#thank god for the one friendly nerd helping me when i signed up for my first intercon

[queenlua]

"A dark, sexy non-verbal dance game using the mind-control mechanics that made the larp Bjergtaget a hit"

i do find it immensely charming how much the LARP community assumes deep knowledge of their very niche scene in literally all their game descriptions. hi, i'm a VERY Online™ nerd who's been to an entire larp convention at this point, plus multiple smaller games. i have never heard of Bjergtaget. i do not even know how to pronounce it. when i google it, the first result is a random PDF embedded in some Wordpress CMS in a .se domain i've never heard of. might i ask what the definition of a "hit" is. is it a hit if 30 people play. if 100 people play. it's gotta be somewhere below 1k, right, i KNOW the community is not that big

[marycecilyy]

Hey could you do headcanons for the mcl guys (or if not all of them castiel, armin, and kentin) when their S/O is a famous singer? Thank you❤

Oh god this turned out so longer than I expected huahahushaushu

First of all, these are too long to be headcanons, all three of them have more than 1k words each. Also, I changed a bit the prompt. It's more like "Candy has the dream of becoming a famous singer". The rest you'll see... I'll only say that I'm very proud of this one ;)

Castiel, Armin and Kentin with a Candy that wishes to be a famous singer

Castiel

Castiel wasn’t one to be friendly to new students, but he knew you weren’t like any other when you came to him and asked if Winged Skull was one of his favorite bands too. He was shocked to know that there was another person at Sweet Amoris who enjoyed the same bands as him. Yes, bands (in plural). After he answered that, yes, Winged Skull was his favorite band of all times, you started talking about your common interests and discovered that there were many.

He was a very closed off guy, but somehow you managed to break into his skull in a short time and, in a few months, you turned into best friends.

When Debrah came back and that whole situation happened, your fight with Castiel had a lot of impact over you. In your head, you had just lost your best friend forever. Fortunately. Lysander not only helped you recover from the blow and gave you energy to gather your friends and expose Debrah, but also helped you admit to yourself that, you did have feelings for Castiel.

Once she was unmasked and ran away like a coward, things quickly came back to normal. In less than one week, you had restored your reputation, your friends apologized for misjudging you, Castiel and you were once again friends. The only difference was that you knew that you were in love with him.

You didn’t tell him about your feelings right away, you decided to keep your friendship and focus a bit on your lifelong goal: become a music star. You started learning how to sing properly and doubled the days of your guitar lessons. Castiel even helped you get into the music club (they were full when you got into Sweet Amoris, but he found a way to enroll you).

You knew that your chances of actually becoming famous were pretty low, the market was difficult and depended a lot on having the right contacts. That was why, while you tried putting your name out there, your plan was to get a degree in music as soon as you finished high school. Antheros Academy offered a good education and was close, it was your best option.

As you channeled your energies towards your goal, Castiel started to acknowledge his own sentiment towards you. He liked to watch your focused face as you tuned your guitar and your singing voice earned a sweet accent all of the sudden. He always considered you a special girl, but, to his surprise, feelings were starting to develop inside his closed off chest.

That was why, as soon as he won those concert tickets on a raffle, he knew he’d take you there as your first date. Luckily for him, you accepted right away. Castiel had a feeling that night would be something else.

And it really was, as he kissed you, without even thinking it through, when the vocalist sung what he knew was your favorite tune. When you kissed him back, he wrapped his hands over your waist and lifted you up, feeling your warm lips open up for him.

The months that followed were full of bliss. With you and Castiel officially dating, the school had a lot to talk about. Amber pestered you quite a bunch of times, but that didn’t mess with your relationship at all. Everything was perfect, as it was supposed to be.

But that didn’t last long. Right after you finished high school, your dad had to move to another town because of his job and you had no choice but to go too. You were sure that your relationship would survive the distance, after all, you were in love. This situation would be worked out.

Castiel came to your new house a couple of times and you two called frequently, but in the end distance started to grow between the both of you… and it hurt. Knowing that Castiel was sad made you miserable and you decided to break up before it became unbearable.

You lost your count of how many nights you cried thinking about him.

4 years later.

You were zipping your jeans up when you heard a knock on your dressing room’s door. Who could it be? Your parents had already congratulated you over the phone, there was no one supposed to come that night. Did your manager schedule a press interview for after the show?

You put on your shirt and told whoever was on the other side to wait. When you finally opened the door, your jaw almost fell. You couldn’t believe he was there.

He looked exactly like in the magazines, (a bit less photoshopped, but that was to expect. You went through that as well and it sucked). His hair was shoulder-length and he wore a black shirt that showed off the tattoos up to the middle of his arm. He wore some light makeup, most on his skin, which you deduced his manager made him put on. Castiel looked like you expected him to after all those years, but one thing about him surprised you.

His eyes, although more mature and serious, had the same brightness as before.

"Are ya going to keep staring like that?” He asked and you noticed you had just been looking at him for a solid minute.

“Sorry. Come in.” You said and made space for him to enter the room. For your luck, there was nothing private to be seen, you had the habit of leaving your clothes and personal belongings messy and only cleaning up the second you had to go.

Castiel cleared his throat. An awkward silence hung between you. You hadn’t been alone with each other ever since the breakup. You two were two of the biggest stars of nowadays rock music, but you barely had any opportunity to talk. Not that you haven’t tried, it was the opposite. You avoided contact. Your fans knew you had dated in high school (you used to have pictures on your personal instagrams and fans were quick to dig over old accounts to find information about their idols), so they never expected a feat or any kind of collab. Everyone knew that you weren’t on best terms.

You remembered just a couple of days ago, when you were interviewed for one of those talk shows. The host made a lot of personal questions about Castiel and even asked if you would get back with him if you had the chance. You tried to avoid answering, but the public instantly read your unconscious signs: yes, you would.

That was why, you assumed, he was there. To make things clear. After all, because of you yours and his fans started shipping you two and got you on twitter’s trending topics. He probably was pissed. There was also a possibility of him wanting to take advantage of the situation, maybe propose a fake relationship? No, that wasn’t like him. Or was it? You barely knew him anymore.

“So… you probably guessed why I’m here. I saw your interview” You were right, then. “And I want to make things clear.” Ouch. You should prepare for the blow. “Look, we both know time has passed and we’re not the same as before. You broke up to avoid more suffering, and I get that. I really do.”

Castiel crossed his arms and glared at you. You looked back at him with fear, fear of knowing what his next words would be. “But...?” You asked.

“Tsk.” He huffed. This would be more difficult than he thought. “Look, little girl…” You felt a shiver run through your spine at the sound of the old nickname he gave you. You had always loved it, even though you didn’t say it out loud. After what felt like hours, he continued. “I don’t want to be cheesy, that’s not like me. So I’ll just say that if what all of the fans are theorizing is true.... If you do want to try again....”

Castiel took your hand and you jumped in surprise. He turned your palm to him and grabbed a pen from his back pocket. He wrote down a phone number on your hand and let go of it, capped the pen and turned around to go.

"That's my personal number. It’s pretty useful if you wanna call me without having to schedule an appointment with my manager.” You managed to laugh. You knew exactly how these things were annoying.

Inside, you were bursting with excitement. However, you answered playfully “Hm…. I’ll think about it, mr. Rockstar” Castiel chuckled and excused himself, saying that his manager would get pissed at him if he took too long. You smiled.

Maybe it was not over, after all.

Armin

When you told Armin, very early on your friendship, that your dream was to become a famous singer, he got so excited for you. He already knew that you played the guitar and was good at singing, but he had no idea that you wanted to make this your career path.

You couldn’t have chosen a better partner. Being the tech nerd that Armin was, he helped you a lot in recording your covers with the best quality possible considering the amateur camera and microphone you had.

However, the times that his presence most comforted you was when you showed him your new songs. He was always eager to see your composing progress and gave you pure honesty in his feedback, keeping in mind that he was no expert but still wanted to help you.

You always asked him for a way to return his favors, but he always said that it was his duty as your best friend to support you and that it was more than enough having you to talk about all his geek interests.

As time passed, you started to notice that you liked him way more as a friend. Without an idea of what to do, you asked Rosa and Alexy for advice. They were your closest friends apart from your crush (and you couldn’t run to him in that situation, duh)

After a dozen pro tips and date ideas from them, you decided to take Armin to the movies (basic, you knew, but couldn’t go wrong).

When you asked him if he was available Saturday night, you didn’t say properly “Hey, we’re going on a date”. Actually, you didn’t mention the word “date” at all, hoping that he would read between the lines.

And he did, because as soon as you sat and the film started, Armin grabbed your hand that was resting in the armrest and entwined your fingers. You couldn’t pay attention to what was going on screen at all and your attention was completely drawn from the movie when the boy grabbed your chin and brought your lips to his.

You only stopped kissing when the lights went on and the credits started scrolling.

“Hey…” You asked as soon as you two left the place, holding hands with him. “What was the movie about again?”

Armin laughed out loud. He teased you about it a lot before you made him confess that he didn’t know either.

A few days later, it was him who asked you out. You kept going on dates for the next week, all of them simple but interesting at the same time. However, you two weren’t dating. The whole school knew there was something going on between you two by the chuckles and timid kisses when you thought nobody saw them, but you didn’t make things official… yet. But that was about to change.

It was friday and you invited Armin over to “study” (he was sure that the afternoon would be spent between videogames and kisses, but if you wanted to call it a study session, it was okay for him).

As he comfortably sat on your bed as if it were his own, you told him to wait as you brought him some juice. When you came back, he was already grabbing his nintendo switch from his bag.

“What makes you think that we’re here to game?” You teased, handing him the glass.

“Come on, Candy, we both know that none of us are interested in learning orbital hybridization…”

“Maybe I am. I really need a good grade on those tests.” You approached him and held his jaw up so your foreheads touched. With a trailed voice, you continued. “Unless you have something more interesting to do in mind...”

Armin opened up that playful smile of his. “Oh, I do, actually.” In a quick movement that caught you off guard, he threw you in bed and started pampering you with kisses all over your face. You couldn’t stop laughing from how his hands tickled your belly, but you managed to stop him. “W-Wait, Armin!”

He looked at you, confused. “What?”

As you caught your breath, you explained that there was something you wanted to show him first. You got off the bed and went to grab your guitar that was hung up on the free wall of your bedroom.

“Did you compose a new song?” Armin deducted as you sat in front of him again, this time with your guitar in hands.

“You’ll see.” You tuned your instrument under his curious gaze. When you felt satisfied with the sound, you looked back at him. Armin didn’t miss the blush that coloured your cheeks. “I know you’d never do it, but I have to ask even so: promise you won’t laugh.”

You started playing the first chords of the song you had finished composing just a few days before. Usually, you composed simple songs that anyone could identify with, songs about friendship, inspiration, changing the world. You never wrote about your personal feelings. The notes never made you cry.

This song was special, though, because it was about him.

The day it hit you that you had feelings for him, you had the idea of writing random verses that could one day fit into a new song. After your first date, you felt so overwhelmed that, looking at the words, you decided to turn them into a song. You didn’t think it would turn into something so personal and emotional. Every note, every word, everything was clearly about him, that dorky geek you had fallen in love with.

Falling deeper every time

I can’t help but think, oh my

I’m through, but I don’t mind

Would you trade you 2D girls

For this hopeless lover

That just wants your heart?

I’ll just say that he got the message very clearly and, as soon as you finished playing, he practically jumped on you, kissing your lips with such tenderness that you almost teared up.

Of course, he asked you to be his girlfriend XD

Kentin

The first time he heard about your dream, he was still little Ken. It was one of your first days at Sweet Amoris and you two were eating cookies in the staircase. You were ranting about how sad you were that the music club was already full and you couldn’t join. Ken asked you the reason why you were so upset.

“Well… There weren’t those kind of classes in our old school. Learning how to play an instrument and sing, even during extra classes would be so cool! If I went well, maybe I’d be able to convince my dad to pay me for some private classes and then I’d be one step closer to my dream!”

“Your dream?” Ken muttered.

“Yeah! I want to become a famous singer in the future! I know that it’s impossible and even kinda silly, but-”

“No, Candy! It’s not silly at all!” Ken said. Learning more about you made him happy and he didn’t want you to think for even a second that your dream was worthless. “You shouldn't be ashamed of dreaming big. You’ll have a long, difficult path to walk through, but when you get there - and you have my word on that - I’ll be cheering for you!”

“Ken... “ You flashed your best smile at him. It meant a lot to you to have his support, he was a kind person and a very good friend (he did cross a few limits with his adoration for you, but you weren’t bothered by it). You liked being around him a lot.

-x-

“Kentin!” You threw yourself in his arms and gave him a tender kiss. “Good morning.”

Your boyfriend chuckled and held your hand, walking with you through the hallway. You talked about how your weekend had been and, between light smiles and sweet kisses, you thought of how quickly things changed between you two.

When he came back from military school, a lot of things had changed in him, including his nickname. You were facing a new person and it had been a challenge discovering Kentin and building a new relationship with him.

Even though he was a different person from before, one thing didn’t change at all and you noticed it clearly: he still liked you. Obviously he was no longer that guy who professed his feelings to everyone and followed you everywhere, he had found new ways to show you his love. You enjoyed that more mature version of him, but wished he had the opportunity to grow into a man without all the trauma he went through. You knew that most of his growth had been through suffering, and that upset you.

You didn’t know when, but somewhere into your friendship you started to grow feelings for him too. After some coaxing from Rosa and Alexy, you managed to ask him out on an official date.

The whole school already knew that Kentin was head over heels for you, but everyone was shocked to know that you loved him back as your relationship became official.

“Hey, love.”

“What?” You asked your boyfriend back as soon as you got in front of your lockers. You started looking for your books, checking that day’s classes.

“I really liked that video you posted on youtube yesterday. I never heard that song before, did you compose it yourself?”

The book you held in your hand fell to the ground. “What video?” You whispered, eyes wide.

“What do you mean, babe? That video of you singing and playing the guitar. You uploaded it yesterday night. I saw right away, you know I have my notifications turned on to all your videos. I got surprised that you decided to finally show your face and sing something of your own and- Candy? Is everything okay?”

Kentin noticed your face and got worried for you. You looked absolutely terrified.

“That video… How did you see it? I posted it as private”

“No, you didn't. It was public.” Kentin was starting to understand why you were so surprised. He put one hand on your back as you blushed and hid your face on his chest in embarrassment.

“Oh god, I can’t believe I did that! I’m so stupid! The first time I record something like that, I accidentally post it for everyone to see! Dumb, dumb Candy! Dang, now everyone’s gonna know I’m bad!”

“First of all.” Your boyfriend frowned, bringing you close to him. “You’re not dumb, you just made a mistake. And it’s okay, probably just a few people saw it. Last time I checked was before I went to sleep and it only had 20 views. But why are you so upset, Candy? Didn’t you tell me a few days ago that you were finally ready to show your face along with the covers. Did something happen to change your mind?”

“Well, I was not ready to show right away, especially not in a video that I looked terrible in. And it’s not just that. It was my first original song. I never showed it to anyone, what if it sucks?”

Kentin held your chin up and looked you in the eyes. “Candy, it doesn’t suck and you look great in the video!” You closed your eyes and snuggled close to him. “But I understand your concerns. Luckily, that can be solved if you delete the video. You’ll have other opportunities to get famous, and with better videos.”

“Yeah, I can do that.” You reached for your phone and went to your youtube page. “Fu... No way…!”

Your hands trembled. Kentin was right, the video had few views (which was good). Only 50 people had seen it, but the problem wasn’t that. For your bad luck, one of those people had been Amber. You knew that because she had left three comments on your video.

AmberOfficial: lmaooooo

AmberOfficial: Thank you for the laughs. That’s hilarious

AmberOfficial: Just give up already, looser

“That girl....” Kentin grunted, looking at your phone screen. “I swear to you, Candy, I’ll make her regret this. I’ll-”

“You don’t need to, I’m fine.”

You untangled your arms from his torso and started walking away, trying your best to hide how upset you really were. Amber was right, your music sucked. You should give up on your dream of becoming a famous singer, not only because you were bad, but also because you could barely show your face to a few people without feeling like shit. You wouldn’t be able to deal with fame.

Kentin tried to call you, but you didn’t answer. He figured you needed some time alone. He could use that time to think of something to support you and get back at Amber.

-x-

You walked out of the bathroom, your eyes red and swollen from crying. You had already deleted the video, but you couldn’t stop feeling stupid for getting so upset by a few bad comments. And feeling stupid made you even more upset.

When you got to the hallway, it was empty due to classes having already started. You probably spent half an hour locked up, but at least no one would mess with you.

You went to the garden to get some fresh air and wait until the next class started. You sat at the bench, breathed in and finally calmed down a bit.

“Candy.”

You turned around, surprised to see your boyfriend. “Kentin! What are you doing here? Classes have already started.”

He just waved his hand in a “don’t worry about that” way and sat beside you. He kissed your cheek and took your hand, checking how you were. Seeing that you seemed to be more calm, he smiled lightly at you. “So… I talked to Armin. He already found out Amber’s password and he’ll hack into Amber’s youtube account. He’ll just mess with it for a bit, delete some videos and upload some random stuff. Nothing too bad, I promise, just some memes and rickrolls.”

“Hmm…” You muttered, thinking about what he said. It wasn’t right, for sure, but you didn’t feel like stopping them. You were still hurt. “Okay. Just promise you two won’t do something serious, okay?”

He agreed. You felt a bit better, but that wasn’t enough to lift your mood and Kentin knew that. That was why he also had something else prepared. "That 's not all. I did some quick search for places where you could record that music of yours with its deserved quality. You are a good composer, Candy, believe it. Your talent doesn’t have to stay hidden in a dark room with only you, a guitar and your cellphone recording it.”

“Kentin…”

“If you want to, I’ll help you rent a studio and record your song. That would be very useful for your portfolio. I know that’s expensive, but we can find ways to-” You cut him off with a kiss. He cared about you so much, to the point of skipping classes to think of ways to make you feel better. You loved your boyfriend so much…

Lucky. You felt lucky to have him.

“I love you. Thank you for taking care of me... “ You kissed his cheek, happy to have his support. That was more than enough at that moment, Amber’s words were far behind you. All that mattered was that you could go through this.

You had Kentin, and when you had him, you had your whole world holding you so you wouldn’t fall.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Flying High, Falling Fast

Warnings: non-consent sex and rape; fingering, oral, fucking, subtle creep factor, deceptive charm, the usual fare you know

This is dark!Sam Wilson x reader and explicit. 18+ only.  Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Synopsis: You meet the new Captain America at an event and impress him with your homemade project, but his interest is more than friendly.

Note: We all need some dark!Sam, right? This is a pretty long one shot, just over 7k words but it was super fun to write a character I don’t get to a lot. But I hope you love him as much as me!

Thanks to everyone for sticking around and putting up with me and thanks in advance for all your feedback. :)

I really hope you enjoy. 💋

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply or an ask! Love ya!

You’d never been to a meet and greet before but it seemed like the perfect opportunity to meet up with Reese. The two of you met a year and a half ago on a Discord server for PC builds and eventually waded through the awkward blank cursors to real conversations. Little updates on new additions to your machines, memes about coding, and the occasional gaming session. He became a stalwart in your mostly solitary existence between work and your empty private life.

It wasn’t that you didn’t trust Reese but you felt safer meeting a stranger from the internet in a public setting. Plus, it was his suggestion. His roommate fell through on attending the event with him and you eagerly accepted the unclaimed ticket. Of course, Reese insisted it was his treat but you made him promise to let you pay for lunch.

Even more exciting, you were going to meet the new Captain America. THE CAPTAIN AMERICA. You wanted to squee but had to play it cool as you waited with Reese in the winding queue. 

As exclusive as the meet and greet was, it was stiflingly crowded, even more strenuous as you and Reese tried to adjust your rapport to a face-to-face environment. You mostly ended up chuckling and struggling for some cogent thought.

“What’s in the bag?” Reese asked, finally cracking through the stunted small talk.

“Oh, oh my god, I almost forgot,” you carefully lifted the bag and opened the top to let him peek inside, “I made this last year during lockdown. It’s silly but it was fun.”

He poked his finger around the opening of your drawstring knapsack and his brows rose in surprise. The drone had taken you most of your spare time but you hadn’t yet had a chance to do more than hover it around your bedroom. It was an exact replica, or exact as you could get, of the former Falcon’s Redwing.

“Holy shit! You never mentioned it,” he said.

“Oh, well, I guess… I never thought to. I just spent about an hour or so whenever I could, getting it together. Most of the time was spent on programming,” you closed your bag and let hit hang from your elbow, “and that’s another checkbox on the nerd list.”

“Please, look who you're talking to,” he joked with a snort.

You smiled at him sheepishly and looked ahead of the bodies in front of you as the line shifted forward. He wasn’t exactly disappointing, if anything, he was exactly what you expected. Skinny with black-framed glasses and a bright tee with the Captain’s shield emblazoned across his chest. He wasn’t bad-looking and thankfully not an incel.

“So, uh, you gonna give it to him or something?” Reese asked.

“What-- uh, no, I was hoping he’d sign it actually,” you chewed your lip anxiously, “if I don’t spaz out and just walk away.”

“Right,” he scoffed, “the last time I went to one of these I almost passed out.”

“Oh? Who was it?” you wondered aloud.

“Tony Stark. But I was still in high school,” he explained, “everything else sells out before I get to it. These I got by luck. If David hadn’t swiped them, we’d be standing outside wishing we were in here.”

“I can’t believe he passed on the ticket,” you uttered.

“I’m happy he did,” Reese said, “it made it easier to convince you to meet.”

“Well… we didn’t have to--”

“I’m teasing. Sorry. I’m not very… experienced at this,” he fidgeted.

“It’s fine,” you shrugged as you moved with the line, “I’m just nervous about meeting Captain America, you know? You’re not as intimidating… but I like that.”

“Uh, thanks,” he laughed as you got closer to the table and fidgeted with the straps of your bag. You were almost there.

You stepped up when the people ahead of you cleared away and you couldn’t help but stare at Bucky Barnes’ metal hand as he signed Reese’s special edition Blip magazine. He cleared his throat and you looked the Winter Soldier in the face. 

“Oh, sorry,” you slid the poster you got from the shop on the way in onto the table and he unrolled it and signed. You tried really hard not to focus on his hand, you were so curious as to how it all worked. “Thank you.”

He smiled through tight lips and said, “your welcome” before you sidled down to Sam Wilson as you rolled up your poster.

“Don’t worry about him,” Sam said, “he hates these things. I can’t take him anywhere.”

His laughter received a sharp look from the super soldier. Sam took Reese’s magazine and asked his name. You were too lost in thought to answer when he asked for yours. You coughed and sputtered as you tried to remember and Reese answered for you, adding that you were nervous.

“I, uh, oh,” you lifted your bag, “I was hoping, maybe, you might sign this instead,” you handed the poster to Reese and reached into your knapsack, “if you don’t mind?”

You carefully placed the drone on the table and his brows shot up in surprise. He lifted it just as you let it go and admired it as he leaned back, “you make this?”

“Yeah,” you answered shyly, “doesn’t have all the cool features like yours but it flies.”

“That’s awesome,” he put it back down and uncapped his marker, “where do you want me to sign?”

“Just on the top is fine,” you pointed, “thank you so much.”

“My pleasure,” he put his signature after spelling out your name and he grabbed the drone again, “hey, Buck, look at this? I don’t see any fancy arms that need signing.”

“Shut up,” Bucky grumbled and eyed the drone, “pretty cool, though.”

“Thanks, uh, well, we should get out of the way,” you said.

He handed you the drone and smiled. You began to shuffle away and he called you back to the table, “you code? Do a lot of programming?”

“Mostly just corporate sites,” you answered.

“Here,” he reached into his pocket, “send me a text. I think I know some people who’d like to meet you.”

“What?” you took the card rigidly.

“Sure, we’re always looking for techs,” he said, “and if we can’t find a spot for you, maybe you can see the real Redwing. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Wow, thank you, you… don’t have to do… that,” you stuttered.

“I’d be stupid not to,” he waved off your protests, “you go have fun, you two.”

You backed away and turned to walk away with Reese as you shoved your drone back in your bag with the card, numb with disbelief. 

“Wow, I can’t believe…” you trailed off as you mind wandered.

“Me either,” Reese said oddly, “that’s… wild.”

You looked at him and smiled. He didn’t look mad, only serious. You tightened the neck of the knapsack and slung it over your shoulders.

“So what are we doing for lunch?” you asked.

🌠

In the two weeks since you attended the meet and greet, you and Reese kept up mostly online, many arrangements interrupted by your real life responsibilities. It wasn’t until you offered for him to come with you to the SWORD labs that he had any free time for you. After a stressful text exchange with Captain America, you were too anxious to go alone and he was more than welcoming when you asked to bring a friend.

You stood on the subway as Reese sat and played his Switch. He was jittery as you kept your own nerves hidden just beneath the surface. You found it easier to stay standing as you felt as if you might combust if you sat.

“This is so awesome,” he said as he zipped his Switch up in its case, “thanks for inviting me.”

“I figured I owed you since you got the tickets for the meet and greet,” you said, “and it’s been a while.”

“Sorry about that, work’s been nuts,” he stood as you approached your stop and held onto the pole above your hand, “I kinda skipped out on half a day for this.”

