#so we haven't even bought plane tickets yet

[crowsofdarkness]

Bill is away filming IT and he's missing you so he decides to facetime you. Although, you weren't expecting to see that when you answered.

no major cw's

PART TWO.

The shrill sound of your phone ringing roused you from the slumber you succumbed to a few hours ago. The ringing seemed to get louder and louder causing you to groan and remove the pillow from on top of your head. Your hand smacked around the table next to your bed, looking for the dreaded phone that wouldn't shut up. You hadn't even opened your eyes, hoping that maybe this was a dream.

Thankfully the ringing seized and you were about to fall back into the sheets but when it began again. With a groan of annoyance, you finally opened one eye to see who the fuck was calling you in the middle of the night.

Even with one eye open, the haze cleared and you were met with the contact picture of Bill. With a squeal, you opened both eyes fully now and scattered about the bed to make sure you looked presentable. He was away in Canada filming and the last time you spoke was nearly twelve hours ago; him being gone for a week and was still going to be away for eight more weeks.

It was two in the morning in Sweden, where you lived, but only eight in the evening in Canada.

With a deep breath, you clicked the green button and was ready to see the smiling face of your boyfriend but nearly screamed at the face that stared back at you.

"Bill what the fuck!" You held a hand over your heart, it nearly bursting through your chest.

"Oh, hiya, Y/N," Bill greeted in an eerily creepy voice, giving you the Pennywise smile he had practiced before leaving; a dribble of drool falling from his lips.

"Did you seriously wake me up to call me dressed up as Pennywise?" You asked, shaking your head.

Gone was the Pennywise demeanor, albeit he still wore the makeup, and Bill leaned back on the couch in his trailer.

"I'm bored," he shrugged with a sigh. "I've been sitting in my trailer for six hours practicing and going over my lines. I'm not needed for another hour so I've been calling people."

You raised a brow and snuggled deeper into your bed. "So, I'm not the only one you've tortured with Pennywise."

His chuckle warmed your heart before it felt like it was breaking. You missed him so much. How could you do another eight weeks.

"I miss you," you said.

He frowned. "I miss you too, angel. I've been thinking, though."

"Yeah?" You bit your lip, wondering what he was thinking about.

"You're on vacation from work, right?"

When you nodded, Bill continued. "Come to Canada. I've already cleared it with Andy. You can stay in my trailer while I film. We can sight see on my off days."

You couldn't hide the wide smile that broke out on your face as your heart nearly leaped out of your throat.

"You've really thought about this, huh?" You teased.

Even underneath all of that make up, you could tell Bill's face turned serious. "I already bought your plane ticket. You leave in two days. I wasn't kidding when I said I missed you, angel. I want you here with me."

You tried so hard not to jump up in bed, screaming with joy. Instead you played it cool, let out a deep breath, and nodded.

"Just promise me you'll stop calling me while wearing the whole Pennywise get up."

Bill snorted while bringing his phone closer to his face. "I'm surprised you haven't asked me to fuck you while I wear the make up yet."

Now your screams echoed throughout your apartment as you chastised Bill.

[redheadgleek]

Please reassure me that it's going to be okay traveling by myself in Chiang Mai Thailand for a week.

[mirohlayo]

CUTE, PRETTY AND PERFECT

( lando was ready to confess his feelings to you, but a misunderstanding changed everything. )

warning : fluff, so much fluff, lando being adorable

note : i want this boy guys. also probably my fav fic, it's just all cute omgg

word count : 3k

He was finally ready. He had finally gathered all his courage. Sure, he was stressed, but after months of hiding his deep feelings, he was determined to do it. Lando was ready to confess his feelings to you.

McLaren and their two drivers are now in Bahrain to test the cars for the pre-season. It starts in few days but they already started to work hard, especially on their new garage design.

As a friend of Lando Norris himself, he bought you a ticket plane for you to fly to Bahrain and spend some time with him, even though it was not the most exciting thing because you would just be around the paddock and the track, not doing anything special or funny. But still, you agreed to come because you couldn't spend a lot of time with him during the winter break. Turns out this man had fun traveling around the world.

But Lando had others plans. Of course, he dragged you and his others friends there to spend time with you, but he also wanted to do something. He thought about it a lot, also stressed about it a lot, but now he knows he's more than ready to confess to you.

This boy was already absolutely obsessed with you since the first time you met. Your smile, your laugh, your shyness... Every single thing you do only makes the situation worse and he feels himself falling more and more.

He's the type of guy to be confident to pick up girls and he has no problem to go for them. He is confident and shows no signs of weakness. If he likes a girl then he won't hesitate to show it to her. But with you it's totally different.

The so confident and flirty Lando finds himself so weak when it comes to you. His usual way of flirting no longer exists when he's with you. And you're the only girl he's ever met who makes him change his behavior like that. He is extremely shy around you. He's hesitant, he doesn't know if he's doing the right thing because he's too nervous about making you uncomfortable.

He is also no longer touchy at all. Usually he likes to be tactile with the girl he likes, but you are completely different. You have such an effect on him that he becomes clumsy. This is why when you touch each other suddenly, even for a short second, his whole being becomes alarmed. He blushes so quickly and hard, his heart beats so hard that he's sure we can hear it on the other side of the world.

Even his friends don't recognize him when he's with you. This is the first time he's been so shy and cautious with a girl.

This is why it was at first hard for him to get the guts to finally confess to you. But it's soon the start of the new season, so he thought confessing now would be a great idea. Because then if you reject him he'll be able focus on the races and get over it faster.

And the day finally comes. He starts to feel stressed. His heart is beating a miles but he tries to ignore it. He knows you're here, around the paddock, so he goes to looking for you. His thoughts have been the same for a few days: he hopes that you love him in return. He already spent five minutes looking for you, but it looks like you're missing. He was about to take the stairs to leave the McLaren building when he heard several voices coming from a room.

He cautiously approaches where the noise is coming from, and then presses his ear to the door. He listens carefully, and now he's hearing two voices. And he's sure your voice is one of the two. He would recognize it in seconds. He perfectly knows how your voice sounds. But soon the conversation you have with your interlocutor is breaking his heart in pieces.

"I already love him. God he's so cute !" You say in a excited way. He hears a girl's laughter. "Y/N, you haven't gone out with him yet." "I know but i can't wait. I think i'll go out with him in like two days or something like that" You reply.

Lando's heart misses a beat. Are you planning to leave him alone for another boy ? Are you serious ? Do you actually hate spending time with Lando ? He keeps listening, but he can't repress this feeling of pain.

"You're already in love with him right ?" The girl ask you. "Oh definitely. He's perfect. And he's so pretty too, look at him !" He assumes that you are showing a photo of this man to your friend, since there is a short moment of silence before you giggle. "Yeah, he's cute. I'm so happy for you Y/N" "I love him so much you know..." You keep saying.

That's enough for Lando. He doesn't know if he feels angry or sad right now, but he doesn't wait another second to leave the place, his breath heavy and jerky. So he spent all those months being so in love with you just to find out you're head over heels for another man ?

Jealousy runs in his blood. His feelings were always so deep and strong when it comes to you, so this jealousy is obviously hurting him. It breaks him, and his heart. His mind can't think properly. He wanted to confess to you, but your plan was to leave Bahrain and him in few days to go out with a man he doesn't know about his existence.

But he knows he can't blame you. After all, we don't decide who we want to love. Feelings can't be controlled. He fell so hard in love with you and it's not his fault, so he can't blame you for loving someone else. It's your feelings. But still, he's so in pain. The sadness is quickly taking hold of him. Because he realizes you won't be his girlfriend. And it sucks.

It's been two hours since he found out. He didn't want to think about this horrible new, so instead he went over his race team and started to work on the cars with the engineers. But his mind keeps playing again and again your so affectionate words that you said about this man he already hates with all his being.

He's talking with Oscar about the cars' grip when he hears a voice behind him. "Hello guys !". You walk over and you're now standing in front of the two drivers. Oscar greets you with a smile. "Y/N, it's good to see you here. I guess you missed Lando" the Australian grins at you, and gives his teammate a blow in the ribs.

But he doesn't move, and keeps a straight face. "I wanted to spend time with him but turns out he worked hard with you these two past hours. You steal him and our precious time." You points out to Oscar to tease him and he leaves his hands in the air, ridding himself of any accusation.

