#uhh this is all like super directed so ignore under here if you don’t wanna see me yap

[dead-cr0w]

Maybe I like this roller coaster

Maybe it keeps me high

Maybe the speed, it brings me closer

I could sparkle up your eye

Hurt me and tell me you're mine

I don't know why but I like it

Scary? My God, you're divine

Gimme them, gimme them dope and diamonds

Diet Mountain Dew, baby, New York City

Never was there ever a girl so pretty

Do you think we'll be in love forever?

[kikis-writing-world]

Sunflowers and Pink Roses

A/N: Full disclosure: I’ve never seen The Mentalist. Anything I know about Marcus is from y’all on here. So I know he’s sweet, romantic and deserved better™. I dunno, I had this fluffy idea and it just seemed him... apologies if I got his characterization way off since this is basically the fic version of broken telephone.

Pairing: Marcus Pike x Female Reader

Word Count: ~1700

Rating/Warnings: PG - It’s super tame, I only even say PG because I think there’s one F-bomb in it. Also not thoroughly edited as usual.

Summary: It’s Valentine’s Day and you’re still painfully single. Marcus happens to notice.

It was February.

More specifically, the second week of February.

February 14th to be exact.

Valentine’s Day.

You wouldn’t say you hated the holiday, but there weren’t a lot of days that strived to remind you just how single you were. You didn’t mind being single most of the time. You were a strong independent woman raised on Charlie’s Angels, Princess Leia, Miss Piggy. Like Destiny’s Child sang, “I depend on me!” You didn’t need a man to depend on for your happiness.

All of that didn’t stop you from watching those stupid Hallmark Romcoms with glossy eyes and an open yet slightly broken heart. You selfishly wanted someone who would look at you like you hung all the stars in the sky. Someone who would send you good morning and good night texts, buy you little trinkets just because. Not to mention you wanted someone to do the same for. Someone you would think about during the day with a secret smile. You had all the love to give, just nowhere to direct it. At least not yet.

So on February 14th, you plastered the smile on your face with a little more force than usually needed. The water cooler gossip was mostly about who had what reservations where, what lovely things they had planned for the evening. You ignored the red and pink hearts hanging festively along the walls, trying to focus instead on the fact that tomorrow there would be a massive sale on candy and chocolates. Just keep your head down and make it through this one day.

The first bouquet arrived with a ding of the elevator, barely past ten in the morning. It was a modest bouquet of whites and reds. All eyes watched it as the delivery was carried through the office and placed on a coworker’s desk. A gift from her husband. The women fawned over the bouquet and you even offered a polite smile to Jenna, but ultimately turned back to work to tune it out.

The next gift was barely 30 minutes later: a white teddy bear carrying a heart-shaped box of chocolates with a balloon tied around it’s waist deposited on Petra’s desk.

Then chocolates for Selena.

Roses for Anton.

Bouquet for Rhonda.

Cookies for Tanya.

You lost count, but you couldn’t help but watch with envy as each gift was carried past, giggles and chatter following it. Maybe next year.

~☆*☆*☆~

Marcus loved Valentine’s day. He loved it more when he had someone to share it with, someone to dote on, but he still loved the sentiment behind it nonetheless. He watched from his office with a smile each time a new gift was deposited on someone’s desk. The happiness he felt carried a small sting, a reminder of the relationships of the past, but it faded fairly quickly as he shared in the happiness of his coworkers.

He had thought about trying to find a date for the night, trying out one of those dating apps he always heard about, but it felt forced. He wanted that romance but he wanted it organically. He wanted to meet someone at his local coffee shop or at a museum. In a library or at the park. Shy conversations while he worked up the nerve to ask for her number. Wondering how long to wait until he called. Worrying about how many dates until it was acceptable to kiss her. Despite the pain of past heartbreak, he knew when the time was right he’d find the one.

He watched with another grin as a massive, bright bouquet of pink, red and orange flowers was carried through the office. It was a little much for his tastes, he preferred something small that made a statement. He held pride in finding out his partner’s favorite flower or colour, using that information to personalize a gift like that.

As he watched the bouquet cross the floor to Indira’s desk, his eyes fell to your face. Your desk was opposite the windows to his office, so it wasn’t uncommon for his eyes to fall on you as he worked. Even through the window and across the 10 feet or so to your desk, he could read your expression like a book. You watched the flowers pass with a wistful envy before offering Indira a tight smile. You turned back to your work, smile falling and a crease appearing on your brow. Marcus was familiar with that expression because he had definitely made it before.

He leaned up in his chair, trying to sneak a look at your desk. He didn’t see flowers, stuffed animals, chocolates. Nothing left there by a loved one to brighten your day. He leaned back, trying to think if any of the office gossip he’d heard recently mentioned if you had a partner. He knew you weren’t married, not that he’d ever admit to subtly checking your hand for a wedding ring. He was technically your boss, your direct superior, and he knew first hand how messy dating a coworker could get. Yes, he thought you were pretty. And funny. And charming. And had a smile that could light up the room- He’d convinced himself plenty of times not to pursue it further, not wanting to get tangled in another workplace romance.

He didn’t know how long he was lost in thought, but as the elevator dinged with another delivery he watched the resigned envy cross your face once more.

~☆*☆*☆~

The end of the day was nearing. You’d been wondering earlier this morning if you could get away with sneaking out a little early. Luckily the deliveries had slowed down around 2:00, along with the fanfare that came with them. You just had to get through the next 30 minutes and you could head home, put on sweats, and eat the cookie dough that was waiting in the fridge.

A ding from the elevator had you look up, yet another beautiful bouquet walking through the room. It wasn’t as extravagant as some of the ones that had come through today, but it had an understated elegance to it. The sunflowers seemed to glow around the delicate pink roses, a beautiful combination sitting in a clear vase with a white ribbon tied around it. You weren’t sure who they were for, it seemed most of the desks in the office already had flowers or gifts of some kind on it. You were shocked when you heard the young delivery boy say your name. Mary Ellen smiled brightly and pointed your way.

You could feel the heat creeping up your neck as you noticed everyone’s eyes on you, a few of the women bold enough to follow the teen over to your desk. You nodded dumbly as he confirmed your name, setting the flowers down with a mumbled “happy Valentine’s Day.”

