#the sh gonna have another big debate and fight

[toroshitken]

thank you for liking the comic!

despite all of the SH are in the bad timeline state and probably won’t reconcile/rediscover themselves until they’re 60(for this 40sanji case- regaining his memories)- I feel like drawing 19luffy to hug him//

[abbysfrenchbraid]

Nothing Else Matters

reference picture by @amisthiosintraining​

anonymous said:  Abby + Female reader, but it's Abby the one being f—cked with the strap on (I'm curious on that one)

Well, here you go. Abby and the reader have been hooking up for a while and the reader has managed to get their hands on some toys to make things more interesting. (5k words of SMUT)

content warning for bondage, light degradation and swearing, risk of exposure, ask to tag

Nothing Else Matters

The air in the room was damp and the smell of the sweaty bodies twitching and jumping reached your nostrils as you sat down to watch. You took off your sweater and placed it beside you, scanning the group of people for a familiar face.

There she was, her blonde braid flying as she whirled around, her face red and sweaty, full of concentrated rage. With an angry cry, she backhanded her partner across the face and sent him straight to the ground. She was glorious, muscles glistening in the neon light as she straddled the man on the ground and caught him in a headlock, grunting as she tightened her grip while he thrashed about trying to free himself. You could see her bicep flexing against his throat and his eyes widening at the sensation. 

Finally, he tapped her underarm two times and she let go immediately, rolling off of him and laying on the ground next to him, arms and legs spread wide. The man with hazel hair and a short beard was half-coughing, half-laughing and clutching his throat while the other soldiers ignored the pair and kept training.

“Jesus Christ Abby, do you want to kill me?”

She huffed and sat up, giving him a pat on the thigh.

“You deserved it, always skipping combat training to fool around with Mel.”

“Oh, so that’s the reason you’re so angry! You’re jealous,” he laughed and immediately put his arms up in defense before she could slap him, but she only leaned back on her arms and shrugged. When she looked up, she caught your gaze and you almost believed she had known you were there all along. The look only lasted a moment, then she smiled back at Owen.

“I’m not, you know that. Why would I waste my time thinking about you when there’s someone a million times hotter than you?”

Owen gasped in feigned shock and sat up as well.

“Better than this beautiful face and these” - he flexed his biceps - “perfectly sculpted muscles?”

Now Abby actually slapped him. He stood up and reached out a hand to help her up.

“Come on, tell me who it is. A soldier?”

The blonde slapped his hand away and got up on her own.

“I’ll tell you if you win this next round. Let’s go!”

She clapped her hands and let him attack, dodging his first few punches with ease before knocking him back into another pair of fighting wolves.

You smiled to yourself and leaned forward to rest your elbows on your knees. As your thoughts drifted elsewhere, the heavy breathing and grunting became white noise and Abby’s arms were the only thing you saw.

Working as a cook, you had often seen her and her friends in the cafeteria, always joking around and making a mess, clearly the popular kids at the base. Abby had been the one to clean up after the boys and apologize for their behavior when they were gone, always making sure to thank your colleagues for their effort and be nice to everyone.

She had noticed you a few weeks ago when you were on your break, sitting alone at a table reading and enjoying the silence in the big hall between mealtimes. The wolf had come over and asked if there were some leftovers for her as she had missed lunchtime for an extra round of training. You had made her some food and kept her company, both of you quickly finding out you got along extremely well and had many shared interests, especially the books you liked to read.

It had gone very fast from there. Secret meetings in empty hallways, sneaking out from work to steal a kiss between the clothing racks, slipping into her room when Manny was away for missions, you always found your way into each other’s arms. While you hadn’t admitted to yourself that it was anything more than just sex, you also spent quite a lot of time just reading or watching movies together, cooking or playing cards and Abby had even shown you some self-defense and wrestling moves that always ended with the two of you naked.

While the wolf was usually very dominant and protective, it was entirely different when you were alone. After you had hooked up the first few times, she had asked you to be rougher with her, leaving you surprised but not at all disinclined.

 You had found out that she actually liked to let go of all control and submit in the safe environment you had created for yourselves. While you had never really been super dominant before, you had quickly learned to enjoy this new role, always coming up with new ideas to make your lover squirm, suffer and cry beneath you.

Today you had something special in mind. Manny was out taking younger soldiers to an outpost for the first time and wouldn’t be back until tomorrow night, so you’d have the room to yourself. 

Your friend Jessie was running a little secret business on the base and you had already purchased a few goods for yourself but never shared them with Abby. Jessie, a trained soldier that wasn’t on active duty because of an injury but still did regular patrol runs to secure the area, had made it her purpose to find all the sex shops in the city and bring back merchandise that was still good to use. Together with her girlfriend who worked in the clothing department, she had started to sell toys, lingerie, and anything of that kind you couldn’t get at the commissary.

You often had coffee with the two of them, referring them to new customers around the stadium and talking about your new sexual adventures. Of course they didn’t know your partner was Isaac’s top soldier, but they gave you a lot of good ideas. Today you had decided it was time to try something more daring. Jessie had shown you how to use the things you had bought and now they were lying in a bag between your feet, drawing your eyes and thoughts toward them and whispering to you about all the things you could do with them.

You were torn from your thoughts by the trainer in the corner clapping loudly.

“Alright guys, dinner’s in half an hour. Good work, I’ll see you on Wednesday. You too, Owen.”

She gave the grinning man a stern look, but he just winked at her and turned around to Abby.

“So, you gonna tell me who you’ve got your eye on?”

“Hell no, you lost three times. Try again next time.” Abby shoved him playfully and walked past him to collect her bag. She emptied half her water bottle in one go and looked up at you before splashing some water on her face. What a tease.

“You coming?” Owen was already at the door.

“I need a minute to talk to someone. I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Alright.” He shrugged and disappeared into the hallway.

The sweaty blonde casually came over to your bench and sat next to you, keeping a few inches between you.

“Did you enjoy the show?” You didn’t look at her but you could tell by her voice she was trying to stifle a grin.

“Oh, I most definitely did. It stopped far too soon though.” You turned your head and let your eyes wander over her freckled shoulders, her neck glistening with sweat and her chest still moving rapidly underneath the tight sports bra. “I was thinking maybe I could get a private encore back at your room.”

Abby suddenly sat up straight and her face seemed to go even more red than it already was. She was still staring at the floor in front of you, tightening her grip around the water bottle and biting her lip. You decided to take a risk and ran your fingertips over her lower back, otherwise completely relaxed and watching the remaining few people in case anyone noticed.

“You fought so well today, baby. What would they say if they knew how you surrender to me with a single word from me? How you’ll beg me to fuck you just for the chance of having my fingers inside of you?”

Abby let out a shaky breath and squirmed on her seat, a mere tilt of her head in your direction telling you she enjoyed this as much as she hated it.

“What would they say if they knew I have a rope inside my bag, waiting for me to tie you up and leave you completely defenseless at my mercy?”

Her knuckles were white from the tension in her hands and she pressed her thighs together.

“Baby…” she gave you a pleading look, “please stop torturing me.”

The last few people were clearing out and the trainer nodded at Abby who just raised a hand in greeting, trying to act normal. As soon as the room was empty you turned to her, grabbed her braid and pulled it down and towards you, her face only an inch from yours as a moan escaped her.

“Are you so needy already, you little slut?” You lightly pinched her breast and she whined, leaning into you and pressing her head against your collarbone.

“Please, please, baby, let’s go back to my room. I’ll do everything you want. I need you.”

You let go of her braid, stood up abruptly and turned to her. Abby immediately grabbed your thighs and pulled you in, pressing her forehead to the seam of your jeans. You put your hands on your hips and sighed.

“I don’t know, maybe we should have dinner first. Also, you need to shower, you’re filthy.”

In reality, Abby being all sweaty and hot made you want to pin her against a wall and lick her clean, but you kept that to yourself for now.

“Please, Y/N. I’ll be good. I can’t wait that long.”

You freed yourself and pulled her up, giving her a peck on the lips.

“You go shower. I’ll wait for you in your room.”

She smiled and quickly grabbed her stuff, stealing another kiss before rushing toward the community showers. Also not a bad place for some secret public action, you thought. Maybe in the early morning when no one was there. You could order the soldier to be quiet as you fucked her senseless and force her to relive the moment every time she took a shower afterward.

You slung the bag over your shoulder and grabbed your sweater, debating if you should make Abby have dinner with you in the cafeteria, teasing her the entire time and forcing her to keep calm in front of everyone while she was dripping wet for you. But you had to admit that you needed her, too. You could always get some leftovers for you later or wait until the morning when you had to work the breakfast shift anyway.

When you arrived at Abby’s room, you quickly looked left and right before entering and then headed straight for her bed. You took the smooth, black rope from your bag and laid it on the bed. Your second surprise could wait until later.

You let your fingers run over the spines of the books on the top bunk, smiling to yourself over the selection of old classics that definitely worked as a form of escapism from this place. Don Quijote, A Thousand and One Nights, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Abby didn’t seem like it at first glance, but she was a dreamer, always mentally wandering off and spending her time in other realities, ones where adventures were something you chose to go on. No infected, no sad remnants of what the world had once been, but beautiful landscapes, interesting strangers, and the joy of being alone but never lonely, wandering but at home anywhere in the world.

Her life had never been easy and she had suffered unspeakable pain, but she always found something worth smiling for, worth living for and she loved letting go of all the sadness and harshness and enjoying herself in those short, sweet moments when everything was okay.

Your time together had definitely made her happier than she had been in a long time and you were so, so good at letting her escape this reality and carrying her somewhere else.

The door opened and you snapped out of your reverie, turning around to see a freshly showered Abby come down the stairs to the lower part of the room. She was wearing shorts and a tank top, unintentionally showing off her round shoulders, her breasts, and her thick, hard thighs stretching out the fabric of her shorts as she walked towards you. Her hair was still wet and she had already brushed it, the dark strands falling over her shoulders and framing her beautiful, still slightly flushed face.

“Hey baby,” she murmured and moved in for a kiss. Her lips were incredibly soft, gently brushing against yours and opening slightly for her tongue to touch your upper lip. You grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her in, immediately deepening the kiss, dipping your tongue into her mouth and biting the blonde’s bottom lip. She sighed and fell into you, pushing you towards the bed but you grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled without too much force, just enough to make her stand straight and look at you with pleading eyes. She knew it wasn’t going to be that easy.

You took a step back and looked her up and down.

“Clothes off.”

Abby’s eyes quickly went to the privacy shield next to her bed that she normally used to get dressed without half the stadium being able to see her naked, but you shook your head and she dropped her gaze, blushing again. You watched her as she pulled up the shirt over her head, revealing her freckled chest, perfectly sculpted abs and hard, dark pink nipples in the center of soft, ivory flesh.

When she ran her thumbs along the waistband of her shorts, she stared at you defiantly but you just held her gaze and smiled. You knew she was probably already dripping wet, secretly liking the risk and humiliation. If anyone were to walk by below you or stare up from afar knowing who’s room they were looking at, they would see the two of you facing each other, one clothed and one completely naked, the tension between you almost flickering in the air.

You stepped aside and pointed towards the bed.

“On the bed, Abigail.”

The wolf shuddered at your use of her full name and you could see goosebumps forming on her arms. She lay down on the bed and you took the rope, very content about her eyes widening at the sight. Before you could say anything she held out her hands, breath catching in her throat.

You wrapped the black rope around her wrists, gently pulling it tight, and tied her hands to the metal rods at the top of the bed. Still having a few meters left, you tied the next knot around Abby’s left ankle, fastening it to the bed frame pressed to the wall and doing the same to the other foot, spreading her legs and pinning them in place.

You crouched down next to her head, brushing a strand of hair out of her face and cupping her cheek with your hand.

“I know this is new for you and I promise you, I’ll never do anything you don’t want. Just say the safeword and I’ll stop.”

The blonde nodded, squirming in her restraints.

“Abby, I need to hear you say it.”

“I’m okay. I’ll let you know if something is wrong. Now can you please fucking touch me already?” She bucked her hips up and tried to pull down her hands to touch you, grunting in frustration when the rope didn’t let her move an inch.

You reached out and ran your fingertips over her collarbone, her chest and down over her stomach, stopping right above the curls between her legs. She tried to press her legs together to get some form of friction but and whined when she couldn’t, but you just let your fingers wander further down her leg and up the other, caressing the inside of her thigh. When your fingers came closer to her sex, her breathing got faster and she stopped moving, hoping you would grant her a touch now that she was good.

Watching her face, you ran a finger along her hot folds, immediately coating your fingertip in her juices. She gasped when you stopped to draw small circles around her clit.

“So wet already? God, you just love being completely in my power.”

You dipped your finger in the pooling wetness, holding back for just a moment longer. Abby was already a mess beneath you, her legs twitching and her back arching in response to your teasing. You suddenly pulled your hand away and her eyes flew open to stare at you with a mixture of frustration and pleading.

“What if I just let you lie there while I get myself off over here? Make you watch without being able to do anything about it while you lie in your own juices? Take you to dinner after while you’re all needy and soaked?”

Abby’s mouth twisted into a pout and she looked like she was about to cry.

“Please, Y/N, please touch me. I can’t take it any longer. Please?” The last word was a whine and you decided to stop being cruel.

With one swift motion, you pushed two fingers all the way inside her. The blonde cried out and immediately pushed back against your hand, craving more. You slowly pulled your fingers back out and made sure to catch her gaze as you put them in your mouth and licked them clean.

“Such a sweet girl.”

Her eyes were full of longing when she accepted your fingers into her mouth, sucking on them as she looked up at you. You moved your hand downwards again, pushing your fingers inside her much slower this time and pulling them out again, beginning to stroke her in a slow rhythm.

With your other hand, you squeezed her breast and trailed your fingers over her nipples before running your fingers along the delicate skin of her jaw and throat.

You picked up the pace, fucking Abby harder while her whining got louder. Curving your fingers upwards and letting them flutter against that tender spot inside her, you heard her breath stop for a second before she let out a high pitched moan. You didn’t give her time to catch her breath, now hitting her in all the right spots, your fingers thrusting deep inside her and your thumb on that sweet, pulsing nub that had patiently waited for its turn.

It was wonderful, watching the small muscles on her stomach contract and her broad thighs pull on the restraints as she got closer and closer. Her whole body was tensing up and her moans got faster and higher until she cried out “I’m gonna cum, can I please cum!” and you immediately pulled your hand away.

She almost screamed in frustration.

“Baby, please, I’m so close!”

You slowly drew your digit along her bottom lip.

“Only if you ask me nicely. No cumming without my permission.”

She licked the tip of your finger and looked up at you.

“I promise I’ll be good, please.”

You lightly scratched her stomach on the way down and she trembled at the sensation. This time you lightly placed two fingers on her clit and started rubbing it in slow circles, never losing your pace as your lover’s moans got louder again. As soon as she asked if she could cum, you stopped moving but left your hand in place, keeping her dangerously close to the edge and to the possibility of a ruined orgasm.

The wolf was now actively fighting her restraints, pulling her hands downwards and trying to get loose but you had known what you were doing and the knots didn’t budge. Some strands of hair had fallen into her face, a thin coat of sweat was glistening on her forehead and between her breasts. She was a mess.

“Baby, please, please, I’m begging you. Please let me cum.”

You slid a finger inside her again, brushing against her g-spot as you gently put your other hand on her lower stomach and pressed down. She arched beneath you, pushing her hips into your touch and letting out a much deeper, almost animalistic groan. You took your time driving her closer and closer to that sweet high and waited for her to ask again, knowing she was scared to lose your fingers again but also not wanting to be punished for not asking permission.

Finally, she couldn’t wait any longer. “Can I please cum, please, please, oh god -”

The words fell from her lips just as you pressed the pad of your thumb to her clit.

“Cum for me, baby.”

You were out of breath, pressing your thighs together to soothe the ache that had been growing between your legs. Suddenly the wolf beneath you cried out, her entire body twitching and convulsing around your fingers as you carried her through her orgasm. When she finally stopped moving, the room was filled with the sound of both of you panting and the smell of sex, sweat and heat had spread in every corner.

Slowly, you pulled your fingers from the blonde’s body and got up. She was still disoriented and gave you a confused look as you bent down to pick up your bag.

“You gonna cut me loose here?”

You didn’t reply, instead choosing to pull your shirt over your head and take off your pants and ignoring your lover’s squirming.

“I got something else for you. I know I already make you scream with the touch of a single finger, but I think it’s time I gave you something bigger.”

Her eyes widened as you pulled a harness and a small package out of the bag. Sitting down next to her, you opened the carton and pulled out a black silicone dildo. Abby visibly shifted next to you and pressed her lips together, unwilling to give away her thoughts. As if she had any chance of hiding from you how much she wanted you to fuck her senseless, to make her see stars and completely destroy her.

You turned to her. “I need you to tell me what you want. We can do this another time or not at all. I’m all ears.”

You knew exactly what you were doing. While being an absolute service top, it was also extremely fun to watch Abby blush and stammer trying to pluck up the courage to tell you what she wanted. She was always so shy and embarrassed about wanting to be dominated, so you had made it your little game to force her to admit it.

“You can do whatever you want with me, baby.”

“Oh Abs, you know you don’t get it that easily. What do you want me to do with it?”

She tried to avoid your gaze.

“You could fuck me with it?” she mumbled.

“I didn’t hear you. Speak up.” Oh, this was so much fun.

“Fuck you! You heard me right, you’re just teasing me.”

You slapped her breast and she sucked in a sharp breath.

“You don’t speak that way to me, you little whore. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you’ve been eyeing that dick. You want me to fucking ruin you and you’re too cowardly to say it. How disappointing.”

With a theatrical sigh, you got up and took a few steps towards your clothes on the stairs.

“Wait, baby, please. I’m sorry. Please.”

You turned on your heel and stared at her, lifting a brow.

“Come here, please. I want you to fuck me. Fuck me until I can’t do anything but scream your name. Please, baby.”

Satisfied, you stepped into the loops of the harness and put the dildo through the metal ring, pulling everything tight as you felt Abby’s eyes roaming over you. Then you were next to her and started untying her feet. On second thought, you loosened the rope around her wrists as well.

“I’m not making this easy for you by tying you up. Your hands stay at the head of the bed. If you touch me, I’ll stop. If you behave, I’ll think about letting you cum a second time.”

The fear in Abby’s eyes was exhilarating. She nodded.

“Am I allowed to make noise?”

You thought about it for a second, then you agreed. This was the first time with a strap on, it would surely be hard enough to keep her hands still.

Checking to see if you’d need more lubrication, you inserted a finger into her - she was dripping wet.

“Pathetic.”

Before she could respond, you spat into your hand and coated the dildo in it. The wolf audibly swallowed at the sight. You knelt between her legs, rubbing your hand over her abs and breasts and mixing your saliva with her sweat. Goosebumps grew on her freckled skin.

Slowly, you lined yourself up with her throbbing cunt and started pushing into her. When you were all the way in, you stopped for a moment so Abby could adjust to the size. You slowly ran a hand up her body again and wrapped your fingers around her throat.

“I want to hear you.”

She gasped as you pulled out just a tiny bit and thrust back into her.

“Fuck me, please. I can take it. Fuck me hard.”

Without taking your hand off her, you pulled all the way out and watched her face as you pushed back into her with deep, hard strokes. She melted in your fingers. Her expression was a mixture of surprise, lust, satisfaction, a little bit of pain and an ever-growing hunger.

“Faster, baby,” she whined, her hands twitching towards your face for a moment before she stopped herself and pushed her hips up against you instead.

Deciding the wolf had begged enough, you straightened up and started picking up a faster pace. She started moaning, arching her back and pressing her hands against the metal bed frame. Going faster and faster, you savored every second of seeing her writhe beneath you, hearing the slaps of your skin against hers and the delightfully obscene wet noises her cunt made as it swallowed every thrust.

The strap on and the leather front of the harness worked just right in putting pressure on your clit, your breathing getting harder from effort and arousal at the same time. With one swift motion, you grabbed Abby’s ankles and pulled them up on your shoulders to get a deeper angle.

She let out a deep, coarse moan coming from deep within her and her eyelids flew open. Giving her a devilish smile, you folded your arms around her legs and began slamming your hips into her, your groans falling into the rhythm of Abby’s cries. Her biceps flexed deliciously as she pulled on the bed frame and threw her head back in ecstasy, a steady flow of curses streaming from her mouth.

Losing strength in your arms, you let go of her legs and they fell to your sides as you dropped forward onto your lover’s chest, keeping a steady pace. The friction to your own core was much stronger now and you felt yourself getting close to the peak.

“Touch me, now!” you commanded and her arms flew down and closed around your back, holding you close while digging her nails into your skin. She dragged them down as you fucked her harder, leaving burning streaks on your shoulder blades. Her legs also closed around your hips, amplifying your thrusts into her as you grabbed a fistful of her hair and made her scream out in pain and pleasure. You wanted her to cum with you, to ride this high together.

“Baby, I’m so close.” Finally.

“Come for me, Abby.” You sank your teeth into her throat and tightened your grip in her hair, grinding into her with all your strength until you both started crying out each other’s names, scratching and grabbing at each other’s bodies as waves of pleasure rushed over you and made you twitch and shake.

Still inside her, you lay on Abby’s chest, both of you coated in sweat, spit and each other’s juices. She ran a hand through your hair and drew the pad of her thumb over the red marks on your back.

“Oh Y/N, what are you doing to me?”

You reached back a hand to loosen the straps of the harness and lifted your head to look at the flustered blonde. Slowly, you pulled out of her and enjoyed the almost unnoticeable twitches of her face, small echoes of the sensations she had felt minutes before. The strap on fell to the floor with a heavy thud and you both had to laugh at the sound.