“No,” you frowned, “you didn’t have to--”

“And miss a chance to see the real Redwing? Come on,” he scoffed.

“Oh,” you hung your head, “yeah, I guess that’s worth it.”

“I didn’t mean-- I’m happy to see you too, it’s just kinda a big deal,” he said as you approached the door with the few other passengers readying to hop off.

“No, I get it,” you hooked your thumbs under the straps of your knapsack as the doors slid open and you stepped out onto the platform, “I just… I couldn’t go alone. It’s so… scary.”

“Scary? Jeez, Captain America invited you to a job interview!”

“No, that’s not--”

“Uh, yeah, that’s exactly what it is but I promise, I won’t get in the way,” he said as you head for the concrete stairs, “maybe if he needs an extra coder I might piggy back.”

“Uh huh,” you came up onto the New York sidewalk and came into view of the immense SWORD building, “well, I don’t think it’s all that.”

“So why’d you bring this?” he tapped your bag as you neared the large glass doors and men in suits with coiled wires at their ears squared their shoulders.

“He asked me to,” you said as you were approached by one of the big security guards.

“This isn’t public entry,” he said sternly, “no tours.”

“I have an appointment or… I’m expected,” you pulled out your phone and pulled up the electronic pass Sam sent you, “see?”

“Hmm,” he eyed it and took your phone without asking. Another guard came and scanned it with his phone, “checks out but we’re gonna called down Mr. Wilson and get confirmation.”

“Oh, okay,” you fidgeted as he made no move to return your phone. Reese seemed to shrink as the two men spoke into their headset and nodded at each other.

“Hey,” the glass door burst open as Sam appeared and strode towards you, “hey, sorry, these guys are such buzzkills,” he approached and patted one of the men on the shoulder, “they’re with me.” He assured and waved you after him.

“Um, my phone,” you said to the taller man with the buzzed head. He tilted his head wryly and held out your cell between two fingers. You took it and followed Sam to the doors.

“Anyway, we were just going over some basic maintenance today and I thought you might like to observe. See everything that goes into keeping me and my toys in the air,” he smiled as he held the door and nodded at Reese, “nice to see you again, man.”

“You too, Cap...tain,” Reese answered dumbly.

“Sam is fine,” he chuckled back and tailed the two of you across the lobby as he pointed you towards the elevators. He made Reese look even more like a stick bug. “You bring it?”

“Yeah, it’s in my bag,” you stopped yourself from popping your knuckles out of nervousness, “thank you so much for this. I usually work in cubicles so… uh, yeah… I don’t know what I mean.”

“Hey, don’t be nervous, you built that thing all by yourself? I’m sure you’ll fit right in,” he said.

You got off the elevator and had to hold in a gasp at the shining laboratories as the hi-tech equipment gleamed through the glass walls. Sam led you down the curved staircase onto the lab floors as techs and assistants in both lab coats and starched suits milled around the tables along the edge of the room.

“Hey, Greta,” he called out as he showed you to a metal table, “get a look at this.” A woman with twisted red hair approached as Sam tapped his fingers on the table, “show her,” he urged you.

You swung your bag around and took out the little red and silver drone. You placed it in the middle of the table and the woman, Greta, tilted her head curiously.

“You said you can make this thing fly, right?” Sam asked as Reese watched from the other side of the table.

“Um, yep,” you unlocked your phone and brought up the beta app you designed, “just…”

The drone rose slowly and steadied before you as it hovered over the metal. Greta lifted a dark brow and ran a nail along her chin thoughtfully, “cute.”

“Ah, come on, tell me that isn’t awesome? She did it all by herself,” Sam boasted, “so, what do you think? She’d be a great tech, huh?”

“Tech? I…” you blinked and giggled, that was absurd.

“Does she have a resume? A list of her credentials, at least,” Greta rebuffed.

“Greta,” Sam warned playfully, “I’m her credentials. I’m giving her a reference right now. Hire her.”

“What?” you mumbled under your breath and you saw Reese’s eye cling to Sam darkly, almost enviously.

“You know, if I hadn’t let that kid go for hi-jacking the alpha, I’d tell you to go back to breaking your toys,” she warned, “but I trust you and… I cannot say I’m not impressed,” she narrowed her sights at the floating drone, “how long did this take you?”

“A year or so,” you answered, “it was… just meant to be a hobby but--”

“Well, make it your life,” she said tersely, “Wilson, you deal with HR, Sheila likes you better.”

“Leave it all to me,” he grinned and she walked away.

“Here,” he turned back to you, “I’ll show you the operating system for the real deal.”

He ushered you and Reese over to a computer after you lowered your drone. The real Redwing sat on a module next to the screen and Sam punched the keys and took a hooked earpiece from a small stand, “put this on.”

You slipped the earpiece on as he revealed a bracelet and adjusted it on your wrist, a small ring looping up your index finger. 

“Bend your finger,” he said and you did it, “lift it up, back… like that.” Redwing rose and you watched in amazement, “tilt your head…” the drone aimed in the same direction as your head, “now back,” it flew higher, “just like that. You’re getting it.”

You steered the drone in a circle and Sam helped you maneuver it back down. He let you hand the controls over to Reese who had more fun with it and nearly took out one of the workers. He apologised and Sam just chuckled, though it didn’t sound so amused. 

When Redwing was back in its place, Sam took you all around the room to show you every gadget; his wings, his suit, all his little weapons, and even pulled up some Wakandan schematics of Bucky’s arm. Much of it wasn’t in English however and you could only decipher what was visually laid out. 

He left you there for a moment as he excused himself to chat with a tech about his wings. Reese huffed and leaned against the wall. You were quiet, mostly stunned, though your usual reticence could also be blamed. 

“I don’t think you should’ve brought me,” he said, “I told you it was a job interview.”

“I didn’t know, I thought you would enjoy it,” you felt awful as Reese had given up trying to hide his jealousy.

“Yeah, yeah,” he said, “well, it is pretty cool but…”

He was interrupted as Sam returned, “sorry about that, guys, I kinda messed up one of the engines on the wings on my last mission.”

You smiled and said it was fine. You hadn’t expected so much attention and thought it would be a brief little show and tell, not an entire tour. You returned to the table where you left your drone and shut down the app. You packed up your Redwing, it felt lighter but you were sure you were just imagining things as your head spun. You looked down at the bold signature across the shell and knotted the drawstring above its nose.

“Sorry, I…” you took your bag from the table, “I hate to bother but is there a bathroom I can use.”

“Oh yeah, just head back up the stairs, left of the elevators,” Sam pointed above, “we’ll wait here, there’s one last thing I wanna show you.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back,” you headed for the stairs and latched onto the railing before you could trip upwards.

You bumbled up the stairs and after a brief moment of blankness, you found your way to the bathroom. You quickly slipped into the stall and spent a minute at the mirror after washing your hands to get your head straight. It felt like a dream, or worse, a joke.

You headed back out and Sam was waiting just by the elevators to your surprise. You pursed your lips and glanced around, “where’s Reese?”

“Oh, yeah, uh, he left,” he said as he shoved his hand in his pocket, “said he wasn’t feeling it.”

“Really?” you shrunk, just a little, “erm… that’s too bad.”

“Yeah, kinda weird, I don’t think I’ve ever just ditched a girlfriend in the middle of the city,” he said.

“Girlfriend? Well… it’s… it’s early,” you rubbed the back of your neck, “I hope he’s okay.”

“Damn, I hope he didn’t ruin it, I still wanted to show you the shield,” he intoned, “but if you’re not feeling up to it--”

“No, no, I’m here, that would be awesome,” you forced a smile. 

Had you done something wrong? Was it rude to invite Reese and have all this rubbed in his face? You thought he’d feel worse if you didn’t invite him. Your doubts flurried in your head as you stepped onto the elevator with Sam, chewing your cheek as you tried not to show your disappointment.

You were brought back to the present as the metal doors opened and Sam nudged you as you stared right through the open space. You stepped out ahead of him and he caught up and walked beside you as he explained what was hidden in every room; mostly offices and training gyms.

He unlocked a door at the far curve of the circular hallway and jiggled until it opened. He pushed it open and the lights flicked on automatically.

“Bucky,” he grumbled, “he almost took the handle right off… so now I gotta fight it.”

“Oh,” you entered as he beckoned you inside and you looked around the spacious office.

“You know, there’s lots of paperwork when you take out a whole bridge, even if it is an accident,” he laughed, “and it gives me a place to show this off.”

He went to the wall where the shield was held on small metal hooks and slid it out easily. The vibranium sung in the air as he turned to you and held it out. 

“You wanna?” he asked.

“Sure…” you murmured as he turned it around and held it so you could hook your arm through the straps. He let it go and stood back to look you over.

“It suits you,” he said, “got your own Redwing and you hold that like a real champ. Maybe it’s time I step aside.”

You laughed nervously and shook your head. You peeked down at the metal and lifted and angled around as you admired the smooth curve. 

“Thanks,” you offered it back to him and he took it with one hand, “for everything.”

“You’re taking the job, right?” he prodded, “it’s perfect.”

“Mmm, well, I got a job--”

“Better than here? Better than suiting up the Cap?” he chided.

You bent your ankle under you and swayed on your feet. It was a great opportunity and way better than your desk job. It just felt like you didn’t deserve it.

“I need an answer. Greta doesn’t like indecision,” he said.

“O-okay, okay,” you surrendered, “I… if I said no, I’d feel even worse.”

“You won’t regret it, promise,” he said, “if you do, Redwing is yours. The real one.”

“No, no, I’m…” you rocked as you gripped the straps of your knapsack, “I’m sure I won’t.”

🌠

Your two weeks notice rolled by. Your boss was less than pleased by the sudden departure but you didn’t care much as you wouldn’t have to deal with him for much longer. You wrapped up your last day with your replacement and left feeling free, though the anxiety of your job loomed on the other side of the weekend.

In those weeks since your visit to the SWORD facility, you hadn’t heard much from Reese. That night when you messaged him to make sure he was okay, he didn’t say much more than ‘just tired’. After that, he was always offline when you signed onto the server and all your co-op requests were declined. You were ready to give up. 

Oh well, it was an online thing anyway, you were stupid to think it could work out.

But you were not entirely isolated. To your surprise, you got several messages from Sam, you still couldn’t help but think of him as Captain America and feel like you had nothing interesting to say to a hero. When he found out you liked to game, he even joined you for a session on headset but again, you were hyper focused and quiet. You were flattered that he was trying to make you feel welcome, that he even bothered to get you a job, but it all felt so above you.

When you got home that night, you logged in and sent a request to Reese, just one last attempt. He didn’t even respond, even after fifteen minutes of waiting. You shut down your PC and grabbed your switch instead. You changed as the system updated your Animal Crossing and flopped onto your bed.

You laid across the mattress, one leg over the edge and the other bent. You ran through, planting, fishing, and selling as you tried not to think too much. You’d done enough of that lately. You zoned out as your eyes narrowed at the small screen but in your peripheral, you felt a shadow move. You shrugged it off as the sunlight playing through the curtains and rolled onto your side to ignore it.

You kept on, ready to log out as you didn’t want to spend another Nook Ticket to go to and island and get nothing but flowers. You heard a subtle whirring and glanced over at your computer. It was sleeping and it was never that loud. You noticed that light shift again and turned. There was nothing. Nothing but your dresser and the signed drone, just as you left it.

You squinted and turned off your Switch. You went out to the front room to drop it back in the dock. You stretched and grabbed your phone from your purse to put in an order for some take-out. You stopped as you noticed Sam’s unanswered messages.

‘Whatcha doin’ tonite?’ and several that assumed you must be busy.

‘Sorry, got caught up gaming,’ you replied guiltily. 

Your phone shook before you could close out of the chat and you answered as Sam’s name flashed across the top. 

“Hello?” you squeaked.

“Hey, hope I’m not buggin’ you but I thought-- stop, Jesus Christ, sorry, we’re on our way to dinner and we hoped you might join us.”

“We?” you echoed.

“Oh, ha, yeah me and Bucky, Greta, and some of the techs. Not too many of us but you’re more than welcome,” he said, “since you start on Monday, it will be good to get to know some people.”

“Y-yeah, for sure,” you answered. It felt more an obligation than an invite. You didn’t want to come across snobbish or lazy even if you’d rather eat fried noodles and watch some trash reality TV.

“Great! I’ll send you the address,” he growled and hissed under his breath, “sorry, again, I’m just dealing with this-- I’ll see you there. Save ya a seat.”

He hung up abruptly and you stood dumbfounded staring at your jacket. You dropped your phone back into your purse and headed back to your room. You had to find something to wear that didn’t seem like you were trying too hard or not trying enough.

As you entered, that same whirring floated through the air and suddenly stopped. You looked around confused; not a fly, not your PC acting up, nothing. You grimaced at the poster with the star emblem across it and went to your dresser to pick out an outfit. It was probably the neighbour fucking around. Apartment living was rarely peaceful.

🌠

The restaurant was bustling as you were met by the hostess at the door. You told her you were there to join the party from SWORD. She showed you to the table and Sam saw you above the din and waved to you then shoved Bucky over on the cushioned bench. 

“Right here,” he pointed as he waved you over and stepped aside to let you past. You sidled along and sat, apologizing to Bucky as he rolled his eyes, “not too late.”

You gave your drink order as a waiter came by and shrugged out of your jacket, letting it bunch up around your back. Sam offered his menu and introduced the people you didn’t know at the table; alongside Bucky and Greta, were Xan and Wyatt. You said hello and opted for the fiesta salad as you set aside the menu.

“Are you excited?” Sam asked.

“For what?” Bucky huffed, “she’s gotta put up with you.”

“Hey,” Sam took the lemon off the rim of his glass and tossed it at Bucky, “he lightens up… sometimes.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Bucky grumbled but you could hear the humour in his voice. 

You sank into the background as the night went on. You spoke up when you were called on but felt it hard to assert yourself, especially with someone as outspoken as Sam beside you. Still, he made sure to make you feel included when you started to feel forgotten. For that you were grateful and he was right, it made you feel a little less anxious about your first day.

As you came out onto the sidewalk, your wallet painfully lighter, you bid goodbye to everyone but Sam hung around. You clutched your purse and peered down the street.

“Thanks for inviting me,” you said.

“Ah, you know what, I shoulda asked that guy, Reese? How’s it going with him? He your boyfriend yet?”

“Ha, no,” you sucked in your lip and took a deep breath, “I don’t even think we’re friends anymore.”

“Oh no, what happened?” he asked.

“I dunno,” you said wistfully, “but it is what it is.”

“He’s missin’ out. You’re a cool girl,” he said, “building drones for fun. Kinda why I had to snag you, you know? Someone with your skills, that’s dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” you chortled, “no.”

“Well,” he checked his phone, “how are you getting home?”

“I’ll just take the train,” you said, “my place is only about a ten minute ride from here.”

“You sure? I can give you a ride,” he said.

“Nah, really, you’ve done… more than enough.”

“Alright, well, see you Monday?”

“Monday?” you wondered.

“I’ll pop in before I head out,” he said, “got a mission so I might not be around more than that.”

“Okay, Monday,” you confirmed, “see ya.”

🌠

Monday was a whirlwind. It started on a high as Sam suited up and showed off his wings before he headed up to the jet pad. Greta muttered that she was happy he’d be out of your way before she went through the task of getting you acquainted not only with the tech but with their workplace rituals. It was a lot to take in but you did your best to absorb every word and second.

When you got home, you had a folder full of notes and spent too long going over them before you remembered the groan in your stomach. You ate a lazy super of Kraft Dinner and lazed across your bed doing nothing but watching Youtube tutorials on your tablet. You fell asleep early and woke to your alarm and a dead tablet.

You got up, got dressed, ran out, and did it all again. The first week dragged by and yet it felt like you didn’t have enough time. On Friday, you got home and fell across the couch in your work clothes. You held your phone above you and scrolled dozily through your feed.

A dot popped up and you flicked over to your notifications. The selfie you posted on your first day at the lab with Sam in his suit had lots of hearts but your first comment was less than pleasant. Beside Reese’s icon was all caps: MUST BE EASY SLEEPING YOUR WAY INTO A JOB!

Your heart pattered and you sat up. You deleted the comment but another soon appeared; several as you kept deleting and finally blocked him. ‘Slut, whore, dumb bitch…’ it was the last thing you expected from him.

You opened Discord and clicked on his chat. ‘What’s going on? Why are you doing this?’

The text flicked across the bottom that Reese was typing but he stopped and you sat there for what felt like forever before his response popped up.

‘I can’t believe you brought me all the way there to rub my face in all that shit. And for what? You should’ve just told me I had no chance and I woulda left you alone. If you wanna fuck Sam Wilson, do it, but don’t chain me along like your little bitch boy. Get fucked slut.’

You flinched as you read it and re-read it. You typed shakily as your eyes watered. ‘I’m not fucking Sam and I wouldn’t. I brought you there because I wanted to and thought you would like it. I didn’t know you felt so strongly about it. But I see what you think of me so I only wish you the best and hope you find peace.’

You sent the message but just as quickly, you were blocked from sending any more. You tossed your phone and fell back against the couch. That must have been why he took off but you couldn’t figure out how he thought you of all people were sleeping with Sam Wilson. Really? He was just another incel after all.

You phone jangled with your annoying ringtone and you grabbed it, expecting to be insulted by Reese again but it was Sam calling. You really weren’t in the mood to talk with him. You just wanted to be left alone. But you couldn’t just ignore Captain America.

“Hello?” you answered.

“Hey, I just got back in town. Whatcha doing?” you could hear the wind in the speaker.

“Just got home. I’m exhausted. Probably gonna just nap.”

“You okay?” he asked after a moment.

“Fine,” you said dully.

“Don’t sound fine,” he said, “what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” you insisted.

“Oh, so it’s not what that boy said on your photo?”

“You saw that?”

“You tagged me, remember?”

“Oh, yeah, no, it’s…”

“Shit, don’t listen to him. He’s just a boy, he blew his chance and he’s bitter about it,” he said, “how about I come over, make sure you’re really okay?”

“No, I don’t think--”

“Ah, come on, don’t make me worry all night about you,” he chided.

“Sam, you really--” There was a knock at the window and you froze. “Sam?”

The line clicked and you heard the tapping again. You lowered your phone and went to the window. Outside, geared up in his wings and suit, Sam hovered before the glass. You blinked and he rapped again. You snapped out of your shock and unlocked the window and slid it up.

“What are you doing?” you asked, “wait? How do you know where I live?”

He grabbed onto the frame and hooked his leg through as he retracted his wings. He bent under and sat half-in and half-out of the window, “forgive me? I did a bit of snooping in HR.”

“I told you not to come. I really don’t feel up to-- It’s really weird that you’re here,” you sat as he ducked pulled his other leg through and stood, “Sam, I think you should go.”

“You shouldn’t be alone, especially after that moron sending you that shit,” he said coolly as he took off his tinted goggles.

“Well, I want to be alone, so you should--”

“I mean, I haven’t even fucked you yet and he’s jealous,” he snickered, “so I guess we should give him a real reason.”

“What are you talking about? That’s… gross. You should go--”

“Come on, girl, you think this was really about a drone,” he tossed his goggles down and set his shield on the chair as he strode around the room, “convenience. I want you close.”

“I don’t--” you looked down at your phone, “get out, Sam.”

The tone of your finger pressing ‘9’ sounded and he spun quickly to face you. He stormed over to you before you could hit ‘1’ and ripped it from your grasp. 

“You’re gonna call the cops and say what? I’m Captain America,” he snarled, “but you can just call me Cap.”

He winked and threw your phone out the window smoothly. You gasped as he chuckled and lifted his wings off his back. He leaned them against the wall and stretched out his shoulders. He looked around as he twisted his tongue between his teeth.

“I like this, looks cozy,” he toed the side of the couch with his boot, “look better with you on it.”

You watched him stroll around the coffee table as he unzipped the collar of his suit. The scene was like some tainted nightmare. Maybe you’d fallen asleep. You were so tired you must have just passed out but you weren’t waking up.

You spun around and ran into the small hallway that led to your door. You were caught from behind, pulled back by the nape of your blazer as Sam tutted. His arm went around your waist and he lifted you off your feet. He turned and carried you back into the front room. You kicked and writhed as his strength enwrapped you.

“Please, please,” you begged, “I… I don’t understand. This isn’t-- this isn’t what I wanted. I didn’t--”

“Baby girl,” he cooed as he brought you close to the couch, “be good and listen to your Captain. Now stop this.”

“No, no,” you gulped at air as the panic rose in you, “I never-- please, you don’t have to do this--”

“You gotta do what I say,” he snapped and flung you onto the couch, “I don’t want to make you.”

You looked at him as you trembled in fear and disbelief. This couldn’t be. He was Sam Wilson, the Captain America; he was a nice guy.

“You have one minute to get naked,” he said and you just gaped at him, “you gonna make me repeat myself?”

Your throat tightened as his dark eyes bore into you. His hand balled to a fist and finally you found an ounce of strength. You pushed your legs over the edge of the couch and slipped out of your blazer. You stood carefully and watched him cautiously. You had to look away as your hands quivered over the buttons of your blouse.

You turned and folded your shirt over your blazer. You could hear him behind you as you unbuttoned your pants and pushed them down your legs. The question of what you were doing flitted through your head but the fear pulsed through you and took over.

“Ah,” he sighed and you peeked back as he freed himself of the top half of his stealth suit.

You turned back and hesitated. You knew there was more, you knew what he wanted, but your body locked up as your fingers curled and your insides knotted.

“Let me get that,” he came close and his fingers tickled along your shoulder blades and he unhooked your bra, “hmmm,” he let go and the cups fell off your chest, “almost there, baby.”

He stepped back and you shuddered. You dropped your bra and hooked your fingers under your panties. You wiggled them down a little at the time and heard the intake of breath as you pulled them down entirely. You stood still, unable to move, too mortified to face him.

“Come on, baby,” he said, “get comfortable.”

You inhaled and turned slowly. You went to the couch as he shed his undershirt and added it to the pile atop his shield. He looked at you and tilted his head as he licked his bottom lip. He snarled as he took in the sight of you and pointed you to the couch.

You sat and hugged yourself as he stripped off his pants along with his boxers in a single swipe. You flicked your eyes away as you glimpsed his hard dick as he stood straight and you stared at the open window. You smushed your lips together in horror and held in the tide of tears.

He came closer and you tried to tune out the room. This couldn’t happen. It just couldn’t. You felt his hands on your knees and he urged your legs apart. You resisted for a moment then let him guide your limbs. It would be over sooner if you just let it happen.

He knelt on the floor as his hands kneaded along your thighs and framed your vee as he leaned over your lap. You winced and he kept your legs from closing as he pushed his body between them. His thumb grazed your folds and he pushed between them. You let out a hushed gasp as he swirled around your clit.

“See, it’s not so bad to be good, is it, baby?” he purred, “you’re wet already.”

He slid his thumb up and down and spread the wetness along your cunt. You were shocked and humiliated by your obvious arousal. You shouldn’t be turned on by this. Your body was not listening to your mind, it was obeying his touch.

“Mmm,” he hummed as he turned his hand and poked along your entrance with one finger. 

He pushed inside and you clenched around his intrusion. He pulled in and out and added another finger. Your nails clawed at the cushion and you pressed back into the couch. He kept his thumb on your clit as he worked his fingers inside of you and the tension clustered between his fingertips.

“Oh, baby, listen to you,” he bet forward and replaced his thumb with his tongue as he kept fingering you.

You turned your face up to the ceiling and squeezed your eyes shut. You bit your lip as the ripples radiated from your core and your breath hitched. His hand moved faster as he suckled at your bud and his free hand groped your chest blindly. You slapped your hand over your mouth as you came, your back arching as you pushed into him.

He teased you through your climax and pulled away only as you quaked and whined at his unyielding touch. He drew his fingers out of you and sat back to lick them clean. You peeked down at him and quickly away as his eyes blazed back at you.

“Up,” he stood and stroked himself shamelessly as he strode around the coffee table, “put your hands on there.”

You rose unsteadily, legs shaking beneath you as your entire being felt like jelly. You went to him and turned your back to him. You bent over and he grabbed your ass and squeezed with a growl. You gripped the table and hung your head as the cool air grazed your cunt.

He shoved his hand between your legs and rubbed you again. He stepped closer and bent his knees as he lined himself up with your entrance, sliding in between his fingers as he spread you wide. You choked as his tip poked inside and he eased himself inch by inch into you. He held your hip as he reached his limit and groaned.

“Baby, oh god damn,” he thrust so that your whole body jerked. It was painfully delightful. Of the few men you’d been with, he was the biggest, or at least the thickest.

He rocked slowly and a moan escaped your lips. Despite the torturous pressure of his intrusion, you could ignore the pleasure laced in the pain. His hand brushed up your as and along your back. He bent over you as his fingers curled over your shoulder and he pressed his body to yours as he fucked you.

You kept your head down as you tried to measure your breaths and the pathetic noises rising from you. He pushed his hand down your stomach and between your legs again to play with your clit. He moved his legs against yours and forced them together so your cunt hugged him even tighter. He grunted and you whimpered as his fingers added to the new pressure.

He sped up so that the table scraped against the floor but kept you up with one arm around you. He rutted into you wildly as his sultry voice filled your chest and his heat consumed you. You cried out as another orgasm swept through you and your cunt quivered around him desperately.