You feel Lando stiffen and he doesn't even dare to look at you. His jaw tenses and his arms are crossed over his chest. You frown. What's wrong with him ? "You prefer spending time with your so cute and perfect man huh..." He rumbled in such a low voice that you didn't understand what he just said. "What did you say ?" "Nothing. Just leave me alone, I am working" He turns back and walk away, leaving you alone with the aussie next to you.

You're so confused. Why he's like that ? Did you do something wrong ? Do you bothered him or what ? You send a look of confusion to the blonde guy next to you, and he too seems lost. He shrugs. "I don't know why his behavior is so aggressive towards you. When he arrived two hours ago, he didn't say a word and he seemed quite angry."

"Angry ?" "Yeah, well he wasn't too focused and sometimes I felt like he was about to cry". This is insane. You don't know what happened to him but it worries you. He was always so kind and caring with you, never getting angry at you. But it's so different today. It feels like he hates you.

Oscar pats your shoulder, gives you a small smile before leaving you here, thinking about everything that happened during those 2 hours.

-

He felt guilty. So guilty. Of course, it was the first time that he get angry at you. He was always trying his best to give you the best of himself but that day it wasn't the case. After speaking to you for the last time, it got worse. He couldn't stop thinking about what he told you. It was stupid of him.

But today was also not the day too. He's been ignoring you for two days now. He passed you a few times around the paddock but he always looked away quickly. He didn't really want to spend time with you anymore. And that got on your nerves.

He remembered that today you have to leave Bahrain and him to go out on a date with your man. Maybe your boyfriend even ? But you didn't warn him, so he wonders if you're really gone. Despite this thought, he didn't try to ask you and just figured you left without telling anyone. But as he walks towards the mclaren garage, your voice come from behind him. "Lando, wait !!"

He frozens. Are you really here ? His heart starts to beat faster and he turns around to see if you are there. His eyes dart out when he finds you standing here, in front of him. You look like you ran a marathon because of your messy hair on your face and your red cheeks. He clears his throat and tries to put himself together. "Are you... okay ?" You ask carefully. He seems surprised at first, but quickly get back to his straight face.

"Yes, I'm good." You feel like he was lying. "It doesn't look like though" His gaze shifts to the right. He avoids your gaze. "Why ?" He asks. "I don't know... You've been ignoring me for two days. You haven't spoken to me once since you asked me to leave you alone. I don't know if I did something wrong but I need to know Lando..." Your voice is about to crack and he notices it. He realizes he must had pain you. And it breaks him in pieces.

But he avoids whatever you're saying. "And you ?" His question make you lift your head up to cross his eyes. "Why are you still here ? You should be with your boyfriend on your date right now." He looks down at the floor, because now sadness and pain fill his whole heart. "What boyfriend ?"

Your question and your confused tone surprise him. His head lift up and for a moment your eyes meet, confusion can be read in both of your looks. No. He's sure he heard it right last time. "I heard you say you were going out on a date with a man today" You frown. "I don't have anything planned today. I don't even have a boyfriend or a man, Lan" You don't know where that comes from but it's just stupid. You are single, and if you should have a boyfriend of course you would choose Lando without hesitation.

After all, you fell in love with him too.

He's relieved. His heart slows down and he finally manages to relax. Now his whole being is relieved because it means he still has a chance to confess to you. "I know it's bad Y/N, but last time I listened to your conversation with your friend and you talked about a perfect and super handsome guy, who you were planning to go on a date with..." You were about to say something but he cuts you off. "So i thought you had someone you loved." His voice becomes quieter.

But now you understand. You start to laugh because you realized that he misunderstood everything. He looks at you, confused. "Lando, that day I wasn't talking about a human. But about a puppy. I'm going to adopt a puppy" You say between two laughters. His eyes dart out and his face looks so surprised.

Oh poor boy. He feels so dumb and stupid right now. How could he make such a fool of himself and distort your words? He has misunderstood every single word you said. And he feels even more foolish when he realized he was so fucking jealous of a puppy. A little puppy.

He blushes so hard now. Such a blushing mess. Not just his cheeks but his whole face is all reddish now, shame eats away at him. It's so embarrassing. But your cute laugh soothes him a bit. "Today was the day I had to pick him up and "go out" with him. But I was worried about you so I postponed the meeting" You explain and he feels even more embarrassed.

"I'm so sorry Y/N. No really, i misunderstood everything and i apologize for that. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have ignore you. I'm so stupid" He doesn't stop rumbling and apologizing for all this stuff he created. "Hey Lando, it's okay. I am not mad at you. You didn't have the context so there's no point in apologizing." You put your hands on his shoulders and the touch gives him goosebumps.

It's not fair how you manage to have a hold on him. He's so desperate for you. "But I'm really sorry..." You stay silent for a moment. "But it was really a problem if I went on this date with a man ?". Everything goes into panic inside him. He can't confess, not now. Not after what just happened. "N-no, you can have a boyfriend and go out with whoever you want but... I mean, it's..."

He sighs and pulls backward. "Sorry. It's just that... I don't know how to forgive myself" he reveals. He nervously plays with his fingers and you can't stand this sad picture of Lando. That's why you got an idea. You smile to him. "Maybe you could come with me to pick up my puppy?" A grin takes place on your face.

And soon a grin comes out from his face too. He can't stop smiling like a child. "I'd love to".

-

"You can come". The old lady waves at you and the driver. You get up from your seats and enter the room where several puppies are playing around. You can't help but giggle. You love so much puppies and dogs. And so does Lando. He too looks in heaven. "Here's your little puppy." The lady hands you a cute brown puppy with big doe eyes.

You take him in your arms and without waiting another second, you attack him with kisses. You let out in between some giggles, while Lando stands there, looking at you with heart-eyes. But the more he looks at you and the puppy, the more he got jealous.

You kiss and hug the puppy like there's only you two in the room. All your attention is on the cute brown animal in your arms and you don't even look at the driver anymore.

Twice. It's the second time he got so jealous of a damn puppy. "What's wrong with me ?" he thought. But he can't help it. He desperately wants to be the puppy. To be the one who receives your kisses, your hugs, your attention. It's not fair. "You want to hold him ? I need to get the papers and stuff done" you ask to him and then right after he got the fluffy ball in his big arms.

Lando also has a dog. Of course he loves animals too. But here it's different. With a smile, you encourage him to wait for you outside while you finish to sign the papers for the adoption. So he waits some minutes, staring at the puppy. Or more like glaring at him. "You love stealing my girl from me huh ?" He asks to the fluffy ball, and he looks like he's about to pout.

But then you appear, a big smile on your face. You join Lando, too happy to notice the cute pout on his face. "Oh my baby, you're so cute" You take the little puppy back in your arms and kiss him again. "And me ?" Lando suddenly said softly, but you heard him.

"You ?" You ask surprised. Why he's suddenly like that ? You look at him with with a questioning look. "Am I cute too ?" He asks, still pouting. He doesn't think about what he's saying anymore, now he just needs you. You don't know what to say. But indeed yeah, his cute behavior melts your heart. "Am I pretty and perfect too ? Arghh fuck !!" He lets out a cry of frustration. "I can't get jealous of a puppy, that's so childish"

"Lando, what are you saying ?" You don't understand at all his behavior. He sighs and finally meets your gaze. "What I'm trying to say is that I'm such a child to be jealous of a puppy. Like... Like I want to be him so bad. I also want your kisses, your cuddles, your attention. I also want to be the reason of your giggles. I so want to be this puppy to receive your love too" You bite back a smile, but that's impossible.

You take a step closer. "You're cute too. So cute. And you're such a pretty and perfect boy too Lan." You grin to him. He didn't expect that. At all. But it genuinely melts his heart. He looks at you with adoration now, and he needs to fight the urge to kiss you. "I guess my jealous boy wants his kiss huh ?" You tease him. He blushes hard, and like a cute puppy he nods quickly. You don't wait a second to press your lips on his ones.

