#sigh john and jennifer is so good

[sga-owns-my-soul]

Re: our dm's for john x jennifer.

What do you think about john teaching her to surf?

omgomgomg he definitely teaches her to surf

i think it would take him some time to convince her to go and she finally gives in mostly bc she feels bad saying no so much but then when they finally get out there and johns being all sweet and smart and passionate and excited and he's in a wet suit jennifer is like 👀👀👀

and it turns into like a semi regular thing where when they both have down time john takes jennifer to the mainland and he gives her surfing lessons and the tension keeps building and one day they're up on a board together and his hands slide a little lower than normal and she backs up a little closer than normal and AHHHHHHHH

beach sex!!!!!!!! yes!!!!!!! i'm obsessed with this idea honestly omg 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[lolitastories]

NOT A CHAPTER

This will be insert of storylines that happens in the future if Yn and Kayce

Chapter 13

Chapter 12:

I was walking up the stairs from a long night at the office. “Yes Jennifer, don’t worry about it just enjoy your weekend” I was in another divorcee case but the soon to be ex wife I was representing wanted more and more. Everytime we finished an agreement she wanted another meeting set up the next day. “Yes, don’t worry about it, I will be the one calling her tomorrow” She was currently blowing up Jennifer’s phone because we told her we wouldn’t be able to set up a meeting until next thursday and that is an inconvice for her. I soon finish my phone call and walk into the house.

“Seems like you need a drink” I place my things on the island as I shake my head.

“The only thing I need is a vacation or maybe a radar that would tell me when I am accepting a crazy person as a client” I knock off my heels and fall onto the couch. My eyes opened as soon as I felt someone overlooking me. “Liquor isn’t good for me” I say, taking the drink from Beth’s hand.

“Don’t I know it?” She laughed, moving my feet so she could sit. She normally drinks at any hour but this time her expression told me it had a deeper meaning

“What's going on with you?” I sat up a bit, turning over to her.

“What?” I raise my eyebrow, turning my whole body in her direction. “Okay” She set her drink down, turning towards me now. “John found out about you and Kayce and the words he used weren’t exactly accepting” Great. I let a sigh slip, as I fell onto the couch again. We have been seeing each other for almost 2 months now. We didn’t keep it a secret exactly but we weren’t screaming to the world. We barely see eachother with getting up before the sun and spending late hours at work. We have had a total of 3 dates and one of them was interrupted by his work. He hasn’t even asked me to be his girlfriend! “Don’t freak” She says, pushing the drink towards my face finishing it in one go.

“What did he say?” I sit up, placing the glass down. She stands up grabbing the said glass and pouring more liquor in. “Beth,” I stood up, taking the drink from her and finishing it. I sure will need it.

“He said something along the lines of, He doesn’t need any distraction” Distraction?

“What else?” I pour more than a shot in the glass walking back to the couch.

“y/n” She warned as I took a sip.

“You know what!” I turn towards her. “It doesn’t even matter” I finish the drink and set it on the side table. “He doesn’t have to worry about me, I never want to be somewhere where I am a bother to someone” I start walking up the stairs and hear Beth’s footsteps behind me.

“What are you doing? I will talk to him! He didn’t-He is just stressed” I turned over to her.

“You don’t need to talk to him about anything, I will.” I go right into my room and pull out my suitcase. “I never took anything for free. Never. I am grateful for the help he gave me but am not going to be a chess piece he can move when he likes” I never carried a lot of belongings so it didn’t take long for me to finish.

“Y/N. You can’t just leave”

“My parents thought the same” I look at her plainly in her eyes. “You will see the checks he paid me weren't cashed. Money will be wired for tuition with interest.” I put on a coat and grab hold of my suitcase. “I will call you tomorrow” I leave her standing in the middle of the room to walk downstairs. My nerves were a wreck right now. My mind was telling me there was a better way to go about this but my heart was taking over me. I got out the door and onto my car. I turn on the car and place it on reverse before I hear my phone ring. “Hello?” I glimpse at the caller ID. I didn’t want him to worry so I calmed my voice hoping to get him off the phone as soon as possible.

“Y/N. Beth told me what happened” Fuck you Beth. “I am almost home. Just wait 5 more minutes”

“I can’t Kayce.” I want to do nothing more than not to see him. I back up then change gear to drive off the ranch.

“We can talk about it. Baby don’t leave” I pressed the end button before reliezing it. My eyes were getting blurry and my hands were shaking. I didn’t know if it was because of the coldness or because I was holding back freaking out. Minutes went by and I had to stop the car to the side, it wasn’t smart driving like this. I saw my breath in the air. I move to the passenger side and lean against my car. I look up to the night sky feeling no tears coming out.

“Am so stupid” I hit my forehead sliding down to the ground. I had my own money and could go anywhere. I have a good background and could be accepted anywhere. I’ve dreamt of living beside a body of water and I could do that. I had no attachment here, so why is it hard to get back in my car? Was I even going to go through with it?. The Duttons were the only family I really felt needed and loved by. I hated to hear John wasn’t happy with me. Was it a stretch to think I meant something to him more than what it was? I was only a girl he helped years ago go through college so I could be of use to him later on. Or was I thinking too hard?

“Y/N?” I turned to my left and I didn’t even notice the headlight shining towards me.

“I have to go” I stood up walking to the driver side door. I felt a tug on my arm pulling me back.

“If you wanted to go you would have '' He took hold of my face forcing me to look up at him. “Look at me. Am here” Even if my face was right infront of him my eyes were elsewhere. “Look at me damnit'' He tugged my jaw to get my attention. My eyes filled to the brim with tears but I dared not to blink. “Am here” He nods and my head unconsciously follows along

“I know,” I whisper, moving my hands up to grab onto his jacket. “I don’t know what happened” His hands move to hold my cheeks. The cold wind was non existent by then. “I hate feeling like a bother. He has done so much and-” I couldn’t hold it. I burst out crying and cling onto him harder. His arms wrap around me pulling me in closer.

“Doesn’t make what he said right. He loves you like a family, don't ever forget that. He just gets hot tempered with things and can’t think straight” He pulls away allowing me to look up to him. “You have done nothing wrong. You have done everything he has asked for, you do not belong to him” He lays a gentle kiss on my lips. “Don’t feel like you owe him something, okay?” I nod. A smile appeared on my face. Some weight has lifted off my shoulders. I still need to talk to John. If he wants me out of the house and fires me as an attorney I will find somewhere to live and get another job. I feel deep down that is what I really need right now. Maybe a break from all the Duttons is best. “Can I take you home?” Maybe not all the Duttons.

“Not tonight. Can we go somewhere else?” he lays another kiss, nodding his head. I grab his hand before he starts walking away. “It's best if you drive, I had a couple of drinks tonight”

“Let me call Rip” I nod, getting into the passenger seat and looking at the rearview mirror. Watching as he gets his things from his truck and walks over to get into the car. “Yeah. Tell her she’s okay” My eyes widen a bit feeling bad about worrying Beth. “Can’t do nothing with her. She’s a stubborn one” He chuckles a bit earning a hit on the arm. “And abusive” He grabs my arm before it makes contact with him again. “She has to put up with so much more, I can handle this” I shake my head leaning back waiting for the phone call to finish. “Where to?” He turns on the car and turns over to me.

“Keep going straight, I’ll give you directions from here. '' He switches gears but does not let go of the break yet. I look over and see him offering his hand. Without a word I enterwine our fingers as they lay gently on the console. “Am okay” I whisper while looking over. “I just want you, okay?” I lean closer.

“Yes ma’am” He smiles, letting go of the break.

[dez78]

If the bombs never fell

----------

CHAPTER ONE: Eddie's Case

--------------------

Fandom: Fallout 4

Warnings: Mentions of Mary Jane, Crime Boss, Murder of Jennifer Lands

Summary: After the murder of his niece, Jennifer Lands, Nick Valentine is forced to sit in court and watch Eddie Winter get away with it.

Note: American air defenses were able to deflect the Chinese missiles and sent their own missiles. Ending the American and Chinese war.

Note 2: I might add details and a longer court hearing, but this is it for now.

Author's Note: This is an alternate universe if the bombs never fell, and I made it, so the companions live in this timeline with their respected jobs.

---------------

October 20th, 2077:

Recently, Eddie Winter killed Jennifer Lands, the niece of detective Nick Valentine. The BADTFL let Eddie go after he offered them a deal, which was kept from the public.

---------------------

Nora, a court lawyer, was in the Cambridge courthouse, listening to the disbandment of the Winter's End case along with Nick Valentine and Jonathan Widmark.

"And what say you in the court of law?" The Judge questioned; Jonathan sighed deeply as he looked up at Nick from the witness stand.

"I, Jonathan Widmark, state that Edward Winter is innocent of all crimes he was accused of." Jonathan replied. Nick's lip twitched, and Nora groaned as she sat down. It was over.

Nick was infuriated, even more so when his dear sister, Evelyn, got up and left the courtroom in tears. The judge hit the gavel on the table, ending the investigation for good.

--------------------

Jonathan caught up with Nick and Nora outside the courthouse,

"What the hell was that!?" Nick wailed as he spun around to face his partner in this ongoing case.

"Look, I know it's no justice. We were in the dark, pal. Eddie made a deal with the feds themselves. It's completely out of our hands. I'm sorry, pal, I really am." Jonathan explained.

"This entire case was just a distraction from the BADTFL to let Winter go." He added.

"Bullshit." Nora snorted in a displeased manner. They continued to walk through the parking lot to their cars.

"I'm truly sorry it had to be this way, pal." Jonathan explained as he looked at Nick with a dejected expression. The detective could only sigh.

"I knew moving here was a mistake. I promised Evelyn that Jenny would be safe. She's in the middle of a nasty divorce, and now her poor girl is gone. It's my fault." Nick explained.

"Hey, don't talk like that, pal, nothing is your fault. Eddie is a scumbag. His time will come." Jonathan stated as he rested his hand on Nick's shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze.

"Evelyn knows too that it isn't your fault. She's grieving, but she knows you would keep her best interest in mind." Nora chimed in with a comforting smile.

"Look, I know a guy who can help you deal with the trauma. Here's his digits." Jonathan said as he took out a notepad and wrote down a phone number.

"Give him a call and he can hook you up with some good help. You need it, pal." He continued as they stopped at their cars.

"I'll see what I can do." Nick mumbled beneath his breath as he unlocked his sedan.

"I hope you get the closure you deserve, pal. I really do." Jonathan said sympathetically,

"Keep an eye on this one, Elinora." He added with a quick wink, Nora smiled.

"Valentine is in good hands." She replied. Jonathan gave her a quick nod before sitting his car and starting the ignition.

The three of them drove away and went back to their respected homes.

-----------------------------

Nora got home late, she pulled into the apartment parking lot. She turned off her car and grabbed her things before heading into the apartment building.

Nora dug through her purse, looking for her keys as she walked up the stairs to her apartment.

When she reached the top, she found her keys, she went to her door and started to unlock it.

Her neighbor's door opened,

"Hey sunshine." Gruffed her neighbor John.

"How did the case go?" He asked as he smoked a joint of marijuana.

"They let him go." Nora sighed as she opened her door, she turned to face the man.

"They what?" John questioned baffled.

"It was all a set up. Eddie made a deal with the BAFTL to get off on all crimes." Nora explained.

"Those bastards! See I told you they were off. I knew something like this was going to happen." John spat angrily.

"This whole system is a bust. If I was presidant, I'd lock them all up." He grunted irritably taking a drag off his joint.

"But you're not and it's settled now. It's out of our hands now." Nora replied dryly.

"I'm going to get some shut eye. I'm exhausted." She added.

"I got some leftovers from the Drumlin, want some?" John offered,

"I'm good, I just want to sleep, thanks." Nora replied. John sighed.

"Suit yourself, toots." He said as he headed back into his own apartment. Nora shut her door and took off her coat, hanging it on the rack near the door.

She went over to the fridge and grabbed a cold Gwinnett Brew. She opened her drawer and got out the bottle opener. She popped the top off the brew. She kicked off her heels while walking to the couch.

She set her beer down on the coffee table and reached around her torso and unhooked her bra. She sighed a long breath,

"Yeahhhh." She sighed in relief. She tossed the damn thing across the room before sitting down. Her feet were sore from standing and walking in those blasted heels all day.

She reached out to grab her beer and the tv remote. She switched the tv on as she sat back against the couch, taking a swig of beer.

Piper Wright, the news reporter of Charlestown, spoke into a microphone right in front of the courthouse where Nora was about an hour ago.

"For what I can gather with the information I was given, it seems the notorious crime boss Edward Winter will be set free. According to authorities, Edward was found not guilty when Jonathan Widmark of the Boston PD made a statement earlier today. " Piper explained.

Nora made a face of disgust.

"Stupid ass system." She grumbled beneath her breath. She took another swig of beer.

"Thank you, Ms. Wright. We will keep the people of Boston informed." The newscaster explained.

Nora switched the channel. Her stomach rumbled, she looked down and sighed. She hadn't eaten since breakfast. The only food she had after breakfast was one cherry filled donut and four cups of Joe.

She decided it would be best to eat, she needed to feel good tomorrow. She wanted to take Nick and Evelyn out for breakfast. She got up and set her beer down.

She headed to her door and went to the hallway, knocking on John's door. She waited a few moments before the man opened the door.

"What's up, toots?" He asked,

"That food still on offer?" Nora questioned with a quirky expression as she folded her arms. John laughed,

"Sure thing, let me get that for you." He said as he headed back into his apartment. Nora stayed in the hallway; she could hear bags rustling. After a few moments, John came out with a bag of food.

"Here ya go. The stuff I couldn't finish." He said, Nora gave him a generous smile,

"Thanks, John, I appreciate it." She replied,

"Don't mention it. Listen, don't let this case bring you down. You did all you could. It's not your fault." John explained, Nora sighed with a nod.

"I know, it's just difficult watching this walk away after someone close got victimized." She spat; John grumbled.

"No worries, doll, that bastard will get what's coming to him." He reassured.

"I hope so." Nora snorted,

"Well you enjoy that food, I gotta hit the hay." John said as he threw his thumb over his shoulder, pointing to the inside of his apartment.

"Sure thing, I'll enjoy my food and you enjoy your beauty sleep." Nora teased; John howled a loud laugh as he started to shut the door.

"Night, sunshine." He said,

"Goodnight, John." Nora smiled as she headed back to her own apartment. John shut his door while Nora opened hers.

After she closed the door, her tabby, Nuka came over to her. She rolled her eyes playfully.

"Typical, I have food and you come out from hiding." Nora said as she laughed with a snort. Nuka stretched and meowed at her.

The woman sat on the couch and got into the bag immediately. There was a double cheeseburger, potato wedges, lobster roll, Nuka dog and a salad.

Her mouth watered as the aroma hit her nose. She sat back and ate like a queen. All while not having to leave her building nor cook. It was a good evening at least. She switched on the Silver Shroud show as she ate.

Eventually falling asleep on her couch while the tv continued to blare, Nuka finished the crumbs.

[halestrom]

"Specific fic" - authors game... TIA 💛

For Want of a Nail...

