#watching this back it has become apparent that my phone didn’t pick up when he started to cry

[izvmimi]

cw: selfship-coded. part 2 of a sort to this meet-ugly. reader is a doctor and knows nami from her past.

“So what you mean to tell me right now is that you’re calling me when the medicine floor is full to bursting to admit a… reindeer to the hospital?”

You keep your voice neutral and professional as you talk through the transponder snail, who has picked up the characteristic protruding ears of one of your closest friends and coworkers.

“It’s complicated.”

You grimace.

“I’m not a vet, bestie, and neither are you.”

Your friend pauses on the phone for a moment, and you can tell the full force of the ridiculousness of the situation has finally hit him, but there was desperation in his voice, so you bite your lip, waiting for his response before you agree to go see his patient. Hopefully, it won’t take too long, you think, given that you’re alone managing the unit for the rest of the day.

Out of kindness, you sent your intern home early about an hour ago, thinking that today would shape up to be a quiet Sunday, possibly a piss poor decision. Things are still relaxed however, and as you gather up your things to leave the workroom, you listen intently to the rest of your friend’s report before you formally take a look at the purported animal patient. 

“Its friends say that it apparently has a more human form, even if it looks the way it does today?”

Human form? “You think it’s Zoan Devil Fruit maybe?”

You’re marching down the stairs, almost tripping on the last two, when he replies, “Typically they revert to their human forms when they’re sick though, this looks like the opposite.”

“Humans are animals, too, I guess,” you muse. He doesn’t answer immediately, and you hear a sudden commotion in the background. 

“Shit, gotta go,” he offers and he’s immediately off, and you watch the Transponder Snail stop responding. Setting it down at a nurse’s station in the emergency department, you locate the bay you were told to check in and find a bunch of people huddled, but not resuscitating, a few nurses clearly idling and chatting. 

Pushing through gently until you can introduce yourself, you give your name, 

“Hi, I’m Dr. ___”-

And before you can even pull back the curtain, the first person you see is not the reindeer that is sprawled out, eyes closed but still breathing with a steady, stable rhythm, but one of the most memorable people from your childhood’s striking tangerine hair, and you lose your breath temporarily. 

“No fucking way,” she says, rising, and you, also shocked, in her all the memories of the past you try so hard to erase in your day to day, rushing back, until she throws her arms around you, and you throw your arms back around her. 

She’s supposed to be in disguise, and later she’ll admit to you that it’s because she has a terribly large bounty on her head, but you don’t forget a face, especially around the eyes. 

Even if it’s been years and years.

Sniffling, you pull away and thank her, before turning your attention to the bonafide reindeer - admittedly the cutest one you’ve ever seen - with a high fever sitting in front of you.

“Hey, Nami… tell me everything you know about him,” you say, your voice warm and thankful. “And let’s catch up later.”

—

“You know, part of me always wondered what became of you.” Nami states, once the three of you have been situated in a proper hospital room, an IV drip started by a somewhat reluctant nurse while other floor nurses and staff peer curiously through the window. You smooth the wrinkles in your scrubs and smile at her again, taking in the fact that the last time you saw each other you were just on the verge of turning 14, and you’d been trying to help her store a load of jewels she’d swiped from a jewelry store.

It was the second to last time you ever used your Devil Fruit powers for wrongdoing, and you try not to think about the true last time. 

“I didn’t really imagine you’d become a doctor after all that,” Nami teases.

“It’s in my blood apparently,” is your simple response, one that warrants elaboration in the future. You tap the tubing of the IV and take another look at the young deer-man before you, who Nami says is named Chopper, pressing a finger to his calf to check for leg swelling briefly, then look back at her. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m a pirate now.”

You blink.

“I thought you hated pirates.” Your voice has softened into a whisper.

Nami smiles, the kind that seems to hold back a story that is far too grand to share all at once.

“And I thought you were a drug smuggler,” she says, with a wink. Your mouth opens and closes for a moment, and you say nothing else. Now is not the time really to explain how you got out of that situation, the least of all reasons because there could be prying eyes. 

Changing the subject quickly, and also due to curiosity, you sit down ahead of her and ask for her to share to avoid having to spill your own dirty laundry, and your scheme works, as Nami recounts her years since the two of you parted ways and the pirate crew she’s grown to know and love.

And you hear one name more frequently than all the rest.

—

You take care of Chopper for three days and match a few more names to faces - Sanji, who somehow manages to toe the line of sexual harassment with all the nurses but never actually tips over it and Usopp who you wish would talk less and listen more. You have to admit that there’s a charm to the two of them that complements Nami well, even if she seems to be yelling at them half the time, and your talks with Chopper during rounding are fascinating as soon as he gets better. After the initial shock of a talking animal, you find that he is highly intelligent (probably more so than you), very susceptible to praise and also very kind. 

Linking the four together is that same quality, kindness.

—

“Don’t you think maybe you’re trusting me a bit too much?” you muse, your thumb running the rim of a cocktail while Nami sips on her own drink, and Chopper a glass of freshly squeezed juice. “You do have insane bounties on your heads and I might not be the same person you met years ago.”

“I doubt you’ve changed,” Nami says somewhat confidently. She looks around at the tavern, and with the lack of wanted posters on the walls anywhere and the relative reclusiveness of this town, her guard is down. She leans in. “Unless you’ve set us up already, and in that case perhaps I’d have to kill you.”

There’s a short pause, and the two of you burst into laughter, even if Chopper for a moment looks between the two of you with a mild concern.

“I’m glad you came with me today though, because I haven’t been here in a week since there’s a weird guy I’ve been trying to avoid here and I was starting to miss the food.”

Nami’s eyebrows raise.

“Oh, what does he look like?” 

“Like average height, dressed like it’s summertime, and-” you pause and duck.

Speak of the devil.

“Ugh, he’s here,” you whisper from practically under the table. Nami takes a look back, and to your horror she waves.

And her illustrious captain and your meet ugly collide into one person with a big wide smile.

“Great to see you again!”

It finally occurs to you that the names were the same - Luffy.

[topguncortez]

The Beauty fell for The Beast || Whumptober Day 20 - R. Wheeler

whumptober masterlist

synopsis: Rip has no idea what John saw in you to keep you at the ranch, but he quickly finds out that it's got nothing to do with how you cowboy

word count: 2.2k

@ailesswhumptober prompt: mutilation

warnings: domestic violence, mentions of scars and injuries, cursing, slight sexism

Rip wasn’t sure what John saw in you. Apparently, you had been picked up on the side of the road by Beth, literally shaking in your boots out in the rain. Somehow she worked her magic on John and agreed to let you earn your keep to stay on the ranch. You were weak, you were quiet, you were. .  . well, you were just you. You stuck out on the ranch like a sore thumb amongst the foul-mouthed, loud, adrenaline-fueled cowboys who walked around with their heads held high. You looked like a dog that had been kicked one too many times. 

“She’s weak, she’s slower than the rest,” John had barely been at the bunkhouse for an hour before Rip started in on his spiel on why you should get fired, “I have to tackle half her workload plus mine-” 

“Looks like you need to teach her,” John said, sipping his coffee casually. John had a soft spot for strays, it was clear by the misfits that he had on his ranch. He knew good and well that you were the weaker link, having watched you struggle to keep up with the rest of the cowboys. But it wasn’t very often that his daughter begged him for a chance. Begged him to give you a chance. You didn’t have to say the reason why you were standing on the side of the highway in the rain, John could tell by one look at you. 

“But sir-” Rip argued. 

John looked over his shoulder at him, “Make her take the lead with pushing the cattle to the north pasture.” Rip’s jaw dropped as John clapped him on the shoulder before sauntering off towards his truck. 

You hadn’t expected anyone to stop that night. All you wanted to do was get as far away from that house, from him, as you possibly could. You didn’t get very far in your car, breaking down only a mile outside of town. You knew that you couldn’t just sit there, he’d certainly find you. So, you ditched the car, leaving your phone in it, and took off walking. It was raining so hard that night, you could hardly see ten feet in front of you. Every passing semi and truck on the road made you jump, praying that you wouldn’t become roadkill. You just wanted to get away. Wanted to be somewhere safe and warm. That’s when a blacked-out SUV slowed to a stop beside you and a woman with a scar on her face rolled down the window. 

“Are you fucking insane?!” She yelled. The moment you turned to look at her, her hard facial features softened. She clenched her jaw and looked towards her driver, before reaching over and opening the car door, “Get in. And if you think about killing me, I’ll haunt your fucking ass until you die.” 

Beth had been the literal angel sent straight from hell. She had given you a place to stay, taking you to the bunkhouse and making all the men in there shake in their boots. She had given you fresh clothes and some toiletries, giving you a bunk with another female, Teeter, who reminded you a lot of your mother. 

“You’ll stay here, got it?” Beth said, and you knew better than to argue with her, “Run out on me and I’ll kill you,” You nodded your head. She then looked at Teeter, “Rip doesn’t find out about this until after I talk to my dad.” 

“I’ll hide ‘er,” Teeter nodded. 

Beth nodded and looked back at you, her heart cracking in her chest a bit, “Get some sleep kid.” 

Teeter had tried her best to ward Rip off, keeping him away from the bunkhouse that first morning, but there was no hiding the loud screams of terror that came from inside. Rip pushed away from Teeter, storming into the bunkhouse to find you, a small frail thing shaking and crying while Kolby and Ryan stood utterly confused. 

“What the fuck is that?” Rip seethed as he pointed at you. 

“Fresh blood!” Ryan smiled, while you were holding your knees to your chest and sobbing. You raised your head gently and looked into the warmest brown eyes you’ve ever seen. He clenched his jaw tightly, looking away from you, “Get her fed and saddled up. We got work to do,” Rip paused and turned back towards you, “And do something about the screaming shit. Gonna scare the fucking horses.” 

You got to work quickly, not knowing a single thing about being a cowboy. Hell, you couldn’t even remember the last time you rode a horse. But thankfully, Teeter and Kolby took you under their wings, almost as if they were your proxy parents. Ryan fell into the spot of being the older, annoying brother that you wished you had. The three of them looked after you and made sure that you were doing alright, eating well, and getting your workload done. The only thing the three of them could not stop was the nightmares. 

It was like clockwork, every single night. The same dream would plague you, the feel of his rough hands on your body, slamming your head against the wall, threatening to kill you, holding his hands tightly on your throat while black spots filled your vision.  You would wake up in the middle of the night screaming, sending the whole bunkhouse into a frenzy. Teeter would quickly jump down from her bunk, crawling into yours and holding you tightly, while Kolby made his way over. He’d always make sure that you were okay when there really wasn’t anything physical happening. Teeter would lay in your bed until you were asleep and then would crawl back into hers for the last few hours of shut eye. 

It wasn’t until about two weeks into your working on the ranch that you had another run-in with Rip. 

“You’re waking the bunkhouse,” He said gruffly. You looked down at your boots, trying to bite back the tears in your eyes, “My cowboys look like they haven’t had a solid night’s rest in weeks. I would fucking fire you if I could but. . .” You looked up at him, heart in your ears. You couldn’t get fired. You had nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide. Rip pinched his nose and sighed, “I can’t cause for some reason, John thinks your worth a shit.” 

“But you don’t?” You said softly. Rip had to hide his stunned expression cause he was starting to think you don’t actually talk. 

“No, I don’t,” Rip nodded, “So pack your shit and follow me.” 

“I-I. . . I have nowhere to go,” You weren’t sure why you had to say that, but it felt like if Rip was going to tell you to disappear, you might as well try to plead your case. 

Rip sighed, “Pack you shit. . . You’re coming to stay with me.” 

You had been staying in Rip’s house for the past two weeks, and you hadn’t woken up screaming at all. Yes, you still had the same recurring nightmare, but it wasn’t so terrifying that it had you screaming in the dark. You weren’t sure what the cause of it was, but there was something about knowing that Rip was under the same roof that helped you sleep easily. You had seen the way that Rip jumped to stop a fight between Kolby and some rowdy ranch hand at the bar. 

Rip had a soft spot for you, whether he liked to admit it or not. It made his chest hurt when he heard you whimpering and crying in your sleep from down the hall. He tried his best to ignore it the first night, but it got to the point that he couldn’t just lay in his comfortable bed, while you were fighting with something in your sleep on the couch. So, Rip found his way to the living room, gingerly lifting your head and laying it on his thigh. He would stroke your hair until you were back into a deep sleep. And then, he’d turn around and leave before your alarm sounded, going to the bunkhouse and telling John that he should fire you. 

— — —

There was one thing that you loved about being away from the city, and that was the calm serene mornings. Watching the sun poke its light rays through the dark night. Seeing the purples and reds fade into bright blue skies. You hadn’t been on the Yellowstone ranch long, but you already fell in love with the sunrises. It was getting a bit colder out, as the sweltering summer was fading into the brisk fall. The leaves turn from green to vibrant reds and yellows. You felt calm out here. You felt in control. You knew you were needed down at the bunkhouse, but you didn’t care at this moment. Not after what you faced last night. 

Rip was grumbling as he walked towards the stables, taking note of all the ranch hands walking around, seeing that you were nowhere to be found. You hadn’t come home last night after saying you were going into town with Ryan, Teeter, and Kolby. Rip hadn’t bothered to get your number, which he was starting to regret. He cursed himself for being worried about you, knowing you were a full-grown woman. But you were also a woman who looked to be scared of their own shadow. 

“Carter!” Rip yelled as the young boy was walking out of the stables, “Why aren’t you saddled up?” 

Carter paused for a moment, huffing up the heavy saddle in his arms, “I got a late start. I’m sorry Rip.” 

Rip cursed under his breath as he watched Carter continue to struggle with his saddle, “God didn’t add extra daylight to Tuesday, Carter,” Rip rolled his eyes at the boy, who started to break into a jog, “Where’s the other Kid?” 

“Still in the barn,” Carter nodded his head towards the white building, “She just got there.” 

When he spotted you, resting your head against your house, Rip’s blood was boiling, “Do we just show up whenever the fuck we want to now? Where the hell have you-” You slowly lifted your head and turned to face Rip. 

His jaw clenched shut tightly. His anger was now directed off of you and towards whoever the fuck bashed your face in. Your right eye was swollen shut, an ugly cut above your eyebrow. You had what looked like handmarks around your neck, and your nose was clearly broken. 

“Who did this?” Rip seethed. 

You shrugged, “It doesn't matter.” You grabbed your horse’s reins, going to walk out to the ring, but Rip grabbed your arm. 

“That wasn’t up for an argument,” He spoke lowly, “Who did that to your face?” 

You gulped and looked up at Rip, “My husband.” 

It took all the willpower in Rip’s body to hold back the shocked expression. Why hadn’t you said you were married? Is that why you ran away? Well, clearly it was why you ran away, but how long had this been going on? Did he not know where you went? Was he looking for you?

But none of that mattered to Rip. All Rip wanted to know was, “Where is he?” 

“I. . .” You closed your eyes and shook your head, “Dead.” 

Rip didn’t ask any more questions, releasing your arm and running a hand down his bearded face. He looked over his shoulder, taking in a quick glance of his surroundings, before grabbing your arm and pulling you into the stall. 

“Listen,” Rip whispered, “You’re gonna tell me where you left him and then you’re gonna go back to the house and stay there. I’ll handle this.” 

“But-” 

“Go put some ice on your face,” Rip didn’t leave any room for argument as he walked out of the stable, leaving you there alone. 

— — 

You did what Rip told you, leaving the stable and heading back to the house. You weren’t surprised that he didn’t have any ice packs in his freezer, so you were stuck with putting a frozen steak on your eye. The house was eerily quiet as you sat on the couch, frozen meat to your face as you waited for Rip to come back. You wondered what he thought about the house. You wondered what he was going to do to your husband’s body. You wondered if he was wishing that he had never agreed to help you. Maybe he was going to turn you in to the police as you sit. 

But all those worries melted away as the front door opened, and Rip walked in. You stood up quickly as he stood in front of you. 

“I-” 

“How long?” Rip asked. You bit your lip, “How long has he been fucking using you like a punching bag?” Tears filled your eyes as you looked down at the ground, “Jesus Christ.” Rip huffed and took a step closer to you. He gently grabbed your chin in his hand, “Look at me,” You looked into his brown eyes, “You should’ve said something. You should’ve not gone to the house by yourself.” 

“He was going to file a missing persons report,” You sniffled, “I thought that I should just go, get the rest of my things, and tell him that I’m leaving. But he got so mad and. . .” Cries fell from your lips and Rip pulled you into his chest. 

You felt secure in his arms, his chest strong and comforting at the same time. You melted into his touch as he held you. 

“You’ll never have to worry about him or anyone else again,” Rip spoke, making his chest rumble with the dip timbre of his voice, “You’re a part of the Yellowstone now.”

taglist: @els-marvelvsp @sarahsmi13s @topgun-imagines @cassiemitchell @xoxabs88xox @seitmai @a-reader-and-a-writer @bradleybeachbabe @kmc1989 @senawashere @beautifulandvoid @ohtobeleah @rogersbarnesxx @oatmealisweird @dempy @devil-angel-winchester @gillybear17

[sunarots]

so high school ━━━ atsumu miya

09. practice ♡

For the first few hours, you were sitting at the side going between applying for jobs in the area and watching the team’s itinerary. They started with warm ups, running laps and press ups, stretching out in ways you remember doing in school. When they broke off into groups, you found your eyes wandering over them and seeing things that they did. Atsumu didn’t hit the ball as much as the others did, mainly passing it to them. For the first while, everything was going smoothly.

That is, until it was nearing lunchtime when your attention was grabbed by the sounds of two of your roommates bickering. You couldn’t make out what was being said, but it couldn’t have been anything nice. Your eyes drifted back down to your phone, continuing to respond to your friends in Tokyo.

Atsumu threw a finger in Sakusa’s face and was ready to start screaming insults at him, when Meian insisted they take a breather and an hour lunch break. Sakusa took that invitation to leave, grabbing his jacket from the bench and leaving with mutters under his breath, cursing out his teammate.

"Hey, hey, will we get lunch? I want to try that new cafe down the street. Apparently their cakes are the best!"

Atsumu never looked at Bokuto, picking up the ball from the floor and making his way to the back of the court. "Need to practice my serves. See ya in an hour."

The door falls shut, an odd silence fallen over the court. Atsumu lifts the ball, staring down his arm and picturing where he needed it to land. He takes a step forward, tossing the ball in the air and putting all his frustrations into hitting the ball. It flies through the air, slamming into the wall behind the court.

Deep breaths in and out, he rests his hands on his hips and scans the empty gymnasium. Rather, nearly empty gymnasium.

He could have sworn you'd left with Bokuto. He walks around the court and collects the balls scattered around. Clearing his throat, Atsumu finds his eyes wandering up to you sat by the side of the court, eyes fixed on your phone screen. "Have ya ever played before?"

With that, you lift your head and furrow your eyebrows. Realisation setting in, you laugh. "No, I haven't. I'm not really the sporty type."

"Here, I'll show ya how to play."

It takes a moment for you to realise he's being serious, and part of you wishes you'd left with everyone else. When did everyone else leave? "Um..."

"Come on, it'll be fun. I'll go easy on ya."

Knowing this wouldn't be an argument you'd win, you set your laptop and phone aside and become suddenly grateful for choosing comfort over style today. "Okay. Sure, let's do it." You pause, looking down at the sliders you put on this morning when you had no intentions of playing volleyball. "Oh... I'll just, take them off?"

"I'd lend ya mine but, doubt they'll fit."

You roll your eyes at his comment, tucking them under the bench by your bag. "Hilarious."

"Don’t I know it, darlin'." Atsumu grins, leading you out onto the court. "Stand back in the middle of the court." He stays by the net, spinning the ball between his fingers and waits for you to get into position.

You drag your feet behind you, not fully convinced this will be an enjoyable activity for you. "So, what do I do?"

"Right, run towards the net and jump straight up once ya reach... Here." He points to a random spot, moving over to become in line with it as a better reference. "Don't jump towards the net, just jump straight up, okay? Oh, and reach as high as you can with yer hand."

You nod your head, taking in a deep breath and doing exactly as he said. When you plant your feet back on the ground, you spread your arms out to steady yourself again. "Like that?"

"Yeah, now do it again."

He has you repeat this a few times, giving you different tips and tricks, before flashing you a smile and saying, "Now ya hit the ball."

"Really?"

"Yeah! It's easy, look. All ya do is hit it, and make sure it goes over the net."

"What if I can't reach the ball?"

Atsumu feigns a gasp, hand over his heart. "I'm offended. I'll get the ball to ya, darlin'. Now run and jump."

You sigh, taking steps back and once again doing as you were told. Atsumu throws the ball in the air and, sure enough, it's in your reach. You slam the ball as hard as you can with the palm of your hand, the ball landing in the middle of the court, your palm stinging from the force.

"Nice! See, yer a natural!" Atsumu goes in for a high five, waiting patiently for you to catch your breath and return it. "Here, now yer gonna pass the ball to me, and I'll show ya different types of spikes."

You take the ball off him, happy to get some kind of break from the running back and forth. "Sounds good. So, what I just did, that's a spike?"

He nods his head, backing up into position and flashing you a cocky smile. "I'm a good teacher, right?"

Atsumu shows you all the different tips and tricks he can think of, occasionally switching with you so you can practice what he's shown you. You're on your third attempt of trying to get the ball to land where Atsumu instructs when his teammates start returning, neither of you noticing.

"Damn." You watch the ball hit the net, falling back towards you and landing by Atsumu's feet.

"Happens to the best of us. Here, one more time. I believe in ya."

You give him a thumbs up and tiredly trail back to the same position. "I don't know how you do this all year round. It's been forty-five minutes and I think I might die."

"Yer doing great. I'll even buy ya dinner since yer poor."

You spin around with your jaw hanging open unattractively. "Wow. How generous of you," you laugh through your words.

"I know. I'm a charmer, what can I say?"

You roll your eyes at him. "Just throw the fucking ball."

"Whatever ya say."

This time, you manage to get the ball exactly where he'd told you to. You raise both hands in the air as a celebration, turning to face him. "I did it!"

"See! What did I tell ya?" Atsumu raises his hands and high fives yours, only now noticing the team. “Did ya see her?”

You turn around, feeling your cheeks heat up. How long had they been there? Still, you can’t help but feel your heart swell with pride.

“She’ll be taking yer job soon, Omi-Omi,” Atsumu teases, lightly nudging your shoulder. “Thanks, darlin’. I needed that.”

You give him another thumbs up and a high five before making your way back to the bench. You pick your laptop back up, tuning out the noise around you and trying to find literally any job positions open that you were qualified for.

masterlist. previous | next

summary. after your best friend reveals he’s moving out of your shared flat, you’re presented with a tough choice: let one of the creeps who are begging you to let them move in with you, or find a cheaper flat in another area of town. a do-over couldn’t have come at a better time for you, but your only option for a place to stay is with someone your best friend knew from high school, and his two teammates.

taglist (open!). @reignsaway @yuminako @thiisisntlovely @diorzs @aboutkiyoomi @spicana @bakingcuriosity @kr1nqu @savemebrazilhinata @dazqa @sereniteav @beckxisxinxlovexwithxjin @sleezzsister @hermaeusmorax @giocriedpower @sophosphorescent @gigiiiiislife @zazathezaer @rrosiitas @iaminyourfloors @writing-for-the-hell-of-it

[kitkatscabinet]

Lay all your love on me

Kyle “Gaz” Garrick x f! Reader

Summary: You've been best friends with Kyle for years, but will a night of drinking and introducing you to his teammates change that?

word count: 1.2k

A/N: unedited, I kind of hate it but wanted to get it out before I start working on all the angst.

He’s holding a beer in one hand, eyes darting between where his phone lay on the table and the door of the pub. His left leg was bouncing in anticipation, drawing an odd glance from Price. 

“Y’alright mate? Barely touched your beer.” Gaz almost didn’t hear him over the ambient background music.

“Hmm?” it took a few seconds for the words to register but when they did he finally tore his eyes from the door towards the table occupied with his teammates, only to find them all staring at him. It’s Soap that answers for him with a wicked smirk, 

“He’s fine, just waiting for his lass to arrive.”

“She’s not my lass. She’s my best friend and she’s a little anxious to meet you all so you better behave“ he sent a stern glare their way, focusing especially on the grinning Scotsman who had his hands raised in surrender. Any wisecrack is cut short by an excited yell of his name. 

