#the second september hits i am counting down the days

[cowplant-pizza]

i AM one of those bitches that is already excited for christmas im SORRY OK (no but seriously im kinda not???? let me enjoy my warm fuzzy feelings in peace ok ty)

[lovrre]

Lost and found~ part 1

Crack baby by mitski ♫

Pre-outbreak Joel miller and post-oubreak Joel miller x Fem reader

Prt2 <<here

Word count: 3k

Warnings: cursing, lots of angst, a little fluffy in the beginning, and probably some other stuff.

Summary: you and Joel begin to plan your future together, but there's a secret you're just not ready to tell him yet, you're pregnant. When You and Joel get separated on outbreak day, you see him again after 20 years but now your secret is all grown up.

Author’s note: this part is really the warm up for part two that's going to get more into the relationship between Joel and his new kid and his kids relationship with Ellie. Also I wrote this all to Crack baby by mitski.

Sunday, September 25th, 2003, 12:15 Am, Austin, Texas

You and Joel sat on the couch, you let your legs sprawl over his lap as you two watched TV. You took a bite of the cookie you stole from the fridge and leaned over to give Joel a bite. “Open,” you say, pressing the cookie to his lips. Joel obeys, opening his mouth and taking a bite before returning his attention to the show. “Hmm, where did you get that,” he asks, gesturing for another bite, you smile, bringing the cookie back to his mouth.

“ It was in the fridge,” you say, laughing at the way he took a second bite. Joel goes to turn the channel and you stop him. “No, I like this one!” You say, gesturing to the little ballerinas on screen, practicing their Plié. “ They're so cute… When me and Nia were kids we wanted to be ballerinas and I mean so, so bad. We would buy tutus with our spare money, and we begged our mom every day for about a year to sign us up for classes” you say, finishing up the last piece of the cookie. “ It was that or a hairdresser”

“Did she ever sign you up?” Joel asks you shake your head, moving a bit closer, so you’re sitting on his lap.“nope, but good thing she didn't if I had become a famous ballerina I would be somewhere dancing instead of with you” you say, leaning over and planting a kiss on his lips.

“What I'm not good enough for a ballerina?” Joel asks, looking up at you with a smile on his face, his lips inches away from yours. “ You are for this one,” you say, giving him a small kiss on his lips. When you finish, Joel readjusts himself on the couch slightly but doesn't move you. “When I was younger I wanted to be a singer,” Joel says, turning to you, not a hit of humor on his face. You hold back your laughter “hmm” you say, pressing your lips into a tight smile, desperately trying to keep your composure. “What’s funny?” Joel asks his face bunching up in confusion “nothing”

~~~~~

An hour later

“JOEL, DON’T!” You say, putting your hands over your pizza, “you already had three” he says, trying to grab at it. “Sarah, are you going to let him do this?” you ask, turning to her for help. “Sorry, this is a couple

quarrel, not my business,” she says, walking out of the kitchen. “ JOEL, STOP, YOUR FAT ASS DOSE NOT NEED ANYMORE,” you scream as he comes over to literally wrestles with you over it. “I'm not giving it to you,” you say with a stern tone. “ I ain't asking,” Joel says, trying to take it from you. You pull your arm far behind you where he can't reach. “I’ll cough on it,” you say, holding it up close to your mouth. “Do it” you do exactly what he says, coughing all over the pizza. Before you can do anything, Joel Is kissing you, he takes advantage of your confusion, and he snatches the pizza right out of your hand and begins eating it, Taking large obnoxious bites.

You watch him disgusted. “you’re disgusting, I literally coughed all over that, I hope you get sick,” you say, still staring at him annoyed. “ After all I’ve done with that mouth, you think I care about a little cough,” he says with a smile, leaning against the sink and taking another bite. You roll your eyes, “why are you so nasty…?” you say, making a face as if you had something unpleasant in your mouth. Joel puts down what’s left of the pizza on the counter before walking toward you. “ You made me this way baby,” he says in a very fake thick country accent, that reminded you a bit of Elvis, you laugh, pushing him out of your personal space. “Don’t do that” you laugh, shaking your head in disapproval.

“ What baby, you don’t like this voice on me?” he says, leaning in for a kiss, Still using the funny accent. “ GET AWAY FROM ME,” you say, pushing his face away, trying to run out of his grasp. Joel follows behind, chasing you through the house, You make it to the living room before Joel grabs you, throwing you over his shoulder. “WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU” you scream, punching and kicking at his chest. “ Little lady, I gotta get you down to the station,” He says, making his way up the stairs with you over his shoulder. “ You're so weird,” you say, giving up On the fight

You get to the top of the steps and Joel almost trips. You laugh, “c’mon on cowboy, you can do it,” you say, slapping his butt. Joel makes a funny gasping sound and You both break out into silent laughter, trying to be quiet in case Sarah was sleeping. “GOOD NIGHT GUYS!” Sarah yells through her closed bedroom.

“Good night baby girl” Joel replies, still walking to his bedroom, you still over his shoulder. “Good night, Sarah,” you say before Joel opens his bedroom door, kicking it close with his feet once you two are inside.

Sunday, September 25th, 2003

8:32 Am

Joel wakes up in bed, the sun shining through the windows and onto his face. He rolls over, hoping to feel your body next to his, but instead was greeted with the feeling of cold bunched-up sheets. He sits up, rubbing his hand over his face and letting out a sigh. He looks over at the clock. It’s 8:32 he assumed you’ve probably gone home to get ready for work.

Walking down the stairs, he hears laughter coming from the living room. “You’re out!” you yell. Joel turns the corner to see you and Sarah playing what seems to be a makeshift Dance, Dance revolution with arrows made from tape on the floor. “YOU’RE CHEATING OH MY GOD” Sarah yells “no I said left, left, up, down, right, left, you went up twice,” you say, pointing to the arrows as you talk. “ NO, I WENT DOWN!” Sarah says, pointing to the arrow. “Proof?” you ask, a smile spreading across your face,

Sarah pushes you Lightly on Your shoulder and you both laugh, Sarah stops laughing before you, noticing Joel behind you “oh hi dad,” Sarah says. You turn around and see Joel standing in the entranceway with a big smile on his face. “Good morning ”

You walk over to him, leaving a kiss on his cheek before walking to the kitchen. “We made breakfast, well, Sarah made breakfast I made eggs,” you say, pouring a cup of coffee. “That’s probably for the best,” Joel says, sitting down at the table, Sarah rolls her eyes and pulls out a chair, and sits next to him. You made Joel a cup of coffee too, placing it in front of him before sitting down in your chair. “Thanks,” he says before going back to what he was about to say, “You took off from work today?” Joel asks, taking a sip of the coffee you gave him.

“Yeah I wasn’t feeling well, but I work tomorrow, I get off around six, so I’ll stop by, so we can do something” you take a sip of your coffee before continuing. “Tomorrow is the big day, anything particular you want,” you ask smiling into your mug. “This is good, all of us together,” Joel says, smiling at the two of you, his words hang in the air for a second before Sarah speaks. “oh god he’s gone soft,” Sarah says, looking in your direction “I know right? He couldn’t have said cologne or something” you both laughs. Joel rolls his eyes, “remind me not to be honest with you two”.

“Will do” Sarah replies, grabbing her fork to finish her plate from earlier. You hear a dog barking outside, and it reminds you of your own “Oh my god what time is it” you say, jumping up abruptly. Joel looks at his bare arm before remembering his watch is broken. His eyes search for the clock on the wall. “It’s nine o'clock – what’s the issue, I thought you were off today?”

“I am, I have to go home and feed Luna,” you say, walking over to the front door and putting on your shoes. “You can’t stay a little longer,” Sarah asks, making a funny lip pout, “I wish I could honey, but I’ve been here almost a whole two days and totally forgot to ask my neighbor to feed her” Sarah takes a sad bite of eggs. “ I’ll be back tomorrow after you come from school, actually if you call me early enough I’ll drop you off,” you say, finally getting your shoe over your back heel. “ You swear?” Sarah asks, raising an eyebrow,“ I swear” you say, walking back over to kiss her on the head. You stretch over her and leave one on Joel’s as well. “See you, tomorrow babe,” you say before running out the door.

When you’ve been gone a minute, Sarah speaks. “When Are you going to marry her?” Joel damn near choked on his coffee. “What?” Joel asks, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “You’ve been dating for almost two years, you still don’t live together, and you’re not engaged yet. What are you doing ?” Joel goes silent for a second before speaking. “ I don’t know…things seem good how they are, I don’t wanna mess that up,” he says, getting up from the table to make himself a plate of the now-cold French toast. “ You just might do that if you keep waiting, you better hope she wants to wait around a hundred years for a ring”

“ You talk too much,” Joel says, sitting down at the table with his plate. “ I’m just not saying what you want to hear,” Sarah says, taking another bite of eggs. The door opens, and their heads turn, it’s Tommy. “ Y’all have to start locking this door,” Tommy says, jiggling the handle. “ Hi uncle Tommy, me and y/n made breakfast. There should be a little left if you want some,” Sarah says,

“ I just came to pick up my tools from the garage. I’m not staying long—wait, Joel, can you hand me the cookies wrapped in aluminum foil in the back of the fridge with the sticky note” Joel stays silent for a second before answering. “The chocolate ones?” “Yeah,” Tommy replied, already afraid of where this was going. “The cookies?” Joel asked, preparing his apology, already in his head. “Yeah” Tommy replied

“My bad, me and Y/N ate those” Tommy looks at Joel, slightly worried. “Joel those were edibles” Sarah lets out a laugh “that explains it,” she says, trying to finish chewing her food, so she can speak. “They were running through here like a bunch of kids,” Joel thinks for a second before talking, “Tommy, why the hell did you-“Tommy speed walks out of the kitchen to the garage “We’ll talk about this later!” Joel yells, standing up to put his mug in the sink, “we need to take away his key”.

“It’s not like we lock the door,” Sarah laughs, getting up to put her plate in the sink.

~~~

Monday, September 26th, 2003

7:30 am

Sarah balances the phone in the crook of her shoulder while brushing her teeth “hello, y/n, I’m almost ready you can come ”she says, mostly muffled from the toothbrush. “Ok, I’m on my way right now,” you say and hang up the phone. Sarah does the same, placing it on the side of the sink.

You pull up outside Joel’s and debate going inside, the news you got yesterday making you a little unsure. You honk the horn and Joel comes outside, walking towards the car. He looks good, fresh like he just got out of the shower. You roll down the window, ”hey birthday boy, you look good ” you whistle. “Good morning baby,” Joel says with a wide smile, ducking his head through the window to leave a quick kiss on your lips

“Sarah’s almost finished, she's looking for her shoes,” he says, leaning on the car a bit. “ Can I get in, I wanna ask you something,” he says, moving back a bit, “Yeah, yeah of course you say. Unlocking the car door, Joel walks around and jumps in the passenger seat, he smells really good, probably because he used the cologne you got him last year on his birthday. He leans the seat all the way back, the way he likes to do when you too are having long car conversations. “What’s up,” you ask, a little worried for some reason, watching him look up at you for the seat.

“Do you think I would be a good husband,” Joel says plainly. You instantly relax at the question, you shake your head. “No, you’d be a terrible husband…” you say in a serious tone. “Really?” Joel asks, sitting up. You smile, “Ya, you’re way too thoughtful and kind to caring, wayyyy too good of a father, you would be a horrible husband. Joel's body relaxed and he laughs, “What about me, would I be a good wife?” You ask, the weird feeling of worry creeping back slightly. “ No you’d be a horrible wife, you’re wayyy too beautiful, too kind, I’d love you too much,” he says, laying back down in the seat.

His words hang in the air as you two sit in a moment of comfortable silence. “But if I’m being serious, I think you’d be a great wife” you involuntarily smile at his words

“you’re great with Sarah, you’re understanding, we barely fight. It’s good with you”

“Is this a proposal?” You joke, and Joel goes quiet. “ It could be,” he says, all his attention on you. Your heart feels like it drops for a second, “you wanna get married?” You ask, a little surprised. “ I understand if you ar-,” Joel asks, seconds away from stumbling over his words. “— No, no, no, Joel, I want to marry you,” you say, making it very clear you are serious. “ I just didn’t think you were ready yet, I know you’ve been married before, and I didn’t want to rush you”

“ I rushed into my first marriage, I was young and got married for the wrong reasons,” he says, still looking intently at you. “So you want to marry me?” You say again, shock still running through you. “When?” you question, excitement starting to enter your body. “Whenever, unless you want a big wedding,” Joel asks. “ I don’t have much family you know it’s only me and Nia, most of the seats would be empty,” you say, letting out a dry laugh.

“ Ok then it can be small, sometime this week, maybe this month,” Joel says, without a hint of humor, in his voice. “ Oh my god, you really want to marry me” you laugh, your smile hurting your cheeks. “Yes I do, Y/N” Joel replied, a smile creeping up on his lips. “ Only you would propose like this,” you say, shaking your head. “I wanted to do something romantic, I did, but it just kept me up all night, I was starting to get so Damn impatient I almost called you up Twice last night and proposed right then”. You laugh at his cuteness. “ Well my answer is yes,” you say, leaning over leaving a small sensual kiss on his lips.

The back car door opens, and you both look back to see Tommy plopping down on the seat. “ Oh, Tommy's here…” you say unenthusiastically. “Sarah's still looking for them damn shoes - am I interrupting something?” Tommy asks, looking between the two of you. “I proposed,” Joel said, looking back a Tommy, “you’re fucking with me” you shake your head and Tommy instantly lights up. “CONGRATS BROTHER, I DIDIN’T THINK YOU HAD I’T IN YOU,” he says, patting Joel on the back. “I thought it be a lifetime before he snagged you up,” Tommy says looking at you, “me too,” you say, smiling.

Joel doesn’t say anything else, taking a big gulp of the coffee that was in your cup holder.

“ If we’re being honest, I should be the one getting married, I mean I did know you first, the better Miller brother is right here if you change your Mind,” Tommy says jokingly a hint a truth behind his words. You did know him first an Tommy did have a brief thing for you years ago. “Nah… Tommy I don’t think you’d look good in the dress,” you say, trying very hard not to laugh. “I think he’d look more like a male-order bride,” Joel says, looking at you while putting back down your coffee, “emphasis on the male” you joke as soon as the words leave your lips, and you break out into laughter. “I changed my mind, you two are perfect for each other,” Tommy says, unamused before opening the car door and getting out. “Please Ask Sarah to hurry up, we’re late” you yell at Tommy right before he closes the door behind him.

You watch Sarah run out of the house seconds later, you lean In kissing Joel goodbye. “Love you, see you later,” you say as he gets out of the car. “ love you too,” he replies, ducking his head back into the open window for another kiss. “shit, I almost forgot… I have something to tell you” you shake your head, your courage instantly fleeting “never mind I’ll tell you tonight”.

“ Ok see ya, baby,” Joel says, hitting the car before walking back to the house. Sarah gives her dad a wave before jumping into the passenger seat. “ Girl, what took you so long?” You say, starting the car back up “I couldn’t find my shoes anywhere and when I did, they were in the wash, I tried to blow-dry them, but they're still wet” Sarah says, struggling with her seatbelt. You think for a second before answering. “Look in the back I should have some converses or something back there, I think we’re around the same size.

Sarah climbs over the seat and searches under the passenger side chair. “Found them,” she says before pulling out a pair of shoes and throwing them on. After she’s finished tying them, she climbs back over the seat, putting on her seatbelt.

“ I’m going to fix dad’s watch for his birthday,” Sarah tells you, looking at the passing cars. “ With who's money?” you asked confused, “his” Sarah replies, still looking at the cars. “ How are you going to gift someone something they paid for” Sarah shrugs. “You could have asked me,”

You say quickly looking over at her. “ But it's funnier if he paid for it,” you think for a second before answering. “ It is”

“What did you get him for his birthday” Sarah asks turning to you. you go silent at the realization that the real “gift” was growing inside you. “ It’s a secret” you say kee you eyes on the road

~~~

You drop Sarah off at school and hand her five dollars for lunch. “bring me back one of those muffins from the cafeteria” you yell as she walks towards the school entrance. “Chocolate?” she yells, turning around to walk backward, so she faces you. “Yeah” you reply and she turns around. You watch to make sure she enters the school before driving off.

You get into work late and your manager forces you to work a double. You spend your whole day thinking about what your wedding with Joel would be like. After work, you stopped at home to change into some cuter clothes before going to Joel's house. The News anchor was still going on about a virus, the Same stuff He’d been talking about all day. You lay down for what feels like a second, just trying to relax, the News anchor’s voice slowly fading into the background.

~~~~

Tuesday, September 27th, 2003

2:30 Am

You wake up to the annoying ringing of your phone, your eyes flutter open, and you jump up at the realization that you fell asleep. Your eyes land on your clock on the bedside table that reads 2:30. “Shit, shit, shit” you repeat, frantically searching for your ringing phone under your pillow and on the nightstand, You had slept through Joel's birthday and missed the perfect time to tell him. Frustrated you make your way to the floor to look for your phone. You found it between the nightstand and your bed. Finally, answer the phone.

“Hello?” You say, slightly out of breath.

“Y/N?” Sarah asks, worry coating her voice. “ yeah- you alright sweetheart, you sound scared” you reply, standing up from the floor and sitting on the bed. “Yeah, I woke up and Dad wasn’t here, I was wondering if he was with you, all the channels were off on the TV and I keep hearing helicopters ”. She says, her voice still sounding shaky “No, he’s not, but I can call him, Do you need me to come over?” You ask, already walking towards your bedroom door.