Fic: "Matching"

What if it wasn't Rodney but John wearing his black shirt and red flannel for the first time after the parasite...

(I'm not sure if this counts as a minor thing though)

Hmmngggg. This may be worked on when I’m sober and not on my phone and added as a coda onto ao3

John wasn’t sure why Rodney was staring at him. But he was, and he kept frowning at him even as they played some video games.

“Is there something in my teeth?” John asked jokingly.

Rodney shook his head. “No, no. Just….whatever. What we were talking about?”

“About how you weren’t sure if you wanted to marry Keller or not.”

Rodney frowned. “Look. She’s nice. And I like her.” Rodney trailed off again.

“Like her might be a good indication you don’t. You might want to aim for love.”

Rodney slumped back. “I want to love her.”

John snorted but didn’t comment.

“This should be easy!”

“Marriage isn’t an easy choice. It’s something you need to be sure about because the person you marry isn’t gonna be the same one you’re married to in five years.”

Rodney was silent for a long time. “Is that what happens to you?”

John nodded. “We grew apart. I loved her but we just weren’t the same people and didn’t fit anymore.”

Neither of them spoke for awhile and John became aware of Rodney staring at him and his character running off the track. “What?” John asked, letting a bite into his voice to get Rodney to answer.

Rodney sighed. “New shirt?”

John paused the game and glanced down, seeing the black and plaid. “No, I’ve had it for a few years.”

Rodney frowned.

“It’s just a shirt,” John said

“No, I know. I just…it’s dumb,” Rodney said shaking his head. “Whatever. So marriage is a bad idea.”

“It’s not a bad idea but you just need to want it.”

Rodney dropped his controller and leaned forward rubbing both hands over his face. “I don’t know.”

“Then don’t.”

“But I want to be married.”

“Be married? Or be married to her?”

Rodney sighed. “Be loved,” he mumbled.

John didn’t know what to say to that and so he bumped his shoulder against Rodney’s. “It’ll happen. Don’t force it.”

“Yeah, when?” Rodney snapped before he glared at John. “Why does your shirt make me happy?”

John looked down. “Dunno.” Rodney glared harder and John shrugged. “I seriously don’t know! I wore it…”

John trailed off and Rodney pounced. “What? Tell me?”

John remembered a moment on the pier and the terror of Rodney losing his mind and he sighed, not sure he wanted to tell him but Rodney was glaring at him and John knew he wouldn’t let it go.

“I wore it on the pier when you were losing your mind.”

“What?”

Rodney sounded confused and John understood why. He knew Rodney’s didn’t remember much and it was a terrifying time and he didn’t want to remember much of it.

“You got scared and we hung out a bit and I wore this,” John said looking at the screen and starting a new game.

Rodney didn’t say anything for long time and John didn’t ask. He didn’t want to know the answer.

“Oh,” Rodney said suddenly. “Oh.”

John didn’t look over and let the silence linger as he crashed on the screen and sighed, setting up a new game. He watched as Rodney’s avatar appeared next to his and set the game to start, watching the count down.

“I don’t think I’m going to marry Jennifer.”

John nodded. “Good you should wait to find someone you love to marry.”

“Yeah, yeah I should.”

[merluvlee-sims2]

Pleasantview - Burb: Prologue #3

One hot summer afternoon when they both had the day off, Jennifer and John sat down to catch up over John's famous burgers.

Suddenly, Jennifer's phone buzzed with a message from Melissa: "Coffee in 20?"

Jennifer smiled as she texted back, "Sounds good!"

"What's the good news?" John asked.

"Honey, I'm so sorry—" Jennifer stood up and started gathering her things. "But I forgot that I made plans with a friend, and now I'm running late. Can we talk later?"

"Yup," John said as his wife ran out the door. He sighed and muttered to himself, "I guess it's my turn to do the dishes again."

John vigorously cleaned the kitchen while his mind wandered. He felt frustrated by so many things. Jennifer seemed to think her career was more important than his, which meant that he often did the bulk of housework and parenting.

And there was another thing: when they first got married, they talked about having a big family. But lately, Jennifer didn't seem interested in trying to get pregnant again. It's not like John wanted to force her to do something she didn't want to—he would be just as happy with adopting more kids if Jennifer was against giving birth. But every time he tried to talk to Jennifer about the future, she only seemed capable of discussing her career.

[andrewmoocow]

Steven Universe Snake Eyes chapter 2: Let the Games Begin (originally published on September 4, 2023)

AN: Now that we have our first chapter out of the way, I'm sure you're all wondering what the Crystal Gems were doing before they got captured by the Slytherophidians. Well, you won't have to ask any longer because this chapter will answer any questions you might have about what happened after the end of Little Homeworld Life and set up what's to come for the remainder of Snake Eyes. With that out of the way, let's get it started!

Synopsis: On the planet Serpentes, the Crystal Gems are forced to fight in gladiator death matches against captive warriors from across the stars.

Cast:

Estelle as Garnet

Michaela Dietz as Amethyst, Famethyst

Deedee Magno-Hall as Pearl, The Black Pearl Brigade, Yellow Pearl, Blue Pearl, Volleyball

Jennifer Paz as Lapis, Laz, Zuli

Shelby Rabara as Peridot

Uzo Aduba as Bismuth

Kimberly Brooks as Jasper

Lauren Ash as White Topaz

Charlyne Yi as Ruby, Eyeball

Erica Luttrell as Sapphire

Patti LuPone as Yellow Diamond

Lisa Hannigan as Blue Diamond

Christine Ebersole as White Diamond

Sarah Stiles as Spinel

Christine Baranski as Hessonite

Olivia Olson as Citrine

Della Saba as Aquamarine

Christine Pedi as Holly Blue Agate

Avi Roque as Cinnabar

Gina Torres as Andesine

Peter Cullen as Titanium

Jeffrey Combs as Mercury

Bumper Robinson as Gold

Aimee Mann as Opal

Neil Flynn as Aescul

Featuring Aurelio Voltaire as King Cobralan Jormagundr

Shirley Millner as Queen Constricta Jormagundr

Jason Marsden as Prince Nosiop Jormagundr

Cissy Jones as Princess Naja Jormagundr

Henry Rollins as Captain Boa

Keith David as Pyth

John Moschitta Jr. as Bialyoom Milamin

Stephanie Escajeda as Meinerr

Terrence C. Carson as The Decimator

Steven Blum as Earthos

Jim Ross as Jiross

Michael Buffer as Michauffer

Peter Linz as Heckler #1

And Dave Goelz as Heckler #2

--

A few weeks before the attack of the Slytherophidians, Beach City was in celebration. At long last, Black Rutile had been defeated yet again, this time possibly for good as she and her Gem supporters were taken to prison in the darkest depths of space, and now life could go back to normal. For the Gems, this moment has become even more special as now they can finally get back to planning Ruby and Sapphire's wedding anniversary. With the decorations hung back up and a new cake on the table, the party could finally get started.

"Happy anniversary!" the Crystal Gems and people of Beach City cried as they celebrated Ruby and Sapphire's marriage. Ruby and Sapphire were so delighted to have everybody come to such a momentous occasion, they both thought it was like a dream.

"I wish this moment could last forever," Ruby said as she scooped up her blue wife in her stubby red arms. "Of course, I already have you to do it."

"Oh stop, Wuby!" Sapphire laughed and started baby-talking to her significant other while Amethyst and Pearl watched from the refreshments table.

"Ah, this is livin', Pearl Jam." Amethyst sighed in relief while taking a big gulp of punch. "Maybe now, we can finally have some peace and quiet with Black Rutile out of the way."

"Don't count on it, Amethyst." Pearl shook her head in reply. "With the Crystal Gems, you just never know when danger will be around the corner. Though frankly, I'm concerned that we've been in a lot more trouble than usual lately."

"Like I said, hopefully, we can have some peace and quiet for now," Amethyst said optimistically. "Though if trouble does come our way, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be ready!"

"Nice to see you're so positive, Amethyst." Pearl laughed at Amethyst's remark as the two continued watching Ruby and Sapphire embrace each other. "That reminds me, we should start planning for Steven's birthday soon. I think he's turning 18 now."

"Wow, eighteen, I can't believe it." Greg sighed in disbelief as he sat by the two Gems with a slice of cake in hand. "Well, better break out some of the good beer to celebrate."

"Hey, save it for when he's 21!" Amethyst exclaimed. "Though you're free to give me some if you want. I promise this won't end up like the last time I went out drinking."

"Yep, I had to explain everything to Mr. Dewey." Pearl groaned at the memory while Greg and Amethyst laughed the day away. Yes, it seemed like the Crystal Gems could finally return to their happily ever after, but unfortunately, this wouldn't last for long.

---

About three weeks later, Little Homeworld has come under attack. The Crystal Gems had received an urgent message from Peridot that a group of strange invaders had descended upon the town and were carting Gems off into their ship. The Crystal Gems raced to Little Homeworld as soon as it ended and were ready for a fight as soon as they got off the Warp Pad.

"Okay you intruders, surrender our friends now and we won't have to hurt you!" Garnet exclaimed as she prepared her gauntlets and pointed them at the armored snakelike invader pointing a futuristic blaster at Teal Zircon's head.

"Well, well, well. The Crystal Gems." The invader said, turning his head to face the Gems ready to fight him. "Hey guys, the Crystal Gems are here!" The other masked snakes all stopped what they were doing and politely greeted the Gems, ignoring the fact that just now they were holding everyone at Little Homeworld hostage. "Hey wait a sec, shouldn't there be a human sidekick with you? About yay high, inherited his mother's gem and has some serious emotional issues. Ring any bells?"

"Unfortunately, Steven is not with us right now." Pearl declared. "But that won't stop us from taking you down!"

"Then, by all means, come and get us." The snake leader proclaimed before firing from his blaster, only to be deflected by Lapis shielding the Crystal Gems with her water wings. "Watch out, they got a Lapis Lazuli!"

"Everyone spread out and get everyone away from these snakes!" Jasper commanded the other Crystal Gems before spin-dashing straight into the snakes' leader.

"Oh, you think we are snakes, eh?" the leader snake confidently said. "Perhapsss you'd like to ssssee how ssssnake-like we can BE!" Retracting his visor to reveal his reptilian face, the snake bared his fangs and bit Jasper on the neck, causing her to yelp in pain and surprise. "Here I thought you Gems were stronger than that!"

Meanwhile, Pearl and Lapis had enlisted the help of the Lapis twins and the Black Pearl Brigade to fight back against the snakes. "Okay girls, you take the 50 on the left, we'll take the 50 on the right."

"Screw you, we'll take all 100!" Braids of the Black Pearl Brigade yelled as she charged into battle against the snakes.

"That's the spirit!" Zuli exclaimed before turning her wings into a pair of water fists to punch the snakes away. "DORARARARARARARA, DORA!"

"Did you have any idea of where they came from?" Pearl asked Cap while slashing away at a few snakes.

"We have no clue!" Cap exclaimed. "Just this morning, they descended from the sky and said they were going to enslave us all or something. Well, I don't believe I'll ever be a slave again!"

"That's what you think, Pearlie." Another of the snakes said before brandishing a pair of handcuffs and trying to restrain Cap with them, but Nacre and Pearl got in his way. "Unhand me, Gems!"

"We won't let you hurt any of our friends!" Pearl exclaimed.

"You sure about that?" the snake said before pointing with his tail at Garnet, Amethyst, White Topaz, and Bismuth already restrained, with Peridot and Jasper on the run. "Face it, ladies, you're all coming with us now."

"To where?" Laz asked before she was quickly taken down.

"To meet your makers, that is." The snake smirked with a hiss. "Cuff 'em, boys!" At his command, the invading snakes had all of the Crystal Gems herded onto their ship in handcuffs and forced onboard along with dozens of other abducted aliens for yet unknown purposes.

"How did we get defeated so easily?!" Jasper roared furiously. "I could've sworn we had them in the bag!"

"I don't know, they ran circles around us!" Peridot replied nervously. "And they said we were going to meet our makers or something! What does that mean?"

"It means we have a special friend waiting for you in our world." The snake carrying Peridot under his arm like a large package said before speaking into a wrist communicator. "Maverick to Goose, how are things holding up on Homeworld?"

---

"Goose to Maverick, we got 'em pretty easily." Another snake soldier stationed on Homeworld replied. "Turns out they shut down their entire military at the beginning of Era 3 except for a few mercenaries. It's like they were asking for us to overpower them!"

"I want a lawyer, I want a doctor! I want a cheese sandwich!" Spinel yelled as she was tied up into a ball by a pair of snakes and rolled onboard their ship.

"You won't get away with his, Slytherophidians!" Yellow Diamond yelled as the Diamonds were given a special cell on the ship to accommodate their massive size. "The Crystal Gems will find you and you will soon pay!"

"Oh, don't get too cocky, because no one will miss you once you get slaughtered in the Contest of Champions." Goose sneered. "Guess that's what you get for slaughtering thousands over the years, trying to cover it up by saying you never destroyed a planet with sentient life, and brushed it all under the rug just because that pink brat is somehow still alive."

"Wait, a cover-up?" Yellow Pearl asked as she, Blue Pearl, and Volleyball were carted into a cell.

"Of course, there was a cover-up!" Goose explained. "What, you're their Pearls, you mean to tell me they don't trust you with any dark secrets? Oh wait, you're their Pearls, so they don't trust you with anything except standing around and looking cute."

"Hessonite, were you involved in this cover-up or whatever?" Citrine asked Hessonite in their cell.

"Yes, I did indeed lie about how some planets were completely barren once or twice," Hessonite admitted. "Like for example, remember what happened to Hosnian Prime?"

"I thought that was completely barren when you fired that giant laser at it," Citrine replied before the realization dawned on her. "Oooohhhhh noooooo."

"Yes, that was a part of us we refused to bring up for ages now." White Diamond declared. "I don't want to think of how Steven would react."

"We're already on thin ice with him as is, as the saying goes." Blue Diamond agreed.

"Okay, enough chit-chat, let's get this ship flying!" Goose commanded his subordinates as he pounded on the ship and ordered the vessel to start flying away from the Gem Homeworld.

---

Meanwhile, Maverick was piloting the ship that the Crystal Gems were on while his squad kept watch over their various extraterrestrial prisoners. In each specialized cell, their respective prisoners were kept under lock and key to prevent anyone from rebelling. In the Crystal Gems' cell, Pearl's face was pressed up against the glass barrier as a large hologram of an anthropomorphic king cobra dressed in regal attire activated to make an announcement.

"Good day to all my prisoners!" the snake greeted the reluctant passengers. "I am King Cobralan Jormagundr, the supreme ruler of the Slytherophidians of Serpentes, and I welcome you as the next generation of combatants in the Serpentes Contest of Champions! For those not in the know, we Slytherophidians live for gladiatorial combat, so we abduct species from across the universe to compete for our people's amusement. This was a tradition started eons ago by my beloved ancestor King Serpentes I, whom our beautiful planet was named for."