“I didn’t know you were seeing anyone!” Selena cooed, brushing her hand lightly against the flowers.

“I-I’m not.” You shook your head, staring at the beautiful flowers.

“A secret admirer?” Mary Ellen gasped, holding her hands under her chin. “That’s so romantic.”

“Is there a card?” Rhonda asked.

“Here!” Selena had found the little piece of cardstock among the stems, handing it over.

You bit your lip as you opened it, having no idea what to expect. You didn’t recognize the penmanship, but it could have easily been written by the florist.

~☆*☆*☆~

“Are you for real?” The guy on the phone laughed, his thick accent mocking Marcus. “It’s the second busiest day of the year and you wanna place an order now? You must be really stupid if you forgot Valentine’s Day.” The man continued to laugh.

“Look, I need it delivered before 5:00.” This was the fourth place he’d called, most of them laughing and hanging up on him. “Is that something you can do?”

“Oooh, that’s gonna cost ya. Big.”

“That’s fine.” Marcus sighed, leaning over to pull his wallet out of his back pocket.

“Okay, we don’t got much left-”

“Sunflowers?” Marcus asked. He wasn’t even sure what drew him to that flower at first, the request was out of his mouth before he really thought about it.

“Gimme a sec.” The man told him, gruff voice fading as Marcus heard him yell. “Hey Martha! We got any sunflowers left?”

Marcus tapped his foot impatiently as he heard the back and forth on the other end of the line.

“Martha’s got sunflowers. Says she’s got a few extra pink roses she can throw in with ‘em. That work?”

“Yes! Perfect!”

“Whatd’ya want on the card?”

“The card?” Marcus parroted. He hadn’t thought about writing anything.

“You’re orderin’ a last minute bouquet, you better become Shakespeare real fuckin’ quick if you wanna stay out of the doghouse, loverboy.”

“Uhh…” He stuttered trying to find the right words.

“I ain’t got all day.” The man huffed. “Second busiest day of the year.” He reminded him.

“Uh, make it say… uh…”

~☆*☆*☆~

“Some may be intimidated by your shine But someone will come along and make you shine even brighter And they will be worth the wait”

“Wow.” Rhonda swooned. “That’s so sweet.”

“Is it signed from anyone?” Selena asked.

“No. That’s it.” You shrugged, trying to ignore the butterflies in your stomach. It was beautiful.

“Oooh, secret admirer! Mary Ellen, you were right!” Rhonda sang. “This is so exciting.”

“Who do you think it is?” Anton leaned over from his desk to ask. You hadn’t even realized he was listening in.

“I-I have no idea.” You stuttered. It was true. “I wish I knew, so I could thank them or something.”

“Something alright.” Selena purred, making everyone shriek and giggle as you flushed.

“Alright, what’s going on here?” The voice cut through the giggles, making everyone sober up. Marcus was standing just outside his office door, hands in his pockets.

“Nothing. Just some Valentine’s Day magic.” Rhonda trilled. The giggles resumed, much quieter this time, as everyone fluttered back to their own desks to return to work.

“Sorry.” You bit your lip, embarrassed that the excitement had disrupted your boss.

“It’s okay.” Marcus chuckled, toeing at the carpet of the office for a moment. “Just don’t let it happen again.” He teased with a grin, putting you at ease.

“Yessir, Special Agent Pike.” You mock saluted, making him chuckle.

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“You too.”

tagging: @wickedfrsgrl​

[charmingcentry]

Bechloe - Lost

I just couldn’t help to imagine a mini Beca Mitchell ahhhhh. This was fun to write, thanks anon!

—-

Chloe Beale is out on a shopping trip by herself in the late afternoon, attempting to be productive to distract herself from the poor ill puppy that was brought into her clinic earlier in the day. A young couple brought in their young puppy that has been throwing up constantly and it shatters the redhead’s heart whenever she sees an ill animal, so, she tries her absolute best to nurse those animals back to health. 

The redhead strolls into a large clothing store, a bag of makeup hanging on her right forearm and her purse slung over her shoulder. She takes a step into the store and immediately is blanketed by the aroma of strong perfume; although she may enjoy the scent of perfume, there is a limit of how much perfume should be sprayed. Chloe walks over to a polka-dot sundress displayed on a mannequin past the perfume section, she is relieved to finally breathe air that isn’t polluted with 20 different scents. The redhead walks over to the rack where the dress would be located, then suddenly feels a slight tug on the hem of her shirt. She looks up, noticing there’s no one next to her until she notices a small little girl who is very tiny, the girl’s hand still clenched onto Chloe’s shirt.

“Hi there.” Chloe softly says, staring into the little brunette’s navy eyes. The little girl hesitates to answer for a bit, looking up at Chloe with sad puppy eyes. The redhead estimates the little girl to be around six or seven years old.

“I-… uh, I can’t find my mommy.” The little girl’s eyes began to tear up and Chloe immediately kneels down to her level, her mother bear instincts kicking in “Don’t cry, don’t cry, you’re okay. Uh…” Chloe pauses, softly rubbing the girl’s arm, darting her eyes around to look for someone who may appear to be this brunette’s mother. “Where did you see her last? Do you know?” The little girl bites her fingernails.

“Over there.” The young girl points her small finger towards the men’s section but in an extremely general direction. Chloe bites her lower lip before getting up a tiny bit, hands on her knees. 

“Okay, well, I’ll help you find her.” The little girl smiles a bit, causing Chloe to grin as well. She holds the little girl’s hand and stands up a bit. “What’s your name?”

“Jamie…” The tiny brunette bites her nails.

“Okay Jamie, I’m Chloe.” Chloe holds out her hand and is surprised to see the young girl shake it. “Now, how does your mommy look?” The little girl uses the best of her abilities to describe her mother, and from the way Jamie describes her, it sounded like Chloe is going to have somewhat of a tough time. Jamie says her mother wears a black marker around her eyes, Chloe assumes that to be eyeliner. She adds on, saying her mother has hair like Jamie’s, wavy and brunette. They also have the same eye color and her mother is wearing a grey top with buttons and a brown shirt along with pants. The redhead nods as she walks through the store, Jamie holding her hand, walking very closely towards Chloe. The two walk through the entire store, the first and second level, but to no avail, Jamie’s mother is nowhere to be found. Chloe asked around, sharing Jamie’s description of her mother, but no one has seen anyone who looks similar to the description. Chloe begins to feel anxious as Jamie is on the verge of tears and suddenly, the redhead has a light bulb moment.

