#so here you have a nice time to chill by the beach after a joint mission with 501st

[starwarjotta]

Cody surrounded by family and the people he loves, because that is what he deserves

[abibliophobiaa]

Steve - planning 🫣

the one where you and steve make the most of being locked in a wine cellar.

s.h. x f!reader, little mean, unprotected p in v hate (is it really though?) sex. 18+ (1.2K)

——

“Gonna turn around for me, baby? Wanna see that pretty face when I make you come.”

His hands worked at the fabric of your dress. Hiked it up and over the slope of your ass, giving it a hard slap. Rubbed a soothing circle over the span of it with a mocking coo when you hissed. The sting ached low in your cunt, throbbing in tandem with your heartbeat. You muffled your moan into a forearm, palms braced against the stone slab wall, nail polish likely chipping from your bruising grip.

“Don’t wanna look at you,” you bit out, clenching your teeth as his fingers glided along the flesh of your backside, the seam of your thigh, stopping at the edge of your panties. “Just want you to fuck me, Harrington. That was the deal.”

“One time,” he repeated, toying with the dainty lace fabric covering your soaked slit. You nearly sobbed as he pushed the material to the side and glided a thick digit across your heat, trailing lazy circles around your clit, teasing along your center. Pressing, and yet not sinking in. You cursed low on your breath. “Just to get it out of our system since we’re locked down here anyway.”

And even that had been silly. A proposed idea after the weeks of arguing between the two of you. Like an old married couple, Eddie had joked, before you tossed a pillow at his head and Chrissy nearly shrieked at you for endangering her ‘lovey’s’ face so close to the wedding.

“Yeah,” you growled out, whirling around in his arms to face him. “So what’s it gonna be?”

And it wasn’t like you hated Steve Harrington.

You just — didn’t like him.

He’d been nothing but jovial, cocky even, always flashing his daddy’s credit card, trying to “one up” you on wedding planning.

Oh, you booked a nice little room with a view for the joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

Yeah, well, he’d upgraded it to a lofty five-star hotel overlooking the beach.

Oh, you had work and couldn’t help them put together centerpieces?

Harrington swooped in like Batman himself, ready to save the day.

It was infuriating. And he took pleasure in it. Some sadistic pleasure, mouth always twitching when you accepted your defeat.

He was just — too good, too perfect, too this, that, and all the things you hated.

But fuck it, if he wasn’t handsome.

Perfect nose, sculpted arms, that gorgeous face, broad shoulders and arms that now bracketed you on either side, enveloped you close.

His kiss was dominating. Mouth crashing into yours as he backed you against the stone wall.

The slabs chilled your back, the low swoop of your dress exposing it to the elements. Indents from your fingernails likely carved into the skin of his shoulders you clenched as he muttered, “Hold onto me,” into your opened mouth.

Thighs were hiked up and over his hips, your backside coming up to rest against a shelf.

“Hurry,” you rasped, aware that any moment someone could walk down those stairs and find the two of you like this.

Bodies pressed close, mouths connected, fingers roaming over exposed flesh. With a groan, the man before you pushed his pants down and over his thighs, cock slapping up against his stomach, eager for you. Impossibly long and thick enough to have your eyes widening, mouth watering.

He snickered. “You know, this is the quietest I think you’ve ever been. See something you like?”

“Shut up, Harrington.” You barked, but there was little bite. “I hope you know how to back up that ego of yours.”

“Now that wasn’t very nice,” he teased against your collar bone. The asshole dragged his head through your slick folds, grinning widely as it caught against your center, eliciting a desperate unbidden plea from your lips. “What did you just say?”

Another drag.

Up and down, tapping at your clit until you jolted in his arms, caging him in tighter with your vice grip around his hips.

Steve leaned down, the ghost of a kiss along your lips, the corner of your mouth, the curve of your jaw. Traced the path of your pulse to feel it jump as his cockhead prodded at your center once more.

“Please.”

You conceded.

Waved the white flag.

Accepted defeat.

Welcomed it willingly.

“Now was that so hard?” He mused, pushing in and robbing you both of air. “Ohmygod.”

“Move,” you stuttered out, eyes clenching shut in tandem with your cunt as he pulled all the way out and slid back in, hazel eyes roaming your face as he watched your reactions. “Fuck, why didn’t we do this sooner?”

“Wasted all that time fighting when we could have been doing this.” He gasped again, pulling back until you ached with it, before pushing in until you were so utterly full and deliciously split open on him. “Feels so fuckin’ good.”

His pace hastened, gaze dropping down to where you were connected. Watched himself fuck into you as a hand kneaded over the dough of your ass, holding you tighter to him.

“Look so good taking me like this, baby.”

Heat crawled up your spine at his words. His long fingers reached between the two of you, gliding over the soft fabric of your dress. Settled over your clit, determined fingers ready to make you come.

Hazel eyes flashed behind your half-lidded gaze, mouth rounding in a broken keen as he pressed down and circled, the pace of his fingers starting to match the languid drag of his thick cock inside of you.

“Oh fuck, you feel so good —”

“Steve, Steve —”

“Come on, pretty girl,” he rasped, lips pressing tight against yours, fingers wrapping loosely around your neck in a way that had your hand gripping at the globe of his ass, spurring his hips on harder against yours. “Want you to come on my cock. Make a mess all over it. Want it —”

It was too much. The sound of your slick mixing with his between your thighs. The fleshy slaps of his thighs hitting the backs of yours. The grunted breaths. The dizzying fingers between your thighs. The way he drove into you, relentless and determined. The weight of his body against yours.

You shattered, forearm draped over his shoulders tugging him closer to muffle your cry of “Shit!” into his chest.

He came apart after you, holding you close in his arms as his hips stuttered against yours. You wanted to hate him as he leaned forward and pressed a kiss against the curve of your cheek. Wanted to hate him as he tucked himself into his pants and helped you down off the shelf he’d propped you up onto — as he helped smooth down your dress and fix your messy lipstick.

There was little time to think about it, however, because the door swung open at last and Chrissy called down into the open cellar, “I’m so sorry, guys! We just got back from the store. We didn’t know you were down here still.”

But neither of you minded. Not as he pressed a hand to the small of your back and guided you up the stairs. Nor as he remained at your side, like a boy with a sordid secret, as you stepped into the main room and found yourselves greeted by Eddie and Chrissy, opened a bottle of champagne on the table between them, glasses already filled. As though they’d started without you.

“Hey, Steve,” Eddie called, grinning toothily. “Your shirt is on backwards.”

He glanced down, and your cheeks burned.

…Because he’d never taken it off.

——

[thefanbasewhore]

I loved your Javier preference can you do "You're not alone, I'm here." With Javier? 💞💞

Summary: based off the prompt list I reblogged. Javier is there for the new DEA agent after her first shoot out.

This is short, I'm getting ready to go to bed but wanted to fit a little something in. Enjoy! No use of Y/N.

Warning/content: Fluffy Javier, descriptions of shooting and killing. Reader is a young agent but her and Javi kind of have a thing.

Paring: Javier Peña/Female Reader

Colombia is beautiful, absolutely breath taking between the thick green forests, clear beaches and warm weather it's almost a dream. Family from the states would often stare how jealous they are of her, saying that one should be grateful for an opportunity like this.

But it was lonely.

Let's face it, being new anywhere sucks, the agents who have been here for years had their own clique, friends bonded by time and even blood which left her an unknowing outsider. While the other fellow DEA agents were grouping at a bar trying to forget the demons of the day she found herself alone every single night.

There's something about silence that makes chills creep up the devil's neck, the over thinking it entitles and she's has plenty of time personally witnessing how soul crushing it could be. After particularly rough days, seeing things that make her skin burn she would contemplate resigning, going home to face failure but at least have company again.

Two agents in particular are the only two who would bother talking to her. Agent Murphy and Agent Peña, desks only feet away from her own but she even thinks it's out of pure pity, they're nice men but work too much. Always busy, never around when the office dies and she's faced with the predicament of going home or staying longer at the office to avoid the insecure hours of silence that were bound to come.

"Agent." The words make her snap her head up away from the paper work scattered across the desk, peering into the dark swirls of brown, they match the curling hair at the base of his neck. "You ready to go?"

"Where?" The small dimples that pop through the patches of facial hair are enough to make anyone's knees weak, but luckily she's sitting, just admiring the beautiful man in front of her.

While she did believe it was only out of pity, she might have a teeny, tiny crush on him. How could she help it? Javier was hot headed, a fool with emotions, slept with a too many woman but was compassionate, smart, brave, handsome but most of all called her Hermosa.

She has no idea what it means, her spanish is shit but the way the words roll to perfectly from his tongue, the way his dimples peak smirking after they are muttered literally makes it hard to breath. Much like now, eyebrows raised in a teasing matter, a small chuckle falls from his perfect pout as he leans against the desk. "You didn't listen to a word I said did you?"

"I, um.." Hating the way her cheeks heat up she clears her throat, acting as if there's something stuck that causing the change of color in her face. "Was reading the report.."

"We need to head out to check a tip, meet you outside in ten hermosa." Theres thosd words again, she's completely speechless only nods a validation of understanding. She can't help as her eyes run down the back of his silhouette, a pink shirt stretches over his broad shoulders dipping into the curve of his slim waist then to his jeans that curve so perfectly over his -.

Shaking her head from the thoughts she stands, pulling her jacket over shoulders to joint Javier outside.

Javier is the perfect gentleman, opening the door to the car, asking if the air conditioning setting are okay not only once but twice not wanting her to be uncomfortable. Despite only knowing the man for a few months, and crushing embarrassingly hard, she felt more comfortable in this car then she did at her own home.

It's almost impossible to stop looking at him, one hand on the wheel, the other bringing a cigarette to his pout, lips wrapping around to take a large puff. His shirt is buttoned to the middle of his chest, even though it is scarce there are a few dark hairs that poke out from it, down his lean torso to his flattening thighs due to the pressure of the seat under him. He's looks so good, it's not right, he has to be at least ten or more years older but she wants nothing more than to lean against him, touch those lips with her own, run her fingers around the fatness of his bottom lip, feel his tongue poke out to suck on them.

"See something you like?" It's a tease, smirk that not only makes her cheek ignite but chest blush with pink patches. She's been caught, silent as her mouth drops to say something but Javier beats her to it. "I'm kidding, you should have seen your face."

"You're an asshole." The words are said with harsh tone, but with a smile and an eye roll that softens it up. "I was just actually wondering how many of those things you smoke a day, I heard they were bad for you."

The playful tone of earlier is gone, it's replaced by a lingering silence, a mix of anxiety and anticipation makes her stomach flip. The wall his cold against her skin but it helps hide her from the impending danger. Her breath is trembling, chest is expanding so fast she swears she can't breath.

It all happened so fast, Javier and her doing a sweep of the building then yelling, chaos erupting in the form of unforgiving bullets. Javier and her separated but him pushing her away from the danger only to face it head on himself.

One of them chasing and following her. While anyone would believe they would act heroic in the moment, run head first like Javi at the danger she couldn't, she ran up the stairs, hid in one of the bedrooms shooting the passerbys.

But now she realizes how much of a bad idea it was, trapping herself with the man only stands a few feet from her, a sickly smile matches his words as he points the gun at her. "There you are princess."

She's immobilized, pausing as eyes squeeze together expecting searing pain but the loud sound the echos the room has blood painting her face, body falling limp at her feet. Curled up in the most ridiculous position but eyes open wide with shock as Javier stands in front of her, gun still held high despite the dead man pooling blood on her legs, his own chest heaving with adrenaline.

She can't help it, the way the tears swell up, chin quivers no matter how much she tries to hide it. Javi's eyes never leave, only lower his gun, extending his hand for she can take it.

She reaches for it but the body the separates them makes her falter. "Hey -- look up, eyes on me. It's alright."

"I'm sorry. I ran away, I left you all alone." Word are breathlessly whispered with breaks, her lungs didn't want to work crushing her chest with deep sorrow. "I've never done this before."

Hands run over her face, feeling the blood smear across it, pulling her hand away to see the redness to meet the cause again before Javi is speaking again. "Eyes on me, take my hand."

The shift from the house to the car is blurry, between the tears and the blood it was nearly impossible to see anything, all she could think about was how slimy it felt against her pant leg, how the smell was almost metallically.

Javier had started the car, taking a drag of his cigarette and squeezing the bridge of his nose with the same hand. His eyes meet her again, noticing the blank stare directed at blood stained hands, Javi reaches over taking his jacket from the back seat to try and rub the blood away but it makes it worse, staining fingers a dark pink.

"I was the same way." Guessing it was her first time seeing a dead body but truthfully it doesn't get any easier, just starts to fade into normalcy. "Let's get you home hermosa."

"No --." The words are choked, loud as eye meet his with fear. Anything but the lingering silence home entitles, it would be a punishment not a relief. "Please, I don't want to go home. I am alone, I don't want to be alone."

Javi pauses to take in her words, eyebrows expressing confusion at the out burst. The way her chin quivers with uncertainty, tears push past eye lids if it wasn't for the situation he would tell her how beautiful she looks like this but instead slowly extends his hand to cup her cheek, moving closer to feel her warmth, thumb running over the highest point of her cheeks feeling them soak with a mixture of tears and blood. "You're not alone, I'm here sweet girl."

[demonkidpliz]

Things I learned while re-watching Star Plus Mahabharata (Part 19/many):

Kansa’s death scene is A+, 10/10. 

Boy Krishna literally looks like Devaki!

I know where else I have seen Boy Krishna! He plays Pradyumna in Radhakrishna!

Arjun, Bhim and Drupad have no chill and I am here for this rage. Let’s keep this going until the war starts.

It is very sad that in Kalyug a woman has to fend for her own honour when ideally it should be a joint effort by men and women.

The only appropriate reaction to a man attempting to dishonour your wife was shown by Krishna and by Ram before him = decapitation. I will not be hearing arguments against this at this time.

We should not be resorting to war. WELL YOU AND YOUR NEPHEWS SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF THAT BEFORE THAT GAME OF DICE KAKASHRI VIDUR.

I am here for this Panchali. What did you decide? What did Madhav have to say?

Panchali is against the peace proposal and honestly I am on her side.

Panchali is 100% right. The decision to fight or not is Panchali’s. Not the Pandavas. Because for every action and reaction of men, it is the women and their children who suffer. She is 100/100 right.

At least she has Krishna on her side who has absolutely no qualms in pretending anything other than the fact that he really badly wants this war. This is literally what he was put on earth to do.

In the actual story, Duryodhan offers to put Krishna up in Dushasan’s palace which was allegedly bigger and better than the main palace. And Krishna declines because he wishes to stay in Vidur’s palace but StarBharat fails to show why. It’s because Krishna’s aunt, Kunti, lives with Vidur and I think it is the most natural thing in the world that he would want to stay with his aunt rather than with these random cousins by marriage.

I am sorry sweetie (Krishna) there is no dharm ka phool in Angaraj Karna’s heart. He's a social climber.

Aye hai laddoo Gopal really be here turning all this karela into laddoos.

Nice that they gave some screen time to Vidur’s wife. Now they need to do this 200x with all the female characters.

Krishna is…right? Yudhishthir should have been crowned Yuvraj the moment Pandu died and the Pandavas came to Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra was a placeholder king and his son cannot inherit this throne. It is a different matter altogether that Dhritarashtra was the rightful king and that they should have never crowned Pandu as king. 

Krishna coming at the Kauravas with one banger after another. Their behaviour towards Draupadi cannot be forgiven. And not just Duryodhan, every man in that Sabha was culpable.

Is Duryodhan really going to bind Krishna with those big ass fake looking gold chains? This seems like a bad idea.

Krishna is asking for five villages for the five Pandavas. But Duryodhan has nothing if not his principles.