As King Cobralan continued explaining, he began presenting pictures of the Slytherophidians' home planet, which Pearl observed to have a fantasy-like architecture that seemed like a heavy mix of Indian, Egyptian, and Roman aesthetics. "You'll all be taken here to the Ouroborium, a very special arena built to suit the environments and needs of our competitors. And speaking of which, if you mess up or aren't seen as entertaining enough, there will be consequences."

To demonstrate, the scene changed to a pair of robots fighting each other before one of them suddenly blew up. And there was much rejoicing. "But don't you worry your pretty little heads, y'all!" Cobralan continued. "That's reserved for if everyone really hates you and wants you dead. But what are the odds of that happening, eh? And for our Gem friends in particular, we'll be keeping a close eye on you through your new producer! Give it up for the lovable Bialyoom Milamin and his beautiful assistant Meinerr!"

Automated clapping sounds began playing as a blue-skinned, birdlike humanoid in a fancy suit stepped forward along with a bronze-skinned woman in a power suit with her hair in a tight bun. "These two shall be your talent agents for the duration of your stay here, now play nice with them. And speaking of which, here we are on Serpentes now!"

Indeed, the ship had finally landed on the planet of the Slytherophidians, where the Gems would be forced into the biggest battle of their lives.

"I-do-declare, it-is-an-utmost-pleasure-to-be-serving-you-today-Crystal-Gems!" Bialyoom greeted the Gems. True to his last name, he was literally speaking a mile a minute. "I-had-served-as-producer-to-such-interesting-competitors-before-in-my-long-career, but-never-before-had-I-ever-dreamed-of-meeting-you!"

"Uh, could you repeat just about everything you said?" Amethyst asked, not understanding a word Bialyoom just said.

"You'll have to excuse my partner here, his species all talk faster than light." Meinerr apologized on Bialyoom's behalf before explaining herself. "What he is trying to say is that you are among the most unique competitors he has ever sponsored. With us, you are entitled to full merchandising and sponsorship rights for the duration of your stay, or however long you last in the games."

"Celebrity status again?" Pearl groaned disdainfully at the thought. "Look, we didn't even ask for this, we just wanted to live a normal, quiet life away from all of this. We literally just had this same escapade not too long ago!"

"Ah, so-you-have-experience-then!" Bialyoom exclaimed delightedly. "Then-you'll-fit-in-just-fine! Now-come-with-us, we-shall-show-you-to-your-accommodations!" As the ship landed in Serpentes's capital city of Alethinophidia, the Crystal Gems were escorted out and paraded through a crowd of cheering snakes toward the Ouroborium. In the near distance, another ship landed, and out came the Diamonds, but unlike the Crystal Gems, they were met with scorn and prejudice.

"Gems? This planet has really gone to the dogs." An elderly Slytherophidian in the crowd muttered disdainfully.

"That would require there to be dogs, to begin with!" another elderly Slytherophidian joked, causing the two to laugh at their joke.

---

At the Ouroborium, the Crystal Gems were shown to a rather lavish room where they'll be staying on Serpentes. There was a large chandelier hanging over them, a positively gorgeous rug beneath their feet, and all around them were paintings depicting the Slytherophidian royal family throughout the years. "Nice place we got here." White Topaz muttered in amazement. "I wish we could stay here forever!"

"Don't get too excited, we've been forced here against our will," Garnet said while sitting down on one of the plush couches. "Ooh, this is a nice couch. What material is it?"

"Some of the finest leathers in all of Serpentes," Meinerr answered. "But don't get too comfy, your first big battle is coming very soon!" She pulled out a tablet and began reading off of it. "You shall be pitted against three Metals in the competition, and it is absolutely recommended you slay them to gain the audience's approval."

"Wait, the Metals?! As in our ancient relatives created from the same cosmic deity, the Metals?!" Peridot exclaimed. "You have no idea what slaying them will do to our relationship with them, you clod!"

"Hey, we-don't-make-the-rules-here-Gems!" Bialyoom shrugged as a pair of snake guards grabbed Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl and escorted them out of the room. "Now-go-on-and-make-us-proud!"

---

Soon, the original three Crystal Gems were taken into the Ouroborium, where true to what King Cobralan said, it was a massive arena filled with throngs of cheering snakes all excited about the carnage that was about to take place. Towering above their subjects in a special box was what Pearl assumed to be the royal family of Serpentes, including their ruler King Cobralan Jormagundr. Alongside him were Queen Constricta, a female constrictor snake sitting on a throne alongside her husband, and their two children; a female Indian cobra named Naja and a male black mamba named Nosiop, Captain Boa and Pyth, an Indian python who served as the family's grand vizier.

"Ah, there they are." Cobralan hissed with a smile. "I see they've made themselves comfortable. Naja, my darling daughter, would you care to introduce them to our adoring fans?"

"It would be my honor, Father." Naja smiled back at her father before grabbing a microphone with her tail and tossing it into her hand. "Welcome adoring fans of all scales to the 420,000th annual Serpentes Contest of Champions!"

"420, nice," Amethyst smirked before Pearl shot her a glare. "Come on, they knew what they were doing!"

"For this contest, we have some very special guests fighting for our entertainment here today!" Naja declared. "Please put your hands, tails, and other limbs together for the Crystal Gems!" The reception to the Crystal Gems was rather mixed. Many were excited to see such intergalactic celebrities on Serpentes today, but tons of others were eager to see Gems get the karma they deserve for the chaos they brought over thousands of years. "We have been keeping an eye on our ancient foes for eons, always plotting to invite them here but never quite catching up with them. But that all changes today! Which reminds me, our guests should find their opponents very familiar! Give it up for the Metals!"

The crowd began going wild as Titanium, Mercury, and Gold were forced out into the arena by Slytherophidian guards to combat Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl. "The Crystal Gems, we meet at last." Titanium declared morosely. "I hope this won't damage our relationship with the rest of your kind."

"Man, I always wanted to fight one of you guys!" Gold said eagerly, only for Mercury to give him a gentle slap on the head.

"You realize that if we lose here, we'll die, right?" Mercury cautioned the young Metal. "Hopefully they can go easy on us."

"Face front, true believers, for we are about to witness history in the making!" Jiross, a Slytherophidian commentator in a cowboy hat exclaimed. "The Gems versus the Metals, which of these sister races shall come out on top and settle this age-old debate?!"

"Well, here we are today to answer that question once and for all!" the second commentator Michauffer added. "LET'S GET READY TO RUUUUUUMBLEEEEEE!"

"So we're all in agreement that we should go easy on the Metals, right?" Amethyst asked the other Crystal Gems as their battle against the Metals began.

"Agreed." Garnet complied with the smaller Gem's idea while clashing fists with Titanium. "We need to get to the bottom of this and quick."

"Makes me wonder how Steven is doing," Pearl stated as she was pitted against Mercury. "He must be worried sick about us."

---

High above the arena where the carnage has begun, the Jormagundr royal family spectated the fight from above, each displaying a variety of emotions. Naja was hyperventilating from the stress of opening up such a big event with Boa there to comfort her, Constricta remained stoic to hide her devilish smile, Cobralan eagerly watched the Gems fight for their lives, and Nosiop reclined in his chair with a bored expression on his face. "Father, must we force these Gems onto our planet instead of visiting them in person?"

"Come on son, it's tradition!" Cobralan merrily said to his son. "Live a little and enjoy the fight!"

"I agree, but can't we break tradition just this once?!" Nosiop objected. "Come on, let's conquer a planet or two!"

"Nosey, dearie, we're already the rulers of an entire galactic empire, what would a few planets change?" Constricta stated, stroking her son's back with her tail just as she saw Garnet clock Titanium in the face. "Ooh, right in the kisser!"

"And of course, nobody understands me." Nosiop rolls his eyes before turning his head away from the action to face his family's advisor. "They just don't get it, we should be out there enslaving and conquering, not sitting here and forcing species to come to us!"

"Oh, don't be so sad, my boy." Pyth purred with a hand on the angry prince's nose. "Perhaps there are other ways we can convince them, mark my words."

"Everyone, look!" Captain Boa shouted as he pointed towards the Crystal Gems having beaten the Metals at last. "Alright Naja, now's your time again!"

"Oh, right!" Naja nervously said before picking up the microphone again. "It seems the Metals have been taken down for the count! Now, what do we say when that happens?!"

"FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM!" the audience chanted vigorously, eager to see some heads roll. "FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM!"

"AS SQUAMATA AS MY WITNESS, IT'S OFF WITH HIS HEAD!" Jiross yelled excitedly.

"FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM!" the snakes continued chanting for the Gems to slay the Metals once and for all and win this round. However, the Crystal Gems quickly came to a decision.

"No!" Pearl announced. "We will never take a life for your entertainment!" Unfortunately for the Gems, the spectators weren't pleased and began booing them instead.

"Go back to Earth, you hippies!" one of the audience members jeered before throwing a block of cheese at Amethyst, who quickly caught it in her mouth.

"See, told you the Gems wouldn't kill." One of the hecklers said to his elderly friend.

"How can somebody die when they're barely alive?" the other heckler stated before the two laughed.

---

"Well, this is an interesting development," Cobralan smirked before taking the microphone from his daughter. "As king, I shall allow this even if it means breaking the rules a little. We wouldn't want such special guests to have their time cut short."

"Are you serious right now?!" Nosiop yelled angrily. "They aren't even respecting the rules! We should have them executed on the spot at once!"

"Come on Nosey, just let Dad handle this." Naja tried calming her big brother down.

"No, I will not allow any breaking of our rules to go unpunished like this!" Nosiop continued yelling before Pyth put a scaly hand on the prince's shoulder.

"Just let it go, young man. Now come with me." Pyth said calmingly before the grand vizier took Nosiop away. "We have much to discuss."

---

"What-was-the-meaning-of-this?!" Bialyoom yelled angrily. "You-can't-just-decide-not-to-kill-your-opponent-like-that! It's-unheard-of!"

"Let us tell you what else is unheard of." Garnet firmly stated to Bialyoom. "We would never kill anybody for entertainment, especially if they were begging for their lives."

"We understand your fears Crystal Gems, but know that your approval rating means everything on Serpentes," Meinerr explained while presenting the Crystal Gems with a tablet demonstrating just that. "And wouldn't you know it, it's falling pretty quick."

"No matter what you tell us, we won't obey!" Pearl exclaimed. "But would it be okay if we just knocked out our opponents and let them live?"

"Oh, look at that. The Crystal Gems refuse to listen to anyone but themselves." Aquamarine smirked as she, Eyeball, Holly Blue, Cinnabar, and Andesine entered the Crystal Gems' room.

"Ugh, these guys." Bismuth rolled her eyes. "What do the Rutile Rebels want now?"

"For the record, we have now called ourselves the Andesine Armada." Andesine stated. "On account of our former leader being too much of a coward to continue guiding us before she abandoned us and ran off."

"Hey, I thought we agreed that we were going to call ourselves the Aquamarine Militia!" Aquamarine snapped at Andesine.

"No, I distinctly remember that our new name was going to be the Agate Gang!" Holly Blue yelled at the other rebel Gems.

"This arguing is getting us nowhere." Cinnabar quickly shut everyone up. "What we're trying to say is that we could lose our lives in these games. If you don't toughen up and start killing a few people, you will very well be killed. Which is why we've taken the initiative and started taking a few lives for ourselves."

"That-reminds-me, Amethyst-and-Pearl-have-a-fight-coming-up-against-the-Decimator-and-Earthos, two-of-the-deadliest-fighters-in-the-galaxy!" Bialyoom stated. "Now-go-go-go-make-us-proud!"

"The Decimator? He sounds awesome!" Amethyst cheered as she and Pearl were forced out of their room and back into the arena. "Can't wait to see how he decimates us!"

"Amethyst!" Pearl yelled.

---

"Well, it seems that our Gem friends are back for another round." Jiross declared as Pearl and Amethyst were forced back into the arena, this time against the Decimator, a massive, tattooed warrior wielding a pair of blades connected by an iron chain, and Earthos, a wolverine-like alien with sharp iron claws. "In this corner, we have the Decimator, one of the most fearsome warriors in the universe who is feared for rampaging across five galaxies in search of his enemies, and Earthos, who can make claws out of iron sand beneath his feet!"

"I have butchered millions across countless moons." The Decimator boomed in a deep, intimidating voice.

"We are totally ill-equipped for this." Pearl quivered in fear of the Decimator before Amethyst took her hand.

"Not entirely!" Amethyst exclaimed before twirling Pearl around and causing the two of them to glow, culminating in them fusing into Opal.

"And it looks like we got ourselves a fusion here, folks!" Michauffer exclaimed. "Looks like an Opal too, with those multiple arms and the bow and arrow! Jiross, what are your thoughts?"

"It's gonna be a slobberknocker!" Jiross yelled at Opal aimed down her sights and fired straight at the Decimator's eye, but he dodged just in time and the arrow accidentally stabbed a Slytherophidian in the audience. "Ooh, talk about a sorry excuse for aiming straight and true!"

"Dammit, let me handle this!" Earthos snarled as he formed claws of iron sand on his hands and began slashing at Opal, giving her a few scratches in the process but nothing too serious. "That's right, away you go!"

"On your left!" Opal cried before launching an arrow up into the air, making Earthos wonder if she was crazy or something. However, the arrow quickly returned to the Ouroborium and stabbed Earthos in his left side, knocking him out for the count. "And as for you."

"This should be easy." The Decimator said confidently while cracking his knuckles and throwing his blades at Opal, but she nimbly dodged them as they smashed to the ground, climbing her way up the giant's body and dodging more of his attacks. "Hold still, little fusion!"

"Not a chance!" Opal yelled as she did a spinning kick to the Decimator's face, sending him falling to the ground directly on top of one of the bleachers, crushing numerous spectators in the process. "Oh my goodness, I didn't realize there were innocents there!"

"Now you're getting it." The Decimator laughed weakly as he lay defeated. "Now finish me."

The chanting started again. "FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM!"

"The answer's still no!" Opal proclaimed, sticking true to the Crystal Gems' principles even when the Slytherophidians started booing yet again.

"Can't please everybody," Pearl said as she and Amethyst unfused and began leaving.

"Life goes on, but I believe we'll forever carry the pain on the inside, P," Amethyst added. "Got it from that janitor on TV."

---

"Why are we still allowing this?!" Nosiop yelled angrily at Opal's refusal to kill the Decimator, even though their battle had unknowingly claimed the lives of hundreds. "We should execute them immediately; this is an utter affront to our warrior culture!"

"Oh come now Nosiop, you're being too overbearing," Cobralan stated with a laugh. "Those Gems will be very important to us when the time comes, but in the meantime, we can just enjoy the festivities."

"Your Highness, we have a message from our deep cover agent on Earth!" a Slytherophidian servant yelled as he raced to his liege and presented a crackling communicator. "He says Steven Universe is coming!"

"Is he now?" Cobralan smiled as he picked up the communicator and started speaking into this. "Hello Aescul, I trust that you completed your mission?"

"Yes Milord, I have Steven on my ship as we speak, along with a few extra passengers," Aescul replied. "We'll be within Serpentes airspace in just a few moments."

