#waiting for the mexico one to arrive I bought it immediately

[gigason]

Actually obsessed with my Checo caps here's some outfits (aka quick practice sketches)

[revnah1406]

Operation Kingslayer: 1/?

Author's note: This fic is a crossover between Call of duty MW2 and Ghost Recon Wildlands. Don't worry, you don't need to have played the video game (I'll leave the trailer here if you want to know more about this game)

Summary: Alejandro alerts Laswell to the presence of a very dangerous cartel in Bolivia. Price and his team are too busy looking for Shepherd and Makarov. Laswell will have to send another type of team

Characters (OCs): Hannah "Sparrow" Clayton (@revnah1406 ), Alyssa M. (@alypink), Charlotte "Jade" le jardin (@sleepyconfusedpotato ), Captain Arjun (@welldonekhushi)

(maybe I'll add more OCs as the story progresses!)

I came up with this idea of ​​making a fic with several OCs of my dear mutuals and people I've been following for a long time. If there's a problem with me using an OC you don't want or something like that, feel free to let me know! I'll fix it immediately!

Next chapter ->

Chapter 1/?

_________

Laswell sighed for the hundredth time as she massaged both temples. She rested her lips on her fists, taking in the number of classified documents that were scattered across her office desk. She needed a break, she had been sitting in that chair for hours. She glanced at the clock on the wall, another thirty minutes and she could go home.

Kate was deep in thought when suddenly her phone started ringing. Picking it up, she frowned as she recognized the name that appeared on the screen. She got up from her chair and picked up the call.

"Yeah?" The woman announced as she headed for the window.

"Kate." The man greeted her from the other end of the phone line.

"It's been a long time since we spoke, Colonel." She said observing the views that Washington DC gave. "And I perceive that this call is not to update us. Right Alejandro?"

Alejandro chuckled. "I wish it was like that…"

"What is it about?" The CIA agent asked in a tired tone. She just wanted to go home to her wife.

"Valeria is free."

"It was to be expected… but from your voice I judge that this is not the problem."

Laswell listened as Alejandro sighed heavily.

"Is it about Las Almas?" The woman asked, supporting her weight on one leg.

"Not exactly… It's a cartel but not here in Mexico." Alejandro made a pause that put Laswell in the worst of situations, "Karen Bowman called me"

Kate sighed and paced around her office, recognizing the name of the CIA agent. She hadn't seen her in a long time, but she knew what Alejandro meant by that name.

"The Santa Blanca cartel…" Laswell mentioned.

"Mhm…" The Vaquero made a sound of affirmation "The last Task Force they sent has been MIA for weeks… They're dead, that's for sure. Bowman needs a new Task Force to overthrow Santa Blanca in Bolivia, Kate…"

Laswell smiled wryly and shook her head as if Alejandro could see her. "Not Possible. Price and the boys are too busy with Makarov and General Shepherd…"

"We have to do something Kate! Santa Blanca is one of the biggest cartels in history. Worse than the Medellin or Cali cartel. You know that very well." Alejandro insisted "They already control almost all of Bolivia. The army has been bought by the Cartel, the government has surrendered. The entire country is ruled by a narco."

Laswell exhaled through her nose and looked out the window again. She spent a few long seconds thinking about what to do, she couldn't divert Price and the others. Makarov was too important a target to leave unattended. Overthrowing a cartel of that magnitude could take months, evenfurther.

"I can get you a small squad of the 141st. Three, maybe four members tops."

"Great, I'll talk to her," Alejandro replied.

"No, I will. We are old friends, I will negotiate the terms myself"

___________

Sparrow leaned forward, resting both forearms on the bike. She was waiting for the traffic light to change color so she could continue. The wait was endless, she began to fear that she would not arrive on time.

She dedicated herself to watching the pedestrians who crossed the street in front of her, some were returning home after work and others seemed to have decided to party. It was Friday night, people were celebrating the start of the weekend. The wet asphalt of the streets reflected the lights of the city of Washington DC. It had been raining heavily all day, but it seemed that when the sun had dipped below the horizon it took the clouds with it. The smell of rain seeped into the helmet, filling Sparrow with a faint feeling of comfort.

"Nice motorbike!" Someone's voice brought her out of her thoughts.

Sparrow turned her head towards the next lane, there was a huge truck, black and with tinted windows. The driver had the window rolled down and nonchalantly rested his arm on the truck door while his other hand stayed on the wheel. The man had a flirtatious smile as he looked Sparrow up and down.

"Where are you going doll?"

Hannah sighed in exhaustion and shook her head slightly. She straightened her back and raised the dark visor of her helmet.

"To mind my own business." The traffic light finally turned green. She noticed and lowered her visor, hiding her eyes again. "You should do the same, friend…"

She started the motorcycle and accelerated leaving the man with the word in his mouth.

Sparrow drove through the streets until she parked in front of a fairly large hotel. She removed her helmet and shook her head, running her fingers through her hair trying to straighten those unruly strands. She craned her neck and began to search the crowd for a familiar face. Many people were walking down the street, leaving or entering the hotel, making it difficult to find. Until she finally saw her. Waiting just outside the door of the building, she too seemed to be searching for someone so Sparrow wasted no time. She took the keys from the ignition lock and got off the bike. Sparrow walked towards her with a hurried step with excitement. God, it had been so long since she'd seen her!

"Aly!" Sparrow called to her when she was already at a closer distance.

The woman turned to where she had heard the name, it took a few seconds but she finally recognized Sparrow among the people. Her face lit up and she went down the stairs of the hotel excited.

"Oh querida!" Aly stretched out her arms and hugged Sparrow in greeting "long time no see!"

Sparrow chuckled and patted Aly on the back "yeah…ever since the whole Hassan and Las Almas thing…it's been a while" Hannah replied as they parted from the embrace.

"Thanks for coming to pick me up, Hannah."

The named one shrugged her shoulders and smiled "It's not a problem for me, it will always be a pleasure to be your driver"

They both began to walk towards the motorcycle, avoiding the people they came across.

"Have you talked to Price?" Sparrow asked, looking at her partner.

Aly shook her head.

"I haven't been able to contact him for weeks... My work with Los Vaqueros hasn't diminished either, the cartel's activity in Las Almas has practically disappeared but they are still active internationally..."

Sparrow nodded understandingly. Arresting Valeria didn’t solve the problem, things had improved remarkably but there were still loose ends.

"Did Laswell give you any more information about why she needs us?"

Aly shook her head again.

"She only gave me the time and place. She gave me instructions to contact you. Nothing more…" Alyssa sighed a little worried "I don't know what it is, if I'm honest… She just said that she would explain everything when everyone was all together."

"Everyone? Is there anyone else besides us?" Sparrow looked at her confused.

Aly shrugged "I don't know…"

"The 141 is too busy right now… It would have been Price who would have called me if the Task Force was involved…"

"Shouldn't you be with them? Hunting down General Sheppard?" Aly asked.

They reached the bike, Hannah mounted first and slung the backpack off one shoulder.

"Yeah…well…I was blown up in Uzbekistan by a grenade, I had a couple of broken ribs. They sent me home for a couple of months'' Sparrow tilted her head and smiled wryly "You know I always have the best luck in the world"

She took a second helmet out of the pack and handed it to Aly. "Safety first, ma'am"

Aly accepted the helmet and placed it on her head. She got on the bike just behind Sparrow. Hannah put on her helmet and started the bike.

"Hold on tight, I don't want to have to pick you up in the middle of the road" Sparrow joked accelerating "If that happened I think Price would deprive me of my right to live"

Aly chuckled and rolled her eyes.

"Where do I have to go?" Sparrow commented, returning to the road.

Hannah drove through the streets of Washington DC following Aly's directions, pointing out where she needed to turn. They were circling the city for a good thirty minutes, Sparrow complaining about how much she hated big cities and all the meaningless traffic lights while Aly patted her shoulders assuring her that nothing was wrong and that she should have a little more patience.

"It's here," Alyssa commented.

Sparrow parked in front of a bar that appeared to be closed. She turned off the engine and helped Aly off the bike. Then she took off her helmet and placed it on top of the gas tank. Aly offered her helmet and put it back in her pack. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and got off the bike as well, grabbing her helmet in the process.

"Are you sure it's here?" Sparrow asked, not very convinced looking at the metal shutter that blocked the main entrance.

Aly nodded and started walking.

"If we can't get in through the front entrance, we'll try the back door," Aly said.

Sparrow who was following her raised an eyebrow somewhat confused.

"Couldn't this be considered trespassing?"

Aly smiled and looked at Hannah with sparkling eyes.

"Where's your Adventure Spirit?!" Aly laughed.

"I left it at home along with my other reasons for not ending up in jail" She replied to which Aly rolled her eyes again.

They entered an alley that was attached to the street, narrow and dark.

"If someone mugs us and we end up stabbed, I'll blame it on you" Sparrow said, looking down the alley suspiciously.

"I thought you were capable of knocking out whoever you wanted, Hannah"

"Well yes, but I remind you that I am recovering from two bone fractures, if they hit me in the ribs I am sentenced" 

"You're tougher than that…"

Aly found the back door of the bar.

"It's this way" she mentioned.

She tried to open the metal door and the doorknob gave way.

"It's open" She mentioned.

Sparrow looked at her suspiciously, she didn't like that situation very much.

"I'll go in first. You stay behind me." ordered the sergeant.

Sparrow opened the door slowly and motioned for Aly to keep quiet. They found a hallway that led to the bathrooms and then into the bar. They heard voices and movements. They both looked puzzled. Supposedly only Laswell would have to be waiting for them.

They walked down the hall until they reached the bar. Both were greatly surprised with who they found there.

"Jade?" Aly took a step forward as she recognized her friend.

The named one turned when she heard her name, a smile settled on her face when she recognized her.

"Aly!" They both hugged each other between greetings and laughs "my god… it's been forever since I last saw you!" She said excitedly.

"Too long" They both separated.

Jade became aware of Sparrow's presence.

"Glad to see you in one piece, Hannah. You made me so worried." Jade greeted giving Hannah a quick hug as well.

"Yeah…well it takes more than a grenade to finish me off." She smiled, returning the hug.

"You've already proven it several times" Jade chuckled.

"You're late." A male voice caught everyone's attention.

A smile settled on Sparrow's face when she saw who the voice was.

"Come on Captain… I can't ignore the red lights." Sparrow answered, approaching the man.

Arjun frowned as he watched his sergeant approach.

"You should be resting, soldier"

Sparrow rolled her eyes, setting her helmet on a table and shoving her hands inside the pockets of her cargo pants.

"I'm fine Cap… it doesn't hurt anymore"

The captain crossed his arms over his chest, not very convinced.

"Whatever…it's good to see you around here!" Sparrow poked Arjun's shoulder in a friendly way but he didn't take it with much amusement.

"How are Aditya and Yuvraj, sir? I haven’t seen them in a long time…"

Arjun took one look at Aly and nodded in greeting. Alyssa smiled and nodded back, then returned his gaze to Hannah.

"They are fine, following the training and above all my orders. Which I recommend to you too, sergeant."

Sparrow smiled, remembering Arjun's call from his headquarters in India strictly ordering her to stay out of trouble while she recovered from two broken ribs at the hospital.

"Do you know why Laswell has summoned us here?" Jade asked.

Aly shook her head.

The door was heard opening and then closing again. Kate appeared at the bar, her expression serious.

"Are we all here? Great, we can get started" Laswell sat down in one of the many chairs, they could tell she was stressed. The rest sat around her.

"What is it about this time Laswell?" Arjun asked.

Kate looked everyone in the eye and pulled a photo out of her jacket pocket. She laid it face down on the table and laced their fingers together. It had "El Sueño" written on the back of the photo in black marker.

Jade grabbed the photo first, stared at it for a few seconds. The photograph showed a very corpulent bald man, with a full head of tattoos and a huge Cross tattooed on his face. Frowning Jade passed it to Sparrow, she did the same but shook her head, not recognizing the man so she handed it to Arjun. The captain looked at it for a while but didn't make an expression, and ended up handing it over to Aly.

Alyssa stared at it for a few seconds, looked at her companions, ten back at Laswell. Kate nodded, knowing what was going on inside the woman's head.

"It's suicide," Aly said without any amusement.

Jade and Sparrow shared a look. Arjun crossed his arms.

Kate put both hands on the table.

"I know that what I am asking you is a complicated task… But it is the perfect opportunity. With the Cartel of Las Almas out of the game we can…"

"You know perfectly well that the Las Almas Cartel is child's play compared to the Santa Blanca Cartel, Kate…" Aly interrupted. The tone she used indicated that she wasn't kidding.

"Wait a second…" Jade spoke trying to clarify what was happening "Can you tell us what it’s about? Why did you call us Laswell?"

"The Santa Blanca cartel. It’s one of the largest drug cartels in the world… officially they traffic cocaine but they also deal in military weapons, people, explosives… It’s originally a Mexican cartel but moved to Bolivia when its empire was too big"

"Because of the cocaine?" Arjun asked

Kate nodded.

"The man in the photograph is the owner and leader of the Cartel. His real identity is not known. But he calls himself "El Sueño '' a religious man who wants to establish a vision of freedom for society by breaking the rules and murder. All lies... They control the whole of Bolivia, they have the government by the balls and they have deals with the Bolivian military forces" Laswell explained.

"So…you want to send us after this prick?" Sparrow asked.

"And what about Makarov?" Jade asked "that matter also needs to be resolved, we can't put it aside."

"Price, Ghost and the rest will take care of Makarov. You will take care of Santa Blanca." Kate replied.

"Just the four of us?" Arjun intervened.

"The fewer you are, the better. It will be more difficult for the cartel to detect you. You will have to be like ghosts and attack from within"

Aly got up, she didn't seem to agree.

"Just the four of us won't be able to touch a single hair of Santa Blanca" Aly rested both hands on her hips. "Kate, are you aware of what you are asking us?"

"I am aware that it is a difficult task. But you are the only ones with enough skills and knowledge to carry out this mission."

"Are we authorized to act in Bolivia?" Arjun asked.

Laswell shook slightly.

"Black op..." Jade added. "This is illegal, Laswell…"

"Every mission we go is illegal" Sparrow tossed the photograph on the table.

Jade nodded in agreement.

"In Bolivia." Arjun said "will we have local support?"

"There is a rebel group of guerrillas who have been fighting against the cartel for years. Their boss is called Pac Katari, if you earn their respect and support we will have a great advantage."

"And you?" Jade asked.

"I have to take care of Makarov and General Shepherd. Price and the rest still need me in Uzbekistan. In Bolivia you will be received by an old friend and CIA agent, Karen Bowman. She will keep you informed and assist you in any way she can. "

There were a few seconds of silence. Where everyone looked at each other. Aly sighed and looked at the ceiling.

"When do we go?" Alyssa asked.

"As soon as possible. I'll give you more information on the way." Kate replied as she got up.

"Welcome to Operation Kingslayer"

CONTINUE?

(Thanks for reading! This chapter is somewhat experimental, so let me know if you liked it and want a sequel)

HERE YOU CAN FIND THE ILLUSTRATION FOR THE FIRST CHAPTER!!

[la-tia-panchita]

Letter to José

José when you receive this letter without reason, you'll know it was all over between us.

Fandom: The Three Caballeros

Relationship: José/Panchito

Notes: Hi everyone! I just wanna to tell that I have made my first Panjose fanfic! (Well it is a songifc :b) and although it's on ao3 I want to share it here too! Hope you like it!! ^^. The song with which I was based to make this songfic is called " Carta a Eufemia" and it is interpreted by Pedro Infante, I’ll leave you the song at the end!

Two years had already passed since the filming of the three caballeros and with it two years of courtship between the Brazilian parrot and the Mexican rooster, making family and friends more than happy for the couple; in Brazil because it is the couple with whom the green feathers lasted the longest (not counting the beautiful Rosinha Vaz, but that is another story because between the two there is a relationship that consists of breaking up and returning, well, rather it existed  until the mexican arrived) And in Mexico they were happy because the rooster had finally decided to choose a partner, only there was some disappointment, anger and even lawsuits with his father when he found out that the happy couple was a man and not a woman, but that is also another story. The point here is that although some did not want to admit it, they were all happy for the relationship that these two birds had.

If you ask Panchito how is his luck with women, he would say that it is very good since in his town there are several women who are interested in him, but if you ask him how is his luck in love, surely he would laugh and say that  love was not made for him because no one has ever stolen sighs and sleepless nights thinking of that special person, until he met José.

For Panchito, dealing with José was like a soccer match where you begin observing calmly and as the game progresses it comes the insults, fouls and yellow cards; so yes, when Panchito and José met they did not have a good relationship, but the second half arrived and with it an adrenaline, emotion and a feeling of not wanting to change the channel, until the first goal arrives, making that the team who scored the goal began to scream with euphoria and happiness while the opposing team begins to get frustrated and that's how Panchito's mind was when he first questioned what he was beginning to feel for the samba dancer. And suddenly more goals arrive making more visible who could be the winning team, until a penalty arrives a night before the premier of his film in which the entire stadium fell into deathly silence because that goal is the one that would mark the victory or the defeat, and there we see the player kick the ball and how it approaches to the goal, mocking the goalkeeper who had to jump to stop the ball but still being insufficient because the one who stopped that ball was the net, causing the entire stadium to rise up screaming with excitement and happiness as they finally saw the beaks of the two birds joined in a kiss, thus marking the end of the game and the start of a relationship.

After that night for Panchito it was like being drugged, he felt in the clouds every time he looked at his partner and when he surprisingly kissed him it was as if a gravitational force was dragging him strongly to the floor, and he loved that change of emotions that the brazilian provoked in him. What he did not love was the decision to have a long distance relationship, but he had to reluctantly accept because in Mexico his family needed him and in Brazil they needed José, so with the promise that the two would constantly send  letters, they said goodbye.

And now after almost a year of living in different countries we can see a well-dressed rooster as a charro signing the end of a paper "Done!" He exclaimed appreciating the final product "Here you have" he said handing the letter to his brother Miguel "Read the letter that I am going to send to the José of my life, to see if he answers it to me" Miguel took the letter between his hands and began to read it.

José, cuando recibas esta carta sin razón.

[José, when you recieve this letter without reason]

"You are sure about this?" Miguel ask looking at Panchito disbelief.

"Of course"

Ya sabrás que entre nosotros todo terminó

[You'll know it was all over between us]

"Won't he take it wrong? I mean, this is said to the face" Panchito gave a few laughs as he shook his head.

"Miguel, Why am I going to fly to Brazil to just tell him we're done?" Panchito ask.

"I don't know, maybe for dignity? Honor? Or even so that he doesn't TAKE IT WRONG!?" Remarking the last words, Miguel insisted as if it were the most obvious thing.

Y no la des en recibida por traición.

Te devuelvo tu palabra, te la devuelvo sin usarla y que conste que en esta carta que acabamos de un jalón.

[When you receive it, don't take it as betrayal

I send back your word, I send it back without using it, and I warn you, in this letter that we finish just like that]

Panchito leaned his back on the chair while crossing his arms and replaid "Dignity? Honor? That he doesn't take it wrong? Ay no inventes, better you keep reading the letter and I assure you that you will change your mind" his brother just rolled his eyes and kept reading.

No me escribiste, y mis cartas anteriores no se si las recibiste.

Tu me olvidaste y mataron mis amores el silencio que les diste.

[You didn't write me, and my previous letters I don't know if you received them.

You forgot me, and my love was killed by the silence that you gave me.]

"Don't you think you are exaggerating?" Miguel asked again taking a sip of his drink .

"Oh que la, si no es Chana es Juana" he claimed and running his hands over his crest he let out a frustrated sigh "look, everything that is in the letter is the truth and what I truly feel. Although I continue to have unconditional affection for José, this can no longer continue like this, he is there and I am here and thanks to the distance this relationship has become non-existent, I even forgot how to love him!" he explained.

¡A ver si a esta si le das contestación José!

Pues del amor ¿pa' que te escribo? y aquí queda como amigo

Tu afectísimo y atento y muy seguro servidor

[I'll see if to this letter you gives a reply José!

About love, what could I tell you? And here remains as a friend

Your most affectionate, attentive and very secure server]

"Pancito Pistoles" he read the signature aloud and left the letter on the table "Well there as you see, if you are sure then send it to him" He sighed pulling out his wallet and putting a few bills on the table.

"Pues ya está" Panchito got up from the table next to his brother "come with me to send it" he hugged his brother by the shoulders and the two of them left the restaurant.

-------

The afternoon was setting on the beautiful coasts of Rio de Janeiro reflecting the pink and orange tones of the sky in the sea.

"Zé, you have received a letter" said his friend Nestor entering to the balcony where the parrot was admiring the peaceful landscape while smoking one of his cigars.

José, cuando recibas esta carta sin razón

Ya sabrás que entre nosotros todo término

[José, when you receive this letter without reason

You'll know it was all over between us]

"Muito obrigado" he answered taking the letter in his hands and without waiting, he opened it, he already knew who it was and was eager to read what the mexican would tell him now. Would he tell him that he finally bought Mr. Martinez a new saddle? Or maybe he would tell him how he reluctantly pulled his brother out of a fight again?

When he unfolded the paper and read the first sentences, his brow began to furrow and a void seized him.

No la des en recibida por traición.

Te devulevo tu palabra, te la devuevo sin usarla y que conste en esta carta que acabamos de un jalón.

[When you receive it, don't take it as a betrayal.

I send back you word, I send it back without using it, and I warn you in this letter that we finish just like that]

He entered to his room in dismay and he dropped into the chair at the small desk he had.

No me escribiste, y mis cartas anteriores no se si las recibiste

[You didn't write me, andmy previous letters I don't know if you received them]

His gaze immediately traveled to his desk, which was littered with crumpled sheets of paper scattered everywhere, some on the floor, others in the trash can, and many others on top of the same desk, but there was a place where it wasn't littered with trash. and that was where he kept all the letters he received from Panchito, each one of them was ordered and well arranged by date.

Tu me olvidaste, y mataron mis amores el silencio que les diste

[You forgot me, and mt love was killed by the silence that you gave me]

The anxiety was consuming the poor brazilian who did not realize he was puffing on his cigar too fast until the ashes of the cigar fell into his sack. He put the letter aside and putting out ths cigar into ths ashtray he tried to clean the ashes from his sack, when he finally thought his sack was clean he rubbed his eyes and took the letter again.

¡A ver si a esta si le das contestación José!

[I'll see if to this letter you gives a reply José!]

José squeezed his beak, he knew that there would come a time when Panchito would get tired of not having any information about him, but he never imagined that those lines would cause much impact on him, because just seeing that that sentence was with an exclamation point and that his name was included he imagined as if the rooster was giving a cry of despair and help to know about him. And it is not that José did not want to respond and escape from that relationship, on the contrary, he loves Panchito with all his being and with each letter he received his love for him increased more, only that whenever he was about to write he could not find the words correct and more when everything around him started to go from bad to worse, Zico and Zeca arrived (his nephews whom he loves very much) but unfortunately his sister left, may he rest, the bar where he worked was closed and the money began to scarce and it was in those moments that the only thing that kept him standing were the letters he received from Panchito.

Sometimes it crossed to his mind that he could ask for help from the mexican, but immediately the shame consumed him, then he thought he could start sending letters and after sending some now he could ask for help, but he thought he would look very cheeky and better he didn't sent anything, and now that his life is stable again he does not know what to say, keeping only erasers scattered all over his desk and floor.

Del amor ¿Pa' que te escribo? y aquí queda como amigo

Tu afectísimo y atento y muy seguro servidor

[About love, what could I tell you? And here remainss as a friend

Your most affectionate, attentive, and very secure server]

"Signature Panchito Pistoles" he threw the letter on the table and leaned back in his chair "it's all over" he sighed heavily, although now he wanted to and tried to write him a letter to explain everything, to tell him to wait that he still loves him, that he had not forgotten him and that he was not going to let their relationship end in this way, he did not feel up to it and above all he felt defeated and tired.

He took out a cigar and lit it, letting himself be carried away by the smoke it gave off and his pain until someone entered to his room. "Zé, another letter just arrived." His friend Nestor's voice was heard, but he did not respond and did not even I turn to see, he just sat there smoking his cigar "I'll leave it in bed for you" answered the other walking around the room and when he left the letter he left, leaving José in complete silence immersed in his thoughts.

After several minutes he got up to go get the letter and turn on the light since the darkness of the night had already flooded the room.

Seeing where the happy letter came from, he threw it angrily "o que aquele pedaço de mariachi quer ?! Não é o suficiente para ele quebrar meu coração !? Agora ele precisa tirar sarro de mim, ou talvez..." letter on the floor with hopes and something in it begged that in that letter it would come out that it was all a joke in bad taste or even a warning for not keeping his promise.

With fear he picked up the letter and stopped looking at the details of the envelope, it was strange that the letter was different from the one already known but it could be clearly seen that the sender's address said Hacienda Quintero, he opened the envelope and slowly took out the paper that was inside.

Hi José,

I hope you are well and I hope you will forgive the informality of this letter.

I know what my brother wrote in his letter and I want you to know that I do not agree with the decision he made, well first of all I hope you have already read the letter, if not, everything that comes here will not make sense.

I want you to know that my brother still loves you well, but that does not remove the fact that he is hurt because he thinks you have forgotten him and now he has taken a very proud, very arrogant attitude and God! Not even a day has passed and I can't stand it anymore. So, Mr. Carioca, I kindly ask you if you don't want to send a letter, then at least come to fix my brother and even though I haven't seen you in a long time, I know that you still love my brother.

There I leave you a few Mexican bills (sorry I did this letter suddenly and I didn't have time to look for Brazilian reals) with which you can go to Mexico or you can keep them and do whatever you want with them, consider it as a gift and an apology for the letter from my silly brother.

I am saying goodbye because Panchito is here and he does not know that I have written this letter and I do not want him to find out that he exists.

Miguel Quintero.

He opened his eyes surprisingly, he did not know what impacted him more, the fact that Panchito's brother was playing the cupid, knowing that Panchito still loved him or that José received a second chance.

He checked the envelope again and, indeed, Miguel had given him several bills with which he could pay the last debts he had left or he could go to Mexico to try to win back the love of his life.

He sat slowly on the bed thinking what he would say to Panchito when he see him. Perhaps he would claim the fact that he cut him by letter and did not have the decency to tell him in front, because this things you need to said it to the face.

End Notes:

"Oh que la, si no es Chana es Juana"-- oh what the, if it's not Chana it's Juana. (In Mexico the phrase "if it's not Chana it's Juana" is a colloquial saying that express if it's not one thing it's the other)

"Pues ya está"-- Well that's it

"Muito obrigado"-- thanks a lot.

"o que aquele pedaço de mariachi quer ?! Não é o suficiente para ele quebrar meu coração !? Agora ele precisa tirar sarro de mim, ou talvez" --what those that piece of mariachi wants?! Isn't it enough for him to break my heart!? Now he need to make fun of me, or maybe...

[brywrites]

Date Night I

I got so many requests in my inbox for a version of “Date Night” set in The Keeping of Words universe. There were so many suggestions for how that could look, but I’m really happy with this version, so I hope those of you who like TKOW enjoy it! Part 2 coming very soon!

Summary: Three years after leaving the BAU, Dr. Spencer Reid has given up chasing monsters to be a part-time professor and a full-time dad. It’s all domestic bliss - until Cat Adams turns up at the BAU.

Warnings: mentions of violence, kidnapping, references to past kidnapping and assault

.......................................

“Now, it’s rare for serial killers to go that long between murders, but years passed between the BTK attacks. How did Rader manage to go that long between murders?”

Reid’s students stared at him expectantly, a few flipping back through their notes. A girl in Georgetown hoodie raised her hand. “Well it seems like he stayed connected to what he did in like, other ways? He wrote up detailed plans for each attack so maybe he focused on that.”

“Yeah,” added a boy with round glasses and a sticker-covered laptop. “And he wrote to the police a lot with information and puzzles, so that could have given him the feeling of power he needed.”

“Good, good,” Reid said. “Those are both great points. Rader did all of that and more. The stalking, the planning, the communication with the media is all part of what we c-” His train of thought was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He gave it the briefest of glances – just Emily, likely asking for an obscure fact he could provide after the lecture – before pocketing it once more and continuing. “Sorry. Uh, so all of his behavior is what we call sublimating. Psychologically speaking, it’s the process of diverting one’s impulses or desires into a more socially acceptable activity. Forensically, it’s how unsubs curb their urges during a cooling-off period. In this case we see that…” His phone began to ring again. The name on the screen was the same.

“I’m so sorry,” he said again. He made it a point not to use his phone in front of his students and to give them the same respect he asked of them while in his class. He quickly sent Prentiss a text. In lecture – call in 30? “As I was saying, in this case it’s clear that–” Before he could even return the phone to his pocket it rang again.

A sudden chill came over him. This wasn’t just about a consult. “I – uh, sorry,” he stammered. His students glanced between themselves. It wasn’t like their hyper-focused, luddite professor to take a call in the middle of lecture. Reid turned away from them as he raised the phone to his ear. “What is it?” he asked.

“Reid, I’m so sorry. We need you to come in immediately. Luke’s out front to bring you to Quantico. We have a kidnapping case and there’s one demand – that we release Cat Adams within 24 hours.” The name made every muscle in his body tense. An automatic trauma response.

“No.” The sound of her name alone sent flashbacks flickering through this memory. Glimpses of Mexico, the inside of a prison cell, his mother screaming, Bianca crying on the witness stand in a courtroom. There was no way he was letting that woman any chance to get near him or his family ever again.

“She insists she’ll only speak if she can talk to you.” This exactly why he’d left the Bureau in the first place.

“Emily, I’m retired, I’m not an agent anymore and–”

“And there are lives on the line, Spencer. I wouldn’t ask if we had any other choice.” And so he ended class early, hurried out of the lecture hall, and climbed into the waiting SUV. Luke tried to catch him up – that morning Garcia had received a video from a woman with dark hair, showing two huddled, hooded figures tied up on the floor of a warehouse. A woman and a small child. They seemed to be crying and while Garcia couldn’t make out their identity, the woman filming wasn’t trying to hide her face at all. The demand attached said they would be killed if Catherine Adams wasn’t released from prison, and Cat only wanted to talk to him. The only man she’d ever lost to.

“This doesn’t follow her typical M.O.,” Reid said. “She usually goes after men, fathers specifically. Why go after what’s likely a mother and child?” Cat was a creature of habit. Her impulsive nature was her downfall. This didn’t seem like her at all.

Luke shrugged. “You know her better than I do. I’ll have Garcia show you the footage when we get there, maybe you’ll see something we didn’t.” But as soon they arrived at the BAU, Emily ushered him off to an interrogation room. There she sat in an orange jumpsuit, staring at the one-way glass, waiting for him with a Cheshire cat grin. It made his blood boil. Reid inhaled deeply before stepping inside. He stood there staring at her in silence. He didn’t trust himself not to scream.

Cat laughed. “Classic negotiating technique. First one to speak loses, right?” The sound of her voice took him right back to that awful night – leaving Milburn, nearly losing his mother, Bianca crying in the roundtable room. Scratch and the crash and Stephen’s death and everything that had come after.

He wasn’t in the mood for her games. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He should have been finishing his class and going home to pick Eliza up from pre-school. “You arranged the kidnapping of two people and you did it the same way you did it before,” he sighed. Cat immediately launched into her usual banter. She had given up fighting her case, she insisted. Now she just wanted to stave off the boredom by playing with her favorite toy. The only thing she hadn’t done, she claimed, was him.