Karna is sooo annoying. Oh my god, we get it. You would give your life for your rich pals.

At least Bhishma, Vidur and Dronacharya are showing some good sense now. Long overdue.

Oho! Even Dhritarashtra has the good sense to agree to this five village business.

Lol, I can’t wait for Duryodhan to try and imprison Krishna.

I’m also waiting for the needle’s head worth of land line. Will StarBharat oblige?

StarBharat has obliged! Duryodhan will not concede a needle’s worth of land.

Krishna looks...mildly discomfited.

Arrest this cowherd LMAAOOO 

The big ass fake looking gold chains are here.

The soldiers can’t even get up, let alone pick up the chains. How underwhelming.

Is StarBharat also going to show me the wondrous scene where Dhritarashtra temporarily gets his vision? Coz that would be cool.

Oh finally someone (Karna) has the sense to say that this is not how one behaves with a peace messenger.

Chal, gwale! I am ded 🤣

What happened to the Vishwaroop scene in the middle of the Hastinapur court??

Very attracted right now to moustached Krishna dressed like a guard.

Calm down, think of Jesus.

Is Krishna also dressed like Vikarna and Karna?

Accha, Drona also.

And Pitamaha.

This is fun! 

Mamashri Shakuni 😂

Kakashri Vidur. I could do this forever.

SRJ looks amazing as all these characters. Even Dhritarashtra.

Where did Krishna transport them? On the banks of the Ganga? Dwarka? 

Did Krishna strike Duryodhan’s thigh?

YAAAAS

Dhritarashtra can see the Vishwaroop! 

Apparently, after this, Krishna gave him the option of retaining his sight. And Dhritarashtra said that after having seen the Vishwaroop to see other sights on earth was simply not worth it. 

Should’ve kept his sight for the war but he has his satellite dish Sanjay.

Okay Krishna has left. This was anticlimactic.

Oh cool, Krishna is going to play the Kunti card.

I simply love Kunti’s character and every scene with Krishna and Kunti in the same frame is simply golden.

Kunti’s entire personality is so on brand with the no chill Yadav mood.

Please do not for one second pretend that you altruistically care about the child you abandoned at birth. You’re doing this to save the skins of the five sons you actually give a damn about.

At least Radha is slightly more realistic about Karna than Kunti is.

Radha and Vrushali are like, how do you know this, Vaasudev? Vaasudev (probably): I drink and I know things.

Nothing will astonish me as much as my progression in life going from a Karna Stan to an absolute Karna Skeptic.

Karna is a social climber. That is all I have to say on this topic.

The only thing admirable about Karna’s character is his loyalty towards Duryodhan.

Also, where is this conversation between Krishna and Karna taking place? On the banks of the Ganga? Yamuna? The sea beach at Dwarka?

Where is the big speech Krishna gives to Karna? Where he promised that Draupadi will marry him (HA, AS IF) and that Yudishthira will crown him King of Hastinapur (that fool might just) if he fights on behalf of the Pandavas.

Are all Radhas this terrible? Are they all hell bent on stealing for themselves things that do not belong to them? Why won’t this awful woman own up to the fact that she’s not Karna’s biological mom?

Okay Karna is back on the banks of this mysterious water body.

I will have you all know that Karna may be suddenly having feels for Kunti, but was totally okay to sacrifice her during the Varnavat episode.

Oh goddamn it, Starbharat! 

Hitting me right in the feels when I least expect it.

Karna thinking back to all the times he was with Arjun, not knowing that they were brothers.

I’m not going to lie. Karna is in an impossible spot. Damned if he did, damned if he didn’t.

Now I am remembering why child me Stanned Karna so much.

I may not like Karna but at least I respect him for supporting Duryodhan.

I can’t wait for Queen of Resting Bitch Face, Kunti, to come and beg for her sons’ lives from Karna, when she literally does not give a damn if Karna lives or dies. Kunti knows which side her bread is buttered. Such a Yadav.

Oh this Karna-Vrushali scene is A+, 10/10. I really wish StarBharat gave more screen time to its women.

Okay I feel bad for Kunti also, mostly because I love Kunti. 

But let us not pretend that given a choice between her Parth and this veritable stranger, she will always always choose Arjun.

She had to do this for Kuntibhoj, her poor father, who loved her so much, who couldn’t have children and all he ever wanted was a child of his own, so much so that he begged Shoorsena to give him one of his daughters.

I think what’s worse is that Kunti knew. Right from the beginning. And she stayed quiet. That was not right. 

StarBharat really be here trying to make me feel for Karna again. Smh.

How tf will Karna be a Pandava? When Kunti wasn’t even mf married to Pandu when she gave birth to Karna?

Karna talking about Duryodhana while the Dharmecha shlok plays in the background. Chills.

I have a story called The tree stump on Karna, in case you are interested. 

Yeah Kunti f*cked up here. I support Karna. He is nothing but a prisoner of birth. 

Pretty big of Karna to ask Kunti not to tell his brothers. Uncharacteristic of a social climber. He’s not a bad soul, I guess. 

I don’t know if it’s Kunti’s dialogue or her acting or the background score but I am tearing up. No assholes here.

Kunti might as well cry because if Karna refuses to call her Mata until Arjun dies, she’s never going to hear it from him. Coz he will be dead.

It’s okay, Kunti, you can relax. You got what you came here for (ish).

[moss-lyman]

Could you do “I’m going to die. I’m going to die with an absolute idiot!” 

some fluff for the idiots. set post-series.

“You’re ridiculous, you know that? Like legitimately certifiable. This is trespassing.”

“Ouch! Goddamn fucking sonofa—“

“And a pottymouth!” Donna whisper-yells as he hurls himself against the gate. “This is Secret Service reinforced, Josh. The snipers are probably in the trees laughing at you.”

“I got it!” he exclaims as the latch finally gives. “And this isn’t trespassing, Donna. I technically have the key, it’s just not on my person.”

“That excuse won’t hold up in court.”

He just rolls his eyes. “The agent on the bridge saw us, it’s fine. Relax, Ms. Goody-two-shoes. It’s not like I’m breaking into the Situation Room.”

Donna huffs, but grabs his outreached hand as he pulls her through the gate door and lets it latch behind them. “Your handprint lets you into the Sit Room, Josh. That’s not breaking in. Throwing your shoulder to open a locked gate is breaking in.”

“Fine,” he concedes, “I broke in. Will you be quiet before the snipers do shoot us down?”

“Oh, my God. This is how I die, isn’t it?” she asks. “I’m gonna die with an idiot. I always knew you’d be the one to do me in and today is that day.”

“And you call me dramatic?” he asks incredulously. “A little trust, Donnatella. You’re not gonna die.”

She rolls her eyes and lets him pull her further into the waning darkness. “I don’t know,” she whispers conspiratorially, “it’s getting dark out and you’re leading me into the woods. Isn't this usually the part where we get sucked into the plot of a Stephen King book?”

Josh holds her hand tighter and looks back at her with a small grin on his face. “I’ll protect you.”

They continue walking for a while in comfortable silence, the dirt path they’re on like a balm to Donna’s quiet nerves. She’s only been to Camp David a few times and definitely never this far, but Josh seems to know (or at least act like he knows) where he’s going.

“Where are we going?” she asks out loud after another few minutes. “It’s getting dark.”

“It’s supposed to. That’s why I waited until after dinner. It’s right through these trees,” he says and he leads her into an open area that’s been clearly manicured. There’s a little garden to the left and a small pond with a dock jutting out into it. “Well?”

Donna takes it in; it’s almost summer, so it’s warm out and the cicadas are chirping in the trees as the sun makes its descent. She looks up and sees a blanket of stars trying to pop out and her eyebrows shoot up. “It’s beautiful. How’d you know it was here?”

Josh leads her to the dock and sits down with his legs stretched out and he pulls her down in front of him. “I didn’t know about it until this administration.” Donna leans against his chest as he wraps his arm around her. “They showed me full maps a few weeks ago and they gave me a key. I figured we could use some quiet.”

She nods. “It’s so peaceful. It reminds me of the lake my parents would take us to in the summer. We’d go camping and fishing for a weekend. My sister hated it, but I loved it.”

“Were you one of those gross kids who liked playing with worms?”

“They’re amazing little creatures!” she argues and he laughs as he pulls her closer.

“And I’m sure you have a whole laundry list of facts about the study of worms—“

“Helminthology.”

“— and how I should give funding money to them, but that can wait for another time.”

She smiles and grabs onto his arm to run her fingernails up and down his soft skin. “We should go camping.”

“We’re at Camp David,” he reminds her and she rolls her eyes.

“This isn’t camping. There’s running water and a personal chef in the main kitchen. You need tents and little iron skillets and firewood.”

“You do know who you’re talking to, right?” She huffs and he kisses her temple. “This is as close to camping that we’re gonna get, babe.”

“A little dirt won’t hurt, Joshua.”

“No, but fire ants crawling into my underwear will.”

“Fair point.”

She rests her head back against his shoulder and hooks her arm around his knee that’s brought up to his chest and they sit there for awhile. Both of them content to listen to the crickets and the occasional fish flopping in the water.

“This is nice,” he murmurs, tucking both his arms tight around her. “I like just sitting in silence with you.”

“Which is surprising,” she says, turning to face him. “Because you’re never quiet and you never sit still.”

“I am sometimes,” he argues.

“When you’re sleeping,” she says. “And even then you twitch like crazy.”

“Hey, I know how to be chill.”

“You really don’t.” She smiles at his indignant look and pulls his chin forward to kiss him before he can argue again. “But I still love you.”

“Just wait, Donna. I’m gonna blow your mind with how chill I can be when I finally retire.”

“That’ll be because you’re 90 with little to no joint function because you pace so much. They’ll wear out and I’ll have to push you around everywhere.”

He grins behind her and tucks his chin in her neck. “You’ll still be there when I’m 90?”

“I’ve made it this far, haven’t I? A couple more decades won’t kill me.”

Josh hums. “I want all the decades,” he murmurs. “I’ll live to be 120 just to get more and even in the afterlife, you’re stuck with me.”

“Is that a promise?” she asks quietly, a small smile on her lips as she leans back to look at him.

He’s been a lot better at actively taking care of himself without her needing to remind him. She thinks that maybe Leo played a big role in the change, which makes her sad, but if it means she gets to have him for another 80 years she isn’t going to discourage him. She gets that fluttery feeling in her stomach when she thinks about decades with Josh; maybe they’ll buy a house in the city or go somewhere else. Maybe they’ll get married on a beach somewhere. Maybe they’ll have a kid or two or none, she doesn’t know. But she wants those years regardless.

Josh nods. “I promise.”

“Good,” she whispers and leans in to kiss him again. “‘Cause one lifetime isn’t enough for me either.”

[cherry-gemz]

The City by The Bay: Part III

Summary: Fates push you and a handsome and known stranger into each other's paths. His chilvary and good looks make you take a leap into his world and more.

Previous Chapters:

Pairing: Keanu Reeves x Y/N (F!Reader)

Rating: PG, fluff

Word Count: 1500+/-

A/N: Much fluff in this chapter, will pick up more speed in the next, but hope you enjoy.

Who might be interested: @whiskeyslullabye ​ @marissat1998 @aestheticallywinchester ​ @fookingbetch ​

*************

The fluorescent lights flicker as Keanu switches the switch up. They domino on and your eyes open to the garage full of motorcycles, his toys. You smile slightly as he beams and holds out his hands in a gratifying gesture.

"My second favorite room!" He says as he takes your hand and leads you through the room. There are a dozen bikes or so and you're impressed.

"Was the bike we rode earlier not enough?" You joke as you admire his collection.

"Heh, some collect guns...which I do own a few...others collect these babies," he replies as he slaps his hand on one of his own bikes. "Personal favorite."

You look at him, "Not the one we rode earlier?"

"That is a favorite, it's from ARCH -"

"Oh, is it the KRGT-1? That's what we were on?"

His mouth is agape, "Are you into bikes?"

"Me? Oh no, definitely not an officinado, but um, well I'm quite embarrassed to say this…but I'm a fan of yours. I have watched an interview or two of you discussing motorcycles."

You blush ever so slightly at your confession, hoping he doesn't think too much into it.

"A fan, huh?"

"Well I obviously knew who you were when I had come to my senses this morning after our run in. But don't worry...not a stalker." You laugh nervously.

He smiles, "That's exactly what a stalker would say."

Your eyes widen, "What? Oh no, I...I've put my foot in my mouth."

"It's okay, Y/N. I've met stalkers. And while they are lovely people at heart, they're fanatic and obtuse, you don't have the stalker MO."

A sense of calmness rushes over you and you hope that you hadn't turned him off the idea of knowing more about you.

He changes gears and seems unphased, "But yes, the KRGT-1 is what we rode earlier. But this baby right here, is a Gordon Commando. Lots of miles on this one, good memories."

You peer over at the metal bike and it's classic look and nod, "I'm touched you would show me a personal favorite."

Your phone buzzes, but you quickly ignore it as he walks over to a wall of helmets and selects two, tosses one over to you. He reaches into his leather jacket pocket and clicks the garage opener.

"You're also gonna ride the personal favorite," he smiles mischievously and swings a leg over the bike and peers back to you.

"What? Are you serious?"

"Yeah, hop on," he grabs his keys from his jeans pocket and starts the ignition. It purrs loudly and he ramps it up and waggles his brows to you.

“I’m not sure…” you reply hesitantly as your phone goes off again. You quickly grab it and your client sent a text that they need to reschedule. A tinge in your heart shot through and you smiled.

“Everything okay?” He asks looking back at you.

“Yes, just fine.”

“I wanted to grab some food on the way where I’d like us to go, but didn’t you say you had a client's lunch?” He shouts over the engine.

“I did, but I am now available. Let’s go grab a bite.”

“Yeah? Oh that’s awesome!”

You pull the helmet over your head and manuver your purse to the side of your hip as you mount the bike.

"Ready?" He shouts over the noise of the engine and you give him a thumbs up.

*

You hold tight to his waist and bury your face into his leather jacket. It's a bit nippy and the pace of the motorcycle chills you slightly. You could hold onto him forever. It's all a dream really. Who would have thought just hours before you were a normal person out to get coffee. Now, you're riding a motorcycle with Keanu Reeves. Twice. And been to his house where he made you cappuccino and let you borrow a book. This universe you're in is most likely to dissipate and you wake up in bed any minute now. He had stopped at a mom and pop burger joint and had sworn their cheeseburgers were ethereal.

After a scenic route, you find yourself noticing the massive Redwood trees that wind up and down the Pacific Coast. Muir Woods. One of your favorite places to center yourself. You’ve walked the trails before and enjoyed the beach, but this time was different. It was with him. He pulls over to the side of the road and you hear the waves crash against the shore. As you both hop off and remove your helmets, he gestures to take the bag of food off your hands and you willingly do so.

"C'mon, let's go down to the beach," he says. You nod and you follow him onto the sand. You've always hated sand in your shoes, so you slip off your ballet flats and toss them aside. A mischievous grin appears on his face and he slips off his boots. He reaches for your hand and you look to it for a moment.

He smiles warmly and you accept his invitation and hold tight as you both scamper off to the water.

A few short minutes and breaths later you laugh as the wind picks up and pushes your hair to your face. He flashes a grin and is close to you, neither have spoken for some time, but somehow understand each other. He gently tucks a tendril of your hair behind your ear and gazes into your eyes: His are deep and expressive. The laugh lines appear and you can tell he's genuinely happy.

He plops to the sand and sits crossed legged and rummages through the white paper bag of greasy goodness.

You sit next to him and watch as he digs out a translucent paper wrapped burger and hands it to you.