Abby sighed and pulled you closer.

“I think every single person on the base either saw or heard us. Or both.”

You buried your face between her breasts and soaked in her wonderful musk before licking a line all the way up to her earlobe.

“Do you care?”

She laughed again, her chest vibrating against yours.

“Not really, no. When I have you, nothing else matters.”

You both paused for a second, letting that sentence sink in. Carefully, you placed a soft kiss to her lips and she deepened it, caressing your tongue with hers and gently biting your bottom lip.

You would have to have this conversation sometime soon. But right now, it was enough to feel the deep, intense connection between you as you nestled your face in the crook of your lover’s neck and she pulled a sheet over both of you, enjoying this moment together without thinking of anything else, especially not the future.

When you were together, nothing else mattered.

-

Author’s note: Thank you for reading, feel free to tell me what you thought 💌 if you’d like, you can support me by buying me a coffee 💛

[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Banner

Stab Me In The Front Part 4: Captain Asshat.

Intro: Steve’s being an asshat…and Katie isn’t standing for it. Throw in some alcohol and the return of America’s Asshole…and there’s trouble ahead!

Warnings: Bad language. Smut (NSFW, 18+)

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

A/N: So this brings the KO XO to an end. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little side path. Huge thanks to @angrybirdcr​ for her edits and banners

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Part 3

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist // Main Masterlist

  “Steve…” Katie sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before she removed her glasses and rubbed at her eyes “Why are we even having this debate?”

“Oh, it’s a debate?” He folded his arms. “Here was me thinking you were just point blank refusing to listen to me.”

“Oh I’m listening.” She glared up at him from where she sat behind her desk. “You’re just talking shit.”

“I’m talking shit?” He fumed, blowing a breath through his nostrils. “The guy is an absolute dick, and you just voluntarily invited him to your gala?”

“Yes, because this is about the Charity.” She looked at him. “And like it or not, dick he may be, he gave a substantial donation. It’s only right.”

Steve felt the nerve in his jaw twitch “Right?”

“Yes, right. Why are you making such a big deal out of this?”

“Are you forgetting what he said to you?” Steve looked at her.

“No.” She shook her head “I’m simply saying that I don’t care.”

“You don’t care?” His mouth fell open “You don’t care that he basically-”

“No, I don’t.” Katie cut him off firmly “And if I don’t anymore then neither should you.”

“Ok, so despite the fact that he disrespected my wife, and said some pretty disgusting things about you, I should just let that slide?”

“Yes.” Katie said simply, standing up as she turned off her computer screen before she looked at him “Because believe it or not I don’t actually need you to be offended on my behalf Steve. Now either let it go or don’t bother coming.”

“Fine, if that’s the way you feel then maybe I won’t.”

“And you call me a brat!” Katie snorted, as she walked past him towards the door of her office “You’re so full of shit.”

“I’m full of shit?” Steve snorted, and she stopped, turning to face him “You’re the one that is insisting on inviting that ass hole…I mean, even Natasha thinks you’re crazy.”

“Natasha?” Katie frowned, “What’s Natasha got to do with this?”

Steve hesitated and grimaced inwardly as Katie’s face rearranged into a look of understanding and she let out a scoff.

“You spoke to Natasha before me?”

“She asked me what was bothering me so I told her.”

“Damnit Steve!” She shook her head “Why is that you go running to other people about stuff before me? We’re supposed to be married.”

“Oh but it wasn’t an issue when you told her before me about what HYDRA did to you?” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them and no sooner had he spoke he saw Katie’s face slip. “Shit, Katie, I-”

“That was a low blow Steve.” She swallowed, shaking her head.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t…”

“Fuck you.” She looked at him, before she turned and walked off.

Steve let out a groan of frustration, looking up at the ceiling as he cursed himself. That really had been unfair, the two issues weren’t even comparable. He hated when he spat out stuff like that, because even when they were in the middle of an argument he loved his wife beyond life itself, and hated seeing her upset or hurt. But damnit, sometimes she just riled him so fucking much. With a deep breath he pinched the bridge of his nose and turned from the office, shutting the door behind him, the automatic lock sealing the room.  He made his way back towards the main common room, finding Sam pouring himself a drink.

“S'up Cap?” he asked, looking at Steve “You look like you lost a fifty and found a ten.”

“Oh, nothing, just had an argument with Katie.” he replied heavily “Said something pretty shitty.”

“Like what?” Sam asked. So Steve told him, and watched as the man raised an eyebrow and shook his head “Yeah, that was pretty fucking low Steve.”

“I’m well aware of that Sam.” he sighed, “Fuck.”

“Maybe you should swerve the Gala.” Sam shrugged “Give her time to cool off. I can’t see her forgiving you for that one so easily.”

“Forgiving him for what?” Natasha asked and Steve groaned, just what he needed.

Before Steve could stop him, Sam filled him in and Natasha looked at him, her face stony.

“Wow.” she shook her head. “What the fuck, Rogers?”

“I know, I know.” he said, holding his hands up.

“Thanks for dragging my name into it.”

“It’s me she’s pissed at, not you. And before you say it, with good reason…”

“I wasn’t gonna say that.” Natasha protested as Steve looked at her sceptically. She looked up at the ceiling “Ok, maybe I was.”

Steve rubbed at the spot between his eyes, he could feel a headache coming on.

“I suggest you go apologise.” Natasha looked at him.

“And pray.” Sam added “Because, damned, she aint gonna let you forget this one in a hurry.”

After thanking them, sarcastically, for their moral support to which Natasha snarked back that he didn’t deserve any, Steve wandered back to their living quarters. He knew his was a big thing for Katie, the night upon which SIP’s 6 monthly Fundraising efforts for the Women’s Charities they were partnered with ended, and he was so fucking proud of her for everything she’d overcome to get to this point. But he had basically thrown that in her face with his comments before. He was being a jerk, he knew that. He shouldn’t have let the fact she was inviting that dickhead rile him as much as it did, it was her event, her decision after all. 

Steve took a deep breath before opening the door to their quarters and looked around, his sharp hearing picking up no sounds. He headed into the bathroom, the shower had clearly been used recently, and he found her absence odd as she’d told him earlier that her hair was getting done for the event, and normally Franco came to her. He pulled out his phone, gave her a quick call but no sooner had it rung than it cut to voicemail. 

She’d red buttoned him.

*****

It was about an hour later when Katie walked into the apartment, her hair set in an elaborate braid which swept from the right side of her temple over to the left before the rest of her long locks were curled and fell over her left shoulder. She shot Steve a filthy looked and stalked straight through to the bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Steve’s head fell back against the sofa cushions, before he took a deep breath and decided it was time to face the music. He pushed himself up, walked into the room and found his wife sat at her vanity unit, digging out her make-up.

“Sweetheart,” he began tentatively, sitting on the bed “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said what I did.”

She glared at him in the mirror, but other than that made no acknowledgement that she had heard him.

“I was out of order.”

Still nothing.

“Katie, come on darlin’, don’t ignore me, please.“

"I’m ignoring you because if I don’t I’m gonna end up screaming at you.” she replied simply “And I’m not letting you spoil tonight for me.”

“Spoil tonight?” Steve frowned “That’s not what I want.”

“Well, you kinda already did in a fashion.” she shrugged “Now if you don’t mind I need to get ready. And your presence is not required. Either in this room, or the gala.”

Steve felt his face fall at that and he looked at her in the mirror as her green eyes locked on his “You don’t want me to come?”

“No." 

"Ok.” he swallowed, fighting to keep his voice calm. “Then I respect your wishes.”

With that he stood up, and left.

As soon as he had shut the door behind him, Katie let out a sigh, her face falling into her hands as her elbows rest on the vanity unit in front of her.  Steve’s face when she’d told him she didn’t want him at the gala had made her heart ache, he’d looked like a little puppy she had just given a harsh kick to. But she was so angry at him, she didn’t even know where to start. He was being an absolute dick over something that really wasn’t that big an issue, and then his dig about comparing him speaking to Natasha about what had happened to her…well, that was as low a blow as you could possibly get. At the time she’d been upset, angry even…now she was almost just shocked that Captain America had it in him to be so damned nasty.

Wanda had been astounded when she had told her what he had said, giving her that as a reason as to why Franco was going to be doing their hair in her room, not Katie’s apartment. Then, when Natasha had turned up, the Red Head had told Katie she had informed Steve he was out of order, but also that he seemed genuinely contrite as well when he had been talking to her and Sam.

Katie knew he was sorry, she didn’t need Natasha to point out that Steve had said what he had it in the haste of an argument. She knew only too well herself that in the heat of the moment people said things they didn’t really mean. But he wasn’t getting off so easily. He accused her of being a brat often enough and here he was acting like one.

So, with that in mind, she’d told him to stay behind. She knew full well that he would show up anyway after an hour or so of brooding, with another apology which she might be ready to accept at that point. But until then, he could fucking stew a little, think about what he had said some more

Raising her head she looked at herself in the mirror before she set about doing her make-up. It took her about 30 minutes to perfect the look she was going for, a dark smoky eye effect with bright rub red lips, another thing she knew drove Steve wild, before she stood up and grabbed her dress out of the wardrobe. It was a skin tight deep red mermaid style Dolce number, which sat off her shoulders with a small v neckline. She knew she looked good in it, which was why she had bought it in the first place along with a matching tie for Captain Asshat. Once she was in, she struggled with the zip which was at the back and after getting it most of the way up, instead of asking said Asshat for help she decided she would get Wanda or Nat to fix it. She stepped into her trusty gold Jimmy Choos before giving herself the once over. Satisfied with the results, she opened the door and walked down the hallway to the living room.

Steve looked up as Katie strode into the living room and felt his jaw drop. He really shouldn’t be surprised anymore at how stunning she managed to look when she was dolled up, but she still took his breath away every time he saw her. She looked great all the time in his eyes anyway but…damned.

She sauntered past him, without so much as a glance in his direction and he took a deep breath. To comment or not to comment now was the big question. Whatever he did or said he was going to be wrong in her eyes so…

Oh fuck it, in for a penny.

“You look stunning.” His head turned to watch her as she walked passed him heading for the door.

“Thanks.” She said, her tone clipped. But that was more of a response than he had expected. He hesitated for a second, about to offer to walk her down to the Marquee, even though she would likely refuse, but he stopped as he saw the back of her dress wasn’t quite done up.

“Honey, your zip.”

“I know.” She opened the door as he crossed the room towards her. “I can’t quite reach it…”

“Why didn’t you just ask?” He sighed, his hand going to help but she jerked away and spun round.

“I’ll get Wanda or Nat to do it.” She said simply.

“Oh, now you’re just being ridiculous.”

Her eyes flashed dangerously and he knew why. That was the single worst thing he could say to he when she was in this type of mood but he was beyond the point of caring now. She was being ridiculous.

“Look, I know I was out of order, but I’ve apologised. What else do you want me to say?” he asked, looking at her.

“Don’t wait up.” Her voice was steely, and with that she turned and left, closing the door behind her.

He debated for a second if he should go after her, but his own anger won out. Instead he turned round and walked straight to the cabinet they kept their liquor in. Finding what he wanted, a bottle of that Asgardian dynamite stuff Thor had left, he pulled it out, grabbed himself a tumbler and headed back to the couch.

*****

For the next hour or so Katie was too busy to even give Steve a second thought. She welcomed the guests and the limited press that had been invited, Evans and Sam providing her back up checking off the guest list, for which she gratefully thanked them both. She was just at the bar talking to one of the Charity Organisers when she felt a gentle touch on her elbow. She turned and beamed at the man stood in front of her.

“Harlan!” she smiled, as he leant down to gently kiss her cheek “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” he smiled back. “How are you Mrs Rogers?”

“Good, thank you.” she nodded “It’s been busy but definitely worth it.”

“Well the predicted figures look good.” he nodded “You’ve raised a lot of money.”

“Yeah, it’s gone better than I could have ever hoped.” she agreed “I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”

Harlan waved away her comment and looked back over his shoulder. Katie followed his gaze and saw the man that had caused all the trouble between her and Steve, leaning at the bar. He was dressed in a smart, pin striped suit, his hair slicked back and his jaw clean shaven as ever.

“He came then.” she said, and Harlan turned back to her giving a low chuckle.

“Yes, you made quite an impression on him. I’ve never heard of him donating money to a charity before.” he mused

“Probably guilty he behaved like an ass hole.” she said, before she shook her head “Sorry, that was rude.”

“No more than he deserves.” Harlan sighed “The sad thing is, he’s not a bad man underneath it all. I see a lot of myself in him, just wish he would apply himself better to something. I’ve even tried to get him involved in the publishing company but he just isn’t interested. Suppose you can’t polish a turd.”

Katie let out a huge snort of laughter at the phrase tumbling from the old man’s lips and he gave her a large grin from behind his white beard as she shook her head “Now that’s a quote for your next book.”

Harlan chuckled again before Tony appeared by her side with a glass of champagne.

“Mr Stark.” Harlan shook his hand as Tony smiled at him.

“Mr Thrombey, pleasure.” he said, before he turned to Katie “Where’s Spangles?”

“Busy.” she said simply. Tony arched an eyebrow at him and she gave him a look, which he met with one of his own.

“Doing what?”

“Stuff.”

“Wow, yeah, that stuff…it’s…a pain…” Tony said, and Katie gave him a glare before she glanced around and Harlan struck up a chat with Tony about the latest Stark Industries initiative into wind farms. Natasha caught her eye and she excused herself and wandered over but as she was crossing the room, Ransom stepped into her path.

“Mr Drysdale.” she looked at him “No tatty sweater?”

He gave a huff of a laugh “No, I only wear the cable knit on special occasions.”

“Good to know.” she raised an eyebrow.

“So where’s your guard dog?” he asked, looking around.

“If you mean Steve, he’s otherwise engaged.” She said, shrugging “No doubt he’ll be along later.”

“Well in that case can I get you a drink?”

“It’s a free bar.”

“Yes, but I can still get you one.”

“I’m good thanks.” she waved the half full flute in her hand. “Now if you’ll excuse me for a second, I need to speak to someone.”

“Oh, Doll, I thought we left things on better terms.” he sighed, placing his hand over his heart, looking at her. Katie cocked her head to one side, before she flashed him a grin.

“I doubt you’re capable of leaving it on good terms with any girl you cross paths with.”

“Never had any complaints.” he smirked. At that Katie snorted.

“Well you can’t be meeting with the right women.” she said simply, and with that she moved past him, and headed over to Natasha who was beckoning her over.

“Everything ok?” she asked and Natasha nodded.

“Yup.I just got you a surprise.” she smiled.

“A surprise?” Katie frowned.

“Seeing as its a special occasion.” Natasha continued, linking her arm through Katie’s. She led her through to the entrance of the Marquee where a familiar face was stood talking to Evans, Sam and Wanda,

“S'up Nova?” Clint grinned at her as she gave a laugh and threw herself at him.

“What are you doing here?” she spluttered as he released her, stepping back slightly.

“Couldn’t miss your big event.” he smiled “You look great. Where’s Cap?”

“In the dog house.” Nat spoke before Katie could. Katie sighed and shot Natasha a look before she turned back to Clint.

“Don’t wanna talk about it.” she shook her head. “Now, come on, fill me in…how are the kids? Laura?”

She didn’t miss the look that Wanda, Sam and Natasha shared but chose to ignore it as she steered Clint towards the bar for a well overdue catch up.

*****

Steve drained his glass and poured himself another measure. Katie had been gone for just under two hours now and his mood was rapidly growing worse. More so because deep down he knew this was his own stupid fault. Because of his inability to keep his, albeit in his opinion justified, issue about Ransom fucking Drysdale to himself, his wife was now going through probably one of the biggest nights of her life without him there. And what made it worse was that smarmy bastard was there, probably eyeing her up, like he had done at the last gala, making some dickhead comment or other which he would no doubt weasel his way out of by sending another cheque for a ludicrous amount. Steve hated that, people that thought money made everything ok. And what was worse, it seemed to have placated Katie as well. He took a mouthful of his drink, the burn in his throat pleasantly distracting him for a moment, before he stared at the TV.

No, fuck this… this was his wife, his damned compound.

Necking his drink he stood up, the liquor giving him a pleasant buzz, before he strode into the bedroom, stripping off his sweater and jeans before he pulled his suit out of the closet. Slipping his arms into his shirt, he buttoned it up before expertly tying the tie Katie had bought him in a double Windsor, before grabbing his jacket. Once one he straightened his hair, slipped on his shoes he headed out of the door, making his way out of the side of the building, striding over to the marquee which was buzzing with people.

“Oh here he is.” Sam grinned at him “You’re a brave man, Cap.”

“Shut up Sam.” he said, rolling his eyes.

Sam chuckled as Evans raised an eyebrow. “Should I check he’s on the list?” he drawled, his Texan accent thick.

“I think Katie crossed him off.” Sam teased.

“Hilarious.” Steve deadpanned, stepping past them into the Marquee. His eyes quickly roved the crowd and he did a double take as he saw Clint with Natasha and Wanda at the bar. He’d had no idea the archer was coming, but right now he was looking for his wife, the reunion could wait. He continued to scan the Marquee and he spotted her and then felt his jaw clench as he saw she was stood with him. As he watched he saw her say something and she tipped her head back in genuine laughter, and touched his arm before she shook her head, and turned to someone else who had attracted her attention. Giving a nod she looked back to Ransom and he nodded, as she walked away.

“Spangles.” Tony greeted appearing at his side. “What’s going on?”

“Ask your sister.” he said, his voice stony. “I need a fucking drink.”

With that he strode over to the bar. Ordering himself a large scotch he turned to look for Katie again, but there was no sign of her. With a nod of acknowledgment to the guy behind the bar he took his drink and turned to look back over the room. He spotted a few familiar faces from the compound and the tower, nodding towards Pepper as she smiled at him. Tony looked at him again before he turned away, and then his eyes fell on Ransom who was stood with his grandfather. Ransom grinned at him, and Steve simply glared back, before he turned to greet Clint who had now appeared behind him.

“Hey Cap.” Clint smiled, and Steve returned his grin, shaking his hand.

“Hey Clint, didn’t know you were coming.”

“No one did, bar Nat. Thought it would be a nice surprise for Nova.”

“Sure she was thrilled." 

"Am I sensing a little trouble in paradise?” Clint asked, and Steve scoffed.

“You could say that.” He shrugged, before he sighed “I said something before, that was out of order and now she’s giving me the cold shoulder. Told me not to come actually but…”

“But here you are.” Natasha said, leaning on the bar besides him “You’re either dumb, got a death wish…or maybe both.”

“Romanoff, just don’t.” He turned to look at her, and she smirked before ordering herself a martini. “How long has Drysdale been here?”

“Who?” Clint frowned.

“The smarmy looking asshole in the pinstriped suit.” He said, nodding towards him.

“About an hour.” Nat shrugged.”I’m not sure.”

“An hour too long.” Steve muttered, taking a mouthful of his drink.

“Are you seriously that bothered by him?” She turned to look at him. Steve didn’t reply.

“Clearly.” Clint said, “Who is he?”

“Harlan Thrombey’s Grandson.” Natasha explained “Harlan wrote the book that the SIP published and donated all the profits to the Relief Fund.”

“And you don’t like him?”

“They had a little run in Boston…” Nat smirked. “And then at the Launch…”

“It wasn’t a run in.” Steve shook his head “He was absolutely vile to Katie…”

“And she’s over it…” Natasha sighed

Steve didn’t reply, he simply watched Drysdale for a second before he turned his attention to the stage where Tony was now tapping the microphone. The Marquee fell silent and Tony grinned out.

“And once again I find myself the centre of attention.” he grinned, and the room chuckled. “But tonight isn’t about me, for once, yes I know, I know…”

He continued to talk for a few minutes, thanking everyone for coming before he grew serious and took a deep breath.

“As you will all know, the past 6 months Stark Independent Publishers has been working, in partnership with a number of Women’s Charities which are close to all of us in and around Stark Industries, and the Avengers for personal reasons as you will be well aware. We are seconds away from announcing our final fundraising total, so without further ado I’d like to hand you over to my little sister, who’s been the brains behind this from the very start. Kiddo, the stage is all yours.”

As he stepped back the Marquee erupted into applause and Katie walked up the steps to the stage, her face beaming as Tony swept her into a hug. She grinned at him as he kissed her cheek and she headed to the microphone.

“Thanks Tone.” she smiled, “That was short and sweet and actually very to the point, for once.” a few chuckles rang around and Steve simply watched his wife as she started running through what they’d been doing and how they’d been raising money, her passion and enthusiasm shining out of every inch of her body. As he stood still, he felt all the anger eb out of his body and instead it was filled with an overwhelming sense of pride. Katie finished her speech before she stepped back and turned to take an envelope from Happy who bent and kissed her cheek.

“So although I know the sales figures from our book, the rest of this is a surprise to me, as much as it is to you.” she smiled, and then her eyes locked with Steve’s. She gave a little surprised frown, and then her face softened slightly as he smiled at her and she gave him the faintest of smiles back, before she averted her gaze and grinned as Tony let out a loud yell.

“Drumroll please….”

Katie laughed as the tent was filled with the sounds of people banging on things, and stomping their feet. Steve watched as she opened the envelope and pulled out the card. Her eyes widened as she read the total and her mouth dropped open.

“Shit.” she spluttered, and the Marquee chuckled whilst she composed herself. “Sorry but…my God this is…” she swallowed and looked at Tony for a moment before she shook her head “According to this, the donations, sales…we’ve raised over fourteen and a half million.”