“You sexually violated me in Mexico,” he reminded her.

“I did? Are you sure?” she asked. He gritted his teeth. “Stop being the boy who cried rape, Spencie, it’s not a good look.”

The room was too small, too warm. He couldn’t bear to be in here with her but he had to be. “I want to go a date,” she declared. “With you.”

“A date?” This was absurd. This was ridiculous. This couldn’t be happening.

“Yes. I want to look pretty. And I want to have fun. And I won’t even get physical, ok?” Cat rolled her eyes. “Unless you want me to.”

There was no way he was going to take Cat Adams on a date. There were only two people he’d ever been on a date with in his life (the ill-fated Redskins game and the Lila Archer incident didn’t count, he’d decided), and he had no desire to add a third to that list. Going out on a date was what he did with Bianca, because he loved her. He took her to bookstores and symphonies and New York City. He bought her flowers and watched her favorite movies and made a list of all her favorite restaurants. That was something special. Something sacred.

“The only date I’ll be there for,” he whispered to Cat, “is the one where they stick a needle in your vein.”

“You’re gonna let a mother and daughter die?” Cat asked. So whoever was in that video Luke mentioned, it was a mother and her child.

“I never said a mother and daughter. You’re already slipping. We’ll find them, we always do.” The team would find them and he could go home and be with the only two people he wanted to sit across a table from.

“Not tonight,” Cat laughed. “Tonight, I win.”

This was a waste of his time. “The score between me and you is two to zero. By tomorrow morning, it’ll be a clean sweep.” He turned to glare at her. “Enjoy eternal nothingness. It’s a metaphor for your life.” It was petty, he knew that, but he couldn’t resist letting the bitterness he felt rising in his throat out in some small way.

Cat snorted. “You don’t even realize you’re already losing.” Before he could ask her what she meant, the interrogation room door opened. Prentiss stood there staring at Cat with an expression of utter horror. That Cheshire cat smirk returned. Reid’s glanced between the two women whose gaze held an unspoken secret he couldn’t make sense of.

“What is it, Emily?” he asked.

“Outside,” the unit chief said.

“I did something bad, Spencie,” Cat sing-songed. His stomach dropped. He was missing something. Cat knew it. Emily knew it. And whatever it was, it was big. Emily grabbed his arm, pulling him out of the room. Cat’s laughter echoed. The blood rushed in his ears. Something was wrong.

“Spencer,” Emily began. She shut the door behind her and placed herself in front of it, blocking his way. “The unsub sent another video to Garcia. The woman removed the hoods from their faces and we’ve been able to identify the two victims in the video.” Two people. A mother and daughter. A mother and daughter. I did something bad, Spencie. You don’t even realize you’re already losing. No. No, he couldn’t go there.

“I’m sorry,” Emily said. She turned over a tablet. The video showed a dusty warehouse with big windows. And even if the two people had been wearing hoods, he would’ve recognized them immediately. If Luke had been able to show him the video in the car, if they’d taken him to the roundtable room first, he would’ve known. That was her favorite cardigan and the dress he’d zipped up for her in their bedroom. And those were the tiny shoes he’d carefully tied while she sat patiently in the carseat. And now, those were the faces of the two people he loved more than anything in this life, staring back at him.

“No.” His voice cracked.

“We don’t know how she got to them, but I promise you we won’t rest until Bianca and Eliza are safe.”

“No.” In her wisdom Prentiss had blocked him from running back into that room and doing something he might regret later. Reid bit down, forcing back every curse he wanted to shout. He turned and stormed down the hall, pushing his way through the glass doors until he came upon Morgan’s empty office. He stepped inside, slamming the door behind him. It was too hot, his clothes were too tight, everything was too overwhelming and he couldn’t think straight. Fingers fumbled with the knot of his tie, only able to loosen it enough to yank it over his head. He undid the first few buttons of his shirt and shook out his arms. Stimming always helped to center him. He squeezed his eyes shut and pressed a hand to his stomach. Breathed in and out. In and out.

She had them. Cat had them.

Reid screamed, a guttural sound that came from his throat of its own accord. He spun around and set eyes on a desk piled high with books and papers and he pushed them all off to the floor. A lamp went with them, which crashed into a water cooler that tumbled over on its side. It wasn’t enough. He screamed again, flipping a table in the center of the room and throwing a book at the wall. “FUCK!” he shouted. “GOD FUCKING DAMMIT!”

It was like his body didn’t know how to handle the rage. He fell to his knees and curled into himself on the floor, sobbing. This was his fault, all his fault. His only job was to keep them safe, and they were in danger now because of him.

....

Their captor lowered the video camera, smirking. “I think that’ll be a nice video to send your husband, won’t it?” Bianca grit her teeth, inhaling through her nose and willing herself to keep it together. She had to stay calm, for Eliza’s sake. Her ribs and shoulder ached, the blows the woman had landed to her jaw stung sharply. She thought distantly of the night she’d punched Spencer on accident on their anniversary, thinking him an intruder. There would be a trail of bruises left behind for days at least.

“Mama are you okay?” Eliza asked.

Her daughter’s voice brought her back to the present. Bianca nodded carefully, the movement painful. She needed to keep Elizabeth calm and keep them both alive. “I’m okay, sweetheart. Everything’s going to be okay.”

“Where’s Daddy?”

“He’ll be here soon, okay? He’s gonna come find us and then we’ll go home.” He would find them. He always would. No matter how far apart they were or how lost they felt, they always found each other. They saved each other, that was what they did. He made sure she ate and protected her from her family and came to find her in the woods. She helped him through grief and stayed with him through withdrawal and guarded his heart from the monsters. He would find her.

The dark-haired woman squatted down on the ground beside them. “It’s cute,” she laughed, a sharp and cold sound. “That you have so much faith in a man. Men are nothing but disappointing.”

Bianca had been let down by men in her life plenty of times. Her father, who she was never good enough for. Her brother, who held the knife against her throat. They were the reason she jumped when doors slammed and flinched when someone yelled and ran far away from her problems. But Hotch and Rossi had welcomed her like a daughter, Morgan had loved her with the playful protectiveness of an older brother, Lorenzo had been a friend when she needed one, and Spencer – Spencer was the opposite of everyone who had ever hurt her.

“What do you want from him?” Bianca asked. “Did he arrest you? Put away someone you love?” The woman – the unsub, Bianca was beginning to think of her as – just glared back. “If this is a trap, he’s not going to walk into it,” she said. “He’s too smart for that. No matter what you have planned, he’ll outsmart you. He always does.”

Her husband, the genius. He’d win. He find them.

“I don’t think he’ll outsmart us,” the unsub said. So there were two of them.

“Really? Because if he finds us, you’ll be outnumbered. Is your partner smart? Or just too cowardly to take him on?” Despite her fear she tried to maintain her best lawyer voice, imagining she was cross-examining a difficult witness on the stand rather than a kidnapper with a gun.

“Cat’s not a coward,” the woman snapped. She froze, realizing her slip.

“Cat? You’re working for Cat Adams?” She should’ve known. Who else hated Spencer more than her? The woman who’d nearly taken his wedding ring, his mother, his life. Cat was the reason he’d been gone during her pregnancy, the reason he’d been traumatized in Milburn, and drugged against his will. And Cat was the reason that her little girl was tied up in this warehouse. Feeling fury burn in her chest, Bianca forced herself to smile through the pain. “Then you’re definitely going to lose. Cat never wins. You’ll see.”

There was a smack, and Bianca could feel the slap across her face before she processed it. She winced, biting her lip to hold back a groan. “Shut up!” the unsub shouted. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.” She turned and stalked off, slamming the door behind her, leaving the two of them alone. Bianca could hear her speaking to someone on the phone.

She leaned down close to Eliza. “Eliza Lou, listen close to me, okay?”

“Okay, mama.”

“Remember how I told you we’re playing a game?” She’d begun this elaborate lie when the unsub grabbed them from the preschool parking lot at gunpoint. It was all a game, and they had to follow all the rules to win. “Well this part of the game is a race. We’re racing to get home. I’m gonna try to untie you, alright? And if I do that, I need you to stay really still and pretend you’re still tied up. But if that woman leaves again, or she’s not paying attention and you can get up without her noticing, I need you to run okay? You get up and you run as fast as you can. You run and run and run until you get outside. And when you do, you go to the first grown up you see, and you tell them my name is Eliza and I’m lost. My dad is Doctor Spencer Reid with the FBI and I need to call him. Do you remember daddy’s phone number?”

Elizabeth recited it perfectly. “Good girl,” Bianca said. “Exactly right. You get them to call daddy, and he’ll come and find you. Okay?”

“What about you, mama?”

“That’s the fun part. We’ll be racing each other home. You and daddy are gonna race me and we’ll see who wins. That’s why you have to be super super fast, okay?”

“Okay!” Eliza smiled up at her, and her heart twisted. She was so young. If they were lucky, she would really think it was all a game – and then she’d forget any of this ever happened. And if they were really lucky, she’d get to see that.

Please, she thought. Please find us, Spencer.

...

He wasn’t sure how long he sat there before the door opened and Tara appeared. She sat down next to him, knowing better than to touch him. “I know this is hard,” she said. “But they need you right now.”

The people he loved harder than he’d ever imagined he could love were in danger. And it was all his fault. Cat did this because he loved them. She was hurting them because he loved them. And unless he played her game, it wasn’t going to stop.

“I. Can’t. Lose them.”

“And you’re not going to,” she said. “We won’t let that happen. We all love them, too, Reid. But we can find them a lot faster if you’re helping us. Okay?”

He tried to focus on the sound of Tara’s voice. Tara, who Bianca had taken a liking to immediately, who had gone with the two of them and Penelope to a Doctor Who convention, who had never been one to throw the word love around lightly. “Okay.” He forced himself to stand and follow her to the roundtable room. “Catch me up,” he insisted.

“I just finished talking with Cat,” Emily said. “She wants to go ice skating so she can, and I quote, skate circles around you. When I told her that wasn’t going to happen, she instructed me to tell Garcia to check her email.”

“Which I am doing now…” Garcia said, typing furiously. “Okay, this just came in.” A video popped up on the screen. A dark haired woman was in the center of the image. “Juliette Weaver, she’s Cat’s old cellmate and she just made parole,” she explained. Even before the video started, Bianca and Elizabeth’s faces were visible. Garcia glanced it him, her kind face pained. “Reid, I’m sorry.” She pressed play.

“Here we go,” Juliette said.

“Mama, what’s happening?”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s just a game. Everything’s okay.” Bianca was trying so hard to keep her voice even.

“It’s not a good idea for parents to lie to their children.” Juliette walked over to Bianca, whose hands and feet were bound. The woman aimed a swift kick to her ribs. Bianca’s yelp physically hurt him to hear.

“Eliza, close your eyes. Close your eyes, sweetie!” The little girl did as she was told just in time to avoid seeing her mother take a punch that knocked her over. They all heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh several times, and Bianca’s muffled cries. And then there was a gun in Juliette’s hand.

“No, no, no,” whispered Garcia, turning away from the screen.

“Don’t do this,” Bianca said.

But the gun went off anyways.

“NO!” he screamed. Reid felt his knees give way at the sound of the gun and Bianca’s screams as every face in the room froze in horror.

But then Bianca kept screaming. And then the scream turned to a gasp.

“Mama!”

“It’s okay, I’m okay, everything’s okay.” The video abruptly cut off.

“Blanks,” Luke said, putting his hand on Reid’s shoulder. “She fired blanks.” He could feel the air returns to his lungs. Bianca was still alive – for now. But that video was a clear warning. If he wanted to keep them both alive, he had to do what Cat wanted.

“You realize what we have to do, don’t you?” Rossi asked. Reid looked away, the fury building inside of him once more.“It’s the only way to get her to slip up. We have to give her what she wants.”

 “Me,” Reid said.

[spencers-renaissance]

Even More Beautiful

Summary: the BAU is stuck in Michigan with no case and no way home, so naturally, Spencer and Derek confess their love for one another. Based on the prompt ‘You look even more beautiful covered in snow.’

Tags: Fluff, Love Confessions, Snowball Fights, Insecurity, a little Hurt/Comfort

Pairing: Morgan x Reid 

Word Count: 3.5k

Read on AO3

It never fails to amaze Spencer just how cold the United States can be sometimes. Intellectually, of course, he’s aware that a typical Michigan winter drops down to single digits in the Upper Peninsula, but experiencing such a fact is always shockingly different to reading it. He can’t help but be bitter they weren’t called to Arizona or New Mexico so late in November; growing up in Nevada did not prepare him well for the city of Marquette.

Their proximity to Lake Superior doesn’t help either, as he explains to Emily as she loudly laments the snowfall. “It shouldn’t be so damn hard to walk 300 metres, is all I’m saying, Reid,” she groans, dragging her legs. He doesn’t exactly think his explanation for the snow helped all that much, but at least their hotel is finally in sight. “I can run a six minute mile, okay, I should not be finding walking this hard.”

“You should’ve worn your snow boots,” he says lightly and politely doesn’t mention that he’s slowing his pace to match hers -- he doesn’t have a death wish. 

His comment still makes Emily pause and look down at his feet. “Wait, you keep those in your go bag?” she asks incredulously. 

“Of course,” he says, a little obliviously. Doesn’t everyone? “It’s winter, I don’t want to be caught out. Like you.” 

Emily finally regains her composure and keeps walking, chuckling lightly to herself. “I swear, Reid, your preparedness is mildly grating sometimes.” 

“I’ve been told,” he smiles, pushing open the door to the lobby, much to Emily’s relief. 

They’d been on their way back from the Police Department; Hotch had asked them to tie up the loose ends and pick up the reports since they were the last ones there and he had a call to answer that didn’t look pleasing to him in the slightest, and unfortunately the trek back had been a foul one. As soon as they step into the hotel lobby though, they’re met with a miserable sight. The whole team is either sat on the uncomfortable lobby furniture looking dejected or restlessly pacing while Hotch remains on the phone, talking agitatedly with the person on the other end of the line. 

“What’s going on?” Emily asks as they approach the group, ripping off their hats and gloves as the heated lobby begins to warm them up nicely. 

“All flights out of Michigan are grounded,” Derek answers, walking over to meet them as he looks both of them over carefully, eyes concerned. “You two alright? You look frozen to the bone.” 

“Department was working with bare bones staff so there was no-one free to drive us back and not a cab in sight. We walked through 9 inches of snow while it was still coming down heavy,” Emily answered for both of them, Spencer content to tuck his hands in his pockets and observe as always. “But the flights are grounded? How are we getting home, then?”

“That’s precisely the problem, I think,” Derek answers grimly. “Technically we could still fly home as a government agency, but the jet pilot doesn’t think it’s safe and the brass are advising us to wait a bit. The snow’s predicted to lessen a little over the next few days, apparently, but we’re waiting to hear if Hotch has any more news.”

Everyone else looks thoroughly miserable at the news, but then Spencer supposes that most people have plans and family to get home for. To him, this is a few days with a virtual guarantee of no case surrounded by beautiful scenery. Plus, he gets to be around his favourite people for a little while longer. 

“Right,” Emily says, looking a little disappointed at the idea of waiting longer than necessary to get home. “I’m gonna go and check on JJ.” She smiles at Reid, clapping him gently on the shoulder before wandering over to the sofa JJ’s sat on. 

“You alright, pretty boy?” Derek asks. “You’re still looking a little on the chilly side.”

“Well, we did trek down the entire street in almost a foot of snow so I’m not sure you can blame me,” he smiles wryly, fiddling his fingers inside his pockets, nervous in the way he so often gets around Derek. 

“No, I don’t suppose I can.” He casts a glance Hotch’s way, who doesn’t look any closer to a resolution. “How about we head back up to the room? Garcia rebooked them for tonight anyway and I don’t see much point in waiting around for nothing. Let’s go get you a hot chocolate and warm you back up.”

“I can’t have coffee?” Spencer smiles hopefully, knowing Derek hates how restless he gets after a nighttime espresso.

“Not when you’re sharing a room with me, kid, you know that,” Derek grins, as they make their way to the elevators. 

★

They all go out for brunch the next morning, squeezing into the largest booth at the local diner and enjoying some rare, stress-free time together, and by the time they all pour out onto the street it's early afternoon.

“Right, shall we head back to the hotel for a bit, then?” Rossi asks as they pause on the pavement. 

“Emily and I were going to head to the highstreet for a bit, actually,” JJ replies, shooting a smile Emily’s way. Spencer only feels sorry for JJ, knowing how much complaining she’s going to hear. He loves Emily to pieces but the woman has a lot to say about a lot of things.

“I’ll head back with you, Dave,” Hotch says unsurprisingly. Spencer expects he’s making a beeline for the phone to ring home and speak to Jack. 

“What about you, kid?” Derek asks, turning to look at him with a questioning gaze as the others begin to peel off in the direction of their destinations. 

“I don’t know, I’m feeling kind of restless, I’m not sure I want to go back and sit uselessly in the hotel room for hours on end,” he replies, cocking his head and looking back at his friend as his eyes squint against the wintry sun. “I only bought eight books with me.”

“Well Presque Isle Park is a ten minute from here, how about we take a midday walk up there?” Derek suggests, chuckling a little at Spencer’s comment.

“Really?” Spencer asks, a little shocked. “You want to go on an hours long walk through the snow in a random city’s park with me?”

“Course I do, pretty boy,” Derek reassures him. “Plus, the snow’s melted a little and the paths in the park will probably be cleared anyway. Let me call a taxi while you text the others so they know where we’re headed.” 

Driving through the beautiful streets of Marquette, Spencer can see the tangible relief the city is experiencing now that the case is wrapped up and there’s no longer a freaky woman hater stalking the citizens. It’s nice hanging around a little after the case and getting to see with his own eyes the effects of their hard work, the good that they can instill in the world as they counterbalance the bad. 

“What’s going on in that big head of yours, Spencer?” Derek asks, cutting through his dreamy thoughts.

“Nothing, it’s just,” he paused for a moment trying to explain. “It’s a beautiful town and it’s nice to see that we could preserve it that way, that we didn’t let evil corrupt it.” He lifts his gaze to Derek’s just in time to see his eyes soften, fondness and something else he couldn’t quite discern filling his expression. 

Instead of saying anything though, he just shoots him a wistful smile and looks back out the window. 

They arrive at the park fairly quickly and Derek pays the driver while Spencer hops out and is immediately captivated by the beauty surrounding him. He nearly jumps when Derek follows closely behind and places a large hand on his shoulder, steering him towards the path. “It’s breathtaking out here, isn’t it?” he asks him, but Spencer’s eyes catch on the vapour that the words produce and, consequently, Derek’s lips. Shaking himself out of it, he nods and quickly agrees before his eyes catch a wooden sign and he rushes over to it. 

“It says that there’s a walk that goes around the perimeter of the peninsula the park rests on, we could start walking it and turn around if we need to?” Spencer suggests, calling behind him to where Derek still stood in the middle of the path, fiddling with his gloves.

“Sounds good, pretty boy,” he calls back, finally getting them settled and jogging forward to catch up with him. 

They walk in silence for a little while, both taking in the breathtaking sights of the trees and the lake, snow and ice making everything appear even more beautiful. The first people they pass are a young family with two little children who cheerily greet them as they rush past them in a heated game of tag. “I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be raised somewhere as idyllic as this,” Spencer comments a little nostalgically, breaking the silence in a quiet voice 18 minutes and 45 seconds into their leisurely stroll. 

“Vegas didn’t give you quite the same views?” Derek smiles sarcastically.

“Somehow, no,” Spencer chuckles back. “But I can’t imagine the South Side of Chicago was much better.”

“It wasn’t too bad,” Derek muses. “Granted we lived on a rundown street in a rundown neighbourhood, but the local park was surprisingly unscathed by any of the nasty business that might have plagued the area, at least to our naive eyes. We weren’t too far from the River, either, which was beautiful through all the seasons.”

“That’s nice,” Spencer says, shooting Derek a genuine smile. “I’m glad you had something like that growing up, you deserved it.”

“So did you, though,” Derek says, a little sadly. “I wish more than anything I could have been there when you were younger.”

Spencer smiles at the ground, trying to hide his blush, not knowing how to say, ‘I wish the same about you’ without feeling awkward. “You’re here now, though,” he settles on, and looks up into Derek’s wide, welcome eyes and tries to convey his gratitude. 

“That I am.” 

“You know, you guys are the first people who I’ve ever been able to fully be myself around,” Spencer confesses, feeling safe in the cool, clean air with only his best friend close by. “I was thinking about it yesterday; everyone else was excited to get home to their families, and I was just glad I had an extra day or two with mine.”

“Hey, Spencer,” Derek says, tugging gently at his arm to get him to slow to a stop and levelling him with a gaze that sort of punched a whole through his stomach with its power. “You can always be yourself around me, I hope you know that. You’re just as much my family as I am yours, alright?”

Spencer’s certain he’s beet red, but he tries his hardest not to look away. “Thanks Derek,” he says earnestly, finally ducking his head in embarrassment. They start walking again and Spencer can’t resist the urge to dissipate some of the intensity in the air, so he feigns a heavy sigh in jest. “Don’t worry, though. I’m fully aware I’m stuck with you for good.”

Derek fakes a gasp. “Alright, pretty boy, I’d watch your mouth if I was you.” He shoves him sideways gently, and Spencer stumbles a little. Derek barely budges, though, when Spencer shoves him back. 

“You’re a great big oaf, you know that right?” Spencer giggles, trying his hardest to get to Derek to stumble the way he did, finally giving up. “Why won’t you move?” he whines. 

“Well, pretty boy, it goes a little like this…” Derek catches him off guard and with another push, sends Spencer tumbling into the soft snow bank at the side of the path, freezing in shock as he realises what he just did. 

“You are going to regret that, Derek Morgan,” Spencer laughs loudly as he picks himself up, trying to dust a little of the snow off his coat. He watches the relief melt into his best friend’s eyes as he realises he didn’t hurt him but, naturally, he knows he has to take advantage of his momentary weakness so he crouches down and gathers a hastily rolled snowball and chucks it directly at Derek’s chest. 

“Oh, I see how it is,” Derek laughs, inching forwards slowly.

“You see how it is?” Spencer teases in retaliation.

“I do, I do see how it is.” Derek grins wickedly. “I see that Spencer Reid is unleashing his inner child and is rather desperate to have a snowball fight.”

“Is that so?” Spencer giggles, amused by Derek’s antics. 

Before he can register what’s happening, Derek’s throwing his own hastily thrown snowball his way, hitting him square on his shoulder. He shrieks with glee, running away through the snow, trying to dodge Derek’s snowball assault, eventually managing to take shelter behind a tree. He starts compiling his own fortress of snowballs, but before he can make his third, Derek’s suddenly in front of him, armed with another. Catching him off guard, he stumbles backwards again, this time grabbing onto the sleeve of Derek’s coat for purchase and tugging him down with him into the snow. 

Giggling like school children, they lay in the snow for a little while, ignoring the cold seeping through their jackets and into their bones. Eventually, though, Spencer sits up, trying to brush some of the snow away. He’s grumbling quietly about how drenched he is when he’s interrupted by eight words that make every muscle in his body still completely. 

“You look even more beautiful covered in snow.”

He is completely frozen. Derek calls him pretty all the time, so surely this shouldn’t be any different, right? He’s definitely overreacting. But there’s a difference between teasing nicknames and directly calling him beautiful, he knows there is. It’s just sort of breaking his heart that it’s everything he’s wanted to hear from Derek for years and he can’t even enjoy it; he can’t trust it. 

He knows he’s blushing deeply, and Derek also looks frozen, in shock at the words that just let his mouth, and it’s awkward. It hasn’t ever been awkward between them, tension was a mystery in their relationship -- they’d clicked immediately, getting along like a house on fire -- so why could they no longer meet one another’s eyes?

Quietly, they both get up and come to a silent consensus to turn back the other way. Slowly, the awkwardness eases between them and the silence becomes a little more bearable. The static in Spencer’s mind fades with it and he no longer feels as though his brain is short-circuiting, but that he can think about it clearly. Derek said it for a reason, he’s sure it meant something and he can’t go on without hearing it for certain.

“Did you mean it?” Spencer asks earnestly, voice still a little muted. He’s too shy and uncertain to make eye contact, but he’s proud of himself for being brave enough to ask the question; he deserves to know and he owes himself that. 

He manages to hold back the surprised flinch that ripples through his body as he feels Derek’s fingers clasp his upper arm gently, pulling him to a stop. He gently nudges his fingers under Spencer’s chin, lifting his face to look at his own, making sure he registers his deep, genuine gaze. “I did.”

Immediately, Spencer pulls away and looks down at the snowy path beneath his boots. Truthfully he’s struggling to process what’s going on at the moment: surely the man he’s been in love with for the last three years isn’t telling him what he thinks he is?

Derek lifts his chin again, concerned eyes meeting his own. “Hey, you okay, beautiful boy?”

Spencer has never been more confident of the difference between pretty boy and beautiful boy, so he leans in and presses a quick, shy kiss against Derek’s lips before he can stop himself. Suddenly unsure of himself again, though, he moves to pull away but Derek reaches a large palm to his cheek and leans back in, sliding his lips over Spencer’s softly, and Spencer can’t help but part his lips slightly, completely drawn into and consumed by Derek’s kiss. 

Eventually, reluctantly, they part with another, soft kiss, leaning their foreheads together. “I’m not sure I can think of a more beautiful place to share a first kiss,” Spencer grins, unable to help himself. 

Derek laughs heartily, leaning away from his face and grabbing his hand gently instead. “I think you’re right about that, pretty boy.” 

“Hey, I thought I was beautiful boy, now,” Spencer pouts, and Derek leans in, unable to resist kissing away his faux grumpy expression. 

“That you are,” he says gently.  “My beautiful boy.”

★

When they finally make it back to the hotel, Spencer’s freezing cold and soaked to the skin. 

“I don’t think I’m ever going to be warm again,” he grumbles, forcing Derek to wrestle him into a warm bath and bury him under the covers, swathed in one of Derek’s own sweaters. “God, I could get used to seeing you in my clothes,” he groaned as soon as Spencer was warm and tucked in. To be fair, the jumper was big on Derek so it definitely hung off and accentuated Spencer’s smaller frame, which was exactly what he needed at that moment.

“You’re such a typical alpha male,” Spencer giggles. “So possessive. Go and have a shower, silly, then you can come and join me.” He waggles his eyebrows jokingly, and Derek smiles fondly before obeying his orders and warming himself up. 

Not long after they’ve climbed into bed, relaxing into each other’s arms in a non-platonic way for the first time ever, Emily knocks on their door inviting them out for a group dinner. Derek kindly turns down the invitation though, explaining how exhausted they are from their earlier trek, and she leaves them be, the rest of the team traipsing back into town. Spencer definitely thinks they have the winning idea when instead they sneakily order from the local Chinese and climb back into bed, spreading the cartons across the sheets in an inviting feast. 

Derek props up his tablet up on top of a cushion on his lap and Spencer shows him how to download episodes of the original Doctor Who, and they eat quietly in a haven of domestic bliss, a momentary escape from the stress of their jobs, the pressure of their friends, the responsibilities of life. Derek, in turn, tries to teach Spencer how to properly use chopsticks, an endeavour that he’s failed in far too many times to keep trying. 

“I know how to use them in theory,” Spencer protests.

“Well that eidetic memory doesn’t come much in handy here, does it?” Derek teases. “Even your 187 IQ doesn’t stand a chance at teaching you coordination.”

“You’re being mean,” he pouts.

“Aww, I’m sorry, baby,” he smiles, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before finally letting him have the plastic fork he’d been hiding, purposefully ignoring the indicting glare being shot his way.

When their cartons are empty, they lean back even further into the well-cushioned bed. “I’ve been in love with you for three years, you know,” Spencer confesses softly, drawing lines on Derek’s chest which is currently acting as his pillow, despite the abundance behind him. 

“Really?” Derek asks, clearly surprised.

“You didn’t know?”

“Of course not,” he replies incredulously. “If I’d known I’d have made a move years ago.”

“We are certifiable idiots.”

“Yes we are.”

“I never said anything because…” Spencer gives himself a moment, trying to find the right words and not humiliate himself. “I never thought you could love anyone like me. I mean despite the obvious, being very much male, I’m a lanky nerd, not like the pretty girls you pick up in bars when we go out.”

“Oh, baby,” Derek sighs, carding a hand through Spencer’s hair before pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. “There’s a reason I’ve called you pretty boy all these years. You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met and I’ve been infatuated pretty much since I met you. You are far prettier than any of those girls I’ve met in bars. Far more special. Far more precious. You’re seriously important to me, okay?”

“Okay,” Spencer says, and he can’t hide the pleased note in his voice. He’s blushing, of course he is, but it’s out of pleasure this time, not embarrassment. He feels honoured to be of such importance to Derek, and he can’t help but feel like the luckiest person in the world right now, wrapped up in his strong, gentle arms. A sudden drowsiness seeps into his veins and he feels his limbs getting heavy. 

Derek clearly recognises it, and presses another gentle kiss to the top of his head. “Sleep, baby. I’ll be here when you wake up,” he promises. “We have so much to look forward to.”

Spencer finally falls asleep, believing that’s true for the first time in a long time.

[introvertguide]

Chinatown (1974); AFI #21

The next movie that we reviewed was a very dark example of neo-noir film directed by Roman Polanski, Chinatown (1974). This film was a throwback to very dark crime thrillers that reflected the outlook of a Great Depression followed by world war. Polanski was experiencing a very dark period since he had just moved to America to get married and immediately lost his wife and unborn son in a horrific murder. The film was well received by critics and audiences, but it could not stand against the award winning juggernaut which was The Godfather Part 2. Polanski’s film was nominated for 11 Academy awards but only took one home for best original screenplay, a category that didn’t include The Godfather Part 2. It is hard to describe how incredibly down beat this film is without spoiling too early, so let me give the breakdown with the standard warning:

SPOILER ALERT!!! THIS IS A MURDER MYSTERY SO THE PLOT IS ABOUT TO BE WELL SPOILED!!! IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE FILM FIRST, NOW IS THE TIME TO STEP AWAY!!! COME BACK AFTER YOU SEE THE FILM!!!

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In 1937, a woman identifying herself as Evelyn Mulwray hires private investigator J. J. "Jake" Gittes (Jack Nicholson) to follow her husband, Hollis Mulwray, the chief engineer at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Gittes tails him, hears him publicly refuse to create a new reservoir that would be unsafe, and shoots photographs of him with a young woman, which are published on the front page of the following day's paper. Back at his office, Gittes is confronted by a woman who informs him she is the real Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) and that he can expect a lawsuit.

Realizing he was set up, Gittes assumes that Hollis Mulwray is the real target. Before he can question him, Lieutenant Lou Escobar fishes Mr. Mulwray, drowned, from a reservoir. Under retainer to Mrs. Mulwray, Gittes investigates with suspicions of murder and notices that although there is a drought, huge quantities of water are being released from the reservoir every night. Gittes is warned off by Water Department Security Chief Claude Mulvihill and a henchman (Roman Polanski) who slashes one of Gittes' nostrils. Back at his office, Gittes receives a call from Ida Sessions, who identifies herself as the imposter Mrs. Mulwray. She is afraid to identify her employer but tells Gittes to check the day's obituaries.

