him proud. 

 “You have no idea how hard he worked to put me through art school though. This feels like proof all his hard work paid off,” Nat finally put her emotions into words, but knowing that the depth of what she felt couldn’t be summed up that simply. 

“Well if this is what you want to do, I’m happy for you Nat,” she knew just how true his words were. For the past decade, Mark and Jamie had been her best friends that were more like family. They had been there for her in every step of life and she was there for them in the same way and they all shared in each other’s sorrows and joys and this time was no different. 

“I don’t know that it’s exactly what I want to do but I feel like I have to,” Nat confided in him with a shrug and a brush through her disheveled curls, admitting simply,  “I can’t do this anymore.” 

“What do you mean? Can’t do what?” Mark’s voice was hesitant and his eyes narrowed a bit as he looked at her from across the room. 

“All of this,” Nat gestured vaguely as her shoulders shrugged. Her eyes dropped down to the soup as she felt the anxieties bubble out of her. “I can’t handle this workload that they keep adding more and more to and still have a life. I mean, it was fine when I was willing to dedicate more time to work but I don’t want to anymore, especially once Chris is done filming. With this promotion I’d have more set hours and flexibility, especially once I settle in.” 

“Nat, do you really want to give up being an animator though? You love it,” he recalled, his voice almost prideful. 

“I do but…I guess just more and more I keep seeing how badly I want more than just my career,” she admitted, pausing as she tried to muster the courage to admit, “I want my own family and time to create for myself and I want… Chris. I want a life with him, and this promotion seems like the only way to do it. With this promotion I can have normal hours and take time off and not be exhausted when I go home at night.” 

Mark’s head cocked to the side again as he looked at her, his voice tentative as he reminded her, “What about doing more of your own art and selling it? I was thinking you wanted to do that more.” 

“I do but that seems like something more down the road. I don’t think that’s enough to pay the bills right now,” she sadly confessed. She’d be lucky to scrape together enough to pay for rent, not to mention deal with her own healthcare, her own insurance, and supplies. “Besides, it seems dumb not to take this promotion. I mean, anyone in our department would kill for this job.” 

A single brow rose as Mark chuckled, “Me included.” 

“Should I be worried you put something in this soup?” 

“Maybe,” he shrugged with a smirk, but then the smirk dropped and he turned serious. “But seriously Nat, I’m so happy for you.”

Nat nodded to herself as she stirred her soup absent-mindedly. “I hope Chris will be just as happy as you are,” she spoke. 

“Do you think he won't be?”

“Honestly I'm not sure. It's not a secret that he's not been super happy about my hours,” she muttered through a frown. Although they hadn’t outright argued about her hours in a while, it was an underlying source of tension the past few months. “I know some of it he's just worried about me but the other part of me can't help but wonder if he maybe resents the fact I can't be with him as much as he wants.”

“He hasn't said that has he?” Mark’s eyebrow rose as he leaned his elbows on the table. 

“No but that's a bit of a conflict in the past where he's just used to doing what he wants and having everyone around him be able to go along with him,” Nat knew that there was a big divide in their lifestyles. She had a regular job, used to going in five days a week, having meetings, worrying from time to time about finances, and when to get groceries after a long work day. But on the other side of it, although Chris was down to earth, he was used to having a large bank account and for the most part, a fairly flexible schedule that allowed him to do what he wanted when he wanted and with whom he wanted. His life was much different than hers and that was just a fact that couldn’t be ignored, especially when Nat thought back to the fact she couldn’t seem to make a relationship work even with someone who had a similar lifestyle, noting, “And look what happened with Shane?  He expected me to drop everything for him too.”

“That doesn't mean it'll happen with Chris though,” Mark pointed out, his tone hopeful as he rushed to add, “I mean, if you want to do this then I’m sure he'll support that.”

“I do want to take this promotion. It’s the logical next step, right?” Nat asked, her brow raised as she looked at her close friend, one of the few people she trusted implicitly to guide her in this. 

“It’s a killer job, Nat. I know I wouldn't turn it down,” Mark told her, his hands waving. He looked at her seriously as he sighed and added, “Besides, like you said, it’ll give you more regular hours and flexibility so it’ll let you have time to create the life you want.” 

