#theloveandthestuff

[ragehappysecretsanta]

Sorry I’m Late

Author: http://rejectedusername-trashfics.tumblr.com/

Recipient: http://theloveandthestuff.tumblr.com

Summary: The photographer for Gavin Free’s Texas photoshoot is late, and Gavin is less than pleased. Maybe the arrival of Gavin’s celebrity crush might turn it around. But the celebrity’s coming out of retirement is not the same as what Gavin assumed.

Warnings: N/A

Word Count: 2,733

Sorry I’m Late

Gavin had not always desired to be a model. He had originally signed up for photography school, but his professor had used him as a classroom model most of the time. The professor suggested that he become a model instead of a photographer. So, Gavin tried modeling and was quickly picked up for photoshoots all across Europe.

The fame had gone to his head, and he thought he needed to be a famous model all across the globe. After he had gotten big in Europe, he decided to try his hand at modeling in America. He started off in New York where he was able to pick up an American manager, Michael Jones. Jones scheduled him for magazine photoshoots all over America, all the way from New York to Los Angeles. Gavin Free was becoming a well-known magazine model. People everywhere would swoon over him.

This latest shoot was a summer-themed shoot down in Austin, Texas. Gavin had never imagined going down to Texas before this.

Gavin looked around excitedly as he and Michael entered the set of the photoshoot. “I can’t believe we’re all the way down in Texas!” Gavin exclaimed giddily as he took the environment it.

Michael nodded. “Yeah, this and Texas heat sure is something,” he said.

Gavin hopped up and down. “We’re in Austin! The capital of Texas, no less.”

“Uh huh.”

“Though, I thought that if we were going to do a Texas themed photoshoot, we would do it at a ranch or something.”

“The photographer wanted to get some shots with you at Lady Bird Lake,” Michael explained as he gestured towards the lake. “Besides, there’s a ranch-like set up over there, by the trailers,” he further explained as he pointed to the Texas ranch set.

Gavin huffed. “No matter. Texas has still got to be the most American place!”

Michael raised an eyebrow. “Really? You sure the most American place wouldn’t be on the east coast? Like, the place where America fucking started?” he asked, annoyed.

“Oh, you know what I mean,” Gavin replied with a shrug.

Michael shook his head. He never knew exactly what Gavin meant. “Whatever.” He pointed to the trailers off to the side of the ranch set. “That first trailer, over there, is where your wardrobe is gonna be.” Then he pointed to the trailer across from the wardrobe one. “And that one is where hair and makeup are.”

Gavin nodded. “Alright then. Will I have to change hair over the course of the shoot?”

“That’s up to the photographer.”

“Ah, I see.” Gavin scanned the set, looking for the photographer. He saw technicians making adjustments to the set, but he didn’t see anyone resembling a photographer. “Where is the bloke, anyway?”

Michael shifted his gaze around the set. “I don’t see him. I’m not sure if he’s here yet.”

“What?”

“Well, the shoot doesn’t start till 1. Plus, maybe he worked some stuff out for the shoot here, last night.”

“Alright. I’ll wait to start getting ready until he gets here,” Gavin suggested.

Michael shook his head. “Gavin, it’s 11. We should have had you in wardrobe an hour ago.”

“But, what if-”

“Just go get started with everything so you can be ready when he gets here,”

Gavin sighed in dismay. “Fine…” he whined.

He trudged over to the wardrobe trailer. Several minutes later, he ran out of the wardrobe trailer over to Michael wearing a skimpy outfit consisting of a belly shirt with a loose flannel on top, cowboy hat, brown cowboy boots, and booty shorts. “Michael, look!” he called out as wiggled his butt around to show off how sexually promiscuous he looked.

Michael looked Gavin up and down, then sighed. “Gavin, I’m pretty sure that’s not the wardrobe you’re supposed to be wearing.”

“Has the photographer gotten here yet?” Gavin asked.

“No, he’s not here yet. Now, you have to be serious. Go back and actually get dressed and get you hair and makeup done, or you’re going to be late,” Michael ordered.

Gavin nodded and ran back to the wardrobe trailer. The wardrobe crew put him in the right clothes for the first shoot: cargo shorts, sneakers, and a tight-fitting t-shirt. Then he ran over to the hair and makeup trailer. The hair crew flat-ironed his hair and made it look fluffy with product, while the makeup crew made his eyes look more defined.

Gavin was finished with everything at 1:05. “Shite!” he quietly said to himself. He couldn’t run because it would mess up his hair, so he quickly sped walked out of the trailer. “SORRY I’M LATE!” he called as he approached the set. He saw Michael standing there by the edge of the lake checking his phone, but still didn’t see any photographer. “Where the bloody toss is the photographer?!” he demanded.

Michael looked up from his phone. “I just got off the phone with him, he said there’s, like, a thirty mile back up.” Gavin sighed in defeat. “You know, you’re lucky he’s not here yet. Some of the bigger time photographers wouldn’t tolerate lateness.”

Gavin sighed. “What are we supposed to do now?”

Michael’s eyebrows furrowed. “We wait for him to arrive, like normal people!” he emphasized.

Gavin groaned and stood impatiently. Michael tried to distract him by talking about one of Gavin’s favorite free-time hobbies, video games. Gavin took the bait and the two of them talked about Destiny for a bit. After a while, Gavin’s patience finally wore too thin. “What time is it?” he asked. He quickly grabbed Michael’s wrist to look at his watch. Gavin’s eyes grew wide as he saw the time. “1 freaking 40?!” he called out angrily.

“Gavin, calm down,” Michael pleaded.

“Is he even going to show up?!”

“He told me he was caught in a major traffic jam, when he called me.”

“That’s no bloody excuse! Does he know who I am?!” he angrily demanded.

Michael face-palmed and sighed. “Look, it’s this photographer’s first major gig. Cut him some slack.”

“It will be his last gig as well if he ever does decide to show up!”

“Gav-”

“I’ll tell all my contacts to make sure they never hire this bloody wanker! What a horrible first impression that this stupid, bloody, piss,” he began to rant in anger.

“SORRY I’M LATE!” a man yelled as he ran onto the set, interrupting Gavin’s train of thought. He was older, well built with broad shoulders, honey brown hair, and a handsome face; overall a very attractive man.

Gavin saw the man running, and his eyes blew up. He grabbed Michael and started shaking him. “Oh my god, Michael, do you know who that is?!” he demanded.

“Yeah, that’s the…”

“THAT’S JAMES HAYWOOD!” he squealed.

James finally got to Gavin and Michael. “Sorry… I’m late… traffic… was… murder. I got here… as fast as I could… God, I’m out of shape,” he wheezed.

“It’s no problem, and I don’t think you’re out of shape at all, Mr. Haywood.”

“Please, call me Ryan,” he said as he offered his hand out to shake.

“Ryan? I thought your name was,”

“James? James is my first name.  But, I’ve always preferred to go by my middle name, Ryan, so I’m doing that this time.”

Gavin nodded and gladly accepted the handshake. “It’s an honor to meet you, Ryan.”

“The pleasure’s all mine. I wanted to meet who I was going to be working with before we got started. I was very excited to hear that I would get to be working with one of the most desirable models in Europe.”

“Oh, you knew who I was?” Gavin asked, surprised. Michael rolled his eyes, where he was standing off to the side, because Gavin had previously expected the photographer to at least know who he was.

“Of course,” Ryan continued, “I do my research. And If I’m being completely honest, the pictures did not do you justice.”

“Yeah.” Gavin braced himself to be torn apart by his lifelong idol.

“You are much more stunning in person.”

Gavin blinked and his mouth fell open in surprise. Then, he smiled at the compliment. “Really?”

“Oh, absolutely. Your slim figure, your fine assets--absolutely sublime!” Ryan complimented. Gavin blushed furiously. “Aww, you’re blushing.”

“I guess I need more makeup, then.”

“No, no, it’s extremely cute. We can totally use that in the shoot.”

“Oh, alright then,” Gavin replied with a smile. He felt as though he needed to compliment him back, and he thought back to the old modeling photos of James Haywood that he still kept to fantasize about. He was glad he could use those as a reference an excuse to compliment him back. “But well, my looks are nothing compared to yours,” he started.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, you were a child-actor-turned-dreamy-90s-hunk. You were simultaneously who everyone wanted be and who everyone wanted to be with,” he gushed, his face blushing even more as he fondly thought more about Haywood’s modeling past.

Ryan glanced away as he remembered the fond memories and smiled. “Ah yes. I remember those days.”

“It was a bloody shame when you retired… But, now you’re back and everyone will fall in love with you again!”

Ryan stared off in to the distance as he remembered what his life was now and his cheeks reddened in embarrassment. “I don’t think they’ll be falling for me, this time,” he replied as he thought of different the roll he was taking in the modelling industry, this time.

“Nonsense! Have you seen yourself? You’re still the most attractive man I’ve ever seen!”

“Oh, thank you,” Ryan’s blush reddened.  He checked his watch. “Shit, it’s almost 2! And we’re already late, as is!” He turned back to Gavin. “I’ve gotta go grab my stuff, then we can get this shoot started.”

Gavin nodded excitedly, and Ryan sprinted off to his car. “Ooh, this is so exciting! This makes up for everything!”

“It does?” Michael asked.

“I get to model with my celebrity crush! Getting to model with James Haywood--or Ryan Haywood now--totally makes up for the fact that the photographer’s late,” he gushed.

Michael grinned. “I’m glad that makes you feel better, then.”

“It’s a shame the photographer’s still late, though.”

Then, Michael’s eyes widened in shock of Gavin’s obliviousness. “What? Gavin, no,”

“I hope Ryan doesn’t react too badly to that,” Gavin cut Michael off.

“Gavin, he is the-”

“BACK!” Ryan called as he came running back with his camera bag. “Okay, for this first outfit, I was thinking we use the set up at the corner of the set for more of a street feel since the city’s in the background. It’s a good thing I set up the lighting last night, could not have predicted traffic.”

Gavin looked Ryan up and down and was very surprised. “What?”

“You ready to head over there, or?”

“You’re... you’re… you’re modeling in what you’re wearing?”

“Oh, I won’t be modeling.”

“Huh?”

“You were right about me coming out of retirement. But I decided I wanted to try the modeling industry again from a different perspective. Instead of in front of the lens, I decided I was going to be behind the lens this time,” Ryan explained.

“You’re…”

“I’m going to be the photographer this time around,” Ryan concluded with a smile.

Gavin immediately felt bad for all threats he had made about ruining the photographer’s career before it really started. He dropped his head, “I’m so sorry,” he apologized.

Ryan tilted his head in confusion. “What? Why would you be sorry?”

“I’m sorry for complaining that you were late…”

“Like I said earlier, I seriously could not have predicted the traffic backup,” he reiterated. “It was a completely valid complaint that I was late, though.”

“I’m sorry I threatened to ruin your career.”

“Huh? What are you,” Ryan started to ask, in confusion.

“I was a right prick.”

“Sweetheart…”

Tears began to drop from Gavin’s face. “Sorry, I’ll have makeup fix me back up!” he cried as he ran off to the makeup trailer.

Ryan hesitated. “I am so confused.”

“Ryan,” Michael called. Ryan turned to face him. “Come over here for a minute.” Ryan moved over to where Michael was standing just off set. “Look, Gavin was having a big bitch fit before you got here. The modeling thing must have inflated his ego or something. But now that he knows who you are, he’s star struck. He feels bad about his bitch fit, because he still has such a big crush on you,” he explained.

“Oh,” Ryan’s face flushed. “I wasn’t here to hear the complaints, so I’m not mad about them. And I rather liked the conversation Gavin and I had.”

“But now he thinks you hate him.”

“I don’t hate him though. I think I’m rather fond of him, actually.”

Michael sighed. “Well, now Gavin’s gonna be a drama queen.”

“Hm…” Ryan thought for a moment. “I’m going to go see if I can fix this,” he announced as he began to jog towards the makeup trailer.

“GOOD LUCK!” Michael called out after him.

Ryan opened the door to the trailer to find Gavin crying in the makeup chair. “Oh, this is awful, Turney! My idol probably hates me now!” he sobbed to the makeup artist. The artist gave him looks and nods of sympathy

The makeup artist opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted.  Ryan coughed to get everyone’s attention. “May I have a moment with him, Meg?” The artist nodded in understanding and stepped aside.  He walked over to Gavin. “Gavin, I’m not angry with you,” he said.

Gavin looked up, tear streaking his makeup, “Really? Is it even okay that I played with the other wardrobe and put on booty shorts, before you got here? What a right mess I was making.”

Ryan’s eyes got wide for a second as he pictured Gavin in booty shorts in his head. It made him think of an idea and he smirked, “I can’t decide what a better ‘punishment�� would be; telling you to put the booty shorts back on for my enjoyment, or telling you buy me dinner.”

Gavin blinked and let his mouth fall open in surprise, again. “Wait, what are you…?”

“But telling you that you have to pay on a first date would be a terrible thing to do when I’m the one asking you out. So as your punishment, I’d like you to let me buy you dinner, instead.”

“You’re asking me out… on a date?”

“Yes, I am asking you out on a date. If that would be alright,” Ryan replied with a smile.

Gavin quickly jumped out of the chair. “Oh my god, this is so amazing I could kiss you!” Then Gavin’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment and he face-palmed. “Bollocks, I really F-ed that up, didn’t I?”

Ryan snorted. “Not necessarily. It’s awfully forward of you, but I can appreciate that. If you really want to kiss me so much, then why don’t you,” he challenged.

Gavin pulled Ryan’s face towards his, and he shoved his tongue into Ryan’s mouth. Ryan blinked in surprise, then pushed his own tongue into Gavin’s. Ryan’s hands migrated to Gavin’s butt, Gavin didn’t seem to notice anything at first. He only noticed when Ryan gave his ass a light squeeze. Gavin moaned in pleasure quietly in response.

The artist groaned as she witnessed the passionate site in front of her. “Ugh! Now, I need to fix the makeup more,” she loudly complained to get the pairs attention.

Ryan’s eyes widened when he heard the groan and complaint and he immediately pulled away from the kiss. He had completely forgotten that Meg was in the trailer with them and he blushed furiously in embarrassment, he normally was not a fan of obnoxious PDA.  “Right,” he coughed. “Gavin, let’s get your makeup fixed so we can do this shoot. We can talk more about our date, afterwards,” he instructed as he quickly shuffled out of the trailer in shame.

Gavin nodded “Right.” He quickly scrambled back into the makeup chair. “Hope you enjoyed the show, Turney,” Gavin teased with a laugh. Meg sighed, rolled her eyes and got right to work fixing his makeup. The day had gone from bad to good to terrible and finally to amazing. Now he was really looking forward to whatever the photoshoot had in store.

[soulfishie]

I would love Ryan giving Gavin flowers - theloveandthestuff

thank you for asking!

[stubbornessissues]

Oh! or 10 sentences of High school freewood, since we were discussing that~~

@theloveandthestuff​  *cracks knuckles* my time has come

“You’ve got to hold still, Rye!” Sunlight fades fast this late in the year, and it’s important that they get this just right. 

“You try holding this pose for so long while you faff about with that stupid retro camera.” Ryan’s stood facing the setting sun, so that he stands silhouetted against the light with a fist raised in a victory pump- and truly he does strike an impressive figure with the cut of his letterman jacket and leather trousers- no, wait, it’s pants in America- that Gavin’s somehow convinced him to wear.  

“I’ll be sure to pay you back for your trouble.” The photographer of the two mutters, unthinking, as dexterous fingers work at the exposure dial. “I’ve just got to get this right, you know how bloody expensive this film can get.” He pauses to blink away the spots from looking at the sun. 

Then the photo’s done with a rather anti-climatic click.

Ryan wanders across the field as Gavin waves the film, trying to encourage the development to speed up, his chin ends up propped on his boyfriend’s shoulder and arms loose about his waist.  “So, about that payment?” 

♥♥ Send me some prompts ♥♥

[shadeofazmeinya]

i can’t remember who, but someone started a single dad gavin au & i low key wanna hear your take on it

i believe its @theloveandthestuff‘s au! ive seen it around, its super cute! i don’t really do office aus, or just works where they do exactly what they do irl if that makes sense? not that its like bad or anything, just a preference of mine. but i definitely support the au. i love kind of flipping around the expectations, which is usually to make ryan the single dad. but gav as a single dad is absolutely an adorable thought and ryan just merging so nicely into his family is super cute. def love kid fics and def love single dad gavvy

[ryanhavwood]

y’all, holy hell, we made it to 800!! i’d like to thank everyone who deemed me worthy enough to follow, i couldn’t have made it here without you guys! since i’ve made this blog, i’ve made some amazing friends and talked to some positively lovely people. you’re all so amazing and wonderful and i love you all. i cant begin to explain how much this means to me, so i figured i’d celebrate with a good ol’ follow forever! the favorites are bolded, friends are italicized! 

A-H @acheemient, @achievementmicoo, @ah-michal, @asherthefirst, @biqueuerious, @cutehaywood, @duoachievement, @geoffs-laugh, @gaywood, @hunter-padawan

J-R @jackbaettillo, @kissalikesbears, @k-ovic, @legitprick, @lunasmiles, @narvaeztrash, @nicedynamites, @oowadangit, @rtahuniverse, @ryanbiwood, @ryanthedietcokeguy

S-Z @salt-trap, @sunshineofthegroup, @teamsladsandgents, @theloveandthestuff, @the-cyborg-prince, @thisiswhatmylifehasbecome, @vividroute, @wolfheart888, @yeremydooley

[ragehappyfemslash]

Ragehappy Femslash Week!