"Fries are in the bag. Ketchup?" You nod and he sifts through the bag further and pulls out a ketchup packet as if he's found gold. "Ah-ha!"

"Okay, let's see what the big fuss is all about," you say and bite into the juicy patty. Your mouth ignites full of flavor, your eyes widen. "Omigosh…"

He looks at you, "Right?"

You nod in agreement and let out a slight moan which makes him laugh.

"Nice to know I can impress a chef," he states and bits into his burger.

"This is out of this world, wow."

"A hidden gem. Found it a few months ago when I went riding up here. I usually try to make sure I can give back to the community whenever I'm in location. I lie finding little spots like this."

"You have a good heart you know."

He bashfully turns his head and looks to the sea.

"Thank you…" he replies softly. "But I just do what everyone else does, nothing special."

You can tell he shies away from compliments and doesn't need flattery, and he tries change the subject.

"So tell me what is your favorite food?" He asks as you bites into your burger again.

Your mouth is full and you try to talk and then realizes you can't reply, then moves into a laugh instead.

"Sorry, finish your bite. I'll tell you mine…"

You nod and wipe your mouth with your jacket sleeve.

"Steak and potatoes. Pizza. Comfort food y'know?"

You nod again.

"And marshmallows."

"Marshfhmallows?" You reply, still chewing on your food.

"Heh yeah."

"Like s'mores?" You finally finish your bite.

"No, like a marshmallow. No graham cracker, no chocolate."

"But roasted?"

"Yeah, definitely," he smiles.

"Interesting…well my favorite food…" you start as you look up to think and then quickly dive your hand into the bag. "...has to be French Fries."

He laughs as you toss a few fries into your mouth.

"I take it you won't be sharing?" He asks as you playfully lick your fingers clean.

"Most definitely not," you tease.

He starts to open his mouth when suddenly thunder claps and you peer into the sky. Large, black clouds start to roll in and Keanu quickly gets up and grabs the food. You follow suit as he extends his hand again and you smile.

Another clap echoes and rain starts to fall heavily on the two you. You squeal as you try to run through the sand together and quickly arrive at your shoes. The rain falls heavily and quickly and eventually you both make it to the bike. Keanu tosses the bag in a nearby wastebasket and you throw on your helmets.

*

You shut your eyes tight and let the rest of your senses ignite as the rain drops fall. The coldness of the breeze continues to brush your face and makes the tip of your nose tint pink. You can smell the rain and salty sea in the air, it's distant, but permeates enough to your nose. You can still taste the remembrance of the cappuccino on your tongue and bite your lip in anticipation that it never leaves.

Lastly that glorious sound of the engine purrs to you. It's a new sound you're not too familiar with, but it's one you could definitely get used to. It's the sound of the heart that beats through his chest, it's calming and pure. It's one you'd like to call home.

[ladyinsertnamehere]

Pelt

tw: unsympathetic Patton, abuse, Logan attempts to drown himself but is saved at the last minute, feel free to let me know what I should add

“Logie-bear!” The singsongy voice piped up behind him. His captor - er, his ‘boyfriend’ - was running down the length of the pier. Logan stared back down at his feet dangling over the edge, purposefully avoiding eye contact with the tall lanky figure that sat down next to him. “Whatcha doin’ out here?” Patton asked, putting his hand on Logan’s leg. “You shouldn’t be out here anyway - what would happen if you fell?”

Well, that was a good point. The water was a good way down, and Logan wasn’t sure he could swim in such deep waters. Well, he could, just not without —

Logan yelped as Patton squeezed his knee. He removed Patton’s hand from his leg and started swinging his feet more violently, staring at the crashing waves several feet below.

How he longed to be back down there, surrounded by icy water yet unfazed as the chill nipped at his nose. Twisting and gliding through the briny sea. He missed the feeling of fish scales in his sharp teeth. He ached for the feeling of transforming back. If only he could find his —

“Alright, Logie-Bogie, it’s time to go home.” Patton pulled on Logan’s sleeveless arm and heaved him back onto the beach.

The next evening, Logan was out on the beach, picking up shells and running his fingers over them, before tossing them back onto the sand. As he leaned down to pick up one in particular, another hand reached out at the same time.

“Oh! Sorry.”

“Ah, it’s okay, no problem.”

The stranger was pale as could be, with shoulder-length brown hair that had blond highlights peppered throughout. His lips were framed with a thin pencil mustache and prickly chin fuzz. His swimming trunks were lime green, and his legs were so dirty that you couldn’t tell where the sand ended and the freckles began. And his voice - OH! His VOICE! - it was so warm and deep, and so NICE.

Logan couldn’t just stand there, he had to do or say something. He looked down at the shell in his hands. “Ah! I suppose you...need this, don’t you?” he said, handing it to the stranger.

“Oh, no thanks, actually,” the stranger refused, “This one’s empty, I’m lookin’ for clams. You could keep it, if you like.”

Logan smiled as he scratched his fingernail along the ridges of the shell. This is something he liked doing since he was little. He’d come up onto the beach for an hour or so, and feel the shells in his hands. Then he’d return to the sea just in time for supper. Well, at least he did, until someone stole his —

“You’re the son of one of the fishermen, aren’t you?” Logan remembered, and the stranger nodded, pursing his lips. “Cool,” said Logan, and he stared down at the shell, shyly.

“Lo-Lo!” Patton’s voice called from a several yards away, “Who’s that you’re with? Do you know him?”

“Sorry, I’ve gotta go!” Logan turned and ran towards Patton as the stranger shouted a farewell at him.

Patton gripped Logan’s arm forcefully and scolded through his teeth, “WHAT did I tell you about speaking to strange boys?” Logan muttered an apology as his captor - no, boyfriend - dragged him home.

A few days after that, Patton had taken Logan to a small diner. Not a fancy restaurant in the slightest, just a joint on the boardwalk where you could get soda and burgers and fries, even a milkshake if you had the money. Patton was in the bathroom and Logan was scrunching and stretching his dark blue tee that he begged Patton to get him. The movement of the fabric reminded him of the sea, and the shirt was soft and form-fitting enough that it reminded him of his —

“Clam man!” Logan exclaimed happily as the stranger he met a few days ago slid into the booth opposite him.

“Well, I usually go by Remus,” he laughed, as Logan’s heart skipped a beat, “But clam man is fine too.”

“Oh,” Logan had just remembered he never introduced himself to Remus, “I’m Logan.” He extended his hand to shake.

For the next few minutes they exchanged pleasantries and talked about Remus’s father’s fishing business and Remus going out day after day to collect clams. Soon Patton came back from the bathroom and slid into the booth next to Logan. “Oh! Who’s this, Logie-poo?” Patton asked, making Remus giggle. “I met him on the beach the other day,” Logan explained, “His name’s Remus.”

“‘sa pleasure to meet you, mister...”

“Patton,” he finished Remus’s sentence, “Call me Patton. I assume you’ve met my Logie-Bear?”

Logan zoned out while the two of them spoke, leg bouncing. He looked intently at the salt and pepper shakers and tried to remember the home he had lost so long ago. He forced himself to imagine clearly the twisting and turning of the fish in the water. It has been so long that Logan was struggling to remember what it felt like. Oh, he desperately needed to find and steal back his —

“Yeah, my brother Roman doesn’t really care for the family business, so he’s gone into fashion design, and I’m really proud of him. He even runs a little shop not far from here that specializes in plus-sized clothing -“

“Oh!” Patton squeaked, then turned to his boyfriend, “Y’hear that, Lo-lo?” He playfully squished his boyfriend’s pudge. Logan had to bite his hand to keep from laughing - if Patton knew it tickled, he wasn’t going to stop tickling him.

“Hey, I’ve got a fabric that your brother would LOVE,” Patton told Remus, “It’s the most beautiful sealskin you’ll ever see!”

Logan’s heart caught in his throat. Sealskin. Patton wasn’t a hunter, and he didn’t keep sealskin around the house, except for Logan’s pe—

“Oh, no, no, his clothes are a strictly ethical line. No animal skin.”

“Awh, bummer,” Patton sounded genuinely dejected, “but I understand where he’s coming from.”

Before Logan had time to breathe a sigh of relief, Patton piped up again: “Hey, even if he won’t take it, I’m sure you can wrap it around you to protect you from the cold?”

Remus refused, but Patton persisted. Logan’s breath quickened. He excused himself from the table, bolted out the door and made a beeline for the pier.

He stripped off his shirt and his shoes and his pants as he made his way toward the water. Even if he couldn’t go home, maybe he’d just...drown. He steadied himself a few seconds and took one final breath before he jumped —

And got pulled right back again. Remus had followed him out, and had grabbed him from behind, wrapping his arms around Logan.

“Woah, there, buddy,” Remus exclaimed as he hauled Logan back into the pier. “Something wrong?”

Logan tried to say something calmly, but he could already feel tears streaming down his cheeks. “I just wanna go home,” he sobbed.

“Alright,” Remus replied softly, “I’ll get Patton and-“

“NO!” Logan exclaimed. Remus was clearly not understanding him. “Not home with Patton!” He stared out into the sea, sobbing more, “I want to go home.”

Logan had been looking away from Remus, but it was almost as if he heard it click for him. His father had told him about selkies, and he himself had caught a glimpse of one transforming once. “Oh. Well,” Remus put his hand in Logan’s, “Looks like I’ll have to take Patton up on his offer for that...um, sealskin.”

“You will be doing no such thing,” came a startlingly firm voice from behind. Patton had finally decided to catch up to the two of them. He grabbed Remus by the shoulders and hauled him into the water below.

“NO!” Logan screamed, watching him fall. Patton forcefully took his boyfriend’s hand and dragged him back along the pier.

Patton threw Logan into the house and slammed the door.

“What was that?” Patton’s voice was no longer sweet and friendly. “How DARE you betray me like that?”

Logan stuttered and stammered but was met with a hard slap to the face. Patton did NOT look happy.

“Go get some clothes on, and STAY in that room until I let you out!” Patton ordered. Fearing more violence, Logan scurried into the shared bedroom.

They both heard the knock at the door - Patton from the kitchen, and Logan muffled from the bedroom. Logan then heard the door be opened, someone being slammed against a wall, and then shouts and threats he couldn’t understand. Soon, the bedroom door clicked open, and Remus barged in, knelt down by the bed, and hauled out a safe from under it. He twisted the combination lock back and forth until it clicked and opened the door. He tossed the fuzzy mass of grey towards Logan.

His pelt!

Remus grasped Logan’s hand, and Logan immediately understood that it was time for them to run now.

Remus led him through the living room where Logan saw a similar-looking man (most likely Remus’s brother) pinning a fighting Patton to the wall in anger. Logan didn’t have much time to see the blood dripping out of Patton’s nose before hurrying out the door.

The two of them made it to the beach, and only then did Remus turn to Logan.

“Take your clothes off.”

“What?”

“Oh - I can turn away if you want. Take your clothes off so you can slip your skinsuit on.”

“Don’t call it that.”

“Just start taking your shirt off.” Remus handed Logan the seal pelt and turned away, covering his eyes with his hands.

Logan did as he was told, taking off his shirt and his pants and his underwear and pulling the pelt on over his legs. The velvety skin fit snugly over his body, just like it did when he first came out of the water.

“Hey,” Logan suddenly said. Remus turned around, hand still over his eyes, though peeking through his fingers.

“What’s gonna happen to Patton?”

“I’ll deal with the legal repercussions later.”

“I can’t just leave you here like that.”

“It’ll be okay, maybe we’ll see each other again some time.”

Logan paused a moment. “I guess...thank you.”

Remus smiled in return.

Remus watched as Logan pulled the pelt the rest of the way up. The stretch marks on his stomach and sides lined up perfectly with the dark spots on the sealskin. Logan waddled a little way into the water, pulled the skin over his head, and dove into the sea.

[justatiredghost]

January Rain by the Sea Part 5

In a life of misery, the ocean is the only place Klaus has ever felt any sense of peace or belonging. He finds himself drawn here whenever it all gets to be too much

-

Klaus was trying to be careful, not wanting to tighten the net wrapped around Dave more than it already was, but his pocket knife wasn’t particularly big or sharp, causing him to have to saw at it roughly for longer than he’d like. It was a little awkward, especially with Dave watching him with a guarded look that was nothing like how he’d looked at him earlier that evening.

“So, what’s the story, then?” Klaus asked, desperate for anything to talk about. “Do you get dressed up and go swimming after dark like this often? Or—”

He reached out, planning to snap the waistband of what had to be a fake fishtail, but he touched his hip where tiny scales began, only to find that they really were sprouting from his skin. The detail was too precise, just a scattering before they became full overlapping scales that you’d expect on a fish. He couldn’t imagine anything fake holding up against his squirming and thrashing, being dragged across the sand as well as the coarse ropes of the netting. It had even damaged the tail in some areas, and there was no faking the rope burns or the bleeding. Or the way his tail curled that legs and knees couldn’t.

“Did you really expect it to be fake?” Dave asked, trying to hide the hint of a smile despite himself.

“Huh,” Klaus said. “This isn’t how I thought it would go, but I always knew the drugs would kill me eventually. Am I having a stroke or something?”

“I don’t think that’s how strokes work.”

“So you’re not a hallucination, then?” Klaus asked, studying him through squinted eyes in mock-suspicion.

“If I say that I am, what are the odds I get out of this alive?” Dave asked, turning grim again.

“Woah, woah,” Klaus said, raising his hands. “Who said anything about dying?”

“I mean,” Dave said. “Despite how I looked earlier, I’m not exactly human. Most people would be more than happy to sell me out.”

“Fame and fortune?” Klaus asked, waving a hand dismissively as he went back to cutting through the net. “Yeah, been there already, and I’d rather never go back.”

“So, what, you’re just gonna let me go?” Dave asked skeptically.

“I mean, yeah,” Klaus said. “Kidnapping isn’t really my thing. I mean, what am I supposed to do with a whole ass human? One that’ll have to live in a bathtub too. Besides, pretty sure everyone’s just looking for an excuse to lock me up. Can you imagine what would happen if I started going around telling everyone Merfolk are real?”

“Oh,” Dave said. “Um, thanks.” It didn’t exactly look like he believed him, but there was at least enough doubt that he didn’t look so hopeless, so that was nice at least.

“Just to be clear, though,” Klaus said, hoping to get him to relax. “You are the same Dave I met earlier, right?”

“Yeah?” Dave said, looking confused by the question.

“Okay, cool,” Klaus nodded, and he finally managed to untangle his tail, which Dave stretched cautiously, either because of his injuries, or because he didn’t want to accidentally smack Klaus, which he appreciated. “You can never be sure with these kinds of things.”

“I want to ask what you mean by that, but I’m afraid to know the answer.”

“Probably for the best. I’ve lived a wild life. Now, can I—“

He gestured to the net still wrapped around his chest, trapping his hand, and Dave nodded after a moment. His eyes fell closed as Klaus drew in close, his breathing finally seeming to calm.

“So,” Klaus said, trying to keep the conversation going. “When you said you had a thing tonight, you meant a fish thing?”

“Yeah,” he hesitated, like he wasn’t sure how much he should give away, and Klaus figured he should probably change the subject to something less personal.

“What about that trap you set up for your boss? How did that go?”

“Oh, it worked,” he said, chuckling more out of surprise than anything. “Thankfully, he doesn’t know it was me, otherwise he’d have sacked me immediately. Not that it matters now.”

“Way to be cryptic,” Klaus said, finally slicing through the last of the rope and throwing it to the side. “What does that mean?”

“Just—“ Dave said, avoiding eye contact as he rubbed life back into his numb arm. “It’s probably about time I moved on.”

“Hang on,” Klaus said. “You’re not leaving because of this, are you? Because it’s really not that embarrassing. I’ve done way worse stuff, ask anyone.”