“Can you?” She whispers, you leave your bedroom and walk towards your front door, putting on your shoes. “Yeah, of course, I'm on my way right now, stay in the house and lock the doors”. You say, walking back to your bedroom to get your purse.

“Ok, see you soon” and with that, you hang up the phone and dial Joel’s number, but You only get his voicemail. “ You have reached the voice mail of… “Joel Miller”, please leave a message at the tone”.

“ Hey, baby it's Y/N sorry I couldn't make it tonight. I accidentally passed out as soon as I got home, Sarah just called me looking for you, she sounded really worried so I'm on my way to your house right now, please call me back when you get a chance.”

Tuesday, September 27th, 2003

3:25 Am

“Hello?” You called out, opening the unlocked door, the house is completely empty. You walk halfway up the stairs and called out again. “ Sarah?” No response, so you walk up the stairs, “Joel?” still no response. You Open Sarah's bedroom Door and are greeted by more nothing, you walk further in the room and a muffin on her table next to a birthday card for Joel catches your attention, It's not chocolate, but you can tell it's from Sarah's school, likely the one you asked her for yesterday.

You walk out of her bedroom and into Joel’s, the windows are open, letting in the moonlight. You walk closer to the window, the cold air and the sound of sirens coming through, you could see the whole town up there. Your phone rings in your pocket, and you quickly fumble to answer. “ Y/N?” your body relaxes at the sound of his voice. “Joel?”

“Y/N were all ok, The highways packed were driving past the old movie theater,” Joel says, spitting out his words a mile a minute. Looking out the window, you can see a plane flying very low over the builds near the plaza where the old theater should be. “Joel… where are you again?” you say, fear racing through your body at the thought. “JOEL” He doesn't answer, and your heart starts beating harder in your chest, “JOEL WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU” you scream “where almost out of the plaza meet us about a mile down keep your pho-”

“JOEL! ” you scream, watching the plane seconds away from crashing into town. “SHIT, TOMMY MOVE MOVE MOV-” Joel yells from the other side of the phone, all you hear is a crash as the line goes silent.

“JOEL JOEL! ” you scream, tears running down your face. The silence feels like it’s surrounding you, the last seconds of the call reply in your ear like a recording. You stand completely still staring out the window for what felt like hours in disbelief at what you just saw and heard. When You finally get the courage to move, a blue velvet box catches your eye. It sticks out like a sore thumb on Joel’s messy dresser, A part of You already knew what it was, but your brain told you that you needed to open it. Even though if it was what you thought it was, it would make everything real. You slowly opened the box, your heart beating louder in your ears with each passing second.

It’s an engagement ring, the perfect engagement ring, your engagement ring from Joel. Tears in your eyes, you examine the ring band, on the inside, there’s writing “My Ballerina” Suddenly everything hits you, You let out the most blood cuddling sub as you fall to your knees holding on to the ring box.

Thursday, December 18th,2023

2:12 pm, Jackson, Wyoming

20 years later

Rae bends down, grabbing her book bag off the floor and rummaging through it frantically on the bed. Her best friend sits on a chair in the corner of the room, bouncing a ball off the wall and into his hand. “ What the hell are you looking for,” August says, continuing to bounce the ball off the wall. “My mom wants that damn picture of my dad, I think I put it in my bag somewhere,” Rae says, dumping the contents of the bag out on the bed. “Does she not have another picture?” August asks confused.

“ Yeah somewhere, but she gets in a way about this picture, I rather find it, I don’t feel like hearing her mouth right now,” Rae says picking through all the stuff on the bed. “I mean, does your mom even yell… I’ve never heard her raise her voice” August says, no longer playing with the ball, his attention on Rae’s frantic movements. “ Oh she yells,” Rae says, walking to the closet to look through her coat pocket, she rummages for a second. “Found it,” Rae says, taking the picture out of her coat pocket to examine it before putting it back and sliding on her coat. “Is your mom cooking tonight?” August asks, putting back on his jacket that was laying on your bed. “ probably not, she's in one of her moods today. I'm starting to worry again, she’s so stuck in the Damn past, all she does is talk about him” Rae says, zipping up her coat.

“Your Dad?” August asks, zipping up his jacket, “yeah, I know she loved him, but it's been twenty years now, she has to move on eventually. But in her defense it’s been a lot recently, Tommy coming here, finding out he’s alive and then finding out my dad’s alive… That just made it worse, I hate to say it, but I think it was better when she thought he was dead” Rae says, walking out of the room down the steps, August follows close behind. “ So if I died today, you would stop caring 20 years from now?” August asks, a cocky smile on his face. “ I love that, that's what you gathered from that….” Rae says, continuing down the stairs. “So…would you?” “Most likely” Rae states plainly

“ Wow, and to think I was gonna make you the godmother of my future children,” August says sarcastically, shaking his head side to side. “I wouldn't want to be the godmother of your ugly ass kids anyway,” Rae says, walking into the living room.” Why do my kids have to be ugly?” August asked, slightly offended. “ Because anyone willing to lay with your ass has to be hideous” August doesn’t say anything, just looks at her slightly annoyed.

You’re sitting on the couch in the living room drinking Tea watching Rae and August bicker in the entryway, Rae shoves August before walking over and plopping down next to you. “ I found it,” Rae says, pulling a picture of Joel out of her pocket and handing it to you. “Thank you, baby,” you say, taking a good look at it before putting it down on the coffee table. “Where are you going?” you ask, gesturing to Rae's big coat. “Me and August are going to the dining hall, you want anything?” Rae asks, sitting up from the couch,“ actually, I think I'll go. I should probably get out of the house”. You saying standing up “thank god” Rae whispers under her breath. “What was that?” you ask raising a brow. ”nothing” Rae replies giving you a tightlipped smile.

~~~

You’re in line with Rae getting food, she stays quiet for a while, taking time to think about what she would say. “I was thinking Me, you, and August go hunting tomorrow look for some deer,” Rae says, walking down the line with you. There’s a bit of silence as you consider your reply, “I don't know Depends on how I'm feeling-you want some corn” You ask, holding the spoon towards her plate, “I’m good-mom do you seriously intend to stay in That house doing nothing forever” Rae asks moving farther down the line. “Yes,” you say, letting out a dry laugh

“ Mom, It's not funny,” Rae says, her tone turning serious, stopping completely, so you both are entirely still in line. “I'm starting to worry…nowadays, you don't do anything but mope, It's affecting your health, It's Affecting me it's Affect-” You cut her off “-I hear you, I hear, ok I'll go hunting,” you say knowing that there's not one bone in your body that desires to do that. “ I promise I'll be ok, you'll be ok and my health will be ok” you laugh. “ See, that’s my moma,” Rae says, a smile spreading across her face as she looks at the smile on your own. Your heart warms at the words, and you think to yourself, maybe it might be easier to try to move on for everyone else.

You two walk a little farther down the line, just inches away from the end. “You’re not gonna eat that,” you chuckle, watching Rae pile a heap of diced potatoes on the corner of her plate. “I am,” Rae says matter-of-factly, “ we’ll see” you reply unconvinced.” “Yes, we will see” Rae replies, getting ready to walk to the table, you stop her, placing your hand on her shoulder “wait-can you take my plate I want to see if they have any cups,” you say, handing Rae your plate.

“Sure,” She says, taking the plate and walking towards the table before stopping dead in her tracks, completely frozen in shock, your back facing her you don’t realize, and keeping searching for the cups. “I don’t see any over here, do you know where the extras are?” You ask, but there’s no answer. You stand on your tippy-toes looking over the counter for the cups “Rae?” you call out, but There's Still no reply “Girl I’m talking to you-” You say, turning around to scold Rae but are instantly stunned. Your eyes land on Joel Miller, after 20 years of life without him, you think you must be hallucinating, but you don't wipe your eyes or shake your head in fear that he might disappear. He looks the same but so different at the same time, he’s aged so much since you last time you saw him.

Only a couple of feet separate you two, but it feels like he's miles away. You wanna talk, you want to say something, but your mouth feels dry. Your heart thumps heavily. In Your chest, you can feel every thump and jerk in your body. Suddenly, your legs feel weak like your body is forgetting how to stand. “Joel?” you finally speak, you move a step forward and suddenly grow very dizzy. Before you can do anything to stop it everything goes black.

“ Y/N-” Joel looks like he’s going to rush you to your side, but debates it. Instead watching Rae curiously as she runs up and helps you. She lightly shakes you, gently slapping your face “Mom?” you don't answer, and she puts a finger under your nose to see if you’re breathing. “ She's breathing” Rae says letting out a sigh, relief. “TOMMY CAN YOU HELP ME!” Rae yells, and He comes out of thin air. Ellie comes up from the side of Joel, “ You know her ?” Ellie asks, confused, looking down at the scene. Joel doesn't say anything, the world going quiet around him as he watches Rae With curiosity. Her hair was braided in two French braids, but he could tell it was curly, like Sarahs but also like yours. she had a small button nose like you, but her eyes reminded him of his own. The possibility swarmed through his mind as he watched her.

“ ARE YOU GONNA HELP?” Rae yells at Joel, making him instantly snaps out of it, quickly bending down to help her pick you up. ”Bring her this way!” Tommy yells as Rae and Joel carry you. Tommy leads you guys to an empty house next door, where they place you on the couch. “ Tommy can you get a wet rag please,” Rae says, bending down to move your hair out your face. “ How often does this happen,” Joel says, looking down at you. “Too often,” Rae says, pulling off your shoes and placing them on the floor. “ Is something wrong with her?” Joel asks, worry bubbling in his gut. “We don’t know-thanks” Rae answers, taking the rag from Tommy and placing it on your head.

Joel watches Rae's every move, the resemblance is uncanny. He wonders if it’s just his old mind playing tricks on him, making him see similarities that aren’t really there. “ How old are you?,” Joel asks this question would confirm or deny his beliefs. “ Seventeen” Rae replies, not looking up from you. A part of Joel hopped for a different answer, Tommy looks at Rae confused. She says nothing, giving Tommy a look that tells him to shut up.

“Can you watch her?” Rae asks, looking at Joel “yeah I-” she cuts him off

“-Good, Tommy can I speak to you for a second?” Rae asks, gesturing for Tommy to come with Her into the room down the hall. Rae hurries him into the room, closing the door and lowering her voice before speaking “what the fuck is going on” Rae asks confusion and anger lacing her voice.

Tommy looks like he’s about to speak, but he doesn’t say anything. “ First it was he died with you when the plane crashed, it was hard, but after a while, mom accepted that. But then…you came here, we find out you and him survived minus Sarah ok… she was hurt but still had hope of seeing Him, then you tell her that he’s not coming here for some reason, Now he's here?” Rae says, her words coming out a mile a minute. “ Look I found out around the same time you did, I only found out earlier today. I had no idea he was coming,” Tommy says, trying to calm down your upcoming tangent.

~~~~

Nervous to get close, Joel watches your breath rise and fall from the corner of the room. Your eyes flutter open after a while, and You look around confused, taking the wet rag off your head. Your eyes land on Joel in the corner of the room, and you quickly sit up. You both don’t say anything, waiting for the other to go first. “Hi” you speak first, your voice barely above a whisper. “Hi,” Joel says, awkwardly, walking slightly closer, you really missed the sound of his voice. Your eyes start to blur, your feelings start to overwhelm your body. “I missed you so much” you sob, holding out your arms. Joel is beside you in a second, your arms around him in an embrace, you don't say anything else, crying into his shoulder, at the same time, taking in the smell of him that you missed so much.