He barely manages to turn and stand before he’s got an armful of you, infectious laughter already curbing his annoyance at Soap. It’s only when he realises that perhaps he’s been clutching you just a bit too long to classify as friendly does he pull away, eyes flickering over your face as if trying to memorise every minute detail after months of not seeing you in person.

You’re already blazing ahead however, eager to meet his teammates as you offer them that stunning smile of yours whilst making short work of introductions. By the time he’s returned from the bar with your favourite drink you’ve already slid into the booth next to Ghost, engaged in a passionate debate with Soap. You barely even throw Kyle a second glance apart from thanking him for your drink, before you’re sliding it across to Soap with a dead pan. 

“Drink this. I guarantee that my cocktail is ten times tastier than your shitty tap beer.” Never one to back down from a challenge, Soap makes a show of taking a sip from the straw whilst dramatically rolling his eyes. Though the second the drink hits his tongue it becomes apparent that Soap’s enjoyed the taste, something you pick up on right away with a victorious laugh. 

“You liiiiike it!” you tease, playfully smacking him on the arm before taking back your drink, “have fun drinking your shitty beer.” Kyle could do nothing but watch the interaction sourly, a light frown decorating his face. Were you flirting with Soap? 

“You know, Kyle had me convinced you guys were scary, I had to have a few drinks before I got here to calm my nerves.” You smiled sheepishly as the boys laughed, “What! You made Simon sound like the fucking terminator or something!”

He should be relieved, but for some reason Kyle can only feel irritation at how well you were getting on with the boys, especially Soap. You’re supposed to be his best friend, so why had you sidled up next to his lieutenant, why were you laughing so much at Soap’s jokes? Did you think Soap was funnier than him? 

A voice is suddenly projected through the space, stopping you mid-sentence and Gaz watches as delight fills your face. 

“Karaoke! Oh my god Kyle you have to sing with me!” You’re already on your feet, tugging on his arm impatiently, apparently, you want to be the first performer of the night. A disappointed pout rests on your face as another girl beats you to the punch. He doesn’t want to upset you but Kyle knows he has not had anywhere near enough to drink to get up on a stage and sing for an entire pub, especially not his jeering teammates. 

Watching as your face falls even further into devastation at his refusal he tries not to wince, promising to take you to a karaoke place next time the two of you go out. 

“Awww, but I wanted to sing tonight. It’ll be fun!” As if sensing you were getting nowhere with him you suddenly turned to Soap, eyes bright once more and a question on your lips. You barely get the words out before Gaz is suddenly standing, taking your hand in his and leading you towards the stage. It isn’t until the previous ‘performer’ nears the end of her song that it truly sinks in what he’s done, but you had let out a delighted shriek at his acquiescence and he hadn’t liked the look on Soap’s face when you’d almost asked the Scotsman. 

You’re an excited whirlwind of movement when it’s finally your turn, pulling him on stage by hand and shoving a mic in his face. He’s given no consideration over song choice and it’s clear to everyone watching that you are in charge. The music picks up and Kyle feels something akin to dread as he recognises the introduction of your favourite song. You’d made him sit through Mamma Mia enough times that he could sing the soundtrack in his sleep. 

“I wasn’t jealous before we met, now every woman I see is a potential threat” You're smiling at him, moving close enough that he can smell your perfume as you grab his hand to twirl him. As the first verse nears its end Kyle struggles to pull his eyes from you, a lump building in his throat as his turn to sing draws nearer. 

“It was like shooting a sitting duck, a little small talk a smile and baby I was stuck.” Somehow he managed to get through his verse without stuttering, shoulders loosening as he saw how much fun you were having. His eyes never once leave your face, the words falling from his mouth without the need for subtitles. 

“Don’t go sharing your devotion, lay all your love on me.” As you continued to sing Kyle could almost allow himself to believe that you truly were singing to him. Everything that wasn’t you faded into obscurity, the crowd didn’t exist, nothing did outside of you. Blinding smile that’s focused entirely on him. 

By the time the song ends Kyle is running on adrenaline and what could only be described as delusion filled confidence. As the last words fall from your lips and the crowd cheers, a particular Scottish voice ringing out above the others, Kyle finally lets himself move. Dropping the microphone he reaches out with both hands, one gently clutching your cheek and the other clasping the back of your neck as he closed the distance. You let out an adorably surprised squeak before your eyes fluttered close, lips curving into a giddy smile as you kissed him back. 

The audience cheers grow even louder but neither of you care, even as you pull away. Resting his forehead against yours Kyle is at a loss for words, but you seemingly aren’t. “Is that why you’ve been glaring at Soap like he killed your puppy all night?” It takes a few seconds for your words to process but once they do Gaz lets out an incredulous squawk, only to be silenced by you leaning in to press your lips against his once more. His right hand briefly leaving the warmth of your cheek in order to flip off the jeers coming from the corner he knew his teammates to be located.

[desiresiwant]

Something About You Chapter One

pairing: Seth Clearwater X Black!OC

word count: 6.4k~

warnings: strong language, usage of alcohol, non-con kiss, a pretty much tamed 1st chapter…for now

description: Seth Clearwater finally imprints on Diamond Hicks, someone who just isn’t looking love. While she struggles with her feelings and promises, Seth struggles to find a balance between his new and old self so he can become the wolf his imprint needs.

a/n: Been very excited and impatient to bring this fic to life, so here it is!!! I’d recommend checking out the masterlist before reading, given much has changed from the story we know. If there’s a warning I skipped let me know. P.S The beach scenes were written when it was originally taken place in a warmer month, but changed my mind and didn’t wish to rewrite anything aside from slighty changing minor details. Trust I know how cold 60 can be but it’s fiction.

MASTERLIST | NEXT ->

Chapter One | Stolen Kiss

Seattle, Washington | February 9, 2024

        𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 how Diamond wished to spend her weekend—seven weekends in a row stuck at a family-owned restaurant, cleaning chicken masala between the floor cracks because parents weren’t watching their children who have a tendency to throw whatever in their direction on the floor. 

        This was NOT the adult life Diamond looked forward to when finally leaving home to attend the University of Washington (U.W). Built in one of the cloudiest cities surrounded by endless beauty of mother nature, miles from Orlando, Florida. One of the hottest cities in one of the hottest states, cluttered with people and flashy attractions. The only similarity that felt most like home was rain.

        Never once did Diamond imagine herself so far from home, but unfortunately, U.W was the only institution to offer a full ride for track and field. She accepted immediately and officially became a Husky. 

        But it didn’t cover food, travel, personal expenses, and bills. Diamond’s mother could only send so much with other mouths to feed, being a foster mother to five other children. She knew soon enough the responsibility would be hers to bear as it normally had been.

        The easy one, her mother would describe Diamond. 

        The one who never cried, never asked for much, never made life too difficult. The one who always had to make a way because there was no one else to do it for her. And in a household filled with children every few months or years, it’s easy to forget the easy one when schedules were packed with appointments, drama, and school—which left Diamond to fulfill not only the role of an only child, which that she was, but a parent too.

        Moving to an unfamiliar environment added to that lonesome feeling, but it was also a fresh breath of air. Therapeutic even. 

        Diamond tossed the last thick lump of sauce-covered napkins in the bucket filled with the rest of the meal. Apparently, the mop was broken and the owner’s hard-headed son left to buy a new mop, yet it’s been hours since he returned. It seems he prioritized his Friday night plans, which his parents were heavily against. Something about catching a movie with friends, a harmless movie Mr. Devgn feared would install unhealthy mindsets. 

        Something Diamond should’ve been doing if she hadn’t canceled plans to pick up an extra shift. 

        Mrs. Devgn caught sight of Diamond heading back and perked from her seat behind the register, pausing the drama she was watching on her phone. “Thank you for handling that mess and staying a bit late. When it gets crazy on the weekends, I know we can count on you to come through.” She said and then frowned at her sauce-covered fingers. “I’m sorry you had to clean bare-headed. Karan should be back any second now with that mop.”

        Diamond bit back her scoff. That boy wasn’t coming back and everyone knew it too. “It’s not a problem. At least it wasn’t piping hot.”

        “Oh, god, no! That would be a disaster!”

        Ayra, the Devgn’s third child, appeared through the red curtains with a scoff. “Karan’s not coming back, ma. You picked the wrong child for errands. We all know he’s watching that R-rated movie Baba said no to.”

        Mrs. Devgn smacked her shoulder, knocking out the AirPod hidden beneath her hair that she was secretly listening to music on. “Don’t let your father hear.” She whispered, peeking over her shoulder for her husband nowhere in sight. “He’s already in a pissy mood dealing with your other brother and his costly habits. Go take make yourself useful and take them drinks to table three.”

        “You said I could ring!” Ayra pouted.

        “Go!”

        Ayra couldn’t defy Mrs. Devgn stern look, daring her child to challenge her authority. She flung her head back with a dragged groan before taking the tray of drinks to table three. 

        “Don’t let me hold you up, Diamond. You wash up and take your lunch. I warmed you a plate. It's in the break room since I didn’t trust David and his sticky fingers.”

        “You don’t have to make me lunch every time, Mrs. Devgn. I appreciate it but I don’t want you overworking yourself.”

        Mrs. Devgn waved her off. “All my employees must eat. Plus you’re an athlete and so far from home, I know you’re not eating enough home-cooked meals. Now go, wash wash and eat.”

        She sat comfortably in her chair and resumed her show.

        Diamond knew this wasn’t a fight she could win and Mrs. Devgn was right; she hadn’t eaten enough home-cooked meals. Mostly takeout and cheap ramen. Between classes, practices, and work, exhaustion remained a constant component when it came to cooking and oftentimes cleaning.

        After dumping the bucket and washing her hands, Diamond sat at the mini table in the break room and ate her lamb and chicken bowl mixed in silence. She scrolled through her phone catching up with everyone else’s life on Instagram, imagining herself in their shoes. Taking weekend trips out of the country, getting front-row seats at a concert, splurging money on shopping sprees with friends, and going on cute little dates with a significant other.

        The kind of thrill Diamond should be experiencing especially during her sophomore year in college, away from her mom and her old life. This was the time to start a new life and create new and better memories outside her usual routine…yet had no idea where to start. And was nearly two years late.

        A call paused the story Diamond was currently watching and saw it was her roommate Renesmee calling. She quickly swallowed what was left in her mouth before picking up. “Hey, what’s u—”

        “What are you doing and please don’t tell me you’re working?” Renesmee asked as soon as the line connected.

        Diamond looked around the small room that smelt heavily of her food clashing with other scents from the kitchen. She debated lying to her friend, but what’s the point when she somehow always knew when she was lying?

        Her shoulders fell with defeat as she confirmed, “I’m working. I picked up an extra shift so I won’t be home until eleven-ish, maybe midnight.”

        “God, no, Diamond! Why did you say yes to working late on a Friday night?”

        “I…need the money,” Diamond replied as if it wasn’t obvious in the first place. “Some people aren’t born with golden spoons like you, Nes.” 

        From the time she’s known Renesmee since Diamond’s previous roommate dropped out two weeks within the first semester—who was quite literally the nicest and selfless person ever met, whose grandmother occasionally cooked meals and stuffed the pantries with everything found in a grocery store—it was clear her wealth was out of the question. She was always seen with the latest technology, the rarest edition of purses and shoes, and clothes from unheard-of brands, made from raw material that needed to be washed a certain way. Her side of the room was straight out of a Pinterest board compared to Diamond’s side which had all that she needed and a poster of her favorite movie. She had pictures in her gallery from all over the world. She even owned an expensive car that would take Diamond two generations to pay off, and could only imagine the price of her house she goes back to every break. 

        Working wasn’t a word in Renesmee’s vocabulary, but she was a hard-working student. Always up studying while Diamond crashed out in bed. Sometimes it felt like Renesmee was wasting her time in college by how quickly her mind soaked up information. When she’s bored, she’s reading. When she’s about to sleep, she’s reading. When she’s in a good mood, she’s reading. And it wasn’t silly romance or epic fantasies, but thick nonfiction books that gave Diamond a headache, she enjoyed for regular entertainment.

        “You’re right. I should be mindful of others' situations and I apologize if I came off ignorant.” Renesmee’s apology would’ve caught Diamond off guard if it wasn’t a usual occurrence. Being wrong and taking accountability was nothing she feared. “But I really needed you off today or at least out by six.”

        Diamond paused. “How’d you know I was originally off today?”

        “You write your schedule color-coded on the calendar pinned above your bed, silly. Quite literally hard to miss.”

        “Oh…right.” Her face heated in embarrassment and picked at a piece of shredded lamb before plopping it in her mouth. “So what’s happening at six?”

        “Technically it happens later, but remember my aunt I told you about? The psychic one? Yeah, well, I asked her to look into your future—“

        “Now why would you do that?”

        “You’re my roommate…and my first college friend. I wanted to make sure you’ll stay in my life forever, or however long life gives. Soft spoiler—I overacted over nothing.” Her nervous chuckle failed to comfort herself, admitting words Diamond found hard to believe. 

        Her first college friend? Renesmee was always surrounded by people on campus. Of course, when her boyfriend Jacob wasn’t there to scare everyone away with one look. 

        But the feeling was mutual. Although Renesmee wasn’t Diamond’s first friend in college, she valued their friendship and wanted it to last. The soft spoiler confused her though. 

        Renesmee’s chippy personality came back to life. “Anyway, I asked her to look into your future and she told me something life-changing will happen tonight.” She mused.

        “If it’s Karan coming back with a mop, tell her it’s already too late.” Diamond said into another bite.

        “I have no idea who that is but he has nothing to do with tonight.”

        “You know I don’t believe in that shit, Nes. I gave up wishing on a star and learned to accept reality, or whatever form of reality I choose to accept.”

        She sighed. “I know, but you gotta trust me on this one.”

        “Why?”

        Silence filled the line but not for too long.

        “I can’t say just yet, it’ll spoil the future but trust me. You’ve been ranting about how boring and lonely your life has been since moving to Seattle, wanting to spice it up and meet new people. And I get it, it's not like Florida, but this will change everything. It’s exactly what you need and have been searching for.” She said and there was noise in the background. Faded music, shouting voices, and lots of thick wind. “Come down to La Push. There’s a bonfire happening with lots of hot guys from university and drinks, and the beach—which you’ve said you miss. I can also really use the company of my friend. Please come! Please, please !”

        La Push? 

        That was the exact plan Diamond turned down when a few members on the track team asked if she would pop out. Because Mrs. Devgn asked first about the shift, she declined the outing. This had to be a coincidence. A crazy one that was four damn hours away.

        “La Push is nearly four hours away for one. Two, It’s cold as hell. Three, I don’t have a car and Ubering there in this economy is probably over two hundred dollars. Money I’m not tryna spend over she-say.”

        “Not a problem! I’ll Venmo you the money. The cold never bothered you anyway, the bonfire will keep you warm if you get cold.”

        “I can’t take that from you.” Diamond shut down quickly.

        “Why not? There’s more where it came from, remember? Golden spoon.”

        “I don’t wanna be indebted to you.”

        “What debt? I’m inviting you so I should be the one to take care of the expenses. I promise it’s okay. You don’t need to pay me back.” There was a short pause on the line because Renesmee came back. “Scratch that—pay me back by coming. I’ll hold it over your head if you don’t.”

        Diamond never met this aunt Renesmee constantly brought up and chatted with on the phone, or maybe she had and didn’t know with the many people her roommate attracted like a moth to light. But one thing was certain, she made one hell of a case. 

        Her life has been boring maintaining the same sleep-work-practice-homework schedule, and never felt more alone than she had when first arriving in Washington. Diamond wouldn’t consider herself a borderline introvert, but she would never go out her way to introduce herself to strangers unless it was necessary. Unlike those fortunate enough to link with another upon first meeting, Diamond needed time to warm up to someone. Only then could she be her unfiltered self. But because of those limits she was hesitant to push has caused her life to spiral into uncertainty and unfulfilled satisfaction. 

        Aside from her job, Diamond had nothing to lose. If her roommate’s supposedly psychic aunt swore down this night would change the trajectory of her sad life, then the risk—including the freezing weather and the four-hour long drive—was worth it. 

         “Fine. I’ll come to this stupid bonfire and see what the hype is about.” Diamond agreed and had to hold the phone away from Renesmee squealing with excitement.

        “Thank you! I’ve already sent the money. Come as fast as you can, I’ll see you here!”

————————————-

      𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗦𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗗 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘. The cost to Uber to La Push wasn’t worth the risk and she dreaded the price of heading back to U.W. Even though Renesmee didn’t mind covering the cost, two hundred was still a lot and four hours spent on the road for a word of mouth was delusion at its finest. Hopefully, she could catch a ride back with Renesmee since they were roommates; anything to save money and the installed mindset of feeling indebted even toward genuine acts of kindness.

        The parking lot was overfilled with cars packed with party-goers like sardines, dragging their friends to race across the sand and meet others dancing around multiple lit bonfires and scattered tents. Diamond removed her shoes and socks to bury her toes in the cool white sand. She closed her eyes and inhaled the salty dry breeze. It reminded her of Florida aside from the cold, home she missed very much. 

        “Diamond! You made it!” 

        Diamond opened her eyes to Renesmee running toward her in a royal blue two-piece bathing suit with a black sheer cover-up tied around her waist. Her long brunette hair danced with the wind, and she had the biggest smile on her pale face with her arms stretched out, knocking Diamond slightly off her feet when she came crashing against her. 

        Diamond hugged her back with a warm laughter as she balanced herself and Renesmee apologized. She was almost convinced her friend matched her height until she realized Renesmee was lifting on her toes. Not that she was much taller, only an inch or two apart.

        “I’m so happy you’re here! You’re in for one hell of a night.” Renesmee pulled away from the hug first, radiating indescribably youth and beauty.

        “I would hope so since that’s why I’m here.”

        She shook her head with a knowing smile. “How were you able to get off early? I thought your boss was strict on busy days?”

        “They are, but I lied. Said I was feeling queasy. My boss offered ginger tea and wanted me to wait it out and see how I felt after a while, but ultimately let me go home. Speaking of which, I am riding back with you right?”

        “Of course. I would never leave you here stranded though, I doubt you’ll leave with me after tonight anyway.” Her dark arched brows wiggled, hinting at whatever her supposedly psychic aunt saw in Diamond’s future.

        A gift she still refused to believe as it was impossible to see the future and Renesmee had a weird sense of humor. Anything said out of her mouth couldn't be trusted on rare occasions especially when speaking about her insanely wealthy family. Aside from that, she’s very honest for the most part. 

        “Oh, I definitely will be leaving with you without a doubt.”

        Renesmee shook her head, chuckling. Then she wrapped an arm around Diamond’s and pulled her toward the coolers near the grills flipping over burgers and hot dogs. They popped open two cool bottles of strawberry seagrams. The fizzled fruity taste was more like soda than alcohol, a drink easily finished and grabbed for another round. Mango flavor this time. 

        “I know that’s not Diamond all the way out here? Outside and at a party?” Before she could turn and see who called her out, an arm threw itself around her neck, pulling on her braids. “You said you were picking up an extra shift and couldn’t make it. You lying bitch!”

        Diamond knew it was Kimi, her track teammate. She had rich russet skin and wide-set expressive eyes. Her dark loose curls were thrown in a messy bun, dressed in jean shorts and a hot pink bikini top, showing off her athletic figure. Next to her was Tayen, also another track teammate. She had dyed her hair pink but the color had dulled and her roots were growing in black. Neither opposed the chilly weather and treated it like a regular sunny day.

        Renesmee spoke up before Diamond could. “That’s because I convinced her to put herself over her job. It’s also her first time in La Push so treat her nice.”

        Tayen clasped a hand against Diamond’s shoulder after she was freed from Kimi as if commencing her first experience. “Welcome to La Push and our humbly reservation home to the Quileute tribe, which is open to all who respect our land, culture, and people.”

        Kimi leaned forward, covering her mouth as she whispered, “between me and you, this is only a step into the reservation. If you truly want a taste of our enriching culture—my culture as a Makah, I would speak to the elders. God knows they love sharing a good story about our guiding spirits, ancient legends, and whatnot.”

        “I’ll consider it, thank you.” Diamond said, sipping her drink and tightening her tote bag on her shoulder. She had no idea where her tribe was located but it didn’t dull the excitement to learn about it and more. 

        “Don’t pressure her, Kimi,” Tayen chuckled. “She’s always migrating people to her grandma so she doesn’t have to sit and listen to her talk off her ear.” 

        Kimi playfully shoved Tayen aside to defend herself and this vile accusation that gave Diamond and Renesmee a good laugh. “Hey, she loves fresh new faces! She’s practically forcing me to bring people home even if I gotta kidnap them and drag them across the damn border.”

        Renesmee threw out a protective arm, guiding Diamond behind her. “No one’s kidnapping my roommate so don’t even think about it. I promised to get her home in one piece.”

        Kimi lifted her hands in defeat, finally backing off.

        Renesmee turned to Diamond and took in her attire. “I hope you’re not planning on getting wet in jeans?” She asked and her brows furrowed in confusion. 

        “It’s sixty degrees…?”

        “That’s what the bonfire and alcohol is for, track star. We've ran in colder conditions. You’ll warm up in no time.” Tayen said, which was true. This weather was nothing to her but a different kind of cold compared to Florida. Shorts were still acceptable clothing during Florida’s chilly days, but in Washington, shorts was basically signing a death wish.

        “You did bring a bathing suit, right?” Asked Renesmee. “Where’s your bag?”

        “What bag? I left work straight here,” she chewed her bottom lip, motioning toward her plain black jacket, t-shirt, and jeans. “This is all I have.”

        Renesmee kissed her teeth. “I told you to bring a bag. It’s beach night! Every couple of months the reservation hosts a beach party open to the public. There’s fun activities, movies, music, games, and the only few opportunities we can stay on the beach and sleep in cute tents without being fined.”

        “That’s not what you told me.” Diamond said. “You told me to show up so I assumed this was a few hours type situation then we drive back, not an overnight thing. Why didn’t you tell me all this when we were on the phone? You know I know nothing about this state besides U.W. let alone bonfire night in a city I’ve never been to.”

        Her eyes narrowed with guilt. “Oh. It must’ve slipped my mind when I got too excited about you coming. I’m sorry.”

        Of course, Diamond wasn’t mad at her roommate. It was an honest mistake. “It’s fine. I just don’t have anything else to wear, and I’m not particularly fond of swimming in ice-cold water. I’m unprepared which I don’t like being. But I guess I can participate for the night.”

        Another risk she was willing to take.

        “Okay, don’t panic ladies, I brought extra bathing suits. You’re free to borrow either one and any other stuff needed for tonight. There’s also plenty of shops in Forks too.” Kimi and the rest offered to chip in to ensure a smooth night. 

        Kimi was already guiding Diamond away from the beach and from Tayen and Renesmee to her small black car in the parking lot.

        She changed in the backseat while Kimi kept watched, and talked Diamond’s ear off about various topics. Most were of those she hadn’t met, coach being a pain in the ass last practice, homework due tonight that she hadn’t started on; and had even proposed Diamond should share a tent with her and Tayen since Renesmee would obviously be sleeping with her boyfriend, to which Diamond agreed. She didn’t want to impose on their lovey-doveyness. It would be awkward too. The two were inseparable.

        The strapless one-piece was a little loose around the chest area but it was a perfect fit. They wore the same size in clothes though Kimi was more muscular with bigger breasts and wider hips as opposed to Diamond with both the thighs and the ass but somewhat smaller breasts. She tied her small-sized braids back from her face and shoved her clothes into her tote bag before getting out. 

        Renesmee was spotted with her boyfriend Jacob as they were walking back to the beach. Tayen was nowhere to be found, nothing out of the ordinary. There were a lot more shirtless men than there were before. All long-haired, muscular, with a tribal tattoo on their arm much similar to Jacob's if not the same. And all unaffected by the chilly weather.

        Jacob had his arms wrapped around her slim body, reaching over her shoulder to bite into the chili hotdog Renesmee was feeding him. She squealed when chili kept dropping on her, so he struck out his tongue and licked wherever it fell along her skin. 

        Diamond wasn’t aware of the creepy smile on her face until her cheeks were aching. Renesmee and Jacob were disgustingly cute together, practically meant to be. Their warm interaction highlighted the loneliness weighing her heart. They had the type of love Diamond wanted to experience someday if life allowed it to happen.

         She hadn’t the best experience with love. She hadn’t even been in a relationship before or surpassed the talking stage. Most was due to her priorities with track and solidifying her career so she wouldn’t end up like her mother, stuck in the same neighborhood she was raised in. Comfortable with nothing and too afraid to feed on any inner ambition. 