"Wonderful! It'll truly be an honor to meet Steven at last!" Cobralan laughed while his son rolled his eyes.

"If he's anything like the other Gems, I'm not holding my breath," Nosiop said before Cobralan put the communicator down and began leaving. "Where are you going?"

"To visit our special friend, so to speak," Cobralan answered, knowing that his son and heir knew what he was talking about. "Gather the rest of the family, my boy." He then snuck away into a hidden chamber within the castle to meet with this special friend.

"The one called Universe is upon us," Cobralan said as Nosiop, Naja, Constricta, Boa, and Pyth stood before a large shadowy figure. "Soon, he will tell us all that he knows."

---

Seriously, who is this guy that the royal family keeps talking to?! Well, I'm the only one who knows the answer, but I'm not telling until the time is right! In the meantime, keep those theories a-coming and I'll see you next time!

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Jesse Duquette, The Daily Don

* * * *

Follow up on Justice Alito’s dissent.

         In my brief weekend note, I described Justice Alito’s dissent in the US Supreme Court’s mifepristone order as part of “his descent into terminal crankiness” that “belittles the medical necessity of mifepristone and women’s rights to healthcare.” With the benefit of reflection, others have pointed out the alarming attack by Alito on the federal government. In his opinion, Alito said that

the Government has not dispelled legitimate doubts that it would even obey an unfavorable order in these cases, much less that it would choose to take enforcement actions to which it has strong objections.

         In other words, Alito posits that the federal government would simply ignore an order by the Supreme Court revoking the approval of mifepristone. Alito cites no authority for those “doubts” nor does he describe why those suspicions about the government’s response have the aura of “legitimacy””

         Alito has wandered into the territory of conspiracy theories being traded on the internet. As Jennifer Rubin writes in her op-ed, The Supreme Court delivers a sigh of relief — and an outrageous dissent,

The opinion is so lacking in judicial reason and tone that Supreme Court advocates and constitutional experts with whom I spoke were practically slack-jawed.

         Someone needs to do a wellness check on Justice Alito—for his own good and that of the Court and the nation. If only Chief Justice John Roberts viewed his role as something more than a ceremonial title, he would be person to take the lead. But there is little hope that he will act in this matter—given that he has punted on the investigation into Justice Thomas.

Justice Roberts declines to act on Justice Thomas.

         Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin wrote to Chief Justice Roberts asking him to investigate Justice Clarence Thomas’s failure to report financial relationships with Harlan Crow. In response to his letter, Senator Durbin received a letter from the US Judicial Conference, stating,

I write in response to the letter of April 10, 2023, from you and other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to the Chief Justice of the United States, which has been referred to me.

         In other words, Chief Justice Roberts merely forwarded Durbin’s letter to the US Judicial Conference for response to Durbin. That would be the same Chief Justice Roberts who spent over $1 million investigating a leak of the Dobbs opinion and who cannot be bothered to investigate what appear to be clear violations of criminal law by Justice Thomas. Coward.

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

[kanisema-blog]

My In-Laws are Obsessed with Me

Chapter 12

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready for another day of relaxation. After a quick breakfast in my room, I joined Emily and Jessica at the resort’s spa. The soft, soothing music and the scent of lavender in the air immediately put me at ease.

As we settled into our lounge chairs, Emily started talking about the latest gossip at our company. “Did you hear about the new project proposal from the marketing team? They’re planning a huge campaign for the launch of our series.”

Jessica rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I heard. They’re going all out. It’s going to be massive.”

“It better be,” I said with a smile. “We’ve put so much effort into this series. It deserves a grand launch.”

“I’m just glad we’re done with the episodes,” Emily said, sighing contentedly. “Now we can focus on other things, like relaxing at this amazing spa.”

We spent the morning enjoying various treatments, from facials to massages. It was the perfect way to unwind after the hectic weeks leading up to the completion of our project.

After the spa, we met up with Mark at the resort’s restaurant for lunch. The atmosphere was lively, with guests chatting and enjoying their meals. We found a cozy table by the window, overlooking the pool.

“This place is amazing,” Mark said, glancing around. “We should come here more often.”

“I agree,” Jessica said, taking a sip of her iced tea. “It’s the perfect getaway.”

We spent the meal talking and laughing, sharing stories and catching up on each other’s lives outside of work. It was a reminder of how important it was to take time to connect with the people who mattered to us.

After lunch, we headed back to the swimming pool for one last swim. The water was cool and refreshing, and we spent a few hours lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun.

As the afternoon turned into evening, we decided it was time to start packing up. We returned to our rooms, gathering our things and preparing to check out. I felt a twinge of sadness as I zipped up my suitcase, knowing that our mini-vacation was coming to an end.

I was the first to finish packing and made my way to the lobby to check out. As I handed my room key to the receptionist, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

“Kelly?”

I turned to see Jennifer, John’s younger sister, approaching me with a bright smile. Jennifer was an artist—a talented singer and dancer who had always been full of life and energy.

“Jennifer, hi!” I greeted her, surprised but happy to see her. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for a performance,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “There’s a big event tonight, and I’m one of the featured artists.”

“That’s amazing,” I said genuinely. “I’ve always loved your performances.”

“Thanks, Kelly,” she said, her smile widening. “Are you here for the event too?”

“No, actually,” I replied. “I’ve been here with my team for a little getaway. We just finished a big project, so we came to relax for the weekend.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Jennifer said, her expression softening. “You deserve it. I remember John always talking about how hard you work.”

A wave of nostalgia washed over me at the mention of John. “Thanks, Jennifer. It’s been a nice break.”

“You should come to the performance tonight if you can,” she said enthusiastically. “It would be great to have you there.”

“I’ll see if I can make it,” I promised, touched by her invitation.

Jennifer reached out and gave me a quick hug. “It was so good to see you, Kelly. I hope we can catch up more soon.”

“Me too,” I said, returning her hug. “Good luck with your performance tonight.”

With a final smile, Jennifer waved goodbye and headed toward the rehearsal area. I watched her go, feeling a mix of emotions. It was always strange and bittersweet to run into John’s family, but it also reminded me of the bonds we had formed.

I finished checking out and waited for Emily, Jessica, and Mark to join me in the lobby. As we loaded our bags into our cars and prepared to leave, I couldn’t help but reflect on the weekend. It had been a perfect balance of relaxation and connection, a reminder of the importance of taking time for ourselves and the people we cared about.

As we drove away from the resort, I felt a renewed sense of energy and purpose. No matter what the future held, I knew I could face it with the support of my friends and the memories of moments like these to carry me through.

[john-smiths-jawline]

Chapter 7: Planning, Corners, And Getting The Gang Back Together

“I take it this means you’re back in?” John smiled.

“Oh God, yes.” The game was back on. But John wasn’t done yet. “Sherlock?” He took a deep breath and let it out with a sigh. “Sherlock—” But Sherlock already knew what John had to say.

“John it’s okay—” and he gathered John into his arms. John lifted his head from its resting place in Sherlock’s chest, so he was looking right into those beautiful blue- grey- green eyes. He grabbed Sherlock’s hand when it tried to wipe away the tears welling in his eyes, bringing it along the detective’s distinctive cheekbones. He needed Sherlock to understand this.

“No, Sherlock, it’s not. I— I trusted that rat when I should have trusted you. I should know by now— you would never kill someone unless you had too. Or maybe you didn’t kill him at all. But if you did— I don’t care. All that matters is that he killed you, Sherlock, he robbed you, and me by extension, of the world. He was in the wrong. He will always be in the wrong.” He grabbed Sherlock’s hand and held it close to his face. John’s chin may only come up to a little bit above Sherlock’s shoulder, but somehow he commanded the energy of a room. Or their small part of the acid trip judgement center that was the Gone Before Your Time Department.

“Jooooohn!” Ana Sofia yells, running over to him.

“Yes, Ana Sofia?” John sighed. Dammit. They were having a moment. But, John supposed, this was exactly on brand for And Sofia. Every time he got a second alone, she always barged in. But, after seeing her— mangled, broken— ahem, body, he minded less and actually sometimes wished she would interrupt him again, if only to hear her voice. Well, he certainly was getting his wish.

“JohnJohnJohn! We found a corner!” She stopped and thought a bit. “Well, we didn’t find a corner, exactly. We couldn’t. So we made one!” She almost yelled, turning that starry smile of hers back on.

“We did our best, but I can tell Soo Lin isn’t completely sold. Neither is Jennifer, but personally I think it is a pretty good corner, really good in fact, quite possibly the best corner to ever be a corner and is there a corner championship? Because if so then this corner—” 

“Ana Sofia,” John sighed. It happened again. She goes on indignant rants until she passes out from lack of oxygen, and John did not have the time of patience to wait another six minutes or so for that to happen, especially not when she interrupted their moment.

“Ana Sofia,” he tried again. It was not working.

“—you know what, I don’t think there is a corner championship, well, maybe we should invent one, just to show Soo Lin and Jennifer that our corner is in fact the best—”

“ANA SOFIA!” John finally yelled, military style. She paused, finally, halfway through a word. She dropped her hands from where they were waving wildly before to down by her sides and sighed. She looked like a deflated balloon.

“I did it again, didn’t I?” She said dejectedly.

“You did it again,” John confirmed.

“Sorry,” she apologized. John shrugged.

“It’s fine. Now, come on, let’s see this ‘corner of the millennia,’ shall we?” Ana Sofia led the way.

It was, in fact, an unbelievable corner. Unbelievable in the way that you couldn’t believe it was standing at all. They were lucky there wasn’t wind in the Department, otherwise their corner would have blown away. They had, apparently, wished fifty Wishing Chairs to turn into walls, and then haphazardly set them all leaning against each other. Jennifer was pinching the bridge of her nose. Soo Lin was making tea on another one of the Wishing Chairs. Really, it was all just a wreck. Meanwhile, Ana Sofia is jumping up and down next to him like a squirrel on steroids.

“Isn’t it just the best wall ever?” Jennifer turned around.

“NO. No it is not. This is…” she waved her hands around, pointing vaguely at the area that has the corner in it. “This is a disaster! I can’t believe you got into the military with that attitude!” Ana Sofia deflated again. Something about her John learned very quickly was that Ana Sofia is extremely sensitive to criticism. Insult her, and she looks like a kicked puppy.

“Jennifer…” John tried. “Give her a break.” She still looked like she was doubtful it could ever work (and privately, John agreed), but she just gave John an unimpressed look, turned on her heels, and said, “Let’s move on, then,” to which John agreed. Phases One and now, Two, were all in place. It was time for Phase Three. Now, once, Moriarty was cornered, they all moved in, using all their unique skill sets. Sherlock and John wouldn’t make an appearance just yet, and in fact would pretend to still be broken up. This part of the plan was met with a reassuring glance at Sherlock who looked concerned.

“It’s okay, love it’s only an act. There was never anything to forgive you for, I was just being an ass.” With a deep breath and a squeeze of John’s hand, Sherlock agreed.

Ana Sofia would bounce in first, ant attempt to overwhelm them with her… Ana Sofia-ness, was the kindest way John could put it. Then, the calm, controlled Deer would come in and try to out mind-game Moriarty. Red and Rosie, John added firmly, would not be participating.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re dead already, they’re still just kids. Even if you do account for the time they’ve been dead, Rosie would be ten and Red would be nine, Sherlock, and I wouldn’t let a ten-year-old and a nine-year-old in on this either.”

“But Papa—” Red started to object, until Rosie put her finger on his lips.

“Hush-hush, Reddie.” Red pouted but agreed. 

Everything else fell into place. Now, as Ana Sofia, declared, it was showtime!

“If you start singing, I’m gonna throw up.” John declared.

Gone Before Your Time

Summary: AU where Sherlock dies when he jumps and John commits suicide. They both end up in the Gone Before Your Time Department, where people who die before their scheduled death end up. They meet each other there and have to make a plan to make sure that Moriarty, who is also in the Department, goes to hell (quite literally). But it’s not as straightforward as anyone would like. There are lies, plans within plans, and people from the past that Sherlock and John would both rather forget. There will be ten chapters and an epilogue. Tags will be added as the story progresses. Please leave a comment! (Major Character Death is for first chapter only)

[anonymousewrites]

A Study of the Heart and Brain (Book 1) Chapter Three

Chapter Three: Suspicious Cab

Note: Very sorry I didn't update this Monday, I have had a hectic week.

            John sighed as he realized Sherlock and (Y/N) had disappeared into the night. He was also growing exasperated as Donovan continued talking.

            “One day, he’s going to be the one putting the body there. Probably will be that poor kid,” said Donovan with fake concern. “I’d watch out. He doesn’t have friends. Just uses people. And he’s turning that kid into a freak just like him.”

l

            A few minutes away for Lauriston Gardens, (Y/N) was lowering themself into yet another trash bin as Sherlock foraged through the other next to them. So far, they hadn’t found a sign of the pink suitcase, and it had been almost an hour. However, there were only so many places the killer could have hidden the case, so they were bound to find it eventually.

            And find it they did. “Sherlock!” called (Y/N) as they pulled the pink case from underneath a bag of rubbish. “Got it!”

            Sherlock hopped out of his own bin and took the pink case from (Y/N)’s hands. He then reached back up and lifted (Y/N) down as they sat on the edge of the bin.

            “Perfect,” said Sherlock eagerly, gazing at the suitcase. “Let’s head back to Baker Street and look through it.”

            “Showers first,” said (Y/N). “We smell like death.”

            Sherlock grinned at the joke as he hailed a cab.

l

            An hour later, washed and not smelling like rubbish, Sherlock and (Y/N) opened the case and searched through it. Clothes, toiletries, makeup, a book, all was there. All was there, except for Jennifer Wilson’s phone.

            “Murderer must still have it,” said (Y/N).

            Sherlock nodded. “Number is on the luggage label. We’ll text it and draw them out.”

            “My phone is dead, and yours is on the website. John’s would be best,” concluded (Y/N).

            Sherlock nodded. “I’ll text him.” After he sent the texts, he glanced at where (Y/N) was endeavoring to cover a yawn. “You should sleep. It will take some time to get a response.”

            (Y/N) shook their head. “I’m fine. I want to help with the case. I want to think on what we know. Maybe I’ll figure something out.”

            Sherlock raised an eyebrow. “Your mind will be useless if you don’t get proper rest.”

            “You don’t sleep much,” argued (Y/N).

            “I’m older, and my mind has finished developing,” said Sherlock. (Y/N) opened their mouth to argue but was met with a disapproving glare (neither saw it in the moment, but if John was there, he’d describe the scene as a father trying to get his stubborn kid to bed).

            “Fine, I’ll lay down. But I won’t promise I’ll sleep,” said (Y/N).

            Sherlock considered for a moment. “Alright.” He nodded.

            (Y/N) flopped down on the sofa and closed their eyes. Their mind was abuzz with information as they reviewed all of the facts they had and tried to surmise how the serial killer was getting around and forcing his victims to kill themselves. The next thing they were aware of in the real world was John talking to Sherlock.

            “Nicotine patch. Helps me think,” said Sherlock.