“I don’t know. I’ve done some pretty stupid things, I’m honestly surprised this is the first time someone saw me. Just, I can’t have anyone knowing who I am.”

“Well, now I feel bad,” Klaus said. “I don’t care. Can you use your Mer-powers to wipe my memory?”

“I don’t— I don’t have any mind wiping powers,” Dave said in confusion.

“Oh well, worth a shot,” Klaus shrugged. “My sister could make me forget probably, but that means telling her, so we’ll just be right back where we started with someone knowing.”

“Your sister?” Dave asked, shaking his head. “I really can’t tell when you’re joking or not.”

Usually, Klaus went out of his way to never mention his family or the Academy. Unless he thought it might get him into an exclusive club or a discount or something. But he knew Dave’s secret, and he honestly did want to reassure him, maybe share a secret of his own so he wouldn’t feel so exposed. Klaus really had no idea what had gotten into him, he wasn’t this honest with anyone. This guy just felt so familiar, so right, that he found himself not caring about his usual caution. So he decided to keep going.

“Oh, I’m not kidding at all. She’s the Rumor. She got the fun power, I just get to listen to ghosts screaming.”

“I assume that’s supposed to mean something to me, but for the life of me, I have no idea,” Dave said, just looking more and more confused.

“Seriously? You’ve really never heard of me?” Klaus asked. “The Seance, the sexiest and most fun member of the Umbrella Academy? Where have you been living, under a rock?

“Kinda,” Dave admitted with a chuckle. “But the Umbrella Academy does sound familiar. That was the thing with the superhero kids, right? You were one of them?”

“That’s one way to but it I guess,” Klaus grumbled. “Way to make it sound incredibly boring.”

“And you said your power was ghosts?” Dave asked.

“Yeah, but I don’t think ghosts are going to be able to help us here. Not that I could hear them right now, even if I wanted to.”

“This has been one of the most wild conversations I have ever heard, and you’re the one who just found out I’m not human. How did that happen?”

“I told you, I’ve lived a wild life,” Klaus winked.

Klaus dug around in his pockets until he found what he was looking for and held it up in victory. He’d forgotten he had a spare joint, although now it was incredibly soggy. “Aha, I do have one left! So, are you gonna chill here and smoke with me, or do you need to head out on very important Mer business?”

“You’re gonna smoke that?” Dave asked, skeptically.

“It’s only a little damp,” Klaus said. “I just gotta dry it out first.”

“Right, well, good luck with that,” Dave said, turning away towards the ocean. “And thanks. For saving me.”

“Hey, it’s whatever, am I right? Just don’t make a thing out of it,” Klaus said, flopping onto his back and staring up at the stars. “I’d offer to walk you home like a real gentleman, but I’m not a gentleman, and also I imagine there’s a bit less walking and a bit more swimming involved.”

“Goodbye, Klaus.”

Klaus waved without looking, digging his toes into the sand. He must have taken his shoes off when he jumped into the water, he needed to remember to grab those, but at least this felt nice right now. He didn’t even hear Dave splash into the water, the next time he looked up, he was just gone. For some reason, a wave of melancholy washed over him as he was left alone on the beach. What was up with him, lately? He really needed to smoke this joint.

[kiara-carrera]

“I'm a mess” + Leah and JJ!

95: i'm a mess + mayson

thank you for continuously aiding my obsession with them. i'm actually really happy with how this came out omfg. very much not canon compliant to the actual fic and clueless (slightly jealous) babies. also weed, if you're not down with that (the smoking stuff is also probably v poorly written because i've never smoked in my life lmao).

"Is that my shirt?"

Leah nearly fell out of the hammock. She practically jumped out of her skin, one hand grabbing onto the side and the other clutching the joint she'd rolled a few minutes earlier. Her head whipped around to see JJ walking up to the trees outside the Chateau, an amused grin on his face.

"Jesus fuck, J. Don't sneak up on people like that," Leah whined, flipping him off as he came to a stop in front of her. He grabbed the side of the hammock, stopping it from swinging aggressively as she regained her balance.

"My shirt," he repeated, tugging at the sleeve of it.

She glanced down at the Pelican Marina shirt as if she just remembered she was wearing it. She'd randomly grabbed it from his room when she got back to the Chateau with John B, having ditched the party — and technically JJ? — at the boneyard. "Oh yeah, I got beer all over mine."

He raised an eyebrow, confused.

"Long story," she dismissed with a wave of her hand. Specifically, the one with her lit joint, which didn't go unnoticed by JJ.

"And you took my weed, too?" he exclaimed, eyeing the joint in her hand. Even buzzed, JJ had about thirteen issues with the way it was assembled, but rolling was never Leah's strong suit.

"No." She gave him a mischievous grin, shooting a conspiratorial wink. "It's John B's."

JJ chuckled at her expression, gasping with pride as he slapped a hand over his chest. “My little klepto! I've trained you well."

She shrugged. "I spotted him money for the last keg, he owes me. Wanna smoke it with me?"

JJ eyed her poor craftsmanship, but ultimately accepted with a shrug. Leah tried her best to keep still as JJ climbed into the hammock, sitting back against the other end to be across from her. The swayed a bit before he finally settled in, slotting one of his legs between hers.

She held out the joint to him, waving it tauntingly in front of him. JJ chuckled, plucking it from her fingers.

He took a quick hit, cringing when he let the smoke free. "This is shit weed."

"That's because John B bought it."

" ... Fair enough."

They sat in comfortable silent for a few minutes, passing the joint back and forth as the very beginnings of a nice mellow feeling started to creep into Leah's veins. She tried her best to blow a smoke ring, but it came out more like a disjointed blob.

JJ snorted. “Weak."

"Dick," she grumbled, kicking her foot into his calf.

He rolled her eyes at the childish action, before posing a question. "Wanna tell me why I had to walk my ass back here tonight?"

Right. They'd ditched him. Whoops?

Okay, look, they had a reason. One of them being an absolutely trashed John B. He rarely got piss drunk but on the occasions that he did, there was a high chance he'd either do something really stupid or fall dead asleep and Leah had preferred to have him fall asleep at home then on the beach for her and the other's to drag him to the van.

Plus, JJ's attention had been firmly elsewhere at the time.

"Yeah, John B got a little too drunk and I was covered in beer and Kie and Pope have to work tomorrow so we decided to call it," she answered, feeling slightly guilty that they'd bailed on him. She gave him a regretful smile. "We were gonna get you, but you seemed ... preoccupied."

From the start of the party, some girl had practically latched herself onto JJ, and as usual, he lapped up all the attention. Leah didn't blame the girl. JJ was probably the hottest guy on the island, but Leah didn't really want to see him making out with some girl right in front of her.

But, uh, not that she cared. Obviously.

She changed the subject, trying not to sound like some bitter little baby. "So we just, uh, left. Pope said he texted you to let you know."

Pope definitely did not text JJ, but the blond wasn't going to fault him for it. No harm, no foul, especially since he most likely drove home with Kie tonight. God knows Pope was ass over elbows for their friend.

JJ nodded slowly a few times, like he was bobbing his head to an invisible beat. He could already tell he wasn't going to get a good high from John B's shit stash, but at least the keg at the boneyard had gotten him buzzed enough.

The keg, which reminded him of something. "Speaking of beer — "

"We weren't speaking of beer."

"Speaking, thinking, same difference," JJ dismissed, giving a nudge to her leg. "Why were you covered in beer again?"

Leah groaned, letting her head toss back in annoyance. "Fucking Kooks, that's why."

JJ frowned. "I mean, sure, but how ... ?"

Leah sighed, taking one last hit before leaning forward to hand him the joint. When she let the smoke go, she said, "Well, there was this guy I was with for most of the night. I don't know if you saw me after we ditched keg duty."

Oh, JJ had noticed. He definitely fucking noticed.

"He looked like a preppy asshole," he commented, trying to seem nonchalant. It was a wonder Leah bought it, because really he just sounded like a petty little bitch. He brought the joint to his lips, asking, "What happened to your no Kook rule?"

"He was a Touron," Leah replied. "A rich-y rich one, but a Touron all the same."

"But I thought you said — "

"Kook comes in later," she told him. She adjusted her position in the hammock, playing with the hem of JJ's shirt. "Although the Touron was actually a preppy asshole, so you're not really wrong. I mean, he seemed nice at first? But he was also ridiculously boring and full of himself. Ended up being a total dick."

"So basically he was a Kook without the Figure Eight address?"

"Pretty much. So anyways, we're talking and he's mostly going on about himself, which, like, fine, whatever, I was just waiting for him to wanna make out with me anyways — " She didn't notice the way JJ's eyes narrowed just a bit. " — And some fucking Kook drunk off his ass knocks into us and his beer spills all over me."

JJ let out a low whistle. "That blows."

"Oh, definitely. So my shirt's fucking drenched, like, I'm a mess, right? And you'd think any halfway decent person would like, I don't know, be good about the situation? Nope, the fucker decided it would be a great time to make a wet t-shirt contest joke about my boobs. Or, according to him, lack thereof."

Leah rolled her eyes as she laughed at the stupidity of it all, leaning over to snatch the joint back, taking another hit off it. She'd been pissed at first, but the look on his face when she dumped her drink on him was enough to ease her mind.

JJ on the other hand didn't seem as amused. "You're kidding me, right?"

"Like I said, total dick."

"You should've come and got me, would've had him on his ass."

The angry look in JJ's eyes was enough to make a soft smile break across Leah's face. That alone seemed to dim some of the irritation in his expression.

"Easy there, killer," she told him, leaning up to pat him on his leg. "I already threw the rest of my drink at him."

JJ conceded with a grumble, a part of him slightly amused at the thought, but he still muttered, "Still could use his ass kicked though."

"He could've, but I also don't need you fighting every guy who so much as looks at me the wrong way," she snorted. "Besides, I think you're forgetting I have a very nice right hook of my own."

The mental image of Leah socking Rafe Cameron in the face was enough to make them both burst out laughing.

It was a few minutes before all the laughter was out of their systems and they were back to a mellow quiet, the sounds of crickets chirping filling the air.

"So why were you even hanging out with him if he was such a boring dick?"

Because you had your tongue down that girl's throat.

She didn't really know how to answer his question without verging on embarrassing, friendship destroying, Pogue rule number one breaking honesty.

"Boredom? I don't know. Just looking for someone to hook up with, I guess," she replied, not really noticing how he bristled at her answer. Instead, she took an opportunity to try her hand at another smoke right, squealing in delight when a wonky, yet undeniably round ring blew from her lips. "Look!"

JJ grinned at the childlike wonder in her eyes, swaying slightly as she made the hammock swing a little with her excited bounces. He shook his head at her, watching her slip back to rest more comfortably in the hammock, her legs nudging his every so often. His gaze was absentmindedly fixed on the sight of his shirt on her when she cut into his thoughts.

"So, uh, how come you're not with ... " Leah trailed off. She didn't know the girl's name nor did she really want to. She was also worried if she kept going, a twinge of jealousy would leak into her words.

She was totally not jealous, though, by the way. Just to make that clear.

"Just wasn't really vibing," JJ said casually.

In all honesty, he'd only really stopped vibing when he saw that stupid fucking tourist all over Leah. The guy had looked like a dick and her story pretty much proved it, but the sight of them had tanked his mood incredibly. So when his own Touron had invited him back to the place she was staying, JJ bailed.

There were only so many times you could hook up with other people while thinking of the same goddamn person, especially when you shouldn't — no, couldn't be thinking about that person.

Because they were your best friend and you were a fucking idiot.

"Oh."

He leaned over, plucking the joint from her fingers. He took a hit, letting the smoke seep out of his mouth after a moment. He tried to play the situation off, grinning at her. "Eh, not a big deal. Besides, why would I want to be there when I can chill with my best friend?"

The words best friend hung in the air between them.

Neither one of them liked the way it sounded.

Neither one of them had the guts to do anything about it.

[weasleypogues]

sober (j.b.r)

master list.

so i wanted to make a cute little thang to get this account really up and running so i hope u guys enjoy :) xx

you and your friends decided that having a kegger at the boneyard was the only way that you wanted to kick start your summer. it only seemed appropriate because it was a sunny day with little to no breeze and school had just let out for the summer. 

you went with kiara to pick up red solo cups while the guys went on their own path to pick up two kegs. today was a great day on the boat with your friends. you got breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them. you swam in the waves and surfed with them later on. 

for some reason though, you said to yourself that you weren’t in the mood to drink later on. you weren’t in an upset mood or anything and a part of you felt guilty that you weren’t going take part in the drinking. you just wanted to live in the moment with your friends and didn’t feel like forgetting parts of the night. fortunately, you didn’t need to be under the influence to hang out and have fun with your friends, unlike a lot of the kooks. 

after making a stop at kiara’s house so she could change, you made one last stop at your own to get on your cutest but most laid back party clothes. you had no one to impress. well...you kinda did. it’s confusing. you didn’t feel the need to dress up for your crush, john b. you figured if he didn’t like you in a regular pair of shorts and a t-shirt than maybe the crush wasn’t worth it. but that didn’t mean you didn’t pick out your cutest t-shirt and shortest shorts for the party. you still had to spice it up. 

after applying a small layer of mascara and highlighter, you packed a bag to sleep over john b’s house later and headed towards the boneyard with kiara. 

“ready to get completely shitfaced, ladies?” jj exclaimed raising his arms in greeting as you and kiara walked towards them near the shoreline. surprisingly, kiara decided tonight she would go a little harder than usual now that you were going to be sober.

“shitfaced? no, feel-good-buzzed-tipsy? hell yeah.” kiara giggled as she opened the bag of red solo cups stacked on top of each other. you took a seat on the large fallen branches next to john b.

“want me to get you a drink?” pope asked, facing you. you smiled at him and simply shook your head.

“not really feeling getting drunk. just feel like chilling, sitting back, and observing.” you answered as you fiddled with your bracelets. he gave you a quick smile and nod and proceeded to walk over to jj who was already done with one cup.

it wasn’t long until tourons and kooks joined the party after your usual pogues inhabited the party earlier. it was kinda funny how keggers worked. john b explained them as three-layer burritos. even though everyone has their own opposite lifestyles and such, there’s nothing like a kegger to gather underage kids to drink alcohol on a beach. 

“need any help?” you asked as you walked up to where john b was working the keg. he looked over to you for a quick second to put a face to the voice and smiled as he went back to work.

“not necessarily, but i could use some company.” he anwsered with a smile on his face. you smiled slightly to yourself as you just observed him while he was focused on filling up a cup for some random kooks. you watched the way his sunburnt skin looked perfectly tan, how his slight curls moved with the summer evening breeze, how even though pogues and kooks did not get along whatsoever he still gave each kook a slight smile even though from time to time he would mess with them when handing them a cup. he was overall a nice guy. that’s why you liked him. although he could easily hurt a fly, he wouldn’t think even think about doing it.

there would be little breaks he would get in between newcomers where you guys would hold a small conversation but usually got interuppted quickly. after a couple more tourons walked up to the party in their new outer banks apparel they got from a local shop on their vacation, john b was pretty free for the rest of the night. 

“pretty good turn out tonight if you ask me.” you said as you took an empty spot on a fallen tree in front of the fire. john b didn’t hesitate to follow you and take the empty seat next to yours. 

“i would say so. as long as no bad shit happens, we’re good.” he responded with a slight chuckle. you rolled your eyes and let out a laugh so quick, you knew something was bound to happen. whether it was your own friends or some tourons or kooks, there was never a simple and peaceful kegger in the history of boneyard parties. 