It’s here!  It’s happening, and we’re doing it!  And here’s all the info you need to know!

Why: There’s not enough femslash content in this fandom, and so we wanna foster a greater community of femslash and encourage everyone who’s into it to create more of it!

When: First full week of February!  February 5-11

Who: Everyone who loves femslash!  That’s all of you lovelies!  And it can be anything!  Writing, Art, graphics…. playlists… whatever!  If you can do it to create some more femslash content!

Where: Your blogs!  And ours!  Everything you make, we will reblog to archive the lovely work you’ve put into this!

What: We got a nice variety of prompts here for everyone!  The first 3 days are Au based and the next 3 are general themes, and then our last day is completely free and up to you!

Day 1 - Fake AH Crew AU

Day 2 - Fantasy AU

Day 3 - Everyday AU

Day 4 - Seasons

Day 5 - Sharing

Day 6 - Changes

Day 7 - Free Day

Rules:  There are really no rules?  We just wanna foster a growth in the community, and some diversity, so don’t be a dick, make sure to tag any nsfw or squicky content, etc.  And so to go along with that, we wanna encourage people to work outside of their comfort zones, and maybe do some different ships each day, or try some different aus you haven’t done before. There are so many great ladies at RT that can be written, so let's give them some love!

Oh! And when you post something you create, tag your post with “ragehappy femslash week” and it will get reblogged here!

- With much love, @m4d-m4x and @theloveandthestuff

[finnseth]

day 1 of rage happy femslash is heeeeeeere!!!! @ragehappyfemslash

fahc/fakehaus lindsay/elyse bit like @theloveandthestuff‘s fic but not because i wrote it and not her. 

lez go

          u up?

           charming, babe

           that’s me, honey, the most charming

           mmhm, thats why i got a u up text at eleven thirty, linds

           i was being polite!

           who isnt up at eleven thirty at night? babies???

           ok, fine, i was gunna invite you for some late night milkshakes after i make sure ryans asleep because that fucker is like a goddamn reaper but no. you’re gonna fight me

           i think he just has insomnia

           he sits in the living room with his mask on. thats not insomnia

           you dont know that

           a mans gotta have something to do when he cant sleep

           he should sneak out with his secret girlfriend from a rival crew. Its what i do.

           just be on the corner in twenty, ok?

           Lindsay snickered and pulled her shoes on, trying to be as quiet as possible. The rest of the crew had gotten back after a long day of... whatever they were doing, maybe trying out those new cars they got? Lindsay didn’t bother keeping track of what they did unless it cost the crew money. Which, admittedly, it often did, but today was not one of those days.

           She stuck her head out her door, and when there was silence that greeted her, she hugged the wall and made sure she had her keys before slipping down to the garage. Lindsay eyes Michael’s motorcycle, knowing that he often left the keys in it… and it would certainly make an impression if she could take Elyse to their usual date spot on a motorcycle…

           She’s got to do it. She knows Elyse is coming in her own car, but… it’s just too good to resist. And she can even swipe another helmet, and she’d look so cute… both of them, really.

           There isn’t a seconds’ hesitation as she hops onto the bike and pulls out of the garage, into the cool and slightly damp Los Santos air. She waits on the corner they always meet at, a sort of blind spot in Geoff’s security. It’s not that she thinks it’d be a big deal if the crew found out… she just wants to bring it up on her own terms.

           She’s in charge anyways, the crew couldn’t take her down if it fucking wanted to.

           Elyse pulled up just a couple minutes after she’d been parked there, in a car that Lindsay’s pretty sure Elyse nicked from James, and she’s very touched that Elyse also thought to swipe one of her crewmates vehicles to impress her.

           They were so alike sometimes.

           “Hey baby, you need a ride?” Elyse calls as she rolls down the window.

           “Funny, I was just about to ask the same thing.” Lindsay replies over the purr of the engine. Elyse bites her lip and kills the engine, grateful for a spot on the side of the road.

           “Fuck, you look really cool on that bike, I wanna take that.” Lindsay grins wickedly, pleased she won the date and offers the helmet as Elyse comes over.

           “Safety first.” Lindsay says decisively, kissing Elyse’s cheek softly and nesting the helmet on her hair. “I am so sorry for crushing your hair, it looks super cute.” It did, curled and beachy waves over her white jean jacket.

           “It’s fine, I only curled my hair for an hour to get it like this.” Elyse says wryly, and Lindsay groans.

           “Come on, baby, I said I was sorry!” Lindsay whines a little, pouting out a carefully painted red lip.

           “You’re forgiven, but you have to get me one of the nice milkshakes with candy in them to make it up to me.” Elyse nods firmly, and Lindsay just smiles a little.

           “For you, honey? The nicest of milkshakes. Now.” Lindsay kicks up the kickstand with her heel. “Hold on tight, and don’t let go till we get to the shop. Mostly cause I want a twenty minute hug, but, you know. For safety as well.” Elyse groans, but shuffles forward and latches her arms around Lindsay.

           “You’re so ridiculous, just drive, Linds.”

           “As you wish, baby.”

[lord-of-the-warrens]

The Seeds of Fate

http://archiveofourown.org/works/8393995

Written for theloveandthestuff. I love their Freewood+Persephone/Hades AU. 

Ryan wasn't a creature of fear. He certainly understood the emotion, having sparked it throughout mortals and gods alike, but that hardly meant he'd ever experienced it himself. Now loneliness, despair, those he was all too familiar with. His lifetime had been stained by far too much negativity, and his--unusual living conditions didn't exactly help. It was hard to feel happy when constantly surrounded by doom and gloom.

But then......Gavin. The first ray of light to grace Ryan's shrouded existence. To merely think of the sandy haired man sparked a warmth in his chest. Gavin was everything to him. Day, night. The moon, skies. Even the very breath he drew into his lungs. Being at the young god's side made Ryan so unconditionally happy, he was almost overwhelmed by it. Every day spent in Gavin's presence was one of sheer bliss. Which was why it pained him so now, knowing that the next cycle of seasons was going to rip them two apart.

Oh, he'd accepted it, of course. No one could say he wasn't a rational god. If he didn't return Gavin to his mother's side, the mortal world be plunged into famine and misery. It was only by her blessing that their crops flourished. Without her blessing, death would settle upon them all. After all, who were gods without their worshipers?

With such a burden hanging over his head, Ryan didn't dare go back on his word. He wanted to though. Why should he and Gavin be torn apart now? Their love was still like a delicate blossom, pushing through the cold earth to expose its radiant petals. So much time apart could ruin everything they'd worked to build. It simply....wasn't fair.

It's not fair!" Echoing his own thoughts with a vengeance, Gavin flitted about Ryan's throne room in a flurry of ivory and pale emerald silk. With tanned skin and lively eyes, he was every inch a god of the earth, with a streak of stubbornness as invasive as a fig tree. Ryan loved him for it, but it did make things particularly complicated. "Why do I have to leave? This is my home too! They can't make me go!"

"Unfortunately, they can," Ryan muttered. He caught Gavin by the arm, halting his fidgeting. "Listen to me. If you stay here, your mother will decimate the entire world. You know this as well as I do." Cupping a flustered cheek, Ryan tilted the smaller god's face up and almost swore when he saw tears studding his golden lashes. "Don't. I won't stand to see you cry."

"Really?" Gavin huffed. "Then don't send me away!"

Heavens above, were it that simple. This was so much more than the two of them. Ryan had already tested fate once, whisking Gavin away to the dark underworld, away from the safe embrace of his mother and nymph companions. What more could he do, when the lives of many were now hanging in the balance? "If I could, I'd keep you forever at my side," Ryan swore. "You're my beloved. My BRIDE. Nothing will ever change that."

"But--" lips quivered, then pursed in a thin line. "I don't understand. If I'm your bride, then how can anyone make me leave? Aren't I queen of the whole bloody underworld?!" Gavin threw up his hands, anger burning his cheeks and nose rosy pink. "I'm not just my mother's son anymore! You made me more than that! And I should have a damn say in my own future, with my own husband!"

Were it under any other circumstances, Ryan would find his fury rather attractive. "The choice is out of our hands. Even if we could defy her, my brother has taken her side." His brother, who founds mortals so amusing. Their adoration was merely a bonus. He wouldn't dare let any permanent harm come to his favorite toy. "...I'm sorry, Gavin. There's nothing I can do." He tried to touch Gavin's hand, but the god jerked away.

"Yeah....I understand. After all, we're just gods, right? We can't do everything."

Ryan sighed heavily. "I wish that wasn't true." He slumped onto the seat of his throne and woefully glanced about the room, dour with its shadows and stone, broken only by a silver bowl of glistening red pomegranates resting by his feat. Trees were not uncommon here, but by Gavin's grace the foliage had grown stronger, and far more delectable. Ryan took up one of the fruits with a frown, lamenting its vivid crimson. A splash of color in this grey world; the symbolism wasn't lost on him. "I'd give anything to change it. You deserve the opportunity to choose."

His fingernails dug into tender skin, splitting the pomegranate in half and staining Ryan's fingers with sticky juice. He stared at the mess of seeds that came along with it, a pang of melancholy striking his heart. Symbolism indeed. How easily a delicate thing could be crushed. "Damn it all...." Ryan grit his teeth against a snarl, the pulpy mass squished in his fist, dripping like droplets of blood onto his throne. "I don't want to lose you!"

"...Ryan..?" Gavin hesitated, looking at the elder god. His gentle footsteps resounded throughout the room as he rejoined Ryan's side and knelt down on the dais, his lips gently brushing over red stained knuckles. "Ryan. It'll be ok. We'll--we can figure something out, alright? We can do it together. Everything will work out fine!"

The sheer hopefulness in Gavin's voice stirred Ryan's heart. He truly believed what he was saying. "I wish that were true," Ryan murmured, watching Gavin kiss his fingers. A drop of pomegranate juice followed the curve of Gavin's mouth, then trickled down his chin, a garnet river against velvety gold flesh. Such a grisly hue hardly belonged to the bright, cheerful god, but was without a doubt home here in the underworld, Ryan's macabre domain. It was a tortuous thought. Perhaps they simply weren't meant to coexist together, dark and light.

Yet.......Gavin was here. He'd thrived under Ryan's wing, bringing new life to this once sorrowful tomb! Others claimed it impossible, even a crime, yet here he was, smiling and beaming with the love they two shared. He might as well have been born to the underworld! He breathed its air, supped on all the pleasures it had to offer, save-

"The food." And suddenly, a shock of excitement raced down Ryan's spine. The old laws! Damn it all, how had he forgotten? How could he have been so blind?! Gavin had never eaten once since coming here, for if he had, their problems would already be over! Ryan couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it sooner. It must have never occurred to him, as gods rarely needed to eat. But for those who dared eat even a single seed grown in the underworld, they were doomed to never return above ground! Though in their case, the curse was now a blessing.

"Gavin! I have a way!" Casting aside his festering fury, Ryan all but shoved the mutilated mass of pomegranate into his lover's hand. "You need to eat!"

"Eat?" Gavin's brow puckered with uncertainty. "But I'm--not hungry?"

"That doesn't matter!" He was doing a terrible job of explaining himself, and it would do him no good. Ryan forced himself to temper his excitement, his reddened fingers caressing over Gavin's. "I'm sorry I didn't think of it sooner. It's the food, Gavin. The food," he stressed. "One bite, and you become a subject under my dominion. A true member of the underworld!" His excitement grew, making his eyes shine a brilliant cerulean blue. "Don't you understand? The only thing tethering you to your life above is just that; the tether itself! How can your mother force you to return if you're my subject? She'll have no choice but to relent!" Which meant no harm would come to the mortals. Gavin's mother was vengeful, but not cruel. Faced with such a realization, she was bound to give in, especially once Ryan's brother was back on his side. Gods, it was perfect!

Bit by bit, his explanation sank in. Ryan saw first Gavin's astonishment, then the disbelief, as if it were too good to be true. There was even a touch of suspicion, though that was glossed over quickly enough. "You mean.....she couldn't take me away. I'd get to stay here, with you? Nobody would be in danger." Gavin spoke in a mere whisper, looking at his hand. And for the first time since the dreaded news of his forced return had reached their ears, he looked...happy. Genuinely happy. "Ryan!" He squawked the god's name, pure glee in his voice. "You daft fool! What, you didn't think to mention this sooner? If all it takes is one measly bite, you should've said something already!"

"Right. Well, seeing as how I was a bit busy lamenting my bride's unwanted departure," Ryan quipped, arching a sandy brow. "Forgive me if a few details slipped my mind."

Gavin laughed, breathless and raw with joy. "Few details my arse! Ryan, you're a bloody genius!" He scrambled to his feet and launched himself onto the elder god's lap, scrawny arms flapping in the air. A few splatters of juice hit Ryan's cheek, but he didn't care. Gavin's enthusiasm was irresistible.

"What can I say? I am a god, after all." Ryan kissed him on the cheek, earning another radiant smile from Gavin as he opened his hand and exposed the pulpy fruit, its bounty of seeds glistening like jewels. "I said I wanted you to have a choice. This is it. You can eat, and remain here with me. Or," he didn't want to think about it.

"No. Not happening." Nor did Gavin, apparently. The two gods shared another look before Gavin nodded and licked his lips, bringing the seeds up to taste. Ryan watched him take the first bite, feeling for the first time like things were finally going their way. He wasn't going to be alone. They had each other, and nothing would stand in the way of their happiness anymore. He'd make sure of it.

[ragehappysecretsanta]

Author: http://theloveandthestuff.tumblr.com

Recipient: http://secondsaph.tumblr.com

Summary: Ryan had it on his ribs, Elyse behind her ear. They both knew that they didn't care about soul mates, or that they weren't soul mates.  But then there was James, who had it on his shoulder and his neck.

Warnings: A bit T for Teen for ideas of NSFW sex related stuff

Word Count: 3,921

Ryan had it on his ribs.  The little mark that darkened, and defined with age.  He never cared for the idea of soul mates.  So often he heard about people holding out for theirs, and never meeting them, or when they did meet, it wasn’t what they thought it would be.  In such a world, people rarely took chances, or they would settle for whatever life they were ‘supposed’ to have.  But maybe he was just worried.  Ryan’s own parent thought they were soul mates, their own symbols matched, but they grew apart.  They divorced when he was young, and they found other soul mates.  It wasn’t totally impossible, just very rare.  Some people looked down on them and asked why married if they weren’t sure.  They would always say they were in love and twisted things to support their claims.

But maybe Ryan just didn’t want to be stuck waiting for someone who might never come.

Elyse had hers under her right ear.  It was cute, almost like a tattoo.  It was easily written off as one, and her hair would hide it when people tried to stare.  Knowing you have a soul mate out there, makes people curious.  They see what looks like the mark and they stare.  Elyse didn’t like that attention.  Sometimes she just wished she could have something that was casual.  She wanted to love, but knew that a soul mate was not something that was easy to come by.  She just didn’t want to be lonely.  And not casual sex, wither.  People were so much less likely to just love people without wanting to know if they were meant to be.  So, Elyse stopped looking.

--

Ryan was so stricken by Elyse when he first saw her at the broadcast studio.  At first, he wondered if this was what it was like to see your soul mate, but he pushed that quickly out of his head.  She was just beautiful, that was it.  Gorgeous and small and her smile was the sun in the tiny tv station.  A terrible thought of holding her passed through Ryan’s mind, but he hadn’t even spoken to this woman, there was no way he could even touch her without seeming like a creep.  He just couldn’t help looking at her, though.

Elyse could feel the man’s eyes on her.  Her skin broke out in goose bumps as she wondered why.  It was her day as a producer, and she already worried that she might have to deal with harassment.  She even took the step to ask the other girls if she should be worried.  They were confused because they said that Ryan – that was the man – had never acted like that before.  He was usually very nice, if a little shy.  He was nothing to worry about, he was the one to call if you needed any help.  Elyse just shook it off, maybe they were both just so awkward.  Maybe she was just overthinking it.  But she was still a little worried when Ryan approached her after work.  And he… was actually very nice.  He reached out with his hand and introduced himself.

She was cute, she cracked jokes in their first conversation, though she seemed hesitant and nervous around him.  But the more they talked, the easier it seemed to get.  And over the days and weeks, they got closer, and Ryan was overjoyed that this beautiful woman enjoyed his company.  And though he used to not believe in it, he thought he caught a glimpse of Elyse’s mark.  And he kind of hoped he was correct in thinking it looked like his.  But he tried not to get caught up in such childish hopes.

--

Lindsay giggled when she noticed Elyse was walking out of Ryan’s office.  “What?” She hated that she could feel her cheeks go hot.

“You’ve gotten close to Ryan, I see.” Lindsay had an almost teasing lilt in her voice.

“And?  So, what?” Elyse crossed her arms and looked down.  Not the strongest stance she could make, but… she wasn’t the strongest woman.

“You know.  I just see the way he looks at you.  And how you look at him.”  Lindsay’s words were drawn out, being very obvious in what she was hinting at.

“Are you going to tell me to ask?  About his mark?”  She breathed the last bit, hating the question more than anything.

Lindsay shrugged and leaned against the wall next to Elyse, “That’s up to you.  Or, you could just take a chance.  Live a little.  Even if he isn’t, you two seem to like each other.  At least a little.” Lindsay gave Elyse a pat on the should, trying to instill some sort of confidence into her shyer friend.