“Hi Jamie, what’s your mother’s name?” Chloe tries to prevent her light smile from turning into a grimace when Jamie starts to have a confused expression on her face.

“Her name is mommy.” The redhead lets out a soft sigh and has another brilliant idea.

“What’s your last name?”

“Oh! It’s Mitchell.”

Jamie Mitchell, Chloe thought, that has a nice ring to it. The redhead smiles and scoops up little Jamie in her arms and isn’t surprised to learn that the little brunette is lightweight. She boops the nose of Jamie, eliciting the most adorable giggle Chloe has ever heard. The redhead tells Jamie that they will be going down to one of the registers to locate her mother. The young girl nods and they make their way down to the escalator and approaches an empty cash register with a young blonde male standing behind it.

“How can I help you?” He asks, organizing a small shelf that contained gift cards

“Sorry to bother, but could you make an announcement over the P.A for me? This little girl lost her mother and we can’t seem to find her.” The young man’s grins and nods.

“Of course!” He grabs the phone under the register and looks back at Chloe. “Who shall I call?”

“Uh… could you ask for someone by the last name of Mitchell?” The redhead grins, hoping that the mother would be somewhere in the store or an area where she could hear it

The young man clears his throat. “A customer with the last name ‘Mitchell’ would you please report to Level 1 at the cash register, there is a young girl waiting for you. Again, I repeat, a customer with the last name ‘Mitchell’ would you please report to Level 1 at the cash register, there is a young girl waiting for you.”

Chloe lets out a sigh of relief as the message echoes throughout the large store, hoping that they were listening to the announcement. The redhead thanks the young man once more and waits nearby, her head frantically looking around for someone who may be heading to the cash register. Chloe begins to panic when no one shows up, before hearing the little girl scream, “Mommy!” at the top of her lungs. Jamie squirms out of Chloe’s hold and runs to a young lady who doesn’t look a day over 30. The mother begins to cry of joy as she wraps her daughter in a hug. Jamie then drags her mother towards Chloe and immediately the redhead is enamored by the mother’s beauty.

“Thank you so much, uhh-”

Chloe is left with her jaw slightly opened, looking into the deep navy eyes of Jamie’s mother, she could tell that her cheeks were beginning to blush. Chloe then snaps out of her entrancement and clears her throat. “Oh! I’m Chloe and no problem, your little girl is such an angel, I was glad to be of help.” 

The taller brunette smiles as she holds tightly onto Jamie’s hand, she’s also blushing and Chloe notices how the tips of her ears have turned pink. “Well, I try my best haha… single mom and all…”

The redhead couldn’t believe it… she seems so young to be a single mother. “Oh wow. Must be tough…”

The brunette bites her bottom lip and nods. “Yeah…” There’s an awkward silence between the two, exchanging little smiles at one another. “Uh, do you wanna join us for ice cream? Jamie here has been begging for it ever since we came and I want to like… thank you.” Before Chloe responds, the brunette speaks again. “If you’re not busy.”

“I would love to.”

The three of them make their way out of the store to a small ice cream shop located further down in the mall. During their short walk there, Chloe learns that the mother’s name is Beca Mitchell and the redhead accidentally blurts out that it’s the most beautiful name she’s ever heard. Beca awkwardly says a thank you and they continue talking, their chests warm and stomachs full of butterflies and luckily little Jamie is oblivious to it all. The blushes remain on their faces even when they enter the freezing ice cream shop. Beca orders for the three of them, paying for Chloe even though the redhead insisted she uses her own card. They take a seat at a table in the corner of the shop and begin eating their ice cream cones as Jamie shovels her rainbow sherbet ice cream from her cup. 

“Hey, Beca?” Chloe says softly, letting out a soft giggle when Beca perks her head up with a droop of chocolate ice cream on the corner of her mouth, the redhead wipes it off for her. “I, how old are you? If you don’t mind me asking…”

The brunette takes one more lick of her ice cream cone. “I’m 26… got pregnant when I was 21.” 

Chloe frowns a bit, noticing how ashamed Beca looked when she said it. The brunette was only three years younger than her. “Oh. That must’ve been hard.”

Jamie is distracted by the T.V playing in the corner of the shop, so they continue their conversation. “Yeah. Her dad left when he, uh, found out. So it’s just been me and this little angel for a while. I was still in college too and I somehow managed to finish.” Beca lets out a laugh. “She was a year old when I graduated, the university even bought her a little gown when it happened.”

Chloe ignores the way her stomach feels when she saw the attractive brunette smile. “That’s cute… it’s really impressive how you did it. I mean, some people probably would’ve dropped out. You are super strong for doing that.”

Tears begin to gloss over her eyes before Beca shakes her head and gives Chloe another smile. “Agh, it’s whatever… don’t gotta be all mushy about it.”

The redhead lets out a laugh from Beca’s attempt at a nonchalant response to a major compliment. “Do you have a job?” The brunette bites into her cone and hands Jamie a napkin who spilled some of her ice cream onto her pink shirt.

“Yeah, I’m a music producer. My schedule is somewhat hectic and I usually send Jamie to kindergarten and my dad picks her up. Then I drive to his place and we drive back to our condo. I work in Atlanta, it’s an hour and a half drive there and back ” Chloe raises her eyebrow out of amazement

“Wow, that’s a lot of driving. Where do you live?” 

“I live a couple blocks down, I live in that little cul-de-sac with the gigantic duplicate condo apartments.” The redhead grins even more

“That’s amazing! I live like the next street over in the gated community.”

Beca smiles and brushes off the remaining crumbs from the ice cream cone she had just finished. “Oh sweet. I send Jamie to that little school near a Veterinarian clinic. I think the one over on-

“No way, I work there!” Beca gasps as she lets out a small chuckle that again, causes Chloe to blush even deeply and her stomach fills with jitters.