            (Y/N) opened their eyes and sat up. They glanced at the patches. (Y/N) remembered that Sherlock had done drugs, but after he figured out that their mind linked drugs to abandonment due to their mother, he had switched to smoking and nicotine patches. (Y/N) had never told him that they felt uncomfortable and anxious around drugs now, but Sherlock had quietly understood and even made a change to make them more comfortable. It was yet another reason they felt safe with him, even if people claimed he was dangerous.

            “Impossible to sustain a smoking habit in London these days,” he continued. “Bad news for brain work.”

            John raised an eyebrow. “And it’s good news for breathing?”

            “Oh, breathing. Breathing’s boring,” said Sherlock casually.

            “Is that three patches?” wondered John incredulously, catching a glance of the other two patches on Sherlock’s sleeves.

            “It’s a three-patch problem,” said Sherlock as if that explained everything.

            “Can we borrow your phone?” asked (Y/N), startling John, who hasn’t realized they were awake.

            “My phone?” he questioned in confusion.

            “Yes, mine is dead, and Sherlock’s could be recognized,” said (Y/N), nodding and getting up to look for a lollipop.

            “What about Mrs. Hudson?” asked John. He was exasperated at the fact that he was called all the way back to 221B just to let Sherlock use his phone.

            “She’s out tonight, bingo or something,” said Sherlock, shrugging.

            “I was on the other side of London,” said John indignantly.

            “There was no hurry,” said Sherlock.

            John sighed and handed the phone over to (Y/N). “So what’s this about? The case?”

            “Her case,” murmured Sherlock as he laced his fingers and began thinking of how exactly to text Jennifer Wilson’s phone.

            “Her case?” John asked.

            “Her suitcase, yes, obviously. The murderer took her suitcase. First big mistake,” said Sherlock absently.

            “Okay, so he took her case. So?” asked John as (Y/N) glanced at the suitcase label for her phone number.

            “You’re touchy right now,” noted (Y/N). They glanced at John’s tense posture. “What happened?”

            “Just met a friend of Sherlock’s,” said John.

            “A friend?” (Y/N) furrowed their brow. He’s already met Lestrade and Mrs. Hudson. Not really anyone else to meet.

            “An enemy,” conceded John.

            “Ah.” That makes more sense.

            “Which one?“ asked Sherlock curiously.

            “Your archenemy, according to him,” said John. He frowned. “Do people have archenemies?”

            Mycroft, identified (Y/N). “Did he offer you money to spy on us?”

            “Yes,” said John. “Also said you should do something better with yourself than be a consulting detective.”

            I’m not working for the government, thought (Y/N). So many rules, no thank you.

            “Did you take the money?” asked Sherlock.

            “No,” said John. He may not have known Sherlock and (Y/N) for king, but he wasn’t going to go spouting their going-ons to a random man who seemed rather threatening.

            “Damn,” muttered (Y/N).

            “Pity, we could have split the money. Think it through next time,” said Sherlock.

            “Who is he?” asked John, thinking back to the man who could move private businesses’ security cameras and contact telephones.

            “The most dangerous man you’ve ever met, and not my problem right now,” said Sherlock, steepling his fingers. “(Y/N), text these words exactly: ‘What happened at Lauriston Gardens? I must have blacked out. Twenty-two Northumberland Street. Please come.’ “

            “Got it,” said (Y/N), nodding and sending it.

            “You blacked out?” questioned John in confusion.

            “What? No, no,” said Sherlock, shaking his head.

            “Here you go, John.” (Y/N) tossed his phone back to him.

            John was about to thank them when he saw Sherlock looking through a pink suitcase. “That’s…That’s the pink lady’s case. That’s Jennifer Wilson’s case,” he exclaimed.

            “Yes, obviously,” said Sherlock. Seeing John’s staring, he added, “Perhaps I should mention we didn’t kill her.”

            “I never said you did,” said John.

            “Why not? Given the fact we have the case, it’s a perfectly logical assumption,” said Sherlock.

            “Do people usually assume you are murderers?” asked John concernedly.

            “Well, people have said that because I’m this cold at fifteen I’m going to become a psychopath,” said (Y/N) with faux-cheerfulness.

            “You met Donovan and Anderson. You heard what they think of us,” said Sherlock, shrugging.

            “Okay…But how did you get the case?” wondered John.

            “We looked,” said (Y/N). “The killer to her to Lauriston gardens and must have kept her case in the car by accident. No one can be seen with such a case without drawing attention, and if the killer is a man, which is statistically more likely, people would notice him even more. He’d need to get rid of it.”

            “It wouldn’t have taken him more than five minutes to realize his mistake, so we checked every back street wide enough for a car five minutes from Lauriston Gardens and anywhere you could dispose of a bulky object without being observed. Took us less than an hour to find the right bin,” said Sherlock.

            “Pink. You got all of that because you realized the case would be pink?” John was incredulous.

            “It had to be pink,” said (Y/N), shrugging like it was obvious.

            “Why didn’t I think of that?” muttered John to himself.

            “Because you’re an idiot,” said Sherlock. When John looked at him, startled and offended, the detective waved him off. “No, no, no, don’t be like that. Practically everyone is. (Y/N) and I are exceptions.”

            “Now look. Do you see what’s missing?” said (Y/N), nodding to the case.

            “From the case? How could I?” asked John in confusion.

            “Where’s her phone?” (Y/N) pointed to the label of the case. “She obviously had one, we just texted it, but it’s not here and it wasn’t on the body.”

            “Maybe she left it at home?” offered John in explanation.

            “She had a string of lovers, and she was careful about it. She never would have left her phone at home,” said Sherlock.

            John accepted the explanation. “So then why did you send the text?“

            “Well, the question is where is her phone now?” said Sherlock.

            “She could have lost it,” pointed out John.

            “Or…” began Sherlock, raising an eyebrow.

            “Or…the murderer. You think the murderer has the phone?” wondered John.

            “She might have left it when she left her case or maybe the murderer took it from her,” said (Y/N). They twirled their lollipop around between their fingers. “Either way, the balance of probability is the murderer has her phone.”

            “Sorry, what are we doing? Did you just text a murderer?! What good will that do?!” John was aghast, and just as he took a deep breath, the phone began to ring. Everyone froze and looked at it.

            “A few hours after his last victim, and now he receives a text that can only be from her.” Sherlock’s eyes gleamed victoriously. “If someone had just found that phone, they’d ignore a text like that, but the murderer…”

            The ringing stopped abruptly.

            “…would panic.” (Y/N) grinned. They always got immense satisfaction when a criminal made a mistake and fell into a trap they set.

            Sherlock, satisfied, stood and began pulling his scarf and jacket on, tossing (Y/N) their sweater.

            “Have you talked to the police?” asked John, watching them get ready to leave without a care in the world.

            “Four people are dead, John. There isn’t time to talk to the police,” said Sherlock.

            “So off to Northumberland Street we go!” chirped (Y/N) brightly. Due to it being a chilly night, they grabbed an additional jacket and threw it on.

            John sighed as if over their antics, but nonetheless, he followed Sherlock and (Y/N) out into the brisk air of a London night.

            “You think he’s stupid enough to go there?” questioned John as they walked.

            “No, I think he’s brilliant enough,” said Sherlock with a smirk.

            “The brilliant ones are always desperately trying to be caught,” said (Y/N), a Cheshire smile on their face.

            “They are?” John frowned and furrowed his brow.

            “Appreciation! Applause! At long last the spotlight!” exclaimed Sherlock, waving a hand dramatically. “That’s the frailty of genius, John: it needs an audience.”

            I don’t know if he’s being self-aware or oblivious, thought (Y/N). Well, I’m aware of short-comings, at least. And I have a lot.

            “This is his hunting ground, right here in the heart of the city,” continued Sherlock. “Now that we know his victims were abducted, that changes everything. Because all his victims disappeared from busy streets, crowded places, but no one saw them go. Think!” He was half talking to (Y/N) and John and half talking to himself. “Who do we trust, even though we don’t know them? Who passes unnoticed wherever they go? Who hunts in the middle of a crowd?”

            (Y/N) shrugged in answer. “Dunno. Who?” asked John.

            “Have the faintest.” Sherlock snapped back to casualness in an instant. “Hungry?” He nearly skipped up the stairs of a small restaurant entrance.

            “Didn’t realize I was, but I am!” said (Y/N).

            “You should be more aware of your own needs,” said Sherlock, rolling his eyes.

            “Eh, I could have gone on for a few more hours,” said (Y/N), shrugging the comment off.

            Sherlock gave them a pointed look out of the corner of his eye. “During a case is not the time to conduct experiments on how much your body can handle. So we’re eating.”

            “Sounds good to me,” said (Y/N).

            John smiled to himself as he watched Sherlock, called a freak and uncaring, made sure (Y/N) ate enough. It was a rather domestic scene. Or, at least, John thought it was these strange geniuses’ version of domesticity. Either way, it made him like the pair and respect Sherlock a little more than the carefree air he put on did.

l

            (Y/N) settled in and, while watching the people and cars passing outside, began eating. Sherlock and John had also ordered food, but Sherlock was doing no eating as he stared out and tried to figure out who could be the murderer while John shifted uncomfortable from the silence.

            “So…Sherlock…you have a girlfriend?” asked John in an attempt to make conversation.

            “No, not really my area,” drawled Sherlock as he gazed out across the street.

            “So…do you have a boyfriend?” questioned John, misunderstanding the response a little. “Which is fine, by the way.”

            “I know it’s fine, why would I keep (Y/N) around if I didn’t think so?” asked Sherlock.

            “Either way I go is not a heterosexual relationship,” said (Y/N), nodding.

            “Ok, so unattached, like me,” said John, nodding.

            This time, it was Sherlock who misunderstood. “Look, John, I’m flattered, but I consider myself married to my work…”

            John shook his head. “Oh, no, I wasn’t suggesting…” he trailed off awkwardly.

            “Hey, Sherlock, what do you think of that cab?” said (Y/N), pointing out the window to save themself further secondhand embarrassment.

            “Cab?” Sherlock furrowed his brow before brightening. “Oh, cab! That’s clever!”

            “Why is that clever?” asked John, once more being confused. He looked out at the taxi. “That’s him?”

            “Don’t stare,” said Sherlock.

            “You’re staring,” shot back John.

            “All three of us can’t stare,” said Sherlock as he stood and pulled on his coat, forgetting the food growing cold in his plate. (Y/N) finished their bite before grabbing their jacket and following him out with John.

            As they left the restaurant, the cab pulled away from the curb. Sherlock and (Y/N) didn’t hesitate to run after it, not even glancing at traffic. Sherlock grabbed (Y/N)’s jacket collar to tug them away from some of the oncoming cars that were unceremoniously honking their horns and yelling at the pair.

            “Damn,” sighed (Y/N).

            Sherlock held up a hand as he squeezed his eyes closed and concentrated. They snapped back open. “Right turn, one way, roadwork, traffic lights,” he said rapidly.

            He sprinted down an alley, and (Y/N) followed after him with John. They clambered up a fire escape and leapt across onto another building before sliding down another ladder onto the lid of a trash bin and hoping to the ground. Finally, they arrived outside of an alley where the cab was moving down the street.

            Sherlock jumped out in front, and it screeched to a stop. The cabbie’s eyes widened as his gaze passed over the group. Sherlock was paying attention to the passenger and throwing open the door while holding up a police badge he’d nicked from Lestrade, but (Y/N) noticed and tilted their head questioningly as the cabbie’s attention quickly switched from them to Sherlock.

            “Police! Open up!” announced Sherlock. He hissed in frustration as he observed the passenger. “No. Teeth, tan. What—Californian? LA, Santa Monica, just arrived.”

            “How could you possibly know that?” asked John between gasps for air.

            “The luggage tag,” said (Y/N), pointing as they caught their breath.

 ��          “Probably your first trip to London, right, going by your final destination and the route your cabbie was taking you?” said Sherlock to the rather confused passenger.

            “Sorry, are you guys the police?” asked the Californian.

            “Yeah, everything alright?” asked Sherlock (pretty unconvincingly, if (Y/N) said so themself).

            “Yeah…” The man still had a perplexed look on his face.

            “Welcome to London!” said Sherlock cheerfully.

            “Any problems, just let us know,” said John. He, (Y/N), and Sherlock made a careful getaway a little ways down the street.

            “Basically just a cab that happened to slow down,” said John.

            “Basically,” said Sherlock, nodding.

            “Not the murderer,” said John, panting still.

            “Not the murderer, no,” agreed Sherlock.

            (Y/N) was quiet. Something still struck them as off about the entire cab situation, but since they couldn’t name what, it felt like just an illogical nagging. Frustrated, they crossed their arms and tried to think, but nothing appeared. What was it that was bothering them?

            Shaking themself out of it, they nodded. “Wrong country makes for a good alibi.” I’ll figure out my problem later.

            “As they go, yes,” said Sherlock, with a little chuckle.

            “Where did you get the badge?” asked John, a grin on his face. “Great to have.” Sherlock just smirked and handed it over. John let out a laugh. “Detective Inspector Lestrade?”

            “I pickpocket him when he’s being annoying,” said Sherlock cheerfully.

            “You should try Donovan and Anderson next,” laughed (Y/N).

            Sherlock’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Good idea.” John tried to hand the badge back to him, but he waved it off. “Keep it, I’ve got tons at the flat.” John pocketed it before chuckling.

            “What?” asked (Y/N).

            “Nothing, just: ‘Welcome to London.’ “ John began to giggle.

            (Y/N) couldn’t help a snicker themself as they snuck a glance at the Californian, who was now on the sidewalk talking to an actual police officer and pointing at them. “Got your breath back?”

            “Ready when you are,” said Sherlock.

            As (Y/N) ran back through the alleyways with Sherlock and John, they thought: For all the worry adults seem to have for me staying with Sherlock, I think this is a whole lot more fun than staying in the Children’s Home would have been, no matter how “safe” it’s supposed to be. Who needs a boring family when I have this?

            For being such a genius, (Y/N) spectacularly failed to see that what they had was a messy family but a family nonetheless.

[deans-baby-momma]

The Story of Us-Chapter 9

A/N: This is a rewrite of a story my good friend @spnbaby-67 allowed me to take and rewrite. All mistakes are mine. This is canon divergent, meaning some things that happened in the show will still happen here but with my own twist to it.

Summary: She and Dean met when they were kids. Even at such a young age, she knew that he was her soulmate. Being the daughter of a hunter, Michaela (Micki) Singer knew the life he led came with a price, but she was up to the challenge.

Pairings: Dean Winchester/reader, Sam Winchester/friend!reader, John Winchester, Mary Winchester (mentioned only), Bobby Singer, and more from the Supernatural universe.

Warnings: Flashbacks are in italics, fluffy stuff, angst stuff, character death, kidnapping, depression, semi-dark themes

WC:1,056

Spring 1996

She was livid!! John knew! He fucking knew tonight was the night of Micki's junior prom, yet ha'd still dragged Dean off on a goddamn salt and burn. Those were simple, run of the mill, one person jobs so why he took her boyfriend and prom date, she'd never understand.