Elyse stood there longer, thinking on what Lindsay said.  It is true that she believed not every partner had to be a soul mate.  But she didn’t know how anyone else could see the same thing.

She kept thinking about it throughout the day.  She couldn’t help but wonder if he would have her.

-

Ryan could tell that something was up with Elyse.  She was a little more distant, and had been for a few days.  But just as Friday work hours came to an end, Elyse slipped her way into Ryan’s office and shut the door behind her.

“Can I help you, Elyse?” Ryan kept his tone light, hoping he could keep the topic somewhat jovial.

Elyse slunk her way over behind his desk, and she reached her hand out tentatively to touch Ryan’s arm.  “Are you… Would you like to, I don’t know, hang out tonight?  Maybe get dinner?”

How she said it made it obvious that she didn’t mean casually.  And the joy and fervor left Ryan’s face.  His hand instinctually went to his ribs.  “Don’t you care about what it looks like?”  He nearly hissed the words, thinking of how he’s been hurt before.

Elyse took his hand and pulled it away from his ribs to hold in her own.  “No, I don’t.  So long as you don’t care about mine.”  Elyse breathed a nearly ragged breath.  “Ryan, I want to try this even though I know that so many would think it’s stupid, and maybe even a waste of time.  But… I don’t care.  I don’t want to miss something good.  Something good with you.”

--

Elyse and Ryan went out for dinner that night, and it was as awkward as when they first met.  But when Elyse got a few drinks in her, she loosened up.  A lot.  She even admitted she thought about kissing him.  She whispered in his ear that she even fantasized about more than that.  Ryan turned red at that.

He drove her home, and she insisted that he walk her to the door.  He was about to help her in when she grabbed his face and kissed him.  Ryan considered for a moment that she had been drinking and they shouldn’t do this, but she felt so good against him.  He held her closer and deepened the kiss against his better judgment.  And she gasped against him and clutched at his shirt.  And then he was pressing his tongue past her lips.  And she was reaching for the door, because she was not going to let this end here.

And Ryan took this opportunity to pick up the tiny woman and carry her across the threshold.  But even as Elyse directed him to the bedroom, he had to wonder if they should even be doing this?  But he just kept on following her instructions.

And climbing over her was the hardest thing to say no to.  Elyse was so beautiful, surrounded by lavender sheets, the gentle light illuminating her.  And when he hesitated, she wiggled her way out of her top.  But when she finally laid her hands on Ryan’s, he stopped her with a heartbroken sigh, and one more kiss.  “Elyse… not… not now.”

Elyse whined at the words, “Do you-  Do you not want me?”  Her lip barely trembled with the words.

“Fuck, of course I do!  But tomorrow.  When you haven’t been drinking.  And if you feel the same way about… this in the morning, then we can continue.”

“I want, though!  I want you, and I don’t care about soul mates, or any of that!  Please, Ryan.”  She looked almost on the verge of tears.

Ryan kissed away the tears welling up in Elyse’s eyes, whispering sweet nothings to her until they fell asleep.

--

Ryan awoke with gentle lips against his neck and collar.  And as he became fully awake, he noticed he was stripped out of his shirt.  He peeked down to see a mess of blonde hair making its way down his body.  He sighed in bliss and ran his fingers through Elyse’s hair.

“It doesn’t match.”  Her voice was quiet when it finally broke the silence.  Her lips pressed against Ryan’s ribs.  When she gently nibbled at the mark, Ryan couldn’t breathe.  “I don’t care.”  She drew herself up to connect their lips.  She sighed and molded against Ryan, and for a moment, there was bliss.  But Ryan couldn’t waste any more time, and he flipped her over to continue where they left off the previous night.

Elyse was truly amazing – bring with her was an experience he never wanted to end.  Because even though they weren’t soul mates, there was something amazing and intoxicating about her that he couldn’t say no to her.

--

In the weeks after they got together, only Lindsay was privy to Ryan and Elyse’s relationship.  Not that they were subtle, per se.  In the first few weeks, they would spend a lot of time in Ryan’s office with the door closed, and when they came out, they looked somewhat disheveled.  And Lindsay would hiss that they needed to be more discreet if they were going to make out at work.

And then when they started arriving to work together on Mondays, and then leaving together on Fridays, it became a lot more obvious that they were together.  But it became less of something that they cared about.  They were so into each other that it didn’t matter what anyone else thought.  Though they did get a brief… warning to not let their personal life get in the way of their work.

But other than that, things were… pretty nice.

At least until James came along.

--

James came in as another producer, having an electric personality and a gorgeous smile.  It was safe to say that everyone was instantly attracted to him.  He was just so easy to talk to, and almost magnetic.

He and Elyse became fast friends – they started talking about some old bands that they both liked when they were young.  Ryan and James found games and anime to be the common topic they would discuss at length.

There might be jokes of how one or the other should be worried about how they interacted – it is almost obvious that there were flirtations.  But at home, they would wrap up in each other’s’ arms and talk about him.  He was their friend, it was normal.  But they both did agree that he was handsome, and they wouldn’t mind having him, if things were different.

But there was something that began to bother Ryan.  Coming up to greet James one morning, his eyes noticed a little dark mark.  He felt bad looking, but he couldn’t help but notice just how similar it looked to…

Elyse had something of her own to hide.  She was always upset when someone stared at her mark, but she had to know what the soul mate mark of such a handsome man looked like.  But she realized she couldn’t look away when she saw what the mark was.

Ryan and Elyse tried to hide the realization they had come to.  But since both of them had something to hide, their time together became strained by trying to act normal.

After a week, they separately came to the conclusion that they couldn’t hide this anymore, because it would just hurt more the longer they waited.

Ryan was the first to mention it.  In the car when they were just about to reach his home.  “I, um, I have something that I need to talk to you about.”  He tried to keep his voice level and light.  Like this wasn’t as important as it was.  But he noticed how Elyse’s breath caught when he said it.  But she sighed and looked down at her lap.

“I have something to tell you as well.” Her fingers twisted together, hoping that maybe there was an easy way out of this.

“Ok, let’s… let’s wait until we get inside.”  Ryan pulled into his drive and tried to avoid Elyse’s eyes.  He just took his bag from the back and made his way in.  He could feel Elyse’s eyes burning into his back.

Elyse noticed that Ryan was quick to drop his bag and go immediately to the fridge for a Diet Coke.  She knew that meant he needed something to distract himself.  He always drank Diet Coke, but Elyse had gotten good at noticing his different moods when drinking.  That made it harder for her to say what she had to.

So she just settled herself down on the couch, bringing her legs up to get comfortable.  And when Ryan returned from the kitchen, he obviously paused.  His eyes shifted from the space right next to Elyse and the opposite end of the couch.  It did hurt a little when he elected for the opposite end of the couch from her.  But, she was also glad he didn’t try to act normal.

“Do you want-“ They both spoke at the same time and their eyes went wide.  They smiled and laughed, a little awkward, but it broke the tension, even just a little.

“Why don’t you go first?” Elyse offered.

“No, I… you can go first.” Ryan deflected.

“How about… we just say it at the same time?  Then we can talk it out.”

Ryan nodded and scooted a little closer to Elyse, setting his Diet Coke to the side.  “So, on three?”

Elyse gave a curt nod, and bit her lip, a brief thought of backing out flashed through her mind.  She took a quick breath, clearing those thoughts away before beginning to count, “1. 2. 3.”

“I think James is my soul mate.”  The words came out in tandem, causing them both to react in tandem, once more, “What?”

The two recoiled from each other, trying to figure out what was happening.

“Are you fucking with me?” Ryan stood, looking for an outlet for his confusion, but he just sat back down after a moment.

“No!  Ryan, I-I’m confused, how do you think he’s your soul mate?  I saw his mark! It was on his shoulder-“

“I saw it, too!  But it was on the back of his neck!  I think I know what my own mark looks like.”

“That… I don’t understand.” Elyse twisted away from Ryan, unable to figure out what is happening.

“Are you going to leave me for him?” Ryan’s voice is quiet.  He has only just now wondered what might happen now.

Elyse whipped her head around, sadness on her face.  She closes the distance, and cups her hands around Ryan’s face.  “Ryan, I… I love you. I can’t... You are amazing.  I-“

“You wanted to leave me.”

Tears welled up in her eyes, “I might have thought of it… But I don’t want to.” She sniffed, “Were you going… to leave me?”

Ryan’s eyes flicked away, just a moment. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.  I wanted to tell you before I… considered anything.  I brought you here because I wanted to be with you.” Ryan took Elyse’s hands in his own, drawing them away.  After a moment, he kissed the tears away, hoping to console Elyse.  His lips drifted from her eyelids to her lips, and her hands move to clutch closer to him and just… kiss him.  Desperate for the contact and love.

They both knew that they couldn’t be without each other.  They weren’t soul mates, but they loved each other.  And as their lips moved together, they never wanted to part.  But there was something that drew them to James.  Something they pushed down to let themselves completely love the person in front of them.  They need to feel that love completely before they could even conceive of leaving each other again.  Their bodies worked well in tandem.  Effortless in removing their clothes and rutting together.  Gasping and moaning in pleasure that thinly veiled a sadness and worry.

They still spent the weekend together.  Everything went as normal, save they shared more kisses and told each other they loved them.  There were a few more quiet moments, too, that would then be filled with a quick “I love you.”

Sunday, they agreed that they needed to tell James.  Somehow.

--

They came in together that Monday, but they separated after a brief look.  They knew they were going to give each other time to figure everything out.  They didn’t want to break up, but they didn’t want to stop each other from being with whoever would make them the happiest.  This was almost a… trial run to see what it would be like to not be together.

Elyse found it hard to not spend time in Ryan’s office, lounging on his large comfy chair, bouncing ideas off him, or getting comfort while making phone calls she was dreading.

Ryan missed taking a break from work to destress by talking to Elyse.  She was a calming energy for Ryan – he had noticed he had been sleeping better ever since he was spending his nights with Elyse.

But this was their agreement.  They wanted to give each other some space to figure out where this relationship was going.  Ryan had the fear that maybe James would just choose Elyse.  There were several people who rejected their soul mate based on their gender.  They were often assholes, but Ryan would understand a man like James preferring a gorgeous woman like Elyse over a… a man.  He knew he was nothing compared to Elyse.  And after their separation, Elyse and James had gotten close extremely fast.

Just over a week had passed when Ryan faced his fears.  Elyse stepped into Ryan’s office, a little sheepish.  “I’m going to get some drinks with James tonight.”  Ryan was painfully aware o the fact that this was like the beginning of their own relationship.  “I just wanted to keep things open.” Ryan nodded curtly, not wanting to tip his hand as to his fear of losing a lover and a soulmate.

Elyse did notice Ryan’s reaction and her heart sank, she didn’t want to hurt Ryan.  But she still felt that she wanted to give her soulmate a chance.  She just slipped out of Ryan’s office and closed the door, knowing there was nothing more to say.

The night out with James left Elyse distracted, thinking more about Ryan than James.

“Are you still with Ryan?” James broke through Elyse’s thoughts by bringing him up. He didn’t seem to know he was on her mind, though.

“Um, well,” Elyse didn’t know how to answer.  Of course, everyone knew they had been together, and until recently, they were inseparable.  “I mean, we were, but…” Elyse tucked her hair behind her ear and tilted her head to show off the mark she had always worked to hide.

James’ eyes went wide and he broke into a wide grin.  “Wow!  That’s amazing!”  James patted his own body to remember where his mark was, first flying to the back of his neck and then to his sleeve, tugging it up to look at how they match.  But then his face fell.  “But wait, what about Ryan?  Does he know?” Elyse shrank in response, and James’ faced was washed with a knowing look, “That’s why you… why you aren’t together, isn’t it?”

Elyse took a sip of her drink before eventually just nodding.  “He does know, and he wanted to give me a chance at my own soulmate.”

“But you love him, don’t you?”

Elyse didn’t hesitate, “I really do.”

“I don’t want to stop you from being with him.  I am more than comfortable with letting you two stay together, even if you wanted to be with me.  I really like Ryan, and I can tell that what you and he have is something special.”

“You would really be alright with that?”

“Yeah, of course!” James was acting like this was the easiest thing in the world for him.

“What would you say if I told you that… um, Ryan thinks he’s also your soulmate?”

James’ eyes went wide in confusion, and he went to run his fingers over the mark on the back of his neck.  “His mark matches this one?” He sounded like he couldn’t believe it.  Elyse just nodded.  “I had always wondered if this one was real… but, I’m still not against it.  I kind of accepted that something like this might happen.  Though… not the whole ‘my two soulmates were in love before they ever met me’ part.”

Elyse laughed, a little strained but trying to diffuse the tension.  “But, would you… What do you want to do about it?”

“I want you to stay with Ryan.” James was sure of that fact, and his tone made it obvious that he wasn’t changing his mind.  “And I want to take the both of you out on a nice date.  If we truly are meant to be together, I need to treat you right so that you actually want to be with me.”

The next day, Elyse went to Ryan’s office as soon as she got in.  She knew Ryan would already be there.  He had a bad habit of going in earlier than everyone else and staying later.  Especially when she wasn’t there to stop him.

When she closed the door, Ryan jumped from his work.  He looked tired, and Elyse’s heart broke a little.

“Elyse, what are you doing in here?  Can I help you with something?”  Elyse swallowed her shyness and stalked behind Ryan’s desk and plopped herself in his lap.  “Elyse, wha-“ She cut him off with desperate kiss.  Like a woman that had gone through the desert without water, and she was drinking for the first time.  It felt so right to kiss him.  After a moment of hesitation, Ryan relaxed into the kiss, though he very quickly pulled away, confused, “What are you doing?  What about James?”

“James wants us to be together.  And he also wants to be with us.  Both of us.”

“What?”

“I, um, might have told him about both me and you.  And he wants to take us both out!  He wants to us to be happy together, and to be happy with him, if we’ll have him!”

Ryan took a moment trying to figure out what he wanted.  He knew that he was drawn to James, and Elyse was as well – that was the soulmate connection.  But then he also knew he loved Elyse more than anything, and he couldn’t lose her so suddenly – his restless nights were evidence of that.

“So, will you go?”

“Will you be happy like this?  If it all works out?”

“More than anything.”

“Then yes.”

[stubbornessissues]

3x BroTP ,OTP, NoTP meme

Since I can’t really focus on much right now, @miss-ingno tagged me in this meme where you give your BroTP, OTP and NoTP for three fandoms.

Red vs Blue 

BroTP: Tucker and Church OTP: Grimmons (is there even any other option) NoTP: Texalina 

Agents of Shield

BroTP: Coulson/May OTP: Skitz!! (Fitz/Daisy) NoTP: FitzSimmons (unfortunately the canon ship)

RT/AH

Brotp: Barbvin (such bro) OTP: FREEWOODFREEWOODFREEWOOD NoTP: Geoff/Gavin makes me uncomfortable if it’s not in an OT6 setting tbh

Gonna tag: @belladxne @gaywood @theloveandthestuff and @the-name-is-marti   have fun, go wild

[stubbornessissues]

@miss-ingno replied to your post “So… I’ve got some ideas about a sort of long term/multichapter story...”

do you want the antagonist to be RT people, an OC or AH-typical villains like Mark Nutt or the Corpirate?

@theloveandthestuff was kind enough to remind me that Funhaus exists and I’m honestly so disappointed in myself for not thinking of them because they’ll fit what I’ve got in mind perfectly

[ragehappysecretsanta]

Author: theloveandthestuff.tumblr.com

Recipient: rayaotic.tumblr.com

Summary: Barbara has a request of Lindsay.  And her girlfriend is more than willing to do what she asks.

Warnings: N/A (T for minor language)

Word Count: 2489

“Listen, I know that this is our first Christmas together, and more importantly, our first Christmas party together.  But there’s something that I want to do with you.” Barbara was very careful, turning her whole body to her girlfriend as she played video games on the couch.

“Is it butt stuff?” Lindsay didn’t even miss a beat, and didn’t miss a shot as she mowed down aliens with her battle rifle.

Barbara snorted and slapped Lindsay’s shoulder.  “We can’t do that at a Christmas party!  No.  This is much more important and intimate.”

Lindsay groaned as she watched the kill screen bleed across the TV.  “What’s more intimate than that?”

“Stop it!  Why would you link anal and Christmas?”

“What if you wanted it as a gift?  You should understand these things, Barb.” Lindsay set her controller to the side and resting her hand on Barbara’s.

“I don’t want that as a gift.  I wouldn’t have mentioned the party, if it was.  No, I want is… well, I want to get you a special gift early, if you’ll accept it.  For the party.”

“Is it… weird lingerie?”

“Lindsay, no!  It’s not anything sexy!  I want us to get each other Christmas sweaters.  For Christmas and the Christmas Party.”

Lindsay furrowed her brow.  “I thought you liked to dress up all pretty.  That’s when you get all dolled up and look so lovely.”  Lindsay knew that she was totally smitten for Barbara at last year’s Christmas party, whe n she was all dolled up in the dress that made her look like a gorgeous painting.  And Lindsay couldn’t help but watch her with awe.

Barbara blushed and turned her hand over to wrap her fingers around Lindsay’s hand.  “I do, but I also want to wear sweaters as well.  I know it isn’t really cold enough in Texas to really need them, but I just think it would be cute.” Barbara’s blush turned from a faint pink to a full on rosy red, “And I… I might’ve been wanting to find someone to do this with for a while.  The other people I’ve dated… they weren’t really into it.”