“Dude, that’s a lot of coincidences, how do I not know your lying?” Beca teases

“Oh please, like I would seem the type to lie Beca.” The brunette shrugs playfully and notices her daughter is ready to leave.

“Oh well, we gotta go… uh, I enjoyed this,” Beca says, gesturing between herself and Chloe, she immediately retracts her hands and mutters something about using her hands too often. Jamie lets out a cute giggle.

“I did too, I’ll maybe see you around?” Chloe asks hopefully, not wanting to lose connection with the lovely ladies she had just met

“Yeah! Uh…” Beca gulps. “Do you maybe wanna grab coffee sometime this week or something? I’d like, want to keep in touch… and stuff.”

Chloe grins. “Hel-” She suddenly remembers there’s a child with them. “Heck yes! I would love that.”

“Great uh-

“It’s a date.” Chloe winks as she pulls out her phone to exchange numbers with the brunette

“Oh! I mean… yeah. I mean, yes. Yes, it is.”

The two exchange phone numbers, Beca entering Chloe in as Annoying Redhead and Chloe entering Beca as Grumpy Brunette;). The two hug and Chloe boops Jamie on the nose then finally says goodbye to the pair. Beca and Jamie walk out of the mall to make their way to their home. Mid-walk, Jamie asks Beca a question.

“Mommy, do you have a crush on Chloe?” Beca gasps comedically at her daughter’s sudden interest in her mother’s love life

“I do not! What makes you think that?” Jamie lets out a giggle

“You did that hands thing when you get… uh…-

“Nervous? Yes, yes I did… is it okay if I like her?” Beca asks when they stop at a crosswalk just turned red. 

“Yep! Chloe seems awesome. She helped me find you too!” Jamie exclaims

Beca smiles at Jamie’s approval and excitement. “Well good, I think Chloe is awesome too…”

“Watcha you going to wear when you get coffee with her?” 

“It’s ‘what are you’ sweetie and I think that’s enough questions about mommy’s crushes if someone wants extra five minutes of playtime tonight.” Beca teases as she scoops up her daughter after crossing the street

“No!” Jamie yells before immediately shutting her mouth. Beca laughs and holds her daughter tightly.

“Okay, okay. But I’ll wear whatever just to see that cute little look on her face…”

“Can I help you put one together?”

Beca laughs, knowing well that her daughter does have a sense of style. “Sure sweetie.”

Jamie erupts into a cheer and Beca continues making her way back to the condo, the only things on her mind was that annoyingly cute redhead with a smile and personality that made Beca feel all sorts of ways and her sweet little curious daughter. 

[artificialqueens]

Beneath the Amber Moon, Part 10 (Galactica AU Group Fic) – TheDane & Veronica

Heyyy!! Welcome to Part 10 of “Beneath the Amber Moon,” a group fic set in the Galactica Universe. Click here for previous chapters.

We hope you’re enjoying it! Let us know what you think!

Summary: Find out what happens after Violet ran off from lunch! ...And join the fam for a nightclub shit show.

/////

Violet made it onto the deck, walking to the railing and grasping it, her mind a mantra of don’t throw up, don’t throw up, don’t throw up...

“Are you okay, darling?”

Violet looked up to see Sutan. “I’m sorry.” She choked up, the words getting caught in her throat, tears pressing and threatening to drop.

“Why are you sorry?” Sutan looked so concerned, his voice so soft as he took a step, and then another towards her, the familiar scent of the cigarettes Sutan still refused to give up for once not repulsing her, but calming her instead.

The tears fell, and Violet couldn’t stop them. “I can’t do this.”

“Of course you can.” Sutan touched Violet’s shoulders, his palms pressing down, grounding her. “What’s going on darling? I know eating with my friends isn’t always your favorite activity but-”

“It’s not that- I can’t” Violet wiped her tears, her mascara without a doubt smudging everywhere. “It’s not.. I’m sorry, I just… I don’t feel good…”

“Mata Indah.” Sutan touched her chin, gently lifting her head. “Listen to me.”

Violet nodded.

“You promised me you weren’t dying, is that still true?”

“I’m not dying.” Violet said the words with more conviction than she felt. They were true, the fact that was pregnant not able to kill her, at least not yet.

“Good.” Sutan released her chin, his hand gently touching her neck instead.. “Then, I promise you that you’ll be okay.” Sutan smiled. “Now breathe.”

Violet nodded, her breathing slowly getting under control.

/

“What’s wrong with Violet?” Julia asked, after she rushed away from the table, Sutan close behind her.

“Oh, she’s okay! She’s just been feeling a little sick,” Courtney said, trying to lighten the mood, although concern for Violet was pretty high on her list of anxieties at the moment. “Are you okay, Gracie?” she asked, looking across the table at the bewildered 3-year-old.

Grace nodded, but her lower lip trembled.

“Do you wanna come sit over here?” Courtney asked, opening her arm.

After another nod, she smiled and pulled Grace’s chair close to her.

“There we go! Now it’s a party.”

“Party!” Owen enthused.

“That’s my boy,” Adore laughed, and then suddenly her face went pale. “Oh shit…”

“Ooooh, you said the S word!”

Courtney turned in the direction Adore was looking to see Jinkx strolling in, taking a glass of fresh-squeezed guava juice from a tray.

“Adios, muchachos,” Adore whispered, and then ducked under the table, scampering to the other exit before her girlfriend would have the chance to spot her.

Courtney opened her mouth to protest, but by then she was gone. She groaned softly.

“They’re dropping like flies,” Julia commented.

“Tell me about it,” said Courtney, realizing that she was now the only adult looking after the kids, and that Jinkx was walking towards them with a tray and a big smile.

“Hi, guys!”

“Hey Jinkx.”

“I figured you’d be with Adore.”

“Oh, uh…”

“I hope she’s okay.”

“She’s okay!” Owen said. “She just ran out that way!”

“Did she.” Jinkx’ voice was flat.

“Well,” Courtney tried to backpedal. “I don’t know if ‘ran’ is the right-”

“Yeah, she ran! Super fast!” Owen added cheerfully.

Jinkx let out a huge sigh, and Courtney felt her stomach drop. All of this drama, and she’d still yet to see Bianca. She was exhausted.

“I get why she’d be avoiding Alaska right now, but...why is she avoiding me?” Jinkx asked.