He pulled you up suddenly so you stood on your toes. He tilted into you as he brought his arms up around yours and tined his fingers behind your head. His flesh slapped yours loudly and you opened your eyes as you heard a familiar whirring. The drone flew before you, the signature on its shell, but a light blinking at its nose. Yours didn’t have a light.

“What--”

“Ah, yeah,” he rasped through rampant breaths, “looks like they got mixed up.”

“Huh--” you sucked in your breath as he thrust harder and deeper.

“I didn’t mind, he helped me keep an eye on you,” he said as he nuzzled you above his hands, “you look so cute in your little tee shirts.”

You groaned and leaned your head against him as another rush of fear was met with unwanted bliss. You murmured senselessly as he picked up his pace and the drone came closer. He purred as you felt his muscles tighten.

“Don’t worry,” he puffed, “I’ll make sure the boy knows he was right.”

He buried himself in you, nearly taking you off your feet, and twitched as he emptied himself into you. He rocked his hips subtly as he rode out his climax and stilled you as his voice gristled to rampant pants. His arms fell to embrace you and he kept you flush to him as he lingered inside.

“Or I can keep that little video to myself…” he brought his hand up to cradle your chin and poked his finger along your lower lip, “it’s all up to you, baby.”

[greenduvet]

200 Follower special!

A/N: Hi loves! I want to thank you all again. 2020 hasn’t been the best year but making this tumblr has been one of the best things I’ve done. I’ve met so many amazingly kind and wonderful people! I want to thank anyone who reads this or any of my other work. This is a special winter time one shot I felt fit the occasion with Kyle. I hope you all enjoy. You guys keep me going and I can’t thank you enough for that. Lots of love Xoxo 

Finals had ended and finally it was winter break. Most people couldn’t wait to go home and escape from the hectic college lifestyle, but Kyle was absolutely terrified for it. He didn’t want to have to go home and risk seeing and dealing with Her.

One plus side of being in a frat house was being able to stay there over break. In some ways being in the house alone would be a nice break. But spending the holidays alone wasn’t that appealing.

You on the other hand weren’t able to go home for the holidays. It being so busy and your family being away, campus seemed like a better option. Since everyone had gone home campus was pretty empty. Though it didn’t snow in New Orleans it did get cold enough where you would need a jacket. The cafe was the perfect place to spend all of your new free hours. Free internet, tasty drinks, and cakes and pastries? Perfect. Kyle had the same thought as you 2 weeks into the break. He was definitely getting tired of sitting around alone. He had walked in and slowly looked around, curious as to see if there were any bystanders left like him. He walked close to your table, and maybe he lingered his eyes a little too long. He had been caught staring. “Do I know you?” You abruptly say to him. His eyes instantly reach yours.

“Um, I’ve seen you around campus! There aren’t many people who stay over break.” His face instantly turning red from being caught and how beautiful your eyes looked to him. “I’m uh, gonna get a coffee. Can I sit with you?” He smiles slightly and moves his hand to his neck scratching lightly. You smile back slightly and nod your head. Talking over coffee couldn’t be that bad right?

After a few short moments he came back with his hot coffee and slowly sat down across from you on your table. He looks up to your eyes again and smiles. “I’m Kyle. And who might you be?” His dark brown eyes practically sparkle and you can feel yourself sinking into his friendly grasp. Something about it was so comforting.

“I’m Y/N.” You stick out your hand for him to shake and he gladly does. “I thought I was like the only one left here. I’m glad I’m not alone.” You take a sip of your drink.

“Oh god me too! It can get so lonely you know!” Kyle and you sit and talk for hours. Mostly about random things or things about one another. You both seriously had a good time. But as they say, all good things must eventually come to an end. You wouldn’t let Kyle go without a fight though.

“It really is getting late but can I give you my number?” Kyle's face turns red once again and nods frantically. You smile and take out a pen and write your number down on his hand. “Text me when you wanna hang out again. I’m free whenever.” And with that you leave the sweet little cafe and walk back to your dorm with a smile on your face. Kyle was great, that much you knew. And you couldn’t wait to learn more.

It had been around three weeks since the first initial meeting. Kyle, being the puppy dog he was, texted you almost constantly. And that coffee shop had become your safe haven. Kyle had adored opening up to you about anything and everything that came to his head. Engineering, how desperate he was to help others and his love for Classic Rock. Before you knew it you were falling for him hard. A deep slope with no end in sight. But Kyle was a frat boy… You knew he was different, not like the other assholes he called his ‘Brothers’ but that didn’t make falling for him any less scary. Being hurt wasn’t fun.

It was Christmas Eve and Kyle had demanded to see you and give you something he had got you. Little did you know you had gotten him something as well. “Hey Y/N!” He yells as he practically tackles you, a blush already working its way onto your face.

“What’s up nerd!” You tease back and hug him close. Today would be fantastic.

Instead of the usual cafe setting Kyle demanded going ice skating. He would not take no as an answer and you didn’t want to see him sad so you agreed. It was quite a drive from the usual campus town but nonetheless you were ready for some changed scenery! Since Kyle has the honor of driving he got to pick the music. Toto sing-a-longs happened obviously.

Waiting for you love had come up and Kyle had turned the notch nearly all the way up. “I LOVE THIS SONG!” He tries to tell you over the music. He couldn’t be happier. He was with you, and listening to his music, while taking a drive? His favorite things all combined. “I’ve been waitin’ for your love, And it’s been here all the time right in front of me!” He laughs while singing along, completely off key.

After another 30 minutes of car sign-along you and Kyle had arrived at a sweet little winter themed park with a big ice rink in the middle. “Oh Kyle. This is just perfect. Great idea.” You look at him and smile widely. “I’ll race you there.” You stick out your tongue and start running towards the rink. Not even 3 seconds later Kyle passes you and wins with a huge lead.

“Would you believe me if I told you I used to run track?” With a roll of your eyes and a laugh from him you both walk to the skate rental booth. Shortly You both have your sizes and start to waddle to the ice.

“I’m scared Kyle, hold my hand?” You hold your hand out for him to grab as you step onto the ice.

“Don’t worry I got you.” He pulls you closer. “Bend your knees a little, yeah like that!”  He smiles widely and you look up to him.

“What next?” You ask as your practice bending your knees slowly.

“Lean forward and glide slightly off each foot.” He puts his hands on your waist and guides you from behind. “You’re a natural!”

3 hours later and 1 consecutive of not falling, you both decide it’s time to get something warm and exchange gifts. Hot drinks in hand you two walk over to a cosy table in a more private corner of the park. You blush deeply as you pull out his neatly wrapped gift. Every once completed with love. “You’re gonna think I’m so lame with this gift.” You slightly look away as you hand it to him. It was a car CD. But not just any. You had burned his favorite songs and some of yours for him.

“Y/N… This is perfect. Thank you. I love it.” He looked a little closer at his newly acquired CD before quickly pulling out his gift. The wrapping wasn’t as neat but it was filled with just the same amount of love. “Now my gift will be the stupid one.” He says as he puts his hand onto the back of his neck, just as he did when you first met him.

His gift to you was his varsity jacket. You blushed deeply and looked at him. “For me? Really?” He nods and instantly you put it on. Kyle thought you looked absolutely perfect. But that wasn’t the only part of this gift.

“There’s one more thing. It’s not really a gift, more of a question.” He bit his bottom lip and took a deep breath. “When I’m with you I feel so good Y/N and my feelings are more than platonic. If you might feel-“ You kiss him. Softly but full of so many unsaid words at the same time. Kyle had fallen for you too. And you knew he wouldn’t hurt you. He wasn’t like those other guys. He was better.

“Of course I feel the same way!” You laugh softly and hug him close. “I’d love to see where this goes with you.” You look up into his eyes and he’s looking right back. Who knew staying on campus for winter break would lead to something so amazing.

[sixtyeightdays]

Apologies don’t change anything

helloo so i did this today bc i probably would’ve procrastinated if i left this for tmr but i really wanted to write this bc i love the idea of it alot so yes here goes (yes i ended up writing half then procrastinating again but its done now so yay)

also the idea of this goes to this post by @flufflepuffle296 

⚠️TW: Mentions of murder

-

Marinette stared blankly at the airport she had just reached. Her class had gone on a trip to New York City, where Lila had oh-so-humbly bragged about all the famous people she knew here.

Lila had gotten Max to tamper with her alarm, setting it to go off a few hours late, at 5.30am instead of the 2am alarm she’d set it to, especially since their flight was at 6 in the morning. 

Marinette had gotten to her hotel room late because everyone hadn’t bothered to get their own luggage to the car, and Marinette was reprimanded for not ‘helping her classmates bring their bags on to the bus’, especially because of Lila’s ‘sprained wrist’. 

She had then been forced to carry all 30 luggages and carry-ons onto the bus by herself. Thankfully, the bus driver, who was staying at the same hotel as them for convenience had noticed her trouble when she’d tripped while carrying Lila’s huge baggage.

Lila had convinced the rest of the class not to bring suitcases that could be wheeled for no good reason, and everyone had brought large duffel bags, apart from Adrien, to which Marinette was very grateful for, even if the blonde boy was still bending to Lila’s whims.

Marinette had never appreciated lifting flour bags in the bakery more.

It had taken over two hours to get al the bags on the bus, especially since her class was stupid enough, or maybe they did it on purpose, and forgot stuff in their room, which they would then come down carrying, and forcing Marinette to unpack all the bags she’d piled on top of one another so they could put their item inside.

Marinette almost screamed when Max came down for the eighth time, carrying a stupid battery that could’ve easily fit into his pocket or Markov’s tail compartment.

Marinette was no exception and her stuff was on the plane, which was now on its way back to Paris-- without her.

She probably would’ve been more mad if she’d hadn’t seen it coming, and prepared a small backpack with her, with her phone, wallet, the binder she used to plan the class trip, a bag of cookies for Tikki, the box of power-up macarons, a jar of sugarcubes for Kaalki, and a spare change of clothes.

Tikki and Kaalki were safely hidden within the pouch Marinette had at her hip, which she was eternally grateful for. The Miracle Box was hidden in Ladybug’s yoyo, which was convenient for the girl so people wouldn’t steal it.

She let out a small groan in frustration until a hand gripped her shoulder. Panicking slightly, Marinette reared back her fist and clocked her attacker in the nose.

He yelped and staggered back as the lady with him looked slightly shocked. The lady faced Marinette, who was still on the defensive, but relaxed slightly when in the scuffle, the man’s badge fell out of his pocket, showing the golden unmistakable symbol of the NYPD.

‘Oh my gods, I am so sorry!’ Marinette helped the man up blushing slightly and panicking because she’d just punched a police officer in the face.

Marinette was very grateful she spoke fluent English.

He just groaned and with the help of Marinette and the lady, he stood up, clutching his bruised nose.

She introduced herself as Nette, because even if he was the police, she didn’t really want to give her name out to someone she punched in the face. You know, so she could run away, maybe Jagged would let her stay at his old apartment in Gotham--

She snapped out of her stupor as the lady tapped her on the shoulder cautiously and introduced herself as Amy Santiago and the man Jake Peralta.

‘What are you doing here, all by yourself? You can’t be more than 16.’

Frowning, Nette evaded the topic slightly and said she was here on a class trip, but she missed her flight back. The police officer looked disapproving until she noticed the binder peeking out of Marinette’s bag.

Her expression gave way to a happy delight as she plucked the binder out of her bag, gushing about how neat it was, how she used the correct fonts to emphasise everything, and she squealed when she saw the itinerary inside of it.

‘I am so sorry for her, she’s a bit of a nerd and she loves binders.’ Jake waved his hand side to side, making a tsk sound. Marinette could tell they were either dating or married, from the way he looked at her.

‘Why don’t you come with us to the police station? It’s about a 5 minute drive away, and we’re heading back anyway. We just had to drop my sister off.’ He explained, and Amy winced at the mentioned of Jake’s sister.

Huh, wonder why.

Marinette, still slightly wary but followed the couple to their car. He was a legitimate officer, and besides it wasn’t like she had anything to lose.

She clambered into the backseat and Tikki nudged her from the purse, a small show of support and a way of saying “i’m here for you”. She pressed her hand against the purse in response, listening to the somehow comforting banter between Jake and Amy.

When they arrived at the precinct, Marinette fidgeted in the lift, slightly nervous. Paris’ police department wasn’t the most friendly, and she was not welcomed there, since apparently Sabrina had complained to her father about Marinette.

When the lift doors opened with a small ding, Marinette clutched the string of her purse tightly, led around by Amy’s comforting hand o her shoulder. As she sat down in the seat Amy asked her to, facing Amy and away from the pigsty that was Jake’s desk holy shit were those rats?

Marinette placed her bag on the ground, making sure to keep it away from Jake’s crumbs.

She looked around her, taking in her surroundings before facing Amy who had a clipboard in hand, ready to write down her statement or Mlle. Bustier’s number she didn’t know.

She looked past Amy and her eyes widened when she noticed a familiar someone in the office behind Amy. She gasped, and somehow he winced totally not hearing it from a bug in Peralta’s desk and looked up.

His eyes widened and he strode out of the office, the door opening with a small bang which made Marinette raise her eyebrow.

Amy looked confused and turned around but shot to her feet when the captain stood behind her. He was not paying attention to his detective at all, staring at Marinette like he was seeing a ghost.

‘Uh, Captain? You look like your favorite detective just died, which he didn’t I’m right here, what’s up with the look?’

He ignored Peralta and started speaking in french, which Mari reciprocated.

‘Marinette? Is that you?’

‘Yep. Your detectives picked me up at the airport when I missed my plane back to Paris.’

‘I’m going to call Kevin.’

He switched back to English, looking to Jake and a rather dumpy looking man. ‘Boyle, do you remember when I told you I shared a croque monsieur with Kevin in France? And I made one for Kevin?’

The dumpy man, Boyle, nodded.

‘Guess who gave me the recipe?’ Raymond Holt smirked, pressing send on his phone. Marinette could make out a ‘Dear Kevin, Marinette is at the precinct. Sincerely, Raymond Holt.’

Dumpy man looked slightly awestruck.

She looked at him and deadpanned. ‘Still type like an old man?’

He smirked back, much to the dumpy man, Jake and Amy’s shock. ‘Still after model boy, Marinette Agreste?’

Marinette winced. ‘Consider me divorced.’

Holt looked slightly concerned. When he had gone to Paris with Kevin maybe a year or so back, the bluenette had blushed over the blonde model Adrien Agreste, her wishing that she’d have a relationship with the boy as successful as Raymond and Kevin’s.

The elevator dinged once more before he could question the girl that was so much like a daughter to him. Marinette noticed that two more people, a woman in all black that had a dagger in her boot and a katana strapped to her leg in a discreet way --badass, she noted-- and a buff man in suspenders that made Marinette want to gouge her eyes out.

Before she could rip into him, she was attacked by a blur of plaid and ginger. It was Kevin! The girl hugged the man fiercely and him likewise.

She socked him in the stomach as soon as he let go. 

‘That’s for not telling me you were leaving Paris.’ She glared at the man as he doubled over.

Badass lady smirked and whispered to Buff Suspenders. ‘I like her.’ Not that Mari couldn’t hear of course.

‘Thank you, Badass Lady.’ The lady in question looked mildly flattered. ‘My name’s Rosa, pinky.’

‘My name’s Nette!’ She chirped, the badass aura lessening slightly. ‘I like your dagger! Can you teach me how to throw one?’

Amy looked rather puzzled. There was no visible weapon on Rosa. ‘What--’

Rosa was staring at the bluenette with shock and newfound respect. Rosa reached into her boot and drew out her dagger, and it glinted in the light.

‘How’d you know it was there?’ The dagger was small enough so that while it fit snugly in her palm, the blade was still long and sharp enough to cause bodily damage. It was small enough so that it couldn’t be seen petruding out from her boot.

Marinette just smiled and shrugged, wiggling her fingers.

‘Magic.’ 

Marinette eyed Rosa’s pant leg that held her katana.

 Rosa looked very impressed by the petite girl.

Suddenly, a groan came from behind them, and whipping around, Marinette could see two men, foodies probably, gorging themselves on Tikki’s cookies.

‘Woah woah woah, my cookies are off limits!’ One of them, the shorter one, scoffed. 

‘Like you can finish this much food anyway.’ Marinette raised an eyebrow and the other man glared at the bluenette, and the two men waddled over to a room. 

Marinette followed and when she entered, she could see different types of chips, cookies, cakes laid out on the table. Jake let out a low whistle.

The two men were already seated there, napkins tied around their necks as a sure sign that they were going to eat.

Mari plopped herself on the chair opposite them and the taller man, looked at Marinette disbelievingly. No way that tiny girl could eat more than him and Hitchcock.

She took it as a silent challenge and waited a few seconds before starting to eat. The squad looked shocked at the fact that not only was the girl not vomiting from eating so fast, she was keeping up with Hitchcock and Scully.

The two had evidently noticed this as well, and shovelled more food in their mouth, causing cream and icing to drip everywhere. Their napkins, clothes and the chair.

But Marinette was still eating calmly, although her jaw was working at a furious pace. However, not one thing spilled anywhere which made Dumpy Man and Buff Suspenders look thankful, muttering something about a Marge.

But by the end of the race, contest, whatever, it was evident that it was a tie. While Hitchcock and Scully had eaten more food, Marinette had not made any messes at all. Plus, Marinette was only one person, while Hitchcock and Scully were two.

Needless to say, by the end of the day everyone had grown fond of the girl who could kick everyone’s asses and still look like a ball of sunshine.

She had ripped into Buff’s stupid suspenders, and he had been insulted until Marinette used the old sewing machine in Holt’s office that he had marched into the break room because he knew firsthand how amazing Marinette was at designing (Kevin had also been on the receiving end of her fashion administrations and it was not pleasant, although the end product was)

She fixed Terry’s suspenders, making the colors match for kwamis’ sake, and he had been very proud and paraded around the whole of the precinct.

Gina, who had just come back from the bathroom where she was totally not watching monkeys walk into an invisible wall had noticed Terry’s new suspenders and walked to the break room, and looking at the bluenette sew, fixing Charles’ tie because “yellow does not go with light orange what the hell were you thinking, dumpy”.

Gina asked Marinette if she wanted to be a fashion designer, because she definitely had the talent, and Mari smiled, saying that she was already one, but she went under an anonymous alias.

‘Ooh, we do love a good mystery. What’s your alias? Maybe I’ll commission a piece from you, I’ve been telling Charles to burn that horrible yellow tie for ages.’

‘My brand’s called MDC.’ 

She said this with the most innocent face she could as everyone around her freaked out that this barely 16 year old girl was one of the most up and rising designers, beating Gabriel Agreste in sales.

Even Jake knew who MDC was, but that was mostly because MDC was Jagged Stone’s personal designer. (He did freak out when Gina told him that MDC designed Jagged’s album covers from Rock Giant onwards)

Gina spent half an hour coaching Marinette on how to strut down the runway “like Catwoman slinking off into the night like the sexy queen she is”. Turns out, Marinette was a natural. (‘You need to work on that blushing though.’)

Eventually night fell and Marinette didn’t have anywhere to stay. Everyone offered their homes, even Rosa. 

She eventually decided to go with Terry because why not, and she also wanted to fix the rest of his suspenders and maybe make him a suit that wouldn’t tear when he moved.

Turns out, Sharon took to Mari immediately, Cagney and Lace even more so. Marinette had loads of experience babysitting, she babysitted terrors on a weekly basis, ahem Manon, Ella, Etta, Chris, and so Cagney and Lacey were bascially nothing.

She loved the two and they loved her too, saying that “Mimi” was definitely the best babysitter they’d had, and Sharon and Terry agreed after seeing how easily the three got along. Marinette knew what made them tick, what made them tired and what made them happy, and nothing got past her.

When Lacey tried to steal cookies, Marinette was there, booping the girl on the nose and handing her one and telling her that she would’ve given them one if they had asked, but since they didn’t, only one cookie for the night.

That had the two of them sharp at attention and they went to sleep without a fuss for once, Sharon and Terry cried at the peaceful silence they hadn’t had in almost a decade.

Rosa taught Marinette to throw knives, which was kind of the same as a yoyo, just with more force necessary and a different angle of throwing. Marinette, using her cool guardian voodoo, summoned an undetectable dagger, that couldn’t be detected by metal detectors.

‘Why do you have this?’

‘...Why not?’

‘...Fair enough.’

Dumpy Man, also known as Charles, had taken to Marinette almost immediately, firstly because of the brilliant croque monsieur, and secondly because of the amazing paella recipe she shared with him.

Nikolaj had declared Marinette his ‘big sister Arin’ after trying one mouth of the paella and saw the girl talk back to his dad. Genevieve loved Marinette, who had made her a new scarf as soon as she noticed the drabby scarf that she was wearing.

Amy loved that Mari could keep up with her puzzles and riddles. The bluenette was amazingly clever and even gave Amy ideas on making a new binder. Jake loved that the girl was the MDC and even more so when he saw how well Amy and Mari got along. 

Jake, Amy, Kevin and Holt got into a fight on who should have custody of Mari while she was here. (She ended up alternating the days she stayed with everyone in the squad.)

Marinette had ended up bonding with Hitchcock and Scully the most, forcing the two to clean their desks, goddamnit, and Hitchcock happened to be a big fan of Clara Nightingale, who was one of Mari’s closest friends and clients. 

The fact that Scully spoke French, Hitchcock loved French pastries and Marinette living in a bakery helped matter loads too.

Eventually, the fact that Marinette was Ladybug became the squad’s most closely guarded secret. She’d gotten caught because Holt was a nosy parent and decided to pry into Marinette’s purse and conveniently found a cookie nibbling Tikki and a haughty looking Kaalki. 

Jake had fangirled big time when Ladybug, looking rather grumpy, swung in and smacked the baddie on the head with her yoyo, hard enough that he’d go unconscious. Turns out, Ladybug was a very popular figure in New York.

After about a week in New York, Mari finally had to leave for Paris again. She was dreading it because of what lies Lila probably spun into making everything Mari’s fault, which made the girl dissolve into a small panic attack, and Rosa, Terry, Kevin, Amy, Jake and Gina wanted to commit cold blooded murder to the people that made this girl as sad as she was when she deserved the whole world. 

Holt was very tempted to let them.

The squad and Kevin took a week of leave and followed Mari back to Paris, escorting her all the way to her classroom. Mr. Damocles had tried to stop them but a glare from Rosa and the sight of Terry’s muscles made him squeak and back away.

They could all hear the false tales pouring out of Lila’s mouth as soon as they reached the outside of the classroom.

‘Mlle. Bustier, surely Marinette will be punished for skiving off school and playing truant?’

They could hear Mlle. Bustier’s voice dripping with disappointment. ‘Rest assured, Lila, she will be punished accordingly.’

This made Amy extremely mad, hearing them talk so crudely about the girl she cared for very much, and she slammed the door open. The class jumped at the sound of the door hitting the wall, and Mlle. Bustier winced when Holt’s deadly glare looked her straight in the face.

It was then that the class noticed Marinette, who was feeling afraid and hiding behind Charles and Jake. 

Max shot up to his feet when his eyes landed on Kevin. That was the Kevin Cozner, one of the most famous and respected teachers known to all of humanity.

Said Kevin had both hands on Marinette’s shoulders, pinning Max with a stare that made the boy’s feet turn stiff and he sat back down.

Murmurs and yells broke out in the classroom and Mlle. Bustier internally sighed at the trouble Marinette was causing. Really, if the girl didn’t skip school and cause a dramatic entrance, she would have been going through the lesson and maybe even getting a promotion, considering Kevin Cozner was here.

She mentally groaned and composed herself, wrenching Marinette out of Kevin’s grip and dragging her to the front of the classroom, where she proceeded to berate the girl loudly for skipping school for a week and causing an unnecessary scene in school.

Instead of looking frustrated or upset and cowing like the teacher though Marinette would be, Marinette only smiled coolly at the teacher. Amy strode forwards, plopping a stack of papers in the hands of the teacher before turning to Marinette and checking her arm, which now had purple bruises standing out in contrast to her pale skin.

Charles looked furious, and when Mlle. Bustier spluttered upon looking at the papers, which in bold, had the words ‘Sued’ on them, he took great pleasure in saying loudly, “You just got served, Caline Bustier.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but then seemed to remember her students’ presences, and those students were currently looking at the exchange between the foreigners and their teacher with rapt attention.

Mlle. Bustier smiled nervously and raised her hands as if to placate the squad and change their minds about suing her.

‘Let’s talk in the corridor. More privacy.’ She explained, striding to the door. She stopped adruptly a dagger was pressed to the teacher’s throat.

She gulped and went slightly crosseyed looking down at the dagger before saying that the children shouldn’t see this and repeating that they should go out in the corridor to talk.

Suddenly, a voice spoke up from the room. It was Sabrina, looking confident and proud and very unlike the meek and timid student who constantly answered to Chloe’s every whim.

‘You didn’t give Marinette that liberty.’

Chloe didn’t look surprised when Sabrina stood up, looking up at the girl proudly. She then stood up and put in a word.

‘You just dragged Marinette to the front of the classroom and tried to scold her when you were the one who listened to Lie-la and didn’t bother to do a headcount before leaving the hotel, hell, before boarding the plane.’