“I know, I know” You hear Joel whisper, letting out quite a sob into your shirt. When you finally have the strength to pry yourself from the corner of Joel's shoulder, you look up at him with tear-filled eyes. He looks back at you with the same, you kiss him, savoring the feeling of his lips against yours. Something in the back of your head wondered if maybe he had a wife now or a kid, and you were overstepping by kissing him. But you didn't care, you didn’t care about the repercussions, only that you were with him at this moment.

~~~~

“What about the radio you told me about, he didn’t tell you he was coming on there?” Rae asks, trying to make sense of the situation. Tommy sighs, wiping his face with his hands. “ You know the rules Rae” Rae’s whole demeanor, changes at his word.“Tommy are you fucking kidding me… You didn't tell him I exist, or that my mom was alive because MARIA TOLD YOU TO STAY OFF THE FUCKING RADIO?” Rae says her vision starting to blur. She quickly calms herself down, wiping away the tears that were trying to form from anger. “Do you know how Fucking hard it’s been these last couple of months, MY MOTHER IS A SHELL OF HERSELF TOMMY, she spends every minute of the day thinking about the past, do you know how long it took her to finally accept that you guys were all dead? Just to find out that you’re not dead, but she can't see Joel again”.

Tommy doesn’t say anything, your words making him rethink his previous decisions. “Some fucking uncle you are” Rae mumbles before walking out of the room, leaving Tommy alone with his thoughts.

[imaginatorcreates]

Prompt Foundry Day 31: Celebrating Halloween! | Fictober Day 31: "it's always been you" | 31: Costumes (bweird OC-tober) (what are your ocs wearing for halloween?)

24 September 2024 — 24 September 2024

Word Count: 649 words

Author's Notes: Prompts by @thepromptfoundry and @fictober-event and @bweirdart. Full promptfoundry list here. Full fictober-event list here. Full BeWeirdOC-tober list here.

“Remember Zephyr — ”

“I know!”

“Not too much candy. And please try to stay close.”

Zephyr groaned. “Whynn, I’m not gonna run off super far! I’ve gotta take care of the passengers! And you’re one of them.” Really, it should be obvious from their costume. Maybe Whynn didn’t understand what they were dressed up as. So the child posed in the middle of the dark street, one hand pointing forwards and the other on their hip. “All aboard!” they called out.

Their hair fluffed out, untethered by a hat or other head accessory. While a hat would’ve really sold their costume, they hated the feeling of almost everything on their head. The most that they allowed was a hood, and even that felt too weird if they really thought about the sensation.

A few beings looked at the child, some cooing and others rolling their eyes. Zephyr ignored them at first, but as their gaze drifted between Whynn and the passerby, their bravado slowly faded into something sheepish. “You think my costume is nice, right?”

Whynn stayed silent for about 13 seconds of varying length before they patted Zephyr on the shoulders. “Very cute.”

“Very professional!”

“Professionally cute.”

Zephyr lightly hit their guardian on the arm and whined, “I’m a professional! ‘M not cute!”

“Oh, fine. You’re the most professional one there is.” Whynn fixed their short cape and said something under their breath that sounded like, “Maybe I should’ve done a different costume.”

“I like your costume. Wizards are super cool! They’re also super smart, like you,” Zephyr said. “You’re just missing the big hat they wear where you can shout ‘Sun and moon! Stars and sword! I summon to me, places not explored!’ or something!”

Whynn blinked owlishly behind their glasses, then gasped. “That’s a perfect spell!” They waved their hands with the grace of someone who didn’t exactly know what to do with their hands and recited the rhyme Zephyr made up. “Oh, that’s perfect!”

Zephyr hopped around their guardian. “Is it?”

“It is!”

The child let out a loud whoop of joy. “It is! I’m a spellmaker and a conductor and– AT!” Zephyr’s attention jumped from celebrating their new careers to the familiar conductor. The conductor was dressed in a classic black costume…maybe a vampire? Zephyr guessed that someone at the train depot or station gave it to the robot. “AT! Look, look!” They stumbled into a run towards the robot, leaping into a floating and slow-moving projectile. “Guess what I am!”

AT-1225 caught the light child and put them down. “Let me see…” He looked at their costume, and Zephyr caught the moment when she paused. “Oh? Are you a miniature me?”

“Yeah! It’s always been you!”

AT-1225 did something a little odd: it made a static-filled sound before covering its mouth. The static turned into a crackly laugh that continued even when Whynn managed to catch up to the duo. “Apologies, but — ” He tapped at his throat and static still echoed out. “Come on…” She tapped her throat a bit more before things calmed down. “You dressed up as a train conductor?”

“Of course! Whynn’s a wizard, I’m a train conductor, and you’re a vampire!”

AT-1225 shrugged. “My coworkers insisted.”

“No hat?” Whynn asked.

“My coworkers also insisted that the hat would ruin the overall costume.”

Zephyr watched as Whynn took one of AT-1225’s gloved hands and pressed the back of it to their mouth. AT-1225’s voicebox fizzed and he reached up to grab a hat that wasn’t there. She instead shaded her eyes and crackled out, “Whynn! You — !”

“Sorry, sorry. I had to.” Whynn looked happy, a sheepish smile on their face.

Zephyr on the other hand, pretended to gag. “Ew! Ew ew ew! I’m here for candy and pointing at people, not this!” They circled around the two with increasing intensity until they could finally move forwards.

Halloween, here they all go!

[prettybillycore]

FOR TOMMY | Letter #3

Sincerely, Your Peaky Blinder

Pairing(s): Thomas Shelby x Original Character

Universe: Peaky Blinders / Fantastic Beasts

Summary: Veela and Seer- a powerful combination of traits for one person to have. Edith Lillian Scamander falls in love with a young Thomas Shelby while working in a nurse’s ward during WWI. Will her feelings be requited, or will she be doomed to pine over the man of her dreams for eternity hopelessly?

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 0.8k

Warnings: none

Read on AO3 or Scroll down to read it right here on Tumblr below the cut!

Lovely Lilli,

Explorations of the heart and missing pieces are tricky things. Since our time together in France, I have too lost a piece of my heart. That now makes two pieces missing.

The first piece I gave to you that day in September. Do you remember it? Danny and I came to the nurses' station with moderate wounds. I had noticed you before, but this was the first day we spoke. Nurse Martha assigned you to tend my wounds, and you did so with such a gentle touch. When your hand met my shoulder, it was as if you instantly took a piece of my heart. I felt warm for the first time in months. You commented on the redness of the skin on my cheeks. A part of my heart has belonged to you since then, my Lilli. 

The remainder of my heart shriveled at the knowledge that you were engaged. It felt as though God was playing some cruel joke on me. He placed this beautiful woman just out of my reach. I cursed him that night after you left my bedside. I have continued to curse him with every letter you send, as they make the ache in my chest cavity grow larger. I look forward to hearing from you, but in the same capacity, I am still missing the piece of my heart you stole, and the letters only serve as a reminder of such. No one has seen the letters except me; I treasure them like a beautiful, harsh secret. I suppose you do the same with your lovely Fiance Lu-Cretin sleeps beside you every night. Occasionally, one of the boys will mention you over a cup of whiskey at my bar, but I ignore them. Not for any negative reason but because I want to keep you safe; being mentioned in my bar is not always that. 

One day the previous barmaid, Grace, overheard your name spilling from Arthur's drunken lips. I tried to explain you away as an old flame, but a flame isn't old if it's still burning. Grace is a clever one, though. The next time we were alone, she asked about you. I felt torn at the moment because Grace was the person who stole the second piece of my heart that was missing. 

She came into the Pub asking to be a barmaid. I knew there was something special about her, but I did not know what at the time. I hired her, and she put me under a spell, much like you. My heart and mind drifted away from you for a few weeks because there was someone new to pander after. However, when she asked about you, my heart hit the floor. At that moment, I realized just how big of a piece you took. I panicked, but I tried not to let it show. I still wanted to keep you safe, even from Grace. After this past month, I am glad that I did; Grace gave me the piece back that she stole. It was wilted and withered and honestly unfixable. Grace betrayed my trust and the trust of my family by giving details to an out-of-town cop. She no longer works in my bar. She no longer lives in Birmingham.

I received your letter the same day she left a note for me. As I write this, she is waiting for me in a London Hotel room. She wants a life with me away from my family. It turns out that she left a piece of her heart with me, and she wants it back. I am sending her a letter to decline her offer after I mail this letter to you. The remainder of my heart cannot take any more breakage for the time being. 

That said, I return to your last question, the piece of your heart you gave me. You have expressed your disdain for Lucretius many times in our correspondence. So many times, in fact, that I also profoundly loathe him. I am not one for suggesting leaving your spouse, but I went to Aunt Pol. She is the only one who knows about our heart pieces. I cannot hide anything from that woman. Under her advice, we have both agreed that it would be beneficial for you to depart from your fiance in a timely manner. With Grace's absence, a barmaid vacancy exists in my Pub. I'll have a room waiting for you when you arrive. 

Sincerely,

Your Peaky Blinder

____________________________

[invisibleraven]

Year End Fic Round Up!

Why I thought I would slow down writing this year is beyond me. Julie and the Phantoms decided to keep it's claws sunk in, and I honestly don't think 2024 will be much different. Well, other than me finishing school and possibly having more time to write...

Same rules as last year, this is only what I have published, as if I tried to count all my WiPs, the count would be much higher.

My OTP this year was definitely Rulie, who topped the charts with 12 fics! PeterPatterLina came in second with 6 (7 if you count Yellow Wood).

My least productive month was September with ~28.0k words

My most productive month was February with ~51.8k words

I filled 333 prompts (that's about 6 a week, and almost 1 prompt a day for the year)

I filled 18 E rated prompts

I wrote 25 full fics, finished publishing Yellow Wood, as well as starting a 4'th ficlet collection for my filled prompts.

So my word count total for the year was….

*drumroll please*

462,607!

That's a difference of ~18.8k words less than last year, but given I also did classes all year that's still pretty impressive.

Also, with this, it means my total word count for Julie and the Phantoms now sits at...

1,356,353!

Julie and the Phantoms what did you DO to me?

Like never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would write over a million words of anything, so it's pretty amazing that our silly little ghost show got me there.

And I don't plan on stopping! I've got prompt lists queued up until June of this year, though once I hit 1000 I am going on a long hiatus. That's ~230 prompts away, so we'll see if I fill those before the queue of lists runs out or not.

I also have lots of fics I want to finish, ideas I want to start writing, and stories that have been niggling my brain that I might want to explore.

I couldn't have done this without the support, love, and encouragement of the canoe crew. They are my muses, my cheerleaders, my best friends, and I don't know what I would do without them. I love you all!

[wrestlingisfake]

All In preview

Swerve Strickland vs. Bryan Danielson - Danielson won the men's Owen Hart memorial tournament to earn this shot at the AEW men's world title. Taking the title of this show to heart, Bryan is going "all in," promising that if he does not win the title here, he will never wrestle again. If he succeeds, it will be his seventh world championship, counting the five he captured in WWE and his one run on top at Ring of Honor. If he fails, his historic career will suddenly stop, just six weeks before the 25th anniversary of his in-ring debut.

On September 9, 2023, Danielson stunned fans by announcing plans for his retirement: He promised his daughter that he would be wrapping up his full-time career around the time of her seventh birthday (May 9, 2024). It was quickly reported that Bryan intended to continue working as a special attraction on a part-time basis, presumably with at least a handshake agreement with AEW. If that's still the plan, then losing this match wouldn't make sense--Danielson promised to never wrestle again if he loses, so even an occasional comeback would violate the stipulation.

In the past few weeks, however, Danielson has suggested his neck is in rough shape, and he will probably need surgery before the end of the year. Now, it's possible the neck issue has changed his plans, and he's doing one last final match now because a lengthy part-time run is no longer an option. It's also possible he's just talking like that to put the question in your mind, so you won't see it coming when he wins the title and finishes up later, on his own terms. There's no way to be sure--Danielson knows how to lie, especially about his physical condition, in a way that hypes up his matches. We don't even really know he needs neck surgery--we just know he's been saying he does.

For me this uncertainty enhances the match. I really believe in Strickland as the world champion, and I don't want to see him drop the belt right now, especially not as a lifetime achievement award to a guy who's about to retire either way. On the other hand, I think Swerve has already had a good run, and losing the belt here won't hurt him, or stop him from getting it back later. So it's easy to think that AEW will make the easy decision to do a title change. But everybody thought that about Strickland vs. Ospreay in June, and Swerve came out of it a stronger champion for beating the odds. Would they have the guts to feed him an even bigger name, and his entire career? I just don't know.

Danielson has talked up this match by saying he'll give 100%, as in "101% is not physically possible." One way or another, it won't be pretty watching him sell the idea he's hitting his limit. Swerve has a lot of big moves that I wouldn't wish on a guy with a history of neck and concussion issues, and he's going to bust out all of them and show no mercy. Sooner or later the champ will have the challenger in the Ric Flair/Ol' Yeller situation, and we know he'll take the killshot. The only question is if he'll hit it, or if he'll be wondering the next day how he got beat by a man down to his last 1%.

Toni Storm vs. Mariah May - Storm is defending the AEW women's world championship. She endorsed May, her protege, to earn this shot in the Owen Hart women's tournament. But as soon as Mariah won the tournament she viciously turned on Toni to reveal her true colors. That was enough to sell me on the match, but then Storm later told the challenger "ARE YOU PREPARED TO DIE? BECAUSE I AM!"

This is one of those grudge matches that cannot, must not start with a lockup and exchanging holds. Toni is out for blood, and I can't believe she won't get disqualified in the first five seconds. Mariah is acting like she's already dispensed with Storm, and there's nothing left to do but take the title. In character, I'm not sure she's prepared for a bloody brawl--I think she'll hold her own in a bloody brawl, but I don't think she's expecting one.

I hope this goes at least 25 minutes. This is easily the best story AEW has even done with the women's division, and maybe the best story they've done period. Toni is on fire as champion and you can make a great case for keeping the belt on her for another year. At the same time, there's never going to be a better time for her to leave it all in the ring and end up in a pool of her own blood, wondering if she's hit rock bottom. There's a lot of ways this match can go and I'm good with all of 'em.

MJF vs. Will Ospreay - Ospreay lost the AEW international title to MJF on July 17, so this is the rematch. Since winning the title, Max has unilaterally renamed it the "American championship," and cast himself as jingoistic American hero, presumably to antagonize the crowd in London. Whoever wins here will defend the title--whatever it'll be called--against PAC on September 7.

The big plot point for Ospreay over the past few months has been the Tiger Driver '91, a modified double underhook powerbomb where you drop all of your opponent's weight on the back of his neck. Ospreay used to use the move fairly regularly until he "hurt" Bryan Danielson with it in April. After that he retired the move, over the objections of his evil mentor Don Callis, who thinks he should be more ruthless. Ospreay was tempted to use the move against Max but his hesitation arguably cost him the championship. The question now is whether it's ethical to use the move against a total douchebag like MJF. On August 21, Danielson weighed into the debate, simply telling Will "Do it."

I assume these two are going to try to have a total classic like their first match, but it probably won't be another hour-long epic. I think the most interesting outcome would be Will using the move to win, and then Max spends the next six weeks wearing a neck brace pretending to be crippled. But they've managed to drag out this tiger driver question for way longer than I expected, so maybe they won't pull the trigger here either. Maybe Max can simply retain, but I can't believe they're going to keep doing this "American champion" nonsense once they get back to the US, the one place it will not and has not worked as a heel gimmick. So I'm pretty sure Ospreay has to win, although I'm not sure how far he'll be tempted by the dark side to get there.

Mercedes Mone vs. Britt Baker - Mone's AEW TBS championship is at stake, but her STRONG women's title is not. Baker returned from a lengthy convalescence on June 30 to challenge the champion. The added wrinkle to this match is Mone's new enforcer, Kamille, who will almost certainly get involved.

I was hoping Mone would come to AEW pretty much since AEW started up, and I quickly hit on Baker as her opposite number. So I've been wanting to see this matchup for a long, long time. I'm so over promo battles where two women argue over which of them led the revolution, but with these two I actually buy that they both care about that sort of thing and each think they have an exclusive claim. They can't co-exist, they have to fight, I need to see 'em fight.

I feel like this could either be very smooth or very clunky. Both women work very well within their comfort zone, but it doesn't feel like Mone has found hers yet outside WWE, and Baker strikes me as the type that's better when working with her friends. For all I know these two have hit it off backstage and already developed a rapport that will lead to a great match, but I don't want to set my expectations too high. Honestly, even a clunky match here would feel like A Happening, so I could probably live with that.

It feels too early for Mone to end her undefeated streak or drop the TBS title. Then again, I can't see Baker just losing and moving on. Maybe Kamille interferes for the finish, to give Baker an excuse to get a rematch? Yeah, that seems like the best outcome.

Jack Perry vs. Darby Allin - Perry is defending the AEW TNT title in a coffin match, so a coffin will be placed at ringside, and the only way to win is to trap your opponent inside it. Other than that, there are no rules. Allin secured the match on July 24 by [checks notes] threatening to set Perry on fire, which he had already done before on May 26. They really hate each other, folks!

So yeah, they're in Wembley fucking Stadium and they need to top, or at least equal, the flamethrower spot. I don't know what that means, but it probably won't involve the coffin, or the finish. Maybe a fish tank full of piranhas? I wouldn't put it past either of them. Anyway, Jack just last week revealed his new custom title belt, so I can't believe he's going to immediately turn around and lose it (although it would suit Darby's aesthetic just as well). Unless Sting is in town for this match, I think Perry should retain; and even if Darby does win I'd put good money on him losing it back Jack at All Out.

Chris Jericho vs. HOOK - Jericho won the FTW title from Hook on April 21, and now Hook finally has his rematch. Per Jericho's stipulations, if Hook fails to regain the title, he can never again challenge for it. The whole storyline is "Heel Heat 101" but Jericho's Learning Tree gimmick is so deliberately insipid that I've given up on the whole thing. I'd love for Hook to just win the belt back and put this feud to bed, but I don't expect to get anything I want out of this.

Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson vs. Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler vs. Max Caster & Anthony Bowens - Matt and Nick, the Young Bucks, are defending the AEW tag team title. This is a three-way, so the first man to score a fall on any opponent will win the match and the championship for his team. The Acclaimed (Caster & Bowens) had earned a two-on-two title shot, but FTR (Dax & Cash) interfered to cause a disqualification. That led to FTR vs. Acclaimed to determine who gets the title shot at this show, but--wouldn't you know it?--that match got fucked too, to set up a three-way. That sure happens a lot, don't it?