“Uhh…” Courtney faltered, unsure how to answer. She wasn’t even sure that she fully understood what Adore was feeling, and she certainly didn’t want to betray her trust. She figured she better keep her mouth shut.

“Look, I know you’re her friend, but I need to tell you...I’m on her side, here. I was a little annoyed at her for avoiding us, but now...I get how she feels, and I’m only trying to make Alaska understand.”

Courtney nodded, wishing she was anywhere but this table, getting deeper and deeper into her friend’s relationship drama. Especially when Fame walked in, immediately shooting her a look that sent shivers down her spine.

/////

“Do you want this in an 8 or a 10?”

“A 10?! Who do you think I am?”

“Someone who hasn’t dropped their baby weight, yes.”

“I’m a size 6, so fuck you.”

“If Raja told you that, you need to take her to court for lying.”

Raven whirled around, hands on her hips, and Karl backed up, laughing.

“Don’t shoot the messenger!”

“Tell me what’s going on!”

“Uh...we’re shopping?” Karl smiled sweetly, pulling another dress off the rack.

“What’s going on with you and Raja? What are you plotting?”

“Well…” Karl bit his lip, shifting nervously. “I really didn’t want to be the one to tell you, but…”

“Yes?”

“...Raja and I are…”

“Spill it!”

“...We’re in love and we’re planning to run off and elope and move to Morocco together. I’m sorry!” Karl hid his face in his hands, fake-crying.

Raven glared at him, a huff of annoyance leaving her.

“Fuck you.”

“I’m sorry, Raven, please don’t hate me!” Karl clutched his chest, reaching out an arm dramatically as Raven pulled the dressing room curtain shut, then dissolving into giggles and wiping his eyes.

/////

Courtney leaned on the railing of the boat, sighing. Between Violet’s pregnancy panic and Adore’s relationship drama, it seemed like she hadn’t had a moment to herself all day to process the situation with Bianca. The memory of Bianca’s body against hers was still so fresh, she could almost taste her, and yet, she’d never felt farther away.

She turned her face to the sky, watching the storm clouds rolling in once again, rain trickling down, the brief and sunny respite apparently over. Her skin felt tight and itchy, and suddenly Courtney couldn’t take it anymore. Without thinking about it, she pulled off her cover-up and dove off the side of the boat. Once safely submerged in the cold, clear water, she let out a primal scream.

When she surfaced again, one of the stewards was already running towards her with a life preserver. Damn. Say what you will about Fame, but the woman sure knew how to staff a yacht.

“I’m fine!” Courtney called him to him weakly, treading water. She took ahold of the life preserver and followed his directions to the ladder, climbing up onto the lower deck a bit sheepishly, dripping wet.

Luckily, it appeared that no one else had seen her dramatic little display. Or so she thought, until she saw Raja strolling on the deck with squirming Isolde in her arms, laughing.

"I'd give it a 6 out of 10 for the jump, but it would have been much more impressive with an audience,” she said, and off Courtney’s embarrassed grimace, added, “Rough day?”

Courtney sighed, accepting the towel from the steward and nodding.

“I guess you could say that.”

"So the great Courtney Act is having trouble in Paradise, huh?" Raja smiled. "If you promise not to cry on her, you can have some baby cuddles. She's not as fat as Grace was, but she does give good hugs."

Courtney happily took Isolde into her arms and began cooing at her.

“She’s really beautiful.”

“I know,” Raja said. “And thank god for that. Her life will be much easier.”

“Maybe…”

“Come on. You have to admit, it's a good thing to be in this world. Opens a lot of doors, and hearts...and checkbooks."

“Right…” Courtney said, taking in their luxurious surroundings, a little ashamed at how ungrateful she’d been. “It really could be a lot worse, couldn’t it?”

Raja leaned in, placing a firm hand on Courtney’s shoulder as she said, “You bet your ass it could.”

/////

The atmosphere was perfect, the music was excellent, the cocktails mixed exactly right and everyone had made at least a decent effort in getting dressed, Fame sending a strong worded email to everyone about proper dress code when she had planned the trip after Juju had dared to show up in jeans to a cocktail party.

The club was what Fame had looked forward to the most. It had been Patrick’s suggestion, her husband knowing her so very well. Fame liked going out, but as she had gotten older, she had started to detest having strangers around more and more, unless she and Patrick where hunting for someone to share their bed, or playing a game of finding a lover for their lover, and even then, she preferred it in a setting where she was in control of everything. She had reserved the club’s entire balcony area, the dance floor just steps away if anyone desired it, but as her friends all arrived, Fame was just looking forward to celebrating with her nearest and dearest. (And Courtney, but nothing was ever perfect.)

Fame had used her annoyance to make sure she overshadowed everyone, her white Valentino dress with a sharp collar making her look fearless and fierce, her eye makeup done with shades of green, her golden jewelry all carefully picked out so she looked spectacular.

Patrick slipped an arm around her waist, handing her a glass of champagne.

“Happy birthday, darling.”

“Thank you,” Fame said, kissing him gently, pointedly ignoring Bianca’s puppy eyes from the sofa, adding decisively, “It’s gonna be a great night.”

“Who are you trying to convince?”

Unprepared to answer, Fame just took a gulp of champagne and leaned a head on his shoulder.

/////

Raven perched on one of the velvet sofas, eyes scanning the group for someone to share a bit of gossip. She spotted Juju, snuggled under Detox’s arm, giggling girlishly, and rolled her eyes, her annoyance at Raja changing to a brief stab of loneliness, which Raven wasn’t going to stand for at all.

“Juju! Bitch I know you can hear me! Over here!”

Juju gave Detox a tender kiss on the cheek, the man laughing before Juju walked over to Raven on the sofa.

“Hey Rave.”

“What’s with you two?” Raven asked, sipping her champagne.

“Oh, you know...sometimes I remember that we kinda like each other.” Juju smiled, tucking a bit of her hair behind her ear. “We were just fighting and then we were all wet.. One thing kinda led to the other and.. You know.” Juju smirked, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Gross.” Raven snorted. “I don’t want to think of De’s dick.”

“So don’t,” Juju said, tonguing her straw with a sassy wink. “Though I will, and with pleasure I might add.” At Raven’s disgusted face, Juju laughed and added, “So what’s up?”