“look’s like we’re the only ones sober at this party.” john b stated as he gave you a slight nudge to make you look over at him. he had that gorgeous smile that gave you butterflies and you rolled your eyes playfully in response. “is there a reason you didn’t drink tonight?”

you shurgged while giving a content smile. “wasn’t really feeling the whole alcohol taste tonight but as long as i’m here, i’m happy.” you answered putting your elbows on your knees to get somewhat closer to the firepit. he nodded slowly and looked down and there was a few moments of silence between you two.

it seemed like an eternity till he lifted his head up. even though people were surrounding you every which way, it felt so quiet when he didn’t respond at all.

“can i tell you something?” john b asked, a little louder than both of you expected. this made you slightly jump and you looked at him with soft eyes.

“anything.” you replied as you subtly cracked your fingers, a habit you did when you were nervous. he stood up and ran his fingers through his hair with his left hand while his right hand was out stretched towards you. you took his hand without heistation as he led you a little distant from the rest of the party.

“this could easily be too straight up. this could so easily ruin our friendship. or the group. or tonight overall but i seriously need to get this off my chest for the sake of myself and of jj and pope who will not stop nagging me to tell you.” john b rambled on, his face turning slightly red from either embarassment or because he was loosing breath from his run on sentence. you couldn’t tell, mainly because you felt your own face get too hot because you were scared of what he was going to say. 

“you know how there’s the no pogue-on-pogue macking rule, right? of course you do, that was a stupid question. anyways, look (y/n) i really like you. like a-fucking-lot. i liked staring at the back of your head in history class to keep me distracted. i like when you laugh at jj and pope after kiara either playfully tells them off or makes fun of them. although, playfully is a debatable word with that last one though. i like when you come surfing with us or even just sit with us at the wreck even though you ate lunch earlier but just wanted to be with us. i like your laugh, your eyes, your finger cracking habit. the list could go on. so i get it if you don’t like me back or maybe you do and you just don’t wanna break the rules. and maybe it was selfish that i’m saying all this and throwing it on your for the sake of my own sanity but i just really had to let you know because jj and pope put this idea in my head that you had feelings back for me and i just need to know.”

you started back at him, your eyes slightly wide at his entire tangent. you were at a loss for words. you felt a tingling sensation throughout your entire body but no words were coming to mind except for simple ones.

“yes.” you answered, and it seemed like you were out of breath. john b’s face faltered slightly.

“yes?” he inquired, his eyebrows furrowed. finally your knowledge of the english language came back to you and the biggest smile grew on your face. 

“i like you. a lot. you’re the sweetest, funniest, most laid back guy that i’ve ever met and if i knew all of this i would so have made a move sooner you have no idea.” you responded and immediately cupped his face with your hands and pulled him in so passionately that the noise from the kegger drowned out gradually. 

you could feel john b ease at your touch and swiftly grabbed your waist, somehow pulling your already close bodies, even closer. after what felt like way too long but not long enough, you pulled away and found your hands at the nape of his neck, playing with his hair. 

“i feel like the luckiest guy in the outer banks right now.” john b responded, oh ever so cheesily. your hands traveled down his arms and you took his left hand in your right as you guided him back to the party. maybe your drunk friends would notice, maybe not.

maybe you were away from the party longer than you thought because when you came back you were met with only a couple of party goers, jj, kiara, and pope as they passed around a joint.

“woah woah woah, did we miss something?” jj basically coughed out after hitting the joint. you and john b both laughed in response.

“we’ll clear things up tomorrow morning when everyone is sober and hungover, don’t worry.” you stated, feeling john b place a kiss at the top of your head. 

[darlinvandijk]

Late Night Swim

Concept: y’all already know what this is, just a fic about Skinny dipping, and a beautiful boy joining you for the night time swim. Also WARNING: nudity?? And weed so that’s that. I couldn’t help myself so I just needed to write this piece LMAO Hope you enjoy ;)

I grab the joint from his hand, taking a hit, before coughing the harsh smoke out, ignoring the laughing that erupts around me. I look up and glare at the laughing boy in front of me, glaring as he mocks me, before passing the joint off next to me.

“Ruel make him stop, it’s not my fault that I coughed” I whine, looking to my right, watching as Ruel raises an eyebrow at me while taking a drag. I roll my eyes ready to complain before my head is tilted up, Ruels lips pressing against mine as he eases them open, smoke filling my mouth before I breath it in. He pulls away from me with a smirk, slowly licking his lips as he takes another hit, blowing it straight in my face with a grin. “You’re so annoying” I mumble, my eyes slightly stinging from the direct hit of smoke.

“I thought Crackerz was the annoying one, he laughed at you when you coughed, I was nice enough to help you” Ruel defends, trying not to laugh as Crackerz erupts again, laying flat on his back as he laughs at my frown. I glare at the both of them before standing up, deciding to give the boys a silent treatment, only to get pulled back down and on to Ruels lap instead. I look up at him through hazy eyes, my brain fuzzy from smoking, and my eyes trained on his pink lips, almost forgetting about the boy sitting in front of us with a disgusted look on his face. “Stop whining or I’ll find a way to shut you up later” he mumbles, removing the joint from his lips to press them to mine, eyes trained on the way I easily inhale the smoke.

“Can you guys stop eye fucking in front of me? Also what happened to the whole ‘we’re just friends’ thing?” Crackerz accuses us, having watched the secretive touches and glances all night, finally breaking silence after Ruel presses his lips to mine for the third time that night. I open my mouth to object his theory, only to lean back against Ruel as he points an accusatory finger at me, feeling Ruel silently shake behind me as he laughs. “Don’t even test me, friends don’t practically make out, spill it already” He pleads, already knowing the rehearsed line Ruel and I say every single time.

“Chill we are just friends, I was just making it easier for her to smoke. I was not about to hear her choke again for the millionth time tonight” Ruel reasons with him, moving his hand to my thigh, ignoring the way Crackerz eyebrows shoot up at the action. Before I can even justify anything, the same excuse I use of ‘we’ve been best friends for so long so it’s not weird’, Crackerz stands up and pulls his jacket back on. “Oh god don’t tell me you’re already leaving asshole” Ruel grumbles, smirking as he gets a middle finger in return, Crackerz taking one last hit before passing it back to him with a grin.

“Surprise but some of us actually have plans tonight, so have fun with your whole fake friendship act” Crackerz cackles on his way out, ignoring the shouts of protest he gets in return to his little comment. I lean back against Ruel as the silence settles around us, hearing him inhale before he turns my face towards his on my shoulder, my mouth opening as our lips meet, the dense smoke filling my lungs. He pulls away and smiles as I let the smoke out through my nose, tilting my head and puckering my lips, wanting another kiss from him.

“We really suck at this whole not being obvious thing huh” he laughs, pressing a few consecutive light kisses to my lips, falling even more in love as he looks at my slightly pink face. I laugh at his statement, completely agreeing with him, because honestly we could never be actors with how terrible this performance is going. “We seriously use the same excuses every time, we’re the worst baby” he grins, holding me tight against him as he breaths out the smoke, my eyes watching the way it twirls throughout the dark sky around us.

“We might as well just come clean, not like they don’t already know. It’s been a little over a year now and I’m pretty sure they caught on like two months in” I laugh, my eyes widening as he stands up, still holding me in his arms. I let him carry me for a few minutes through some of the trees and brush surrounding us, before we finally end up at the same spot we always do. His safe place, otherwise known as the little mini beach no one knows about or comes to, a smile rising on my face as I look up at the moon sitting high in the sky. “Now what’re we doing here this time Rueloff, since we’ve already smoked all we had” I ask, my eyes slowly meeting his as the peak of my high finally hits, my brain cloudy with only the thought of him being clear.

“I’m glad you asked that sweetheart, but strip. Now.” He states, ignoring the way my eyes widen and my mouth drops open, watching him in shock as he takes off his shirt and unbuttons his pants. He folds them and sets them in a small pile, turning to me as he stands there in just his boxers, rolling his eyes as he sees me fully clothed. “Did I stutter? Take off your fucking clothes” he mumbles, reaching down to pull off his boxers before I smack him on the shoulder, glaring at him as he looks at me confused.

“Why don’t you say please? I’m not some bitch you can just boss around” I huff, rolling my eyes as I turn around to walk away, only to get yanked backwards, my fully clothed body coming in contact with his now bare front. I wiggle to try and get away from him, sagging against him in defeat, as he just wraps his arms around my waist, his chin resting on the top of my head as he waits for me to stop. “Get off of me, you’re so annoying” I snap at him, growing more annoyed as I feel him laughing against me, knowing he’s enjoying my attitude.

“You’re so fucking hot when you’re mad” he smirks out, turning me around to face him, slightly bending down to press a kiss to the top of my forehead, chuckling as I say nothing in return and stand there staring at him. He grabs the hem of my shirt as I stand still, slowly lifting it and letting it drop on to the sand, before his hands reach down, undoing the button of my jeans with ease. I mean it’s not like that’s the first time he’s done that. “Cheer up sweetheart, you know you like when I boss you around.. I mean you sure as fuck liked it the other night” he grins, laughing when I push against his chest, my own smile finally breaking through.

“Whatever, why’re we stripping on the beach? I’m not doing anything here, sand will get in places I don’t ever want it to be” I warn him, laughing as he pulls me forward and his hand goes to my back, skillfully unclasping my bra, tossing it to the ground with the rest of my now discarded clothes. He ignores my questions and tugs at my underwear, not wanting to bend down to remove those, making me roll my eyes and pull them down, kicking them to the side once they fall to my ankles. He steps back and stares at me in awe, my face heating up as his eyes wander my now slightly shivering body, looking at me as if he’s seeing me for the first time. “Stop looking at me like that, it makes me shy” I mumble, crossing my arms over my chest as I start to feel slightly embarrassed standing here completely bare in front of him. He lets out a noise of disapproval, coming closer and grabbing my hands, removing my arms from covering my body from him.

“Don’t cover yourself, you’re stunning. I’ve seen you like this so many times yet I’m always so star stuck with you baby” he whispers, one of his hands dragging across my hip slowly, giving me a lazy love struck grin as his eyes meet mine again. He tugs me against him, wrapping his arms around me in a soft embrace, kissing the top of my head as I give him a small squeeze of appreciation. He stays silent for a few minutes, before breaking the silence in a way that I should have seen coming a lot sooner.

“Ruel no it’s gonna be cold” I screech when he lifts me up and jogs to the water, the waves reaching shore in a peaceful manner, a bit more calm than they usually seem to be this time at night. He stops with me wrapped around his waist, my arms tightly around his neck, the water reaching mid chest to him, meaning if he let me go I’d practically be fully submerged. I shift and tighten my hold around him, the cold water splashing up and down my back, making sure my chest and stomach stay pressed against him to help lessen the cold temp from reaching them.

We both look out at the moon in silence for a few minutes, just holding each other and trying to stay as warm as possible, the freezing water around us chilling me straight to the bone. He slowly starts to let me go, laughing as I grab on to his arms to stay afloat, moving my feet so I can tread and not sink straight down. He raises one of his arms to push some of my hair back, laughing as my hand gripping his arm moves with his movement, completely unwilling to let him go in case I float out into the ocean. He moves my hands to rest on his shoulders, his coming down to my waist as he helps me stay up, ignoring the little nudges of my feet kicking his shins.

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are, like you’re prettier than Crackerz” he laughs, his already hooded eyes almost closing fully, the smoking from earlier causing him to laugh even harder at his own joke. I scoff and roll my eyes, knowing damn well he did not just compare me to Crackerz out of all people, the man who laughed when I almost died earlier. He leans forward and presses a kiss to my lips, smiling when I lean forward for another, knowing that when I’m high I usually get a lot needier than usual. Which is saying something since I’m always clingy when it comes to the beautiful boy in front of me.

“You owe me more than just one kiss, especially after trying to compare me to Crackerz, like that’s so disrespectful to me” I barely get out, laughing as I watch Ruel laugh, happy that I can make him laugh like this even if it’s just a simple joke about our interesting friend. I move to wrap my arms back around his neck, pressing myself against him as we just sway in the water, our highs now turning into a calm and sleepy feeling, his warm skin pressed against mine not helping whatsoever. He rubs one of his hands up and down my back, smiling to himself as he thinks about how lucky he is, holding the girl of his dreams in his arms. Nothing but the waves, us, and the shining stars surrounding us.

“Getting sleepy my love? We can head back, get dressed, and maybe pick up some food before going home” he plans, completely ignoring me when I mumble a sound of disappointment, not wanting to leave the water just yet, especially when my body had finally gotten used to the temperature. He slowly makes his way out of the water, keeping me held tight against his body as the cold air nips at our skin, my body instantly wracking with shivers. “Feeling cold baby?” He questions, my eyes rolling as I press myself against him even more, if that’s humanly possible.

“No, I’m fine” I lie straight through my teeth, trying to stop my body from shaking so much knowing he can feel it. He sets me down on to my feet, looking down at me with a smirk, one that’s filled with nothing but pure mischief. “Don’t look at me like that, I know whatever you’re about to say is going to be dumb” I groan out, his smirk growing even wider upon hearing my words, his response being the most guy thing he could ever say.

“You sure you’re not cold? I mean I’m not one to judge, but there’s a certain part of your body literally stabbing me right now” he laughs, stumbling when I smack his arm and move to wrap my arms around my chest, groaning when he bends over to laugh even harder. I roll my eyes at him before starting to slip my clothes back on, feeling them uncomfortably stick to my wet skin, grabbing his hoodie off of the sand and pulling it over my now wet top.

“You’re so annoying, you act like you don’t have fucking nipples Ruel, at least mine weren’t stabbing you in the forehead” I yell at him, watching as he has to stop pulling his pants back on to laugh again, the image of his nipple against my forehead making him lose his mind. “You’re a child, a literal child” I mutter, ignoring his laughs as he shuffles to pull the rest of his clothes on, watching him wipe his eyes every few seconds as the tears keep running down his face. He stands straight and takes a few deep breaths, his eyes closed while he tries to calm himself down, before looking at me and completely getting set off again.

“I-I’m sorry, it’s just so f-fucking funny” he cries out, following after me as I make my way through the trees, walking to the little path we have to take to get back to his house, deciding that a food break is not going to happen when he’s still too inebriated to function. I hear him jog to catch up to me, his arm wrapping around my shoulder to pull me close, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of my head. “You know it was funny, just laugh baby, I won’t judge you” he sweetly tells me, giving me a cheesy grin when I look up at him, nudging his side with my elbow in response.

“It really wasn’t that funny Ruel” I state, his eyes widening with disbelief, not understanding that I don’t have the same mental capacity equivalent to that of a fourteen year old boy like him. He walks in front of me and stops, resting his hands on my hips as he smiles down at me, his lips wobbling as he tries to keep himself at bay. “Ruel it’s literally just nipples calm down” I groan, hearing him take sharp intake, his hands leaving my body as he presses them to his mouth. I run a hand down my face, waiting for the reaction I know I’m about to get in mere seconds, and trust me he did not fail to disappoint.

“N-nipples” he cries out, putting a hand on my shoulder to hold himself up, stumbling when I walk past him, wondering why I chose him out of all the boys in the world. I make my way down the street, knowing he’s following me by the constant sound of his laughing straight behind me, his breathing coming out in gasps as he tries to contain himself. When they say boys brain doesn’t fully reach adulthood till they’re forty, trust me, it’s not a lie.

Maybe hanging out with Crackerz wasn’t that bad, should have never taken him for granted.

[inkrabbit]

A Day at the Beach - Dan x Richard

I don't wanna talk about this. It's currently 3:20am and I was talking about this pairing in my little group chat. It's shit, because it wasn't planned at all and I'm tired, but here we are. Y'all aren't getting a summary, either.