“I want something different, Mark. I want a family with Chris and I think we’re heading in that direction so I want to make some of these decisions so that we can have it,” she confessed. She knew it was a logical stepping stone to eventually a career where she could – maybe, hopefully – spend her days meeting virtually instead of on Campus, getting to join Chris wherever he was filming next, and getting that flexibility to start a family with the man she loved. “Besides, this job is more of a career. It feels like proof that chaotic, messy, emotional Nattie Marton can make her dreams come true.” 

Mark’s face fell a little at that self-conscious statement, assuring Nat, “You are, Nat. You’ve done what a lot of artists aren’t able to and I think you should take this job.” 

“I’m going to. It’s just too good to turn down,” she admitted with a small grin. 

With Mark’s proud smile and another congratulations thrown at her, Nat stared down at the now-cold soup in front of her, unable to think of anything but proving herself. Proving that she was capable, that she deserved this role, and that her choices in life paid off. For so long her own insecurities in herself and being the black sheep in so many situations left her feeling like the value she offered couldn’t be through her personality that had always been a bit much, but instead what she could contribute through work. She wanted to prove to everyone, most mostly to herself that all this work, all this stress, tears, late nights, and postponed things was worth it, and most of all, that she could do it, and was worthy of it.

A/N: We'll be back in May with the next chapters! Feel free to send us any thoughts between now and then!

[andydrysdalerogers]

Love Lesson ~ Part Three

Pairings: Sebastian Stan x Best Friend! Reader, Chris Evans x Reader

Word Count: 2.6K

Summary: Being an associate producer was never the goal but the stepping stone to be a writer. So when you work for Jimmy Fallon, you never know what will happen.  Or who you will meet...

Warnings: Language, Alcohol use

Song:

Part 3 of 3 Part 1 Here // Part 2 Here

Banners by me! Dividers by @firefly-graphics

I don't consent to my work being copied or translated at all.

Love lesson # 5: always tell the person you love that you love them even when they might get pissed off or still be pissed off with you. You never know if it will be the last time you will.   

Eight months later 

It was four weeks to your wedding. You and Chris decided to get married at a quiet chapel in Winter time.  You had the crazy idea of getting married in the snow but everyone expected it from you.  

You took Scott, Carli, Shanna, and Sebastian to your final fitting since they all were in your wedding party. It was going to be small since you were an only child. “Intimate,” you told Chris.  Well as intimate as you could get when the entire Marvel cast would be in attendance.  

Your group sat around drinking champagne and chatting.  

“Ok,” Carly started, “who did Chris ask for a picture of YN in her dress?” Everyone raised their hands and started laughing.  

“Is she allowing pictures?” Scott asked.  

“She asked me to take a couple to send to her mom since she couldn’t make,” Sebastian said. He refilled his glass for the third time.  

“Ok!” you sang out. “Ready?”  

“Ready!”  

You walked out in your gown. Elegant wasn’t even close to describe the look. Your shoulders exposed lace covering the sweetheart neckline but connected to the sleeves down to your wrist. The ivory gown had an empire waist and flowed down to the floor to a chapel length train.  

Sebastian swallowed. You were beautiful and his heart still hurt.  He never told you what Lily had said and he was running out of time to talk to you. But did he really want to break up a marriage?  

You spin showing off the dress to the group to the delight of your crowd. Sebastian snapped out of it and took the photos as requested. As he took the photos, he got a message from Chris.  

C: $1000 if you give me a photo of my girl  S: not a chance  

He meant to talk to Chris, but the schedules didn’t allow them to talk. He wanted to confirm before he said anything to you. He threw back the third glass of champagne.  

“Seb, can you unzip me please?” You gave him big eyes and he forced his smile. You walked back into the dressing room humming as you went. “I’m so excited!” you squealed.  

“Well, you will look like a snow princess,” Sebastian said.  You beamed at him and turned around. Seb pulled the zipper down letting his finger run down your spine, taking an unguarded moment to feel you, the warmth, the softness of your skin. You dropped your smile and hitched your breath.  

“What are you doing?” 