“I’m just so glad to have grown-up time,” Raven sighed, clearly sarcastic as she picked up her drink, taking a sip. “It’s great to have a break!” Raven smiled.

“You have two nannies,” Juju reminded her, and Raven stuck out her tongue.

She then turned her attention to the group, scanning everyone with a critical eye, mouth pursed in judgment.

“Uh oh…” Juju braced herself for the onslaught of gossip she knew would be coming next.

“Does Violet look strange to you?” Raven asked, lowering her voice. Violet was wearing a simple green dress in a structured satin, her hair styled in soft curls around her head. She was drinking something clear, her fingers wrapped around a tall glass as she was standing at Sutan’s side, Sutan vibarently discussing something with Karl.

“More strange that usual?”

“Yes! She’s acting like a cat, all skittish and scared. I mean, I know she’s been sick but it seems more...I don’t know, she feels distant?”

“She’s been nice to me.” Juju leaned back on the couch. “Maybe she just doesn’t like you anymore.”

“You bitch!” Raven gasped, unable to hide her delight. Raven snuggled in, lowering her voice as she whispered to Juju. “Raja told me that Courtney had a total breakdown earlier. Like, lost her shit and jumped off the boat.”

“No! Really?!”

“Yes, really. What do you think that was all about?”

“Hmmm...well, I don’t know, but Bianca is in a mood too. It’s probably related.”

“Ugh, I certainly hope not. You’d think they’d have both learned their lesson by now. No reason to retread that tired relationship.”

“True,” Juju said, stirring her drink. “And where’s your lovely wife?”

“She’s probably off with Karl again,” Raven scoffed. Off Juju’s confused expression, she explained, “They’re up to something, and Raja won’t tell me what.” Raven huffed. “If she thinks that I’m putting out while she’s being a shady bitch, then she’s got another think coming.”

“Well, alright then,” Juju said.

“You wanna know the real timebomb tonight?” Raven gestured to Alaska, double fisting her cocktails, guzzling them down at an alarming rate while Jinkx looked on tiredly. “Just wait. That shit’s gonna blow.”

“Oh wow. She better not knock Jinkxy off the wagon.”

“It might be entertaining,” Raven cackled.

“No dude. You weren’t there. Brazil is not ready for that horror show.”

“I mean, all that was before my time, so...I wouldn’t be mad about it.”

“You’re so evil,” Juju laughed, shaking her head.

“And what about our darling birthday girl? What could be bothering her on this festive night?”

Fame sipped a champagne slowly, expression a bit blank, almost glum.

“Well...I don’t know. Everything’s been great; she should be thrilled.”

“I know!”

“Maybe too much perfection is tiresome?” Juju offered.

“Fame! Come here, my love!”

/

“I made some calls.” Karl nudged Raja with his shoulder, cutting off the woman who had been talking to Patrick. Raja turned, looking at Karl, an eyebrow raised.

“Seriously? You’ve ‘made calls’ already?”

“You said to bring you an offer. I’m bringing it.” Karl smiled, clearly beyond pleased with himself. “Estee Lauder is looking for a more elegant face for their latest skinline.”

“You want me to go commercial, Westerberg?” Raja smirked. “You think I’m interested in that?”

“Lauder today, my dear Raja.” Karl said. “Dior tomorrow.”

/

Armed with some Dutch courage from the Mojito in her hand, Courtney tentatively made her way towards Bianca. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to her all day, and ever since that encounter with Fame at breakfast, the unsettled feeling about their whole situation was getting worse and worse.

“Karl! You fucking dickhole!” Bianca shrieked, punching him on the thigh. Karl looked down at her, surprised.

“What’s your problem, cunt?”

“You fucking spilled on me, cunt.” Bianca gestured to a tiny drop of white wine on her blouse.

“Okay...sorry? I’ll pay for your dry cleaning. Take it down a notch.” Karl rolled his eyes and resumed his conversation with Raja.

Bianca huffed, crossing her arms and glowering, and Courtney hesitated, hanging back. She was very obviously in a wretched mood, and trying to talk to her now could be disastrous. Quickly losing her nerve, Courtney turned back to the dance floor, bounding over to Adore.

She threw her arms around her friend from behind, squeezing her tightly.

“Let’s get fucked up,” she murmured into Adore’s ear, and was answered by a delighted squeal.

/////

Tonight was turning into a real shit show, Bianca realized with a slight groan. Fame was still ignoring her, and it seemed that so was Courtney - or at least, avoiding any contact. And Bianca wasn’t the only miserable one, from the look of Jinkx’ face as she tried to prevent Alaska from falling over, or from Raven’s pout, or Violet’s even-more-blank-than-usual daze. This party was going downhill fast, and someone needed to do something.

A round of shots seemed like a good idea. She supposed that it wouldn’t help Jinkx, but Fame would appreciate it, at least. Except when she went to hand one to Fame, the blonde turned away, spine ramrod straight and shoulders tense, refusing to even look her in the eye.

Bianca sighed, knocking back another shot of her own, anything to dull the nagging insecurity bubbling up. She turned to Violet.

“Here, take this,” she said. It was more of a command than an offer.

“No thanks.” Violet looked down at the shot like it was poison, her lips twisted. “I’d rather not.”

“Come on, it won’t hurt you...” Bianca wheedled, attempting to put the glass into her hands, flashing her a smile. “I’m trying to be nice here.”

“Thank you, but no thanks.”

“Ugh, come on!” Bianca was growing frustrated. Why didn’t anyone understand when she was being charming and generous? Even as she spoke, she cringed a bit, knowing that she was starting to sound like an after-school special but unable to stop herself. “You know, it would help you loosen the fuck up...and maybe you wouldn’t be so fucking boring.”

“You’re drunk, Bianca.” Violet was clutching her glass, clearly beyond uncomfortable with the entire situation.

Bianca looked Violet up and down, eyes landing on her glass, and realised that it was water.

“Why won’t you just drink it?! What are you, pregnant?”

Violet dropped her glass, her entire body freezing in place, her face going completely pale.