Gittes learns that Mulwray was once the business partner of Evelyn's wealthy father, Noah Cross (John Huston). Over lunch at his personal club, Cross warns Gittes that he does not understand the forces at work, and offers to double Gittes' fee to search for Mulwray's missing mistress. At the hall of records, Gittes discovers that much of the Northwest Valley has recently changed ownership. Investigating the valley, he is attacked by angry landowners who believe he is an agent of the water department attempting to force them out by sabotaging their water supply.

Gittes deduces that the water department is drying up the land so it can be bought at a reduced price and that Mulwray was murdered when he discovered the plan. He discovers that a recently deceased retirement home resident is one of the valley's new landowners and seemingly purchased the property a week after his death. Gittes and Evelyn bluff their way into the home and confirm that the real-estate deals were surreptitiously completed in the names of several of the home's residents. Their visit is interrupted by the suspicious retirement-home director, who has called Mulvihill.

After fleeing Mulvihill and his thugs, Gittes and Evelyn hide at Evelyn's house and sleep together. During the night, Evelyn gets a phone call and must leave suddenly; she warns Gittes that her father is dangerous. Gittes follows Evelyn's car to a house, where he spies her through the windows comforting Mulwray's mistress, Katherine. He accuses Evelyn of holding the woman against her will, but she says Katherine is her sister.

The next day, an anonymous call draws Gittes to Ida Sessions' apartment, where he finds her murdered and Escobar waiting for Gittes' arrival. Escobar tells him the coroner's report found salt water in Mulwray's lungs, indicating that he did not drown in the fresh water of the reservoir. Escobar suspects Evelyn of the murder and tells Gittes to produce her quickly. At Evelyn's mansion, Gittes finds her servants packing her things. He realizes her garden pond is salt water and discovers a pair of bifocals in it. He confronts Evelyn about Katherine, whom Evelyn now claims is her daughter. After Gittes slaps her (a lot), she tells him that Katherine is her sister and her daughter; her father raped her when she was 15. She says that the glasses are not Mulwray's, as he did not wear bifocals.

Gittes arranges for the women to flee to Mexico and instructs Evelyn to meet him at her butler's home in Chinatown. He summons Cross to the Mulwray home to settle their deal. Cross admits his intention to annex the Northwest Valley into the City of Los Angeles, then irrigate and develop it. Gittes accuses Cross of murdering Mulwray. Cross has Mulvihill take the bifocals at gunpoint, and they force Gittes to drive them to the women. When they reach the Chinatown address, the police are already there and detain Gittes. When Cross approaches Katherine, Evelyn shoots him in the arm and starts to drive away with Katherine. The police open fire, killing Evelyn. Cross clutches Katherine and leads her away, while Escobar orders Gittes released. Lawrence Walsh, one of Gittes' associates, tells him: "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown."

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I really cannot emphasize how much of a bummer ending this film has. It is right up there (down there) with Sophie’s Choice. A man who pays to dump water so that he can purchase cheap farm land, kills his partner who threatens to tell, and rapes his own 15-year-old daughter is the antagonist. In the end, he is released to take custody of his young granddaughter without punishment after the police shoot the daughter that he raped. The investigator who tried to help and solved the mystery is left with no say and a slit nostril for his troubles. Polanski later said in interviews that he wanted to emphasize the futility of trying to find justice in Los Angeles. Both his life and this movie really proved that as a fact. It is funny that the screenwriter who won the academy award wanted Cross to die and Evelyn to live, but Polanski insisted and the dark tone is what pushed the award in their favor.

There was some discussion about finding an actor that was willing to be the lead with a bandaged face or prosthetic injury for most of the movie. It was still all about face time and dialogue, so most lead actors didn’t want to cover up their face. Nicholson was not actually known for his good looks as much as other actors, so he was more willing to take on the role. Actually, it was Nicholson who wanted to work on a project with Polanski and suggested the script in the first place. Also, Nicholson really connected with Polanski at the time and was not afraid to play dark roles. Jon Huston was not as keen on the heavy pedophile incest role since he had a lovely young daughter of his own (actress Angelica Huston). It turned out to be a good choice for all the actors involved.

Something that came up during the viewing with my housemates was reactions to the scene when Jack Nicholson is slapping Faye Dunaway when she is admitting that the girl she visits is both her sister and her daughter. She keeps alternating between “she’s my sister” and “she’s my daughter” and each statement is punctuated with a slap in the face by Jack Nicholson. It is supposed to be deeply serious and a major reveal in the movie, but we were laughing so hard at the absurdity. It was truly unrealistic and more of a trope of film noir than anything else (slapping a hysterical woman). It truly was a throwback to 40s and 50s style Hollywood and some of the standards of film story telling at that time were a bit silly. 

I have reviewed this move in more ways than I thought because I realized on this viewing that the video game L.A. Noir borrows very heavily from this film. So many aspects, from the locations to the situations to the soundtrack, were all put into the video game. I have spent many hours of my life playing through that game a number of times and I am shocked each time. I am curious if Rockstar Games had to pay any money to Roman Polanski for such a close similarity to the film? I tried to look it up but didn’t find anything, so probably not. 

So should this film by on the AFI to 100? For sure. It is an Old Hollywood story about even older Hollywood. It stands out as one of the darkest endings that I have ever experienced. It has major star power and surrounded by amazing stories of Hollywood. Would I recommend it? I sure would. It is a great trip around old Hollywood with some of America’s greatest actors. I think just as interesting is the story of Roman Polanski (who I did an article on as well) and why his head space was so dark during the production of this film. Definitely worth a watch and a background deep dive.

[gongju-juice]

4. Once Upon a Southern Night

Someone I used to Know

Warnings: None, except trigger warnings for slavery and the Confederacy 

“Preston,” Jasper hissed, pushing you behind him with nearly bruising force. He was an entirely different persona, his cool, collected poise was replaced with this steely, merciless character you swore you’d never witnessed before.

“How long has it been exactly? 157 years? 160? I can’t remember, time passes so slowly now. When we were humans, it seemed to fly by so fast.”

He approached the two of you slowly, his hands clasped behind his back. Jasper gripped your arm so harshly, and held you so close to him so you could hardly get a good luck of his face.

But from what you could tell, the man was gorgeous. His skin was pale as the moon, features perfectly proportioned and striking. He seemed to ignore you for now, turning all his attention to a seething Jasper.

“I don’t know why you’re here,” he warned, “but I left that lifestyle a long time ago. If you want Maria, she’s probably still in Mexico City.”

“I don’t desire to dismantle Maria any longer,” the man said. “In fact, she and I are on good terms actually. When Nettie and Lucy kicked the bucket, and you left the coven, we shared several more battles and skirmishes. But now we can call each other friends with similar goals.”

Jasper growled lowly and spoke in an authoritative voice that was not his. “What the hell does that mean?”

The man finally glanced down at your shivering form. “That girl you’re holding down is mine. Her name is Camille Lafayette, and she belongs to me.”

Jasper narrowed his eyes. “Camille? What are you talking about, Captain?”

“Captain?” you whispered fearfully, shifting your eyes to his. “Jas, what is he talking about? How do you know him so well?”

Preston unfurled his hands. “Jasper and I fought in the Confederate army. He was my Major and I was his Captain. His brother used to work on my father’s plantation in Louisiana, and that’s how we know each other. We were both created by the same woman, Maria, and we both aided her during the bulk of the latter 19th century Southern Vampire Wars.”

Your eyes widened. “V-vampires? You mean—”

Preston’s whole demeanor changed. “You mean you haven’t told her? I thought she was supposed to be your mate? What, are you trying to make her die of old age?”

Jasper glowered at him. “What do you want, Preston?”

“I want what you’ve been keeping from me. I want my gift, the one thing my father bought me before he died, Major. I want my Camille.”

“She’s a human, how could she have possibly survived so long and so young?”

The Captain shook his head. “That’s my business, not yours. And if you don’t hand her over peaceably, I’ll take things into my own hands.”

Jasper shifted his weight, pulling you on his back in one move so quick you hardly noticed the change in elevation. “You know you can’t beat me in a fight, Lafayette. You tried to kill me before, and that didn’t work out too well, did it?”

“No, it didn’t. Not when we had hungry newborns fighting all around us. But I promise, when I get my hands on, you will experience the worst pain imaginable when I rip your head from your body.” He stepped forward.

“Y/N, I’m going to need you to trust me, okay?” he said. When you didn’t answer, he yelled out your name.

“Yes?”

“I’m going to get you out of here, but first, I’m going to have to deal with him.”

“Oh, we won’t be fighting today,” Preston promised. “I have other things to attend to before I deal with you. And as for that family up north, if they decide to intervene, I’ll send my armies to slaughter them too. And this time, my old pal, it won’t be just newborns.”

He walked away into the night from whence he came, the moon shining on his glistening black hair, and the warm light of the barn melding into the shadows. When he was gone, Jasper finally set you down.

“I have to get you back home,” he said, more to himself than to you. He grabbed you tightly by your arm and led you to the house where the rental car waited.

“Can you please tell me what’s going on? I’m so scared, baby. He kept talking about vampires—is it true? And, if that’s the case—why am I still alive? Was I—did he used to own me?”

“Y/N,” he barked. “Please calm down. I will tell you everything in a minute.”

You climbed in the passenger side, and immediately, his phone rang.

“What’s wrong? Why are you coming back so early?” Alice frantically asked. You didn’t know how she knew so quickly, for neither of you had even contacted them. After all, the events quite literally just transpired.

“I met an old friend of mine—more like an enemy now. Captain Preston Lafayette II. He served under me in Galveston. For some reason, he claims Y/N was around back in the sixties, and that his family owned her.”

This time, it was Carlisle’s voice. “How is that even possible? Did he say?”

“Nope. Wouldn’t even give me the how or why. He’s even threatening her with Maria. Y/N. . .I think she’s gone into shock.”

“Y/N, honey, are you okay? Can you hear me?” It was your mother.

“I. . .I don’t—I don’t. . .what’s going on. . .going on?”

“Honey, you need to calm down. Take deep breaths for me, okay? Listen to my voice, alright? You’re going to be just fine.”

But instead of doing that, your eyes struggled to focus. The last thing you remember was Jasper touching the side of your cheek before you slipped into unconsciousness.

When you woke up, you were in the hotel room. Jasper had packed and gathered all of your things, and he was sitting by your side on the bed. His eyes trained forward on the city lights of Mobile before he noticed your awakening form.

“How do you feel?”

Something told you he already knew the answer before you answered it. You sat up and rubbed your eyes with the back of your hand, the sheets falling down around your waist. But instead of wearing your bright yellow sundress, you were wearing the pajama set Esme made you for Christmas.

He’d changed your clothes.

“I. . .I had the strangest dream,” you said, squinting at the light. “We were at the wedding and this weird dude in a tacky three-piece suit told me that y’all were vampires.”

“It wasn’t a dream. It’s all true. Yes, even the part about me being a vampire. It was what I wanted to tell you anyway, it’s why our family is so weird.”

You grimaced as you ran your fingers over the purple hand shaped mark blooming on your wrist.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, staring at his hands with disgust. “To put you in danger. To have the background I do.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you whispered.

The pained look only continued before it was quickly replaced with a neutral, ambivalent one. He pulled you onto your feet. “Get changed. We’re leaving for the airport in an hour.”

When you finally arrived home, you felt like your whole body was numb. There was not a trace of the sweet gentleman you fell in love with not too long ago. Instead, there was this cold, unfeeling Major who ordered you around and yelled if you moved one inch from his side.

Your mom scooped you into your arms and held your sobbing form. You longed for food and a warm bed, and you didn’t want to face anyone either. Yet now, it all made sense. The pieces all fell together.

Why they were so cold. Why they didn’t eat or drink. Or why they didn’t like being in the sunshine any longer than they had too. Why every time you woke up, they were always downstairs and awake like they’d never even slept in the first place.

“Y/N, I know you’re probably very confused. But there’s an explanation for all of this—most of it, anyway. But I need you to be open-minded and believe in the possible.”

Carlisle began to tell you the story of his family. And he began with his.

“Our father was a very strict man. He was an Anglican pastor during the 17th century, a time of political upheaval and chaos. He took up harsh raids in killing accused vampires, most of which were humans. When he got in his fifties—too old to keep up the mantle—he passed the torch on to me. It was horrifying, and I hated every moment of it. But I felt indebted to my father. I could not be an unfilial son. Fortunately—or Unfortunately, I’d actually managed to stumble across a coven of vampires in the sewers. The hunt ended brutally, and no one survived. But I was left bleeding in the street. . .transforming.”

“And while Carlisle was missing, I was tending the home. Mama died giving birth to Carlisle, so I was pretty much the matron of the household. I knew what he had found was potentially dangerous—that he’d either succeed and end up scarred for life or die trying. It turned out to be later. I tried to find out as much information as I could about the hunt, but everyone was dead or missing. About three years, when I finally turned twenty-seven��an age almost impossible to reach in those times—I found my answer. 

There was this newborn vampire named Alexander Clements who just happened to wander into the church by mistake. I demanded he tell me everything he knew—the poor kid was so uneducated and drunk on blood that he had no clue that an iron cross couldn’t hurt him at all. He told me that Carlisle was still alive somewhere, but he didn’t know anything specifically. That was when he realized that my cover was a fake, and well, I’m changed to tell the tale. Halfway through it, he ran away when some of his old coven mates he’d abandoned caught his scent.”

“I spent a lot of my time studying medicine with the Volturi,” Carlisle explained. “The Volturi is a very complex group that serves as an authoritative force for our kind, that keeps messy vampires from exposing our secrets. After that, I swam to America and eventually turned Edward, Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett. Alice and Jasper came a little later.”

“And I kept traveling the countryside. I knew Carlisle was out there, but I had no clue where to look or who to trust. Back then, any vampire was competition, and they were especially excited to wipe out newborns. So for a century or so, I made loops around Europe, aimlessly. I shifted back and forth from human blood to animal blood, but I never really could stay one way or another for too long before slipping back into my old habits.

In 1770, I finally met your dad, Samuel Robynson—the man you can’t remember. He was turned a very long time ago, centuries before the Cullen family was even thought of. And he’d developed self-control that even rivals mine and Carlisle’s today. He accepted me as his friend, and we even grew to love each other. 

For a long time, it was very peaceful. We spent time all over the world—from Ireland, his homeland, to Japan and South Africa. Life was happy—sad at times for the moments and milestones we’d never reach as vampires—but still, happy. I heard reports of a vegetarian doctor in America by some local covens, but I never went to see for myself. I guess I didn’t want to get my hopes up—or that we’d be too different after so many years apart.

Then, in (----), we decided we were tired of living the same way year after year. The Volturi has a rule that keeps humans from knowing the secret of vampires, and we were not going to go against that. But we wanted a family, someone other than another vampire who we’d have to deal with like a ticking time bomb.

So we looked into adoption agencies and chose a tiny little place in Louisiana. You were so frail and adorable, and Sam was so proud to have a daughter of his own. We decided we would move back home to the countryside where he grew up—but that plan was ruined when we encountered a coven of rogue vampires.

They wanted to visit us but didn’t know we had you around. Your father fought as hard as he could, but he didn’t survive the attacks. In the end, they burnt his body and our little cottage, and I had to deal with them on my own.

Too overwhelmed with the emotions of Ireland, I moved us to Mobile where I raised you all by myself. Nobody ever questioned my aging, and no other vampires ever challenged me—or even knew where we were. I wanted to tell you the secret but knew I had to turn you afterwards. So I waited until you were sixteen before we moved to see my brother. I was for sure it was him at that point.”

Tears streamed down your face as they told their stories. There were still so many more to go, but no time to give them justice. One day, you decided, you would learn what it was like for your cousins.

“And that’s why it doesn’t make sense about Preston,” Jasper growled. “You were clearly born in the (--)th century. How could you be a slave in the 1860s?”

Just then, Emmett walked back into the house carrying a bright red slip of paper.

“Uh, Y/N, you have a letter. . .”

You picked up the paper and it was warm—radiating heat, in fact. You read the words aloud which were scrawled in golden ink as your mother and boyfriend glanced over your shoulder.

“If you want to know the truth and keep her alive, find me at 1700 Pearl Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana.”

Your mother gasped, bringing a pale hand to her face.

“Oh Y/N! How could it be! How could they have known?!”

“What is it, sister?” Carlisle asked, touching her shoulder.

“It’s the place. The hospital where I adopted her.”

And before you say it, Jasper’s not a racist. People change, and it was never outright stated that he was a racist in the first place. He was most likely bigoted and held racist views during those days, but by the first Twilight book, he’s long put aside his past and actively tries to be a better person. Besides, what does it matter? To Jasper, humans are all the same. They all have blood, and they all are tempting. He doesn’t give a flip about whether or not they’re black or white. 

Part Two   Part Three

[aventurasdeunatortuga]

Laredo Part 2

Week 1

Hey friends,

After a long travel hiatus, as some of you may already know, I am back in Laredo, Texas. I’ll be here for about 3.5 weeks working with shelters to support recently arrived asylum seekers at the US Mexico border. I was here 2 years ago doing the same thing, you can go through the laredo tag on here to get some more background about what is going on here and to read about my experiences in 2019.

I have been here already for about a week and have been so exhausted I haven’t had the energy to write anything, but here is more or less what is going on.

So since Fall of 2019, the border was closed to all asylum seekers thanks to 45’s cruel Remain In Mexico policy, which forced asylum seekers from Central America to wait along the Mexican border for an undetermined amount of time until they could get an immigration hearing. In the past asylum seekers could wait with their families in the US for their court dates (it can be a long wait). Waiting at the border in Mexico, a country they are not from, left folks vulnerable to human trafficking, kidnapping, gang violence, and extortion from the cartels operating along the border. During COVID folks were living in makeshift tents along the border with no running water and were left vulnerable to exposure, flooding, disease, dangerous wildlife, and the millions of other dangers that come from being outside in 113 degree heat with no water. There was no international aid brought in and support was limited to the few aid workers allowed to cross the border, which was very dangerous given the amount of gang violence on the Mexican side. One shelter director in Nuevo Laredo was kidnapped and murdered last year.

When Biden was elected, he reversed the Remain In Mexico policy just a few weeks into his presidency. Meaning that asylum seekers could now enter the US after surrendering at the border and being held for indeterminate amounts of time in ICE detention centers. Once they are released from there they are given a court date in wherever their final destination in the US is, but are left on the street with nothing.

Most folks are illiterate, none speak English and some only speak indigenous dialects. All of their possessions and money have been taken by either cartels or by ICE. Most havent eaten in days and many are seriously ill. None of them know where they are or how to get where they’re going. ICE will drop them off at random towns along the border after releasing them from detention, sometimes hundreds of miles from where they crossed. They just have a name and phone number memorized of a friend or family member in the US that is sponsoring them and who they are planning to stay with.

The vast majority of folks are from Central America, they are fleeing cartel violence , government persecution, extreme poverty, and natural disasters caused by climate change. The instability in these countries (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador) was caused directly by US intervention, but that’s a whole other topic I won’t get into now. Folks must show a credible proof of being threatened or persecuted in their home country to even be granted the status of asylum seeker and to be given a court date.

Shelters in border towns do what they can to support folks being released from detention. They help them make phone calls, provide translation, help them buy bus and plane tickets, give them food, water, medical care, showers, clean clothes, toiletries, and a safe place to sleep until they are able to make travel arrangements to their final destinations.

During the last 2 years under the Remain In Mexico policy, no one was being admitted and so shelters lost a great deal of funding, staff, and volunteers. They turned more towards community work, which was especially needed during COVID.

Shelters are in a difficult position now though, folks are allowed to enter now which is good news but shelters are having to meet even more extreme needs with far fewer resources than they had pre-COVID.

For a long time the shelter I worked with before, La Frontera, was closed due to lack of funding; but only very recently reopened again. I have been spreading my time between La Frontera (run by Catholic charities) and the other shelter in Laredo, Holding Institute Community Center, which is a community center run by the Methodist Church. Both of these shelters have 2-3 paid staff members, a revolving door of volunteers from around the country (the majority of them nuns), are entirely donation based, and receive 200-300 new people every single day.

About 20-30% of each busload of people that ICE drops off are infected with COVID. ICE refuses to test folks that they detain for COVID because if they knew they had positive cases they would have to provide healthcare and a place for them to quarantine. Instead they lump everyone together in cramped conditions and COVID is allowed to run rampant in these detention centers.

In detention folks are kept in overcrowded rooms, communicated with almost exclusively in English, are provided limited food and toiletries, and are kept in refrigerated rooms (65 degrees) with no blankets. These places are called the ‘ice boxes’. Sometimes folks are separated from their families here as well.

Lately there has also been a dysentery outbreak due to the fact that the city of Laredo does not currently have drinkable water, residents are advised to drink only bottled or boiled water, which asylum seekers do not have access to until they reach the shelters.

When folks reach the shelters, they are given on the spot covid tests by a team of nurses and public health officials. There is no room for them at the hospitals, even if there were room hospitals wouldnt accept them because they have no insurance. The city government has offered bottled water to the shelters but thats it.

After being tested for covid, the health team divides folks into 2 groups, positive and negative. Folks who test positive have to quarantine for 10 days in an empty warehouse next door to the shelter or if they’re lucky and the shelter can afford it, a motel. Yesterday the shelter bought out a motel because there were 200+ covid patients who arrived. We have two small classrooms at the shelter that have been converted into sleeping areas for about 40 covid patients. The medical team leaves boxes of food and clothing outside their door, and once a day they are taken to shower and then the entire bathroom is sanitized.

Those who test negative are immediately vaccinated on site, and then taken to get clean clothes, food, and a shower. They sleep on cots outside under the trees in the fenced courtyard of the shelter.

For the first few days I’ve been here, I’ve been working at Holding only because I didn’t know La Frontera had reopened. I was mainly working on sorting and organizing clothing and helping folks find clothes that they need. Last night though 200+ covid positive patients arrived and we had to stop allowing people in the building to pick out clothes, and today we moved to just putting together kits of different sized clothes to give directly to them.

I was feeling a bit frustrated the last few days because the staff member in charge of organizing donations was being extremely critical of me and it was very frustrating and degrading to be around. I was yelled at a number of times by her. For example, I saw a pile of 200 towels on the ground and folded them. I was told that I did it wrong, to unfold them and fold all of them a different way. Or I started organizing toiletries and was just told ‘no, you’re messing it up, don’t touch that’. I understand that I’m new but no one took the time to introduce themselves to me, orient me, or show me what to do and I was trying to be helpful. I also understand that folks are stressed and under pressure but please don’t take it out on people trying to help you. Most everyone there is extremely nice it was just one of the staff members in particular that was acting this way. I was told I wasn’t allowed to give water or shoes to people who needed them because “I didn’t know how to do it” and because “if you give water to one person, everyones going to want it, and i don’t have time for that”. I didn’t come down here to sit inside doing nothing next to a giant case of bottled water and be told I’m not allowed to give it to the thirsty person in front of me.

So I walked out and I left the shelter in the middle of the day to go drive around town and take a breather, because everything I did seemed like made someone upset. When I came back I inserted myself into the kitchen crew and ended up making 200+ sandwiches for dinner. I also had a long talk with one of the nuns who assured me that that staff member is like that with everyone and has a lot of control issues due to the amount of pressure she is under, and not to take it personally. She told me that La Frontera had reopened and so ever since then I started dividing up my days between the two shelters. This has made a big difference and I feel a lot better and more useful.

I also connected more with some of the nuns here and they invited me to dinner tonight which was nice. One of the sisters is writing a book based on narratives of folks passing through these shelters and is interviewing people she meets. It was fascinating to talk to her. She has worked with undocumented immigrants and DREAMers from around the country for 28 years, and wrote another book based on those experiences called Silent Voices In The Shadows (Paula Schwendinger), which I just finished reading and highly recommend.

Oh, also it has been raining really hard for the past day or so with 95% humidity and constant thunder and lightening, which has made things even more interesting.

I will try to keep posting semi regularly while I’m here.

[3monthsineurope]

May 21, 2021

I’m heading to upstate New York! I woke up around 6 at Mom and Dad’s on Camano Island. I drove down the night before so Mom could take me to the airport. I washed my face and Mom got everything ready for her day of biking and kayaking after dropping me off at SeaTac. We went down to the store and got gas and said “hi” to Dad. I put a new macrame hanger up for sale, and we were on our way!

I was hoping to not be anxious, but alas, around Smokey Point I definitely started feeling anxious. We stopped twice, just so I could get out of the car and have fresh air. I ended up getting sick in the car (don’t worry, I have sick bags for this reason, hahah). I almost immediately felt better. It makes sense that I was feeling anxious, I was going on my first plane since July—so 10 months had passed! Mom is absolutely amazing when I’m anxious. She rubbed my back and talked me through the anxiety. I did my easy makeup routine of brows and mascara and then we arrived at SeaTac! We had no traffic—woo! Mom took the express lanes.

I got all my stuff together and hugged Mom; I really don’t know what I would do without her! I went into the airport and dropped my bag with Delta. I was going to visit my friends Lauren and Eli, a married couple. I went to their wedding a few years ago. You might be wondering why I was checking a bag, as I usually just carry on. Well, Lauren had a special request. Apparently, they don’t sell Jaunita’s chips in New York? So she paid for me to check my bag, so that I could bring some chips for Eli—they’re his favorite! So I bought four bags of chips and put three in my carry on (so that’s super light!) and one in my checked bag with all my stuff. Eli was going to be so surprised!

After checking my bag, I went to security for TSA Pre Check. It’s a perk I got with my Global Entry card! Last year I had to have an interview with Border Patrol in Blaine, to make sure I wasn’t a threat. I was through security in under five minutes. We had left Camano around 7:15, and even with the two stops we made, we arrived before 9 at the airport, so I had some time to spare. I found my gate, then headed to the Delta Sky Lounge. It was my first time in the lounge—it was the biggest one I’ve been in, yet! I get to use lounges around the world for free with my American Express Platinum card, which is so awesome! (I had to cancel my Chase card when they wouldn’t refund me when our airline to Mexico went out of business. I think I definitely upgraded with the Amex!)

I hung out in the lounge for over an hour. It was huge, the lounge had an upstairs! I downloaded some songs and podcasts so I was stocked with music, podcasts, books, shows, and movies, so I wouldn’t be bored on the plane. I had a bowl of Cheerios (shaped like hearts!), a mimosa, and a breakfast sandwich, all for free!

Around 10:30, I went to my gate. I paid for a basic ticket, so I had my seat assigned to me. I was given seat 30A, a window! It showed the flight as being full, but I ended up having an empty middle seat, which was so nice! The guy sitting in my row was a southern guy, heading back home. He got annoyed when the flight attendant told him to pull his mask over his nose, ugh.

Not surprisingly, I slept a lot on the plane. For about three hours I snoozed. At one point a man nearby yelled because he was watching live sports, haha. I didn’t even get the first snack or drink. It was really bright outside, so the cabin was dimmed and almost everyone had their windows closed, so it was perfect for snoozing. For the rest of my flight to Atlanta (about another hour and a half), I played around on my phone. I played a geography game, and signed into the Delta wifi to text Ingvar and Haley. We landed before 7, which was nice, because my next flight to Rochester was scheduled to leave at 8. Did you know Atlanta is the busiest airport in the world, based on the number of travelers who pass through it. We deplaned, and I took a train to terminal C. I called Ingvar and I explained to him how to mist and water my plants. I have an app that tells me when to mist, water, fertilize, and care for my plants. I usually need to do 3-9 tasks a day to keep them happy and healthy, so Ingvar was going to need to step up and become a plant dad on this trip, haha. I have 26 plants in the house! It was good to talk to him, because he wasn’t awake when I was anxious or at the airport. Thanks for your help, babes!

My seat was assigned for the next flight at the gate. I made it to my gate and saw I was assigned 19B. I walked on the plane to find it a smaller plane—two seats on the left, and three on the right. So my B seat was an isle, not a middle, woo! Also, I was assigned a exit row, so extra room! I didn’t have time to get a snack or anything on my layover, but at least I made my flight! My seat mate was a nice, older man. He was hard of hearing but told me he was seeing his family for the first time since pre-covid! We saw the sunset out the window, which was so nice! On the flight I talked to him a bit, and also wrote some for my blog.

We landed right before 10. Woo, I was in Rochester! We deplaned and I grabbed my bag from baggage claim. Lauren and Eli live about seven minutes from the airport, so when I got out, Lauren drove up and got me! I hadn’t seen either of them since they moved to New York two years ago. Lauren drove us to their place. Eli was doing chores me waiting for us. It was so nice to see them! I opened my bag and Eli was so surprised with all the chips I brought! Shout out to Lauren for the chips idea!

We chatted for a bit and they gave me a tour of their apartment. Their place is much bigger than Ingvar and I’s place. We made plans for the next day to go to Niagara Falls, then decided we should go to bed. We all got ready for bed and I got cozy on a nice air mattress in the huge living room. It was only around midnight in Rochester, but 9pm in Seattle, so I wasn’t toooo tired. I did fall asleep, but needed to use the bathroom around 2:30 am. The bathroom is in their bedroom, so I snuck in there. I didn’t want to wake them up, so on my way out of the room, I didn’t turn on any lights. I ran right into the edge of the door. It actually hurt so bad! I have a bruise on my boob! I accidentally woke up Eli, but told him I was okay. Woops! I slept pretty well the rest of the night. :]

[amyscascadingtabs]

i’ll walk through hell with you

chapter 7. i’m gonna stand by you

read on ao3 here and read other chapter here!

the happy ending. 

BONUS: i created fake social media posts for this! they’re here, look at them after or have them open in another window! you’ll get when it’s time - there are two instagram posts and a text conversation with rosa.

and when you decide, it’s your time to arrive

i’ve loved you for all of my life.

~ halsey, more

   december.

Once Amy starts trusting that she is pregnant and the obsessive test-taking comes to an end, there’s the question of when to start telling people. There’s also the question of what to tell them.

“It just feels like I’m faking it,” she complains from the couch as she tries to write down ideas in her notebook. “It’s happy news, but it feels wrong to not even mention what we went through before getting here.”

“So tell people about it?” Jake shrugs, handing her the McFlurry she sent him out at ten p.m. to buy. “That's always an option.”

“I know, but how? How do I say hey, please be happy for us, but know that we went through hell to get here, without being overly dramatic or too personal?” She takes a spoon of the soft-serve, chewing on the mini smarties, and tries to stifle a moan when it feels like fireworks of pleasure are exploding in her mouth. “Oh my god, I love you.”

“Me or the ice cream? Never mind, shouldn't ask.”

“It's so good.”

“Can I try some?”

“You should have gotten your own.”

“You would have eaten that too,” he grins, taking his spot at one end of the couch and stretching his legs. “But I'm proud of you. McDonalds is at least an unhealthy craving. Grapes was just lame. You have the chance to eat whatever you want and blame it on pregnancy cravings, and you want grapes.”

She sticks out her tongue. “Screw you. Anyway - thoughts on a pregnancy reveal?”

“We make our own Die Hard-style short film with explosions and animations, the end slate says something like Peraltiago Baby number two, coming in June. Super badass.”

“Nope. We write everyone cards?”

“Lame and time-consuming. We have an announcement at work and one each with our families?”

“Maybe, but I still don’t know what to say.”

“We tell Leah and trust her to spread the news for us?”

“We definitely should tell her first, but counting on her to spread the news means they’re going to get twisted in some way. Remember when we went on vacation and she told all her teachers we were moving to Mexico?” Amy shakes her head. “It’s better if we say it ourselves. I don’t think I’m ready yet, though.”