‘You left her in New York City,’ chimed Sabrina, leering at the teacher, who shrunk back into herself.

‘Who do you think paid for her ticket back?’ Chloe smirked.

‘Goodbye, Caline Bustier.’ They spoke in unison.

Mlle. Bustier paled. Gina looked like she wanted to run away with Chloe and Sabrina, and Marinette looked to the two gratefully, the former giving the girl a nod while the other smiled broadly.

Amy spoke again, grinning manically at the redheaded teacher, reciting everything that she’d done wrong in her years as a teacher, whether it be when she was teaching old students from almost a decade ago, or now, when she was teaching Marinette’s class.

“Yes, Rosa, I learnt French specifically for this. I took a seminar, called The French Way to Reprimand A Crap-sack.”

Mlle. Bustier dug herself an even deeper hole as she frantically tried to pile the blame on Marinette, who was pressing the bruises on her arm with morbid fascination.

Gina leaned towards Caline, her breath hot against the teacher’s ear as she drawled in a rather threatening voice. “I know every little secret you have. It’d be best if you’d just mosey on out.”

Bustier shook her head even more, doubting Gina, who took great pleasure in calling out Mlle. Bustier’s shortcomings and dirty little secrets that she’d tried so desperately to bury.

“Caline Bustier. You had a student named Bridgette Jaeng a few years back. She died. Her death was written off as a accident, when that really wasn’t the case, was it.”

Her voice, although rather soft, echoed loudly in the room, ringing in the ears of Marinette’s classmates who turned to look at their teacher with horrified expressions on their faces.

“No! She--” Gina continued as if Mlle. Bustier hadn’t said anything at all.

“She fell down the stairs.” Gina made air quotes when she said fell. “She was pushed down the stairs by her bullies. She broke her neck on impact, and Bustier?” She laughed wryly.

“She saw the whole thing, but didn’t do anything to stop her students. She even went so far as to turn the security cameras off.” 

Caline was growing increasingly pale but didn’t say anything for fear of making it worse.

“You bribed the principal of this school to hire you.” Gina’s voice, quiet and deadly cut through the tension in the room, and as if a dam broke, all hell broke loose and chaos was ensued.

Gina spoke up again, effectively making the class quiet down.

“You told Marinette to be the ‘best Marinette she could be’. You told her to not do anything when Lila and he posse bullied her. You turned off the cameras again when Lila walked down the stairs and sat there, bawling and lying about how Marinette pushed her down the stairs.” Gina’s voice came out in a hiss.

“You didn’t tell them how Marinette was expelled, huh. It was because Lila framed her for stealing a necklace that was found in her locker. But none of the students here are allowed to use locks for some stupid reason.’

The evidence was overwhelming. The contrast of the yelling from minutes ago was now replaced with a deadly silence as they mulled over Gina’s words.

Officer Raincomprix had shown up and arrested Caline a few minutes later, courtesy of Sabrina. 

As Caline Bustier was dragged out of the room, she yelled on last time. “What gives you the right to arrest me? I was only looking out for my students!”

Holt smirked smugly, and everyone in the squad, bar Gina and Kevin, held up their badges, with the very unmistakable logo of the NYPD. 

Caline was forcefully dragged away, shocked. And as she sat in the solitary confinement of her prison cell almost a month later, thinking about what she’d done, there was a knock on the door. The one person Caline thought she’d never see again stood in the doorway, the bars being the only separator between the ex teacher and her ex student.

Caline didn’t trust herself to speak, only staring at the girl. 

Marinette stood there, patiently waiting for her to speak.

When she did, the only thing that came out of her mouth was, “I’m sorry.”

Marinette smiled. Not a pitying one, not a smug one, no. It was a sad smile.

“Apologies don’t change anything.” Marinette told her old teacher. “I can’t speak for Bridgette, but for what it’s worth, I forgive you.”

- 

4.2k words

well yes. feedback and thoughts appreciated

i didnt reread this bc i dont like reading my own works they make me cringe so if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes im sorry oops

Asks are Open!

[sammys-carhartt-jacket]

Preword: OK???? So i think I did a thing. This started off as me doing a little rant post but somehow now it’s a fanfictio? oops. anyways this is going to be a multichapter fic (I’ve never been able to follow through on this before, so we’ll see how this goes.

also should I make an ao3 account and post there?

——————— So anyways, just thinking once again about how much Sam must have stuck out at like literally any school he went to.

I mean, maybe not so blatantly, but the few that he gets assigned to sit next to in class or some kids that feel like making a friend in him, they get to know him beyond the reserved, smart, friendly but guarded kid they see at school.

In high school, the differences become more prominent.

Sam is invited to an end of school rager his freshman year. He’s new to this type of shit, but when it comes time for the drinking games, he decides to join in.

Sam downs 9 shots straight in a row standing one foot on the barstool the host brought out.

The previous record was 5.

When he’s hopped off and done, impaired only by a slight stumble, the classmates sober enough to process it are looking on in disbelief, a bit of awe mixed in- but as always, he can see if in their eyes.

god, this kid is some kind of freak.

of course, they don’t realize that he’s been drinking on a regular basis since he was eleven.

———————

Four months later in a different town, this time the trio tracking down a potential witch coven, Sam goes to get a drink during lunch period, a group of other sophomores loitering by the water fountains and in a world of their own. Sam had approached their spot to refill his water bottle, and glanced down into the lap of one of the guys’ lap (Cameron, he later found out). He was reading a book on montana history, and happened to be flipped to a page on the beartooth highway. Sam had been there once when he was about eight or so, when dad had taken him and dean scoping out the area for remains of a woman who had slipped off of the edge after a truck had edged her off, and remained to kill similar drivers.

“Hey,” Sam spoke to the guy, and he looked up expectantly at him.

“Uh,” Sam crouched down next to him, hoping this wouldn’t be awkward. “Y’know, what they don’t tell you is that there’s a small grouping of forts in the forest around mile 36.”

Sam should know. He built them.

“It’s pretty cool,” he said, giving an awkward grin. And it was cool. Sam had had a lot of downtime on that hunt, and hey, a kid had to occupy himself somehow.

He’d built them out of spare sticks he found, bark, some old rusted sheets of metal from the past crashes (even though John had told him not to go fucking around back there, lest Sophie-the-spirit decided to make a reappearance), and whatever spare tarp he could grab from bubmbling passerby campers.

They were wobbly and barren, teetering on its weak stick side supports, but for a week, it was Sam’s escape, where he could pretend that he was a normal kid in a normal neighborhood, in a clubhouse that his dad had made for him and his brother to spend time on while their dad was away at his normal, 9 to 5 job. Not a shitty stack of crap he used to escape his dad who was constantly in a foul mood, in the middle of god-knows-fucking-where, Montana.

Meanwhile the guy just looked up, a blink of intrigue in his eyes.

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Sam gave another half-smile.

He stood up from the ground, his other girl friend with the dark brown bob and sideswept bangs giving a small wave from the grimy tiled floor.

“I’m Joline,” she greeted, extending a hand.

Sam shook it.

She nudged the girl next to her, who wore athletic shorts, a hoodie, and her thick black hair in a messy bun.

“This is Maria,” bun girl gave a small nod, which said hey, I don’t know you just yet, but I think we’ve got something to work with here.

“I’m Cameron,” floor guy supplied before Joline could beat him to it.

“You new around here? I don’t recall seeing you before.” Cameron asked, brows furrowed and eyes squinted a bit as if that would unlock any memory of meeting Sam before in his brain.

“Yeah,” Sam shrugged. “My dad moves us around a lot. We just got here Saturday.”

“Oh, I guess you’ve seen a lot of different places then.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Sam said, voice guarded.

Joline ignored the first half of what he said.

“Saturday? Oh jeez, I bet you barley know anything about Burkesville-,”

She was wrong. Researching witches meant a lot of traveling around and interviewing, and gossip, grits, and dirty laundry was often included in that deal.

“-we totally have to take you out and show you around then. Tuesday night work?”

Maria nudged Joline. “I’ve got volleyball practice tomorrow, remember?”

“Oh,” Joline scrunched up her nose. “Damn volleyball. Wednesday then?”

Sam went for the awkward nod and afterthought smile combo. “Sure. Uh, see you guys, I’ve got to get to class.”

Cameron gave a short nod. “See you dude.”

With that, Sam walked to Chemistry.

Two periods later he has Spanish with Maria and she slips him a note telling him to meet at the 7/11 on Marsh street at 6:00.

He pockets the note for later.

————————

Joline scratches her wrist impatiently, shiny green watch band doing nothing helpful except to itch the hell out of her. She needs a new one.

She’s standing underneath the neon 7/11 sign, Cameron beside her, watching the cars go by.

It’s about seven more minutes before Maria finally makes it to the parking lot to sit and wait for the last member of their small little party.

Maria is standing, arms crossed, looking particularly concerned. It was then 6:12, and Sam was still a no-show.

“Listen.” Maria bites her lip and faces towards the two. “My mama is cooking tamales tonight, so if he doesn’t show soon, I think I’ll just go home and eat there. I’m getting tired of waiting and hungry.”

Joline frowns, but nods her head in understanding nonetheless. Prospects aren’t looking great right now. Not even a minute later though, there’s the obnoxious growl of a gas-guzzler car, and Cameron perks his head up to try and catch a glimpse down the road. He lets out an appreciative whistle as he makes out that it’s a Chevy impala, then a soft ‘holy shit’ as the car turns into their parking lot.

“Dude!” He exclaims at Sam as he pops the passenger side door and stands up. “You have a fucking 1967 Chevy Impala and you didn’t tell me?”

Fucking car nerd.

Inside the sleek black vintage, a man, the driver, holds his hand out for a fist bump that

“Not Sammy,” he says, letting out a playboy smirk. “Yours truly, Dean Winchester.”

He’s cocky enough to even wink.

Sam just rolls his eyes in exasperation as he walks around the car and towards Maria and Joline. He mumbles a hey, and apologizes for his tardiness.

“He’s 20 now, but me, my dad, and him are still living out of each other’s pockets. It’s impossible for him to be on time”

Joline smiled politely, but something about what Sam had said made her take a moment and process. The lack of a mother, the nomad lifestyle- it was just a life so far from what she led, she had a hard time wrapping her head about what that would be like.

———————

thanks for sticking around I geuss! This is actually the second spn fanfic I’ve wrote (I guess I can post the other here as well!)

chapter two sometime next week maybe

[dragonleesupporter]

Incomplete Without You (Part 1)

Hey guys! Sorry I’ve been dead for so long. I wanted to make this for a loong time but lost motivation multiple times and nearly lost the whole damn file.

WARNING: Triggers for disablement, depression, talk of a suicide attempt, and panic attacks.

He grumbled as he was pushed along the sidewalk. He had every reason to complain, every reason to be upset, especially when a jogger moved past them. He was always told to be thankful to still be alive with his strange condition. Well, at least he could move his head and face muscles.

            “C’mon man, you said a view of the lake would make you feel better!” Remy prodded his cheek. “Where’s that smile?”

            “Dead. Long dead. Like the rest of my soul.” Virgil growled.

            “Ugh. This job’s sooo boring!” The sunglass-wearing punk complained.

            “Then forfeit your salary so the rest of me can die in peace.”

            Virgil was paralyzed from the shoulders, down. He couldn’t feel his body and needed constant assistance from those willing to put up with his acidic, pessimist attitude to help him do… pretty much everything. He couldn’t even hold his goddamn diploma when he graduated high school. Remy had to hold it for him. He had to give the coffee lover credit where credit was due. He was the one who had lasted the longest as his caretaker. Taking him on “walks” as to not make him feel helplessly alone. Thankfully, his parents did everything else, like dress him and clean him and lay him down to sleep.

            Even though he didn’t feel as alone with Remy keeping up gossipy conversations, he did feel piercing envy for anyone he saw around him. Laughing with their friends, running, swimming, riding bicycles, dancing… Not to mention the people that made fun of him, and yet he was supposed to be more positive that he wasn’t dead? Death would merciful to someone in Virgil’s position. He couldn’t even kill himself. Not to say he didn’t try. The closest he had gotten was when he had annoyed someone enough to shove him into the lake, who was unaware of his condition, while Remy was in the bathroom. Little did he know that the sassy teen was a fast pisser and was able to rescue him.

 Why couldn’t he just be fucking normal? Even for a day?

 “Oh hey, that man child texted you again.” Remy’s naturally condescending voice interrupted his thoughts. But he couldn’t help but smile just a little. “Puppylover99? What did he say?”

 “Work is super fun today! Got to hug a lot of people! Every time I hugged someone, I thought of you, kiddo!” Remy put on a high-pitched feminine-like voice, which made Virgil laugh, no matter how much he hated it.

            “You ass!” He would’ve hit him playfully if he could.

            “Is that what you want me to say?” Remy gave a cocky smirk, opening up messages.

            “No no no!” He shook his head madly, making his caretaker laugh even harder than Virgil did.

            “So… what- oh! He sent another.” Virgil’s smile widened as a small blush made its way onto his face, even though he was trying his best to fight it. “Anyway, I was wondering when I’d be able to hug you in person! I know we both live in Purble County.”

            Virgil’s smile was gone instantly. He had never physically met with any of his online friends before… What would he think? That he… wouldn’t be able to hug him back? Tears filled his eyes, and he couldn’t even wipe them away.

            Remy quickly pulled onto an alleyway so no one would see him like this. The caretaker quickly wiped his face and massaged the base of his neck to calm him. “I’m sorry, I should’ve read it and warned you first.”

            “It’s fine, Remy…” He sniffled.

            He was just about calmed down when he saw two people cheering just outside the alley, diving into each other’s arms.

            “It’s you!”

          “I can’t believe I found you!”

            Soulmates were a natural part of life in this world. Usually in the form of blanked out tattoos on someone’s skin that gets filled in when they meet their soulmate. There are other soulmates whose signs are a bit different, however. There was a case ten years ago where two people, one blind in the right eye, and the other blind in the left that magically gained full sight upon meeting each other. They were pronounced soulmates and are still together to this day. There were other cases where individuals didn’t have tattoos or anything of the sort, and lived their whole life out without a lover, claiming it was meant to be that way. Others have multiple soulmates. The subject is so complex, Virgil had to take multiple classes on it in high school.

 Virgil had been told by scientists and priests alike that he most likely wouldn’t have a soulmate based on the religious belief that cripples couldn’t contribute enough to a relationship, (welcome to Virgil’s church-hell) and the scientific data doctors collected from him on a weekly basis. Most of the population that was physically disabled in a 2018 case study found that they never found soulmates. Since Virgil was such a rare case, the doctors demanded data be collected from him every week to see if they couldn’t figure out what had caused it and if a cure couldn’t be found. His parents greatly profited from this, and so did he to an extent, but it just made him feel like a specimen instead of a living person.

 And seeing two people unite in the soulmate tradition only made him break down more. It wasn’t fair… it wasn’t fair…

 Remy did his best trying to distract him and take his mind away from it, wiping his tears and hugging him around his neck, where he could feel the comfort of it. After the whole meltdown finally was over, Remy suggested going to a food attraction place for lunch, and Virgil reluctantly agreed, eyes bloodshot from all his crying.

 Afternoon Benedict was a place he had never gone before, but since Remy said he knew people who worked there, he didn’t feel as anxious going. Plus, some afternoon breakfast didn’t sound half bad.

 He was wheeled in and saw a very friendly person up front with a pink apron on, saying “free hugs!” on it. He greeted them warmly, bright blue eyes, blondish-brown hair, milky white baby skin, with so many freckles dancing across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, his face looked like a sprinkled birthday cake. Virgil had to resist the smile that was tugging at his lips.

 “Hi! Where would you like to be seated?” His voice was so sugary sweet, the emo could feel his teeth rotting.

 “Anyplace with chairs that pull out. He can’t leave this one.” Remy gestured to his friend.

 Internal sigh.

 “Okay! Coming right up!” He dashed away and got a nice table ready before beckoning them over.

 Virgil got wheeled over and situated. “Now, what can I get for you two?” His honey-dripped voice asked them.

 “I guess… some scrambled eggs with toast? And apple juice with a long straw if you can manage?” Virgil kept the quiver of anxiety out of his voice well enough.

 “I’ll have my usual, bud.” Remy winked at the friendly employee.

 “Okay! It’ll be out soon!” He danced away to Virgil’s humor.

 Now came the part he dreaded about eating out. Remy took a couple bites of his food when it arrived, then started feeding Virgil. The coffee lover had quickly learned not to tease Virgil about having to be fed like an infant, as he’d either get a bite on his finger, or he’d have to help him calm from another meltdown.

 Virgil was thankful that no odd glares had been sent his way yet. Maybe Remy had set this whole thing up so he didn’t have to worry about anybody judging. No matter how tough the sunglass-wearing nerd acted, Virgil knew he had a soft side. A love for kittens, an admiration for children pop star singers, a small addiction to baby sugar sticks… he knew it was there.

 As the cooks were preparing the meal, the cheerful waiter was told to take his last 10-minute break. He skipped to the back and checked his phone excitedly. He was a little saddened that MCR10150 hadn’t responded to him yet, but he kept his hopes high and ate a quick snack while listening to music.

 Even if he couldn’t taste anything, the happy music made the food go down better, like a spoon full of sugar.

 Virgil was just about full when the bubbly waiter came over again. “Are you two ready for the bill? Or would you like to see our dessert menu?” He looked over at Virgil, who was being fed another forkful of scrambled eggs.

 “Luckyyy!” He squealed.

 The emo nearly spit his food out at that, but managed to swallow it.

 “Excuse me?”

 “I’d kill to be in your seat! Being fed without a worry in the word! You must feel like royalty! Nonono-wait!” He suddenly bowed. “My highness.”

 Virgil couldn’t help it. He bursted out laughing. Just the sheer ridiculousness and confusion-not to mention the irony- of the whole situation made him utterly crack up.

 Remy sighed with relief. He knew Patton could be overbearing at times. Yesterday, when he had told the staff and usual visitors about Virgil and how to act around him when he brought him in, Patton wasn’t there, but he was glad Virgil wasn’t offended or distraught over his behavior. It was hard to predict that kid.

 “Well… he doesn’t have much of a choice.” He explained after Virgil started to calm from his laughter. “He can’t feel any of his body other than his head and neck.”

 “Oh! I’m so sorr-“

 “No! Please don’t pity me…” Virgil growled out, interrupting the poor employee.

 Patton gave a quiet whimper, his smile becoming forced. “S-so, will that be bill or dessert?”

 Virgil felt bad now. Even though he hardly knew this living cartoon, seeing his bright cute face darken with sadness made him feel even more dead inside.

 God dammit, he thought to himself.

 “Virgil? It’s up to you.” Remy murmured. He tried to give Virgil a choice whenever he had the chance. He was indifferent to having dessert or not, but he wanted Virgil to feel like he was in control, even if it was for little things.

 “What kind of dessert menu comes out of a breakfast place?”

 To be continued…

  @cefsticklestoo @thestarswelcomemewithopenarms @my-anxiety-hasanxiety

@poptartsaysurloved @leedrop-angel @lavenders-loveforthings @ I’m sorry I forgot everyone else. O.o

[divinaes-bookofsecrets]

Hi, how are you ? 🤗 If it’s okay with you can I have a spirit guide tarot reading please ? My name’s Hunter, I’m Taurus sun, Capricorn moon and Aries rising :)) In any case thank you for answering me, have a nice day/night ! ☺️💕🌈

starting shamanic session at 2:36am

Your Spirit Guide is Evaki -------

heres what is known about your rare Spirit Guide

Native American Legends: Evaki (Ewaki)

Name: Evaki

Also spelled: Ewaki

Tribal affiliation: Bakairi

Pronunciation: halfway between eh-vah-kee and eh-wah-kee

Type: Goddess, night, dreams, bat god

Evaki is the Bakairi night goddess, aunt of the twin culture heroes Keri and Kame. Evaki has the responsibility of taking the sun out of the jar it is kept in every morning and putting it back away at night. Evaki is associated with sleep and dreams, and she is sometimes represented as a bat.

Name: Evaki

Nicknames:

Evelyn

Luna Nina (Bakunawa)

Gender: Female

Age: 16

Species: Spirit / Bat

Evaki's personality is a soft blend of calmness and sweetness. She's extremely friendly, treating everyone politely, unless they're rude to her. She usually treats those who treat her poorly with stubbornness and even a bit of a huffy edge. She doesn't like negative emotions, but sometimes they can get to her. She mediates and smudges in order to rid herself of such emotions. She tries her hardest to be the best person she can be. She's very responsible and mature, even if she's not the most competent. She seems to have a desire to be a "leader", wanting to come across as more important and to try and appeal to her higher-ups. But also because she cares deeply about others and wants to help others and do her best. She's a bit of a flirt, often treating her friends very kindly. Though she can be stubborn and she can be annoyed when her friends are acting up (especially Bakunawa). Evaki however is quite brave, often risking her own life for those of her friends and teammates. She is rarely nervous, though she has her fears, she tries her hardest to put them behind her when the situation calls for it. She's very cool, often going with the flow, however she is not used to massive changes and likes to live in somewhat of a routine. She likes to roll with the punches in smaller situations, but the bigger the situation is, the more nervous she becomes. She can be seen as a bit of a "nerd", with her intelligence and love of history and similar subjects, but she doesn't mind being a "nerd". She knows who she is and she loves it. Evaki is portrayed as a kindhearted, brave, and daring girl with an aura of coolness.

Evaki likes active activities like archery and flying. She likes to hone her skills and combat to a fine "T" and takes pride in her achievements. She's a bit of an athlete, but also loves to read books and learn about different cultures and world history. She likes dancing and singing, but doesn't show it too often. She enjoys nature and animals, especially the night sky and bats. She also likes food, mostly sweets, fruits, and naturally, bugs. She mainly enjoys hanging out with her friends. However, the animals she doesn't like are owls, snakes, raccoons, and hawks (the enemies of bats). She also has a bitterness towards bullies and evil-doers, as well as those who disrespect the things she and her friends are passionate about. She's also sensitive to bright lights and harsh winds.

Evaki's powers include her powerful sleep dust, which causes foes to fall asleep. and lose their memories. Very useful after the fight's been won! She can also communicate and sometimes control bats, but this is rare. She can also fly and run very fast and gracefully, thanks to her defeating Bunnyman and absorbing his powers. Her weapon of choice is a bow and arrow, which she is insanely good with and can shoot like a master.

What does Your Spirit Guide Look Like?

WHY HAS EVAKI APPEARED TO YOU ?

WHATS THE MESSAGES FROM SpiritGuide ?

Number 530 is a blend of the vibrations and attributes of number 5 and number 3, and the influences of number 0. Number 5 brings the influences of major life changes, making important choices and decisions, expansion and opportunity, adaptability and versatility, personal freedom, resourcefulness and life lessons learned through experience.  Number 3 resonates with courage, forgiveness, natural skills and talents, open-mindedness, self-expression and communication, optimism and enthusiasm, growth and expansion, manifesting and manifestation. Number 3 also carries the vibrations of the Ascended Masters. Number 0 is the number of the Universal Energies/Source, the beginning point, eternity, infinity, oneness, wholeness, continuing cycles and flow, developing one’s spiritual aspects and connecting with the Higher-self, and denotes freedom from limitations. Number 0 also amplifies the energies of the numbers it appears with.

Angel Number 530 indicates that the life choices and decisions you have made will bring about positive changes that will encourage auspicious opportunities to present in your life. It is also a message that you will be devoting more of your time and energy to your spiritual pursuits and your life purpose and soul mission.  

Angel Number 530 is a message that the changes you are going through are in direct alignment with your life path, plan and purpose. Continue on your current path with enthusiasm and confidence knowing that these changes are taking place for a higher purpose. Trust that you are safe and protected along your journey and the angels are beside you all the way.

Angel Number 530 encourages you to trust your intuition and inner-wisdom and allow your angels and the Ascended Masters to aid, assist and support you through these transitions. Use your natural communication skills to uplift and enlighten others. 

You can transform your life into one filled with more love and joy simply by being more self-aware each moment. There are no limits other than those you place upon yourself. Allow yourself to grow and transform in ways that suit your true self. Manifestation requires faith and trust.

Number 530 relates to number 8 (5+3+0=8) and Angel Number 8.

Personal Message for January 25 - January 31

Teamwork may be a strong theme for you this week across more than one area of your life, Taurus. You may choose to team up with a partner who shares a passion in an effort to learn something new or begin a new venture. You might also choose to sign on to a visible project in your community or with your family. This week may bring around the repaying of a debt that you had counted as lost, so repayment in one form or another may surprise you in a good way, and it may even alter your perception of someone you may have judged because of that. A lighter, brighter period is beginning where your financial picture is concerned. An invitation you receive soon may involve something that causes you to feel fearful, but you may not want to turn it down because of the people involved. For example, if you have a fear of flying, it could mean a trip to someplace that requires a flight. If you really want to go, then fight your fear.

-- Divinae🌬🌪🌟🌟☄🔥💧🪐🌦❄⚡⚡🌈⚡⚡🌟🌟🌌🌊🌍🌐🌍🌐🌍🌐🌍🌐🏨🌐🌍🌐🌍🌐🌍🌐🌏🌐🌎🌐🌎🌐🌎🌋🏝🏟⛰

[talatomaz]

solitude | rosita espinosa x fem!reader

a/n: i hope this wasn’t too confusing. i flipped between past and present a bit and tried to make it as clear as i could w/o disturbing the fic.