He smiles against your lips, and deepen the kiss by pulling you closer to him. His arms hold you tight, but he makes sure he doesn't crush the puppy between you two. The kiss is so sweet, Lando is savoring every seconds of it. You pull back, and rest yours foreheads together. "I'm so in love with you Lando. Maybe I love you more than our puppy" You laugh softly. He smiles with all his teeth, and press a kiss on your cheek. "I hope so, baby. I'm already tired of him stealing my girl away from me".

You let out a laugh, and like that, he presses a cute and small kiss on the puppy. His beloved puppy.

[lucy90712]

Hii how are you? I saw your post about sending in requests soo here I am haha :)

Could you write smth with Marc guiu and like long distance relationship (reader is from another country, I'd love Germany cos I'm from there but any country is okay) and like her surprising him with a visit, maybe she comes to a game and like waits for him after as the 'surprise' kinda. Feel free to adjust or change things if you want :)

Thanks so much in advance and I hope you have a great day!

Being in a long distance relationship is hard especially when there was a time that you weren't long distance it becomes hard to separate yourself from the person you love but sometimes it has to be done. This is exactly how it is for me and Marc as a few years ago my family moved to Barcelona which is where we met and became friends for a few months before we started dating. For a year we were so happy together until my dad lost his job and got a new one back home in Germany so we had no choice but to be long distance which was so hard at first but we have made it work as best as possible but I still miss him a lot. 

A few weeks ago Marc got a move to Chelsea which he was really excited about and I was really happy for him. Between his move and preseason we haven't seen each other in like two months which is the longest we've gone without seeing each other. This weekend is supposed to be Marc's first game which he thinks I can't make it to but I've been lying to him so I can surprise him. It's not all a lie originally I didn't think I could go as I was supposed to be going to a family event but things got moved around and I just didn't tell him as I thought it would be fun to surprise him. 

Getting tickets to the match wasn't easy as they were all sold out and I'm not as familiar with Marc's new Chelsea teammates as I was with his Barcelona teammates. In the end I was brave and dm'ed one of his teammates to ask for help getting tickets and he was so helpful and gave me a way to get hold of tickets and offered to help me surprise Marc which I took him up on as I have no idea how to go about things. His teammate made sure that I knew how to get to the stadium and where would be the best place to stay the night before the game and he sorted things out so I'd be allowed into the back of the stadium with the rest of the players friends and families so I can actually surprise Marc after the game. 

Now things are all set in place and all I have to do is keep this hidden from Marc which won't be easy as we always FaceTime every night and I'm scared he'll notice that I'm not in my room as I'm staying in a hotel close to the stadium. Marc is quite observant he always notices when I've had my hair cut even if it's just a trim and he can always tell when I've changed my skincare or makeup routine so fooling him isn't going to be easy. I thought he'd have caught on before I even got here as we quite often text throughout the day and I had to have my phone off while I was on the plane but luckily I was able to say that I was caught up with something and didn't check my phone which he believed. 

As soon as I arrived to the hotel and dropped my suitcase off I went back out onto the streets to go the the Chelsea store which is close to the stadium to find a shirt with Marc's name and number on. He said that he would send me a shirt but he hasn't been able to yet as he hasn't got an official game day shirt that he can part with. What kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't wear his shirt especially for his first game at a new club so I took matters into my own hand to try and find a shirt for myself. The store was much bigger than I expected it to be and it was filled with people but I managed to navigate my way around until I finally found a shirt with Marc's name on it which I bought and got out of there as quick as possible. 

Like clockwork Marc FaceTimed me at 8pm and I had to do my best to try and keep the camera on me and not show much of the room so he wouldn't get too suspicious. To start with Marc seemed confused and was looking at my surroundings but he didn't say anything so neither did I. We had a normal conversation about what we had done today and I had to completely make things up which he just believed as he trusts me enough to not question anything I say which is really sweet and helpful in this specific situation. We talked for hours until I had to pretend to need to go as I was supposed to be up early for this family event he still thinks I'm going to so we said goodnight to each other and I just hoped and prayed that Marc wasn't too suspicious about my surroundings. 

~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up to my alarm and a few texts from Marc telling me to have a good time with my family so I wished him luck at his game before getting up and getting ready. Once I was ready I still had hours until I needed to leave for the game and I had no idea what to do with myself. I was so nervous for Marc, I always get nervous before Marc plays but for some reason today I'm extra nervous for him. Playing for a new club in a different league especially such a competitive one like the premier league is nerve wracking and playing at Chelsea comes with another level of competition and pressure that I know Marc can handle but that doesn't mean I can't be nervous for him. 

Eventually the time came for me to leave so I changed into the shirt I bought yesterday and grabbed all my things before calling a taxi to get to the stadium. There was so much traffic on the road but I allowed plenty of time to get there so by the time I arrived there was still enough time for me to find my seat and take in the stadium before the match started. I have been to all sorts of stadiums to watch Marc play but most of them don't compare to Stamford bridge even though there was a lot of empty seats the atmosphere was amazing people were really in the spirit and ready for the first match of the new season. 

Soon enough the players came out to warm up and as always my eyes were drawn to Marc as he ran across the pitch and kicked a ball around to get himself ready. He wasn't in the starting line up which wasn't a huge surprise to me but I'm hoping he can play in the second half as I'd love to see him actually play. Watching him out there made me so excited to surprise him after the match I know he wished I could be here but he would never say that as he doesn't like to make me feel bad when I can't make it to big matches. In just under two hours I can finally hug and kiss him again which I've missed so much while we've been apart but for now I have to wait a bit longer. 

The match didn't get off to the best start with Chelsea conceding within the first 20 minutes then they had a few good chances which unfortunately they weren't be able to convert. Half time came around and not much changed but 66 minutes into the game Marc finally came on. He received a loud cheer from the crowd which really warmed my heart as I know he was worried about being accepted by the fans but that doesn't seem like it's going to be a problem. Marc played well trying to make runs and get close to the goal to help the team but ultimately it didn't make a difference as the match ended 2-0 after an 84th minute goal from Kovacic which wasn't well received by the home fans but in the end they didn't care so much about that and more about the loss. 

I wasn't thinking about the loss I was thinking about Marc, the players were still out on the pitch but as soon as they started making their way off I left my seat and headed towards the back parts of the stadium so I can finally see Marc. Security let me straight through and directed me to where I needed to go to find the locker rooms. Just as I made it down there the players started to head towards the locker room and I was able to spot Marc down the corridor as he was talking to Sanchez so he hadn't noticed me yet. The closer he got the more I wondered if he would even notice me as he was so in his own world but luckily Marc looked in my direction at the right time which caused him to stop in his tracks as he tried to figure out what was happening. 

It wasn't long before Marc realised I was actually stood there and he ran towards me and picked me up in his arms to hug me tightly. He was all sweaty from running around for the last 30 minutes but I couldn't care less it just felt so good to be in his arms again. When he put me down one of his arms stayed around my waist while his other hand went to my jaw to pull me in for a kiss. It didn't stop at one kiss he made sure to make up for at least half the kisses I've missed out on over the last two months by pressing kisses all over my face. 

"I'm so happy you're here I've missed you so much" Marc said 

"I've missed you too you were amazing out there by the way" I said 

"Thank you I was sad that we lost but now none of it matters as I've got you here" he said 

"Wait weren't you supposed to be at a family thing how are you here?" He asked 

"That got moved so I decided I'd come surprise you at your first match as I just couldn't miss it" I said 

"Well I'm happy you could make it and I like your shirt how did you get that?" He asked 

"I battled London after I got here yesterday and went to the club store which was packed but I managed to find this as I thought I couldn't come here to support you without wearing your shirt" I said 

"You are so cute but now you can have this shirt so you've got a fully authentic one" he said 

"I look forward to showing that off to my friends" I laughed 

We talked for a bit longer before he had to go and get changed so he left me with a few of his teammates who he introduced me to while he showered and changed in record time. All of his teammates were lovely and they made me feel welcome which is something I was worried about as I got along with all of Marc's Barcelona teammates really well so I didn't think it would be the same here but so far everyone has been really nice. Soon enough Marc came back and it was time for us to go so we headed to my hotel to grab my things so I could stay with him for the next few days as my flight back isn't until Wednesday as I thought we could spend an extra few days together. He doesn't have a proper place yet but he's staying in an actual apartment so we decided we would stay there. 