Word count: 3,034

Mersea Island, Essex

It had been a long time coming, operatives saying how they wanted to go an actual beach and maybe spend the night. Anything to get away from the chaos in London, saying they all needed a vacation of some sort. Of course there were some operatives who were reluctant to agree to the idea, saying they didn't feel comfortable leaving when there was still so much to do, but they finally came around when harassed enough, agreeing to spending one night before they had to come back home.

So here Richard sat in the back seat of the car Lorcan had “borrowed”, music blaring and the man spouting outrageous tales. He see Dan in the passenger seat, a smile on his face as he shakes his head. He's entertaining his friend's stories, and also glancing down at his phone to make sure they're still on the right track to the beach.

“She fuckin' made boxty and then threw it at me!” The time Richard tunes in, he's completely lost, brows furrowing as he catches the end of the statement. Boxty? He catches Dan laughing, and he can even see Jeremy's lips curl into a smile, the younger man having been seated on the other side of the car.

“Did you still eat it?” Eat it? He wondered what kind of food it was. Maybe it was just an Irish thing?

“Of course I ate it! Not gonna let that go to waste!” He knew this was going to be an adventure in itself. He had seen Lorcan's energy in the safehouse more times than he could count, the man always pestering someone and trying to find a drinking buddy.

He could never really forget the first time the older man had approached him, a friendly smile on his face as he started a conversation. Nothing too big, just asking how he was settling in with the group and if he had any problems. Even if Richard had any sort of bad blood with the other operatives, he wouldn't make it known. But when the Irishman had offered him to go drinking, he nearly choked on his coffee. It had been so long since someone had left him speechless, and his hesitation was enough for Dan to walk over and shoo his friend away. He told Richard to ignore him, that Lorcan's innocent little invitation was more trouble than it was worth considering the man would get lost easily when drunk and wander off like a child. Richard would never admit it, but a small part of him actually liked the idea of spending time with DedSec.

Maybe that's why he was here now, stuck in a car with the group's trio and headed for the beach. Back then, he would've cringed at the thought of being seen with any of the operatives, but now? Well, it wasn't so bad. He supposed they grew on him, their friendly banter and family-like connection. Did he long for that normal lifestyle? Where he had people he felt like he could finally confide in and converse with? Or perhaps he just his old life before Zero-Day and DedSec came into the picture, working his job at SIRS and indulging in the odd party Emma Child threw, though it was normally all business. Emma... He had tried to forget her name and her existence, a pang of guilt always cementing itself in the pit of his stomach. Back then, he believed what he was doing was right, and to this day he still did. But did he have to go that far?

The rest of the drive to the beach is filled with stories from the other men. Lorcan tries asking Richard for some stories of his own, but he declines. What would he tell them, anyway? His mind drew a blank when the request left the man's lips anyway. He tries to listen to the chatter now, wanting something else to focus on while they got closer to their destination. Lorcan spoke of mischief he got into when he was younger, and Dan shares his own story of being picked up by the police trying to hotwire a car. He notices how Jeremy stays quiet, and when one of the men ask him why, he simply tells them. “Didn't have the happiest childhood. I stayed alone.” Fair enough. Richard found himself actually understanding. After his father's passing, he threw any sort of social life out the window and locked himself in his room.

When the car finally stops, the sun is high in the sky and Richard is stretching his limbs, feeling his joints pop. It felt good to stretch, and the cool breeze coming from the ocean was heavenly. It had been so long since he had been here. The last time he had gone to a beach was with coworkers who had suckered him in to tagging along. It was funny how history repeats itself, but could he even call DedSec his coworkers? He supposed so, he did work alongside them ever since they had released him from that makeshift cell. Seeing everyone exit the cars, bringing out coolers and everything else is a pleasant sight. It's almost surreal. After everything that's happened, the group finally looks... normal.

He follows them to down to the sand, everyone picking out a spot and laying down their towels. Franklin had been nice enough to set Richard up with his own little spot, just a bit away from everyone else. He appreciated it. The group had made him a tiny bit nervous, still worried they would eventually snap and lash out at him. He takes a seat on the towel, legs crossed as he watches the others. Some are starting up a game of volleyball, while others are making their way into the water. He notices some of the operatives stay behind. He can see Franklin and Edmund chatting away, occasionally sharing a small kiss or nuzzling the other's cheek. It wasn't often he saw people so affectionate with one another, especially in the group.

A little farther away, however, he can see Dan sitting on a towel, legs crossed and hunched over a book. It's a surprise, to say the least. The once cheerful face is replaced with nothing, the stoic expression seeming so foreign. Glancing back at the ocean, he can see Lorcan picking up Jeremy and tossing him back into the water. He assumed Dan would've joined them, or at the very least, Jeremy would've been the one sitting out.

He spends the day relaxing, finally laying down on the towel and basking in the warmth of the sun, the cool breeze occasionally sending a shiver up his spine. He wonders what the little beach cottages will look like inside. He knew some operatives had grouped together to save money. He wasn't exactly sure who he would be staying with, having stayed out of the conversation and assuming he wouldn't even accompany the group at all. Maybe he would ask when time drew near?

Some operatives had come up to check on him, and Rebecca had even invited him to play volleyball with them. It was sweet that they tried to include him, but he declined. He still felt awkward partaking in activities with them, weary tension thick around the group (or was that all just in his mind?). He still watches them, however, taking this time to get to know their quirks. The way they move, how they each have a unique look while concentrating. It was amazing how they all seemed more open when they weren't cramped in the safehouse.

As the sun slowly starts going down, he agrees to help Dan make a bonfire. He had collected the stones, forming a decently large circle and using the wood brought back. Lorcan had become antsy, pouring some whiskey onto the wood and using his lighter to start the fire. It wasn't something Richard would do in a thousand years, but it had worked and warm air made him feel better. He sits in the sand with his legs propped up, elbows resting on his knees as he takes in the soft chatter of the group. They're all telling stories, ranging from jobs they've done to crazy antics they've gotten up to in the past. Franklin tells them some tales from Albion, while Edmund settles on a fight he had somehow won after taking to tabs of acid. Richard zones out here and there, focused on the fire and crackling wood. He almost doesn't realize how long they've been sitting there until a chill runs up his spine and a few operatives are saying goodnight. He joins in in wishing them farewell, and finally pays attention to the rest of the stories told.

One by one, the group around the bonfire slowly dwindles as people retire for the night. By the time the moon's high in the sky and the air's becoming more chilly, Richard is only left with the Irishmen. He had seen Jeremy's head droop here and there, eyes lidded as he listened to Lorcan's drunken rambling. It's not long until the younger man is finally standing up, stretching his limbs and saying goodnight to the three. Lorcan follows right after, whining about how he didn't want to be locked out for the night. He assumed the two were sharing the same cottage.

His eyes flicker to Dan. He hadn't been as talkative as he was in the car, staring into the fire and only occasionally joining in the conversation. The silence is almost deafening between them. For some reason, it felt odd. Had he gotten used to the chatter of the group?

“What were you reading?” Richard finally asks, catching the man's attention. He looks at him, just for a bit, until he raises the book and shows him the cover. The Ghost Map. Ah, some London history. He smiles at it. “Didn't know you read.”

“Little hobby I picked up,” he responds, setting the book back down. “What about you? You read?”

“Here and there. I've always been busy with work,” he confesses. When was the last time he had actually finished a book? He couldn't remember. “Was that your plan? Just to read?”

“Ah, pretty much. Not feelin' too energetic today.”

“I assumed you would've been swimming the others,” This pulls a reaction from the man. He lowers his gaze, hazel eyes staring at the fire.

“Don't really like the others seein' me scars,” Richard raises his eyebrows at this. He wasn't aware of any scars, never seeing any on the man. Then again, he normally walked around with a jacket on, and he even wore a shirt all day while out. “Don't like seein' 'em meself. Just brings up bad memories.”

“How did you get them?” He regrets it as soon as the question leaves his mouth, but Dan doesn't give him a chance to take it back.

“Prison, mostly,” he confesses, “Some from the army, but only a couple.”

Right, he was still on parole if he remembered correctly. He had skimmed through Dan's file, curious about the headstrong man, but he didn't want to admit it. He swallows thickly, but curiosity gets the better of him.

“Why? I mean, why be sent to prison?” There's a pause, but it doesn't last long.

“Beat the shite out of my lieutenant,” Well he wasn't hiding anything, that was for sure. He wasn't sugarcoating it either. “Nearly killed him. Then while in prison, I ended up killing an inmate for bein' a cunt.”

“And that added on to your sentence?”

“Aye, by a year. Used to read all the time after they moved me. Fought so many people there they had to keep me by meself.”

“Christ, you were that bad?”

“Sometimes it was to defend meself, sometimes I was defending someone else. Hated the fucks who picked on smaller inmates.”

“You... really protected other inmates?”

“'Course. 'S why I protect London. I'm just... happier doin' this.”

Well, he hadn't expected that. He never really considered why Dan had fought so much, but he managed to get some stories out of him. Abusive childhood with a father who didn't accept his youngest son. He supposed Dan had just gotten into the habit of protecting his younger brother from their father. He couldn't say he shared the same experience, but he does finally tell his own stories. A neglectful and overbearing mother, how he had lost his father at a young age and hid away from the world. He even tells him about his own time in the navy, and the man looks surprised when he mentions his own prison sentence.

He's not sure when, but the two of them have finally moved closer together, knees brushing against each other as the fire finally dwindles out. It felt nice to talk, and he was pleasantly surprised at how open Dan was. Any question he asked him, the man would answer with no hesitation. What books he read, what music he listened to, how well he did in school, anything he could think of. In return, Dan would ask him questions as well. What the navy was like, if he truly liked SIRS, what he went to college for. He had hesitated at first, but after a few questions, he finally felt relaxed enough to answer without having to think so hard.

When he finally starts to yawn, the two agree to go to bed. Putting out the fire, they walk across the beach, Dan confessing they would be sharing a cottage together. Apparently the group had agreed both would do well together, seeming to have a mutual want for their own space. The inside is nice and cozy, and Richard decides to let Dan take a shower first. He sits down on the bed, rubbing his eyes and stretching. It wasn't an eventual day, but he would admit it was nice to get out of the safehouse. He had been trapped in there, even after his release, sleeping awkwardly on the couch. He was honestly excited to finally sleep in a normal bed.

Richard's almost surprised when Dan exits the bathroom, his shirt gone and his scars showing. Some were older than others, and he was surprised when he noticed a scar in almost the exact same spot he had one. On the left side of his torso, just missing any organs. Dan doesn't even look in his general direction as he runs the towel through his hair in an attempt to dry it. Standing up, he decides to leave him on his own and take his own shower.

The steam hits him and sends a shiver up his spine. The water in the shower is still warm as his feet make contact with the droplets, hand gripping the silver lever and twisting. The water feels amazing, and he takes just a bit longer than normal as he relishes in it. The silence, the warmth, the feeling of the water hitting his skin. For the first time in a while, he finally feels truly relaxed, his eyes slipping shut. The only thing that makes him move in the exhaustion that finally hits.

Turning off the water, he steps out of the shower, drying himself off. He buries his face in the towel for a bit, his mind buzzing. It was all still so surreal. He felt like any moment he would wake up from a dream, still trapped in his cell with no way out. Looking up, he's almost relieved to still see the bathroom door in front of him. He runs his hand through his hair in an attempt to smooth it out after he's finished getting dressed. Setting the towel on the counter, he flicks off the lights and opens the door. To his surprise, Dan is already laying in bed and fast asleep. He tries to be as quiet as he can as he walks over, admiring the man in the dim light. His arm is hanging out of the blankets, his face in a slight scowl. Slowly reaching out, he runs a hand through the man's damp hair, watching his features relax. It amazed him at how similar they were, at least with their past. Pulling back, he crosses over and sit on the edge of his bed, rubbing his face with his hands.

“You ever touch me without me permission again,” Dan suddenly grumbles out, “and I'll break your fuckin' hand.”

“Oh, stop being a child,” he scoffs, though a small smirk crosses his lips. “I'm sure that's the first time in a while you've gotten any sort of affection anyway.”

There's shuffling and Dan finally sits up, staring at him. There's a look in his eyes, challenging and confident.

“Ya wanna touch me so bad?” he purrs out, “Come and give me a kiss.”

He's stunned, throat running dry as the Irishman holds his gaze. He's grinning, but it's not joy. Oh no, he's grinning because he thinks Richard is going back down. And he might have if he still wasn't upset with the attitude he had to endure during their meetings before Zero-Day was stopped. No way in hell he would let the man have something else to bring up.

Pushing himself off the bed, he crosses over once more. His actions are quick, worried if he took his time, he would change his mind. He grabs the man's face, fingers running through his beard as he bends down, pressing his lips against his. It doesn't last long before both pull away, and Richard laughs at the horrified expression on Dan's face.

“I'm not one to turn down a challenge,” he tells him softly, patting his cheek before returning to his bed. He slips underneath the covers and lays on his side, listening to the soft rustling noises. He's not expecting it when Dan finally gets up, grabbing his shoulder and turning him over.

“Ya wanna fuckin' kiss me, at least do it right, ya idiot.”

[yourlocalauthor]

Anger Issues- Chapter 1

Pairing: JJ x Reader

Summary: I actually have no idea how to summarize this so if someone could help me that’d be very much appreciated lol

Word Count: 1.6k+

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, drugs, child abuse (highkey wish we had this warning in tv shows), and prolly gonna mention sex at some point, idk that should be it

A/N: Bruh, i had no idea so many people would be interested in this. This was going to go a very different way but I finished OBX again and decided to change it up. Also italics are flashback, enjoy!

Requests are open

You weren’t an angry person, that’s what you kept telling yourself. But ever since your parents died and you moved to the island with your aunt that’s all you could feel. You were so angry and you weren’t sure why, or at what. You were just angry, angry at the whole situation. Your aunt told you had every right to be, which only pissed you off more. You were looking for a reaction, something to make you feel in control. But when your aunt kept dismissing it, and telling your teachers, counselor, and principals to dismiss it, you couldn’t take it. So what did you do? Trashed your least favorite teacher's classroom. It felt slightly justified when you saw him being a creep during gym. When you were taken to the principal's office, she tried calming down which only enraged you more. You cussed her out and then next thing you knew you had after school detention for two weeks. You felt like you deserved more, but you’d take what you can get. So there you sat Friday afternoon in detention. It was quiet, the small hot room filled with two other people in it. You knew the other two boys, JJ Maybank and John B Routledge. John B was in your history class, and English, and JJ was in your Art, Gym, and Health. JJ also happened to live two houses down from yours. That was about as much as you cared to know. You had heard some of the rumors, specifically about JJ and his dad but you didn’t care. Rumors weren’t something you wanted to partake in, even if your aunt was someone who seemed to love drama. You let out a soft exhale shifting uncomfortably in your seat. One thing about the island that you learned was it was uncomfortably hot. As someone who grew up in the mountains of Colorado, you weren’t exactly used to the sudden new change in weather. Growing up living on the beach like your aunt seemed like a dream, unfortunately eight year old you didn’t factor in the heat. You pulled out your tank top, trying to get it to stop sticking to your skin. You looked over to the teacher who was supposedly meant to be watching the three of you. Of course his lazy ass fell asleep, feet up on the desk. The two boys had also taken note of it, quietly conversing. You tried to make yourself busy, as you listened in but it was no use. It was too hot for you to concentrate. You laid back in your seat, staring at the ceiling trying to get your mind off of the heat.

“Hey you New Girl.”

You lifted your head staring at the pair.

“Yes?”

“We’re about to dip figured it was only fair if we told you.”

“What about Mr. Nixon?”

“By the time he’s up it’ll be late.”

“You coming or not?”

You carefully eyed the blonde who had now just spoken up, he was already out of his seat, John B following.

“Look if you don’t come now, you’ll be stuck here until five pm.”

You looked back at the old man sleeping at the desk, and then at the two boys.