“Okay,” Jake nods. “Let’s wait, then. Are you sure I can’t have any of that ice cream?”

“Not unless you want your hand chopped off.”

“Wow.”

  -

  Amy wishes they could hold off on telling people until she was sure she felt ready, but reality is quick to get in the way. The first-trimester nausea finally gets better around week thirteen, and suddenly the weight gain is a fact. She doesn’t mind it too much - she’s growing a human, all that matters is that they’re healthy - but it does make it increasingly difficult to hide. A size bigger uniform for work is easily solved and conceals the tiny bump rather well, but regular clothes are not as efficient. Her bras don't fit, her regular jeans won’t button, even the most flowy of shirts in her wardrobe seem to cling to the slightly rounded shape her stomach is taking. She’s running out of time.

With two days left until they're leaving to celebrate Christmas with the Santiagos, Amy realizes she has to give up. She's tried every possible outfit, considered whether she can just wear pajamas for the duration of the event, and very reluctantly accepted that it’s a bad idea. She's out of options. Both of her red dresses are too tight, she doesn't have any bras that work with anything sleeveless, and even the tasteful floral wrap dress she was hoping for manages to frame her bump in an obvious way. She tries on several blouses with a generous skirt, but it's still notable to the trained eye and her mom had eight kids. Amy’s screwed.

“This doesn't work,” she groans as she pulls off the blouse, throwing it on the growing no-pile. “I look stupid.”

“You look adorable,” Jake insists from his watching position on the bed. “I’d say go with the wrap dress.”

“It’s nice, but it shows off this.” She points demonstratively to her stomach, watching his eyes turn soft as he follows her hand. “This baby’s not hiding. I think we have to tell people.”

“Do you feel okay with that?”

She considers it for a moment. “I guess? I still don’t know what to say about the infertility stuff, but… I’ll figure that out.”

“It’s not like you have to make an official announcement, right? You could tell people privately, whenever you’re ready - if you want to.”

“That’s true. Maybe... it’s okay if we just enjoy these news?” She shrugs. “We are having another baby. That’s awesome. Seems fair for the world to know.”

Jake meets her tentative smile with a wide, goofy grin. “True that. So, how do we tell everyone? We’re not seeing the squad again until after Christmas.”

“We could take a cute picture with Leah and post it on social media? I know it’s cheesy, and a little impersonal, but it’s efficient and I can’t be bothered to plan an announcement.”

“I could totally work that Die Hard short film out -”

“No Die Hard.”

Jake grimaces. “Fine, fine. Your way, then. So, cute picture of Leah in a big sister-shirt?”

“Yeah, and she could be holding the latest sonogram pictures? And some short, sweet caption with that. We’ll think of something until tomorrow - that, and another thing.”

“What?”

“We have to tell her.”

  -

  Amy is, of course, overly prepared. She’s bought the pedagogical children’s books. She’s researched and taken notes on all the recommendations for how to manage the conversation and explain the matter in a way her three-year-old will understand. She’s made sure Leah’s not too tired, too hungry, or too grumpy for any other reason. Still, she’s never felt less prepared for a conversation with her kid, and she’s anxious as they take a break from playing with her toy dinosaurs - who either seem to run a bakery or catch criminals, or if it’s both, Amy can’t tell - to drink some water and subtly reveal the life-changing news.

Jake must pick up on her nervosity, because he’s the one to start the conversation.

“So, bumblebee,” he ruffles his daughter’s hair and laughs as she immediately pats it down again, “We’ve got something to tell you. A surprise, I guess.”

Leah shines up at the word surprise. “What?”

“Do you remember how miss Edwards at your daycare had a baby?” Amy tries to lead her on to the topic. “And her belly grew and got really big, and then she wasn’t at work for a while because she was at home taking care of the baby?”

Leah scrunches her forehead and pouts her lip in focus, but she nods.

“And you know how your cousin Maisie has a little brother, and Sarah and Samuel are getting a baby sibling soon?”

Another nod.

“Okay. Well, baby,” she says slowly, but her heart is beating fast. “You’re also getting a sibling.”

Leah looks around, as if the sibling in question would be hiding in her room somewhere.

“Oh, no, not today,” Amy adds, and the girl frowns.

“When?”

“This summer,” Jake fills in, “when it gets warm outside and you don’t have to wear a jacket anymore.”

“But where’s the baby now?”

“Right now the baby’s in here.” Amy pokes at the tiny bump, and Leah tilts her head as she tries to piece it all together. “It’s small, but it will grow, and then you can talk to it or feel it kick in there, if you want.”

“And when the baby comes out and grow bigger, they’re going to think you’re the coolest person ever and want to play with you all the time,” says Jake, catching Leah in his arms and tickling her neck so she giggles. “You two will have so much fun.”

“Like Anna and Elsa?”

“Well, we don’t know if it’s a sister or brother yet, but yeah. Like Anna and Elsa.”

“Okay!” Leah’s expression turns serious. “But I’m Elsa.”

Amy laughs. “Of course, baby, you can be Elsa.”

 Leah accepts this, and insists they keep playing the dinosaur game which remains incomprehensible to everyone but her.

“I think that went pretty well,” Jake mumbles to Amy, and she nods, relieved.

“Dada?” Leah looks up from the dinosaurs.

“Yes, bee?”

“How did the baby get into mama’s tummy?”

Amy has never seen her husband look so uncomfortable before. His face goes from normal to beetroot in a matter of seconds as his eyes go wide, and she’s trying not to explode with laughter as she looks from Jake’s mortified expression to Leah’s curious eyes.

“We’ll read a book about that later,” Amy assures her daughter while Jake mumbles something about a very important call from the Captain as he looks at his blank phone screen and hurries out of the room. “I promise.”

 Leah doesn’t seem particularly interested in changing from her Frozen-shirt or taking pictures with the sonogram print-outs she claims looks like a fish, mama, but then Jake promises her ice cream for dessert if she does and it’s a done deal. She tires after thirty seconds and she refuses to hold the pictures in any other way than in front of her face, but they get the shot and it’s good enough. It has to be, because only a minute later, their three-year-old has thrown off the sweatshirt and changed back into her t-shirt.

Amy types up the caption, presses share, and puts her phone in front of them on the kitchen table.

“Now we wait for Charles to call and yell at us for keeping this from him,” she states, and Jake snorts. “I’m betting four minutes.”

“I’m going to go with three.”

It takes one and a half.

  -

  It’s a great Christmas.

Sure, everyone is asking the same questions and she explains over and over that she’s feeling okay, better now that she’s in her second trimester, she doesn’t have any intuition as to what they’re having but Jake’s claiming it’s a boy, they’re excited, and they’re pretty sure Leah is, too. She clenches her fists underneath the table when her mom mentions how wonderful it is with a big family, how lovely it is that Amy and Jake finally decided to expand theirs, and she can see Jake do the same as he gets ready to defend her - their - honor, but she shakes her head and changes the topic before he has a chance.

She doesn’t want to be upset today.

 There’s no point to being angry with her family all around. Not when Julian high-fives her and tells her good for her she keeps reproducing with those Peralta genes, not when Christian gives them actual useful tips on how to adjust from one to two kids. There’s no point in being upset when her brothers wives all tell her she can borrow maternity wear if she wants, or when Jake makes note of the mistletoe above their heads and kisses her so long and reverent that both Tony and Simon start wolf-whistling. There’s no point to being sad when Leah pulls at the edge of Amy’s dress, asking to go up, up, and Luis takes a picture of Amy and Jake kissing their daughter’s cheeks under the mistletoe.

She’s just happy.

 She feels quick little flutters in her stomach throughout the day, a feeling she vaguely recognizes from the first times she felt Leah move inside her. They’re gone before she has the chance to lay a hand there, but she feels them.

 -

  Leah insists on sleeping in her parent’s shared bed that night, and even though it’s barely a queen-size and they’re all forced to huddle together with the three-year-old somehow taking up the most space, they give in. Jake and Leah both fall asleep in what seems like seconds, and Amy wants to join them, but her brain refuses. It’s not that she’s feeling anxious - her heart is so full from today, made fuller by her daughter’s face pressing into her shoulder and Jake’s hand reaching across her so he can rest it on the little bump - but there are some things she can’t stop thinking about.

Her mom’s comment about them finally deciding to expand their family, for example. All the congratulatory wishes streaming in after the picture - even Holt messaged them to give his well-wishes - that she can't fully take to heart, because no one sending them knows what she's gone through. She thinks of the shame and disappointment she’s felt throughout this year, of how much it would have hurt her to see a sweet announcement like this from someone else when she’d just had a miscarriage or another negative test. She wants to be honest - not just for her own sake, but also for the sake of a possible acquaintance out there who could be going through the same thing, feeling equally as alone in it as she did.

Amy grabs her phone from the nightstand, smiling at the mistletoe picture she's made her background, and tries out a few captions in the Notes app before settling on one.

She turns off the comments before anyone can react, not feeling like she needs anyone’s thoughts on this, and she's about to put her phone away again when she sees a single text from Rosa.

Proud of you.

Amy smiles.

She's just about to fall asleep when she feels the brief flutters again. This time, they don’t disappear right away, but repeat until she's certain of what they are.

She can't feel them from the outside yet, but she rests her hand below Jake's anyway, letting the reason behind the flutters know she's there.

“Hey there,” she whispers, lightly tapping her fingers against her abdomen. “Merry Christmas to you too, baby.”

The next little movement is right below her fingertips, and this time she can't stop herself from tearing up with joy.

  ~

   february.

Everyone’s convinced Jake and Amy are having a boy. Jake claims he can feel it, and Amy believes him. She’s a Santiago, and two girls in a row are more or less unheard of in her family. Charles claims he can tell because of the position of her uterus, which grosses everyone out, but a vote is a vote. Rosa’s saying boy, as is Terry, as is Gina, as are all of Amy’s brothers and her parents. Karen Peralta invites them for dinner and talks for at least twenty minutes about how excited she is to have a grandson before Jake dutifully reminds her they don’t know the sex yet, and she waves it away and says she thought it was obvious.

 The only person who doesn’t believe they’re having a boy is Leah. From the first time anyone asks, the three-year-old declares with absolute certainty that she’s having a sister, and doesn’t change her mind. Amy’s nervous about how they’ll manage the inevitable disappointment and tries to write down a pedagogical conversation plan in her head as they go for the anatomy scan, but she ends up never having to use it. It turns out Leah’s correct.

 “So you’re going to be just like Anna and Elsa,” Jake tells her as he’s putting her to bed that evening. Amy’s secretly listening in on their conversation through the baby monitor - modern technology is the best. “How does that make you feel?”

She can see Leah holding up her hand on the little screen, doing what she thinks must be a thumbs up. Then her tone turns serious again.

“Dada, how did the baby get inside the tummy?”

“Uhm, didn’t you and mama read that book about it?”

“Tell it again,” Leah insists.

“Okay, okay. Cool, cool, cool. This is cool, Jake, you can handle this,” Amy hears her husband mumble to himself.

“What?”

“Nothing, bee, here we go. So, sometimes, when two people who are adults and love each other a lot, they decide they want to try and make a baby. So they take a part - cells, you remember? From both of them, and those, well, stick together? I guess. And sometimes that becomes a little baby that grows inside a mom’s tummy until it’s big and ready to come out.”

It’s pretty much an accurate description. Amy’s proud of him, but Leah doesn’t seem satisfied.

“But how do they take it?”

“You’ll learn about that when you’re older, bumblebee.”

“Like algebra?”

“Who told you about algebra?”

“Grandpa Holt.”

“That tracks. Ehrm, sure. Like… algebra.” Amy can see him grimace from a distance on the screen. “We’ll go with that. Anyway - all you need to know is that everytime it works, it’s a miracle. You were our first miracle.”

“Miracle,” Leah repeats, yawning. “Dada, can you sing now?”

Amy hears Jake take a deep breath of relief before he begins to sing the Tangled soundtrack.

 “I’ll give it to you,” she tells him when he slinks into their bedroom ten minutes later, red in the face when she points to the baby monitor and he realizes she's been listening. “That was impressive.”

“You owe me big time,” he groans, slumping down on the mattress next to her, and she chuckles and kisses his forehead.

“Algebra, huh? Could you replace my X without asking Y?”

“If you had used that pick-up line on me, I literally never would have slept with you.”

 ~

  april.

Leah's feelings about becoming a big sister are fluctuating to say the least. Some days, she'll ask how the baby is doing and press her hands to the ever growing bump, laughing when she's able to feel a kick. Some days she doesn't want to talk about it at all, and they make sure not to force it on her. Some days - and those days are the ones that break Amy's heart - she's angry, shutting Amy out and wanting only Jake to take care of her because she's not sure how to handle the fact that her mom looks different and is tired and can't pick her up like she used to. It's after one of those days Amy has her first breakdown about feeling like she's not enough for two kids, that she was stupid to think she ever could be, and maybe this was a bad idea. She cries under a blanket as Jake puts Leah to bed because Amy wasn't allowed to, and there's a series of soft kicks like her baby’s trying to comfort her, but it only serves to make her more out of breath. Her eyes are all puffy and red when the door to Leah's bedroom opens and the girl peeks out, giving her a cautious look before tiptoeing out to the couch, climbing into her mother's arms and burying her face in her chest.

“I don't want to be a big sister,” Leah confesses in a quiet voice. “I want to be little, too.”

“You're always going to be my little baby,” Amy promises her in full honesty then, hugging the girl as close as she can. “Forever.”

 Other days, it's easier. They try to keep her involved as much as she wants to, letting her choose what outfit they’re bringing in the hospital bag and asking her opinion on where she thinks the crib should be. The girl definitely has an interesting taste in baby fashion and Amy ends up vetoing the suggestion that her little sister should go home from the hospital in a baby Santa suit, but as long as Leah feels she's been part of the decision-making, it’s good. One night, they go through photo albums of what she looked like when she was a baby, making the three-year-old proudly exclaim that she was so cute.

“You really were,” Jake agrees, catching her in his arms and tickling her. “You think your baby sibling will be as cute as you were?”

Leah just shakes her head at that, making them all laugh.

 “Well, she sure is confident,” says Jake when he returns from putting her to bed, finding Amy still looking through the albums. “Crazy to think she used to be that tiny.”

“Even crazier to think we'll have another one that little, and one day they’ll be a three-year-old, too.” She lightly strokes the top of her bump, feeling a sharp kick way too close to her ribs.

“So many levels of crazy.” Jake shakes his head in bewilderment. “I wonder when you get used to the thought.”

“Never?” Amy shrugs. “Sometimes I still think this is a dream.” There’s another strong kick at that, making her flinch. “Oof. Fine, very real dream.”

 It takes her a while to fall asleep that night, with her thoughts and a wildly moving baby helping to keep her awake for longer than she’d prefer. She thinks of how they’re nearing a year since they started fertility treatments, when she fought through the needles and bloating and hormonal chaos because she was praying for something to finally work, and she wonders what her reaction would have been if someone had told her about what she’d go through in the next months.

The events of their struggle to have another baby and her eventual spontaneous pregnancy feel entirely separate in her head, two roads not intersecting. She’s still bitter over their struggle, still wishing she could have saved her energy and frustration, still trying to forget it more days than not. The infinite gratitude she feels over the fact that they are having another child hasn’t erased those memories. It’s mitigated the pain, made the flashbacks much less frequent and helped her towards acceptance, but Amy knows part of her will always remember.

In an odd sense, she’s happy about it. It reminds her it was never a guarantee.

  ~

   may.

The cat plans have been put on pause indefinitely, but it doesn’t keep Jake from bringing the topic up. One day, he’s coming home with onesies that have patterns with cats on them or a stuffed animal that looks like one, one day he’s leaving web pages with sources for why it’s good for kids to grow up with cats open on her computer, and another day, he’s coming with new name suggestions from what seems to be out of nowhere.

 “So for baby names, I was originally thinking Benjamin, but since that’s no longer on the table, I’m down to Meredith and Olivia.”

“That’s a weird combination of names,” Amy huffs. Jake looks the other way, tapping his feet against the floor and whistling in a way that’s probably supposed to come off innocent, but only succeeds in making his behaviour look more conspicuous. “They’re a reference to something, aren’t they?”

“Why would you say that?” Jake snorts. “That’s crazy!” His laugh is overly loud, and she shoots him a warning glare that shuts him up in a second. She’s nearly nine months pregnant now, so her don’t fuck with me-looks are pretty scary at this point.

“Tell me what they are, Jake. I know they’re not Die Hard-characters, and they’re not from Harry Potter or Ninja Turtles, so I’m going to make an assumption and say they’ve got some kind of relation to Taylor Swift.”

“Well, that depends on how you define relation -”

“Jake.”

“Fine, they’re her cats. But they’re nice names!” He wags his index finger in front of her, a childish grin on his face. “They work for humans!”

“Let the cat thing go, babe.”

“Nuh-uh, never.” He leans down, putting his face as close as possible to her bump. “Hey, kick once if you want us to get a cat ASAP.”

It takes a couple of seconds, and Amy almost thinks she’s won, but then Jake puts his hand on her shirt and instantly there’s a kick aimed against it.

“Traitor,” she mutters to the child still trying to play football with her ribs. “I’m the one growing you, you’re supposed to side with me.”

 The cat conversation might be able to wait - Jake reluctantly accepts that a three-year-old, a newborn and a kitten would be a little much to take on at one time - but the name conversation’s more urgent. They’re having a baby in a month, maybe less, and even though Amy thinks it feels like forever as she waddles around with swollen ankles, unable to see her feet anymore, she knows it’s not. They need to make a decision.

 “This is hopeless,” Jake groans as they look at their handwritten lists one night. They've each written down ten names, then switched with each other and crossed over ones they disliked, leaving them with exactly zero names. “How did we even decide on Leah’s name?”

“Technically, we decided on Leo as in Leonardo like Ninja Turtles, the painter and the actor, and then we found out we were having a girl and Leo became Leah.”

“I know why, I just don't know how. You said no to all of these!” He points at a scratched-out name on the list. “What's wrong with Luna?”

“Sounds too much like Leah.”

“And Abigail?”

“Too different.”

“Meredith?”

“You’ve got to let go of the obsession with Taylor Swift’s cats, man.” Amy massages her temples. “And too Grey’s Anatomy.”

“Fine. What about Olivia, then? Come on,” he says when he sees her pressing her lips together, “no one will know that’s where it’s from. It’s a cute, normal, human name. It’ll work with both our surnames and it goes well with Leah without sounding exactly like it.”

“I don’t know…”

“If we use Liv for a nickname, they’ll be Lee and Liv, which both sounds kinda badass and kinda adorable.” Jake tilts his head to the side, giving her the puppy eyes she swears were passed down straight to their first-born daughter.

He doesn’t entirely convince her, because she doesn’t want to give in to her principle about no Taylor Swift-related names, but she doesn’t hate the sound of Leah and Olivia. Really, the more she thinks about it, the more natural it sounds. She’s not giving him that satisfaction, though, so she tries to hide the smile on her face as she takes his list and writes down OLIVIA below the scratched-out names.

“This doesn’t mean I’m agreeing,” she warns him when his face lights up in excitement. “It just means I’m considering it.”

“Oh no, you’re definitely agreeing. Just like you will with the cat,” he grins, proud of himself, and she lets him have it for about three seconds before she whacks him in the shoulder.

(One evening - almost a year later - when they’re about to move into a bigger house with a garden, and their youngest daughter has started taking her first unsteady steps, Amy does agree to the cat. It’s a moment of weakness, she argues, but she never truly ends up regretting it.)

  ~

   june.

Since Leah was born a timely two weeks before her due date, Amy’s hoping for the same thing to happen again. Everything is ready as can be for the arrival of their next family member, and they're just waiting, going day out and day in hoping today will be the day, but nothing’s happening. Leah asks every morning when she wakes up if today’s the baby’s birthday, and she gets equally disappointed each time they tell her they don't know yet. She also keeps asking about when she'll get to have her sleepover at uncle Charles’, which seems more of interest to her than the actual event of becoming a big sister, and she gets more and more upset for every day they have to tell her not tonight.

Amy enters her fortieth week of pregnancy, which is the most pregnant she's ever been, and time seems to move impossibly slower. She's swollen, achy, and tired, ready for this to be over and labor to start, but their baby seems to be enjoying herself in there, because the due date comes and goes without a single contraction. No more painful Braxton-Hicks than regular, no water leakage, no nothing. When the clock passes midnight on June 23rd and Amy’s officially past her due date, she’s getting seriously frustrated.

“This baby has to get out,” she complains as Jake rubs her feet that evening. Sometimes she’s pretty sure he’s an actual angel, but also, it’s what she deserves right now. “Starting tomorrow, I'm trying all of the tricks.”

“Or you wait a few days longer? You know she’ll be born eventually.”

“Nope. I need her out of me,” she says, feeling in the exact same moment how the kid’s trying to stretch out from her curled-up position, pushing her feet to Amy’s ribs and her head somewhere seriously uncomfortable, and Amy curses in pain. “Come on, kiddo. You’re clearly uncomfortable too. Don’t wait it out.”

She gets another kick in the ribs for that.

 A quick Google search informs her there are many at-home methods available to try and kickstart labor, so she starts with the least terrible ones and works her way up. Sex isn’t bad, but it’s also sweaty and impractical and has no effect whatsoever. Walking is boring and makes her feet swell up like crazy. Jake suggests they go to her favorite bookshop in New York so she can walk around there and have an awesome story to tell if labor were to start in Strand’s Bookstore, but the only thing that happens is people give her sympathetic looks and she nearly cries when a book she wants to look at is on one of the lower shelves. The spicy Chipotle takeout they bring home just gives her heartburn. Pineapple makes her tongue hurt. The raspberry leaf tea tastes like chewing on grass. She saves the castor oil for last, wanting to avoid the distasteful liquid at all costs, but even that has little to no effect and Amy’s furious. On top of it all, Jake can’t stop laughing at her as she waddles around their apartment all grumpy and uncomfortable, and his laughter makes her even angrier.

(Leah just says Amy looks like a couch. That isn’t much better of a self-confidence boost, but it does, at least, make her laugh.)

 -

 When Amy’s three days past her due date with no changes, Leah decides she can’t take the anticipation anymore and throws a full-on tantrum. It takes them nearly ten minutes to figure out that the three-year-old’s not crying because she wants the baby to come out, but because the sleepover she’s going to have when her parents are at the hospital is never happening. They try to comfort her with promises of Disney movies and ice cream at home instead, but it doesn’t work, so they give up and call Charles to see if she can stay there an extra night. Charles also cries, because unfortunately, Nikolaj has gotten a stomach bug making them unsuitable for babysitting. After a moment’s consideration and consultation with their still-sobbing daughter, they call Rosa instead, and Rosa’s confused but accepts the request.

“And you're sure you know how to take care of kids for a whole night?” Jake asks when their friend stops by to pick up Leah, who is hyped to hang out with her aunt Rosa for an evening, and drags her into her room to show all her dinosaur toys the moment she steps inside the apartment.

“I assume there's instructions,” Rosa nods to the thick babysitting binder Amy's holding. “And I’ve taken care of my nieces. I’m pretty sure I can keep her alive for a while.”

“Solid. She eats pasta and she's supposed to go bed at seven, but that usually never works, so don't get too stressed about it.”

“Great.”

“Brush her teeth before she goes to sleep and don't let her backflip off the bed,” Amy adds. “There’s lots of information in the binder and we’re a phone call away if there's any issues.”

“Send us pictures if Jocelyn braids her hair!”

“Send us pictures anyway. Please update us.”

“Got it,” says Rosa and lifts up Leah on her shoulders, making the girl scream with laughter. “Pictures, pasta, no backflips. We’ll be fine. You guys enjoy your last night alone in forever,” she grins, pointing to Amy’s baby bump. “Text me if you go into labor.”

“I wish,” Amy groans, and then they’re the overly emotional parents who kiss and hug their oldest daughter goodbye until she begs them to stop.

Rosa leaves with Leah, and the apartment turns the peaceful but unnatural kind of calm they rarely experience at daytime anymore. She guesses it will be but a memory once their second baby finally arrives, but for now, she turns to Jake and asks,

“Wanna have a date night?”

And so they do.

Their last night on their own before life with two kids is gentle and undramatic - a shared bath, a takeout dinner in front of a Harry Potter movie they’ve seen a hundred times before, cuddling and chatting on the couch before going to bed at midnight with hope of a night’s undisturbed sleep.

Nine years they’ve done this, she thinks as he kisses her, and then the bump for good measure, goodnight. Nine, crazy, ever-changing years that have turned their lives upside down more times than she can count, and every day, she wakes up grateful that it’s him she gets to do this with.

It takes her upwards an hour to fall asleep. First she has to pee, then she can’t find a comfortable position, then her back is hurting and Jake has to get her heating pad. When she finally sinks into a dreamless unconsciousness, Amy’s so tired it feels like she could sleep for days.

 -

 She sleeps for an hour.

 It feels like it’s only been seconds before a dull ache in her lower back and stomach wakes her up, mild at first but increasing steadily, reaching a truly painful point and then ceasing.

Weird, she thinks, and tries to fall back asleep. She’s too tired. She just wants to sleep. Whatever’s going on can surely wait until tomorrow.

 A few minutes later, the same pain appears, a little stronger this time. She opens her eyes to glance at the alarm clock - 2.04 in the morning - and shifts her position in hope for that to help, but it doesn’t.

 The next time it returns, her clock says 2.08. This time it’s real painful, worse than any Braxton-Hicks she’s felt before this, and it feels a lot, too much, like how she remembers the real deal from when she was in labor with Leah.

 2.11, the same sensation appears again, lasting for a full minute and forcing her to breathe real deep to manage the pain. Her belly’s going rock hard for the entire time it’s lasting, too. Definitely suspicious, but she’s still too tired to reflect over it.

 2.14, it happens yet another time.

 Nope, is the only thought Amy can think when she realizes how close together they’re coming. Nope, nope, nope. She’s way too exhausted. She can have a baby in the morning, when she’s slept, and she’s not a fan of the idea of doing anything before then. This isn’t happening, she tries to convey to her body. This can wait until tomorrow.

 2.17. This time, she can’t be still. She tries to find a comfortable position in their bed, but it doesn’t work, she needs to lean against something for support. She slides down to the floor and puts her crossed arms on the mattress, placing her head down and lightly swaying with the rest of her body as she breathes, breathes, breathes through the wave.

 2.20. Another one. Amy’s fuming; she’s not having this right now, she’s tired, and no matter how badly she wants to meet this baby, she really wants to sleep before she does.

 2.23, the same thing happens again.

 2.26. She tries to muffle her groan in a pillow when it’s impossible to be silent. The pain is nearing what feels like an unmanageable point, and she hears Jake stirring awake at the other edge of the bed.

 “Ames? What’s happening?”

“Nothing,” she says too quickly in an exhale. “Nothing’s happening.”

“Okay,” he replies in a skeptical tone, stretching himself over the bed and looking her in the eyes. “So you’re just doing that for fun, then?”

She doesn’t reply, but she's hyper-aware of him watching her scrunching her face in god-awful pain when the next contraction hits.

 “Babe,” Jake asks, giving her a look of mixed worry and entertainment when it's over, “how many times has that happened?”

“Ten,” she hisses. “It’s fine. They’ll stop. I want to go back to sleep.”

“And how close together are they?”

“Three minutes. Two.”

His eyes widen with fear.

“No.” She shakes her head. “I need to sleep. This baby waited this long, it can wait until the morning.”

“I really don’t think that’s how it works.”

“It should be.”

Jake laughs nervously, stroking her hair. “Sure, but - maybe we should really, definitely, go to the hospital?”

“No, I want to go back to sleep.”

“How exactly do you plan on doing that?”

“I don't know.”

“You know, if we go to the hospital, you could have the epidural like you did last time. Then you could probably sleep for a while.”

She stares him down. “Promise me.”

“Uh, sure. Promise.”

“Okay. Let's go. But only for the epidural,” she declares, and then another torturous contraction forces her to shut up.

 A quick call to their doctor confirms they should be going in immediately if contractions are that close together, so Jake is rushing, running around the apartment like a chicken with its head cut off as he packs the final things for their bags. Amy tries to help, but she's pretty useless, because every two minutes she has to lean against the nearest piece of furniture and rock slowly from side to side until the pain subsides. She's not sure how she gets in the car, because each contraction makes her feel like everything else blurs and she can't think, can't speak, can't do anything but try her best to breathe and not faint when the pain radiates through her lower back and core, intense and demanding and so much worse than she remembered.

 Only a year ago, she remembers as Jake squeezes her hand and tells her he loves her, they’d been sitting in this same front seat as she cried and cried after finding out their first IVF transfer didn't take. It feels like a lifetime ago, and at the same time, like yesterday. She wonders if she could have predicted this back then, and figures probably not.

“We're having a baby,” she whispers to Jake in a break between contractions, and he smiles so wide she thinks his face is going to break. “You ready?”

“So ready. You?”

“To meet her? Yeah. To give birth? Not really.”

“You're gonna kill it,” he tells her, and there's another contraction just then so she can't reply, only grit her teeth and squeeze his wrist really hard. “You're already killing it.”

“I really can't wait for that epidural,” she mutters through the pain, and Jake just laughs.

 Amy's not sure how she gets through the twenty-minute car ride. It's absolute hell, because she can't move in any way, can't do anything except keep breathing and keep holding on to the thought of the pain relief she's going to get once they get to the hospital. She wonders why people willingly choose to put themselves through this without any drugs. She sure as hell isn't going to, not after having learnt the difference last time.

 Jake gets them parked and grabs their bags as Amy maneuvers herself out of the car. She manages just in time, closing the door in the same second as there’s a sudden warmth down her thighs and she almost wonders if she’s peed herself before realising what’s happening.

“Water,” she tries to communicate to Jake, and he digs up a pink water bottle from her bag before noticing her wet leggings.

“Oh. That kind of water. Well, at least you didn’t get any on the seat? Very considerate.”

She just glares at him.

 Amy guesses it’s meant to be something like a five-minute walk through the corridors, but when she has to stop every other minute for the contractions that seem to have increased fivefold in strength, bringing with them an uncomfortable pressure that she really does not like, it’s probably closer to twenty minutes before they can be guided into their room.

Their doctor - the same one she had for her first labor, an older woman with dark hair and a comforting smile who perfectly meets Amy’s rock-hard criteria for professional but nice - does a quick examination, which Amy can barely feel in comparison to how much pain she’s in by now, and then she laughs.

“Yeah, you’re having a baby tonight alright. Good job getting here in time,” she nods to Jake, who looks unsure if he should accept the compliment or freak out over the possibility of not having gotten there.

“Great,” Amy huffs. “So can I get the epidural? Because I want it now. Please.”

“Oh no,” Dr. Cowan laughs. “You’re eight centimetres dilated and this seems to be progressing quickly. My guess is you’ll be pushing in half an hour, so I’m sorry, but there’s no time for that.”

“What?”

“You could have the laughing gas, if you’d like, but anything else will just slow labor down.”

“You promised,” Amy hisses towards Jake, and he holds up his hands.

“I’m pretty sure this isn’t my fault.”

“You promised!”

“What are we fighting about here?”

“I don’t know,” she confesses, and then another brutal contraction washes over her, together with the realization that she’s going to have to do the rest of this unmedicated.

She’s not happy about it.

 -

 Really, Amy's not sure how she gets through it.

To say that it's bad is an understatement; it's excruciating, some kind of evil torture she genuinely can’t believe humans were made to be able to handle, agonizing to a point where she's nearly hoping it will render her unconscious because that means she wouldn't have to take it anymore. She tries the laughing gas, but it just makes her feel dizzy and out of control, so she powers through without it. Jake tries to tell her she's crushing it, that she's badass and strong and doing amazing, but she can't waste any focus listening and eventually she tells him - not very gently - to shut the fuck up. It makes her feel kind of bad, because she knows he’s trying to be supportive, but at the same time, she really couldn't care less about his feelings because she's pretty sure she's going to die every time the pain increases.

But somehow, she survives.

 One good thing - and it's not even good, it's more like a band-aid on a gaping chest wound in comparison - about no epidural is that she's free to move around, trying different positions in hope for something to ease the pain. Nothing does, but some ways give her a little bit more power, a little more control over what's happening. Amy supposes it's worth something. She does love control, even if she’d trade it in a heartbeat for some sweet, sweet pain relief. She ends up standing sort of on her hands and knees on the bed, getting some help from gravity, and it feels like the last bit stretches on forever but later on she’ll learn it was really fast. It's scary, a surrealistic thing to feel how her body just takes over, like it knows how to do something her head definitely doesn't.

And then, right as she’s certain she's not going to make it even another second, it's over.

   There’s a moment of petrifying fear that something's wrong, that her baby’s about to be taken away like Leah was for the first traumatic minutes of her life, but then she hears a sharp, gurgling cry and she's not sure what’s happening but suddenly there’s a baby on her chest and everything is so, so, right.

Her daughter's kind of purple still, a little slimy and a little bloody and completely perfect, and Amy's shaking with a mix of shock, adrenaline and tears as the newborn puts her tiny hand high up on Amy's chest and she can't help but grip it, whispering a gentle hi, baby, hi, as the child squeaks in return.

She's imagined the sensation of holding her just-born baby in her arms since the first day she started thinking of having another kid, and yet all the fantasies pale in comparison to the explosive, unyielding love she feels when the newborn opens her eyes, gazing carefully at the world for the very first time.

 -

 “You know what time it is?” Jake asks her once when they’ve been moved to the recovery room, trying to fathom what just happened. “It’s five-thirty. She was born at four-thirty. When did you say you woke up?”

“Two a.m.,” Amy mumbles, and he shakes his head.

“So you did that in, what, two and a half hours? Man, you’re insane.”

“Thanks.” She chuckles, stroking her fingers over the thick, dark hair that appears to be a dominant trait for Santiago-Peralta children. Their newborn daughter is blinking at them as she tries to figure out the whole breastfeeding thing, seeming pretty exhausted from the events of the morning but not really wanting to sleep, either. “It was awful.”

“But worth it?”

“Yeah,” Amy nods without tearing her eyes away from their hour-old miracle. “Worth it. I’m not doing it again, though.”

Jake grins and kisses the top of the newborn’s head. “Very fair. I mean, we literally have the two most perfect kids the world has ever seen, so it’s not like you have to.”

“She really is perfect, huh?”

“For sure. You really are,” he whispers to their baby, running his thumb over her round cheeks and tiny nose. “Just like your sister.”

“Leah,” Amy bursts out, sitting up a little straighter and instantly regretting it because she’s sore and ungracious in every way. “We need to tell her! We never even told anyone we were going in! Fuck, I gotta text Rosa. Can you get me my phone?”

 Jake brings it to her, and Amy carefully transfers their daughter over to his chest so she can have her arms free. The newborn whimpers at first, not too happy about the move, but then Jake softly pats her back through the pink and blue hospital blanket and lets her grip onto his thumb with her fist, and she’s at peace again. Her little head snuggles into his chest as she relaxes, and Amy just watches, barely making an attempt at wiping away the happy tears.

 It’s been an obvious feeling to her, to hold her children for the first time and know that they are hers in some miraculous way, that they were part of her - but it’s another unique and indescribable feeling to watch Jake hold them and know they are his just as much, always safe and loved in his presence. Although she could never have predicted the sensation, she’s always had an inkling of it - a deep conviction and a ceaseless, rightful confidence that he would make the greatest dad. It keeps being proven correct.

“I forgot how small they are,” he mumbles, and there are tears in his eyes, too.

“She’s like a pound and a half bigger than Leah was.”

“Doesn’t feel like it. Do you think they look the same?”

“A little?” Amy tilts her head. “Same hair, same nose. But so different, too.”

“I think she looks a lot more like you than Lee did,” Jake smiles, stroking the little fist holding onto his thumb before kissing it. “I’m fine with that. You look like your mom, kid. Oh, don’t look so upset,” he says when the newborn scrunches her face together, “it’s a great way to look. Would you rather have my nose? Yeah, right. I didn't think so.”

 Amy laughs, letting them continue their exchange as she snaps a picture of them and then sends that and another one of the first baby pictures to Rosa.

Rosa’s reply is as instant as it is shocked. She congratulates them, tells Amy she's crazy, promises them they can talk to Leah once she wakes up and even offers to drive her there later in the afternoon “if it means she'll beat Charles to meeting this baby”.

 Amy figures she should probably text more people to spread the news, but the important thing is Leah knows, or at least will know, so she puts her phone on the side table and turns back to Jake.

“Rosa’s going to call us when Leah’s awake,” she says, unable to keep herself from leaning over and kissing their baby’s cheeks when she squeaks a little again.

“Great. You want to get some sleep before?”

“Oh, so bad.” Her exhaustion faded away somewhat in the chaos, pure adrenaline and a cascade of hormones keeping her awake, but it's catching up with her now. “Promise you two are good?”

“Olivia and I are great,” he promises, and his smile and their daughter’s softly blinking eyes makes her certain he’s right. “You agreed to that name, right?”

“One condition.” Amy yawns. “You are never allowed to tell her she’s named after a cat. Ever.”

She thinks she can hear him mumbling something about not making promises he won’t be able to keep, but she’s falling asleep before she can protest.

 -

 Leah’s and Olivia’s first meeting doesn’t start out great.

Amy’s trying to be methodical and gentle, making sure Olivia’s in her bassinet and she can have both arms free to hug her three-year-old, but then the infant starts wailing the moment Leah enters the room and she gets terrified, immediately trying to run out with tears streaming down her cheeks. Jake has to chase after her while Amy tends to Olivia, who’s decided she needs to eat right this second and not a moment later, except she’s literally ten hours old and not very good at nursing just yet, which only serves to increase her frustration before she calms down enough to figure it out. When she does and Amy can take a deep breath, Jake and Leah return. Leah’s calmed down a little, but she’s still red under the eyes and skeptical to even say hi to her mom and her sister. Amy’s heartbroken as the girl wraps her arms tighter around Jake and turns her head away, and there’s a second where she wonders briefly again why she thought this was a good idea.

But then, Jake asks if Leah wants to see the gift Olivia brought her - a nifty trick Amy found on some Instagram account - and the three-year-old squeals with happiness as she unwraps a singing Elsa doll, and it’s upwards from there. She dares to climb into the hospital bed and first look at the baby, then carefully pat her head, then laugh as Olivia finishes nursing and makes another squeaking noise. Amy figures Leah won’t want to hold her sister at first, but once she’s told them all about her sleepover with Rosa - it seems to have included gymnastics, a Disney movie and cake - she’s looking at the baby with a little more interest, and then she asks the question all on her own.

“Can I hold her?”

 They put a pillow in her lap and a pillow behind her back for support, and Jake holds his hand under Olivia’s head throughout, but they let her. It’s the best thing Amy’s ever seen in her life. Just when she thinks it can't get better than this, Leah leans her head down so her cheek is touching her little sister's, and Amy has no way of stopping her happy tears.

 She’d never thought people were lying, per se, when they’d described how your love just doubles when you have another child. She’d been certain she would love another baby just as much. It had been part of the reason she fought so hard to have one, but she realizes now that she was never even close to understanding the full meaning of double the love. The power with which she loves Leah has grown exponentially for every day, reaching infinity and still becoming stronger, and today, it's like her love for Olivia has clocked in at the same level, stretched out a hand and increased in tandem with the love for her sister. Amy wonders how it makes sense, how it’s possible for a heart to grow that big, but she's accepted that it’s one of many questions about motherhood she’ll never know the answer too.

Instead, she just makes sure she takes a series of pictures to document the moment, and then she meets Jake's eyes for a second to mouth a silent I love you.

 -

 They get to go home the next afternoon. Amy was expecting it to feel more natural with their second child, less like they’ve stolen someone else’s baby and is pretending to know what they’re doing, but it feels just as absurd as the first time when they secure her in the car seat and carry her outside.

The sun seems to be shining particularly bright as they drive, but Olivia sleeps for the whole way home.

 She does not, however, continue with that for the rest of the day. Rather, she wants to eat for most of it. Which is fine; Amy knows and remembers that’s what it’s like at first. Still, it’s exhausting and far from painless while they’re both trying to figure it out, and it keeps her stuck to her corner of the couch for hours on end. This gets Leah jealous, making her throw a tantrum because she wants Amy to play with her in her room and she can’t, and there's a moment where everyone except Jake is crying at the same time before Leah calms down and accepts the suggestion of everyone watching a movie on the couch and ordering pizza for dinner. Partly to celebrate, partly because no one has the energy to cook.

There's going to be an adjustment period for them all, Amy figures. She’s certain it will come with a cavalcade of challenges, but as Leah insists on being Jake's helper as he changes a diaper and shines with pride as she hands him too many wet wipes and picks out Olivia's pajamas, she can already tell it's going to be more than worth it.

 When it’s time for Leah to go to bed, she claims she wants everyone there to read stories. Amy asks, just to make sure, if that means her sister too, and Leah nods. She’s very intent on storytime taking place in her bed, though, and so Amy ends up squeezing herself to fit in the toddler bed with Olivia on her chest and Leah on her side. Jake has to sit on the floor.

“This is unfair,” he grumbles, and Leah laughs and snuggles closer to her mom, pressing a kiss to her baby sister’s head.

“Read the story, dada.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m on it.”

 They read two different stories, both of them yawning through the second one. Amy’s pretty sure Leah’s about to fall asleep, can feel the little arm draped across her stomach going heavier, more relaxed, but as Jake closes the covers to the second book, there’s a whisper.

“Another book,” it comes out in a yawn, and Jake laughs.

“Are you sure, bumblebee? I think you’re getting pretty tired.”

“No.” Leah shakes her head. “More stories.”

“Fine.” He presses a kiss to her forehead. “One more. Just for tonight.”

 He begins to read, and a few minutes later, Leah’s sleeping. She has her mouth open, one arm still resting on Amy as if to hold her in place, her other arm hugging the stuffed lion animal she still sleeps with.

She seems so big in comparison to her little sister, yet so innocent and peaceful as she’s sleeping, and entirely magical to watch. Every day, Amy thanks her lucky stars that she gets to watch this child grow up and take on the world, and it blows her mind to think she’ll get to do the same with the baby curled up on her chest. It seems so far away to picture this tiny infant growing up and becoming her own unique individual, too, but she knows it will happen, and she cannot wait for the rollercoaster ride she figures raising these two children will be.

 She’s squeezed into a far from comfortable position in the narrow toddler bed, she’s still sore and in pain after the nightmare that is childbirth, she's sleep-deprived and figures she's looked better after a 48 hour work shift than she does right now, but both her children are sleeping so close to her, and she's never been happier.

There’d been a time, not long ago, where she thought she’d never get to experience this. A second child had seemed like something the universe wasn't willing to give her, until it was, and now she’s living the reality she once feared would remain a dream.

She knows she’s never going to see her infertility journey as something beautiful, because it wasn’t. It was heartbreaking, soul-crushing and lonely even with Jake by her side, and the few comments she’s heard about how it must all have been worth it, though have made her want to punch someone. It was a curveball life threw her, an unfair challenge she had to go through for some reason, and she’s happy she survived it but she’s not grateful it happened. She’s simply accepted it. In the end, her life also gave her this; two objectively perfect children who are the best thing to ever happen to her, even pushing their father down to a still close second-place position. Her gratefulness for them still doesn't erase the painful experiences, but it makes them fade into the background, to a point where they’ll eventually become but a faint shadow of a memory. Amy figures that is the most she can ask for.

 It takes her a moment to realize she has no idea how she's going to get up from this position. She’s closest to the wall, and she gets now that it was an unwise choice. Leah’s holding onto her arm, Olivia’s sleeping lightly and already stirring, and Amy has strong doubts in her own ability to get up without waking anyone.

She looks to Jake, hoping he might be able to help her, but finds that he’s fallen asleep on the floor using a stuffed animal as a pillow and holding his thumb between the last pages of the book they were reading. It looks ridiculous and deeply endearing at the same time, and even though it means she’s so screwed and she’s going to have to wake him somehow before Olivia starts screaming bloody murder, she can’t be mad about it.

All she can do is laugh.

  and at last, i see the light

and it’s like the fog has lifted

and at last, i see the light

and it’s like the sky is new

and it’s warm, and real, and bright

and the world has somehow shifted

all at once, everything looks different

now that i see you.

~ i see the light, from tangled

~

[elejahfanfic]

Hello Love/2

Fanfiction

Part 2

AU story with tvd characters

Miguel Galindo x Elena Gilbert💖

Ft. Klaroline, Kennett

It's a love story -no vampires. Human.

Featuring a song by David Bisbal_Me enamore de ti

Also, Yemaya is played by Zoe Saldana.

♡□

So much is going on in this ch, there is so many characters - I hope it still has a coherent flow - 😅

Thanks for reading. 😀😘

Tag_@miguelsbrat

♤♡◇♧

Niklaus, or better known as Klaus to his family and friends, just taken a cab to take him to the Mikaelson residence.

He still wasn't sure if he made the right decision to return home after so many years abroad, where he had built a very good reputation and established himself as a prominent young architect making his firm The Wolf Group, as they called themselves, one of the very best. He left it to be run by his partner, Marcel Gerard.

It was one morning after he spoke to Miguel that he made the abrupt decision to take a sabatical year and spend time with the family. Actually, to be precise, with his siblings, as his relationship with his parents was not a good one.

***

Meanwhile

In Rebekah's office, she was looking at the photographs that were to go in the next issue.

"Get me Damon" she said to her assistant Vicki.

"Anything else?" Vicki asked.

"No. I'll be working till late, so you can go. Thanks" Rebekah said.

The eldest of them was Finn, who tragically died in a car crash, at the age 20. Niklaus was their second child. He was three years old when they adopted Miguel.

Rebekah chose to work hard to prove to her father that she can get the fashion magazine up and running and make a huge success of it when she took over. So, at work she was known as the shrew, some of her co-workers would refer to her as a blood-sucker at times. The Mikaelson family was regarded as the most ambitious when business was concerned. Their parents taught their children to be excellent, to strive to excel. To be the best. And they made them proud.

After, Kol, Rebekah and finally Henrik followed.

Miguel fell in love and chose to go to live in San Diego to work after he married. And as his wife died, instead of returning to New York, he chose to go to Mexico City. As for Klaus, after finishing his studies decided to travel the world, finally settling in Europe starting to work as an architect in a small firm.

The Mikaelsons were a big family.

But lately, work was all she had on her mind.

Damon got to her office in a little while, and as he entered the first thing she said was-

"We are professionals and personal stuff should never affect the work-still- I am going to say this, because Elena is my friend and I love her dearly - you're an asshole! If you weren't so damned good at what you do I would kick you to the curb."

"That's not bad. I kind of thought you would dagger me!" Damon said.

"Let's get to work. Look at those", she now showed what she didn't like about those photos and asked for a new photo session with the next month's cover person.

***

Elsewhere

Bonnie and Caroline met Elena for some good old retail therapy. The best remedy when trying to kinda mend a broken heart. A change in style, hair was Caroline's suggestion. Also, they all had already received an electronic invitation to the Mikaelson cocktail night. And they need great dresses for the occasion.

Elena kept quiet about her unusual meeting in the cafe.

*

In the Upper East Side, Miguel met his son at his new school. Cris as he and all his family and friends called him didn't want to go to a private school, and so Miguel enrolled him in the public school recommended by Rebekah.

Cristobal, looked a lot like his mother, very savvy, goodhearted teenager, who knew exactly what he wanted in his life. He was very close his father. The death of Emily, cut them both and glued them even more together. Sometimes Cristobal took more care of his father, than the other way around. Mostly because Miguel was very dedicated to his work.

There were certain things he still needed to do regarding the transfer, and he now dealt with all that.

"There something different about you dad" he said to him when they got out of the school.

"In what way?" Miguel looked surprised at his son.

"I don't know.  But- different! You have a happy face."

"I have a happy face?"

"Yes. Usually it's - just serious." Cristobal said as he opened the car door.

Miguel looked at the watch and he had promised their housekeeper Senora Vega that they would be on time for the evening dinner. "Come on, we are late."

And there was a certain truth, he felt different. The woman Elena that he had met in the cafe was not getting out of his head. He had not felt a tingle in his heart for a woman for a very long time.

***

Greenich Village

Elena returned home later that evening and looked at the dress she chose for the cocktail party. Then at her new hairstyle, running her hands through them, inhaling deeply.

"Stop it!" she said to herself in the mirror, "stop thinking about him. Don't need anyone right now. Good-he looked so good in the three-piece suit- too good. "I am going crazy- what's wrong with me?!"

This man was not even her type. She prefered guys in jeans, with a badboy vibe about them. 'Mike' was completely the opposite. What was happening to her. Rebound thoughts. Totally crazy. Sliding the dress safely into the small closet, she went to the living room and put one of her mix playlists on.

Taking her laptop, she made hetself comfortable on the sofa. It was time to do some work. Lena's Cookie website needed updating. Browsing through the photos of her recent cookie creations made her stumble on a few she had done for her friend Yemaya's birthday. Though she was from Brasil, she was very much into mexican art and so she had requested mexican sugar cookies for her birthday fiesta.

Thinking of 'Mike', she looked up a recipe from her notes.

Me enamoré de ti, jamás lo imaginaba

Que algun día yo, de amor iba a vivir

***

A couple of blocks away

"Move in with me" he blurted out inbetween kisses and half way to bed disregarding supper.

"Enough of work." Bonnie said closing Kol's laptop nestling comfortably on his lap, pulling him into a kiss.

Kol finished writing the draft of his last research paper.  Bonnie sneaked up on at him with a trey of food and wine.

"Who is joking? Move in with me. I'm serious. I want you here - all the time. It's crazy paying for two apartments, sleeping ovet here- there."

"Ok," Bonnie said,"yeah, let's be practical"

"This is not about being practical," Kol drew his fingers up her cheeks, looking at her dreamily, "I really want you here with me all the time."

"When you look at me that way, I could never say no."

"You drive me crazy" Kol smiled, "At times I can't believe you are real - and you are with me"

"Shut up and kiss me" Bonnie pressed her forfinger on his lips.

She was a person so very open hearted, giving and so loving. He met her accidently, so he thought, as he waited for Rebekah to meet him for lunch at the bar. He didn't know that the Rebekah and the others set Bonnie and he up on a blind date. He complained to Rebekah that he had no luck in the love department and that he had enough of dates that led to nowhere.

He kissed her, and he took that as a 'yes'.

***

Stefan met his fellow journalist Yemaya for a last minute check before he gave in his article for print.

"Stop joking"

"Want to grab a drink?" he asked casually.

"Just one!" she stressed out, "Last night I had one too many"

"Wow- in the middle of the week ?!"he teased her as he knew her rule not to drink during the week.

"We took Elena out to kick her shoes off. She was really down."

"I heard," Stefan said, "I cannot make excuses for my brother, he is not bad-but he makes hell of mistakes."

"All the time!" Yemaya added.

"Yeah, but I am not really into the Damon- Elena talk. Actually, I need a date for a cocktail party?!"

"You got invited too?!" Yemaya was surprised.

"Maybe it was some mistake, but it came from Mikael's official e-mail!" Stefan said.

"Yes. I would like to be your date!" Yemaya accepted happily.

"Good!"- Stefan smiled, and  now waited for her to finish off what she was doing.

 ***

Days went by in a flash, and everyone had mostly work on their mind. Well, not everyone. Elena had something else on her mind, or rather someone else.

The Mikaelson cocktail party started to be the thing everyone started to talk about.

Esther and Rebekah were deeply immersed in the event. Everything had to be perfect.

Esther had invited all her family for a family brunch the day before.

Kol, Miguel and Cristobal arrived an hour before the meal. Cristobal immediately went with Henrik, who was two years older than him and that was a bit strange as he was in actual fact his uncle.

"What is not weird with this family" Cristobal said looking at Henrik wide-eyed.

"I kind of have to get to know Klaus and Miguel- they look too serious" Henrik said.

"Dad can be fun-he just doesn't like to show it much!" Cristobal explained. "Show me the last vynils you’ve bought."

"Come on" Henrik said gesturing to follow him to his room.

*

Rebekah walked in the living room all chirpy, "Gossiped much?!"

"No. Why would you think so?" Klaus said. "Then you have changed- you always had something smart to say about me"

"I did hear already comments about what a dragon you are at work, " Klaus teased, "it's only fashion, but I guess it has to be run with military precision. Father must be very proud!"

"There-you see" Rebekah looked at Miguel, who wanted to stay out of it.

"I hear you have new friends," Klaus said,"kicked the old snobby ones to the curb, I hear"

"I am sick of her snoby friends- yes-I have managed to make proper friends, and if you behave, maybe I will introduce them to you!" Rebekah shot back at her brother tapping him on the shoulder.

Esther walked into the Salon and there was gladness in her heart. All her children were there, and that was a rare occasion in the last years.

Her husband now joined them and they sat down for a very different brunch they all were used to. It was warm, chatty and quite lively.

Esther was counting her blessings, though her heart was not entirely at ease.

***

The next day, the pre-cocktail buzz was already in full flow with both the hosts as well as their invites.

Caroline talked to Elena over the phone about the cocktail party and Klaus.

"He looks really good," Caroline said, "you should check his site- he has done some amazing stuff."

"Caroline, you are telling me that I get into things head over heals like instantly. Rebekah is great, but he is a Mikaelson. Do you really want to get involved with one of them?"

"Elena, I know what you're thinking. Too close to home. Could mess up a great friendship if things go bad"

"Not thinking anything. Ok. I got to go. See you later"

"I will pick you up," Caroline said, "oh, I went back and changed the dress. I am wearing the blue dress - right- Jess is hear to do my hair. I will see you soon."

"Ok." Elena put the phone down.

Elena went to do her hair and make up herself. She was good in anything creative. She decided to wave it a bit and pin one side. She was going for a more natural look, and yet looking glam.

Simplicity has always been her motto. And yet, everything she did never looked simple. From her range of cookies to her relationships. 

The door bell went and Elena was surprised to see Yemaya at the door. She had already been ready and dressed.

"Hey- Sorry. I just had to come" the woman stormed in.

Elena could see that her friend was all flustered. Something major must have happened for her to be coming and not calling.

Elena now waited to hear her spill the beans.

"Ok -I am going to say it- huh- I slept with Stefan. We went for a drink and it was just one drink -and we talked and he drove me home and then we kissed and then we kissed some more and- you know the rest."

Elena didn't understand what was so bad about it. He and Yemaya were work collegues. And that is exactly now what was Yemaya's concern.

"I said I would never get involved with someone I work with."

"Shall I guess what you told him in the morning?! Exactly that?! Right?"

Yemaya nodded. 

***

In the Mikaelson Mansion, Esther Mikaelson was going through the list with her personal party organizer for the afternoon cocktail party the family was hosting for an exlusive charity event for the hospital Miguel and Kol worked for. Just one look from her said volumes when she was displeased with something. When her favourite sister died in the car crash, everyone thought that she would retreat and never come back, as she did go away for a year to grieve and be by herself. The grief changed something in her, she became a recluse, but adopting Miguel, brought her back to life. As he now walked out into the garden, greeting her with a small kiss on the cheek.

"How are you, querida madre?"

"Very well - even better now that you and Cristobal are here." Esther replied.

"This looks beautiful. Thank you for doing this."

"Darling, it is nothing. It's my pleasure. Where is Cristobal?"

"With Henrik" Miguel said and now greeted Kol and Bonnie.

Kol then went on to introduce Bonnie to Klaus and Miguel. Rebekah quickly snatched Bonnie away from the men.

"So, I'm hearing wedding bells from the distance!" Klaus teased Kol.

"Unlike you, I actually want one woman for myself!" Kol threw back at him.

"You haven't changed at all!" Klaus said. "I will leave you two to discuss whatever medical thing you will discuss"

"Bonnie" Miguel started, " she seems to be lovely!"

"What about you? Are you never going to find someone again?” Kol asked his brother.

"I don't know," Miguel said, "maybe"

"What does that mean? Have you met somebody?" Kol continued with the quizzing. "Dr Ruben has set her eyes on you. She's been asking me if you were dating anyone?"

"Please don't play the matchmaker." Miguel warned.

"Don't worry -"

Cris and Henrik came up to them and Kol now turned to them, quizzing them about the band they were forming.

The guest started arriving and Cris now observed how Esther and Mikael, together with Rebekah glided among the guests and how masterfully they played the hosts.

Damon and Stefan arrived together. Krystal made a solo appearance. 

Elena, Yemaya and Caroline entered like a grand trio.

Rebekah was there like a shot and greeted her friends.

"Who invited Krystal?" Caroline shot at Rebekah straight out seeing the woman mingling with some of the guests.

"Father's office - she is the best model and it's about business -if you thought that this was a family thing only, then you are mistaken -come on -let me introduce you to Miguel and Klaus."

Elena's heart dropped when she heard the name, but when she actually saw that it was the man she had met in the cafe, her heart started beating uncontrollably. She tried to keep her composure as Rebekah officially now introduced them.

"Hello" Miguel said, curling a smile at the brunette.

"Hello" Elena muttered and smiled back at him, “I thought your name is Mike?!”

"Uhm - it's Miguel - when we were kids Rebekah would call me Mikey - uhm - I don’t know why I introduced myself using my childhood nickname - just felt like - I suppose being back in New York”

"Oh, you've met?" Rebekah said slightly wide-eyed.

"Yes- a few days ago" Miguel said, his eyes still fixed on Elena.

Se pinta de colores toda mi alma

Con esa dulce luz de tu mirada

Y al verte sonreír, vuelvo a tener fe

Elena nodded, confirming it was so, looking at her friend and then at the suave looking cardiologist.

The waitress with champagne cocktails approached them and Miguel now took the glasses and offered one to her.

"Strawberry Bellini! I think you will like it." Miguel said to the brunette.

"Thank you!" Elena took the glass. She was at ease now. His charm just enveloped her and she didn't care anymore that she had seen Damon and Krystal at the party.

Not standing far from them, Caroline already chatted with Klaus as if they knew eachother forever. He offered her a Mimosa cocktail. 

"You are looking in the direction of that brunette like she had done something to you so disgracefully" Klaus commented since Caroline looked at Krystal off and on.

_ to be continued

[imagine-that-100]

Conversation | Part 4 |

Description of Part 1: Matty Healy x Reader (Female) | You are a photographer, who lives in Manchester, that’s trying to make it down to London for your latest job. Your hectic morning leaves seconds to catch your train and luckily for you the 2 hour journey goes a lot faster when you have someone to make conversation with.

Word Count: 8.2k

A/N: Update on various info to do with the fic: In this all the band live in Manchester, not London. I’m also treating the Mexico shows on their tour as if they just weren’t there because there’s a big gap before they start in the US. I hope you all really enjoy this part, I really enjoyed writing it up. Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list for the following parts. Thanks for reading, love you all x

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

| MASTERLIST IN BIO | 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Being woken up at 7 the following morning wasn’t something you had wanted or needed the day after binge drinking. You kept your eyes closed not wanting the hangover to start just yet. You were woken up by the sound of Chris banging on the kitchen counter, more than likely trying to get your best friend to wake up.

Anytime anyone, even you, fell asleep in the lounge, he did his best to annoy them into leaving. Anytime you told him to fuck off he would use the argument that it was his flat and he could do what he wanted. 

Your head starts to throb when you hear Chris moaning at Y/B/F for being on the sofa. You hear him yell a nasty comment at her and the next minute you hear your door crack open and feel your friend get in bed next to you.

“Hate that fucker” She murmurs, and you smile to yourself.

“Gunna look for a new flat later and we’ll move in together and leave him high and dry” You sleepily tell her before you fall unconscious again.

When your eyes reopen, the clock in your room shows 11:47am and you let out a loud groan. The light that filled your room is blinding and you pull your duvet over your eyes to get used to the idea of being awake. You hear your best friend tapping away on her phone in the mornings silence that always takes place when you either of you stay over.

You get your phone from the table beside you, ready to look through the memes that she’s probably already tagged you in. When you unlock your phone however, you are blinded by the brightness of it which immediately intensifies your headache. You turn your brightness the lowest it will go and start looking through your phone.

After silently laughing at memes on Facebook for 10 minutes you start to look through some other apps on your phone. That’s when you see you have a few text messages and you tap on them curiously. 

You roll your eyes when you see the name ‘Daddy’ pop up on your screen. You tap on the message and smile at your phone.

How’s your head this morning?

You quickly type your reply: 

Morning Matty. Heads a bit fucked and feel disgusting but it’s nothing a McDonalds can’t fix. What about you? x

As soon as it sent, you loudly say, “Shit”

Your friend turns over to you and asks what was wrong and you show her your phone. She let out a loud squeal which hurt your ears and you stuff your head under the pillow.

“What’s your problem? Matty Healy is texting you and your acting like a fucking baby” Y/B/F tells you and you let out a sigh.

“I accidentally sent him a kiss, he’s going to think I want his dick even more now. For fucks sake” You say, throwing your phone to the other end of your bed.

“What do you mean ‘even more’?” She asks curiously and you look at her. 

You forgot to tell her. She’s going to fucking lose it.

“Matty’s tongue may or may not have been down my throat last night, and then he punched a guy for me” You tell her, and she screams, and you head starts to bang.

After 10 minutes of you having to answer her questions, you’ve had enough and need to escape at least for a few minutes. You felt disgusting. 

You walked into your flat’s shared bathroom and saw the mess that was yourself in the mirror. Your hair desperately needed brushing and your smudged make up needed to be removed.

After a good wash, you felt somewhat human again, apart from your head and stomach causing you pain. You make went back into your room and sat at the end of your bed, opposite your friend. She tells you that she’s just ordered you both your usuals from McDonalds and you couldn’t wait.

When your text alert went off, both you and your best friend stop immediately and look down at your phone. She tries to reach for it, but you got a hold of it faster. 

The message read: Heads fine, just my lips are swollen but can’t seem to remember why??? Any ideas? x

You let out a loud groan and show your friend. She just starts grinning at you like a mad man.

“I don’t know what to say” You tell her almost pouting, silently pleading for her to help you. 

However, she gets herself up and out of bed and heads out of your room, presumably to the toilet.

“You can’t go to the bathroom now I need your help” You shout after her, but she doesn’t reply.

You stare at your phone for a minute before deciding it was just best for you to reply sarcastically. You hesitate before pressing send but then you thought, ‘fuck it’. 

If worse came to worst, you could say you were still drunk when you next saw him.

I don’t know, I seem to recall you getting lucky and having the best pull of your life 😂 How’s your hand? (Sorry again) x

Whilst your friend was still out of the room, you got yourself changed into some comfy clothes and thankfully the food arrives a 10 minutes later. You and Y/B/F just started eating the fatty food when your phone goes off again.

Well I wouldn’t go quite that far but glad to know that’s how you felt about it. The hands fine, the dick had it coming. Stop apologising xx

You quickly reply: 

Okay sorry😂 And don’t get ahead of yourself Matty, wasn’t that good… I’ve had better things in my mouth, like this…

You send a picture of your McDonalds before you carry on eating it. You and your best friend gossip about last night’s antics and about the band. 

She kept of telling you about how cute Ross was, but then she would change to Adam, and then to George. She tells you that she caught Matty staring at you a few times and you shake your head. 

You didn’t believe a word.

Matty’s next reply came a few minutes later and it made you nearly choke on your food. 

We’ll just have to try harder next time then, won’t we? x

You and Matty ended up chatting on and off for the rest of the day and you were getting excited to start doing what you loved every day. When you texted Alec about having to quit at the bar, he told you that he didn’t want to see you in again unless you were having a drink yourself. He even told you that you didn’t have to work your shift that night which you felt relieved about.

You spent the day looking at new flats and found a good one that you and Y/F/N could share, and you started packing up your stuff. You were just going to leave and not tell Chris, you’d had enough of his bullshit over the years and you had only ever been his roommate because of how cheap it was. You luckily didn’t have a contract with him so you couldn’t wait to leave.

The next day, you went to view the new flat with your best friend and you were beyond excited. You thankfully had enough money from the ballet photography to put a deposit down on the place, and by the time the rent was due the money from Dirty Hit would already be in your bank.

However, Y/B/F told you that she didn’t feel like she had enough money to move in with you because of how expensive it was. The place was big and a little posh, but you just agreed with her that it now wasn’t a problem for you, and she could just give you what she was paying now.

She was your best friend and you’d always spoken about living with her one day. You were just happy that you’d finally caught a break you could make that dream come true for you both. 

You managed to get her to completely agree to move in with you when you told he she could have the bigger bedroom because you would be away a lot. Not that you minded, you’d rather be on tour with your favourite band.

When Monday rolls around, you were packed up completely and couldn't wait to move in later after work. You had texted George the day before to see what time they wanted you at the studio. 

Matty had told you 7am but you somehow didn’t believe him. You got there at 10am, like George had told you, and you had bought the guys a coffee each and picked up some chocolate.

When you walk in the boys all looked pleased to see you. You were dressed in skinny black jeans with an oversized black hoodie on and your hair was in a messy bun at the top of your head. If you hadn’t of done your make up like usual you were certain they would have thought you were a tramp.

Your belief was confirmed by Ross smirking over to you, asking if you were, “Still rough?”

You sent a sarcastic laugh his way as you rested the coffees down on the coffee table in the middle of the sofas. You were in a really good mood and felt like your life was in order. 

You never thought you’d be so excited for a first day at a new job.

“I’m actually fine, thanks for asking Ross” You tell him as you hand him his coffee and distributed the other ones to the other lads. 

They all thank you and you just can’t take the smile off your face. You then remember the chocolate bars that were in the pocket of your hoodie and grab one.

You get the attention of the man with brown curly hair and throw it to him.

He catches it and smiles up at you realising it was the same as the one you gave him on the train. You playfully wink at him before taking a bite out of your own. 

“So, Y/N, what did you do with your weekend?” George asks as he moved towards the mixing desk.

“It’s been productive actually” You tell him before taking a sip of your cappuccino. 

“Chris was a fucking dick to Y/B/F on Saturday morning, so I’ve decided to move. I’ve even put deposit down on a place yesterday and I’m gunna start moving my stuff over later today” 

You take a seat next to Adam and start to get your laptop and camera out as the guys ask you numerous questions about your living situation with Chris. You tell them everything they want to know, like why you lived with him anyway and they asked if you needed any help moving.

You tell them that you’d be fine because Alec was going to be helping you. When you told Alec about your plans, he insisted that he would help you.

Once you chat for a few minutes, you start taking a few pictures of them being normal people instead of rockstars. They didn’t seem to mind that you’d started snapping pictures of them. 

Ross pulled a few silly faces at you and Matty lay across his free sofa saying, “Paint me like one of your French girls”.

You couldn't stop laughing at him when he said that and after you brought the picture back up on your camera, you show it to Adam. He also seems amused by the picture, especially when you zoom in on Matty’s face.

“Sexy” Adam states, and you hum in fake agreement. 

The face he pulled made him look as if he’d been modelling for years. Which you guess he sort of had because of all the photoshoots the band had done over the years.

George starts the boys off the day by asking Adam if he wanted to do another take of something which he agreed to immediately. You watch as Adam went into the recording booth and you stood up to watch but George waves you over to the desk.

You stand behind him and watch as Adam picks up his guitar through the glass window that separates you. Ross takes a seat on the sofa behind you and Matty goes to the other side of the desk and drags his chair over next to George. 

As he’s about to take his seat, you quickly move in front it from the other side. You smirk up at him and victoriously grin, “Awh, thanks Matty”

Matty looks down at you with wide eyes and you maintain eye contact, grinning at him. Ross and George let out an extremely loud laugh at the situation they just saw unfold. 

George chuckles, “I fuckin’ love her”

“Awh yes! Best buddy George” You smile at him

He wraps an arm around your shoulder which you lean in to, appreciating the side hug. You look up at Matty, still grinning, and he just shakes his head at you and turns his attention towards Adam who’s strums his guitar in the next room.

George lets go of you and returns to tapping away on the computer and telling Adam to the “Go for it” over the microphone. You watch what he does in awe because you had no idea what all the different bars on the screen meant or why he kept fiddling with the buttons on the mixing desk.

When Adam starts playing riff on the electric guitar you lent back in your chair and watched as the screen picks up the recording and sound waves were now appearing. You averted your attention to Adam playing and you couldn’t keep the smile off your face. You take a couple of photos of him through the window but make sure the flash was off, so you didn’t distract him

When you put your camera down on the table, you feel Matty rest his hands on the back of your chair which makes you lean further into your seat. You tilt your head back and look up at him, he looks down at you and smile. 

After a second, you pick your head back up and carry on watching Adam now doing an awesome guitar solo and you got more excited.

Matty took his hands off your seat and then starts to pull the pins out of your hair that were holding your bun in place. After a few seconds, Matty had collected all the pins from your head and it was now messily down. 

Luckily it was freshly washed and straightened, you just wanted it out of your way for moving later on.

However, Matty starts to ruffle it up by running his fingers through it. Despite his actions being extremely smoothing, you tilt your head back to look at him again but this time you shoot him an annoyed glare, but you couldn’t keep the smile off your face.

His fingers continue to mess up your hair, taking handfuls of it at a time and tugging it through his fingers. You shake your head slightly when he pokes his tongue out at you and you let out a small laugh before returning your attention towards the music that was being made.

George then looks towards you and you smile brightly at him, but you see his eyes go to your head, then up to Matty, and then presumably over to Ross. Once his gaze as returns to you, you roll your eyes at him in jest as to what Matty is doing to you. 

George laughs, “Mate, you aren’t going to annoy her out of her seat like that. She’s enjoying it”

Matty’s hands then immediately leave you hair and you let out a gasp at George. 

“Best buddy George, that’s not cool outing me like that… Getting a free head massage there” You say in jest and nudge him slightly.

You both laugh and you run your own fingers through your hair to flatten it down. Matty plonks a stool in-between the two of you and he looks towards you annoyed.

You giggle to yourself as the music stops and George stops the recording a moment later. 

“Come and listen Hann” Matty says through the microphone and he makes his way into the room again, perching on the back of the sofa near Ross.

“Wait, am I about to hear a new song?” You ask excitedly, clasping your hands together and your face is beaming with excitement. They all look at you with grins on their faces and George lets out a little laugh. 

“Yeah we thought we had it done earlier but Hann found something he wasn’t happy with… Are you prepared for the finished product?” Matty asks.

You clear your throat and run a hand through your hair. Then you sit up straight and release a deep breath before saying, “Alright, my body is ready” 

They all laugh at you, and Matty grins, “Funny you should say that”

You give him a questioning look not understanding, but George chuckles before pressing play. 

You put a hand over your mouth in an attempt to hide your grin from them. You swivel your chair around, so they are all in your field of vision and they all seem to be waiting for your approval.

As the music starts, you hear what sounds to you like muddled guitar notes, yet it sounds really tranquil. Especially when a females angelic vocals start accompanying it.

After that, guitar chords start playing straight after each other with the last being sustained until it starts over again, creating a slow riff. You already love it and it hadn't even kicked in yet. 

Just after the riff was played twice though the drums kicked in and you couldn't help but look to George. He grinned at you as the song began properly and you were already nodding your head along to the beat. 

You can’t even deny how much you love it. It is quite literally music to your ears, and you end up laughing when you look at Adam and Ross.

They are all chuckling at your reaction, and your jaw ends up dropping when you hear the sax come into the song. You look to Ross when that part is finished and say loudly, “Waughy fucking kills it!” and you bite your lip seeing how they all seem to be enjoying your reaction.

You can’t help but catch Matty’s eyes when the chorus comes in and you hear Matty sing, “Maybe I would like you better if you took off your clothes”

When it gets to John Waugh’s sax solo, you lose any sense of control you once had. You start playing air saxophone along with the music, still bopping your head up and down and each one of them lets out a laugh and you start laughing as well. 

When it ends with the 3 beats, your head is hurting but you’re so excited.

“I fucking love it so much!” You beam at them all and they all chuckle again.

“If you’re gunna be like this every time we play a new song, this could be a very interesting year” Ross says, and you hold your hands up.

“Well Matty knew how obsessed I was before I became employed to photograph you… But yeah don’t be surprised if I end up jumping up and down whilst you’re performing”

“I expect to see that” Adam says, and you promise him that he would. 

“I’ll save a dance just for you Adam I promise” You grin.

“Right Hann…” Matty starts, “Are you happy with that one or do you want one more?”

“I think I can do it better, one more time” He says and goes back into the other room. Once it’s recorded again and Adam is happy with it they all took a seat on the sofas.

You were still so excited from hearing the new song that you really wanted more. 

“Georgeee, Mattyyyy, Rossss, Adammm” You drag their names out with a clear cheeky smile on your face. 

They all looked towards you confused as to why you were acting like that. This was the happiest they had ever seen you, not that they had much to go on.

“What?” Matty asked blatantly.

“Can I pleaseeee listen to the Notes On A Conditional From version of The 1975 by The 1975. Pleaseee” You plead. 

You watch as they all look at each other debating if they actually would or not. You saw smiles on Ross’ and Adams faces as they looked between George and Matty.

Matty turns back around to you with a smile on his face and says, “No”  

Your smile falls and you looked at them with pleading eyes. “Guys please… I bought you coffee” You say to try and get them to give in, but they were having any of it.

“Bribery will get you nowhere Y/N” Ross jokes, and you pout when they get up to go back to work and you take a seat on one of the free sofas.

Your back to joking around with them in no time and you watch them as they get on with what they had to do. Later in the day, you’re playing with the settings on your camera and when notice Ross sat across from you playing a few notes on the bass. You adjust the focus on the camera, so he looks pristine and go to take the picture.

However, Matty decided in at that moment he would jump over the back of sofa you were on. You look towards him immediately sending a glare his way and he just smiled cheekily at you. You let out a huff and go to take the picture of Ross again leaving Matty to be Matty.

When you take it and check that it’s actually good you go back to looking for something else to take. You can feel Matty’s eyes on you as you look for something else to photograph and when you can’t immediately see anything you look back towards him and smile.

Your Y/E/C eyes connect with his brown ones and he smiles at you. You stay like that for a few seconds, just simply enjoying the others company. But then your attention is then diverted to George playing about with bits of music on the computer and carry on taking pictures.

After a few minutes, you turn your attention back to Matty and see that he’s now got his head resting on the back of the sofa and his eyes are closed. He looks like he’d fallen asleep but he still had a big smile on his face. He looks adorable and you quickly snap a picture of him like that.

Before you even remove your eye from the camera lens, you see that he’s opened his eyes and is giving you a playful dirty look. Your softly giggling when he pulls his tongue out at you, but you make the most of it and quickly get a picture of him like that too. 

You then move the camera away from your eye and quickly go to look at it. After bringing the preview up, you cannot keep the smile from your face. 

You laugh as you show it to him, and Matty smiles back at you. You end up getting your laptop out and start editing the good pictures you’d taken. 

All of the boys had come over to you one by one throughout the day to observe what you were up to. They asked you quite a few questions as well which you happily answered. 

By the time they were all calling it quits for the day, you’d uploaded the one of Matty’s adorable face to your Instagram.

You’d changed it to black and white which make it seem more peaceful. Within an hour of tagging him in the picture you’d received hundreds of new followers and thousands of likes. 

It was mind-blowing. You definitely wouldn’t get used to that attention anytime soon.

~*~*~*~

The weeks seemed to fly by as you photographed the boys. Within the first week you’d managed to move into your new flat peacefully and abandoned Chris. 

You’d blocked his number from your phone and left him a wordy message on the counter along with your keys. You’d managed to get all of your stuff out of the flat whilst Chris was doing the late shift’s at work, so you were extremely happy you didn’t have to deal with his bullshit anymore. 

You felt free and you felt like you’d accumulated a new family.

The guys had been awesome with you, considering you were sort of invading their space. You quickly realised that the first day you were with them, they had been acting very civilised toward each other because they were in your company.

However, as the weeks went by their true colours started to show. The boys still acted like a bunch of teenaged lads, shouting at each other and getting annoyed if something was in their way.

Matty was the worst for it. 

If something was on the floor or in his way, he would yell at whoever it was that it belonged to. You’d been a target a few times for leaving your rucksack on the floor near the sofa or on the coffee table. It was funny seeing them in their natural habitat, always getting on each other’s nerves.

You definitely wouldn’t get bored of their antics and how something different happened each day. When you walked in one morning, they had played the song you’d so desperately asked them for really loud and you practically threw your bags on the sofa screaming along, “GO DOWN GO DOWN SOFT SOUND!”

You were stood near the computer with your arms raised as if praying to god as you screamed the lyrics. Thankfully they were playing the music that loud that the boys definitely wouldn’t have been able to hear how awful you sounded. 

They had left you in a hyper mood for the rest of that day and you were beyond excited to eventually hear the rest of the album. You already knew it was going to be amazing.

When they had dropped the first single off Notes on a Conditional Form you all spent most of the day looking though social media seeing what people thought about it. You had adored it when they first played it for you.

People was a true bop. Not what you were expecting by any means, but you actually really liked it. 

Definitely a good way to start off the new tour and you could already visualise the crowd buzzing when the drums kicked in. But you think that Give Yourself A Try would always be your favourite opener.

You shared with them all the funny comment that you were finding and at one point you and Ross started saying the same one out loud and you both burst out laughing before even finishing the comment. You’d made loads of fun memories with them whilst being in the studio as well

One time, you and Adam were sat on the sofa next to each other and he had one of his guitars in his hands. Out of nowhere he started playing the start of Girls. Your head shot around and looked at him with wide eyes.

“Oh my god” You said in shock. 

“That was everything, please do it again?” You asked and you intently watched as he did it. 

When you gasped, the boys around you chuckled. They all loved how enthusiastic you were about their music. When you asked Adam if he would teach you to play it, he agreed immediately and you were over the moon.

Every other day, when you both found yourselves having nothing to do, he went and got his guitar and you borrowed Matty’s. He taught you all the basic chords first and made you practice them which was tedious at first.

But after a few weeks, you felt yourself getting better and he only moved on to start leaning the song you could play all the chords from memory. It was like a game for you. Adam would say a chord and you would play it for him. It was only a week before the tour was due to start that he’d started teaching you the actual song.

You and George had quickly become the best friends that you joked about. You found yourself annoying him most of the time when you were bored, and he would do the same to you.

At one point, George was at his desk and you were next to him as you watched and listened to Matty record some vocals for a song named Playing On My Mind. You were taking pictures of him through the window and he kept winking at you as he sang. 

You ended up leaving the pictures for another time because you didn’t know how much more of Matty’s flirting you could take.The flirting had been going on for a long while and you were playing it off as if it was nothing. 

You played along the odd time to keep the banter up and it was funny when you pied him off to sit with Ross. His face was brilliant when Ross pulled you into him and you didn’t move out of his grip like you had done 5 minutes previously with Matty.

You turned your camera off and put it down on the desk and watched as George started sliding things on the mixing desk and twisting dials.

“What does that do?” You asked every time he adjusted something, and he explained everything in the simplest way he could.

He told you that you could slide something up for him and when you did it, he cheered and explained what you just did. 

You looked at him and said, “Awesome I can say I produced a 1975 song now.” George let out a loud laugh and you started chuckling along with him.

“I’m being serious George” You half laughed as you nudged his shoulder playfully. 

His hair fell over the side of his face as he looked back towards you. He was so adorable, you loved his long hair.

“I expect to be credited” You state with a serious expression but then you both end up laughing. George joked saying that he would make sure you were credited for that one thing you did in the song.  

Matty and you had grown to be good friends the past few weeks as well. He was extremely sassy with you and there was constant flirting between the two of you, but you knew it was all just for a laugh.

You always found yourself in situations with the man though. One time you were all watching a movie together in the studio and you were resting your back against him chest as you were sat in between his legs.

Your head was resting on his chest and he was holding you against him with one of his loving headlocks. You were so comfortable that time that you nearly fell asleep on him. 

Other cute moments like that had happened between the two of you all the time.

For example, the previous week Matty had found a red sharpie and was looking desperately looking for something to colour in. You were waving a blank piece of paper at him when he noticed your tattoo again. He practically begged you to let him colour the roses in and you didn’t have the heart to tell him no.

You were all currently in the studio sat eating a McDonalds chatting away to each other. 

“You ready for Monday Y/N/N?” Adam asks and you laugh. 

Monday was the day you were all flying to Arizona to start the tour. You were all being flown over a week early and you weren’t prepared at all.

“God no, I haven’t even started packing yet” You tell them honestly before biting into your burger. 

They then all tell you different things that they have found that they’ve needed over the years of them touring and you made a mental note of the necessities. 

“Yeah that’s all good, but are you all prepared for two months of constant me?” You ask them with a cheeky grin

However, you aren't impressed when they all groan.

“Hey!” You laugh, “I’m great to live with” 

You look around them and see them all smiling at what you said, well, all except for Matty. He was looking at you with disbelief written all over his features.

“I’m gunna stay with Rome” Matty announces and George and Ross agree.

“Fine by me, Adam’s my favourite anyway” You grin.

You smile at Adam and he sends a playful wink back at you causing you to softly giggle. He may be your new mate but he was still Adam Hann, so you tried to hide your cheeks going hot as best you could. 

“Thought we were best friends?” George asks you whilst putting his arm around your shoulder.

You pick up your phone showing your disinterest and say, “We were” not looking at him. 

He pulls you into him some more and you end up falling into his chest. You pretend like it’s not one of the best feelings ever and start kicking up a fuss.

“For fucks sake, why do you and Matty feel the need to put me in headlocks. Do you have some weird kink or something?” You ask.

You can just about see Matty because of your impaired vision as George has now trapped you against his chest with his arm around your neck. 

You see the curly haired brunette smirk in your direction before he says, “Yeah it’s a choking one, get used to it” 

~*~*~*~*~*~

You were petrified. You had never felt so much pressure in your life. The guys were sat around on sofas in front of you and they were just chatting as if nothing was about to happen.

However, you could hear the rumble from the crowd as they sang along to Pale Waves music and Rome, who was the sweetest guy ever, had just walked in to wish the guys luck.

But other than that, the room that you were all in backstage was completely silent. Everything but your boot tapping away nervously on the ground. 

George was sat opposite you swirling drum sticks around his fingers and Adam was next to him and looked as if he was asleep. Ross was pacing around the room in circles and Matty was sat next to you.

It felt like the calm before the storm and you felt sick. You could feel your heart pounding in your chest and your hands were sweaty from holding your camera. You swallow and let out a sigh, wiping your hands on your jeans wishing something would just distract you.

Your brain was on overdrive with a million questions running through your head at once. 

What if you couldn’t get a decent shot all night? What happened if the pictures you took weren’t good enough for Jamie? What if you weren't good enough?

You would get sacked and you would lose your new flat and you would be homeless. The boys hadn’t even been round to see it yet and you were going to lose it and lose them at the same time.

You were spiralling and you were starting to panic, but thankfully Matty was observant. Matty had noticed your leg bouncing up and down for the past 5 minutes.

It was slow at first when he’d started to focus on your movements. He noticed how you moved your hair back behind your ear every time it fell forward and how you kept checking your camera to make sure everything was working.

Matty could feel the anxiety pouring out of you and he didn’t know what to say to help you. This was second nature to him now so he did the only thing he could think that may give you some comfort. 

Matty took a hold of your hand and held it tightly. He didn’t look at you as he did so, he just wanted you to know that he was there and that he understood.

You look towards Matty and you felt his grip on your hand tighten slightly, but he didn’t make eye contact with you. You felt as if he was alleviating your stress by a simple act of kindness. 

You smile in his direction and clutch his hand tightly. Matty saw that you had stopped anxiously moving around and you were now perfectly still.

You both stay in that tranquil state for the next 5 minutes and you felt at ease. Matty’s thumb had started caressing the back of your hand and your mind had now gone numb.

However, when a runner came in and gave you the 5-minute call your heart rate picked up again and your grip on Matty’s hand tightened as you took a deep breath.

He returns the pressure before he lets go of your hand when you get up. You look down at him with grateful eyes and he could see you silently thanking him. 

He innocently winked up at you with a smile on his face and nods his head. You look around to the other boys whose attentions were now on you.

“Good luck out there guys” You smile. 

 “Adam, I’ll do that dance for you during Love Me so keep an eye out” You laugh as you make your way to the door.

You look back and blow a kiss at them before you say, “Look pretty for me boys” 

When you make it out and stand in front of the stage you see that you’re going to have to manoeuvre through the cameramen that litter around the stage. You look to the crowd and see the excited faces of the girls at the front and they flash smiles in your direction. You can feel the buzz in the room because they all know it’s nearly time.

You felt like you were at one of their concerts again. Listening to the Love Theme that was playing, feeling your accelerated heartbeat and hearing the chatter of thousands of other people around you. Now you just had the privilege of not being shoved around whilst still getting the best view.

Before you even had time to think the background music had faded and their iconic theme was starting to play, and you couldn’t help but shout along. When the strobe lights started you got your camera ready and you could see their forms come out from backstage and take their positions.

When they start playing decided you would try and get pictures of George first because you didn’t want all of his pictures to consist of him being a sweaty mess. As the start of People started playing you couldn’t help but get lost in the music.

You found yourself singing along as you started taking pictures. You could feel the vibrations drums hitting your body. You tried to lean against the stage to focus your camera on him, but you could feel the sturdy structure vibrating.

You managed to get a few decent photos of him and decided that later you would just go back stage and get some closer ones. You got a few of Matty really quickly as you couldn't really not do. This was the first time they had done the song live and you knew Jamie would want pictures of him singing it.

After you got a few though, your attention diverted to the other boys. You got a really good one of Ross that you knew he would be pleased with later on.

You got a few more of him before switching to Adam. You were at the centre of the stage taking a picture of him when the lights went out after the first song had finished and the crowd erupted.

It was scary how much noise was being projected from the thousands of people around you but at the same time it increased the adrenaline pumping through your system. You could hear the boys start playing TooTime and when the lights came back on you looked to your left and saw Matty dancing.

You let out a chuckle and quickly took a picture of George whilst directly in front of him. Thankfully, you managed to get it just in time before Matty walked back over and walked in front of your camera.

You looked up at him and he made eye contact with you as he started to sing the song. You could see the humour in them, confirming that he did actually want to ruin the picture.  

Matty watches as you start to singing along to TooTime with him. He could see the excitement in your features, the big grin on your lips, wild looking eyes, and you nodding your head up and down to the beat. 

He quickly winked at you and went back to entertaining.

From your position you managed to get pictures of the other 3 boys easily. You decided Matty was easy to photograph, you would get the best ones of him later on.

However, Matty had other ideas. 

He’d not noticed you point the camera at him once, so when he had to go to the middle of the stage so the Jaiy twins could join him, he quickly came over to the front of the stage and ruffled your hair. You were so confused because you were in the middle of taking a picture of Ross and hadn’t even seen him come over.

You look up at him, not really caring about your hair just wondering why he did it. When your eyes met his you saw him make a camera sign with his hands and then point to himself. You shook your head at him laughing but you pick up your camera and point it up at him.

You take a few of him and the twins moving together in sync and then some of him when he ran to either side of the stage to get the audience going. You could hear them screaming when he danced, and you just laughed. 

You were literally them 4 months ago and would have done the exact same thing.

As the concert continues on, you find yourself having the time of your life. You felt like you were getting decent pictures and you got to watch your favourite band perform your favourite songs at the same time. When you heard the start of Love Me start playing you let out a scream along with the rest of the crowd.

You manoeuvre towards Adam’s side of the stage and start jumping up and down and messing around. You giggle when Adam looks up from his guitar and make eye contacts with you. 

It’s even cuter when his grin doesn’t leave his face the whole time he’s playing. You’re certain that he let out a laugh at your giddy dancing too.

You quickly take a few pictures of him like that before you head back over to Ross. Before you went backstage to get some pictures of George, you took a few more of Matty dancing in front of the crowd and then disappear into the sea of crew members.

You went to the right side of the stage and start taking pictures of George. You were getting some awesome ones of him and his hair flying around everywhere. You had just started to take another few when you heard a crew member start yelling for someone to give Matty his stuff.

No one seemed to be listening to him so you just said you would do it. 

You let your camera dangle over your shoulder as you take the rucksack, the rabbit hat, and the headphones from the very grateful man. You watch as he ran off to do something else and you turn your attention towards the stage.

Within 30 seconds, Love Me had ended and Matty was in front of you. He smiles when he sees you and you help him slip the green backpack on. When he turns back around, you put the hat on him, covering up his sweaty wild curls, and he then slips the headphones on over it.

Matty leans forward and asks you, “You having fun?”

“Yeah, you’re all fucking awesome” You tell him shouting down his ear over the noise of the crowd. 

You feel his hand on your waist to steady himself and you rest your hand on his shoulder. You can hear the opening chords to Sincerity is Scary start playing and your pat his shoulder.

“Get back out there you” You tell him and move away slightly to smile at him.

You hear him say, “Wish me luck” before he quickly he pecks the side of your mouth. 

Your taken aback by his actions but you can’t help but smile at him as he runs back on stage. You feel your face heat up a bit, but you ignore it and turn yourself back around to go down to the front of the stage again.

You thankfully don’t have time to over think Matty’s kiss because the concert takes over your mind completely. When they started playing Robbers, Matty says his little speech and you give yourself this one song to just enjoy their music. 

You love the song with the whole of your heart and something in the room changes when they started singing it. It was magical.

Multiple things happened throughout the concert that you don’t think you would ever forget. For example, when you make eye contact with Ross and he motioned for you to look behind you and all you could see was a sea of stars. It was extraordinary and you try to get as many pictures of it as you could.

When they sang Fallingforyou, Matty gets down onto the floor so you manage to get some close up pictures of him there. But you knew what was about to happen. He’s done it at each concert he’d performed the song at, which was pretty much all of them.

The only time you recall he hadn’t done it was on the I Like It When You Sleep tour, but you presumed that was only because he was going out with Gabby.

You watch him as he picked his prey from the front of the crowd but for some reason you couldn’t bring yourself to take a picture of it.

You turn away from him and start to take pictures of George whilst Matty wasn’t in your way. You can hear the commotion from the crowd behind you and you look to the screens on either side of the stage that show Matty kissing a random girl.

You avert your gaze immediately, trying not to let it bother you but the flirting and the playfulness you’d received over the past few months all came back to mind. You were starting to let jealousy get the better of you, but you force yourself to swallow it down. 

You smile brightly towards Ross as you take his picture, and you loved the way his how sweaty head of hair hung over his face as he played. He looked really attractive. 

The concert seemed to be quickly come to an end after that moment. You put it down to the buzz of Chocolate, The Sound and Sex being played after each other. 

You wouldn’t even deny that you sang along loudly to each one as you continued to take your pictures.

Before they left the stage, you managed to get a few pictures of them all before the room went dark and Goodbye was plastered on the screen in front of you, with the blatant voice telling the crowd to leave.

As the droning “Goodbye” continued on, you made your way back up to the room you were all sat in before the show started. As you start walking, you felt how hot and sweaty you’d gotten. You felt disgusting but your adrenaline was so high that you didn’t really care.  

As you walk back into the room you were greeted with a big hug from Ross who seemed to be buzzing with energy. You hug him back tightly, telling him how awesome he was before you then moved on to Adam who was eagerly awaiting a hug from you. 

As he embraces you, he says over the noisy room, “Loved the dance.”

You hug him tighter and grin, “Just for you Adam I promise” 

Once he let go of you, you were then embraced from behind in a headlock and you knew from the second his skin touched yours that it was Matty. You smile and try to look around him whilst holding onto his arm with your hands.

You feel him place a kiss on your cheek as you try your best to look at the singer. You laugh and quickly remove yourself from the headlock so you can turn to give him a proper hug. 

Your hands go around his neck and his go around your waist meaning that when he attempted it, it was really easy to pick you up and spin you around. 

You were a giggling mess when he put you down and he asks, “Did you enjoy yourself?”

“Of course, I fucking did!” You said loudly and he laughed releasing you from his grip. “You were amazing”

“Thank you Darling” Matty grins at you before tucking a piece of your slightly sweaty hair back behind your ear where he knew you liked it being.

After giving him an appreciative smile, you look around for George, but you notice that he isn’t in the room. 

Matty seems to notice who you’re looking for, so he informs you, “He’s gone for a shower… He was very sweaty”

You nod understandingly, saying “Same” and Matty grins back at you. 

He pulls you into another hug and says into your ear, “We can be sweaty messes together” and you shake your head and bite your lip. 

You let out a soft chuckle and raise your eyebrows at him suggestively. Matty grins back at you but them your attention is diverted to the door.

George walks into the room shirtless with just his blue jeans on. His hair was dripping wet and you see his damp, chiselled chest glistening with droplets of water running down it. 

You don’t even attempt to stop yourself from looking at him up and down. You’d seen pictures before, but he’d toned up since the last you’d seen. He looked fucking amazing.

Before you even realise what you say, the words escape from your lips, “Fuck me”

All eyes in the room were now on you and you let out nervous laughter and Matty’s dropped his grip on your waist. 

Thankfully, George laughs and says, “Get over here then” raising his arms out to you. 

You walk over to him and he embraces you into a bear hug and he refuses to let you go. You certainly didn’t mind about that, you'd stay there all night if he’d let you.

“Well done out there G” You say as you let go of him.

“Hope you got some good pictures of me Y/N/N” George tells you as he puts on a new shirt.

‘Goodbye beautiful muscles’ You think selfishly.

 You chuckle, “Don’t worry, I got you all covered”

You all start having random little conversations about the gig and they talk about how awesome it was. They all get excited when someone mentions how the audience went wild when they started singing She’s American.

You laugh and say, “Yeah, it’s funny though because like they are all singing it yet insulting themselves at the same time”

They all agree with you and then something sprang to mind, and you couldn’t stop yourself from asking. Whether it was a jealous part of you coming out or some other unknown reason, you found the words leaving your mouth. 

“How was the American girl for you Matty? Good pull?” You ask.