Once we made it back to Marc's place we settled in on the sofa and didn't move from there. He ordered us food for dinner and we had on our tv show that we only ever watch together as we have a lot to catch up on. All we really did was sit and cuddle but that's exactly what I've been missing while we've been apart so today has just been the perfect day. 

[female-eren]

I need some advice. I recently was broken up with and I'm reeling from it. We met when i was 19 and he was 32 and we ended up hooking up 6 years ago. He didn't tell me until after we hooked up that he had a wife which started a crazy feud, but he eventually divorced his wife and convinced me to be in a relationship with him. The relationship was pretty rocky at first because he was very emotionally abusive. Like he would constantly reprimand me for doing the wrong thing and saying the wrong thing and would lecture me for hours and not let me sleep until I agreed with him. I used to live with him sometimes because my mom got evicted and i couldn't hold down a stable job because I had an untreated learning disability and he would pick fights with me every day when I would say/ do the wrong thing and sometimes he would even kick me out.

While he did all this its v confusing bc he was also very good to me at the same time?? He helped me out when I was evicted and let me live rent free with him. He helped me get my diagnosis and helped me look for a job. He helped me get over some of my insecurities and would urge me to go to therapy and helped me get my driver's license. The last 2 years he started becoming more spiritual and became a lot nicer to me (He would still reprimand me but not as often) and urged me to do yoga and meditation. He started getting serious and during that time he was throwing ideas around of leaving everything behind and going to a yoga center etc. I was so drained atp from the constant mistreatment and feeling like I wasn't a priority so I went outside the relationship to explore my options. i met a guy that I was going to meet for dinner and just talk to, but I was drugged and assaulted. I felt so guilty that I told my boyfriend and he broke up with me. This was a year ago. Since then, we've been on and off because he would come back but couldn't commit because he couldnt trust me. Early this year he moved to a different state and he reached out to me to ask if I wanted to visit him out there in the summer. I was cautious but I agreed because I missed him. We started calling and texting every day and he started hinting that he wanted a relationship with me again. I started catching feelings again and was grateful for the opportunity to make things right because I fucked up. I bought the plane tickets and two days after I bought them he told me that he was getting women flirting with him out there and that he wanted to explore his options. I was so upset and I asked him why we couldnt work things out, he told me he still couldnt trust me after what happened. He told me it's best if I get a refund on the tix and just stay home. I felt so crushed, I felt like I was lead on and I feel so ashamed and guilty over what I did. The worst part is I felt like I ruined everything and it's my fault that the relationship ended the way it did. What do I do???? I have no friends and no one to talk to.

Oh girl. He's abusive and leaving him is the right thing to do. Don't fall for it again. He seems really mentally unstable to me also tbh. I don't really know what to say, I think your biggest hurdle is going to be loneliness. And perhaps the reason you haven't left yet and are in this really messy situationship is because you seem to only have him. I know what it's like to feel you only have a partner in your life and no other friends, and feel like it's impossible to make new ones. But this man is not good and not worth it - a grown, married man pursuing a teenager is a nail in the coffin on its own. Then add all the rest. You need to put yourself first, and probably get some therapy if you can. The feeling of guilt and shame and disgust over being assaulted, even over just feeling used and dirtied, is something I know all too well and I haven't quite healed, not sure if I ever will. What I do know is we need to prioritise our future well-being, and this guy will not contribute to your happiness and health.

[stormy-skies-falling]

Hiii, can you do cc!SBI (+Tubbo and Ranboo, all platonic) meeting up with Reader for the first time for Twitchcon? And a little bit about their adventures together in the US? (Reader's around Wilbur's age and bonus if she isn't from the US and it's her first time there. She/her pronouns, and sorry if it's too long! ;-;)

𝕊𝔹𝕀 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕠.

about: Philza Minecraft, Technoblade, Wilbur Soot, Tommyinnit, Tubbo, and Ranboo

warning(s): swearing, Thanos, general shenanigans

pronouns: none specified

word count: 3.3k

note: Yes I can and I did! This was incredibly fun to write so thank you for that! Enjoy! Kisses! <3

“Alright chat, welp, this’ll be the last time you see me until Twitchc—”

“FUCK YEAH! TWITCHCOOOOOON! YEEAAHHHH!” Tommy and Tubbo interrupt, getting increasingly riled up. I’m not sure how these kids haven't exploded with excitement yet.

After being a Twitch Partner for around three years now, I have decided that I would finally make the trip over to San Diego, California and go to Twitchcon. I was a little wary at first—not a big fan of being away from home for too long, let alone in another country—so in a moment of need I decided to consult some...advice. Philza Minecraft.

I have known Phil for almost as long as I have been streaming— around two years— and because of that, I have gotten the chance to know the rest of the peanut gallery (“the brothers” and “neighbor’s kids”). Nevertheless, the seven of us have grown into quite the family: always streaming with one another, talking outside or outside of streaming, just found-family stuff… except for meeting up in person.

The one thing I never got the chance to do. Everytime we had one planned, something always came up and I never got the chance to meet up with them. It was quite discouraging. Until, one evening, I was on call with Wilbur— just chatting, nothing really special— when in a fleeting moment he mentioned Twitchcon.

FLASHBACK:

“Oh yeah, just a little fyi, you’re going to Twitchcon this year.” Wilbur says, making me look up from my phone to my computer that’s displaying the Discord video call.

“And why would I be going to Twitchcon this year?”

“Because I bought you a ticket.” Wilbur states, giving me that ‘duh’ face.

I stare at the screen for a minute, trying to process the words that just came out my best friend’s mouth.

“Oh don’t worry, I’m going too. Same with Tommy—”

“Wait! You’re going too?!”

“—and Tubbo and Phil—”

“pHIL AND TUBBO?!”

“—and Ranboo and Techno—”

“WE’RE ALL GOING?!”

“Yeah I just said that.”

Falling out of my chair, I run around my room, just plain freaking out. It’ll be my first time meeting these people who have changed my life for the better— in person— and we’ll be all together at once.

At some point during my freakout Tommy must have joined, because by the time I sobered up, Tommy was freaking out harder than I was.

As it turns out, the only people who didn’t know about the whole ordeal were Tommy and I and Will— as ever clever— thought “let’s kill two birds with one call.”

“Oh I bought your plane ticket as well—”

“Will!”

“What, I figured it’d be easier. Plus! It means that you owe me! It’s a win-win for me!” He trails off with Tommy still screaming in the background.

“How would that be a win-win for you, do you know how expensive plane tickets are?”

“It’s a win-win for me, because one:” —his counts on his finger— “I get to finally meet you—”

“Awe—”

“—and two:”—he counts a second finger after shooting me a glare— “plane tickets are expensive so that means you’ll probably pay me back in some way.”

“PHIL JUST TOLD ME WE’RE GONNA GO TO DISNEYLAND!” Tommy yells. “I’M GONNA MEET A PRINCESS!”

FLASHBACK ENDS

After ending the stream, I stay on call with the SBI and Co., finishing up the little packing I had to do. Taking my suitcase and parking it right outside my bedroom door, I walk back over to my computer to hear Tubbo absolutely losing his shit.

“What happened?” I ask, trying to get a better view of Tubbo’s background.

“Tommy tripped over his charger and face planted.” Ranboo says matter-a-factly jabbing his thumb over his shoulder.

I looked to where he was pointing to see Tubbo, standing over a grief-stricken Tommy, bent over with laughter. After a thirty seconds or so you could see Tommy blindly swinging his arm around and in the process hitting Tubbo in the crotch, causing him to hit the ground with a loud thud.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be living with those buffoons for two weeks straight.” I say with feigned annoyance.

“Yeah, well I have to live with the one and the other just won’t leave.” Ranboo comments, gaining a laugh out of everyone in the call besides the Clingy Duo™.

“Oh Y/n,” Phil starts, catching my attention. “By the time you get to the house, the rest of us will already be at the convention—”

“Phill’s got a panel, just in case you didn’t know.” Techno interrupts (it may or may not have been mentioned a few times… by Tommy).

“—So you can just drop your stuff off and head over.”

“I’m driving down from San Francisco so I’ll just leave my car at the Airbnb and you can just take that to Twitchcon and we’ll take Phil’s rental car.” Techno adds.