“Oh.”

Barbara tried to pull her hand away, shaking her head, “Never mind, it’s a little too dumb, even for me.”

“Barb, no!  It’s not dumb, why would you ever think that?”  Lindsay held a little tighter to Barbara’s hand, pulling her closer to wrap her free arm around her shoulder.  “It’s an adorable idea!  You should know by now that I love ridiculous clothes!”

Barbara melted into Lindsay’s chest, smiling happily, “Really?”

“Barbara Dunkelman.  I would love to go with you to the Christmas party in a ridiculous Christmas sweater that you picked out for me.  And to have you next to me, wearing the sweater I picked out for you.”

Barbara hummed happily, slipping her arms to wrap around Lindsay and hold her closer.  “Thank you… I… you’re the best.”  Barbara mentally kicked herself for tripping up over the words.  They hadn’t said ‘I love you’ to each other yet… even if they had come really close to doing so, and, Barbara at least, felt like they were in love… she just didn’t think they were really ready to say it, yet… Not now.  So she settled for snuggling close to her girlfriend and watching the virtual destruction that she enacted upon the poor species of aliens.

-

“Who knew it would be so hard to find sweaters in Texas?” Lindsay remarked dryly as she flicked through the rack of winter clothes in what might have been the third clothing store she stopped at.

“It doesn’t get fucking cold, Lindsay.  Though with the some of these people whine, you’d think we were in fucking Alaska.” Michael crossed his arms and whined, looking around.  He did not sign up for this.  Lindsay asked if he wanted to hang out and maybe do a little shopping.  He did not expect to be dragged all across the fucking city looking for a dumb sweater for Lindsay’s girlfriend.  “Isn’t she Jewish?  What does it even matter?  Just grab one and go.”

The screech of metal hangers on the clothing rack stopped with a forceful click of plastic on plastic as Lindsay whipped her head around to shoot daggers at Michael.  “Let me tell you, Michael Jones, this fucking matters.”  Her hard demeanor fell and she almost looked like she was pleading, “This is our first Christmas together and she said that she wanted this.  That she’s wanted this for a long time.”  Lindsay drew herself up and turned back to the rack and began flicking through the sweaters once more.  “And so, I’m going to find her the fucking ugliest sweater I can.  With or without your help.”

Michael rolled his eyes.  He might’ve thought that this was a dumb mission, he wasn’t going to leave his friend hanging.  He was an asshole, not a monster.  “You know you might have better luck going to a thrift store.  A fucking charity shop, or whatever.  You’re thinking far too fashionably.  Fuck, if you didn’t care about how Texas it would be, gift shops might have something.”

The screech of metal on metal stopped once again, but when Lindsay turned to look at Michael, she had a smile on her face.  “Thanks, Michael.”

-

Barbara was beginning to worry that maybe this wasn’t the best idea.  The sort of sweater she was looking for apparently just didn’t exist in this state.  Maybe she shouldn’t have tried to force this sort of thing.  Maybe she should have just surprised Lindsay with whatever she could find.  But there was something about this silly idea she had had for years now, that she just wanted it done right.

Barbara sighed as she started to go through the rack of sweaters of the third clothing store she had been to today.  Every sweater was either too tame and fashionable, or obviously meant to profit off of the ugly sweater aesthetic.  She would scream if she saw another sweatshirt printed with a ‘Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal’ on it.  She would fucking do it.  She honestly got angry just thinking about the number that she had seen just today, not including the number she had seen over the last week of looking.

But before her rage could get any higher, her phone tickled with the chorus of cat meows that she had set to notify her when Lindsay called.  Barbara calmed herself with a breath before answering her phone, “Hey, Baby!  How’s it going?”

“I think I found you the perfect sweater.” Lindsay’s cheer bubbled over the phone, but it made Barbara’s heart sink a little.

“Really?”

“You don’t… seem very excited about it.  Is something wrong?”

“Oh no, no!  Not at all, that’s great.” Even Barbara could hear the flat tone in her voice.

“What’s wrong, babe?”

“I just… I just can’t find anything!  I knew that it’s be hard, but it’s near impossible!  And I swear, some of these dumb sweatshirts aimed at college kids will make me scream.” Barbara flicked a hangar to the side to reveal yet another blue sweater with tasteful red speckles.  Too tame.

“Babe, do you know how long it took to find one?  A fucking long time, and some of Michael’s brand of helping.  And  I don’t care what it is, it doesn’t have to be the perfect gift.  It’s just a sweater.  And if you pick it, I’ll love it no matter what.”

“I know I just…” I love you so much “I really care about you and I want to make this good.” Barbara flicked another hangar, barely noticing the sweater at first, listening to her girlfriend tell her that their relationship wouldn’t be in peril over ugly Christmas sweaters.  And then she noticed the knitted piece in hand.  “Lindsay, baby, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt you, but I just found the perfect sweater.  God, it’s perfect!” Barbara snatched up the sweater as Lindsay’s laugh crackled over the phone.  “You’re like my good luck charm, baby, everything’s been looking up since we got together.”

-

Barbara’s green and black dress shimmered under the bathroom lights as she dabbed a little more ruby shadow on her eye.  The fabric fluttered when she moved, causing even more pinpoints of light to overtake her form.  She moved back to look over her eyes and set the brush down when she confirmed that she was happy with it, and she could finally move on to her lips.

“You look beautiful, baby.” Barbara jumped a little as Lindsay caught a hand around her waist, resting her chin on her shoulder. 

“I think you look pretty good, yourself.” Barbara blushed as she took in her girlfriend.  Lindsay was already done up, having begun before Barbara had even arrived at her apartment.  The formfitting maroon dress hugged her curves and accentuated her hips nicely, transitioning beautifully into the black tights with silver flecks running through them.  Her own makeup had a theme of emerald, matching her girlfriend’s outfit in a delightfully couple-y way.

Lindsay giggled happily and pressed a kiss to Barbara’s cheek before slipping away to let her finish up her makeup.   “I hope that bag you brought also has a sweater in it.  Because I have yours ready to be revealed, and I don’t know if I can wait any longer to show it to you.”

Barbara placed her brush down and picked up her blush.  “It does contain a sweater.  A fantastically bad sweater.”  Her joking manner fell a bit, leaving only really adoration, “I’m glad you agreed to do this.”  She wasn’t even sure that Lindsay heard her, but she smiled all the same.  She glanced over to the door where the woman she loved disappeared behind, just for a moment.  She had to say it.  Tonight.  She resolved herself to doing it tonight.

-

“I’ve been waiting for this moment ever since I saw this sweater, Barb.  I think you’re going to love it.” Lindsay was sitting on the couch, a perfectly wrapped present clutched to her chest, eagerly awaiting her girlfriend to come and sit down with her.

Barbara reached into her bag, pulling out a long, festive garment box, topped with a big red bow, before going to join Lindsay on the couch.  “I have as well.  And I know you’re going to love this.”

Lindsay began to hand over her bundle, before quickly pulling it back into her chest.  “Wait.  Do you want to do this right now?  Do you have any preamble, or anything?”

Barbara thought for a moment, before just shaking her head.  “No.  Oh!  Well, first,” She leaned in a pressed a soft kiss to Lindsay’s lips, “I want to thank you.  For doing this with means.  It seems silly, but it means a lot.”

Lindsay followed Barbara’s lips for a moment, wanting to keep on kissing her.  “No, no, honey, it isn’t silly.  Especially if it really means something to you.  And this is really fun, and I can’t wait to see what you picked out for me.”

Barbara smiled, hoping the powder blush on her cheeks covered the real blush forming.  “Here.  I thought this was the perfect one for you.” She presented the garment box to Lindsay with near uncontained excitement.

Lindsay’s dimpled smile was probably one of the prettiest that Barbara had seen since she agreed to go on a date with her.  “I will admit; Michael was the one who found it.  But I approved it and bought it!  So that counts, right?” Lindsay took the box and replaced it with her rather crumpled looking present.  She placed the box in her lap and waited for Barbara to open hers first.

“Let’s see…” Barbara carefully pulled at the tape, trying to rip the paper as little as possible.  “We have a… red sweater.  Oh, wait, there’s green stripes, too.  So, a red and green sweater, very Christmas, and- oh!  Oh, Lindsay!” Barbara pulled the sweater out of the paper and unfolded it in front of her.  The sweater did indeed, look very Christmas-y, with its red and green patterning, and the coils of sequined Christmas lights making its way along the sweater.  But was very much not Christmas, and made the sweater perfect in Barbara’s eyes, was the almost joyful ‘Merry Hanukkah’ emblazoned across the front.  Barbara grasped the sweater close to her chest and looked upon Lindsay with all the love she had.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it, Lindsay!  I love it so much!”

“Oh, well,” Lindsay turned a red almost as bright as the sweater in Barbara’s hands, “I’m glad.”

Barbara reached her hand out to touch the box in Lindsay’s hands before manipulating the sweater in her hands to try and pull it on.  “Open mine, now!”

“Right!” Lindsay pulled the lid off the box, and was already cooing at what she could see.  Cats in Santa hats.  “Barb, that’s so cute!”

“Pull it out and see the rest of it!” Barbara called from the middle of her sweater.

Lindsay pulled the sweater out to reveal the variety of cats in Santa hats and Christmas Elf hats all surrounding the scrolling text ‘Meowy Christmas’.  “I see that we had a somewhat similar theme.”

“Do you like it?” Barbara watched Lindsay’s expression carefully, now thoroughly cuddled in her sweater.

“Of course I love it, Barb!  It’s perfect.”

“Come on, put it on!” Barbara was nearly jumping with excitement as she pulled Lindsay up.  She was already reaching for her phone while Lindsay was pulling the sweater on over her head.  She had to get a picture of them together, right in the moment.  “Oh, you even look perfect in it!”  Barbara couldn’t help but giggle at the blush that was now overtaking Lindsay’s face.  “Look at you!” Barbara took Lindsay by the waist and drew their bodies together.  Lindsay was avoiding her eyes, one hand coming up to cover her face, and hide the blush that had reached her ears.  “I love you.”

Lindsay froze under Barbara’s touch, and for a moment, she was worried, “What?”

Well, she could repeat it, and hope that Lindsay responded favorably, or try and brush it off… “I love you, Lindsay, I really do.”  She felt like she was almost pleading with Lindsay, hoping that she would feel the same.

And Lindsay began to laugh.  “I… I love you too, baby.”  She covered her face with both hands after she said it, a little bit in disbelief.

“Really?” Barbara’s voice cracked slightly as she looked at Lindsay.

“Yeah!  Of course!  I’ve loved you for a long, long time, Barb.” Lindsay took Barbara’s face in her hands and gently brought their lips together, reveling in the moment of them holding each other close like this, sure of their love.

It was going to be a good Christmas.

[ragehappysecretsanta]

A Man Needs to Find a New Cafe: What Happens Next May Surprise You

Author: lackyducks.tumblr.com

Recipient: theloveandstuff.tumblr.com

Summary: It's almost laughable, how quickly a man's (Ryan's) life can be turned upside-down. All it takes are a cute couple at a cafe (Elyse and James), magic, and a whole lot of friendly (and not so friendly) interventions.  

Warnings: minor mentions of violence, and the aftermath of it. as well as corrupt governments and magical institutions - just everyday stuff.

WordCount: 15,322

Magic is an incredible thing. You can do a lot with it, from simple sigils, to full, elaborate spells. It's an art, a beauty - it's magic.

Magic is dangerous. Supposedly. It's what the world likes to think, wants to think. It's why anyone with magic is locked away in something they call the ‘institution’, apparently a learning facility, except you don't leave. It's fair, people argue. They have abilities we don't. Think of the children in school, think of your jobs, think of the world. Yet, nobody thinks of magic.

Ryan is a simple man. He has a small apartment, with plants dotted around that he cares for as if they're his children. The walls are mostly bare - only one has some old artwork he bought at a thrift store. They're all that perfect shade of off-white, enough to make it look like a home and not an institute, or a hospital or anything else with negative connotations and white walls. Ryan is a simple man.

He's also kind of a miracle worker.

He doesn't know of anyone else his age that didn't get discovered. His parents, perhaps. He doesn't know much about them - only that they gave him up when he was born. He was angry when he first found out but now, it makes sense. Magical parent + magical parent = magical child. It all makes sense, now he's older. Just like the teenager who found him casually turning the light on and off from across the room. The teen who'd told him to ‘keep it hidden and keep it safe’. The teen who later, went to the Institution which adults, as adults do, expected Ryan to already understand.

Ryan’s past may not have been simple, but his present is.

His future, however, is not.

He's been trying to find a new cafe for weeks. He used to use the one at the bookstore he volunteered at. Then it closed down. He's taken more hours on at his job, but not a new cafe. It has to have a bustle of conversation - but not too busy; tables big enough for his laptop; friendly staff; nice colours, and okay maybe the one thing in his life Ryan is not simple about is his preference of cafes.

This is the fourth now. He's given each a one week test run. The first was too busy, the second the colours clashed too much and the third had customers and employees alike that were… not nice. So it's on week four that he heads to the fourth cafe during his lunch break. It's a ten minute walk away,  the other three were closer. Perhaps he should have started further away; he could use the extra exercise.

A bell rings as he pushes open the door. There's a slight queue but groups of people already sit around tables. They talk and smile, and Ryan has already decided where he wants to sit. Patiently, he joins the queue. The cakes are neat, tidy and look nice. He's grabbed a diet coke can from the drinks’ fridge.

“Thank you, have a nice day, sir!” The woman at the counter smiles as the customer walks away and Ryan steps up. She's blonde, her hair framing her face neatly as she smiles up at Ryan. It's wavy, mostly pushed back over her shoulders. The nametag on her shirt reads, 'Elyse'. Her hazel eyes take him in, too. “Hi, welcome to Willems Squared, what would you like today?”

Ryan takes a second, somehow startled, before he pushes the can forward, mutters, “This, please.”

“Right.” She effortlessly taps it into the machine, “Anything else?”

“Oh, a Victoria Sponge.” Ryan watches as the woman smirks, leans close to him.

“James cooked that one, and he's been boasting about it all day.” Her smile turns evil, “Right, I know this is like, super weird, but you look like the kinda guy to do it.”

“Should I be taking that as a compliment?” He manages to interject, because even in the strangest of situations, you have got to keep your wit about you. The way her smile lights up the room makes him want to do that again forever.

“I mean, if looking like the kinda guy to run a food blog is something you're into then definitely.” She comes back with, and Ryan raises an eyebrow, leans in a bit closer too. He notices now that there are no people in the queue behind him. It's practically empty. At least this strange plotting isn't holding anyone up.

“I'll pretend I know what you're talking about.” Ryan quips and she mocks gasps, holding a hand to her heart and everything.

“How could you not?!”

“I don't look at blogs!”

“Heathen!” And then they're both laughing, Elyse falling forward onto her arms and hair falling across her shoulders. “Okay, okay, I think I'm-” She breaks down laughing again. Ryan can’t help but laugh with her. A few of the customers in the cafe look around and smile. Eventually, however, a man wearing an apron pops his head out from a back room Ryan hadn’t noticed. He raises an eyebrow at the two, distinct blue eyes filled with playfulness.

“Honey dearest, I feel like there’s a job you’re supposed to be doing?” He wraps his arms around Elyse and she jumps, almost knocks over the tip jar. Barely a second passes before he’s laughing and she’s turning around to whack at him. It’s also barely a second for Ryan to realise that this beautiful woman is married to an equally attracted man. He’s already in too deep.

“Loveliest sweetheart, I feel I have some choice words I would say to you if I weren’t in front of a customer.” She stops fighting him, looks up with adoring eyes. The guy looks up at Ryan, and he offers a shy smile. It’s returned with a wink.

“I won’t keep you two waiting then.” He kisses her forehead before striding off to the back room again, giving a mock salute as he rounds the corner. Elyse rolls her eyes, sticks her tongue out in his general direction. She turns back to Ryan, leans forward again on the counter (after moving the tip jar back in place.)

“That’s James-” She tilts her head where he left “- and he may be my husband but you gotta do this for me. Look at him. Well, you can’t but you saw him.” She huffs, reaches underneath the desk. Then, she holds it up to show Ryan. It’s a small fly, incredibly realistic looking. He can see the magic shimmering off it and wonders if she knows.

“I’m assuming you aren’t just holding this up for no reason?” He asks, notices how she’s zoned out looking at it. She mustn’t know then, enchanted items have that kind of effect. She blinks in surprise at the question, looks back at him and takes a moment to recollect herself.

“Oh yeah, um.” She blinks, shakes her head, “Sorry, I'm usually not this bad. No, that's a lie. I'm normally awful.” She shrugs, “What I'm gonna do, is I'm gonna put this-” She holds up the fake fly, “Into your cake. And you then, good sir- I don't know your name yet.”

“Ryan.” He nods at her.

She nods back, “Ryan, your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to pretend you're a critic and found this in the cake. Which I'll have put in there.”

“We have ourselves a mission.” As soon as he says the world her face brightens into an almost blinding grin, throwing her arms around Ryan’s neck gleefully. The doorbell rings with a customer entering and she quickly grabs the plate, lifts up the cake and places the fake fly in, passes to it to Ryan.