His brown eyes meet yours and your heart drops when he confirms, “Yeah, she was good” 

But a second later your heart skipped a beat when he smiles, “But not as good as you”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Taglist: @the-girl-before @14-bees @fairyyyfloss @murderousginger @siwiecola @grungegunnulfsen @colette2194 @hottie-chocolatie @darling-i-read-it @givetaylorandbrendonacookie @stalecupcxkes @maroonmolly @mgr3gory97 @sexycleopatra @waxndamaxximoff @biddyboi5000

Let me know if you want to be added x

[thirstygirlclub]

Junior - Platonic SAMCRO

An imagine where male reader is Bobby’s half Mexican /white kid and he sings/performs like Bobby does and one day he’s in accident because of club rivals and loses his voice. Reader gets depressed and angry, so he starts abusing alcohol and Bobby asks the club for help and so Gemma and the entire Samcro mother charter help Bobby bring reader back out and have him go to AA meetings and find projects to keep him busy and practice his sign language

word count: 4,153

The sound of guitar strings being plucked and tuned filled the clubhouse as the guys returned from their quick run into Stockton. They saw Bobby Junior sat on the bar with his dirty boots on the freshly cleaned bar stools and a guitar in his hands. 

Junior looked almost nothing like his father. He was tall and slim, like his mother, with tanned skin and dark eyes and hair. The only thing that made them look related was the masses of wild, curly hair he had inherited from Bobby. 

“Junior!” Bobby called, “Get off the bar. Gemma’ll have your head!”

With a snort of undeterred laughter, Junior carefully set his guitar on the bar and hopped off before going to meet his dad and all his uncles. He hugged them all and asked about their trip, grabbing the bag of muffins from Tig and rooting through for his favourite flavour.

“Ya like a damn animal!” Tig exclaimed, “Bobby, you ever gonna teach your son any damn manners?”

“I’m 24 Tiggy,” Junior laughed, spitting crumbs and chocolate chips down his shirt and over the floor, “I’ve got plenty manners.”

Bobby just laughed with his son and snatched the paper bag away from him, much to the younger man’s protests, and gave them back to Tig who just glared and held the bag behind his back so Junior wouldn’t be able to get anymore. Everyone loved Junior like he was their own son but that didn’t mean he didn’t infuriate them every now and again.

“You ready for your show tonight?” Bobby asked his son, patting him on the shoulder, “Got her all tuned up?”

“Uh huh,” Junior nodded, “got my set list made and everything. You mind looking over it for me Dad?”

Bobby smiled and agreed, “You got the voice of an angel Junior, it’s not gonna matter what you play.”

Gemma had arranged for a fundraising concert for the school and the guys had had to go and pick up last minute decorations for it. Both Bobby and Junior would be performing along with some other acts but obviously Elvis would be the main act; the oldies loved him.

When the concert was in full swing and Junior was playing his set, with teenage girls and mothers alike fawning over him, the sound of motorcycles rumbled gently under the sound of acoustic music and the singing boy. Nobody paid attention too it; plenty of SAMCRO members were yet to arrive after all. But then there was no way that anyone could miss the gunshots that got fired.

From behind the adoring crowd, Junior could see a team of 4 unfamiliar motorcycles and guns held out but before he could jump down, pain hit him in the throat; taking his breath away and making him fall to the ground. His dad was at his side with his Elvis costume in his hands then wrapping it around his neck to stop the bleeding from both the entrance and exit wounds. Junior couldn’t talk. All he could do was look up at his dad’s tearful, sobbing face in panic, hands desperately trying to hold onto his dad for comfort and security. If he was to die he would have been angry that it was without telling him he loved him.

Ambulance sirens cut through the shouts and screams and the paramedics rushed up to the stage to try and save Junior’s life. Bobby watched in horror and painful worry as his costume was removed from around his son’s neck to reveal the large hole in his skin and the blood that seeped out into his hair.

Bobby leapt into the ambulance behind the stretcher, not even looking at his friends because he knew they were already getting to their motorcycles to escort them to the hospital. He held Junior’s hand in both of his, talking to him and trying to keep him conscious like the emergency team told him. 

“You’re gonna be ok Kid,” he sobbed, stroking the wild hair from the boy’s face, “you’re gonna be alright. You’re not going anywhere, you hear me? I’m not letting you leave me.”

Junior tried to speak but no words could come out.

Waiting in the waiting room with Bobby broke the hearts of all of his friends. he was inconsolable but there was no way he was going anywhere without his son. 

“Mr Munson?” The doctor asked, looking over the group of bikers until he found Bobby, “Can I speak with you?”

Bobby stood up after Chibs patted his shoulder firmly and wished him good luck. He made his way to the doctor then through to the room where Junior was lay unconscious with a large bandage wrapped around his neck with his hair spread up over the pillow.

“Is he going to be alright?” Bobby asked hoarsely.

“He’s going to live,” the doctor nodded, “but... the bullet went through his vocal cords and-”

“No...”

“He may be unlikely able to speak again. Now we have got a great range of-”

Bobby couldn’t stop himself from launching himself forwards, gripping the doctor by the front of his coat and shaking him violently; getting into his face and shouting. It would be terrifying sight for anyone and the doctor didn’t know what to do.

“Fix him!” Bobby shouted, spit flying from his mouth and angry tears falling down his eyes, “You better fix him or I’ll blow your goddamn brains out-”

The doctor reached over to the bed to press the emergency button while struggling to make this bear of a man let go of him. The alarm went off and almost immediately, before any doctors or nurse could get in, Chibs and Clay pulled the struggling Bobby away from the man. Anger turned back into sadness and he fell into the armchair with his face in his hands. Chibs sat on the arm, hugging his friend close but listening to the doctor explaining the situation.

“He’ll never sing again,” Bobby sniffed, “he’s going to be heartbroken. You know how much he loves it.”

“I know, mate,” Chibs nodded, tears catching in his own throat, “we’ll get him through it.”

Bobby sat with his son everyday he was in hospital. When he told him what had happened and that he would probably never sing again it was just as heartbreaking as he thought. He had prepared himself for the worst but he hadn’t prepared for a full blown breakdown. Junior had tried to speak, to shout, to cry but it just came out as guttural noises while he gripped onto his hair and rocked backwards and forwards on the bed. He refused to eat, refused drink, refused any kind of comfort his dad or anyone would try and offer him. It hurt Bobby every time his son would push him away.

Whenever anyone came into his room they would find the young man curled up in a ball with the blankets covering his head. He wouldn’t even look up when people called his name.

The day came when Junior was allowed out of the hospital. No one knew what to say to him. Bobby had the armfuls of leaflets that had information on different therapies and the sign language and Chibs was carrying the bag but Junior didn’t even look at them; just kept his head down and followed them out. He shook off Chibs’ hand on his shoulder.

Out of the hospital things went from bad to worse. Junior wouldn’t get out of bed regardless of how much Bobby tried. His heart broke every time he saw the discarded guitar in the corner of his sons bedroom gathering dust. He had suggested that Junior at least tried playing it but he could only pluck out a few notes before he would start getting angry that he couldn’t sing before throwing it back into the corner.

“It’s time to start learning this,” Bobby said, sitting on the side of the bed holding the sign language workbooks, “the tutor’s coming over tomorrow.”

Junior grumbled and put his pillow over his head. 

“Junior, come on. At least try? All the guys have been learning it. Juice is getting pretty good.”

Silence.

Bobby sighed. He didn’t know what to do for his son anymore. 

If his mother, Yolanda, was around he suspected she would know just what to say. He had met her while she was in America, had a whirlwind romance before she had to go back to Mexico. He had asked her to stay with him, even proposing to her so she could stay but she had to go back for her family. They kept in contact, mostly through letters and emails, and one day he got the letter with an ultrasound of a baby boy in it. Then, when he got the letter with the first photograph of him; the same one that told him his son had been named after him he had cried.

Yolanda looked after her family and struggled with money. It had killed her to give her son to his father but knew ultimately that he would have a better life in America with his dad who had a good job and money coming in. They kept in contact, of course, but Bobby missed her a lot.

But Yolanda wasn’t here so he was going to have to try and get him through it himself.

"Are you drunk again?!” Bobby shouted after his son as he stumbled through the house, “Junior!”

He was served with hand gesture that no one needed to know sign language to understand what it meant. 

Junior was drunk. He was always drunk and if he didn’t get drunk alone in his room he would be out with the hobo’s and the townspeople who never seemed to understand that he couldn’t speak. They just thought he was shy. Bars weren’t the place to go, how could he order what he wanted? So he went to the off licence and bought stacks and stacks of beer. He didn’t even hide it from his dad anymore. 

Junior was drunk and angry. Before the attack he had spent his days practicing his songs and talking with the guys at the bar. He spent evenings performing in bars around town and out of town. That had been his source of income for as long as he could play the guitar properly. But now he couldn’t do anything he liked anymore. He couldn’t contribute to paying bills anymore. So he drank until he forgot he couldn’t talk and his mind was hazy and his hands were numb. Junior drank until he forgot that he hated the man he had become.

When his dad or the guys came in to try and get him out of bed or to try and cheer him up he would fight them off; blocked them out and ignored them until they left him alone again. 

He didn’t want to be a pain in the ass because he loved his dad but he also didn’t see the point in being a functioning human being or even living if he didn’t have his voice.

Bobby looked... grey. Everyone saw how much of a toll Junior’s injury had taken on him but when they offered their help he wouldn’t accept it; saying Junior was his son and therefore his issue to sort out. The guilt that he felt radiated throughout the club.

“I can’t do it,” Bobby admitted to his brothers one Friday night; the 16th one without his son, “his drinking’s worse... he shuts me out. I can hear him crying at night guys...”

He scrubbed his eyes roughly and gulped down his beer. It killed the guys to see their brother having such a hard time and not being able to do anything when he didn’t accept the help but now he had reached out to them. Bobby hadn’t known there was already a plan put in place for them to step in but it had been thoroughly considered and agreed upon. Junior was like all of their kids and like a little brother to Juice, Jax and Opie. Juice and Junior often got mistaken for brothers so often that they just stopped correcting people.

“We’ll get your son back,” Tig told Bobby kindly and patted his shoulder, “don’t worry.”

“Operation Get Junior Help is go,” Juice said and clinked his beer with Bobby’s.

AA

Junior was shocked awake by his door slamming open then icy cold water splashing over his blankets and head. When he sat up he was faced with an angry looking Chibs at the end of his bed holding a bucket. He opened his mouth to argue but no words came out; just breathy noises.

“Get up,” Chibs ground out, “we’re going on a little trip.”

When Junior didn’t move, just sat scowling at the man that was like his uncle, Chibs stepped forwards and gripped him by the arm to drag him up and out of bed. He tried to fight the Scotsman’s grip but didn’t get very far. Clothes were thrust into his arms before Chibs walked out and shut the door.

Junior looked back at his now soaked bed. There was no way he could just get back in now and he was kind of curious about what Chibs had arranged. If he was taking him back to the hospital though he was going to have a fight on his hands.

Once dressed, he walked out into the kitchen to see Chibs holding a flask and leaning against the counter.

“Drink this on the way. You look like shit,” Chibs told him and handed over the flask.

Junior scowled at him but took it from him anyway; smelling strong coffee when he did so. As they walked out of the house he noticed for the first time that Chibs wasn’t wearing his kutte. Where were they going? He had to admit though, the fresh air in his lungs felt better than the stale air in his bedroom and the sun felt good on his skin as they walked through the town towards the local church. Junior eyed Chibs suspiciously.

He was led into a small side room where there was some chairs organised in a large circle, a table to the side with coffee and cookies on it. Chibs was getting greeted by the other people in the room as they made their way to the cookie table.

“They’re shite,” Chibs said and handed three cookies to Junior and poured out a cup of black coffee, “but they’re free.”

Junior stuck close by Chibs and looked around to survey the room. Then he saw what was written on the whiteboard. Alcoholics Anonymous. Chibs had taken him to an AA meeting. When it was time to sit down Junior started to panic; looking over to his uncle, shaking his head quickly and grabbing his arm, fighting off tears. He wasn’t ready to face anything yet.

“The first one’s the worst,” Chibs reassured the young man gently, “but it gets easier. Sit with me here. You’ll probably cry and that’s ok.”

They sat together, other people looking curiously at the handsome new comer that hadn’t greeted anyone or even met anyone’s eyes.

“You got your notepad? Write what you need and I’ll read it out for you.”

Junior nodded and slipped the small notebook out of his pocket shakily then staring at it, not knowing what to write. And when it had come to his turn he looked back at Chibs and shook his head. He didn’t know how to condense his feelings into just a few short sentences.

“Filip?” The gentle man leading the session, Marvin, asked, “Why don’t you go while our friend calms his nerves?”

“I’m Filip Telford and I’m an alcoholic,” he said when he stood up and Junior looked up at him; amazed that this was even happening, “I’m still drinking but not as much as I used too. Days get easier without it now. I’m facing up to what it is that made me drink and the person I was under it.”

As Chibs told the story about his daughter and wife and upbringing Junior was shocked to tears. Even Chibs, perhaps the strongest man he knew had weaknesses, and that made him feel better about himself.

“This is Robert Munson Jr,” Chibs said, gesturing to Junior to stand up, “but we just call him Junior. He was attacked a couple of months ago so he can’t talk.”

“Hi Junior,” the group said kindly.

“So I’m gonna talk for him if that’s ok?”

“Of course.”

Chibs started relaying to the group about what Junior was like before the accident; before the alcohol and then what he was like now. Hearing the way he had changed and what someone on the outside saw crush Junior. Hearing how his drinking had affected his dad was the worst.

“Thank you for joining us, Junior,” Marvin said in the same gentle tone he had been using the entire session, “admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. It sounds like you have a lot of people on your side and a good support system around you. Use that.”

Junior nodded and both men sat down.

Once the meeting was over Junior felt exhausted. Listening to everyone’s stories was emotionally tiring so they just went home.

“Maybe next time,” Chibs started around the cigarette he was lighting, “when you’ve learnt more sign language you can tell it yourself.”

Junior nodded slowly and started to walk. Then, he tapped Chibs on the shoulder and stopped walking. When he looked back at him, Junior put his hand flat and his fingertips to his chin then brought it down in an arc towards Chibs; “thank you.”

Chibs smiled happily and ruffled his wild hair before they made their way back to the house.

Cleaning Up

Happy Lowman stood at your front door wearing his signature pissed off expression, black gloves and holding rolls of garbage bags was not something anyone particularly wanted to see at midday on a Wednesday. Junior looked him up and down with wide eyes but couldn’t see a weapon. Happy pushed passed him and started through the house towards Junior’s bedroom. When he was finally over his shock, he followed the killer through to see him stood in the middle of his dark bedroom and looking over the floor.

“You sleep in this?” Happy asked in disgust, pointing a roll at the mess covered floor, “Dude.”

Junior shrugged; trying to tell him that he was depressed and lost his voice. The last thing he was thinking about was the state of his bedroom.

“Get a bag. We’re cleaning this shit up.”

Junior nodded, knowing better than to push his luck with Happy, and joined him in picking up the old beer cans and food wrappers. The curtains and windows were opened for the first time in months and it already looked better. While Junior collected his laundry Happy gathered up the plates, cups and glassed that littered every surface. 

The room was cleaned in a matter of hours and finished off with Happy vacuuming while Junior changed his bedding. The two men stood back and looked at their handiwork in satisfaction. It was like an entirely different room.

Junior waved to get Happy’s attention, put his flat hand to his chin and brought it down before getting both of his hands in front of him, flat then circling them alternately towards his chest; “Thank you, Happy.” 

Happy nodded slowly with a small smile, going over to hug his friend’s son tightly and patting him on the shoulder.

“Anytime,” he said when they pulled away, “just ask.”

Practice

With his room cleaned and regularly going to AA meetings with Chibs, Junior felt better. He had been practicing his sign language with Juice semi-regularly. Bobby was right when he said he was getting good. He even used it when he was speaking to Junior even though he could hear what he was saying.

“It helps you learn,” Juice shrugged, signing as he spoke, “so you know what it looks like. That’s what the internet says anyway.”

Finger-spelling was hard enough but everything else was almost impossible for a while. He knew the basics and had made an effort to spell all of his friend’s names. Happy, Juice and Chibs were easy because he didn’t need to spell them. For Chibs he just used the sign for “knife” which everyone, including Chibs himself, found funny. Juice was just the sign for the drink and Happy was just the sign for the feeling. 

The sign language tutor told him he needed to use the spelling to say their names but it was too much effort for talking to his friends.

Instead of going to the house, the tutor would instead go to the clubhouse where she would find herself with a small classroom set up and a group of bikers learning with the guy she had been instructed to teach. Juice was the star pupil because he flirted with her in sign language.

Eventually, Junior became good enough to only rarely use his notepad for things and even then that was only when he was ordering at the bar or in a coffee shop when he was with people that couldn’t sign. And sometimes he just used charades for the things he had forgotten which was both funny and frustrating at the same time.

One thing he had learned was useful about all of them learning ASL was that they could communicate over the busy bar on a Friday night and not have to strain their voices. It also helped the guys when they went on runs and had to stay quiet; Clay could just sign his orders to the guys and they would know what they had to do.

“I don’t know why we didn’t do this sooner,” Tig said to Junior, “it’s so much easier.”

“You’re welcome,” Junior signed.

AA meetings became easier too. Chibs would translate what Junior was saying to the group instead of trying to read Junior’s hastily scrawled writing.

Recovery

Gemma had always been a stand in mother figure to Junior, as she was with all of the SAMCRO guys at some point. She had taken it upon herself to encourage him to pick up his guitar again. 

“Just play for me,” Gemma said to him one day, “just one song?”

Anyone was hard pressed to say no to Gemma and Junior was no exception. He sighed and went to pick up the guitar from where it had sat for almost half a year in the corner of his bedroom; tormenting him every time he looked at it. Slowly he plucked out an Elvis song that he had always sang when he performed. He didn’t look at Gemma because he didn’t want her to see how much just picking it up again pained him. All playing did was make him miss being able to sing and eventually he just broke down into tears and sobbed, clutching it to his chest then letting Gemma hug him tightly.

She stroked his hair and hushed him while rocking him slowly back and forth; just letting him cry it out.

“You’re gonna be ok Baby,” she murmured to him and pulled the guitar from his hands, “it’s gonna take time.”

Junior nodded into her shoulder.

Time went by and Junior would pick up the guitar more and more often (only when the house was empty) until he could eventually play a song all the way through without breaking down. Then, with Gemma’s guidance he took the guitar to the clubhouse. His dad and the guys had been out in the morning to make some kind of deal with another club but would be back that afternoon.

“Show them how far you’ve come,” Gemma said with a smile as he hopped up on the bar with his dirty boots on her clean barstools.

Junior nodded then as soon as he heard the rumble of Harley’s filling the air he started playing a song. 

The sound of guitar strings being plucked and tuned filled the clubhouse as the guys returned from their meeting with Alvarez. They saw Bobby Junior sat on the bar with his dirty boots on the freshly cleaned bar stools and a guitar in his hands. 

Bobby almost immediately started crying. Junior finished his song without looking at them. When he put the guitar on the bar beside him and hopped down he was pulled into a tight hug by his dad. Junior was crying, Bobby was crying... everyone was emotional. Even Happy had tears in his eyes and a smile on his face.

When Junior pulled away he pointed to himself, crossed his arms across his chest with his hands in fists then pointed at his dad.

“I love you.”

[overwatchworks]

Starry Nights:

Genji figured going to America was going to be a disaster. His father, sending him out to do some solo deals, not at all worried about sending any supervision other than a few of Genji’s personal guards.

“It will help you become accustomed to the nature of our business and deals. Without your brother or I to put the work off on.” Shojiro had told him after calling the brothers into his office.

Hanzo had given him the side eye as Genji blanched at the idea. It got worse when Shojiro told him where he would be going.

Genji figured going to America was going to be a disaster. His father, sending him out to do some solo deals, not at all worried about sending any supervision other than a few of Genji’s personal guards.

“It will help you become accustomed to the nature of our business and deals. Without your brother or I to put the work off on.” Shojiro had told him after calling the brothers into his office. 

Hanzo had given him the side eye as Genji blanched at the idea. It got worse when Shojiro told him where he would be going.

“New Mexico?! Seriously? There’s nothing here but sand and more fucking sand! He could have at least let me stay in California or New York, right? That seems like the places underhanded deals would be happening.” Genji complained, hand propping his chin up as he glared out the window at—go figure—more fucking desert. 

His guard stuck with him for the trip, Kazuo, sighed yet again.

“There is a gang here that supplies good weaponry at a good price. That, and substances we have yet to find anywhere outside of America.”

“Yeah, I know, I read the report, okay? I’m not some dumbass kid like you all seem to think I am.”

“Then perhaps the young master should begin acting like it.” Kazuo offered, eyes never leaving the road. Genji laughed, shaking his head. 

Just because he wasn’t perfect and obedient like Hanzo didn’t mean he was bad at what he did. Genji often thought he could do better than his brother, if he really felt like it. He just never really felt like it, left the dirty work to Hanzo and went out to have a good time instead. That was certainly something his Anija was terrible at. 

But this time around, he was taking it seriously. As much as he hated it, a small, ingrained part of Genji did crave some sort of approval from the clan, from his brother. He liked to impress people, especially those that acted like it was impossible. 

His father had been lenient, as always, and at least gotten Genji a nice place of his own to stay. There was nothing he could do about the town, however. If it could even be called a town. 

It sat precariously on the edge of “Deadlock Gorge”—Genji had rolled his eyes upon hearing the name—little more than a few shacks that could hardly pass for buildings, a crappy old diner, and a gas station that looked like it had been empty since the early 2000’s. There were a few more buildings further down the road that looked slightly better kept, but that was about it. 

Genji, thankfully, was staying further out from podunkville, closer to the city by ten minutes. Which got the drive down to thirty minutes just to get to the suburbs instead of forty. Ridiculous, but it was the best he could get. 

When they arrived at the place Shojiro had bought, Genji hopped out of the car and immediately winced at the heat. He had been hoping for a tan, but this just felt like sunburn to him.

“Damn, the one thing I was hoping would be halfway decent...” Genji muttered, adjusting his sunglasses and putting his hands in his pockets. 

He went to the cozy looking house—nothing too spectacular, but it would have to do. The lawn actually had some grass and shrubs, but it looked out of place when everything else around it was tan, red, and brown. Genji sighed, placing his hand on the scan-lock beside the door. He was already starting to sweat, which was a huge no. 

The inside of the house was quaint; lavish furniture, spacious for a cottage, and blessed air conditioning. The pool out back was a nice touch, and the view of the mountains was alright. Genji went to hook his phone up to the wifi after getting bored of looking around. 

Kazuo brought Genji’s suitcase in, checking the area out.

“Alright, you got this house to yourself. I’m in the next one over. Don’t do anything stupid, I’ll check in again once I’m settled.” He shrugged.

“I highly, highly doubt anyone is going to cause us trouble here. I’ll just text you if I need anything.” Genji called, waving a dismissive hand as he looked on his phone for places to go clubbing. 

Kazuo bowed slightly, Genji going to the couch, not looking up from the device in his hands as he flopped down on it.

“God, this is going to be such a bore...” He muttered after only finding one club that truly wasn’t good enough for his standards. And Genji really didn’t have high ones at this point.

“Oh, and don’t forget, you start school tomorrow.” Kazuo reminded him as he left. 

Genji groaned, arms dropping to his side as he threw his head back dramatically. He’d forgotten about that part. School was just a way to keep Genji in check, making sure he would be focused on his task rather than the city night life. 

The Shimada stared at the ceiling for a long time, pouting, before he finally sat up and went to go put his things away and maybe swim. May as well use his one day of relaxation to the fullest.

-

Genji wasn’t used to making his own breakfast. Sure, cereal didn’t really count—and honestly, what a shit breakfast too—but Genji was still pouring it into a bowl. Kazuo had forced him to go to the grocery store with him the previous day, and there hadn’t been much of a selection at the local super market. Genji was already missing the food he would normally get at home. 

It had been a struggle to get up, jet lag never being something Genji could conquer without at least sleeping an entire day. He looked cute, at least. Genji wasn’t about to let first impressions be anything but the best. All his clothes were designer, fitted just for him, since he didn’t actually own anything that wasn’t. 

He went for subtle but sexy with ripped black skinny jeans, a cropped tank top, and high-topped sneakers. His hair was perfectly styled and freshly dyed for his trip, just a bit of red eyeliner and gloss to tie everything together. Genji knew he looked good, but he almost fell asleep on the counter as he was eating his cereal. There wasn’t even a coffee shop around to give him a slap of caffeine to help.

“Genji, let’s go.” Kazuo called, voice holding a hint of irritation. 

Genji sat up quickly, startled by the sudden noise. He must have dozed off a bit.

“I’m coming!”

Genji wolfed down the last of his cereal and threw the bowl in the sink, grabbing his newly acquired backpack. It just had a few notebooks and pencils, enough to get by for the time he’d be staying. 

School was a must, but getting good grades? Not so much, especially since he would only be there for a month or two, tops. Shojiro had only paid the school to let him in, keep an eye out, and not ask any questions. 

Genji ran outside, meeting Kazuo in the car.

“Damn, it’s already hot out! How do people live here?” He huffed, sitting back in his seat and checking his phone. 

It was prime partying hours back in Japan, his social media alight with pictures of his friends and messages asking where he was. He replied to as many as he could on the ride, though, everything was kept vague. A family trip was the excuse, since the task itself was a secret.

“Wait out back when you get let out, I’ll be there.” Kazuo told him when they arrived at the school. 

Genji nodded, taking a look at the building. It was bigger than he expected, a mix of kids walking in the front doors. Genji qualified as a senior, though, he was turning nineteen in a couple of months. Definitely a little older than some of the kids he saw. They looked really tiny to him.

“Jeez, I still can’t believe I have to go here.” Genji grumbled as he left the car, shouldering his bag and walking in with everyone else. 

And everyone stared. Everyone. 

Genji smirked, looking over everyone’s faces, enjoying the attention. He liked when they quickly averted their gazes to the floor with blushes and whispered conversation to their friends. Going to the principal’s office came first; checking in and getting his schedule. All the mandated crap. 

Genji winked at a group of girls as he passed them, and they blushed and fussed with their hair. Maybe school wouldn’t be all bad.

-

Classes were boring as all hell, as usual. Genji was surprised at how relaxed America’s schooling system was. Then again, he had been home-schooled his whole life, so he didn’t have much to base levels of relaxation on. Schooling at home had been intense, and there was no way to hide a bad grade or ask for extra credit when it came to Sensei. 

Genji was thrown into the middle of what everyone called “spring semester”, but he caught on pretty quickly. He had also gotten more than enough numbers to start making friends. Everyone in the school was talking about him, and at lunch, his table was filled almost immediately. Genji liked the people so far, and it wasn’t as bad as he had expected. The teachers didn’t give him much work upon hearing his name, at least, up until his English class.

“Practice essays for your upcoming test on Friday! Everyone get out a pencil and some paper.” The teacher instructed. 

Her name was Ms. García, according to Genji’s schedule. He raised his hand as everyone around him shuffled around their bags.

“Yes, Genji, I know who you are, and yes, I still want you to get a paper and pencil out like the rest of us.” She told him matter-of-factly, arms crossing over his chest. 

Genji lowered his hand, lips pressing into a thin line as he followed her instructions reluctantly. The door suddenly opened, everyone’s heads turning to look, including Genji’s. And look he did. 

The guy that walked in had choppy brown hair pulled back from his face, freckles, a nice tan, and some really well fitting jeans and flannel. Really well fitting. Genji stared at him as he walked in quickly, sitting in the empty desk next to him. 

What an absolutely mouthwatering specimen.

“Jesse, it’s every time—”

“Yes, ma’am, I’m sorry. Got held up with Mr. Diaz, he sent you an email.”

Ms. García shook her head, waving her hand with a small smile.

“I really should get you in trouble more often.” She huffed, Jesse grinning and leaning back.

“Nah, l do enough of that on my own.”

“That you do. Paper and pencil, we’re writing an essay.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Genji narrowed his eyes and glanced at Jesse out of the corner of his eye. Jesse glanced back, then winked. The ninja bit his lip to try and hide his smile, though, he failed rather miserably. 

Maybe school wasn’t all bad, and maybe Genji had just gotten really lucky he had someone so hot in his English class.

-

Two weeks went by like a blur. Genji really had been missing out on the public school experience, and honestly, it was pretty much just like in the movies. All the gossip, the cliques, the sitting through class while staring at the minute hand on the clock moved agonizingly slow toward the next hour. 

Lunch hour was best, though. Genji got to sit with his new friends and chatter about everything and nothing, and it seemed like anything he had to say was exciting to these kids. It probably was, considering the size of the town they lived in. 

He had, of course, gotten Jesse’s number. Feigned needing help on essays because of his English every now and then to score an after school “tutoring” session. Not much tutoring ever went on, mostly just excitable banter and getting to know one another. And not only was Jesse hot, he had a personality that matched it. Genji was really, really liking him. 

The only thing Genji was not liking was how he seemed to get dust and sand in every crevice of his body and clothes. He had to shower every night, which certainly wasn’t good for his hair. But, life had not been completely centered around school. 

Genji had yakuza work to do as well, and about three nights a week, he was dressed in a suit making deals with faces tucked behind bandanas. Deadlock. They were a fierce group, motley as they were. Genji could see why his father liked doing business with them. 

Still under the radar in terms of status, loyal to their buyers because of this, and they had some really interesting supplies. Sometimes it was prototype weapons, others drugs and various enhancement substances that Genji had to wonder how they got their hands on. They had gotten him SEP enhancers. Top of the line, and should have been top secret. Genji had a crate of them hidden in the back shed behind the cottage. 

Tonight was not a night that Genji was working, however—and he certainly couldn’t wait until his father and Hanzo heard how good he was doing, the look on his brother’s face would be gold—instead he was scrolling on his phone, holoscreen TV playing idly in the background. 

A text popped up from Jesse. Genji grinned and immediately tapped on it.

‘Hey, sunshine. What say you and I have dinner and do a little stargazing sometime this week? ;)’

Genji tapped his foot as his fingers flew over the screen, biting his lip with a smirk. It was about time Jesse asked him out.

‘Oh, I’m not sure how busy I’ll be this week. (¬◡¬)✧ What day were you thinking??’

Genji waited as the little text bubble popped up, foot tapping quicker.

‘How’s the day after tomorrow sound? I got a little bit of work tomorrow, but after that, I’m all yours, darlin’.’

A giggle bubbled up at the pet name, how he even accented it through the text. Jesse was such a dork, and Genji didn’t realize just how much he would love it.

‘What a coincidence, me too. That sounds good then! See you Wednesday, cowboy <3’

‘Looking forward to it.’

Genji set his phone down and launched himself off the couch with a continual sound of excitement, padding quickly over the tile floors to get to his bedroom to pick out an outfit. 

All he had to do was get through tomorrow, then his date day—and that cowboy ass—was all his.

-

Genji’s arms were crossed, fingers tapping on his forearm impatiently. He checked his watch, then sighed. He was hot, the dress shirt was stuffy, and Deadlock was seven minutes late. Genji understood being fashionably late, but he was getting pissed off. They had chosen an old warehouse quite a ways from even the small town to do their trade in, accomplices of the Shimada clan having flown in for extra protection to Genji seeming to share his irritation. 

There was no air conditioning, the sun was filtering through holes in the ceiling in sweltering patches, and Deadlock was late. 

The clicking of heels came two minutes later, Genji not moving from where he was leaned against the wall. His eyes narrowed like a cat that had just caught sight of its prey, contrasting to the silky smile that wove its way up his lips.