“Oh, you are?” Bianca snorted. Of course she was, the shit cherry on top of the shit sundae that was this entire shitty night. “Nevermind, I guess. Sorry.” Bianca shrugged, walking towards Detox and handing the shot to him instead.

Violet was standing completely alone, the shards of the glass between her feet, when Raven jumped on her.

“Violet! Are you really pregnant?!” Raven shrieked, jumping up and down. “Oh my god!”

“I-”

“Our babies are going to be best friends!”

“Ugh!” came an indignant noise from the corner, Alaska whining, “Why does she get a baby?”

“Shh!”

Bianca shook her head and turned back to the action, just in time to see Violet pushing Raven away, the woman running down the steps. If Bianca she wasn’t so wrapped up in drowning her own sorrows, she probably would have felt bad, Violet clearly not wanting to share her news with the class.

“I hope it’s true!” Raven clapped her hands. “This is so exciting!”

“Is she okay?” Juju asked, frowning. “Should we go after her?”

“Oh, I’m sure she’s fine. Probably just needs to puke.” Raven replied. “This explains so much,”

Juju bit her lip. “Maybe someone should check on her?” She scanned the club, seeing Sutan who had just returned from the bathroom. “TanTan!” Juju yelled, waving her arms.

Sutan looked up from the bar, his brow furrowed in confusion, until he found Juju. He grabbed his beer and strolled over to the group, a happy, drunken smile on his face.

“Heyy, what’s up, ladies?” Sutan draped his arms over Juju’s shoulder, pulling her against his side as he took a long swing of his beer.

“Not much,” Bianca said. “Why didn’t you tell us your girl is knocked up?”

Sutan stared at her, the woman acting nothing like the person he sometimes called friend.

“I...what?” Sutan’s mouth hung open.

“Ohh, you didn’t know,” Bianca realized. She shrugged and handed him a shot. “Shit. Well. Congrats, Papa.”

“Bianca!” Fame exclaimed, horrified. “I can’t believe you!”

“What, how was I supposed to know that he didn’t know?! And anyway, he was gonna find out. I mean Raven’s here.”

“Don’t blame me!” Raven threw her hands up. “You’re the big mouth this time, Bibi!”

“Oops,” Bianca snorted, then continued to tease Sutan, oblivious to the shocked, distressed look on his face. “Seems like Violet will have to share her Daddy now, huh?”

“Wow, Bianca, pot/kettle much?” Raven laughed.

“So?” she replied, also laughing. “It’s still true…”

“I...need to…” Sutan’s eyes darted around the club like crazy, his face ashy.

“Violet went that way,” Juju advised, a hand on his shoulder.

Sutan stood for another moment, blinking, slowly turning in the direction Juju pointed. Then, he took off, practically sprinting down the steps and through the crowd.

[hereticpriest]

Amplify Chapter 2

“What are you doing?”

“Eh? Oh, taking a selfie to send to a friend. Come take one with me, Sho!” Keiko pleaded, latching onto his arm. A hand plonked onto her forehead and shoved, drawing a laugh from her, but she held on.

“Fine, fine.” Shouto wrapped his arm around her and dropped his cheek onto the top of her head, letting her take a photo of them. Keiko beamed, twisting to peck his cheek and taking another, then putting her hands over his.

“I’ll send it to you. You can show Natsuo and Fuyumi! I’ll come visit soon, but I need to make sure I’m all settled in first. Plus, I want to make sure your old man is home or he’ll be super pissed.” That drew a snort from Shouto.

“Hey! Kei, are you taking pictures? Take one with me too!” Ashido nearly knocked Keiko over with a tackle, and Shouto moved away to give them space. Keiko happily took a picture of them, laughing as more and more of the 1-A students joined them for pictures over the next couple of minutes. They ended up having a mini photoshoot, making sure everyone had a picture with Keiko along with group pictures galore.

“What the hell are you nerds doing?!” Bakugo shouted from the opposite end of the hall, drawing a gasp from Midoriya and a loud laugh from Keiko as they were in the middle of taking a goofy picture. She practically skipped over to the blond, hooking her arm around his and dragging him around the corner away from the others. 

“Come on, Katsu. I know you won’t take a picture around the others, but I want one. I’ll send it to you if you want?” Keiko offered, decidedly quieter than she was around the others.

“Tch. Fine.” Bakugo answered after a long pause, standing stiffly while Keiko pressed into his side and snapped a photo. Bakugo moved behind her and dropped his chin on her shoulder, peering up at the camera.

“You didn’t put a stupid filter on it, did you?” The blonde asked, his voice a tinge softer than normal. Keiko laughed, taking his hand and pulling his arms loosely around her one at a time. She took another photo, her smile growing when she noticed that he didn’t pull away until after the photo was taken.

“No filter. Unless you wanna? They have a cute one that gives you hearts on your cheeks.” Keiko teased, just to hear him scoff and complain. Bakugo held his phone out to her, then stuffed his hands into his pockets while Keiko giggled at his silent demand. She added herself as a contact, even taking a contact photo of herself for him, then sent herself a text so she’d have his number. Before he could protest, she took a picture of him for his contact photo. She texted the two selfies to him, then gave him a gentle shove towards their classroom.

“Come on, Katsu, we have to make sure you’re fashionably early for class.” Keiko teased.

“Yeah, ‘cause you’re not always coming in a second after I do.” Bakugo retorted, shoving her gently so that she would walk into the wall instead of through the classroom door. Keiko obliged with a loud thump and a cry of distress that melted into peals of laughter. She would later swear she heard his quiet chuckles.

~+~

“Everyone line up according to your student numbers into two orderly lines!” Iida shouted, chopping his hand through the air and drawing elated giggles from Keiko and Ashido. The girls were arm in arm, both giggling as they boarded the bus. The two ended up sitting together, hovering over their phones watching a couple of Keiko’s tiktok videos.

“I can’t believe you’re a dancer too! This is so exciting. We’ll have to do videos together, ‘kay? You can show me how to do this cool... uhh, what’s this style called?”

“Shuffling. I usually dance to electric swing music, but I learned a ton of different styles. It was good for me to learn fluid movements to get better at fighting.” Keiko replied.

“Yeah, that’s a big part of why I started dancing too!” Ashido dropped her head on Keiko’s shoulder, pointing to a particular move on the screen, “That looks really cool!”