She leans close to Ryan’s ear, “It's on the house.” And then draws back with a wink. Ryan smiles at her as he walks away, the table he wanted still left empty after all this. He can't help but listen to Elyse’s voice as she talks to customers. Her light laughter, gorgeous smiles. Okay, he needs to stop. She's married. To a man far more gorgeous than him. He has to get it together.

The diet coke is slightly warmed by the time he gets to drink it. Nothing to complain about. And he takes a forkful of the cake, doesn't have any fake fly in, and yeah, it is pretty good. He can see why everyone likes it so much. He has to resist trying to dig around the fly to get more of it. Instead, he goes straight through the middle, and is surprised when the fly cuts straight through. He's kind of grossed out. No, very grossed out. But he takes a moment to compose himself, checks the queue. Nobody's waiting, it's past rush hour, he guesses. He does have a pretty late lunch.

When he slams the plate on the counter, he's slightly afraid it might shatter. He notices Elyse jump, feels bad for being the cause. She then smiles as an acknowledgement, walks over to the backroom.

“James, there's a guy who wants to make a complaint.” He can't hear the reply, but Elyse has to stifle a laugh, “It's about your cake.” There's a break in conversation, then out James comes, face with a passive smile. He spots Elyse from the corner of his eye take out her phone, start recording.

Ryan takes on an aggressive stance, despite knowing that's not gonna phase this guy.  He's buff as fuck, all muscle and those entrancing blue eyes. At least Ryan can compete with him for that.

“You're the one who made this cake?” He demands, leans into his face. James awkwardly steps back, nods.

“I- Yes, sir, what seems to be the problem with it?” He asks, clearly taken aback.

“In all my years, working as a food journalist, I have never, never, had a cake with a dead fly inside of it? Do you think this is acceptable?!” Ryan could honestly cringe at how over-dramatic he's being. It's working, though. He can see the flustered expression James is trying to hide, arms instinctively lifted up the slightest bit.

“No, definitely not, would you like me to replace it, sir?” James asks, examining the cake. His face scrunches up at the sight of the sliced fly body.

“No, that won't do.” Ryan says, an idea forming in his mind.

“I, would you like a refund? Another one of the cakes?” He offers, voice stumbling over the words. Ryan leans forward once more.

“No,” He says, pauses for dramatic effect, “I want your wife.” James blinks at him in complete surprise as Elyse breaks down into laughter, falling against the counter. James turns to look, sees the camera, and Ryan can see the exact moment it all clicks together in his head.

“Elyse, oh my god, I can't believe you!” He's laughing too now, a full body curl at the stomach. Ryan can’t help but appreciate the way his back arches, blue eyes squeezed shut as he grabs at the counter. “I hate you so much.”

“All’s fair in love and prank wars.” She leans over, kisses his cheek. He lets her, before he reaches out and pushes her hair over her face, laughs as she squeals and pushes him away. Ryan feels very awkward. He stands, hands in front of him, waiting for Elyse to tell him to do, something? He’s not sure if he should be coming or going.

It’s only a blessed few seconds later when James turns, smiles at him and reaches out a hand, “Hey, I’m assuming you aren’t a food blogger then.”

Ryan meets his hand, shakes it, “Nah, I’m an IT guy. Work nearby.” He checks his watch and frowns, he probably can’t hang around too much longer. “Ryan.”

“Nice to meet you,” James is saying as Elyse examines the cake, pursing her lips thoughtfully, “and I’m assuming you already-”

“I swear it wasn’t meant to do that.” Elyse interrupts, pointing out the fake fly. Though it doesn’t look as fake anymore, with the strange cut in halfness, and squishy body. Ryan looks at it as well, notices how it shimmers with barely contained magic. He swears it wasn’t like that before.

“Elyse, is that magic?” James whispers, barely loud enough for Ryan to hear. Her eyes widen, and she picks it up immediately, starts walking away.

“I’ll get rid of it.” She says, rushing to the back room. James watches after her, looks to Ryan with a hard look.

“As far as you’re concerned, you didn’t see that.” He warns Ryan. And Ryan, well, he nods because if anyone understands how incriminating that could be, it’s him. “Thank you.”

“It’s safe with me,” Ryan reassures and James just smiles, relieved. The following silence is tense. One of those, my wife is your friend but I don't know you and you could ruin my life silences. Ryan is pretty sure he's not going to come back - he's messed things up pretty badly here. They'll be other cafés, it'll be fine.

He's too busy thinking to notice Elyse until she claps in front of his face, waving her hand obviously. He leans back a little and she smiles.

“Hey, you're back! Same time tomorrow, right? You need to try one of my cakes still.” And that's when Ryan realises he's coming back the next day.

It turns out, to no surprise, that Elyse’s cake is just as good as James’. He isn't sure what the flavour was still, just that it was lemon. Lemon and spongy. Elyse said she wanted a three page essay on the taste and he really wasn't sure if she's joking or not. He definitely isn't writing one.

Outside is dark, the sky purpling slowly as night falls. Ryan’s sat at his computer desk, typing patiently as he's on a Skype call with one of his friends and - sort of colleagues.

“So, how's the cafe hunt? Have you found a new one yet ‘cause I've found a really cool one nearby.” Gavin speaks quickly, always has far too much energy. Ryan can't help his slight laugh, “Hey, I was only asking!”

Gavin’s younger than Ryan, a photographer and occasional model. That's where Ryan works, RT modelling. He doesn't actually know what the RT stands for. Gavin does, teases him frequently about knowing. Ryan isn't completely certain he knows but he's closer to the bosses than Ryan is. As Ryan talks his mind wanders. To who other than James and Elyse, as he talks about the cafe and what it's like and how nice they both are, how pretty because they could both be models, really-

“Aw, does my Rye-bread have a crush?” Gavin interrupts, and Ryan can hear his grin, the menace.

“No, they're just-”

“Ryan has a crush~! Ryan has a crush~!” Maybe the situation would be better if Gavin had any semblance of a singing voice. It wouldn't, but then Ryan could bear it.

“I will end this call right now, don't test me.” Ryan warns. He gets a squawk in response, looks at Gavin’s webcam to laugh at the dumb look on his face. His mouth hangs wide open, eyes wide and he looks more like he's been stabbed.

“But who will keep me company then?” He whines, leaning forward to fix Ryan with wicked puppy dog eyes.

“I could list the people that would be up-” He looks at the clock, freezes when he sees it's already nearing midnight, “-I should be asleep.”

Gavin huffs, “Fine, I'll call Michael instead and we'll talk all about your crush.”

“It's not a-”

“Night Rye, sleep well!” Then the end call sound beeps out. Ryan sits a moment longer, staring at the computer resentfully as if he could will Gavin not to. Eventually, he gives up, sighs as he shuts down the computer and resigns himself to his fate.

When Ryan reaches the cafe the next day, he's relieved. Work had been crush this or crush that and Ryan feels more like he'd committed an office offence than just, liking the cute couple who run a cafe together. Even worse, they don't even know they're married. Ryan has no chance and now every single person thinks he does. He still expects somebody to pop up next to his ear - is glad his lunch break is at such a peculiar time that nobody else can tag along. Just some time alone.

“Hey, Ryan!” And with his two crushes. That's what it is and he knows it. The last stage is acceptance.

“Hi, Elyse, looks pretty empty in here?” He greets, reaches for a diet coke only to have Elyse slide one to him. He looks up at her and she winks.

“Yeah, Thursdays are slow days. Don't know why but they are.” She shrugs, turns towards the cake fridge. “What is it today?”

“Any recommendations for me?”

“Well I'd say all of it but the caramel shortcake is pretty nice today. Matt made it and his stuff is always good.” She nods, and Ryan is thrown for a loop.

“Matt?” He asks, curious. Elyse tilts her head at him until the realisation dawns.

“Oh, he works here! He does a lot of the baking in the mornings, cleans and sets up for us. He's very sweet.” She explains, smiling as she does.

“Other people work here?” Ryan finally manages to get out.

She laughs, “Of course, we just own the place and run this shift. The guys take the other shifts.” She seems happy at the thought.

“That's nice,” Ryan replies, because he's not sure what else to say, “I'll have the shortcake.” Elyse nods, gives him the slice and then slips him another. “For the road.” She tells him, as she takes Ryan’s money.

The comments continue when he gets back. He must be one of the most popular IT technicians in the world. Far worse is the teasing he gets for the extra shortcake. Everyone assumes it's from his mysterious new crush and Ryan can't lie to save his life. The red face gives it all away.

He knows it's a stupid idea, but he sits down that night and arranges some of his kitchen herbs. Keeping actual magical components in your house is a bad idea and a sure way to get caught. He uses the leftover napkin from the shortcake, casts a simple blessing and watches as the napkin burns. It's the first of any magic he's done in a long time and it feels like, almost a relief - a strain that's been taken off of him. He separates it all, disposes of it inconspicuously, and then he goes to bed.

The next day, it's at work, and Ryan is doing his best to focus on what camera setting has gone wrong this time. He takes a sip of his drink, chases up another few settings. A throat clears above him, and he jumps.

“Didn't take you as the type to get crushes.” Geoff, one of the much higher ups than Ryan stands above him. His arm holds him up against the wall, tattoos unhidden by his shirt. He used to do a lot more modelling when he was younger. Still does some now, just not as much. He has the bad boy look that cameras yearn for. Even if it's now more of a bad boy dad.

“Didn't take you as the type to gossip,” Ryan retorts, looking up to meet Geoff’s eyes. Geoff’s eyebrow raises, and he pulls up a chair to sit next to him.

“Tell me about it.” Geoff nods at him, leans his body forward onto his arms.

Ryan scowls, “I didn't tell Lindsay, wouldn't tell you.” He tries to turn fully back to the camera but Geoff’s hand grabs him, twists him away.

“I'm going on your lunch break with you.” Geoff smirks, “So talk.”

Geoff, the absolute bastard, follows along. Despite how Ryan still kept his mouth shut. Ryan debated going somewhere else, but Elyse said she has a surprise for him. He doesn't want to disappoint either of them, he'd seen how excitedly James was bouncing at her heels. He doesn't have a number, can't just text to tell them he'll be elsewhere. He still considers it, right up until he pushes open the translucent glass door, steps inside.

Elyse is at the counter, although James is stood barely to her side. He's arranging glasses on the display, seems to have taken a few down. His head follows Elyse’s as she brightens, beaming at the sight of Ryan.

Ryan can feel Geoff’s stare, his careful analysis of the situation and the place and the people and oh that's a lot of judging he's doing. Elyse seems briefly surprised to see Ryan has company but Ryan watches as she disguises it again as quick as her brows furrowed.

“Nice to see you, Ryan!” She greets. Rolling her eyes, she steps aside for James.

“You're a whole three minutes late. I thought something terrible happened!” James says, instead of a greeting. Ryan can't help his chuckle.

“Brought a guest.” He motions to Geoff beside him.

Geoff nods, holds his hand out, “Geoff. Ryan’s boss.” Both James and Elyse hold their hands out, share a disapproving look and somehow manoeuvre to shake his hand at the same time. Despite knowing he must have one, Ryan can't hide his affectionate smile.

“Name's Elyse. This is my husband: James.” Elyse waves a gesture at him with her free hand.

They step back as Geoff says, “Nice to meet you.” Ryan’s heart is very quickly beginning to turn to stone, feels as if he might suddenly flop to the floor with any given moment. Geoff turns to him, gives him a look and Ryan thinks he might just do that. “I'll get a table.” And Ryan opens his mouth to say he has one but realises how bad of an idea that is. He turns back to Elyse and James, who eye him up curiously.

“Trouble at work?” Elyse suggests, quietly.

Ryan sighs, “Not quite.” He runs a hand down his face, shakes his head. “Don't worry about it.”

“I will, but I understand that we're strangers who run a cafe and don't need to know.” Elyse nods and Ryan has to stop himself saying something once more. They are just, strangers that run a cafe still.

“Since you're finally here, though.” James slides over a diet coke, and a plate of a cheesecake. The very top has a layer of purple, that looks sticky and delicious, shows the white beneath. Elyse is smiling at it - places a white flower against the cake.

“It's a Gardenia. Thought it would look nice.” She comments, looking up to Ryan with a soft expression. James claps his hands together, rolls on his feet.

“It's a new recipe we want to try!” He tells him. “I promise we've already made sure it's edible. Thought we'd let you be the first to try it.” Ryan feels oddly flattered - hopes his cheeks aren't red. The duo is smiling widely at him.

“Thank you, how much do I..?” Ryan waves his hands, leaves the question hanging. Elyse perks up, steps forward and taps onto the till. Her lips purse as she does, focusing. James is leaning on her shoulder. What a softie.

“Only the diet coke. Unless you're also paying for Mr Mustache over there?” She grins before catching herself. For a second, she spins her head to check if he heard, decides he didn't, and laughs.

Ryan shakes his head fondly, “He can pay for himself. Earns enough to.” Elyse nods, takes the change off Ryan and deposits it into the right slots. There's a small queue forming behind him, so she ends up ushering him away.

“We'll see you tomorrow, right?” She asks, and Ryan startlingly realises it's the weekend tomorrow - he hadn't planned for this.

“Yeah, see you then.” He says it before he realises, but the relieved looks on the couple's faces makes it worth it.

“Right, see you, Ryan.” James nods, Elyse still beaming at him, offering a wave as he leaves to the table Geoff chose. It isn't his table.

To his surprise, Geoff doesn't mention it for a lot longer than Ryan thought. He expected to be grilled on it the moment he sat back down. Instead, Geoff lasts a whole ten minutes after he orders to say something. There's a miracle in itself.

“So, a crush.” The way Geoff says it is obviously accusing, if the narrowing of the eyes didn't give it away either. Ryan looks up from where he'd been slowly biting into the cake. It is gorgeous, just what he expected. He's trying his best to savour it with the terrifying nerves in his stomach.

“A crush.” Ryan repeats, slowly.

“Well, unless you chose to mislead me - and judging by their reaction you didn't - that was two people.”

Ryan nods, “Mm-Hm.”

“Spill.” Geoff finishes, leaning across the table to intimidate and scare Ryan that bit more. Ryan would hate to admit it might be working but - it is. Geoff does, ultimately, hold power over his job. Even if it would be a hell of an insult to fire somebody over a simple crush. On a married couple.

“I'm still hoping I'll get over it.” Ryan just shrugs him off. Geoff stares at him a little harder. Ryan isn’t sure how it’s possible, really. He’s tapping his foot, doesn’t even realise it. They let the conversations around them take over their own, too occupied in the silent battle taking place. Geoff eventually rolls his eyes, leans back in his chair.

“Well, I’m not gonna deny they seem to be pretty into you.” He shrugs, and Ryan’s eyes widen slightly.

“Wow, wow wow, step back there a second.”

“Fuck dude, you didn’t notice.” Geoff is genuinely surprised. He even sounds concerned, the fucker. Ryan doesn’t need more people judging him on his inability to pick up flirting - he has Gavin for that already.

“They’re being friendly? Haven’t you seen Elyse, she’s wonderful.” He spares a glance at her, she’s serving another customer with a wide smile. Ryan can tell she’s listing the cakes, counting up on her fingers as she looks slightly up to the ceiling. Her hair is framing her face, one part still clinging over her shoulder. There’s a sparkle in her eye as she moves to describe one further.

“Okay, you’re a lost cause. Holy shit.” Geoff shakes his head. Ryan can’t even muster the energy to be offended. He really is.

Geoff doesn’t mention it when they get back. There’s slightly late in - Geoff promised to cover for him. He spent a bit talking to Elyse and James which Ryan was apparently Not Allowed to listen to. Ryan pushed that fact mostly from his head. He doesn’t want to start thinking of the sorts of things that Geoff could’ve said to them. There’s no change from them the next day either. Or the day after that. Ryan’s kind of glad, actually. There was some kind of feeling in his gut - like they’d know he changed his schedule to see them.

In fact, there’s no change until Wednesday when Ryan sits down at the table with his drink and another flower accented cheesecake and James slides in the booth with him.

“Hey,” James greets, and Ryan can’t help the slight surprise that crosses his face. It’s a surprise, but definitely a pleasant one. Ryan nods his head towards James and the man continues talking, “I technically have a break right now, so I am allowed to be here. I’m not like, bumping Elyse off or anything. She’s fine with it.” He looks behind him and waves. When Ryan looks, Elyse sticks her tongue out at the two. “See?”

“Just didn’t expect you,” Ryan nods with a smile, “So, how’s business been?” James’ face looks confused for a moment, before he starts to laugh.

“Okay, of- of all the things to ask, you ask that?” Ryan can’t help but blush at the disbelief in James’ voice.

“Hey, I thought it was a bit more original than ‘how’s the weather?’ considering we’re sat next to a window.” Ryan points out.

James laughs more, “That was your second option?! I might, I may actually die, oh god, Ryan, buddy.”

“Alright, how do you start a conversation then?” Ryan challenges, leaning forwards. James does the same, the two meeting each other’s gazes. Ryan can never help but notice the blue of James’ eyes, how it’s brighter than his, slightly more coloured. Ryan’s always seem colder when he looks in the mirror. He wonders how James sees his eyes.

“Well,” is all James says, before leaning closer, placing a hand on Ryan’s cheek. Ryan stills completely until James’ forehead is touching his. “And then we get the condoms.” Ryan bursts out laughing, James drawing back, laughing as well. He can feel Elyse’s eye roll from the counter. He knows she’s watching the two of them. He’s gotten pretty in tune with that. “It’s how I usually start them!” James finally protests and Ryan struggles to recover his breath.