“You’re driving? Isn’t that like a ten hour trip?” I ask, confused as to why Techno would ever put himself through that kind of traffic willingly.

“Seven and a half actually, but driving is a lot cheaper than flying and you don’t have to go through security— just a whole bunch of other things.”

“Okay, welp, I better get to bed. My flight leaves early tomorrow, one that I don’t plan on missing.”

“Do you ever plan on missing a flight?” Wilbur asks, getting a glare from me.

“Anyway,” — I roll my eyes — “ my flight will land around noon, so I’ll just meet you guys at Twitchcon.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be getting to bed?” Wilbur says, receiving another glare from me.

This is going to be a long two weeks.

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

Upon my arrival at the Airbnb, I quickly pay the taxi driver and gather my plethora of things. Making my way to the front door of the house and I get the spare key from under the welcome mat.

“Creative.” I mumble to myself while jamming the key into the lock, effectively opening the door.

After shoving my suitcase inside the house and relocking the door, I meandered my way to the side of the house, Techno’s car meeting my line of sight. I get the key from the spot that was directed by Techno, unlock the car and jump in the driver’s seat. The car is exactly like I thought it would be: kinda messy but still in decent condition.

“Alright Y/n, time to go to Twitchcon.” I say to myself, plugging the directions into my phone and putting the car in drive.

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

The drive to Twitchcon wasn’t too bad distance wise, the only problem was the San Diego traffic… Now I remember why I never go out. The walk in was frankly worse: the amount of people and their families was absolutely insane; people pressed together shoulder-to-shoulder, not much room to breathe.The entire place looked like a beehive bustling with people.

“OMG aren’t you famous twitch streamer (s/n)?!” A voice says behind me, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Yes I…” The words die in my throat as I fully turn around, eye level to the chest of my best friend.

I slowly look up to meeting the grinning face of the one-and-only, Wilbur Soot.

“You’re a lot shorter than I thought you’d be.” He says, earning him a glare.

“We’ve met in person for like five seconds and you’re already commenting about height.” I state, crossing my arms.

“It’s all part of my charm.” Wilbur laughs, pulling me into a bear hug, successfully crushing our bodies against one another.

Meeting Wilbur is something I’ve been planning on doing since we first met each other, last year. We just clicked so fast and created such a bond that needed to be experienced in person. From the day we were first introduced to now, the friendship that has been built is something that’ll last a lifetime— the same as all the others I’ve made with the SBI and Co. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I am thrown out of my thoughts by Wilbur brushing his thumb under my eye.

“Is the lil one crying?” Wilbur says, making me push him away.

“Yes, I am now deal with it. Crying is a normal thing that helps regulate strong emotions—”

“I’m only messing with you. You know if we weren’t surrounded by thousands of people I would be sobbing right now.” He laughs, eyes looking shiny.

“WILBUR!” I hear someone who sounds an awful lot like Mr. Tommyinnit call, making both Wilbur and I turn our focus toward the sound. Yep. It’s Tommy. “WILBUR S— Y/N” Tommy interrupts himself and tackles me into a hug.

“Hey Tommy!” I say hugging him back before he abruptly pushes himself off of me, brushing himself off and clearing his throat.

"I-I mean, hey Y/n.”

“You’re such a dork, Tommy.” I say, earning an eye roll from Tommy and one of those I’m-trying-not-to-smile-but-I’m-so-excited-to-see-you-but-I-want-to-look-cool-in-front-of-all-these-people-so-just-go-with-it looks.

“Oh! I have to take you to everyone else!” Tommy exclaims and pulls me by the arm in the direction he came from, forgetting his previous little thing.

We walk for a little while, getting stopped frequently by fans, it is Twitchcon after all. But after a minute or so I notice the crowd go from an average level to a single, tall outlier: Ranboo, my beloved. Picking up my pace, I start to drag Wilbur and Tommy behind me, too excited to meet the rest of the group to slow down.

Phil, Techno, Tubbo, and Ranboo are surrounded by a decently sized group that surrounds them and are asking questions and for pictures. For a little bit of a dramatic effect, I squeeze myself and the 2/3 of The Brothers™ to the front of the group and listen to what is being asked and answered. The 4/6 of the SBI and Co. still haven’t noticed us yet, so I wait for a pause in the questions before I speak up.

“When are you guys and (s/n) finally going to meet up?” I ask, making the four guys' heads shoot towards the direction of my voice. “I hear you guys are meeting up soon.” I say, a smile making its way onto my face.

“OH MY GOSH NO WAY!” Tubbo yells, breaking out of his initial shock and sprinting towards me, tackling me in a hug.

The force of the hug ends up swinging us around so hard, we both lose our balance and crumple to the ground in a heap of giggles and tears. The rest of the group along with Wilbur and Tommy break out of their trance and make their way over to us and join us on a pile on the floor.

The overwhelming sense of joy I feel and the amount of joy radiating off my family is something I’ll remember forever. From the very moment Wilbur first found me like five minutes ago, to getting hugged by Tommy, to finding the rest of the group and getting tackled to the ground by Tubbo, to being on the ground surrounded by the people who have changed my life forever is something that happens once in a lifetime if you’re lucky.

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

After the group and I settled down and remembered that we were surrounded by fans, we took a bunch of photos and practically had our own little meet and greet. Not too long after, Phil had to separate from the group and go to his own panel: one The Brother’s™, the Bee Duo, and I hung out around for a while until we were shooed away by Phil to do our own thing. Big mistake.

I believe that Phil failed to realize that he is like the father of the group, keeping the rest of us out of trouble. From time to time, Wilbur or Techno stepped up as the “older person” figure, but that was before we all met up in person. Now, we were just a group of friends about to get into some shit.

“So, the plan is to see which one of us can get the most desturbed reaction out of the person we’re messing with.” I start and we situate ourselves behind Phil’s panel.

“Right, but do not physically hurt someone. Just—”

“Confuse, don't abuse.” I interrupt Wilbur, causing him to look at me.

“Right. Confuse, don’t abuse.”

“Now if anyone recognises you— and they will— don’t break character.” Techno says, pointing his finger at all of us. “Just keep going, take a picture at least, but just keep going.”

“But what if they ask us questions?” Tubbo asks.

“Did you not just hear him? You stay in character.” Tommy says with a joking scoff.

“Should we pair up to make it a team thing, or split up to cover more ground.” asks Ranboo.

“I think we could do pairs. Be able to do more that way.�� I say.

Pairs end up being matched as follows: Tommy and Wilbur, Tubbo and myself, and lastly Techno and Ranboo . After getting in our pairs, we all break apart, agreeing to meet up behind Phil’s booth within two hours.

Tubbo and I make our way towards the entrance, quietly deciding which things we can do to mess with people. Thank goodness for Reddit, because as soon as we couldn’t figure out enough things to do, Reddit came to the rescue. It happened at the perfect times too. For example…

“Okay, so I guess you just make conversation with someone and then just give them a random item and they’ll hold it.” I say after reading the one of the examples.

“Seems simple enough.” Tubbo states, taking off his backpack to then reach in and grab a notepad out of it.

“Why do you have a notepad?”

“That’s a great question, but it sure worked out didn’t it?” Tubbo replies right as someone walks up to the both of us, asking for a picture.

“Hi, you’re um, you’re Tubbo and (s/n) right?” The girl asks, twiddling with her hands.

“Indeed we are!” I say. “Would you like a picture?”

“Yeah, that would be great, thank you!” She says, talking out her phone and opening the camera app.

After snapping a selfie with her, Tubbo, and myself I give her back her phone.

“Thank you guys so much, it’s really awesome to meet you both! I’m Claryssa by the way” She says.

“It’s nice to meet you, Claryssa, and likewise! It’s really nice meeting fans, I do have to say that it’s one of my favorite things about being a streamer!” Tubbo explains.

“I feel the same way as Tubbo, it’s just one of those things that can come along with being a streamer, it’s really nice.” I say, subtly nudging Tubbo, indicating to start the plan.

“Yeah, you guys are really fun to watch, especially when you guys do those Jackbox streams.” — Tubbo hands her the notepad and she takes it.— “They’re some of my favorites.