“Holy shit!” Steve heard Natasha splutter as his own mouth dropped open, and he joined in the cheering.

“This is amazing, but this also isn’t the end of it. Stark Industries will be doubling this total and all profits from the sales of "The Colour of Revenge” will continue to be donated.” She sniffed slightly and Steve could see she was getting emotional. He set down his glass on the bar and started to make his way over to the stage. "This money will save lives, give women a safe place to go when they’ve no one else to turn to. Thank you, thank you all for your overwhelming generosity. Now, please enjoy the evening and the entertainment and if any of you want to give us any more money, please feel free.”

At that she stepped back and Steve waited for her at the bottom of the stage steps, the applause ringing in his ears. He offered her his arm and she paused for a second.

“Oh come on, sweetheart” He pleaded gently. She allowed him to help her down before she turned to him

“I told you not to come.”

“Honey, this was your big night. I didn’t want you to do this alone.”

“There’s a marquee of people.”

“You know what I mean.” He said gently “I’m sorry, you know I am. Please don’t let’s fight now, I hate it.”

“I don’t want to do this here” she said, her tone soft “Not now Steve.”

"Ok.” he said, leaning down to give her a soft kiss. She didn’t turn away, which he took as encouraging “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you.” she smiled softly, “Now, sorry, but I have to go give an interview but…”

“Sure, come find me when you’re done.”

She nodded, and headed away from him towards someone he didn’t recognise, presumably some journalist. His eyes still on her back as she walked away, he felt slightly buoyed by her seemingly thawing towards him, so with a slight spring in his step he headed back to the bar. He ordered another drink, and had just taken it when a familiar voice drawled at him, and he instantly felt himself bristle.

“She’s one hell of a woman your wife.”

“What do you want Drysdale?” he asked, turning to the man.

“Nothing, I was just paying her a compliment.”

“Well don’t” he glared at the man “And if you value your life, keep your eyes and your damned hands to yourself.”

Ransom let out a snort “What you gonna do, throw me over the bar again?”

"Don’t tempt me.”

“We both know you’re not gonna make a scene here, not with all these people around, because that really would piss your wife off.” he leaned on the bar, looking around. “And then she’d have to send me another coat and a crate of snacks.”

“What are you talking about?” Steve frowned.

“Oh dear, didn’t you know?” Ransom smirked “Yeah, after I sent her the cheque and her knife back, she responded with a very nice coat and a couple of months supply of cookies.”

Steve’s nostrils flared as he looked at Ransom, then over to his wife and back again. “Are you shitting me?”

Ransom shook his head. “And they tasted all the more sweeter coming from her, if you know what I mean.”

“You smug, son of a bitch…” Steve stepped forwards, and a hand settled on his arm.

“Cap.” Sam spoke “Don’t…”

“Yeah Cap...” Ransom drawled, sipping his drink.

Steve shrugged Sam’s hand off his arm and glared at Ransom, the look on the man’s face was infuriating him. “Make one more wise crack I swear to God…”

“I don’t believe it.”

Steve’s head snapped to the side and he saw Katie glaring at him.

“Katie…”

“You just can’t help it can you?” she shook her head. “And I thought you were genuinely sorry.”

“To be fair…” Sam began to defend Steve but she held her hand up.

“I don’t wanna hear it.” she said, shaking her head. “I’m done…”

With that she turned and strode away.

“Oops.” Ransom said simply, picking up his glass. With a final look at Steve, he headed off back towards his grandfather.

“Well played.” Sam said, sarcastically, clapping Steve on the shoulder. Steve took a deep breath before he drained his glass and turned, leaving the tent.

******

It was pushing one in the morning when Katie got back to their living quarters. Steve was sat outside on their patio, the bottle of Asgardian shit on the table in front of him but thanks to his super hearing he knew she’d entered the room. Standing up, grabbing the drink, he moved into the doorway, leaning on it as she shut the door, shoes in her hand. She turned around and stopped when she saw him, eyeing him for a moment, taking in his appearance. His tie was loose, his shirt sleeves rolled up and she could tell from the look in his eyes he was drunk.

“You came back then?” His words were slightly slurred.

“Where else would I go?” She snarked back.

“I dunno, maybe to order Drysdale another coat or some cookies.” He necked the drink that was in his hand before he set the glass down on the dining table that stood in front of him.

“Seriously, that’s…that’s what all that was about?” she shook her head “God you’re an asshat.”

“An asshat.” He mused, pouring himself another measure of drink.

“Yes, an asshat.” she said, swaying a little on the spot. Fuck she was drunk as well, she’d ended up doing shots at the bar with Clint and Evans, never a wise move.

“Well I’m sorry I’m such a disappointment.”

“Oh fuck off Steve.” She sighed, “I’m going to bed.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, and she stopped, turning round.

“What about?”

“Your present to Ransom?”

“Because I didn’t think it was important, it was just a joke.”

“Fucking hilarious.”

“No, you know what is hilarious? This.” She gestured to him, a little unsteadily “You getting all fucking het up about a damned coat and some cookies. Now who’s being ridiculous?”

“I saw you.” He said, “When I first got there, you had your hand on his arm, laughing at him…”

“Oh Jesus Christ Steve!” She groaned. “I was talking to him, he was telling me something about his uncle!”

“You were all over him”

“Do you want me to go and fuck him or something?” Katie asked, “Because if that’s gonna make you happy, just to prove a point.”

“Don’t be fucking stupid.”

“Well shut up then!” She yelled back. “Sometimes I wonder what the hell goes on in your head. I love you, you know I do. I don’t want or need anyone else but at times you irritate the shit out of me.”

“The feeling is mutual, Doll.”

“Good, glad we agree on something.” She shook her head. “I’m going to bed. You carry on drinking yourself into a stupor. And you can sleep in the spare room.”

“Like fuck I am!”

“Fine, I’ll sleep in the spare room then.” she shrugged

“You’re such a fucking brat.”

“Me?” she laughed “I’m the brat? You’ve behaved like a prize prick Steven, and I’m so fucking pissed at you I can’t even…”

With that she turned and headed towards the bedroom.

“Don’t walk away when I’m talking to you.” He followed her.

“Or what?” She spun round, “What you gonna do…”

“Oh Doll, you have no idea how much you’re pushing me tonight.” He hissed, his voice low.

“Really Steve, how many fucking buttons am I pushing? Hmmm?” She leaned against the wall. “Do enlighten me.”

“You know it’s no wonder Ward cheated on you. If you were like this with him then…”

Whack!

Something sharp hit him in the temple and he dropped the glass he was holding, staggering back slightly. He glanced at the floor and saw that she had launched her shoe at him, her aim impeccable as ever. He raised his hand to his forehead, feeling the wet trickle of blood under his finger. It wasn’t a lot, she’d only nicked the skin but it was enough to sober him up slightly, and the words he had just spitefully spat at her echoed in his head.

“Katie…”

“You are the biggest fucking…” She spoke, her chest heaving, “Actually I don’t even have a word to describe what you are right now.”

“You hit me with a shoe.” He said simply.

“Yeah, want me to do it again?” She asked, waving the one that was still in her hand.

“Don’t.” He shook his head.“Look, I’m…”

“Oh save it.” she said, turning and walking into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

Steve’s hands fell to his hips, as he looked down at his feet. What the fuck was wrong with him? That was twice today he’d said something so despicable it made his toes curl even thinking about it. He’d been a grade A asshole, and he needed to make this right.

“Katie…” he strode after her, and headed into the bedroom. The en-suite door was shut and he could hear her sobbing in the bathroom. Fuck. “Honey I’m sorry.”

“Piss off.” she sniffled.

“Open the door, please.”

“No…”

“Don’t make me break it down. You know how precious Tony gets about us breaking things”

His joke fell flat as she remained silent. "Sweetheart…”

“Where did you learn to be so spiteful?” She yelled back through the door.

“I don’t know.” with a sigh he leaned against the door “I know, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said any of those things…”

“But you did.” she sobbed, and Steve felt the tears prick his eyes “Why?”

“I was angry, and…” he took a deep breath “I guess I wanted to piss you off as much as you pissed me off.”

“I pissed you off?” she snorted “Steve you came at me before with that comment about fucking HYDRA and now Ward…could you be any more nasty?”

“I know, I know…” he said, “Honey, I’ve no excuse. Please, open the door.”

There was a sniffle on the side and he heard her the swish of her dress as she moved. The lock on the door clicked and it opened a chink. He pushed it further and look at her, her mascara was streaked down her cheeks, her hair was messy from where she had clearly been fisting her hands in it and he instantly felt the pang of guilt and regret in his chest tighten even more. “Oh baby girl…” his voice cracked “I’m so sorry…I really am.”

“How could you even think for one minute that I’d even look at that jerk in that way?”

“I don’t not really” he said, shaking his head. “I’m an ass hole, a jealous ass hole…I just, sometimes I can’t believe…” he stopped, and shook his head “You know what, it doesn’t matter. I was out of order.”

She paused and looked at him, sniffing. “You can’t believe what?”

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter.”

“For fucks sake, Steve!” she spluttered “Stop it!”

“I can’t believe that you, well that you chose me you know?” he sighed, his hand running through his hair “I just…”

“You’re a dick.” she shook her head. “I married you, you ass hole.”

“I know, and I wonder why sometimes.”

“So you’ve been a spiteful bastard because you feel insecure?”

“No, well, partly…” he sighed “Look, seeing you before with him and then he he told me about the box and stuff…I just saw red.”

She looked at him and shook her head “That is not an excuse.”

“I know it isn’t.” he looked at her “I know.”

She looked at him for a moment before she shook her head and walked out of the bathroom, over to her vanity table, sitting down. She pulled out the wipes and began scrubbing at her face, removing her make-up. He sat on the edge of the bed, in the same position he had a few hours ago and simply watched her. Eventually, when she was happy her face was clean she looked up and he saw her eyes travel over his reflection before she frowned.

“You’re bleeding" 

"Well, you’re a damned good shot” he shrugged. “And those heels are sharp.”

She stood up and turned, stepping into the space between his legs.

“Honey it’s…”

“Shut up” she instructed.

Knowing he had pushed his luck already he did as he was told and she gently wipe at the cut on his temple, his hands falling to her hips as she did so. He was pleased to see she didn’t push him away. He watched her intently as she cleaned his face.

“I think you’ll live” she said gently, tossing the wipe into the waste basket. His hands flexed on her hips and she looked at him.

“I really am sorry.” he said again “I love you, so fucking much. At times I just don’t know how to deal with it.”

“By not being a cunt.”

“Wow.” he snorted “Did you just drop the c-bomb?”

“Justified.” she muttered, her hands falling to his shoulders “Damned it Steve!”

“I know, I know.” he said his hands, smoothing down the back of her thighs.

“I love you too, so much it hurts at times.” she shook her head “You know the amount of women that look at you in such a way I know what they’re thinking but…I get over it, you know? Because you married me and…” she let out a deep breath. “You go ballistic whenever I question how you feel about me compared to Peggy and yet you come out with the stuff you said today.”

Steve looked down at the floor, his hands still curved around her legs “I know. My ma would be ashamed.”

Katie took a deep breath before she moved her hand and tilted his face up to look at her. His eyes were shining with tears and she let out a sigh, dropping a kiss to his forehead as her hand slid round the back of his neck, nails dragging over his skin.

“I love you.” she muttered “You big, dumb idiot.”

They stayed silent for a moment and Steve looked up at her, smiling softly.

 "You know you really looked amazing tonight. I’m just sorry I didn’t get chance to appreciate it more.“

"Well…” she took a deep breath. “I know I didn’t let you help me into my dress…but you can help me out of it if you want?”

He raised an eyebrow at her, a smile flickering across his face “ Yeah?” he asked, gracefully rising to his feet.

She nodded, biting her lip. He leaned down to give her a soft kiss before he whispered against her mouth “Turn around.”

She did as she was told and Steve reached for the zip on her dress, sliding it down gently, his fingertips brushing her skin as he did so, allowing the dress to fall at her feet and he let out a soft moan as he glanced down, seeing that she was braless. His hands gently guided hers up so they reached back around his neck, and he swallowed at the sight of her presented to him. One hand moved down, splayed on her stomach, pulling her back into him as the other swept her hair out of the way as his head dipped, trailing kisses across the back of her shoulders, before he made his way up her neck, his teeth softly grazing her ear. She let out a soft sigh, her head tilting to one side as his lips continued caressing her soft skin, the hand that was on her belly started slowly to make its way downwards, sneaking beneath the waistband of her panties. His fingers gently parted her folds, and she gave a little gasp as he began to coax her softly, his other hand reaching up to caress her breasts, gently kneading before he pulled on her hardening nipple. She arched her back into him slightly, a breathy gasp escaping her as he continued to tease her, his mouth hot on her neck.

“Like that?” his own voice was raspy, his arousal evident in his tone and she gave a nod.

“Don’t stop…” she begged, and his fingers began to work faster against her nub, the hand on her breast also picking up the pace slightly.

“You’re so beautiful…” he whispered and she moaned and writhed in delight at his praise and his actions as he worked her over. With a quick flick of his wrist, he pushed two fingers into her and curled them against her spot and her head fell back even further into him as she let out a soft whimper of his name, his hands upping their pace slightly as she began to buck into his touch. She arched her back, her mouth fell open and then her head rolled forward as she came, knees trembling, her hands pulling at his hair. He held her up in his strong arms and whilst she was still in the after throws of bliss he nipped at her neck, drawing a soft groan from her mouth. Steve gently turned her round and lifted her up, placing her gently on the bed, kneeling over her as he discarded his shirt, tie by which point she had recovered slightly and sat up, her hands pulling at his belt buckle.  He leaned down to capture her mouth in a deep kiss, and he grinned against her mouth as she whipped the belt from around his waist, tossing it to the floor before she undid the button on his pants, pushing them down over his hips along with his boxers.  Once he had shimmied out of his remaining clothes, he fell over her again, his hands cupping her face as he kissed her hard, using his leg to part hers. With a sharp thrust that made her cry out, he sank into her, his lips back on hers, as he stilled for a moment, grinding up against her. Her head fell back against the pillow and he started to drive into her, his thrusts hard, deep and he moved his mouth down to kiss and lick and suck all along her shoulders, knowing full well he would leave marks there for the morning but neither of them cared as their moans grew louder as his thrusts grew more desperate.

“Fuck.” he groaned, both hands now on her hips as he continued his movements, looking down at her as her breasts bounced as her body moved with every slam he made into her. Her hands moved from where they had been gripping at his biceps to bracing herself against the headboard, causing her to push back against him, allowing him to push deeper. As her breathing adopted the tell tale staccato rhythm, he moved one hand  to the back of her head and he used it to make her look up, her eyes locking onto his as he felt her body start to quiver.

“Come on doll…” he practically growled “let go for me…”

It wasn’t like she had a choice. She never did when it came to this. Her pupils were blown now with lust and desire and after another 3, 4 hard thrusts her back arched and her hands flew to his back, nails scratching at his skin. He hissed at the bite of pain, dropping his mouth to capture hers as she moaned again, this moan broken as she bucked upwards and clutched at him desperately.

“Stevie…” she moaned and her walls tightened on him as she came hard, and the feel of her tightening and pulsing around him tipped him him ferociously over the edge after her, his hips stuttering as he gave into the wave of pleasure with an incoherent babble of her name, before he tipped forward, falling onto her, his face buried in her neck.

The pair of them lay still, the only sounds in the bedroom now were the deep, ragged drawings of breath. Katie gently ran her hands through his hair, as she always did, relishing his weight on top of her. This was the only way she could ever lift Steve, his body on top of hers rising and falling through the movements of her deep breathing.  Eventually he raised his head and pressed their foreheads together, his nose sliding up and down hers gently.

"I love you.” he whispered “You know that, right?”

“Of course I do.” she sighed, looking at him “But Steve, you really did behave like a jerk.” “I know, and I’m sorry.” he said, his hands moving to brush her hair back. “I really am.” “I know you are.” she said, her hand gently running down the back of his neck, and he closed his eyes slightly, allowing her touch to relax him even further. “I don’t understand why you think I would even want anyone else.” “Well, I guess you can take me out of that little kid that got his ass kicked all over Brooklyn, but you can’t take that little kid out of me.” he sighed, his head hanging slightly as he shook it letting out a deep sigh.

She considered him for a moment before she leaned up and gave him a soft kiss “I love you, Steven Grant Rogers, not Captain America.” “I know Doll.” he nodded “I know.” With a gentle movement he pulled out of her and pushed the covers of the bed down, before he rolled onto his back, as she scooted over to him, her head laying on his chest, one of her legs pushing through his as she snuggled closer. He pulled the duvet over them and reached over to hit the switch which would cut the lights in the room.

“This doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you.” she said softly as his hand carded through her hair, his chest warm against her cheek as it gently rose and fell with his breathing.

“I wouldn’t dream of suggesting it does.” he chuckled slightly kissing her head “I’m not that stupid” “Jury’s out.” she yawned slightly, the arm that was draped around his waist gave him a squeeze and he pulled her closer nuzzling into her hair.

It wasn’t long before he felt her relax and he glanced down, just able to make out in the dim light that her eyes were shut. He watched her face for a moment, the face he could draw from memory, and had done as a matter of fact several times, an let out a deep breath. She was right, he was an ass hole, and at times he knew he didn’t deserve her. But she loved him and wanted him, and damned it he’d try and be worthy of that love and want every damed day for the rest of his life.

“I love you so much doll.” he whispered into her hair.

“Love you to Soldier…” she muttered back, her face pressing further into his chest. With a smile he dropped a kiss on her head, closing his eyes as he felt the tendrils of sleep pulling at him, happy that they were going to be ok, not that he doubted that for a second not, really They’d come through far worse after all, and like his Ma always used to tell him.

Tomorrow is another day after all.

***** Chapter 28

**Original Posting**

[debbiechanclub]

Best Two Out of Three, Part 17

SURPRISE! So I didn’t think this was gonna be done until sometime next week, but @what-does-mine-say sent me a whole bunch and then I became a woman possessed.

Just FYI, the setting for this jumps back and forth between Philly and Virginia, and I sincerely hope it’s not too hard to follow.

Oh, also... there’s a little bit of smut in this. Enjoy.

Best Two Out of Three

Part: 17/26

Pairing: Kenny Omega x OFC x Cash Wheeler and Adam Page x OFC

Warnings: Language; angst; explicit sexual descriptions.

Word count: 7.4k

Catch up on previous parts here.

Alex stepped off the elevator, her vision blurry with tears. She took a left, realized it was the wrong way, and turned around, trudging down the hall. Their room was a little more than halfway down. Her arm felt weak as she raised her hand to knock.

It was only a few seconds before the door opened. Chuck’s face instantly creased with worry when he saw her. “Alex? Why are you crying?” He didn’t wait for an answer before he pulled her into the room. He led her over to one of the beds. She sank down onto the mattress and folded into him, her shoulders shaking.

Chuck didn’t ask any more questions. He just hugged her and let her quietly cry, soaking his t-shirt with tears. The adjoining door to Trent and James’s room was open, and they both came in—first curious, and then just as concerned and confused as Chuck.

“Can—can I stay here tonight?” Alex eventually choked.

“Of course,” Chuck returned. He pulled back so he could look at her. “What happened? Did he hurt you? Because I swear to God—”

She shook her head. “Cash and K-Kenny got in ano-other fight.”

“What?” Trent moved across the room and sat down on her other side. “When? Just now?”

She nodded.

“Why?” Chuck asked.

A second wave of guilt and sadness overtook her, and Chuck pulled her back into him. She clutched his shirt and said, “Because I kissed Kenny.”

None of them said a word. Chuck squeezed her tighter. Alex could only imagine what they thought of her. Cheater. She wished she could curl up into a ball and disappear.

“Did you tell Cash?” Chuck asked.

She nodded into his chest. “Of course. I had to. And he—he ran to Kenny’s room and pu-punched him as soon as he o-opened the door. The B-Bucks had to come pull him off of him.” She let out a pained sob. “I’m a fu-fucking cheater.”

“No,” Chuck firmly returned. “You made a mistake and you copped to it.” He pulled back again and looked her in the eye. “You hear me?”

Alex’s face screwed up. She couldn’t even nod that time. She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve such good friends.

Trent put a comforting hand on her back. “Did Cash say anything to you?”

She sat up and wiped her cheeks with her t-shirt. “He gave me an ultimatum. And then he told me to—to sleep somewhere else tonight.” Her lip quivered. “All my sh-shit is still back there. I just grabbed my phone and came straight here.”

Trent shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll get it for you.”

“I’ll go get it in full gimmick,” James added. “I don’t care.”

When she heard that, a fresh surge of sobs rose up Alex’s chest and she started crying all over again. “I don’t de-deserve friends like you…”

“What?” Chuck pulled her back into him before she’d even finished her statement. “Shut the fuck up. Yes you do. And you know what? You’re coming to Philly.”

“What?” she asked.

“You heard me. You’re coming to Philly, and we’re all gonna get drunk and stupid like the good ol’ days. I have a bottle of The Rock’s tequila with your name on it.”

Alex didn’t say anything for a few seconds. And then she asked, “And Sour Patch Kids?”

“I’ll buy out the fucking factory,” Trent said.

“Shit; Sour Patch Kids-infused tequila,” James suggested.

Chuck grimaced. “Vodka.”

James pointed a finger at him. “Yes.”

Alex fought back another surge of emotion. “You guys would do that?”

“Duh,” Chuck returned. “We love you, Alex. And we miss you, too. It’s been way too long since you’ve gotten into shenanigans with us.”