I hate three-way matches, and I think I've explained why often enough. Any two of the three teams could have a better matchup. But the thought process is that all three need to be in a title bout at Wembley. As if there's no way to put one of the teams in a big #1 contender's match, which they could have spent the past four weeks building up if they'd thought to do it. Anyway, each team thinks the other two are overrated and entitled and selfish, and two of them aren't going to settle anything here, so they'll square off later in the match that actually matters. I don't care who wins here.

Four-way London Ladders match - This will be four teams of three, vying for the AEW trios title in a ladder match. I'm not sure if "London Ladders" means there are special rules. Typically they'd set up ladders all over the ringside area, and hang the title belts above the ring; the first man to climb up and retrieve the belts wins the match and the championship for his team. Since Christian Cage is involved there was an allusion to his history in WWE with TLC matches, but I don't know if that makes any difference. Even in a regular ladder match, there's no rule against using tables or chairs.

The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, Nick Wayne, and Killswitch) are the defending champions here. The Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, and Colten Gunn) have been trying to get the belts back since the Patriarchy injured Jay White, leading to White and the Gunns having to forfeit the title. The House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, and Buddy Wayne) earned a title shot weeks ago, but the Patriarchy took out Buddy Wayne to eliminate the competition. The fourth team--PAC, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta--was thrown together at the last minute and won a qualifying match earlier this week. Pac had been feuding with the Bang Bang Gang, but his usual partners Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo seem to be on their way out of AEW. So now he's stuck with Claudio, a man he violently despised last year, and Claudio's little buddy.

Sheesh, it took longer than I expected to list all the rules and participants and backstory. You already know it's going to be a trainwreck and Christian will sneak through the backdoor to get a cheap win and retain.

21-man Casino Gauntlet match - The winner receives a future title shot for the AEW men's world championship. Two men will start in the ring and each additional man enters one by one. (I'm not sure if the intervals are timed or totally arbitrary.) The twist here is that the match can end at any time on the first pinfall or submission. So if a winner is declared before it's your turn to go the ring, you'll be SOL (and you know what that means).

We may never actually know who all 21 participants are supposed to be, but as of this writing they've announced: Adam Page, Dustin Rhodes, Evil Uno, Kyle O'Reilly, Mark Briscoe, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, Orange Cassidy, and Roderick Strong. Cassidy earned the right to start the match, so we at least know he'll see action. I'm sure the other announced names will also appear. But this is like the third time AEW has done this match, so by now I could see them doing an angle where an advertised participant flips out when he doesn't even get to participate.

I'm not sure when the winner will get his title shot, or even who the champion will be by then. (Darby Allin already has a title match waiting for him, whenever that will be.) So it's tough to predict the future here, but I guess the easy pick would be Orange.

Willow Nightingale & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway - This is booked for the pre-show. The winning team will get the right to name the stipulations for September 7, when Statlander challenges Nightingale for the CMLL women's world title. Per the standard rules for mixed tag matches, when one team makes a tag, the other team has to also switch places, so that the legal participants in the ring are always the same gender.

Kris and Stokely turned on Willow back in May, so now Willow is bringing in some backup. I don't want to say Stokely isn't a wrestler, because he was trained and worked matches in the indies. But for most of his career he's played a wimpy manager like Bobby Heenan or Jimmy Hart. So the idea is that Stoke would be fucked going up against a "real" wrestler, and he's mega-fucked squaring off with a MEAN GUY~! like Ishii. Statlander figures she's strong enough to carry the match herself, and I suppose we'll get at least one Stat vs. Ishii spot, but the rules won't make it easy to keep Hathaway safe.

Dustin Rhodes & Katsuyori Shibata & Sammy Guevara & Ross Von Erich & Marshall Von Erich vs. Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Brian Cage & Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun - Another pre-show match. Dustin and the Von Erichs defeated Taven, Bennett, and Roderick Strong to win the ROH trios title. Then, Dustin and Guevara won the ROH tag team title from Taven and Bennett. Shibata is a long-time friend of the Von Erich family. I'm not sure what Cage, Liona, and Kaun are doing here. I guess Taven and Bennett's associates in the Undisputed Kingdom are unavailable. I mean, Strong is here but he's in the gauntlet match...actually, I was under the impression Taven, Bennett, and Rhodes are too. So I don't know what we're doing here, except giving London a chance to see Shibata and the Von Erichs. So I figure Rhodes's team will win.

[likelightinglass]

Fic Stats Tag Game

Rules: Give us the links to your fic with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and fic with the least words.

Thanks for the tag @danpuff-ao3 this looks fun!

Most Hits

In which Severus is stressed and needs Daddy to treat him like a dumb little cumdump. We're both gay and obsessed with tender, intimate kink; moved, we wrote this fanfic

Summary:

Severus spends a morning serving Daddy like a proper little cockslut, since that's what he's good at. Lucky for him, Daddy loves him that way.

Yeah I see all you perverts out there. So many hits on this one and comparitvely so few comments and kudos--and twice as many private bookmarks as public!

I think this may be the fic of mine people seem most ashamed to have read. But I hope people enjoyed it nonetheless haha.

This was so fun to write and it was a hoot to explore some very niche kinks. It was a blast to cowrite with the wonderful alhaz and that excellent naming convention was my crazy idea. I still get such a kick out of it whenever I see it.

Second Most Kudos

World Enough, and Time

Summary:

Soulmate clocks start ticking when you first lock eyes, and count down until your time with them is over. Harry’s starts ticking on September 1st, 1991. He has only six years, eight months, and one day.

This is secretly my favorite fic. I wrote it all at once stream of consciousness style while out shopping. This fic brought to you by eating fast food in my car in a parking lot.

I love the soulmate trope and I loved this take on it. And I am quite pleased with myself that I took the angst and managed a happy ending anyway!

This one had a recent popularity spike due to the amazing podfic by Cailynwrites!!! I am so grateful for it.

Third Most Comments

What Comes Next (and How to Like it)

Summary:

A choose your own adventure fic!

You are Severus Snape. You survived against all odds, and now it's time to take life into your own hands. What will you do with this gift of a second chance, and how will you find your happy ending?

Your happy ending is pretty much always Harry Potter, but there's so many fun ways to get there.

I was so inspired by @lizzy0305 's Choices that I just had to write my own choose your own adventure fic. I am so insanely proud of this one although the plotting was a bear haha. It was very fun writing basically a bunch of mini fics and using so many different tropes. And I got to give Severus over a dozen different happy endings. It's what he deserves.

I feel like this one doesnt get as much love--maybe the interactive nature of it can be off putting? But its one of my favorite things that I have ever wrote and the fic i tend to self rec the most. Most of the comments on this are telling me what their favorite endong was and its so nice to see! Especially since several have been recieved unexpectedly.

Fourth Most Bookmarks

So actually World Enough, and Time again but it is SO CLOSE to More Than Dark, I'm cheating a tiny bit in order to pimp this one out

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31757209/chapters/78608503

More Than Dark

Summary:

Severus is imprisoned in solitary confinement in Azkaban with no idea of who won the war. He is ill, underfed, and slowly losing his mind.

When Harry eventually takes him in and nurses him back to health, he can scarcely believe it's real.

My white whale. My magnum opus. My only published WiP. It haunts me every day that it remains unfinished. I promise its not abandoned, I love it so much and I've written and outlined so much of it but its going to be novel length (in a thousand years when its done) and its been over a year since the last update. I am pouring my heart and soul into this one and its jjst taking a really. Really. Really long time. But if anyone likes WiPs, please try it. I think its one of my best.

Fifth Most Words

Sly and Songful

Summary:

One of the those animagus fics, in which our heroes would rather secretly spy and pine instead of just have an honest conversation.

But where would the fun in that be?

Everyone lives AU, in which you will encounter birds, foxes, pining, stubbornness, falling in love, and scars.

This was one of my first ever fics and it was a birthday present for the magnificent @bleedcolor .

I loved working on this and feeling like I was finally writing a "real" fic with a plot and everything. Its got nightingale animagus Harry and fox animagus Snape and gnarly scars and its very soft and probably a little out of character and amateur but I love it very much.

Theres also a sequel to this, A kind of love called maintenance that I am particularly proud of.

I also commissioned art of this one from Madfantasy! I will reblog it now so it appears right above :)

Fic with the Least Words

AITA for not going down on my boyfriend?

Summary:

Severus takes to the internet to determine if he is, in fact, the asshole.

This was inspired by my obsession with Reddit's Am I the Asshole? And a conversation with Zalil after her spectacular fic where we agreed her fic's Severus was an incredibly selfish lover. It still makes me laugh, I added a couple "in charachter" comments and encouraged others to do so, got some hilarious ones back! If anyone reads this, please comment in the style of AITA hahah.

Tagging: @bleedcolor @perverse-idyll @coconutice22 @givereadersahug @lizzy0305 and absolutely anyone else who wants to!!!

[thepavementsings-archive]

hello miss pavementsings do you happen to have any recent piarles fic recs? i always enjoy the ones you post so i trust your taste 100% ❣️

wow what a high praise thank you! Idk how recent is recent, but here are a couple from the last month-ish or so that I've enjoyed!

Game, Set, Match (August, 62.4k, M) - Tennis AU. I think I reblogged this when I read it but this was such a refresh for me in the Piarles game! The action writing here is so strong for the tennis portions it actually inspired me to watch the tennis version of DTS on Netflix to watch some of it play out visually because it was so enticing to read. And the characterizations of both of them but Charles in particular, were so interesting and tapped into a side of his personality that i think should be explored more. Bonus Sewis written so well in the background too! If you want a completed Piarles longfic you can read in one long sitting, this should be your first stop. And a second follow up in this series was just released the other week so perfect timing and i get to say both count as recent! my rules!

an indentation in the shape of you (September, 16k, T) - A 5+1 Footballer/Musician AU. I just read this and loved it. It's such a gorgeous story about loving the people who have been there through your life, and what it means to nurture that love through distance. It's rooted in some of the fundamental hardships of early career days -that balancing act of how people you care about intertwine with the journey who you are and who you want to be. Piarles often feels inevitable in some ways, but this explores one of my favourite things about their relationship: the intentionality of sustained closeness.

call it what you want to (September, 138K, E) - Longfic CEO AU. This one I actually read as a WIP, which i dont do very often, but I am so happy to have done that because there was so much here! I think what was done so well in this work is that the beats of the tropes on the tin (enemies to lovers, slowburn, the corporate au of it all, etc) are hit quite cleanly, but because they're done across such a length of story, they feel quite natural when you look back at it holistically. Its like eating the perfect thanksgiving plate, all the key flavours are exactly what you wanted when you bite into it, and when you're done the meal you think wow, that all just works together somehow? The second half of the fic hits SUCH a stride with the themes of grief in particular. It's a story I've already re read, and something you can pick back up sections of to really delve into whichever trope or storyline you found most compelling when you're done.

I wanna touch your body, so fucking electric (August, 4.7K, E) - PWP. I wasn't sure what type of recs you were looking for, so I thought I would try and find you a PWP to cover all bases. I admittedly have not been reading a lot of those these days, so apologies for cheating and going back to August. This one honestly is a combo of incredibly hot, and really interesting character choices that fit piarles soooo well. It's the perfect culmination of the tension between two roommates who are obviously down bad for each other and have been dealing with that issue in different ways.

[basiliskonline]

Started Paid GMing 3 months ago

This Post has Advice/Thoughts about starting Pro-GMs here.

I started paid GMing 3 months ago, here are my experiences:

When I started in mid-September it took me a while to figure out the process of getting set up through startplaying, a lot of amazing help from @sun-gone, who was familiar with the process.

I'm not a crushingly successful pro-GM yet but I'm happy with how it has gone, I'm closer to where you are as you read this, so I figure I'd share the perspective of someone who muddled there way through and where I am 3 months later.

September

I tried to focus on indie and small game one-shots, that... didn't work. I realized I was gonna need to do 5E if I was gonna get people, and that sounded just awful.

Most of September I poked around the website, looked at what other people did, how they set up their templates and familiarized myself with Startplaying while I considered if I wanted to do this knowing I'd have to play a lot of 5E.

October

My buddy asked if I wanted to join their PF2E game, I was hesitant (i hated PF1E and I am not exactly thrilled about supporting Paizo) but figured it was another option, and I'd heard it was much better than 5E so I dove on in.

Honestly I'm still shocked and somewhat dismayed by how much I like PF2E. I found an Adventure Path, The Quest For Frozen Flame, and I fell in love. It seemed like a module made for me, specifically. I started a personal campaign while still fiddling with Startplaying.

I then put together my pages for The Quest for Frozen Flame on Startplaying.

I started my price point at, I think, $18, per person with an aim to get 6 people. However, I had no reviews from confirmed/paid customers, no games played, I was fresh. I slowly walked my price down.

At $14 I got my first person to join, they were patient and waited while we tried to hit the minimum player count, but eventually they found another game in the same time slot, so understandably took that option.

I moved down to $12 per person, and I started to get some interest.

It still took me a few weeks to get a game together, i had some people drop. (needing 1 more, someone leaves literally days before another person joins was frustratingly common) my numbers and roster would fluctuate.

Once you get a couple people though, it has been in my experience now, much easier to get people in there.

November

By November my first campaign had filled up, I was aiming for 6, but capped it at 5 because my players were concerned about game drag (this is something I am no longer concerned about, the 5 of them are flying through the content, even with some new to PF2 people).

Just before the game started we lost 2/5 of our group to schedule changes, one after the Session 0, and one just before. That put me right on the edge, if people couldn't make it or someone drops, I go down to 2 players and the game stalls out. I was sweating.

Thats when I found this page about places to promote your games on startplaying.

I put together a google doc with the rules-appropriate formatting for each location so i could easily post and adjust as needed for each place.

By the end of November I was full 5-people and making $60 a game (3 hour sessions) so about $20 an hour. not.. *amazing* but sufficient to *start* for my situation.

December

While I ran my first paid campaign I started planning to start my second paid campaign, but moving into the holidays, I specifically set it up to start in the New Year, 1/4/2023.

This new campaign would be once again, The Quest For The Frozen Flame.

I am aiming to run the same campaign a lot for a few reasons:

I am, through weird brain stuff, basically immune to burnout, so thats not really an issue.

I am very excited for this module and its dinosaur, ice-age, paleo megafauna hunter-gatherer vibes.

If I play the same campaign as I am running for my personal campaign this greatly reduces extra game prep I need to do. Any game-prep is something I would have done anyway. This is very important to me, especially while I'm working at a lower than desired price point.

I get lots of practice, familiarity and tested feedback with this Adventure Path, which I'd imagine is alluring.

My second campaign I posted at $14 per person, aiming for 6 people.

January

My second campaign, just hit the minimal player count I set to start (3), so my session 0 will be Wednesday the 4th. I have no doubt, that it will fill up during the early days of the campaign, if not before session 1.

Once my second campaign gets underway, I'll be aiming for a 3rd paid campaign (also Frozen Flame) and probably aim for $16/person.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"JAILED SIX MONTHS FOR KICKING WOMAN," Toronto Star. September 29, 1943. Page 34. ---- Complainant Alleges James Thompson Threatened to Kill Her ---- WAS IN HOSPITAL ---- "C" Police Court, at the City Hall, Magistrate Pritchard "I take a serious view of your actions in assaulting the young woman in this case. She was in hospital for some time and the evidence shows you kicked her, blackened both her eyes and inflicted other injuries. You will go to jail for six months," Magistrate Pritchard told James Thompson, convicted last week of assaulting Joyce Van Every.

Complainant told the court last week that accused had struck her about the face and head, knocking her down and then kicked her. He had also choked her and threatened he would kill her because she refused to go out with him, she said.

TALKING COSTS $50 --- "A" Police Court, City Hall-Magistrate Woodliffe. "Although you are a Canadian citizen, you have taken the German line with the intent of spreading defeatist propaganda among housewives for whom you worked." said Magistrate Woodliffe in A court, as he fined Edvard Lawerenz $50 and costs or 30 days for making statements prejudicial to the state and the efficient prosecution of the war.

John Robinette, special crown counsel, said the authorities did not regard the accused as a dangerous person.

"He was very foolish in making these statements," said E. J. Murphy, defence counsel.

"There is not sufficient evidence to convince me accused took the coal," said his worship in dismissing a charge against Edward Hobson, up for judgment.

At a previous hearing Hobson was charged with stealing a quantity of coal from the Belle Ewart Ice and Coal Co. The charge was laid following a complaint by Miss G. Greene, of Pearson Ave., to whom a load of coal was delivered on July 30.

ACCUSED OF FRAUD --- "B" Police Court, City Hall: Magistrate Browne. Facing two charges of fraud and a theft count, Aaron Sulman, a member of the R.C.A.F., was remanded to Oct. 6, with bail of $1,000 granted.

Appearing for sentence, on a charge of theft of some tin from his employers. Milton Storms, whom Crown Counsel F. I. Malone stated had been in trouble in 1940, was sentenced to two months in jail, to date from the time of his arrest.

Wilbert Stewart and Martin Cascone, charged with breaking into the garage of Dan Wintonek, Royce Ave., and stealing 14 tires and two batteries, and a second count of receiving stolen tires and batteries, elected trial by a higher court. They were committed for trial.

Wintonek identified nine new and two used tires produced by the crown, as his property from several numbers on the tires. Detective Lister Sullivan testified he had gone to Stewart's home where he had found the tires. Witness said Cascone had been later arrested at his home and had made a statement which he refused to sign and denied breaking into the premises from which the tires were stolen.

MOTORIST FREED --- "D" Police Court, City Hall, Magistrate Tinker.

"A truck came from behind me when I was on the sidewalk and hit me. That's all I knew." Ruth McDonald stated in the case of James Melross, who was found not guilty on a charge of dangerous driving.

Witness stated she was walking on Dundas St.

Robert Ongler said he saw one injured woman running, bent over, from the accident, and Mrs. Mae Peterman, "lying on the sidewalk with her head in a doorway. The truck had mounted the curb," he added.

Dr. W. A. Burr said he performed an autopsy on the body of Mrs. Peterman and found a fractured skull among other injuries. The accident occurred June 28.