“Îmi pare atât de rău! I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.  YN, please forgive me.” Sebastian looked down and started to back up. You gave him a cold stare scared of what his intentions were with that move. He stopped and looked back at your shocked face. He went back to you. “YN, I have to tell you something…” 

You raced out of the bridal shop ignoring Chris’s family. You only lived a couple of blocks from the shop, so you were home in a matter of minutes. You threw the door open, and Chris jumped up startled putting his phone down. “Hey baby, you ok?”  

“Did you sleep with her?”  

“What?”  

“Lily. Lily James. Did you sleep with her?”  

“No baby. I told you.”  

“Then why is Sebastian telling me that Lily told him she went down on you in London?” Chris’s face blanched.  It was all you needed. “Oh my god. She did. She… you… you …” 

“I didn’t sleep with her.” Chris grabbed your arms as you tried to back away. “Baby I’m sorry. We were fighting and I was angry, and I got drunk. She was talking to me and she…” 

“She what? Offered to service you?”   

“I’m sorry YN. I was drunk and I wasn’t thinking.” He tried to pull you closer. 

“Let me go!”  You pushed him away. “We’re supposed to be getting married in four weeks!”  

“Please baby. I’m sorry.”  

“I can’t even look at you.”  You walked back out and slammed the door. You took the stairs down and flagged a cab. You didn’t know where to go but the first address that pops in your head is the one you give.  

Sebastian paced back and forth in his apartment. What had he done? His phone blew up with calls from Chris and Scott. He ignored everything. Lily called next. It seemed like everyone was calling him. Everyone except you.  He managed to send a message to you.  

S: I’m sorry. This wasn’t my story to tell.  

No response. You had ran so fast from the shop that he had to deal with Chris’s family. Carly immediately called Chris who said YN wasn’t there until he hung up suddenly.  Sebastian took off right after that.  

A knock on his door brought him out of his thoughts. He assumed it was Chris, ready to kick his ass. His best man just outed him to his bride. He would have kicked his ass. Just wanting to get it over with, he didn’t check and just opened the door.  

What he didn’t expect was you. You with red eyes and holding a bottle of vodka. “YN?”  

“I want to drink. I figured it would be bad to do it in a bar. Will you help me?” 

He opened the door wider to let you in. You walked to his kitchen and pulled two glasses. He opened the bottle and poured. You clinked glasses and threw your glass back.  

“Can we at least eat some bread, so we won’t hurt in the morning?” 

“If you want. I don’t know if I have a fiancé or a home or a life tomorrow, so I’d rather be drunk.”  

“Don’t say that YN. What did he say?” 

“He was drunk. It was after a huge fight we had. Because that excuses everything.” You threw the second one back. Sebastian guided you to the couch to sit.  

“YN, what do you want to do?” 

“I don’t know. Seb, please just help me not feel right now, ok?”  

“Ok. Ok.” He poured you another drink, less than before trying to slow you down. He got some cheese and crackers for you to nibble on. It hurt to see you this way, the sparkle, the bubble of happy, popped and melted on the floor.  

“Seb?” 

“Yeah?”  

“How long did you know?” 

“A couple of weeks before you visited me in LA.”  

“Jesus. Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“YN how could I make you so unhappy? I just did and I feel awful. I love you but I didn’t want to do this.”  

“What?” 

“Nothing YN. Here, drink some more.”  

You sat and drank with him occasionally bursting into tears. He held you as you cried. Chris kept calling the both of you but you didn’t answer.  Finally you fell asleep and Sebastian moved you to his guest room. He picked up his phone and called Chris.  

Seb?  

“She’s here with me Chris. She wanted to get drunk but didn’t want to do it alone.”  

Fuck. Ok. Should I get her?  

She’s sleeping. I’m trying to convince her to talk to you.  

Chris fell silent for a moment. Why did you do it?  Why didn’t you talk to me first? 

“You were lying, Chris. Don’t put this on me. This happens over a year ago.”  

I know. Fuck. It was a mistake.  

“I figured. But she deserved to know.  I’m going to head to bed. I’ll keep trying to talk to her.”  

Thanks Seb. You’re right. I should have told her.  

Seb closed his apartment and went to check on you one last time. You were sleeping peacefully and he smiled. You looked so innocent and young. He sighed and went to his own room and went to sleep.  

A few hours later Sebastian woke up to a quiet knocking on his door. He sat up and saw you in just his shirt. “YN?”  

You went up to him and straddled him. He swallowed hard. “What are you doing?”  