That gave Alex pause. It had been a while since she’d hung out with them, she realized. She’d been so wrapped up in her own chaos-filled bubble that’d she’d forgotten what it was like to just have fun. She thought back to that night when they’d had the get-together in their hotel room, when she’d made Chuck and James compete in those ridiculous challenges for her accompaniment to the ring. Just over two months had passed since that night, but it felt like a lifetime ago. That version of herself felt like a lifetime ago. She missed that version of herself. She needed to get back to that version of herself.

She sat up and mustered a smile. “I would like that. I miss you guys, too.”

Chuck squeezed her shoulder. “Go get cleaned up and take a minute. I’ll find something stupid for us to watch.”

Alex nodded. She stood and moved into the bathroom, shutting the door with a gentle click behind her, and walked over to the sink to turn on the faucet. She actively avoided looking at herself in the mirror as she washed her face. She didn’t want to see what she looked like right now. She knew how she felt, and that was bad enough.

She reached for a fresh towel from under the sink, and her phone pinged from where she’d set it screen-down on the vanity. Somehow, she knew it was Kenny before she flipped the phone over and saw the message.

Where are you? Are you alright?

Alex stared at the text, emotion stinging her nose again. Somehow, she was both angry and touched that he’d asked. And either way, she couldn’t leave it unanswered.

I’m in Chuck’s room, she typed. Cash kicked me out. She hit “send,” set the phone back down, and waited. Kenny’s response was both quick and unsurprising.

What? Come stay with me.

Even though she’d expected the offer, it still made her stomach flip. She chewed her lip as she typed back. I don’t think that’s a good idea.

Again, his response was near-instant. Why? Cash made his bed. He doesn’t deserve you.

Alex bit down on her jaw. No, she’d made her bed. But before she could say as much, another text came through.

I’m worried about you, baby. I want to hold you.

She let out a breath and leaned back against the vanity. Why did he keep calling her that? He knew she wasn’t his baby. He knew it tugged at her heart. Her fingers flew over the digital keys of her keyboard, gently clicking through the silence of the bathroom. It’s not a good idea, Kenny, she returned. And then, after a second’s hesitation, she added, Are you alright?

He took a little longer to respond that time. Yeah. Just a busted lip. Same thing I gave him last week.

Alex frowned down at the screen. Part of her wanted nothing more than to go to Kenny. Cash had ambushed him; she could only imagine how he felt right now. But she couldn’t go to him. Not without choosing him.

I had to tell him, she sent back. She waited, staring at the screen until his response popped up.

I know. I’m glad you did. I can’t hide the way I feel about you, Alex. Not anymore.

She let out another sigh. She didn’t know what she was supposed to say to that. But then he started typing again.

If you change your mind, you know where I am.

She bit her lip again. I know, she sent back.

She backed out of their conversation and looked at the rest of her messages. Her text chain with Cash was third from the top, after Kenny and Adam. She stared at it, debating whether or not to at least tell him where she was. If anything, she just wanted him to know she wasn’t with Kenny. But then she thought: if Cash assumed she’d gone running straight back to Kenny, then he didn’t know her at all.

So she didn’t text him. Instead, she switched her phone to silent and stepped out of the bathroom to rejoin her best friends, trying to ignore just how badly she was hurting.

* * * * * * * * * *

The next morning, Adam and Callie packed up to leave earlier than they usually did. They were both feeling out of sorts and just wanted to get back home—especially Adam. He’d replayed last night’s match in his head over and over again, wondering if he’d made a mistake leaving with Cash and Dax; if their team would have won if he’d just stayed; if Kenny, Matt, and Nick resented him for it. He hadn’t spoken to any of them since leaving the arena; he had no idea if they still expected him to join them for breakfast like usual. He pulled out his phone as he and Callie stepped off the elevator into the hotel lobby, intending to send a text in the group chat letting them know that they were leaving—but it turned out he wouldn’t need to send it. Kenny, Matt, and Nick were checking out, as well.

“Hey,” he nodded at them as they stood huddled in a circle just to the left of the reception desk. They stopped talking as soon as they saw him. It gave the distinct impression that they’d been talking about him. But he swallowed the suspicion down as best he could. “You guys heading out early, too?”

Nick nodded. “Yeah, I’m ready to get back home,” he commented. “I think we all are.”

“Tell me about it,” Adam breathed—but then Callie let out a gasp.

“What happened, Kenny?”

Adam’s brow furrowed in confusion. But then he looked at his tag team partner and his eyes widened. The left side of Kenny’s bottom lip was bruised and scabbed, like he’d been punched in the mouth. Adam’s stomach dropped. He had a horrible feeling he knew exactly what had happened.

Kenny shrugged. “Oh, you know. Someone’s jealous boyfriend ambushed me in my hotel room last night, no big deal.”

“What?” Callie and Adam simultaneously gaped. “Cash ambushed you?” Callie added.

He gave her a sarcastic look. “No, Callie, Kip Sabian did.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Why?” Adam asked. “What happened?”

A corner of Kenny’s mouth quirked up. “Alex told him that we kissed. He didn’t like it.”

“What?” They both repeated. Adam looked to Matt and Nick, expecting some sort of reaction; but their faces remained stoic. They’d obviously already been downloaded on everything that had happened. Adam was the only odd man out. Again. “You mean you and Alex recently kissed?” he asked.

Kenny nodded, all too casual. “Yeah. Last week. And yesterday.”

Adam gaped back at him, his eyes wide and stunned. He was halfway unwilling to believe him. But before he could grill Kenny about it, Alex appeared in the lobby. She was flanked by Chuck, Trent, and James. Cash was nowhere in sight.

“Speak of the devil,” Matt muttered. Kenny shot him a glare.

Alex caught sight of them. She stuttered, her sneakers squeaking against the lobby floor and her eyes wide with surprise. And then she started walking faster toward the exit. 

Adam hurried after her. “Alex, wait!”

“She doesn’t want to talk, Page,” Chuck said as they all went out the automatic doors. Adam’s brow lowered.

“Why don’t you let her speak for herself?”

“I don’t want to talk,” Alex confirmed with a look over her shoulder. It made Adam stop for a second. But then he kept walking after her.

“Are you alright? I just found out what happened last night.”

“No, I’m not,” she answered, not breaking stride.

“Where’s Cash?”

“I don’t know.” She stopped then, turned around to face him. “He gave me an ultimatum last night and kicked me out, so we’re not exactly on speaking terms right now.”

Adam frowned down at her. He didn’t need to ask her what the ultimatum had been; he could fill in the blanks well enough on his own. At this point, all he wanted was to reassure her as best he could. “I’m sure he—”

But she didn’t want to hear it. “Save it,” she breathed. “I just want to go home.”

She looked up at him with glassy eyes. There were dark circles underneath them like she hadn’t slept all night. Her voice was weary. He recognized the distraught on her face all too well. It broke his heart.

“I’ll talk to you later, alright?” she said. And with a final sad look she turned and started off again, Chuck leading her to the car.

* * * * * * * * * *

Friday evening, music streamed through the speakers in Chuck’s apartment in Philadelphia. Alex had made the near six-hour trip from Roanoke earlier that day, and she felt like Chuck, Trent, and James had been falling over themselves to make sure she was happy ever since she’d arrived. Chuck had ordered in cheesesteaks for dinner from her favorite local spot. Trent had bought her not one, but two two-pound bags of Sour Patch Kids. And James was watching her drink like a hawk, waiting to fill it back up as soon as she was done. It was kind of unnerving, especially since he was wearing his sunglasses and she couldn’t see his eyes.

Not that she needed another drink at the moment. She and Chuck were playing beer pong against Trent and James—and they were getting their asses kicked.

Alex closed one eye and poked her tongue out of the corner of her mouth, aiming for a cup in the center of the triangle on the other end of the table. She shot; and it bounced off the rim.

“Come on,” Chuck breathed. “You’re the only one of us who went to college, you should be good at this!”

“You’ve only made one!” Alex returned with a motion to James and Trent’s nearly intact triangle of cups. “That’s just one more than none!”

While they were arguing, Trent took the opportunity to sink his ping pong ball into their last remaining cup.

“GREG!” Chuck shouted.

He smirked. “Drink up, buttercup.”

“No!” Alex proclaimed. “We get to shoot until we miss.”

“Why bother?” James remarked.

“Oh, you’re dead.” Chuck said. He picked up a ping pong ball and tossed it. It landed in the cup on the right bottom corner of the triangle. He threw his arms into the air. “YES! DRINK, YOU LITTLE BITCH!”

James just smirked and took a sip of his alcohol.

Trent rubbed his hands together. “Alright, Alex. It’s all on you.”

Alex got in her shooting stance. She wasn’t sure if closing one eye was helping or hurting at this point; she’d already had a few and was starting to feel it. She aimed and fired. It started to go in a cup in the middle—but Trent used his finger to flick it back out.

Alex’s eyes widened as she let out a gasp. “Oh, you’re never gonna get to see my tits now.”

Chuck choked on his drink. Trent’s eyebrows arched. “Were you gonna show them to me?!”

She gave a nonchalant shrug. “I don’t know, maybe. I know you’re jealous that Chuck and James got to see them when they walked in on me that one time.”

“He totally is,” James said.

Trent sucked his teeth. “Man…”

Alex just smirked and took a sip of her drink.

“And on that note,” Chuck said. “It’s time for shots.” He walked over to the kitchen and pulled out four shot glasses. “What flavor does everyone want?”

That was another thing Chuck had done: he actually had made the Sour Patch Kids-infused Vodka. And from what Alex understood, it had been a pain in the ass.

“Blue raspberry,” James answered.

“I’ll try cherry,” Trent said.

Chuck filled one shot glass with blue-colored vodka and another with red-colored vodka. “Alex?” he asked. But she wasn’t paying attention.

“Where’s my phone?” she asked. She looked around the room. She thought she’d left it on the arm of the couch, but it wasn’t there. She patted her pockets, making sure she hadn’t picked it up and forgotten like a dunce; but they were empty. She started to search the cushions of the couch—but Trent walked over to her.

“Your phone? Yeah, I hid it.”

She whirled around to look at him. “What?”

He smirked. “You shouldn’t have left it just sitting out in the open when you went to the bathroom.”

“Trent,” she sighed and rolled her eyes. “Give me my phone.”

He shook his head. “No.”

She put her hands on her hips. “I’ll show them to you.”

His eyes flicked down to her chest. He seemed to consider it; but then he looked back up. “No.”

“Trent…” she whined.

“Alex…” he mimicked.

She pouted. “Why’d you hide it?”

“Because.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “One, it’ll keep you from spending all night glued to your phone waiting for whoever to text. And two, it’ll keep you from drunk texting whoever, which I’m guessing you’re about one and a half drinks away from wanting to do.”

Alex fidgeted under his gaze. He wasn’t wrong. She’d been incessantly checking her phone ever since she’d arrived, each time hoping to see a text from Cash—and each time being disappointed. They hadn’t talked since that night at the hotel, and each hour that went by without hearing from him seemed longer than the last. She knew he was hurt; she didn’t blame him for not wanting to talk to her. But she just wanted to know if he was even thinking about her. And each time she looked at her phone and didn’t see his name, it was like another papercut on her heart.

“He’s right,” Chuck said. “Forget about your phone, and anything else going on outside this apartment, just for tonight. Alright?”

He offered her a shot glass full of bright green vodka. Lime. She thought back to two nights ago, remembered how she’d missed the person she was two months ago. Tonight was a chance to be that person again, even if just for a night.

She took the shot glass from Chuck’s hand. “Cheers,” she said, and she kicked it back.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ever since their fight the week before, Callie had wanted to do something special for Adam. She wanted to show him how much she loved him, how much she appreciated him, to prove to him that he would never have any doubt that she’d always be there for him. But now that it was time to enact her plan, she couldn’t have been more nervous.

“I don’t know; I’m starting to chicken out,” Callie frowned at Britt over FaceTime. She’d tried to get in touch with Alex first, but her messages had gone completely unread. So, in desperate need of some encouragement from a friend, she’d turned to Britt instead. “What if he doesn’t like it?”

“Are you kidding me?” Britt shot. “You looked hot in that picture you sent me. I’d  do you”

“What?” Adam Cole called from somewhere off-screen.

Britt rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about it!” She looked back at Callie. “I hope that stuff wasn’t expensive because Hangman’s gonna destroy it.”

Callie smoothed her hand over the silky black robe that covered the lacy red lingerie set she’d bought. She wanted to believe Britt, but what she didn’t know was that Adam hadn’t touched her in weeks. And if he didn’t respond to this… Callie honestly didn’t know what she would do.

Britt must have seen her anxiety written all over her face, because she said, “Just take a deep breath. You’re going out of your comfort zone, but he’ll appreciate it. Trust me.”

Callie’s brow furrowed. But she nodded. “Alright. I’m gonna go hunt him down before I completely lose my nerve. Wish me luck!”

“You don’t need it. Go get him!” Britt waved as she ended the call. Callie set down her phone on the bathroom vanity and checked her reflection in the mirror, making sure her blonde waves were perfectly placed. She grabbed the glass of wine she’d poured herself earlier, took a deep, calming breath, and slipped out the bedroom toward the backyard.

* * * * * * * * * *

Adam sat in front of the fire in the backyard, a whiskey glass in one hand and his phone in the other. He wanted to talk to Alex, but she wasn’t answering his texts. So, he texted Cash instead.

Hey man, how are you? Just wanted to check in.

He took a sip of his drink and set his phone on the cushion next to him, gazing into the flames in front of him. Admittedly, he wasn’t just “checking in.” He’d gotten Cash’s side of the story after he’d tried to talk to Alex at the hotel yesterday morning, and he wanted to know if his thoughts had changed at all over the last twenty-four-plus hours. In other words, he wanted to fix it. He wasn’t sure why Alex had kissed Kenny, but he was sure it had been a mistake—he’d seen the guilt and hurt in her eyes as she’d left yesterday. And if he could mend things between her and Cash, maybe it would make up for everything else.

His phone chirped and he picked it up. Cash’s response was surprisingly vulnerable. Hey, man. Honestly, not great. I haven’t heard from Alex and it’s driving me insane.

Adam’s brow furrowed as he typed back. Not since the night at the hotel?

Cash’s reply was quick. No. Not once.

Adam frowned. Honestly, it surprised him that Alex hadn’t reached out to Cash yet. But if Cash cared about her so much, then he should just swallow his pride and text her. And he told him exactly that. Just text her, man. She’s so broken up about this.

He took another sip of whiskey as he went back to his texts with Alex. The messages he’d sent were still unread. It was starting to worry him. But then Cash responded.

Look, I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But SHE kissed Kenny. I can’t get that out of my head. And as much as I want to talk to her, she needs to figure out what she wants on her own.

Adam sighed and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He saw Cash’s point. But he also couldn’t help but think that, if it were him, he’d be doing whatever he could to get Alex back.

The sliding glass door to the backyard suddenly opened. Adam set his phone aside and kicked back the rest of his liquor as Callie walked outside. He expected her to come sit next to him, but instead she walked around behind him. She ran her hand down his chest as she leaned over and pressed her lips to his cheek.

“Hey,” she purred.

“Hey,” he returned.

She hugged him, leaning her head against his. “What’re you doing out here all by yourself?”

Adam tensed. He knew she wasn’t just asking out of curiosity. He could hear the need in her voice, feel it in her touch. But he wasn’t in the mood. “Nothing. Just talking to Cash,” he answered.

She pressed another kiss to his cheek. “About Alex?”

He nodded, slowly. “Yeah. Have you heard from her?”

Callie pulled back from him and stood back up. “No.”

A frown pulled at the corners of his lips, his worry increasing. But before he could dwell on it, Callie walked around in front of him. His brow furrowed. She’d done her hair, and she was wearing a short, slinky black robe he’d never seen before.

He watched as she set the wine glass in her hand on the table. “She probably just needs some time to herself,” she said. “I think we could use some time to ourselves too.”

She tugged at the sash on the robe, undoing the tie, and the fabric slipped from her body to the ground, revealing a lacy red bra and panties that he’d definitely never seen before. She looked amazing. But he didn’t feel aroused. He just felt… confused.

She moved to perch herself next to him on the couch. She ran one hand up his shoulder and the other over his thigh. “We haven’t been close in a while, so I wanted to surprise you.” She leaned in and whispered into his ear, “I thought maybe you could take out some of your frustrations on me.”

He whipped his head around to look at her, taken aback by the suggestion. “What?”

Callie blinked. That obviously hadn’t been the reaction she’d expected. “I just thought it would be nice to try something new.”

Adam was at a loss of what to say. He didn’t know how he felt about what it sounded like she had in mind. And, right now, he didn’t want to think about it. “I need another drink,” he said, and he stood and grabbed his whiskey glass and went back into the house.

He walked over to the bar in the den and poured himself another glass. He took a sip just as Callie appeared. The robe was secured tightly around her body again.

“I’m trying here, Adam,” she shot. “It’d be nice if you tried, too.”

He let out a sigh. “Cal, I’m just not up to it, alright?”

She folded her arms across her chest. “Trust me, I’ve noticed. You haven’t been up to it in weeks.”

Adam set his glass down on the bar. That was a low blow, but she wasn’t wrong. It had been a while since they’d been intimate. But, admittedly, he hadn’t really thought about it. He’d been too stressed to think about it. He still was.

Callie scoffed and shook her head. “No answer for that one, huh? You know, it’s really starting to seem like you’re more interested in fixing Alex’s relationships than you are in fixing ours.”

A sadness crept up Adam’s chest when she said that. Guilt twisted his stomach. It was a heavier sadness and a sharper guilt than he’d felt this whole time, and he needed to say something. “I just don’t want you to see me like this.”

Callie’s brow creased with confusion and hurt. “What?”

He sighed. “Don’t make me explain myself.”

Anger flashed in her eyes. “You don’t need to explain yourself. But you need to let me in, Adam. Don’t you understand that? Shutting yourself down and pushing me away isn’t how a relationship is supposed to work.”

She was getting upset—physically upset. He could see it on her face and hear it in her voice. But before he could even think of anything else to say in return, she added, “I know opening up is difficult for you. But we’ve been together long enough that you should be able to open up to me. And right now, it feels like you don’t even care to try.”

She turned and walked away, disappearing back through the house. And Adam stood there alone, left with his whiskey and sadness and guilt.

* * * * * * * * * *

Alex woke up with Trent’s arm draped over her waist atop the blanket they shared. He must have rolled over in his sleep and flung it across her. She gently grabbed his wrist and picked it up, trying to place his arm down on the air mattress in between them; but he pulled it back and snuggled with his pillow, dead asleep. She smirked to herself. She’d always been jealous of how he could sleep like a fucking rock.

She twisted on her back and strained to see the time on the cable box. It was after 2 a.m. What time had they gone to bed? She wasn’t sure. She’d been drunk and half asleep as Chuck had inflated the air mattress for her and Trent; James had already claimed the couch. She couldn’t have been out long; she still felt woozy from all the alcohol she’d consumed. Her mouth was dry. She needed water.

She pushed herself up from as gently as she could, trying not to disturb Trent as she stood from the air mattress and padded over to the kitchen. She opened a cupboard and pulled out a cup—and, lo and behold, revealed her phone.

She snatched her hand out to grab it but bumped her funny bone in the process and let out a silent yelp. She nursed her elbow, looking over to the living room to make sure James or Trent hadn’t moved. With the coast clear, she reached for the phone again more carefully, pulled it out and unlocked it. She had several texts from both Adam and Callie, as well as one from Trent that said, If you’re reading this give me your phone. But none from the one person she’d hoped would text.

There was, however, a text from Kenny.

I’ve been thinking about you, baby. How are you?

Alex couldn’t help but laugh to herself. His choice of words couldn’t have been more ironic. All she’d wanted to know all night was if Cash was thinking of her—and here was Kenny, telling her that he was. She looked at the time stamp. He’d sent it a couple of hours ago, but she was willing to bet he was still up.

She moved across the apartment to the balcony. She kept her eyes trained on James, fast asleep the couch, and pulled open the sliding glass door as quietly as she could. And then she slipped out into the dark, closing the door behind her.

Chuck didn’t have any patio furniture, so she sat down on the concrete with her back against the brick wall. She typed back to Kenny. Are you still up?

She sat staring at the screen. Half a minute passed; and then those three dots popped up.

Yeah. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you.

Her fingers flew over the keyboard. Wanna talk?

She wasn’t sure what she wanted to talk about. She just knew that she wanted to. A few minutes passed, and she started to get anxious. But then her phone rang. He was calling her through FaceTime.

Her heart pounded in her chest. She scooted closer to the railing, trying to find some light, and she took her hair down out of its messy bun, combing it out with her fingers, hoping it looked halfway decent. And then he answered. Kenny popped up on the screen. He was sitting in his gaming chair. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. He grinned.

“Hey, baby.”

She let out a little sigh, not intending to. “Hey.”

His brows knit together. “Where are you?”

“Chuck’s,” she answered. “The boys wanted to take my mind off things, so they threw me a little party. Trent hid my phone so I wouldn’t drunk text anyone. I only just found it.”

Kenny smirked. “I thought you looked a little buzzed.”

She gave him a surprised look. “What?”

His grin widened. “Whenever you drink you get this sort of lazy look of contentment on your face, like everything in the world is perfect. It’s cute.”

Alex’s stomach fluttered. She wondered if Cash had noticed that about her. “Well, what are you doing up so late?” she asked, trying to change her train of thought.

“Playing video games,” he sighed. “Thinking about you. Wishing you were here.”