“Fuck it”

You simply said, before piling your things into your bag and standing up. You tugged at your ridden up shorts trying to stop any camel toe from peeking through. The two boys stood there staring at you, until you looked back up.

“What?”

“Nothing New Girl.”

And just like that the two were out of the classroom, you following in pursuit. It was so close to Summer that it didn’t even matter, if you skipped detention. The three of you ran out of the school, John B laughing at whatever joke JJ cracked. All of you continue to run, until you were a good distance from the town.

“Shit New Girl, we didn’t expect you to be so eager to leave the school.”

“You guys do realize I have a name right? And also I was in detention with all of you, not sure why you’d think I wouldn’t want to bounce.”

“I told you she was in there for a reason JJ. Anyway I’m John B, and that’s JJ”

The blonde gave you a goodly looking smile, and you couldn’t help but give one back.

“Y/N”

“Well Y/N, we’re having a kegger at the Boneyard care to help us set up?”

You looked at the two boys weighing the options in your head, you were hot as shit and probably needed to go home otherwise your aunt would probably flip or force you to do some meditation. On the flip side you’d be alone for a couple more hours.

“Sure.”

And just like that they smiled at you, JJ grabbing your hand pulling you along as all three of you began to head to the beach.

That was freshman year. Probably the best summer of your life, it was the summer you learned how to shotgun a can of beer courtesy of one JJ Maybank, you spent your days at the beach your new found group of friends teaching you how to surf which turns out wasn’t as easy as snowboarding,  your nights were either filled with parties, or late night conversations on the beach. It was perfect, absolutely perfect. Then one night while the four of you were sitting around a campfire laughing, passing a joint around and that’s when you realized it. You liked JJ. Like you found him very cute, and maybe you wanted to kiss him. But the whole group dynamic worked so well, you didn’t want to ruin it. So from that night on you set your feelings aside not wanting them to ruin the perfect summer. Somewhere towards the end of the summer Kiara joined the group, or joined it again. You didn’t really know the story, all you knew was they were all friends in the eight grade, and then came freshman year she apparently went full Kook at Kook Academy. But you didn’t care, she was fun and it was nice to have a girl around. The two of you hit it off almost immediately, and those last couple of weeks of summer were even more fun than before. And then came the end of the year party. You remembered helping set up the kegs, and bringing the hundreds of packages of red solo cups. And then at some point you had gotten very drunk, because you didn’t remember much past that. You remembered having your first four cups of beer, and then someone brought out a flask everyone was drinking from and maybe you had a couple sips too many because the last thing you remembered was JJ carrying you out the both of you laughing your asses off. Then you woke up in your bed, with probably the worst hangover you’ve ever had. Later that day when all of you met up, everything was chill except for JJ who was very not chill. He kept staring at you, looking away when you looked back, avoiding talking to you directly. Luckily for you the other two boys hadn’t taken note of it, but Kiara did.

Once everyone left she stayed behind to talk to you, along with helping you do some beach cleaning.

“So what was that all about?”

“What do you mean?”

“You and JJ something seems off between you.”

“Really? Couldn’t tell.”

“Y/N.”

“Look I don’t know.”

“Was it last night.”

“I’m not sure, I blacked out. Last thing I remember was him literally carrying me out, we were so happy and laughing. After that I remember absolutely nothing.”

“Weird… I’m sure it’ll pass, he’s probably in one of his moods.”

“Yeah.”

It didn’t pass. Suddenly you went from being basically best friends with JJ to him barely talking to you. You continued to hang out with everyone, but it kept getting to uncomfortable until eventually you just stopped showing up. You kept talking with everyone, but it just wasn’t the same before. And you were angry, after a summer of managing to not be angry you were very fucking angry. You began acting out again, much to the dismay of your aunt but you didn’t care. You had all those feelings bunched together, and you needed to get them out. You began quite the regular in after school detention, at one point you were also suspended but you made sure that never happened again. You spent less and less time at home, during the day you were at school, or the beach, and then at night you’d chug some cheap energy drink and then go out skating around the beach. It wasn’t a healthy lifestyle, but life was too short to not live on the edge.

Tonight was one of the few nights you were home. Your aunt was on the mainland, for her job. She was a massage therapist or something like that. A couple times a week she had to stay on the mainland for whatever reason. It was a Friday evening, and you were hoping to catch up on some of the sleep you were severely missing. You had set up on the couch, the tv playing some movie you couldn’t care less about. You were more focusing on the small stack of papers in front of you. Despite skipping school and getting in trouble half the time you were smart. A lot of people caught on to that, and before you knew it you had a small business writing essays, doing homework, or whatever assignment people needed done. It helped fuel your caffeine addiction, and you were able to keep yourself alive while your aunt was gone. You had just begun typing up your third essay about the civil rights movement, when you heard a knock on the door...

Tags

@spilledtee @teamnick @sexualparkour​ @yeehaw87

[random-mha-thoughts]

Night Drives (Shinsou x Reader)

Pairing: Shinsou x Reader 

Genre: Fluff/Comfort, College!AU

Summary: You’re having a rough and stressful week, and Shinsou helps by taking you out for a late night trip.

Word count: 1,814

Tags:  @yuki-osaki​ @liviitehe​ @iamsoftsodonttoucheume-blog​ @bunnythepipsqueak​

a/n: I know I promised angst, but I really wanted to write this little comfort/fluff piece for anyone who might be facing a mid-semester funk/depression like me.  I was inspired because I went out to pick my cousin up from the airport late last night and I never realized how therapeutic night driving can be.

I also wasn’t really sure which character I wanted to write for this (bc they would all fit one way or another), but I chose Shinsou bc I haven’t written for him in a hot minute and he deserves some more love.

I hope you guys enjoy it, and I hope it helped some of you and maybe helped cheer you up 😊

I sit at my desk, hands carding through my messy hair.  Pouring over my notes is the most stressful thing I could be doing this weekend, I'd rather be sleeping or doing something more relaxing.  Weekends before exams are always the hardest because it's when I get my biggest chunk of studying done, so I'm usually holed up in my room the entire day.

It's also times like this when the dark thoughts roll in.  I've always been a smart kid, but being in college really makes me question it.  Getting low B's and high C's on exams in my major classes don't mean the end of the world, but I rethink who I think I am because of it.  I still get A's in my other bullshit classes, so why am I struggling in the classes that are supposed to teach me the skills I need for my future career?  Should I rethink my future?  Do I even want to go into my chosen field anymore?  Am I making a huge mistake being here?  I'm wasting my entire scholarship money if I decide to start over from scratch.  My fingers close in on my scalp.

"Kitty?"

The warmth in his voice jolts my head up.  "Oh, hey."  I straighten my back, not even realizing how hunched over my back was.

Shinsou's eyebrows are furrowed at me.  "Are you okay?"  His large thumb brushes over the wetness clinging at the corners of my eyes.  "You're crying."

I tug at the sleeves of my hoodie.  "Yeah, I'm fine."

He studies my face carefully, his own dark circles standing out against his pale skin.  He knows how I get when I'm in this mode, staying respectful of my study habits.  Since I don't come out of my room, he'll let himself in and stay in my bed, reading, sleeping, doing his own studying, or watching something on his laptop until I'm finished.  Just a few moments ago when I peaked over my shoulder to see what he was doing, he'd fallen asleep with his headphones on, lightly snoring.  He doesn't bother me.  It's something I appreciate about him.

Shinsou crosses his arms over his chest.  "When was the last time you ate?"

My stomach admittedly feels empty.  I've only been snacking when I felt hungry.  Looking at the clock, it's almost midnight.  "Since breakfast," I answer feebly.

A sigh escapes his lips.  "Are you finished now?  You've been like this all day."

I cast a dreadful look over the pages of notes.  There's still a few chapters I need to look over, but my brain feels that it might explode if I try to cram anymore information in.  The worst part is I don't even feel like I've retained anything I've read in the past few hours.  I start closing my books.  "Yeah, I'm done."  And utterly defeated.

Shinsou gently takes my hand in his, calling my attention to him.  "Come on, go wash your face and change.  We're gonna go eat."

He leaves me to go to his room and fetch his wallet.  Trudging into the bathroom and following his instructions, I wash my face to wake myself up, change into some jeans, and pull on a hoodie that's more presentable for going out into the world.

Shinsou returns, changed into a pair of jeans, hoodie, and denim jacket, and we head out of our dorm building.  The air isn't as cold as I thought, but it was just as deserted.  The scattered lamp posts across the pavement are the only illuminations in the parking lot.  I walk with my hands in my pockets and my hood up.

How the hell am I gonna learn everything by Tuesday? I despair.  I hate how I always end up thinking about work even when I don't want to.

Shinsou closes the distance between us and snakes his arm around my torso.  "Have you ever considered getting a hoodie with cat ears on them?" he asked casually.

I'm thrown off by his random question, but I have to laugh.  "Uh, no?  Why would I wear it?"

"So I can pull at the ears, duh."

"You and your cat addiction needs to chill."  I want to shove him away, but his warmth feels great to touch.  "Where are we going?"

"Noodles?" he offers.  "It's been getting pretty cold."

"Is it wrong that I want something...filling right now.  And no, get your mind out of the gutter!" I shove Shinsou before he can say anything.

"I wasn't even thinking it, who actually has the dirty mind, hm?"  He pokes the side of my head.

After I'm done pouting at him, I suggest, "Do you think there's a tempura place open around here?  Actually, I just really want fries and something else."

"Anything else, your royal highness?" he smirks and unlocks his car.

"Mmm," I hum as I settle into his passenger seat.  "A pet dragon would be nice too.  Or full payment on my college education."

Shinsou chuckles at my sarcasm.  "Anything for you, kitty."  Holding my hand, he kisses my palm before starting the engine.

As he drives down the abandoned road, I lean my head against the window, staring out the windshield.  The sky's already black, but there's too much light and the car's moving too fast to count the stars.  Something about the emptiness of everything at night calms me down.  It almost feels like Shinsou and I are the only 2 people in the world at this hour.  Even the parking lot of the fast food joint down the block is deserted.

"I'll get it to go so we can eat in here, what do you want?" my purple haired prince asks me sweetly, unbuckling his seatbelt.

"10 piece nuggets and medium fries.  And a diet soda, I'm watching my calories."  I whisper the last part.

"Coming right up."

.

"Are you sure it's okay to eat in your car?" I ask, tentatively opening the paper bag of food goodness.  I didn't realize how hungry I was until the smell of high calorie fast food wafts in front of my nose.

Shinsou's eyes are on the road as he drives down the roadway.  "Yeah I don't care, it's not like my car's new or anything."

I dip into the bag and grab my box of nuggets.  A smile graces my face when I notice he remembered the sweet and sour sauce.  "Why are you so good to me?"

"Because you're my kitty and I love you," he answers without missing a beat, his large hand messing up my hair.

A familiar fuzzy warmth fills me as I lean into his touch.  Digging into my nuggets, I end up completely demolishing them, the hole in my stomach finally filling  at the process meat.  I don't care how old I get, I will always have chicken nuggets at fast food restaurants.  Every once in a while, Shinsou would ask for one of my fries, and  I'd happily feed him.

I have no idea where we're going; for some reason, we're on the highway.  I just quietly finish my meal and sip my drink.

Shinou's eyes glint with mischief.  "Since we're alone on the highway..."

My eyes widen.  "Babe, no-!"

The engine revs to life under my boyfriend's lead foot and the car jolts forward.  I clutch my fries and almost choke on my soda as we speed down the highway.  The biggest grin spreads across his face.

"Hitoshi, I'm not ready to die!"

He takes his foot off the gas and the car relaxes, as does my heart.  But he knows how much I secretly love it when he does that.  "At least wait until I'm not about to choke before you do that!"

Laughing at me, he passes me his phone. "Play whatever you want, kitty."

Oh, it's over now.

I select a playlist of hype songs we both love, belting out the lyrics from the top of our lungs as Shinsou speeds down the highway. A mess of screams, laughter, loud music, and singing fill the entire space as we zip past all the lights on the highway.  It reminds of what it might feel like rocketing through space. The pit of my stomach feels weightless from the excitement and the speeding car.

Are we crazy?  Maybe.  Did I savor every second of it?  Absolutely.

Shinsou finally slows down and exits down a beach.  Pulling into an empty space, he parks the car and gets out, waving for me to follow him.  We end up sitting on the hood of his car, eating our food under a blanket he keeps in his car.  A nearby streetlight dimly illuminates our dark space.

I snuggle Shinsou's left arm and look out into the dark expanse.  I can finally count the stars, between stealing bites from Shinsou's burger.  Clutching my end of the blanket over me, I lay my head on his shoulder.  "It's so strange sitting on the hood of a car."

"Guess you've never done it before," he replies quietly, balling up his empty wrapper and placing it back in the bag.  Both arms wrap around me, resting his head on top of mine.  "I used to come here when I wanted to clear my mind.  There's just a whole lot of nothing and silence."

I can't agree more.  The darkness - the absence of light - makes everything seem quiet and empty.  Something about it feels liberating, letting all my emotions flow out in front of me freely and let me just be.  A breathe in and let it rattle out of me.  The endless void surrounds us, isolates us, encloses us so our thoughts can't bother us.

Shinsou brings me closer, letting me sit halfway on his lap, placing a gentle kiss on my temple.  "Are you feeling better, kitty?  I know you're pretty stressed, more so than your usual anxious self.  I figured bringing you out here would help somewhat."

My heart swells with warmth.  I hug him tighter and close my eyes, leaning my head to his chest.  "Thank you, Hitoshi.  You've done a lot for me, I really appreciate it.  You really went out of your way  for me."

"Nothing's out of my way for you."  His large hand rubs my scalp.  "You work so hard, you deserve this."

I snuggle deeper into his chest, my eyes slowly closing as the rhythm  of his heartbeat calms me.  "What did I do to deserve you?" I mumble.

"Well, maybe you saved an entire country," he jokes, pressing another kiss into the top of my head and running his fingers lightly on the back of my head, "But I think you just being perfect deserves all the happiness I can give you."

"You're too sweet."  I drift off to a light sleep in his arms, surrounded by his warmth, choosing to think about life some other time.

[whatsarasaid]

title: fridge duty. fandom: control. rating: teen & up. word count: approx. 1050. characters: phillip, jesse.

—

Tears welled up in his ducts. Rapid blinking beat them back down. Phillip wiped at his lashes with the sleeve of his dress shirt like a finicky squirrel desperate to wick water from its coat. The dry white cotton scraped against his cornea. But the moisture crept back in, blurring his vision once more. With a shallow grasp, he scurried more swipes across one eye and then the other, desperate to keep staring at the Royal Arctic refrigerator in front of him.

It stared back.

It looked like the one in his aunt's kitchen. It did not feel like the one in his aunt's kitchen. The door was pocked and scratched, its dusty red epoxy nicked and flaked, exposing the gunmetal gray steel beneath. What had it done to earn such markings? Perhaps it had met the side of a wall? Road pavement? A body? Multiple bodies?

A shutter trickled down his vertebrae.

On its front, children's drawings hung from dot magnets. Phillip knew their details by heart. He had much time for study. One had a scribbled landscape with a pom-pom tree and a cheerful round sun suspended in the corner. It was nice. The other two, not so much. A lavender saw-toothed pterodactyl grinned at him. And in his least favorite, a cyan orb with wild pupils floated above a crowd of slant-mouthed onlookers with crashing boxes of colors flanking its sides. The lines were harsh and chaotic, crayon pressed too hard against the page, denting and warping the paper.