"There was no liquor in this case," said P.C. James Titmarsh, "and the man was very frank. He had brake fluid put in earlier in the day, but found later the foot brake was not working as it should."

"I am not satisfied there is any evidence of dangerous or careless driving in this case," said Magistrate Tinker, not calling on the defence.

A charge of careless driving was dismissed.

[motownfiction]

first of may series, directors cut!!

omg thank you

i wouldn't say this is my favorite series? i think my favorite series is actually love will keep us together, the one about the senior retreat, because it gives us pairings we don't usually see but really need to: lucy and sam, will and sadie, daniel and steph. but you didn't ask about love will keep us together so i'll keep that short, lol.

but the rest of this response is going to be unnaturally long. so i guess i better cut it so people don't hate me, haha.

actually, idk if you remember this, but you helped me come up with the idea for first of may. i had just finished goodbye, yellow brick road and didn't know where to go next, and you were like, "what about a series that follows all the different characters on the same day in different years?" i wanted it to take place in september, but i couldn't find a song i liked with the title of a september date. calling it "the twenty-first night of september" would have been wordy and cliché. besides, that's not actually the title, and i am militant that series titles need to be song titles, specifically. it's a whole thing. either way, it was a great idea, so you know i ran with it.

the song "first of may" is a bee gees song i'd actually never heard before i started looking into songs with dates for titles. this was the only one that i could stand that would have maybe played on the radio during the range i wanted to set the series (1981-1987). it was a modest hit for the bee gees and a pretty enough song. i'm somewhat attached to it now. it's actually on an album called odessa, which of course makes me think of you, lmao.

i guess i can break this down by each character's section!

will: i knew i had to begin with either lucy or will, and i had to end with either lucy or will. they are the two leads of this universe, each other's beginning and end, and it couldn't go any other way. i chose to start with will because that was somewhat more unexpected, and i'm interested in older versions of lucy (because younger versions of lucy run the risk of being really embarrassing and cringe). this is the section i dislike the most. i don't think i dislike it altogether, but it's one that i'd go back and fix if i had the time and energy, which i do not. but like, what did i really expect? it was the first one in this now-monstrously long series. what i like best about it is just how sweet will is, even at this very young age of fourteen. he sacrifices his own coolness, which he desperately wants, to be with his friends, to make them happy, to protect them. when he puts the crown on the statue of mary during the may crowning mass after lucy falls down, he's not doing that to get in good with lucy, his crush since first grade. he's doing that because lucy is also his friend, and he wants to pick her up when she doesn't know if she can go on. he got into this situation by trying to impress her (writing a good enough essay to get chosen as one of the six may crowners; a real thing at my middle school in the 00s), but he'll get out of it by being her friend -- by being there for her when it counts. he's not even thinking romantically in those moments. what i dislike about the series is that it feels too focused on will's relationships with other people (mainly lucy, but also the other boys and his family). on the one hand, that's kind of who will is. he's the guy who looks after others and cares deeply about what they think; how they perceive him. on the other hand, it's really nice to hear from will when everyone else is gone. hopefully, that's what we'll get from the feel like a number series, if i ever have the peace and downtime to get back to it.

daniel: despite only being the second section in the series, daniel's section is actually the one i like the most. he's the character i initially felt the most distant from, but after writing this little part about him, i feel closer to him than ever. i never doubt myself when i write for daniel anymore. i think this series is a big part of why. this is the origin of daniel deluca, the casanova of st. catherine's, and it's not what most people probably expect. it's awkward and strange. one night, daniel felt ready; by the next morning, he feels just like a kid again. he's floating between the child and adult binary, and i think the vignettes in his section showcase that pretty effectively. he doesn't want to play star wars with will and sam, but he doesn't want to leave them behind, either. they all go to the mall, a place they never go, because daniel thinks that's what a guy who has sex is supposed to do on saturdays ... but he doesn't want to be there. and in the end, he doesn't get the girl. he's not allowed to be a stud for more than one night (at least, he thinks). daniel is actually the closest i have to cinderella in this universe, despite sadie's clear affection for her (lmao). i really don't know what else i have to say about this section other than it just feels right. i love the dialogue in it, i love how tense daniel is, and i love that he's the one who experiences this tension. you expect it to be sam (not will, never will, cool as he wishes he was), but instead, it's daniel. just looking for somebody to love. and in the end, he does find somebody to love. his last two vignettes are with sadie and his mother, respectively. sadie represents the love and romance to come in future years, and his mother represents the unconditional, familial love that daniel often forgets he has. when you end on that note, all is not lost, even if it feels that way.

steph: i actually like this section a lot, too. writing daniel and steph's parts in the middle, one right after the other, was also not a coincidence. i want to showcase their connection, both physical and metaphorical. i wanted to demonstrate how much they have in common and how so much of their respective adolescences are about chasing the same things, the same affection. steph is a little different than daniel, since she's only with him and sam, but they're both still looking for that same thing: a love that will last, however it looks, whoever it's from. this section gave me a lot of confidence in steph's voice, which i think i had before. it's just that now i have it better. steph is, as you and a few others know, a composite of some older characters. this is the series that allowed her to transcend all of them. it is not a coincidence that steph's section walks us through her developing feelings for daniel, despite being in a long-term teenage relationship with sam. steph is (almost) sixteen, and she's changing. she does not like things to stay the same, except for sam. he's something she can depend on. so when she finds herself interested in daniel, she's freaked out. that one hint of stability is just gone, or at least, it has the potential to go away. but is she really interested in daniel because of who he is? yes, in part. the thing about daniel is that he's a lot like steph, and when she develops feelings for him, it's largely because she's developing self-awareness. she's developing a need to talk to someone who can more easily relate to her. sam, lovely as he is, does not know what steph is going through. he's never been abandoned by a parent (at least, not in the same way, as we'll talk about sam and maggie very soon). daniel understands all of that. but because steph is (almost) sixteen, she conflates her interest in daniel's life with romantic interest in him. it's not that her feelings are illegitimate! it's just not all there is, which takes steph a very long time to discover. it's also not a coincidence that the section ends with her talking to her own single mother, susie. it just further establishes the important similarities between daniel and steph, which we need if they're just a few weeks away from embarking on their own affair. it's good.

sam: everyone's favorite character (except mine, gotta be loyal to dr. callaghan) has entered the chat. i don't say which university sam is touring here, but if anybody knows a thing or two about the university system in the state of ohio, they can absolutely tell. it's a school i know very well, and if sam weren't so stubborn about college, i think he'd fit in and really like it there (though sam is smart enough to go to at least a baby ivy, like tufts or wesleyan). regardless, i knew this section had to focus primarily on the relationship between sam and maggie. it's one i talk about a lot, but i don't think i ever really did an extensive look into it until this series. and i love it. i love how messy their relationship is. one thing i want to show (like, continue to show) is that maggie really does love sam. she wants to be a good mother to him. but he reminds her so much of herself, which means she's always afraid he's going to get his heart broken; that he's not going to live up to his full potential, like she didn't. what maggie doesn't realize is that sam's full potential is whatever makes him the happiest, and his happiness doesn't really look much like hers (though i'm not sure that's entirely authentic to who sam is -- i think he does want to lead an unconventional life, but i think he also would have been happy if that unconventionality included a partner and/or some children). this section really gave me a chance to explore sam's inner thoughts as opposed to his outer quips. i know people flock to sam for the latter (and he is so good at quipping), but he's got some very deep feelings, very deep fears, very sincere insights and confusions. i love the moment when sam realizes that college isn't like high school ... when he's in professor del vecchio's office and notices she has these really cool posters and books with fascinating titles. he's heard rumors that college is actually interesting before, but here it is -- the proof, right in front of him. if he wasn't so stubborn, so unwilling to prove his mother right, so willing to hold onto a point just to prove he was right all along, i think he would have applied to school there, gotten in, and gone. i think he would have liked it, and i think he knows it, too. but sam is always going to follow his gut. and his gut is an obstinate one. i love his conversation at the end with sadie where they talk about how different they are. that's something i want to do even more work with in the future. and like the other vignettes, i'm really glad this one ends on sam's conversation with his mother. they need to look each other in the eye more often and try to understand where the other is coming from -- try to understand that neither has bad intentions, even if they come with unseemly results.

charlie: i don't love or hate this section. it's probably the one i feel the most neutral about, which makes sense, as i'm pretty (objectively) neutral about charlie as a character. and as you can imagine, writing charlie is a really big challenge, especially at this very young age of fifteen. i have to work hard to lay the foundation for the sleazeball to come, but i also have to show the reader that charlie can be a good person when he wants to be; that there's always going to be a good person underneath all that selfish insecurity. he needs to be complex, and i think this section gets the job done OK. it's the birth of sam's promise that he'll always drive charlie wherever he needs to go, which is something i would not have ever thought of before i wrote this series. but i love that i did. i love the fender bender that foreshadows the christmas night accident in 2002 -- how everything's fine in 1985 and how that doesn't mean everything will be fine forever. that's another trick i wouldn't have thought to pull until i wrote this series, so thank you for that! i love that the small nature of the accident here gives charlie a false sense of security ... like as long as he's not the one behind the wheel, they'll always be fine. i love how you can tell that charlie thinks about this moment all the time after sam's death; how it retroactively makes the future work make more sense. and i love how focused it is on his siblings! that's another thing that makes the future work make more sense in hindsight. you feel charlie's betrayal and bad decisions more poignantly when you see actual examples of him being friends with sadie and sam; of him being friends with their friends, particularly daniel. i want to write more about the good times with charlie so that we feel that even more, but this was a good start.

sadie: this is probably the section i had the hardest time coming up with ideas for. in part, that's because i came upon it when the fall semester was really starting to ramp up (and as you might remember, that was one of the weirdest semesters of my entire professional academic career); in another part, it's because the problem i have with sadie is the same problem i have with will. they are lovely, but the thing about them is that their lives are about other people. they serve others, while most of the characters in this grouping put their own emotions first. so putting sadie in a situation where she had to think for herself was like my only option here. sadie has put others first for so long that she doesn't trust her own instincts anymore. she doubts what she's good at; doubts what she enjoys. in this section, i tried to spend a lot of time with her inner monologue as it pertains to her. i've obviously written a lot of sadie's inner monologue, but it's usually reactionary. how is sadie thinking about solving everyone else's problems? how is sadie reacting to and absorbing everyone else's shit? in this section, she doesn't really do that at all, which might be a first for her character. i don't think she's a bad character for being so focused on others, either! i think it's what sets her apart from the others; what gives her an original contribution in the cast. but i do think this section is a welcome departure from what we usually get from her, which is nice. i like that daniel encourages her to feel for herself. that's one of the reasons i think they make such a good pairing. daniel is very acquainted with his own feelings, private as they may be; sadie's feelings are always based on someone else's. they balance each other out, and i love that about them. i love that even on an average day, that's what they're able to do for each other. but i especially love that this vignette ends with a conversation between sadie and sam, one that mirrors the conversation they have at the end of sam's section. they're not that normal as siblings because they are twins, but they are very good at being twins/friends. they need each other. for as different as they are, they still echo each other. and there's nobody better to talk to about a college major than sadie's genius brother who hates formal education. he doesn't know her better than he knows himself, nor she him. they are twins, and they are themselves and each other, even when they don't realize it. sadie can think for herself when sam is around because he's the only external version of herself that exists. and i love that here.

lucy: i think i like this section? i wrote most it in kind of a hurry. i had the day to myself, completely and entirely, and i was still on winter break, so there wasn't much else for me to focus on. this is the section that made me realize how often i portray lucy in an unflattering, very critical light. i know why i do it. i'm afraid of being too generous with her, and i worry that being generous to her at all is just narcissistic. so i end up with this strange imbalance of everyone else being charming through their mistakes and then lucy, who is just an egomaniacal disaster. and she is really bad here! she steamrolls her toddler's birthday party because she's upset about a 93 on a paper! unfortunately, it's pretty realistic. i once sobbed over an A minus in fifth-grade english, and it ruined my whole night. that said, i do like how immature lucy is here. because she's still only twenty! she's only twenty, and she's getting more and more scared that she won't be able to achieve her dreams and goals ... more and more scared that her previous decisions have rendered that hoped-for future hopeless. i like that even though she's a married mother of the most beautiful girl in the world, we get to see lucy be kind of a kid in this section. we get to hear her parents both criticize her and build her up, like good parents often do. lucy usually works double overtime to be responsible, to hold everything in, but here, she doesn't hold back. she lets go in a way she hasn't been able to for a long time. it's a mistake, but it's a mistake she had to make. and i love the vignette that's not part of this series (technically) where she apologizes for being rude to mariam. lucy can be a really good friend when she's not comparing herself to everyone she knows. this section shows how her worst qualities give way to some of her best ones, too.

[quillvine]

I posted 246 times in 2022

53 posts created (22%)

193 posts reblogged (78%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@quillvine

@blueeyesatnight

@youvebeenlivingfictional

@kittensmctavish

@brandyllyn

I tagged 139 of my posts in 2022

Only 43% of my posts had no tags

#quill is not in the house (queued) - 45 posts

#quill fic recs - 41 posts

#quill writes - 14 posts

#goncharov - 11 posts

#we love blue in this house - 10 posts

#we love brandy in this house - 5 posts

#timezone reblog - 4 posts

#eurovision - 4 posts

#we love tali in this house - 3 posts

#we love qvo in this house - 3 posts

Longest Tag: 107 characters

#the owner of possibly the most beatiful hands in cinema history. you like walking down hallways and talking

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Thank you so so so much for 600!!!

Today I just hit 600 followers and let me just say I am so grateful for every single one of you.

The facts that I hit 600 is mind-boggling. I hit 500 of February of last year, it hasn’t even been and a whole year since I hit my last milestone and now I’ve hit another one??!? I cannot comprehend that, you guys are literally the best.

I also basically went on an unplanned, unannounced hiatus. Before posting “Can You Feel My Love?” the last thing I wrote and posted was for my 2020 Halloween celebration and those were basically little blurbs. 

“Falling For You” was my last actual fic and it went up in September of 2020 it’s been more than a year since I wrote something of substance. The gap in activity was due to some big life events that happened to me in late 2020 and 2021 and I was so so scared that I had hit my peak as a writer all the way back then before all of my life stuff happened. 

I was sacred to get back into writing because I put so much pressure on myself to make my gap in content to justifiable and worth it. I felt that if I didn’t come back with 10K word fic that was just so beautiful and wonderful that my break wouldn’t have been ‘okay’ in the eyes of all of you guys.

But as I posted again you all proved me wrong. The response to “Can You Feel My Love?” has been so positive and it’s done a lot to soothe my writing anxiety. Quite frankly, after seeing your responses I feel a little silly for feeling the way I felt at all.

What I’m trying to say, if my long long ramblings are too much for you to comprehend, is thank you. I basically sat on my ass and cried and posted zero fics for more than a year and you guys still showed me so much love in the form of like, reblogs, asks, and being amazing friends.

I am so grateful for every single one of you and I have no idea how I will ever be able to repay you for all the love and joy every single one of you have brought to my life.

xoxo, quill

3 notes - Posted January 3, 2022

#4

not me remembering the 7 (8 if u count the bonus) angsty hotch storyline that i planed wayyyy back in july 

4 notes - Posted April 28, 2022

#3

tell me something good. i’ve a had a rough day today

5 notes - Posted June 1, 2022

#2

WHY WAS EVERYONE IN TOPGUN MAVERICK HOT

8 notes - Posted July 8, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

my lover is the sea

aaron hotchner x reader

a/n: so this is the first of what will (hopefully) be many installments of call of the ocean. i already have a second part knocking around in the ole google doc and i’m really excited to share everything with yall! please let me know if you spot any errors because full disclaimer this fic was started more than a year ago and has been very slowly pieced together with little bits of tape

masterlist | call of the ocean master list (coming soon)

__

It is the peak of summer when you first meet him. The sun feels impossibly hot for this time of year and it makes for an incredibly miserable trip to the market.

You normally wouldn’t even go into town when the sun is blazing its fury on the earth, but you have it on good authority that the cargo ship that just docked has a little something special for you.

When you get to the town center it is already filled with rowdy sailors elated to be on dry land, making the already crowded market even more cramped and your thin patience even thinner. But, if you weren’t jostled and elbowed to high hell and if the sun hadn’t made your skin sickly hot, you would be rather endeared by their eagerness.

Even though your days at sea are long behind you, you remember what it felt like a hot meal at a tavern for the first time in ages. You remember what it was like to have salt in your hair and what it was like to see deep blue everywhere you looked.

The thought of the ocean tugs at a familiar feeling in your chest, one that you should have buried down a long time ago.

You were never good at letting things go.

Shaking off your thoughts you finally start to push your way through the crowd and to your destination, a little stall right in the center of the market, yet tucked away protected by the hustle and bustle of the crowd.

A cheerful call catches your attention, it’s the stall’s owner, one Miss. Penelope Garcia. She motions you over with a wave of her hand, excitement clear on her face.