Most of the rest of the class was focused on a conversation with Asui and Midoriya, which soon turned to teasing Bakugo. Keiko listened in to the teasing for a moment before butting in.

“Katsu’s personality is loud, and he has a horrible temper, but that kind of passion will draw plenty of people in. And besides, Endeavor is the number two hero and he has a ton of fans, but he’s got a really terrible personality. Like, really terrible.”

Asui eyed her for a moment, glancing at Shouto for his reaction, back to her, and then to Bakugo. Throwing a knowing smile at Shouto, Keiko offered a shrug to their classmates, ignoring the awed pause from the explosive boy nearby. Suddenly, his brain seemed to catch up, and he shouted;

“I don’t have a horrible temper!”

Keiko’s smiling face crumbled, and she began to laugh so hard that Ashido nudged her.

“That’s all you got from all of that? I said nice things about you and the only thing you catch is that you’ve got a temper?”

“Shut up extra!” Bakugo yelled, but Keiko noticed how red his cheeks were, and the way the blush stretched up to the tips of his ears. She smiled, dropping the matter entirely and going back to her phone and pink friend, pointing out a dancer that she followed like nothing had ever happened.

~+~

Villains attacked USJ. Like it was nothing, they warped into her safe place and nearly killed her classmates. Her teacher. Her heroes. All to get to All Might, her teacher, and the dopiest man she’d ever met. He was kind, considerate, awkward, inspiring, and a total goofball. He wasn’t a very good teacher, though he tried his best, and he was learning with every lesson. A true hero to her, and to the world. The villains tried to take him out, and they showed the students of 1-A a different view of the world. True danger, and real fear. Keiko knew real fear. Keiko knew the real world. That didn’t stop her from cracking at the seams when she heard the true purpose of the villains. She’d landed in the fire zone with Ojiro, but they’d been split up by villains. Ojiro used sneak attack tactics, but Keiko didn’t have a chance to slip away, and by the time she did, she didn’t want to.

“Augment Shot!” Keiko’s voice echoed through the flaming streets, her left hand locked around her right wrist, right hand forming a finger-gun. Crackles of energy shot down her arm from her centre mass, and a blast of baby pink energy surged out of her finger with a sound that resembled a thunderclap. She had her safety on, as she referred to it. They were fighting real people, and as much as she needed to defend herself and her classmates, she also knew she could kill someone if she went too far. When a large villain with some sort of strength quirk tried to grab her, she’ll admit she snaps a little. He’d punched her enough times to fuel her quirk, and two other villains were trying to come up behind her, and she’s tired of being split up from her classmates.

“Discharge!” The crackles of pink energy burst from her in every direction, knocking back the three villains surrounding her. They all look like they’ve been knocked out, and one is bleeding from his nose, but Keiko simply shook off the last vestiges of energy and kept going. Two amplified punches to the face dizzy a villain enough to tell her why they’re here, and she tossed the guy away from the raging fire before continuing on. She’s covered in sweat by the time she’s gotten through the fire zone, but the fire has given her some energy to keep running. Still, she’s overheating, and her sweat keeps dripping into burns and stinging like hell.

She missed the main battle, busy with a villain who took advantage of a choke-point of fire to keep her from getting out into the main area of USJ. Ojiro met up with her finally, and she noted with some satisfaction that he’s covered in soot but relatively unharmed. Thank god for his ability to hit and run, otherwise he could’ve been in a lot of danger in this zone. When the teacher’s showed up, Power-Loader helped load up the villains in the fire zone and sent her out to get her burns cared for. She’s embarrassed to admit to the hero that most of the burns were inflicted from her carelessness, but she has a feeling that the hero is just glad that they’re okay. Everyone is okay. All Might, Aizawa, Midoriya and herself are the only ones with injuries worse than a couple of scrapes.

“Sho!” Keiko shrieked as she spotted the red and white haired man, nearly tackling him until he caught her under her arms and held her firmly away from his body. She’s strong and muscular despite being only 165 cm tall, but Shouto still held her up like she weighed nothing. To him, she probably did.

“You’re injured.” His voice was stern, but she could see the concern in his eyes.

“Just some burns from the fire zone. The villains barely got a hand on me, honestly. I wasn’t thinking.” Keiko admitted, and Shouto’s firm gaze softened further. He reached out with his right hand to soothe her burns, but a loud voice disturbed him.

“You have to ease the heat out slowly, with cool water first, then cold water once the heat is out. Otherwise you can make it worse.” Bakugo grabbed Keiko’s arm where it wasn’t burnt, and Shouto’s wrist before he could make contact. Shouto jolted, then seemed to realize his mistake, nodding along with the angry blond’s words.

“You’re right.”

“Hah? I know I’m right, half-and-half bastard.” Bakugo did a quick scan of the woman in front of him and bent to heft her over his shoulder, ignoring her insistence that he put her down. She had burns on the anterior of her forearms and her lower legs, primarily from bracing herself or not watching her footing. She could walk, but it was putting strain on the injured skin and he could see the winces and micro-expressions of pain she was trying to hide. Shouto raised his brows as he watched her be toted away, his expression curious, and he only waved when she demanded he rescue her. He was quickly caught up with some of their other classmates, and Keiko refocused on the man carrying her. He was being surprisingly gentle, trying not to jostle her too much despite it slowing him down. She was embarrassed, sure, but she was also grateful. Keiko grasped the back of Bakugo’s shirt gently, adjusting her weight to make her easier to carry.

“Thank you.” Keiko murmured. He didn’t respond, or react, so Keiko wiggled a little on his shoulder until he let her slide down off his shoulder, holding her bridal style instead. His face was pinched into a scowl that made him look equally angry and pouty.

“Katsuki, thank you.” Keiko tried again, tapping his chest to get his attention before she spoke. He huffed in response.

“You’re welcome, idiot.” Bakugo grumbled, maybe a tinge louder than he needed to. Keiko’s brows furrowed, but she was quickly distracted by the rest of her class. One of the officers ended up taking Keiko from Bakugo, as the teachers wanted all of the mostly uninjured students cared for by paramedics and kept together. He looked back at her before he left her, and it made Keiko’s tummy flutter as she was carried to the nurse’s office.