        But also because the wanna-be men in her life weren’t looking for a partner but a replacement for their mother.

        And while Diamond was content by herself with friends, she still hoped to live out that first love fantasy in time.

        “Oh, Diamond! Kimi! You’re back already.” With a gasp, Renesmee placed the half-eaten hotdog back on the plate and tried to pull free from Jacob but his arms kept her secure against his broad chest.

        She slapped his arms, but it didn’t stop his tongue from grazing up her neck and reaching her earlobe. Her cheeks burned bright red as he muttered something that only she could hear unless it was the fire casting its glow.

        Kimi gagged as if she heard him. “You guys are disgusting.”

        “Jacob!” Renesmee giggled, hitting him again. “You’re so—let me go! We’re in company.”

        “They don’t mind.” He said while kissing along the rim of her ear. Renesmee rolled her eyes, yet didn’t stop him this time.

        “I mind. Plus you reek of outside!”

        “You never minded it.”

        Renesmee said nothing, proving his point.

        Kimi looked past the couple and stood straight when someone or something caught her attention. “Hi, Edward!” She greeted the mass of people with a wave Diamond was unable to pinpoint. 

        Jacob immediately ripped himself off Renesmee and composed himself into a respectable man any woman would bring home to meet her family. No longer the horny man whispering nonsense in his girlfriend’s ear, who also pushed herself from her boyfriend. The quick action caused the hotdog to slip off the paper plate. She adjusted her bikini top before pushing her voluminous hair over her shoulders to cover her chest. 

        Kimi’s face deepened a dark color of red, her lips pressed tight and her cheeks were inflated with air as she struggled to contain her laughter. It was then when the couple looked back to nothing that she couldn’t hold it anymore and laughed in their faces.

        Jacob kissed his teeth while pushing back his short dark hair. “You play too damn much. He’s not even allowed on our land without permission.”

        “Yet you still fell for you.” Kimi hugged her stomach, laughing still. Jacob jumped at her and she flinched, but it didn’t stop her laughter.

        “Edward?” Diamond questioned while slipping on her jacket. The name sounded familiar but couldn’t be sure since her roommate talked about people often when Diamond’s just getting back from practice so their names mush together.

        “My d—my cousin. You’ve met him before, remember? Tall and moody with bright eyes.” Renesmee knelt to pick up the sandy hotdog and placed it on the plate which Jacob took from her to toss out. 

        “Ah right.”

        Diamond did remember her cousin, Edward. He visited every once in a while with his wife, Bella. They often took Renesmee out on weekly dinners that would last for hours or even days and had her coming back to the dorm at odd hours. They were nice and welcoming and Edward even once guessed a thought on Diamond’s mind before she said it. 

        Though it’s strange because while they weren’t Renesmee’s parents, whom she had never met, as young as they were, their interactions were far from cousins and more parental. Their appearances alone were uncanny especially when compared to Bella. The two of them were constantly hitting her line. 

        “Jacob, you remember Diamond?” Renesmee changed the subject when Jacob returned with another hotdog.

        He extended his hand toward Diamond which she took. “The roommate, of course. We always meet in awkward situations.”

        “We do.” Oftentimes when the couple were engaging in sexual activities. Renesmee forgets to give Diamond a heads up or put something on the door, which sucked on days when she couldn’t wait to rot in bed after studies.

        “We should change that. I hear so much about you from Nessy, I feel we’re already the best of friends.” It came out as a tease directed to his girlfriend who didn’t mind him. Her attention was fixated on their surroundings, scanning the crowd as if searching for danger. 

        “Likewise and we should.” Diamond agreed. Her reply sounded as awkward as it was. Jacob wasn’t a stranger in a sense but they weren’t close on any level and their only connection was Renesmee.

        “Anyway, I’m glad you could make it. Tonight will be a festive of activities so don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and let loose.”

        Diamond was starting to look forward to tonight aside from whatever the future held. The alcohol kept her warm as well as the bonfire they stood by, feeling herself loosen up. She needed a break from her usual routine—fresh air.

        “Why you’re back so early from patrol?” Kimi asked out of nowhere and Diamond felt their eyes on her for reasons she didn’t care to analyze. 

        Her attention was captured by a fifteen year old girl playing in the water with a boy who looked around her age, possibly a bit older. He would howl like a wolf and beat his chest like a monkey, his short curly hair gone with the wind with his tattoo—just like Jacob—on display. The girl covered her face in embarrassment and splashed water on him with her other hand, causing him to rush after her. 

        They weren’t the only cute couple in the mix of locals and drunk college students, existing as if only they existed. Jacob and this guy weren’t the only ones showing off this particular tribal tattoo, though it seemed those with it were occupied by a romantic partner. It was like it was an initiation before getting into a relationship.

        Jacob ran a hand through his short hair, a stressful sigh filling his lungs as he spoke. “Something’s wrong with Seth.” At this, Kimi panicked and bombarded Jacob with hordes of questions that he had to lift his hand to quiet her so he could continue. “Seth’s fine. He’s as healthy as the rest of us, but we had to cut patrolling short because he needed to come back.”

         “Why?” Kimi inquired and Jacob shrugged.

        “Who the fuck knows. It’s Seth. His mind was distracted and the p—” A quick look in Diamond’s direction was noted. “—the group struggled to concentrate, so I allowed him to return. But I got worried and followed behind to check on him and ensure he hadn’t knocked his head somewhere. He’s acting stranger than usual.”

        So were they, but Diamond didn’t question anything outwardly.

        Kimi sighed with relief upon hearing this. “That’s Seth for you. My cousin’s always been a little weird since I can remember. He’s probably hungry.” She chuckled and everyone but Diamond, who didn’t know this person or what he was like, agreed. 

        “Probably so, it sounds like him for sure. But if Seth is in any kind of trouble I’ll be the first to know, so don’t go alerting Sue or your sister Emily yet.” Jacob pulled Renesmee closer to his side with an arm around her waist. She molded against him, a perfect fit. They were like magnets; unable to go a moment without physical contact.

        Kimi tilted back her head to drink the rest of her bottle, only to quickly realize it was emptied. “I need another well-deserved drink after breaking my track record by nine seconds. Diamond, let’s leave these lovebirds to their disgusting conversation.”

        Renesmee playfully rolled her eyes. “Our conversation is pretty tamed compared to others.”

        “Yes, and I’m never free from them when we’re together.”

        Diamond did agree to go with Kimi for another drink, leaving Renesmee behind with her boyfriend who wanted her to remain close. She was in need of another drink, unable to put down the seagrams, and in need of food—something to snack on since Mrs. Devgn’s cooking hit the spot. There were more leftovers, tied in a plastic bag shoved in her purse that hung heavy on her shoulder. 

        Opting for two little bags of chips, Renesmee was overheard telling Jacob something he needed to know regarding Seth. But instead of outright telling him with words, Diamond watched as her hand caressed his muscular arm in a prolonged manner, starting from his wrist. No words were exchanged the entire time but Jacob’s eyes snapped in Diamond’s direction with shock. She tore away her gaze toward Kimi pouring herself a drink from a questionable clothed bottle. However it was too late since they knew she was watching.

        “Are you sure?” His question carried far, and Diamond could now feel their gazes burning holes through her head. It made her self-conscious for some reason. 

        Like they knew this bathing suit wasn’t a perfect fit, or she’s had way too many seagrams and didn’t save any for everyone else, or there was something on her face no one was telling her about, or something worse. 

        Jacob shook his head with a chuckle. “That explains everything. Sue will faint once she hears of this.” He responded to Renesmee whose voice hadn’t been heard at all.

        But the strangest part—which had nothing to do with Diamond—was how they communicated without words. Spot on as if they were reading each other’s minds. It wasn’t the first she caught her roommate conversing in that manner, and by the looks of it, it wouldn’t be the last. 

        Kimi returned with her red cup filled with a brown-like substance and offered the cup to Diamond. “Wanna sip? This is the real shit you can’t just buy from any local booze store. This batch takes our elders over forty years to brew, traditions that've been passed down for centuries. Could even be called a potion.”

        Diamond took the cup and sniffed it. The strong smell forced her head back and cleared her throat as it burned through her nostrils and down her throat. “What’s in it?” She asked while fighting to control her expression so as not to offend anyone. The smell only caught her off guard.

        “Never asked, never cared.” She shrugged. The hype music had her swaying her hips and mouthing lyrics to the wrong part of the song. “Fair warning though, it’ll have you so fucked up you’ll be dining with Jesus himself.”

        Diamond handed back the cup. “No thanks. I’m not tryna dine with a dead man in a place I’ve never been before with people I’m meeting for the first time. That’s a crime scene waiting to happen.”

        “A sip won’t do much but have you light-headed and warm. Few more sips will have you lightly fucked up, but it’ll all wear off in a few hours or so. No pressure though.”

        Kimi added the last part in case she was coming off too strong. Diamond didn’t feel like being light-headed for a few hours, but her curiosity got the best of her. She also didn’t want to turn down a drink with history behind it that Kimi willingly shared. It was an experience she wouldn’t have again.

        She took the cup and did her best not to smell it while taking a sip bigger than expected. Its bitter taste burned down Diamond’s throat immediately upon contact, forcing her to cough like a mad woman. The alcohol left a strange sweet aftertaste. 

        “What the fuck?” Diamond heaved.

        Kimi took the cup before anything spilled. “Yeah,” she chuckled while rubbing Diamond’s back, agreeing with her reaction. “It gets better after a few times.”

        “I’m barely surviving my first time.”

        “You’re doing better than most.”

        Diamond decided then to stick with her seagrams especially when her environment started tilting. She grabbed onto Kimi’s arm to level herself. She knew what she was getting herself into but didn’t expect one sip to affect her like this. More like she didn’t believe Kimi, which she described as a potion.

        Kimi was looking over Diamond’s shoulder when she squealed right into her ear. “Speak of the Devil, there goes little Seth.” 

        She waved behind Diamond and she turned to see an attractive guy heading toward their direction from what she could make out through her tilting environment. He appeared tall from the distance growing shorter and was one of the few who wore a shirt. A plain sleeveless gray shirt that hung at the side and showcased his tribal tattoo, as well as his well-built figure. Not big and bulky like the rest of the men, neither was he lanky and thin. His curly long hair was tied messily back with loose strands shaping his youthful face, and his russet-colored skin glowed beneath the moonlight.

        He was cute. 

        It didn’t hit Diamond that she was staring him down, unable to look away when their eyes met. Like some weird mystical force refusing her to look elsewhere until she forcefully ripped away her gaze—way too fast that she gripped Kimi’s arm tighter to steady herself from falling over. Fuck this drink was strong.

        Kimi didn’t mind being used as a rest stop since it was her drink she offered. She assured Diamond she was okay and her symptoms were normal, but if something didn’t feel right to alert her immediately. She felt fine for now.

        But when glancing back at the guy, supposedly Seth, chills scorned her arms because he looked at Diamond, as if she was the only woman to exist in his world. His surroundings weren’t of his concern.

        She looked away again. 

        Kimi stepped forward when he was within feet. “Seth, you alright? Jacob told me you weren’t feeling—” She was pushed passed and Diamond knew he was standing directly in front of her.

        “Um…” She stepped back, unsure what this man wanted and why he stopped directly in front of her when his cousin called for him. “Hi? Can I help you?”

        A firm arm slid around Diamond’s back, his hand cupping her chin, brushing his thumb along her glossy lips. Diamond flinched at his heated touch, nearly feverish. He lifted her face to meet his strucken gaze displaying a range of emotions. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, taking in every detail of her face. “I love you already.”

        Diamond opened her mouth to protest but was fed her words when the stranger leaned forward to capture her lips. Her pulse quickened when he took a chance to deepen the kiss further when her lips parted in shock. The kiss didn’t have a consistent rhythm. In truth, it was sloppy, possibly due to Diamond struggling to participate against an eager kisser taking everything for himself. Though she wasn’t one to speak.

        This was her first official kiss. Minus kissing games back in freshman year in high school that were quick and short due to shyness and not having enough players.

        And this stranger stole it. 

        Diamond quickly came to her senses and lifted both her hands—one filled with the bags of chips—and pushed at his broad chest. He was much stronger than he looked, it was like pushing at a rock. He immediately tore himself off once deciphering her attempt.

        “What the fuck is your problem?” There was not one inch of guilt on his face and it pissed her off. 

        So she slapped him. 

        Hard.

𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔

𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆

If you like what you read and wish to read more of this fic, you can read more here

[ioaezz]

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ ACE my name characters with their idol!s/o (headcannons!)

choi mujin —

- this man will buy anything that has your name on it including the sport car that you created

- you had been given the chance to create your own car and when mujin found out about it he immediately tried to buy it

- key word tried

- apparently your fans were counting down the seconds that it came out

- and when it was finally his turn the bright screen of his computer said that the cars had been sold out already

- this man would become so frustrated by your fans bc no one would give up their car, no matter the price he offered

- when you came home from practice you found your boyfriend furiously tapping at his computer while a cigarette hung from his lips

- he looked up at you when he heard you entering his office

- when you asked what happened he told you that your fans are crazy maniacs

- apparently one of your fans tried to bribe him to get him to get you sign their turtle in exchange for the car

- as he annoyingly tapped his finger against his desk you walked up to him with a smile before kissing him

- he returned the kiss while pulling you onto his lap, his arms wrapping around your waist while yours were wrapped around his neck

- after a short make out session you parted with a bright smile on your face

- istg your man’s face dropped when you told him that you already owned the original car

- but he’d still try to buy your car from you bc he really wants that shit with your name on it

- you eventually gave in with a smile before you handed him the keys to now his new car

- he’s inseparable with that mf car

- and he’d get so mad whenever there’s a scratch on it or if there’s a splatter of blood that accidentally got on it during a fight

- he’ll side eye any other car he’s in bc it’s not as good as yours

- your groups songs would automatically be downloaded so he listens to it anytime he’s driving

- one time taeju got into his car and mujin insisted on driving and when he turned on his playlist which is filled with your songs taeju eyed him with a raised brow

- just imagine two feared gangsters listening to girly pop music with a straight face while chasing some other gangster that betrayed them

do gangjae —

- gangjae loved it when you did interviews but he really really hated it when you had to lie about your relationship

- he knew you had to do it bc of your company but it didn’t stop his annoyance though

- especially not as he watched your most recent interview in his car while a cigarette hung from his lips

- he had a fond look in his eyes as he watched you laugh at something that your members had said

- but when the man interviewing you asked you about your love life and you awkwardly laughed while denying having a relationship he could feel his fists tighten against his phone

- he watched the rest of the interview and glared at anyone that tried to speak to him

- later that evening when you came back home he grinned at you before kissing you heatedly

- the rest of the evening was spent in your shared bedroom and when you finally fell asleep gangjae took your phone

- he unlocked it quietly before opening instagram

- gangjae glanced at your sleeping form in his arms with a slight smile while choosing a couple of pictures of the two of you

- in one of the pictures his arms were wrapped around you while you held your phone

- while in another one the two of you were in his car after an event that you went to, he remembers picking you up and right before the two of you were about to kiss he snapped a picture of the moment claiming he didn’t have enough pictures of the two of you together

- the last picture of you was a mirror pic where you had your arms wrapped around his neck while kissing his cheek lovingly, his tattoos and abs were full on display and your body was pressed against his

- gangjae skimmed through the pictures one more time, putting a red heart in the caption before he posted the pictures for the whole world to see

- he quickly shut your phone off making sure it was silenced so nobody would disturb your time together before he wrapped his arms further around you placing a kiss against your nose

- the next morning you let out a groan but you weren’t able to reach for your phone because your boyfriend tightened his grip around your waist

- eventually you were able to escape from his grip and when you finally took your phone you saw a billion notifications from everyone you knew

- you furrowed your brows in confusion before replying to your manager who was talking about some instagram post so you immediately went to your page only to see a few pictures of you and gangjae blowing up

- your mouth fell open and your phone fell from your hand as you felt your boyfriend crawl behind you to kiss your neck

- ‘what’s wrong baby?’

- you quickly turned to him, already having figured out that he was the one to post those pictures

- he immediately calmed you down telling you that he’ll fully take the blame for it with a grin on his face while you complained to him with your head buried into his shoulder

- so for the next two weeks you were busy with interviews, lives and press conferences while gangjae enjoyed that he could finally be your proper boyfriend

jeon pildo —

- this man was sitting behind his computer screen waiting for your album to come out before immediately pre ordering it

- even though you told him that you would gladly give him an album for free he refused telling you that he wanted for you to make money out of it

- so he waited three weeks for his album to arrive

- his album arrived in the morning right before he had to leave for work but he couldn’t wait to open it so he took it with him to open during his lunch break despite the fact that his colleagues would tease him for it

- after a quiet morning of sitting at his desk he finally got the chance to open his album instead of eating his lunch

- he tore the carton box that was around the album before finally taking the album into his hands with a smile

- but just before he could even look through the album, his colleagues came in

- hyejin sat down at her desk next to his while glancing at the bright pink album in his hands

- she raised her brow which made pildo roll his eyes at her

- when she asked him what it was he quickly told her that it was his girlfriend’s album

- but when he said that she didn’t realise that he meant it as in that the album was made by you and not bought by you

- he quickly went through your members their pages before stopping at yours

- he took his time to admire you with heart eyes while hyejin looked curiously at his album

- ‘that’s my girlfriend’ pildo said proudly while showing her a picture of you

- ‘she’s pretty’ his partner told him while watching him staring at your pictures with loving eyes and an amazed smile

- and when he finally came to the extras he nervously shifted in his seat praying for one of your photocard

- he took the first pc before flipping it and falling back in his seat when he got one of your members instead of you

- he quickly pushed the pc away hoping that one of the two remaining pc’s is one of yours

- then he flipped the second one and let out a sigh when he got another member who wasn’t you

- he quickly readied himself and flipped the third and last pc a wide smile blooming on his face as he saw your sparkling eyes and kind smile

- pildo immediately send you a picture of his new photocard of you that he could add to his collection before taking his other photocards to try to trade them online with a pc of yours

- with a final smile he put the photocard in his wallet so he could always keep you close to him

jung taeju —

- the thing taeju hated more than anything was when you left for tours because he knew he could never go with you

- so he resorted to watching interviews and concerts of you after a hard day of work and coming home to an empty house

- he called you anytime he could and made a habit of sending you gifts as often as he could

- and you absolutely loved to come back to the hotel while knowing that there would be a present on your bed waiting for you after a long tiring concert that had absolutely drained you

- you opened your door while quickly bidding your members goodnight before closing your door with a sigh

- you entered your bedroom and a smile grew on your face when you saw an expensive looking gift neatly placed on your bed

- you pulled your phone from your pocket and quickly pressed on your boyfriend’s contact number

- taeju picked up his phone at the first ring while laying on your shared bed with his arm underneath his head

- a smile spread across his face when he heard your voice for the first time that day while you jumped onto the bed, quickly putting him on loudspeaker to be able to open the package he send you

- he quietly listened to you gleefully unpacking the expensive vivienne westwood necklace that he picked for you himself

- as you thanked him endlessly he asked to face time you so he would be able to see you and you happily did it while thanking him endlessly

- you put on the necklace and showed it to him while he compliments you endlessly

- for the next few hours you talk with each other until you fell asleep while taeju watched you lovingly already counting down the days that you come back home to him

- but he was pleased enough when he noticed you wearing your new necklace at your next concert

yoon jiwoo —

- you and your girlfriend were walking hand in hand through the empty streets while talking quietly with one another

- your relationship had to be kept secret so your company told you to tell people that she was just your friend

- fortunately jiwoo didn’t mind that much because she was a pretty private person and liked to be able to walk around without dispatch taking secret pictures of her

- as the two of you were talking about your weekend plans she noticed a group of high schoolers following the two of you while giggling loudly

- she tugged on your hand which made you turn towards her with a soft smile before it slightly fell at her serious expression

- you looked at the direction she nudged her head to before you smiled warmly at the teenagers that froze when they noticed you saw them

- after a few seconds they ran up to you before bowing at you and complimenting you for your hard work which made you smile wider

- you noticed jiwoo letting go of your hand when your fans asked for some pictures but decided to talk with her after the encounter

- a few minutes later you were having a friendly conversation with them but you noticed them squirming nervously while glancing at your girlfriend every few seconds

- your fingers grazed hers for a second and it seemed to wake her up from her daze

- your fans left shortly after and you quickly linked arms with your girlfriend again while continuing your walk

- when you asked what was wrong she just shrugged so you decided to drop the subject noticing that she wasn’t in the mood to talk to about it

- you quickly looked around before dragging your confused girlfriend into an empty, darkly lit street before kissing her softly

- she softened into the kiss and put her hand on your cheek

- and you knew she knew what you wanted to tell her when you parted with heavy breathing and soft smiles

©cupidsheqrt , 2023.

perm tag list: @redm4ri, @stopeatread, @yourfavoritefreakyhan, @saiewithakatana, @kyuupidwrites, @i-dont-know-me-either

[wtfsheikura]

Chapter 3

I CAN’T BELIEVE THE AUDACITY of this man. We’ve only spent five minutes together, and he’s already trying to get me to have sex with him—unbelievable. I’ve heard the rumors about him, but I didn’t think he’d be this brazen, and with me no less.

“That line may have worked on the roster of women you’ve been with in the past, but it will absolutely not work on me.” I scowl, lifting my chin to meet his gaze. “If Suguru heard that you just tried to proposition me in a hotel bar, he would be appalled.”

Satour presses his lips together, attempting to hold back from laughing. “N/n, if I were asking you to sleep with me, I’d come right out and say it.”

I sigh in relief, but a part of me feels dejected at his apparent indifference.

“You’re not?” I ask, giving him side-eye.

“Don’t think for a second that it means I’m not interested,” he says, his Blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “A friend of mine owns a nightclub next to Premiere, and I always stop by when I’m in town. They serve top-shelf alcohol, which is loads better than the watered-down shit they serve here.” He gestures toward the liquor display behind the bar. “What do you say? Get a real drink with me?”

He thinks that’s more convincing.

“No thank you,” I say without hesitation.

Men spell trouble, and I can’t forget it. Although Sukuna's notion of embracing one night of making bad decisions plays in my mind. Getting a drink with Satour would undeniably qualify as a bad decision.

“Why not? It’s just one drink,” he urges.

I rub my temples, trying to keep calm despite his persistence. “Because I have a hunch one drink would turn into two with you,” I say bluntly.

The adult version of Satour exudes sex appeal and confidence and cannot be trusted. He’s the type of man I avoid like the plague. They lure you in with pretty words, lavish gifts, and empty promises—leaving you to pick up the broken pieces once they’re gone.

“N/n, it’s only a drink with a friend,” he assures me like he can read my mind. “It sounds like you’ve had a long week and could use a night out.”

“I have no interest in watching you get plastered and gyrate against every woman in the club. Now, why don’t you take a hint and disappear like Larry?” I regret my comment when a brief flash of hurt flashes across his face.

“Whoever caused you to become so distrusting deserves to suffer for what they did.” Satour places his hand on mine. “Word of advice. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Just because I haven’t had a serious girlfriend since high school and like to have a good time doesn’t mean I’m a bad guy.”

He leans in so his mouth brushes against my ear. “For the record, I was going to take you to a piano bar on the club’s second floor. You’re the only woman I have any interest in spending time with tonight,” he murmurs as he lifts his hand off mine.

I feel a pang of loss when he moves back, takes out his wallet, and places a crisp hundred-dollar bill on the counter. He didn’t order anything, so I assume it’s to cover my martini and leave a generous tip.

A sense of unease washes over me when he slides off his barstool without a word.

I’d let him walk out the door if I knew what was good for me. However, despite my pretense of indifference, the thought of not seeing him again for an undetermined amount of time doesn’t sit well with me.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Sukuna’s advice from our earlier conversation pops into my head.

One drink with Satour Gojo can’t hurt, right? Like he said, it’s just a harmless night catching up between two childhood friends.

I must be a masochist because I have a habit of putting myself in situations with men who I think I can trust, only to end up hurt and alone. I shake my head in disgust. That line of thinking is exactly what Satour called me out for. I’m so cynical and quick to make assumptions. He has done nothing to deserve that.

When I look up, he’s halfway across the lobby. I toss my phone into my purse and chase after him.

“Gojo, wait,” I shout, disregarding the questioning looks from the other guests.