“Come, come! It came and just as you requested, and it looks beautiful,” her voice cuts through the crowd loud and clear and you push even harder through the crowded market to make your way to her.

It seems that Penelope’s excitement is too great for her to simply stand still and wait for you to make your way to her market stall and she meets you halfway moving through the crowd with an “excuse me, excuse me! Coming though, please sir move, I have to- ”

Her words are cut off with an ecstatic squeal when she finally reaches you and immediately takes your hand to pull you through the throngs of people. Navigating the crowd with the same ease as she did before she deposits you, safe and sound, in front of her market stall.

“Oh my darling it is so nice to see you again!”

“It’s nice to see you too Penny,” you tell her as she reaches for a little paper wrapped package.

“Here it is, all nice and snug just as you requested,” she says pushing your package to you, “I hope you don’t mind, I had a little peak. I just couldn’t help myself.”

You give her a warm smile and assure Penelope that it’s okay, her curiosity will always be her downfall.

Your fingers shake slightly as you move to unwrap the package. Whether it’s out of excitement or fear you don’t know, but the drumming in your chest only intensifies when you finally tear through the paper wrapping to reveal a thick book, worn with age.

The Morrowson’s Compendium of Earthly Creatures, the beautiful leather bound cover reads. Flipping through its worn pages you see that it’s inside is littered with colorful illustrations.

“Thank you Penny,” the words come out breathless, your voice soft with awe, “it’s exactly what I was looking for.”

She gives you a blindingly cheerful grin, “anything for you my lovely.”

The two of you say your goodbyes and you begin to make your way through the market to your next destination. As excited as you are to go home and turn through the gilded pages of your new book you still have some shopping to do.

Your mind is always on the book though, thoughts never drifting away from its worn cover and colorful illustrations as you look over vegetables for blemishes and examine cuts of meat.

Lost in your thoughts you end up running into a fair amount of people which in turn causes many angry exclamations to be thrown your way. You just mutter your apologies and scurry past them, desperate to finish up and go home.

As you finish up at the bakery and start to finally head back home you run into yet another person.

Only this time you’re not able to get away with a halfhearted mumbled apology. Your things spill to the ground, rolling every which way and you have to scurry to pick them up lest they get snatched up by an unsavory passerby.

It isn’t until you have brushed all the dirt off your clothes that you think to even check to make sure you have all your things. Your first instinct is to reach for the book that should be tucked snugly away into your basket-

See the full post

22 notes - Posted October 7, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

looking at her is kind of bittersweet. i wish i spent more time on here you know?

I still stand by My lover is the sea though, like read it pls if you haven't yet. I'm very very proud of her

[bebepac]

And Everything Nice

I am participating in @choicesprompts second challenge.  The prompt will appear in bold. 

I am also participating in @choices-september-challenge-blog day #14 prompt  which will also appear in bold.  

This was a surprise followup  to Cinammon Spice which started as an ask by the lovely @dcbbw  . 

This fic and the previous Cinnamon Spice have a bit of a Pretty Woman like feel to them which is the vibe I going for.  Hope you enjoy this part.  

The Book:  TRR (No Royals)  The Pairings:  Liam x Bebe (Liam x F!OC) Word Count: 1335 Ratings and Warnings:  Teen / Sexual Innuendo. 

Original Post: 09/13/22 at 8:22PM EST. 

“Holy crap, we’re gonna be late!” the woman yelped when her eyes glanced up at the decorative wall clock. “Turn that off!” she ordered in a cross tone to her companion, who was still watching the streaming show.

“Late? For what?” The question was asked in a tone that was both confused and distracted.

“The THING!”

Her companion finally pulled their eyes away from the 60-inch screen, brows furrowed. “I know of no THING,” they protest.

She heaved a huge sigh of exasperation. “It’s on your calendar! Now, stop talking and start moving!” She gently slapped their forearm in light admonishment. “I’m done with the conversation now!”

She turned away to plump her pillows.

Her eyes widened in surprise when she felt arms wrap around her waist and pads of thumbs press into her hips. Her body is a feather as it’s pulled back onto the bed.

“Sit back down!” her companion ordered.

The woman frowns at  him before her eyes find the television screen again.

What the...? Is that …? WHAT is he doing?

“I’m sat!”

He smiled at her.  The way she said those words had come across with a little southern sass that she had complied with him.

“Was that so very difficult for you, Mrs. Spice-Forbes?”

“But we’re going to be late for the thing on your calendar.  We have an arrangement, and the last thing I want is to not make a good impression on these people I’m supposed to impress.”  

“Why does it matter to you? After this week, you won’t have to see any of these people ever again?”  

“But you will, and from what I can tell Mr. Forbes, you like to have a certain type of reputation to be upheld, and I don’t want to be the one to mess that up for you.  It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, and a minute to ruin it.”  

“More sage advice from Mother Spice I presume?”  

“Something like that, but they are words to live by.”  

“Seems like a lot of pressure to put on yourself at any one given time.”  

“You would know about that wouldn’t you?”

And in that one moment she didn't realize how close she had hit to the vest.  At least, he thought she didn’t.  She saw the look on his face, and lightened the mood.

“But isn’t that how diamonds are made Liam? And I think we’re both diamonds,  I’m more the ‘in the rough’ type.

 You’re the more obvious sparkling type.”

“I beg to differ, Bebe.  You sparkle.”

Bebe could quickly deflect the conversation from herself back to someone else, almost flawlessly. He stood, holding his hand out to her.  

“You were right.  We are going to be late.”  

“What!?!?!”

“It’s time to go shopping. I set us a few appointments.”

With Liam, she was now heading into stores, she never thought she would ever be shopping at in her life.  

“Are you trying to give me my own Cinderella story here?”  

Liam chuckled.  “Are you trying to call me  your fairy godmother?  That’s a new one.”

Liam had already picked up a few things for Bebe to try on, and even though she was not paying, she looked at the price tags.  One dress was almost her portion of the rent she shared with her roommate Riley in their apartment that wasn’t even on the decent side of town.  

“Don’t worry about that  Bebe.  I can afford anything here that gives you the Mrs. Forbes look.”  

“So what would that look like exactly?”

Liam thought for a second.

“Corporate America Chic meets trophy wife.”

"Seriously?"

"I mean it's not like you can't pull that look off." Liam commented with a wink.

The saleswoman laughed looking at the two of them.

"I’m sure we have plenty of items that fit that bill. At least he's being honest with you. How long have the two of you been married?"

Liam looked at his watch.

"We have been enjoying marital bliss for nineteen magical hours so far."

Bebe pulled Liam’s arm closer to her, to closely inspect his watch.

"Nineteen hours and thirty eight minutes  to be exact my darling, but who's keeping track?  Not me Honey!!!”

Liam’s smile widened.  

The saleswoman picked out even more outfits for Bebe that were  professional and had a hint of saucy sex appeal.  

Bebe was staring at the form fitting royal blue dress on the hanger.  

“I don’t think this one is going to go.”

“No it’s going, you got to trust me on it.”

“Carmen, I feel like since we have spent this time together this afternoon, and  you’ve legit dressed every part of me at this point we can call each other by our first names.  Carmen, that itty bitty dress isn’t going to fit on this body.”

“Bebe you’re going to have to trust me, it will, and hubby’s eyes are going to fall out his head when he sees this one on you. This one screams trophy wife.”

She smiled.  “This one, he picked special for you.”    

“Okay…..I’m trusting you.”  

Liam had picked out a few special pieces that Mrs. Forbes would be wearing, in a very special fashion show for him later that evening.  He heard commotion in the dressing room,  and Bebe cackling with laughter.

Liam raised an eyebrow, as now his interest had been piqued, when he heard the saleswoman giggling too..  

“Are you ladies okay in there?  Do you require assistance?”  

“We’re fine.” Both women finally assured him.

“Well in that case,  I have one more thing  for you to try on Bebe with that dress.” 

A box slid under the door.  

“Every Cinderella needs her shoes.”

Carmen opened the box and gasped.  

“You better hold on tight to him!  He got you the Jimmy Choo Alia pumps.”

The shoes were nothing less than Cinderella worthy which made Bebe wonder, that Liam was so intent in spoiling her in this moment to give them the appearance of a happily married couple, why couldn’t he just have this on his own?  Why did he have to ‘buy’ it?  He seemed like a nice enough guy.  But she was single too.  Dating  in the city proved to be very difficult at times.  

Especially when men found out you had a job as an escort.  They all assumed that being an escort  always meant a “happy ending.”  That was not always the case.  Some men Bebe had been around, truly did only want companionship.  And some, of course some were dogs.  Liam seemed like the one that truly did want companionship, but just hadn’t been exactly lucky at love.  

“Told you it would go.”  

“But breathing is optional apparently.”  

“You won’t be wearing that dress long.  Trust me.”  

Bebe walked out of the dressing room. Liam was staring down at his phone until he heard the clicks of the heels approaching him.

  Liam glanced up, his eyes widening traveling up her body.  

His eyes stopped when they met hers.

“So it’s a no right?”  Not feeling this one? Me neither, I’ll just go....”  

Liam grabbed her arm and she started laughing.

“It’s a hell yes!  It’s a she’s wearing that out of here.  We’re ready to check out right  now.”  

“Okay! Let me go and change.”  

“Did I stutter Woman!?!?!  You’re wearing that out of here, we’re leaving now.”

“Guess he likes it.”  

In a matter of minutes they were headed to Liam’s vehicle back to his place. The way he looked at her, and the way his hand gently caressed her thigh as he drove back to his apartment, Bebe had a decision to make.  They could barely keep their hands off each other as they rode the elevator to his penthouse apartment.  

Her decision was yes.  They were two consenting adults, hell they were married for that matter.  Well maybe not married, but she did have a ring.

“One request Mrs. Forbes?”

“Yes Mr. Forbes?”

“Cinderella should keep her shoes  on for now.”

Bebe winked.   “I can do that.  One request for you Mr. Forbes?”

Liam raised an eyebrow. “Yes Mrs. Forbes?”

“Bite me.”  

Liam licked his lips.  “If you Insist.”  

[doomed-syko]

Beg for Your Hand In Marriage | Robert Keating x Fem!reader

summary: It’s May, it will be Inhalers last show for a while and your boyfriend just asked you to marry him…

word count: 5.3k

warnings: the usual, swearing, a lot of fluff like a shit ton of fluff, mention of alcohol, mention of drugs, more fluff… honestly it’s fluff galore oh and yes uncle!rob is making a comeback (everyone cheered!), also like always my bad writing

request: anonymous; Hey!! Idk if you are doing requests but I was wondering if you can please do a Rob imagine where maybe he’s at band practice and stuff and they are singing a song that he wrote for you and half way he leaves and goes home to you and is like “let’s get married like right now” or something like that and you’re like “what” and he gives you like this whole speech but he doesn’t even have a ring but say yes anyways and you guys have like a shotgun wedding and it’s cute and the rest of the guys are there. Idk why lol but I imagine Robert have a Vegas wedding lmao

author’s note: rejoice rejoice i am back, sorry i took me so long but i’ve had the worst writers' block oops kinda changed the request i hope that’s fine :) (also we’re gonna ignore that you need to give a three months notice, at a civil registration service, if you wanna get married in ireland; this is fiction so i decide the rules lol)

Today was the last day of tour. It was a Wednesday in May - May fourth to be exact – and today Inhaler would play their last show for a while, at home in Dublin.

There weren't any tours, or even gigs for that matter, planned besides a few Festival appearances in the UK and Europe, spread out over June and July. After touring their debut album for almost two whole years - with little breaks in between of course, which they used to record their second album - the lads had decided that they all could use a bit of time off before said second album would come out in early September.

Today was the last of three back to back shows in The Academy and you were sure that the band would put their all into it. If this night would be anything like the two before they would blow the roof off the place without a doubt. Figuratively speaking of course.

The snapping of Robert's fingers pulled you out of your thoughts: “When did Gary say we'd have to be at the venue again?”

“Uhhh,” you looked at your phone. It was 12:10. “Jesus love, shouldn't you know that? I mean I'm not the one in the band.” You sighed, desperately trying to remember what their manager had told you yesterday. “Doors open at seven, Soundcheck's probably gonna be sometime between five-thirty and six again, so we should turn up at four at the very latest!”

“Okay.” Rob hummed, turning his attention to Neo, one of the two cats you owned, that was happily purring now that your boyfriend had decided to tickle her behind her ears. “You like that huh?”

Neo was pitch black from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail. The colour of her eyes fluctuated, depending on how the light hit them, from black like her fur to a light grey with a hue of blue.

Ziggy, on the other hand, was as white as snow — aside from the few grey stripes that were lining her tummy — and had green eyes.

You turned your attention away from the two and looked down at your phone again. You'd hadn't even checked your messages at all today, so you quickly opened WhatsApp. The chat at the top was between you and Ciara who'd apparently sent you another message sometime last night while you were already fast asleep.

'Tomorrow at 3 no later than 4, oh and give Neo and Zig a good head scratch from me'

You chuckled to yourself, your best friend knew you better than you'd like to admit sometimes. You quickly answered her ('thank you and of course, give tobert and harley a kiss from me') before moving on to the other messages that had accumulated since last night on several sites.

“Ciara said and I quote: “Tomorrow at 3 no later than 4, oh and give Neo and Zig a good head scratch from me”, so there's your answer.” You laughed turning your attention to the black furball that was comfortably laying on Bobby's lap. Reaching forward you quickly scratched her head, smiling at the way she leaned into the touch. “When do you wanna leave?”

“If we leave at 14:25, so in...” now it was Rob who pulled out his phone to check the time. “Two hours and fifteen minutes, we'll be at The Academy just before three, so we'd be on time for once.”

“Sounds good,” you yawned, a reminder that you hadn't slept more than twelve hours over the last two days combined. “I still reek of sweat, beer and smoke,” you grimaced, remembering the beer that most of your body had been showered in during the lads' set, before getting up from the sofa you were both sprawled out on. “I'm gonna go and hop under the shower real quick.”

“Okay, but don't take too long,” Rob mumbled, his eyes closed. “I was too tired to shower this morning.”

“We could safe time and water and just shower together,” you shrugged, walking toward the bathroom. “Nothing you haven't seen before!”

You purposefully stopped right in front of the door, craning your neck to try to see if your boyfriend was following you.

“I like the way you're thinking Y/N!" Bobby grinned when he had finally caught up with you, before wrapping his arms around your waist and picking you up. “Let's go, woman,” he laughed at the screech coming from your mouth the second as you lost contact with the floor.

“We don't have all day!”

You left your flat on time — at 14:23 to be exact — checking if you had everything you needed on you for the third time and making sure that Robert hadn't left any hickeys on your neck (your boyfriend telling you “Stop worrying, I made sure to spare your neck and concentrated on your boobs”) you locked the door behind you and made your way to the Luas station nearest to your place.

The walk to the station took you about ten minutes, the journey on the tram only sixteen and before you knew it you were standing at the back entrance to The Academy.

You both quickly showed your AAA passes to the guard at the door. Gary — their tour manager — had given them to you after last nights gig and you had stashed them away securely in one of the deep pockets of your leather jacket, afraid that if you'd given them to your lover he would have just lost them.

You felt Roberts fingers intertwining with yours as you walked down the narrow corridor towards the bands green room. The familiarity of the place making you feel... almost at home.

For years now the lads had been playing gigs at The Academy. Starting by playing the Academy 2 — which could hold 230 people — and working their way up to The Academy 1 with a capacity of over 830. The most memorable probably were the four back to back gigs they played in December of 2021, which had been sold out for months in advance. They could sell our bigger venues, they had done it plenty of times before, but for their last shows of this album cycle they wanted to play to a smaller crowd and there was no place better than The Academy for that.

For once, you weren't the last ones to arrive (Eli was the last one, with his phone pressed to one ear and a half-eaten chocolate cookie in his other hand) so you decided to lean back and make yourself comfortable on the worn-out leather sofas, waiting for everyone to gather in the semi spacious room.

You were talking to Ciara who was sitting beside you when Gary finally stopped talking with the venue staff and turned his attention to everyone in the room.

“Okay, listen up everyone,” his voice boomed through the green room. “Soundcheck is at five-thirty, after that you're free to roam around backstage and outside. Just try to draw as little attention to yourselves and remember to stay close and keep your passes on you at all times, the venue staff will ask you to identify yourself and check for your pass!” He looked at Elijah, his left eyebrow raised, probably thinking back to the show around three weeks ago when Eli had gone for a smoke five minutes before the show was supposed to start and wasn't let back in.

You chuckled quietly. You were there when it happened, you were the one he had called cursing and grumbling asking you to come to the back door with his pass and show the security that he was in fact allowed backstage because he was the singer of the band that was about to play to 1600 people. You hadn’t even tried to stop laughing when you showed the guard at the door yours and then Elis Pass before you were both sprinting through the corridor to reach the stage in time.

Gary’s speech was short and sweet and before you realized he was already out of the door again following one of the roadies, who had some questions for him.

“Hey, Y/N.” Eli smiled pulling you into a hug, as best as he could with you on the sofa and him standing in front of said sofa. “I hate to ask this of you, believe me, I do, but Akiras flight from Amsterdam has been delayed so she couldn’t make it here with me…” he trailed off. “Could you maybe make sure that she gets her pass?”

“Yeah sure,” you smiled at your friend, who was visibly relaxing at your assurance. “What times she gonna be here?”

“If everything goes right, she should be here at five forty, if you could just make sure she gets let in and give her the pass…” he pulled the pass out of his jacket, giving it to you. “That would be amazing!”

“Of course Eli,” you smiled, putting the pass down beside your phone on the little table that was cramped into the corner beside the sofa. “Im gonna send her a text to let her know that I'll wait outside for her!”

“Thank you so much, Y/N/N,” Eli grinned. “I owe you one!”

Time moves fast when you’re talking with your friends. Over the last hour and a half, more people had arrived, including your brother, his wife and their daughter — Lennon — who was sitting on your lap and pulling faces at Ryan from across the room. You were sitting on the armrest of the sofa, leaning against Rob's chest, his arm slung over your shoulders and his fingers playing with your hair.

You were laughing at something Josh had said when Gary came back and ushered the band out of the green room towards the stage so they could do their soundcheck. Lennon insisted to watch “uncle Robby and his friends” soundcheck, so you hoisted her up on your hip and followed them with Ciara and Gayle.

Lennon was wearing a pair of those big black headphones made for toddlers to protect their ears and was happily jumping around in front of the barrier, looking back to you every once in a while, as if she wanted to make sure that you were still there with her.

You were still there. Ciara, Gayle and you were standing right beside the front of house (sound and light) techs, making sure you weren’t in the way and keeping an eye out for your niece, who was smiling brightly at Eli, who was quickly waving at her before turning his attention back to the song they were currently playing.