“Those were always fun.” I nod, thinking back to the memories. I turn to Tubbo “We need to do those again.” —he nods and I look back to the girl to see her staring at the notepad in confusion. It takes everything in me not to burst out laughing then and there. — “Thank you for reminding me about those.”

“Y-yeah, no problem.” Claryssa says, focused on the notepad in her hands.

“Welp, we have to get going, but it was really nice to meet you Caryssa.” I say as Tubbo and I begin to walk away.

Finally out of sight, Tubbo and I break down laughing to the point where we’re both hunched over wheezing.

“I see why— phff, you said conf-fuse don’t abus-se.” Tubbo said, trying to talk through his laugh.

“I kn-know—” A laugh interrupts my thought. “Isn’t it s-so m-much better when they’re j-just standing there in confusion?! I mean, it’s—” a loud tea kettle wheeze escapes my mouth bringing me to my knees.

By my one-hit-K.O. wheeze bringing me to the floor, this made Tubbo laugh even harder, bringing him down as well. With both of us on the ground rolling around in our hysteria, this causes many people passing by to look at us, confused, gaining us another point for just basking in the stupidity that is our shenanigans: funny or not.

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

By the time the two hours were up, Tubbo and I have managed to get ourselves twenty-three points by doing a variety of things (playing UNO in the elevator with a desk and chairs that we may or may not have stolen from Phil, walking up to people and going “I don’t speak English” and then walking away, saying “hi my name is Jason with a ‘b’ and when they said that there’s no ‘b’ in Jason we would go “exactly”, getting a hot dog from the food court and tying it to a string and proceed to drag it behind us, among other things).

Getting back to the meeting spot, Wilbur, Tommy, Techno, and Ranboo were already there.

“How many?” Wilbur asks us, ready to see who won.

“Twenty-three. You guys?” Tubbo answered, quite proud of our feat.

This answer was apparently shocking to the rest of the group, because they’re jaws dropped at the number.

“TWENTY-THREE? WE ONLY GOT SEVEN!” Tommy says, now visibly annoyed that he lost. Too bad.

“Yeah, because you would never listen to any of my suggestions.” Wilbur says. “You would just act weird around grown adults and instead of being confused they were just annoyed.”

“Well it was funny to me!” Tommy tries to defend himself.

“It’s okay, Tommy, not everyone can be funny.” Ranboo says, earning him a glare and grumble from Tommy.

“We at least got seventeen.” Techno adds.

“And a Thanos bathing suit.” Ranboo says, holding up said bathing suit, basking us in all its glory.

“We should give that to Phil and see what he does.”I say.

“Oh we’re definitely giving it to him.” Ranboo says, resituating the bathing suit in his arms.

“Is he done yet?” Tubbo asks, peeking around the corner of the booth. “Looks like he just finished his last meet and greet.

Shortly after Tubbo asks and answers his own question, Philza comes around to the back of the booth, looking quite worn out.

“Hey Phil!” I say making him look towards me and give a slight wave. “How was the panel?”

“Oh it was pretty good. Met a lot of people and I mean a lot.”

“That’s nice.” — I nod my head.— “Ranboo and Techno have a little surprise for you.”

“It’s just a lil something-something we happened upon.” Ranboo says as we try to keep our giggles in.

Phil looks at us suspiciously before bringing his attention back to Ranboo. For dramatic effect, Ranboo turns around, his body sheltering the bathing suit so he can properly get it in his hands without Phil seeing. Properly situating the bathing suit for the perfect showing angle, Ranboo clears his throat and Tommy, Tubbo, Wilbur, and I drum our hands on our thighs creating that perfect sound to set the tone; while Techno stands next to Ranboo with his arms crossed, looking slightly embarrassed to be seen with us.

With a gracious spin, Ranboo turns around and feasts Phil’s eyes upon what must be the greatest gift of the century.

“Ta-da!” We all announce, gesturing our arms towards the magnificent clothing item with shit-eating grins on our faces.

Phil looks at the bathing suit, then back at us, then at the suit, then back at us, then bursts out laughing.

“Of course it would be you shits that would find this!” He laughs, not at all surprised.

“Technically it wasn’t us, a fan gave it to us and we thought that you’d like it better.” Techno says, gesturing at the bathing suit.

“Oh it’s something alright” Phil notes with a shake of his head. “Well besides that fact, I’m starving.”

“Techno you hear the king.” Tommy says. “What’s a good American place to eat at 11 p.m?”

“Hmm…” Techno trails off, thinking. After a moment his face lights up. “You guys ever heard of Denny’s?”

[snow--blanket]

laissez-faire

fandom: bustafellows

characters: mozu nile shepherd, teuta bridges (featuring the rest of the gang)

words: 2081

i just think they r neat.... also this is for bustafezine on twt and its FREE go read it if u haven't yet. okay love u bye!!!!

***

The sun was beating down on New Sieg, and Teuta Bridges was in between a rock and a hard place. Or, more accurately, between Mozu and a very stubborn man in shorts and a floral-print shirt, looking as if he had just finished his side gig of being an on-screen dying extra of a Jaws movie. Clearly, someone bought the wrong plane tickets. 

“Like I said!” The man yelled, instead of ‘saying’, “I don’t know where Kingfisher Park is! All I’m asking is for some help!”

“You have a considerable volume for what you think constitutes asking. And as we’ve told you, we’re in a hurry. I’ve shown you directions and typed in the search on your phone’s map, so all you need to do is follow it.” Mozu then paused thoughtfully. “Unless you’re incapable?”

The glare of the sun further emphasized the sheen of sweat on the man’s face, and his expression looked like he was a raging bull about to charge. Teuta didn’t need to guess that Mozu was his giant, waving, red flag. Except he probably didn’t notice that the flag he was waving was red, and that his opponent was more bull than man. 

“Mozu!” She tugged on his arm, “I’m a little thirsty. Can we get a drink on the way to Joneses'?” She tried to become the pure, ultimate embodiment of charm and endearing, words Mozu once used when discussing the history of cat domestication and its impact on nomadic lifestyle. She couldn’t catch a rat if she tried—but she had green eyes, and Luka always told her they were pretty. That had to count, right?

“Sure, in a moment.” Mozu turned his attention back to the man.

Pretty like weed and just as easy to ignore, I guess.

Unexpectedly, he slipped his hand in hers, and his tone took on a finality that she had only heard when telling off Crow and Shu on wasting takeout food. A smile sneaked its way onto her face. Go get ‘im, Mozu!

“We’ve done all we can to help. If you really insist on having us guide you, you can follow us to our destination and we’ll stop by the police department. One of the officers can assist.”

“Ha! Forget it. You New Sieg folk are all the same. I’ll find my way to the police department myself, and when I do, I’ll complain about how unfriendly this place is to tourists.” He sneered condescendingly, and leaned to look Mozu in the eyes with a stare she didn’t appreciate. “Give me a name to pin this down to.”

“Crow Miller,” said Mozu with no hesitation.

Teuta wanted to laugh so hard she thought she was going to throw up. 

“Weak-ass name for a weak-ass guy. Figures. You’ll see what’s coming to you soon!”

Oh my GOD—

“Okay,” Mozu said easily as the man sauntered off, and if she could, she would make ice cubes with his breezy tone for a hot summer day. Or, right now. They were out of the house by 1 P.M., and it was 1:45 P.M.! And here they were still, ice cream-less. Mozu gave her hand a squeeze and turned her way. His voice gentled, taking a far more ‘considerable volume for what constitutes asking’. “Are you alright? I’m sorry we got stuck here for so long.”

“It’s fine, it was funny to watch. I was just hoping he wouldn’t punch you.”

“Punch me?” 

“Yeah. When you asked him if he couldn’t even follow directions, I was sure he was gonna start swinging.” She flashed him a toothy grin. “Don’t worry though! Shu started giving me tips on self defense. I know what to do if he tries something!” For good measure, she even made a show of some moves with her fists.

“What did he teach you?”

“Go for the eyes, then balls.”

“So why the fist?”

“Uh… finisher move, I guess?”

“But it’s self defense. Isn’t that what you said?”

“It’s just for bonus points. Like that game Crow always plays!”

“I see,” he nodded solemnly, and she wasn’t sure what he did see. But damn if that didn’t make him all the more lovable to her! “So that’s how he took it. I was just asking if he couldn’t follow directions because I get lost sometimes too. The lines on the map and colors make it hard to see if I’m cycling the right way.”