The refrigerator loomed beneath the bureau's pure white box lighting, a statue on display in this museum of the Oldest House. The hum of the fridge matched the pitch of the overheads, despite the plug resting in no socket. Now and then, the lights rattled and popped in fits and starts, shaken by whatever was happening outside of the padded foam-paneled chamber—that sound-barrier which kept him from communicating with the outside world. The intercom mocked him from its snug home outside the door. Its aluminum 'call' button sat happily in its place below the wire mesh speaker, far too many feet from his reach. His only hope for help distant and impossible.

He had been here for over a day. Or it had been longer? What if it were days? Not sure. Not sure of anything anymore. He'd lost track of time around the eighth hour after his shift ended. His soiled trousers told him it had too long. It was degrading. He was a grown man. But what was indignity compared to what would happen if he stopped? If he stopped!

Clinching the sides of his folding chair, his finger joints dug into the edges of the metal. Whose idea was it to have a folding chair? What genius thought that up? Surely, a recliner would have made more sense. At least something padded. The back of his thighs and buttocks have been numb for…well, who knows how long? Not him, that was for sure.

But the occasional rumbling from behind the marble and glass walls told him that relief was something which might never come.

Panic swelled back up through his throat, and he quelled a whimper. Be brave, he tried to tell himself. Be brave. This was what it meant to work in the bureau. He might not be a field agent, but they all either lasted long enough to retire or met their end in an abrupt blaze of paranatural glory. Wilcox got sucked into AI45-UE—a trashcan. Hassan was buried beneath the clocks. Maine straight-up poofed away after walking behind an innocuous commercial printer, leaving tottering patent leather pumps and a whirlwind of scrolling, twisting memos where she had stood seconds before. They still don't know why that happened. The area had been under investigation ever since.

But that woman, the one with calm, commanding voice—Jesse! She promised to get him. She was going to find Langston. And then Phillip could go home. To his wife. To his twin boys. Maybe he would quit the bureau. Whisk them off to a Florida beach like they always begged and then get a job peddling insurance in the suburbs. Langston never liked him anyway. And by 'liked,' he meant remembered. "Phillip, who?" Phillip, him. The one who had been serving the bureau for a half-decade. The one with his head down and his workstation tidy. The one who caught stray commas in reports because this was a place where mistakes, even the tiniest ones, could kill.

An eyelid twitched, almost collapsing shut. Phillip sucked in a breath through his front teeth and hyped himself with a surge of forced energy, conjured from the depths of his reserves. He was usually so stalwart and composed, but now he struggled. His legs jimmied against the concrete floor, bouncing on the balls of his polished loafers. He began to rock back and forth, sweaty hands scrubbing along the thighs of his creased slacks before bracing on his knees. Anything to keep himself present and put.

Then Jesse clicked through the intercom, tinny and thin, "I'm back. I'm coming in."

The lock indicator beside the door switched from red to green.

His pulse shot through his chest, not with panic but elation! A series of 'thank yous' ruptured out of him like the Hallelujah chorus. The spun-tight tendons in his back fell lax, and he leaned heavy against his palms, unwinding with relief. Tears fell in earnest, sliding paths down his cheeks and dribbling into his lap. Their salt made his skin itch. He made no move to wipe them this time. Why should he? He would be out soon.

It was over.

But as the wetness clouded and overcame his view of the fridge, his eyes fluttered.

The fridge door chunked open.

Pictures and magnets flung across the room.

Oh, God.

Did he blink?

The yawning mouth of the refrigerator poured out chilled air in smoky rolls of condensation. Instead of shelves lined with condiments or produce, the hull emptied into infinite space and time. It was dark with what looked like ingenious rock columns hanging suspended in the gaping awful nothing. Then a single giant orb spotlighted him with its piercing gaze. The refrigerator began to rattle and shake.

He shrieked for Jesse,

The fridge was doing something-.

[artificialqueens]

Aloha, Part 1: Sand Angels (Bitney) - Veronica

A/N: An Undone sequel that probably makes more sense if you’ve read the main story, set during the holidays, while Bianca is still pregnant with Ruby. Here’s a link to the story on AQ and here’s a link to it on AO3.

Summary: Courtney and Bianca spend Christmas in Maui, discovering their new favorite spot.

(Thank you to @artificialpuddle for being an amazingly patient beta!!) 

TW: Discussion of past emotional abuse, trauma, and physical violence. (Side note: I know I said that these sequels would be fluffy, and they mostly are, but this is set before the end of the main story, so uh...we still got some major issues to work out.)

***

Bianca is exhausted by the time they wrap on season two of Silver Screens. She’s already embroiled in litigation with Jared’s family over exactly what’s happening with, not only his money, but their joint property. She’s considered giving up, just letting them win so that she can walk away, but ultimately, none of it is for her. Every time she looks down at her growing belly, she remembers who she’s fighting for, and it fuels her anger and her determination.

However, it’s draining. And she’s now almost six months pregnant, and the idea of flying to New Orleans for the holidays just sounds horrible. She knows that her family means well, but the constant checking up, the absolutely nonstop advice and questions, make it all worse.

After confiding all of these concerns to Bob, her therapist makes another suggestion: why not go somewhere else? A real vacation, just her and Courtney, somewhere they can truly get away from everything stressful and take some time for themselves?

She’s still not sure, but then she mentions the idea to Courtney, who is 200% on board, and by the end of the week, they’ve got flights to Maui, a hotel booked, and two weeks of pure, blissful lazing around time. Which all sounds wonderful in theory, but Bianca can’t help feeling a bit guilty about ditching her family.

However, the second her feet hit that white, powdery sand, she sighs in relief, turning to Courtney with a dimpled grin.

“Okay, you and Bob were right. Coming here was the right decision.”

Courtney leans forward to brush a gentle kiss against her lips.

“I suppose you don’t wanna race to the water,” she murmurs.

“I’ll race you when I’m not the size of a goddamn whale,” Bianca says, and Courtney giggles softly against her neck.

“Don’t even start, you know you’re perfect…”

A gentle tug pulls Bianca towards the ocean, which is warm and calm and as the waves lap against Bianca’s thighs, she starts to feel perfectly at ease.

“God, it’s beautiful…” Bianca sighs, staring out at the sparkling water.

“Sure is,” Courtney says, only she’s not looking at the scenery. Her eyes are fixated on Bianca’s face, watching her with a dreamy expression as a cool breeze blows her hair around.

Bianca tightens her grip on Courtney’s hand, trying to tell her without words how grateful she is, how lucky she feels. And Courtney seems to understand, pulling her close and wrapping her arms around her waist.

“Aloha…” she sings softly, and Bianca shakes her head, the smile on her face feeling permanent by now.

“Aloha yourself, cheeseball.”

***

Later, laying on a towel in the warm sand, Bianca sighs happily. She hasn’t been this relaxed in ages. Years, maybe. And the best part is that she has Courtney by her side, face tilted to the sun. She reaches languidly for her.

Courtney turns, gazing down at Bianca, and wraps a lock of still-damp dark brown hair around her finger.

“How are you feeling?” she asks softly, and Bianca smiles.

“Relieved...that we’re finally here.”

The past few months have been rough. Sometimes excruciatingly so. Courtney knows that no matter how hard Bianca tried to take things one day at a time, to not get so caught up in worrying about outcomes, that most of the time her mind was racing a mile a minute.

But now, there’s only the gentle breeze, the sound of rolling waves and the occasional bird, the fragrant air. It’s truly paradise, especially when Courtney’s lips find Bianca’s for a slow kiss, one hand resting on her belly.

“She’s kicking up a storm today,” Bianca says. “I guess we forgot to tell her that this is the chill zone.”

Courtney giggles, rubbing her belly in slow circles.

“Maybe she just heard how nice it is and wants to come join us.”

“You think she gets yelp reviews in there?” Bianca asks.

“Listen, this new generation is very technologically advanced. You have no idea.”

“That’s terrifying.” Bianca pulls Courtney in for another kiss, the baby kicking again.

“Wow, Dame Edna Del Rio really likes it here,” Courtney giggles.

“We both do. Thank you for suggesting this,” Bianca says, thumb stroking Courtney’s cheek lightly.

“All I want is for you to be happy…” Courtney tells her, seeking out her pulse point for another kiss that leaves her tingling.

And in that moment, Bianca is happy. Truly, deliriously happy.

It can’t last forever though--that feeling of perfect calm. The lovely bubble has to pop sometime. It does, of course, only a little while later, as they’re strolling on the beach hand in hand.

“I really worry about you sometimes,” Courtney admits, fingers laced with hers.

“You don’t have to worry.”

“But you’ve been through so much. You must have so much you need to deal with, and I just want you to know that you don’t have to do it alone.”

“I don’t want to spend all our time together talking about my stupid trauma,” Bianca says.

“I get that. But B, it doesn’t have to be all the time. Just sometimes. When you need to-”

“Can’t we just enjoy the fucking sunset?” Bianca groans. She stops, turning to face the water, watching the golden rays reflecting off the waves.

“Sure.” Courtney wraps her arms around her from behind, pressing a kiss to her neck, letting Bianca lean back into her touch.

It goes on like that for a few days. Any time Courtney tries to get deep with her, Bianca deftly changes the subject, cajoles her to live in the moment, or simply distracts her with physical affection. After awhile, Courtney catches onto her game.

They’re snuggled in bed after a long and wonderful day--exploring the island in the morning, followed by a lively Christmas luau. Courtney’s fingers card gently through her hair. Bianca’s face is tucked into her neck, inhaling her, almost sinfully relaxed, when she brings it up again.

“B…”

“Mmm?”

“I’ve been thinking about Jared.”

Bianca’s eyes pop open, spine going rigid. That’s not the name she wants to hear right now.

“Do you ever like...miss him?”

“No.”

Bianca’s hands slide around Courtney’s waist, pulling her closer.

“It would be okay if you did, you know-”

“I know, but I don’t.”

“Sometimes I feel really guilty. Like maybe if I wasn’t around, you’d have...I don’t know.” Courtney sighed.  

“Stayed with him? Lived happily ever after? Are you fucking nuts?”

“No, of course not, but maybe it wouldn’t have ended in such a terrible way.”

“You know what would be more fun than this conversation?” Bianca asked, fingers digging into her waist. “You and me, fucking and then getting into that spa shower.”

“Bianca.”

“What?” Bianca’s lips have found her pulse point now, nibbling teasingly on her most sensitive spot.

“Just stop for a second,” Courtney says, wriggling away slightly. “I’m trying to talk to you.”

“I don’t want to talk about this.”

“I know, but you never want to talk about it, so-”

“Why can’t we just have sex instead?” Bianca whines, tugging on Courtney’s shorts. She purses her lips, giving her sexiest bedroom eyes. “I’ll make it worth your while…”

“Bianca! Stop.”

“Is this because I’m fat?”

Courtney rolls her eyes to the ceiling, seems to say a little prayer to herself before replying, “Do not even try that bullshit, you know damn well-”

“It is! I’m fat and hideous!” Bianca exclaims, hoisting herself off the bed, pacing around the room like a madwoman.

“B, come on, I’m serious…”

“So am I! I’m trying to fuck you, but all you want to do is talk, and-” Bianca stops. It’s the cheapest sort of deflection, the kind of game she used to play with Jared. Worse, it was the kind of game Jared used to play with her. Gaslighting.

The only upside, the only thing that prevents her from completely losing it, is that Courtney, for all her softness, is not buying one bit. Bianca suddenly feels as gross and hideous as she’s pretending to, all at once. Tears spilling down her cheeks.

Courtney waits, letting her have her little tantrum. When she finally returns to the bed, sinking down next to Courtney with her head in her hands, she feels fingers trailing gently up her spine.

A soft voice whispers, “I would love to know what you’re thinking right now, B. Really.”

Bianca looks up, her tear-stained cheeks blotchy, eyes red and swollen. She opens her mouth, but it still won’t come. Courtney takes her hands, kisses her fingers, keeps waiting.  

“I’m a terrible person,” Bianca finally says.  

Courtney has a pained expression on her face, like she’s doing everything she can to listen without arguing. She finally settles on, “Why do you think that?”

“Because I’m happy. I really am. And the more time goes by, the happier I am. He’s dead, and all I can think is...I’m fucking free. We’re free. This baby, she never has to know...”

Tears are falling faster now, blurring her vision. Courtney doesn’t say anything, just holds her for the longest time. When Bianca finally lifts her head, Courtney silently helps her to her feet, tugs her toward the door.

“Where are we going?” Bianca asks, but follows easily, wiping her eyes.

They’re both barefoot, walking down the stone path to the beach, powdery soft sand cool in the moonlight. The edge of the sky is still slightly glowing from the recently set sun, streaks of violet and dusty orange, the whole beach calm and beautiful, in that ethereal way where you can’t quite believe it’s real.

Courtney reaches the edge of the water and sits, helping Bianca down beside her. She stretches out her legs, letting the waves lick gently at her feet, tilting her face towards the sky, the glittering stars just beginning to appear.

“You’re not a terrible person, Bianca,” she finally says. “You’re just...a person.”

“And we’re all sinners? Is that it?”

“No. No, that’s not it at all. You’re a person, with flaws, but those flaws do not include a desire to hurt other people.”

“But I did.”

“You were just fighting for your life. Fighting for my life. The fact that we were even in that position--none of it was your fault. You’d worked so, so hard to avoid anything like it. I saw you.”

“Sometimes I worry that I’m...some kind of sociopath. Because I’m so glad he’s gone, and I...I can’t make myself feel anything different.” The tears are flowing freely down her cheeks again. Sometimes Bianca tries to fathom how she has any tears left about this, after the rivers and oceans she’s already cried. And this from someone who always described herself as ‘not really a big crier.’ Maybe a better description would be ���generally out of touch with her emotions.’

“Do you think I’d be with you if you were violent? Dangerous?”

“I don’t know.”

“Look, I’m not saying you’re perfect. Nobody is. But every flaw, every little weird idiosyncrasy...all of that makes you who you are, and who you are…”

Courtney edges closer, taking Bianca’s chin and tilting it towards her.

“I love you so fucking much, B. And it’s not because I’m some kind of sadist. It’s because you make me…” Courtney bites her lip, a crease furrowing her brow.

“Frustrated?” Bianca tries to break the tension, as much as she can with tears still glistening on her cheeks, falling faster than she can wipe them away.

“No,” Courtney counters. “I mean, yes, sometimes, but also...hopeful. And appreciated. And challenged. And...so fucking happy.”

“Even tonight?”

“Yeah.”

“Even though I brought a whole world of chaos into your life?”

“Look at where we are.” Courtney gestures to their surroundings. “If you think I would trade away one second of this, of our lives right now, just to avoid some of that chaos, then...you don’t know me very well.”

Bianca swallows, looking at Courtney’s eyes burning bright in the moonlight, and she knows. She knows it’s true because she feels the same way. But she’s too mentally exhausted to explain how much she needed that reassurance. So instead, she finally just nods.

“Yeah.”

Courtney smiles and orders, “Lie back.”

“What? Why?”

“We’re gonna make sand angels.”

“Sand angels are not a thing, Courtney.”

“Yes they are! They’re a time-honored Australian Christmas tradition, just go with it.”

Bianca laughs softly, spreading her arms and legs, feeling ridiculous and childish and almost giddy. Not that she stops complaining.

“We’re too close to the water. They’re just gonna wash away, like, immediately.”

“Yeah, well…” Courtney gets up, drawing halos over first her own angel, and then Bianca’s, kneeling above her head, giving her an upside-down grin in the process. “That doesn’t mean they weren’t beautiful while they were here.”

“You’re so deep,” Bianca teases.

“I know, right? Sooooore deep. You’re very lucky.”

Bianca laughs, feels something akin to a knot unwinding in her chest, making her feel lighter. Younger. She sits up and spins around, grabbing Courtney’s face and pulling her in for a messy, slightly sandy and very salty kiss.

“I am.”