Over the years you had the pleasure to experience your fair share of Inhalers sound checks. Having been friends for ages before dating Bobby even became an option – you had fancied him for a while before you finally worked up the courage to ask him out – and along the way, you'd seen them soundcheck for shows in the tiniest of clubs, slowly working their way up to play sold-out shows to hundred yes even thousands of fans.

You had accompanied the band on the first half of their UK tour — which was dating back two and a half months now — and then also joined them for the entirety of their European tour, which had ended a week ago, so your sound check experience had grown even more during that time.

The lads were five minutes into soundcheck when you felt your phone buzz in the pocket of your black jeans. It was a message from Akira, telling you that she was about to reach the Academy. You put your phone back, grabbed the Pass that was stuffed into the other pocket and asked the girls if they could keep an eye out for Lennon, before making your way down the corridor that would lead to the same back entrance Bobby and you had used earlier.

“Y/N!” you were promptly engulfed in a big hug. “Oh my god, I haven’t seen you in ages. How have you been darling?”

“Good to see you to Akira,” you giggled into the blonde girl’s neck, still swaying side to side. “I’ve been brilliant, how are you, babe?”

She finally let go of you, pushing her sunglasses up and exposing her brown eyes. It was true though, you hadn’t seen each other in a while, not in real life at least.

“Great,” she smiled. “Busy and tired but very happy to have some time off now. Honestly, I haven’t slept properly in weeks.”

“Well, I don’t think I need to tell you this, but you won’t get much sleep tonight I reckon.” you chuckled, pulling the Pass out of your back pocket. “Here’s the Pass, by the way, the lads are still soundchecking but they should be done soon.”

“You’re an angel Y/N/N!” Akira said, pulling you into another hug. “I owe you one!”

“You would not believe it, but your boyfriend said the same exact thing to me.”

“Of course he did.”

Time between soundcheck and the actual show flew by fast. Akira and you had headed straight for the green room, where she put her bags down and sat down beside your sister in law, striking up a conversation with her immediately. You grabbed a water bottle and popped some grapes into your mouth, before sitting down beside Sam and throwing your legs over his lap.

You were laughing at something your brother had said when the door to the green room was opened again, Josh being the first to enter the room his arm swung over Gayle’s shoulder, the others following them.

Robert was carrying Lennon in his arms, throwing his head back, laughing at something Ciara had said who was a step ahead of him and giggling at his reaction. Rob took a swift look around the room, crouching down slightly when Lennon started squirming in his arms, watching her take off and run towards her parents before he wandered towards the sofa Sam and you were sitting on and practically throwing himself down beside you.

You were about to jokingly scold him when but decided against it in favour of watching Elijahs and Akiras reunion.

The blonde girl had jumped up from her place on the leather couch and practically leapt into the arms of her boyfriend who quickly wrapped his arms around her and was now swaying them from side to side. It was a lovely and sweet scene.

Deciding to let the reunited lovers have some little privacy, you turned your attention to your boyfriend pressing a kiss to one of his dimples before cuddling into his chest and listening to his and Sams conversation, interjecting every now and again.

You had been to a lot, a lot of Inhaler shows in the last few years but this one was, without a doubt, the best one yet. The atmosphere was through the roof, from your place on the balcony you had a perfect view of both the stage and the crowd and yeah you were sure this was their best show yet.

The gig flew by quick — to be honest, you hadn’t even paid that much attention, rather dancing with your friends and your niece who was happily clapping and laughing along in your arms — and before you knew they were playing Cheer Up Baby, their second last song, so you all slowly made your way down the balcony and backstage again to greet the band when they would come off stage.

While Akira and you waited for them, the rest went back to the green room. Lennon, you could tell, was on the brink of falling asleep in her father's arms. You were sure that they would leave as soon as they could.

“You guys played amazing tonight!” You were beaming. You quickly hugged Louis and Josh — they were the first to come off stage — being careful with the guitar still hanging from Josh’s shoulders.

“The crowd was amazing!” Josh smiled back, saying a quick ‘thank you when Tom took his guitar from him. “Definitely one of the best shows from this tour.”

Lou, hummed in agreement, opening his water bottle and taking a big gulp.

You welcomed both Eli and Ryan with hugs as well, congratulating them on the good show, making some small talk with Ryan while you watched Eli embrace his girlfriend in a hug and waited for your boyfriend, who stepped down the little stairs a few moments later, engulfing you in a big sweaty hug.

“Hey you,” you mumbled into his neck, completely ignoring the sweat that was glistening on his skin. "You did amazing darling!"

“Thank you, love,” Rob said, pressing a kiss to your temple. “I assume you had fun?”

“Of course,” you looked up at him, moving your hands, from where they were linked behind his back, up to rest them in between his shoulder blades. “Had a blast dancing with Ciara, Akira and Gayle.”

“Yeah, I saw that,” he smiled down at you before pecking your lips. “Common,” he gently tapped your leg. “Let’s head back, so I can properly say goodnight to my niece!”

Hand in hand you walked back to the green room, where Rob grabbed a bottle of water and a towel before he went over to your brother. Lennon — who looked like she would pass out any second now — got a sudden rush of energy as soon as she saw your boyfriend; a big smile replacing the tired expression that was on her face just seconds earlier.

You chuckled quietly at the two. She really had him wrapped around her tiny little fingers, it was adorable.

“Goodnight Lovebug.” You smiled down at your niece after you joined the little group. “See you on Friday, okay?” You kissed her nose. “Oh, and be good for your Ma and Dad!”

You turned around to your lover.

“I’m in desperate need of a tab,” you sighed. “You in?”

“Of course,” Rob hummed. “Let me just get my jacket real quick okay?”

You watched him as he crossed the room to grab his leather jacket, exchanging some words with Josh, Ryan and Garry on the way back before he came back, holding his hand out for you to hold.

“Let’s go.”

The air outside was cool and you were glad that you had your jacket on you, cause there was no way in hell you would have taken Bobbys. Not when he was still wearing his sweaty clothes; you didn’t wanna have to nurse your boyfriend back to health because he got a cold from not wearing his jacket.

You were leaning against the cold brick wall right beside the back entrance of The Academy, Robert just a few feet in front of you. He was oddly quiet.

Having a post-gig smoke had become part of your routine a long time ago. It calmed both of you immensely and after doing it a few times it just stuck. But usually, Robert would crack some jokes or talk about the show with you, today he didn’t.

“Everything okay?” You asked, pulling him out of his thoughts.

“Hmm?” He looked down at you. “Sorry, what did you say?”

“I asked you if everything’s okay!” You repeated yourself, slightly rolling your eyes. “Usually you would have told me a shitty joke by now.”

“Yeah, everything’s fine don’t worry,” he grinned, taking his hand that wasn’t occupied with holding a cigarette and cupping your face; his thumb gently stroking your cheek. “I’m just a bit tired that’s all darling, no need to worry!”

The two of you stood in silence again. Your cigarette was long smoked and you were only waiting on Rob to finish his. Maybe that’s why you didn’t expect what he said next.

“Marry me.”

“What?”

“Marry me.”

“Robert, what the fuck?!”

“Im serious, I want to marry you. I think I have for a while now, but tonight, seeing you so carefree and genuinely happy, dancing with the girls and with Lennon on your arms made it all click. I never want to be without you, I don’t think I can be without you actually.” He smiled down at you. It was the most sincere smile he had ever smiled. “You mean everything to me Y/N and I would love to get to call you my wife… only if you want to of course!”

You thought your eyes were about to fall out of your head. Oh my god was this really happening right now?

“Bu- but we don’t have rings…”

“We’ll actually…” Robert grinned, quickly looking down at his shoes. “Smo might, perhaps has two very simple silver rings stashed away, that fit us two perfectly.”

And that’s when you learned that drunk Rob's ideas were things sober Sam forced him to go through with and that’s why he apparently had wedding bands for you two, stashed away in his kitchen drawer.

The next twenty-four hours went by fast. After telling your friends — who’d all hugged and congratulated the two of you — and your families, you went straight to planning.

Ryan and Josh, bless their hearts, had somehow managed to get you a date at the registry office, Ciara and Gayle had decided to bake a cake and Akira had agreed to help decorate your parents garden for the party after the ceremony (they had offered their house and garden months ago for the ‘end of tour party’), while Eli and Sam would come and pick you up from your flat to drive you to the registry office, where the rest of your friends and family would be waiting.

You would get married to the love of your life. On Friday. Which was today.

Since the whole planning of the wedding was rather… last minute, you had opted to wear a long and flowy dress, which ended right above your ankles. It was a simple summer dress you had worn maybe once or twice before and now it would be the dress you would be married in.

Besides the fact that Rob and you would get married this noon, nothing was different. Like always you had a slow and lazy start into the morning; you woke up first, got up and prepared breakfast, only to be joined by your boyfriend a few minutes later who would hug you from behind and press a kiss to your neck before helping you get everything ready. You would eat outside, on your little balcony, Neo and Ziggy joining you to lay in the sun before you would jump into the shower and get ready.

Just today you wouldn’t just throw on one of Bobby's shirts you had stolen ages ago and a pair of jeans, but the aforementioned Summer dress while Robert put on one of the suits he had worn at a photoshoot a few years back. It wasn’t exactly the same one, since it was only a loan or the photoshoot but after constant begging from you, he had gone and bought an identical one. He had never worn it, always saying he wanted to wait and wear it for a special occasion. Today was that special occasion.

At 10 am sharp your doorbell rang. Outside stood were Eli and Smo, both also wearing simple suits, big grins on their faces.

“Miss Y/L/N,” Eli winked at you, taking your hand a pressing a light kiss on it making you chuckle and roll your eyes. “Mr Keating,” he bowed in front of Robert, whose reaction was similar to yours. “Your carriage is ready for you!”

The carriage was Sam's fifteen-year-old dark blue Audi, which for once looked like it had been thoroughly cleaned, both inside and out.

“Mlady,” Eli grinned, holding the car door open for you. Which was followed by a “Stop fucking flirting with my fiancé, Eli.” from Robert.

“Boys,” you raised your eyebrows. “Behave okay?”

“Yes, Maam!” Eli said, closing the car door after you had slid into the backseat. “Let's get going,” he hummed. “Don’t want you guys to be late for your own wedding!”

The drive was about twenty minutes and before you knew it, Eli was opening the car door again and helping you out of the car. Your friends and family were already waiting, your parents welcoming both you and Bobby with big smiles and long hugs; Roberts parents doing the same.

Since the wedding was planned in just about twenty-four hours, only Roberts and your parents and siblings, and your closest friends – aka the band, their girlfriends and Sam – would be present for the official ceremony… oh and Lewis, to take the pictures.

“You look fucking gorgeous Y/N!” Gayle gushed, hugging you tight. “I can't believe this is actually happening, like what?”

“Hmm neither can I,” you chuckled nervously. “Im kinda sweating right now!”

“That’s totally normal,” the brunette smiled at you before taking your hands in hers, giving them a reassuring squeeze. “You are doing the right thing don’t worry!”

“We actually had a bet going,” Ciara chipped in. “Josh, Gayle, Ryan and I: Who would get married first; between Bob and you and Eli and Akira.” She clarified. “Gayle and I said Bobby and You would tie the knot first, Josh and Ryan said Eli and Akira – so I guess that means our boyfriends owe us twenty-five euros each.”

“Mhmm,” Gayle smirked. “We should defo remind them of that again!”

“You two are something else!” You chuckled, looking down as you felt someone tug on your dress. “Hiya Lovebug,” You crouched down to your niece. “Is that for me?”

Lennon was wearing a blue dress, her usually wild blonde locks were braided into two perfect little fishtail braids, while she was proudly pressing a bouquet of wildflowers in various colours to her chest.

“Yuppp,” she smiled up at you. “Picked them out on my own!”

“Oh wow, Lennon they are beautiful!” You booped the five-year-olds nose, before taking the bouquet. “Thank you so much, Angel.”

You watched as she ran off again, towards your brother who promptly picked her up while continuing to speak with Elijah and Sam.

“Are you ready?” Rob mumbled, pressing a light kiss to your neck, as he wrapped his arms around your waist, startling you slightly. “Am sorry if I scared you.”

“No no, don’t worry you didn’t scare me, I was just a bit surprised that’s all.” You hummed, leaning back in his embrace. “Im ready!” You answered his question. “Are you?”

“Never been more ready!” You felt his chest vibrate slightly. “Let's fucking do this!”

Your family and friends were already seated, when Robert and you walked down the aisle together, they were all happily smiling at you two and you were sure that some of them had tears in their eyes.

The ceremony was quick – it was 'only' a Civil Marriage after all – and since all you were feeling was glee and pure ecstasy it felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. The solemniser lead through the wedding beautifully; it was simple and straight to the point but you wouldn’t have wanted any other way. You happily signed the Marriage Registration Form, leaning against Robert as you watched Josh and Ciara – your two official witnesses – do the same.

And just like that, it was done. You were married. Wife and Husband. Robert and Y/N Keating.

As soon as you stepped outside of the registry office, your mother pulled you flush against her body. You felt like you were being handed from person to person before you finally stood in front of Rob again. Your husband.

“Hi,” you breathed, looking up at him. “We really did that huh?”

“Yeah,” He smiled. He gently grabbed your left hand, looking at the silver ring sitting on your ring finger before pressing a sweet kiss to it. “I love you so much Y/N, so so fucking much!”

“I love you!” You repeated the words to him. “More than you know.”

The smile on his face was probably the happiest you had ever seen him wear. It was bright and big and you could see his dimples, which was a rare occurrence. You were sure that your smile was probably just as big and bright; you hadn’t stopped smiling since the ceremony had started.

Bobby's hands moved up to cradle your face pulling it closer before pressing a sweet and long kiss to your mouth. Like routine, you moved your arms up, so they could lay on his shoulders and cross them at your wrists.

The two of you had shared a lot of different kisses over the years. Shy kisses, slow and sweet kisses, angry kisses, sad kisses, hopeful kisses… but non had been so full of love and happiness like this one was.

You took a few pictures in front of the steps of the registry office before all piling into the cars you had come in, to drive to your parent's house where the “end of tour / Bobbys and Y/N/N's Wedding” party would be held.

Your parents garden looked, to put it simply, fucking beautiful. Lanterns were hanging in the big old tree, the same big old tree your friends and you would sit under in summer and get drunk and high when your parents weren’t at home. Wrapped around the smaller apple and cherry trees were fairy lights. The same fairy lights were also wrapped around the strange mix of garden furniture, your parents had accumulated over the years. It simply looked heavenly.

It was several hours later, the sun slowly starting to set, your makeup smudged and hair far wilder than it had been that morning, your shoes had been discarded long ago and you were somewhere in between buzzed and drunk when Sam and Ryan came over to you and sat down beside you, one on either side.

The three of you sat in silence for a while before you said something.

“I heard you owe your girlfriend twenty-five euros,” you chuckled as you turned your head towards Ryan. “Better pay up before she makes it fifty!”

“Thank you for reminding me.” Ryan shook his head, not able to hide the smile on his face. “How are you doing?”

“Im doing fantastic!” You smiled, then turned your attention to Sam. “Thank you.”

“Your welcome,” he grinned. “But for what exactly are you thanking me?”

“Oh, just,” you trailed off, your attention landing on Lennon who was dancing with Rob and now manically waving at you. You waved back, grinning before turning your attention back on Sam. “I heard you played a huge role in Rob getting the rings in the first place. So without you, we wouldn’t be here now!”

“Oh yeah that,” he smirked. “Of course. I mean that’s kinda my duty as his best friend, to make him go through with the ideas he gets when he's drunk and missing you!”

The three of you all laughed before you fell silent again.

“Yknow, Sam is a great name for a baby… and it's unisex!” Sam said. Ryan snorted before chipping in. “Well, the same goes for Ryan.”

“Huh?” You looked at your two best friends, “What the fuck are yous two on about now?”

Ryan nudged you before pointing at Bobby and Lennon. “Look.”

Your husband was swaying gently with his niece in his arms. Her head was resting on his chest and she looked like her eyes would fall shut any second now.

Oh… ohhhhh

“Ya reckon that’s the next step for you two?” Ryan asked, his eyes fixed on his best friend who was now gently passing the little girl in his arms to her mother, before turning around, his eyes finding yours instantly a warm smile on his lips.

You mirrored his smile. “Maybe.”

note: if you liked this imagine, don't forget to like, comment and/or reblog, that'd be greatly appreciated! xx

taglist: (if you'd like to be tagged please let me know!) @carmccannt @1twontalwaysbelikethiss @reneissance-grxnge @vanmccannsfridge

[liaromancewriter]

The Compatibility Hypothesis

Premise: After an eventful morning, Sienna surprises Max at work with an important question.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Sienna Trinh x Max Valentine (M!OC) Rating/Category: Mature (light NSFW). Fluff. Words: 1,930

A/N: This is set about a month after Tourist in DC. Submission for @choices-september-challenge-blog​ Day 27 prompt “I love kissing you.”

I also used this fluff prompt “You’re just too adorable when you blush” from @creativepromptsforwriting. Tagging for reblog to @creativepromptfills​ 

Sienna Trinh had forgotten how wonderful it was to be in a relationship, especially with Max Valentine. Her friend and now her lover.

It wasn't just the emotional thrall but the physical pleasures she'd been missing the last few years. Getting drunk on the pheromones and feeling the weight of a man on top of her, his musky scent surrounding her senses.

It was even better when she was on top, her bare thighs straddling his on their bed. She leaned over Max, teasing him with short little kisses and nipping the edge of his jaw, his stubble rough against her skin.

"I love kissing you," he murmured, grasping her chin with two fingers and proceeding to take her breath away with a deep, scorching kiss.

His other hand fisted around her hair, holding her tight against him. Her hands splayed on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race and her nipples pebbled against the soft cotton of her tee shirt. She could feel his arousal nudging her thighs, and her hands fumbled with the drawstrings of his pants.

The shrill sound of his morning alarm broke through the haze of lust surrounding them. He released her lips, and Sienna groaned in protest, her head falling on his shoulder.

"Five more minutes," she pleaded when he reached for his phone on the bedside table and hit the snooze button.

"We have nine," Max grinned, turning the lock screen to show her the snooze countdown. "Let’s make it count.”

She laughed when he flipped her over and covered her body with his. Her tee shirt rode up as his clever fingers brushed the soft skin at the junction of her thighs. His green eyes locked on hers and his hand trailed below to tease her core.

“I need you inside me,” she whimpered.

His thumb pressed against the top of her sex, rubbing her clit; he slipped one finger inside her and then a second, thrusting deep and making her gasp.

“I am,” he growled. “We only have a few minutes left, Si. Ride my hand. That’s it. Lift your hips. Feel me.”

She was already turned on, but his commanding tone pushed her off the edge. When he ground the heel of his palm against her sex, she rocked against him, the intensity of her orgasm lifting her hips off the bed. He wrapped his arms around her, switching positions, so she was lying atop him as tremors racked her body.