“Makes sense,” Teuta hummed, leading the way to Trader Joneses’. I hope there’s still some left. “But with the way you say it, Mozu, an innocent question sounds like a comeback. It’s kinda funny.”

He frowned slightly, deep in thought. “...I see.”

***

“By the way,” Limbo mumbled through a mouthful of ham sandwich, “Don’t think it needs to be said since you guys probably know better, but be careful going out. There’s been this ongoing schtick where some guys ask for directions and then mug you at the spot.” After swallowing, he said: “Not that this would affect Crow in any way. For people with jobs, it’s important.”

“Hey! I do have a job! Anima, tell ‘em!”

Schedule: Clear, rang Anima’s voice throughout the house, with much more clarity Crow probably wanted. Teuta couldn’t stifle a snort. 

Ignoring Crow, Helvetica chimed in: “I’ll be fine, but Mozu, didn’t you say you had overtime recently? Will you be alright?” Her arm shot up in the air quicker than her mouth had words to formulate for it. “It’s cool! I’ll be around.” Honestly, it was pretty hard getting alone time with Mozu recently. They could have a bite before going home and catch up, and the timing was opportune…! Well, not for the ones that got mugged, that is. Her condolences, and all that, but she wanted to talk to her boyfriend!

“Honestly, if one of you gets mugged, you’d deserve it.” Shu said after beating Crow in a game, patting his back with a there there. “You all live with criminals and you don’t know how to tell if something’s up? Embarrassing.” 

“I think we actually had someone pull that over us while we were on our way to get ice cream. Right, Mozu?”

“Mm, yeah.” Mozu took a pair of tongs and served the finished spaghetti into a large bowl. “He threatened to complain about us to the police if we didn’t comply.”

“What?!” The ever-easily-shocked-despite-being-legally-dead Crow turned from the TV with his eyes wide like saucers. “Isn’t that like, bad? Did anything else happen?”

“No. And it wasn’t a threat to us anyways. We used your name, Crow.” Mozu laid down the plates in one stack and put down forks on the counter. “Come eat, everyone. Before it gets cold.”

“Why’d you use my name, out of all things? This should go into the Respect Jar!” “Mozu never insulted you though, dude.” Shu slithered into a chair, and Teuta still cringed at his posture to this day. He’d be a great Hunchback of Notre Dame if they ever needed someone who was tall. “And ‘sides, what’s it called. The bad boy effect, or whatever? Having a record might get you a girlfriend.”

Helvetica sat at the opposite end of the counter, elegantly twisting his spaghetti onto his plate. “Not that it matters. He’d have to get out of the house for anyone to know he has a criminal record.”

“Rather than Crow, you shoulda seen Mozu talking! He pretty much dunked the guy like a biscuit.” Yeah, so what if she was bragging! Her boyfriend was as cool as a cucumber, and everyone deserved to know.

“Tsk tsk tsk, Mozu. I thought you were the civilized one. I’m the one supposed to be dunking people with words.” Despite finishing his sandwich, Limbo shamelessly found himself around the big plate of spaghetti. I guess it’s for his growth? But he’s twenty seven…

“...It was nothing. Just a misunderstanding.” Mozu nudged a plate of spaghetti her way, voice quieter than before. “Eat up.”

***

“This biodegradable straw is too effective,” Mozu frowned, looking at his now disintegrating straw that he used only seconds ago. “I don’t see the point.”

“Want me to get the ones they use for coffee? Those ones are plastic, but they’re a bit smaller.”

“It’s fine.” With a stare that could passably be called judgemental, he looked at the plate of cake in front of her. Two plates of cake, in fact. “Are you sure you’ll be able to finish that?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine! I was hungry.” She spooned a luxurious and sweet-salty bite of caramel cake into her mouth. “Plus, they’re two different flavors. They taste different, so if I ever get sick, I just need to switch plates.”

Even though Mozu did work overtime, he was sometimes too taxed to do anything but rest at home after work. Today happened to be a lucky day, and so Teuta proposed a bite at Harry and Keith’s for a recharge. Mozu for his energy, and her for her Mozu-battery. No matter how many cakes it would take, she would order as much cake as she needed to extend the date as long as she could. Her stomach would just have to suck it up.

Although silences with Mozu were often the comforting kind, Teuta felt like something was amiss. After swallowing another hearty spoonful of now cookies-and-cream cake, she spoke: “Mozu, do you have something on your mind?”

“Yeah, but I don’t know how to say it,” he said, and let out a rare, small sigh. “Teuta, do you ever feel like I’m putting you in danger?”

She bit back a No, never, from barely rolling off her tongue. Mozu looks… “Not at all. It’s the opposite. You’re the one that’s helped me out of danger so many times, Mozu.”

They would occasionally meet up with Ivy now and then and catch up—as friends, but also as adults. She’d been around the Fixers (and was one of them, now) for some time, and although she never got direct contact with anything close to a dead body, there were still memories of past events that crept up in nightmares when sleep was elusive. How worse would it have been for a teenager?

“I know I’m different from other people, but I’ve never considered that a bad thing. I don’t dislike who I am, and I’ve never done or said anything I didn’t want to. I think that’s important. But I realized that it could be dangerous for you if I continue doing things the way I’m used to.” As if he’d tasted something bitter, his expression tightened slightly. “Just like with that guy that tried to mug us, and… Troy. What if I say the wrong thing unintentionally and put you in harms’ way?”

“Mozu, you’re smart.” She didn’t even need to think before saying that. “You know when we’re in a dangerous situation and when we’re not. I trust you.” Pausing, she put her hands on her hips as a triumphant show of don’t worry! “And if I think otherwise, I’ll let you know—two heads are better than one, after all!” 

“Still, if I had been more careful with my words…”

Teuta clanged her dessert spoon on her plate, bringing his attention directly to her. “Savoir faire. Do you know what it means?”

“No.”

“It means, uhh…” She scrambled for her phone in her bag, opening her notes app for her column ideas. “Ahem. It means ‘the instinctive knowledge of the right course of action in any circumstance, knowing just what to do and how to do it’. Mozu, do you think that’s a good thing?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” he blinked, and she grinned. 

“Nope! I actually think the opposite. To know just what to do, how to do it, for any problem, doesn’t that mean you need to know everything and have expertise for every subject? Do you think it’s reasonable for one person to know everything and always be the one to make the correct decisions?”

Although she knew he didn’t like to make assumptions about where she was leading him, there was a hint of a smile showing on his face. 

“You don’t need to be good at everything, or make all the hard decisions yourself. I’ll be here. And, if we fight about something…” She laughed fondly, “Well, don’t we have Ana for that?”

The bud of a smile on his lips bloomed into a flower, and she felt her heart soar. “You’re right.”

[timeaftertime-chriscornellfanfic]

Chapter 34 - Remember To Let Her Into Your Heart Then You Can Start To Make It Better

Houston Texas, May 25 2017

(Chris is 52, Andi is 29)

CHRIS: Swiping the steam from the mirror in the hotel bathroom, I grab my shaving cream, pouring some in my hand then pat my cheeks and grab the razor to clean up this stubble a bit. I rinse my razor a few times and continue on, leaning in close and gently swiping it across my cheek when I suddenly hear my acoustic in the other room being softly played for a few chords. I stop for a second to listen, and hear Andi softly singing and strumming.

I missed that voice of hers, no matter how much she always said she never had one, that playing was her thing, she always sounded so beautiful when she would just let go and sing. I close my eyes for a moment and just focus, listening to her then turn my attention back to finish shaving. Once I've rinsed my face and gently slap on some after shave, and with the white towel around my hips I make my way out of the bathroom.

"Happiness is like an old friend I miss, How can I tell you what it feels to be like this...?" She sings, sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard with my guitar across her lap, in one of my white v-neck t-shirts with the collar slipped off her shoulder, and nothing else. She stops for a moment and picks up her phone, typing something and then glances up to see me.

"Hi," She smiles and bites her lip nervously.

"Hey," I chuckle as I approach her.

"Sorry, I just had an idea, or a melody... something, and I just didn't want to lose it," She says, setting her phone back down beside her.