He spins around, searching my face for a moment, a grin lighting up his features when it seems he’s found whatever it was he was looking for.

His reaction sends another uncontrollable flutter through my stomach.

“Yes, N/n?” he asks, tapping his foot while he waits.

“I want to go to the piano bar with you if the invitation still stands.” I hold my hand up when he opens his mouth. “But I’m holding you to your promise about it only being one drink. We’ll catch up, and then I’ll be on my way.”

Sukuna would be so proud.

“If that’s what you want.” He opens the door before I can question him further, placing his hand on my lower back as we step out onto the street.

That was too easy.

So much for just one drink. I’m buzzed enough to feel more like the Y/n that Satour used to know than I have in years.

When we arrived at the piano bar, the line to get in was wrapped around the block, but we were ushered inside and taken to the best seats in the place, offering the perfect view of the stage.

We’ve been here for over an hour and I’m still awestruck by the charm of the place.

Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the plush velvet couches and polished marble flows. The massive space is filled with the notes of a grand piano playing a lively jazz piece as servers hurry from table to table.

Our waitress appears and shoots Satour a flirtatious smile while checking him out. She set her sights on him as soon as we were seated at our table. The noticeable gap between us speaks volumes, indicating we’re not a couple. “Can I get you anything else, sir?”

“Yeah. Can we get another shot of tequila and another whiskey on the rocks?” he says as he taps his empty glass.

“Certainly,” the waitress coos, her voice dripping with honey.

I roll my eyes at her obvious display of interest. She couldn’t be more transparent if she tried.

“Thank you.” Satour gives her a grin before she walks away.

Our waitress isn’t the only one who has noticed him. Every woman in the piano bar steals glances in our direction, blatantly eye-fucking Satour every chance they get.

His wavy hair falls around his face, concealing most of his scar, except for a small section near his chin, adding a touch of mystery to his appeal. The top two buttons of his shirt are undone, and his muscular forearms are visible with his rolled-up sleeves, making him irresistible eye candy. 

I appear to be the only one immune to his charm.

At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

“You were glaring at the waitress again,” Gojo observes. “Did you want something other than tequila?”

“I was guessing how long it’ll take you to invite her back to your room tonight. Just say the word, and I’m happy to make my exit so you two can have your privacy.”

“Somebody’s jealous.” He scoots closer and throws his arm over my shoulders.

“What are you doing?” I hiss.

I attempt to move away, but he gently pulls me back into his embrace. “I’m making sure there’s no question that I’m here with you,” he says softly.

His words cause me to melt into his arms, reminiscent of our high school days when he would comfort me in the same way… I forgot how much I missed it.

The waitress reappears at our table with our drinks in hand. “Here you are—” She stops short when she notices Satour’s arm around me.

“Is there a problem?” Satour raises a brow.

“No, not at all,” she says as she collects our empty glasses.

“That’ll be all, thanks,” he says, effectively dismissing her.

I don’t miss her crestfallen expression at being rejected.

Satour has a way with women that draws them in. He has always been kind, genuine, and straightforward, qualities women appreciate. In contrast, my frosty demeanor turns most men off, but it hasn’t fazed Satour. Even when I told him off, he brushed it off like it never happened.

“Cheers.” He holds up his glass of whiskey, bringing it close to the shot of tequila I have in my hand.

“Cheers,” I echo as our glasses clink together, downing the shot in one swallow.

This is my fourth shot since we arrived. I’m not sure how I’ve allowed myself to get so tipsy. After my watered-down martini at the hotel bar, the tequila was a welcome improvement.

This has to be my last drink, or I’ll end up doing something I’ll regret, like kissing my brother’s insanely attractive best friend.

As Satour lifts his drink to his lips, I notice a flash of color on his wrist.

That can’t be what I think it is.

I grab his wrist to examine it closely, a splash of whiskey spilling onto my arm from jostling his glass. He’s wearing a blue and white corded bracelet on his right wrist that looks identical to the one I gave him when he was in the hospital recovering from his accident.

“Is this—”

“The bracelet you made?” He pauses, looking me in the eye. “Yeah, it is.”

In high school, I went through a phase where I learned to make macrame friendship bracelets. I made one for Suguru and our friends. I had planned to give Satour the one I made for him at school, but he was hit by a car the night before.

When Suguru and I went to visit him in the hospital after his accident, I brought the bracelet with me.

“Why do you still have it?” I ask breathlessly.

“It’s… special,” he states matter-of-factly. “When I was in the hospital, everyone who came to see me looked at me with pity. Even Suguru treated me differently. But not you. When you stepped into the room, you cracked jokes about how pale I was and how you were convinced I had been turned into a vampire.” He stares into the distance as if he’s being drawn back into the memory. “I told you I was worried about what everyone would think of me when they removed the bandages on my face, and that’s when you gave me this.” He rubs the faded string between his fingers. “You told me whenever I felt discouraged, the bracelet would serve as a physical reminder to have courage and to remember that I’m stronger than I think. And you were right; it’s been my lucky charm ever since.”

I gaze at the visible part of his scar. It’s clear he views it in a negative light—a physical reminder that he’s different. I wish he could see it the way I do.

When I lock eyes with him, I confirm his sincerity.

The bracelet’s colors have faded, and the edges have frayed, and yet he’s continued to wear it all these years.

My breath hitches when he reaches out to tuck a stray piece of hair behind my ear. If I were sober, I would swat his hand away and remind him that this is just drinks between friends. Tipsy me seems to have forgotten about boundaries, leaning into his hand like a kitten being stroked on the head.

Maybe I’m not so immune to his charms after all.

“I have a confession,” he murmurs so softly I have to strain to hear him. “There’s something else I kept.”

“What is it?” I don’t bother hiding my curiosity.

“The napkin that we used to sign our marriage pact on. Do you remember?”

I stare at him wide eyed. “I do.”

How could I forget the worst day of my life up to that point being turned around because of Satour’s thoughtfulness?

My boyfriend dumped me just hours before our senior prom. I was humiliated that I was naïve enough to think that we were going to be together forever.

When Satour found me reading behind the old Yaga house, he listened to me ramble on about soulmates and how worried I was that I’d never find mine. The joke is on me because I learned the hard way that there isn’t such a thing. Relationships never last, no matter how much you want them to.

Most friends would have laughed off my silly notions, but not Satour. He came up with the idea for us to sign a marriage pact as a backup plan, and despite my new perspective on love being a myth, I never forgot the sweet gesture.

“I figured you threw it away.”

“Never.” He gazes at me, and up close I can see the golden flecks in his blue eyes. “I liked the idea that in an alternate reality you’d be mine.” I feel lightheaded when he caresses my cheek with the back of his hand, his knuckles rubbing against my jaw.

The sober me would tell him he’s full of shit and remind him that a woman can’t be owned. Too bad the tipsy me is relishing the fact that Satour Gojo just confessed in a roundabout way that he kept the marriage pact we made in high school because he likes me… or at least he did.

“I have an important question to ask you,” he says.

“Which is?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.

He leans in closer, like he has a secret to share, and trails his fingers along my arm, sending a course of electricity through me at the touch. “Please tell me you’re single,” he murmurs.

“That’s not a question,” I quip playfully.

“I can’t ask you to marry me if you’re with someone else,” he says with a mischievous, boyish grin.

An uncharacteristic giggle escapes my lips. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

“It makes perfect sense.” He removes his arm from around my shoulder and clasps my hands in his. “We’re both single, in our thirties, and there’s a chapel right down the street. Marry me, N/n.”

I stare at him, trying to process his words. “We haven’t seen each other in fourteen years,” I remind him.

Thanks to the alcohol, it’s like my brain is on a coffee break, leaving me unable to come up with a better retort.

“So?” Satour murmurs. “They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, don’t they? Some connections can’t be ignored, no matter how long you’ve been apart.”

I knit my eyebrows in confusion. “What are you saying?”

“Marry me,” he repeats, sidestepping my question. “Our pact still means something to me, just like this bracelet does,” he says, nodding to his wrist. “You mean something to me.” Satour cradles my face, sending a shiver down my spine. “Haven’t you heard the best things in life are worth waiting for? Now that you’re finally here with me, I don’t ever want to let you go.”

I briefly close my eyes, wishing he’d stop saying all the right things.

After being engaged to a cheater with average looks, tying the knot with Satour would be a major upgrade. He’s devastatingly handsome and charismatic. Not to mention I’ve known him since we were kids.

“You’re serious about this?”

He nods his head. “I promise I’ll make you happy. You just have to give me a chance to prove it, N/n.” My heart skips a beat when he presses a kiss to my forehead. “Make me the luckiest man alive, and agree to be my wife.”

Nibbling on my lower lip, I feel the weight of his gaze.

Maybe this isn’t such a terrible idea after all. He has worn my bracelet for all these years and admitted that our silly marriage pact meant something to him. Plus, he punched Toji Zenin in the face when he stood me up at our senior prom. That’s true loyalty.

Wait. Am I really considering this?

Warning bells ring loudly in the back of my mind, reminding me those aren’t valid reasons to marry someone, but one too many shots of tequila have drowned out my logical thinking.

“When was the last time you did something just because you wanted to? Be brave, N/n, and take this leap with me,” Satour urges.

“Gojo, are you daring me to marry you?”

“Maybe,” he murmurs. “Is it working?”

“Yes,” I say, a grin spreading across my face, reflecting his contagious excitement. “I think it is.”

[titi-1188]

Twin Flames

WARNINGS: Slight mentions of Alcohol/being Drunk/Vomiting

WORDS: 3.6K+

TROPES/DYNAMICS: Twin Flames | Brother’s Best friend | Mutual Pining | Awkward Confessions

PAIRING: Felix/Reader

EXTRA INFO: Modern Teenage AU | Written in the first person (sigh) | No use of Y/n, instead there’s a kinda cringy nickname | SFW!

AUTHORS NOTE: This is the FIRST time I have ever written a fanfiction like about a celebrity and I still have some mixed feelings about posting this but sigh it’s already written and I might as well! It might be kinda shit (english is NOT my first language) but regardless, I hope you enjoy <3

————

I roll my eyes before hanging up the phone, putting on a hoodie and socks and heading to the car our parents bought Julian and I for our 16th—now at 17, I’m the twin who actually passed the the driver test.

Out of all of Julian’s friends, Felix is the only one who, what I like to call, has the privilege of having my phone number. Out of all of them he’s the one I like the most and am closest too, almost as close as he is to my brother, and I mean who wouldn’t like this man or want to be close to him? Apart from his silly nicknames, not so mild (fairly respectful) clinginess and occasional teasing he is the sweetest, most precious and respectful teenage boy you’d ever meet. The only weird thing about him is that his best friend of all time is Julian—who is his complete opposite.

I drive to the gas station Felix told me him and Julian were currently at and as I pull up I sigh at the sorry sight. My brother, completely drunk leaning on his poor friend and Felix, struggling to hold Julian up while also holding a plastic bag in his other hand.

I get out of my car and Felix’s face lights up “Finally! You’re here!!”, he exclaims, a little too loudly apparently as Julian groans. “Every day you find a new way to embarrass yourself Julian”, I say, my tone laced with annoyance as I walk up to the pair. “You see why we couldn’t go back to mine? My parents know Julian is crazy but they would not approve of this”. I nod as I look at the state my brother is in, the only reason he can get away with this in our house is because our parents simply aren’t there—always on business trips and at work, coming back maybe twice a week for the day before leaving again, I don’t question the legality of it much up until I’m in moments like this and suddenly I have to become the adult and care for his stupid ass.

“Right..let’s get him in the back of the car”, I say, walking up closer. “Wait wait—before that, throw this into the car”, he hands me the plastic bag “We—well I, got you some snacks and stuff at the station and I don’t want them to get damaged during this manoeuvre”. I feel my cheeks flush slightly as I get handed the bag, of course Felix did that, who would he be if he didn’t? “You didn’t have to—“. “Oh come on you deserve it for driving out here to pick us up at half one in the morning”, he says, a grin on his face that makes me loose focus for a mere second. “I suppose I do deserve a little something”, I say cheekily “I could’ve just ignored your call to be honest”. “Exactly.”

We stare at each other for a second before Julian makes out a coherent sentence “Can we just go hooome—it’s sooooo cold”. I roll my eyes and quickly run back to the car, putting the bag on the passenger seat and then running back over to the two to take on the task of helping Julian walk to the car. “Okay Julian…on the count of three you start walking with us..okay?”, I say to him. I watch as Julian gives me a nod and start the count down for him “One…two…and three”, and with only a slight struggle the three of us start walking towards the car in somewhat of a rhythm, and when Felix and I get him into the back seat and buckle him in all we can do is high five in victory before getting into the car ourselves.

“Felix…you’re coming..back home with us..right?”, Julian questions as I turn the car engine on, putting the car into drive. “Oh yeah, yeah”, Felix looks over at me “If that’s cool with you”. I nod as I pull out of the station “Of course…makes me have to drive less”. “Cool, thanks Teddy”, he replies calmly and I can’t help but smile at the nickname. It originated from the time Felix and Julian crashed in my room while I was watching Little Women, Julian finding it absurd that Jo calls Laurie Teddy, while Felix on the other hand found it fairly cute. That night as Felix was falling asleep on my shoulder, Julian on the other, he muttered a soft “Night, Teddy” and it seemed to have stuck with him the most out of all the nicknames he had for me. I glance over at him and momentarily marvel at just how pretty he looks with his dyed blond hair, freckled face and heart shaped lips as he leans his head on the side of the car window—my car window.

And as I look back at the road, taking another turn, I start to wonder whether my strange liking towards Felix was fuelled by anything else. I’ve known Felix since Julian became friends with him at at the age of six, now eleven years later those two are best friends and I like to think that Felix and I are that too—actually I don’t like to think, I know we are. In fact, we could possibly even be closer than him and Julian(whether he’s aware of it or not), if that’s even a possibility-which selfishly, I think it is.

Yes Julian and Felix hangout a lot together, they have most of the same classes together, they get their haircuts together, they play all their stupid video games together, they have sleepovers at our house at twice a week on the weekend and if Felix’s parents let him, Felix will be here for as long as he wants to be—they have been doing everything together for years but there’s something different about Felix and I together.

I can’t help but think of all the times Felix came to my room to hangout with me instead of Julian because he “sees him all the time anyways”—even if it meant dealing with him sulking afterwards(something about betrayal and the breaking of bro-code), all the times he’s slept in my bed, hugging onto me like I really was a teddy bear, with the excuse that Julian once again “took all the covers and wouldn’t give them back”—though in reality Julian only slept under a blanket, for some sick and twisted reason he hates the weight of a duvet—, all the time he’s taken off my makeup for me because I was too tired to do so for whatever reason, all the times he’s helped me study my weaker subjects because he knew I get bad skin irritation from school stress, all the time he’s cheated in games for me so I could win, all the times he’s bought me snacks—just like he did tonight—for literally any reason he could think of and also all the times he’s just come seeking comfort(that I’m sure Julian could provide for him too) because he claims I understand him better and he calms down quicker with me. All those times and more make me think that Felix and I have something different from him and Julian, something even more special.

I’m about to comment on it, thinking of a normalish way of randomly bringing up the level of our relationship to the blond boy sitting beside me when of course Julian ruins it “Dude—I think I’m gonna vomit”. The entire car is sent into a panic of “No Julian don’t!” and “We’re almost home—hold it in!!” mixed with “I’m gonna do it!!” and all of those words echo around the vehicle.

And as much as I’d love to figure out what Felix and I might or might not have, I would not love having to clean up my brothers sick from the backseat of the car so while also encouraging Julian to not throw up, I drive a bit quicker than I’d like to in order to get home and avoid what would be an utter disaster.

Thankfully, I do and it’s almost like we’re all ready for what’s about to happen when I pull up into the driveway.

The second the car stops the three of us spring into action. Get Julian out of car. Unlock the door. Make sure he gets to the nearest bathroom (downstairs by the living room and stairs). Release a sigh of relief(?) when he successfully makes it to the bathroom and throws up there. Look at each other and high five, hands lingering against each other before being interrupted by Julian exiting the bathroom and saying he’s going upstairs to “Sleep this off”. We say a quick goodnight before Felix remembers the snacks he got me and declares that he will go get them. I have to wait at the front door to lock the car again as he does that.

When he comes back in, I drop the car keys back onto the little dish on the cupboard by the front door and look up at Felix who is standing in front of me, holding the plastic bag in hand.

“You know…I don’t think you showed enough appreciation for my gift earlier”, he states in a matter-of-fact way that makes me giggle a bit. “You don’t think so?”. “Nope.”. I roll my eyes playfully and look at him “Then, how can I properly display my appreciation?”, I ask, meeting his gaze. After a moment of thought he starts talking again. “You could…kiss me…”, he pauses and I feel the world stop spinning “..on the cheek.”. And the world starts spinning again.

I watch as he makes it a point to show exactly where with his finger. I let out a breathy chuckle “Seriously?”, I question. “Why wouldn’t I be? Come on—did your parents not teach you any manners?”, he teases, a grin on his face. “A) My parents aren’t around enough to teach me anything and B) I don’t think ‘kissing a person on the cheek’ is a part of any gratitude lesson”, I respond. “Touché.” And it looks like he’s about to say something else but whatever it was I stop him from saying it. For once I decided to be bold and I lean in, kissing his cheek softly, and as I pull back I swear to god I can see his face is turning red, even in the dimly lit corridor.

“Wasn’t so hard, was it?”, he jokes, handing me the plastic bag before indicating to the stairs, “Going to bed?”, he asks and suddenly I realise how tired I am. “Yeah, it’s wayyy past my bedtime”. He laughs a bit “You and your ‘bedtime’, you’re seventeen, not seven!”. “Sleep is really good for the body, why wouldn’t I want a set amount of it every night?”, I ask as I start walking up the stairs, Felix following in suit, chuckling to himself. “Still the way you do it is funny”, he says. “Funny? How on earth is going to sleep at a set time funny?”. “It’s funny cause it’s you and I remember you from when you were 13 and would stay up all night days on end”, he replies as we make it up to the second floor. I turn to face him “And now I’m making up for all of those lost hours.”. He giggles again and must have decided to drop this topic as his next words slightly disappoint me, “I should let you go continue making those hours up, eh? Goodnight”. I nod and smile at him “Goodnight Lix”.

I watch as he goes down the hallway to my brother’s room and I quickly make my way back into mine. I put down the plastic bag before I discard my hoodie and straighten out my t-shirt I was wearing underneath before throwing it onto my desk chair before settling into bed, lying down underneath the covers, attempting to fall asleep.

But I can’t.

My mind keeps wandering back to him. I keep thinking, replaying every little memory I have with him in as much detail as possible. Just so I could ponder if there was any sign ever that I missed from him. Any possible indication. Of anything.

I’m not sure how long I’m there, lying on my back, looking at the ceiling when my room door opens, I don’t need to look at the door as the deep, soft voice betrays the identity of the person. “Hey…you awake?”.

I move onto my side, facing the doorway and look at Felix. His hair is slightly damp and I see he’s changed clothes, they’re not Julian’s so it’s probably clothes he’s just left here. I snap out of my thoughts and answer him “Yeah, what’s up?”, I speak softly, matching his tone. “So..Julian told me to take a shower if I wanted to before bed and I did..but when I came back he was spread eagle on the bed and refused to be woken up..so, can I sleep here?”, Felix asks, fiddling with the hem of his t-shirt. I pat the spot on my bed that’s empty and I can make out the smile that appears on his face as he enters the room fully, closing the door behind him before settling into bed beside me. “Thanks”, he says, adjusting the covers around him. “No problem at all.”

We fall into a silence and I’m about to roll over onto my other side because I simply don’t think I can look at him any longer in fear of saying something dumb but he speaks up first. “Teddy..can we cuddle?”. Those words send me into orbit. I have heard them countless of times before but tonight the air around them is different. Everything is different. “Y-yeah”, I breathe out. He scoots closer to me and drapes an arm around me, holding me closer to him, and somehow intertwines our legs together. We’re face to face and at this point he’d hide his head in the crook of my neck but today he keeps his head on the pillow, his face right next to mine, our noses almost touching, our breaths mingling. I can see every single freckle on his face and he can probably tell how red in the face I’m getting.

“You okay?”, I ask, surprised I managed to even make out those two simple words. He nods and thinks before speaking. “I just…want to make sure we’re on the same page about something.”, he states. I can feel my heart racing inside my chest. His arm that was holding me trails up my side until his hand is cupping my face, caressing my cheek gently with his thumb. “Tonight is…tonight is different, right?”, he asks, keeping his voice soft and somewhat calm, as if raising it slightly would make me disappear “Please tell me you feel it too. Please tell me I’m not imagining this”, he continued, almost pleading with me and I’m in shock for a moment. I can’t move or talk or speak because yes tonight is different. Everything tonight has been different, maybe it has been different for a while now but now that he said it, I can’t think of anything to say.

He looks at me for another second before sighing, and sitting up, running his hands over his face as he looks down. “Fuck I’m sorry..I made it weird—didn’t I? I’m sorry I just thought that-”, he starts to try and explain himself but I quickly interrupt him, sitting up beside him and grabbing his wrist “No no wait—don’t apologise, you didn’t do anything wrong, if anything you pointed out the obvious.” He lifts his head and looks up at me through his eyelashes. God he’s so pretty I almost freeze up again on the spot—what is it with me tonight?! “Normally I can ignore it, I can say it’s something I’ve made up in my head and that it’s one sided..but I think for the past while every time we’ve seen each other it has been a bit different, yeah?”, I say, moving my thumb up and down on his wrist in a comforting manner “So yeah…I feel it too”. I cringe internally at my words but they are words that need to be said so that he knows we are indeed on the same page.

Felix releases a sigh of pure relief. “I thought-I thought I weirded you out”, he turns his entire body to just face me. “No I just…” “Are weird?”. I fake offence at his words and we both laugh. “You know what—I do get a bit weird when it comes to things like these and that’s perfectly okay!”, I argue and he giggles again, taking a hold of my hand. “You know what, it *is* a bit cute..at least to me”, he says, pausing for a moment “You’re so cute Teddy, all the time”. I feel my cheeks turn red at his words. I can’t even describe the feeling in my chest, I don’t know what to do but I know I like whatever is happening. “I’m sorry—I don’t know what else to say”, I mutter, glancing around the room. “Yeah..me neither”, Felix agrees “..but I think we understand each other”. He intertwines our fingers together and a slightly more comfortable silence falls on us again, the air filled with a silent understanding.

“Hey, look at me for a second?”, Felix voices and I turn my head to look at him. “If we don’t have any words to express ourselves…t-then..”, he seems a bit nervous as he speaks like he still isn’t sure of what he’s about to do and I hold my breath. Fairly certain I know what he’s about to do. “T-then what?”, I question. He opens his mouth to speak but must decide against it as instead he takes a deep breath, and before I can process anything his lips are against mine. His lips are against mine. His hand cradles my face again. Oh my god. It takes just a second before my eyes flutter closed and I kiss him back. He pulls away slightly before diving straight back in. The kiss is soft and gentle, which oddly comforts me and puts me more at ease—I always panicked about my first kiss, never believing people when they say it comes naturally, until this moment.

The second time Felix pulls away he leans his forehead against mine. “I really like you Teddy.”, he whispers, a bit more confidently than he was speaking before. “I really like you too, sunshine”. Even in the dark I can tell the nickname for him made him blush too. I think the kiss gave me new found confidence too.

A grin grows on both of our faces and he hugs me, before bringing me down on the bed with him, giggling as he readjusts our position so I’m laying back on his chest as he holds me close. “So…you free tomorrow?”, he asks giddily. “You know I am”, I reply, a smile on my face. “Go along with it—I’m trying to ask you out properly!”, he says with an excited smile. “Yes I am free”, I reply. “Say, a date to the arcade?”, he suggests. “So I can beat you at every game?”, I ask, leaning my head back to get a better look at him. “No, so that I can let you win at every game to see that proud smile on your face”, he retorts. “Whatever you say”, I respond. “Do you accept?”. “Of course I do”. Felix leans down and holds eye contact before kissing me again “Good. I’m glad.”