“You said you loved me.”  

“I do. Of course, I do. You’re my best friend.” He couldn’t help but run his hands up your legs. You groaned at his touch. “YN?”  

You leaned into him and kissed him. He ran his hands into your hair and on your waist pulling you in more.  When he pulled back and looked into your eyes. “We can’t do this.”  

“I don’t care.” The alcohol still coursed in both of your veins clouding the judgment you should have been using. Sebastian flipped you and had you on your back.  

Sebastian took in every touch every kiss that he could enjoy. He kissed his way around your skin after he got the shirt off.  He recorded your moans in his mind as the explores your body.  When he was finally in you, he swore he was in heaven. Your little noises, your sighs spurred him on.  When you both reached your peak, he had nothing on his mind but how amazing you felt in his arms.  

Until the morning.  

Because reality hit hard in the morning. You woke up, unsure of where you were. You glanced until you realized you weren’t alone in this bed. Sebastian was still asleep next to you. You gasped and realized what had happened. You jumped out of bed and crashed into the dresser. This got Sebastian awake.  

“Oh my god,” you whispered. Sebastian sat up and looked at you. “YN?” 

“I have to go.” You ran from the room into the guest room grabbing your clothes and dressing as fast as you could. Sebastian ran in.  

“YN, talk to me.”  

“This was a mistake, Sebastian. I’m still with Chris. Oh my god. What have I done?”  

“YN, you don’t have to go back to him if you don’t want. You can stay here with me.”  

“Stay here? I’m getting married in four weeks. And I just slept with his best friend. I have to go.” You grabbed your purse and went to the door.  

“Please YN, let me just say this. Please.”  

“No.” You couldn’t hear what he had to say. It would end badly.  You knew you loved Sebastian, but you loved Chris more. You had to tell Chris. “I’m sorry Sebastian.” You ran out the door.  

Sebastian ran his hands through his hair. It was his chance to be honest and tell you he was in love with you. And it was gone.  

You walked into your apartment the tears still streaming down your face. Chris sat up from the couch waking to the noise of the door opening. “YN?” 

“Hi Chris.”  

“Are you ok?”  

“No, I’m not. We need to talk, and I have to tell you something…” 

It was the night before your wedding. You were at the hotel, alone, wondering what the future would hold for you.  

Chris had been angry that you slept with Sebastian but couldn’t hold a grudge. He had basically done the same with Lily. You talked a lot that night and he made love to you, wanting to erase Sebastian from your mind and body.  

But here you were, the night before and you wished you knew that everything was going to be ok. A knock brings you back.  

“Sebastian?”  

You hadn’t seen him until tonight for the rehearsal dinner. Chris had gone to talk to him and they had worked out some of their issues. Chris knew Sebastian had been in love with his girl but this was mostly Chris’s fault. Had he been honest maybe you wouldn’t have ran into Sebastian’s arms.  

“YN, please don’t marry him. I love you. Leave with me. Please.”  

His eyes were pink from him holding back tears. The blue was soft right not the normal stormy blue grey.  

“I can’t.”  

“Why?”  

“I’m pregnant.”  

Sebastian stumbled back as if he had been punched. “Is it mine?” he whispered.  

“I don’t know. We just found out this morning.” You looked to the floor.  “Chris is mad because he doesn’t know either.”  

“I don’t care if it’s his. I would take care of the baby, no matter what. Please YN. I love you.”  

You had tears. “I love you too.” He smiled big. “But I love Chris too. I’m sorry.” You sobbed knowing this would be so hard. To give up on a love that had no chance to bloom.  Ești cel mai bun prieten al meu și nu vreau să te pierd. (You are my best friend and I don’t want to lose you.) 

Sebastian cried as well pulling you in to hold you. He was too late.  Nu voi înceta niciodată să te iubesc. voi fi mereu aici pentru tine. (I will never stop loving you. I’ll be here for you always.) 

“I need you to stand up there, Seb. We might be parents soon and this baby needs to know that their dads love them.”  

He nodded wiping his tears. He hugged you again after placing a gentle kiss on your lips. “I still love you.”  

“I still love you. I’m still really sorry.”  

A few weeks later… 

The wedding was beautiful. You committed yourself to Chris and he did to you. You promised again to be faithful, even with the new life growing in your belly.  