"S'ok baby, don't stop on my account," I smile at her. She then dismissively waves her hand and sets the guitar aside on the bed, moves to her knees and crawls over to me.

She places her hands on my chest as I reach out for her, leaning down and placing my lips on hers. My hands cup her face holding her to me as she begins to suck on my bottom lip.

"Chris?" She says when she pulls away from me but I touch my forehead to hers.

"Yes baby?" I breathe. It was all I could do to not just lay her back down on the bed and make love to her again... for the third time today.

"Am I coming with you, when you head home this afternoon?"

I lift my forehead from hers and look at her confused by that question.

"Um, yea, why? Do you not want to?" I ask, raising my eyebrow and she flicks her eyes to mine.

"No, I mean, yea I want to, I'm just worried is all,"

"Worried about what?" I ask.

"I don't know... I think I'm just worried about us. Me... specifically. I don't want to slip again," She says as she studies her hands on my bare chest.

“I don't want you to slip again either," I say as I brush a few curls out of her eyes. She stays quiet for a few moments and I touch my forehead back to hers, her fingers reaching up and playing with my damp curls.

"I'm so sorry Chris - "

"Shhhh, you need to stop apologizing to me," I chuckle.

"But - " She starts.

"No,"

"Chris - ?"

"Shhhh," I hush her again and she starts to laugh.

I take her hands and bring them up to my lips, placing soft gentle kisses to her fingers, then lean in and place my lips back on hers determined to convince her that I've long forgiven her for whatever it is that she feels guilty of - her time slipping. I deepen the kiss, making it long and passionate while my hands make their way down her sides, to her hips, slowly inching up my t-shirt that she's wearing so that I can feel her perfect ass in my hands. She then presses her body to mine, her fingers lacing through my hair.

"Ok, go on and take your shower before I end up back in bed with you again, making us late for our flight," I say pulling away from her. She giggles that cute little laugh and places a quick kiss on my chest, then climbs off the bed as I watch her remove my shirt. Her curls falling down around her as she sets my shirt on the bed and heads into the bathroom.

*****

A short while later, we meet with Kim Matt and Ben down in the lobby of the hotel to make a plan to meet up in Seattle in a week to start more work on the new record. Once we say our goodbyes, Andi and I head out to the airport.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Martin Kirsten is no longer in the picture. I fired him just after Andi had figured out that he was slipping me unknown pills. I still don't know the motive as to why he would do that and after an argument with him privately, I fired him. I am determined now to fix every mistake I've made over the last 18 years, starting with getting back to my roots like Kim said.

"Alright, Mr. Cornell here is your exchanged ticket and you'll be boarding at terminal 11" The receptionist says to me as she hands the tickets over to me.

"Thank you," I say and turn to Andi to hand her one of the tickets.

"I thought you had set up the private jet to fly us back home?" She says sweetly.

"I try not to fly in that thing too much. It freaks me out sometimes. Anyways, this is more economical," I explain as I take her hand in mine while we head over to the waiting area.

"Wait... Chris, these are for New York?" She says as she looks over her plane ticket.

"Uh huh," I say as we find a few empty seats in the waiting area and set our luggage down.

"You live in New York?" Andi looks up at me as I fumble with my jacket for a second.

"Uh huh," I say and slide the luggage handle down then flip my curls out of my eyes to look at her. She looks back at me with an inquisitive expression but I'm not quite sure how to explain how I don't exactly live in Seattle anymore, at least I haven't lived there fully since 2001.

"Flight 52 to New York City, now boarding. Flight 52 to New york City, now boarding"

"Well, that's us babe," I smile at her and she gives me a half smile back as I pull up the luggage handle and she takes her bag, slinging it over her shoulder once more. I take her hand in mine and place my lips to the back of her hand as we walk to the board the plane.

*****

New York City, New York

(Andi is 29, Chris is 52)

ANDI: Pulling up to Chris's house was an unreal experience to say the least. Never mind me time slipping 18 years in the future, I never even thought that he would find himself living in New York of all places. It wasn't exactly right in the city part, more so just on the outskirts in a small suburb. The house was beautiful. A dark red brick 2 storey home and very upscale. Different from the gothic home that he and I bought around '97 in Seattle. It was large, 4,500 square feet to be exact - from what he explained - and it definitely looked that way on the outside.

"Come on babe, let me show you inside," He says as the cab drives away and he picks up our bags. I follow him to the porch, while he takes a few minutes to find his keys and he opens the door.

Once I step inside, it's just as beautiful as I had thought it would be, and so entirely different than I thought. There is a large foyer at the front door with an incredible chandelier that hung over head. Straight ahead was what looked like a sitting area/living room that was completely made up of black and white furniture with a white shag throw rug underneath the glass coffee table. Once he sets our bags down and hangs up his jacket, he takes my hand and shows me the rest of the house. He first leads me into the kitchen which was also large and very white, with stainless steel appliances, the dining room which again was white with white leather dining room chairs and a black steel framed dining table. He then leads me to another room that was more of the living room than the first one, with a huge 60 inch TV and surround system - still in the pattern of black and white but mostly white.

Upstairs were 4 bedrooms and a Master, 2 of the rooms once again very white and 'clean'. The other two you could tell were a little more lived in, sort of like a teenagers room, but looked like no one has lived in those two rooms for months. Then there was the Master bedroom that also had an ensuite bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. Again, so much white. I was beginning to get the coldness feeling from this house. I think Chris could tell what I was feeling so he saved the best room for last.

Down in the basement, was one of the most beautiful studios that I had ever seen. It was warm and inviting but yet so simple. Hardwood floors throughout, sound proofing on each wall, inset warm lighting and his guitars lined beautifully along one side. At the far end was a drumset and opposite of that was a desk with a mixboard, and a computer for mixing and recording. Along with the soundproofing hung each award for each album that had gone Gold - selling 50,000 copies or more, Badmotorfinger and Superunknown. There were also plaques and frames for all the soundtrack work he did, and even ones for...

"Audioslave?" I ask as I turn and face him, pushing my curls behind my ear while he stand near the doorway.

"Yea it's uh... The band I had after Soundgarden. After you um... y'know, Susan helped get me in touch with the guys from Rage after Zach left. Apparently Rick Rubin  really wanted me to work with him and the guys since they wanted to try something different I guess," He explains.

"You did three albums?" I say looking at each one framed. The first record with a 3 x Platinum award for selling more than 3,000,000 copies in the U.S and Canada. The  second - Out Of Exile - and third -Revelations - with Gold awards much like Badmotorfinger and Superunknown did when they were released.

"Uh huh," He says as he watches me walk to the other side of the studio and see his original pressings for Ultramega Ok, Screaming Life and Fopp, Louder Than Love and Down on the Upside all framed.

"I remember these though," I giggle and he smiles as he walks over to me. I then find the record that he was working on before I slipped, The album cover with him on the front, exactly how he looked before I lost 18 years with him  and framed with a dedication plaque on the front.

"You finished it?" 

"I did," He says sweetly.

"To my disappearing one: forever and always, this is for you,"  I read the plaque more to myself than to him, hearing my voice shake.

"It's uh... that's also written in the album credits too," He says quietly as I glance down and see the row of guitars in which the first three catch my eye.

"You kept them?" I ask as I run my hand along the first - the silver sparkle Gretsch I got for my 20 birthday - then the one that he stole for me when he was 15 - the jet black Gibson Standard and the next one, the one  that my dad had given me for graduation.

"Well yea, I mean... they're yours, what am I gonna do get rid of them?" He chuckles.

I turn and look up at him, my brow furrowing as I desperately try to not bawl like an absolute baby in front of him. I really had no idea what to say. He should hate me. He should never want to have anything to do with  me again for all the times I left him alone and all the years that I wasn't with him.

"Chris I - "

"No, don't say it. I told you I don't want you apologizing anymore," He says and he cups my face in his palms as I look down, still feeling so guilty of everything that's happened. "Hey, baby look at me... you saved me remember?  You saved me from the biggest mistake I could've made remember?"

I glance back up into those beautiful blue eyes of his and he presses his lips to mine. Softly and gently at first then once again quick becoming passionate and full of hunger as he draws me into his arms. He then lifts  me up and I giggle against his lips while he carries me out of the studio.