“I prefer to keep my conversations more on the PG level.” Ryan jokes back.

James picks up on the cue, fires, “What, not even a 13?” His eyebrows wiggle and Ryan shakes his head, barely biting back another laughing fit.

“A 12A if you're lucky.” He snipes back, and James beams at him.

He nods, “Good enough for me.”

At home, Ryan’s collection of flowers is growing. He's still thinking of the conversation with James as he waves his hand almost lazily. The memories of it are strong, they usually are, especially with magic. He always feels calmest when surrounded by the tingles of it, the way an object will feel warm in his hand. The only thing that comes close is being sat in the coffee shop, browsing on his phone as conversation buzzes in the air around him. Maybe it makes sense then, that those two feelings combine into this.

The flower settles among the others, all of them the same stark white gardenias. He couldn’t help but enchant them, he doesn’t want them to wilt too soon. They sit in his office, on his desk. Each look the same as the others, no sign of ageing among them. Ryan knows it’s a risk, to keep something like that in his house but. He couldn’t resist. It makes the long nights of work at his computer a lot easier.

By Monday next week, Ryan’s flower collection has grown to five. Nobody else has joined him on his little trips yet, Geoff will still occasionally shoot him looks across the office. Otherwise, it’s fallen back into a schedule. Ryan’s been joined by both James and Elyse at his table. Every time he learns a new fact about the two it always warms his heart. They have a dog, which was the best he's found out so far. Oh, and that James is afraid of caving. That was a long discussion of James desperately trying to recover his dignity.

Surprisingly, he’s not seen any employees besides them yet, which he considers odd. They don’t seem to have a day off, always the same little lunch period. He would’ve assumed he’d have seen at least one of the fabled other workers. Even just in the background of the cafe, they seem nonexistent. Both Elyse and James have mentioned them on occasion, he doesn’t even know how many people work there. It’s almost suspicious.

Until Thursday that week. James had been sneezing on Wednesday, Elyse offering him sympathetic pats. Ryan even bought him a hot chocolate. From their own cafe. Elyse had laughed a lot. But, Thursday is the day that Ryan walks in and finds somebody other than Elyse or James at the counter. He’s chatting to another guy who’s leaning against the coffee machine, smiling and listening. Honestly, the forehead on the guy is pretty incredible. His face looks gentle as he laughs at something the other had just said, scrunching up as he leans forwards. It does remind Ryan slightly of James and Elyse - their dynamic.

“Um, hi?” Ryan approaches calmly, trying not to display his confusion at the sight of these two. The one by the coffee machine seems to jump, instead rushing to hide in the back room. The guy at the counter watches him go, rolls his eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“Nah, Matt’s just like that.” The guy waves his concern off, “What can I get you?” Ryan looks down to his hands, realises he hadn’t grabbed a diet coke can. He was too used to them already having it ready for him.

“Oh, sorry.” He steps back, goes to grab one from the fridge.

“Wait,” Ryan pauses, “Your name doesn’t happen to be Ryan, does it?” Ryan spins on his heel to face the guy, eyes wide to look at him. He’s got his hands up innocently, before moving to slide a can onto the counter. “They told me to save this for you.”

“Really?” Ryan only realises afterwards how desperate he sounded as he said it. The guy laughs again, a slight wheeze to the noise. It’s infectious, Ryan finds himself smiling too.

“God, all of you are a fucking mess.” The guy shakes his head, “I’m Bruce, the guy who used to do the weekend lunch shifts until they decided to take over to see you.” Ryan blinks, is about to say something but Bruce continues, “Anyway, James got worse so Elyse is keeping him home to look after him. They say sorry. Oh, and,” He gives him a piece of folded paper. “As far as you’re concerned, Matt gave it to you.”

Later, as Ryan is sat down drinking, he finds out the piece of paper has a phone number written on it. He can only guess who’s it might be.

SENT TO: [UNKNOWN NUMBER]

Hey, this is Ryan? The guy at the cafe gave me your number

RECEIVED FROM: [UNKNOWN NUMBER]

oh! i'm going to kick bruce’s ass!

this is elyse!!!

SENT TO: [UNKNOWN NUMBER]

He said to tell you it was from Matt.

RECEIVED FROM: [UNKNOWN NUMBER]

he would. he best be planning not to sleep tonight cause i’m planning a murder. it's nice to hear from you!

SENT TO: [UNKNOWN NUMBER]

And you! Also I'm going shopping and wanted to see if I could get you anything

RECEIVED FROM: [UNKNOWN NUMBER]

oh! that's really sweet! !!

gimme a moment!!

james said he wants the sweet embrace of death.

so some lemsip please.

SENT TO: [UNKNOWN NUMBER]

Coming right up!

RECEIVED FROM: [UNKNOWN NUMBER]

thank you!!! i’ll text you our address

SENT TO: [UNKNOWN ADDRESS]

You're welcome!

[SAVED CONTACT]

Ryan only waited outside the door for five minutes before ringing the bell. Personally, he thinks it's an accomplishment. And he still jumps at how loud the bell is. Maybe it’s just nerves, maybe it’s just how quiet it is, maybe it definitely is just nerves. He’s never even met these two outside of the cafe before and yet here he is. Outside their house. Waiting for someone to open the door. What does he even do if they invite him inside? Does he say yes, or no- what if they offer him a drink? Do he accept or should he just-

“Hey, nice to see you!” Elyse smiles at him. Her hair is pulled up into an untidy bun, strands escaping and Ryan can’t help but feel slightly amazed at how different she looks. He supposes seeing her in something other than her uniform is, new. Her tanktop and sweatpants are certainly different to what she wears in the cafe.

“I got the lemsip.” Ryan holds up the packet, smiling nervously. Elyse laughs, head leaning forward slightly and her hair falls into her face.

“Get in here, James’ll get jealous if I get to see you and he doesn’t.” She grabs him, pulls him inside to shut the door. It’s noticeably warmer inside, though there’s still mounds of blankets strewn around. Ryan finally notices the dog that had been looping itself around Elyse’s heels, and she laughs as she stumbles over him. “Benson!” Ryan can’t help but kneel down, hold his hand out for the dog and smile. Elyse steps to the side, smiling too.

“Who was at the door, ‘Lyse?” James’ voice calls out around the door. He sounds ill, voice cracking as he talks, low and creaky. He sounds breathless.

“A friend!”

“That's not fair! ‘Lyse!” He's practically whining as Elyse laughs, and Ryan can hear shuffling. Small steps move across the floor and finally, James appears. He's wrapped head to toe in a blanket, bundled in it snuggly. He's barely moving across the floor, sliding along towards them. When he sees Ryan, however, his face brightens and he stops, smiling widely.

“Got a guest.” Elyse waves at Ryan to come properly inside. He'd still been lingering in the doorway. He feels like a vampire, not allowed to do anything unless implicitly told.

“You got a Ryan!” James is bouncing on his heels, “I'd hug you, but,” He shrugs, blanket shifting over his shoulders. His cheeks are noticeably redder and his eyes look tired despite his excitement. Excitement which Ryan still feels awkward to be the cause of. Elyse laughs, pats them both on the shoulder as she walks ahead. Ryan is, really not sure when she took the lemsip from him.

“You two sit down, I'll get James a drink.” She waves them towards what Ryan assumes is the living room. “Rye brought lemsip for you!” The look James gives Ryan as he faces him again is nothing short of awestruck. A hand sticks out from beneath the blanket and circles Ryan's wrist, pulls him along.

It doesn't take long for Elyse to get back, but by then James has curled up on Ryan's side. At first, he'd been sat normally. Then he did something like a sigh crossed with a yawn (Ryan really isn't sure) and instead flopped onto his shoulder. He'd slid down a bit since, and his legs now took up most of the sofa whilst James lazily curled his arms around Ryan’s. When Elyse finally announced her arrival, Ryan had been so intently watching James that he jumped.

“Oh! I'm sorry!” Elyse puts the cup down on the end table, steam floating into the air above it. “He's cute, isn't he?”

“‘M ‘wake.” James murmurs, barely moving. She laughs as she shuffles James' legs up, sits beneath them before putting them on her lap.

“Sure you are.” She reaches over to pet his hair, the blanket having slipped down below his shoulders. James hums as she does, nuzzles back into her hand. “Anything you want to do, Ryan?”

He wasn't expecting the question, “Oh, um. Not really.”

She grins, picks up the controller from the end table on her side, “Perfect.” She turns to look more directly at him, “We're playing Layers of Fear.” And hell, even Ryan laughs at James’ pitiful whine.

It’s about three hours later, the sun has set outside the window and the room glows with the lamp next to them. They’d only just finished the game, Ryan stretching out his arms and checking his watch. He’s surprised when he notices it’s almost eleven already. Elyse is cheering next to him, James clapping as well. The two were a lot jumpier than Ryan, but hey, a few of those scares even jumped him.

“I need to get home.” He finally admits, and James turns to him with a sad look.

“But I dun’ wan’ you to go.” He lies across Ryan’s lap, making Ryan have to awkwardly hover his hands above him as he lowers them from his stretch. Elyse smiles, leans over to claim the spot James left on Ryan’s side.

“You’re welcome to stay. It is late.” She tells him, quietly. The room is very quiet, he realises. He can hear the ticking of a clock, the game still going through the menu sounds and the breathing of the couple lying on him.

“I have work tomorrow, I need to make sure I’m not going to miss anything and they’ll never let me live it down if I’m still in the same clothes.” He sighs, slowly peels himself away from the duo. It's practically impossible, with James strewn across him and refusing to relent. He's half asleep. Ryan feels really bad. “I can always see you tomorrow, if you still can’t come in.”

“I’m holding you to that, Ryan.” Elyse nods at him, helping him escape from James’ grasp. Once Ryan is stood up he just flops onto the sofa, lifelessly. Elyse smiles, leans down to kiss his forehead. “Bed in a bit, babe.” Ryan feels out of place, watching the interaction. He shouldn’t be there, he isn’t welcome. It feels so bizarrely foreign to him. He’s an intruder into their personal relationship, he’s crushing on a married couple, oh god- “Rye? You okay?”

“Oh, yeah, I’m fine!” He jolts back to life to Elyse’s concerned face. Her eyebrows are furrowed, head tilted as if purely concentrating on him will allow her to find what she wants. Ryan doesn’t know what she’s looking for.

“Okay, I can show you to the door.” She nods, leads the way there. Ryan doesn’t even try to protest.

At least he holds the mental breakdown off until he gets home.                  

He finds himself looking forward to the cafe trip the next day. Last night leaves him exhausted, actually debating if he should forgo the diet coke and just getting a straight up shot of whiskey and caffeine. Is that a thing that exists? He might try and find out. There’s probably a reason it wouldn’t. Multiple. But he is a desperate man and that calls for desperate measures.

Gavin stalks him to the cafe that day. He knows Elyse and James aren’t in, she’d already texted the time she expects him to arrive at their apartment and a choice of three games and has been sending him too many photos of general happenings in her life. Like Benson, then James, then Benson, then James again. He hates that it’s actually distracting him from work.

“So like, are they cute? What colour’s their hair? I’m going to find out eventually you really should just tell me.” And Gavin won’t shut up. “Like, we’re going to their cafe right now I’m literally about to meet them.”

“Gavin,” Ryan turns to him, to the wide eyes looking back up at him with a mischievous glint, “Shut the fuck up.” Gavin throws his head back with laughter as Ryan pushes open the door to the cafe. Gavin suddenly speeds up, overtaking Ryan. By the time Ryan steps inside, Gavin’s leaning on the counter, talking to another man that Ryan doesn't recognise.

“Oi! Ryan, he's bloody cute!” Gavin yells back at him and Ryan feels his cheeks go red. Somehow Ryan feels he's meant to expect this. He's more surprised he didn't realise than he is about Gavin doing it.

“I mean, thanks.” Ryan can hear the guy talk now he's closer, shrugging at the sight of Ryan. Ryan sighs as he approaches, makes it clear he has no part in this. “Are you the right Ryan?”

“Probably. Diet coke?” Ryan asks. The guy nods.

“Yep, and some cookies. She said it’s bribery, there’s more at the apartment.” He reaches under the counter, pulling out a plate with the promised cookies and coke. When Ryan touches the can, it’s cold.

Before he’s able to ask, Gavin butts in, “You have a fridge under there?!” He sounds genuinely surprised, leaning underneath to try his best to see. The guy steps back to let Gavin look with an amused smile. “It is! Rye-bread, we gotta get this! Do you think I can persuade Burnie to give me one for my desk! We have guys that could make that, right?!”

“I work in the computer department, Gavin. Place your order.” Gavin cackles, then proceeds to place the most convoluted order for a coffee Ryan's ever heard.

By the time they're sitting down, Ryan can already see the questions burning on Gavin’s tongue. He's been vibrating, barely able to stay still as Adam (as he introduced himself) sorts out Gavin’s order. So Ryan sits down, and Gavin is already in his face.

“So, who's this ‘she’?” He's smirking like a fox that's found a lamb, legs kicking beneath the table and tapping Ryan's.

“A friend.” Ryan sighs, resigns himself to fate.

“A friend whose apartment you go to?” Gavin asks, teasingly, “Saves food for you? Who apparently tells other employees about you?”

“Yes. A friend.” It's at that moment Ryan's phone buzzes in his pocket. He takes it out, smiles at another picture of Benson lying on top of James, the two sound asleep. Then looks up at Gavin, looking obviously over his shoulder.

“Who's that?” He asks, legitimately curious. Another text comes through, a quick, ‘if my cookies weren't enough then maybe this'll persuade u’ and then Gavin’s eyes widen, realisation soaring through his head. “It's from her!”

“Yeah.” Ryan sighs out. Gavin is still staring at the phone screen, watching Ryan send a message back.

“Who's the bloke, then?”

“Her husband.” Ryan replies, far calmer than he feels.

“Her fucking what?!” Gavin’s blinking owlishly at him, confusion written across his face. Ryan nods and Gavin’s stare doesn't let up. “She's married?!”

“Yep.” Gavin blinks again, hands gesture but no words seem to be coming out. He finally gives up, slumps back in his seat. Taps the table twice, then reaches for his drink. He then splutters when it burns his mouth, holds his hand to try and cover it as Ryan laughs.

“Don’t you laugh Mr. ‘got a crush on a married woman’!” Gavin hisses, has at least enough human decency to lower his voice so the entire cafe doesn’t hear.

“And her husband.”

“And her- what the fuck are you getting yourself into, Rye-bread?” Gavin shakes his head. Ryan mimics the action.

“Gavin,” He raises his can, “I wish I knew.” And he drinks.

Ryan is still strangely thankful for Elyse’s bizarre ability to not have any self-consciousness whatsoever. It seems almost as if she’s thrown all ideas of self-preservation to the wind. From the moment the door opens, he's being dragged out into the hall and onwards to the living room. She shushes him as they approach, steps become lighter until she's grinning, stepping out into the room and stopping.

James looks adorable. His hair's mussed up by where he's resting on it, fingers entwined with the locks. There's the smallest of smiles on his lips and Ryan can just see his too big shirt before it's hidden by the blankets. He looks strangely angelic, sound asleep. Elyse looks at him as if he's her world (and Ryan knows he's seen him with the same look.)

“I don't know if I want to wake him.” She whispers, turns to look at Ryan instead. Her body stays tilted towards James.

“He'll probably get annoyed if you don't.” Ryan says, calmly hinting at that possibility. She huffs, folds her arms.

“He's just, so stressed lately. It's good to see him relax.” She shakes her head, “It's really no surprise he's gotten ill."

“Oh, is something wrong?” Ryan notices how she's looked back to James now. Her eyes are squinted. Thinking.

“Money, mostly. You aren't here to listen to the Willemses worry hour, though.” She smiles once more, and Ryan hates that now he's seen it - he can still recognise that sad sparkle in her eyes. “We've got games to play-” There's a loud padding of paws, “- And Bensons to pet!”

In that bizarre way that dogs know exactly what they shouldn't do, Benson leaps onto James, settling to lie down on his chest as James groans. He brings one of his arms up to cover his eyes, dragging them across his face.

“Fuckin’, alarm clock.” He groans again, “Hey, Benny.” Moves his arm slightly to smile at the bundle of fur, Benson eagerly looking and waiting until James’ hand finally comes up to scratch behind his ear. Ryan doesn't need to see his face to imagine the lazy smile on it.

“Nice to see you're awake.” Elyse teases, her voice soft.

James hums, “Thanks-” He tilts his head back, “Oh, hey Rye. You came back.”

“Indeed.” Ryan nods. James scoffs.

“Fucking, ‘indeed’, you're so dumb it's cute.” He follows the statement with a huff, circles his arms around Benson. “We're playing Outlast.” There's a pause.

“Oh, yeah, sit down, I'll hook it all up!” Elyse suddenly moves, pushes Ryan towards the sofa, as she heads to the television. Ryan wonders if her cheeks look red because of the orange lighting or not.

One Outlast game turns into two, James occasionally stealing the controller because ‘he can do this bit’, only to fail, and inevitably die. Or he forces Elyse to take the controller, and she inevitably dies too. It's six hours by the time Ryan checks a clock and feels his stomach drop. Elyse follows his eyes.

“Okay yeah, you're not leaving. Did you eat dinner?” She says, standing and letting James fall on top of Ryan. Ryan tries to think back.

Finally, he shakes his head, “No, I don’t think I did.” She stares at him for a moment before rolling her eyes, stands to walk to the kitchen without giving Ryan anytime to protest.