When you got back from your honeymoon, the three of you sat down to talk. It was uncomfortable to say the least. Chris glared at Sebastian, Sebastian was angry at the both of you.  

“Look, I know, I’m the one that screwed up,” you started, “but I want this baby and I want you both in their lives.  I don’t want to find out who the father is.  Let’s just raise this baby together.”  

“Together?” Chris scoffed. “Really?” 

“Chris, I married you remember?  Please don’t make this worse.”  

“Are you in love with him YN?  Is that why you want to do this?” 

“I love him as my best friend Chris. I’m sorry Sebastian but its true. Maybe if we had done things differently it would have changed but I won’t ever get to know that. Because you guys lied the whole time.  So, drop it. Now. If the baby wants to know the truth when they are older or if we need to save their life or something, we’ll find out.”  

Chris dropped the subject and Sebastian was happy to keep his best friend. They stood by you the entire pregnancy, electing not to find out what the gender was until they were born. Both Sebastian and Chris were in the room when Adeline Rose Stan-Evans made her debut. Chris chose the first name and Sebastian choose the middle one. You gave both last names but for the press she was just an Evans so that there would be no scandal to deal with.  

Sebastian elected to move to Sudbury to be closer to his daughter. You and Chris purchased a home with a back house where Sebastian moved into. This allowed Chris to have his family, like he always wanted, and Sebastian had something he didn’t know he wanted or would ever have.  

He realized that he was in love with the idea of you and what you and Chris had. You had been different from what he saw with Alejandra, and it grew from that want. To have a woman who would stand by his side, be his equal, not try to trump the next woman. A couple of years later he did find that.  And she accepted the quirky family dynamic he had with Chris, you and Adeline.  

Love lesson # 6: love comes in different shapes and sizes. Love the family you make for yourself not the one society tells you to have.

Taglist:

@patzammit

@texmexdarling

@slutforchrisjamalevans

@firephotogrl74

@tinkerbelle67

@before-we-get-started

@bunnyforhim

@alexakeyloveloki

@sunnyhummingbee

@whiskeytangofoxtrot555

@peaceinourtime82

@saucy-sassy-sparkly

@kmc1989

@kandis-mom

@lokislady82

[heartfullofleeches]

Jsjsjsj what if the cafe had a charity event going on and they have the servers dressed in cute costumes and reader is dressed as a playboy bunny

How would the cafe costumers react?

Saber [Catboy]:

He's always fantasized about buying your contract, but today is the day he actually asks. A further slap in the face when your boss says no is that he can't book you for the day either. Sneaks a hundred across the table and tells you there's more to come if you dress like that all the time. Flirts constantly, gets even more jealous when you look away, and practically pleads not to be removed from your lap when he's finally given his turn.

Shanna(Bo) [Sheepgirl]:

She has a shift that day as well so she can't focus too much on you, but she grows flustered whenever you walk by. More accident prone when around folks who stare at you for too long and may drop a cup of hot coffee on their head

Scout(Bear) [Wolfman]:

Didnt know he'd be into that sorta thing- but now he most certainly is. Tells off those get handsy, but quietly asks you to sit in his lap when you come by his table. Has to use all his willpower not to touch your tail, even if you give active consent.

Wisteria [Floral Monster]:

The most uncaring of them all - on the surface. No her petals are not turning red, she just had something in them. A subtle flirt.. Tucks a stray flower in the top of your shirt - that may or may not have a piece of paper with some numbers on it tucked inside

Clyde(Spot) [Rabbitboy]:

Sweating bullets. Has to point out to you what he wants to order because he's stuttering so much. Tries to keep his eyes from wondering, but there's just so much skin exposed and when you smile like that it makes his mind wonder- and he can't focus on another thought for the rest of the week

Pauline(Belle) [Cowgirl]:

Aren't you just precious? Wrapping an arm around you, careful to keep her hands above the belt, and sets you down beside her. Orders another maid to bring some drinks as she talks your ear off

(Prince) [Hyena boy]:

Motherfucker is howling- Honestly wants to bite you. Not hard, just a little love nick that leaves enough of a mark to show you who you were in charge of. Hated the idea when it was first brought up, but too focused on how hot you are to care in the moment.