“jai bhagwan” ~ “praise/thank god” (hindi is my second language)

“mi preciosa hermana” ~ “my precious sister” (I used Google Translate so sorry if it’s not accurate)

warnings: mentions of blood/death/violence/assault (kinda).

word count: 2.4k

masterlist | navigation | request rules

reader was saved by rosita not long after the outbreak and the two soon became like sisters until they were separated when reader had to go on a journey by herself. but meetings with new people have their paths crossing once more...

i do not give you permission to repost or translate my fics on any platform - likes/reblogs are okay and are much appreciated

Walking along the dreary road, you winced at the bright sun shining down on you. You glanced up at the sky before quickly regretting that decision, blinking your eyes rapidly to clear the tears that formed. It had been so long since it had last rained. Not even one drop.

You had managed to find a lake and with skills you had learned from someone close to you, you were able to decontaminate the water and drink it. Not quite quenching your thirst but it’d have to do.

All around you were trees, concealing the horrors that hid within. Subconsciously patting your knife and gun, in their respective holders, you were satisfied that they were within reach. A backpack was slung over your shoulders, a rifle gun hidden beneath.

You sighed, the silence overwhelming. It was your own doing. You were the one who had decided to split from your group, wanting to find a family member who was more than likely dead. Good old stubborn y/n. Just can’t let anything go. You wiped your hands on your trousers, the remnants of dirt still lingering on.

You had had a contingency plan with your group.

You were all heading in the same direction but since you had to make a few detours, you didn’t want to hold the group up, so you had agreed to part ways. Hugs and safety concerns were exchanged but with reluctance, your group, or rather, your sister, let you leave. You all were going to end up at the same crossroads at some point and agreed to meet there as soon as possible.

But when you arrived, after your detours proved pointless, your heart dropped in your stomach at the sight before you. Hundreds of walkers covered the streets. There was no way you could pass through without being noticed. So instead, you noticed a sign post that held the name of the road and gathered a mixture of dirt and mud on your hands and left a message, hoping your group would see it and learn of your next steps.

You had heard of a place called Terminus. Signs were stationed all around the train tracks, “Sanctuary for all. Community for all. Those who arrive survive.” You had decided to make your way to this supposed safe haven.

You remembered following all the directions and you neared the station with each passing day until you had one day woken up in a hospital.

It had taken you a while, but you regained your memories after the head wound inflicted upon you impaired you and you had remembered being ordered to put your-

“Hands up.”

You stopped. You had to be hallucinating. It couldn’t be happening again. Not as you were thinking of that exact memory. Your hand slowly dropped to your gun beside you.

“Don’t even think about it. Turn around slowly and drop your bag and weapons.” The feminine voice commanded.

As ordered, you turned on your heel, gently placing your backpack and rifle on the ground and faced the two people in front of you. A black female with a sword attached to her back and a Korean male aiming a gun at you.

You watched as their hold on their guns faltered as they looked at you with concern.

“Y-You’re a-“

“Woman? Indian? Alone?” You suggested, in a sarcastic manner.

“A child.” The man finished.

Your jaw clenched, “I am not a child.”

You had been through too much to be considered a child. That had been stripped away the moment the world collapsed. Years had gone by since the end of the world, and your teenage years were just about to come to an end.

“Are you going to kill me? Because if you are, can you get it over with? If not, just let me be on my merry way.” You asked, unbothered at either option.

You realised that you had started to feel like the way you did when you had lost all your family soon after this all began. You, your mother and one of your siblings had managed to join a colony, living a pretty decent life and managing the best you could until a group had invaded during the night.

The majority of your community had managed to escape, not without a few injuries, of course, - some bringing back even more painful memories of what you had experienced before the outbreak at the hands of people close to you - and escaped into the forest. The dark sky and trees hid you from the intruders but you had soon encountered another danger. The undead kind. The rest of the survivors lost their lives to the walkers, your family included, leaving you alone.

You had managed to kill every last one of the walkers, including the ones newly animated, and when daylight came, you looked as if you were a member of the undead yourself. Both fresh blood and walker remains caked your skin but, too numb from the substantial loss you had just experienced, you simply sat on a fallen tree log, lost in your thoughts.

Even the walker suddenly dropping dead beside you with a thump wasn’t enough to break you out of your trance. Not until you were shaken back into reality by an unknown person. You had stared up into the woman’s eyes and you weren’t sure what she had seen in yours but she helped you up and took you to her group, which consisted of two other men, one friendly looking, the other more intimidating. She introduced herself and the men, and simply sighed when you remained silent.

You remembered hearing her argue about you with the larger male. He kept spouting on about some mission and she was adamant that she wouldn’t leave you alone.

Later that same night, the first night without your family, you had woken up sweating. She had calmed you, soothing you but as she wrapped her arms around you, you had winced. She had gently lifted your shirt to reveal darkened bruises on your chest and looked back at you with sorrow.

Rather than question you, she put her arms back around you and cradled your head against her. Soon enough, you found yourself speaking for the first time and had told her almost everything about you.

Fast forward 3 years and you were practically sisters; you had your own secrets, things you didn’t tell the men, and she never once allowed you to feel the way you had felt way back when she’d first found you. And she had succeeded.

Until now.

“We’re not going to kill you.” The man finished once more.

Sighing, you leaned down to pick up your belongings, “Well, okay then. Guess I’ll be going-“

You stilled when you heard a familiar voice and then a gentle laugh causing a twinge in your chest. Your eyes narrowed, not believing what you could hear when you, alongside the two other people, swiftly turned to face the direction of the sound as it grew louder. Watching as two women emerged, you straightened as your mouth dropped in shock.

“Oh my god.”

You gasped and the two women stared in your direction, a hand moving to cover her mouth in surprise.

“Y/N?”

You nearly collapsed with relief. It was her. Forgetting about the belongings beside you, you ran up to the familiar face as she did the same; the both of you clinging to each other in fear of letting go lest you lose each other again.

“God, Rosita. I can’t believe it’s you.”

You choked out, wrapping your arms around her waist as she brought you closer to her, frantic words falling from her lips.

“It’s you. You’re here. Mi preciosa hermana.” She slipped into her Spanish dialect as you did your Punjabi dialect.

“Jai Bhagwan. I tried to tell you. I-I left a message on the board-“

You tried to explain but were interrupted by Rosita placing her hands on either side of your face.

“I know. I saw, y/n. I saw. I was so worried when I saw the Terminus message. It’s not a good place. We had to destroy it. It doesn’t even matter now because you’re here and I’ve found you.”

You both hugged each other again until finally parting, arms still around each other’s waist as you stared back at the three people staring at you.

“Can someone explain what is going on?” The woman who was with Rosita asked.

“Y/N. This is Tara, Glenn and Michonne. Guys, this is y/n. My sister.”

                ✧── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧

“I’m sorry you couldn’t find him, y/n. I know how much you wanted to believe that your brother was alive.”

Rosita said, gently rubbing your back. The two of you, alongside the three other people, walked through the forest, leading you back to their group.

When you noticed the group of men, women, and a baby, their chatter ceased as they stared at you. You started to feel unease at their glares until your eyes fell upon two familiar men.

“Holy shit, well, I’ll be.”

“Hi, Big Red.”

You smiled softly as Abraham practically picked you up and hugged you close.

“You had us so worried. I’m glad to see you’re okay.”

“You too, Abe.”

You then turned your focus to the other male and extended a closed fist, laughing when the man shook it instead.

“Same old Eugene. Good to see, you big nerd.”

Now that reunions had passed, another man, whom you assumed to be the head of the group, approached you and looked at Michonne in question. She quickly explained who you were and he then started to speak.

“I’m going to ask you some questions. It’s in your best interest to answer them honestly. How many walkers have you killed?”

“More than I care to remember.”

“How many people have you killed?”

“Rick, she-“

Rosita attempted to come to your defence but stopped when you put your hand out.

“It’s okay. Two. Two people.”

You could feel Rosita’s surprise behind you; she was only aware of one.

“Why?”

“The first one hurt me and tried to hurt my family. The second was recently. He tried to hurt someone I cared about and someone she was protecting.”

You saw Rick glance back over at Michonne and she must have given her seal of approval because he looked back at you and nodded.

“Okay, you can stay with us. We don’t have much but we protect each other.”

“Good enough for me. Besides,” you pulled out some water bottles from your backpack, “I have some necessities.” You handed out the bottles to the group.

Looking over your shoulder at Rosita, you smiled, “I remembered your decontamination skill.”

“Y/N?”

Everyone’s head turned to face some trees where two people emerged.

“Oh my god, Noah! Carol! It’s so good to see you.” You walked up to the both of them and hugged them.

You hadn’t seen them since the hospital fiasco and weren’t sure what had happened to them.

“You too.”

“Yeah, you had us so worried.”

“Seems to be the running theme of the day.”

“How do you know each other?” A man you learned to be Daryl asked.

“Y/N saved me when I was at that hospital.”

“Wait, you were there?” A southern brunette asked, whose name you had yet to learn.

“Y/N, that’s Maggie.” Noah told you and tears filled your eyes at the mention of your dead friend’s sister.

“Oh my, of course. And this is Rick Grimes’ group. Beth told me all about you, Maggie. I’m so sorry. It broke me when I heard what Dawn did. Beth was the one I killed for recently. Some guy tried to come after her and Carol whilst we were at the hospital but I managed to get the upper hand and kill him. But I’m so sorry about Beth.” You explained.

“Here.” You unzipped your backpack again and took out a few polaroids and a bracelet.

“We found a camera somewhere and took these photos. And Beth, she made this and told me to hang onto it but I’d know she’d want you to have it.”

You placed the bracelet around Maggie’s wrist as she looked at the photos of you and Beth laughing. At least for a moment, she was happy before she died which Maggie expressed her gratitude for.

After a few moments of silence, Carol spoke, “Noah and I found a barn hidden in the woods. That’s what we came back to tell you. We should go before it gets dark.”

                ✧── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧

You had all settled in for the night, the sounds of crickets chirping filling the air.

Everyone had fallen asleep, aside from you and two others keeping watch. You were having trouble sleeping and rested your head against your knees. You lifted your head, however, when you felt movement beside you.

Amidst the dark, you were able to make out Rosita’s form as she moved to sit next to you, pulling your blanket so it covered her too.

“You okay, honey?”

“It’s just weird. I’ve been alone for so long and now I’m surrounded by people. It’s the first night in a long time where I can actually sleep without worrying but I just can’t.”

“Can’t sleep or can’t stop worrying?” She asked quietly, careful not to wake anyone else up.

“Both. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“It’s okay, mi vida. It’s okay.”

She shushed you as she gently moved you both so you were laying down on the floor.

She wrapped her arms around you and cuddled you into her chest.

“I got you. I promise you won’t be alone anymore.”

You relaxed your breathing and unclenched your shoulders, calmly sighing at the embrace and closed your eyes.

You were okay.

You weren’t alone anymore.

[sceptilemasterr]

MW Act 3, Scene 9 - Celebration

Title: Most Wanted: The Hollywood Killer (A CIU Screenplay)

Main Pairings: Dave x Sam

Other Pairings: N/A

Genre: Full Rewrite

Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, swearing, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: After saving L.A., Sam, Dave, Rebecca, and Rhea enjoy a night of fun as thanks for their heroism.

Previous Scene: “Just Another Prison”

Masterlist: Link

INT. CASSANDRA LEIGH’S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT

Cassandra Leigh’s penthouse is lavishly decorated, spacious, and filled with every amenity imaginable: perfect for a Hollywood star. The party is in full swing by the time Sam and Dave arrive, where they are almost immediately pulled into a big group hug by Rhea. Startled, they both hesitate for a moment before hugging her back.

RHEA: Dave! Sam! Am I glad to see you!

DAVE: Right back at you, Rhea. Glad you could make it!

RHEA: Well, thank God you’re here, because there are way too many people I don’t know at this party, and I’m kinda freaking out a little, and oh my God, Aly Griffin just talked to me and I might actually faint--

SAM (laughs): Alright, slow down, Sarkar. Have you had anythin’ to drink yet?

RHEA: No, why?

SAM: Well, there’s your problem! C’mon, let’s head to the bar. There’s gotta be somethin’ good here.

DAVE: You two do that. There’s somebody I’ve gotta find first.

Sam leads Rhea away toward a large group of people, while Dave scans the room. Finally, he catches sight of someone and walks in their direction; the camera pans around him to reveal the person he is approaching: Cassandra Leigh. She smiles with a calm familiarity.

CASSANDRA: Dave Reyes. Well, I’ll be.

DAVE: Cass! It’s been too long!

They share a friendly embrace.

CASSANDRA: So, I hear you’re the hero of the hour, hmm?

DAVE: Well, not just me. I had plenty of help. Speaking of which... I couldn’t help but notice you seemed to know my new...

He hesitates when trying to find the word to describe Sam, and Cassandra laughs.

CASSANDRA: Sam Massey. You’d better treat her right, Reyes. Because I don’t think you want to be on the receiving end of what might happen if you break her heart.

DAVE: Trust me. We’ll treat each other right. I promise.

CASSANDRA: Good. We spent quite some time talking, her and I...

She pauses, thinking for a moment.

CASSANDRA: So, I have to ask. Who took the final shot?

DAVE: What?

CASSANDRA: Sam was pretty adamant about her being the one to do it. Who killed Tull, in the end?

DAVE: Believe it or not, it was Hayley.

CASSANDRA: ...What?!

DAVE: Though, I guess, at the end of the day, Sam did get her wish. She’s the one who kicked Tull into Hayley’s shot. Rhea would’ve died if she hadn’t.

CASSANDRA: Wow. That’s quite a story, y’know.

DAVE: And you’d know all about stories.

CASSANDRA: Maybe someone’ll make this whole thing into a movie someday.

Dave laughs.

DAVE: Ha! Can you imagine?

Ryan Summers approaches the two of them, a beer in his hand.

RYAN: What’s that? Who’s makin’ a movie about you, Reyes?

DAVE: Nobody.

RYAN: Well, if it does happen, I so call playin’ you. I’d be the perfect man for the job. (imitating Dave) “You shut up, Summers, I don’t see you makin’ any big hits for a while.”

DAVE: I do not talk like that. You shut up, Summers, I don’t see--

He stops talking when he realizes he is starting to say exactly what Ryan predicted. Ryan and Cassandra laugh, and after a second, Dave joins in too.

DAVE: Alright, you got me.

He starts to walk away toward another area of the penthouse, but Ryan stops him with a hand on his shoulder.

RYAN: Oh no. You’re not escaping that easily, Reyes. I’ve gotta hear about you and that Marshal. And, may I just say, I totally called it.

DAVE (sighs): Fine, you did. Not sure what more there is to say, really.

RYAN: C’mon! Juicy details, buddy! Hit me up!

Dave smirks and shakes his head as he walks away into the crowd.

DAVE: What can I say? A guy’s gotta keep some secrets!

Over in another part of the penthouse, Sam and Rhea are sharing a drink and laughing when Rebecca approaches them.

REBECCA: Hey, girls. How’s it going?

RHEA: Officer McKenzie! Hi!

REBECCA (laughs): Oh, please. After that adventure we just shared? You’d better start callin’ me “Rebecca.”

SAM: Who knows? We might make a real investigator out of this one yet.

She winks at Rhea, who giggles and takes another sip of her drink. Rebecca pulls up a nearby chair and flops down into it.

REBECCA: So... got some good news for you all. I’m not a junior officer anymore; I’m the real deal!

SAM: What?! That’s great, McKenzie! Congrats!

REBECCA: I know, right? Beckham found me this afternoon and gave me the good news. She’s appointing me head of the La Huerta Investigative Task Force, too. It’s all a little bewildering, but I’m happy to have the added authority. It’ll help with my investigation!

RHEA: So, when do I get to get in on all this?

SAM: What, you’re not goin’ back to journalism?

RHEA: Oh, I’m still journalism-ing. (laughs awkwardly) I mean, three different website owners and a movie director already approached me about buying my story about all this, so... I think I’m set for a little while. Why not keep investigating?

REBECCA: Well, then, consider you signed up for the L.H.I... uh, whatever the acronym is.

She giggles tipsily.

SAM: Count Dave and me in too.

REBECCA: What? Seriously?

SAM: I mean, I’m pretty sure Dave’ll wanna help anyway, but if he doesn’t, I have ways of... makin’ him. Trust me.

REBECCA: Wow. Well, counting me, that’s four people already, so...

SAM: Remind me later. I gotta tell you everything we found out from Hayley. She had some interesting clues to give us, for sure.

REBECCA: About the Finem Servis?

SAM: Got it in one.

RHEA: Wait, what? You’ve gotta tell me everything!

REBECCA: Same!

SAM: Patience, you two. Y’know what Dave said to me earlier?

REBECCA: What?

SAM: “One case at a time.”

Rhea and Rebecca laugh, and soon Sam joins in as well. Reza approaches the group.

REZA: Hey, uh... hi. Rhea.

He hesitates for a moment.

REZA: Nice work back there. I heard what you did on the plane. You’ve got guts.

Rhea blushes awkwardly and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.

RHEA: Oh. I, well... thanks.

REZA: I actually... uh...

He hesitates again, looking away from Rhea. Finally, he turns to address Rebecca and clears his throat, pointedly avoiding Rhea’s glance.

REZA: Officer McKenzie? I heard about the La Huerta I.T.F. I’d just like to say, count me in. I’ll provide whatever support I can from the other side of a computer screen.

SAM: What, nerd boy, no more fieldwork for you?

REZA: I’ve, ah, seen enough of that for one lifetime, thank you very much.

REBECCA: Glad to have you on board, Reza.

RHEA: Can’t wait to be with you! AH! I mean, uh, can’t wait to work! Be on the same case! With you! Uh, I mean--

Sam elbows Rhea affectionately as she and Rebecca laugh. From behind Reza, Dave approaches and claps the young data analyst on the shoulder.

DAVE: Smooth moves, data-boy.

REZA: Oh! Dave! Uh, yeah, nothing really--

DAVE: Sam? You busy?

Sam looks around at her newfound friends. Then she smiles at Dave.

SAM: Not exactly. Why? You askin’?

DAVE: If you don’t mind.

Sam stands up from her seat and starts walking over toward the bar.

SAM: Let me grab another drink first. Then...?

Dave smiles at her.

DAVE: Balcony. Sound good?

SAM: Absolutely.

_______________________

Next: It’s All Connected

CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0

MW Tag List: @griselda1121

[staticscreenwriting]

All you have to be is here - Part 5

Synopsis: Billy has fucked up and has to do 60 days of community service at a home for troubled kids and youth. Working with the kids there makes him learn a lot about himself. Also there’s a girl there his age whohas a phenomenal smile and who is way too nice to him.

I guess I should mention there’s a lot of angst in this. Talk of substance abuse later on, physical abuse, emotional abuse. All that kind of gnarly real life stuff. It deals with kids and teens struggling with a a shitty family life so be aware of that.

Part 5 of ?

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4

Had to reupload because I forgot to tag and once I added the tags it wouldn’t show up under “most recent”. Please help a girl out by reblogging. Thank you ♥

[additional note: I am German. Sometimes I get the tense wrong or make mistakes. I am useless when it comes to punctuation. Go easy on me, please.  I’ll make a header image at some point.]

I never really ever felt so adored before Never really ever felt this type of vulnerable Don’t have to hide, don’t have to fear All you have to be is here Never really ever felt so adored before And I said I wanna feel like this forever Even if forever’s just for now We’re on fire, let us burn As the outside world, it turns We are here and alive In our corner of time Forevermore

The Arcade smells like sweat, cream soda and cool ranch doritos. Some radio friendly pop song is playing from the overhead stereo and the flashing lights of the games are driving Billy slightly mad.

He lets his eyes scan the room for the familiar mop of fiery red hair while his fingernails are digging into his palms creating crescent shapes on his skin. It’s a nervous habit he’s picked up a while ago.

She’s not here. She’s not here. The voices in his head call out to him as his heart speeds up beat by beat. She’s not here and you’ll have to suffer the consequences.

She’s not here and you’ll have to suffer.

There’s a guy leaning against the front desk, flicking through a magazine while stuffing his face with handful after handful of chips.

“ Hey uh— “ Billy approaches and glances at guy’s the name tag “— Keith, you seen a little girl around ? Bout this tall, red hair ? “

He’s met with a scowl and a raised eyebrow.

“ Why ? “

His blood starts to boil. The last thing he needs right now is this nerd giving him an attitude.

“ ‘cause she’s my sister and I was supposed to pick her up and take her home but I can’t see her anywhere. “

“ Max ? “

Billy wonders for a second if he should be concerned that this weird dude knows his sister by name then again Max spends a shit ton of time here so really It’s not too surprising.

“ Yeah, that’s her. So ? “

“ Mmh. She left like an hour ago. “ Keith says then looks back down at his magazine effectively ending the conversation.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Billy hurries back outside, dusk coloring the sky is hues of orange and pink.

She’s probably at the Sinclairs’ place or the Wheelers’ or wherever the fuck her and her friends hang out these days. To check all the places in hope to find her would take pretty much the whole evening and in the end, what difference will it make ? Neil’s gonna chew him out one way or another.

So he drives home sans Max, gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turn white. Those are the moments that make him feel like he’s 8 years old again, getting yelled at during baseball practice for not sliding the way his dad has told him to. It makes him feel just the way he did at 9 sitting at the kitchen table watching his dad scream at his mom, calling her names.

It makes him feel like a small vulnerable child.

Lost.

Broken.

Scared.

                            Billy drags himself through the door, drops his keys in the little decorative bowl and throws his jacket over the recliner before trudging towards the kitchen. Every steps feels harder than the next, as if his feet get heavier and heavier the closer the gets to his dad. Like a cow on the way to the slaughterhouse.

Neil sits comfortably by the dining table, newspaper in hand while Susan is buzzing around the room preparing the food and cleaning up all at once. Billy doesn’t think he’s ever seen his dad help around the house, ever. Not back when mom was here and not with Susan.

At the sound of his steps, both Neil and Susan turn towards the door and focus on Billy. Neil’s eyes hold the familiar cold stare. There’s absolutely no warmth in them, no hint of tenderness, love, anything positive really. Billy wonders if there ever has been. If there has been a time when Neil felt some kind of affection towards anyone. He truly can’t remember a time when his dad was treating him particularly nicely but mom or Susan surely had to have had a reason to marry this man. There must have been something redeeming about him.

“ Where’s Max. “ Neil barks at his son.

Well hello to you too.

“ She wasn’t there. I went to pick her up. She wasn’t there. “

Billy is painfully aware that his words mean nothing to Neil, that whatever he says to defend himself is just a drop of water on a hot stone. It’s for nought. It makes no difference.

“ So you just left ? “ Neil replies, neatly folding the newspaper and getting off his chair. He moves agonizingly slow, calculates every move as a predator would before going in for the kill.

“ What was I supposed to — “

“ Did I or did I not, tell you to bring Max home ? “ Neil interrupts.

“ She wasn’t there, dad. I’m not her babysitter. I don’t know where all her friends live. If she runs off how is that my fault ? “

He’s gonna have to face the consequences one way or another, might as well get his frustrations out. Billy knows that talking back isn’t the smartest idea but he’s also incredibly thick headed. His mom never raised a quitter but maybe she did raise a fool and that’s one hell of a combination.

“ I’m sorry ? “ his dad asks, thick mean eyebrows raised in mock confusion. He’s heard him alright.

“ You heard me alright. I was there when I was supposed to be there. It’s not my fault she— “

His head hits the wall before he can even finish the sentence. Neil grips his jaw so tightly Billy is sure he’s gonna leave bruises. Again.

“ You are her older brother. You’re supposed to take care of her. Be responsible. I thought I raised you right but it seems you’re just as much of an irresponsible brat as your mother. You’re a disgrace, Billy. You disgust me. No wonder she left“.

Billy is certain that Neil knows bringing up his mother hits him where it hurts the most. Ever since she left, Neil hasn’t missed a single occasion to make Billy feel responsible for it.. In the logical, rational part of his brain, Billy knows this is bullshit. That it was the yelling, the fights, the bruises that made her leave. But there’s a part of him, the part that remembers baseball games ending in tears and smashed plates on the dining room floor.

And that part believes every single painful word coming from Neil’s lips.

That part feels overcome with guilt every single day of his life.

“ Now you listen to me, son. You go out there now and look for her and you better pray to god that you find her. “

He accentuates his words with another slap to the face effectively banging Billy’s head against the wall again before shoving him towards the door.

There’s blood running down his nose as he grabs his jacket and keys and rushes outside. Just as the door slams shut and he looks up, a pair of eyes stare back at him.

Max looks guilty, like a dog being caught doing something it knows it shouldn’t be doing. “ Billy I — “

He doesn’t stay to listen, just shoves past her and gets inside his car driving off.

It’s not Max’s fault. He know this. At least not really. It’s entirely and solely Neil’s fault. For being a fucking asshole. An abusive fucking asshole. He’s the one throwing the punches. He’s the monster here.

Though Max constantly running off, constantly rebelling doesn’t help Billy’s cause in the slightest. He knows she doesn’t do it on purpose. But the thing is, she does it anyway and he’s the one having to deal with the consequences.

Now he rather takes the punches himself than have Neil put a hand on Max but still, he wishes she could just stick to the rules a little more. Spare him some bruises.

His head is pounding, throbbing. It’s hard to focus on the street right now. Trees pass by in a blur. He knows it’s dangerous to continue driving but he needs to get away. Just a little further. Just a little.

Blood is still trickling down his nose, dripping off his chin. A glance in the rearview mirror confirms his suspicion that he looks like a fucking mess right now. He wonders if mommy dearest ever imagined this was the outcome. That this is what she left him with. Bruises and bloody noses and a head that feels like exploding any second. He wonders if she cares that she did.

The lights before him shift and shimmer, dancing before his eyes like fireflies on a warm summer’s night.

He realizes he needs to stop before his vision goes completely blurry and he ends up crashing the Camaro into a tree. Not his baby.

A sign catches his eye and he pulls the car off the road and drives up the little gravel driveway towards the building that displays in bold red letters on a big white board that this is Benny’s diner and it serves “the best burgers in all of Hawkins” — their words not Billy’s.

As he gets out of his car he can feel just how lightheaded he really is, having to hold onto the Camaro for a moment to collect himself. It’s usually bad but today is a new high or low, however you wanna see it. Billy wonders if Neil finds some sick satisfaction is seeing just what kind of damage he’s doing to his son. Seeing the marks he leaves when someone doesn’t follow the rules.

It’s all about power. It’s always been. Physically and emotionally and no matter how much Billy wants to pretend he’s in charge, that’s absolute bullshit. His dad holds it all in the palm of his hand, pulling Billy along on a set of invisible strings. He knows which buttons to push, which words to spit out. Neil knows where it hurts the most — physically and emotionally.

Before he even really thinks about it, Billy drags himself towards the payphone connected to the outside of the diner. It looks worn and dirty but he can only hope it still works.

His hands are shaky as he throws some spare change into the machine before pushing down the buttons of the number he’s never used and yet still knows by heart. Just in case.

Just in case.

Just in —

“ Hello ? “ she sounds sleepy and Billy can only imagine her hair is all over the place and her makeup is smeared, half on her face still half printed onto her pillowcase.

“ Hey, it’s me. “

“ Billy ? “

“ Mmh. Did I wake you ? “

“ I uh — no. No you didn’t. “ It’s a lie. He can tell immediately though he appreciates the thought. She doesn’t want him to feel bad, wants him to know she doesn’t mind. It makes his heart feel just a little less heavy.

“ Are you alright ? “

Is he ? No. It’s the truth. The honest answer. Though it’s not the simple answer. There is no more simple in his life. There hasn’t been in a long time.

Everything in his life is just another knot in a tangled web of anger and fear and feelings he never allowed himself to feel.

What does he tell her though ? Yes, and lie. Or no and try to figure out just how to explain his entire shitty situation over a pay phone call.

He doesn’t answer at all. Because this question calls for a simple answer and he has none of those.

“ Do you know Benny’s diner ? “

“ In Hawkins ? Yeah. Why ? “

“ Can you — “ he takes a deep breath.

This is so awfully familiar. Can you come ? Can you stay with me ? Can you rescue me from this all consuming darkness that never seems to go away ?

He’s asked his fair share of questions just like that. Can you please come home. Can you ? Can you, mom ? I miss you.

He doesn’t want to ask again now because hearing the answer he’s heard all those other times, will break his heart. — No.

“ Can I what ? Come around ? Is that where you’re calling from ? Lemme just get dressed and I’ll be there, okay ? “

His heart breaks right there. Then reassembles. There’s still pieces missing but for a moment, for a fleeting second it feels like some of the cracks are temporarily filling up.

“ You sure ? “

“ I’m sure. Always !“

“ Okay.  “

“ Okay. Hey Billy ? “

“ Yeah ? “

“ Can you go inside and safe us a booth. And order me some cheese fries and a cherry coke ? “

He smirks at that, wipes the blood from his face and leans his forehead against the wall.

“ Always. “

                            Billy’s fingers nervously play with the chipping wood of the table before him. He can see the waitress eyeing him with an unreadable expression. He’s not sure if she regards him with worry or lust — or both.

She’s about to do her third round to refill his glass of water, when the bell above the door chimes up and figure rushes inside, denim jacket wrapped tightly around herself.

(Y/N) plops down across from Billy, hair wild and face void of all makeup. He can faintly make out a pillow print on her right cheek.

“ Hi, sorry it took so — oh my god. “

There’s pure and unfiltered horror on her face. As if she’s looking straight at a murder scene.

“ It’s that bad, huh ? And here I thought I could charm you with my exceptionally good looks. “ he jokes. She doesn’t laugh though. Not even a little bit. Not even a smirk or a grin. Nothing.

Instead her eyes hold a deep worry he hasn’t seen from anyone but her in such a long time, it still feels otherworldly and incredibly foreign to him.

“ What happened ? “

That’s the thing. Nothing happened. Nothing out of the ordinary and maybe that’s the biggest tragedy of them all.

Billy shrugs “ Guess my dad just isn’t my biggest fan. “

He can see just then it all clicks in her head. The bruises and the bloody nose and the constant state of anger.

“ Oh Billy “ she says, her voice but a whisper. “ Oh god. “

Before he can comprehend what’s happening she’s slid out of her side of the booth and sits down next to him. Her arms wrap around him and she buries her face in the crook of his neck. She’s warm and soft and gentle and it’s the complete opposite of the touches he’s used to from his dad.

He decides then, that her hugs are definitely in his top 5 list of favorite things on this earth.

(Y/N) slowly pulls away then gingerly cups his face trying to examine the damage.

Her eyes are glistening with unshed tears just waiting to fall. Billy doesn’t think he’s even close to be deserving of her worry, her affection and her love. But there is no way in hell he’s gonna reject it. He needs it. My god, he needs it so terribly.

“ Pretty boy, what am I gonna do with you ? “ she softly murmures, he assumes it’s just as much a question to herself as it is to him.

If only he had any idea how to answer it.

“ You think I’m pretty ? “

It doesn’t take away the gravity of the situation, the insanely heavy burden resting on them both. It does make her smile though and that’s more than he can ask for right now.

                            They spend the next hour at the diner, sharing some cheesy fries and listening to the 50s records playing over the stereo. (Y/N) doesn’t leave his side, not for a single second. He’s grateful. Having her close feels like things aren’t about to fall apart any second. She’s filling the cracks with smiles and warmth. She’s holding the seams together with soft touches and whispered words of affection.

“ Tell me something “ he says after stuffing another load cheesy fries into his mouth.

“ What do you want me to tell you ? “

“ I dunno. Something about you. I feel like you know a lot about me and I don’t know shit about you. “

She looks pensive for a moment, deep in thought as if carefully calculating just what secrets she wants to spill to Billy at 11pm in a diner at the edge of town.

He can’t fault her for that. Opening up is terrifying.

“ My mom died when I was 12 “ she replies after a moment of silence.

“ I’m sorry “.

She nods then leans her head against his shoulder “ she was a great mom. She loved me so much we were pretty much best friends, did everything together. Things were really tough for us but she always tried so hard to make life fun and happy for me. “

His mom did try, for a while. He always believed she loved him too. Then she ran off with some dude name Jeff she met at fucking Cracker Barrel. Seems like there was only so much love from her to be given to other people. And in the end Jeff won out over Billy.

“ What about your dad ? “

(Y/N) closes her eyes and takes a deep breath “ My dad was in jail for pretty much the biggest part of my childhood. Never for long but soon as he got out he found a way t get back in. When he was home he was — a rollercoaster of a person. He had times when he was the most fun person in the world, taking me to the fair and the movies and making up stories of make believe worlds. I love that man, that dad. But there were times, and they got more and more as time went on, when he was angry and scary and violent. Never to me but my mom was always on the receiving end of his wrath. I sat in my room covering my ears hoping the yelling would stop but then also fearing the moment it would because the silence was even scarier. When she was yelling at least I knew she wasn’t slumped on the floor bleeding or crying. “

There’s cold and hot shivers running up and down his spine as he listens to her story. If there’s one person in this world that he wishes he could take the pain from, it’s (Y/N). If he could just take it from her and put it all on himself, he would.

“ I was 10 when I called the police after finding my mom unconscious on the living room floor and dad gone. They arrested him again, put up a restraining order. Mom and I moved to Hawkins to be with my grandparents. Then she got sick. She died when I was 12 and I stayed with my pop and nan for a while but they — they’re old. They aren’t fit to raise a teenager so when I was 15 I got myself emancipated. That’s why I work at HHTCY. It’s a requirement to show that I am capable of living on my own and being responsible. Dad tries to contact me every once in a while. I don’t want to see him though. As far as I am concerned my father died along with my childhood when I had to pick my mother off of the floor, bleeding and unconscious. “

Billy doesn’t know what to say, there’s no words in the english language to properly express just how sorry he is that she had to go through this. How much he wishes she didn’t. How much he just wants all the pain gone and wrap her in up in quilt of safety and warmth.

So he doesn’t say anything, just pulls her closer and places a kiss on her head.

“ Pretty girl, you’re probably the most badass person I know. “

She sniffles then glances up at him with a tiny smile “ you think I’m pretty ? “

                            When they arrive at (Y/N)’s place, Luke the cat runs up to them, rubbing himself on Billy’s leg and purring up a storm. Though he never considered himself to be a cat person, Billy can admit that he’s warming up to this one particular feline. Luke is fat and happy and content. Maybe Billy is even a bit envious of him. Oh to be a housecat. What a glorious life.

(Y/N) disappears in her room for a moment and Billy let’s himself slump down on the couch. His head feels better though it’s still lightyears away from feeling good. The night feels like a goddamn hurricane of emotions. His mind was so loud at first, felt like it was never gonna shut up with thoughts of what is and what could be. Now it’s quieter, softer. Like a cozy blanket has been draped around him. To keep out the cold. The noise.

Billy kicks off his boots and takes off his red shirt leaving him in a white wife-beater. Just as he is about to lay down on the couch and settle down for the night, the door to (Y/N)’s bedroom opens and she calls out to him.

“ Billy ? “

“ Hmm ? “

She doesn’t reply, just reaches out her hand towards him waiting for him to take it.

He does. No question asked. He doesn’t know what it is about this girl, and quite honestly it terrifies him, but he would follow her to the end of the earth. Something about her puts things in perspective. No matter how cheesy it sounds, how much it makes him look like a pussy, but this girl has changed his life in the matter of about a week. This girl has brought some kind of sunshine to him. Has put parts of his heart back where they belong.

Her hand looks tiny in his. It’s such a stark contrast, her soft smooth skin against his all rough and calloused. It shouldn’t feel right but it does. It feels like it the only thing that’s right in his life. It feels perfect.

“ I can not let you sleep on the couch in this condition. I — it’s too small for you and it’s uncomfortable. “

“ It’s alright. “

She just shakes her head. “ I don’t want you to sleep alright. I want you to sleep well. Comfortable and warm and cozy. “

She has the most gorgeous eyes he’s ever seen. Like stars. How fucking cheesy.

“ So what, you gonna let me sleep in your bed ? “ he jokes, teasingly raising his eyebrow.

He thinks his heart about stops when she bites her lip and nods, pulling him towards her bedroom. And it’s not because of any sexual implications. This feels so much more intimate than casual sex ever could. Just the mere thought of falling asleep next to her sends a weird tingling sensation through him. To fall asleep holding her. To wake up next to her. Messy hair and pillow print and sleepy eyes and tired smile and all.

“ Okay. “ and this time it’s his words that don’t come out as more than a whisper.

                            The morning sun shines through the curtains of (Y/N) bedroom window, enveloping the room in a golden glow.

Billy opens his eyes to the sudden brightness lighting up the room. A glance at the clock on (Y/N)’s bedside table tells him that it’s 9:42, they’re already late for school might as well sleep in. After last night’s events neither of them thought of setting an alarm.

Billy looks beside him to the sleeping girl still blissfully unaware of anything but her dreams. He hopes they’re good ones. A selfish part of him hopes there’s a place for him there somewhere in her dreams.

It’s a strange sensation to wake up in a girl’s bed when he hasn’t had sex with her. He doesn’t think it ever happened before. Strange. Not uncomfortable though. Not at all.

As if sensing someone looking at her, (Y/N) grumbles in her sleep then reaches out towards Billy. When her hands find his arm, she crawls closer towards him and cuddles into his side as if it’s no big deal. And maybe it isn’t. Friends cuddle all the time, right ?

Thing is, it IS a big deal. At least to Billy it is. He’s not cuddled with anyone is such a long time. He definitely doesn’t cuddle his hookups. That’s way too intimate. Way too personal.

Billy Hargrove never thought of himself as a cuddler but as he pulls (Y/N) closer and feels her warm and soft against him, he thinks he might have been wrong about that. If this is what cuddling feels like, he’s definitely a cuddler.

So he closes his eyes again to fall back to sleep with the girl in his arms that changes everything.

                            “ Can’t believe you convinced me to skip school. You’re a bad influence Billy Hargrove. “

Driving along the roads of Huckley, sunshine flooding the streets, the two chew away on their late late breakfast to go. Having agreed that there was no point in going to school after having missed quite a bit, the two of them decided to just head over to HHTCY a little earlier than usually.

“ We were late anyway. And don’t pretend like you don’t enjoy it. There aren’t enough scoundrels in your life. “

(Y/N) gasps “ did you just quote Star Wars to me ? Holy shit, Billy Hargrove is a nerd after all. “

“ Ah shut up. “

He doesn’t want her to shut up though. He’ll gladly listen to her ramble on about some nerdy movies he doesn’t really give a shit about if it means she’s happy. If it means he gets to see her smile.

“ So what’s on the agenda today ? “ Billy asks before taking another bite from his bagel.

“ There’s a uh — group session. “ she says, glancing at Billy. Though her eyes don’t meet his. Instead they rest on the bruises scattered across his face.

“ Why are you looking at me like that ? “

“ Mmm, you know, a lot of the kids there come from homes where they’ve experienced domestic violence. Talking about it helps them, maybe — “

“ — I’m not gonna talk about my feeling with some looney doctors “.

“ You could talk to me “.

Billy puts the car in park but doesn’t get out, just stares straight ahead trying to find the right words. He hasn’t had anyone to talk to in so long it’s hard and scary to change his ways. He wants to talk to her it’s just so much to unpack, half of it he hasn’t even dealt with himself.

“ I know that. “

“ Good, that’s all I want. Always, yeah ? “

He nods and places a soft kiss on the top of her head before getting out of the car and walking towards the big brick building.

Even her hair feels soft and warm, goddammit.

                            With every story shared Billy gets more and more angry. His blood keeps bubbling and boiling at the thought of what some of these kids have been through.

It makes him acutely aware of the bruises littering his skin. Though he’s a big guy, he can take it. These are kids. Innocent kids who don’t do anything wrong. They didn’t ask for this. The dysfunctional family dynamics. The frustration and the stress and the blame and the hurt.

What makes him even more angry, is that some of the adults in this room, professionals or not, don’t seem to grasp the situations. They have a lot of nice words the shower the kids with. They’re empty phrases though, written by someone who’s never had to go through the struggles he thinks can be overcome with positive thinking and focusing on the good in the world. The happy things.

“ Try to focus on the good things “

Enough. Enough.

Fucking enough.

“ That’s such bullshit. “

It’s the first time he’s ever spoken up in any session, ever, which means all eyes immediately focus solely on Billy. Then again, maybe it was also because of the swearing.

“ Would you like to participate in our discussion, Mr. Hargrove ? “ Lydia questions, still slightly perplexed by the fact that Billy of all people is suddenly showing interest in the conversation.

“ Sure. I said It’s bullshit ! “

“ Excuse me ? “

“ Oh you heard me. This whole thinking positive shit is old news. That stuff doesn’t work for someone who comes from a completely normal family and it most certainly doesn’t help when your dad thinks a new black eyes would really suit you. There’s no positive thoughts to fall back on when you’re all alone in your room with nothing but yelling from downstairs and the fear that once this fight is over you’re the next to feel the wrath.

A positive side doesn’t exist for most things in my life. In those kids’ lives. The good stuff is fine and the bad stuff is real fucking bad. Horrible. No happy thoughts for those days when you’re covered in bruises and blood from your nose courtesy of your father’s fist. You tell those kids that one day the good is gonna outweigh the bad. How can you be so sure ? Cause I can tell you right now, so far I can’t confirm that. “

“ Billy “ (Y/N) approaches him, placing her hand on his arm. He doesn’t shake her off though he’s not finished.

“ Stop telling the kids that the storm is gonna blow over. Maybe it will but the damage is done and It’s gonna weigh down on them for a long time. A long ass time. And you get so used to feeling nothing but anger and sadness. So when a good thing comes in your life, it’s fucking terrifying., because what if this too ends up leaving, what if you mess up this good thing ? “ he says then look over towards (Y/N) then back to Lydia “ You don’t tell ‘em that, do you ? “

Billy doesn’t wait for an answer, just rushes out the room, hands clammy at the anger and frustration cursing through his system.

He leans against the cool brick wall of the building, taking drag after drag from his cigarette trying to calm his nerves, as a pair of arms wrap around his middle from behind. (Y/N)’s places her head between his shoulder blades just holding him close for a moment. Billy thinks his heart might combust right there and then. She seems to have a magical ability to take away all the anger, all the pent up rage. And in its place there’s only calm.

The cigarette drops from his hand and he toes it out before placing his hands on hers, taking one of them in his and placing soft gentle kisses on her skin.

What is this girl doing to him ? And why is it both insanely scary and absolutely wonderful ?

                                                        Taglist:

@babygal-babygal / @anxiousamandapanda / @imjusthereforsupernatural / @chhhcherybomb / @tomarisela / @noodlenerd101 / @xxcxrolinexx / @bippity-boppity-boopa / @mcrmarvelloki /

[justsmilestuffhappens]

Day 1 (10th of February) - Secret admirer @buddietinesweek

Secrets, Lies, and What You Hide Inside.

Today was starting out good as Buck didn’t hit much traffic on his way to work. He managed to be in before pretty much everyone today. Confusion crossed his face as Buck looked at the card currently in his locker. He picked it up as if it was dangerous to touch. No one was around to see so he read it out loud.

“I can’t keep my eyes off of you.” Buck flipped it over and held it up to the light as if there was invisible ink. No one had signed it.

He stuffed it into his bag before going to start his shift with the card on his mind the rest of the day.

Who was it from and why didn’t they sign it?

-

Eddie came in a little late but not too badly as he saw the others upstairs with Cap already having breakfast. He waved before going to change. He had his shirt in his hand ready to trade it for the one in his locker when something fell out of it and onto his feet.

He bent down to grab the fuzzy thing. It was two teddy bear holding a shared heart between them.

Eddie huffed amused. The tag on one of the ears was left blank. He started at the different colored bears before stuffing them back in and tugging on his shirt with a smile.

He didn’t give it another thought until later when they were coming back. Was it a friendly gift or a joke? The only gay guy he knew at the station worked the other crew shifts and he barely knew him.

“Something on your mind Eddie?” Buck asked.

“Yeah. No. It’s nothing. Nice save on that debris.”

“Ha. Gotta keep you safe man. You’d do the same for me.” Buck bumped Eddie as he returned to looking out the window of the truck.

Could it be-? No.

-

Buck walked up to his door. He froze and pulled out his phone.

“Athena!”

“Buck, what’s wrong?!” He heard her shuffling around.

“Someone left a package at my front door! My mail goes to a P.O. box or our mail room drawers. I didn’t know what to do.” Buck’s voice was shaky.

Athena huffed. “You piss off anyone lately kid? No right?” She must have closed her car door because buck heard it.

“I don’t think so. But, I- what if it’s.”

“Buck it’s okay. He’s still in jail. Do you know what day it is?”

“Yeah. It’s the tenth, of, February.”

“Yeah Buck. You don’t think it’s a Valentine’s gift. It could still be something you don’t want just not as bad. I’m almost at your place.”

Buck stood still until he heard Athena coming.

“You good?” she asked.

“I’m sorry. I just- I don’t know why. I forgot what day it was.” Buck apologized.

“It’s fine Buck. We have every reason to be a little jumpy but I highly doubt it’s that bad.”

Athena pulled out a pocket knife and opened it with Buck beside her.

Balloons floated out as chocolates were inside a sealed package from a local gift shop.

“Oh thank God.” Buck breathed a sigh of relief.

“See. Nothing to worry about. You feel better?”

“Yeah. Thanks Athena. I’m sorry I wasted your time.” 

“You’re never a waste of anything. Now go inside and get some sleep. If this secret admirer is any trouble you tell us alright?” Athena hugged Buck before going to leave.

Buck gathered the balloon strings and pulled it all inside.

They both had noticed there was no note or card on this one too. He sniffed the chocolate questionably before taking a bite, they had a crunchy inside to them.

Well at least it wasn’t that bad. Maybe he did jump to conclusions. But buck still had no idea of who it was. Whoever it was they had access to the firehouse and knew where he lived. He hoped they didn’t take rejection badly if he didn’t feel the same. If it wasn’t the person he wanted it too.

He thought about taking some to Eddie and Chris but how would he explain where he got it and why. Plus Eddie was just as tired after their late shift so he wasn’t going over just to wake him for the same reason he called Athena first.

Buck went up to bed and plopped down like a starfish.

“Who is it?” he wondered.

-

Eddie was checking his mailbox as he saw something on his windshield. He walked over to look at the paper..

“How the hell did I get a ticket? I didn’t-”

Eddie paused and looked around.

He grabbed the rose and opened the note tied to it.

“You’re always on my mind.”

No one was outside aside from Ms. Cooper and a jogger he barely waved to once in a while.

He took it inside with his mail.

“Aww Daddy, you got a rose for Valentine’s day?” Christopher looked up from his bowl.

“Umm. Yeah. I guess so. Let’s finish getting ready for school mijo.”

Eddie left it on the kitchen table along with the mail.

The last person to visit them was Buck. But he left before Eddie came inside and that wasn’t there. He wouldn’t turn around just for that, right?

Eddie was thinking. Whoever it was they knew his house and truck and snuck to deliver it. Then they got to his locker the other day too. It had to be someone he knew. Maybe it was-.

“Dad I’m ready!” Christopher said by the door.

-

Eddie walked into the firehouse with his secret weapon at the ready in his pocket.

He saw buck upstairs with the others. He got changed and headed up.

“Hey Buck. Can-”

“I need to talk to you.” Buck interrupted him.

“Yeah. Bunk room, now.” Eddie motioned over.

They didn’t see the others faces as they went to talk.

Buck closed the door to the empty room so they could have some privacy.

“I’ve been getting these gifts leading up to today. Did you-?” Eddie asked.

“Yeah. I did.” Buck said nodding. “And. I wanted to give you this.”

Buck pulled out a chocolate kiss and handed it over.

“I have something for you too.” Eddie smiled as he pulled out a conversation heart that read ‘I ♡ You’.

“Ha. We’re nerds.” Buck chuckled. 

“Wrong candy Buck.” Eddie laughed with him at that.

“I can’t believe you feel the same way. I- I’m really glad you sent those too me even if it was scary that one time.” Buck said pulling Eddie into a hug.

“Wait. What? ” Eddie asked.

“The box. I thought it was a bomb but you sent me those chocolates and balloons. I was so dumb I called Athena because I was scared.” Buck said.

“You have every right to be scared Buck. I’m glad you’re ok but I didn’t send that.” Eddie tilted his head.

“What are you talking about. You just said you were getting me these things leading up to Valentine’s today Eddie.” Buck said.

“No. I was getting gifts sent to me and I thought it was you that sent them to me. I got bears and a rose.” Eddie said.

“But. I didn’t get you anything. I couldn’t risk doing that. So you really didn’t get me anything? But, you do like me too though right? As more than a friend?” Buck looked like he was gonna throw up.

“Yes. God buck. I think I love you. I just couldn’t risk, us, this.” Eddie said.

“But if you didn’t give me gifts and I didn’t give you gifts then who did?” Buck asked as they heard movement outside.

“Ah ha. Caught you red handed!” Athena said.

“What?” “I’m innocent” “Thena?” 

Buck and Eddie moved to open the door.

“Aww man they were finally talking.” “The waiting for them to realize it's over we're free.” “I didn’t do anything” Hen, Chimney, and Bobby said as Athena looked at them.

“What’s going on?” Buck asked with Eddie in the doorway.

“Just these three meddlin’ is all. I bet Maddie was in on this too.” Athena said as Buck asked her to explain.

“The chocolates are from Maddie’s favorite place which I was reminded of this morning when I saw her. Chimney got her strawberries there. The bears Harry thought Bobby got me were in your locker weren’t they Eddie?” Athena asked.

“She’s really good.” Eddie said.

“You can say that again.” Buck nodded.

“I’m glad you’re not cheating but pretending to be Buck for Eddie. Bobby really? What’s all this matchmaker fever about? They’re grown men. They can talk and so can y'all,“ Athena said.

“You don’t have to work with them though.” “We can see it, they’re just blind.” Chimney and Hen said waving their hands up in exasperation.

“Wait. You two tried setting them up too?” Bobby said taking in what Athena said.

“Thank you.” Buck said silencing everyone. “If you’ll excuse me and my boyfriend to be we’ll be laughing at this actually working for us. Bye. Thanks for explaining things Athena.” Buck grabbed Eddie’s hand and and pulled him over to the couch.

“You’re lucky they didn’t get angry at you or this didn’t ruin their friendship. And you mister owe me a bear and dinner tonight. Happy Valentine’s.” Athena said pointedly before heading out.

“So, umm. Who wins that bet if all of us are disqualified for interfering now?” Chimney asked.

“Wouldn’t it be Thena?” Hen said as they saw her smirking as she turned to say good bye.

She totally knew it. And she was getting dinner to top off her winnings tonight.

-

“So Chimney and Hen got me stuff to make me think it was you. I can share the chocolate with you and Christopher now.” Buck said as they sat together.

“And i guess Bobby and maybe Maddie left me the bears and rose to think it was from you. I’m just glad you didn’t turn me down.” Eddie said smiling at buck.

“Pft. Like anyone would wanna turn you down. I had my own doubts to worry about.” Buck said.

“I’ll be happy to get rid of those if you’ll let me.” Eddie said grabbing Bucks hand.

“Yeah? I- think I’d like that.” Buck laughed.

Maybe they did owe the others for helping them in their round about odd ways.

[jaskier-the-bard]

"Nobody has seen you in days" from the angst prompt list, for Geralt x Jaskier. Bonus points if its from Geralt to Jaskier! Thank you!!

So this is actually the request that made me think of Leon. I hope that you like the encounter! 

@awhitewyvern @dazedandinked @a-hopeful-disaster @yeet-me-out-tonight @chelseabunnyhoney @jacksnervesofsteel @thatonequaker @theflamboyantstranger @dinchenrockt @this-is-whump-dammit @avengerssherlocknerd @rock-on-the-radio @sarcasmwithasideofsass @spookylostboy @borncreativity @darknightchan @sayoonnor @passionfangjrl @master-of-apostrophes @hologh0st @wickedrum @jemenszi @jacksnervesofsteel @ironwinterhawk @baldyxavier @watanukidomeki @tyrala1 @not-so-daily-shit-of-a-fangirl @pandabearlawliet @sapphic–nerd @widevibratobitch @creativeautistic

Warnings: Homophobia, internalized homophobia, alcoholism, crying, and self-hatred

Pairings: Brief Jaskier/OC and developing Jaskier/Geralt 

Jaskier was missing. The bard had appeared to completely vanish off the face of the continent, leaving no note, no belongings, and no sign of when he would return. If anyone asked him, Geralt would have said he didn't care. He would have said good riddance, he and the bard weren't really that close anyway, and when he showed up again tell him Geralt of Rivia never even looked at him. But the truth was, Geralt did care. A lot. Far more than he cared to admit, actually. And he did look for Jaskier. Geralt searched every bar, inn, brothel, and establishments that had bards play for them that he knew Jaskier frequented. He had almost given up on his search completely when he stumbled into one last bar late that night, hoping for some beer before finally heading home. He paid the bartender his dues and pulled his drink towards him, taking it back and drinking a long, hard, gulp. He set it down with a grunt, took a breath, and almost took another swig when he saw the patron beside. He wore a large cloak with the hood covering his face. It was barely nightfall, but the stranger was surrounded by empty mugs of beer and gods knew what else. 

"You alright there?" Geralt asked, trying to sound nonchalant, but quietly concerned for the person beside him. The stranger had begun to lift another drink to their lips but they froze at the sound of Geralt's voice. There was a long, loud sigh and a soft 'fuck' before the hood was lowered. Geralt recoiled in surprise. "Jaskier! What are you doing here?" The bard huffed and waved his drink, tipping his head back and downing the whole thing in one go. He slammed it down when he finished and wiped his mouth, gesturing to the bartender for another. "No one has seen you for days! Is this what you've been doing? Drinking all your money away?" Geralt demanded, his tone rising slightly with anger. 

"Hello to you, too," Jaskier muttered, rolling his eyes and taking his drink from the bartender. Geralt grit his teeth in irritation, turning away from the annoying bard and getting another drink for himself. Maybe Jaskier should have stayed gone, he was just as insufferable drunk as he was normally. He was taking another drink of beer when he heard a soft sniffle from next to him. He glanced over at Jaskier to see the bard rapidly wiping away a stray tear. His eyes were already rimmed with red and his face was wet from tear stains. Geralt's jaw dropped in alarm. How had he not noticed that before? Jaskier met his eyes for a moment and Geralt saw a mix of shame, anger, and sadness within them. Seeing his friend (for that's truly what Jaskier was, even if Geralt denied it) hunched over a mug of ale with his eyes puffy and red pulled at Geralt's heartstrings in just the right way. He moved closer to the bard. 

"Talk to me." Jaskier choked out a laugh, shaking his head and taking another drink. 

"There's nothing to tell, I promise you. I thought you were tired of my talking anyway," he replied, raising an eyebrow at Geralt over his drink. The witcher sighed, looking down into his beer and trying to figure out what to say. The silence that commenced between them was tense and awkward, but neither of the men seemed brave enough to break it. The tense silence was broken by a stranger approaching Jaskier at the bar. 

"Hey there, handsome. Come here often?" the young man said, winking at Jaskier as he bought himself a drink. He wasn't bad looking, with fair, messy, blond hair, blue eyes, and a tall, lean frame. He was fairly muscular as well but looked like a twig next to Geralt. Jaskier looked the man up and down and his face turned red but he rolled his eyes, scooting closer to Geralt.

"Sod off," he snapped, taking another drink from his mug. Geralt waved to the bartender for another drink but kept an on Jaskier's admirer. The man seemed to stumble over his next words a bit. Good. Not a real threat then, just an oblivious moron. 

"Aw, come on now, don't be shy. I'm just trying to be friendly. My name's Leon." The man stuck out a hand, which Jaskier ignored. Leon began to talk again but Geralt cut him off by slamming his mug down on the bar, making both of the younger men flinch. "Can I help you?" Leon asked, no bite in his voice, looking at Geralt with genuine confusion. 

"The bard said to leave him alone," Geralt said gruffly. Leon frowned and began to protest when Geralt drew his sword, pushing the pointed end under Leon's chin. He froze, looking at the tip of the blade with crossed eyes, swallowing nervously. 

"Right. I'll leave you two to it then!" Leon said quickly, giving Geralt a grin and a two-fingered salute before scurrying off back to the corner he came from. Geralt grunted and took a seat directly next to Jaskier. The bard sighed, swirling his drink and looking down at it sadly. 

"Shame, he's my type too. If only he'd caught me at a better time..." Jaskier said mournfully, resting his chin in his hand. Geralt was taken aback at the comment about Jaskier finding the other man attractive, having always assumed his companion was straight, but if he was being honest it made sense that Jaskier liked getting the best of both worlds. He cleared his throat awkwardly, shifting in his seat at the bar. 

"What...what exactly did happen, Jaskier? You vanished into thin air, and then I find you getting absolutely plastered all alone in a bar. What's wrong?" Geralt asked. He hoped that he sounded sincere. Jaskier chanced a glance at him before staring back into his mug, chewing at his bottom lip. 

"You'll think it's stupid." Geralt rolled his eyes. "No, really, you will, and I'm not exactly in the mood to be laughed at," Jaskier mumbled. Geralt's smile faded and he sighed, turning in his seat so that he faced Jaskier, leaning against the bar and looking at the bard intently, giving him his full attention. Jaskier's eyes flickered over Geralt's face, searching for any sign of insincerity. Finding none, he cleared his throat and began his brief but telling explanation. "I had a rather unsavory encounter with someone a little while ago..." Jaskier's voice trailed off and he looked at Geralt somewhat fearfully, but he just saw the witcher staring back at him. He licked his lips before continuing. "He didn't show any signs of it at first. He was at my performance that night, and then...well, he said he liked me. I've always been open to partners of either sex, so I agreed. It turned out to be a trick. There were...three other men in the room." Jaskier glanced down quickly, his fingers tightening around his mug until they were white. "They, ah...called me some things. A flaming faggot, for one. That made me laugh, it's such a ridiculous saying, but they said other things that were much crueler. Threw a few punches as well, but it was nothing too awful. It was mostly...their...the way they looked at me. Like I was some sort of freak." The bard's voice was quivering slightly and he sniffed, hastily wiping at his face, trying to make it look like he was rubbing dirt off. Geralt's intense gaze softened slightly. 

"That's why you said no to Leon, then. The encounter has...made you afraid of strangers approaching you?" Geralt guessed, his hand twitching slightly as he fought the urge to put an arm around his friend. Jaskier nodded quickly, sighing and wiping at a few more stray tears. Geralt looked around the bar until his eyes fell on Leon. The man was drinking alone, his chin resting on one of his hands as he looked off with a rather bored and sad expression. "The lad seems sincere enough. Why don't you go talk to him?" Geralt commented. Jaskier straightened and turned slightly to follow Geralt's gaze. He looked at Leon for a moment before shaking his head, smiling slightly to himself before turning back to the bar. 

"He seems nice enough, but...well. I've got all the company I need right here," Jaskier said quietly, looking at Geralt with a wider smile and taking a drink. Geralt blinked in surprise but couldn't help smiling a bit himself. He moved closer to Jaskier, their arms almost touching. Anyone who saw the two of them there together at the bar would have immediately known the affection that they held for each other. It would take just a little longer for them to find out themselves. 

[katoninefandoms]

I wanna share something about Endgame, friends. This is what Quarantine is leaving for me to think about.

First, I need to tell you a li’l bit about me. My parents have done community theatre for years and even met because of our local community theatre, so I have been involved in theatre basically from birth. For a long time, I thought I wanted to be a professional actress. I worked hard in my theatre classes in high school to understand how to get into a character’s head and how to analyse a scene or a whole play. My senior year of high school, I got the chance to student direct and stage manage and TA for my theatre teacher. So as I got into college, I realized that maybe acting wasn’t the way I wanted to go. I did some soul-searching, and decided that, instead, I wanted to teach theatre. I’ve been taking classes that are all about analyzing plays, and I’ve been in acting and directing classes at the collegiate level.  All this is to say, I’m at a point where I cannot watch a play or movie or TV show without analyzing the piece as I watch. Sometimes it’s annoying, but sometimes I love it because I feel like I have a better understanding of what is going on. This has been especially fun the last couple of years watching Marvel movies. A couple of my friends in my university’s theatre program who are also nerds had a conversation with me about Infinity War. We talked about how a lot of the movie is just suspense and buildup until the final battle in Wakanda, and at the end, there is no pay off because we don’t win. The heroes don’t accomplish their goal. This is when my good friend, Nor, pointed out that sure, from the hero perspective, it’s a lot of buildup for no payoff and therefore unsatisfying, but from Thanos’ perspective, it’s a totally satisfying narrative. If you analyse the movie with Thanos as the protagonist, then there is a clear, complete narrative structure. We have a Stasis A where he is without the stones, an Inciting Incident where he collects the first couple stones, the Rising Actions are him collecting the rest of the stones, right before the climax there is the Crisis (the moment where the protagonist is at their absolute lowest) where Thanos has to sacrifice Gamora for the soul stone, he snaps his fingers as the Climax, and then the Resolution and payoff is that the snap works and Thanos can retire to “the Garden” satisfied. Bam! Full narrative structure.  So as you can see, I have a good time analyzing works that I love. I did this with Endgame, too. For the record, there were things I was unhappy with, but overall, I think the endings all made sense in some way. Were they perfect? No, but that’s always the case. Someone will always be unhappy and present reasons why something doesn’t make sense with franchises like the MCU. But my favorite scenes to analyse in Endgame were Tony giving Steve back the shield in conjunction with Tony ripping Steve a new one at the beginning and their discussion at Tony’s house. I thought I really had their little arc in this film together figured out. 

That is, until this week. Robert Downey Jr. did this live stream thing with Joe Russo, and said of the Endgame scene where he gives the shield back to Chris Evans, “it was about him [Steve] forgiving me [Tony] for not forgiving him... burying the hatchet and taking up the cross together.”

I had not considered this before. In the beginning, when Tony yells at Steve, Steve doesn’t argue with him much at all. He takes Tony’s frustration in stride and for the rest of the film doesn’t seem to begrudge it at all. He even shows up to Tony’s house years later to ask him for help, and he may not be happy with Tony’s answer, but he doesn’t bother him with it or push him too hard once Tony says no and changes the subject. I interpreted this as a sign that he had already forgiven Tony. Tony then investigates time travel of his own volition, and then arrives at the compound, telling Steve, “Turns out resentment is corrosive and I hate it.” I saw this as Tony letting Steve know, in true Tony fashion, that he had finally forgiven him. He gives back the shield, and they can move forward. 

RDJ was in the scene, he and Evans and the directors did their own analysis of the scene and filmed it with that analysis in mind. So while I, a viewer, might see something different, it doesn’t mean than either of us are right or wrong, it just means that I missed something that they were trying to show the audience. This piece of information really does change how I interpret this scene. 

As a character, Steve Rogers has an incredible capacity for forgiveness. This is reflected in every official piece of media I’ve seen his character in; movies, television, and the few comics I’ve had the chance to read. Still, just because someone has a the capacity to forgive and move one doesn’t mean that it’s automatic for them. RDJ made an interesting point in saying, “forgiving [Tony] for not forgiving [Steve].” While I may have been correct in interpreting Steve as having forgiven Tony for their disagreements in Civil War (and perhaps all those before that), he had no way of knowing if Tony would have the same forgiveness for him. 

As it turns out, Tony doesn’t. He accuses Steve, yells at him, tells him he doesn’t trust him, and labels him “Liar.” Steve looks incredibly pained by Tony’s outburst at the end of that scene, and he even begins to look a little... well, angry isn’t the right word, and neither is defensive. But he’s definitely upset. I’m looking at the scene now, I have is paused. Credit where credit it due, Chris Evans plays Steve very well, and keeps him consistent. In this moment, after Tony says, “Liar,” Steve'a expression is very close to that “eyebrows of disappointment” face that we see in previous films. He also looks guarded, like he’s putting up mental walls against Tony’s onslaught. When Tony thrusts the arc reactor into Steve’s hand, his fingers don’t close around it, and his arm tenses. Tony’s upset him, hurt him again. Somehow, I overlooked this as something new that Steve would have to forgive Tony for. 

It seems that they may be on a little better terms when Steve, Natasha, and Scott show up to Tony’s house to ask him for help. However, Tony looks apprehensive when Steve gets out of the car and only relaxes a little once he takes a cue from Natasha. Steve does ask him about helping, but then Tony spends most of their conversation talking to Scott and Natasha. Not that Steve really attempts to interject in the conversation until the end. He makes it clear that this isn’t a personal request (entirely), and that it could be helpful to a lot of people. Tony maintains that it is personal to him. He invites them to stay for lunch if they don’t “talk shop” and the next shot is of Steve, Nat, and Scott getting back in the car. We can’t know for sure they didn’t stay for lunch, but it seems obvious to assume so. Either they are very eager to find a time travel solution, or there are people in the group who are not yet comfortable being around the Starks in a friendly capacity yet. (Steve. I’m implying that it’s Steve.)

So then Tony does some of his own research about time travel. He figures it out in one night, and Pepper convinces him that he should use it to help people that are less fortunate than him. He drives up to the compound and sees Steve standing outside. He stops, a little past Steve. And Steve? Doesn’t bother to walk up level with the driver’s side door, something that I could otherwise imagine him doing. Tony has to back up to talk to him, and Steve asks, “What are you doing here?” He previously said he wasn’t going to help, and Steve doesn’t sound all to pleased to see Tony. Why is that? Well, in the next few lines, it seems to give us the answer. “Somebody could’ve cautioned you against it,” Tony says. Steve, having heard that kind of remark from Tony before, is apparently no longer willing to argue with him about it and says, “You did.” “I did? Oh, well, thank God I’m here.”

I had a director tell me once, as another actor and I were practicing an argument, that you don’t argue with someone unless you care. That’s where the passion in the argument comes from. So far in this scene, Steve doesn’t look too happy to see Tony, and I didn’t really pay attention to that before. He’s been let down by Tony before like this, and that pattern hasn’t changed yet. He has no reason to expect Tony to do anything but tell him he’s doing it wrong and then maybe take Natasha out to lunch (or something). That seems like a relatively Tony Stark think to do. 

But then Tony reveals that he fixed it. He figured it out. That makes Steve smile. Honestly, Steve looks relieved. His walls come down a little. He can let himself believe that Tony is there to help, as opposed to, “I got nothin’ for you Cap. I got no coordinates, no clues, no strategies, no options, zero, zip, nada. No trust. Liar!” In fact, this time, Tony admits, “Turns out, resentment is corrosive, and I hate it.” Tony’s forgiven Steve, and that’s his way of saying, in his own way. I find that a lot with Tony’s dialogue, which is cool, because RDJ plays him so well and you can always tell what he means. To that, Steve says, “Me, too.” 

However, the way he says it doesn’t sound like forgiveness just yet. I think it’s his inflection, or the way he says it with a blank face, still, but it sounds more like he’s letting Tony know that he’d already come to that conclusion. Remember, before, at the beginning of the movie, Steve is trying to work with Tony and gets upset when he goes off. He’d already forgiven Tony for things that Tony hadn’t yet. Steve had already let go of a lot of that resentment. He’s got a huge capacity for forgiveness. But even those of us who can forgive easily can also hold back when we’re hurt one too many times. Steve is still not quite ready, or not quite convinced. 

I notice that Steve doesn’t move at all during this scene. He’s planted. Tony is the one to bridge the gap and approach Steve as he agrees to join them, saying he needs to keep what he’s found. Steve shakes his hand, saying that is a “deal.” That’s business, not friendship. He’s still not smiling or relaxed with Tony, and simply shakes his hand. Tony is no idiot, he can tell he doesn’t fully have Steve’s confidence yet. He goes around to the back of the car, and Steve follows a little. He’s warming up, there’s at least some of the damage healed. 

Tony takes the shield out of the trunk and holds it out to Steve. “Tony, I don’t know.” His voice thins, breaks off a little at the end. This is more than just getting the shield back. The last time they spoke to each other before Endgame, Tony was screaming at Steve that he didn’t deserve the shield, that it didn’t belong to him. Steve, in Civil War, drops the shield, and, effectively, drops Tony. Taking the shield back will mean, symbolically, accepting Tony’s apology and forgiving him, taking him back as a friend. The shield is Tony’s olive branch, but Steve “[doesn’t] know” if he can accept it. 

“Why? He made it for you.” Tony holds out the olive branch a little further. Saying that, he’s taking back what he said before. He knows he was wrong, and he’s admitting that to Steve -- which is something he hardly ever seems to do. He turns it over so that he can fit it on Steve’s arm, and Steve lets him. “Thank you, Tony,” Steve says. His voice is still low, soft, but it’s warmer. He’s forgiven Tony again. He’s accepted the olive branch, the shield, and they are now on even ground once more. Tony asks if they’re getting the team together, and Steve immediately answers, starting to get Tony filled in on their progress. 

I didn’t think I could love this scene between the two of them more, but I do. It’s so easy to forget sometimes that Steve can be hurt by people, too. He forgives so easily and takes the high road so often that even when someone he obviously cares about, like Tony, hurts him in a way that isn’t physical, I think the viewers tend to miss it. We like to put Steve up on a pedestal and act like he would never hold something like that against a person, never not forgive them for it. Seeing this scene, Steve and Tony’s relationship like this, I think we can realize that Steve isn’t as perfect as people like to believe he is. He can be hurt and upset when people don’t treat him with respect and fairness. 

Anyways, if you stuck around long enough to get to the bottom of this: Thank you for taking the time to read this. I love being able to share analysis about these babies. <3 

[ghost-in-between]

Original - Christmas Truce (Secret Santa Prompt)

Merry late Christmas, @shelbychild! Sorry for the delay - my not-excuse is that I rewrote this a thousand times. Hope you like it!!

If he was honest, Danny hadn‘t actually been paying all that much attention to his homework in the first place, and the knock on the door was a welcome nudge back into the real world. He answered the timid call of his younger sister with a “Sure, come in,“ throwing his phone onto the desk next to him a little too carelessly. (Tucker would have cringed painfully, had he seen it.) Once the girl had stepped into the room, she awkwardly closed the door on the third try, muttering sheepishly, “I don‘t think I‘ll ever get the hang of your door.”

Danny grimaced, mind flashing back to the week prior and remembering a particularly uncomfortable encounter between his shoulder blade and the door handle. “Eh, don’t worry about it. I’ve been having trouble closing it, too. Crashed into it last week...”

His sister had the decency to half-swallow her laughter and Danny couldn’t bring himself to mind. “Someone throw you or did you just go too fast again and forgot to slow down in time?” It was only then he noticed that she had been avoiding eye contact from the moment she’d entered. Also, she was obviously stalling by asking him about the door incident. (He may have been telling this to himself as an excuse not to dwell on it. It had been quite embarrassing.)

Therefore, he decided to ignore the question. Shifting in his seat he tried to do what Jazz would have suggested and sat in what he deemed a casual and inviting position. “So, what’s up? Anything I can help with? Or are you just here for some quality sibling time?” he grinned at her and was pleased to receive a smile in return though his sister still wasn’t looking straight at him.

She shuffled across the room, ending up slightly perched on the edge of his bed. It struck him as odd how tense and careful she was behaving, when usually she’d barge in and claim whatever space as her own, whether that be sprawled on the bed, floor or him. Her fingers played with an annoying fold on the sheets and her voice was strained when she spoke up, “I kind of need to talk to you.”

Despite having expected something to be up by now, he felt his expression shift into one of surprise, though he fought to keep it as friendly as possible. They may be inseparable already and he knew his sister trusted him as he trusted her, but this new family dynamic was still relatively foreign to all of them. Considering their youngest addition’s backstory, Danny wanted there to be no hints of hostility at all. “Alright, what do you want to talk about?”

Danny watched his sister visibly steel herself, taking a deep, grounding breath before daring to speak. He was having a difficult time trying to recall a moment he had ever seen her this nervous to talk to him, aside from when she’d been unsure if he’d rather they call each other cousins still or if he’d be willing to call her his sister. (Actually, he thought that might have been mild in comparison, still.) “Um,” He waited patiently, gave her time to bring an order into the stammering thoughts she was fighting to fit into a phrase. “So, uh, I have been thinking, and I didn’t know how to tell you, ‘cause I don’t want to, um, hurt your feelings, I guess,” She cut off, pulling a face, as though she had been rehearsing this and was only just realizing that it sounded strange. “It’s nothing against you, I mean- ugh…”

“Hey, it’s alright, take your time.” Danny slowly got up from his desk chair, deliberately taking long enough to give her the chance to give any signs that she didn’t want him to come closer. When none showed up, Danny let himself sink into the mattress right next to her, nudging her arm and smiling reassuringly. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. I love you, there’s nothing you could say to change that, okay?” (If he was sounding like his mom, he didn’t mind it all that much if it meant his sister was feeling comfortable.)

She nodded and he felt her relax against him, if only by a fraction. “Sorry, I don’t know why this makes me so nervous. It’s not that I think you’d be mad or anything.” As she glanced at him sideways, he realized that she was finally seeking eye contact and felt relieved. “It’s just-” She sighed, shoulders hunching the slightest bit. “I don’t think I want to be called ‘Dani’ anymore,” she muttered, finally expressing what had been on her mind. “It just makes me feel like… a copy I guess. A bad copy? I know, I know, I’m not just a copy of you, but either way it just never felt like I had my own name, that was mine and that fit me, you know? I- Yeah.”

It took a short moment to sink in, but once he’d registered what his sister had said, he immediately wrapped his arms around her in a light hug, smiling. “See, nothing at all to worry about,” he said, meeting her surprised gaze. “There’s nothing wrong at all about changing your name. Thank you for telling me though, I’ll make sure to do my best so you feel comfortable, okay?”

His sister blinked at him, confused, but obviously relieved by his reaction. “You don’t think it’s a stupid idea?” she asked, blushing in embarrassment, like she felt ashamed to accuse him of it. “I mean, you think I should do it?”

“Absolutely! Changing my name was one of the best things I’ve ever done, I’d never think it’s stupid,” he told her, laughing at her expression. He supposed now was as good a moment as any to find out, though he hadn’t ever felt like it was a big deal in the first place. “Come on, I’m going to show you something.” He practically jumped up from his bed, dragging his younger sister with him and out of his room. Once they arrived in front of their parents’ bedroom, she hesitated, faintly tensing up again. (There was still a way to go until things would seem normal, but Danny could wait. This was fine.) “Don’t worry,” he said, lifting his eyebrows and grinning in a conspirational way. “I’m really a ghost, they won’t even see me.”

“You’re such a nerd.” Rolling her eyes, she finally followed him into the plain, but warm-looking bedroom. She just watched as Danny walked all the way around the double bed and crouched in front of the large (but medium sized next to their dad) closet, opening the left door and shifting through the contents in search of something. “You didn’t want to show me their clothing, right-”

Danny, who had partially vanished inside the closet while reaching for something that was located further in the back, interrupted her. “Oh, shush, I’m trying to come out of the closet here.”

“Yeah, let me tell you, it’s actually a little painful to watch.” Though there were still hints of awkwardness and stress in her voice, Danny was happy to note that she seemed to be much more relaxed. His muffled exclamations of having found what he’d been looking for only elicited a bemused snort from the younger Fenton. “This might be difficult for you to hear, but you could have just used your intangibility to get right to it, you know,” she reminded him, slowly, but surely easing back into her cocky demeanor. (Finally. Although he usually wouldn’t admit that he liked it.)