“You good with pasta?” She calls, back over her shoulder. When Ryan replies with an affirmative she laughs, “Great, ‘cause that’s the only thing James can eat right now.” And he joins her laughter when James makes a small cheer from his lap.

He ends up managing to escape James’ clutches to help Elyse the little he can. She's like a machine, twisting and working methodically and precisely. Ryan just passes her the occasional thing, James calling out where the objects are actually located. Their kitchen feels like a maze. He supposes most do until you learn how to use them. He’s left leaning on the counter as Elyse stands by the pan of pasta, singing some song that Ryan doesn’t recognise but James attempts to join in with. He smiles, looking between the two. Just watching. When a dramatic part of the song comes, James lifts his arms up, as if to make up for the fact he can’t actually sing right now. It’s more like, tuned screeching. If autotune went wrong.

This leads to Elyse putting music on from her phone. Ryan still doesn’t sing along, mostly smiles and laughs as Elyse leans back against him, singing words he struggles to distinguish. She waves the spoon in her hand like an extension of herself - taps Ryan on the nose with it before frowning, putting it in the sink and getting a new one. James cackles.

Ryan shouldn't be surprised by how well Elyse cooks, but he is. She makes a simple sauce for the two of them, James only getting plain pasta to eat. They eat on the sofa, bowls on their laps, chatting about whatever it is they thought of. Elyse’s feet are barely on the edge of the sofa, hanging off the edge while James is leaning on Ryan's side.

“Do I have to feed you like a baby?” Elyse scolds when she notices James not eating. He frowns at her.

“Yes.” She instead chooses to reach across Ryan and whack the back of his head.

“Eat your fucking food.” She tells him, sitting back comfortably. James is pouting, but he obeys anyway. (And Ryan is glad, because he didn't enchant the pasta with healing properties for nothing.)

Three empty bowls of food, a sofa bed that surprised Ryan with its existence (Elyse mentioned Ryan isn't the first to stay too late, and Ryan ignored the jealous feeling in his gut) and a stack of blankets, leads to the morning light slowly filling the apartment. He wakes up to Benson. Benson and Elyse’s yelling.

“No, let him sleep! Benny!” is the only warning before there's a lump on his chest, paws around his neck and forcing the air out of him. “Oh, Ryan, I'm sorry!”

“It's-” He has to pause, let Benson lick at his chin, “Fine!” He tries to smiles but gets assaulted more by Benson’s tongue, reaching to fuss the back of his neck. Somehow, he manages to hear Elyse sitting down in the armchair. Then Benson takes to opportunity to stand again, over the top of Ryan as he tries to reach Elyse. Ryan has the perfect view of his belly.

“I was hoping to let you sleep in, James is still asleep too.” She says, smiling. Ryan knows she's leant over just managing to reach Benson’s head.

“What time is it?” He asks, not actually able to tell. His phone is on the coffee table, and he can't persuade his body to reach and get it.

“Just past ten.”

“Huh.” That's the latest he's slept in for a while. For a bit, he just enjoys his surroundings. The light morning sun, the warmth of being under the blankets, the sound of Benson’s tail wagging and his happy pants. He realises, absently, he can smell something sweet, fresh baking. He sits up a tiny bit, stuck underneath the giant furry body.

“Oh, yeah, I'm cooking some stuff to take into the cafe. Sorry about the smell.” He turns and can just see Elyse looking back at him.

“It smells good.” He lays back down properly, sighs.

“You can go back to sleep if you want? I can get Benson to move.”

“No, I'm awake now.” He considers how to get up and shakes his head, “I'll still take you up on the Benson moving, though.”

“Oh, of course!” There's shuffling, and when she calls Benson’s name, he jumps off Ryan (stepping directly on his chest) and then Ryan's finally free to sit up. It does take him a moment to stop feeling so winded, though. The blankets are kept firmly around him.

Now he's able to see her, he fully observes Elyse. Her hair is pulled up into a messy bun, a lazy smile on her lips as she whispers praises to Benson. The tank top she wears is loose, obviously her pyjamas still. He really can't help but smile at the sight. Maybe he doesn't need the blankets, he feels warm enough already.

“I can do pancakes or something for breakfast? I'll be heading to the cafe soon, though, once all of this is done.” She motions at her oven, where Ryan can just make out the rising cakes in its window.

“Is James any better, then?” Ryan asks, genuinely curious. Mostly for James’ well-being, but also having not tried a healing spell (even just free hand magic) for a while - he's curious.

He notices how Elyse’s eyes look to where he assumes the bedroom door is before speaking, “His temperature was down, so I hope so.  Won't know until he wakes up, though.”

“Is he safe at home?” Ryan asks, before immediately realising how dumb that sounds. Elyse’s following giggle is a testament to that.

“We've lived here awhile, I'm sure he knows his way around.” She teases, then she stands, starts walking to the kitchen just as the buzzer goes off. “One batch, the rest will be half an hourish.” She says, as she's taking the tray out, putting it on the side next to a cooling rack. Ryan watches as she takes each of the cakes off, the oven mitts not hindering her once.

“They look nice.” Ryan offers, and she gives him a warm smile.

“I'd hope so. I just don't want Matt to stress himself out too much with baking.” She shakes her head, “He's awful sometimes. Literally sneaks into work on his days off.” Ryan thinks of Lindsay, how late she stays to make sure everything's done, and smiles.

“Yeah, I know someone a bit like that.” He says, and Elyse puts the last cake on the rack, turns to look at Ryan.

“I think we all do.”

He ends up following Elyse to the cafe, since she can't carry all the boxes without multiple trips and James is still asleep. Neither had the heart to wake him. There's a strange awkwardness to being in her car. The feeling like he can't relax, he's not supposed to be there. Elyse lets the conversation lapse during the journey - focuses mostly on the road. She'll still smile at Ryan whenever they stop, and he'll still smile back. It's only a short drive, but by the end of it, he's almost melting into the seat.

“Come on, out you hop.” Elyse taps him. Ryan didn't realise he'd drifted off, she's already halfway out the door. He steps out, mourns the pleasant air of the car. He steps to the boot with Elyse, helps take three boxes as Elyse carries two. She's parked a little way away from the back entrance, so it's a short walk but a walk nonetheless. How Ryan makes it without tripping, he will never know.

The door's open, with the smell of fresh bakes drifting out. Elyse enters first, probably so she doesn't scare the volatile baker that is Matt.

“Hey, present!” Elyse calls, and maybe she could've kicked the door open a little less violently. Ryan's pretty sure he got Elyse’s intentions reversed.

What is surprising, Ryan notices as he enters, is how the guy doesn't seem to have reacted. It's definitely Matt, Ryan remembers the smaller figure (not as short as Jeremy) and the slight wildness to his hair. Also the very impressive looking beard.

“They're for the store, right?” Matt asks, doesn't look up from his mixing. There's an electric one next to him, Ryan wonders if it's broken. He feels a draw to it.

“Yep. Six batches.” Elyse answers.

Matt finally turns, “Six? But you've only- Oh.” He blinks up at Ryan, nods his head as he turns back again. Elyse laughs, places her boxes on the counter to go pat Matt's head.

“Matt, this is Ryan. Ryan, this is Matt.” Elyse introduces, her hand gesturing to them both as needed. Matt turns slightly to Ryan again, does his best to meet his eyes.

“It's, nice to meet you.” He nods, turns back around. Elyse smiles, steps away from him.

“Just put the boxes down on the table, I'm going to see whoever’s on the counter.” She tells Ryan, walking out through the door. Ryan puts them down and feels the dread settle in his stomach. Does he follow her? He doesn't actually know, hovers around the boxes and shifts his weight nervously. Eventually, he shuffles over to the mixer, starts trying to work it out.

“Is it not working?” He asks, as he taps the backing. Matt glances over, curious.

“Yeah. It's not worked for awhile.” He answers, looking back away as quickly as he can manage. Ryan hums, taps it again.

“Do you know if there's a screwdriver around?” He then asks, looking up to see where his curls hide his face. They shift, instead being brown eyes that widen when they make contact, break away just as fast.

“I think so.” A pause, “On the back shelves?” He checks the shelves, and Ryan doesn't look long enough to see Matt's reaction. Instead, he wanders over, searches through each shelf until he catches the glint of metal.

It's a surprisingly easy fix, actually. A nice break from ‘can you turn it on and off again’. The back casing was coming loose, and once it was screwed back Ryan gave it a tentative press and tried his best to not jump when it whirred to life.

Matt looks just as confused as Ryan looks surprised. His hands have finally stilled to a stop, the first time since Ryan's actually entered the room.

“Did it, just?” He sounds completely bewildered by this situation. Standing next to Ryan and pressing it on, doesn’t flinch when it actually activates. After that, he just seems speechless and Elyse walks in to find two guys staring at a mixer as if Jesus himself just came back down from heaven and turned whatever was in the bowl to wine. She raises an eyebrow, folds her arms and tilts her head to try and see around them. Frankly, she decides men are strange, strange creatures.

“I’m glad you two found a common interest.” Is how she finally reintroduces herself, making both Matt and Ryan jump, spin to look at her.

“He made it work.” Matt says, a little dumbfounded. He points at the machine. Ryan realises now, the tiredness to his voice, as if he never fully woke up to begin with. He highly doubts now is the best time to start analysing people, however.

“Oh, really? How’d you do that.” She steps between them, looking the machine over too. She nods at the press of the button, satisfied for herself that it’s true.

“Some of the stuff was loose, I just had to tighten it.” Ryan shrugs, putting the screwdriver back where he found it. Elyse hums, thoughtfully before deciding to nod.

“I knew having a pet IT guy would be smart.” She declares.

At the same time Ryan makes an annoyed noise, Matt says, “Don't both Bruce and Lawrence have a degree in computer stuff?” And Elyse lights up in glee.

It turns out, Matt is an okay person. Not that Ryan expected any less of her friends. He's quiet, doesn't talk too much, but often speaks good advice, even good jokes that Ryan doesn't expect. He's a little gem of a guy, really. Ryan feels sort of sad when they have to leave. That's not before he charms as many of the things in there he can, however. Even the mixer, he casts a small unbreaking protection on it. There's plenty of herbs he ‘borrows’ from their cooking. Maybe this is a dark hole - after so long without using magic he's started again and now this is his downwards spiral. All because of a pretty couple with wonderful personalities who are willing to spend time with him. The bliss he feels on the way back, in the car with Elyse, is unrivalled.

And of course, it can't last.

They've only just got in. Elyse has gone to check on James, whilst Ryan migrates to his phone. He'd had to leave it on charge, it was close to dying and Elyse lent him a spare charger. When he turns it on, there's a cacophony of rings and vibrations, and he only has to read the previews for his heart to drop.

“Elyse, I need to go.” He looks up, tries to catch her before she enters the bedroom. She pauses, seems surprised.

“Something's come up?” She asks, her head tilted and eyes squinted with a sense of urgency.

“Yeah.” He answers, doesn't elaborate more. He types a message back, checking he has everything. “I'll return James’ clothes.” He adds because he'd forgotten he borrowed them.

“There's no rush, I'll tell James you've gone.” She waves, and Ryan barely manages a wave back before he rushes out the door.

SENT TO: THE BRIT

I'm on my way.

The sun is at its brightest when Ryan arrives at Gavin's apartment. The door opens as Ryan reaches the top of the stairs, an incredibly frazzled Gavin stood behind it. He's bouncing on his heels, looking at Ryan with an urgent look. The moment Ryan gets inside, the door is slammed shut and locked.

“Ryan, please promise me that anything that's said doesn't go out the room.” Gavin opens with. He doesn't sit down, walks further into the apartment and paces. His gesturing is frantic, head tilted down. Ryan watches from the door.

“Within reason, I promise.” Ryan knows he'd do almost anything for Gavin but there are some things you can't promise.

“What do you define as reason?”

“Probably nothing too illegal-”

Gavin interrupts, “Ah.”

“Gavin, what did you do?” Ryan steps up to him, keeps him in place from his pacing. Gavin stills, and Ryan can see the clear fear in his eyes.

“I didn't do anything!” He exclaims, “I can't help what I'm born with!” And then it clicks, and Ryan's thoughts halt.

“Magic?” He keeps his tone neutral, and watches as Gavin visibly breaks down. He slumps, falls against Ryan's hands in a way so unlike Gavin it has Ryan reeling for a moment.

“Yeah.” Gavin nods, sighs. “I'm not documented here, Ryan, I can't go back to that place.” Ryan knows what that place must be, but he knows not to say the word.

“Why would you?” Ryan asks, softly. Something about Gavin being magical doesn't surprise him. The way he acts, behaves- even thinks. He knows that it’s different in the UK. They get to live freely until their teens. It makes sense, now he fully understands. The middle piece of a puzzle that gives away what it is.

“The inspectors are coming. I don't know what places they're coming to first but they're coming here.” Gavin whispers, quiet and nervous.

“Where is here, Gavin?” Ryan tries the slow approach, he needs this information just as much as Gavin does.

“Everywhere! Here, this state!” He takes a breath, shuts his eyes before continuing, voice slower, “They’re inspecting businesses around the state - that means our's, Ryan.”

“But if you’ve not done any magic, they’re hardly going to trace it on you.” Ryan reassures. Gavin’s lips go into a thin line.

“I’m always doing magic, it’s instinctive. I don’t know how to stop.” He huffs, “I should leave the state, that’s the only thing I can do. I’ll be sick. I will make myself sick for this, I will.” Ryan places his hands onto Gavin’s shoulders, sighs and pulls him close, against his chest. Gavin almost melts into him, clutches at the back of Ryan’s shirt as he starts shaking.

“I’ve made it this far, you’ll be fine.”

“You’ve bloody-” Gavin cuts off, chokes on a sob, “Of course you- have to one up me in everything huh.”

Ryan shakes his head, “No one-upping here.” He promises, because this time he can, “Just reassurances.”

Ryan sits next to Gavin, reading the warning email through repeatedly. It’s a warning issued at their work - and Ryan knows that the company is surprisingly magic positive in the current climate of affairs. They’re not outspoken about it, but he hears of papers that have gone missing, employees mysteriously vanishing and the arrest warrant out for them the next day. It’s never been obvious, no. But he knows it’s there. Maybe that’s why he’s been so content to work there. It’s almost a safe haven for him, even if they don’t know it.

He imagines how they’re going through now, deleting and hiding records, preparing to hide out. Ryan encouraged Gavin to reach out, especially to Burnie and then he promised to sit and wait with him until he gets a response. They don’t wait too long, all things considered, but to the two of them, it feels like an eternity. It’s really only an hour or so, and Ryan can tell the email came through because Gavin’s phone pings and then it all goes silent.

“I don’t want to read it, Ryan.” Gavin admits, passing the phone to him. Ryan looks at it, switches the screen on and continues to look at it. The notification sits there, almost tauntingly. Daring Ryan to deliver bad news to Gavin.

It isn't bad news, of course. Gavin is Burnie’s golden boy, practically Geoff's son - how he ever imagined the two would betray him is beyond Ryan. Gavin tears up as Ryan reads it out for him, clutching onto his arm. Ryan doesn't know if there's a lot of precautions on there because if it, or if Gavin is quite a special case. Either way, he sets to helping Gavin packs bags.

Sunday is the first day he misses going to the cafe since he started going.

Monday back at work is, odd. There's a tense energy to the air, even though there's no sign of any inspectors. It feels even more out of place when Lindsay stalks to his desk with her usual playful attitude.

“Since I told you about my crush on Babs, you need to tell me about yours.” It was, admittedly, not the greeting Ryan expected. He got to a point in his work that he could stop, look at her.

“I don't believe you have told me about this crush.” Ryan points out. She grins, leans back in her seat in what Ryan thinks might be an attempt at a show of power. Maybe.

“Well, I have a crush on the cute model Barbara who helps run our social media accounts,” Lindsay says, without hesitation, “Now spill.” Ryan groans because he really can't say no to that. Elyse had sent him texts yesterday to say that they'd be back in today, so he wonders if a show might be better than a tell. Also, he's had the feeling that something has been off since he didn't visit - breaking a schedule always does that to him. He was just tired from all the packing, and did not want to deal with one of the couple's notorious friends. He spent most of the day in bed.

“What time is it?” Ryan asks, and Lindsay gives him an unimpressed look.

“Nearly eleven, stop avoiding the question.” Ryan really does feel her stare could melt through his soul.

“Come with me at lunch.” He tells her, and she grins.

Lindsay is a lot more amicable company than Gavin was. She doesn't take that much, and when they do it's mostly about the pains she's having trying to arrange all the models. Especially with so many mysteriously missing.

(“Well,” She’d commented, “No reason to be a hypocrite.”)

The topic stays mostly work related, surprisingly. Ryan shares some of his frustrations over trying to create their new network, something that had been occupying his time for the past month - among fixing everything else that broke. He’s beginning to schedule a weekend to come into the office and switch everything onto the new network, since it’s usually not as busy. People complain enough when they lose their computer an hour - never mind how long it would take to get everything set up and working.

By the time Ryan got to the cafe, he was completely ready to continue his venting session with her. It had been awhile since he’d gotten one, and they were something he appreciated immensely.

He gets to the cafe, and there’s nobody inside, and a notice on the door.

“I’m supposing this is unusual.” Lindsay says, and it’s obviously not a question. Ryan chews at his lip, taking long strides to reach the door. Lindsay follows, slightly more rushed behind him. He reads the notice, and then wishes he hadn’t. “Closed due to suspicions of…” Lindsay trails off, looks at Ryan, “Ryan? Did you know about this?”