Felix takes the covers and pulls them up over us again, holding me close to him, cuddled up against his chest. A feeling of warmth is running through my body, a part of me believing this is all a dream and I’m going to wake up and find out that none of tonight actually happened. “You know, this is going against every rule Julian set for anything between you and I”, Felix whispers, running his hand up and down my arm.“He set rules?!”, I exclaim, lifting my head slightly and he shushes me, using his hand to put my head back down. “But..yeah…just the ‘don’t do anything with my sister’ bullshit”. I raise my brows, “Seriously?”. “He’s protective of you Teddy”, Felix says. “He’s only five minutes older”, I groan. Felix chuckles, pressing a kiss to my hair. “Well you know what, I’m willing to face and deal with the wrath of Julian for you”. We both hold eye contact before erupting into a fit of giggles.

And suddenly I know that everything will be okay, that the both of us will be fine and that it doesn’t matter how awkward we can be—we’ll know what we mean because we know each other. And I like that. I like it a lot.

And even though I have a biological twin, my gut is telling me that Felix is my twin flame.

[all-risejd]

Chapter 20: Tilted Dimensions 2

Another crossover with After Shine

From the outside, Tilted Dimensions didn’t look that much different from the other buildings on its block back in Tampa, Florida. Seeing the weathered blue sign, with black lettering, white accents around the letters, in Cincinnati, Ohio, however made Danika pause. The building looks exactly the same, from the mismatched brick that sat over the painted blue sign, to the large windows that opened the front to sunlight, and the white metal chairs and tables out front. She pulls her phone out and quickly texts Finn to let him know she was now running late, and would be picking up donuts. Looking around the cold city that was threatening snow, she tucked her scarf a bit tighter and hurried across the street.

Tommy was behind the bar, his usual barista uniform on, with his tried and true black beanie on his head, and a crooked smile on his face, “Ms. Danika.” He grinned, “Good to see you, Ms. Nessa beat you here.” He pointed her toward a corner booth, where Nessa was in fact sitting. Danika looks at her watch, it's barely ten in the morning, she assumes it's going to be another hour visit, so she sets her watch to time them. Tommy calls after her, “I’ll bring you a drink, and some pastries.”

“Thanks, Tommy.” She mutters back, already sliding into the booth across from Nessa. Danika has gifts for the slightly older woman, having started carrying them around since the last time they saw one another. She slid her messenger bag into the booth against the wall and shot Nessa a big smile, “What the fuck happened to your hair? How have you been? Tell me the drama.” She leans forward, elbows on the table, her eyebrows dancing.

-/-

Nessa looks up from her hot chocolate when Danika slides into the seat across from her, asking a million questions. She sips her drink and wipes the whip cream off her lip before answering strategically, “I wanted to match the colors of the group, I was standing out too much. I have been adapting… They know who my ex is, we have talked and I told Angie and Aalyah and it went well. We are now all just getting harassed by them to have children…” Nessa’s leg bounces up and down rapidly and she begins to chew on her nails again.

“I’m fairly sure Rey is terrified at the concept of us adding children to the melting pot at this moment…” Danika exhales, as Tommy approaches with her White Chocolate Mocha and what looks like a pile of cookies. Nessa immediately grabs one, when Tommy is close enough, as Danika continues to talk, “So, the ex, he must be in the Industry if you're worried about it.” Danika doesn’t phrase it like a question, knowing the answer to a point, Tommy settles both down and heads away, Danika sips her drink, smiling at the warmth.

“I’m not so worried about that, I'm processing that trauma and am never alone when in an arena or event… Yes he is in the company, not just the industry. I know they would never let anything happen. Hunter……. Well I have issues with him but he at leasts is investigating the allegations from others especially since I have now told him but ….. I would love to hit him with his sledgehammer right now.”

“I know where that is in the vault, if you’d like directions.” Danika grins warmly, “Met Scrap Daddy yet?”

Nessa smirks, trying to hide it behind another drink of her hot chocolate. “The Scrappiest of Daddies. Yes and apparently I earned his respect when I said I’d go for his job when he implied I wasn’t a real wrestler. Oh yeah I’m training heavy on it right now. We have had some incidents because of Jefe. And with what I just found out… if it gets out… I’m screwed”

“Ohhh, earned it. I just demanded it.” Danika’s smile is one of mischief, “Although I’m pretty sure either of us could competently do Scrap’s job… no one is a real wrestler in the beginning, that’s why it’s called pro-wrestling, you have to become a professional, and to do that you have to be given a chance, did you hook up with those girls I told you about? And Jefe incidents for you are probably about as fun as Angie incidents for me, and whatever you just found out we can compare to Dominik got arrested at Christmas and spent many nights in jail.” Danika said it all in one go, then realized Nessa probably would prefer it if she didn’t drop bombs and rapidly talk.

“Uh well I demanded more training from Hunter who gave in too easily and now I know why. Asuka, Zelina and Indi are currently training me as well as our lovely partners. Like you, I now have many marks on my neck to keep covered. Courtesy of mainly Luis and Dems. Dom leaves his marks below the collar. After we returned from a week off to help Dems I was all… marked up and had it covered but people saw before it was covered and Jefe made Zelina go off script and hold me down wiping off the makeup… DOMINIK MISSED CHRISTMAS!... Yeah that beats my thing, we don't even need to bring it up. Are you ok! How are the kids?” Nessa rapidly asks when she processes the last thing Danika said.

“We are talking about your ex in the company and the thing you got blindsided by, we aren’t cruising by that. However, for now, I’ll explain.” Danika grabs a cookie and bites into it savagely, “Angie called the real police to a kayfabe story.” Danika pauses to grab another cookie to brutalize as Nessa whispers bitch. “The whole household was fucking messy. Like - it was Jace and Angel’s first Christmas with us, and Dom was so upset he missed it, and like he got hurt, not badly, but bad enough.” Danika pauses, thinking again, “Fergal was amazing through it all, and Luis came to the rescue, we borrowed The Bella's cabin in Canada, and AJ is no longer even remotely associated with us, he got injured, and is out. Uh, oh - oh - Rey and Dom made up after everything, and Rey is maybe flirting too close to the sun with Liv.” Danika’s on her fourth cookie.

Nessa munches on the cookies like she is eating popcorn watching a telenovela and nodding along proudly when she hears about AJ’s injury and non association but chokes on the cookie hearing about Jefe and Liv. Tom appears and sets down a glass of water in front of Nessa and pats her back before walking off again. Danika waits for her to recover, before adding the juicy bit of information, “He touched the butt on live TV, Nes, the butt.” Danika’s pitch is scandalized and a bit worried. Nessa begins to giggle uncontrollably once she stops choking.Sobering up Danika offers, “They are good together, like… I hate to say it but they really do seem to find comfort in each other, and if it makes Jefe happy, it makes us happy. Aalyah is a bit, uh, grossed out sometimes, Dom I think is proud that Jefe’s still got it.”

“As gross as that is, I get it. Angie and Jefe are arguing he wants to disown Dom until he comes back but she isn’t having it. She actually said that all of the Judgement Day are now her kids and any kid by any of them are her grandchildren. We can’t go a day without being harassed about grandchildren.” Nessa jokes and looks out the windows nervously before yawning. “Sorry it’s late here. We just finished Backlash and I’m in Puerto Rico so we got that out of the way early.” Nessa shrugs and eats another cookie.

“It’s early for me,” Danika admits, “It’s January sixteenth, Jefe has pretty much adopted Fergie, Luis, and Dems.” Danika admits, “Angie keeps tabs on us through Vickie, uh, Vickie Guerrero, I’m not sure how close your Dom is with Vic or the Guerrero girls, la familia.” For a moment Danika is silent then, “Did you get to meet Luis’ family? In Puerto Rico? He hasn’t let me meet his familia, I’m meeting Kevin Nash instead, he’s basically his wrestling daddy, other than Scott Hall, who I met as a teenager, but can’t meet again…” Nessa winces hearing his name and shoves a whole cookie in her mouth to buy some time. “Oh shit, please tell me Kevin Nash is not your psycho ex!” Danika almost lunges over the table to grab at Nessa’s hands in worry. Nessa rapidly shakes her head and continues chewing on the cookie, crumbs falling on the table, Nessa fighting back a gag while trying to swallow the cookie.

Danika visibly relaxes, then her brain catches up, “Wait a moment, what issue have you got with Nash, he’s pretty daddy as far as I know, like his old school gimmick was Big Daddy Diesel, and let me tell you, he’s big, he’s daddy energy, and he looks like he is super cuddly.” Danika ticks the things off like a research report.

Nessa gags, sticking her tongue out and dry heaves at the thoughts Danika is putting in her head. She collects herself long enough to take a sip of water and gasps a few more times to get her breathing right again. “No Luis did not want us to meet his family yet….” Nessa just ignores the Kevin sized elephant in the room.

Danika is a patient person, with those she loves, honestly, but, “What's the Kevin Issue, it’s that or the ex. We learned last time we don’t get to leave once the door shuts until we talk about everything. Not that I want to leave you but with the hour limit I’d like to get the icky stuff out of the way and then start the fun, like the gifts I brought you…” She pouts a little bit.

Nessa gasps and holds out her hands making a grabby motion and pouts wanting the gifts right away.

“Good girls get gifts, that’s what Luis taught me, you're not being very good now are you.” Danika counters.

“Hey no domming without informed consent you aren't my Dom so knock it off… Please,” Nessa pouts harder.

Danika rolls her eyes, her Dominik and this Nessa are cut from the same baby girl cloth, seriously. “Fine.” She says evenly, “You can have one gift for one question.” A smirk lights up her face, “Whatever your issue with Nash is, the sooner you tell me the sooner we can figure it out, and I’ll even let you choose which gift you unwrap first.” It’s a slight manipulation and tiny powerplay, but Danika’s worried about Nessa. “And you still haven’t told me about the hair, like did you just do it or did you get permission… asking for a friend. .”

“Danika, while I appreciate a good bribe, I don’t appreciate manipulations. I have dealt with that too much. That being said. I just did it. Remember I have control over my style…” Nessa holds out a hand expectantly for one of her gifts since she answered a question.

“Sorry, I guess I’m used to leveraging things to get what I want, growing up the not-daughter daughter of Rey Myesterio does that to a girl, but… good on you for defending yourself. I forgot how your contract is massively different from mine,” Danika pauses, thinking, “Would you like the Damo, Dominik, Rhea, or Finn gift, ooooor the one I brought just for you?”

“Dominik gift please…” Nessa bats her eyelashes, her hand still outstretched.

“I wish you were in my world, you're precious and I’d keep you.” Danika turns to dig through the bag, producing a simple blue and gold wrapped square, she hands it off with a smile, waiting for Nessa to tear it open so she can explain the gift. Nessa gently unwraps it like she is trying to save the wrapper, but really she is trying to annoy Danika who pushed her buttons. Danika has never met another person who takes care in unwrapping to Angie-Mysterio levels, but apparently Nessa does, as someone who has spent many Christmas’ waiting, she just sighs and sits back, watching.

Nessa sees that Danika is not reacting the way she expected so she just pouts and finishes unwrapping it seeing a picture of Eddie and Dominik. “That was taken a month before Eddie died, it’s the last time they spent any time together. It was a Guerrero party, not that that’s important, but there is only one other copy of it in my world, and I had to get Vickie to make copies. My Dom didn’t have it, and I’m pretty sure your Dom doesn’t, so, if you ever wanna make him cry big tears… now you can.” She shrugs her shoulders. “Well if I want to make him cry bitch baby tears I can just tell him I am pregnant.” Nessa gingerly runs her finger over the photograph and sets it down on the table with care, far away from any beverage or melted chocolate.

“Does Dom not want children, or would he be so happy he’d cry? I feel like there is a joke in there I’m missing, somewhere.” Danika hums, already looking for Tommy to bring her another drink.

“Yes, before he decided to be an imbecile and dump me, we were trying for a baby. When I realized he wasn’t coming back I got an IUD. Now we are back together and with the others and Ma just keeps hounding us about when we are going to try again. But I’m like we are still learning each other, it’s not the right time and she is all like ‘two of you are well past the age of when you should have had children so get started ’blah blah blah’.” Nessa bemoans, plopping back in the booth and crossing her arms.

Tommy comes back, placing a cup of tea in front of Nessa who looks up and thanks him and takes a sip, happy it is the perfect temperature. He also settles another White Chocolate Mocha in front of Danika who blows him a kiss in thanks before gazing at Nessa, “I, uh, I’m going off birth control, I haven’t really talked to the others about it, but it makes me icky.”

“I have an appointment next month to get mine out. It is causing me pain, like, constantly. Though I am all for starting a family, but idk how the others besides Damian feels and maybe Dom. It is something we all agreed has to be agreed by all because big decisions are a group decision and that is one of the biggest decisions. I talked to Luis about it and he has talked to the others but they haven’t talked to me and I am waiting on that. Though I should tell you what Luis said to Angie when she was harassing them over the phone,” Nessa smiles, thinking that Danika forgot about the other issue.

“You can tell me what Luis said, but I still wanna know what your issues with Daddy Kevin are and the ex. Then I can tell you more of my current problems.” Danika offers, sliding a blood red gift toward Nessa, this one is the one that Danika had wrapped while thinking of Rhea, and Nessa.

“You are the most infuriating woman…” Nessa complains then continues, “I am paraphrasing because he said it in Spanish and you know how the translations go, he started with I then changed to we…” Nessa blushes and watches for Danika’s reaction before continuing, Danika to her credit only hums, curious. “We would love to give you grandchildren, as many as possible and that she would make a perfect grandma… I almost went to the bathroom to rip out the IUD myself at that point.”

“You are not the first person to call me infuriating, at this point I just count it as flirting.” Danika settles back and thinks about what Nessa said, then, “Angie is a good Abuela.” She offers diplomatically. “Now, about that thing with Daddy Diesel.” At this point Danika is just teasing her, a smile pulling on her lips, “Are you going to open the box or not.” She hums, and pushes the red wrapped gift at her again.

Nessa’s eye twitches but she grabs the gift and unwraps it normally seeing a shirt with Rhea Ripley before she was Rhea Ripley. The image of the young girl is one hundred percent Demi Bennet, with long blonde hair, and an innocent smile, the girl there hadn’t been chewed up by WWE yet, hadn’t found herself, and her power. Instead the young blonde beaming up at her was pure joy. The shirt was cropped just below Rhea’s trunks, with BENNET across the back shoulders. “That was Rhea’s first Merchandise ever made, like for the Indie Circuit, she had others made that were more popular, but we have to share it, because as far as I know it’s the only one in existence.”

Nessa squeals and hugs the shirt to her chest. “Oh my god I love it. I would wear it on Raw if I could, but I am going to wear it next time we go on a date. Oh I can’t wait to see her face!” Nessa plans and taps her feet excitedly under the table. She continues hugging it to her chest and takes a deep breath. “Hunter gave me such a good contract because he knows my father,” Nessa admits and continues, “They are like best friends and I was kind of ambushed after the show. The others don’t know I just freaked out and texted them I was going on a walk and probably to a coffee shop since I knew I needed to vent and calm down I’d probably find this place here since it is like the TARDIS and going where I need it to go.”

“If Hunter is close with your dad that limits who your dad could be - uh XPac? Shawn? Road Dog? Billy Gun? Oh, wait, fuck, Nash is your father!” Danika looked at her with wide eyes, grabbing a cookie for herself, “Jesus, fuck, Dios, do you exist in my world?” She wonders aloud, head tilted back thinking hard.

“Yeahhhh… Come to find out my Dad, the one that was abusive growing up knew and that was why he did it. Though he wouldn’t grant the Get… the divorce, the Rabbi had to force it by convening a rabbinical court and issuing a decree because even getting shunned he wouldn’t give her the Get. Until someone beat some sense into him literally…” Nessa’s eyes widen a realization coming to her but she continues, “Nash paid for everything, even my nursing school. I am just blindsided by this and don’t know how to go forward or even tell the others…” Nessa sips her tea.

“Your step-dad sounds like a fucking asshole, good on the Rabbi who saw the need though. Kevin is about as subtle as a brick, so I’m going to guess he just dropped that shit on you, with no preface. If your Luis has a relationship with Nash, go through him, Nash and Hall, uh, Scott Hall, were big influences in Luis’ persona as a wrestler, and he loves them both very much. Knowing that Nash is your father he could help facilitate you two meeting in a favorable way, probably not at his house, his wife is grieving a son, still.” Danika leaned into the table a bit more subdued.

“I think that is part of the reason why he is reaching out now. One he has learned about my past, things Mom didn’t tell him and he was worried when he saw the marks. And two as a way to heal himself and earn forgiveness for the slight he views that he did against me. He doesn’t want to lose his last child I guess and I can’t hold that against him… But why now, why not before, or when I turned 18… or even after the divorce.” Nessa’s eyes fill with tears and she sniffles, using her sleeve to wipe her nose then eyes.

Danika slides out of her side of the booth, and carefully joins Nessa, to hug her and help her clean her face off, “Kevin has his demons, all wrestlers do from his generation, and hell, our generation. I have a feeling Kevin kept his distance to protect you. It’s not easy to be in a wrestling family, I’m not blood, but the adoption made me a Nepo baby. There is a lot of like… negativity that comes with being one of their children, everyone deals with it differently. I made my own brand, and… oh, shit you don’t know.” Danika looks at her carefully, “I worked with Impact, first, then AEW, I still have a ghost contract with them, and now I’m signed to WWE. I was never not going to be in the business, Kevin might have thought he was giving you an out…” She offered, sadly.

“That's what I am afraid of. Hunter didn’t know when I first applied which is why it got ignored. But when Rey came with the idea and pictures he knew and was on board. I am a Nepo baby, and when - not if - it gets out. I’m realistic, it will get out eventually and it is going to be so bad.” Nessa taps the table with her finger, other things still on her mind. “Other things are bugging you or you wouldn’t be here either. Let's take a break from me please.”

Danika hums, “Fair enough, uh, so… the biggest thing I’m dealing with is the fact that Shelton Benjamin is an absolute piece of shit and did this interview with Logan Paul, I think I mentioned he’s one of my best friends, either way he tried to like steer this whole narrative about how Demi and Luis are abusing us, and like…” She exhales sharply, Nessa grabs her hand to lend support, “So, the thing is, Fergie has barely accepted who we are to one another, let alone admit that he’s happy with us, and Vero, uh, Fergie’s soon to be ex-wife, has been on the warpath lately, so… both of them are pushing these shitty narratives about our dynamics, and I want to pitch this idea to Hunter and Scrap Daddy about me and Damo both being with Finn…”

“Well yes do it, I love that so much. OH yeah Scrap Daddy told me and Luis to be more affectionate on camera even though I just like started and we are barely just now dating but ok no problem. He held me and touched the butt on TV like your Jefe with Liv. And that is so gross about Shelton Benjamin, did the interview air? How are you going to deal with that?”

“So far Logan is holding the interview from airing, he wants us to talk about it and do an interview with him before it airs, if it ever airs, he might end up cutting snippets out of it, we aren’t sure. As far as dealing with it, next time I see that bastard I’m going to throw ring dust in his eyes.” She grinned violently, “The only other thing I’m panicking about is Buddy and Aalyah’s marriage, which I’m sure they will want me to plan.” She exhales bothered.

“Wedding planning is hard love, you do so much for everyone you need a break from what I hear from you.” Nessa nudges Danika’s side and sips her drink again.

“You know while I agree with you, I’m the only one of us with a formal manager, TJ Wilson - he’s married to Nattie, pretty sure in every single universe.” Danika grabs her own drink and sips it, “I have a vacation planned, I’m going to Dems in a couple weeks, then she’s going on to Australia with Jace and Lainey.” Danika offers. Then studying Nessa for a moment, she leaned over the paper to snag a black wrapped box, that was larger than the other two, and passed it to Nessa, “This is for Damo.” She grabs another cookie.

Nessa rips the paper off like a little kid and laughs seeing it is a replica of the 1960’s batmobile and that it is an RC car. “Oh he is going to love this. So, the plan is to go back with these gifts like I spent the time getting these ready for them because I can’t sneak all this back in the hotel room for a later date” Nessa halfway seriously asks, trying to control herself from opening the box and playing with the car. Their time is limited.

“I think we can probably play with the car a little bit, I’ve been dying to. I bought Luis one in my world, and it’s wrapped to give to him as a surprise. I mean, you can trade bags with me, I fit them all in my messenger bag?” Danika offers, unsure.

“I didn’t bring a bag, I literally ran out of the arena.” Nessa looks at her apologetically.

“Well shit.” Danika mutters, then looks toward the counter, “Maybe Tommy can help?” The man does not appear when summoned, “Maybe he’s like BeetleGuise and you have to say his name like three times? Chant it backwards, write it in blood, promise your first born-” Before she can get that out, he appears disgruntled, holding out a large brown paper bag with Tilted Dimensions across the front, “That wasn’t so hard, now was it?” She sasses as she grabs it.

“Thank you Theta,” Nessa smiles at him and throws her arms up in success when he shushes her. “Take me with youuuuuu.” She whines and lays her head on the table as he walks away.

Danika snorts, hard. “Now about that ex?” She prompts, “I still have two more things for you.”

“It’s JD McDonough, we, uh, were together for a few years when we met at a live show I went to on a whim. As always it started out great but quickly went bad very bad. My saving grace was when he got signed to NXT in 2017 I refused to move with him because I found out I was pregnant and wanted to stay near my mom and with my job that had good benefits. That went about as well as you expect.” Nessa stares ahead, getting trapped in the memory, her hand resting on her stomach.

“I take it, the baby didn’t make it.” Danika’s voice is soft, “I lost a baby between the twins and Angel.” She offers, seriously, “It takes forever to heal, emotionally.” She adds, reflective, “And he’s in NXT in my world, actually semi-friendly with Fergal.”

Nessa comes back to the present with a hm before processing what Danika said. “Yeah, about a month after. I told him we were over, never told him about the baby and the distance helped. Dom, Dom really helped me with that, and the hospital mandated therapy. Sometimes it is still so raw but, I was, I am ready for the next chapter and to try with them. Finn, he was the most vocal in his defense when another woman spoke up, but I know Dom would never willingly associate with someone who is ok with that type of person. Finn apologized to me a few days after he found out who. The problem is JD has since been drafted to Raw with the rest of us. Which is why I am never alone.”

Danika tosses an arm around Nessa, snuggling into her, as she pushes the last two gifts at her, one is wrapped in some sort of Irish themed paper the other in deep purple. “I’m glad you found Dom. I’m glad you found your way back to Dom.” She amends, then, “I’m glad you found them, your Judgment Day.” Danika considers what Nessa said about Finn, before adding, “Fergie has changed so much in his time with us, I’m fairly sure he can’t stand the thought of AJ or JD anymore, but we haven’t had the chance to interact with JD, yet. I’m sure it won’t go well, you should talk to Hunter about him, I know it’s scary, but Hunter is one of the biggest protectors of the women's locker room, a part of me thinks it because of how dirty he treated Chyna towards the end, but I have no concrete proof.”

“I… I’m not exactly happy with him, but I think he knows and has a plan up his sleeve. We were in his office after the Zelina/Jefe incident and Damo brought it up and I kinda froze. Hunter then started sending a barrage of texts, some I assume to Nash, the rest to others. Now that I think about it the Usos and Roman have been lurking a lot as well as Ava and others in the locker room…” Nessa realizes as she speaks, “Ohhh he is laying a trap”

“Hunter finds his hands tied by the board a lot more than I think he wants them to be, but he’s clever, sneaky to a point, if he’s got a plan, then you have nothing to worry about. I don’t say this about many men, but you can trust him, and if you get a chance to know TJ, you can trust him too. The Bloodline tends to help me keep up with my kids on the road, not going to lie, Tio Roman is a fan favorite with my kids.”

“Roman is a sweetheart, so afraid of his cancer coming back is always up my ass for a checkup. And …. Fuck he knows about Nash!. Am I the last person to know…!” Nessa realizes when thinking about their past interactions. “He always asked about my dad and how my childhood was, I thought he was just curious. Sneaky fucker.”

“Roman Reigns is never just curious.” Danika snickers, “It’s good he has you, Nes.” Danika offers, with a smile, “Someone who can tell him and he trusts to keep it under wraps. I help him plan shit, from time to time. We sort of are angling for a tentative truce with them, so that’ll be fun kayfabe wise. As far as you being the last to know about your dad, I doubt it. Nash traveled with Kishi, uh Rikishi, Roman’s uncle, I’d imagine the Attitude Boys and Divas know, but the youngbloods and new kids probably don’t.”

“Well that makes sense.” Nessa comments and eats another cookie.

“Hey, not to one hundred degree change the topics, but you gotta open these and next time if you are more comfortable with your training I can teach you my finisher.” Danika smiles almost evilly.