When his alarm went off a second time, Sienna felt sated and limp and couldn’t have moved even if she’d been capable of doing so. She felt his body shift, and then the alarm cut off mid-tone.

“I have to get ready for work,” he said, stretching his arms above him.

Sienna lifted her head off his chest and pouted. “Do you have to?”

He laughed. “Afraid so.”

“But what about…?” Her eyes drifted down to where his erection tented the front of his sleep pants.

Max kissed the tip of her nose. “You can make it up to me tonight. I’ll be at your mercy if you want to break out those handcuffs from our first time.” He chuckled when she turned red. “You’re just too adorable when you blush.”

She narrowed her eyes into slits. “You enjoy teasing me like this, don’t you?”

“You make it hard to resist,” he smirked.

He lifted her off him, swung his legs over the side of the bed and threw her a wicked grin over his shoulder. “Want to join me in the shower?”

She blushed again and shook her head, feeling the flush spread across her chest and into her belly. His eyes softened in understanding, and he leaned over to kiss her lips swiftly before heading into the walk-in closet and the master bath beyond.

A couple of hours later, Sienna was parked on the couch, TV remote in hand and flipping through cable channels for something to watch. She tried to recall when she’d last done this but was hard-pressed to come up with an answer. Maybe before she started med school?

When her phone pinged an incoming text, she eagerly reached for the device, hoping it was Max. She smiled when she saw it was Cassie instead.

Sienna clicked on the link from Cassie and waited for the quiz to load. She thought it’d be simple, like choosing a dessert to find your celebrity crush. But it was pretty in-depth, forcing one to think about their partner’s responses to determine compatibility.

After a few questions, she gave up and placed the phone on the cushion beside her. Her fingers tapped against the screen as she considered Cassie’s advice. This was her life now, and she needed to stop hiding behind excuses from the past. Max wasn’t Wayne.

Mind made up, she switched off the TV and headed into the kitchen. If she timed it right, she might just get to enjoy a lunch date with her boyfriend. And find out if they were indeed compatible.

By the time Sienna’s ride share dropped her off outside the shiny high-rise tower on the other side of the river, the nerves were back in full force. Gripping the tote bag that held a simple picnic, she glanced at the stylized H adorning the front of the building and walked through sliding glass doors into a soaring lobby.

She signed in at the security desk, scanned the visitor’s pass at the turnstile and followed directions to the elevator bank that would take her to the Hudson Group headquarters' main reception. The ceremony of it felt surreal, she thought as the elevator ascended to the top floor.

She was awestruck as she stepped off the elevator and into a bright and modern space with captivating views of the monuments and beyond. Two receptionists manned the large desk looking busy. One of them looked up with a welcoming smile when Sienna stepped closer.

“I’m here to see Max Valentine,” she told the woman, who wore a nameplate with Gail written across it.

When Gail asked if she had an appointment, she said no, gave her name and waited, hoping she wouldn’t get turned away. She should have texted Max to let him know she was coming. It would have ruined the surprise, but still.

She watched Gail speak quietly to someone on the phone. She hung up and smiled again at Sienna. “Why don’t you have a seat, Ms. Trinh?” She indicated the couches near the floor-to-ceiling windows. “Someone will be here shortly to meet you.”

Sienna thanked Gail and did as directed. Gripping her purse strap, she sat down and set the tote bag on the seat beside her. Twisting in her chair to take in the view outside, Sienna fished inside the purse for her phone. She’d just framed the picture in her camera app when she heard footsteps behind her.

“Doctor Trinh?”

Sienna turned around to see a pretty young woman with light brown hair, her hand resting atop a pregnant belly. She was smiling down at her with recognition, but Sienna didn’t think they’d met before.

“Hi. Yes, I’m Doctor Trinh.” Sienna stood up, facing the woman with a confused look. “I’m sorry but have we met before?”

“Uh, no,” she grinned. “But I’ve seen your pictures and heard about you, of course, Dr. Trinh. I’m Celia Swindell, Max’s executive assistant.”

“Please call me Sienna. It’s very nice to meet you,” said Sienna, feeling the weight lift at the friendly exchange. “I’ve heard Max mention you on occasion.”

“Please come with me,” said Celia, turning sideways. “I’ll take you down to his floor.”

They exchanged small talk and pleasantries as they waited for the next elevator. In the time it took to descend a few floors, Sienna learned that Celia had worked for Max for three years, she was expecting her second child, and she and her husband were looking for a bigger house.

The floor where Max worked was exactly how Sienna had imagined it based on offices she’d seen on TV shows. There were rows of bullpen-style workstations in the center of the floor with glass-walled offices lining the edges. 

The hum of activity was everywhere. It reminded her of the vibe around the nurses’ station in Edenbrook, yet it was different too.

“Max is just finishing up a meeting,” Celia said, waving her hand toward a conference room a few feet away. They stopped outside an office with Max’s name next to the door. “You can wait for him in here.”

But Sienna wasn’t listening. Her heart lifted when she saw him through the glass, seated around a conference room table, pen in hand and laughing at something. 

Earlier this morning, she’d watched him get dressed in that striped shirt and dark blue suit. His hands had deftly tied the knot of the purple tie in a practiced move and added the matching pocket square.

This is what she’d wanted, to see him in his element. She remembered how she’d once likened him to a scion of an old family, confident and self-assured. It didn’t matter if he wore an expensive suit or jeans, he was every inch the successful businessman. And the heir. It shone through even from a distance.

Ten minutes later, Sienna saw Celia leave her desk and head toward the conference room. She hoped it meant he was free and walked over to stand in his office doorway. She saw Celia pull him aside to speak quietly as others filed out of the room and past them.

Suddenly, he looked straight at her, his eyes locking on hers from across the room. And then he was striding toward her, a huge smile spreading across his face.

“Surprise!” she said when he tugged her into his arms, lifting her off her feet and making her laugh. She was facing the bullpen and saw people openly staring at them.

“You should have told me you were coming,” Max said, setting her back down, one arm around her waist to keep her locked against him.

“Then it wouldn’t be a surprise,” she beamed at him.

“Well, it’s the best kind,” he smiled, tucking a loose lock of hair away and bussing the sensitive spot below her ear.

“I think we’re giving everyone a show,” she said, taking his hand. “All these glass walls don’t provide any privacy, do they?”

“No, but I can switch on a privacy screen in my office when I need it,” he explained. “Come on. Let me introduce you to my team. And then, can I take you to lunch?”

“How about I take you to lunch instead?” she countered. “I brought us a picnic and a little activity I need your help with.”

“Perfect,” he said, giving her an exaggerated wink. “I know just the spot. It’s very private, and I can guarantee no one will disturb us.”

“It’s not that kind of activity,” she giggled at his meaning. “I want us to take a compatibility quiz.”

That stopped him in his tracks. “Seriously?” His voice dropped so that only she could hear the sexy teasing tone. “I don’t know about you, but I thought we were very compatible this morning. And last night, too, come to think of it.”

She blushed just as he’d intended. Heedless of who was watching, she swatted his arm in retaliation and gave him a severe look. “And if you want to continue seeing whether we’re compatible tonight, you’ll take the quiz with me. Today.”

His laughter rang out, turning heads. “Yes, ma’am!”

Bonus

All Fics & Edits: @potionsprefect​ @trappedinfanfiction​ @bex-la-get​ @mysticalgalaxysstuff​ @genevievemd​ @choicesaddict5​ @jerzwriter​ @rookiemartin​ @schnitzelbutterfingers​ @vi-writes-stuff​ @coffeeheartaddict2​ @quixoticdreamer16​ @dorisz​ @zahrachoices​ @lucy-268​ @a-crepusculo​ @jamespotterthefirst​ @ofmischiefandmedicine​ @headoverheelsforramsey​ @takemyopenheart​ @gryffindordaughterofathena​ @queencarb​ @crazy-loca-blog​ @natureblooms24​ @peonierose​ @cariantha​

@choicesficwriterscreations​ @openheartfanfics​

[dean-winchester-is-a-warrior]

Get Me to the Church On Time Pt. 4

Series Summary: It's Dean and Julie's wedding day. What could go wrong?

Chapter Summary: Time for a wedding!

Series Warnings/Explicit 18+: Some show level violence, eventual smut, fluff, smidge of angst. Chapters will have individual warnings.

Chapter Warnings: None, super fluff, tiny smidge of angst.

Pairings: Dean Winchester x OFC (Julie)

Word Count: 2,117

**I sincerely apologize for putting this series up a second time. For some bizarro reason, Tumblr won't let me edit them, and they don't open properly when I click on them, it's being a giant pain, so I'm hoping if I repost them, I can change what I need and fix the problem. 🤞🏼🤞🏼**

A/N: Dean and Julie are back! Each part will vary between 500+ and 2000+ words. I will be releasing all the parts today, September 15th, as part of my 1K follower celebration! 😊💓

The parts will be released as follows:

Part 1 - 8:00 AM

Part 2 - 10:00 AM

Part 3 - 12:00 PM

Part 4 - 3:00 PM

Part 5 - 6:00 PM ||

*Times are all based on CST*

A/N 2: So, as I stated this mini-series is part of my 1K followers celebration. For the celebration I asked people to send in gif prompts, or requests for me to write, all of which would be posted on my birthday, which is TODAY! 🎉

I only ended up with 6 prompts/requests, so I thought I would mix the prompts in with my own ideas, and I decided to write this little mini-series as well as a (hopefully) special surprise for those who enjoyed Dean and Julie in Green is My Favorite Color.

At 7:00 PM, I will post my last fic for the celebration, the first chapter of my sequel series, I Will Find You in the Dark!

Hope you enjoy my contributions for the day! 😘😘

Both beautiful text dividers, below and at the bottom, were created by @talesmaniac89. 💓 Title card was designed by me.

Three hours later, bodies had been burned and buried, the formerly possessed that had lived were being taken home by a handful of hunters, significantly lowering their guest count. But their closest friends and family were still there, so Julie was happy. She refused to dwell on the fact that their wedding had been attacked by demons, refused to see it as any kind of omen.

Dean said they'd been ambushed almost as soon as they were on the road, demons sweeping out of nowhere to try and run them off the road.

But they'd all kept heading for the church knowing they had a lot of hunter back up there. Apparently Crowley was pissed that Sam had killed his hellhound the week before, and that they'd started the process of closing the gates of hell, so he was lashing out.

"I guess the son of a bitch is taking things pretty personal." Dean said with a scowl.

But despite all the setbacks, the wedding was back on. It might be happening four hours late, the sun already starting to set, but both Dean and Julie were determined not to let the ceremony be put off.

So, they carried on.

Even though the surprise of Dean seeing her for the first time was spoiled, and tradition may have been broken, Julie still wanted to walk down the aisle. Garth offered to escort her and she gave him a kiss on his cheek, moved by his suggestion.

He smiled at Dean. "I'll officially be giving her away to you, Dean, so you better be worthy."

Dean punched him in the arm, and continued on to stand at the front of the church with the rest of the wedding party.

"Ow." Garth complained, rubbing his skinny bicep.

Julie laughed at their foolishness and dragged Garth into position just outside the closed doors.

As she stood staring at the doors of the church, the absurdity of the situation hit her. They'd just been attacked by demons, there was a tinny version of the wedding march playing through the same PA system she'd used hours before to perform a mass exorcism, and she was waiting outside so she could "reveal herself" to a man who'd already seen everything, including her dress.

She wondered briefly whether she should have just gone to stand beside Dean at the altar, and done away with this part of the ceremony.

But as Kevin opened the doors and she started walking down the aisle towards Dean, she decided she absolutely wouldn't have wanted to miss this. The look on his face was one she knew she'd remember every day of her life.

His smile was beaming, and he looked like an excited little boy on Christmas morning. She felt so beautiful and treasured, and she smiled back at him, tears threatening to fall.

She saw Sam slap Dean on the back and squeeze his shoulder and Benny's blue eyes sparkled merrily as she made her way towards them all. Charlie and Jody were both wiping tears away as they stood waiting for her to join them.

As she reached the altar, Dean held out his hand to her and she slipped her hand into his, feeling immediately calm and happy. No matter what had come before it, this moment was perfect.

Cas walked forward and spoke, his deep voice ringing out in the old stone church.

"Good afternoon." He paused and looked out the window at the setting sun. "It was supposed to be afternoon. Good evening. We're gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."

"Not too holy, I hope." Dean said with a wink at Julie.

She shook her head with a slight blush. "My god, we're in a church." She whispered to him, which was pointless because everyone was close enough that they could hear everything.

They all chuckled and Cas paused for a minute before continuing on, the interruption confusing him. "I believe you've both written your own vows."

"Yes." Julie said, quietly. She carried a tiny bouquet of wildflowers that Charlie had picked for her from the side of the church. She passed them off to Jody and took the small piece of paper from her that contained the things she wanted to promise Dean.

Now that it was time to say them out loud, she worried that they were silly. Looking down at the paper, she read. "Dean. I love you." She shrugged and waved her hand. "But I guess you already knew that and I probably didn't have to write it down."

She chuckled nervously and Dean squeezed her hand. She looked up into his beautiful, bright green eyes and let her paper full of words float to the floor; she didn't need it.

She closed her eyes and took a breath. "I have loved you every moment of my life since you entered it." She opened her eyes and stared into his once again. "You're my hero, Dean Winchester."

She saw a muscle flex in his jaw, and she nodded. "And I know, you hate that word but," she shrugged, "it's just the truth."

She bit her bottom lip and grinned. "When I was young, you were my hero because you were just so unbelievably cool." Everyone around them chuckled, and Dean smiled his cockiest smile. "And because you were, you know, devastatingly handsome." She said, batting her eyelashes coyly.

"What happened to ya?" One of their hunter guests called out and everyone laughed, including Dean who looked down at the ground and chuckled.

The laughter died down, and Julie continued, emotion thick in her voice. "And because as soon as you took my hand in yours, I was home. After my mother died, I remember feeling so lost and scared, and so sure I'd never feel safe again. But then you wrapped my hand up in yours and my shattered world started to piece itself back together again."

Dean squeezed the hand he still held.

"And now," Julie did some quick math, "16 years later, nothing's changed." She paused. "Except maybe the cool part. Charlie and I know how dorky you really are." She said, looking back at her bridesmaid who nodded.

Dean pointed at them both. "How dare you?" He said in mock outrage.

Julie laughed and turned back to him. "But you are still, devastatingly handsome." Dean looked down at her and grinned, his tongue pressing just behind his teeth in a way that she had always found incredibly sexy.

Reining in her hormones, she focused on what she wanted to say to him. "And all these years later," she lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to their entwined fingers, "you're still holding my hand. You still mean home to me."

She took a deep breath. "So here is what I vow. I promise to always help heal you when you're hurt. And when you feel weak, I promise to remind you just how incredibly strong you are."

Julie took a small step towards him. "And I promise you that, no matter what, I will always…find you in the dark. Always."

Her voice was earnest and strong and she could see shining tears forming in Dean's eyes, before he was suddenly yanking her forward, his mouth slamming down on hers.

As he kissed her long and hard, cheering and outright whoops came from their guest and wedding party.

As Julie pulled away, laughing, she could hear Cas beside them, slightly befuddled. "No, um... you're not supposed to do that yet." The angel explained, as though they'd just lost their place in the script.

Dean laughed softly as he let his forehead rest against hers. He nodded gently. "Ah, yeah. Sorry, Cas."

He pulled back from her and brought his hands up to cup both her cheeks, cradling her face reverently. "My Jules." He said softly, his voice filled with awe.

He shook his head, stutteringly slightly. "I don't...I don't have...words." He sighed as though frustrated with his inability to say what he wanted to. "I will NEVER have the words for you, sweetheart."

He was quiet for a moment as he brushed his thumb across her cheekbone. He dropped his hands and looked down at the floor.

"I never thought...I'd have this..." He shook his head and amended his words. "No, I never thought I SHOULD have this."

He looked at her briefly, his head tilted slightly as he contemplated what having her in his life meant. "And standing here with you now, Jules..."

There was a long pause, and Dean closed his eyes. Julie could see the muscle flexing in his jaw and when his eyes finally opened she could see his fear written across his face. "I'm just so terrified."

Julie sucked in a shuddering breath and raised a hand to his cheek. He immediately covered it with his own and leaned into the caress.

Julie felt his real fear emanate from him, and she hurt for him. But she also felt tears of happiness spring up again. He'd allowed her into a moment of real vulnerability. From him, it was a real gift, especially in front of others. He was admitting his weakness.

He was so beautiful.

After a moment, Dean took a deep breath, and nodded as though resolving something in his mind. "But okay, my vows." He said and kept her hand in his as he took it from his cheek and stood up straight.

"I promise to let you have all the blankets."

Julie laughed through her tears, finding a special joy in the laughter and sniffles she could hear all around her.

"I promise not to leave dirty clothes lying around. I know you hate that." Julie nodded adamantly.

He shook his head, and again the muscle flexed in his jaw, as though this was a particularly hard thing to say. "And I promise not to forget that you're more than just my wife. You are a very badass hunter, who doesn't need me to make decisions about your life for you."

Julie felt her heart squeeze. She appreciated that vow so much, knowing that it was simply an expansion of his previous promise to never again decide she'd be better off without him, and walk away.

Dean pulled her close to him, looking deep into her eyes, his face again filled with awe, as though he couldn't believe his luck.

"And I promise to love you for as long as you'll let me."

There was a second of overwhelming emotion before Julie leapt up to wrap her arms around Dean's neck, feet dangling off the ground, pressing her lips to his. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back passionately, tongue delving into her mouth, claiming her.

Distantly, Julie could hear Cas call out over the cheering. "No...that's...it's still not time for that." He sounded vaguely annoyed that they kept getting it wrong.

Julie broke away, breathless and laughing, and landing back on her feet. "Sorry, Cas."

"It's...fine. It's the ring part now." He said, his voice rushed, as though eager to get through everything before they screwed up again.

There was some general jostling around as the Sam and Jody pulled the rings out for them to exchange. Sam passed his big brother the ring and then pounded him on the back, a massive smile wreathing his face.

"Looks like we all owe you some cash!"

Julie raised an eyebrow, confused, but Dean laughed loudly. "Hell yeah, you do." He said before turning back to face Julie.

Without preamble, clearly just trying to get through it, Cas looked at Julie. "Do you Julie, take Dean as your husband?"

Julie nodded as Dean slipped the gold ring on her finger, admiring the inset emerald that adorned it. "I do."

Cas shifted his focus to Dean. "And Dean, do you take Julie as your wife?"

Julie slipped his plain gold band on his finger as Dean answered, beaming. "I do."

Cas nodded, looking relieved. "Then, by the power vested in me...by...well, by virtue of being an angel, I suppose, but also from the people at 'Side Hustles that Work dot com, backslash, 'Get Ordained Now', I now pronounce you - oh, and also by the power of the state of Kansas...I now pronounce you husband and wife."

He nodded again. "You may NOW kiss the bride. Though, that seems redundant since you've already kissed her three times."

Dean laughed and pulled Julie close before turning to look at Cas. "I'm gonna do it again, anyways, just to make it official." He lowered his lips to hers again, this time gentle and chaste.

A much more appropriate church kiss.

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