“There we go,” he announced, straightening up, a cardboard box under one arm, closing the door with his free hand. “Let’s go back to my room for these.” This time his sister was quick to lead the way back, curiosity guiding her steps.

“What’s in the box, though?” She leaned over once they were sitting on the ground in front of Danny’s bed. (There used to be a carpet there. It had been a real challenge explaining to his parents why it had disappeared. Things had been complicated in different ways back then.) “Oh, wow, you’re such a cliché, you know that?”

Lifting a thick brown photo album from the box, Danny jokingly stuck out his tongue. “And what does a little girl like you know about clichés?”

“I’m all-knowing, so there you go,” she countered, sticking her tongue out as well. (Had Jazz been with them, she would’ve called them out on it.)

Danny laughed and nearly grimaced when he realized how strained he sounded, almost as though they’d switched roles. Reminding himself that his sister was going to appreciate this and that it was time she found out, he was ready, Danny sighed. “Well,” he started, smiling a real smile. “Um, so, I might have been serious when I said changing my name was one of the best things I’ve done.”

He was now looking at her calmly, expectedly. Her eyes were starting to narrow, confusion making its way onto her face. “I’m going to be honest, I thought you were just talking about… ghost stuff.” She paused, searching for something on his face. “...you weren’t.” Shaking her head briefly, his sister let out a breath. “Okay, now you have to explain.”

“And this is where the cliché photo album moment comes into play,” he said proudly, swallowing any nervous feelings, or at least pretending to. (This day was going to be remembered well by the both of them, he felt.) “These ones we usually don’t show around anymore, which is why they were in the closet. Kind of ironic, to be honest.” He had opened the album, skipping over the first few meaningless pages that were either empty or filled with useless notes, a bit of over-emotional text his mom had written in an exaggerated cursive that he’d rarely seen her use at all. Presently, they were looking at an old family picture, his sister was grinning from ear to ear, holding a baby in her arms while Jack and Maddie were standing slightly behind them, both looking at Jazz and the baby instead of the camera.

“Oh my god, is that baby-you? Oh my god.” His younger sister was trying to get a closer look, but Danny turned a few more pages until he found what he was looking for. It was a photo of him and his older sister peeking out of the play-house that used to stand in their backyard. Both siblings seemed to be laughing at whoever had been holding the camera. “I hadn’t known you had one of those,” his sister said and this time he let her grab the album, peering at it more closely. “Wait, is that one you?” Danny waited patiently. “You’re… you’re wearing matching dresses.” She looked up at him.

“Yeah,” was all he replied.

Her eyes wandered back to her lap, on which the album was resting. Mutely, she turned another page and another, face unreadable. She stopped at a picture of Danny around eleven years old, arms wrapped around an also younger Tucker and Sam, half-doubled over and laughing. His hair was longer, tied back in a low ponytail. “You look just like me.”

“Yeah,” he said again, not knowing what else to say and also not knowing how much his sister understood about this.

“You look like… like a girl,” she observed, looking at him again. He nodded. “But you’re a boy.”

“I’m a boy,” he confirmed, a warm feeling growing in his chest as he realized it hadn’t been a question, but a statement.

“You changed your name to Danny because you had a girl’s name before?”

Danny couldn’t help the relieved chuckle that escaped him. “Yeah, pretty much.” He watched his sister nod in understanding, glance back at the page and back at him. Suddenly she hugged him and Danny once again realized he had been even more nervous about this than he’d thought. A tension he hadn’t been aware of melted away as he hugged her back.

They let go, quietly leafing through the various stages of the Fenton family’s life. There was a short period where even Danny himself could see the awkwardness and unhappiness that was, in retrospect, actually quite obvious and luckily vanished soon enough, after he’d come out to his family and started transitioning. His sister was happily pointing out funny details in the photographs and laughing at things that had seemed almost invisible to Danny the last few times he had seen them, having focused too much on what he hadn’t liked. “How did you, uh,” his sister hesitated, seemingly unsure whether the subject was one to breach or not. Apparently, despite not having been informed about the subject, she had an amazing feel for what was okay and what wasn’t. “You don’t have to talk about it, of course, but I just wondered… How did you come up with, you know, your new name?” She rubbed the back of her neck, then stopped once she realized what she was doing. “I mean, I know I said I want to change my name, but I haven’t exactly decided on anything yet, so… How did you do it?”

Danny hummed, brows creasing a little as he thought about the question. “Well, I didn’t do it all on my own. Mom and dad helped, so did Jazz. Sam and Tuck always tried to come up with more and more ideas, too. In the end I went with a name that didn’t feel too far off, something I could connect to. The others were really supportive, but it was all my decision.”

His sister snorted. “That’s not as helpful as I’d hoped.”

Now it was Danny’s turn to rub the back of his neck in slight embarrassment. “Sorry, I don’t really know what to tell you, though. Maybe you could check some lists of names? If you’d like I can try to think of something, too, but…”

“Yeah,” she agreed. This was about her being independent from her older brother, after all. “I think I’m just going to give it a try on my own for now, then. Thanks, Danny. You’re the best big brother.”

Danny smiled, proud, but mostly glad he did get the chance to be an older brother.

As far as Danny was aware, the youngest Fenton hadn’t told anyone of her plans but him, even a whole two weeks later. She also hadn’t talked about it any further with Danny, though he now realized that might have been on account of the fact that they had barely had the chance to speak. The few occasions where they had been in the same room without anyone else able to listen in had been too short and fleeting. (Danny knew exactly how difficult it could be to find the right moment to say even the most meaningless things.) Right now, however, they were finally spending some time together, just the two of them. It was early December by now and Danny had been doing his very best to bury his usual Christmas-grudge in favour of showing his new sister that it could be a pretty great time. (This only worked because the rest of his family had had the same idea.) They had been playing a video game in her room when she’d suddenly announced it.

“I think I’ve found a name.”

And now there was that and Danny was supposed to react. He blinked at her, mind still halfway stuck on the game, before he could inwardly pinch himself. “That- that’s awesome! I’m so happy for you!” He was grinning like an idiot, for some reason. This was a big moment and he was witnessing it from the opposite side this time. (It felt confident, but shaky. This wasn’t his moment.)

She might have been blushing, but he couldn’t quite tell. Their controllers were already forgotten, game paused. “So… do you wanna hear it?”

Danny stared at her with wide eyes. “Do I- Are you kidding? Of course I do!” A laugh escaped him automatically. “What kind of question is that?”

Now she definitely did blush. Nervously pulling at her ponytail, she breathed in and out once, then said, “Well, I thought about what you said, about finding a name that wasn’t too far off.” She was picking at everything she could find, the cable of her controller, her sweater, a loose thread on her jeans, seemingly more nervous than during their last conversation. “What do you say, do I look like an Ellie to you?” Danny was still, a feeling he wasn’t sure he could place manifesting inside his gut. His breathing felt a little funny, in a good way. It was as though the world had been tilted a tiny bit, only it hadn’t been quite upright before and now it was. “Danny?” He was shaking with silent laughter (though there might have been something else, too), vision slightly blurry as he pulled his sister into a tight embrace. “D-Danny? Are you okay?” He just kept holding her, might have been crying into her shoulder. There were feelings he hadn’t known had been there, feelings he couldn’t name or describe or explain. What he did know was that he felt relieved. “You’re crying,” she said, softly, holding him as long as it took for him to calm down. “Why?”

He gathered himself, shaking his head as he pulled out of the hug, wiping his face. “It’s perfect,” he said, grinning weakly, feeling embarrassed.

Ellie didn’t seem convinced, but the corners of her lips lifted tentatively. “You think so?”

He laughed happily and hugged her again, not as long. “It’s perfect!” he exclaimed, loudly and heartily. “Ellie, you’re perfect!”

And it did feel perfect and Ellie felt perfect and Danny felt whole and this wasn’t his moment, it wasn’t about him, but it made him feel perfect, too.

Christmas morning felt sluggish to Danny, like he was walking through mist, ears stuffed, vision blurred and everything feeling a little numb. Maybe he was secretly anticipating the day to be just like the previous ones. Or maybe he was just tired from two all-nighters in a row followed by last night, where he had been occupied finishing up some presents that had still needed to be wrapped and placed under the tree. If he was any good at it, he probably wouldn’t have had to re-wrap half of them about three times. In the end, it had been worth it, though, as they looked quite clean and could nearly pass as someone else’s presents. (Not his dad’s, whose wrapping skills were easy enough to exceed.)

He didn’t bother to get properly dressed, instead opting for pulling an oversized red sweatshirt over, deciding the red would have to do for Christmas, since he didn’t actually own any real Christmas sweaters. Shuffling through the hallway, he heard muffled singing from downstairs. Unsure what to make of it, he slowly made his way downstairs and peeked into the kitchen. There were Jazz and his dad, teaching Ellie their favourite Christmas songs. (Danny hadn’t ever seen Jazz this enthusiastic when it came to either Christmas or singing.)

Ellie noticed him first, glowing with enthusiasm as she waved to him, hands stuffed into oversized kitchen mitts. “Danny! Merry Christmas!”

“Careful with the baking sheet, it’s going to be hot- Hey, Danny, come help your sisters and I finish these cookies! Also put on some socks!”

Instead of answering, Danny smiled at his dad and came over to hug his sisters each. “I didn’t know you could sing this well,” he told his older sibling, who grumbled at him. “I’m serious! You should do it more often, it sound really good. And the cookies smell amazing.” Danny tried to convey how amazed he was at the feeling this Christmas gave him with with that one comment, though he doubted he ever could.

“Right you are! You still have to put on some socks, son!”

This time it was Danny who was left grumbling, though he did admit his feet could use some socks. (They weren’t cold, but fluffy socks still felt nice.) He stopped in the doorway, turning back to his family members. “Hey, where’s mom?”

Jazz shrugged, busy helping Ellie who was maneuvering cookies onto an already full plate and stacking them up to dangerous heights. So, his dad answered, “I let her sleep in! Though if you’re going upstairs for socks you could go get her! There’s presents waiting to be opened and I can’t wait!”

“Sure thing, dad,” he promised, already on his way back to his room to find the one pair of Christmas socks that he did own. (It was a present from some Secret Santa event at school that he had been forced to participate in.) In no time he was dressed – wore socks – and had found a nice and comfortable seat on the couch with his mom, while Jazz and Ellie were sitting on the ground in front of the tree, waiting for his dad to bring them each a big mug of hot chocolate.

Once they were all together and had settled down with their drink, it was time for presents. “Now, as is the Fenton family tradition, the youngest member of the family gets to open the first present,” explained Danny’s mom. “This year,” she smiled at Ellie and reached out to lightly touch her shoulder. “That’s you. Go ahead, dear.”

Danny thought Ellie looked a little too stressed considering she was about to open a present, but he supposed if everything was new and you were being made the center of attention it was fair to feel a little pressure. If he had never received a Christmas present before, he might worry what the proper way to react to one was, too. Ellie shyly glanced at the pile of wrapped gifts underneath the brightly lit tree. “Um,” She fumbled with the sweater she was wearing – one of Jazz’s old, plain grey ones that she had taken a particular liking to. “Which one should I open then?”

Eyes lighting up, Danny leaned froward a bit. “Oh, do mine first!” Seeing his younger sister’s searching look, he added, “The one in blue, right there to the left- no, no, the other one. Yeah, that’s it!”

They watched as the youngest Fenton gently picked up the blue bundle, the form shifting in her grasp and clearly indicating fabric or a similar material to be inside. She inspected it first, not yet opening the package, when suddenly she stilled, eyes resting on the wrapped gift. “What’s wrong?” Jazz asked, sharing a concerned look with her mother. “Did you pick up the wrong one, after-”

Before she could finish her sentence, Ellie had placed the present on the ground next to her and thrown herself around Danny in a bone-crushing hug that could rival Jack Fenton himself. Danny laughed and hugged her back after a short moment of rightening himself from the impact. “You haven’t even opened it,” he complained jokingly, still hugging his sister close, since she hadn’t shown any signs of loosening her grip.

“Thank you,” she whispered about twenty times, seemingly hugging him more tightly with each time the words left her lips. Eventually, she let go and quickly wiped away the subtle trace of tears. “Sorry, uh...” Awkwardly, she moved to pick up the present again, but their dad was faster and grabbed it to hand it to her, pausing when he saw who it had been addressed to.

Ellie shot Danny a helpless look and he nodded in understanding. “Mom, dad, Jazz, there’s something you should know.” He was smiling gently as he said this. His dad was still holding the package, though he’d lowered it onto his lap. “This is going to sound a little funny to you guys, but I’m going to introduce someone to you for a second time.” Danny grinned when his younger sister involuntarily giggled at this. “This,” he said, pulling her close to his side again, one arm around her shoulders and looking prouder than ever. “Is my sister and her name is Ellie.”

“You mean-?” When he nodded in response to Jazz’s unfinished question, the redhead laughed and joined her siblings’ hug. “That’s awesome, I love you, Ellie!”

His parents, however, appeared shocked, which amused Danny, but made Ellie feel as unsure as she had felt before she had even told her brother. “Are you… are you upset?”

The question nearly broke Danny’s heart, but he didn’t need to worry as his parents were quick to reassure their youngest. “No! No, of course not,” their mom said. “We support your decision, that’s out of the question. It’s just-”

“Well,” his dad picked up. “You see, we were just a little surprised that you chose this name of all names.”

Brows furrowed, Ellie’s glance moved from her parents to her siblings, who were both wearing matching expressions of amusement and reassurance. “Did Danny tell you-”

“That he changed his name? He did,” She smiled at him, not a hint that anything about her opinion of him had changed at all. “Why?”

Their parents shared a look, all of them now slightly amused, but trying to mask it as to not make Ellie uncomfortable. “Did he tell you what his birthname was?” asked their dad. At a small shake of her head as well as an affirming nod form his son, he continued, “Now it’s very considerate of you not to ask about it, most people who change their name don’t like to be reminded of their old one. But I’m sure Danny doesn’t mind you knowing that the name we had originally given him was, well, the very same one you happened to choose for yourself.”

Ellie gaped at their parents, then turned her shocked expression to her brother. “Really?”

“Yeah, it’s true,” he said, though his smile soon disappeared when he realized his younger sister’s complexion had turned slightly paler than usual and her face seemed oddly tense. She swallowed as though she had forced a decision on herself.

“I guess,” she hesitated, like the words were difficult to get past her lips. “I mean, I guess I can just find another one-”

This time it was Danny’s turn to gape at her. “No way!”

She shrugged guiltily. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable and I wanted a new name because Dani is your name and-”

Once again Danny interrupted her before she could finish her sentence. “Hey, no, listen to me. You are not making me uncomfortable. Got it?” His sister opened her mouth to argue her case, but he kept talking. “And ‘Ellie’ is and was never my name,” he assured her. “It’s yours and was always supposed to be yours.” He cracked a grin. “It’s fate.”

She laughed, relief flooding her, and if he saw tears welling up right before she buried her grinning face in his chest as she hugged him, again, he didn’t bother to mention it. The rest of their family was quick to join them. “I think someone does still need to open her present,” his mom reminded when she pulled away. Her eyes sparkled (with tears or simply with happiness, he wasn’t sure about it, either,) as she picked up the discarded package and held it out for her youngest daughter. “Go on and open it, Ellie,” she urged gently, the use of her new name making Ellie glow with happiness.

She accepted the present and tore through the paper, her impatience and curiosity reminding Danny of himself. (They did have a lot of similarities.) Soon she had a t-shirt in her hands, folding it apart and holding it at an arm’s length to get a better look at it. It was black with green lettering that looked as though it was dripping, a little like the green goop that their dad liked to accidentally cover the entire house with. The letters formed the word ‘Original’. Danny had seen it by chance and hadn’t been able to resist getting it for his sister. “I hope it fits,” he said, the unsaid question of whether she liked it was implied by his uncertain tone.

Instead of answering verbally, Ellie sprang up and pulled the shirt over, finding that it was a tiny bit baggy, but a good enough fit. “I love it! Thank you so much!”

Danny was glad she liked the gift and even more glad that the rest of the holiday turned out to be much better than he would have expected. They exchanged more presents and watched Jazz’s favourite Christmas movie together before having lunch. The entire day his parents didn’t mention their usual Santa-themed dispute even once and for the first time since he could remember, Danny thought he understood what everyone loved so much about Christmas. It felt perfect, almost too perfect. (But they deserved a little ‘too perfect’ for once, right?) Right.

He didn’t know if it would remain this way, if next year their Christmas would be as perfect as this year. Heck, with his luck he couldn’t even be sure if he’d be around for it, though he knew if his friends or family ever heard him say that they would scold him for even daring to thing the thought. And it was true, he had more support than ever, but right now it wasn’t the time to think about the support he received from everyone. Today, he would make sure his loved ones knew he would always be there to support them. He may not be perfect, but he tried and that’s what counted.

[obliviatemick]

Ben Hardy Fanfiction | When I Kissed You p. 3

❤ Chapter 3. The Party.

Word count: 1511 words.

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therealbarbxx enjoying my only night in NYC 🍎 this dress makes me look fat?

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colesprouse finally!!!! any lads making you company? (liked by lilireinhart)

therealbarbxx @_tonybel none of your business, dork...

colesprousel @therealbarbxx @lilireinhart baby, come defend your man!

elliebamber_ stunning, darling! 🔥 (liked by you)

Narrator's POV.

The place was packed.

Ben and Barbara had arrived in Ben's car and now he'd left her alone to look for his friend. She stared at the decoration trying not to open her mouth in awe. There was everything you would expect from a NY party: red flowers in magnificent white pots that were lined up in front of every wall, tables full of silver plates with the most expensive looking snacks, fountains that were definitely not full of fruit punch and baskets serving what looked like French patisserie, purple lights that made everything and everyone look eerie yet elegant and sexy... Barb thanked the gods she had bought the dresses she tried on before.

She felt tempted to try one of those French desserts, she stretched an arm and someone snickered behind her back. A group of girls staring at her, whispering and giggling. She reached for the glasses instead and helped herself a drink from the bubbly liquid. It was delicious, she couldn't put her finger on what exactly it was though. Something mixed with strawberry.

"Ah, you found the fountain!", a skinny man with brown hair talked. "Be careful, miss... Some of my funniest moments came after drinking too much of this", he looked familiar, but Barb didn't know from where.

Ben laughed and hugged him by the shoulders.

"Barbs, this is the guy I told you about..."

"Ohhh, you were talking about me, Benny boy?", the guy gave Ben love eyes.

"All the time, babes!", the man said "awwww" and engulfed him in a tight hug.

What the fuuuuuckkk?, she thought. The guys seemed to know each other very well, Ben seemed happy and comfortable around the new guy. They soon started talking low and laughing at inside jokes. Until the girl cleared her throat...

"Ahhh, and you are?"

"The name's Barbara! And don't worry I won't steal your man from you, dude."

"That's what everybody says, but truth is...", he leaned to whisper in her ear. "Ben's a slut!" she almost spits her drink.

"Hey, man! What you saying about me?"

"Just the usual, baby!", he played hurt, a hand on his chest and all that. Barbs instantly loved him!

"Yeah, whatever... Barbs, this is-"

"The kid from Jurassic Park!", she chirped. She finally recognized him and was immediately star struck! "OMG, I'm a huge fan!"

"Oh, God! When will I get rid of this curse, Ben? WHEEEEN?", he put in a disgusted face and screamed dramatically.

"Oh... I'm sorry! Don't you like when people recognize you from that?"

"What? No! I love it!", he grabbed her arm and started walking. "Come, walk with me"

Barbara turned her head to give Ben a confused look. He just snickered and shrugged.

"Ummm, I don't get it"

"Baby, I was just pulling your leg! Recognize me from JP, The Pacific, a Cheerio's commercial... I don't care where from!"

"Roger that!" they were walking to a whole separate room on the other side of the venue. "And... where exactly are you taking me? I thought I was here with Ben"

"Wha-? And I thought you'd said you wouldn't mess with my man, bitch!"

"Heeeeey! I mean, not that I'm no bitch, but wtf?!", he laughed and squeezed her arm.

"Takes one to know one", a wink. "I'm taking you to meet the squad before you drown on that champagne and start taking your dress off"

"Oh, good idea!", she nodded and brought the drink to her lips.

"And btw, my name's Joe"

⭐

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benhardy Last night in NYC was a blast! These two guys asked me for a picture and it turned out weirder than I expected...

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joe_mazzello I thought you liked when I chained you up?

benhardy @joe_mazzello excuse me, sir! There are kids on this app

mrgwilymlee why am I not in this photo?

joe_mazzello @mrgwilymlee sorry, m8 only bros allowed

lucyboynton1 dorks

benhardy @lucyboynton1 @ramimalek are you gonna let her talk to us like that?!

ramimalek @benhardy you didn't include me in the pic so YES!

lucyboynton1 @ramimalek 😜

Barb's POV

"OH. MY. GOD."

I don't know how it happened, but from one moment to another I was sitting ON TOP OF A 20-STORY BUILDING with the one and only, the OSCAR WINNER Rami Malek himself and the rest of the cast of Bohemian Rhapsody, the biopic based on Freddy Mercury's life.

"Why didn't you tell me you were in BhoRap?!"

"I thought you already knew", Ben said matter of factly. "I mean, I played Roger Taylor, how could you have missed that?"

"Yeah, I must've fallen asleep during your parts", the boys laughed at my comment and Joe yelled:

"ROASTEEEDD!", Ben just rolled his eyes at me.

"Ben's famous for not telling girls his roles", Gwilym broke in. "But I'm pretty sure you remember him as Warren."

"Warren?"

"X-Men?", Joe added with a hiccup. It wasn't even midnight and he was already drunk.

"Oh, no. I was never a big fan of X-MEN"

"What about The Pacific?" Rami slid in the conversation. A simultaneous UGHHH filled the table.

"Man, not again!", Gwilym slouched back with both hands on his head.

"Why?" I asked "What's with The Pacific?"

"Nononono, DON'T ASK!", that was drunk Joe pointing a finger at me.

"Well, Barbara... Let me tell you the story of how I was casted in The Pacific miniseries", collective UGHHH again. "Do you want the long version or the short one?"

"None of them, man!"

"C'mon! You'll scare her off..."

"Long version it is, then!"

In the middle of that mess, I caught Ben eyeing someone on the other side of the room. I followed his sight and found a blonde girl standing near the entrance, she craned her neck as if she were looking for someone. Suddenly, he rose from his seat.

"I'll be back in a second"

"Yeah, yeah" Rami answered. "As I was saying... it all started in the year..."

"Is that his girlfriend?" I raised my palm and pointed at it with the other hand in the direction of the girl.

"Oh, who?" Joe perked up at the first sign of gossip.

"Why won't anyone listen to my story?" Rami whined.

"Yeah, man, so sad", Gwilym replied in a monotonous voice, then turned to Joe and I and inquired: "Who's Ben girlfriend?!"

"Umm, Barbs? I thought that was you" Rami said.

"What?!"

"Yeah, I thought the same?", Gwilym chimed in.

"How?! I just met him!"

"Y'all are wrong, though", Joe whispered leaning on the table. We came closer to hear him better. "Ben's girlfriend is..."

The remaining three exchanged nervous looks. Joe looked back at Ben and the girl, then again to us.

"Ben's girlfriend is... ME!" Rami, Gwilym and I yelled at him for his dumb joke. "But you already knew that"

"But anyway...", I started. I wanted to make clear my position in this party. "I'm just asking because I don't want to be the reason why Ben's ass gets dumped or something worse"

"Nah, you're ok", Gwilym assured me. "As far as I know, Ben's single. So relax"

"Welp, whatever!" Joe burped and attempted to stand up "It's my party and I ain't spending it here sitting with you nerds...", he looked around and grabbed a blonde girl by the wrist, then made her spin elegantly. The girl let out some giggles, she was so radiant my self-esteem went down three levels. "May I, Rami?"

"Have fun, man!", he replied but then raised a menacing finger "but not too much, you two..."

"I'm coming for 'ya later, babe!", the blonde blew a kiss to Rami and then walked off with Joe by the hand.

I gave a curious look to Rami, "Oh, that's Lucy, my girlfriend. Sorry I didn't introduce you, Barbs"

"Don't worry! She looks kind" I gave Rami a friendly punch on his shoulder "and gorgeous, you lucky bastard!", he laughed sheepishly, I can't tell for sure but he seemed to blush at my comment.

"Barbs?", I turned around and saw Ben standing by the table. I was about to ask what was up when he smiled and tilted his face down a little, an outstretched hand in front of me. I smiled and took it.

"It'll be my pleasure, Ben"

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

Btw, do you think Ben's a good dancer? 🤔

I’ve seen some videos from Eastenders and I’m not so sure lol

THANK YOU GUYS SO SO MUCH FOR LIKING AND REBLOGGING THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER! IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME THAT SOMEONE ACTUALLY ENJOYS MY WRITING ❤

And that being being said, I’m also starting a series of imagines... I’ll be posting them here and on Wattpad as well ;)

TAGLIST: @valeriecarolinaw @rrrogahtaylahhhh

As always: thx for reading!!