“Oh I would love that… Please. I learned Zelina’s DDT. I can’t do the Riptide even if I tried.” Nessa agrees and opens the present clearly meant for Finn, inside is a lego set that both girls know he’s been looking for (he’d started looking in late 2018 and had yet to track it down, it is something he bemoans from time to time). The Old Trafford, Manchester United Stadium lego set in pristine condition in Nessa’s hands had to cost Danika a fortune, and if she was giving Nessa one, that meant Danika had found two. Nessa sits there shocked and in awe. “You didn’t have to do that, this is too much… shit.” Nessa forces out, guilt setting in that she didn’t bring anything for Danika, she was too in her feelings.

“From personal experience the RipTide is a bitch to take.” Danika for a moment looked traumatized, “I’m going to assume by your face that your Finn has also been after this.” Danika taps the box. “Hey, he really wants it, trust me. And I’m not trying to be mean, but judging by our previous discussion on job history, and money, I sort of… assumed that we could agree money isn’t an issue for me, and although this set is rather expensive, Finn in every world deserves it.” The way Danika says Finn’s name is twisted with love and a bit of bitter pain.

“Ok spill what is wrong with your Finn?” Nessa asks, hearing the twinge in Danika’s voice.

“My Fergie keeps running away. Like, we all told him how we felt about him - and it’s all of us, like Dom suggested we just hold him down and kiss him, but consent is sexy ok, so that obviously didn’t happen.” Danika frowned, “Vero really fucked his head up.” She settled on, “Or maybe all his previous relationships did, I don’t know. What I do know is he seems to think he is unlovable and broken, and just… bleah.” She whined, “Jefe keeps handing him Twizzlers like that will just make it all better, Dom likes those more than anything, but Finn keeps giving them to Dom and Liv - because apparently Finn likes red vines, and Dios, that was word vomit, oops.” Danika giggled awkwardly.

“My Dom likes them too, honestly they are a part of foreplay through aftercare with him.” Nessa smirks, enjoying the payback from earlier as Danika wrenches loudly, obviously bothered.

“Please never tell me what the Twizzlers do.” Danika dropped her forehead onto the table letting out an exasperated noise, “Ewwww. I’m never going to eat another Twizzler offered to me from Liv’s bra again.”

“Ohhh Twizzlers in a bra I’mma start doing that and eating them while I valet the matches!” Nessa exclaims, excited by the idea.

“Well they are never cold.” Danika offered, unbothered, still face down. “And you never know when you need a snack.” She adds, almost giggling, before raising up to look at Nessa again, “Open that one, it’s yours.” Nessa rips it open, tossing the paper behind her and seeing a small brown leather journal, “It’s a recipe book, I put some of everyones favorites in, and then some that I know other superstars like, since I do a bit of like a YouTube cooking channel, if you ever need to befriend Bianca, her favorite Japanese meal is in there.” Danika offers when Nessa doesn’t immediately say anything, “And you mentioned you liked to cook, I have uh, three of these, the journals come from Barnes and Noble…”

“Oh thank you, this is going to help so much!” Nessa starts flipping through the first couple pages and seeing annotations about who they are for and good times for the meals.

“I might have cornered Becky Lynch at some point to find out what Fergie’s favorite foods are, and I got Buddy and uh Bronson Reed - he’s a meatball, let me know when you’ve met him - to tell me normal Austrailian celebration dishes, and then I talked Zelina into giving me traditional Puerto Rican food, which was a whole issue because she hates me…” Danika offers, smiling softly.

“Well she can get over herself.” Nessa responds to the Zelina-comment.

“I get why she hates me, though.” Danika sighs, “She has this misconception that I’m appropriating culture.”

“How, you were literally adopted and raised in that… wow your Zelina had issues.”

“I don’t think she sees it as me being raised in the culture.” Danika shrugs, “I mean at some point we are going to have to talk about, especially with Creative pushing Edge toward re-starting the LWO, but… right now we sort of just avoid each other. I think she dislikes my relationship with Damian, too, but I don’t really get it, she isn’t throwing nearly as much heat behind the scenes at Demi who is publicly only dating a Latino, ahem Dominik, too.” Danika shrugs again, “My Zelina has a lot of issues, I’ll agree. I’m glad yours is better.”

“Mine is trying to teach me Spanish so I can speak it and not just understand it… but it isn’t sticking lol like I can’t pull the words from my brain to translate to spanish. But she is patient with that, not with training. She is kicking my ass but I am all the better for it.” Nessa bites into another cookie and continues talking while chewing to see Danika’s reaction.

“It is admittedly hard to learn a language the older you get. Picking up Japanese when I was seventeen was a bitch. Oh, did your Luis do Ring of Honor too? If so, he totally knows Japanese…” Danika smiles warmly, then adds, “I could suggest some tricks for picking up the Spanish so you're more fluent?” Danika thinks for a moment, “So, uh this next question is hopefully not going to be super disrespectful… So when I joined the Gutiérrez family I was questionably Southern Baptist, naturally I converted to Catholicisim, specifically the Americanized version of Roman Catholicism… with Nash as your father… like isn’t Judisim passed through the parents, like don’t both your parents have to be Jewish for you to be considered… I dunno, worthy? Are you still allowed to be Jewish?” The last little bit comes out in a rush, Danika likes knowing more about different religions in general, but her upbringing (in both households) has left her with a bit less time to study them.

“Oh it doesn’t matter who the father is, it's all to do with the mother. If the mother is Jewish then so is the child. Is the simplest way to describe it. Next time I can explain more since we have more things to cover right now” Nessa waves her hand dismissively.

Danika shoots her a relieved smile, glad that her lack of knowledge didn’t blunder their friendship, considering she’d already sort of been bad. “That’s good. I lowkey can’t wait to hear about you and Nash bonding.” Nessa looks at her warily,

“I don’t know about that. He had a lot of time to come forward after the divorce like I said. And 8 years after I turned 18. I don’t know how much bonding we can really do… Do you think when we have kids I can raise them Jewish at the very least teach them of their heritage. I know Dom, Luis and Finn are catholic and Rhea is Christian oh this is gonna be a problem isn’t it.” Nessa plops her head down on the table repeatedly, the thunking filling the small cafe.

“Uh, my Dems is Catholic coded, but - I don’t think you will have a problem.” Danika waves her off, “Let me see, when Dom and I had the twins, we did traditional familia names from his side of the family, but but he let me have them both baptized in the Catholic way and the Southern Baptist way, no offense to the Catholics, I’m not sure what throwing some Holy Water at an infant does, best to just dunk them completely under and wash the sins of the parents off early…” She mutters the last part, sounding a bit like Angie and Rey. Shaking her head she adds, “I don’t know how much you know about Nash’s son, the one he lost, but Tristian struggled with Alcoholism, during his sobriety journey, which… I might be off a bit but probably a lot of that after you were eighteen time, Nash was focused on getting his son sober, and the sobriety fucking killed him, like it was a seizure brought on by his body pushing back on the lack of alcohol.” Danika explains evenly, “Rey, my Rey, was so broken open, for him, we all prayed for Kev and his wife, Tamara.”

“So you mean to say I’ve lost both brothers to drugs and alcohol then, and I guess I get it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. My whole world has been turned upside down, and what if this gets out… I’m supposed to have my first match soonish…..” Another look of realization crosses Nessa’s face, “Son of a Bitch”.

“Which son of a bitch are we cursing now, beebs?” Danika grabs for another cookie. “If it’s Tio Adam, er, Edge, then we can curse him and wish for a child to be named after him in the Jewish sense, not the Catholic sense.”

“No it's Cody’s ass, he knew and before his match with Finn came up to me and said that we, this new generation needs to stick together. He fucking knows and gave me his and his wifes number.” Nessa explains.

“Oh, I’d been meaning to ask if you’d met Cody. He trained me at the Nightmare Factory.” Danika beams for a moment, then, “Dusty knew Kev, so does Dustin - Cody’s older brother, they are pretty tight even with Dustin in AEW.” Danika offers, “So Cody probably thought you knew by the sounds of it. Him and Brandi are good people, you should know I’m biased because our kids are friends, but they both love wrestling, and both are very devoted to the children of past Wrestlers.”

Nessa sips her tea, “Well I think it is clear to him now I didn’t know, we, that being our lovely idiots jokes about my dad not being my dad and mom having some explaining to do.” Nessa sighs heavily. “I have to talk to Kevin don’t I?”

“Not to be that person, but yeah, you absolutely do. Nessa Nash has a hell of a ring to it. I mean, as far as ring names. It’s probably cooler than Danika Mysterio.” Danika offers, attempting to cheer her up, “And as far as having a parent in the business, Nash is probably one of the better ones. He got his life sorted, and together. He’s not… he’s not a bad man.” Danika offers, reassuringly, “If anything, he’s been misunderstood for a long time. It could frankly be worse, could you imagine being the love child of Chyna and Hunter? The Industry wouldn’t know how to handle that, just… trust the other legacies, they can guide you through how to be a legacy without being super Charolett about it, or like Cody about it where he’s obsessively in love with his father’s fame to the point he wants to finish his father’s story.” Danika thinks for a moment, “Maybe don’t trust Edge though, he likes stepping on legacies to get what he wants, other than recent stuff, just the whole fake-married-to-Vickie-Guerrero bit after Eddie’s death should be enough warning.” Danika devours her cookie with a sad look.

“Well I’ve not had a run in with him thankfully. I guess after Raw I’ll meet up with Kevin with one of the group, maybe Dom. I need someone who isn’t really close to him to be my support and the way you describe Luis and Kevin's relationship makes me worried Luis will try to push a bond. Dom would be squarely on my side that I know. But wouldn’t Luis be hurt if I didn't choose him? As for the other legacies, I think I will, we know Roman knows and already supports me… the bastard, and I guess I'll do that.”

“Dom is your best bet, Demi is a huge fan of Nash, and Fergie is friendly with him, they’ve worked together in the past.” Danika thinks about her question in regards to Luis, “I think Luis would ultimately understand, you just have to be open and explain it to him - you aren’t sure if you're ready to have a real relationship with Nash, and you don’t want Luis to be negatively impacted if something goes wrong between the pair of you. If Roman knows about your relationship to Nash you can bet the twins and Solo do too, so don’t let that catch you off guard, and probably Heyman as well.” Danika reminds.

“Well I know the twins know, they were dropping hints when I did their checkups before Backlash. I honestly think all the legacies know or figured it out…”

“They too are about as subtle as a brick to the face.” Danika hums. “No one really talks about this outside of the Industry but there are two classes of wrestlers, born wrestlers like the legacies who tell each other everything even if they don’t like each other and those who fought their way in. Through adoption I get the legacy flag, just like you get it through Nash. There is a division, and it sucks, no matter how hard you try to shake it off, but you're probably right. One legacy knows, and they all do, and their spouses.” Danika offers, sadly, “So, quick question, our worlds tend to be similar enough, how bad is it when Edge restarts the LWO, like is Rey heartbroken? Does Chavo Guerrero have shit to say? How does Dominik handle it?”

“Oh Jefe started it after Dom betrayed him, Dom is hurt and Edge is MIA since Wrestlemania. Chavo from what I hear is not happy with it either. And he has been in constant contact with Dom.” Nessa starts fiddling with the plate of cookies, unsure if she wants to grab another.

“I’m sorry, fucking what? Rey hated LWO when he was bullied into it the first time, why in the fucking world would he have restarted what he saw as a discrimination group against most wrestlers, that were by and large the answer to NWO without ever being able to handle the fucking…” Danika’s rant tapers off, and is replaced by a bit of giggling. “Oh god…” She trails off, “Chavo must be pissed in your world, he always felt like Eddie replaced him with Rey, and your Rey just fucking…” Danika’s laughter is getting louder and louder, sides shaking a bit, “That is… that is so… Oh I wish I could tell the others.” She finishes, giggling harder. Nessa can’t help it but starts giggling as well at how absurd it all is.

“I pray Jefe comes around, if he doesn’t it will just Kill Dom.” Nessa softly says out loud once the giggles die down.

“Dominik is a lot stronger than most people give him credit for, we both know that. My Dominik had to discover that his real father was Eddie, that Angie cheated on Rey, and that Angie blamed Rey for her infidelity, and that her hatred of one act of perceived kindness from Eddie has now caused her to regret Dominik… Your Rey, while a bastard, doesn’t sound like he’s taken it to that level, just yet. Even with him being worried about your marks, he’s still Jefe, still trying to protect, he just can’t understand yet.” Danika, sobering up from her giggles, admits, “Rey wants to restart the Filthy Animals, as a secondary stable to our Judgment Day, his own nod to Konnan.”

“I wish I had your Jefe,” Nessa groans, “I could tell him and not Angie that I am getting my IUD out.”

“Oh, Madre is gonna want them babies.” Danika teases.

“She is already harassing us about it, and Benito. Hunter dropped hints as well. LIke damn give us some time to figure things out please. I may have had sex with Dom but I don’t think we are back to that… yet…”

“When the time is right, the time is right.” Danika shrugs her shoulders, “Angie was livid when Dominik and I first got pregnant. She wanted us to get married. Not happening, we both agreed we wanted to marry for love, and now that we are a polycule like… marriage is hard.”

“Marriage is hard normally, I think it is hilarious we are talking about kids and not marriage, but something might come up in the future. You know, thank you for making me feel better, I feel more grounded. Who knows maybe next time I will be pregnant…” Nessa jokes, the wish clearly in her voice.

“I will do my solid best to bring Angel next time I see this place, so you can cuddle a half Dominik baby.” Danika promises. “And if you want to be pregnant, then do it, your career isn’t wrestling, you told me that yourself. With women like Maryse getting storylines while pregnant I’m sure you can too.” Danika adds, “In my AEW contract, and my WWE contract, I have a stipulation that guarantees if I am injured or otherwise unable to compete I get to be a manager or I get to be an assistant to the GM.” She flashes a predatory smile, “I worked my ass off to get those assurances.”

“That is a good idea, I think I am going to read over my contract again. Knowing Jefe he might have done something like that knowing him and Ma.” Nessa taps her chin.

“The caveat to that, for me anyways, is that I don’t get to have a creative say in my hair or clothing or my characterization.” Danika shrugs.

“Yet I have that for the most part. I’m just lucky I'm in a story with Luis and we are all actually together. Like last Monday in kayfabe, Benito called me a whore after hitting me with the kendo stick. Poor thing felt so bad after and then proceeded to harass me for nieces and nephews again.” Nessa hums thinking, before adding, “Apparently we are going for a love square between me, Dems, Dom and Damo. I don’t think that will work… Oh shit yeah we just blew past your Finn problems. Honestly you might just have to sit him down and go hey we love you like we love each other and just reiterate how much you love him and that he is worthy. It's like the negative you hear it enough you believe it but this time with positives” Nessa glances at the clock, frowning as she realizes that time has gotten away from them again and they have less than ten minutes until the hour is up.

“I wish I could say we hadn’t already thought about that in the case of Fergie.” Danika tracked Nessa’s gaze, and sighed, “Ten minute warning, huh, doesn’t Tommy normally-” Her sentence trailed off as the man himself reappeared from the back with new drinks for them both, a bag for Nessa, and two different delicately wrapped pastry boxes. “Hey, Sergeant Tom, while I’ve got you here,” Danika snagged his wrist, batting her lashes up at him, “Next time, instead of a kitchen back there, think we can have a wrestling ring?”

The man gave her an exasperated look, “Contrary to you're believes, Ms. Danika, this is not the Room of Requirement, from Harry Potter.” That made Danika snort, “However, there are things that… just like myself, will appear when they are needed.” He gave her a wink, before he looked to Nessa, “I hope you enjoyed your visit, Ms. Nessa.” With that he wiggled out of Danika’s grip and headed for the back.

“You know, I still don’t know if he’s the TARDIS or if this building is the TARDIS…” Danika mumbled under her breath, before sliding out of the bench seat, she’d slid into so she could hug Nessa, she stretched her arms above her head, before moving to lean against the opposite side of the booth, stretching again, popping her back and shoulders before rolling her neck just right, the crackling noises made her grin and hum contentedly before she slid into her side of the booth again, “So, now we have eight minutes.” She offers, looking at her watch, “I don’t think goodbyes are going to get any easier.”

"No, I don't think so. I wish we existed in the same universe so we didn't have to meet only when things go to shit. I think when I get back to the hotel I'll tell them as a group about Kev." Nessa looks at Danika sadly.

Danika tried to give her a reassuring smile, “I’m sure Kevin Nash won’t be the hurdle you think he is. I’ll talk with the others and figure out how to prove to Finn that we love him, and want him for more than just sex… although I imagine the sex is going to be delicious…” Danika trails off, clearly thinking about Finn, his abs, and the implications of getting him naked in her bed.

"OH THAT REMINDS ME!" Nessa startles the other woman with her shout, making Danika shrink away, her hands instinctively coming up to her ears, it’s the first time Nessa has seen any of the scars she assumed Danika had from her upbringing, frankly it's a different sort of unsettling with how Danika presents herself, charismatic and larger than life. Nessa blushes and continues this time quieter, "So they came back after Dom and I did the bing bing and of course Damo was pouty. But Dems said we both want her under us soon and Finn said all of us."

Danika relaxes and rolls her eyes, “Who wouldn’t want one of us in their beds, honestly. We are a whole meal… Did you just call sex bing bing?” A smile pulls at her lips, before she’s giggling again, “Bing bing… That is… you're my official favorite human.”

Nessa blushes harder at the praise and tries to defend herself,"it's less vulgar than the other words and .. well… shut up" Nessa tries to hide her face, even though the older of the two it’s clear she’s more modest and respectful about certain things.

Danika snickers hard, “Vulgar is a fun word,” Then adds, “I’m not sure what our idiots call it, but unless they are being romantic about it, I think we universally just call it fucking around. Not important, we are running out of time.” Danika pouts, “So, you are headed back to the hotel and are going to talk to your idiots about Nash - I’m going back to Ohio to talk convince Fergie that we really do love him, and then I’m going to squish Shelton Benjamin and Vero Rodriguez under my killer heels.” She wiggled her eyebrows elaborately, and pretended to squish the napkin on the table with her fist.

"Yes and I'll keep the boys from catching a case on JD as well. Now that I think about itIi have to add Kevin to that list…" Nessa realizes as Danika nods along empathetically - over protective father figures can be the worst, even if they are only doing what their hearts demand.

Tommy cleared his throat from behind the counter, “Not to rush you ladies, but…” He tapped the clock ticking on the counter, they had under three minutes.

“And yet you will.” Danika levels him with a rather unimpressed look, before sliding out of her side of the booth, grabbing her bag, and moving to help Nessa stack all of her gifts together so they can muscle them into the large bag Tommy had brought Nessa, settling the box of pastries on top of the gifts. “So… obviously, we needn’t try to find this place, it finds us.” She offers meekly. Tears sting at her eyes, she’s never been particularly good at goodbyes.

"Hey Tommy, will it find us for good stuff too, not just the bad?" Nessa asks, tears pricking her eyes as well, pulling Danika into a tight hug. Danika hugs back just as tightly, squishing her face into Nessa’s neck, the older girl taller than her this time.

Tommy smirks, “That is completely up to the pair of you, and what your hearts need.” He taps the clock again, the minute ticking down. “Go on now.” He offers a bit sternly.

"I'll go first since I got here first," Nessa offers walking to the door, sadly not wanting to leave her friend. Danika watches her push out, and disappear from the front view of the coffee shop, for all intents and purposes, Nessa is now lost to her until the universes collide again.

“Hey, Tommy, what happens if we…” Danika turns to find him gone, “For fucksake, someone someday is going to answer the question: what happens if we leave together.” She huffs, before slamming out the door herself, scarf kicking up around her shoulders.

-/- Nessa deflates as she steps onto the sidewalk and turns around, the coffee shop no longer there, in its place was a plain brick wall. The street is abandoned save for a few people walking the opposite way down the street. She is thankful the street is well lit and she can see the hotel just a block away. She checks her phone to see only one missed call and a text from each of her partners responding to her initial text asking for some time alone to walk. She sends a quick message to the group chat, “We need to talk about Hunter just told me, I’m almost back.” sending that message opened the floodgates and her phone blew up with messages asking if she was ok and what happened to make her run out of the arena. She hugs the strap of the bag closer to herself, careful to not crush the pastries that she is going to use to bribe the others, ducking her head a bit as she takes off walking.

-/-

A light dusting of snow has landed on the sidewalk as Danika presses back out into the crisp air. She cradles the pastries closer to her chest, before taking a few steps away from the ringing bell. She looks back, amused to see that Tilted Dimensions has vanished, in its place a stone gray painted building sat vacant with a For Sale sign tacked on the window. She can’t help the laugh that bubbles up from her lips as she makes her way back to the travel bus, darting across traffic, more than eager to meet Kevin Nash now. He might not have a daughter in this universe, but she and her kids could fill in some of the holes in his heart - if he’d let her. Her heart turned sad at the thought of Finn’s little broken gaze lately, shaking the thought from her head, Nessa was right, they (Luis, Demi, Dom, and her) had to fight for him, he was more than worth it.

-/-

Nessa enters the front lobby of the hotel and goes straight to the receptionist, a sheepish look on her face.

“Excuse me miss. I’m sorry but I lost my card to my room 512, booked under the name Martinez.” Nessa informs the young woman behind the counter. The young woman with the name tag Taylor, tosses her bright red hair behind her shoulder and giggles.

“Not the first wrestler to lose their card tonight. Here you go” She activates a new card and slides it over. Nessa thankfully grabs it and holds it in her hand, her other one still holding the box of pastries. She goes to the stairs wanting to delay as much as possible not wanting to have this conversation. Five minutes later she is in front of the hotel room she shares with her partners trying to ready herself for the fussing that is about to come and the answers she is about to give. She swipes the key card and enters the room, averting her gaze and closing the door behind her. There is a silence in the room, everyone waiting for Nessa’s lead. She heads over to the bed where Dominik is sitting next to Rhea, Finn and Damian sitting opposite them. Nessa sits beside dominik, resting the messenger bag in her lap, the box of pastries on top. Her gaze still staring at the brown carpet of the hotel.

Rhea clears her throat, deciding to break the silence, “We are glad you are safe. Your text earlier worried us. Now will you tell us what had you rushing out of the arena alone at night in an unfamiliar place where you can’t really speak the language?” Rhea softly chides, her worry showing through her voice and Nessa looks up, her hands trembling as she holds out the pastry box. Rhea reaches over Dominik and grabs the box, placing it on the bed beside her. Dominik grabbing Nessa’s hand, rubbing circles into the back of it. Nessa swallows thickly, the knot in her stomach reforming.

“Uh,... I… Uh. Hunter had Kevin in the office… He uh…” Nessa sighs, slumping against Dominik, struggling to find the words.

“Did you get fined?” Finn asks, leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Nessa shakes her head. “No, uh Kevin needed to talk with me….. Um… I… The betting board was right….” Nessa manages to get out, hoping they catch on quickly.

“The betting…. OH… OH A Chroí i am so sorry.” Finn realizes first and slides off the bed getting to his knees in front of Nessa, resting his hands on her knees, squeezing them to try to offer some comfort.

“What, that you are secretly a…. Oh that isn’t what had the most tallys when we went in” Damian begins to joke, the realization making his heart break for Nessa. Seeing her in such turmoil and being unable to help making him feel so useless.

“He uh, Kevin… he is…” Nessa stutters, struggling more to tell her partners, people she loves than when she told Danika. With Danika it didn’t feel so real but to say it out loud now makes it all too real.

“Kevin is what, what about the betting board?” Dominik asks, clearly confused. “Dom” Rhea softly calls his name, her tone telling him to stop. Nessa takes a deep shaky breath and swallows again.

“Kevinnashismyfatherandidontknowhowtohandlethis” Nessa blurts out, staring at the wall behind Damian and squeezing Dominiks hand a little harder. Finn gently grabs Nessa’s face to have her look at him, his eyes scanning her face.

“Say that again but slower. We don’t know how to help you if we don’t know what is wrong.” Finn soothes, his accent helping ground Nessa who nods her head, his hands following the movements as they are resting on her cheeks.

“The locker room was right, my mother… had a relationship with Kevin Nash who is my father and I don’t know how to process this” Nessa sniffles. Finn uses his thumbs to wipe away the tears that escaped before standing up, pulling Nessa up momentarily and taking her spot on the bed and pulling her onto his lap. Her messenger bag placed back on her lap.