Alex chewed the inside of her lip as she studied his image. His curls were unkempt and loose, like he’d been raking his hands through them in frustration, and his beard was scruffier than usual. Maybe it was the alcohol still running through her veins, maybe it was the moonlight in the humid late summer air, maybe it was some combination of both, but she wanted to run her fingers through his hair, over his broad shoulders and down his bare chest, lower. And before she knew it, she curiously asked, “What would you do if I was there?”

He gave her that crooked grin of his. “Oh, so this one of those calls?”

Alex’s cheeks burned at the husk in his voice, and she was suddenly grateful for how dark it was on the balcony. She hadn’t intended for this to be one of those calls. She’d never even had one of those calls before. But, suddenly, she wanted it to be one of those calls.

“What would you want me to do?” Kenny asked.

“Everything,” Alex said. The immediacy of her answer took her by surprise and there was a sudden surge between her thighs. She rubbed them together, squirming against the brick wall. Her eyes darted toward the door, praying Trent and James were still asleep.

“Be specific, baby,” he gently urged.

She let out a sigh as her eyes fell closed, tilting her head back. Her mind was dirtier than her mouth, and she was too shy to say what she wanted. But it wasn’t anything Kenny wasn’t used to. He knew how to coax her out of her shell. He was good at it.

“Would you want me to go down on you?” he asked.

She let out a little whine and nodded, imagining it. His tongue was magic. “I’d sit on your face so you could eat me out until I couldn’t take it anymore.”

“Mm,” Kenny groaned. “What else?”

She pulled up her knees and arched her back, looking for some sort of friction. “I’d want you to fuck me.”

“How?”

“Hard,” she breathed. “I’d want you to pin my hands over my head while you made me scream. Give me bruises.”

“Fuck.”

She opened her eyes and looked back at the screen. He’d moved to somewhere else in his house. His eyes were clouded with desire. The muscles in his arm not holding the phone flexed, slowly pumping. She couldn’t see it, but it was obvious what he was doing.

“Touch yourself for me, baby,” he ordered.

Alex hesitated again, suddenly all too aware that she was having phone sex in the middle of the night on her best friend’s balcony. But then Kenny let out a sharp breath and there was no possible way she could ignore the flood between her legs. She slid her hand inside the waistband of her pajama shorts, underneath her cotton underwear, and slipped two fingers inside her wet flesh. Her head fell back, eyes closing again. She bit back a moan as she stroked in and out. It felt so good already.

“Are you wet for me?” Kenny asked.

She just nodded, her lips parted in pleasure.

“What’re you thinking about?”

“Your dick,” she breathed. She slid her fingers up and pressed her clit, gently messaging the bundle of nerves. A cry escaped her throat. “Fuck. I want it so bad right now, Kenny.”

He growled. “Have you missed my dick, baby?”

“Yes.” She sunk her fingers back inside and stroked faster. She couldn’t stop herself from saying what she said next. “You’re bigger than him.”

She opened her eyes to see his reaction. He flashed a cocky smirk. “I know.”

She let out a moan, louder than intended. Something about him knowing just how fucking big he was damn near finished her. She curled and uncurled her fingers inside herself, rubbing her knees together, writhing against the wall. Her breathing grew shallow.

“Are you gonna cum for me?” Kenny breathed. She could tell by the neediness his voice that he was getting close.

“Yes,” she moaned again. She spread her feet wider, gently rocking her hips as she pumped her fingers in and out. She circled her clit again and bit back a cry; if she wasn’t careful, she might alert all of Philadelphia to exactly what she was doing. And that only made it more arousing.

She plunged her fingers back in as deep as they could go—right as Kenny let out a groan and breathed, “I love you so much, Alex.”

That pushed her over the edge. “Oh, fuck, Kenny.” She arched her back and curled her fingers as every muscle in her body contracted, an electric shock of pleasure shooting through her—and then sweet release. She cried as she spilled out into her underwear, whimpered as she came down from the high. She heard Kenny let out a curse and a moan, and Alex shuddered as the sound of him finishing sent an aftershock of pleasure through her core; and then she collapsed against the wall, spent.

Kenny could barely speak. “Fuck, baby,” he breathed. “That was… fuck.”

She breathed out a laugh as she pulled her hand from her shorts, still trying to collect herself. “I’ve never done that before.”

“Yeah?” he grinned. “I’m glad you wanted to.”

She bit her lip. She had wanted to. And the way she’d felt when he’d told her he loved her, the way her body had reacted… it had to mean something. But she couldn’t think about that now. Her brain was far too fogged with sex and alcohol. “I should probably go to sleep,” she said. “The last thing I need is for any of them to find me out here and ask what I’m doing.”

Kenny smirked. “Fair enough. I can’t wait to see you again. The next few days are gonna be torture.”

She bit back a smile, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, baby,” he returned.

They ended the call, and Alex sat on the balcony for a few minutes longer, still flush with what they’d just done. And as she came down and sobered up, she felt more confused than she ever had before.

* * * * * * * * * *

Callie didn’t want to get out of bed the next morning. She just wanted to sleep and stay unconscious for as long as she could. That way, she wouldn’t have to think about how her relationship with Adam was falling apart at the seams. But by the third or fourth time she woke up to see light streaming through the window, she rolled over and grabbed her phone. It was after 9 a.m., and she had a text from Britt.

How’d it go? I’ve been dying to ask all morning but wanted to let you sleep because I’m sure you’re exhausted.

Callie pursed her lips at the winky face emoji Britt had added to the end of the text. It seemed to mock her as she typed back. It didn’t go as expected. I’ll just put it that way.

She rolled over onto her back and looked at Adam’s side of the bed. It was empty. She wasn’t sure when he’d gotten up; but before her thoughts could get away from her, Britt texted back.

What happened?

Callie let out a sigh. As much as she appreciated Britt’s concern, she wasn’t up to talking about what had happened just yet. She needed to wake up first, collect her thoughts. Figure out what she was even thinking at all. So she texted back: Can I call you later? I just woke up and need coffee.

The dots indicating that Britt was typing back appeared instantly. Yeah, of course.

She didn’t bother with a response. She climbed out of bed and moved toward the door when she got another text. She assumed it was Britt again; but when she looked at the screen it was Alex.

I’m SO sorry! I’m with the boys in Philly and Trent hid my phone last night. Is everything okay? Did you surprise Adam like you wanted?

Callie stared at the message. And, slowly but surely, a familiar feeling took root in her gut. Jealousy. Adam’s words from the night before replayed in her head. I just don’t want you to see me like this. But she was sure he would have opened up to Alex. He’d proven he would. She opened the message but didn’t respond, purposefully leaving it on read.

She padded down to the kitchen, hoping she’d find Adam there, sitting with a cup of coffee and a warm smile when he saw her—but he wasn’t. She checked the living room, the den, the backyard. He was nowhere to be found. Worry gripped her as she moved back to the front of the house and looked out the window into the driveway. His truck was gone. A weight dropped into her stomach as she texted him.

Where are you? I woke up and you were gone.

She set her phone on the kitchen island and busied herself with brewing a cup of coffee. Sooner than later, her phone chirped. She nearly jumped to pick it up and read the text.

I went for a drive.

That was it. No apology for leaving, no explanation, no “don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.” He’d just gone. Callie let her phone drop to the island with a hard thud. She felt abandoned. And, for the first time, she understood why Adam drank.

* * * * * * * * * *

Adam had just wanted to clear his head. Driving had always been good for that, going down the back country roads with the windows down and the music turned up. He hadn’t had a destination in mind. But he’d been driving for almost thirty minutes when he realized he was on the route to Alex’s house. And instead of turning around, he pushed the gas pedal harder.

He needed to see her, to know she was okay. It wasn’t like her to not return calls or texts, to not even read them at all. He tried not to let his thoughts go to a dark place as he drove down the road, picking up speed. She probably just decided to unplug for a few days, he reasoned. She’s okay.

He was nearly halfway there when his phone rang through his truck’s speakers, interrupting the music. He looked at the center console display and let out a relieved breath at the name on the screen. Alex Hawthorne.

He pressed the button on his steering wheel to answer the call. He didn’t bother with a hello. “Jesus Christ, Alex, do you know how worried I’ve been about you?”

She didn’t immediately answer. Her shock was evident in her silence. “No?” she returned, blindsided.

He let out another breath. “I’m literally driving to your house right now.”

He felt somewhat vulnerable, admitting that. He wanted to add that he hadn’t intended to drive to her house, but then she’d probably ask what he had been doing and he’d have to explain what had happened with Callie last night and he really didn’t want to get into all that right now. But then Alex let out an apologetic sigh.

“God, I’m sorry. I’m in Philly.”

That confused him. “Philly?”

“Yeah. The boys wanted me to come up to get my mind off things,” she explained. “Trent hid my phone last night so I wouldn’t drunk text anyone.”

Adam gave a small laugh when he heard that. “Seriously?”

“Yeah,” she laughed in return. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.”

He let his head fall back against the headrest, suddenly feeling stupid for being so concerned. “No, it’s not your fault,” he said. “Did it work, at least? I mean, did they get your mind off things.”

She let out another sigh. “Not really,” she admitted. But before Adam could ask if she wanted to talk about it, she changed the subject. “How are you, besides worrying about me? Callie sent me a text asking for advice about something she wanted to surprise you with last night. Obviously I didn’t talk to her but… how’d that go? I asked her before calling you, but she hasn’t responded.”

Adam’s hands tensed on the steering wheel. He didn’t want to talk about this. But it wasn’t Alex’s fault she’d asked. She was just being a good friend; trying to dodge her own uncomfortable subjects. “It… didn’t go as she’d planned,” he returned, hoping she’d get the hint from his tone that he didn’t want to discuss it any further.

“Oh,” she said. Hint taken.

The silence dragged on for a few beats until Adam asked, “When will you be back?”

“Probably tomorrow,” she answered. “Why?”

“Just wondering.”

More silence. And then Alex asked, “You aren’t almost to my place, are you?”

“About halfway,” he admitted.

Another breath. “I’m s—”

“No,” he cut her off. “Stop. I needed the drive, trust me.”

She didn’t say anything in response, and Adam wondered what she was thinking; worried she would try to get him to talk about why he needed the drive. But, mercifully, she didn’t. “Well, I’m gonna go. My head is killing me and Chuck ordered greasy breakfast burritos to try to help.”

A corner of his mouth quirked up. Even if Chuck and co. hadn’t managed to get her mind off things, he was glad Alex was in Philly with them rather than sitting at home by herself. Stewing in her thoughts. Like he had been. “Okay,” he said. “Feel better.”

“Thanks. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Yeah. Later.” He hung up, and the country song he’d been listening to picked up where it had left off before Alex had called. And as he turned his truck around and started back home, he wondered if worry was the only reason he’d been on his way to Alex.

[perfecttimeseleven]

Perfect Times Eleven Ep. 1 TRANSCRIPT

ACT ONE

SCENE ONE

REMINGTON

Goddamn it! You really think tying a tie wouldn’t be this hard.

VOICE FROM PHONE

And that, my friends, is how you tie a tie!

REMINGTON

(overlapping)

No! No it’s not! Fuck you!

VOICE FROM PHONE

Hope you found this video helpful. Hit up that “like” button  below and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more pro bro tips from Menswear Mike! Hang tie-ght. Haha, get it? Just a little joke for ya on this fine Menswear Mike Monday morning.

(REMINGTON grabs her phone and turns the video off.)

REMINGTON

Shit. Ah.. maybe if... nope. That’s worse. Is that a zit? God hates me.

(exhales)

My name is Remington Long and I am here because I hear eleven voices in my head and a teacup chihuahua tried to claw my eye out — no. That’s too on the nose.

(pauses)

My name is Remington Long! How are you? I’m perfectly sane! Fuck. Uh...yeah, no. I’m already talking to a mirror. Who’s gonna believe that? Okay. My name is Remington Long, and oh, heavenly therapist, please bestow the blesséd knowledge upon me so I can maybe, maaaaybe have a shot at normal life. Except, y’know, my life’s already fine, except sometimes animals attack me, I guess, like the chihuahua from yesterday. So I actually don’t know why the hell my parents are paying you. But yes! My name is Remington Long and I’m here for a heaping helping of therapy! Fuck yeah! Ugh.

(1. Therapy Upstate.)

REMINGTON

THERAPY. THERAPY UPSTATE.

IT’S UNFAIR TO ME. Here, I’ll give it to ya straight —

WELL, KIDS, YOU KNOW YOUR PARENTS THINK YOU’RE REALLY PSYCHO

WHEN YOU’RE FORCED TO HIKE OVER TO DELAWARE COUNTY FOR

THERAPY UPSTATE.

I’VE LIVED FOR EIGHTEEN YEARS LIKE THIS! I THINK I’VE GOT THE HANG OF IT BY NOW.

DON’T NEED SOME PRETENTIOUS PRICK’S USELESS SHIT ABOUT MEDITATION OR HOW

TALKING ABOUT MY FEELINGS WILL MAKE EVERYTHING SO, SO MUCH BETTER!

PLUS, HE’LL PROBABLY BE OLD AND WEAR ROUND GLASSES AND A TARTAN SWEATER.

Ugh, I can see it already, HE’LL SAY

”TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS” AND I’LL BE LIKE ”ERR, I GOT NONE!”

AND THEN WE’LL JUST SIT, STARE AT EACH OTHER FOR A BIT

IN SILENCE TILL THE SESSION IS DONE.

Plot twist! WE’LL. FALL IN LOVE

HE’LL TREAT ME WELL BUT I’LL GET HIM FIRED

FOR HAVING RELATIONS WITH A MINOR —

Wait. No. I’m eighteen. I’m an adult. Shit.

A WHOLE ASS ADULT BEING MADE TO GO TO

THERAPY. THERAPY UPSTATE.

WHERE THERE’S TONS OF TREES AND ALL THE STORES CLOSE AFTER EIGHT.

I’M JUST CONSIDERING EVERY POSSIBLE SCENARIO IN AN ATTEMPT TO PREPARE ME,

SO I WON’T HAVE TO GO TO MORE THERAPY UPSTATE.

SO I’VE GOT VOICES IN MY HEAD! WELL, I CAN STILL HAPPILY EXIST!

I CAN’T EVEN HEAR THEM IF I KEEP THIS TACKY BRACELET ON MY WRIST.

AND EVEN WHEN I DO, THEY JUST...REPEAT ELEVEN RANDOM WORDS.

(REMINGTON unclasps her bracelet and it drops to the ground.)

REMINGTON’S VOICES

(jumbled and overlapping)

HARVEST, OCEAN, CREATE, CHANGE, FIGHT, ART, FAMILY, FREEDOM, JOYCE, TRADITION, BIRDS

REMINGTON

See? THEY AREN’T THAT ANNOYING AND THEY’RE QUITE EASY TO IGNORE

JUST LIKE REAL-LIFE PEOPLE THAT TO ME, KINDA BORE.

WHAT WOULD THIS THERAPIST KNOW THAT I DON’T ALREADY

ABOUT WHAT I’VE DEALT WITH MY ENTIRE LIFE? OH, YES, I’M FEELING PETTY ABOUT

THERAPY! THERAPY UPSTATE.

THEY SAY THIS IS NOT UP FOR DEBATE

BUT I’M AN INDEPENDENT MAN WHO DON’T NEED NO MAN

TO SHARE ALL MY CARES WITH AT THERAPY UPSTATE.

I KNOW I’M A BURDEN! I DON’T WANNA BECOME MORE OF ONE!

STOP THROWING MONEY AT THIS! IT WILL NOT GO AWAY.

SAVE THOSE FUNDS FOR MY COLLEGE, OR, BETTER YET, ACKNOWLEDGE

THAT I WON’T GO TO COLLEGE, AND THAT IS OKAY!

I CAN BE NORMAL! I’LL DO FINE! I PROMISE! I PROMISE! I PROMISE.

THERAPY. THERAPY UPSTATE.

YOUR PARENTS SEE YOU CAN’T HANDLE YOURSELF...HOW GREAT.

IT’S A MARK ON THE CALENDAR TO CONFIRM THEY’VE RAISED

A DISAPPOINTMENT, A HOPELESS, CRAZED

FREAK WHO THEY HAVE TO CODDLE, WHO AIN’T GOING ANYWHERE AT THIS RATE!

OH, PLEASE HAVE SOME HOPE IN ME!

I DON’T NEED HELP TO COPE, YOU SEE!

DON’T WRITE SOMETHING FRIGHTFUL

ON MY PERMANENT RECORD OR I’LL NEVER GET A JOB I DON’T HATE!

OH, PLEASE, DON’T SEND ME TO THERAPY UPSTATE!

ACT ONE

SCENE TWO

DR. MORELLO

Yes, uh, hello, Remington.

DAISY

Remington? That’s fucking wack! Remy, like the rat!

DR. MORELLO

Daisy. Language!

REMINGTON

Uh, hi.

DAISY

I’m Daisy, Ratatouille!

DR. MORELLO

My name is Dr. Morello.

REMINGTON

Yeah, uh, my parents told me about you.

DR. MORELLO

Good. This wasn’t what you expected, was it, dear?

REMINGTON

Oh. Uh, no. Don’t get me wrong, this is a very nice house, but yeah. Like I was expecting some really clinical looking...space? You are also not what I expected, but, uh, in a good way! This...is also...such a warm color scheme I’d never have imagined...

(catches herself going off topic)

It is very nice to meet you, Dr. Morello! How can you help with the, uh, voices in my head thing?

(pauses)

Shit. Sorry. I mean, shit, oh sh-...sorry. Shouldn’t have cursed. I didn’t mean like you’re seeking me out to help me, I’m the one seeking your help —

DAISY

You’re making it worse, nerd.

REMINGTON

Yeah, also there’s, uh, Daisy? Um, there’s children here. Didn’t expect that. Who? Why? Uh, who’s the other one?

DR. MORELLO

Ohh! Yes —

REMINGTON

Yes, there’s children here.

DR. MORELLO

Yes, yes. Remington, I would like you to meet my other patients. Come over here! Be polite!

JAY

Ugh.

DAISY

I said hi to her already!

JAY

Hi, I guess.

REMINGTON

Okay, I can respect a girl with a well-defined aesthetic —

JAY

Then why are you dressed like a sad lawyer?

DR. MORELLO

Kids, this is Remington’s first appointment, and you both know what that means.

DAISY

(bored)

I’ll get the fear-puke bucket.

REMINGTON

The what?

DAISY

Wait. Hold the phone. Hold on. Remington Long...Are you the kid who got attacked by the...

JAY

Oh, wait, yeah! Shiiiiiit!

(DAISY and JAY try to contain their laughter.)

DAISY

...teacup chihuahua?

(JAY doubles down in laughter.)

REMINGTON

(unamused)

Yeah. Nice to meet you.

DR. MORELLO

Kids, be nice. Okay, now this is Jay.

(DAISY and JAY calm down.)

REMINGTON

Who’s already mocked me twice. Good start. Hello.

JAY

(clears throat a little)

Hey —

DR. MORELLO

(interrupting)

Now that that’s out of the way —

DAISY

(exiting)

Fear-puke bucket time!

REMINGTON

Okay, what does that mean?

DR. MORELLO

(ignoring her)

— let’s get down to business. Now — That bracelet on your wrist. It’s the accessory you use to block the voices out, yes?

REMINGTON

Yeah.

DR. MORELLO

And when you take it off, can you describe what these voices are like?

REMINGTON

There’s like, a lot of them, and they just say words, I guess. It’s overlapping and each voice says a word, and then that just repeats, like, I don’t know, over and over, like —

JAY

Like a broken record in your brain.

REMINGTON

...Yeah. What she said.

(turning back to DR. MORELLO)

Wait, so all your patients have the same problem?

DR. MORELLO

Essentially, yes.

(pauses)

Of course, I do too.

REMINGTON

What?

(DAISY enters with a big yellow bucket, which she plunks in front of REMINGTON.)

DAISY

Fear-puke bucket time.

JAY

It’s always more like panic attack puke, if anything —

DAISY

Yeah, but that doesn’t have the same ring to it.

REMINGTON

What’s this for?

DAISY/JAY

Just in case.

REMINGTON

Of what?

DR. MORELLO

Remington, this isn’t some disease or disorder. You see, ah, living things have a soul, right?

REMINGTON

Okay, yeah, I guess?

DR. MORELLO

Well, souls don’t die with the living thing. They go on to inhabit another body.

REMINGTON

Reincarnation?

DR. MORELLO

Yes, some call it that. A transference of energy. A shift of...ah, physical matter around an entity, a...crowding of energies for space, a—

REMINGTON

Wack.

DR. MORELLO

Wack indeed, Remington.

REMINGTON

So my voices are some byproduct of, like, reincarnation?

DAISY

Sorta.

DR. MORELLO

If the soul lives a good, fulfilling, pure life — at least, as the books say — such a thing -- a “pure life” -- is hard to define, it gets reincarnated as human.

REMINGTON

And if it doesn’t?

JAY.

It turns into an animal.

REMINGTON

Damn, that’s rough.

DAISY

(to JAY)

She’s taking this surprisingly well.

DR. MORELLO

People who hear these voices are people whose souls have been reincarnated as human for several lifetimes in a row. The voices are remnants of previous human lives.

REMINGTON

So what you’re saying is voices mean there’s, like, dead people in your head?

DR. MORELLO

That’s putting it a little crassly, but...yes.

REMINGTON

So...there’s dead people in your head?

DR. MORELLO

Yes.

REMINGTON

All of you?

DAISY/JAY

Yeah.

REMINGTON

Me?

JAY

(a little irritated)

Yes!

REMINGTON

So this is some kind of therapy for dead-people-in-your-head...people? Fine. But why do these dead people say random words? Does it all mean anything? Am I just really stupid and not connecting some obvious dots?

JAY

Yes.

(DR. MORELLO stands up. 2. Dead-People-In-Your-Head People.)

DR. MORELLO

NOW, A SOUL MOVES FROM BODY TO BODY,

BUT EACH LIFE LEAVES ITS TRACE.

A SINGLE WORD FOR EACH HUMAN

TOO OFTEN THOUGHT ABOUT TO ERASE

NOW WHEN SOULS HAVE BEEN REINCARNATED

AS HUMAN SEVERAL TIMES IN A ROW

IT GETS TO THE EXTENT WHERE THE SOUL IS SO HUMAN,

ITS HOST HEARS ECHOES OF LONG AGO.

DR. MORELLO/DAISY/JAY

EVERYONE’S GOT DEAD PEOPLE IN THEIR HEADS, PEOPLE!

JAY

ONLY WE’RE THE LUCKY BASTARDS WHO CAN HEAR ‘EM.

DR. MORELLO/DAISY/JAY

THERE’S NO WAY TO MAKE ‘EM GO AWAY!

DAISY

NO MAGIC PILL, POTION, OR SERUM!

JAY

SO USE THEM TO YOUR ADVANTAGE IF YOU’RE NOT A LITTLE BITCH —

DR. MORELLO

Jay!

DR. MORELLO/DAISY/JAY

WE’RE ALL DEAD-PEOPLE-IN-YOUR-HEAD PEOPLE

DAISY

AND THOUGH IT SOUNDS A BIT DARK,

WE’VE JUST INHERITED SOULS FROM PURE AND WHOLESOME

FOLKS WHO’D CLEAN UP LITTER IN THE PARK!

REMINGTON

OH, SO USE THEM TO YOUR ADVANTAGE SINCE THEY’RE ALL LITTLE BITCHES —

DR. MORELLO

No! WHAT JAY MEANT IS WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM.

YOU’LL FIND THEY’RE NO MYSTERY!

IF YOU

DR. MORELLO/DAISY/JAY

CONCENTRATE ON ONE WORD,

DR. MORELLO

YOU CAN UNLOCK A HISTORY.

WE’RE TIES BETWEEN GENERATIONS

WHO OBSERVE AND PRESERVE

THIS SOUL’S UNTAINTED PURITY

SO WE GET THE NEXT LIFE WE DESERVE!

DR. MORELLO/DAISY/JAY

WHEN YOU’RE DEAD-PEOPLE-IN-YOUR-HEAD PEOPLE,

No pressure, but your past lives all were really good...

WE’RE SORTA RARE, SO WE’D SORTA CARE

TO NOT GO EXTINCT...UNDERSTOOD?

DR. MORELLO

SO WE ALL CONSIDER BEING MORE SELFLESS...

JAY

NOTE THE KEY WORD THERE IS “CONSIDER”!

DR. MORELLO/DAISY/JAY

WHEN YOU’RE DEAD-PEOPLE-IN-YOUR-HEAD PEOPLE,

YOU’RE WORKING FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE!

THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO EXPLORE;

WE’VE BARELY SCRATCHED THE SURFACE!

BUT, BEFORE WE START, HERE’S THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION...

DR. MORELLO

How many voices are in your head?

REMINGTON

Eleven.

DAISY

Holy shit.

JAY

Are you sure you’ve counted right?

REMINGTON

Yeah, I’m fucking sure I’ve counted right after 18 years of counting! What’s so weird about eleven?

JAY

Nothing. You just beat my record of ten.

REMINGTON

SO I GUESS I’M A

DEAD-PERSONS-IN-MY-HEAD PERSON!

I’M GLAD TO BE JOINING THE TEAM.

I’LL TRY TO CALMLY ACCEPT I’M AN ANOMALY

AND NOT FEAR-PUKE OR SCREAM!

I’M READY TO GET STARTED WITH THIS THERAPY!

DR. MORELLO/DAISY/JAY

Yeah!

SHE’S A DEAD-PERSONS-IN-HER-HEAD PERSON

JAY

Having eleven isn’t problematic at all!

DAISY

SHUT UP, YOU CUCK!

PETER

IT’S JUST OUR LUCK

THAT YOUR PARENTS GAVE ME THAT CALL

DR. MORELLO/DAISY/JAY

‘CAUSE NOW, YOU’RE HERE WITH US!

ALL

AND WE’RE ALL

DEAD-PEOPLE-IN-YOUR-HEAD PEOPLE!

EACH HOUSING A VERY NICE SOUL.

THOUGH WE’VE GOT DIFFERENT NUMBERS,

WE’RE ALL PARTS OF A WHOLE!

DR. MORELLO

DEAD-PEOPLE-IN-YOUR-HEAD PEOPLE,

DR. MORELLO/JAY

DEAD-PEOPLE-IN-YOUR-HEAD PEOPLE,

DR. MORELLO/JAY/DAISY

DEAD-PEOPLE-IN-YOUR-HEAD PEOPLE...

REMINGTON

THERE’S DEAD PEOPLE IN MY HEAD!

DR. MORELLO/JAY/DAISY

OH YES, THERE’S DEAD PEOPLE IN HER HEAD!

WHY STRESS? THERE’S DEAD PEOPLE IN HER HEAD!

GOD BLESS! THERE’S DEAD PEOPLE IN HER HEAD!

[blackasmidnightcats]

Tagatha's Dynamic & how underappreciated Tedros is

As much as I love this couple and whole-heartedly agree that they are made for each other, the way that they are portrayed sometimes, especially when they're legit fighting, can be extremely ugly to read.

I discussed this once with @agathasarmy about how . . . "uneven" (I guess, for the lack of better word) this pairing can be.

And after reading some post from @pumpkinpaperweight I was inspired (again, tbh @pumpkinpaperweight you're the one that keeps this fandom alive. Hope you don't too tired before Book 6 comes out) to write about Tagatha's dynamic and analyze both the swoon worthy moments and the heavely cringy moments of this pairing.

Ok. . . to start this thing.

Let's be real. Everyone in the fandom already agrees that this pairing had the worst start. Book 1 Tagatha was unbelievable as frick and Book 2 was even worst.

Tbh, the only legit Tagatha was Book 3 Tagatha. That sh*t highlighted the very best of this pairing and why they can be so swoon worthy as a pairing. I'll get to that later.

But then QfG happened. . . and aside from the first few chapters and a very few moments, everything else was a sh*tshow with all these unnecessary trust issues and secrets.

aCoT was a good comeback but it held nothing against TLEA Tagatha.

And now that I've thought about it I think everyone got on the Tagatha train by Book 3. We all knew that they were gonna get together but I don't think we were as passionate until book 3.

The thing that I love about this couple was always the moments that they showed that they both appreciated and showed affection towards each other. Whether they were together or apart.

The thing is that as of recent their relationship has felt uneven for me. Especially on Tedros's part because the narrative has kept showing just how much he appreciates Agatha and Aggie. . . hasn't been showing the exact same enthusiasm.

I can't tell whether this is because it's just who she is or if Soman really didn't think QfG through but it was a pain to read her doubting and sidelining Tedros from time to time . . . over Sophie of all people. I miss the Aggie in Book 3 where her paranoia and doubt was understandable because they were honestly on an unknown part of their relationship and she just can't get over Tedros.

Like legit this girl was love-struck and mooning over her prince charming and it's so cute.

That was the thing in Book 3. They were both aware that they have a shaky foundation because of how their relationship started and Tedros was amazingly willing to work it out because damn he loves Agatha and he's not gonna settle for anyone else. And Aggie was feeling the "sugar and salt" of love because self-confidence issues and every other issue on their agenda. BUT THAT DIDN'T STOP HER FROM FEELING THE IMMENSE AMOUNT OF LOVE TOWARDS HER PRINCE AND I JUSt.!!!!

Sidenote: It isn't so much that I think that Agatha doesn't love Tedros anyless in QfG but the way that the narrative has written it in TCY makes it seem like Tedros is a bother in the relationship and always seems to be written in the wrong. (For me at least)

And this is where I think shows just how much Soman really does Tedros dirty.

I really hate that since QfG up until aCoT, Tedros has been getting the short end of the stick. I mean I get that he was being an idiot for immediately trusting Rhian but then again EVERY OTHER CHARACTER TRUSTED THAT BASTARD TOO so I don't get why Tedros is the only one that the narrative has been targeting with all the guilt when every other character has been too.

It has been made more obvious against Agatha's case.

In the scene where Agatha and Tedros finally get to speak again, it was a good start that Agatha apologized for not trusting him but I don't like that Agatha seemed to have been let off so easily.

And then later (and this is credits to someone else I just can't tell whom because I can't find the post but they were the first one to point this out and not me and hopefully someone can point this out to me so I can properly credit them) when Agatha was struggling with Tedros and Sophie (again) and I was relieved that she chose to trust Sophie but my relief because instant irritation when Agatha decided to just leave Tedros alone knowing it was wrong (like why gIRL?!?!?) and Tedros just seemed to go along with it!?!?!?

NO. THAT WAS WRONG OF AGGIE.

I don't if I'm being too hard on her but that was just plain insensitive to me. Even for Agatha.

I get that she would chose to trust Sophie because c'mon this is all on Sophie now if she was still a scheming back-stabber after everything but. . . Agatha should have not left Tedros alone after everything especially since they have a problem as a couple with their communication skills.

And then to add salt to the injury, Tedros thinks that what happened to the girls are more than what he's been through.

AGAIN NO.

Tedros has been tortured for a second time in his life and he's seemingly ok with that and I AM NOT OK WITH THAT.

Tbh, I love him in TCY because he TRIES and he doesn't stop trying to improve himself FOR THE SAKE OF THE PEOPLE HE LOVES.

Uggghhhhhh

He's a chaotic mess yes but he won't stop protecting and making sure that the people he loves are cared for and are all right.

I love that about him

And I know that Agatha loves that about him too but just hope that that narrative would stop portraying their relationship like Agatha's always in the right and Tedros in the wrong needing to catch up.

And I also get all the complications. Agatha was right for not trusting Tedros and he was legit not making to best decisions but he wasn't solely at fault (the one at fault is the a-hole Rhian and his kin but the narrative's too busy making them hot so) but c'mon my girl, you're honestly the only person who can set him straight TALK TO HIM.

Bottomline I wish that the narrative would stop underappreciating Tedros and hopefully Agatha gives her all for her man just as much as he does for her.

Also 😤✊ @pumpkinpaperweight with this post cause yessss this Tedros was sweet and had so much big dick energy I wonder what would have happened if Soman went serious with his attempt with Tedros being a villain.

Plus, I know that we treat Tedros like an idiot especially with the memes but legit sometimes I think Soman's too hard on him. Let's not forget that this boy was the no#1 Ever in Book 1 (but that's debatable since Aggie only recently started treating her studies seriously) and is apparently smarter than his own dad. I get that he can be somewhat oblivious but I think when he puts his mind into it, he can be suprisingly mature with his emotions as shown in TLEA with the way that he handles Agatha in several occasions. Plus as shown again in TLEA he can be ruthlessly determined to achieve something for the greater good and nothing would stop him from achieving it.

The cave scene where Tedros just lays the smackdown on Sophie and proceeds to do so when she's being particularly witchy is honestly so satisfying to read.

Hell, when Tedros explains to Agatha why she should applogize to Cinderella is another big dick energy move right there and we all know he's doing this cause he loves her too damn much to let her do anything that she would regret and he's not about to take any of her crap if that was the case.

He just loves and appreciates Aggie so much and I love him for it.

[whenimgoodandready]

They said Marinette couldn’t be akumatized cuz she was “too optimistic”. Well, Hawk Moth tried to akumatize her in “Zombizou”, but that didn’t work. Strike 1. He tried to do it again in “Chameleon”, but that didn’t work either. Strike 2. So what’s it gonna take to really crack this clumsy aspiring fashion designer? You’d have to be conning and manipulative enough to orchestrate something so spirit breaking to have the schools Darling akumatized. The culprit achieves this. Find out how:

*Ladybug-Ever feel like you’re being watched? Like, you sense something off, but you just can’t put your finger on it? It’s creepy. Speaking of which, that creeper is Lila Rossi. During her “excessive traveling” she’s been spying on Marinette from her window growing increasingly jealous of all the love and attention she’s been getting. Especially from Adrien. Like how he gave her her own lucky charm bracelet (“Befana”). Season 2’s finale was the last straw for her, so that’s why she came back to school to ruin Marinettes life and take all of the attention for herself (“Chameleon”). After allying with Gabriel to be close to Adrien, she’s been keeping him up to date with Adriens whereabouts and how she says Marinette is a “bad influence” on him (“Miracular”). Gabe of course is only using Lila to trigger negative emotions for akumas. (whispers) She’s getting more wicked!

Since everyone seems to love Marinette, Lila thought she could sabatoge that and make her and everyone else miserable therefore she’d have to be akumatized along with them and Hawk Moth will get his miraculouses and Lila will finally see Ladybug fall. Well, Lila still doesn’t know Gabe and Hawk Moth are one in the same, but she’s technically “allied” with him (Hawk Moth) too, so she can get rid of Ladybug. How do they pull this off? Lila frames Marinette for stealing the answers to a test making it look like she cheated, faking an injury that Marinette pushed her down the stairs and even stealing her fox necklace found in her locker. All of which she planted and made look convincing getting Marinette expelled! Damn! She’s good at being a liar and it’s getting worse!

Marinette is so devastated by all this after failing to call out Lila and with that, Hawk Moth akumatizes Natalie as Catalyst again turning him into Scarlet Moth from last seasons finale so he can akumatize another whole army using his multiple scarlet akumas! Oh sh*t! Scarlet Moth akumatizes Marinette and-WHOA! WAIT A MINUTE! IT HAPPENED!? IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED! MARINETTE DUPAIN-CHENG WAS AKUMATIZED!? HOLY SH*T SHE TOOK OFF HER MIRACULOUS! OH GOD! WE’RE DOOMED! Don! Don! Don! SAY GOOD-BYE! SAY GOOD-BYE! CUZ WE’RE ALL GONNA-Huh!? What happened to Cataylst there!? Phew! Well thank God she’s still sick from the damaged peacock miraculous otherwise it would’ve been the end of the world as we know it. STRIKE 3! YOU’RE OUTTA HERE HAWK MOTH! :P.

Unfortunately, none of this saved the fact that Marinette was still expelled. Sensing fowl play, Alya attempts to play detective and figure out who did this to her best friend. Glad to see she’s siding with Marinette again cuz I’m sure she must’ve learned from her mistakes. During that time Marinette was put under house arrest by her parents to keep her safe while Gabe takes back the peacock miraculous from Nathalie fearing for her health. Not wanting to disappoint her secret love, Nat secretly steals her miraculous to become Mayura and creates a sentimonster of her own. Hmmm, she can do that!? Wow! She creates one in the spitting image of Ladybug! Complete with voice! Oh God! This is gonna be a toughie.

It was a toughie. “Sentibug” was sooooooooooo convincing, Cat Noir actually fell for it and even sided with her over the real Ladybug! 😫 Ugh! C’mon you stupid cat! Didn’t you learn anything!? It was over a love confession and he damn well knew Ladybug loved “someone else”, but his school boy crush just overpowered it. Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! Luckily, it was only for a quick moment until he was called out on his stupidity and the dynamic duo (along with the fandom) learned something new today, sentimonsters have feelings!

Before I begin my thoughts on this, I’d like to say that this ep come out on my birthday! Sept 10! 🎉🎈Happy (Belated) Birthday🎂To Me!🎈🎉 I consider it a gift from Zagtoon and Thomas Astruc, so merci! What a treat I got from this as one of the best things about this episode was when the whole class vouched for Marinette knowing she’s a nice girl who wouldn’t steal (anything that wasn’t a smart phone) unlike how they did in “Chameleon” siding with Lila. Much better! Then there was the well calculated plan to déjà vu “Heroes Day” using Scarlet Moth and Catalyst. I could see how it would’ve gone had it not been for Nats growing health issues. From the Season 2 finale, almost everyone was akumatized cuz they were all in shock that their town heroine, Ladybug, turned evil and “killed” Cat Noir in front of ‘em (illusion by Volpina) and it almost happened again cuz the nicest girl in school, Marinette, was accused of being a criminal leaving everyone heartbroken from her expulsion cuz everyone loves Marinette as much they love Ladybug! (Lila is actually good at elaborate plans in a villainous sense). It almost happened! Marinette got akumatized! The fans were right, her akumatized form would’ve been something justice related, Princess Justice, cuz she’s a huge advocate for it and her mother too! As Verity Queen! However, we never got to see it cuz of Nats health, but it would’ve been cool. Since Marinette was taking off her miraculous, was she gonna give them to Hawk Moth or just took ‘em off before she was fully akumatized for safety? During the almost corruption, Alya and Chloe stood their ground keeping cool in case they were needed for battle (didn’t see Adrien there or even the others who already had miraculouses there, so I don’t know what went on with them). Detective Alya’s research went nowhere as she couldn’t find any evidence to back-up her friend, so it was a bust. Damn, that Lila! The debate over Cats guess on who the real Ladybug was was absolutely jarring! Guy was too blinded by his love for her to think clearly! Do what your real Lady said and LISTEN TO YOUR BRAIN YOU STUPID BANANA HAIRED CAT! Well, we can’t blame the guy, I mean, it was pretty convincing and we need to remember he’s the Heart Thinker to Ladybugs Brain Thinker. Love will be their downfall. Wait for it. Turns out, Mayura can create her own image of a sentimonster and they actually have thoughts and feelings! Their free will is just controlled by Mayura. Once Ladybug figured that out, Sentibug turned over a new leaf, but sadly was short lived as Mayura destroyed her. R.I.P. Sentibug :’(. Oh God! What is this, the 25, 915th time Cat Noir has to see Ladybug die in front of him!? First it was all those heart wrenching times in “Desperada”, then her capture in “Party Crasher” and now this! Guys gonna be traumatized, I swear. Hawk Moth made another of his rare public appeareances and this was to fight his adversaries in Mayuras defense. A little thing I liked was when Gabe woke up and realized Nathalie was out and about as Mayura and asked Nooroo why he didn’t wake him up, his excuse was “You looked so peaceful!” (Badum-tish🥁). XD! Straight outta sitcom! Hawk Moth and Ladybug have a short Mexican Standoff (he had his son right there!) before calling off the fight to escape with their partners. That was close! They almost revealed themselves there! Nat is out of commission as both Catalyst and Mayura as her health is getting worse from the damaged peacock miraculous (let’s not have another Emilie incident) and with that, they’ll figure out another way to find Master Fu (this is after “Feast”. Master Fus ep). In the end, Lila got no comeuppance sadly and instead, became Gabe’s “muse”, but Adrien put his foot down and confronted her, in all his tranquil fury, to bullsh*t her way into bringing back Marinette since she’s too good of a liar to expose (nobody messes with his “not-yet-aware” love interest). This is one of those rare moments where Adrien is pissed off! The last time we saw him this angry was in the Christmas special! It’s scary! He warned her in “Onichan” and now, she’s gonna pay! You go Adrikins! (I would’ve gone a little more tougher, but still, you did good!). “Things aren’t always what they seem” is the quote of the episode here and it plays it straight (No Marinette, it’s not for your benefit). Lila made up yet another “disease” for herself that involves lying (well, its technically true) and is saved Marinette to get her back in school. A little heads up folks, this episode is after “Cat Blanc” and “Felix” and before the big two part finale. Just lettin’ ya know there, *click* *click*.

[copiouscouples]

Brio Head Canon Part 2

Rio’s POV

If you’d asked Rio weeks ago if he thought he’d be working with 3 housewives, he’d have told you hell no. Yet here he was having these broads laundering his cash for him at Cloud 9 superstores. 

It was all because of her...Beth...Elizabeth. She’d left a string of pearls signaling her interest in his line of work and he’d been intrigued by her ever since. A better word might be obsessed. He didn’t choose the stalker life. The stalker life chose him. He couldn’t shake this middle class white lady out of his head. He kept perpetual tabs on her and when she called he always had time to meet up with her. 

She was pretty cute with all her little entrepreneurial ideas. Don’t get him wrong they were terrible ideas. Who needed Botox? And since when was money laundering a good idea as a pyramid scheme? But he got a big kick at seeing her face light up as she pitched to him.  She was trying. She wasn’t satisfied with status quo and he had to respect that.

And man did he love to look at her. Mmmm. That frame, those curves. Just thinking of her now made him bite his lip. The things he would like to do to her. 

Not that he would. Nonconsensual sex wasn’t really his thing. He knew the effect he had on women and wasn’t alone unless he wanted to be.

His girl sure made a lot of mistakes. Buying that necklace with his money was one of them (although it looked good nestled between her breasts like that and he had had half a mind to let her keep it as long as she wore it and nothing else). 

Her rotten egg was another. If it were anyone else, he’d make them take care of it themselves. But because it was Elizabeth...he’d handle it. He just knew she’d never be able to kill anyone.

But that woman was stubborn. Wouldn’t give him a name. Fine. He’d let her handle it. She was probably gettin’ taken to the cleaners just to keep the rotten egg from snitching. Rio chuckled. She didn’t want his help, wanted to be the boss. Then, she’d have to learn to live with the consequences.

Rio never got too worried about the FBI, but Elizabeth was starting to. He met up with her and discovered just how on edge she was about the whole thing. She asked him what she should say. And his dumb mouth suggests “tell them I was hittin’ it” and then he proceeds to tease her about making love and making sure she made him sound good. Why the hell was he advertising how much he wanted her? He remembered her flushed face and grinned as he realized it was worth it.

He decided to shut things down for a bit and Elizabeth was chomping at the bit. She was jonesing to get back in the game. He didn’t quite understand why. He figured it was probably partly financial, but there was something else too. He bet she loved the thrill of it...the power...the danger...just like him.

Then, they were back in business. And he had a special errand for Elizabeth. He thought he’d kill two birds with one stone. Get Elizabeth back in the game and see if he had a snitch on his hands.

He didn’t expect her response. She was heated because she thought he’d let her get caught by the cops. She didn’t trust him. If she didn’t trust him, then there was no point in them working together anymore. After her little hissy fit and throwing of the keys, he was done. His interest in her had given her too much power. He was just realizing now how deep he was in it. Hell, he might be developing feelings for this broad.

Then, she goes and asks when. When he was gonna kill her? Was this woman out of her mind? Didn’t she know? He shook his head and reined in his anger as best as he could. No. He needed her to go home now or he might regret what he would say.

And when the Feds got him - he was more hurt than surprised. He knew exactly who it was who’d turned him in

And when he made bail, he knew exactly whose house to visit. But she wasn’t there...that husband of hers was instead. And with the way he was feeling he was itching for a fight. He took his anger out on Dan or Dick or whatever the hell his name was. Then, he waited.

Finally, she came home. And she was surprised by the sight in front of her. He slid his gun over to her and dared her to shoot him. She wanted to be free of him? She’d have to kill him first. 

Yet he knew her. He knew she wasn’t a killer. Knew she wouldn’t have the guts to shoot him. Nah, he just wanted to see her squirm...torture her a little. But that bottom lip of hers trembled and all sense left his mind. Before he knew it he reached out to caress her face. This woman who’d caused him a hell of a lot of problems...and he was touching her face and speaking soothing words to her like some kind of fool. He wasn’t no chump. Rage at the way she affected him surged through him as he turned around and put a bullet through her husband. He wouldn’t hurt a hair on her head, but she had to learn he wasn’t one to be messed with. And shooting her husband seemed the best way to send the message.

He debated introducing Elizabeth to Marcus, but decided in the end that she had to know that she wasn’t the only one with a family. If she screwed him over, she was screwing over his son too. She looked straight up shocked to see him with his kid. Was it that unbelievable for him to be a parent?

Rio kept her in his sight over the next week. He’d pass the job of taking care of Boomer over to her. He probably should have one of his boys handle it, but he still hadn’t forgiven Elizabeth for what she’d done. She owed him. Plus her killing Boomer would give him just the right amount of leverage to make sure she didn’t rat him out again.

He wasn’t surprised and not even mad when he discovered that she hadn’t killed the grocery store manager. He’d listened to her cock and bull story about how she’d murdered him and color him impressed. That woman could lie like no other. It made him wonder how much she lied to him. 

Later he watched as she single handedly replaced a stop sign. She walked over to him afterwards and crumpled. She confessed to feeling tired of the situation and tired of lying to him. She was so vulnerable. Whenever she looked at him with those doe eyes of hers, she practically turned him into mush. He felt a need to protect her, to solve all her problems for her, and that fool hand of his found its way to her face again. He should be mad that she hadn’t gotten the job done but he found he wasn’t. Although it did irritate him that she asked him again if he was going to kill her. Instead, he responded with “I’m gonna teach you.”

So he gave her a few lessons on gun handling. She was ready. She could do it. Did he think she would do it? He wasn’t so sure. He knew she didn’t really want to but she always found a way to get things done.

And girl got lucky. Somebody else did the dirty work for her. She just had to dispose of the body. But Elizabeth had handled her business. In his eyes, she was definitely becoming a boss.

So he had a test for her. He’d hand over his business to her for a bit and see what she’d do with it. A lot of her ideas were crap, but some of them could actually be good.

She’d tried to give him the keys back but he knew it was just too tempting for her to resist. Try as she might she wouldn’t be able to stay away from that storage unit.

And try as he might he wasn’t able to resist her. He could sense her the second she’d walked into the bar that night with that shady husband of hers. He tried to focus on his drink but her eyes were boring into the back of his head. And when he turned to look she was twirling that hair of hers around her finger. Basically begging him to do her right now. “Aw, sh--” he muttered. He was done for. There was no way he was gonna be able to resist the opportunity to get his hands on all her lushness. 

He really should refuse. This woman was sketchy as hell. She lied to him, ratted on him, stole from him... He should stay as far away from her as possible. But when she headed toward that bathroom. He knew without a doubt he’d be following her into it.

When he stepped into the bathroom, he didn’t move, didn’t say anything. He just waited for her. Y’know maybe she just wanted to talk business. That thought quickly left his mind as Elizabeth hiked the hem of her dress up giving him the most tempting view ever.

From that point on, he needed no further encouragement and his willpower was gone. He had to touch her and touch her he did. HIs fingers shot straight for a moundful of boob. She felt as amazing as he’d imagined her to feel.

Fifteen minutes later, he finished buckling his belt and exited the bathroom. While it wasn’t the smartest decision he’d made, he regretted nothing. He’d just experienced heaven on earth.

But the thing was he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Now that he’d had a taste...he wanted more. So he headed over to that little car dealership of hers and let her husband know in no uncertain terms that they were partners now. Not him and Dean, but him and Elizabeth. He also wanted to let that clown know that he’d had his wife...twice, but Elizabeth’s eyes had pleaded with him. And yet again he was putty in her hands.

As they worked together, he found it harder and harder to keep his hands to himself. He wanted her again, but he didn’t want to want her and he sure as hell didn’t want her to know how badly he wanted her so he kept bringing it up but always made it sound like a joke. If she wanted to bang again, he would 100% be down for it.

But then she’d found out about the drugs in the cars. She was too clever and inquisitive for her own good. And now she’d screwed him out of 50% of profits. He was pissed at being got (not to mention more than a little hungry for her) and so he’d responded with a lewd suggestion about doing her on the desk. That had not gone over well and she practically gloated over getting more than she’d even wanted.

Fearing that Elizabeth was making him go soft, he had to work extra hard to keep up the front that all that was going on between them was just business. If he wasn’t careful, she’d become his Achilles heel. They’d talk about drops and nothing more.

Except when she’d come to him sick with worry over her daughter and crying about some stupid thing her daughter had left in the car, his whipped ass just had to go and get what she was missing. A blanket? Was she for real?

There was no way anything remotely good could come of this. If he knew what was good for him, he’d get her out of his life as quickly as possible. But he’d never been good at doing what he should do.

[just-an-anxious-mess]

A Typical Sanders Side Car Journey

Part 2 

Trigger Warning: mentions of vomiting

Thomas Sanders had his eyes fixed on the road, trying to stay focused as the sun slowly disappeared and exhaustion set in.

He jumped slightly as yet another loud exclamation came from the back.

"Ow! Virgil!"

"That wasn't me!"

"whoops, that was most definitely an accident!"

"You mother f...."

"Boys! Cut it out!"

"Hand me the scissors and I'd be happy to."

"Virgil! What did I say about threats of violence?"

"Not to do them within earshot of you?"

"That's right... Wait what?"

"Can all of you just stop?!" Thomas shouted, causing the car to fall silent. "I'm trying to focus and all I can hear is you lot arguing!"

Logan, who was sitting in the passenger seat, sent a glare at the four traits sitting in the back.

"I'm sorry Thomas, the boys are just a little extra spicy today." Patton said with a small smile, ignoring Logans glare.

The next few minutes of the journey passed in blissful silence until a voice wailed. "Stop the car I'm gonna puke!"

Thomas quickly pulled over to the side of the road with a sigh and there was lots of scrambling as Roman climbed out and vomited.

"Roman, are you sure you're not travel sick? This isn't the first time." Thomas said in a tired voice.

"Of... Of course not, it was just because a certain someone elbowed me in the stomach." Roman tried to play it off, sending a glare over his shoulder at the trait in question.

"Who? Me? I'd never do such a thing. I'm as innocent as they come."

"Deciet I swear, next time I'll just be sick on you." Roman threatened and Deciet made a face of disgust.

Virgil rolled his eyes and muttered "Both of you need to shut up, I was almost asleep when Roman had to open his big mouth."

"Oh really? You don't usually complain about......" Romans hand covered his mouth, cutting off his words but it was quite clear what he was about to say.

Virgil was bright red but sent a slightly grateful look at Deciet who'd shut Roman up before he'd finished his sentence.

Thomas opened his mouth for a second and then shut it, shaking his head and deciding he didn't want to know.

"If you're all done wasting valuable oxygen with all your nonsensical arguing, shall we get going again?" Logan asked in a fed up tone.

"Logans right kiddos, get back in Roman and let's hit the road!"Patton said with a grin.

"Why would we hit the road? That makes no sense at all."

"It's a saying Logan!" three voices exclaimed.

Logan grit his teeth, not liking being corrected, but muttered "Fine, let's 'hit the road' as Patton said. It'll be getting dark soon and we're way behind the schedule I made of where we're supposed to be at what time."

Thomas once again drove down the road, smiling slightly as there was yet another moment of blissful silence.

Time passed and Thomas glanced in his rear view mirror to see Virgil had fallen asleep against Patton.

His eyes went back to the road again and then flicked back to the rear view mirror where he met the eyes of Deciet who grinned and gave him a little wave.

Thomas frowned at that, confused why Deciet seemed so pleased with himself.

His confusion lasted until he glanced at Roman and noticed the creative traits eyes were narrowed furiously at Deciet and his face was almost as red as his sash.

It seemed the reason there had been such a long blissful silence was because Deciet still had Roman silenced.

Thomas focused back on the road, biting back a small chuckle at Romans situation.

Roman was fuming, he couldn't speak or make a sound thanks to Deciet and no one else had noticed and told him to stop.

Virgil was asleep leaning against Patton who was slowly drifting off himself so neither of them could help, Thomas was driving and Logan was trying to help navigate.

Roman scowled but that soon turned to panic when he felt his stomach churning.

He tapped Deciet on the shoulder frantically and the snake faced trait seemed to think he was trying to complain for a second but as Romans face paled drastically he seemed to get he idea.

"Romans gonna puke again!" he exclaimed.

Thomas once again pulled over and Roman jumped out of the car before turning to face Deciet with wide eyes.

Deciet quickly waved his hand and Roman ripped his hand away from his mouth, turned and puked.

While Roman was puking Logan looked in the back and smiled ever so slightly at the sight of Virgil and Patton cuddled up together asleep.

Logan was mildly surprised that Virgil hadn't been the one involved in the most arguments and that he was actually asleep.

The anxious trait had been the one most reluctant to come and he'd kicked up a fuss when he realised he had to sit next to Deciet but for the first part of the journey it had gone OK because Virgil just drowned everyone out with his music.

Virgils phone had died though and that's when most of the arguing started but it was mostly between Deciet and Roman.

Logan glanced at Deciet and shook his head. The snake faced trait was as sarcastic as Virgil, extra as Roman and almost as intelligent as Logan which made him all the more annoying.

Roman got back in the car and Thomas set off yet again.

Deciet pulled his phone out of his pocket, making sure the brightness was all the way down so Thomas wasn't distracted while driving, and angled it so he could get a couple sneaky pictures.

He got two of Virgil and Patton asleep, one of them where it was just them and the second he angled it so he could poke his head in with a smirk and thumbs up.

He'd already planned the caption he would use when he uploaded it and he couldn't wait to see Logan and Romans reactions. It would be hilarious, up until the point they decided to murder him.

He hesitated but continued to post the pictures with the caption Moxiety is official, the ship has sailed!

He grinned and had to hide a small chuckle with his hand as the comments began to flood with people freaking out.

It was a full on debate of whether or not Deciet was lying or not this time and whether the pictures were real or not.

He responded to a couple messages and almost snorted as someone demanded he video it so they knew it was real.

Who was he to stand in the way of what the fans wanted? So he filmed the two asleep then turned the camera to himself where he winked and ended the video.

He uploaded that as well and was struggling to hold back his laughter at how much people were freaking out.

Roman was staring out the window, trying to ignore Deciet and fight off the uncomfortable feeling in his stomach. He couldn't see much as it was very dark now but he could sort of make out the shapes of trees and bushes.

Thomas himself was having trouble seeing much but that was mostly due to how tired he was and the fact his eyelids were starting to droop.

Logan kept sending worried glances over at Thomas, not saying anything until Thomas's eyes shut and he almost swerved into the next lane.

"Thomas, pull over."

"Logan it's fine, I just need..."

"Thomas! Pull over right now!"

"OK, OK. Chill." Thomas muttered and pulled over for what seemed the hundredth time in the last 24 hours.

Logan got out of the car and walked around to the drivers side.

"What...?" Thomas started as his door was pulled open.

"I am not letting you continue to drive us in such a state. I will be taking over while you get some sleep." Logan ordered.

Thomas didn't try to argue and found himself sat in the passenger seat while Logan sat in the drivers seat.

"Thanks Logan." Thomas yawned and Logan refrained from rolling his eyes as he immediately fell asleep.

Logan and Deciet were the only two traits still awake as Roman had drifted off with his face pressed against the window.

Logan was focused on the road but a muffled chuckle made him glance in the rear view mirror at Deciet who he noticed was taking pictures of Romans less than flattering expression.

"He'll kill you if he knows you've got pictures of him like that" Logan said making Deciet jump slightly.

"He's asleep at the moment so it's safe enough for me to post them and when they're online he won't be able to take them down. The fans will love them." Deciet responded and Logan shook his head slightly.

"That still doesn't mean he won't kill you when he finds out."

"Eh, I've done worse and survived, I think I can handle the Disney dork." Deciet said.

Logan scoffed "Deciet are you referring to when you broke his mirror? You only survived then because you hid behind Virgil."

Deciet shrugged "I still survived, besides Virgil wouldn't let him kill me for posting these because they're hilarious."

Logan chuckled slightly "Let's hope you don't somehow manage to annoy Virgil before Roman finds out about the picture or he'll probably stand back and watch rather than helping you this time."

Deciet gulped as he remembered the Moxiety post he'd done. "Well, I'm going to sleep now, have fun with your driving." he said and shut his eyes, making Logan frown in confusion.

After a while Deciets feigned sleep became real sleep and Logan continued to drive, ignoring the way his eyes stung slightly from lack of sleep and when the sun began to rise.

He noticed a service's up ahead and pulled in there, letting out a small sigh as he glanced around at the sleeping inhabitants of the car.

It wouldn't be long before they all began to wake up so he would just sit and wait so they could grab breakfast before they continued the rest of the journey.

While he waited he pulled out his phone and frowned at the number of notifications.

He quickly went on twitter and found the post Deciet did of Roman asleep with his cheek pressed against the window, a string of drool coming out of his mouth.

Logan shook his head with a smile then his eyebrows furrowed as he spotted something else. There were several people freaking out in the replies so Logan went to Deciets profile to check what else he'd tweeted.

His eyes widened as he saw the picture of Virgil and Patton and then they narrowed as he read the caption Deciet had put.

"That cheeky little sh......" Logan started to growl when he had an idea.

He quietly got out of the car and opened the door Roman was leaning on, making the creative trait slump half out of the car.

Logan shook his head and gently pushed Roman so he was leaning against Deciet and smirked when both traits instinctively cuddled into each other.

He then snapped a quick photo and put it on his twitter with the caption they say they hate each other yet I continue to find them in situations like this. Don't listen to their denials.

He shut the door and got back into the car with a smug expression as his twitter blew up so much he had to turn his phone off to stop it waking the others up.

The fans would easily be convinced that Deciet had lied about Moxiety being a thing but Logan tweeting about Deciet and Roman? Not so much.

Logan didn't even know what their ship name was but he was sure he'd be seeing a lot. No one would suspect him of acting mischievously so they'd accept it as official as it came from serious business Logan.

He couldn't wait to see the two's reactions. That's what they got for arguing the whole journey.

Tags:@amethystdarkwolf @mcfreakin-childproof-caps @patchworkofstars @kitkat-doodles @unikornavenger @dolphin-squirrel @sympathetic-deceit-trash

Remember anyone who wants to be tagged just let me know.

Also if you have any requests feel free to send me them

[nightships]

CS Secret Santa 2k17: Thawing Out

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone, but ESPECIALLY to my CS Secret Santa, @delightfully-difficult-pirate! I hope you enjoy this fic as much as I enjoyed writing it, and it was so nice getting to know someone new in the fandom! Please excuse my formatting, I had to post mobile!

“You were right,” Elsa says, the hem of her gown swishing softly as she rounds the corner from the kitchen to the living room. “That machine wasn’t very hard to figure out.”

“Thank you.” Emma unearths a hand from her blankets to accept a steaming mug of coffee from her newest friend, setting it atop the quilt covering her knee. She’s long since traded the lounger chair for a seat on the couch, but her muscles are sore now that her nerves are thawing out.

She tries to say more, but just the breath draws up a cough. The cold had scratched rawness into her throat, drying and chilling all it could reach. The back of her hands still feel like ice as her body warms from her core to her extremities — even she can admit she’ll be out of commission for a day or two. Emma takes a swig from the mug to stifle her cough, and the next noise from her is one of surprise. Whatever Elsa’s made her, it does not taste like Swiss Miss.

“Did you put something in this?”

Elsa’s cheeks faintly color. “My sister and I love to drink hot cocoa when it’s cold. It’s not Arendelle chocolate, but I tried my best.”

“It’s incredible.” The smell wafting up from the mug is rich, like the whole thing is filled with melted chocolate. It’s ridiculous that Elsa looks unsure, even if she understands the apology behind the offering. Emma nearly manages to ask about the sister she’s looking for when Henry comes tumbling back down the stairs, pajama-clad and towing the quilt off his own bed.

“I promise you, kid, I have enough,” she chuckles, fighting back another cough.

“I brought it down for me,” he tells her, pretending it was his plan all along. He seems intent on sleeping at her side for the night, and she doesn’t quite have it in her to tell him no — especially since he’s not the only one.

Save for taking off his own boots and following her to the couch, Killian has yet to leave her side. At first he’d knelt next to the chair, watching nervously as her mother and father warmed her with blankets and an electric heater. He’d hung back quietly while the rest of them debated calling Doctor Whale, the quiet brush of his thumb against her hand the only reminder he was even in the room.

Slowly, feeling returned to her fingertips and toes, and somewhere along the way she’d ended up here — Killian’s arm around the three layers of blanket surrounding her shoulders and the rest of her family filling the room.

It was a little overwhelming, the way each of them kept trying to find ways to take care of her. If it wasn’t the mug of cocoa it was an extra layer of socks on her feet. If it wasn’t the socks, it was her father adjusting the angle of the electric heater every five minutes.

She can feel the rumble of another small laugh in his chest when her mother gets up in search of another pillow for her. It’s the least serious noise he’s made since they got back, which is another good sign, but it doesn’t lessen her own annoyance.

“Think Elsa would mind freezing anyone else?” she mutters, watching Henry wrestle his own quilt as he folds himself into the chair.

“It might not hurt to ask.” He turns and considers her, clearly glad that her family is all she has to complain about. There’s still a fair amount of relief in his eyes, but there’s tenderness too, a softness that matches the gentle weight of his hook brace on her knee. It remains long after her family manages to calm down and divert their focus toward settling Elsa up for the night.

Granny’s more than willing to take a new resident without causing a commotion. Her parents take her, along with a few hastily grabbed clothes from Emma’s room, and for a while everything in the loft is entirely quiet. Henry’s long since fallen victim to the combination of his own cocoa and blanket. The hiss from the electric heater and the quiet snores from her son are all she hears, and for the first time she almost feels warm. Emma lets herself daydream, thoughts wandering until a particularly amusing one tugs at the corner of her mouth.

“We’ve got to get you something with a higher collar.”

“Pardon, Swan?” Killian answers, sounding half-asleep himself. Without the flurry of her parents and Elsa around them he’s relaxed against the back of the couch. If it weren’t for all the black leather, he’d look perfectly at home.

“I know the cold doesn’t bother Elsa, but the rest of us have to buy coats.”

“I have a coat,” he insists, a little stubbornness working its way into his voice. He sounds like Henry does when she wakes him up for school, and suddenly it’s hard not to picture him here, especially knowing he traded away his own home to bring her back to hers.

“Does it actually keep you warm?” she counters.

“Neverland had a decidedly warm climate, love. Besides,” he shifts, fiddling with a lock of her hair that’s come free of the blankets, “I’m far from cold at the moment.”

A whisper of a smile makes its way across his mouth, and she can’t help but agree. She can feel the warmth in his thumb as it brushes her jawline, in his eyes as they follow the motion and linger on her lips, in the soft anticipation building in her stomach as she watches to see what he’ll do.

Her father picks that moment to walk through the door, and then its the warmth of embarrassment coloring the tips of Killian’s ears pink that she lingers on. Mary Margaret gently wakes Henry, nudging him up toward his room, but David’s concern is laser-focused on her.

“I think it might be best if we all got to sleep,” he says pointedly, nodding up the stairs. “Emma, I can help you up the stairs if you need it.”

Killian takes the hint, squeezing her shoulder before moving to stand. He reaches toward his boots, seemingly intent on putting them back on, and Mary Margaret nudges her husband in the small of his back, a not-so-subtle hint of her own.

“Killian,” David relents with a long-suffering sigh, as if they’ve been arguing about this on the entire trip back from dropping Elsa off, “We’ve got an extra pillow or two if you want the couch for tonight.”

“I’m sure Granny has a bed to spare, mate, but thank you.”

“It’s the least we can do,” Mary Margaret insists, laying her hand on David’s shoulder before he can accept Killian’s reply. “We insist.”

Killian turns to see how Emma feels, whether it’s too much, but he only catches her smirking in amusement at her father’s dubious expression. It’s the quiet joke between them, the shared connection she’s only beginning to let herself explore, that has her memorizing his answering nod for a moment when she’s alone in her bed.

“All right,” he answers softly, setting his boots back down. “If you insist.”

Snow, real snow, falls softly on the windowsill in the morning when Emma awakes. Soft voices filter up from the kitchen, along with the smell of honey and syrup, and she realizes she’s almost swelteringly warm. Someone — she’s not sure which of her parents are to blame — set another heavy blanket over her as she slept, and it’s more than done its job.

Her legs are sore when she swings them out to set her feet on the floor, but they hold steady, carrying her down the stairs. Henry and Killian are at work in the kitchen, the younger flipping a pair of pancakes on the griddle as the older frowns at the coffee machine.

“The light keeps flashing. It’s not pouring the water out.”

“You’ve got to push it down at the top, like this,” Henry instructs, leaving the spatula behind. He’s genuinely patient with the pirate, which is its own source of amusement as she moves closer.

“The bloody Ice Queen got it to work,” Killian grumbles, stepping away to give Henry room.

“Maybe she used her magic,” Henry suggests, pushing the mug beneath the dispenser just as hot water begins to pour out. He notices her when he turns back to look at his pancakes and lets out a loud groan of disappointment at her presence, even as he steps forward to hug her.

“Good morning to you too, kid,” she laughs, tucking her arm around his shoulder.

“We were gonna surprise you with breakfast,” he explains, sighing heavily. “You weren’t supposed to wake up yet.”

“It smells too good. I couldn’t stay asleep.” She catches Killian’s eye, taking in the softness a night’s sleep has laid on his face, and just like before, it feels right. He fits in perfectly amidst her mom’s kitchenware and her son’s bedhead.

“Morning, love,” he smiles, not even pretending he’s disappointed. “Are you hungry?”

“I guess I’d better be,” she replies, looking at the formidable stack of pancakes they’ve already made. “Weren’t you two tired?”

“I woke up and came down here and Killian was already awake. I knew he didn’t know where we kept the cereal or the bowls, but he asked me if I was hungry, too, and then he said we should make everyone breakfast!”

“It was the least I could do,” he admits, echoing her mom’s words from the night before. Killian reaches behind him and holds the steaming mug out for her, stepping closer so she doesn’t have to cross the kitchen to speak to him. As far as either of them can tell, David and Mary Margaret are still asleep across the loft.

“Thanks for helping him,” she tells him, slipping her hand over his rather than simply taking the mug from him. She leans in and presses a soft kiss to his cheek while Henry’s distracted with plating more pancakes, and then she tugs him over to sit at the countertop.

Henry insists they make breakfast a big affair, going so far as to lament the fact that Elsa couldn’t join them. If her father feels uncertain about having Killian at the counter with them, he doesn’t say a word. It’s about the closest thing to normal that they’ve ever had in Storybrooke. With her family surrounding her and Killian’s foot nudging hers every so often, she eats slowly, letting herself hope it’ll last.

For the first time in a while, she has a good feeling that it will.

[kehideni]

Ezt a faszom turhát sikerült kiköpnöm magamból.

this movie is limping…

the heroine is not explained, neither is why she’s bullied, she’s not likeable, she tries with a dry sense of humor only to fail

but the robot protagonist is interesting and loveable and visibly grows by the second, but still behaves like a robot

so like one leg of the movie is crap but the other is good

kehideni

also a kid characterised like this would run away from home with a mom like that…

kehideni

Mom you were clearly an asshole, why are you acting like you are depressed? As if you care, so far you had NO moment proving you care for your own devilspawn.

Robot, you got no nose, how can you tell if something smells nice? What is “nice” for a robot?

kehideni

Kiddo… “unfocused rage” is not that… If you know why you are mad and aim your anger at said subject then it’s just quite simply anger.

kehideni

you’re a robot… why are you disgusted by trash… you’re not gonna get sick…

also i’m at the first third of the movie and our two main characters are still not having their “adventure”

kehideni

that dog is a size of a pint, and that’s a half a ton robot, if you can lift it with your pinky why did you fall over?

kehideni

that’s about the first joke in this movie that actually works…

kehideni

what’s the point of giving the dog a voice if half the movie he didn’t need to talk?

Another source of humor i guess but… it comes in so late….

kehideni

so like… i get the robot power trope but… where does all the resource come from that’s needed to create all of THAT…

like… what’s the need for a robot ramen-cup? That’s a huuuuge waste of resource even if you can reuse it. It must be wastly limited, who pays for these? What keeps up the economy? Mr. Evil Dude said he “works” at that corporation or whatever, but what does an average Joe do for a living?

How Expensive are those robots?  So many questions and no answers at all.

kehideni

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH

So this is supposed to be the “crap in the crepes” part, trouble in paradise, the false part of the false-utopian world trope but…

First: self destruction looks so mild, cheetos explodes like that in it’s commercial.

Second: THAT’S EVEN MORE WASTEFUL OF A WORLD ALREADY BEING SO WASTEFUL THE WRITERS DECIDED NOT TO EVEN THINK OF EXPLAINING THAT PART OF THE WORLD.

Third: It’s nothing new. The previously shown AI robots already did aggression on behalf of a corrupt person. Why did Mr. Evil Dude need the new line for this? Even more wasteful.

Fourth: Mr. Evil Dude already has everything he can ever want. What more could he possibly want to be motivated so hard to be Mr. Evil Dude. (he must be rich beyond belief, he got no boss, he is well loved and adored in his community, practically is the leader of false-utopia without the negative political lights) So really… what IS his motivation? What could it POSSIBLY be… i tell you whatever it is, he’s a fkin idiot.

kehideni

oh whaow Ms. Bully… another character worth a mini rant:

Simply put she’s not a character. Why does she hate Ms. Main character? I don’t know!

What’s her reaction to her robot being obliterated right in front of her?

“Omg. What was that?” With just the perfect amount of monotone to communicate to us, the watchers -that she really is just another AI that suspiciously has less emotions that the actual AI robots.

kehideni

BWAHAHAHAHAHA that scream was on the equalent of “ew i saw a stink bug” not a “OMFG THAT THING JUST FKIN LASERBEAMED MY FKIN ROBOT RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!”

kehideni

On a side note, are there really only two people working at a World-power corporation?

kehideni

how can the school system make even less sense in this utopian world than in the ACTUAL world?

Edit 1: WHY does the dog need to swear? WHY have him speak if you bleep him out? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Like seriously… the dog didn’t need to speak!! But you MADE him speak, ONLY to be bleeped out HALF THE TIME HE SPEAKS THAT HE DOESN’T EVEN NEED TO DO IN THE FIRST PLACE.

IT HAS NO ROLE IN THE MOVIE! IT HAS NO PURPOSE!! IT DOES NOT HELP THE STORY FORWARD!!!

Edit 2 ALREADY:

Why does the robot hide the fact that his memory is getting full? What gave him the idea to hide something from his…. whatever he sees the girl as.

Do you know why? For plot~~~~

Edit fkin 3 IN THE SAME FKIN MINUTE:

HOW is he SAD if he KEEPS DELETING HIS FKIN MEMORIES.

Edit 4: Oh so the mom is just as fkin horrible as shown so far. What a surprise. So then WHY did the kid stay with her?

Edit 5: KID YOU FKIN STUPID! Blowing up the mailbox is “fixing the World” to you? How does that help people to not get hurt? YOU FKIN STUPID AND YOU CAN’T EVEN REASON THE THINGS YOU DO. You fkin devilspawn.

WHY should i like this protagonist again??? Because she was bullied? Guess what! You can be bullied and STILL be a fkin ass. Doesn’t make bullying right, but bullying also doesn’t give you the right to be a fkin ass. You fkin ass.

Edit 6: So our protagonist is a p.o.s., her mom is a p.o.s. her classmates are p.o.s.(plural) Mr. Evil Guy is a p.o.s., Mr. Good Science guy is a STUPID p.o.s. but atleast his motivations are given and they are genuine. The only character that’s loveable is Robot-protagonist. OH and we were introduced to a character who’s only scene was her introduction.

What else… oh yeah Ms. Protagonist p.o.s. is “shown” to care for our Robot-protagonist only to be a p.o.s. to him when it shows genuine interest in befriending her. You know… kinda the solution to her problem? The being alone part? The having no friends part? The having no actual guardian/parental figure part? Ms. Protagonist p.o.s. is a fkin ass AND stupid.

This movie is making me angrier that HotS pugs…

Edit 7: And just like that our Ms. Protagonist p.o.s. the one “victim” of the world became the abuser of the one single valuable character in the movie. And we get more and more reason to question, that if Robot-protagonist’s AI is sooooo advanced it can pick out important memories based on sentimental value, then WHY didn’t it leave that p.o.s. so far. Because that’s what she is this whole ass fkin movie. A piece of sh*t.

If the writers’ goal was to make the girl into what she hates, a mindless, soulles machine while the machine becomes a lovable, kind character(amongst all the unnecessary violence our P.O.S. protagonist puts him through) then i’m impressed. Otherwise this movie’s only value is in the Robot-protagonist.

Edit 8: EYYYY the one scene girl asks the real questions! … To witch we don’t get answers to~ here is the second character that shows some value in this movie. Only for this scene to be fouled by our p.o.s. protagonist.

Edit 9: BWAHAHAHAHAHA Ms. Bully strikes with her oh so emotion packed facial expression and voice~ “stop it that’s not fair” *watches her robot being destroyed like this* ._. doesn’t even attempt to stop Ms. Protagonist p.o.s.

“I wasn’t doing anything. What is wrong with you, you nosy little freak.” again. no emotion. and a very stupidly sounding script.

“I wasn’t doing anything.” … pft… that’s what you tell the teachers not the ones you bully… jesus everyone is a fkin p.o.s. idiot in this movie.

Oh my GOD even her crying sounds bored

Edit madafakin 10: KJSRFBAHJDFAHBSD I AM *THIS* CLOSE TO WRITE A FOKIN ESSAY ON HOW STUPID THIS FKIN MOVIE IS. And it hurts so BAD because i can see the good intention behind it, but it’s just so fkin HORRIBLY DONE.

It could have been a unique animation, i see what they INTENDED the message to be, but it misses it’s mark SO.FKIN.BAD.

The pacing is off, the characters are off, the villain is off, the mother is off, IF THE MAIN FKIN PROTAGONIST I’M SUPPOSED TO FEEL FOR IS OFF your movie slaps like a dead fish!

Edit 11: whouuhhhh i’m reaching new milestones…

That line would be SO touching if the main character wasn’t a p.o.s.

Edit 12: how did that huge ass tank robot get in there without them noticing, how did mr evil dude get in there how did he know where to find them how howheikqajuwhnekajsnhdkajhwohwhowhowhowhowhwohwohowhwohow thismovieissofkiinstupid

Edit 13: huh-…. Mr. Evil Dude reveals his plans in front of the good guys™

And to my own surprise, his motivation is not stupid. When you think killing people makes the world a better place well… you played me kind sir,… i like you. DINGDINGDINGDINGDING third character that’s valuable in this movie.

I would too, kill everyone in your world with my own two hands, this movie is so stupid.

And look our dry sense of humor p.o.s. protagonist made a dry quip which was not only seen a mile away it was not even funny. Can’t she just shut up? She’d look so much wiser.

Edit 14: the movie reached it’s action peak, and i reached MY peak. There’s just so many stupid ass BS going on all at once i can’t keep up anymore. I’m like… boiling inside with rage and all i can do is sit and watch as scene by scene more BS is happening.

The fight is cool and all. And that’s where the compliment stops. I can’t even begin, i’m … i’m just gonna skip roasting this scene it’s just too easy. There’s just too much to grab a hold of. I give up… i’ll just stare and wait till something resembling “sense” pops up. Maybe that’ll reboot my brain.

Edit 15: There’s no hope. The following scene is just as- if not even more - stupid as the last.

Edit 16: All i need is a single sentence to wreck this movie. Should i or should i not? Because that one sentence would bring down a big ass debate. But in essence that one sentence would collect everything i hate about the A.I. trope.

Edit 17: Movie, you are nothing close to slick. Also you are horrible with foreshadow. Why would Mr. Evil Guy talk like a robot NOW of all times… oh right… for plot. The second he twitched and didn’t react to being hit we all knew he is a robot. So WHY the fk does the movie need to stop Mr. Science guy from finishing his revealing sentence™. And whaow did you dispose of him so fast like a used paper tissue.

Edit 18: so unbreakable glass is really just… really hard to break glass

Edit 19: Joke number 2 that actually works at 1:17:34

Edit 20: Again… Movie you are nothing close to slick. That p.o.s. mom character can’t be redeemed with an apology, that came only after being kidnapped by her idol.

Edit 21: in the same fkin minute… again…. and a plot device that was not there before…*sigh* again.

Edit 22: i love this villain. And screw this whole ass movie, i’m rooting for the evil robot. Also plothole: if he “stole” the body of his creator, then why did Mr. Science guy know his real identity, and that raises a whole lot of can of wurms i’m just… i don’t have time to open. I already jumped like 4 whole ass sequences in this movie to save time, because after this i must go to sleep.

Edit 23: of course the deadly bomb-robots wait until you toss their 100kg butt into fkin air one after the other to explode, also Bully coming around™ … -_- why?? she was an antagonist with no redeeming qualities nor motivation of any sort. Heck, lacking any emotions at all? Why should i give a crap that she thinks p.o.s. protagonist is cool?

EDIT MADAFAKIN 24 AND I SWEAR IT’S THE FINAL ONE BECAUSE MY FAVOURITE CHARACTER STABBED ME IN THE BACK AND SAID THE EXACT SENTENCE THAT I AM ABOUT TO FKIN MURDER RIGHT HERE!!!

“our memories make us who we are” YOU FKIN IDIOT P.O.S. ROBOT!

suuuu saaaaaaaaa

so if a robot “downloads” all my memories, will it become ME?

If you clone me, who ends up with not only the same body but the same memories as i have, will that be ME?

The answer is fkin’ NO! Their identity is a copy of me, they will NEVER be me. They just have the access to everything i have/ had in my brain!

The clone will have the same arrangement of atoms for sure, but it can NEVER be ME! It’s made up of different atoms!

IF MEMORIES MAKE WHO YOU ARE, HOW THE EVERLOVING FK DID YOU MAKE YOUR VERY FIRST DECISION YOU P.O.S. ROBOT?!??!??!??!

[thedawnofinspiration]

HBO has given us amazing entertainment, groundbreaking, shocking, hilarious entertainment. However, this is only a Top 3 list, so I do not have a lot of space to spare, and also I am not basing this list on the number of viewers or prizes (if I did, The Wire wouldn’t even be on this list). I am solely basing this ranking off my personal taste. So I do apologize to those who are missing Game of Thrones, or Curb Your Enthusiasm, or True Detective on this list, because I can only speak for myself and what I have seen. And the three shows I am about to introduce to you are three of the best TV drama series you will ever have the joy of watching.

TOP 3

Boardwalk Empire

The Volstead Act, which introduced the Prohibition era to the United States that lasted from 1920 to 1933, was a bad idea, because it did not work the way it had been planned. Boardwalk Empire shows how a group of gangsters became millionaires by smuggling alcohol into the US every which way, killing whoever stood in-between them and the alcohol they wanted to illegally import into the US. The series centers around Nucky Thompson, played by always awesome Steve Buscemi and based on a real-life person. Nucky is the treasurer of Atlantic City, but basically controls the entire city, and when the Volstead Act is officialized, he and a group of politicians and gangsters decide to cash in. The first 3 seasons of this historic TV show are epic and thrilling, with an amazing ensemble cast, including not only good old Steve, but also Michael K. Williams, Michael Shannon, and Daredevil Charlie Cox. The scale of this superbly written drama really reaches epic proportions, considering the producers were unable to shoot scenes on the actual boardwalk in AC, so they built a new one in another city, furnishing it with amazing details from original 1920’s postcards and photos. The wardrobe and cars used in the show are so true to the prohibition era the production costs must have been astronomically high, and it pays off: anyone watching will definitely feel like they were transported right into the year 1920. Add to that the amazing variety of characters and gripping dialogue (as usual for HBO), this show is just fun to watch. It can be quite gory at times, though (there is a scene in season 2 where someone is literally scalped), so it might not be suitable for people with weak stomachs, but that just proves how amazing the special effects make-up is, as well. Characters you hate will die, and characters you love will die, and you just have to know how the story continues. There are several characters involved in the plot who existed in real life, such as Charlie Luciano, Bugsy Segel, and Al Capone (portrayed perfectly by Stephen Graham), which again proves the attention to detail applied to the writing. Season 4 loses some of the show’s excitement and speed, and season 5 seems like a tired, idea-lacking wrap-up that had me quite disappointed, but the first 3 seasons are just plain brilliant TV drama.

“We been on the road for eighteen hours. I need a bath, some chow, and then you and me sit down, and we talk about who dies, eh?”

“F***in’ tough guy, you gonna shoot me for mouthin’ off?” – I wasn’t going to, but you kinda talked me into it.”

“Untie him. Oh, but before you do, put a bullet in his f***ing head.”

The Sopranos

This is a TV drama that basically paved the way for all other TV dramas that followed. There would be no Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, or Dexter, without Tony Soprano and his family of thugs. For those of you who have actually never seen it, it is a show about Tony Soprano, New Jersey mobster and capo and later on the boss of the Soprano clan. Officially employed in waste management, he and his underlings are stone-cold killers who make their living with drugs, prostitution, illegal gambling, and collecting debts. At the same time, however, Tony is a loving father of two children and an unfaithful husband. The show explores themes of faith, family, loyalty, friendship, Italian-American intercultural conflicts, and lays down ground rules for storytelling and dialogue that were revolutionary at the time. Also, you will see some of the finest acting ever broadcast, on the small or big screen. Michael Imperioli especially, portraying Christopher Moltisanti, will tear your heart out with his all-in performance, and was awarded with the Emmy for his efforts. Moreover, I believe it was the first TV show to begin the tradition that was later copied by Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead of killing off characters unexpectedly that you were sure would stay until the very end. Some of the deaths you will see coming, some will hit you completely unprepared and make you weep with either glee or (more often) grief. The show stays brilliant throughout its six seasons, but the finale is, well, debatable. Nonetheless, if you love TV dramas, and you liked Goodfellas, Casino, and of course The Godfather, you need to see this. Even Martin Scorsese himself did not want to miss out on the fun and has a very brief cameo in the first season.

“Who do you think you are?” – “I’m the person who says how things go, that’s who I think I am.”

“You don’t think that human beings possess free will?” – “How come I’m not making f***ing pots in Peru? You’re born to this sh*t. You are what you are.”

“You’re being set up! He’s lying to you, whoever he is!” – “Wouldn’t make any difference.” – “What do you mean, it wouldn’t make any difference?!” – “He wants you dead.”

The Wire

Once denoted the “best show that nobody watches,” The Wire is possibly the best TV drama ever created, and still, if you research how many awards the show has received, you will be appalled, and rightly so. Even though it was supposedly suffering from continuously low ratings, luckily the creators managed to produce five whole seasons, and they are a gift to anyone who loves watching high-quality TV drama. At first glance, it seems to be a cop show, but it cannot be compared to Law and Order and the likes thanks to HBO’s liberty to give it a gritty sort of realism, which is what the show is praised for and owes largely to its creators, who are an ex-cop and a journalist, respectively, and know how the real world of crime and punishment works in Baltimore, Maryland. Using their background to thoroughly investigate and tell the story of life in Baltimore from as many angles as possible, the show aims to portray a new point of view in every season. While the first season begins with introducing the police in Baltimore and kicks off the amazing plot by starting the investigation of the Barksdale clan, a drug-dealing organization operating on the streets, the second season introduces the struggles of the dockworkers on the Port of Baltimore. The third season focuses more heavily on Baltimore’s politicians, showing a white councilman’s attempt to become mayor in a predominantly white city. In the fourth season, we enter the school system of Baltimore, while the fifth season places us in the newsroom of a big Baltimore newspaper. The fascinating thing about this multi-faceted way of portraying Baltimore is that we not only learn more and more about the city and how its institutions have an effect on the individual, but that the plot manages to outline not only the stark differences, but also the striking parallels between all these milieus. Giving every character, from the lowest street thug to the richest politician, their moment to shine, we see how every system is built on greed and deception to achieve its goals of surviving and persevering. The Wire is also the only TV drama I can think of that stays equally strong and brilliant in its casting, acting, and storytelling from the first episode to the very last one. If anything, the series finale is the best episode of them all, because it manages to wrap up the story of the entire show by demonstrating how everything always changes and yet stays the same. There is a reason why it has been termed a literary show. It is beautiful, skillfully crafted, and yet still entertaining enough for people who prefer less demanding entertainment, through awesome and funny characters such as Omar, the gay gunman who robs drug dealers for a living. The Wire is my favorite TV show of all time and will always be an example of how to do it right.

“You come at the king, you best not miss.”

“Does this sh*t look like money, motherf***er? Money be green!”

“You heroic mother***ers. Fighting the war on drugs, one brutality case at a time.” – “Girl, you can’t even call this sh*t a war.” – “Why not?” – “Wars end.”

  TOP 3 – HBO TV SHOWS written by Miriam HBO has given us amazing entertainment, groundbreaking, shocking, hilarious entertainment. However, this is only a Top 3 list, so I do not have a lot of space to spare, and also I am not basing this list on the number of viewers or prizes (if I did, The Wire wouldn’t even be on this list).