Bobby had spent a quarter of his earnings from the salvage business to purchase her dream dress. It was an A-line, floor-length periwinkle silk with a periwinkle transparent overlay, covered with floral appliqués. The halter top snapped behind her neck and the neckline was low cut down between her ample breasts, but still modest with a shiny silver spandex holding it together and covering most of her cleavage.

Micki felt like a princess as she stood in the front yard of her childhood home as Bobby snapped pictures on his old Polaroid. But she was not smiling as brightly as she could have been . Her knight wasn't there. 

"Son, go stand beside her," Bobby commands Sam and the gangly teen does as he is told. 

"I'm sorry Dean ain't here," he tells her as Bobby loads more film into the antique camera. "Don't be too mad at him. It was Dad's idea."

"I know Sammy. I'm not mad…..at Dean."

Bobby allows Micki to take one of the better looking cars to town to the school where the prom is being held. He and Sam stand on the porch waving as she takes off down the driveway. 

At the school she parks carefully and then gets out, planning on walking into the school with her head held high.

Unfortunately before she can cross the threshold, Jennifer and her crew of bullies see her and start badgering her. Micki has had issues with this group for girls since freshman year. As soon as they found out her mother was dead, they'd call her 'Little orphan Annie' or 'Mommyless'. 

"Oh guys look who it is, Monster Michaela. She's so hideous, not only did Mommy die to get away from her but she couldn't even get a date," Jennifer says, in her sing-sing nasally voice. 

Micki tried her best to ignore them but she'd hoped by showing up with Dean by her side, she'd been able to put them in their place and have the upper hand but alas, here she is alone and dateless showing up to one of the biggest nights of her high school years. 

She ignored the jeers and taunts and entered the school, heading for the gymnasium. Only to have more eyes on her and more whispers and snickers behind her back as she walked by.

Micki bypassed the photographer who was snapping shots of her classmates as they entered, smiles on their faces and arms wrapped around whomever they arrived with.

Micki found an empty seat at an empty table toward the back and sat, determined to just get through the King and Queen announcement before making a quick getaway.

She is pushing food around on her plate with a fork when a very familiar voice speaks behind her.

"Excuse me, beautiful. May I have this dance?"

Micki turns quickly, her eyes wide and her jaw drops. Standing directly behind her is Dean Motherfucking Winchester donning a tuxedo. His bow tie and cummerbund, an exact match to her dress. 

"Dean," she sighs as she scrambles out of her seat and into his arms. "You came!"

"I wouldn't miss this for anything baby," he tells her before pulling her into a kiss, keeping it chaste and short. 

"So, dance with me?" he repeats as he takes her hand and leads her toward the center of the basketball court, right under the swiveling spotlight.

The dj announces that it's time to slow it down and the beginning notes of 'Faithfully' by Journey fill the air.

Dean holds her close as they begin swaying to the beat. By the chorus, he is singing softly in her ear. 

"It's been you and me

And lovin' a hunter

Ain't always what it's supposed to be

Oh, girl, you stand by me

I'm forever yours

Faithfully."

They finish dancing and as the music ends Micki pulls away from Dean and goes to drag him back to her table and that's when she sees it.

Every pair of eyes in the gym are trained on them, some looking confused, others looking surprised. But what she relishes is that almost all the females, including the crew of bullies, have looks of jealousy showing all over their faces.  Even the teachers all seem to be swooning and envious of her. 

PRESENT DAY (2008)

Dean sees Bobby standing in the doorway of the bedroom.

“You know, I thought she was insane when she told me the reason for the middle name,” the older man chuckles. “It warmed my heart that she wanted to memorialize her mother and yours though. Karen would’ve been honored as I’m sure your mom would have too.”

Dean smiles as he tries to imagine how Mary Winchester would’ve reacted to the thought of having a grandchild, much less a granddaughter named after her.

"Yea, Mary would've loved her," Dean agrees. 

There is a moment of silence then Bobby clears his throat.  "So, uh….Pamela is about a half-hour out.”

Dean nods and then looks back down at his baby girl. Whatever they find out from the psychic doesn’t really matter. Dean doesn’t care what pulled him out of the depths of Hell; he is just glad that it did and he can be here for his girls. 

If only Micki would wake up.

When Pamela arrives, Bobby and Sam meet her at the door before Bobby sends the youngest Winchester to retrieve his brother.

“Dean, the psychic is here,” he says just above a whisper, as to not startle the young girl. 

Her father places her in the bed beside her mother and surrounds her with pillows.

“Ya know she isn’t mobile yet, right?” Sam asks as he watches.

“Shut up,” Dean says. “Not taking any chances.”

The two Winchester brothers walk down the hall to meet the psychic and get the show on the road.

Pamela’s eyes are burnt straight out of her head and Bobby rushes her to the hospital. All they got from the seance that Pamela performed is a name. One word.

Castiel.

@lostinaseaoffictionalbliss​ @spnbaby-67​ @tftumblin​ @sea040561​ @delightfullykrispypeach​ @larajadeschmidt13​ @atc74​ @vicariouslythruspn​ @squirrelnotsam​  @sandlee44​ @blacktithe7​ @hoboal87​ @mogaruke​ @deanwanddamons​ @supraveng​ @deandreamernp​ @akshi8278​ @lyarr24​ @maggiegirl17​ @chriszgirl92​

[massharp1971]

Clear blue skies

@a-storm-of-roses led me down this angsty, tropey rabbithole with this ask

Thanks to @notenufcaffeine for the beta

read it all on AO3

“McKay,” Sheppard said curtly as he stepped into the elevator.

Rodney’s heart sank. He was well and truly trapped now, for the however-many floors of their shared transit. Dammit, he’d done such a good job of avoiding the man at the press conference too.

As if elevators didn’t make him twitchy enough.

“Colonel,” he said, matching the other man’s cool with an icy blast of his own.

Long time no see, he didn’t say, because that would be too many words and he was all worded out. He had nothing left to say to John Sheppard. Looking formal and stiff in his dress blues, the Colonel pressed for the lobby, just as Rodney had. But the moment the doors closed, Sheppard transformed into something liquid, leaning casually against the wall of the elevator, his ankles crossed, his face unreadable but full of… something. Rodney refused to acknowledge the coil of heat that spread through him at the look and the stance and the sheer presence of the other man.

The elevator started moving with that stomach-lurch Rodney loathed. He took steadying breaths and thought about clear blue skies and pretended to himself that his claustrophobia hadn’t got exponentially worse since being trapped on the ocean floor in a puddlejumper a few years ago.

“Long time no see,” Sheppard plucked the words out of Rodney’s head anyway. The roughness in his voice was probably just him getting hoarse from all those interviews. His face was unfamiliarly smooth-shaven from their latest press conference, where he’d been the undoubted star. Everyone wanted to know about the gorgeous, daring Colonel who had saved the Earth, a shiny new silver eagle on his shoulder. His bashfulness in the face of their attention and refusal to take credit only charmed them. The whole world was now as smitten with Colonel John Sheppard as Rodney had once been.

John’s face stared out at Rodney from the news stands wherever he went, and it was a thing he was slowly getting used to. In a way, it helped. A John Sheppard on the television, in a magazine, was appropriately remote and didn’t lull Rodney with false hope.

Anything was better than a John Sheppard who was right there with his kissable lips and inviting body language that were all lies, lies, lies.

Rodney didn’t even bother dignifying the Colonel with a response beyond a slight grunt.

“How’s Jennifer?” Okay, the voice was definitely strained.

Rodney shrugged. He hadn’t seen Jennifer in weeks and knew that she had been one of his biggest mistakes – throwing himself headlong into her to get over the man standing in front of him. She deserved better than that, better than trying to puzzle just what wasn’t clicking, blissfully unaware of the constant litany in Rodney’s head: she’s not him.

The elevator halted a little jerkily, and Rodney breathed a sigh of relief. He would step out of there and that would be it. Sheppard would soon go back to Pegasus, because the world was freaking out about Atlantis staying on Earth. Rodney for once was happy to be consigned to Area 51. It was over.

The doors didn’t open.

Rodney tried to control his breathing, reminding himself of how long that moment between the elevator stopping and the doors opening could seem.

Clear blue skies, clear blue skies. Sheppard hadn’t even reacted to the doors not opening so clearly there was nothing wrong here. Rodney was just being impatient, as usual.

A frown drifted across Sheppard’s face and he reached for the door release button. Nothing happened.

“I’m sure it’ll…” he trailed off, taking in Rodney’s already sweaty brow and trembling hands.

Fuck.

“Hi there,” John’s calm sounding voice broke through Rodney’s panic. It was only when Rodney started to puzzle just who John was talking to that he realised his eyes were tightly shut. “Our elevator appears to be stuck and I’m with someone who suffers from hypoglycaemia and claustrophobia so I’d sure appreciate an urgent assist.”

Rodney listened as Sheppard relayed information about where they were.

“That really the best you can do?” the colonel’s disappointed voice said after a few moments of quiet. “Well, okay, I appreciate you making us a priority.”

He hung up the phone. “They know what the problem is and they’re getting to us,” he said reassuringly. Rodney didn’t miss the evasion though.

“How long?” he asked, his voice tight.

“Well, they said it could be an hour or so,” the Colonel said, looking a lot like he wished he didn’t have to convey that information.

Was screaming an option? It felt like it should be.

Stay cool, McKay. Continuing to think of clear blue skies, Rodney pulled his laptop out of its bag and placed the bag on the floor. Sliding down the wall, he settled on the soft bag and opened his emails. He still had Wi-Fi, good. He could just get some work done and forget about where he was. He started replying to an email from that dickhead Mervin Peterson over at MIT and was soon furiously typing. He could do this. He could lose himself in work just the same way he had always done when he needed not to think about things like loose-limbed, flirty colonels. read the rest on AO3

[gammacousin]

New John/Jen chapter;

Jennifer snaps her gum at the self checkout counter of the grocery store. Swiping the organic pepper stash sets her screen awry. She messes with the sleeves of her green hoodie, with its ‘are you a good witch or a bad witch’ text on the front.

“Oh my god,’ she taps the screen, trying to avoid awkward conversation with the clerk, ‘hi. Hello. I’m not trying to rob you I just want to scan these and pay…”

The older man can’t be bothered to turn around and address her before swiping his badge. The trick returns the screen to his regularly scheduled program.

“Thank you,” Jen chucks her peppers into the bag and lifts the cookies next.

“Jen,” John sighs through her name as he takes the checkout beside her.

“Really?” She nearly throws her cookie bag as she pivots away from no one in particular, “There are three empty ones behind me. Go scan your dog food there. And your-,’ she pauses to read the label, ‘protein shakes. Uck!”

Jen purposefully reaches for the shakes in her cart, tucking them behind her sparkling water.

“Can we talk?” His screen beeps in utter normalcy, glitch free as he swipes each barcode across the machine.

“No,’ she gawks, ‘I’m in the middle of something-.”

“The cherry flavor is better.”

“See,’ she turns, water placed on her own machine, ‘it’s this!”

“What.”

“I didn’t ask for your opinion. Though, the fact that you just said a red colored flavor is better than green apple-.”

“You’d take opinions from a blind man.”

“Oohhh,’ she chuckles angrily, ‘you wanna go there?!”

“Yeah,’ he pauses to face her, ‘let’s talk about, how I barely had 24 hours to get my shit out of your house before my position was filled.”

“First of all,’ Jennifer lifts a finger and snorts through her own remarks, ‘I’ll be the judge of positions and how well things get filled. Second! You left me with your mom on Thanksgiving!”

“Don’t bring mom into this.”

“You left me,’ she lifts the water with a struggling huff and her curls falling over her eye, ‘with your psychotic parents-!”

“Who were nice enough to invite you over for Thanksgiving-. I wanted you to meet them-!”

“They we’re arguing over whether or not our baby would be green as if we’d create a fucking Elphaba together- DROP IT!” She tugs her drinks away from his aid, plopping it onto the bag stand.

John steps back as his eyes flicker only momentarily from blue to yellow over her scream, returning to his own station to finish his cart.

She sighs, regretting her scream now that people are watching and blows the bangs from her forehead, “That’s it? You fire me up, make me scream and then leave?”

He grins, paying for his bag, “I’m not going to take that bait.”

“It’s not,’ she stops herself adds the potatoe to her stash and takes her own credit card out, ‘it wasn’t…bait.”

John sighs again, “Jen, believe whatever you want to believe. I can’t talk you out of it or share my side without us fighting so let’s agree to disagree.”

Jennifer tugs her first two bags aggressively, “That your parents were out of line?!”

“They were. That’s not what I’m arguing.”

She scoffs and tugs her cart forward, waving her Captain America mint container, “Then what are you trying to say? I’ve waited over a year for an apology-.”

“That I am sorry, Jen. I’m sorry things got crazy. I had a mission-.”

“I know.”

He sighs as she steps ahead, “I didn’t want to leave you, Jennifer. I wanted to marry you.”

“Marry me?” She nearly screams out in the parking lot, pausing in front of a line of cars, “That’s what you call prioritizing NASA and ignoring your girlfriend literally crying in your mother’s bathroom-. You know I didn’t turn green for a week?! A week! John!”

“I’m sorry,” he keeps pace with her.

Jen beeps to unlock her car, shoving her purple uniform to the side after opening the trunk, “Your dad insulted me. You heard what he said about us.”

“I wanted to defend you!”

“You couldn’t. And why? Because space was more important.”

He lifts her waters to lay them in her trunk, “I’m not going to ramble off reasons because they’re just excuses.”

“No! It- Oh,” she pauses.

“I love my dad,’ he shakes his head, ‘but John Jameson Senior is intense. He’s wrong about heroes. And he’s wrong about you.”

Jennifer bites her cheek, taking it easy while he loads up her car for her as if it’s a game of Tetris.

She’s liking the service at the moment; Something akin to a groveling.

“And if things were different,’ he continues, arranging her fragile vegetables on top, ‘if I had been able to propose that night, I never would’ve asked you to change who you are. Or to cut back on work in favor of being a ‘housewife.’ you’d still be a lawyer. You’d still be the hero. And we’d have those two kids we always talked about. Who aren’t green for the record.”

She huffs and rolls her tongue over her cheek.

“And even if they were,’ he shrugs, ‘it wouldn’t bother me. I’m sorry you waited a year to hear that.”

Walters checks her phone when it dings, reading a message from an unknown number.

“What’s wrong?” John asks due to her facial expression.

“Nothing, it’s just Bruce.”

“Is it Ross again?”

Jen waves the phone as she half shrugs, “He said not to text him back so yeah. Said he’s safe in Chile….”

John nods and checks back in on the lawyer by making uninterrupted eye contact.

She exhales and gestures to her car, “Look, John. I’m. I’m cooking for two tonight and I’d love to say; come over, let’s forget the past and start over-.”

“-But you need space.”

“No,’ she taps the phone against her palm, ‘I’d need to cancel dinner with Patsy.”

“Ah. Patsy.”

“It wasn’t a date.”

His eyebrows lift.

Jen narrows her focus, “I was just curious about-…you know what, you don’t have to answer.”

“Mary isn’t in the picture,” he fills in her thought.

“Oh,” she fails at pretending she’s sad, “So in theory, you could come over later?”

“I could.”

“Like, around,’ she dips a knee and tilts from side to side, ‘8? 6? I mean I’m off today so, in about an hour?”

“I can be over as soon as 3.”

“Perfect,” she instantly regrets her quick tongue, rapid forgiveness and the butterflies pooling through her gut.

John grins, biting his lip over the phone dinging, “Bruce again?”

“No,’ Jen swallows more intensely, ‘Patsy. She’s gonna, be…”

“Pissed.”

“I um…She doesn’t have to know right away. If she knows then Nikki knows, which means it’ll get to Pug and pretty soon Greer will be calling me for answers. Let’s just..keep this on the, you know. We don’t need everyone knowing our business.”

“Your dad wants me dead.”

“No, no,’ she scratches her head, ‘the situation might’ve just left a really bad taste in his mouth. So, I’d need to rotate my uh…I’ll see you in an hour?”

He salutes with two fingers, “One hour.”

[iambecomeyourvillain]

I decided to make an about me post deal with it:

19.

Name [nickname]: people call me jes i don't have control over it anymore (my mutuals decided it don't blame me even though I thoroughly enjoy it)

pronouns: she/her

birthday? are you nosy like me? here: 13th October.

other Social media:

Instagram - @iambecomeyourvillain

Spotify? idk - here's a link

Fandoms:

Books (i keep forgetting to update actually):

series -

The Grishaverse Trilogy - Leigh Bardugo

All for the game - Nora Sakavic

The Sunshine Court - Nora Sakavic

Six of Crows Duology - Leigh Bardugo

Marauders

The Raven Cycle - Maggie Stiefvater

Percy Jackson & the Olympians - Rick Riordan

Heroes of Olympus - Rock Riordan

The Folk of the Air - Holly Black (READ IT READ IT READ IT)

The Infernal Devices - Cassandra Clare

These Violent Delights (not the sequel) - Chloe Gong

Red Queen (though I haven't finished it yet) - Victoria Aveyard

Carry On - Rainbow Rowell

Villains duology - V. E. Schwab (unfinished)

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Divergent - Veronica Roth

Harry Potter - that bitch of a woman

Royally Series - Emma Chase

Heartstopper - Alice Oseman

Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas

Crescent City - Sarah J. Maas

The Zodiac Academy - Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti (unfinished)

The Off-Campus series. (unfinished) - Elle Kennedy

someone find me the motivation to finish reading LOTR pLEASE

(sone of the) Standalones that I've read-

Red, White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston [READ IT READ IT READ IT]

The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller

Circe - Madeline Miller

The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern

The Starless Sea - Erin Morgenstern (if you mention it to me I'll die i love it so much)

The Hating Game - Sally Thorne

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid (ouCh)

Ugly Love - Colleen Hoover (just.why)

Reminders Of Him - Colleen Hoover (the only good book this author ever wrote)

We Were Liars - E. Lockhart (WHY THE PAIN)

The Spanish Love Deception - Elena Armas (i'm sorry to myself for putting me through that)

The Love Hypothesis - Ali Hazelwood (*sigh*)

All the Bright Places- Jennifer Niven (fuckfuckfuck)

Books by Sophia Bennett (Love Song, The Look, You Don't Know Me)

Fangirl - Rainbow Rowell

On the Come up - Angie Thomas (it's sO GOOD READ IT)

The Sun is also a Star - Nicola Yoon

The Fault in our Stars - John Green

Turtle all the way down - John Green (unpopular opinion? this is better than tfios)

Tv series (i don't watch much unless I start binging randomly and finish the whole thing within a day or two)

The Vampire Diaries

The Originals

Brooklyn Nine Nine

Young Royals

Riverdale (unfinished)

Stranger Things

Girl Meets World

Lucifer (unfinished)

Supernatural (also unfinished)

[there's probably more than I'm forgetting]

Side blogs:

@iambecomeindecisive for shitposting (which I do on main anyway)

@sankt-milo which is treated like the GV's Milo blog

@too-close-to-helios [photography blog]

@jesper-hendriks [where I'm @crowtube's jesper as well]

@darling-fucking-god which is basically my dedication to the King and Queen of Elfhame

@minyards-junkie - i did it. aftg side blog. help

there's more that i don't even remember the names of

important crazy shit that's gone down on this blog

my playlists

[hockeyisit]

4 + 1 BABY

Summary: 4 times Amelia talks about having kids, 1 time Auston does. 

Word Count: 3,618

Master List

Unedited

AN: I really wanted to get this one out here because I’ve been working on it for awhile. I hope you guys like it and let me know what you think! I love hearing feedback.

1.

We had finally just sat ourselves down on the couch. I was cuddled up to Auston with his arm wrapped around me holding me close. Felix was laying at the end of the couch leaning against Auston’s leg.

We had been dating for almost four months at this point and I had started spending the night a lot. Auston had a game earlier today and I wasn't able to go but the second he had gotten home he invited me over.

“What do you want to watch?” Auston asked as he reached for the remote to fick on the TV.

“Hmm how about Marley and Me?” I sweetly asked throwing one of my legs around his so that I was hugging the side of his body.  He turned down to face me with a raised eyebrow.

“You always cry during this movie,” he whined but started making his way to the movie. I scoffed before turning to face the tv.

“It’s still a good movie,” I said gently resting my head on his chest. He rubbed his hand up and down my back.

“Yeah it is,” he said.

We sat in comfortable silence enjoying the movie for a while. I noticed Auston pull his phone out but I wasn't too upset by it because we had seen the movie a few times already. I watched as Jennifer Aniston's character told her husband that she was pregnant and the two of them celebrated excitedly.

“I can’t wait to be pregnant,” I said quietly, causing Auston to look up from his phone.

“Why?” he asked, confused. I laughed lightly.

“Well why not? I think it'll be really cool to grow something inside my body. Plus it's something men cant do which is pretty cool,” I teased him, he laughed loudly.

“True. But aren’t you afraid it’s going to hurt?” he asked, causing me to frown slightly.

“I’m sure it does but don’t you think it'll be worth it after when you're holding your baby,” I said pulling myself off his chest.

“I guess that’s true,” he reassured as he pushed me gently back into a lying position. I relaxed back against his chest and the two of us watched the rest of the movie in comfortable silence.

2.

I raced to the store as I pulled Auston along by his arm. There was a sale going on at my favorite store in the mall. I had been working all week and wasn't able to make it until the last day of the sale. I wanted to go with one of my friends but everyone had already gone so I forced Auston to go with me.

“Babe. Stop pulling so hard I’m coming,” he demanded as he tried to get me to let go of his hand. I blushed not realizing how tight I was holding his hand before releasing my grip lightly.

“Sorry,” I apologized as I slowed to a stop. He ran into my back before backing up slightly.

“Uh. Why did you stop,” he asked looking around to find why I had stopped. I turned around to face him.

“Look at that baby over by the fountain,” I whispered pointing in the direction of the very cute baby. His eyes roamed the open area before landing on the adorable baby that was currently throwing pennies in the fountain. He smiled lightly before looking back at me.

“They're wearing a little Matthews jersey,” I teased pulling on the sleeve of his shirt. He reached down for my hand while I kept talking.

“Think about how cute it’ll be when your kids wear your jersey,” I cooed as we started walking to the store that I had been oh so excited to go to just moments before. I noticed his cheeks heat up in a light blush.

“Think about how cute you would look in it,” he finally responded as he trailed after me.

“Oh please! You’ve already seen me in your jersey,” I said letting go of his hand to start looking at the clothes on the rack.

“Yeah, I think babies will look good in anything as long as they come from you and me,” he said as he pulled his phone out to text his friends back. I blushed at his response before moving onto the next rack.

----

3.

I laughed as I watched the funny scene before me. I was curled up with a blanket wrapped around me and Felix laying at my feet. I was currently at Austin's watching That 70s Show on the TV while we waited for Auston to come home from his roadtrip.

Felix picked his head up off my lap when he heard a key turning in the door. When the door was pushed open he quickly sat up and his tail started wagging as he tried to decide if he should leave me to go to Auston or not. Finally his excitement got the best of him and he ran towards the door barking happily. Auston dropped his bag on the ground before reaching out to pet Felix.

“Hi buddy, how have you been?” he asked as he started walking his way into the apartment. Once he noticed me on the couch he walked over and laid on top of me.

“Auston what are you doing?” I asked through a giggle.

“I missed you,” he said as he hugged me.

“I missed you too, how was your trip?” I asked him as I wrapped my arms around him.

“It was pretty good butt I lost a bet to John and we have to babysit tonight,” he mumbled into my shoulder.

“We?” I asked, raising my eyebrow at him. He nodded his head against me. I laughed lightly while rubbing my hand up and down his back.

“Please don't make me do it alone,” he sighed into me.

“Oh is my poor baby afraid of taking care of babies,” I teased stopping my hand on his back. He scoffed into me before pushing himself so he was hovering over me.

“I take care of you just fine,” he said with a teasing smirk. I gasp slightly offended as I tightened my hold on his back.

“Are you calling me a baby?” I ask raising and eyebrow. He gives me a quick sly grin before leaning down and pressing a kiss to my awaiting lips. I relax into the kiss immediately moving my hands up to run through his hair. He deepens the kiss as he slides his tongue into my mouth for a moment before pulling away. I try to chase his lip as he grins at me.

“Do you think we will make good parents someday?” I ask quietly as he leans his forehead against me.

“I think so,” he said leaning down to peck my lips.

—-

4.

I wrapped my arm around Auston’s as he helped me out of the car. We were attending an event for the Toronto Maple Leafs in hopes to collect money for charity. We walked into the building and I immediately noticed Steph and Mitch in the corner.

I had started getting closer to Steph and it was one of the only reasons I really felt comfortable even attending the event in the first place. She waved to the two of us and I sent her a wave of my own before turning back to Auston.

“Are there people that we have to talk to?” I asked getting his attention back on me. His eyes slowly focused on me before he started nodding his head.

“Yeah. Let’s go do that and then we can go say hi to everyone,” he said reaching for my hand and interlocking our fingers. He led me in the direction where there were a bunch of old men in suits. Auston introduced me to everyone he saw remembering each of their names. Sometimes it really amazed me how much and how many people Auston really knew. He was so good at remembering names. After Auston talked with all the people he needed to he slowly pulled me away from them and over to the table that had our name tags. I quickly reached for my glass of water.

“You look beautiful in the dress babe,” Auston said leaning towards me in his chair. I smiled at the compliment as I leaned toward him.

“You look handsome in that suit,” I winked at him before someone tapped me on the shoulder.

“Steph!” I exclaimed as I stood up to pull her into a hug. She wrapped her arms around me tightly. Auston stood up to greet Mitch.

“I’m so glad you're here. I was about to die of boredom,” she whispered in my ear. I pulled away with a laugh before Mitch pulled me into a short hug.

“It’s good to see you,” I said once we pulled away.

“You too,” he smiled gently. I went to respond to him before I was being grabbed by the hand and spun around.

“Willy!” I squealed, pulling him into a hug. He laughed as he hugged me before reaching to hug Steph.

“How are you doing?” he asked us once he pulled away from her.

“Pretty good I’ve been busy with work but Auston roped me into coming tonight. If he had told me you’d be here I would have said yes a lot sooner,” I teased as Auston pulled me into a hug from behind. All the boys that were around immediately started chirping Auston while he just buried his face into my neck.

“Matts better keep an eye on your girl before Willy steals her,” I heard someone tease and everyone started laughing. I grabbed Auston’s hand that was around me and held on tightly. I was all for a good tease but right now I was surrounded by a lot of people I didn't know and I wanted his comfort.

“Auston!” I heard a little voice from behind me. Auston quickly turned around and crouched down to be face to face with one of his teammates' kids.

“Whats up kiddo?” he asked him. The little boy reaches forward for Austons hand.

“We're playing mini sticks, you have to come help us play,” he says and then pulls him in the direction of the corner with all the kids. I stand surprised at the fact that  a little child just stole my boyfriend before turning back to the table.

“Auston always gets dragged away by the kids. He’s pretty good with them. This is the first time he’s ever had to divide his attention between the kids and a girlfriend,” I heard from beside me. I looked up from the table to be met with Morgan Rielly. I smiled gently back at him. I had only met him a few times so far but I knew that he and Auston used to be really close before they had a bit of a falling out because Morgan got a girlfriend and started ditching Auston.

“He looks good with them,” I responded sweetly, not knowing what else to say.

“He seems really smitten with you,” he said as he leaned back in his chair facing me.

“I’m really into him,” I said, glancing over to him and watching him laugh and joke around with the kids. I couldn't wait to have kids with him. He caught my gaze and gave me a big smile before turning back to the kid that was trying to whack him with a stick.

“I’ve honestly never seen Auston so into someone. It’s really great to see how happy you guys are together,” he said, feeling genuinely happy for his close friend. I blushed before noticing his girlfriend talking to Steph and Mitch.

“And how are you and Tessa?” I teased taking the attention away from Auston and my relationship. As he went into a story about her we moved on to work and talked for a bit about that. Eventually we were interrupted by Auston sitting down in the chair next to me and wrapping his arm around the back of my chair.

“What’s got the two of you all chatty,” he said reaching for his drink on the table. At the same time Tessa came and stole the attention of Morgan.

“Just talking about you,” I truthfully said, turning my body to face him. His smile widened before he poked my arm.

“What about me?” he asked softly.

“Weell, Morgan was just confessing his love for you to me. He wanted to know if he could have your hand in marriage. Don’t worry I told him I’d ask you if it was alright first. He agreed to give me five thousand dollars if I hand you over and I’m really thinking about the offer,” I said seriously as I reached for my glass of water. Auston looked at me in disbelief.

“Really?” he asked lightly. I nodded my head before turning to Morgan. He pulled on my hand before I was able to open my mouth.

“What were you really talking about now?” he asked.

“I think you would make a really great dad someday,” I told him as I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. His lips turned up in a small smile before he opened his mouth to speak before closing it when nothing came out.

“We were just talking about you and me together and then I looked at you and you looked so happy. And I think that you would make a really good dad,” I decided to continue on when he didn't look like he was going to say anything. Auston looked around before leaning towards me and giving me a quick kiss. I quickly responded to the kiss before he pulled away.

“I think you would make a great mother,” he whispered as he pulled away. I felt myself starting to smile goofily. Nobody had ever told me that before.

----

1.

“I can’t believe we just got married,” Amelia said as she wrapped her arms around my neck. She started playing with my hair at the back of my neck as the two of us celebrated our first dance. I had finally done it and proposed to her after seven months of dating.

“I don’t think a lot of people can believe it,” I joked as I pulled her closer. I could never get enough of her and I wanted this moment to last forever. She laughed lightly into my ear before pulling away. I spun her before pulling her back in tightly.

“I never want to let you go babe,” I said as we swayed slightly. She relaxed into my arms before the song came to an end. We continued dancing even when the DJ invited the rest of the crowd to join us on the dance floor. Amelia’s little cousin slowly approached us before tugging on her long flowy dress. She bent down with a giant grin on her face and picked up her little cousin.

“Hey Bri. Can you say hi to Auston?” she asked Bri with a smile. Bri immediately tried to hide herself in Amelia's shoulder.

“Aww. She’s a bit shy I guess,” Amelia said through a giggle. I laughed along with her as she tried to get Bri’s attention.

“Wanna dance with Auston and I to this song? Huh Bri. Doesn’t that sound fun,” she said bouncing Bri up and down excitedly. Bri pulled her face out of Amelia's shoulder before giving me a shy grin.

“Okay,” she said before trying to get out of Amelia's hold. I smiled at the two of them as Amelia placed Bri on her feet. The three of us danced around for a few songs before I felt someone tug onto my arm. A slower song came on.

“May I have this dance?” my mom asked with a smile. I glanced at Amelia who was dancing with Bri and her mother.

“Of course you may,” I grinned grabbing her hand and pulling her into dance.

“Oh Auston. I’m so proud of you,” she sighed as she danced with me. Hearing that made another huge smile break out on my face. All I had been doing today was cheezin. It had made me really happy to hear that my family was so supportive of Amelia and my early and short engagement. I had gotten down on one knee after only seven months of dating in December. Everyone was surprised. They were even more surprised that we planned our wedding to be in July.

“Thanks mom,” I said softly, spinning her in a circle.

“Your father and I both know what it’s like to love someone that much. I’m so happy you have that someone in your life,” she said emotionally as we swayed softly. I watched as a tear fell down her face and I felt myself panic for a moment.

“Don’t cry mom,” I chirped gently. She laughed lightly reaching up to wipe a tear.

“Get me some grandbabies soon,” she said as the song came to an end. I felt a blush creep onto my face before someone else was pulling me into another direction. With a wave to my mom I made my way off the dance floor.

As the night progressed I found myself in a conversation with my two sisters, Alex and Bre. Both of them had been a part of Amelia’s wedding party so their dresses matched in color but other than that Amelia had given them a lot of fashion freedom.

“I can’t believe you're the first one to get married,” Alex said, picking her drink off the bar. The three of us were lined up against the bar but Bre wasnt drinking because she was still underage. Although I am pretty sure people have definitely been slipping her some drinks.

“I really thought it was going to be me at this point,” Bre said, reaching for my drink. I tried to move my hand but not hard enough because she grabbed it anyway. I rolled my eyes at what she said. I was totally capable of getting married. I literally did.

“Maybe I’m just better then you guys,” I told them, pushing Bres' shoulder as I grabbed my drink back. We all laughed as we goofed off. I looked around taking in the scene before me. Everyone here was to celebrate me and Amelia. Huh Amelia.

“Where even is Amelia?” I asked my sisters as I pushed myself away from the bar a little.

“Relax. She's over there dancing with Willy and Mitchy,” Alex said pointing to them. I grinned before pushing myself away from them with a see you later.

“Looking good Mrs. Matthews,” I whispered into Amelia's ear as I pulled her into a hug from behind. She gasped as I got my arms around her and then she turned around to face me.

“Nice to see you again Mr. Matthews,” she said with a smirk before leaning into whisper in my ear.

“Want to find a room?”

I immediately slid my hand down to grab hers before turning to Mitch and Willy to wave before dragging her along to search for a room. Once we found a door it led into the coat room. Amelia let go of my hand surprising me before she started pacing back and forth.

“Holy shit Auston,” she said as she walked back and forth.

“Is everything okay babe?” I asked, taking a tentative step forward.

“Yes!” she exclaimed, stopping her pacing to face me. I relaxed at her words before taking another step towards her.

“We just got married in Auston. This is the craziest, coolest and happiest day of my life. I can't think of one day that can make me happier than today,” she said, taking a step towards me and grabbing my hands as she did. I smiled at her words.

“What about when we have our first kid,” I teased as I let go of her hand to tip her chin up. She let out a small giggle as I leaned down to kiss her. I smiled lightly to myself.

“I can’t wait to have a kid with you,” she said as she pulled her lips away.

“Let’s not wait then,” I said seriously. She pulled away completely with a look of surprise and doubt on her face.

“Look I know I havent talked about kids much but I want to be a dad and I want you to be the mother to my children. We can have them whenever you want, I’m just saying that I will be ready,” I said gently.

“If you want one now we can stop with birth control and condoms you just let me know Amelia,” I continued. Amelia’s jaw dropped as she listened to me. Before a soft smile took over.

“Aus, you always surprise me,” she said leaning up to give me a soft sweet kiss before pulling back. She looks absolutely stunning in her dress.

“You can just get rid of the condoms, no need to spend money on those anyways. I’ll keep taking my birth control for a little longer,” she continued making eye contact with me. I could tell that she was trying to sound sure of herself but I could tell she needed the reassurance. I pulled her into a tight hug and started swaying with her.

“Were going to have a beautiful family,” I said as I held her tightly to me.

“Yeah we are,” she said happily. We stood there hugging for a few more moments before she pulled away.

“Let’s get back to our wedding,”

“Okay,” I said grabbing her hand and leading the way to our friends and family.

[lovelucybradford]

I Pretend You’re Mine-2

Chapter Two: We Learn to Live with the Pain (Mosaic Broken Hearts)

Masterlist

A/N: Thanks so much for all of your support on Chapter One. I’m so excited that you love it as much as I do! Please let me know if you’d like to be added to the tag list for this story. Also, not sure how I feel about this one. Be warned: I hate Jennifer Blake.

Derek and Rose’s ‘engagement’ was supposed to stay a secret between the four of them. So, naturally, all of her friends knew about it. Even if she tried (and she really, really wanted to) Rosalie couldn’t push the thought of the upcoming ruse to the back of her mind. Her friends wouldn’t let her.

It started out innocently enough. A ‘Hey Rosie, Derek looks hot, don’t you think’ here or a ‘Friends to lovers is the best, right Rosalie’ there. Rosalie was used to it. Ever since she returned to Beacon Hills and became close with all of Lydia’s friends, who had somehow become Derek’s in the span of years, they’d been relentless with their teasing of Derek and her.

The joking she could handle.

It was when they used Rosalie’s feelings for Derek for their own amusement that it really started to bug her.

Wednesday had been the day from hell. It all started in Rosalie’s first period class. One of her more bold students, captain of the lacrosse team, had greeted her not with his normal, ‘What up, Miss H?’. No, the boy strutted right in, stopped at her desk, and said, ‘How’s it going, Mrs. Hale?’ with a shit-eating grin. Alex Layhue was normally the last to arrive to class, right before the late bell rang, so, of course, all of Rose’s other students had heard him. And began to refer to her as Mrs. Hale. Which had spread like wildfire, and then all of the kids called Rosalie by Derek’s surname.

 It only stopped once she’d threatened detention. By the time eighth period was over, Rosalie was fuming and ready to stomp right out onto the lacrosse field to give her good friend, Assistant Lacrosse Coach Scott McCall, a piece of her mind. Instead, Rosalie raced out the door as soon as she was allowed to leave, forgoing her normal after-school visit to Derek’s classroom.

Rosalie’d reached her apartment, eternally thankful that the shitshow was over, when she had spotted it: a poorly taped rose on the front door, with a sign next to it. A rather crude sign.

Congrats on the D(erek). Love, Isaac. The words were bad enough. Isaac had to go and include a rather accurate drawing of Derek as a, um, d.

She had ripped the sign off the front door, threw it into the wastebasket under the kitchen sink, then punched the damned thing a few more times for good measure.

Then, Rose had called and screamed at Isaac. She couldn’t remember what was said in her anger, but Rosalie knew that a few choice words were thrown in, along with ‘obscene’, ‘tasteless’ and ‘terrible friend’.

Isaac showed up at the woman’s front door an hour after the ‘conversation’ holding a bottle of wine in one hand and takeout in another, a guilty smile on his face. Rosalie forgave him. Eventually.

That night, she’d had a very vivid dream about Derek’s dick. Rosalie woke up the next morning, covered in sweat, and knew that if she saw Derek she would spontaneously combust, and, well, other things that she didn’t want to even ponder.

So, Rosalie spent the rest of the week eating lunch in her car, leaving right after the final bell, and basically avoiding her best friend at all costs.

Until today. Rosalie had been waiting all week to watch this movie, and she would be damned if the deafening bang of construction across the street from her apartment building would keep her from Peter Kavinsky.

The door to the loft slid open, and Derek sauntered in, hands full with grocery bags. He paused at the sight of Rosalie, his face contorted in disgust.

“Get that shit off my TV!” he grumbled.

Rosalie paused the movie, looking up at him with a sharp glare. “It is not shit, Derek Sebastian Hale. It is romance. You wouldn’t know romance if it bit you in the ass.”

Derek scoffed. “Oh yeah? Remember, my senior year, when I showed up in front of my ex’s house all John Hughes-like and quoted Shakespeare at her like a total douche?”

“Mmm, yeah. And that went over swimmingly, didn’t it, Romeo? I specifically remember having to clean the cut on your forehead from the rock that she threw at you.” Rosalie snorted.

 Derek ignored her, hauling the bags into the kitchen and shoving items into cabinets. Rose joined him, grabbing a bag of refrigerated foods. As she pulled out the milk, a slip of paper flittered to the ground. She reached down to grab it, stopping short when she found that a phone number was written on the back of the receipt.

“Elena Soto gave you her phone number?” Rosalie asked Derek.

Damn. Rosalie suspected that Elena was after Derek since the day that the new Spanish teacher started at BHHS. Two weeks ago. Girl had game, Rosalie gave her that.

Derek put down the box of noodles in his hand and scratched the back of his neck, looking everywhere but at his friend. Rosalie could see a hint of pink on his cheekbones and wondered if the man had actually gotten a sunburn after years of making fun of her for her lobster-tone skin in the summertime.

“Yeah. She, uh, asked me out to dinner next Saturday night.”

Rosalie straightened herself back up and busied with putting food in the fridge. She feigned nonchalance, asking, “And what did you say?”

“I told her thank you, but I’ll be in Hawaii… with you.”

The woman hid her smug smile in the inside of the refrigerator. Serves Elena right. “I thought you’d forgotten. Since you haven’t, you know, even brought it up since Disneyland.”

“I didn’t forget. And it’s not like you brought it up, either.”

True. Rosalie was avoiding that discussion like the plague. She knew that she’d be able to pull of fake fiancée. She’d had feelings for Derek that were successfully repressed since she was sixteen. But Derek… he’d made it very clear that he felt nothing more than familial love towards Rosalie. How could he convincingly play madly in love with her?

“I’m sorry I cockblocked your hot date with Senorita Soto,” Rose confessed, tone sounding more harsh than intended.

“Rosalie.”

She pulled her head out of the fridge and shut the door. The BB-8 magnet her  niece bought him at Disney was displayed proudly towards the top. Rosalie studied it as an excuse to not look at Derek, lest he catch onto her jealousy.

She was losing her touch. Rosalie had built an excellent poker face over the years, and she let her friends’ suggestions and one bold woman break it. Rose had to up her game.

“Rosalie, you know I didn’t mean it like that. It’s why I didn’t bring Elena up. You’re my best friend. You know I’d do anything for you.”

Rosalie smiled deviously up at him, all thoughts of Elena Soto gone and replaced again with Peter Kavinsky. “Does that include watching my romcom?”

Derek rolled his eyes with a playful smile. He eventually gave in after Rose told him she would buy them a pizza.

___________

 Rosalie tried to enjoy the movie, but one thought plagued her mind like some annoyingly catchy song.

 Fake dating contract. It was so cringey she didn’t want to bring it up. But she did anyways.

 “Hey Derek? This sounds so stupid, but since you and I are two adults playing pretend, don’t you think you and I should, you know, come up with rules for our charade?” Rosalie shoved pizza in her face to distract herself from any comment that would come next.

Derek laughed. “Yeah, ok, Lara Jean Comey.”

“It’s Covey, not Comey… and I’m serious, Der. You and I have both been shit on by our significant others. Don’t you think it would be good for us to come up with some kind of guidelines, so this doesn’t get out of hand and neither of us get hurt?”

Derek sighed, putting his plate down on the coffee table and giving Rosalie his full attention. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

Rosalie bit her lip, thinking. When she came up with nothing, she asked, “Do you have any dealbreakers?”

“I’m not making Drew jealous,” he swiftly announced.

Rosalie’s eyes shot up to his. “I’m not in love with Drew anymore, so there’s no need to make him jealous.”

“Thank God. What about you?”

She ignored the former comment. Rose did have a dealbreaker. She knew it would sound totally prudish on her end, but Rosalie knew her limits.

“No… No kissing.”

“What do you mean no kissing? Like, I can’t kiss you at all, or no tongue? Because I sure as hell know that we won’t be believable if I can’t kiss you.”

“And how would you know that?”

Derek pursed his lips. “I remember having an in-depth conversation with your brother about how gross you and Drew were together.”

Rosalie gaped at him. “And you didn’t stick your tongue down Jennifer’s throat at your engagement party?! It was like witnessing some messed-up porno. And, in my defense, Drew initiated every public—”

“I did not have my tongue down Jen’s throat!”

“Then why did Laura tell you two to get a room?”

Derek scowled. “Moving on…”

“Ok, rule 1: yes, to kissing. No tongue.” Rose ticked on her finger. “Two, no checking out other women. Like, at all.”

“You think I would do that when I’m engaged? I’m not a total dick.”

“I know that Derek. I’m just saying, when you were younger—”

“When I was younger. I’ve matured a lot since I was eighteen.”

She smacked his shoulder playfully. “You sure about that, Mr. I-throw-a-tantrum-every-time-I-lose-to-Scott-at-pool?”

“Shut up.”

“You can’t deny it, Hale. I know you too well… anything else to add?”

“No sex,” Derek said so suddenly that Rosalie about fell out of her spot on the couch.

“I…” She started, but couldn’t formulate a sentence, so she just nodded her agreement.

They sat in silence for a while, Rosalie processing what the hell happened.

“Let me warn you now. I don’t know how to be a good fiancé,” Derek added so softly that Rosalie might have missed it if she wasn’t so in tune with him.

“Derek…” She looked up to meet his green eyes, full of turmoil, of ghosts of past hurts. A haunted look that Rosalie knew too well. Only because she wore it too, late at night when she was alone with her demons.

Rosalie’s heart broke for him, and she pulled him into a hug. Derek was rarely vulnerable, preferring to keep those emotions locked tight. Rosalie was thankful that he opened himself up enough to let her see that side of him.

“You were a good fiancé, Der. It wasn’t your fault, that it ended. Jennifer was a bitch… I knew she wasn’t good for you,” Rosalie whispered into his shoulder, squeezing him tight so he knew that she meant every word.

Derek’s hot breath fanned over Rose’s neck as he spoke. “Then why didn’t you tell me?”

She pulled away from him, leaving her hands on his shoulders. Rosalie set him with an unimpressed look. “Would you have listened?”

Derek shook his head, a small smile overtaking the once hard line of his lips. “Nah, probably not.”

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Tags: @wolfarrowepz​