“First Nes, I think you should talk to your mother, explain what you were told and get her side. I’m sure she has a good …” Rhea begins to try to defend Nessa’s mother but Nessa interrupts her.

“She did, he was an abusive asshole to her and then to me up until she left him. Just my luck i fell into a similar situation before Dom.” Dominik squeezes her hand and gives her a soft smile when she glances over at him. She continues on, telling them what Kevin told her before she ran out of the arena. Nessa fiddles with the flap of the bag waiting on their reactions, glancing at their faces which are a mix of pity and understanding and curiosity. Damian who is still sitting opposite Nessa is the first to speak again.

“I still think it is a good idea to talk to your mother, she would have some good insight as to what you should do next and maybe why he just now told you at 26. I also think that you should talk to Kevin. By the sounds of it you ran out of the arena without hearing him out.” Damian offers his thoughts and grabs Nessa’s hand, his chest tightening at the betrayed look she is giving him.

“I know you are close to him and look up to him and can offer me insight to him as a person but he just dropped the bomb, no lead up, flipping everything I know about my life on its head. I need you on my side in this to help me, not to push what might help someone else.” Nessa explains, trying to pull her hand back from Damian but he won’t let go. He sighs and takes a moment to collect his thoughts before responding,

“I am on your side in this, we all are and want what is best for you. I think we can all agree that at least talking to him, hearing him out once you have had time to calm down and think it through yourself will help you decide how to go forward. I promise you I will not push you to something you don’t want. If you say no the topic is dropped. I’ll even offer this Mariposa, Dom is clearly your comfort, your person, your safe space. Take him when you talk to Kev.” Damian offers, pulling her hand to his mouth and placing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. Nessa lets out a sigh of relief,

“Thats what my friend Danika thought I should do. Get your insight on Kevin and take Dom when I talk to him. Oh she also helped me find some gifts for you guys, well for me and you.” Nessa takes both her hands back, wiping the snot from under her nose and flipping the flap of the bag over. She pulls out Rhea’s shirt first handing it to her. “This is a loan of sorts, I promised we would share this shirt with her, but she figured you’d appreciate seeing it again. She is a big fan of yours” Nessa winks at Rhea who takes the shirt so gingerly Nessa thinks Rhea is afraid to rip the shirt. Treating it like a delicate antique.

“Well when you see her next thank her for me. This is actually very sweet.” Rhea smiles, setting the shirt on the bed, all of them watching what Nessa will pull out next. She pulls out the replica batman car and hands it to Damian, Finn eyeing it with Jealousy.

“Thank you Mariposa, and thank Danika whoever she is. Also, please understand if you don’t want to talk to him that is your decision and I will support it.” Damian promises, setting the box on the bed beside him, keeping a hand on the box. Nessa sighs and rests her hands on top of the messenger bag and looks Damian in his eyes.

“Damian, I know you will support it on the surface, but deep down you would want me to talk to him and at least have some sort of relationship with him. I know that you see him as a type of father figure, at least in the industry. And that is ok Luis. But thank you for trying to push your feelings aside for this.” Nessa softly calls him out but her tone holds no malice, only understanding. Damian relaxes seeing Nessa isn’t upset with him just the situation. Nessa clears her throat and gets off of Finns lap and reaches into the bag again this time pulling out the lego set and handing it to Finn whose eyes light up.

“Oh this is way better than the batmobile thank you, i’ve been looking for this everywhere! You have to tell me how much this cost your friend so i can pay her back it must have cost a fortune.” Finn turns the box over in his hands, looking like a kid at christmas and glancing at Nessa.

“She said there will be no payback. Money is no issue for her and she wanted to do something nice for her friend by treating her partners. She is the only other person I know in a relationship like ours so she is really helping me navigate things.” Nessa explains, her hand in the bag, the picture in her gentle grip, knowing this next one will be bittersweet.

“Dom, this one I don’t know how she found it but she has connections and called in a favor with a distant family member.” Nessa explains pulling out the photo of him and Eddie and handing it to him. “She thought you should have it.” Dominik takes the picture in one hand, the other tracing around Eddies figure, tears welling up in his eyes before spilling over. The grief of missing him coming to the surface. Rhea wraps both arms around him, pulling him to her chest and running her fingers through his hair. “Eddie would be so proud of the man you have become.” Nessa sits back down this time next to Dominik, resting her head on his back, wrapping her arms around around them while they allow Dominik to cry, getting out his hurt and pain of missing is Tio Eddie.

“He would be so mad at how I am treating my dad” Dominik sniffles and Nessa scoffs as does Damian.

“He would be pissed at what Oscar has done to you and Nes. Would have whooped his ass over it actually.” Damian points out, lightly tapping Dominiks foot with his own. “He also would have dragged you back to Nessa by your ear and pulled both of you to a chapel to get married.”

“I don’t know how he would have taken this” Dominik gestures between all of them and Nessa giggles. “A little of oscar, a little of pride and I think he would have accepted us like your mom did” The others making noises of agreement. Bringing up Angie brought another thought to her head that she tables for later, knowing this moment is not the time to bring it up.

“Look, it’s late and we have had a very taxing day and we have to catch a flight super early tomorrow to be in Florida so we can stay at Dems before Raw. So lets go to bed. Things will be better in the morning after we sleep.” Damian suggests, parroting something his mother told him throughout his childhood that rarely failed. No one disagrees, but no one makes a move from where they are sitting, Dominik still sandwiched between Rhea and Nessa, holding the picture of him and Eddie. Finn caressing the box of Legos and Damian looking at the four of them with a mixture of adoration and annoyance, yet again he is going to have to be the adult.

“Get ready for bed, Now” He orders, putting more timbre in his voice which gets the others moving, scattering around the room like cockroaches, grumbling about him Domming them until he clears his throat and they continue in silence not wanting to earn a punishment that night.

[ja3gerb0mbb]

bloodsucker chapter 2: photograph

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

word count: 3k

content warning: none

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

it was three am when i got back. i had just about enough energy to kick off my shoes, and throw myself onto the bed. my memory is cloudy after watching eren leave. jean probably took me and sasha home; he always does. even with my head feeling like mush,  my mind refused to turn off; i just started at the ceiling. eren was coursing through my thoughts like the alcohol ran through my veins. i kept asking myself why i seemed to care as much as i did. it’s just the draw from having mutual friends, is all  i chalked it up to.  

i flip over my phone next to me, checking the time. 5:42 it read. what the fuck? have i really just been laying here? i unzip my dress, pulling it off, before going to find a t-shirt to wear. for the first time tonight, i slip under the covers of my bed. looking toward my window, i notice it’s raining. nothing new. fall starts early in oregon. 

suddenly, my mind sobers up and my thoughts become clear as day. shivers are sent down my spine, and the hair on my neck seems to stand up. i adjust my position on the bed, sitting up to fully face the window. the dark that covers the earth blocks me from getting a good view, but i can't shake the feeling there are eyes on me yet again. 

the inscent blaring of my alarm woke me up just five hours later. my eyelids felt like they were glued together. today was another literature class. quickly, i threw the warm and comforting sheets off me to get dressed. honestly, the only motivation i had was the allure of eren. would he even show? with his previous track record i wasn’t sure.  

did i even want to see him? after last night.. i didn’t know. his hasty absence felt like it was my fault. but how could that be? we’ve barely spoken to each other, if you could even say that. with the damp whether, i opted for an oversized hoodie and baggy jeans. before leaving the dorm, i grabbed a monster. five hours was not going to be enough after the night i had. 

eren was already sitting down; in the same seat as yesterday. that’s good, right? there were a lot of empty seats, he could’ve just switched if he really wanted to. or he just didn’t care enough to. i carefully made my way up the steps, once again hyper aware of my body. overthinking is such a bitch. i pulled the chair beside him out, and he made no move. his eyes stayed trained on the front of the room.

“you were at reiner’s party,” it was more of a statement i spoke. i didn’t like his attitude towards me; but maybe he just needed to warm up to people. he briefly tipped his head in my direction, but his eyes made no contact with mine, “so were you,” his voice has lost all of the husk from yesterday. as i was about to make a snide remark, ackerman had walked into the room. still, eren didn’t seem to be in a talking mood. ever apparently. 

throughout the lecture, i found myself sneaking constant glances at the boy next to me, again. instead of being tied back, his hair was down and fell around his face. but he wore the same look on his face; exhausted. eventually i tuned back into the lecture when i heard “project.”

“-- research paper on the anglo saxon’s work. you can pick any you want, but you will be doing this with a partner since i will be expecting fifteen pages minimum,” groans were heard around the classroom. i glanced over at eren, who had no change in facial expression despite the hefty assignment just given. did he already know of someone he was going to work with? fuck. i looked around the room at my classmates for the first time to scope out my options. definitely not floch, i thought as i spotted his orange hair. 

when class ended, i took one more glance at eren who showed no acknowledgement towards me before making my way out of class. i decided decompressing with jean would lighten the brick in my stomach and changed directions to the dorms on the southside of campus. a few moments later, i felt a hand on my shoulder through my jacket, and turned toward it, slightly stunned. looking into my eyes were the green ones that belonged to eren. my eyes widened, and he didn’t make a move to say anything, almost as if grabbing me caught him off guard too. 

“do you already have a partner?” he asked with a huff, annoyed almost. “um, no,” i responded. 

“then you’ll do it with me,” he demanded with a flat tone. “your dorm or the library,” he asked but neither felt like he was granting me the option. i didn’t feel comfortable working in libraries; too many distractions which might work out well in this case. i contradicted myself by saying “dorm,” anyway. he tilted his head down in agreement, and he turned around. a few seconds later, i blinked and he was gone. i was taken aback, and fervently searched my surroundings: right, left, behind. but he was gone. 

he might’ve been a total ass, but i couldn’t keep the butterflies from fluttering in my chest. there was something about him that allured me. i shook my head in an attempt to scatter the feelings. before i could start walking again, my phone went off.

727 xxx xxx:

it’s eren

you:

hi eren

eren >:(

when did you wanna start

you:

does tmrw work?

eren >:(

yeah, 2pm ?

you liked a message

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

the light outside slowly started to become dimmer as the sun set. jean’s dorm always had the best sunset views. with the ‘flannel’ candle burning, the ambiance in the room was almost romantic. but the sounds of ghasts growling on the monitor definitely ruined it. we played minecraft frequently, and tonight was no different. 

“fuck!” i yelled, “fucking skeletons keep killing me!” i lightly threw the controller in front of me. it had already been the third time i was killed in the nether, and i was over it. i got up from jean’s bed, pacing around the room. “can you chill? you’re worse than connie,” jean teased me. i rolled my eyes, and started fiddling with random things around his room. jean was used to me  snooping, but this time something new was in his nightstand when i opened the drawer. 

it was a picture of two boys. for a second the sounds from the monitor and clicking controller went silent as i realized it was jean. and the other boy eren. they both looked so different, it might’ve been taken as far back as high school.

jean was skinner, and his hair was shorter and styled differently. he still looked like himself. i couldn’t say the same for eren. instead of hair long enough to tie back, he had an undercut. jean still had a few inches on him in this picture, but the biggest change was his face. it was fuller, and there was a light in his eyes he was missing nowadays. his smile reached from ear to ear. i’ve never seen him smile… the picture was cut short by a torn edge on the left side. like someone had ripped it in half. 

“why so silent,” jean asked, taking a quick glance over, paying half attention. he did a double take, this time actually looking at what i was holding. “damn y/n, always a snoop, don’t touch that,” he said, peeling the picture from my hands. he walked it to the other side of the room, placing it in his wardrobe this time. “sorry,” i started. looking up at him, jean was staring at the floor.

“i didn’t know you were friends. i thought you guys hated each other.” his response came quick, “we do.” jean didn’t want to talk about it, but i did. anytime the group mentioned eren, jean was tightlipped. the only remarks he made ridiculed eren; i figured they never got along. 

“so.. what happened?” i asked. he looked over at me this time; his eyes were sad, blank. just like erens. he took a deep breath in, and let it out long before he responded to me. “he fooled around with historia our first year here. and you know historia,” i laughed though my nose. 

“then we started fooling around. i didn’t think it was a big deal. at least, eren never made it seem like he and historia were a big deal. i still don’t think they were, but he got so mad at me.” the sadness had returned to jean’s eyes. “we got into a fight, and before either of us tried to make amends, he was just… gone. no one heard anything from him for a whole fucking year. we all just assumed he was in love with historia and couldn’t take it.” he was staring at the floor again. i walked the distance to him, crawling over the bed. “i’m sorry jean-boy,” teasing him to lighten the mood. 

my hands were wrapped around his torso in a half hug. jean pushed me off, “fuck you,” he laughed out. he reached his hand out to mess up my hair before saying, “stay away from jaeger, y/n. he’s not like he used to be.” it didn’t come as a surprise; even i could tell something was off. 

he walked away, grabbing the controller i threw earlier, and shoved it back into my hands. “come on, i need help getting blaze rods,” he said with a light smile. i went back to playing the game, but i wasn’t really paying attention as i mulled over jean’s story the rest of the night. it made sense; in theory. but historia was never one to get serious with anyone at all. even ymir; they have a complicated ‘relationship.’ it was hard to imagine the eren i knew falling in love that like, but people change i guess. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

the next day, school work started to pile up. after procrastinating for the first few days, i had a ton of deadlines to meet tonight. a knock at the door drew my attention away from the laptop. i knew i was the only one home, so i went to answer it. behind the door was eren, i can’t believe i fucking forgot! 

i pulled the door wider, inviting him inside, “is it already two?” i became self conscious, knowing i hadn’t bothered to put myself together today. “yeah, is it not a good time?,” his voice finally displayed some sort of emotion. he raked his eyes across my face, i diverted my gaze down in response. 

“no it’s fine, just set up on the table,” i point to the sorry excuse we had for a dining table. it was an old beer table from reiner we set up while waiting for our furniture to ship. i made my way back to my room to get materials for the projects. did i give him my dorm number? the question nagged at the back of my mind. i blurted the thought out. he gazed over at me, keeping his features and tone even and dull, “i asked sasha.”

“oh,” was all i said. my feelings were.. hurt? maybe he texted me and i didn’t see it in time? maybe he didn’t want to bother me? it was easier to come up with excuses than face the fact that he would rather text my roommate for our number than me. whatever. 

i pretended to know what i was flipping the pages of my book for. “any ideas on what text we should analyze?” he asked while tying his hair back. his veins popped out on his exposed forearms and i had to adjust the way i was sitting. before responding, i had to swallow the knot in my throat, “i’m not set on anything, maybe judith?”

eren didn’t take his eyes off his laptop. “it’s kinda short for fifteen pages,” he trailed, “i was thinking beowulf.”it surprised me he was taking initiative. his lack of expression led me to believe i would be doing this project all by myself. “beowulf works.”

we worked for a solid two hours; rereading the text and forming our ideas on themes. he might’ve been putting in effort, but it was strictly school related. don’t complain, i tried to convince myself it was okay he didn’t make it personal. even with all the time we had spent, we weren’t close to finishing. “do you want to take a coffee break?” i asked, “there’s a dutch right down the street.” 

“sure, my car?” i nodded as we made our way out the door. i wasn’t expecting him to walk toward the all blank bmw m4. damn. eren made his way to the passenger door, and to my surprise, opened it. the gesture was sweet, but his face showed a veil of annoyance. the car’s inside was pristine; like no one had ever even driven it before. it’s not what i would’ve expected from him. 

the short drive there would’ve been silent if not for the music playing. fidgeting with my fingers was the only thing that seemed to pass the time; too scared to really say anything to him. he reached his hand over, turning the volume dial down, “what do you want?”

“blended redbull,” i spoke, my voice scratchy from barely using it the whole day. he nodded and placed our orders with the overly-friendly dutch employees (ifykyk). when he handed my drink over, i had the courage to talk while the music was still down. “thanks…”

“you’re not much of a talker,” i realized how rude it sounded as soon as i said it, and it was confirmed when he shot a glare my way. “you aren’t either,” he sipped from his latte. “yeah, because you don’t seem to want to talk to me.”

“i don’t want to talk to anyone,” eren’s gaze was back on the road. his features were still, but i noticed his knuckles turning white as he gripped the steering wheel. it must’ve been a pretty hard grip since his arm muscles started to flex with the pressure. 

“geez..” i scoffed, “any reason, or just not a people person,” the taunt was light, but it was there. 

“i have to have a reason?” he phrased it as a statement. logic told me this was just how eren was. but my mind kept making up its own excuses; telling me he just has something against me. “is it because i’m friends with jean?’

“what?” he seemed genuinely surprised by my asking. “do you not talk to me because i’m friends with jean?” i reiterated. 

he looked away from the road, back into my eyes. i could see the fire in them now. i was pissing him off, “why would jean have anything to do with that?”

“he’s the reason you left, no?” i presumed. jean wouldn’t lie to me, and he sounded sincere. “no. he’s not.” eren’s answer was definitive. bringing his gaze back on the road once more, his jaw ticked shut. it somehow became even sharper, and i could faintly hear the grinding of his teeth. i took that as my sign to shut the fuck up. whatever was going on was bigger than me, bigger than our friends. 

the car made a sharp turn back in the parking lot. eren pulled into a spot with his foot still on the accelerator. he slammed on the breaks, and shoved the gear shift in park. his movements were fast and angry, but not aggressive. just rushed. like he wanted to be anywhere but here. with me. eren opened his door, exiting the car so i mimicked his movements. we made our way back to my dorm, but he led the way as if it were his own we were going back to. 

grabbing his things, he didn’t bother to pack them. just grabbed them within his arms, “we’ll finish it another day,” once again he left no room for disagreement. “i’m sorry, i didn-”

“don’t apologize.” he shot me a look of what looked like disgust. his face had gone back to being blank, but his eyes were still blazing. they had life in them again, but this time it wasn’t happiness that awakened it like the picture with jean. eren was out the door in a split second, the sound of the door closing was the only thing my mind registered. i stood in the living room in the dim light, in awe for a few moments. he gets set off easily.. i guess. i might be able to pry with my friends, but it was off limits around eren.

maybe it’s fucked up to be happy that i made him angry. but that’s what i was. i finally got something out of him that wasn’t entirely emotionless. it proved he was even human. the feeling didn’t last long; he crumbled everything i thought i knew about the situation regarding his disappearance. now i was no closer to figuring it out than when i met him. it doesn’t matter, i kept repeating to myself, trying desperately to believe it. i still had a night full of deadlines; so i pushed my emotions as far down as they would go and focused on what was real and in front of me. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

spotify playlist

[first-ex-wife]

notes on the end of Ted Lasso cause I'm really confused and torn and a bit underwhelmed and I want to make people hear my thoughts

Ted’s plotline has felt underdeveloped. despite being the main, titular character I just feel like it’s been kinda,,, not a priority and it’s upsetting. like I still feel like Ted as a character needs MORE! and I do and very much DON’T like his ending

Nate’s storyline has been one of the most decent tbh he’s maybe the only one I’ve liked in hindsight

Trent is also wonderful in that sort of way where I really have no notes like he's just great

I love Keeley choosing neither man, but I hate how these men oscillate between seeming developed and better and then reverting back to sucking. and good on the narrative for calling it out to some extent but it’s boring and exhausting. (and I understand that, yes, as they discussed, no one can be Perfect. but I really think like,, Jamie didn’t need to still be hung up on her they didn’t need to fight over her, something needed to be different cause there's not being perfect and then there's outright, why the fuck!!!! especially when we DID the "Jamie wants Keeley but then realizes he should move on" plotline LAST SEASON! like there is not being perfect and then there is, you have not grown one bit somehow, and Jamie should be Allowed to realize there's other women and he had his chance with Keeley and it's okay that they're not for each other! let him learn!!!)

cause also then the leaked nudes (another thing I have a bit of an issue with) just become,,, fodder for him being into her again and it's like, that's SO not the fucking time jesus fucking christ! and it undermines the sincerity of his apology if you read it as him starting to wonder if they could have another chance, GOD!

also the Shandy plotline was another example of something that happened a lot this season (also with Jack but it did develop how Keeley’s business is presented as taken on by Rebecca and her sexuality as well as a commentary about class so I’ll excuse all that) where a character is introduced, around for a bit, and then fucks off. which fine, can happen, plots don’t ALWAYS have to go somewhere huge they can pay off in entertainment or making a statement. but there was a lot of other shit we could’ve spent time on!

I hate how we took a plotline Ted NEEDS (being healthy with the fact that Michelle is moving on a coping) but combined it with Michelle dating the worst, most unprofessional cunt in the world (not nearly enough of a callout for him having been her personal therapist and then later a couples’ therapist (red flag on its fucking own) and then DATING A FORMER PATIENT AFTER WATCHING HER MARRIAGE END!) so that, actually, I think Ted WAS fucking right to be upset and I don’t think this SHOULD be something to just be chill with and fuck you, doctor!

I feel like there have been some good attempts to talk about real topics but that they’ve come off heavy-handed? the nudes being leaked is a great topic but the locker room bit felt a bit Much. and the way it just careened into, Isaac is upset with Colin for…. not taking enough time deleting the pictures so he takes his phone and I guess sees a dick (Colin you still could’ve been working on deleting that) and then takes it SO personally that he didn’t know… it all was So Much in a way I didn’t love

also it’s ironic we try to call out social issues but then play off things like SEVERE malpractice, abusive relationships, Keeley apparently having nudes I think spread by a teacher, etc. often for laughs

I really don’t get the Zava plotline in hindsight cause it’s another situation where like… we bring a guy in to make things better. he’s winning games but he’s got an ick vibe I think only Jamie really picks up on. it’s not super discussed so it’s like,,, has no impact, whatever. he leaves. now we have to figure out a NEW way to get better. back to square one. you could cut him out and literally it leaves like no impact on the plot except for Van Damme name change like I get!!!! that not every plot has to have a huge impact!!!!!!! but Zava was pointless and kinda a dick and I just don’t think it contributed ANYTHING to bring him in! maybe to see that they didn’t need a fancy player to get better but I also don’t know that ANYONE on the team learned that lesson tbh. and maybe that’s me complaining about not being spoon-fed but I really feel like if the message was “they think they need him but they don’t” it wasn’t super There. and having him send self-indulgent t-shirts in the final episode is really like… yeah okay guy still sucks

Rupert fall from grace plotline pretty great

Rebecca does develop a bit and I like that. she seems to go from being upset she’s single and never had a child, she still wants to defeat Rupert, but she learns to let go of that and just focus on what matters. she stands up for the love of the game, she finds inner strength. but still I think a little something is missing. I don’t think just giving her a man and a child fixes that. I don’t know, a lot of this just feels like something’s off. I’m glad she’s happy, but her arc this season wasn’t much

I really enjoyed learning Beard’s backstory but aside from that his main storyline is being in an abusive relationship played for laughs so like…. ugh. and Beard telling Ted he doesn’t want to go but couldn’t let him down is SO FUCKING GOOD, but, again…. I hate Jane so fucking much!! I keep coming back to the texts she sent in that episode and god she’s reactionary and cruel and obsessive and just,? and the one time Higgins tries to point it out he’s ignored it’s annoying

Jamie’s development as a team player has been SO amazing but again… I wish that translated into letting go of Keeley. but I do love him a lot. but let him let GO!

I’m trying to be… objective in that. things don’t tie up perfectly always in real life. but I do just feel… like there’s a lot of character development that don’t quite get!!!! Ted & Rebecca both could do better! I like the idea of them just staying friends (but DO they, even? do they have a daily video chat did he give her the biscuit recipe is there ANYTHING?) and there’s SO many good individual moments & characters in the show but I just feel like there’s a lot halfbaked looking at things as a whole

ROY KENT NEW MANAGER AND THE FANS OWNING THE TEAM AND KEELEY’S WOMEN’S LEAGUE ALL VERY GOOD!!

It’s nice to see everyone happy and together but then it leaves me more confused why Ted has to separate himself. I get he’s got Henry & I’m glad he’s coaching his son. being apart from his son is a big problem for Ted and I like that the effort to be a better father is a priority. but I still feel like things are a bit hollow. it feels like the narrative says that being a more present dad will allow Ted to let go of every other issue but I still just feel like many things weren’t fully worked at. is he an alcoholic? it’s sometimes implied!!! is he open to love? who knows!!!! does he have friends or another day job or anything to give his life meaning when Henry’s with his mom? no clue!!!!!!! does Dr. Jacob choke and die? one can only hope!!!!!!!!!

overall I liked it fine but this entire season has felt Off and Nate’s storyline is the only one I can fully endorse. I just expected from something that was so clearly planned out in detail to have less meandering plotlines, more time for developing characters, clearer closure, and maybe,, ANY evidence that Ted has not cut himself off entirely from his family right when it was getting good! if anything, it almost seems like he’s NOT coping because he DID do that! and footage of him & Rebecca video chatting or him flying out for Beard’s stupid wedding or on special occasions could mitigate that but instead it feels like he really is supposed to have cutting himself out of his found family entirely to return to his ex-wife and son as like,,, his entire closure. and so I can't in good faith believe he IS doing better. I can't.