“Ah, Elizabeth! Good of you to finally show up! I was thinking you had forgotten about our little deal here.” Genji called pleasantly as a group of Deadlock members stepped into view, guns held passively. 

Most of them had bandanas covering their faces and obnoxious hats. Lots of torn leather jackets, chains, oil stains, and old jeans. There was a rather large omnic just behind the gang leader, and man at her side with only one arm of his jacket ripped to show off the tattoo on his forearm. He seemed kind of stiff, anxious. A bad sign. 

Nevertheless, Genji pushed himself off the wall and walked over to Ashe.

“Now now, no need to get antsy. Some of this stuff just takes a little longer to get here.” She told him, a deep drawl accenting her voice. 

Genji didn’t like it. It made her sound like she was teasing, cocky, used to getting her way. Maybe she was. But, so was he.

“And for the record, it’s Ashe.”

Genji accepted the gloved hand outstretched to him, a slight crease in Ashe’s brow giving away her annoyance at his barb. Genji simply smiled coldly at her. They shook, then Ashe motioned to her gang, Genji watching as a crate placed on a hovercraft came to rest just behind her.

“I got your goods, now show me mine.” She demanded, head tilting to the side, eyes narrowing. 

Genji glanced over the group of gang members once again, then held up his hand, two fingers moving in a quick motion. Kazuo slid a credit reader into his hand, the little device shining a ridiculously large number at him. He flipped it over and held it up for Ashe, raising a brow as she sneered.

“That’s all you’re givin’ me? A silly little credit chip for all the shit I got you?”

“The deal was twenty million credits, and this is how you’ll get them.” Genji shrugged. 

Ashe set her jaw, the man behind her shifting slightly. Genji’s eyes darted to him, assessing, daring him to move again. He stared back at Genji for a moment, then looked down. That guy was the only one acting suspicious, as far as Genji could tell, so he went back to focusing on the deal at hand.

“Do you know how long it took me to get this here? There’s new types of ammo in there, specialized, never before seen on the market!”

“I know, which is why I am paying so much for such a small shipment of it. You have my word it’s all here.” Genji told her, just a slight tease to his voice. 

He knew he held all the strings in this deal, knew all he had to do was tug a few to make his puppets dance. Ashe would take the deal, or she would be left with no better buyer.

“Oh, and I can just trust your word, huh, yakuza?” Ashe hissed, raising to the bait. 

Genji smiled and shrugged again.

“Take it or leave it. I’m tired of waiting around in this place.”

There was silence for a prolonged moment, Ashe’s eyes narrowing and fingers tightening over the barrel of her rifle. Genji slipped his hand into his pocket, gripping the throwing knife he had hidden there as he waited.

“Get that lyin’ brat, boys.” Ashe ordered, Genji smirking as he ducked under the first shots fired his way. 

At least she was making this fun. That, and Genji had been provoking her. He guessed this was probably deserved. 

Genji threw his knife—heard it connect satisfyingly with the weapon he had been aiming for as it clattered to the ground—and immediately ducked behind an old pile of crates for cover. His guards swarmed around him, giving sharp commands in quick, clipped Japanese. 

Genji glanced out from behind the crate, looking for Ashe. She was spontaneous and rash, sure, but he was confident once she put the rifle down, they could still make a deal. If she ever put the damn rifle down. 

A shot went past his ear—dangerously close—and Genji threw another knife. He heard a shout, then took his chance. His wakazashi was out of its sheath in a blink, and he was behind the enemy’s cover in another. A kick was thrown at Ashe’s head as she turned to look at him, eyes widening.

“I’m still willing to make a deal, you know!” Genji told her as she growled and spat blood. 

Ashe slammed the butt of her rifle against Genji’s shoulder, at too much of a positional disadvantage to do any more damage than that.

“Fuck off! B.O.B, do somethin’!”

“You won’t get a better price, I guarantee it!”

Genji ducked beneath a punch, then felt a rather large hand grab his shirt and pull him off of the gang leader. Was Bob really the giant omnic’s name? He was thrown into the dwindling group of the Deadlock thugs, hitting someone else and taking them both to the ground with a grunt. 

Genji smacked a hand against the man’s face, then looked down at him with a snarl. It was the nervous man from behind Ashe. He tried to push Genji off him, grappled with him a bit, Genji not letting him get away. If he was going to lose this deal, he wasn’t going to lose it alone.

“Stay down and I won’t slit your throat!” He hissed, not even realizing he had lost his wakizashi when he had been thrown until now. 

The man stilled, a crease in his brow as he glanced down at Genji’s empty hands pressed against his throat, then back up, noticing the same thing.

“You—”

“Shut up, I’m still in a position to strangle you if I wanted.”

“Yeah, that’s fair.”

Genji frowned. He recognized that voice, those eyes darting back and forth between the retreating gang and the yakuza guards running towards the Shimada. 

Genji impulsively ripped the bandana down, eyes widening when Jesse stared back up at him, panic dancing over his features. Their gaze didn’t break, even as Genji stood slowly, Jesse scrambling up.

“McCree, come on!” Ashe shouted. 

Jesse hesitated, looking between Genji and Ashe. His chest rose and fell quickly as he backed up, running after his gang. Genji held up a hand when his guards tried to chase him, eyes narrowing.

“Leave him.”

“Sir—”

“I said. Leave him.” Genji growled, turning on his heel and snatching up his wakazashi. He sheathed it forcefully, brow low and eyes dark as he stalked out of the warehouse.

-

They didn’t talk for weeks. Genji avoided Jesse as much as he could, though, school made it difficult. He skipped English class and ate lunch in the bathrooms. It wasn’t even that he was angry with Jesse or that he didn’t want to see him. It was just...Awkward. 

Jesse being apart of Deadlock didn’t surprise him, not really. Everyone had secrets. And Jesse had seen the secret side of Genji that he wasn’t exactly proud of having. He had threatened to kill him, had been poised and ready to strike him dead. Had been willing to. Genji wasn’t proud of that, never would be. Facing Jesse now seemed impossible. 

Genji walked to the back of the school to be picked up by Kazuo as usual, head down and hands on his backpack straps. No one ever really went out the back, so when he heard footsteps behind him, Genji frowned.

“Gen, wait!”

The Shimada turned, eyes widening as he saw Jesse making his way over. He broke out into a run, scrambling around a corner and trying to make it to the back courtyard where Kazuo would be.

“Hey! Genji, wait a sec!!”

Louder footsteps, running after him, a hand wrapping around his arm.

“Jesse—!”

Said man stepped in front of Genji, effectively blocking his path.“

Please, just hear me out! And after that, you don’t ever have to talk to me again, okay? Just...Please.” Jesse urged, both hands gripping Genji’s biceps gently. 

His eyes were wide, brows furrowed; he looked like a sad puppy. Genji pursed his lips, gaze drifting to the side, but he stilled his struggles.

“Listen, I...What happened, I get it if you hate me for it. I know being apart of, you know, a gang like that is...I-I don’t know. But, what happened then doesn’t change how I feel about you now. Different parts of us just had a bad run in, that’s all.”

“This probably doesn’t even make any sense, but what I’m tryin’ to say is that I still like you. And if you don’t like me, that’s fine too. I get it. I’m sorry for everythin’ that happened, though. I at least want you to know that.”

Genji stared at Jesse, watched him struggle for more words before he simply sighed and let him go. He took his hands as they slipped back down to his sides.

“Jesse, I don’t think badly of you for this. I just thought you’d...I don’t know. Not like me? Since we fought and...I just assumed that you wouldn’t want to see me again because of who...Who you saw.” Genji murmured, biting his lip as he looked away.

“Aw, hon. I know that wasn’t you.”

“But it was. I need you to understand that. That’s what I do for a living. I have to be that person, it’s my duty!”

Jesse squeezed his hands, dipping his head slightly to meet Genji’s eyes better. His gaze reluctantly slipped to the cowboy’s, surprised to find only warmth there.

“I’ve been around you long enough to know who you really are, Gen. I know what it’s like to live a double life like this, and I know that who you are with them isn’t always you. I get it. And I know who you really are, and what you do. I accept it.”

Genji blinked quickly, brows furrowed. Jesse took a breath, a small smile quirking his lips up.

“So...If you still want to, I hear Saturday is going to have clear skies. It’d be a good night to go stargazing.”

A laugh left Genji as he nodded, pulling Jesse into a hug.

“Yeah. Yeah, Saturday sounds good.” He whispered against Jesse’s shoulder, the cowboy squeezing him tightly.

“Good.”

“And for the record, I accept you too, Jess.”

Jesse grinned, eyes dipping to Genji’s lips a split second before he was kissed. Short and sweet, but it still left him breathless.

“See you Saturday, darlin’.” Jesse murmured, their noses brushing before he pulled away and went down the hall. 

Genji stared after him, his own smile hardly contained.

“See you Saturday.”

~~

[travelingwithme]

Dolores Olmedo Museum

OMG, I did it! The intricacies of today could make a great movie and/or book. This museum is one reason I wanted to come back to Mexico City. The last time I was here the whole collection was on loan to Japan. Dolores (my namesake on my birth certificate) Olmedo was a friend and patron to both Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Her museum has the largest single collection of them in the world. I also enjoyed the Frida Kahlo museum, but this is as good. I made the decision to use public transportation to go the one hour+ drive to the southern part of the city.

I finally arrive, having navigated walk 1 mile to metro, 11 metro stops with one transfer, police help me find bus to continue because train stopped working for repairs, 10 bus stops, lady on bus leads me to train that is working, 6 train stops, walk 4 blocks and whew made it. Wait, I started out with almost no cash because of my funny money and the ticket window lady pushes back my credit card and says”cash only!” A couple women that were ahead of me came back because she bought two tickets. When she heard my fake(counterfeit) money story I pleased to the ticket lady, she said, “oh look both our problems solved” and hands me her ticket. Whew again, many thanks to them from Minnesota.

I walk in the first gallery I am told I cannot take photos without paying extra. What to do? I am down to 10 pesos (50cents) and it costs 30 pesos. I decide to try my fake money and plead old lady discount woes to ticket counter. Another couple behind me look at my fake 100 bill and say that will be fine. Oh no ticket lady knows immediately and pushes it back. Couple in line behind me is shocked to see fake bill and pays the 30 pesos for me! Muchas gracias several times and I slap on my photo permission sticker. Whew again. The grounds are beautiful with many peacocks wandering everywhere and Dolores’ statue at the start.

Dolores loves a special Mexican hairless breed of dog that I cannot pronounce in Spanish. Four of them were frolicking in a doggie park area around a statue of them. The clay representations were quite old as is this dog breed.

I’ll continue with the art inside and my trip back home in the next post. Can you pronounce the dog?

[elejah-verse]

Love Is A Heartbreak Away/3

Fanfiction

Part 3

AU TVD/TO story

Elijah Mikaelson x Elena Gilbert

Kol Mikaelson x reader

Summary: After years of living in London, England, Elena returns to New Orleans. As a teenager she had a crush on Kol Mikaelson, and dreams of meeting him again. But there is this older brother and she discovers that she suddenly has feelings for him.

a/n: this is inspired by the movie ‘Sabrina’, cuz I love vintage stuff and old movies. I hope you like it. xoxo

tags @rissyrapp20 @dendrite-lover @cassienoble2000 @captainshurley @captainshurley @goddessofthunder112 @hides2000 @elejahforever

___

Days after Esther's birthday party

Elena woke up at a usual time around 7 o'clock and got ready to go running. She put her headphones on and stretching a bit she took off through the grounds gardens. Her mind flashed back at the party.

After the dance finished, Kol stood waiting to dance with Elena. Elijah stepped away and Elena went on to dance with Kol. And continued to do so nearly the whole evening. As if some bad magic descended upon the place, Elijah disappeared from the party.

And she had not seen him since. The next day it was explained that there was some kind of business crisis, which had effected them, and Elijah was cooped up in the office. He was no show at the Plantation at all.

Everything she got from Esther was that something was a board member was accused of fraud, and there was an investigation. She could not tell her more. And Elena didn't ask anything more. Kol ensured her that Elijah would sort everything out, as he usually did.

"He loves a crisis"- Kol said-"it's a challenge for him. Let him be in his world. You're on a holiday. I am going out on a party to a friend's yacht, wanna come? It will be great fun."

And it was true, she was on a holiday, and Kol's invitation was tempting, and she said yes to it. 

Strangely, for the first time she was bored at the mad party. Her thoughts were with that one dance with Elijah she had. And he was no show. Kol was all around her. But she didn't seem to be bothered. The one that pulled her heart strings was not around her and it seemed he would not soon be anywhere close. She came to the conclusion that it was just a silly thing anyway and that she read something that wasn't there. Elijah was just kind and polite, like his uncle had said. Everything was work in his life.

She returned from her run, and met her uncle at the entrance. He was all ready to go to work.

"What will you be doing today? I don't think I will be back till late at night. Mrs Mikaelson will be in the city all day looks like it."- John informed her.

"I don't know. I thought I would drive out to Avery Island. I want to take some photos for a travel guide. And- well. I think I will be flying back to New York on Monday. I- well, a friend of mine is flying in from France and - I- "

John knew that she was feeling bad about saying that she was cutting her visit short, but he understood.

"I get it. It is fine. Don't feel bad. The Big Easy is great, but New York is always far more exciting."- John said-"right. I got to go. See you tonight."

"Yes. Thanks. See you"- Elena went inside to change. And soon took off for a day trip. 💗

In New Orleans, Elijah was with his legal team. Brilliant as they were, they averted the crisis and things were getting back to normal. He was waiting for his mother, so they both go with the report in front of the board of directors.

"You look exhausted"- Camille, one of the lawyers told him as the others left.

"Well, I have been sleeping here on the sofa, which is pretty uncomfortable. I really don't know who got it."- Elijah said.

"I thought you knew everything about everything in the company"- Camille continued.

"It looks like it is not so."- Elijah responded.

"How about lunch later?"- Camille asked.

"Thank you, but I already have a previous engagement."- Elijah replied.

Esther was announced and walked in. Camille greeted the woman and they all proceeded to the meeting. Together with their faithful lawyer, the mother and son were a powerhouse. They managed to calm the board down.

"I am too old for this"- Esther said as they got back to Elijah's office-"but this is not the end."

"What do you mean? Everything will be fine. The stocks have gone down, but we are good for it and it will soon be back on track as per usual. And with the Y/L/N investing- "

"That's what I am talking about. The Y/L/N. I don't know if this will happen."- Esther interrupted him.

"But I spoke to Morgan and he is on board. And I agreed to give him the 40%."- Elijah said.

"That might be all good and fancy, but - they expect Kol and Y/N to marry. I spoke to Louisa and- well- Y/N is pregnant. Also, there is this thing with Elena-"

"Elena?"- Elijah was lost now.

"Well, after you left- in the last few days Elena has spent time with Kol. A lot of time.They've been together. Out on the town. Parties. Arriving back early hours in the morning. And if something happened there and the Y/L/N find out- well, out goes the deal and -"

"Did something happen? Why should something happen? What do you know?"- Elijah felt like he was punched in the gut.

"I don't know anything for sure. They are awfully chummy and she danced with him all night - you know Kol"- Esther said-"but- it's better to be safe than sorry. So, I think- well, you have been working here non-stop. Why don't you take a few days off and - well, take Elena to Mexico. Camille is more than capable to hold down the fort. I will be here as well. Just a few days."

"What? I should lure Elena away from Kol? This is ridiculous, mother, what are you suggesting? It's absurd."- Elijah was all flustered inside, but on the outside he maintained his cool, sort of.

"I know it sounds terrible, but - if you have any other better ideas- you're welcome to make a suggestion."

"Mother, I think we have all been under tremendous amount of strain in the last few days. I believe you are making this into something that isn't"- Elijah said.

"I- well, I guess, you are right. I don't know what came over me. You see, I am getting old."- Esther now stood up.

"You're not. Well, it was a bit more stressful than usual. Come on, let's go and have some lunch."- Elijah suggested.

They walked out of the office together. But what Esther had said to him about Kol and Elena's possible hook up,  could not get out of his mind. Now he flashed back to his mother's birthday party- 

At one moment as he was on his phone in the study, he looked out of the window and his eyes caught Elena laughing whole heartedly at something Kol had said. He was the witty one, real charmer. The heart of the party. And so it was again. Elijah turned away from the window back to his conversation on the phone. Like a snail his heart crawled back into its house. And there it stayed.

💗

On Avery Island, Elena enjoyed the tour of the place, especially the area called the Jungle Gardens. She could stay and live in Louisiana- she thought. It was like a mini paradise. After taking a zillion of photos she sat down to soak in the natural beauty around her. She got her sketchbook out and started drawing.

In the meantime, in New Orleans, Esther and Elijah returned to the offices, after the lunch break and continued with the order of the day.

As soon as she got back, she tried to get hold of Kol, but he was not answering. The call went straight to voice mail. Frustrated, Esther left a message. As she put the phone down, she muttered-

"Hopeless."

She then called John-

"Could you please give me Elena's phone number. I completely forgot to take her number. Well, I plan on staying in town, and I thought of inviting Elena to have dinner with us here."- Esther said.

As John gave her the number, Esther made a call.

"Hello my darling. I hope I am not calling at a bad moment-"

"No. It's fine. I am about to leave Avery Island- "- Elena replied.

"Oh, how - wonderful. Ah, well, the reason I am calling is to ask you- if you would like to join us for dinner later. We are in town. It would be so nice if you could come. I have been busy the last few days and unfortunately had no time to sit down with you and catch up with you after the party."

"Dinner? I would love to come. Where was it exactly? I forgot the address."- Elena said chirpily.

Esther gave her the directions and after exchanging small pleasantries put the phone down. She was slightly relieved that Elena was not with Kol. If Kol was free, she wouldn't have minded for him and Elena be together, but Kol was heavily involved with Y/N, who now was pregnant, she couldn't take any chances for things to get even more messy. The Y/N/L were very conservative kind of people and Y/N was their only daughter, and they wanted to see her marry into a good and rich family. Kol was the perfect candidate.

Esther also thought of Elena. She was a wonderful distraction for her son, but she also knew that Kol would eventually toss her away, like it had happened in the padt with other women he was with. She didn't want any of them get hurt by her son, especially not Elena. She took her phone and dialled Kol's number again. No answer.

"Where are you?"- she mumbled looking out of the window with different thoughts floating in her head. Then she picked up her phone and called John again.

"Yes, well- I will be down in a minute. Can you be ready?"

She then took her bag and went out, telling her assistant that she would be out for the rest of the afternoon.

💗

As Elena returned to the Plantation, she immediately started to get ready for the evening. This was a call that perked her spirits up. She was going through the dresses she had bought. Her heart hummed  you will see him as she put the dress on. She combed her hair not able to decide to put it up or leave it down. Her eyes smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror. Everything inside of her tingled with the anticipation of seeing Elijah again.

And as she got her phone out of the big bag and a few other things she took the sketchbook and opened it- looking at the drawing she had done earlier.

                       She smiled a bit uttering- "Elijah"- and put it back into the bag and walked out of the guest house.

In the city, Elijah was giving his assistant last instructions and taking his case asked about his mother. His assistant now informed him that she had left hours ago. He just nodded and saying goodbye to the woman, he left the office as well.

As they had already made arrangements earlier that they would meet and have dinner at the town house and knowing that his mother would always see to everything being prepared, he didn't call her, and so he now  went directly to the house. But as he got to the house, Esther was not there. He found it unusual and putting down his briefcase down, he took his phone to dial his mother's number, when the door bell went. He put the phone down on the side table and went to see who it was.

He opened the door and with great surprise saw Elena standing there. He looked at her puzzled.

"Hello-"- Elena said.

"Hello"- Elijah returned still in a daze.

Elena seeing him slightly perplexed now said-"Ahm, Esther- your mother invited me for dinner-"

"She did?"- Elijah said clumsily and then snapping out of it moved away slightly aside gesturing to the brunette to come in, said- "Please"

Elena entered standing now in the hallway as he closed the door. She was all puzzled as well about the whole invitation thing. Elijah, sighing a little, now said-

"Mother- well, she is not here. We have talked about eating here, true. She didn't tell me she was going to invite anyone. Nothing is - prepared- I am sorry "

"Oh, ok- I will go then."- Elena said clumsily.

"Go? Why? We can order something or - go out and eat out."- Elijah said collecting himself-"But I have to find out what had happened to her. This is nothing like her."

Elijah now went to the side table to get his phone, now dialling Esther's number.

"Ok"- Elena slipped.

Elijah got Esther, and explained that she was at the yachting club and that she was running late, and that afterwards she will not be going round the house but return to the Plantation.

Elijah now told Elena that Esther would not be joining them and then asked if she would like to go out for dinner.

Elena accepted the invitation delightfully.

"I am really sorry about this. She usually calls if she makes changes"- Elijah apologized as they went out of the house a minute later.

"Everyone can change their minds. It's fine -"

"Yes- I suppose"- Elijah said as they got in the car turning to her -"What would you like to eat- French, Cajun?"

"Cajun."- Elena replied.

"Cajun it is."- Elijah put the key in the ignition.

And then they went quiet all the way to the restaurant, which was not far anyway. If it was a business meeting, Elijah would be able to present any project and idea, but when it came to have a chit chat with a woman, he would not know how to be fun and interesting. And he didn't really date, at least not after he took over the Mikaelson Group. He found it all a waste of time. But that didn't mean he never got involved with someone. But no one so far had pulled his heart out of the guarded house he locked it in. No woman so far made him feel something more. With Elena, something started heavily kicking at the door of this heart of his.

Now, as they sat down at the table that he had been forever reserved for his family.

"So, you have a table here?"- Elena said as they sat down.

"Well, we love the food here, and they are the best."- Elijah replied.

"They are? Ok, what do you suggest? I had a great jambalaya the other day with Kol in that little place- I can't remember the name"

"Sosye"- Elijah said in french creole.

"Yes. That's the name. It was so good."- Elena said with great delight.

"They are good as well."- Elijah uttered. "How about Etouffee?"- he suggested.

Elena looked at the description and agreed. They ordered some side dishes, wine  and even thought of dessert.

As the waiter left, Elijah asked her how her vacation was going and Elena gave him a short account of her activities the last few days, especially about her day at the Jungle Gardens.

"That place is just heaven on Earth"- Elena said. Elijah knew about, but revealed that he had never been there, which left Elena astonished.

"I can't believe this. It' s like the sanctuary for the soul. If you have a bad day or something gets you down - you can go there and it would just make everything better"- and she continued to tell him all in detail about the place.

Elijah listened looking at her dreamily. The way she spoke about the place with such enthusiastic vigour was something new to him. Life seemed to be so simple and so complex at the same time. There was such a tremendous joy in her eyes as she described the flatter of the birds and the way the sun played on the water and how it inspired her design a kitchen  for a friend of hers, who wanted a fusion of the industrial and the natural.

And so, bit by bit, they went through the different courses, Elijah telling her a little bit about what went off at work and why he spent all of his time at the office. Elena was sorry to hear that there were problems.

"It's nothing we can't solve"- Elijah said and then- like lightning had struck him he suddenly said-

"Would you like to accompany me to Mexico? I have to take the trip, to check some things there? It would be only for a few days. If you so loved Jungle Gardens, I think you will like the nature down there as well"

"Mexico?"- Elena said surprised at the sudden invitation.

"Yes. We will fligh out tomorrow and will be back by Sunday"

Elena's mind was twirling like the wind, but didn't think long and said yes.

____👔😍

Kol, unpredictable as he was, left that same day, with his friends to New York, where Y/N was. From there, they ended up in the Hamptons as one of Y/N's friend's boyfriend had a birthday.

He had screened all his calls, and seeing Esther's name, he just wasn't in the mood to answer her just yet, but did send a message that he was fine.

At the party, Monique, Y/N's cousin, whom Y/N was visiting for some girly time away was stunned to see Kol arrive and Y/N being all lovey with him.

"Seriously, you will forgive him this?"- Monique pulled her cousin aside.

"That picture doesn't prove anything. It could be a manip. He was just hugging her"- Y/N said about the photo of Kol and Elena someone from the yacht party at New Orleans had sent to her-"I couldn't care less."

"I did some digging about her"- Monique referred to Elena-"she is the niece of Esther's driver."

"So?"- Y/N said.

"Well, Simone, huh- didn't want to tell you this-"

"What?"

"Simone told me they disappeared down below for a while"- Monique said.

Although evidently hurt by this news, Y/N waved it off and went back to the party.

Once, a few years back, Kol had cheated. A very drunken one night stand with a friend of Y/N's, and they officially broke up. She forgave him. He vowed that he would never do it again. She knew that there were women who wanted Kol just for his position and money. And they would do anything to become Mrs Mikaelson.

Y/N took a deep breath and taking Kol by the hand basically ripped him away from the group of people entertaining them with stories about his last race-

"I haven't seen him for quite a while"- Y/N said in a sweet apologetical way as she whisked him away.

He didn't mind being trailed away to the bedrooms of the house by her. As they got into one of the bedrooms he pulled her into a hug and  sweet fiery kiss-but Y/N pushed him slightly off of her.

"We have to talk"- she said seriously.

"Talk? Can we talk later. I missed you"- Kol neared her and playfully teased her by removing the string of the dress from her shoulder, pressing his lips on her neck.

Y/N let a small breathy moan out, closing her eyes, letting herself lose for a second, but then she stopped him and moving away, she looked at him seriously and said- "We have to talk."

"Ok- let's talk"- Kol said huffing a bit.

*******

New Orleans

After dinner, Elijah took Elena back to the Plantation. As they got back and Elena trailed off to her uncles house, he immediately made arrangements for their trip to Mexico, informing Esther of his sudden decision.

"You are? Good."- Esther said-"This break is well deserved. Stay as long as you want to. I am glad you changed your mind. If it turns out that Kol was with Elena, we can always say that she was with you the entire time."

"Mother, I am not doing this for that reason. I need the break, and Elena is a keen photographer- she wants to do a photo book and - and I - I really like her."

"You really like her?"- Esther was surprised to hear Elijah express any kind of liking, as he was pretty rigid about expressing any feelings.

"Yes, Mother. She is a very intelligent, warm person."

"Right."- Esther said adding-"Very well. I gather you will take the jet?"

"Yes."- Elijah said shortly.

"Fine. That's that then. Call me when you land."- Esther said.

"I will."- Elijah replied and they both hung up after wishing each other good night.

Elijah went to pack a few things himself. This was a first time in a very long while that he felt like all of him was caught in a web of his feelings, that he tried to keep in order. That order seemed to completely go awry in Elena's presence from the moment he had met her. Asking her to Mexico was still something that sprang out of him like someone else had uttered the invitation and not him. He went again to the window glancing down to the house in the garden. And his heart was kicking up a beat.

👔😍

In the morning, Elena was whisked away like a princess. He made sure she was taken care of. Every part of the trip was thought out thoroughly. Elijah was very organized and quite particular about nearly everything. Besides showing her the most beautiful and exquisite parts of the land, it also proved to be a mini vacation, she realized that soon enough, even though Elijah did spend a day in the study of his family's Hacienda. As then, he laid out the plan to take her to a beautiful natural reserve park that was a few hours drive away.

It proved to be a trip that both of them would completely be laced with magic. After hours of hiking and enjoying the area, Elena asked if she could go swimming at one point as they got to the waters. She took her boots off, her shirt and jumped right in. And it felt like heaven on Earth there. For a moment she felt like a mermaid floating in the water.

Elijah sat down not far with all their equipment watching her completely letting go, becoming one with nature.

The day spent in El Cielo Biosphere Reserve was pure magic. Elena continued to be amazed at Elijah's knowledge about the place, as well as him showing interest for the beauty of the place, as he had appeared to be the business man first. Kind and considerate towards her, but still, business orientated. Now a softer side of him opened up, and she looked at him with eyes shining with certain dreaminess, floating back to the moment she had spent in Jungle Gardens, back in Louisiana, when she imagined him exactly like he was now, relaxed, talking to her like they have known each other all their lives.

"Elena-"- he said as if calling her back down from the clouds.

"yes-"-she said as if waking up.

"I think we should be going back to the lodge. "- Elijah said.

She wished they would never had to leave, but she knew that some things could not be forever so she said-"Ok."- standing up soaking in the place and the moment giving it one last look.

She now turned to Elijah, saying- "Thank you for this day."

Elijah smiled a little at her saying-"You are very welcome."

"I so loved the Jungle Gardens, but this- it's just- out of this world."- Elena said-"so amazing."

"I am really glad you like it."

"Coming to New Orleans was the best decision I have done in a very long time."- Elena continued-"I was so- kind of lost- back home. Well, in England. I just didn't know what I really wanted out of my life. If I wanted to stay there or go travel. I felt so alone. I have friends, but - well, no family, you know. That was the real reason I came to see my uncle."- Elena just burst out all that was sitting in her soul-"Your family has really made me feel welcome. Thanks."

"Please, you don't need to thank us. Or me. I should be thanking you. You made me stop and - I have forgotten how something simple could be so extraordinary- like you revelling in the water."- Elijah said.

Elena stood in front of him, her eyes warm, streaming a sweet sparkle at him crashing the barriers surrounding him.Kiss her. His heart bumped at him. But-Elijah now stretched his hand to her saying-

"May I take your backpack?"

With a disappointed heart beep, Elena now passed the backpack to him. And they hiked back to their jeep. There, all the way to the lodge, he had rented out for them, Elena revised all the photos she had taken. And the whole drive that lasted more than an hour, they just spoke a bit about the country, food and where Elena could take more photos of the town they would be arriving soon, as well as at the fiesta the people in the hacienda were preparing for as they return.

On the way, they stopped for a bite to eat, arriving at the Lodge with the sunset.         

After taking a shower and changing, both of them ended up on the patio of the lodge. Elijah appeared with two glasses of wine, handing one to her.

Elena took it an sat down on the bench.

"Tired?"- he asked still standing putting a hand in his jeans taking the sip of the wine.

"A bit. But - it's a good tired."- she replied, now inviting him to sit down on the bench next to her-

"There is plenty of space. You will not crowd me."

"Crowd you-"- Elijah slipped and let a little silent sigh out- was his uneasiness so transparent- well, obviously it was- otherwise why would she say this- he thought.

As he wanted to sit down, his phone went off. Unlike his brother, he never missed a call, and now excused himself taking the call, going to the house.

Elena took some more wine now and then got up from the bench feeling nippy as a wind came out of nowhere. She wore a strapless dress, and now went into the house to get a vest.

As she got inside, Elijah had just finished his conversation on the phone turning to her-

"I am sorry, I had to take this. It was our lawyer."

"Is everything all right?"- Elena asked politely.

"Yes. We are in the clear."- Elijah replied.

"I am glad."- Elena said and they both stood there in the living area like two lost souls. Him turning his phone in the hands not aware of the uncontrollable action gulping, his heart burning for him to make a move, walk over to her and grab her in a kiss, wrap his arms around her and let her know that she's the spark that won't go out.

And her, looking at him with eyes radiating all that was inside of her, all the want and wish for him to break loose from the shackles that were still holding him firmly. 

She understood the gentleman in him, and that he, most probably, would feel that he would be taking advantage of this situation. Did she misread the whole situation, she now wondered. She couldn't have. Why would he take her on vacation with him?

Elena exhaled a little bit and putting the glass on the table saying-

"I am going - up- ok- good night"

Whatever it was in that moment he now slipped- "Elena"

____