Admittedly, Ryan isn’t listening. His phone is in his hands, texting frantically and panicked. Lindsay lets the anger flee from her body, seeing how genuinely panicked he seems to look.

“I’m going to their house.” Ryan announces as he turns away. Lindsay narrows her eyes, follows behind him, with a bit of a struggle.

“I’m coming too.” She says, and Ryan finally looks at her.

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.” She stands in front of him, blocks his way on the sidewalk. Ryan drops the phone down above his chest, and she folds her arms.

“No.” He pushes her to the side, and she rolls her eyes and continues to follow.

“Ryan, as your friend, I’m going to come and help you out with this. I wasn’t kidding when I said I wanted to meet them, and I’m still not kidding about wanting to help, no matter what.” When this doesn’t get a reaction, she continues, “And as your superior, I can authorise you the time off work.”

Ryan lets her follow.

They end up in his car, as Lindsay doesn’t know the way, doesn’t trust Ryan in hers, and neither of them want to struggle with directions. All of these Lindsay makes sure are vocalised, very loudly. He paces the entire time she’s inside sorting out things with their superiors. There’s such a feeling of dread in his stomach, the weighted guilt of what he did, the consequences he might have caused. Helping with the clean up is the least he can do.

“Ryan, we’re going.” Lindsay calls for him, and he’s able to stop his worries for just a little while.

The drive is silent, as is the walk to the house. Ringing the doorbell sounds too, too loud.

“What do you want?” The words are bristle in James’ mouth, before he even opens the door. Then he sees just an inch of James’ face, how his eyes widen then soften, and he opens the door all the way. “Sorry, didn’t realise it was you.”

“It’s no problem.” Ryan brushes him off. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see Lindsay’s brain working, analysing, in that way she does. Comes from so much detailed scheduling, he supposes.

“Why are you here?” James says, and something in his voice hints Ryan into the fact that he probably already knows.

“The cafe was closed.” Ryan says slowly. James opens his mouth to reply, but Ryan cuts in, “And Elyse wasn’t replying to her texts.”

James looks like he’s been struck.

“Shit,” Lindsay whispers, “It was her, wasn’t it?”

James takes a deep breath, and stands to the side of the door, “I think you should come in.”

There are people inside that Ryan has and hasn’t met yet. A man with dark black hair and glasses who’s pacing the floor, dressed in a rumpled button-up as if he’d slept in it. Another has dark curls, sat on a kitchen counter with an empty glass in hand. The last one he doesn’t recognise is mostly hidden by a red cap, curled up on the sofa next to Adam. Matt’s curled up in an empty armchair, and stares at the floor. He’s the only one who doesn’t react when the trio walks back in.

“Much better than those bastards.” Bruce mutters.

“Unless you are in fact here to try and arrest us, in which case, fuck you.” Adam holds his hand up as he speaks. James sighs, shaking his head and collapsing onto the sofa, Adam moving slightly over so he can.

“This is a mess.” He holds his head in his hands, and Bruce circles around his back, James falling into his side.

“Just a bit.” The non-curly black haired stands over James almost protectively, eyes flicking up to Ryan and Lindsay stood at the doorway. James groans, sinks even further into his own lap. He notices how the capped one uncurls, instead goes over to Matt, leans to hug him over the top of the chair.

“What are we supposed to do?” The curly haired one exclaims, slides off the counter and places the glass down with so much anger Ryan’s afraid for a moment it breaks.

“How should we know?!” The other black haired one shouts back, and this is when Lindsay steps forward. Ryan can feel the tension in the room, the rising anger and readiness to get rid of it.

“What happened.” Lindsay says, a command, and Ryan knows her tone all too well. She uses it when the models are getting frustrated, after long days of shooting, eating little and cramping muscles. When somebody is getting too far into their own head and on the brink of an imminent meltdown. Oh, Ryan knows the tone. There’s silence, nobody seems to want to speak, to make it reality once more. James is the one who finally breaks the silence.

“They found magic in the cafe.” He says, sadly, and Ryan once again feels sickening guilt, “Elyse took the fall for us.”

“They took her to,” Lindsay cuts off, chokes on her words and steps backwards. She looks to Ryan with a new determination in her eyes, and Ryan wonders how much he really knows about her. About anyone. “We’re getting her out.”

“Yeah, but how?” Bruce waves his arms, frustrated, “You act like that’s not what we want to do.”

“I’ve got people out before, I can do it again.” Lindsay opens her phone, Ryan can see her making a note. “Does she actually have magic?” She asks, finger poised over the screen.

“Yeah but, she wasn’t the one to cast it in the cafe.” James says.

“It was me.” Ryan mutters, before he can help himself. A silence follows, before an explosion of yelling and it takes Lindsay clapping as loud as she can to shut everyone up again.

“Ryan, what the fuck?” She hisses at him, and Ryan shakes his head.

“I hadn’t done magic in so long and I just, started to do it again and- yeah.” He shakes his head, “I’m sorry. I should’ve known better.”

“I can’t even be bothered to be angry.” James sighs. He’s sat up again, still tucked against Bruce. “You couldn’t’ve known it was going to- ugh, this is so fucking dumb.”

“Right, okay. Ryan can you call Gavin, I need him to fabricate some records.” Lindsay instructs, and man, she’s a mystery.

Over the course of the next day or so, Ryan learns a lot more about James’ friends. More than he’d really like to know. The black haired one is Lawrence, the one with curls is Joel, and the last piece of the puzzle is Sean - or Spoole, as Ryan’s heard thrown around. They remind Ryan of his friends, he realises.

The plan is this:

Gavin and Lawrence know how to fabricate the files (Ryan doesn’t ask how), they simply need people to create a distraction at the doorway, and then someone else needs to sneak in. Ryan offers himself up, since if anyone deserves really to get caught, it's him.

What happens is this:

Geoff and Bruce are at the door, the two talking to the guards under the guise of wanting an interview. Of course, Geoff in his position is actually able to ask this. They’re at the local Institution, where James knows Elyse is currently being kept. With the help of Lindsay and Barbara (because how better a way to hook them up than a dangerous stunt that could potentially get them all imprisoned for life?) they’ve managed to occupy the attention of every guard at the entrance.

All the spells on Ryan feel like a blanket. Invisibility, cast by himself, a ward against magic detection provided by Matt (who’d smiled sheepishly when he did it), multiple sigils provided by both Geoff and Barbara, his arms decorated in pen. James had offered a simple blessing, Lawrence his help with making cameras mysteriously ‘malfunction’. Ryan felt legitimately protected from outside forces.

He plasters himself to a doorway as a group of employees walk past, chatting cheerfully amongst themselves. He lets out a sigh once they’re passed, looks back at his hand, the shimmery map that Barbara copied and Lindsay provided. She’d worked there once, she told him. She’d regretted it ever since. The room he needs should be-

He pushes the door opens, startles at the guard stationed inside. With a swift wave of his hand, the guard drops, sound asleep. Ryan takes a breath, and then almost too late notices the other people in the room.

He practically throws the spells at them in his hurry, feels the sting of electricity through his body, a second too late to block it. He tries his best to harness it into the magic instead, but it still hurts, leaves him feeling slightly dazed. When he manages to stumble back up from his knees, there’s nobody conscious left in the room.

Computers line the walls, one with cameras on it, another few with timed out screens. He channels the tricks Lawrence taught him to search out specific data, leading him to one of the computers. He sticks the memory stick in, allows Lawrence to work his magic in their network, knows Gavin is standing over his shoulder too. The blue light on the stick makes him smile, watching the screen work itself is even more satisfying. He gets to searching the paper files, the stack of paper labelled ‘in’ his first mission. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as finding data. He does wonder if the spell could be repurposed for non-digital aspects, however. It’s an interesting thing to think about as he searches through the papers, until he sees Elyse’s face and stops.

Even in the picture, she looks defeated.

Tired, exhausted, shoulders slumped and eyes empty. Ryan can’t look at the picture, instead turns his attention to the test results, sets to altering and changing them as the same results change on the computer. He tries not to think of the others stuck here, shuts his eyes tightly, lifts the last few letters off the page as he replaces them. He takes out the memory stick, puts it back in his pocket and there’s no sign of him ever being there. As he walks out, he reaches to the CCTV desk, picks up a bit extra for himself.

He opens the door into another guard and a punch. He gets thrown to the side, swears he heard his nose crack and blood begins to drip down his face. He knows blood magic is a stupid thing to do, but when he holds his hand up, wipes some of it off, the magic almost seeps off him, blood glowing bright. He’s sure it can be seen past the invisibility. The air crackles with the simple sleep spell, and Ryan smirks, nods his head at the unconscious body. The blood’s glow fades, which is good, because it would be difficult to sneak back out of reception with that still on his hand.

As he leaves, he engulfs the entire building in an amnesia spell, just for the past few minutes. The papers are exactly how he left it, the room perfectly intact and what he took replaced. He leaves the building just as silently as how he entered.

SENT TO: THE BRIT

Can you do something for me?

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES

Shes out

It’s been a week, and Ryan is amazed at how little his life has changed. The energy in the air has altered, instead holds an excitement, nervousness but so, so much excitement. Lindsay’s been bouncing since her first date with Barbara, which she told Ryan about in full detail, from start to finish, twice. Gavin’s been in and out of work, keeping on the down low for a little bit. Due to the whole spectacle of well, that, they had to temporarily hold off the inspections. Then due to everything else, they’d had to suspend them.

Ryan reads another news article about the mysterious video that appeared on the internet and blew up overnight. Nobody had been able to trace it, the warning ‘this footage may be unsettling for some viewers’ has been used as the title for the article itself. Ryan thinks that’s quite clever, actually.

Lindsay had mentioned to him that she had some new models scheduled in for the day, and that he might be needed to help get tech set up. Even Gavin had made a rare appearance, more excited to do the shoot than Ryan thinks he’s ever seen him.

(“They’re bloody gorgeous, Ryan!” He exclaimed, “Wait til you see ‘em!”)

So, at his scheduled time, he finds himself making the trek from their IT department over to the actual modelling building. It’s not that long a walk but Ryan is surprisingly tired. He signs in at the doors of the building, waving his ID card over the scanners and sees Geoff already waiting for him. He’s smiling, and Ryan can’t help but feel suspicious.

“You ready to set up some technology?” He greets, throws an arm around Ryan’s shoulders. Ryan shrugs him off with narrowed eyes.

“You seem too happy about this.”

“It’s been a good day, the government and its treatment of magic holders are being called into question, the reason is stood next to me, what else could a man want?” Ryan glares.

“A lot of things. We’ve still got a long way to go.” He says, walking ahead. Geoff walks alongside him, still beaming.

“But, we’ve had a start. And I’m sure more footage could mysteriously appear.” Geoff walks ahead this time and Ryan follows behind through the doorway.

“I’m sure it could.” He mutters, shoulders past Geoff once more. His laugh follows him as he walks.

Ryan’s halfway through checking the wiring when Gavin’s at his back, arms on top of him and Ryan sighs, knows he won’t get anything else done. When he turns to make eye contact he sees Gavin’s bright eyes. He thinks back to the conversation they had about the footage. Ryan had asked a lot of him, and Gavin had delivered.

“They’re here!” Gavin exclaims, pulling Ryan up to his feet. He goes, follows Gavin along the same way a parent does a toddler. He gets to the front of the sets and freezes.

Elyse and James do too.

“You should go and see them, you know.” Lindsay had told him, sat on Ryan’s sofa and playing a game on her phone. Ryan puts his own phone back down on the table, only to pick it up when another text immediately comes through.

“Mm.” He nods, absently, putting the phone in his lap this time. Lindsay gives him an impressively unimpressed stare.

“I managed to get a date with Barbara before I’ve even seen both your crushes.” She reminds him, “I feel an imbalance in the force.”

“Weren’t you supposed to be getting ready for that date?” He mutters, doesn’t even bother to look up at her. She’d just shaken her head, let him live in his ignorance.

Besides, she’d meet her soon enough.

Ryan barely manages to catch Elyse as she throws herself into his arms. James joins her seconds later, a storm of feet and then a second warm weight against his body. He rests his head on her’s, listens to her overjoyed laughter - to James’.

“What are you doing here?” Ryan whispers, pulling them back but keeping hold of her, like she might vanish with her straightened blonde hair, wide grin and glittering eyes. He can see the bruise on her cheek, the cut on her neck, and thinks she looks beautiful.

“Geoff gave us that card, told us to call him if we ever wanted work.” She admits, falls forward and rests her forehead on Ryan’s chest, “I called him.”

“We need something to tide us through before we can reopen the cafe.” James expands, because that’s something they still haven't managed. There’s a lot of legal work, but Ryan has no doubt that there’s someone in the company helping them.

They fall back into silence, looking at each other with wide smiles. Elyse finally sighs, lies her entire body against Ryan’s.

“I forgive you.” She tells him, “Not that there was anything to forgive.”

“And I’m glad for it.” Ryan whispers back, brushes her hair back out of her face.

“Careful with that,” James warns, “I think Ashley might kill us if we mess it up anymore.”

“It’s fine, Ashley likes me.” Ryan tells them, and both of them laugh. James shuffles in beside Elyse, holds the two of them as tightly as he can manage. Ryan basks in the warmth, under the bright LED lights in the building, the artificial sets and the all too real people embracing him, being embraced by him.

“Not as much as us.” James says, and Ryan feels his heart momentarily stop. “Yes, that means what you think.”

“We want to take you out on a date.” Elyse continues, “And hug and kiss and cuddle and whatever the fuck it is me and James do that makes us a couple.”

“We want to do it with you.” James finishes. Ryan can’t help his laugh, startled and sudden and so overjoyed. “If you’ll have us, I mean-”

“I should be the one saying that.” Ryan interrupts, shakes his head. James looks up at him, before pulling Ryan forward, pausing until he nods, and then kisses him. If Ryan could feel heaven, it may be this moment. Both of them work in unison, James’ lips are slightly chapped, and Ryan instinctively wants to reach up, pull him until there’s no space left between their bodies. They move away at Elyse’s annoyed squeak.

“I wanted to do that first!” She complains, before dragging Ryan down to her level to have her turn. Her lips are just as chapped as James’, Ryan knows she tends to chew them when she’s nervous. Her hand is soft against his skin, a few strands of her hair tickling Ryan's face, and yet she’s perfect all the same.

“Hey, you two are late!” Another voice calls out, and all three break away impossibly fast.

“Sorry, Linds’!” Elyse calls, waving at her, “Just kissing our boyfriend!”

“At last.” Lindsay mutters, in the way that makes it all too obvious they were supposed to hear. “Kissing later, work now. I don’t want to deal with Ashley if you guys have puffy lips.” She herds them back towards the sets, winking at Ryan as she leaves. He watches them go, both smiling as if the best thing that could’ve happened has. He feels like that, anyway.

RECEIVED FROM: ELYSE (THE CUTEST ONE)

did you see the protest in nyc??? it was apparently super impressive!!

SENT TO: ELYSE (THE CUTEST ONE)

Yeah, Gav went down to get some shots of it.

RECEIVED FROM: ELYSE (THE CUTEST ONE)

good! let him know i hope its going well!

SENT TO: ELYSE (THE CUTEST ONE)

I will!

RECEIVED FROM: ELYSE (THE CUTEST ONE)

oh, james has also scheduled our date night for friday! we’re double dating with babs and linds!

RECEIVED FROM: ELYSE (THE CUTEST ONE)

wait does it count as a double date if there’s three of us

SENT TO: ELYSE (THE CUTEST ONE)

I don’t think it’s that much of a worry.

RECEIVED FROM: ELYSE (THE CUTEST ONE)

it is. i’ll get james to send the full details to you. also i expect you at our house tonight. benson misses you and the bed is cold.

SENT TO: ELYSE (THE CUTEST ONE)

Wouldn’t miss it for the world.

[JAMES (THE CUTER ONE) SENT EVENT ‘DATE NIGHT X 2’]

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Hope youre ready!!

SENT TO: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

When am I not?

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Most other date nights weve been on.

SENT TO: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Oh, of course.

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Also

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Dont tell elyse about this because its a surprise but

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

I managed to get the cafe back

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Im going to tell her tonight

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

If you needed more persuasion to come of course

SENT TO: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

As if I did.

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Ill see you later.

SENT TO: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Yeah, looking forward to it.

RECEIVED FROM: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Love you.

SENT TO: JAMES (THE CUTER ONE)

Love you too.

[soulfishie]

This is my very very very late fanfic author appreciation day drawing for @theloveandthestuff!! I sure hope you still like haywillemses!!! <3 <3

[finnseth]

hey wanna come join me not fucking write anything at all?

https://join.me/569-939-379

@theloveandthestuff is here too

[finnseth]

Hey, so recently i may have been going through your freewood tag (because why not) and saw a thing for a "why ride a roller coaster when you can ride me?""because roller coasters can make me scream" thing and was wondering if you can write it??? Its okay if you don't, i just, need that fic in my life

unfortunately, I really don’t have time now to take prompts and work on my chaptered fics, I thought i would, but I need to change my description, blah blah housekeeping things, and I am very sorry for that. I’d love to write all the day long, but I just don’t have the time , and need to prioritize that time.

But, a little bird told me if you head on over to @theloveandthestuff, she’ll be able to hook you up with just this very thing