[somerandommess]

Maxiel Au, writer Max;editor Dan. On Ao3 :) here. It’s like 3000 words so below is just a snippet. Enjoy? :)

Jimmy and Sassy

The tail of how two cats explore the world

Book 3: Jimmy & Sassy become pawtectives

Written by Max Verstappen

Illustrated by Charles Leclerc

Draft

“You cant possibly think editing this book yourself is a good idea”

“I do think it’s a good idea. I’m not going to send off my book to some random editor. I know what I wrote, I can edit it!”

“It’s not that I don’t think you can edit it, it’s just that you already have so much work doing.”

This is a conversation that Max and Charles have had several times since Max finished writing his latest book.

Ever since he published the first Jimmy&Sassy book, his agent Christian had been on his back about the next books in the series. Max never expected the books to gain such popularity, but apparently cats getting into trouble was what 7-9 year olds around the world demanded.

Max got up from his place at the breakfast bar and made his way to the fridge, stealing a piece of toast from Charles as he went. He frowned and shoved a bit of omelette in his mouth , watching as Max took his last yogurt.

He didn’t really want the yogurt, but since Charles brought up this topic for the third time this week he figured why not. Out of spite.

He walked to the couch, yogurt in hand, sat down and picked up his laptop. He placed the yogurt down in favor of his mouse and opened the draft of Jimmy&Sassy. Highlighted words and comments greeted him as he scrolled down to where he stopped late last night.

Jimmy gave Sassy a remorseful look. Perhaps the dog from across the street hadn’t stolen the catnip from Mrs.Hoffer, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t commit a crime. Sassy blinks at him but says nothing. Jimmy knows she’s discontent-

“You see! Discontent, remorseful! What seven year old is going to know what discontent is?” Charles exclaimed from behind him.

Max jumps. He didn’t hear Charles sneaking up behind him. He blames it on the lack of sleep.

“They can get a dictionary,” Max responds. It’s what I did he leaves out. He knows Charles gets uncomfortable when he talks about his childhood. About Jos. He doesn’t say it out loud but he sees it in his eyes when Max says certain things.

His father always hated his decision to become an author. He told him he’d never make it big, and that he should stick to children books since he can’t write anything above a fourth grade reading level.

Despite the success of Jimmy&Sassy, he still feels that his father was right when he ignores his other projects to write about two cats stopping a parrot crime lord from taking over the world.

“Get a dictionary? Do you hear yourself?” Charles crouches next to him,

“It’s not just this, you have so many sentences that are out of place. Most of it feels like it should be in another book-“

Max rolls his eyes, “Charles-“

“I know you’ve been working on a side project,” Charles presses on.

“Charles I’m not-“

“Don’t even lie, I see you writing sometimes.” He smiles cheekily at him.

Max frowns. It’s true.

Charles looks at him still and Max chooses to ignore him, highlighting discontent and remorseful instead.

Charles stands and cracks his back. Max watches out of the corner of his eye as he takes his seat next to the window infront of his tablet. He picks up his pen and goes through the motion of sketching potential covers for the new book.

Max shakes his head and stares at the screen.

He highlights some more,

Deluded, rampant, languid.

Charles hums some stupid song, smile on his face. Max groans.

“Fine!”

“What’s that Max?” Charles looks at him, batting his eyes.

“Maybe I need an editor,” he mumbles.

“What’s that? I can’t hear you?” Charles responds. A big smile on his face.

Max angrily clicks save, “You heard me!”

Charles giggles, actually giggles, and grabs his phone.

“I’ll send you his info.”

“You already have someone? Is he even credible? Has he done editing before?”

Charles doesn’t bother looking at him and just continues typing, “He’s a friend of Jules”

Max blinks. Jules Bianchi, famous romance author, and Charles’ godfather. Max assumes that the guy edits stuff for Jules, so he must be good.

He closes his laptop and sets it down. His phones pings and he sees it’s the contact information for a Danny Ric .

He would email him later.

….

On Ao3 here

[inkribbon796]

Egotober 2023 Day 8: A Framed Story

Summary: Ethan is finding heroics to be not as glamorous as he thought it would be.

A/N: This one fits the prompt only on a technicality.

Prompt: Frame

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

When Ethan wanted to be a hero, he didn’t think it would be quite as tedious.

He’d been given a fancy wrist watch so he could always keep in touch with the heroes, and was required to always let either his mom or dad know where he was at all times. Legal requirements. He was supposed to get a new suit soon but for now not to go chasing supervillains.

And the very next day after officially becoming a hero, Ethan was sent to a neighboring building just to watch the city capital building in case anything happened.

He spent way too long in the building, and texting the two other apprentices. Logic was apparently trying to do homework before a patrol with Bing. Logic was incredibly cagey, only giving short replies. Stripes was a bit more social but he was apparently having to do something for school so he couldn’t really carry out a conversation.

The Coalition needed more apprentices. More chatty apprentices at least.

His phone let out a chime and a text from Silver appeared.

Silver: “Come into the building, want you to mean the candidates, Gatling is with me.”

Eager for something to do, Ethan leapt up and ran down the stairs to get down to city hall where Gatling was waiting to usher him in. They were joking around a bit when they got into the main lobby where Silver was with two men. One who looked considerably more welcoming but weirdly familiar in a way he just couldn’t place. The other guy looked like he hated that not only Silver was there but he seemed to hate Ethan being there even more.

“Great, you brought your kid,” the angrier of the pair said.

“Not my kid, he’s our apprentice,” Silver said. Silver gestured to the two men. “Blank, this is Doomstrum and Malloy.”

“Really?” Ethan asked.

“Damien Doomstrum, my father would utterly disown me if I changed my name,” Damien said. “My colleague here is Arthur Malloy.”

“If you’ll excuse me, I have more important things to do,” Malloy said before walking away.

“He seems to just be like that,” Damien said.

“Shame,” Bob said.

“Nice to meet you Blank, I’ve seen your picture on the news,” Damien said.

“Wanted the security team to get used to him, hope you don’t mind,” Silver said.

“Not at all,” Damien said. “I have a couple about his age, it’s a very rambunctious time.”

Bob was about to ask a couple questions, mostly out of curiosity but the entrance of the lobby opened and a young man about Ethan’s age walked in.

“Hey,” the young man said.

Damien’s head had turned the instant the door opened. He seemed to relax when he saw who it was. “Yes? What is it?” Damien asked.

“Going out for a bite to eat, you want anything?” The young man said.

“I’ll catch up with you two in a bit, Ill’s still have my wallet? Cause I know he took it.”

“Yeah, probably,” the young man said. “Okay, well, he’ll text you when we pick a place.”

“Thank you,” Damien said.

The kid went back through the door and Bob just pointed after him. “How old is that kid, like? Ten?”

“He’s fifteen, and he has two pocket knives he thinks I don’t know about. Besides, he’s got his older brother around, they should be fine.” Damien said. Then he took a deep breath and pulled out a cell phone. “Besides, I have their phones tracked and we’ll be done soon enough.”

“Ahh, that explains it,” Silver said with a smile.

“Yes, well, I have to go collect my things, and then two of my boys,” Damien said. “I still have paperwork to bring home.”

“Don’t let us keep you,” Silver said.

Damien walked out of the room and the instant the doors closed his cheerful facade turned into a deep scowl and a portal opened up from that hallway and into Malloy’s office where the man was packing things up.

In an instant, “Damien” grabbed Malloy by the lapels and used his chromatic aura to suspend him in the air. “Come now, you could at least try. What fun is this if you don’t try?”

“I don’t know why you’re bothering with this,” Malloy said, all chilled confidence gone from his voice. “We could just declare you mayor.”

“Hmm,” Damien’s head tilted a bit too far. “Obviously rigged election, with a man the heroes don’t know about. All of it would be a bit too obvious. The people have hope, they stack their chips on me, and if they ever find out the truth I get to watch the hope bleed away. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“Yes, yes,” Malloy said eagerly.

“And either you win and I get new bribes, or I win and we get to just cut out the middle man, and maybe if you can keep your mouth shut, you get to live.”

A portal opened up and Kaylor stepped out, wearing one of his squirrel ties. In one hand he had a hamburger, and in the other he had a file of a couple papers. “Heroes are gone.”

“Good,” Damien said, releasing Malloy. “What else did you find?”

Kay handed Damien a couple of folded up pieces of paper. “He’s got two phones on him, Google could get into one of them. We’re not sure if either is his normal phone.”

“Thank you, Curls,” Damien said. He dropped Malloy and took the papers. “You’re in charge of keeping your eye on him.”

“Got it,” Kay said and Damien opened up a portal which the Lost One stepped through.

“Children,” Damien smirked. “Aren’t they simply wonderful?”

“I don’t know where you got that little hellion from, but I hope his parents know where he is.” Malloy figured he would get a light chastisement or a slap on the wrist.

Instead Dark’s aura seized him around the throat with startling quickness. Dark’s form seized back into being before changing back into Damien. “If I didn’t need you to sell my campaign, I would snap your insufferable neck. You worry about your assets, and I’ll worry about mine. And don’t worry, his father knows exactly what he needs to.”

Malloy was released and slumped against the wall coughing. “Get your things, and get out of my sight. Before you have an accident.”

The human recovered quickly enough and gathered his things before rushing out and leaving Damien alone to watch him slink off.

The demon mobster planned the next couple months in his mind as he returned to the Manor where his Lost Ones and Wilford were waiting for him.

[twinhood-2dot0]

A Shallow Dive into: The Batfam

Welcome to another episode of Alia-rants-about-stuff-she’s-passionate-about. Today, we’re exploring the Batfamily. You already know that this cast of characters is near and dear to my heart, but why exactly? That’s what you’re going to be seeing today. I wrote a post about the entire history of DC but it got too long and boring so I switched topics :P

Meet The Cast

Batman - The most iconic and second ever comic book superhero ever. Bruce Wayne was your typical rich kid, until one day while returning home from watching The Mask Of Zorro (most adaptations skip this detail but I’m pretty sure it’s canon in the comics), Thomas Wayne decided to take a shortcut FROM CRIME ALLEY, WHY DIDN’T THAT MAKE YOU RECONSIDER??? And a guy gunned down both his parents while trying to mug them but got jumpy. He vowed to war on crime and went around the world to learn literally everything he could that could help him. He returns, tries to stop a crime, gets almost killed, returns home and is sitting in a chair when a bat accidentally flew into his manor, and he took it as a sign to dress as a bat. In some versions (there are a lot of versions to this simple story somehow) Bruce had a fear of bats which also compelled him to turn his fear into criminals’ fear.

His superpowers? 

And he’s extremely smart, trained in every martial art, mastery of every weapon, even an expert marksman even though he refuses to use guns, because parents (like everything about him). In Detective Comics #1000 we see him melt down the gun that Joe Chill used to kill his parents and use it to make the symbol on his suit. He has degrees in forensic fields and engineering and computer science and probably other sciences too. He’s at peak human capabilities. I could list everything he can do but I’ll shorten it to he’s the best at everything a human is capable of doing. If you do wanna know everything, I don’t know why you would but you can check it out here.

Robin - Robin is a mantle donned by several characters. His name came from Robin Hood. I don’t know why else a Bat would have a bird sidekick. 5 characters have taken up the mantle in main continuity, namely, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and the latest, Damian Wayne.

Dick Grayson - Son of the Flying Graysons, trapeze artists famous for their circus appearances where they would perform without a net. Their lives came to a tragic end when Anthony Zucco tampered with the trapezes resulting in them falling to their deaths. Bruce Wayne happened to be in the audience, and took Dick in, because he didn’t want him to turn into what he did and help him find justice.

        He’s a founding member of the Teen Titans, starting the trend. He’s the comedic contrast to Batman, as made apparent by his costume choice. He eventually grows out of Batman’s shadow and becomes a hero in his own right, Nightwing. 

Jason Todd - Considered by many as the most interesting Robin, he did not start out so popular. After Dick left Batman’s side, Batman picked up a juvenile delinquent who attempted to steal the Batmobile’s tires as his next Robin. Fans did not like him, presumably because they felt he was usurping Dick. So, DC decided to kill him off. They published the highly influential story of “A Death In The Family” at the end of which there was a phone number fans could call and vote whether to kill him or not. Yeah, the fans really did not like him, as he was voted to die.

He later came back in “Batman: Hush”, but it was Clayface (a Batman villain with a clay body and ability to change into people), in a ploy to psychologically break Batman by Hush. Nevertheless, it was revealed that Jason’s grave was empty, in a lead up to “Under The Red Hood”, in which it was revealed that Jason was resurrected and claimed the identity of Red Hood, his killer Joker’s identity before an accident turned him into Joker. He became a murderous vigilante which did not sit right with Batman. After Batman’s death in Final Crisis, he creates an armoured Batsuit and becomes a, again, murderous Batman. Murderous is a recurring theme until recently. Dick defeats him and is forced to take up the mantle. A while after Dick became Batman, he resurfaces and goes on a very public murderous rampage leaving notes saying “Let the punishment fit the crime”. He is defeated yet again and arrested this time.

He becomes an ally of Batman following the New 52 reboot and stops killing in an effort to gain Batman’s respect. Sorry this got so long, you can see why he’s so loved now though.

Tim Drake - Tim Drake was just a normal high school kid, but he was an exceptional detective and deduced the identity of Batman and Robin, and following Jason’s death, he approached Batman to become Robin as he felt Batman was a little unhinged without Jason. Tim may not be as strong or a great fighter like Nightwing and Red Hood. He is ummm… I don’t know much about him, except that he was replaced by Damian when Dick became Batman and has other identities of Red Robin and Talon and has gone back to Robin in Rebirth??? Yeah, it’s weird.

Stephanie Brown - A Robin not many talk about. She was the girlfriend of Tim and the daughter of Cluemaster, a super-villain. When Tim’s identity was uncovered by his dad he’s forced to hang up the cape, and Steph offered to fill in for him. She became Batgirl later on along with Cassandra Cain who I’ll talk about later. She was Spoiler before she became Robin. I don’t know much again, but she is kinda rebellious.

Damian Wayne - He’s the sometimes consensual, sometimes not son of Bruce and Talia al Ghul, daughter of Ra’s al Ghul. He was trained from birth to be an assassin then just given to Bruce I think. Then Bruce died and he became Dick’s Robin. I love their sibling dynamic though, I love seeing Dick act like an older brother.

Batgirl - The first Batgirl was Barbara Gordon, my personal favourite batfam member, the daughter of Commissioner Jim Gordon, one of the few not incorruptible cop in the GCPD. On a Halloween she dressed up in a Batman costume and fought off Killer Moth, attracting the attention of Batman. While at first not appreciative he slowly warmed up to her. She works as a librarian and is a computer genius. When crippled waist down by the Joker, she assumed the role of Oracle, an information broker to help in the batfam’s crusades.

Cassandra Cain - Cassandra is the second Batgirl. I have yet to read the very influential “No Man’s Land” event, but her first appearance was in that event. She is the daughter of David Cain, a skillful assassin. He raised her only to kill. She wasn’t even taught spoken language so that the language processing part of the brain could read body language so she could react to every action before it happens. This made her second best if not best martial artist on the planet. However a mind reading metahuman rewired her brain so she could speak, and she lost her abilities and she had to ask Lady Shiva to help her regain her abilities. 

Batwoman - Katherine Kane is the maternal cousin of Bruce Wayne raised by a Colonel. She is probably the most influential LGBTQ+ comic book superhero, being lesbian. She was in the army until she was booted for being lesbian. She was attacked by a mugger in Gotham and fends him off but Batman still arrives and inspires her. 

Azrael - Jean Paul Valley was brainwashed by “The Sacred Order of Saint Dumas” as their vengeance enacter. He crosses paths with Batman who helped him break out of his conditioning. He then helps Batman in his crime fighting endeavour. He is famous for taking up the mantle of Batman when he had his back broken by Bane in the “Knightfall” storyline. He becomes a brutal version of Batman and had to be defeated after Bruce recovered.

Alfred - Arguably the most important member of the Batfamily, he’s the Wayne family butler who practically raised Batman and his wards. He’s the man in Batpeople’s ears feeding them information and quips

Alex, I'll see you on Thursday.

-Alia

[dargeereads]

She’s not looking for love but he knows she’s the girl of his dreams.

Brodie, an Until Her novella from New York Times bestselling author Aurora Rose Reynolds & 1001 Dark Nights is now live!

More book worm than Barbie, Reese Shepard is completely caught off guard when the most beautiful man she has ever seen in her life steps in and pretends to be her boyfriend when some creep won’t leave her alone.

She assumes that it’s the last time that she’ll see the chivalrous stranger, but soon he is everywhere she is. And before she knows what’s happening, the two of them are spending all their free time together bonding over their love of the ocean, scary movies, and homemade cookies.

Reese knows that a guy like Brodie Larsen could have any woman he wants and that becomes even more apparent when she finds out that he’s a pro hockey player that’s worth millions of dollars. So to save herself the potential heartbreak she places him firmly in the friend zone.

If only he’d stay there.

The infuriating man starts pushing for more, lots more, and the worst part is she wants to give it all to him including her heart.

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Keep reading for a look inside Brodie!

Do you really like baking, or is that something you made up so women would find you endearing?” “No, I enjoy it. It’s relaxing.” He picks up his burger and meets my gaze. “You really like fishing?” “I love it, or rather, I love ice fishing. My—” I cut myself off. “Your?” “When I was growing up, I would go with my best friend’s dad and him almost every weekend in the winter. There is something magical about being in that little hut, waiting for a fish we would cook right there after pulling it out of the water.” I shrug. “I haven’t gone in a long time, but that is one of my favorite memories from when I was a kid.” “Have you ever gone deep-sea fishing?” “No, have you?” “I go whenever I get the chance.” His gaze wanders over my face. “What are you doing tomorrow?” “Nothing. I have the day off.” “Do you want to go out fishing with me?” “Are you serious?” “I never joke about fishing.” “Then, yeah. That sounds like fun.” “All right.” He sets his burger down and takes his cell phone out of his pocket. I watch him type something, and then he sets it aside and resumes eating until it dings a moment later. After he picks it up and checks the screen, his eyes meet mine. “Does eight work for you?” “Sure.” I dunk one of my fries into some ketchup. Dropping his gaze, he quickly texts something back before lifting his burger once more. “We’ll meet the charter company I use in the morning, and they’ll take us out.” “It must be nice to be rich and famous,” I joke, then cringe because it’s obvious that who he is is a sensitive topic for him. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” “Don’t be.” He shrugs. “I deal with that kind of shit from my family all the time.” “They give you a hard time about it?” “Constantly.” He smiles. “My brother is the worst.” “So, when you say you play pro hockey, I’m guessing that means you’re pretty good.” “I don’t suck.” His smile is tinged with a bit of cockiness. “I don’t know much about hockey. How long have you been playing?” “Since I was a kid. My dad bought me my first pair of skates when I was four. I joined my first team when I was seven and have been playing ever since. You’ll have to come to a game when the season starts up.” “I’m not really a fan of sporting events.” I hated watching Kirk play football, so I avoided his games like the plague, which probably made me a pretty crappy girlfriend. I just didn’t enjoy the violent aspects of the sport and would sit there the whole time with a pit in my stomach, knowing that one wrong hit could cause irrevocable damage. And knowing what little I do about hockey, I imagine it would be the same thing. “What sports do you like?” “None.” I tip my head to the side. “That’s a lie. That sport they play in the Olympics, where they sweep that black ball thing with brooms down the ice, is pretty cool.” “Curling is not a sport.” “It’s in the Olympics, so I’d guess they’d disagree with you on that topic.” I listen to him laugh, the deep sound just as attractive as he is, especially when his eyes crinkle at the corners. The dimple in his left cheek, which I didn’t notice before, shows ever so slightly. Ignoring the flutter in my lower belly, I focus on eating and just enjoying his company. Being friends is safe, but there is no way I’ll entertain more than that with an apparently famous hockey player who has women throwing themselves at him.

For more information about Aurora Rose Reynolds, visit: https://aurorarosereynolds.com/

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[leyllethecreator]

Rigamarole: Section 2: Bubble

We’re playing that game again. Mom’s pretending to suspect nothing. I’m pretending not to notice that she’s pretending not to notice, while Riley’s pretending to check texts to get out of eating his breakfast.

He’s texting me.

I keep the sound off, watching the text bubbles appear on my blue wallpaper one after another - forcing each other upwards on the screen like little drowning men pushing each other toward the surface.

It feels like we’re playing monkey in the middle - lobbing messages over mom’s head through cyberspace.

“Just cut the act and let’s go. I’ll tell mom we have to leave early so I can find parking, but I’m not helping you out of lunch.”

“Leia…”

I look up and glare at him, so I won’t start screaming.

I’m so sick of being the middleman - girl - the land bridge between the three islands I call my family - trying to play damage control-

But I’d hate saying something even more. I’d hate breaking Riley’s trust, and I’d hate what mom and dad would say and do if they found out.

It has to be better this way, right?

I talk until my face hurts - anytime mom asks a question - just so that Riley won’t have to-

He’s so much worse at lying than I am. But I’ve had more practice.

“Look, if you just eat whatever fruit mom packed in our lunches today, I won’t say anything else about it for the whole day. I promise. Deal?”

He doesn’t look up but I feel his expression quaver with a wash of inexplicable fear so palpable I can almost taste it. I feel sick to my stomach, and the bubbles spam the screen.

“Please don’t, Leia. I’ve got a plan. I’m working on it…”

No, he’s not.

I flip my phone onto its face, making it breathe in the table cloth, as Mom leans a little too hard on the counter.

“Do you guys want mustard or mayo on your sandwiches?” 

I can hear her exhaustion, but I don’t know why she’s so anxious and tired when she has no reason to believe that she doesn’t know anything.

I’ve been careful.

I wish she would just let us make our own sandwiches. 

I foresee gaining a whole lot of weight before graduation, but at this point I’ve forgotten how to properly care about my image, my weight, my public perception…

I’m too busy trying to get Riley to school in a state we can pass off as “normal” at least until we get to the car.

I can make sure we’re both out of the front door in time so there’s no need for mom to question anything. 

But there’s still our lunches to think about.

It’s crazy that she still insists on packing our lunches herself, even at our ages. If she didn’t this would be a whole lot easier-

At the mention of sandwiches Riley flinches visibly like someone said ‘fire.’

It doesn't matter. Her back is turned.

Still I can’t avoid this slimy feeling as Riley glances in my direction, and I resist the urge to put my head in my hands.

I’m disgusting. 

Because heaven knows, I’ll be the one eating his lunch - just so there won’t be any questions. Heaven knows, I’ll be bartering with him to eat a half portion until that half portion becomes an apple or an orange, and then half an apple, and then just the juice. Then, I’ll stuff my own gullet until I feel like I’m going to puke, because he doesn't want to throw it away.

Because apparently it’s “right as rain” to eat something and then puke it up again, but throwing away food would be wrong.

“I can’t rationalize it, I guess…” 

“You know we both prefer mayo mom,” I say brightly, hating the taste of my tongue in my mouth. She smiles a little warily.

“I’m sorry. I’m just a little out of it today. I’ve got such a headache.”

I just smile a little because I don’t know what else to say. Riley looks up, thanking me with his eyes - and I want to spit at him - tell him not to dare thank me, and to hurry up and quit this insanity so we can stop living on eggshells-

But I just reply to his last text, “I’m done waiting for your ‘plan,’ Riley. Don’t try to argue with me and grab your backpack so we can go.”

I give mom a little hug as Riley picks up his own backpack and mine. I grab my keys, yank the backpack from his skeleton-thin hand, and shove him toward the front door - before he can say anything - look at me-

I’m not in the mood for anything. For nonsense. For talking. For thinking.

I hate you so much.

And I can't do anything but beg you to stay alive.

“…There are so many hungry people in the world.”

“There really are.”

But the one I’m worried about right now is you.

(This story is making it's official debut on my Patreon May 27th!: