#where he gets that really cute scrunchy face

[maximura]

[skyrigel]

Simon had him and you all convinced that it was just sex and nothing more.

“No attachment.” He always said, everytime — sometimes so hurried and forgotten that it's just mumbled against your mouth before he's shoving his tongue down your throat.

Sometimes with so much urgency that it's lost between your moans, no attachment, babe, no attachment. And you believed him because it was really just sex, wasn't it ? There were no pretty dates and no fancy dinner at ritz, maybe those poorly wrapped ones he pretended he had not ordered and takeouts he brought along...but oh please, no attachments!

But maybe sometimes about those walks in the city where he would not so subtly grasp your hand, and you would catch him stealing glances at you while a teenager fiddled with his guitar, rhyming she came, my world lit with narcotic, I am addict.

No attachment but Simon's standing outside your workspace when it's raining —“I thought you might need it.” holding up the umbrella but those two words were there again when you were knee deep in the passanger seat and he was eating you out... because it was casual, right ? No attachment.

And it really didn't burn and ached until you got sick, real sick — puking your guts out and coughing until your ribs gave up, surely he wasn't the best role model of no attachment when he was panting to death as he picked your unconscious frame from the floor, you still remember the faint whisper of his ‘please don't leave me, please, please don't —’ over and over.

And if he wanted for no attachment then he should be gone. Gone and not come back because it was just sex...

Simon shouldn't be mopping the floor, and stirring your soup and touching your forehead every five minutes.

No attachment then why he's loading your grocery and taking out trash and doing your laundry, why he's wiping your tears and telling you it's going to be alright.

Why he's not leaving like he always did because there were no attachment right, but he's right here, tucking you in bed and washing your hair and reading you book.

“Is it some eccentric joke ? Why this Zaid is always growling ?—also when you get alright... we're gonna try it out, lovie.”

You blushed, but it wasn't just what he was suggesting but that word, it felt good.

“S-say it again.” You whispered, shifting your head in pillow. Simon turned back a page he was reading from, your scrunchie on his wrist.

“Zaid growled—” You screwed your face,“—oh, we'll try it—”

“last word. Your last word.”

“Oh.” He said, “Lovie...you don't like it ?”

You shaked your head, sniffing very unsexy-ly

“Call me that...I love it.” Simon pushed up the book up his face, his neck was pulsing with his many veins and you knew the blush that would be blooming on his hard face. Cute.

“Again.” You tilted your head, to get a look at his flushed out face.

“Okay Lovie...sleep now.” He grumbled, flicking your bedside lamp off and bookmarking the book with one of your scrunchie he removed from his wrist.

“Huh...Good night baby.” You said, waiting to be corrected, waiting for those two words to come and upside down it all.

But they never came, like they never even existed, never had a meaning to them at all.

No attachment, lost forever in darkness.

“G'night lovie.” He said so sweetly, and when you closed your eyes this time, you only saw daylight.

Grim Reaper! Simon

Masterlist

[avocado-writing]

Hi dear! I would like to appreciate your works. I really enjoy everything you wrote, Wish you have a great day! 💗

Since you're taking requests, could you please write Wade with a polite, sweet and delicate partners. He's with a person who's the definition of "Too pure for this world and MUST be PROTECTED at all cost" His partner showers him with love and validation, and always love to listen to him! Thanks! 💓

possibly based on real life events.

Wade Wilson is so in love, it must be sickening to everyone around him. 

In fact he knows it is and he does not care. He’ll say “look at this meme the love of my life sent me!” and the person who he shows will roll their eyes, as if you don’t have incredible taste in cat pictures. He’ll monologue constantly about how cute you are and how much he loves that scrunchy thing you do with your nose. He’s recited committed-to-memory facts about you so many times that his friends can parrot them too. 

“Yes, I know what their favourite film is, I know you took them to a special viewing of it for their birthday. It’s cute, Wade,” says Laura, patting him on the arm condescendingly. Well, it’s not his fault you’re so wonderful! There isn’t a single thing about you that’s not perfect. He’s constantly bowled over about just how much affection he can fit in his body for you. The other night he was going on about something stupid - he can’t even remember what now, maybe it was about the new Taco Bell menu? - and then realised you hadn’t interrupted him once to shut him up like most people would.

You’d looked over the top of your magazine at him when he’d pointed this out, brow cocked.

“Why would I want you to shut up? I like listening to you talk, Wade.”

Marry you. He’s going to marry you. Every day, then divorce you every day too so he can marry you again. 

You are probably too good for him. Most of his social circle thinks so. You’re patient and kind, when you’re not at your job - where you work at a charity adopting out senior animals, as if you could be any more of a fucking angel - you like to spend your time in his shitty little kitchen, baking desserts for him to get home to. He’ll find you getting Al to taste test for you and his apartment full of laughter and joy. 

Man, he’s definitely put on like, six pounds since the two of you started dating. He needs to be stronger in the face of your cupcakes. 

They are really fucking good though. 

He walks in that night with a plushie under his arm. It’s a cow. He remembers you mentioning offhand how cute you thought cows were, so he decided to grab the biggest one the toy store one the way home had just because he knows it’ll make you smile. You don’t need any more stuffed toys; you sleep with them all in the bed and they’re pushing him off the side at this point because of their sheer number but, well, he likes seeing you happy. 

And then he hears sobbing. 

“Sweetheart?” he asks, immediately panicked. Are you injured? Has someone come to hurt you - has he painted a target on your back because of his job? Bile fills his throat as he stumbles forward…

…and there you are, sitting in front of the TV, PlayStation controller in your lap as tears run down your face while the end of the game plays out. Wade has never felt such relief in his life, laughing as the ache of it is taken from his chest. You turn to him with wide, watery eyes. 

“Don’t you laugh at me, Wade Wilson!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. But babe… are you crying at the end of Kingdom Hearts?”

“No!” you lie, trying to mop your face off with your sleeve. Then the music hits its crescendo from the crappy speakers and you start wailing all over again. 

He loves you. He’d kill a million billion people for you. It would take a hell of a long time but hey, one word and he’d do it. If anyone even lifted a finger to hurt you he’d execute them so thoroughly that every generation of their family would be wiped out of existence too. 

To put it in terms you’d approve of, he’d do anything for you. But he also knows you’d never ask him to. You’re just that wonderful. 

“… would it help if I got us take-out and you started playing the second one?”

“Uh-huh,” you manage to confirm. 

“I could be in this fucking game, beat Donald Duck’s little feathery ass. Disney, make it happen.”

“What?”

“Don’t worry about it. Pizza or Chinese?”

Taglist: @falsewordz @malfoys-demigod @belilwen @mildly-salted @tvwebs @childeslegstrap @getmeoutofhell @s1eep-o @just-a-beatlemaniac69 @yrthr @momopad @sugarplumz100 @captainjinkx @madspads @acrosstheunivcrse @yeethaw13 @na-is-salty @florduarte @hunterispunk

[bleedingoptimism]

Eddie is pacing, going to Tarja’s room and back to the kitchen where she’s sitting with a smile puffing her cute freckled cheeks and kicking her little feet back and forth.

He checks she has everything she needs, clothes, pajamas, scrunchies, and her drawing book. He makes sure he packed her Toothless toothbrush and her plushie. She’s been on a ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ phase for a while now.

He’s not usually that nervous about her leaving to stay at her father’s for the week.

But she’s not usually this excited either.

See, her asshole of a father, has a new boyfriend, and apparently, he’s amazing and Tarja loves him. And she can't wait to spend more time with him. 

And Eddie, he’s kind of curious and not jealous. At all. Really. He’s just curious about him, he just can’t understand how his asshole of an ex can be dating someone that’s supposedly nice, funny, and caring. Someone who talks to his kid when she’s upset, picks her up from school on time, and spends time playing around with her outside when she gets the jitters.

Tommy, his ex, is an awful person. He was the worst thing that happened to him and Eddie would’ve loved to never see him again, he just happens to also be attached to be best thing that ever happened to him, his daughter.

A one-night stand that asked him for marriage after he knocked him up, (because his father forced him to, but Eddie found that out on the divorce) that Eddie had only agreed to marry because he was scared he wouldn't be able to afford to take care of a kid alone.

He filed for a divorce so quickly after, that it was almost an annulment. Thankfully, Tommy wasn’t as bad of a parent as he was a husband, determined to be better than his own old man. So Eddie had no problem sharing custody with him. They agreed on a visitation schedule without issues and they have been civil for the last six years.

And then Tommy got a new boyfriend. And Tarja loves him. And Eddie is not jealous. He’s not.

He’s just nervous because he’s coming to pick her up and he’s going to meet him for the first time and finally see what all the fuzz is about.

The doorbell rings and Eddie checks the time and grumbles when he sees he���s pleasantly on time. Tarja jumps off the stool and runs to the entrance, “Steve!” she screams excitedly as she opens the front door.

And Eddie stands there with a little backpack that is also shaped like Toothless as the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen in his life kneels in front of his daughter and hugs her close.

“Hello, little dragon! I missed you!” he greets her and Eddie does not notice how beautiful and melodic his voice is while Steve holds Tarja’s shoulders as she jumps up and down excitedly telling him everything she’s got planned for them to do with a soft smile on his face.

And then Steve looks up and Eddie sees the warmth in his pretty brown-green eyes and he feels like he just missed a step going down the stairs. He smiles dumbly back at him as Steve gets up with Tarja sitting on his waist and extends a hand to him,

“Hi! You must be Eddie! I’ve heard so much about you!” Eddie shakes his hand and gets stuck thinking about how soft they are instead of answering so Steve keeps talking, “Only good things!” he says nervously and Eddie shakes his head and stops thinking about the two moles on Steve’s left cheek and smiles back.

“It’s nice to finally meet you! Tarja won't stop talking about you” He says and hopes it doesn't come out a little bitter.

Steve smiles bashfully and pokes Tarja’s tummy, “Yeah, she’s a little chatterbox isn’t she? I heard she got that from you” he quips.

Eddie frowns about to jokingly act offended but Steve’s eyes go huge and he blushes, “Oh! No I meant that as a good thing! I love it, I love her, I mean-” he stammers and Tarja giggles at his nervousness and Eddie melts a little.

After they exchange information, just in case, Eddie needs to remind himself, and Eddie gives Steve Tarja’s backpack there’s not much more to say so he hugs her kid and kisses her goodbye.

Steve picks her up again, “C'mon let's go,” he tells her and then purses his lips a little, “Tommy is probably waiting” he sighs warily, and oh, that’s interesting.

He waves Eddie goodbye wiggling his fingers cutely and Eddie waves back and closes the door and frowns at it,

“Man… why couldn’t I have Tarja with Steve?” 

👉 next part

☕🥐💕?

[reptilian-angel]

The Cafe' Prince & The Killer Cook Pt. 1:

Chapter One - "Egg on your Face" Mega-Omelet

ME: Blitzø, having suffered a the worst day of his life, finds an unexpected silver lining when he awakens inside some random cafe hosted by a sweet (if oddly articulate) little girl, Via and her chef daddy, Stolas (Who looks like Hell on Wheels and cooks just as good, but who gave a shit.)

Later on after this chance encounter, a completely unanticipated offer might just be what Blitzø needs to turn his trashfire of an existence into a lifetime of amazing food, exciting moments and maybe even . . . Love?

Stolitz fluff, food chain puns, good food and healthy doses of angst await you at the Stars & Stir-Ups Cafe’!!! (Yet to be named)

Inspired by Pink Lomito’s ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE Stolitz Cafe’ AU fanart and written with their blessing, so I can only hope this will live up to the hype! (Displayed Below)

Full disclosure, I DO bake as a hobby, but I am NOT a career baker so most of descriptions of any foods mentioned, cooking and otherwise, will totally be written by an author completely in the dark, so please be gentle with any criticisms regarding any of the cooking displayed here. (Also see the end of the chapters for the recipes used, or at least the closest comparisions.)

Get Your knives and forks ready, you sinners & saints, and please enjoy!! I owe nothing!!!

Normal P.O.V.

When Blitzø woke up, he was automatically confused.

He had expected to be face flat, ass up on the shitty, grime covered flour of the bar he had trudged into last night like he had only hours to live. It had been a record-breaking shitty-ass day for him and he decided, like the many, many bitchy broke losers out there who had had their dreams squashed and trampled on like gnats in Hell, to drown his sorrows. Burning $ouls like tissue paper, he had began going for broke, mooching off other patrons and drunkards, earning petty shots in impromptu contests and maybe even performed a small strip tease for a gaggle of succubi and incubi.

He wasn’t a hundred percent sure how it ended, although he did have a vague recollection of plowing his dick into one of the incubi in one of the nasty as fuck bathroom stalls and wondering if the greasy pump soap could be used as lube before fading to black.

Christ on a Pogo stick he had REALLY gotten fucked up, didn’t he?

That said, he wouldn’t have been shocked in the slightest if he had found himself upside down, half- naked and definitely robbed of his wallet and phone in some shady alley at the crack of dawn. Yeah, that would have been normal for him.

Waking up in a plush, fancy-pants booth with a soft, comfortable quilt thrown on top of him was not.

He began leaning up to try and get some sense of where the fuck he was, but everything between his ears immediately started to bitch at him with an acute, relentless thrum that felt even worse than the headaches Moxxie gave him while bitching at him. On a good day.

He gave a low groan, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes in a sorry attempt to dull the throb. He swore everything was hurting, his horns were hurting, his scars were hurting, fuck, even his brand was hurting -

“Fudge.”

That innocent correction almost made him tumble out of the booth. He barely smacked his palms against the floor to keep him from actually falling face flat on its surface. Points for highly trained trapeze instincts. Centering himself, he found a pair of big, bright pink, and admittingly cute eyes of a little owl demon looking right at his.

Even with him being upside-down, he could tell they were a girl; maybe four or six, with a messy nest of long dark hair let loose save a small ponytail tied up on the side of her head with a scrunchie covered with moons and stars and a simple pink jumper with white stars of various sizes printed all over it.

It had taken a second for his hungover brain to figure out she was an owl, the white heart-shaped frame of her face like that of an owl’s a dead giveaway. The way she blinked at him only cemented that conclusion. She blinked calmly at him, despite how fucking weird he was sure he must’ve looked as a middle-aged, hungover, hot mess sleeping in what he just know fully realized was a restaurant booth.

Feeling caught off guard for a number of reasons, he could only respond with, “Sorry?”

The Little owl gave him a reproaching look, or at least as close to one as a toddler could manage. “‘Fudge’. You said it wrong.” She stated in all seriousness. “You’re supposed to say ‘fudge’ when you say the ‘F’ Word. Otherwise, it’s not polite.”

“Says who?” He asked.

“Says my daddy.” She said proudly as if she was referring to Lucifer himself. “He says ‘Politeness is the-” She paused, her face scrunching up in concentration, “- ‘Per-Ah-Get-Ive’ of sensible young demons’.”

He gave her a small smirk. “Oh yeah? And what is that?”

“What’s what?”

“Whatcha just said – Know what it means?”

He had expected her to respond with a "yes" as all little hellspawn do to prove they were just as smart as their parents who most of the time are dumber than the garbage man, and of course be all snooty and snobby about it too.

But, amazingly, she shook her head so much her hair flew in both directions. "Nope! But my daddy taught me that word. Which means it must be a smart grown-up thing to say. My daddy's all grown up and smart so it makes sense to try and apply it to my everyday 'Wing-guess-tics'."

"Uh, 'wing-guess-tics'?" He repeated with a smile.

The little owl nodded. "You know, the way you talk and how you sound to other people. Don't you ever take pride in how you sound towards others less proud of themselves?"

Blitzø sure as hell didn't. In fact, good mood or bad, he couldn't give two shits in a Gluttony Ring brand crapper what every other piece of shit thought about him or the way he talked. Which is exactly what he should tell to this innocent, sassy, too precious for words little oh satan's taint, he was too hungover for this.

Getting up at an old man's pace, he grunted, "I don't really have an answer to that, ow."

Okay, sitting up straight didn't quite stop the ache, but it wasn't harping so badly now.

The little owl made a sad sound. "That's too bad. Everything needs an answer."

"Does it?" He asked while once again pressing into his eyes to try and settle his headache. She gave an affirmative hum.

"They do. Sometimes."

Blitzø gave up trying to squeeze his eyeballs back into his brains and gave a slow roll of his neck, breathing with the small audible stream of cracks that followed. "Yeah, well, sometimes is better than no times I guess." Once his neck didn't feel so stiff, he looked down at the little owl who still was blinking up at him. "Hey kiddo?"

"Yes?"

"Can you, uh . . . Can you tell me where we are right now?" Geez, Blitzø, you need a little kid to tell your dumb, hungover ass where you crashed? Talk about hitting rock bottom.

She giggled like he had just told a funny joke. He admitted, even with a headache, the sound was nice to hear. "You're in our cafe, sir. Mine and Daddy's cafe. You've been here ever since last night."

He felt embarrassment collide with exasperation in a wave that only incensed the pounding in his skull. Grreeeaaat. Now he had to deal with a bitchy dad that could probably make a Karen more bearable. And considering his crappy luck, he could probably give Moxxie a run for his money when it came to whining and botching. Like he didn't have enough of a migraine already.

To distract himself from the imminent ass-chewing, Blitzø decided it was a good time as any to take a quick peek around. In case, things went tits up, he should know how much he could tag with horses and dongs later.

Look all over, he had to admit . . . He was pleasantly surprised.

The cafe was definitely a little ritzier than almost every other diner or bistro in Pride, at least the ones run by imps or sinners. It wasn't an 'in-your-face-so-suck-it-bitches' bourgeois nightmare that you found on the cover of rich people magazines, but it was still easy to smell the $oils that had been burned to buy the number of furniture and appliances that filled it. Pristine designer steel tables, floors tiles so clean you could eat off of them, cushy warm booths like the one he was sitting in that felt comfy enough to be small bed; yeah, this place made the local Hellbucks look like a gas station men's room (Which was also, coincidentally, one of the many places he would periodically wind up in after a bender).

He could probably make off with one of the tablecloths - Made with actual fucking linen, not rag or crappy burlap - And the money he would get for it would easily pay off his non-existent mortgage.

The walls, covered in perfectly intact, shiny wallpaper that was neither covered in mildew nor aged and peeling, colored the interior with a tasteful cream and vanilla striped pattern. Each dark strip of cream had subtle motifs of shooting stars, little crescent moons and cheery spiraling suns. The cushions seated on each chair and the fabrics of the booths were royal blue and spotted with muted violet stars, all differing sizes, each cleaner than the back seat of an Imp City taxi cab. Plus, no springs popping up to try and fuck him in his little red hole.

He then noticed the bar. A quaint but spacious counter as long as Blitzø's body and tail combined, a simple but pricey cash register at one end, with matching leather stools lined up perfectly beneath it. A large glass case half the size of his van sat at the other end, the inside holding shelves of numerous plates of decadent-looking desserts and pastries that drew an expectant grumble from his stomach.

It wasn't his fault, the last thing Blitzø remembered having that was even close to food was some outdated peanuts and the olives he wiped from some douche who had ordered nothing but martinis that were drier than Wraith in a heatwave.

And he normally hated olives, Christ, he must've been fucked up to devour those things, pit and all. Fuck, did I bang the guy who ordered then too?

Okay, not the priority right now, Blitzø. Especially with the cute little kid in front of you whose dad is definitely gonna throw you out on your ass the minute he sees you -

"Oh! Daddy's awake! Good morning, daddy!"

Fuck.

Blitzø jerked his head up at her cheerful greeting, opening his mouth if only to curse at how his head throbbed in response -

— Only for it to immediately die when he caught sight of "Daddy" coming into the cafe'.

Fuck him twice.

The demon that had stepped into his view was, hands down and pants down if his belt was loosened, one of the most gorgeous demons he had seen.

And the tallest, Jesus Christ.

The owl demon was as tall as a tree, with legs for days ending in jet black talons that clicked delicately against the immaculately clean tiles as he strode over. His body was much, much thinner than Blitzø had expected, delicate and lithe with sinfully svelte curves around his well-rounded hips that he felt an instant, barely concealed urge to wrap his legs around and squeeze. His upper body was just as long, lengthy frail arms that grew like willow branches from his shoulders with dainty but large hands and fingers that reminded him of spider legs as they moved and were just as dark as his feet. They were probably as soft as that little fluff of feathers that peeked out on his chest.

Looking at his face, he was slightly taken aback at the sight of not one but two pairs of eyes peering back, although the second pair were smaller and placed higher on his forehead, just as wide and bright as Via's, but instead of pink they shone with crimson and were as opaque as a ruby. It was obvious who this little girl got her looks from the most; the same dark spot at the tip of his beak, and the same shade of grey blue feathers, only his grew darker in hue as they climbed up his very lean throat, combed into a neat and very trim style that clearly was given a lot of attention. The only blemish to it would be the bold streak of grey that cut through the feathers which easily gave away his age, but somehow that had actually improved his looks as it contrasted the young (and pretty) features of his face.

His outfit wasn’t too extraordinary but still, Blitzø felt himself growing warm at the sight of the white button up dress shirt and the open cranberry pink waistcoat the owl was currently snapping shut dexterously and simple dark slacks that hugged his legs perfectly.

Fuck. I was once woken up with V wearing lingerie that was made pretty much just string but this guy is dressed like a fucking waiter and I wanna lay him flat on the counter.

Blitzø was suddenly that much more thankful for the blanket covering his lap, because he was sure feeling the telltale signs of a growing boner.

Oh well, he was sure it would go away once this guy started to whine about having to deal with a drunken piece of shit first thing in the morning -

The tall owl, even with the slightest of sleep still clinging to it, smiled warmly and brightly at his daughter. “Good morning, my Owlette.” Blitzø felt himself once again be knocked off guard by his chocolaty, silky tenor voice, the sound of it sending pleasant shivers down his spine.

Fuckhim three times, he sounded hot too. Satan, this sucked.

The owl’s pleasant chuckle only added to Blitzø;s horny chagrin. “I see you beat me down to the cafe’ today. I hope you slept well, my Starfire.”

The little “Starfire” nodded happily. “I slept good, Daddy! And so did our guest!” She gestured innocently at the imp, who then tensed at being put on the spot by a kid. “When I came down to check on him, he was snoozing like a kitten!”

Blitzø, of course, made a face. A kitten?

It went unnoticed by the little owl, but not by her father who gave her a stern, but still soft look. “Via,” He started. “You didn’t disturb our guest while he was sleeping, did you?”

“Via” quickly shook her head, he feathers swinging side to side in a flurry. “Mh-mm! No, Daddy, I promise I didn’t! I was real quiet until he woke up and said the bad thing wrong.”

He blinked at her. “The ‘bad’ word?”

“One of the words that Mummy used to -” He explanation was abruptly cut off by her father’s wincing and his hands waving the universal sign for stop. “O-oh, alright, alright, sweetie, I understand, no need to go further!”

Blitzø watched them quietly.

Huh. So pretty boy had post-marital troubles with the little former wifey, huh?

Yeah, that made sense. Aside from his friend’s, Blitzø had yet to see any marriage that wasn’t one step away to instating the “death do us part” vow.

This guy must have gotten out while the getting was still good. But not without a few licks dealt, judging by the signs of wariness on his face.

He mentally sighed. Alright the hottie daddy knows you’re here and first impression has clearly gone to shit so, get ready for take two, dumbass.

Blitzø, deciding that jokes was the way to go in a pinch, then said casually. “I guess ‘Mummy’ wasn’t a ‘fudge’ kinda girl.” He then put on his best smile as he looked straight on at the pretty owl. “Me, personally, always liked the mine with plenty of nuts.”

As smooth as it sounded, he still cringed on the inside. Oof, Blitzø, how lame do you sound right now?

However, to Blitzø’s surprise and relief, the innuendo did not go unnoticed by the only other adult in the cafe’. Both sets of eyes went wide and the haggardness on his face was instantly washed away with a swift, prominent pink flush that Blitzø definitely liked seeing. Next to Via, it was probably the cutest thing he saw this morning. It certainly took the edge off the ass-chewing he was sure to get.

Usually, anytime he cracked any sex jokes around others, he was almost immediately told off by whatever prude or asshole or Karen was in the vicinity (i.e. Moxxie) and who clearly had no sense of good humor. (Like they didn’t start humping on each other’s earlobes the second every one’s back was turned like the hypocrites they were.)

Anybody else who didn’t was either not giving two shits or just as eager to talk dirty after a line up of shots.

But this bird seem reasonably sober. But then again, judging by his frame, he was probably the type of demon to go for light drinks like martinis or cocktails rather than tequila or beezlejuice. Considering the little girl now running up to him and hugging his shins, it was more than likely. He had the bitter experience of always dealing with a parent more often found nursing a hangover rather than an infant and it was an all around shitty experience he had no wish to repeat.

However, right now, he wouldn’t mind getting another peek of that cute ass blush as the bird briefly ducked down to scoop up into his arms. “W-well,” He started, “It’s certainly good to see you awake, Mister . . . ?��

“Name’s Blitzø. The “O” is silent.” Blitzø stated without missing a beat.

The owl blinked. “What ‘o’?”

“Exactly.” Blitzø nodded without thinking and once again, groaned in pain as everything from the neck up throbbed.

“Oh dear, hangover not quite remedied yet?”

Blitzø hissed out a breath. “Yeah, that’s a big fat fff-fudgin’ no.” He smirked weakly at Via’s approving nod. “I feel like I decided to go dumpster-diving outside the nearest Sinnabon’s for a midnight snack-run.” His empty stomach than made itself known by giving an impatient grumble. “And it looks like I’m up for round two so I think it’s about time I get outta here.”

The owl blinked again. “I’m sorry?”

Blitzø carefully climbed out of his improvised bed and unsure of what to do, opted to take apart the bedding and fold it as neatly as he could. “Yeah, I know, I know, I should’ve been out of here hours ago, I get it. Satan knows no-one wants to deal with a hungover dumb-a first thing in the morning. I know I wouldn’t, plus you gotta kid here and I can’t imagine you want some strange weirdo around your baby-girl so I better clear out before -”

The quilt literally rising out of his hands cut him off like a record scratch. The fuck-?

He watched cow-eyed as some kind of blue sparkly whatsit energy surrounded the quilt and untangled the lump he had been making a mess out of. It than began folding itself in a much more professional fashion than his was and as soon as it finished, it levitated right over his head and towards the guys who, judging by the ethereal sheen wrapped around his talons, was making it.

“Mr. Blitzø,” He started calmly. “As the owner of a cafe’, I have often had ‘strange weirdos’ coming in and going out from here every day. Thankfully, most of them are courteous enough to show up around working hours, but I am no stranger to any who who wander in from the late-night crowd, which I’m assuming is where you come from.” His tone wasn’t accusing but Blitzø still frowned at the teasing lilt he definitely heard.

“As for my little Starfire,” The bird continued, nuzzling his daughter on the cheek which earned a giggle. “Via, I like to think at least, is an excellent judge of character, especially more so with strangers. So, if she thinks that you’re trustworthy then that’s more than enough reason to let you stay.” With a twirl of his talon, he sent the quilt through the door leading upstairs to, whatever the fuck it led to as he set Via down on one of the stools after a quick, dramatic spin that earned him another giggle. “At least, long enough for us to feed you a decent breakfast.”

That last bit was definitely NOT what Blitzø thought he’d hear. “Uh, excuse me?”

“Oh certainly, after you’ve been given food of actual substance to eat instead of the leftover, surely bacteria-ridden remains scrounged from a random dumpster.” The big bastard responded blithely as he made his way around the counter, to where Blitzø finally noticed the fancy-looking coffeemaker that made him feel more broke-ass than he already was. “But first, I believe refreshments are in order. Would you prefer coffee or tea?”

The asshole part of him wanted to deliver a pissy comeback at the offer. He was a grown-ass man, more than capable of getting his own food, fuck you very much and no trust-fund, (sexy) long-legged prick had the right to tell him what was okay for him to eat or not – Moxxie already got his ass enough about that, he didn’t need anyone else doing that shit.

Big bitch was probably trying to keep him here long enough to call the cops on him the minute his back was turned so he could stick him with some BS robbery charges just for shits and giggles. Which had happened to him before due to more than one nut-job Karen and/or Kevin.

And of course, since it was fucking Hell, there was only a certain amount of times that you could get arrested and get bailed out before the taxpayers think to simply say “Fuck it” and just take your money and never bother to find your cell keys.

That in mind, he was so not in the mood to bust out of prison again, that one stint in Greed was enough for the next five years.

Well, fuck this bird. The front door was right there and he was not gonna have to put up with whatever bullshit this guy was -

His stomach halted his would-be flipping-the-bird-at-the-bird-on-the-way-out escape with a rumble even louder and more impatient than before. The tell-tale smell of brewing coffee didn’t do anything to help quell it. And damn, did it smell good . . .

. . . . . . Oh, forget it, they dump that dumpster every other day and he was too hungover to spare the effort to drive. Or Look for his van. Or try to remember the name of the club he was at.

“. . . I usually have iced coffee. But right now, I’ll take a regular coffee, as black as blood.”

That request was responded to with a humored smile. “I myself usually take it black as sin, but I’m always up for a challenge.” Turning to the way too complicated than should be normal looking, coffee-making monstrosity, he also added, “Also, forgive me.”

“For what?” Blitzø asked as he came closer to the bar. This close, he could now spot a simplistic yet obviously custom-designed hotplate big enough to fit enough food for five people, flat black surface on one side and a classic stove-top on the other.

“For not introducing myself properly earlier.” A clean, see-through glass coffee pot that Blitzø didn’t even see him pull out appeared in his hand as he whipped out a coffee filter so finely made it looked more like a hankie, bypassing the coffee maker completely. “I’m Stolas, owner of this cafe’ as well as Chef and Barista. You’ve already had the pleasure of meeting my daughter, Octavia, my darling little helper.”

“Daddy says I’m his ‘Suzy Chef’!” Via, also now known as “Octavia”, chirped proudly. Before Blitzø took a seat on one of the stools, he moved as to help her up but she shook her head. Gripping the crank under the seat, she pulled it up and down like a desk chair’s until the seat was low enough for her to climb up. He watched in bemusement as she then adjusted the seat back up. Clearly, they were built with the varying heights of Hell’s diverse demographic in mind.

Not bad thinking, Blitzø had to admit.

“Indeed you are, my Owlette.” Stolas chuckled. Having placed the filter inside a clenex wrapped around a chic-looking coffee pot, he placed a silver carafe onto the stove-top side of the hotplate and flipping the switch. Taking out a bag of coffee grounds that smelled fucking fantastic. “She and I have been running this little cafe’ for about four months now. And if I may so, we’re doing rather well. Granted, we’re not millionaires but I’m certainly not complaining.”

In almost no time at all, the carafe’ started whistling sharply. Stolas took it off and replaced it with a small skillet that Blitzø didn’t see being pulled out either, only to stare unabashedly at the medley of cheeses, meats, veggies and eggs that literally flew in from the entry to what he guessed was the kitchen like it was something of out of a kid’s movie. He knew Via giggling at his face but he forgoed responding to that, as while Stolas attended to the coffee pot, a bottle of oil floated over to the skillet and poured a delicate amount inside with two slices of butter following suite. “. . . Uh, yeah, if you’re good at something, you should capitalize.”

“Perhaps, but it’s not really so much about the money as it is the business of cooking itself.” Stolas said earnestly as he dumped the grounds into the filter and sweeped up the carafe to pour in the hot water in one fluid motion. “I find that this line of work gives me much more gratification than that of my previous occupation.”

“Oh, what was that? Real estate spokesman? Attorney? Phone seee-” Blitzø was instantly reminded of Via’s presence as the little girl hummed happily while folding and unfolding a napkin she plucked from the napkin holder closest to them. “-eeecrecy operator?”

If Stolas noticed the near slip-up, he didn’t comment on it. “No, I’m afraid. Simply one of the cogs of the crumbling, over-heated machine that is known as Hell’s government.” While the skillet started to pop and sizzle, the owl than summoned a sizable knife to finely chop one onion to join the oil and butter. As the coffee grounds were left to bloom, Stolas made quite a show of crumbling up a thick sausage into bits with one hand while simultaneously conjuring an actual clutch of flames in the other hand, selecting a few strips of bacon to cook and crisp in a matter of seconds. Most likely to show off for Blitzø and his daughter who “oohed” at the sight.

Admittedly, Blitzø was a little impressed too, but he’d be fucked by a mime before he ever let on. “Geez, playin’ it up a bit, don’t ya think?”

“Perhaps a bit.” Stolas admitted, not so sorry in the slightest. “But compared to how stoic and quiet I had used to be, I relish any chance to ‘play it up’.” Having deemed the bacon thoroughly cooked, which it definitely was going by the smell, he extinguished the flames and set the crispy strips onto a cutting board for a magicked knife to chop up. Washing his hands in a small sink set by the hotplate, he gestured towards the enchanted parade of flying ingredients, allowing three eggs to gently land on the counter.

Blitzø, at this point, had taken his eyes away from the free magic show in front of him, cool as it was, to quietly observe Stolas’s shapely ass as he bent over to retrieve something from one of the lower cabinet.

Hmm. He could feel the tip of his tail flicking in appreciation. Guess the cake wasn’t only in good in the cases.

He tried to keep ogling as unnoticeable as possible as he asked. “Old job sucked that bad, huh?”

“Oh, abominably so.” Stolas groaned as he fished around in the cabinet obliviously. Eventually, he made a small sound of triumph as he located his prize; a small mixing bowl which he then set on the counter next to the eggs. A crooked finger brought a whisk right into his hand just as all three eggs were lifted and cracked into the bowl and the shells were tossed away. “And all I can say is that I’m bloody well glad that it’s behind me.”

“And now Daddy gets to be the bestest chef in all of Hell!” Via proclaimed, which was rewarded with a loving smile.

“Well, I certainly try my best.” He said cheerfully. He made sure to keep close attention to the carafe’ as it poured more water into the now ready coffee grounds as he beat the eggs thoroughly. As dark, fresh coffee began to drip into the pot, he set the bowl aside to neatly dish the sausage and bacon into the skillet. “I don’t know if anything I make will win any awards, but I wouldn’t mind if they didn’t. As long as I have my Via and this cafe’, I’ll be happy.”

Those words, despite himself, left a deep pit in Blitzø’s stomach.

He was all too familiar with the feeling to know that it wasn’t hunger.

And the cause of it was the warm translucent air wafting around in the little cafe’ that was more potent than the coffee.

And more pointedly, how out of place he felt to even be watching it.

He felt his claws clench the leather of his seat, the fabric creaking softly in response to his tightening grip. The pit felt like it was growing larger, making his shoulders tense. He found himself staring full-on at the clean surface of the bartop and tried to ignore the itch of his spines going erect. For the next few minutes, all that was heard was the sizzling and firecracker-like popping of the skillet as the eggs were poured in, the repetitive sound of coffee dripping and Via humming as she tried to fold her napkin into something other than a lopsided square.

Blitzø took a deep breath through his nose, his lips sputtering a bit like a horse’s (Didn’t he wish) as he exhaled.

“. . . Look, I’m . . . ” He paused a moment to think his words over carefully. The last thing he felt like doing right now was to sound an utter dickhead to the guy who was making him a hot meal for a total stranger.

No telling if he was the type to spit in on the plates of assholes who deserved it.

“. . . I’m sorry for, uhm, for having you make deal with me first thing in the morning.” He managed to get out rather lamely.

He wasn’t sure if the bird heard him. But that didn’t stop him from continuing. “I . . . I had a really, really real sh- crappy day yesterday, and – And I just needed to blow off a little steam.”

Images started to flash unbidden in his head. Of zeroes, of bottles, of bitter looks and smashed frames only made everything in Blitzø had been able to blissfully ignore up until that moment, then chose to rear its ugly head making him let out a barely concealed grunt. “. . . Point is, I-I’m sorry for screwing up your day and -”

He was interrupted by a good-sized mug being set calmly before him. He started as the smell of the dark roast curling in soft puffs and into his nostrils, the scent heavenly and already mending the throb of his head – only to be taken aback at the feel of a large, plush-soft hand petting the space between his horns in a comforting rub.

It took every single inch of Blitzø not to either smack the hand away or bite it off on sheer impulse.

He looked up and instead of what he thought for damn sure was going to be a patronizing sneer, – Because how else would any prick look after patting an imp’s head like a puppy’s? - Stolas’s face was as soft and reassuring as the smile on his beak.

A smile filled with nothing but understanding and warmth.

Sweet Lucifer, when was the last tim anyone had smiled at him like that?

“No apologies are need here, Mister Blitzø.” Stolas said simply. No hint of bullshit. “Nothing’s been broken, nothing’s been ruined. So please, don’t worry. I’m not a demon so easily rattled. Especially by lovely surprises such as yourself.”

. . . . Blitzø blamed the warmth he felt tingling on his cheeks on the steam coming from the mug.

Stolas didn’t comment on it, but he was sure that he heard some not very subtle amusement in his voice as he turned back to his cooking. “Would you like for me to add some peppers to dish? They were freshly picked this morning and I’m sure that they’ll taste wonderfully with the eggs.”

“UH-” Blitzø grabbed the mug and pretended to study it to keep himself from doing anything else dumb. “Y-yeah, sure, whatever, go nuts. I’m good with whatever.”

“Marvelous! I’ll add some as soon as the eggs have cooked for a bit.” Stolas said cheerfully. Blitzø muttered a “yeah, whatever” to his back as the owl reached from some green and red peppers big enough for Via to hold in both of her hands. He then made a small hoot that Blitzø, even with how off-kilter he felt at the moment, found cute. “Oh, and let me know how the coffee is, please. I’m trying a new blend I finally managed to put together a few days ago and I’d love to hear your opinion.”

Blitzø blinked at that. “Wha-? You mean this isn’t instant?”

Stolas shook his head. “Oh no. I try my best to use fresh items whenever I cook. Not that I have anything against instant or frozen food, but, as a chef, I find it almost like cheating if I’m not as authentic for my customers. The last thing I want is to have our cafe’ be mistaken for another Twink Trip or Hexxan.”

Blitzø would have taken a shot at that remark. Namely how if you loaded up gas station coffee with a fuckton of sugar, cream, and booze, it didn’t matter about the quality ‘cause who would give that much of a damn about dirty bean water -

That is, had he not taken a sip out of his mug.

It took a moment of peering down at his “coffee” to think up a much more direct response. “. . . . This is the best damn cup of coffee I ever had.”

“Thank you!” Stolas accepted the compliment cheerily. I admit it took much longer to properly cultivate and grow the beans for it than I had originally anticipated. I mean, I already knew the process was intricate but it’s a whole other experience when you actually attempt it yourself.” Stolas gave a weak chuckle as he prodded at the eggs simmering in the skillet. “I’ve lost count of the amount of times I almost blew up my grinder or ruined my insides.”

Blitzø, taking a much larger sip of his coffee hummed appreciatively. “Yeah, bad coffee can f- trip you up.” He knew that to be true. He once had to get his stomach pumped from drinking brew made by some dumbshit in his RV. That experience wasn’t really as painful as the telling-off Moxxie gave him afterwards. Little bitch always had act like he was right.

He took another big gulp. “You did good, though. Five stars.”

It wasn’t blind praise. Blitzø never bullshitted how he felt about what he drank and ate, (Much to Moxxie’s, Fizz’s, his Sunday Barista or, really, anyone’s annoyance) and the coffee was no exception; heavy and crisp with a balanced pairing of earthy and floral notes, the acidity like berries that left plenty of room for flavor instead of just tang. And the aftertaste didn’t linger like secondhand smoke, it left gradually with a mellow sheen that he didn’t mind in the slightest. Even though he was more an iced coffee guy, this was a kind of coffee Blitzø could see himself drinking again. When he wasn’t hungover, that is.

“Well, I’m thrilled to hear that, Mister Blitzø. Thank you.” Stolas responded gratefully.

By now, he had placed a lid over the eggs to let them simmer which allowed him to focus on chopping up the peppers. The imp assumed that had all he had been cutting up before Stolas turned to delicately slide a plate baring an apple that had been sliced in a way that the core stood erect as a tower with the slices spread open like a flower bloom. Before he can ask how the hell he did that so fast, Via chirped happily before plucking one slice and biting into it with a thank you.

Blitzø found her delight over the piece of fruit adorable, which the baby owl took as an invitation to pluck another slice and offer it to him with a smile. Satan, could this kid get any cuter?

He took the offered slice with a cheeky grin. Only to quickly toss it in the air and catch it with his tongue like an iguana’s, adding a “Bleh!” just for laughs, for which he earned a round of giggles from Via. He had almost missed by being blindsided by the cinnamon and spice flavor that had been baked into it. It had to have been made that very morning if the warmth and freshness of the slice was anything to go by, allowing the fruit to melt orgasmically well into his taste-buds. Wow.

He and Via had had unanimously agreed to split the apple between them, with no objections from Stolas as he busied himself with divvying up the vegetables and summoning other ingredients from the kitchen to prepare accordingly. Via filled up most of the time with chattering on innocently about little things, how funny her dream was last night, how home-school was “five times better than private school as there were less big dummy poop-heads” - Blitzø almost choked on a slice while Stolas lightly admonished her about “language” - And how her daddy once made her the bestest cake ever in the in the whole wide world for her fifth birthday. Blitzø, for as sweet as he found her daughterly praise, had to swallow the gag when she started going on about the “tasty” mouse chunks Stolas had added.

Bird or no, eating mice for Blitzø was a flat out no.

A sudden, horrifying though than popped into his head. Was Stolas going to add mice to his food?

Like mouse sausage? Mice bacon? Rat peppers? Was that a thing?! Or was he just pulling a Moxxie and asking dumbass question?

. . . Probably just being a Moxxie.

His internal debate was cut short by something else being set before him. A damn good-looking something.

An omelet the size of Blitzø’s fist lay before him, hot and steaming and straight from the hot plate. Yellow as can be with spots of golden brown, there were no signs of tears of breakage, with a perfect fluffy layer peeking from the folds stuffed with meat, veggies and oozing cheeses. The artsy fucker had even gone the extra mile and draped the top of it with a thin sheet of mozzarella, some garnish and a couple slices of baby tomatoes. Talk about extra.

“There you are, this morning’s special - ‘Egg On Your Face’ Mega-Omelet, with all the fixings and extra cheese for those unwelcome aches and pains. If I’ve done my job right, it should fix you right up.”

“Like magic!” Via dded with a bright smile. Both men chuckled at her.

“Like magic, huh?” Blitzø smirked. Well, I’ll just have to see about that.

Sure, the eggs may have looked good, but Blitzø had learned all too well that food looking good and tasting good were two totally different things.

What looked like a pile of slop to the naked eye could taste just as good as a five morning star meal served Beelzebub herself. The same thing applied to a plate of fancy finger foods that cost the same as a house mortgage but tasted like cardboard in the end. And Blitzø certainly had more than enough exposure to lousy food like that, thank you and fuck you very much, with no wish to repeat it.

Which he hoped he wouldn’t with this monster-omelet before him.

Deciding not to put it off any longer, he picked up his fork and dug the prongs into the soft-cooked eggs, scooping up a decent-sized bite with plenty of pepper, meat and cheese. After a moment’s consideration, he also speared one of the baby tomato slices. He gave the loaded fork a few blows to cool it, because there was no way he was going to down a maybe-shitty breakfast with a burnt tongue.

He stuck the fork in his mouth -

And his mind was BLOWN.

If there was such a thing as a bit of paradise, than these eggs were the mother fucking proof in the pudding. Or omelet, in this case.

The eggs were cooked to perfection; nice and fluffy to where they melt on in his mouth like luscious chocolate from Lust’s first class bakeries. And the flavor was like a parade in his mouth, from the salty onions, the crisp tomato and the sweet peppers, the numerous flavors sucker-punched his sense of taste without overwhelming the presence of the eggs. The meat inside was spectacular too, the bacon was at the optimum point between chewy and crispy, and the sausage was deliciously flavorful and greasy. His kind of meat, with the right amount of salt and black pepper.

He could barely hold down the pleasurable moan, but did nothing to stop all the muscles in his body from going lax.

Man, fuck trying to go to heaven, the key to fucking Eden’s Gate was right in his head hole.

A bemused coo. “So I take it you like it?”

Blitzø taste-jizzed mind abruptly snapped back into focus. Stolas’s beak was curled into a big, smug-ass grin that made his own fault in to a frown. The owl simply looked at him expectant. Dammit, if the kid weren’t here, he would have gladly told the bird exactly where to shove that grin.

Instead, he gave a disgruntled growl. “Yea, it’s . . . okay.”

Most chefs would have promptly gotten offended by such a dry appraisal of their “masterpieces”, especially if it came from an “uncultured swine” such as him.

But once again, Stolas surprised him by delivering a pleased smile in lieu of a hissy fit. “Well, I’m glad you like it. Eat up now, or it’ll get cold.”

Blitzø chose not to shoot off a shitty comeback, despite being rankled by the “order”. He took out his bubbling frustrations out on his food, picking up the plate and bringing it close enough to begin shoveling the omelet into his mouth like a starving man.

The petty, spiteful gremlin that was roughly, meeeh, ninety percent of his overall personality hoped that such a messy personality hoped that such a messy display would earn at least, would earn a groan of disgust. Always did the trick when he wanted to annoy Moxxie.

However, much to Blitzø’s complete consternation, the owl just gave a small humored hoot and returned to the hotplate with a single crack or insult. Like he didn’t give two shits about his bad manners.

Blitzø internally growled. What an ASS.

. . . A pretty ass, but still.

“I’m glad you’re pleased by my cooking skills.” The big bastard (Yes, Blitzø was calling him that again, suck it.) said happily, busying by wiping down the skillet while beating a new batch of eggs and sliding two slices of bread into a small old-fashioned toaster. “I have to admit, my main specialty is baking and drinks, but I try my best to expand my range of cuisine when I can.”

Once the yolks and whites were thoroughly whipped, there were poured into the skillet and almost immediately they started to sizzle and bubble from the rewarmed metal. “Unfortunately, I can’t cook the kind of food necessary to run a full-fledged cafe’.”

Blitzø swallowed a sizable bite of egg and pepper before asking, “Can’t you just wiggle your fingers and hocus pocus a steak or something?”

Stolas shook his head. “Alas that’s more Lady Beelzebub’s forte than mine. Even my magic can only do so much. Now if this was a flower shop that would be another matter, but it is what it is.”

“I’m glad it isn’t.” Via piped up. “I love Daddy’s cafe’! And I love helping him cook!”

“And you do such a magnificent job, my Owlette.” Stolas’s praise was followed by a small plate of scrambled eggs encircled by toast cut into the shape of flowers and mice, covered in butter and jam. Via took it with a bright thanks, digging in right away with a sparkly pink fork also provided by Stolas. “But sadly, a cafe’ needs more than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and milk to cater to wider clientele. Not that I’m downplaying your talent as a chef, darling.”

“I’s okay, Daddy.” Via said, crumbs dotted on her beak from biting into one of her toast flowers. “I know it’s only because I’m not big enough to use the stove yet.” Blitzø mirrored her smile as she beamed up at him. “Once I can do that, Daddy said I could make even better dishes just like him.”

“Indeed I will, Starfire.” Stolas affirmed. “But for now, I’ll have to settle for looking for another cook. Sadly though -” Stolas pulled a face. “- There hasn’t been one suitable enough to help me run things here.”

“Yeah, it’s hard running the show solo.” Blitzø agreed. “Sucks even more when you don’t have a good crew to back you up. Don’t know where I’d be with M&M.”

Stolas blinked. “Uhm, ‘M&M’?”

Via blinked too. “Like the candy?”

Blitzø snickered. “Nah, Moxxie and Millie, friends of mine and my emplo-” He cut himself off with a grimace. “Well. Who were supposed to be my employees.”

The sudden downtrodden shift that overcame the imp id not go unnoticed by Stolas. “‘Supposed to be?’ What does that -”

“Don’t ask.” Blitzø said curtly. After a second, he added a little less harshly. “I-I don’t really wanna get into it right now.”

Because if I do, I KNOW I’m just going to get pissed off and do something shitty all over again.

“. . . . Alright then.”

Blitzø could hear it clear as day that the bird bastard had more questions, and would more than likely prefer to bombard him with rapid-fire questions like Moxxie would when he wanted to be particularly annoying. But thank Satan, he looked put off enough to put him off.

Small blessings.

The next few minutes passed in silence. The lull of it broken only by the sounds of silverware hitting the plates as Blitzø and Via ate, the drip of coffee as more was brewed in the pot and the subdued sounds of crunching each time either a somewhat concerned Via offered Blitzø a bite of her toast or, returning the favor, when he offered her a bite of bacon or sausage – He learned quick that she didn’t like peppers so much so he did well to avoid giving her any filled-to-the-brim bites. He could only hoped that the reason she liked it wasn’t because the meat that was in it wasn’t made from rodent.

It probably was, though, because . . . Birds.

Eventually, Blitzø had cleaned his plate, a satisfying weight settling in his stomach, he let out a contented sigh, his headache feeling miles better than almost a half hour before. “Woo, that was good. A frickin’ plus.”

The owl’s smiled chased away some of the terseness from before. “Happy to hear it. It’s always good to get good reviews on new dishes.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet. Quick question, though.”

“Yes?”

Blitzø pointed at the now empty plate. “Level with me – Was there any mice in that? Because, I get it, you and Via are birds, but I kinda draw the line when it comes to eating plague-carrying little turds.”

Stolas tittered at that. “No, no, I assure you, no lovely vermin of any kind was served to you. Unfortunately, I’ve learned that mice are terrible cures for hangovers.”

“What’s a hangover?” Via asked in that no-filter, childishly clueless way that all little hellspawn did.

Stolas, in a perfectly natural response to such a question, was freeze awkwardly. “O-oh, well, erm-”

Blitzø supplied the answer. “It’s like a really bad stomach bug, but for grown-ups.” Giving the little owl a conspiratorial grin, he added in a fake whisper, “Basically, if you eat too much green stuff, your poop comes out greener than Mammon’s butt.”

Via burst into a peal of little girl laughter that definitely brought an easy diffusion to Stolas’s unease, even earning a couple of barely smothered hoots that were poorly hidden by his hand.

Huh. That was twist.

Usually the parents were scolding him at this point, the usual uptight bullshit spiel about “using such vulgar language in front of their innocent little babies, you demented little firetoad!”

Not that he gave a shit because he was a comic genius, fuckyou, Moxxie.

After a bit, both birds managed to quell their laughter enough for Stolas to gently urge Via to head upstairs and get ready for the day. She agreed without protest, stopping only to allow Blitzø to ruffle her headfeathers as he added, “Gotta look cute for the suckers!” That earned him an admonishing look from Stolas that was weakened by his approving smile.

A smile that only grew bigger when Via caught the imp completely off-guard with an unexpected hug, her tiny arms wrapping swiftly and tightly around his waist, almost sending him falling off his stool. Before he could recover, Via was already heading up the staircase, humming cheerfully all the way.

Stolas’s soft chuckle drew Blitzø out of his shock. “Via has certainly taken a liking to you quickly.”

“Uh, yeah, I-I guess.” Blitzø rubbed at the back of his neck. “Last time I got hugged like that, some piece of shit nicked my wallet to buy thirty Bruiser King gift cards.”

“Oh, that’s a pity.”

“Joke was on him, though, he got food poisoning with the first card he used.”

Stolas hummed approvingly as he poured them both a fresh cup of coffee. “Well, I suppose there is such a thing as karma.”

Blitzø barked out a laugh. “Ha! Yeah, and maybe there’s a God.” He accepted the refilled mug, along with the offered sugar and creamers, and dumped almost each one in like an alcoholic adding liqueur. “Uh, speakin’ of, what do I owe ya?”

Stolas, who had added his own preferred condiments to his coffee in much more moderate manner, paused in his blowing at the steam rising from his mug. “Pardon?”

“What do I owe ya? For the food and coffee.” After a moment, he also added with only a tiny wince of guilt. “And whatever else my drunk ass did to your place before I blacked out.”

By emotionally-traumatized principle, he wouldn’t have asked outright. Often times, being the victim of a classist system that shat on those on the bottom rung, he had been subjected to grossly padded bills and unexpected expenses issued by a good percentage of the “well-to-do” owners of “upstanding establishments” where he wound up spending half the night washing up dishes. Once he got fast enough, and only if neither the food nor the service was worth the lightening of his wallet. Blitzø didn’t hesitate to pull a dine and dash; making escapes either through the bathroom window, the vent, or once through riding one of those fancy dining carts into the kitchen and out the employee entrance that admittingly had been fun to ride . . .

. . . Right up until he learned too late that the entrance opened right up to a three-story staircase with no handrail.

Needless to say, that had been one shitty ride to the hospital, Moxxie lecturing him the whole damn eight miles.

After everything – And he meant everything – in his lower body healed, he opted to hold out on anymore dashing. At least until the little baby-dick whineypuss would get off his fucking back about paying.

That aside, he saw no reason to be the deadbeat bun right now. Not when Stolas had been nothing but polite towards him. Even though he certainly didn’t deserve such kindness . . .

He braced himself for the amount as he took a long sip of his sweetened coffee -

“Oh, you needn’t worry – You don’t owe me a sint.”

Blitzø sputtered into his mug, nearly choking on the brew as he processed the owl’s words. “*Cough* *Cough* *Hack* Blegh! Excuse me?”

“You don’t need to pay me.” Stolas restated. “Like I said, you’ve done nothing wrong. You’ve been nothing but civil, you are obviously sorry for any offense you think you’ve given – Not that you have, don’t make that face – And more importantly, Via likes you. So I see no reason to change you.”

Blitzø frowned at him. “You’re screwing with me.” He stated flatly.

“I assure you, I am not. Honestly, your praise over your breakfast was payment enough. In all honesty, you were doing me a favor.”

“Meaning?”

“I don’t get a chance to try out new recipes on new faces very often, so any new opinions are always appreciated.” Blitzø felt his face fault at the slow, awfully sensual smile the owl sent him. “Especially ones as sublime as yours.”

Blitzø forgoed looking him in the eye, each cerise eye of his hooded and looking at him like he was going to be the next dish for him to devour, choosing instead to chug down half the contents of his mug. Gulping audibly, he mumbled back, “Glad I was such a good guinea pig for you.”

“I prefer the term ‘freelanced taste-taster’, personally.” Stolas retorted politely.

“I don’t want your charity.” Blitzø bit at him.

“Nor am I giving it to you. Like I said, you did me a favor.”

“How do you know I’m not some thieving bastard taking adventure of goody-two-shoes shop owners like you?”

“I have measures set to prevent such an occurrence.”

“I’m an undercover health inspector and you just failed.”

“Now you’re just grasping, dear.”

Blitzø rubbed a hand over his face. “You can’t just -” He let out a frustrated breath. “Look, I get you’re an . . . Okay guy and you are obviously trying to set a good example for your kid. I get that, but I don’t want to be the lasting impression of what to expect when giving out freebies to poor drunken bitches like me. No one should have to deal with that without getting paid, -”

“Mister Blitzø.”

Stolas’s firm tone stopped him with the sharpness of a smacked ruler. His face was stern, but not completely harsh as he eyes were looking at him with a softness that pricked at his chest.

“You. Do. Not. Me. Anything. And when I say something like that, it’s because I mean it with all the sincerity that is implied. It is not just for the sake of looking good in front of Via and certainly not some sort of dastardly ruse to get you to lower your guard. You’ve apologized and you meant it, you’ve been kind towards my daughter and enjoyed my cooking without bias or sarcasm. That said, believe me when I tell that is something I care for much more than any check or bill.”

Stolas sipped at his coffee calmly, making no comment about the for certain mollified expression on his face. “So, please, no more apologies. They are appreciated, but to be honest, after twenty-two of them, it just feels repetitive.”

Blitzø gave him a look. “Sorry what now?”

“Mister Blitzø -”

“Nah, nah, what you just said, the fuck you mean I said sorry twenty-two times?”

Stolas’s beak dropped into a thin line, taking a moment to maybe think his words over before formulating a response, “When Via and I found you last night, you were in a . . . A great deal of distress.” He was clearly trying to more emphatic than judgmental. “You were greatly intoxicated and horridly incoherent. Once I was close enough, all I could hear was you saying sorry over and over.”

Blitzø could feel himself growing hot from the neck up in embarrassment. The apprehensive caution in Stolas’s voice was doing fuck all to help the crashing wave of shame following up like a speeding train.

He didn’t need Stolas to tell him what he was bawling like a baby over.

But, ever the bottom bitch for punishment, asked anyway. “. . . I say what for?”

Stolas then turned sheepish. “O-Oh well, uh-uhm, I don’t quite recall -”

“Bird, I don’t do any of that hee-haw Shit, it’s too early and I’m still hungover and all I’m gonna do is get pissed off now WHAT did I SAY?”

With two sets of eyes, it was easy to see that Blitzø was not going to give up on getting an answer. Stolas sighed softly.

“You made a great deal of apologies to a great deal of people. I didn’t catch every name but, erm, you had quite the list.” He sipped at his mug, stalling for only a minute before continuing.

“You apologized to a miss Mistly for dinging her car door while trying parallel park by a Wacdonald’s, a miss Queen for breaking smashing her one of a kind pirate ship in a bottle instead of the pinata by accident on her birthday, a miss Millie for chipping her favorite ax, a mister Moxxie for making him run all the way to Greed for a single battery for your TV remote, dropping his guitar fourteen times, borrowing his wallet, or more accurately, pinching his wallet to pay for Voxflix twice, a miss Barbie for stealing one of her skirts and ripping it whilst performing a split, I couldn’t really make out what exactly you were apologizing to a “Vee” and a “Fizz” for -”

“Okay!” Blitzø blurted out. “Okay! I get it! I get it! I was a hot mess, no more shit needed, I got it!” He cringed at the indignant crack in his voice. Christ, like he didn’t look enough like a pathetic shit already. He might as well plan to fake his own death again.

You know what they say, fifth time’s the charm.

“It wasn’t that bad.” Stolas’s weak attempt to reassure him only bounced off of the imp like a ping-pong ball. “It really wasn’t. Really, you should have seen me afterwards when I was binge-drinking.”

Blitzø scoffed. “Yeah, yeah, I’m sure you got real frisky from all those white wine spritzers.”

“Actually, I tended to lean more towards absinthe.” Stolas retorted, with no little bit of sass, taking a small bit of gratification from Blitzø’s surprised. “Of course, with how I was knocking back each bottle, you’d almost believe they were Purgerade drinks.”

Blitzø lifted his head from where he had been pressing it into the bartop. “Damn, how many we talkin’?”

“At least two to three on a good night, or whatever was close to that.”

The imp gave a low whistle. “”Fuck me, bird. I get shit-faced after half a bottle, how the fuck are you still standing?”

“At this point, stubbornness and sheer dumb luck, I believe.” Stolas quipped.

That startled enough mirth in Blitzø to actually make him laugh. “Join the club, pal.”

“I fear I cannot, as I have cut back my vigorous drinking to properly attend to Octavia. Leaving my former occupation did wonders for helping me cub the habit.”

“Bosses sucked that bad, huh?”

“Doubly so, considering it was a family business, sort to speak, although, I can assure they were family in name only.”

“Ugh. Preachin’ to the fuckin’ choir – there’s only so much shitty family a bitch could take in one day.”

“That, Mister Blitzø, I can wholeheartedly agree on.”

There were getting off-track. Blitzø bit his lip. “. . . I’m sorry for my shit.”

“For the final time, no more apologizes are necessary.”

He angled his head towards the staircase door. “I probably scared your kid.”

“Via has seen far worse, I assure you. Even when off your cups, you weren’t untoward her in any way, so you can save any of the claims of indecency that you’ve half-heartedly concocted in that crafty little mind of yours.”

“Just let me fuckin’ pay you.”

“I neither require nor want your money and I promise you, should you try to force any $ouls on me, I will promptly set it to aflame.”

“Lilith’s titties, you’re a stubborn bitch.”

“And you are an equally stubborn spendthrift.”

“Fuck you.”

“Not without dinner, if you please.”

Blitzø groaned. “God, we’re gonna keep talking in circles if you don’t just charge me and get it over with. I’m not fucking broke, I have the $ouls, just let me pay you.”

Stolas’s counter remark definitely caught Blitzø unawares. “It’s been a long time since anyone’s done something genuinely kind for you, hasn’t it?”

Blitzø’s hackles rose instantly at the “innocent” statement. “You trying to say something?”

Stolas merely sipped at his coffee. “Just an assessment.”

“Or you being a dickhead.”

“I made you a free breakfast for which I expect nothing in return. I am being absolutely forthright whereas you are choosing not to believe that I have no ulterior motives. Who, might I ask, is being the dickhead here?”

Oh, this smug bitch.

He had wanted to let loose a snarl that would make the owl falter in his not requested charity streak. He felt the urge already rising in his throat, ready to finally tell off this prick who was seriously starting to piss him off . . .

. . . But could only let out a low whine at the exhaustion of prolonging the one-sided argument, the fatigue of a bad night, getting totally smashed and crashing just as hard setting in. Being still half hungover sure as shit was not helping to keep the spark of pride burning.

If anything, Blitzø felt even more tired.

He wanted nothing more than to lay everything out, pay whatever the fucking bird deserved and drag his broke-back ass back home and lick his wounds from last night. And the only thing that was stopping him was getting through to this royally stubborn and feathery (Not to mention pretty soft-looking) bastard of a demon.

“Alright, look – I want to pay you back, but for some weird ass reason, you won’t let me.”

“I think we have perfectly established that.”

“So we got a problem.”

“Which could be solved by you accepting my putting your breakfast on the house.”

“And it should be clear as fuck that ain’t happening.”

“So I’ve gathered.”

Blitzø blew a breath of air out of his nose. “I’m not just being an asshole here – I don’t like owing people anything. I’ve been dipping in and out of debts for years, financial and personal. And just that fucking recently I finally managed to pay off a good chunk of them only to literally be screwed over again almost the same fucking day. So now I’m once again edging too damn close to bankruptcy for my liking.”

He gave the owl a flat look. “Meaning I can’t take any chances, such as freebies or random handouts, cuz Charity was just as easily turn into high-interest loans with zero time frames for return payments, unless you want to set up an installment plan that involves cutting out pounds of flesh ever week. Obviously, a guy like me can’t afford to look any more fucked up than he is with a chunk of anything missing.

“All that said, do you see what I’m gettin’ at?”

“. . . . I’m starting to.” Stolas said with a considerate look.

“Satisfaction eased through Blitzø’s frame. “Great. Glad we finally got that -”

“All the same, you needn’t pay me.”

And just like that it was gone.

He growled so sharply it would have destroyed eardrums had he done it inside of headphone speakers. “You fuckin’-”

“But since you won’t accept the gesture,” Stolas interrupted calmly. “How about just doing me a special favor?”

“‘Special favor’?” Blitzø blinked. “What kinda -”

A sound not unlike a light bulb dinged in his thank full-no-longer-as-sore cranium.

Oh.

Oh okay.

He gave a resigned sigh. “Hooookay, look, tootsie hootsie, if you just wanted a quick shag in the back all you had to do was ask. But I gotta warn ya, the place I’ve fucked in was a public bathroom that probably wasn’t cleaned in the last year or two, so I’ll probably need to wipe down the goods with something. Baby wipes would be good if got’em -”

“NO!” A spluttered hoot brought his attention back to Stolas, whose heart-shaped features had turned an almost violent shade of crimson in the span of half a minute. “No! No, no! Not that kind of favor, no! I mean I need your mouth!”

Blitzø gave him a deadpan look. “Yeah, I got that much, relax.”

“No! No! I mean -” Stolas let out a shaky warble before planting his face into his hands while muttering to himself in fit of bashfulness.

Blitzø just sipped at his coffee, waiting for him to spit whatever he wanted to say out. To his credit, he didn’t stare, knowing from his own share of verbal vomiting moments that doing that would just make his embarrassment worse.

Even though he no clue what the fuck he was suddenly so damn worked up about.

I mean, fuck, if I had a sint for each time I said the “wrong” things, I’d be raking in more money more green than Mammon.

A deep breath. “Forgive me, I’m doing this all wrong. I’m trying to offer you a deal. Something, I hope, will mutually beneficial to the both of us.”

The incredulous look on Blitzø’s face was quickly addressed. “Nothing vulgar or dramatic involved, you needn’t worry. Nothing of the sort.” He took another deep breath. “I would like for to come in again, and try my cooking.”

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

“Say what now?”

Stolas made a small noise of exasperation. “As I said, I’m still relatively new to running a business dealing with dining and catering and the like. I’m often pushed into having to spontaneously expand my range of techniques and specialties depending on my success. I know I’m capable, but I know that I can’t just rely on my own opinion and preferences alone. Even more so when I’m attempting new dishes. As such, I need an outside opinion.”

The imp blinked. “And yooouuu think that’s me?”

Stolas nodded. “Very much so.”

“Some fucking rando off the street who broke into your private property, was wasted out of his mind and could just as easily rob you blind despite these so-called ‘measures’ you said you have?”

“Not as ‘so-called’ as you say, but yes.”

“Rrrright.” Blitzø rolled his eyes. “Don’tcha have, I dunno other foodie friends, you can ask? Or maybe just wait for some famous food blogger critic douchebag to to come in and give you a rating?”

“None that would trust to be fair or take seriously, or assume my want for approval is really a want for cheap compliments – that I’m desperate enough to give someone license to either be obnoxiously petty or to deliver the best shallow review that procures them a not so low-key invitation to my bedroom.”

Blitzø grunted. “Asshats.”

“You should see how quickly they recoil as soon as they learn of Via.”

“Fuckin’ asshats.”

“Quite.” Stolas affirmed. “And to answer your other question, yes, I do have others whose say I do value, but I’ve heard relying on the biased does not help one’s credibility. I do appreciate the precious few whom I’m fortunate enough to have as friends, but I need a healthy dose of honesty from outside sources to provoke me to experiment and expand myself.”

“And you think that guy is me?” Blitzø repeated, gesturing to himself crudely.

“Of course.”

“Bullshit.”

“Good gracious, and you call me stubborn.”

“It’s not -” He let out a small snarl.

Seriously? He was still keeping this up? Enough was enough.

“Look, I get you’re trying to be nice, I get that. But, trust me, I’m the last fucking guy you want to be nice to let alone have around. Seriously, ask fucking anyone in hearing distance – I’m a right bastard on a good day and a pushy dickhead on a bad one, I’ve fucked up more people than I’ve actually helped and you would have more sense to shoot me rather than invite me over again. I mean, you gotta kid to think about, and -”

Blitzø shook his head. “And you don’t want me messin’ with your business. The one I tried starting flopped before I even got my feet off the ground. Pretty sure that speaks a fuckton for how helpful I can be towards you.”

He could barely ignore the burning sting of truth in that statement.

Saying all the shit that was a constant boiling inside him all out loud sucked.

It sucked balls.

He knew it was better than letting it all rot and fester like he let everything else – But it still sucked.

Fuck what his therapist said about it being being cathartic. He should quit that bitch.

It’s not like he would be able to pay them for much longer anyway.

Blitzø knew he was not the kind of person to be asked to come back. Even the scraps of friends he had managed to hang on to could barely wait for him to leave as soon as he said hello.

Moxxie was the leading example of proving him right. Even when Blitzø actually adhered to his demands of privacy and properly asking for invites to visit, (That Blitzø still found completely anal of him although he bit his lip) Moxxie was adamant to get him out the door before he could even get two fucks in.

Even Millie, Moxxie’s blast and a half of a wife, who was far more accommodating than her whore-back husband, drew the line when it came to his company being longer than necessary.

That was to say fucking nothing about his own flesh and blood.

Barbie Wire, his twin sister, his other half, would sooner see him six feet under before seeing him again.

Cash Buckzo, his father, never asked for him, never wanted him, and made it a point of telling him so straight to his face more than once.

His mother, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She sure as fuck would have been better off without him.

And his exes? Those who he didn’t remember or couldn’t care to remember, those he never took a chance on because of him being too much of a pussy to try?”

Verosika? It was pretty fucking clear on how that went.

Fizz?

He was never wanted.

He was never missed.

He was never asked to come back.

Not for a visit.

Not for a drink.

Never just to hang and shoot the shit.

He was always tossed away as soon as necessary.

He was always left behind, pushed aside, shoved into the background.

Forgotten.

Dead for all those concerned.

Dead, except in the way he wanted when he was at the lowest he could be.

No one ever missed him.

No one ever wanted him back.

Nobody.

“. . . . I fuck things up more often than I get them right. There’s a pretty good chance if you get involved with me, shit’s gonna go sideways for you too.”

He wasn’t sure if he had muttered that part aloud or not. Not that he gave a shit.

He halfway expected to be asked to repeat himself.

Or maybe Stolas would curse him under his breath for being such a dramatic bitch.

Maybe he would finally cut the bullshit and be real about what the fuck that he really wanted from him.

However, all Blitzø got in response, was a soft touch at his wrist, soft as silk and just as gentle.

Along with two sets of big cerise rose eyes that crinkled gently at the corners as they held his gaze with calmness and sympathy.

And maybe something else, but that could’ve been that whiny, fractured part of himself making up what wasn’t actually there.

“I’ve taken far riskier gambles than trusting a stranger out of the blue, Mister Blitzø.” Stolas spoke in such a comforting voice. “And I have yet to lose from any of them. Perhaps it’s rather cocky to say so, but since my winning streak has yet to be broken, I think you’re a rather good bet to take a chance on.”

The tender smile, that was nothing short of dazzling, he gave Blitzø at the end such a declaration was a damn good seller.

Satan forbid this man ever works for Vox – cause with that smile, he could sell gas station keys like they were the keys to gates of Eden itself. I mean, if his touch alone could send sparks up my arm like he was doing right now. . .

Fuck him if he knew.

The hand causing such a feeling than gave two soft pats to his wrist before lifting away to grab the coffee pot once more, refilling Blitzø’s mug with still steaming java and the exact number of sugars and creams he had diluted it with before.

“So, how does coming in twice, three times a week sound? I usually close the cafe’ around seven since I try to get Octavia in bed by eight thirty on weeknights. If you like to come by over the weekend, I close around six thirty to seven o’clock depending on how busy I get. Except any catering orders or special events, I’m not fussy over whenever you come over. All I ask is that you let me know when you’re coming by in advance so I can have something ready for you. A day or two ahead would be just fine.”

Blitzø, this time, could not find in him to groan loudly in protest to the blatant hardheaded dismissal of the what seemed like hours long argument. The argument he bitterly realized that he couldn’t fight against.

That did nothing to stop him from throwing his head back and scowling at the annoying as shit clean ceiling tiles above them.

“. . . . . . . You really aren’t gonna give this up, are you?” He said after a while.

“I suppose I’m about as bull-headed as you are.”

Blitzø gave a chuffing laugh at that.

Well, fuck.

What was he supposed to do with that?

What could he do with that?

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

Fuck it, if the worst happened, he could just disappear again, right?

Not likely Stolas would look for him just for a review, right?

. . . . Right.

“. . . . . . . . . . The peppers and onions were both sweet.”

Stolas blinked at him like the owl he was.

Heh. Cute.

“The omelet was good, but it was kinda over-sweetened; I don’t know what kinda onions you added but personally I would use a more subtle kind of onion to help round out the sweetness of the peppers.”

He let this sink in for a moment before continuing, “I remember seeing you add a green pepper so next time I would recommend using a shallot, maybe about half a tablespoon’s worth should be right. A regular tablespoon’s good too if you don’t use too much of the peppers.”

He sipped at his refreshed coffee. “I personally, like some spice in my eggs to help me wake up, so don’t be afraid to throw some in the mix in the future. Like oregano or basil. You don’t have to go crazy with the amount, though, - just about when you’re making the bowl and a few dashes of it on top when ya put it on the plate. It’ll pair well with the tomatoes and not distract you too much from the rest of the food.”

He took a breath. “Coffee’s good, strong enough to double as a chemical peel, everything any caffeine addict is looking for. The aftertaste doesn’t turn me off from drinking the rest and from how it feels going down I am a hundred and fifteen percent sure you’re a nit-pick bitch cuz I taste how finely you ground the beans without turning them to powder. It’s good ya didn’t because that shit’s only good foe about half hour before fighting to keep your eyes open by either shooting up some dope or knocking back enough 66-Hour-Energy drinks to give the Big B a heart attack.”

Shouldn’t he stop? Maybe he was saying too much. Stolas had asked for honesty and Blitzø was doing his best to deliver it with as little jackassery as possible.

Problem was, for Blitzø, jackassery was his default language, according to practically everyone and their fat mom’s. And, most of the time, he didn’t even realize how much he let slip out before he got a sharp crack across the face. Or a knee to the balls.

He chanced a look at Stolas. If he looked upset, he could take it all back. It wasn’t too late, he could still backtrack -

Tiny stars sparked in Stolas’s wide eyes. Small and bright and beautiful, looking every bit like the twinkling little lights his mom would tell stories to him and Barbie back in their childhood. After the circus ring was cleared of trash and the last Hellhorse was tucked in their stall. Back when, even thought hings weren’t easy, everything was okay.

Before everything suddenly wasn’t.

Stolas, upon noticing Blitzø looking at him, instantly grew more flustered in some odd cacophony of joy and mortification, his plumage fluffing up from the top of his crown to the little floof of feathers on his chest. His hands belated came up to smooth them back into place, unfortunately they did little to quell them along with the rosy blush that tinted his face plate into an eye-catching pink.

Damn, this bird was so cute it was unfair.

The anxious itch in his chest was put to ease right there and then.

This couldn’t actually work, could it?

. . . Could it?

. . . . . . Maybe. Just maybe.

Emboldened, Blitzø sent the owl a lazy smile that easily darkened the pink on his face, matching the warmth the imp felt on his own face. “The apple was like a fucking angel feather, so soft and tasty. You have got to show me how the ever-loving fuck you made it turning to to applesauce ‘cause that shit was better than fuckin’ crack.”

Stolas looked like he couldn’t decide whether to be elated or overwhelmed.

After an awkwardly long amount of time, he clearly had settled on elation. His upper set of eyes turned upward in little crescents as his beak returned the smile with a brightness that Blitzø felt proud of bring out.

“I’d be happy to, darling.”

To be continued . . .

ME: Hey all you sinners & saints! Who’s excited for HAZBIN HOTEL coming out this friday?!?!?!? (Or Thursday if you actually watch it at it’s appointed time) I know I am!

I am SO EXCITED AND DESPERATELY TRYING TO IGNORE THE FACT THIS STORY IS LITTERALLY GOING TO LOST IN HAZBIN HIGH THAT I KNOW IS COMING FOR THE PAST WEEK. AND THE WEEK AFTER THAT. And the week after that . . .

ANYWAYSO, here is the recipe for the Mega-Omelet, which let me tell, just reading the ingredients alone mad me feel full! Also, what do you do for your respective hangovers? Let me know in the comments!

I’ll have the next (& FINAL chapter of this installment) written and posted as soon as I can, so until then, eat hearty, everyone!

Oh, and enjoy your stay at the Hazbin Hotel . . .

[goblinratman101]

back with another request for you <33

feel free to pick whoever you want for this one :)

haikyuu boys (or girls) with a partner who’s socially anxious or shy, like “terrified of asking for help because they don’t want to seem stupid” level

their partner is trying to find them after a tournament but some people from a rival school spots them and starts hitting on them, how would the boys/girls react?

| This is me fr fr. Sorry if it isn't exactly what you asked for |

| characters: Kyotani Kentaro, Yamamoto Akane, Akaashi Keiji, Miya Osamu, Aone Takanobu |

| Genre: Fluff |

Kyotani Kentaro

Let me start by saying Kyotani thought you were a spineless pushover when you two first met

He didn’t really like you is all I’m saying

Until one day he saw you feeding the stray dog he usually feeds

And instead of cowering in fear and running away like he thought you would do when you saw him

You smiled and waved him over saying he should come look at the cute pupper

And that was it for him you being too cute sent him into puppy love this is your fault! 😡

This boy is so protective I swear

If he thinks anyone is looking at you too long for his liking then he about to beat their ass

God forbid anyone that teases you about being too shy you have scary dog privileges use it

Now Aoba Johsai were going to a match so as the supportive partner you were you of course went to cheer your boyfriend on

Kyotani was currently taking a break while you were talking with him and he looked away for a second and you were suddenly swept away in the crowd

Kyotani = PANIC MODE!!!

The crowd was pushing you until you found a way out

Now to the real problem, where the hell were you

You didn’t have your phone on you since you left it in your bag that was sitting with Kyotani so you couldn’t call him

And your crippling social anxiety was ever present so asking someone for directions was out of the question

That was until someone had come up to you

'Are you lost? Why don't you come and watch me play. You're pretty cute'

Your anxiety has skyrocketed

‘Oh, n-no I’m fine’

You spoke trying to get this guy away while also trying to spot Kyotani in the crowd since he was probably tearing the place up looking for you

‘Are you sure I don’t bite’

He spoke leaning closer to you while trapping you against the wall right behind you

‘I do’

Looking towards the voice you saw your very angry boyfriend

‘Taro!’

You yelled out happily while Kentaro tried with all his might to not blush at such a cute nickname

He’s trying to be intimidating Y/N! Stope being so cute!

He then walked up to the guy and grabbed him by the collar

‘You better leave my partner alone or we’ll have a problem’

Kyotani warned as the guy nodded and hastily ran away

Immediately Kyotani looked you over and asked if the guy did anything to you

You shook your head then smiled up at him

‘You looked so cool Taro! Like a knight in shining armour!’

His face erupted into flames as he looked everywhere but you

Why’d you have to be so cute Y/N he can’t think anymore

He would just grab your hand still incredibly embarrassed as he walked back to where your stuff was

Kyotani wouldn’t mind if you got lost again so he could save you like a knight

Yamamoto Akane

Why does no one write for this cutie?! Look at her!

Honestly you two are so different everyone questions your relationship

The both of you are pretty cute

I can totally imagine Akane being super nervous around you

She just thinks your so cute when your shy

Especially if you ask her for help

She will not hesitate to help you with anything social

She’ll be loud enough for the both of you 😌

She has a hair clip and scrunchie collection that she lets you use and even gets the both of you matching hair clips and scrunchies

Onto the actual request tho

Akane is the captain of the cheer squad for Nekoma

Akane wanted you to see how cool the boys volleyball club was she also wanted you to see how cool her older brother was ngl

But with this being the first time going to the volleyball arena that was filled with people you were very nervous

It also didn’t help that your girlfriend had to arrive early to set up the cheer squad and make sure everything was perfect

So Akane was calling you to help you get to the right area where the Nekoma game would be

That was until some guy approached you

‘Hey you’re pretty cute! Do you wanna go out’

You immediately got nervous but was able to tell the guy you weren’t single

‘Really? You’re dating someone? I don’t see them anywhere though’

The guy spoke stepping closer as you also stepped back

‘I-I’m actually busy trying to find the volleyball arena…’

You spoke nervously as you were not mentally prepared to talk to anyone other than Akane her brother and the Nekoma teammates

‘Hey asshole! Get away from Y/N!’

You looked over to see Akane puffed out from running but still standing her ground

‘Who are you ? They’re friend?’

The guy spoke but Akane stomped over to you two and stood in front of you protectively

‘I’m their girlfriend so back off!’

It was honestly funny how Akane was almost half the guys height but still managed to drive him off with her enraged face

‘That’s right you better run!’

Akane yelled as you giggled taking her hand in yours

‘Thanks Akane for saving me there’

You thanked them gave the girl a kiss on her cheek

‘Y-Y-Y-Y/N! You can’t just kiss me so suddenly! Warn me first!’

She exclaimed red in the face then hugged you tightly while hiding her face in your chest

That was until Akane realised you two would almost be late for the game

‘S-Stop distracting me Y/N! We’re gonna be late for the game!’

Akane yelled tightening her grip on your hand as she full on sprinted to the arena as you tried to keep up with your energetic girlfriend

Akashi Keiji

Man dating Akashi Y/N

You’re so lucky, wish it was me

Let me just say Akashi is so understanding of your crippling social anxiety

He would speak up for you if you had a question and if you didn’t get anything in class he would explain it to you himself

This man is so incredibly patient he would wait an entire 15 minutes just for you to ask if you could get help with your homework

He has experience with Bokuto

He would try to help you with your anxiety but would immediately stop if you became uncomfortable or too nervous

But he is friends with Bokuto so you’ll have to get used to his energetic personality

So Fukurodani had just won against Nekoma so you wanted to congratulate Akashi for the win

Until you remember how confusing the layout for the arena was and you were currently lost

Luckily you were able to text Akashi where you were so all you had to do was wait until he arrived

That was until a certain setter came up to you

That’s right

Koganegawa Kanji

Bet you didn’t see that coming

This boy saw you looking real cute and probably got a crush, so of course he ran up to you to talk

‘Hi there! I’m Koganegawa Kanji. I’m a first year setter for Date Tech! Your really cute! What’s your name? Could we go on a date?’

Honestly you couldn’t keep up with what he was saying

Even if you didn’t respond to him he would still talk

You were kind of just awkwardly standing there as a golden retriever in human form was excitedly talking to you

Looking around you tried to find Akashi in the crowd, when you did you immediately called him over with a worried look

You didn’t really think Koganegawa would do anything you were just too socially awkward to say a word to him, and you were just overwhelmed with all this excitement on you that you were basically on the verge of a panic attack

Akashi immediately seeing this quickly walked over to the both of you and standing in front of you, then grabbed your hand and just dragged you away from Koganegawa

Akashi knew you were overwhelmed so he decided the best option was to take you away from the situation so you could calm down

‘Your ok now Y/N. I saw this ice cream stand on my way here, do you want to get some?’

Miya Osamu

I’m pretty sure Osamu wouldn’t really understand why you were so anxious all the time

He just didn’t really get it probably still doesn’t get it but he’ll try his best to help you!

Osamu is definitely in love with you though

I 100% believe this man would fall in love so hard, especially if you encourage him with his cooking dream and tell him he would be a wonderful chef

This boy would spoil you with so much food, you literally don’t have to buy food

He absolutely adores you and is extremely protective of you for how anxious you can get

Lets say you were hanging out with Osamu before the game started and noticed his water bottle was getting empty so you offered to refill it

Osamu would say he can do it but Atsumu got involved so a fight was bound to happen between the two, so you just decided to refill his water bottle and get back before he noticed

Now while the game was almost going to start you would assume that outside the arena would be very empty…

You assumed wrong…

Many stalls were around for merchandise as well as many people walking around the place, which honestly put you on edge with how many people were here

But you were on a mission to refill Osamu’s water bottle and you would not let him down! So after hyping yourself up you walked into the crowd and immediately regretted your decision

You were at least able to avoid people enough to refill the bottle but as you were making your way back you accidentally bumped into someone

A certain stingy germ fanatic

‘I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to bump into you! Here take some of my wipes, again I’m super sorry!’

You apologise bringing out your cleaning wipes and offering the packet, your hands would always be really clammy and sweaty from your anxiety that you now carry cleaning wipes to clean your hands

Now Sakusa seeing such a cutie worry over him and offer him some cleaning wipes he was totally blushing under his mask

‘T-Thank you… are you a volleyball player or manager? Do you hate germs? What school do you go to?’

Sakusa was asking so many questions he was just a nervous baby who thought you looked really cute

With so many questions you got a bit nervous but you managed to answer them all until you brought up you came to watch Inarizaki

‘Oh, so are you an Atsumu fan?’

Sakusa asked but you could tell he was upset when talking about the Miya

‘No, Atsumu is more… how do I say this nicely… Atsumu is a bit too loud for my taste, I prefer quite people like his brother Osamu!’

You spoke happy you were able to say a complete sentence without stuttering

At your words Sakusa lit up, you prefer quite guys! That’s perfect if he hadn’t of bumped into you he would probably be brooding in a corner quietly right now!

But before anything could happen Osamu was here to the rescue

‘Y/N! There you are, the match is gonna start soon’

While saying this with the most calm voice ever and glaring daggers at Sakusa

The both of them kind of had a stare off until you had to walk away and drag Osamu with you, the both of them continued to stare until they lost sight of each other

As soon as Osamu lost sight of Sakusa he quickly turned to you

'Y/N! I don't want you talking to other guys! You're too cute for your own good! I'll have to fight off every guy that looks at you!'

Even though Osamu said this he was fine with it as it was a way he could protect you and show everyone his yours and your his

Aone Takanobu

I feel like Aone can relate to you on this

Not so much the anxiety part

But he is 100% ready to sit quietly with you

Quite café or study dates are his favourite especially if you become more comfortable with him and get more loud and carefree

He would definitely intimidate anyone being rude to you, probably just stands behind you while glaring at the person

Aone would be your silent cheerleader

You were able to ask a question in class, you receive so many head pats

You talk on the phone with someone, boy Is very proud

Able to order lunch by yourself, Aone will pay and give you more food you deserve it ☺️

Now we all know Aone is basically a teddy bear, but when it comes to you bro is so protective

He just loves you so much and hates to see you stressed or uncomfortable

would literally stare someone down if they complimented you with ulterior motives or stared at you for too long

which is why he suddenly got so angry when he saw two guys caging you between the wall and themselves

He walked as quick as he could with his long ass legs to stand behind the two guys

Once the both of them noticed Aone's shadow towering over them they turned and saw the scariest glare they had ever seen

Of course the two guys ran away almost pissing themselves

You immediately wrapped Aone in a hug as you looked up to him

'Thank you so much Aone, no matter what I said those two wouldn't get the hint and leave!'

Your cheeks had squished up against Aone, after seeing this he lifted his hands and began to play with your round cheeks as he wore a smile

[samaraannhan20]

Harry Styles Imagine: Expensive

*not my gif*

A/N: I have said many times before that I write what I am currently struggling with. Hence this fic. Please do not judge or leave hateful comments. Enjoy!

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“Oh, I got an email,” I say as I pull my phone out when we sit down in the hotel room. “From who?” Harry asks as he sits down on the bed next to me. “School. My cost estimation papers. So I can figure out exactly how much money I will owe them when I go back. In case you didn’t know, college is expensive.” “That sounds… fun?” he says in response. “Eh. not really. But it is usually quick. However, I want to shower and go to bed. It’s been a long day,” I say, and then scoot towards the edge of the bed to stand up. “You’re telling me,” he says with a laugh, and stands up with me. “Care if I join you in the shower?” he asks, pulling me into him. “You know I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I say, and then stretch up to kiss him, before smiling and pulling away. “You have to catch me though!” I exclaim, and then sprint away.

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“Did you know that schools change their prices every year? And never in a way that means the price went down,” I ask as Harry sits down next to me. “I did not know that. Are you looking at how much you owe for school this coming year?” he asks, and I just scoff. “Yeah, I am. And it’s stupid. I’m not sure exactly how much the price was raised, but I know it did. And now, what I pull out for my private loan to pay for school is going to be higher than it has been any other year,” I say, and begin to feel my eyes watering, and make a decision that I don’t want to do this right now, not in front of Harry. “No. I’m gonna do this later, not right now. Besides, I’ve got a month and a half before I go back. This can be dealt with after the tour ends, when we’re just chilling at your house. Besides, shouldn’t you be getting ready for your concert? And I need to change into my concert outfit.” “I think you look good right now,” Harry says, closing my laptop and setting it off to the side. “Thanks H, but A I’m in biker shorts and your sweatshirt, I’m not wearing that to your show where all your fans dress up and look super cute. And B Lambert told me what your outfit looks like tonight, and I bought a dress and some boots that almost match it.” “Well why didn't you say that to begin with? Go change!” Harry says, and shoves me off the couch. “Geeze,” I say with a laugh, stumbling a bit and then going to stand in between his legs. “You haven't even changed yet. Why should I change first?” “Because if I change first I’ll have to go do the final sound check. But if I’m not ready yet then I can't go yet,” he replies, looking up at me through his eyelashes. “What if,” I start, and then choose to sit down on his lap before finishing. I get really close to him and then whisper in his ear, “we both go to the bathroom and change at the same time?” He laughs and pulls me in for a kiss, before standing up, lifting me up with him, and carrying me bridal style to the bathroom where both of our outfits are, both of us cackling the entire time.

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“Hey,” I hear Harry say from the other room as I stand in the bathroom washing my face. “Hang on, I’m almost done, I’ll be right in,” I say, and quickly rub moisturizer into my skin before flicking off the light and heading into the room part of the hotel room. “What’s up?” “Well I was thinking about how you were filling out your school paperwork earlier, and I had an idea,” he says from where he sits on the bed, his arms behind his head as he watches me walk around the room, gathering my pajamas and the scrunchie I pull my hair back with every night. “Oh yeah?” I respond, stopping at the foot of the bed and starting to change my clothes. “Yes. And it is very simple. I pay whatever you owe for school this next year,” he states, very simply, and I yank my sleep shorts up my legs, settling them on my waist. “No,” I say, walking to the edge of the bed and climbing on before (very un-sexily) crawling towards where Harry is resting, and handing him my scrunchie for him to put my hair up. “No?” he questions as he gathers my hair into a ponytail. “No. If you do that,” I start, and pause to move when I feel him stop messing with my hair, coming to sit next to him on the bed. “If you do that, then all of your fans and everyone in the world will think I am only with you because of your money if it gets leaked that you did that. I don’t want to live with everyone hating me,” I say, and Harry sighs and pulls me into his arms. “Besides, one day when we get married,” I continue, not wanting him to think I’m telling him no forever, “if we get married, my debts will be your debts and we’ll both owe shit tons of money to various places in the United States. And you can help me pay them back.” Harry chuckles and pulls me into him. “Okay. I’ll take that offer. But,” he says, and pulls away so he can look me in the eyes as he says it. “But, I want to do your monthly payments on your private loans. I mean you said that they aren't that much anyway, and this way I am helping you out in some way. I love you, and I hate seeing you so stressed out about money, when I have enough to help you out,” he tells me, and then pulls me in for a kiss. I smile into our kiss and when we pull away I laugh a little. “I love you. Thank you for being willing to do this for me. But maybe we don’t tell many people. Just those who need to know, like Jeff, and your mom and Gem. I’m still worried that your fans, and other people out there, will just think I’m a gold digger if it gets out that you pay for some things for me,” I tell him and he nods his head in agreement. “Need-to-know basis. Got it,” he says, and pulls me in for another kiss. “Babe, I love you,” I say when we pull away. “But I’m also exhausted. Are you ready t o go to bed?” “Yes, of course. Let’s go to sleep,” he says, and then pulls the covers up to where they are covering us, before lying down and pulling me into him.

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“Okay,” I say a few days later, sitting in the dressing room in Warsaw with Harry. “I have officially finished this step of filling out paperwork for school, and finished the first step I can do for filling out a loan request for what is left to be paid for the year.” I close my laptop and stand up, walking over to my bag is and placing my laptop inside. “What happens then?” he asks from the bathroom where he is messing with his hair. “Then, once it is approved, I have to fill out more paperwork for the school to show that I am accepting the award information,” I tell him as I walk toward where he stands in the bathroom, leaning on the doorway and just watching him. “Award?” he asks as he finishes messing with his hair and turns towards me, taking my hand and leading me over to the couch, sitting down and then pulling my legs to rest over his lap. “Award is what they call any amount of money I’m “given” so to say. So when it goes through the school and they say “yeah she needs this money”, then I’ll get an email where I have to accept the money, and then I’ll be done for the summer. When school starts the loan company will disperse my loan to the school, and then I start making monthly payments of interest on it.” “I, start making monthly payments on it,” Harry says, exaggerating the I. “Righ, you start making monthly payments. Right now my other three are only about $70 a month, but with the addition of this one it will be around $95-100. Are you sure you want to do this?” I ask him, reaching my hands out to take his in mine from where they had been rubbing at my calves. “Yes, I’m sure. I want to help you. Besides, $100 is chump change to me honey,” he replies, and then pulls me into a kiss. When we pull away, we just rest our foreheads together and enjoy the other’s presence.  After a few minutes there’s a knock at the door, and Jeff peeks his head in. “Hey guys,” he says as I lean back to the other end of the couch. “H, you have ten minutes to places. Y/N, we should probably head out to the seating area.” “Oh, okay. I’ll be right out,” I tell him, and Harry nods his head, a signal that everyone has come to know as “you got it”, so Jeff ducks back out of the room. “You’re gonna do great tonight bubs,” I say to Harry as I scoot closer to him, and then climb onto his lap. “Just like you do every night.” I lean forward and kiss him, and he grabs onto my hips, keeping me from pulling away. “H,” I whisper, slightly out of breath from the kiss, as he starts to kiss down my neck. “H, I have to go out to my seat.” He sighs and kisses me on the lips one more time, before letting go of my hips. “Go, before I cancel the show and just take you back to the hotel room,” he says, playfully shoving me off of him. I stand and grab my phone from the coffee table, and my VIP lanyard off the vanity, before heading for the door. “I love you. And I’m thankful for you. Break legs tonight baby,” I say, and blow him a kiss before heading out the door. As I close the door behind me I see Jeff standing there shaking his head. “I thought I was going to have to come pull you out of there,” he says as I walk up next to him. “Oh shut up, dad,” I say, voice completely laced with sarcasm. “Let’s go watch this concert.” He laughs and throws an arm around my shoulders as we walk out into the crowd.

[krav3nn]

what iffff

you and bill had a cute little self care night! like full of kisses, face masks und little massages. just taking care of each-other after tour??

sorry if it’s bad i really am not great at requests- but i do have maybe 1 or 2 more if you need/want them💕

༉‧₊˚🕯️SELF CARE NIGHT ༉‧₊˚🕯️

UGHH I LOVE THIS REQUEST!!!! This is the best prompt ever, idk how I didn’t think of this! Your GENIUS! Thank you so much for requesting I love you pookie. Anyways, you ask you shall receive!

BILL KAULITZ X GN!READER

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

I’m so bored!” You groaned rolling onto your back on the floor “I have an idea of what we could do.” Bill said with a smirk on his face. You sat up and threw your pillow at him with a groan. “phff sorry baby I can’t help myself.” Bill says with a chuckle “yeah yeah whatever billy, do you have any REAL ideaa.” You said playing with his hair. “Hmm.. I don’t know but if anything I wanna do somthing relaxing. This past month has been exhausting.” Bill said with a sigh

You and tokio Hotel had been on tour for the past 31 days. You and bill were the singers in the band and had it rough. During the signing you would get unwanted comments, (which bill did NOT let slide) And y’all did a bunch of different concerts. Moving from place to place just tired you out. You and bill were just so glad to be back home.

At his words you sit up and gasp. “THATS IT!” You say running to your bathroom where you kept your skin care. Grabbing two silly face masks, moisturizer, and two cute little animals headbands to hold your hair back. Bill was just sitting on the couch in confusion, hearing you rustling in the bathroom.

You quickly ran bad and jumped next to him, showing him the face masks in excitement. Bill laughed loudly. “Can we do these billy?” You say shaking him. “Ughhh fine only because I love you.” Bill said kissing your head. You squeal in excitement as you hand him the two face masks. Asking him which one he wants. The dog or the cat face masks. Bill obviously choose the dog because he’s a dog person.

You also grabbed the headbands and put one on bill but his long hair with still going in his face a bit so you run back to the bathroom and get a black and red scrunchy. You run back to bill and giggled as you put bills hair up with the scrunchies. “Do I look stupid?” Bill says with a laugh. “You could never look stupid” you say kissing his lips.

You ripped the mask sheet open, at sit on bills lap to put the mask on him. “Scheisse! That’s so cold!” Bill says. “Ugh stay still you big baby.” You say with a chuckle as you smooth out the mask on bills skin and quickly burst out into giggles. Running to get your camera to take a picture of him, he just looked so silly! You ran back and took the picture of bill sitting on the couch, making a funny face with the dog face mask on him.

“Okay okay! I wanna put yours on now!” Bill said, grabbing the cat face mask and opening it. You sit crisscrossed and close your eyes getting ready for the cold that was about to envelop your face. Bill puts the mask on your face and it was indeed cold. Once it was on, you opened your eyes. Bill looked at you and laughed. “Now we look silly together!” Bill says grabbing your hands and pulling you off the couch, jumping up and down with you and just being giddy.

After 15 minutes you both took the face masks off. Bill grabs your waist and pulls you down on top of him. “Bill!” You say with a laugh as you wrap your hands around his neck and sigh in content. Bills hand massage all over your body, rubbing your shoulders, your back, your butt, you’re legs, exc. you find yourself dozing off to sleep. Every few seconds you would feel a kiss on your head, and comforting words in your ear as you and bill finally fall asleep in each others arms….

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

A/N: Again thank you to this person for requesting this. I’m sorry this took so long for me to write this and it was so short. my adhd brain kept getting distracted. Buttttt I hope this lives up to your expectations, your royalty ‼️

[id-rather-be-an-outsider]

Fanboys

chapter 2: making friends

summary: follow y/n through her first day of the quarter!

word count: 1932

a/n: hehe I was very happy to make this chapter! I hope you enjoy! comment on the masterlist, send me a message or comment on this post to be added to the taglist!

When y/n’s alarm woke her up for the first day of Fall Quarter, she could already smell something heavenly cooking in the kitchen. As she dragged herself out of bed, she noticed it felt more like floating than dragging. Maybe this is why cartoon characters hover when they smell good food, she thought to herself, and she picked out her fit for the day.

Y/n figured that nothing could go wrong with lavender Nikes, an oversized lavender tank top tucked into pale gray sweats and a cute half up half down hairstyle with a scrunchy. She completed her look with a simple silver chain and matching hoop earrings, and of course she laid her edges, gelled her brows, and used some highlighter, opting to wait on lipgloss until she’d eaten breakfast.

She heard a knock on her door, and Nobara’s voice followed. “Y/n! Want to try my famous breakfast sandwich?” Before y/n could answer, Nobara opened the door, gasping. She eyed y/n up and down, then said, “I think I’m going to steal your style, because how have I never thought of pastels before?!”

Y/n felt her face heat up and she laughed. “If you can fit my clothes, feel free to borrow them whenever you want! But what’s this about a famous breakfast sandwich?”

Nobara blushed. “Actually, it’s not really mine. It’s our friend Toge’s recipe, but I stole it because it’s really good. But come try it!” She leaned forward and grabbed y/n’s wrist, dragging her out of her room and over to the kitchen counter, where Maki was already seated and chowing down, and two plated sandwiches were waiting to be devoured. Nobara sat in the middle seat, and turned to y/n. “Okay, get this. So, for starters, you toast these sourdough bread rounds, right? Then, you put mayo on each bread slice. Then, you put a piece of this super melty cheese on one of the slices. Then you make an egg over easy, so there’s still runny yolk in it, and add that. Finally, you put your lunch meat in the pan just to heat it up a smidge and put that on top, put your other slice of bread on top, and squish the egg so the yolk drips onto your plate and acts as a dipping sauce. I added seasonings to ours, but I didn’t know what you wanted on yours, so I left it plain and figured you’d tell me what you wanted next time. Now take a bite!” Nobara exclaimed, and y/n couldn’t help but see her as an excited golden retriever waiting to be called a good dog.

Y/n bit into it, and it tasted… “Good,” She said, “Way better than any Starbucks sandwich I’ve ever had. Thanks for making me food.”

Nobara beamed. “I like cooking, but I like eating Toge’s cooking more than anything. He’s just a genius at that stuff!” She sighed, seemingly day dreaming. I wonder if she likes that guy, y/n mused. Whoever he was.

In the middle of her morning class – a college success class – y/n’s phone dinged, and she mentally cursed herself for not turning it on silent beforehand. The few heads that swiveled in the sea of students quickly refocused their attention on the professor when he cleared his throat, and y/n mouthed a ‘sorry’ as she silenced it. Who was texting her this early?

When she checked, she noticed the name “tHe GwOrLz ChAt” in her text messages. That’s new, she thought to herself, and when she opened her phone, she hid a smile. It was her roommates.

Somehow, y/n couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous when the other students in her class started gathering their things. She felt butterflies in her stomach, her hands felt shaky, and she felt self-conscious, as if everyone in the room was watching her. Sure, maybe one or two students looked her way, but she wasn’t that famous. Not Lil Nas X famous, not even Em Beihold famous. She was more like… Avenue Beat famous, where she popped off with one song, and then got a steady enough following from that to be alright if she never went viral again.

Were these feelings first day jitters? Hardly. She knew what it really was. She wanted Nobara and Maki’s friends to like her, and if they didn’t? She stood the chance of losing her two new friends, and if their friends only saw y/n for her internet fame? She’d end up distancing herself and lose out on opportunities to spend time with the girls, because that’s what drove her out of her hometown in the first place.

As she made her way down the stairs, her shoes sounded like bricks on the floor to her ears, thudding almost as loud as her heart in her chest. She was so focused on her nerves, staring at her feet all the while, that she almost toppled over when she crashed into someone at the door of the classroom.

“O-oh!” Her voice cracked, “I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” She asked the guy, and thanked her lucky stars she’d finished her sentence before seeing his face, because… wow.

Long, jet-black hair, melty dark chocolate colored eyes, and a handsome smile to match, along with a completely unfazed demeanor. When he smiled at y/n, she experienced a blank mind for the first time in her life. “I’m perfectly fine. Are you okay? You seem a little out of it.”

Y/n squeezed her eyes shut and opened them back up, confirming for herself that what she was experiencing was real and that she was, in fact, okay. “No, yea! I’m all good. Just wasn’t watching where I was going. Sorry again.”

He smiled at her again, and this time, she noticed crinkles in the corners of his eyes. Somehow, a normal human feature for literally everyone was only sexy on him. “You’re okay,” he said. “See you around.” And walked away. He’s fine as fuck, y/n thought as she stood there, under a spell.

When he was out of sight, she finally remembered she was supposed to meet up with her friends. She hurried down the hall and out of the building, heading straight to the cafeteria, knowing she’d either spot them outside, or they’d spot her first.

“Y/n!” She heard her name being called, and turned to the right to see her two friends, and a group of guys — all ridiculously hot guys. She recognized each of them based on their descriptions. Yuta had his arm thrown around Maki’s neck and was giving her heart eyes, Toge was sitting next to them eating something, Nobara and Megumi were sitting next to each other sullenly, and Yuuji and Gojo were standing behind them, running around and laughing. From where y/n was standing, it looked like Gojo and Yuuji were the cause of Nobara and Megumi’s soured moods. Maki was waving to her, and Nobara looked up and over to y/n, her scowl being replaced with a smile of relief.

Y/n jogged over to all of them, and said, “Hey, guys! Where should I sit?”

“Oh! Sit right–”

“You can sit next to me, cutie. You know, I really like your music, but I’ve never gotten a tweet back. It breaks my heart, honestly.” Gojo cut Nobara off, tugging y/n by the wrist to sit down right next to him. As soon as y/n had come over, he’d quit his fooling around and had peered at her over his sunglasses, but she’d been too focused on the group as a whole to pay it mind – normally it would’ve left her flustered, but right then, all she was worried about was not making the entire group hate her.

“Oh, really?” Y/n asked him, “I see a lot of tweets from people, so I’m not super great about responding to fans on that account. Maybe uh, maybe I could retweet you?”

He pouted his lower lip. “Not even a follow back? After all I’ve done for you?”

Nobara cuts in. “All you’ve done for her is obsessively like and retweet all of her stuff and then invade her space bubble without introducing yourself, like the heathen you are.”

Gojo scoffed. “That’s called being a true fan. And anyways, I was about to tell you that my name is Gojo Satoru, but you can just call me Satoru. Am I allowed to call you by your real name, or do I have to call you Emile?”

Y/n felt Nobara’s glare and remembered what Nobara said. Never call him Satoru. “You can call me y/n, I’d rather that less people connected my face to my stage name.”

The pink haired boy sat down on y/n’s other side and said, “I’m Yuuji. I always wanted to know, what inspired you to start making music?” When y/n looked into his soft brown eyes, he looked like a sad puppy begging for a treat.

She laughed as she said, “Well, that’s a long story, but music’s always been there for me, and I’ve always connected with it emotionally.”

Yuuji’s face looked like it was buffering as he processed what she said. “I don’t know exactly what that means, but I think I understand half of it?”

Nobara rolled her eyes and chided him. “Then why did you ask her a complicated question if you weren’t gonna understand the complicated answer?”

Megumi said, “You’re expecting too much, Nobara.” His face softened a bit as he said, “I’m Megumi, by the way.” Y/n nodded at him, taking in his words at the same time that she took in his eyes being a deep, dark blue. They looked beautiful.

“And I’m Yuta! I hope we can become good friends.” Yuta said, planting a kiss on Maki’s cheek. “It’s what Maki wants, so it’s what I want, too.”

Maki furrowed her brows and lightly shoved him away. “Don’t say it like that! It sounds like you only care because I do.”

Yuta’s face reflected confusion. “What? I’m just saying that anything that matters to you matters equally to me. That’s not a crime!”

Y/n hid a smile. She knew what he meant, but it was sweet of Maki to worry about her feelings. “I think it’s nice, to have someone who values the same things as you.” She glanced over at the only person who hadn’t introduced himself yet, and her heart skipped a beat. It must be Toge.

He appears to perk up when their eyes meet. “I’m Toge. Nice to meet you.”

Y/n could feel in her bones that she would not be able to address them individually, so she said, “It’s nice to meet all of you, too.” She spotted that beautiful, raven-haired man from earlier heading through the cafeteria doors, and decided that was her cue to get up and grab food from the cafeteria. “I’m hungry. I’ll be back in a few!”

Everybody said their goodbyes, and when y/n entered the cafeteria, she gave a sigh of relief. She couldn’t believe she made it through that without embarrassing herself, especially after her mishap in her morning class. She was disappointed that she couldn’t see her gorgeous classmate, but she was not disappointed at the smell of seasoned food cooking in the kitchens. As she stepped into line and grabbed a tray, only one thought was on her mind:

This year is going to be very interesting.

chapter 1 << masterlist >> chapter 3

taglist: @kfmcykdy

[staceymcgillicuddy]

#12. "Just do it."

Thank you for letting me indulge yet another one of my "fifty different ways they could have met that didn't involve anyone dying" daydreams. Mwah!

“Just do it,” Eddie says to his reflection in the cracked bathroom mirror. “Today. Today’s the fucking day, yeah? Just do it.” 

How can he do it, though, with a zit on his nose? Eddie doesn’t spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about his face or anything, but like… that dude’s a whopper. Red with a white center, and he should probably squeeze it, but if he does that, it might bleed, and he can’t decide if it’s better or worse to ask Chrissy Cunningham out with a zit or the bloody scab of where a zit used to be. 

Probably he should just pop it at home and wait until tomorrow. That’s the solid course of action. Besides, he has Hellfire after school, and if he asks her out today, he’ll be distracted, and the sheepies deserve his full and undivided attention.

Plus—plus!—he and Chrissy have been partnered up for a month on this stupid English project, and it’s due on Friday and today’s Wednesday, so if he asks her out and she says no, that’ll throw off the whole vibe of their presentation. Which, if he says so himself, is a pretty badass show. Funny what happens when you actually make an effort in school, even if it’s just to impress the pretty blonde who initially didn’t seem thrilled to be partnered with you but now laughs every time you make a dumb joke.

It’s a lot easier for Eddie to concentrate on a task when he knows Chrissy’s gonna smile and say something like, “Eddie, that’s so good!” or “I never would have thought of that!” when he’s done. 

“Friday,” he says to his reflection just as the door to the bathroom opens and some bespectacled freshman stumbles in, sees Eddie, and beats a hasty retreat. 

Yeah, that feels about right.

It’s his free period, and he was originally gonna meet Chrissy in the library to work on their poster, but she put a note in his locker this morning saying it was a lovely day and could they please work in the quad instead? 

She’s got the girliest handwriting, and he definitely sniffed the paper to see if it smelled like her perfume. 

(One time, she left her scrunchie on the table, and Eddie stole it while she was in the bathroom. It’s uh… seen some things. He’s a dick. But, whatever. She has eighty of them.) 

When he arrives, Chrissy’s already sitting at one of the four painted-green picnic tables that decorate the quad. Her hair’s in a ponytail, which he pulls to announce his arrival because he’s five and she’s cute, and he wants to shove her down a slide on the playground to tell her he likes her, or whatever.

Jesus Christ, life would be easier if she hadn’t dumped Jason Carver two weeks ago, thus opening herself up as an actual option rather than a fantasy. And, sure, Eddie gets that he’s not even remotely close to her league, but whatever. Even a first date would be more than he deserves.

Chrissy twists at the tug on her hair, and her mouth’s painted with his favorite shade of peachy-pink, lips twisting into a smile. “Hi, Eddie.” 

“Hey, sunshine. I finished those drawings.” 

“Oh, let me see!”

Their presentation is on A Tale of Two Cities, which Eddie actually read (because he really is determined to fucking graduate this time), and also sort of dug because there was a lot of war and intrigue. It’s not Asimov, but he can see the appeal. For the presentation, he and Chrissy are doing a poster depicting the major plot points, and when she found out he wasn’t the world’s worst artist, she asked him to draw and…

Yeah, he’s been making an effort. Not just because he wants to get in her pants, either, but because he likes her as, you know. A person. She’s kind of weird, and he likes how her brain works.

Sitting across from her, he tugs out some loose printer paper from the ream Wayne stole from the plant a year ago. Management would be furious, Eddie’s sure.

Fuck management. Every time he rips the edging off a fresh piece of paper, it makes him smile.

“Oh, wow, Eddie,” Chrissy says when she sees the final piece, which is Carton approaching the platform with the guillotine. “This is amazing.” 

“Ah, thanks,” he says. “It’s no big deal.”

“No, it’s perfect. And I lettered the quote.” That had been Chrissy’s job—picking out the appropriate sentences and hand-lettering them on paper she soaked in tea to make it look old. “Once we have them pasted on, we’re done.” 

“So… cool, yeah. Done.” 

Chrissy carefully places his final drawings in her folder and shrugs. “We don’t have to meet tomorrow, I guess.” 

Shit. Eddie leans forward, fingers digging into the edge of the table. “Uh. Oh. I guess not?” 

“Maybe just Friday, before we present?” 

“Totally.” 

“Cool. We'll kick butt, and then hang out Friday night.”

Eddie's brain stutters to a halt. "We're hanging out Friday night?"  

"Yes. You're taking me out to the movies."

[fallowtail]

Am I the only one who genuinely sees Hetty caring more about Trevor each day? She seems so excited for his happiness lately! And...also...hurt when he is upset with her. Even though she kind of ignored him when he "broke up" with her, she was worried about him when he first brought her into the room. Maybe it is just wishful thinking, but I am seeing a deeper meaning in their relationship. I hope it is true.

No I agree! They're definitely still orbiting around each other. I think Hetty does care, she just doesn't know how to care- Hetty's very, very fickle and not great with her emotions, she's constantly being a hypocrite and flipflopping around with where her empathy gets placed which is a very fun character flaw of hers, you never really know how she's going to react to things because while we see often that she does care about her friends she's very selfish. You can see that while she starts and ends the break up scene being shitty, in the middle she does start to look contrite and guilty- until he leans into the Alberta-knows-about-your-plan thing and she pivots back into being Fixated on her scheme to get sucked off, which to her is the most important thing in the world (they have different goals- Trevor wants to be alive again/pretend he's still alive, and Hetty just is fed up with being a ghost and wants to get sucked off no matter what it takes). I think if that hadn't happened they might have made up there instead of breaking up, and you're right that she did initially care/seem concerned when he said they needed to talk. The fun thing about them is they really struggle to communicate with each other and they both goofed that conversation up, though to different degrees- Hetty can't handle criticism or the implication she's done something wrong, because she always has to be right/have the upper hand (and she also genuinely doesn't think she has done anything wrong but instead of hearing him out she instantly tries to shift the blame), so she immediately switches into trying to manipulate him, and then Trevor responds to her manipulation by bringing the fact that other people (Alberta) think she's being awful, but this backfires on him, lol. It was very cute how in the new episode she gets all excited about the Tara Reid thing with him, the way she elbows him with that genuine scrunchy happy face was adorable. It was very cute seeing her happy for him even if she switched to team get-rid-of-Jeremy because she's always gonna be on the side of Business. I really don't think they're done with each other because the nature of their relationship within the show-canon is that they love to hate each other, they're combustible and they butt heads but in a way that makes them- well- horny, LOL, and the way they bicker is definitely a part of that. The very bratty way Trevor tells her that "you can't make me (do what you want)" in the new episode felt very charged in a way that their dynamic building up to the initial kiss had been, so I'm remaining hopeful we'll see some more from them, since we know Asher and Rebecca are both wanting to do more :]

[buckysgrace]

Sixty Seven

Dancing In the Dark Masterlist

This is the beginning of the end! After this we hit the 3 part epilogue <3

“So,” Rosemary drew out as she leaned against the table at work, smiling at the way Billy was fussing to keep his hair off of his neck, “Max said that Eddie and Addi were coming out too.” He stalled, his lip curling up as he thought about being crowded once again. 

“Did they ask?” He snorted before he ripped his hair net off, giving up entirely as he began to tug his hair back with the blue scrunchy. He needed to do something with his hair. He wasn’t used to it being so long. 

“I guess Eddie asked Max, who asked Russell, who asked Kim-,” She continued for a second, “Who then asked me and I said yes.” She smiled brightly, looking quite happy with her answer. Of course she was. 

“You like crowds.” He pointed out as he shook his head, sometimes wondering how she managed to enjoy them. He didn’t like all the fake friendly conversations that tried to hide judgy eyes. 

“I couldn’t say no,” She said with a sigh, “And it would be fun. I think Kim would like to have her friend over.” She added as she nodded her head, glancing towards where Kim was working on piping out some cupcakes. She was getting good at it. She could do all sorts of different flowers now. 

“She would,” He admitted, “Do we have to split rooms up again?” He grinned as he shifted the net back over his head, thinking about how difficult things had been previously. At least there wouldn’t be any surprises. Hopefully. 

“Not if you don’t want to,” She replied with a laugh, “But that means Addi and Eddie would be sharing your former room. So you decide how you want that to go.” She raised her eyebrows, scrunching up her nose as Billy quickly got the hint. He didn’t want that either. 

“Gross,” He replied as he wrinkled his nose up in disgust, “I’ll ask Russ and Kim about it.” He mumbled as he tapped his fingers against the side of his leg, trying to decide what the best course of action would be. He didn’t really like the thought of Eddie and Addi getting down and dirty in his bed, even if he didn’t sleep in there anymore. 

“Russ?” She tilted her head curiously, eyes shining in amusement as Billy shrugged his shoulders. He didn’t see what the issue was. Russell liked being called that. 

“What?” Russell asked as he popped his head nearby, wearing a matching hairstyle as Billy. His hair, as usual, was longer and more wild. Untameable. Billy was waiting for the day that he asked for advice on how to style it. He was ready. 

“Oh,” Rosemary shook her head, “Nothing honey, I just didn’t know you earned a nickname.” She pinched his cheek playfully, making Russell huff and dramatically roll his eyes. Billy observed them, wondering if there would’ve been a time where Rosemary had treated him the same way. Their missing time saddened him. 

“You’re out of the loop, mom,” Russell replied as he dropped a few more plates into the sink, “I don’t have to explain everything to you.” He sassed back as he held his hands on his hips, his voice squeaking before he roughly cleared it. Billy grinned at the way his face burned. 

“Certainly not,” She replied dryly, “I just thought it was cute.” She told him with a shake of her head, laughing to herself as Russell wrinkled his little nose up. 

“Now you’re ruining it.” He shook his head as he walked back towards Kim, holding his hands out as he waited for the completed cupcakes. His thing recently had been putting Cindy’s all towards the back, leaving them to get sold last. Apparently she had done a good job of pissing him off at Billy’s party. 

“I have to leave early today,” He reminded Rosemary softly, “Just to see how it goes.” He added a second later, still unsure of how the job would end up going. He was uncertain about it, but he didn’t want to end up stuck at the bakery. It wasn’t what he wanted to do, even if it was a job. 

“It’s going to go well,” She reassured him, “I’m excited for you. You’d look so cute in a little chef hat.” He snorted as he shook his head, hating the thought. He didn’t think he’d have to wear anything like that. At least he hoped he didn’t. 

“Right,” He shook his head at her words, “I’ll probably be scrubbing the floors or doing dishes. I don’t think they’re looking for cooks.” He added as he glanced back at the dishes in the sink, debating if it was worth switching one sink out for the other. He doubted it. 

“You never know,” She said with a shrug of her shoulders, “It’s exciting. Whatever new things you learn, you’ll have to teach me.” She told him as she gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. He nodded his head in agreement. He wasn’t nervous, just curious as to what it would be. 

“We’re always down for some new food,” Sam pointed out as he walked by, “Do we have more of the coconut creme cupcakes?” He asked as he scratched at the scruff around his chin. Billy chuckled as he shook his head, wishing that it was that easy. Everyone else seemed excited for him. 

“I think in the back,” Rosemary shifted, “I’ll go grab them.” She nodded her head as she headed towards the large fridge. Billy watched for a moment, still trying to decide if it was worth going or not. He sort of felt like he was betraying her in some way, simply because he was going to a different restaurant. 

“Excited?” Sam questioned as he raised his eyebrows, a soft look in his brown eyes. Billy tilted his head back and forth, feeling like that question was very loaded. And complicated. It really wasn’t, but he was making it out to be. 

“Sort of,” He replied softly, “Pretty nervous actually. But it’s something.” He decided on at last, feeling like there was no problem with branching out just to see. He had to do something. 

“You’ll find something you like,” He said softly, “You’re still young. You have plenty of time to figure it out.” He reassured him, making Billy nod along. He checked the time on his watch, deciding that he needed to start heading out. He didn’t want to be late, which meant that he would probably get there ridiculously early. 

“Thanks,” He told Sam softly as he gave him a brief smile, “I’m going to get freshened up then head out.” He explained as he began to take his hair net off, then took a quick turn towards the bathroom. 

He wasn’t wearing anything super fancy, just a dark pair of trousers and a lighter shirt that he had found. Steve hadn’t really advised him on what to put on, other than they’d give him a uniform once he arrived. 

He twisted his hair up better, hoping that they didn’t mind him having long hair or that he had tattoos. He supposed it wouldn’t be a big deal if he was behind the scenes. He had no wish to be a waiter. He certainly wouldn’t be good at dealing with people for that long. 

He headed back towards the back, giving Sam and Rosemary a little wave before he wrestled his fingers through Russell’s hair net. He grumbled about it but grinned all the same. Billy approached Kim last, glad that she would be the one he thought of as he left. 

“You look cute,” Kim grinned as she rubbed her palms across his shoulders, “Are you ready?” She asked him as she continued to flatten her hands across his shirt, like she was trying to remove any little wrinkles that he might have.

“Everyone keeps asking me that.” He sighed softly as he rested his forehead against hers, remembering the various interview questions that she had practiced asking him last night and the previous days. He didn’t want to admit that he was as nervous as he was. But she knew. He knew that. 

“We just want you to be comfortable and happy.” She smiled reassuringly as she gave him a soft kiss against his cheek. He moved his arms around her slender waist, pulling her forward as he thought about how weird it would be to work at a place she wasn’t at. 

“Mhm,” He smiled as he leaned forward to peck her lips, smooth and quickly, “I’ll see you soon.” He told her as he squeezed at her chin, making her smile as she looked up towards him. She took off her apron, gripping his hand as they moved towards the back door. 

“Did you need lunch or anything?” She asked as she swayed their hands back and forth, making him chuckle at how carefree she was at the moment. He knew that she was putting on an act, trying to do what she could to make him comfortable. He appreciated it. 

“Already ate,” He told her as she followed him out to his car, “Are you going to join me?” He teased her as they approached his car. He was certain that he’d stick her in the backseat and take her with him, just for good luck. 

“No,” She giggled softly, “I’m just going to miss you.” She told him as she stepped forward, giving him one last sweet kiss. He lingered against her lips, enjoying the feeling of her mouth dragging against his own. She tasted like icing. 

“Gonna be late,” He mumbled when he pulled away, “I’ll miss you too. Love you.” He added a second later, grinning as she pulled the door open for him and he slid inside. She waited near the back door until he was out of the parking lot, dragging down a cigarette as he stared at the ring on his finger. He’d be fine. He’d never been nervous for a job before. 

He felt a little over his head once he walked inside, not realizing that Steve worked in such a nice place. It was certainly expensive, something that he’d only be able to afford on special occasions. He suddenly had a feeling he wouldn’t fit in.

“I’m Billy,” He introduced awkwardly as he held the folder that held his resume and letter of recommendations within it, “I was supposed to meet with Jack today.” He said as he tilted his head, introducing himself to a girl about his age at the front door. She was short, with wavy dark hair and tawny skin. 

“This way,” She said breezily, chipper as she led him towards the back. All of the tables were still empty, chairs placed on top of them as someone dragged a mop bucket through the clean floors. Billy wondered where Steve was, as he desperately needed to confront him on the lack of warning, “Jack, this is Billy.”

“Right,” The man stood quickly, a little taller and just slightly muscular as he gripped Billy’s hand. He had dark hair and a thick beard, but his eyes were kind, “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” He added a second later, making Billy wince as he wondered just what Steve had said.

“Good things I hope,” He mumbled as he passed the folder over, though Jack took no means to open it, “It’s nice to meet you. I’m grateful for the opportunity.” He started, keeping respectful as Neil had always taught him to do.

“I’m a bit informal, I apologize,” Jack replied as he tapped the folder, but kept it closed, “You care to do some cooking tonight? You can borrow a uniform until you get your own.” He stated, making Billy blink slowly. He was sure this was the quickest he’d been offered a job in a long time. No interview or anything. And he was starting tonight. That was either really good or he was about to have the shittiest night of his life. 

“You have me on the line?” He asked curiously as he tilted his head, noticing the array of tattoos that were decorated up the right side of Jack’s arm. At least that wouldn’t be a problem. 

“Is that going to be an issue?” He questioned him, raising a dark eyebrow as he handed Billy a white chef's shirt to put over his own. He stared at it for a moment, already knowing that it would be just a little too small. He’d make it work, at least for right now. 

“No, no,” He quickly shook his head, feeling odd as he put on the white shirt that was just a little too tight around his shoulders and chest, “I wasn’t expecting it.” He admitted, unsure of what else to say. It was all a little overwhelming, but he could keep up easily enough. He was observant and a fast learner, good under pressure. He had this. 

“Steve has put in a really good word about you,” He replied, making Billy wonder what kind of hold Steve’s dad had on this business, “You’ll be working with Wanda. She’ll show you the ropes today.” He guided Billy out, taking him back towards a clean and well lit kitchen. It was fancy, like the ones that were in magazines. 

Jack brought him up towards one of the counters, leaving him with the only woman in the kitchen. There were about four other men, all working on their own. Jack gestured towards her, then back towards Billy before he clapped his hands together. He gave them both a brief smile before he left, ending their introduction. Billy stalled for a moment, feeling awkward as she continued to ignore him. 

“Hey.” He introduced towards her, walking forward to her smaller frame. She was at least twenty years older, with olive skin and dark hair. Her dark eyes snapped up towards him, like he had interrupted something important. 

“I’ll show you this one time,” Wanda directed with a firm point in his direction, her features wrinkled up in a stern manner, “And that is it. If you fuck it up that’s your fault.” She pointed her blade towards him, making his eyes cross for a moment as he stared down at it. 

“Got it.” He told her softly, careful with his words as he would have to see what would set her off. He’d have to be patient, observant at first. Just until he could read her right. 

“Chef.” She added as she began to sharpen the knife once again. He furrowed his eyebrows together, feeling like he had a long way to go before he earned that title. If he even made it that far. 

“Pardon?” He questioned her, unsure if he had heard her correctly. She glanced towards him, dark eyes flashing like she couldn’t be bothered to explain every little thing. He was definitely in over his head. 

“When you speak to me you will address me as chef,” She replied hotly, “I have earned that title and will be respected.” She told him, revealing a few things about her whether she meant to or not. He was certain that she didn’t get respected by her colleagues from her rough tone, but he wouldn’t be like that. 

“Understood, chef.” He nodded his head, fully absorbing himself into her shadow as she directed him throughout the rest of the night. She taught him the standards for prepping, the correct way to cut and slice food and just a little bit on the recipes. They worked fairly well together, but perhaps it was because he knew how to keep his mouth shut. He wasn’t snippy, not with someone who was teaching him something valuable. 

“You know Steve?” Wanda asked curiously later that night as the last plate had just finished being served. He could feel a dampness against the back of his neck from how hot the kitchen had grown. He was ready to go home and strip, to wash away the heat and the grease of cooking. 

“Yeah,” He said softly, “Friends I guess you could say.” He shrugged his shoulders, still unsure where they stood. He supposed they really were friends, but he still had a hard time navigating that line. 

“He’s nice,” She replied at last, “A little lost, but he does anything you ask.” She added as she nodded her head out towards the window, referencing where Steve was talking up a rather large table. Billy had yet to see him inside of the restaurant, both of them busy in their own way. 

“He’s a good guy,” He admitted at last, knowing he shouldn’t deny that of Steve any longer, “I’m grateful he thought of me. Why does Jack care about what he thinks?” He asked a little quieter, curious as to what the secret was. 

“He’s friends with his dad,” She replied with a tight smile, “They tried putting him on the line, but it didn’t work out.” She explained as she raised her eyebrows, like there were some unseen horrors that Billy had luckily missed out on.

“I can’t imagine why.” He replied dryly, sarcastically before he turned away. He twisted at the ring on his finger, feeling a familiar warmth spread through him as he realized it was all over. Not that bad. 

He left with guidelines on how to get an extra set of shirts and a weekly schedule in his hand. He would be training with Wanda until she felt like he was ready. Which he was fine with. It was just cooking. Nothing too hard. 

“How was it?” Kim asked, greeting him first as she wrapped her slender arms around his waist, squeezing him so tightly that he was sure his shirt would rip at the seams. He was clinging to him tighter than a second skin at this point. 

“Fine,” He mumbled as he swayed them back and forth, smiling into her hair, “I need to get a chef uniform they said.” He told her softly as he kissed her cheek, grumbling at the little meow that came from near his feet. 

“A chef!” Rosemary cheered, “That’s fantastic!” She greeted him next, giving him an excited hug as Kim bent to pick Pearl up. She meowed loudly, holding her paws out until Billy took the fuzzball from her hands. 

“Can we get free food?” Russell asked from the couch, making Billy snort in response. He had nothing to be worried about after all. 

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“Oh wow,” Rosemary smiled as she held Kim into the robes, “Look at how cute you look.” She said with a smile, standing back as the robes fell loosely against Kim’s legs. Billy stared at her, grinning as he imagined what sort of dress she’d wear for the occasion. 

“Please,” Kim flushed as she avoided her gaze in the mirror, “It’s not that big of a deal.” She shrugged her shoulders, holding her hands out once again as if she was making sure it fit right. Rosemary had been adjusting them, as they had ended up being a few sizes too big. They fit her well now. 

“Are you sure you don’t want to walk with your class?” Rosemary asked softly as she removed the pin from her mouth, narrowing her eyes as she stared at the way the sleeves moved against Kim’s wrists. That had been her problem area thus far. 

“In front of all those people?” Kim asked, “No thank you. I don’t think I could do it.” She shook her head quickly, red hair flying from her motions. Billy rubbed his finger across his bottom lip, thinking for a moment. He knew it wouldn’t be as bad as she was making it out to be. She was just nervous. 

“I think you could.” He reassured her as he fixed the robes over the front of her shirt. She looked cute in her little top and jeans. He knew she was getting more and more excited for Max to come. He was too, even if he didn’t admit to it. Her presence was missed. 

“Thank you,” Kim whispered softly towards him, “But I’ll have everyone I want and need right here to graduate.” She leaned forward to kiss his nose, making him grumble in response. He felt that out of all things she should at least walk with the rest of her class. 

“We can have a party,” Rosemary added softly, “Maybe Max and your mom could come visit again.” She leaned forward as she gripped Kim’s shoulders, smiling brightly at the suggestion. He raised his eyebrows, thinking that it sounded like a horror story. 

“We better start saving for a hotel room.” He mumbled as he shook his head, only imagining what sort of disastrous things would happen this time. Kim laughed out loud, covering her mouth as if she could hide her giggles. 

“Billy,” Rosemary tilted her head but looked just as stressed from the thought, “I’m sure things would be better.” She nodded her head, more so to reassure herself he was sure. She still couldn't stand Susan. He could tell by the way she spoke. 

“Maybe,” He replied dryly, not bothering to try and pretend to be optimistic. He knew what would happen, “I bet it would be a grand time.” He said sarcastically, not even meaning to do so. It just came out that way. 

“I think a hotel would be nice,” Kim spoke up with a soft smile, “But Eddie and Addi will graduate at the same time.” She added a second later as she furrowed her soft eyebrows together, like she was suddenly unsure if Susan would come at all. It would be expensive. 

“She’s not going to miss yours,” Rosemary shook her head, “Trust me, you’ll be more important.” She added as she began to put her sewing things away. Kim swayed her shoulders a little bit, watching the way the robes moved in the mirror. 

“Who's going to pick up Max?” She asked as she met Rosemary’s eye in the mirror, looking like she wasn’t sure about Susan coming at all suddenly. He didn’t push the issue, not now. Perhaps they could discuss it later. 

“I figured you and Billy could,” She smiled softly as she continued to fuss over Kim’s robes, “Sam and I thought we’d get stuff set up here.” She added as she slowly removed the robe, holding it up high before she began to hang it back up. 

“I’d like that a lot,” Kim replied, practically bouncing as she thought about it, “I’ve missed her a lot.” She inhaled deeply, holding a sad look in her eyes. He knew how much she wanted her little sister back. 

“She’s missed you too,” Billy added as he held out his hand, taking hers gently as she stepped forward, “Maybe she’ll decide to stay.” He teased her, giving her a soft spin as a giggle bubbled free. He caught Rosemary’s soft smile before she turned away. At least she had finally warmed up to the thought of them together. It felt nice to have support. 

“I don’t think so,” Kim admitted with a tilt of her head, “But it’s okay. I’m glad as long as she’s happy.” She added as she tugged him down the hallway, beginning to list off to him the various things that she had planned for them.

He tried to pay attention, he really did. He was just distracted by the curve of her lips and the way her jeans hugged her hips so tightly. She looked really good, even in something so simple. He wanted to get his hands on her, to feel her all over. 

He fell to his knees, grinning as he pushed her back against her now closed door. Her hazel eyes grew wide, her lips parted as he hooked his fingers through her jean loops. Her pants were loose enough to pull down her hips, revealing to him the cute yellow panties that she had chosen for the day.

“What are you doing?” She whispered softly, still giggling as he leaned forward to kiss at where her clit was located underneath her panties. He hummed softly, feeling like it was fairly obvious. She had a very, very unfair hold over him.

“Tasting you,” He mumbled as he used his fingers to brush her panties aside, exposing her pink folds to him. He smirked as he looked up at her, enjoying how easily she fell silent to him, “If that’s alright with you.” He whispered, watching the way she quickly nodded her head. 

He stuck his tongue out, enjoying the smell of her before he languidly licked at her wet folds. He felt his eyes shutting at the sensation; of the feeling of her wet cunt glistening on his tongue as he flicked his tongue back through her pussy.

He groaned as he swirled his tongue across her pretty little clit, enjoying the way her hands fell to his hair as he repeated the motions a few times. They really didn’t have long. They were supposed to discuss which movies they would rent for when Max was here. But that could wait. 

“Billy,” She whispered softly, cooing as she rocked her hips forward against his mouth. He groaned as he got a mouthful of her, desperate to feel more of her as he began to flick his tongue rapidly against her clit. Her hips shook, thighs trembled as he gripped onto her, “Mhm. More.” She moaned softly, her fingers knitting through his curls as she pushed his head down further.

He spread her legs apart as much as he could, burying his mouth deeper against her cunt as he began to lick at her throbbing walls. He reached a hand down to grip himself, squeezing at his bulge as he slid his tongue deep inside of her. 

He savored the feeling of her sweet slick against his tongue, craving it as she drenched into his mouth. The taste of her overwhelmed him, sent shivers down his back as he continued to palm at his hardened cock. Her soft sounds and sweet taste was more than enough to get him off.

She rolled her hips forward more desperately, whining as her hands fell to her perky tits. He groaned into her folds, curling his tongue even deeper as her walls clamped down around his tongue. He sank deeper into her, his nose and chin growing slick from how she continued to rock her pussy along the curve of his face.

“Jesus Christ,” She whispered, her tone desperate as she tugged on his hair. He groaned as he squeezed at his cock, aching against his hand as he continued to palm at himself. He could feel the muscles tightening in his stomach, the needy feeling growing inside of him as she raced towards her high, “Billy, oh fuck. Billy!” She mewled, whining as she rubbed herself forward one last time.

He buried himself deep inside of her once again, licking away her cum and the sweet taste of her slick as he gave himself a few quick strokes against his pants. He hissed, his own orgasm crashing free a second later as he made a mess in his pants.

Whimpers filled his ears as she rested back against the door in a lazy manner, her eyes glazed over with pleasure as she slowly released his hair. He grinned, licking away the remnants of her from his lips. He had a sudden image of her in her graduation robes, and only in them. 

“You’re ridiculous,” She teased, breath shaking as she slowly slid her panties and jeans back over her hips, “Someone could’ve heard us.” She whispered as she fixed her hair, lips full from how she’d been biting down on them.

“Good,” He mumbled as he squeezed at her fingers, thinking of how nice it would be to have their own place one day, “Because I don’t care as long as I have you.” He told her seriously, suddenly content with the idea of being buried between her legs for the rest of his days. That sounded like a glorious death to him. 

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The airport was busy, crowded and overstimulating as Kim stayed close to his side. She gripped his hand tightly, her eyes wide as she glanced around. He watched her, suddenly realizing that this must’ve been all new to her too. She hadn’t ever been on a plane before. They’d have to go on one together someday.

“Have you decided where we’re going on our honeymoon?” He asked her, distracting her as she snapped her head towards each person that walked by. She was searching, hoping that each person would be Max. 

“Oh,” She breathed in deeply, “You know, I thought it might be fun to visit Greece one day.” She added thoughtfully, furrowing her eyebrows together. He thought about it for a moment, realizing he didn’t know much about the vacation spots there.

“Yeah?” He questioned as she glanced away again, holding her head high as if Max was hiding from her. He rubbed at her side, bringing her back to him.

“I thought it would be fun to visit where my dad was born,” She said as she looked back towards him, smiling warmly, “They have beaches there too. And I think you can take a boat to Italy.” She added excitedly, making it sound like it would have to happen one day. He was down for it. 

“That does sound like fun,” He told her, pausing as he caught a glimpse of the fiery redhead, “Here.” He spoke up as he tilted her head in the opposite direction, watching the way her hazel eyes widened to three different sizes. 

“Max!” Kim grinned as she rushed forward with open arms, rushing forward to scoop up the smaller girl into her arms. She hugged her tightly, squeezing her back and forth as Max groaned in protest.

“You’re crushing me.” Max mumbled, but did nothing to pull away. She did quite the opposite actually. She dropped her bags, sniffling as she buried her face into Kim’s chest. Billy stuck his hands in his pockets, observing them for a moment. 

“Sorry,” Kim mumbled as she continued to hug Max, like she was afraid she would disappear, “I just missed you so much.” She rested her head on top of Max’s, sighing deeply as they rocked back and forth. 

“I missed you too,” Max admitted softly as she held onto her older sister a little tighter, “It’s weird not having you to scare.” She added with a laugh, pulling away as Kim began to wipe at her eyes. Billy nodded, meeting Addi’s dark eyes as she approached with Eddie. He was gripping the bags awkwardly, sending them tumbling behind him as they continued to bounce against the back of his ankles.  

“Now she does it to me,” Eddie mumbled as he threw the bags to the ground, apparently giving up on them,  “It’s horrifying.” He shook his head before he stuck his hand out, roughly shaking Billy’s. 

“I guess I missed you too,” Max said to Billy as Kim began to ramble about a hundred different things to Addi, “Just a little bit.” He rolled his eyes, enjoying the little banter before he winced at the way Addi squealed. She gripped Kim’s hand tightly, staring in awe at the ring. It made him flush. 

“Uh huh,” He grinned as he pressed an arm over her shoulder, “You grew your hair out.” He observed as he touched the red strands, noting that it was about Kim’s length now. He wondered if it was something she wanted to do, or if Susan had made her. 

“I needed another change,” She admitted, “I don’t know what I’ll do next. I thought about dying it.” She added as she nodded her head. He stared at her for a moment, trying to imagine what she would look like with various tones and shades. 

“We could all be blonde together,” He teased, “I bet Lucas would like it.” He teased her, watching the way she scrambled to pull herself together for a moment. 

“Hush,” She grumbled as her entire face turned red, “I can’t leave Kim to be the only redhead.” She nodded her head at last, like that was the decision she kept coming to. He had a feeling Kim wouldn’t mind at all. She’d probably encourage it actually. 

“How’s your mom doing?” He asked kindly as he bent down to help Eddie situate his bags. He looked over curiously, surprised at the mousy brunette that finally revealed herself. Robin. She must be here to visit Steve, he realized. 

“I think she’s finally happy with someone,” She admitted, “She hates that Kim stayed here but she doesn’t say much anymore about it. They upgraded to a double wide.” She nodded her head, a soft smile forming as she glanced towards him. 

“Fancy.” He added as he kept his lips pressed together, giving nothing away. He supposed that was their own karma for teasing about it when they had moved. They really weren’t that bad, he’d come to find out. 

“Absolutely the nicest thing you’ve ever seen,” Max snorted, “I told Robin we could drop her off?” She said as she gestured towards Robin, who began to wave a little too aggressively. He watched her closely, trying to decide if she was checking Kim out or just lingering for a little too long. 

“It’ll be a squeeze,” Billy said at last, unsure of how everyone was supposed to fit into his little car, “But it’ll be fine.” He said as he shrugged his shoulders, unsure of what else he was supposed to say. It was too late to try and hunt down another car now. 

“Good to see you again, Robin.” Kim said softly, shyly as she awkwardly held her hand up. Robin reached forward and gave her a soft high five, that then turned into her squeezing her hand before she blushed and pulled away. 

“Hi,” Robin waved awkwardly, “You look good. I mean it’s good to see you. And you look nice.” Addi caught Billy’s eye, giving him a knowing look before she covered up her laugh. He decided he’d have to ask her about what she knew. Robin definitely still had a thing for Kim. 

“Thanks,” Kim squeaked out, her cheeks turning pink, “You look good too.” She held her thumbs up, looking just as awkward before she fell back into step with Billy. He glanced around, sort of flustered with the way they were standing in a giant circle in the middle of the way. He picked up someone’s bag, making the first move as he walked away. 

“How’s Gina’s baby?” Addi asked, “She looks so cute. I can’t wait to meet her.” She said with a squeal, keeping up next to her friend as her bag dragged behind her. She looked the complete opposite of Eddie, actually looking like she may have pulled out an outfit from Rosemary’s closet and put it on. 

“She’s adorable,” She nodded along, “Billy has good luck with her. She does cry a bit.” Kim nudged him playfully, making him snort as they began to long descent back towards the car. He knew that one of them should’ve just waited. Then again, he was sure he would’ve panicked by the large crowd that would’ve greeted him. 

“Great,” Robin sighed, “I’ll have to stay with a crying baby and Tommy.” She mumbled in overjoyment, sighing deeply like she might start kicking at the air. Billy nodded his head, knowing it was a fair comparison. 

“Tommy isn’t so bad,” Kim reassured her, “Anymore.” She replied sheepishly as Eddie and Robin swiveled their heads towards her. She grinned before she turned away, making Billy laugh softly. Tommy would have a lot of fun this week. 

They were packed in like sardines, just barely getting the bags in the trunk to fit before they tried to make sense of where everyone was sitting. Eddie and Robin sat by the windows, leaving Addi forced in the cramped middle seat. If you could even call it that.

Max sat on Kim’s lap in the front, both of them gleeful about it as Kim held onto her little sister tightly. Max recounted her new skating tricks, about how her best class was science and her worst was reading. She also informed them that Karen and Ted Wheeler were getting a divorce, but she and Mike had made up. He decided that was fairly good. 

“Oh, man,” Robin stuck her face against the window, fogging it up as she looked out at the house, “No wonder he’s always complaining about being broke. He bought this house?” She asked incredulously as she swirled her head around.

“Daddy Harrington did,” Billy corrected with a smirk, “It’s fancy, isn’t it?” He snorted as he got out, walking around to help Max and then Kim. Robin crawled free, holding her hands out wildly like she’d never seen such a sight before. He wondered what she would do if she saw the real fancy houses.

After a quick warning, Addi and Eddie decided to stay inside while the others helped Robin with her bags. Max wanted to stop quickly to see Steve and meet Jennifer, who she hadn’t been very enthused about. She was fussy, as usual. 

“You should see my prom dress,” Kim grinned as she turned around, “It’s lovely.” She replied shyly, looking hesitant as Billy caught a brief glimpse of their conversation. Robin and Tommy kept awkwardly staring at each other, like they were waiting for the other to make the first move. 

“Oh what are you doing for prom?” Gina asked curiously, tilting her head as she pulled her hair off of her shoulders. Her hair was a bright blonde, newly dyed. It looked nice on her. 

“Crashing someone else's,” Billy said with a shrug of his shoulders, “I guess we’re going to figure it out.” He said as he looked towards Kim, thinking about how he still had to find a tux. He wasn’t really sure what he was going to do, or how they’d go about it. 

“What if he had one here?” Steve suggested, “Gina didn’t get to go to hers either. Or Robin. It would be fun.” He added as he showed Jennifer off to Robin. Jennifer stared, nose and lips curled up in disgust as Robin looked just as fearful. 

“I went to prom.” Tommy added a second later, like he was trying to get cool points from everyone else. Billy snorted at the same time Steve did. 

“Yeah because you were with Carol and you had to.” Gina pointed a finger towards him, giving him a warning look. Tommy grumbled, backing off instantly. 

“You want to throw a prom here?” Billy asked a second later, unsure if that’s what they really wanted to do. It was lame, really lame. But he supposed it would be fun. At least he didn’t have to worry about anyone spiking the punch. 

“I guess it wouldn’t be that bad?” Steve questioned with a raised eyebrow, “I don’t think Gina would mind.” He turned towards her, like he was waiting for her answer. She shrugged her shoulders, but a smile formed on her lips. 

“It would be a lot of fun,” Kim added with an excited grin, “And we would know everyone. My friend Addi is here, and her boyfriend.” She added as she jerked her thumb towards the door. Tommy groaned, still not impressed with Eddie. 

“You guys are so lame.” Max huffed as she went by, shaking her head as she opened the door and left, signaling that it was time for the rest of them to go.. Steve shrugged his shoulders as he continued to rock Jennifer. Kim gave them all a quick wave, promising to keep them updated before she slid out the door after Max.

“I am not lame,” Billy mumbled as he fell into step with the younger girl, “I’m just trying to make it special for Kim.”

“That’s very sweet,” Max nodded as she patted her hand across his palm, “But it also happens to be very lame. She’s turned you into a nerd, WIlliam. Join the club.” She teased with a grin before she clambered into the backseat, taking over Robin’s former spot.

He grumbled at her words as he stood straighter for just a second, pretending like his ego wasn’t a little bit bruised. Kim was grinning sheepishly at him, her lips pulled together playfully before he whistled and pointed towards  the seat. 

“This is your fault, Red,” He teased as he fixed his seat into the upright position once Max was comfortable in her spot, “Don’t forget that.” He told her as he slid inside, unsure of how Max could think such a thing. Russell thought he was cool.

The car ride was filled with small conversation and the occasional argument from Max and Eddie. They bickered so much that they really did remind him of siblings in a way, but he wasn’t going to tell Kim that. He supposed it was like anyone else who was forced to live together. 

“Welcome home, Max!” Rosemary and Sam shouted in unison, “And friends!” He added a second later, grinning playfully as Rosemary excitedly bobbed a balloon around. Max grumbled as she stepped forward, but her eyes gave her away. She was excited. 

“Thanks for having us,” Eddie spoke up, “Again. Don’t worry we won’t cause issues this time.” He said with a laugh, only to groan when Addi lightly elbowed him. Billy snorted as he took his shoes off, careful not to step on Pearl who had come to see what the commotion was about. She sat near Kim’s foot, both of her oddly colored eyes narrowed as she stared. 

“Your house is still so beautiful,” Addi said politely, “I appreciate you letting us stay here.” She smiled towards Kim again as she looked around, like it had somehow changed within the past few months. 

“The more the merrier,” Rosemary added as she scooped Max up into a hug, “You’re getting so big.” She mumbled, still standing the shortest out of the bunch. Pearl darted away as Eddie bent down to touch her, swaying her hips with her tail high like it was some sort of game. 

“Thanks,” Max laughed, “I’m excited for the food.” She told her kindly, but Billy knew that it was true. Actually, he was fairly certain everyone knew it to be the truth. 

“Who wouldn’t be?” Billy mumbled, thinking about how terrible Susan’s cooking was once again. Kim grinned as she looked at him, giving him an amused look before she walked forward. He followed behind her, not wanting her to get too far ahead from him. 

“We missed you a lot.” Sam smiled as he gave her a hug, but it was a little more awkward than what it usually was. Max bore an expression that Billy recognized all too well, like she was conflicted. 

“If you guys are hungry you’re free to anything in the fridge or pantry. Whatever’s in the kitchen,” Rosemary explained, “I’ll make dinner here in a little bit, probably after we get Russell from school.”

“How is he?” Max asked curiously as she held her fingers out softly, letting Pearl sniff at her skin. Pearl crinkled up her mouth, pulling away before she continued her route back to Kim’s room.

“He’s good,” Sam added with a smile, “Growing like a bean pole.” He nodded his head as he passed out a plate to Eddie, who had taken to pulling leftovers out of the fridge.

“He is tall,” Kim added a second later, “He’ll be the tallest out of us.” She teased as she tapped the top of Max’s head, grinning at the scoff Max let out.

“I can knock him down a peg or two.” She replied in determination, crossing her arms over her chest as she nodded her head sternly. Billy scoffed, but was sure that she’d do just that. 

Kim followed Max back to her room as she unpacked, leaving Addi and Eddie to do so in Billy’s former room. He just decided to take the means to officially move over into Kim’s, meshing their things completely. He supposed he had already gotten over the frilly things some time ago, but her style did look fairly funny when it clashed so harshly against his. 

“Are you going to teach me any new skateboarding moves?” Russell asked as soon as he was back, dropping his backpack in front of the door as if he’d miss his chance if he didn’t ask now.

“She learned them all from me.” Billy added as he furrowed his eyebrows together in confusion. Kim tapped at his ankle, grinning from where she sat on the floor. Addi was next to him, braiding Kim’s hair back.

“But you don’t ever skateboard.” Russell said in confusion as he tilted his head, making Max turn towards him with a triumphant smile. He grumbled in his spot, wondering how Russell could even think such a thing. 

“Anymore,” Billy clarified, “But I did.” He pointed out, feeling like he would be the better teacher regardless. Max laughed as she wiggled her finger in his face. He snapped his mouth forward, pretending to bite at her. 

“We can go out in a little bit if you want.” She replied as she wiped her finger against her pants, even though Billy had missed her completely. She looked happy, like she was finally back into her element. 

“You brought your skateboard with you?” Kim questioned as she slowly turned her head towards Max, only for Addi to turn her head in the direction of the floor again. 

“Of course I did,” She said in confusion, like it was a silly question, “The streets here are a lot better.” She said at last, making Billy nod along. He couldn’t imagine that she got to do any tricks on the gravel road the trailer rested on. 

“Billy,” Rosemary paused for a moment as she entered the living room, “I have something I wanted to show you.” She told him brightly, making Eddie pause the game for a moment before he handed it back towards Russell. He was almost as bad as Russell was. Apparently his specialty was board games. 

Billy rose, carefully stepping over the pile of limbs on the floor as he followed his mom back towards her room. She skidded easily, looking a little ecstatic as she pulled something out of her closet. 

“What’s this?” He asked as he stared at the blue suit in front of him. It was soft, like the sky. With a frilly white shirt. If she had gotten it for Russell, he certainly wouldn’t wear it. 

“A tux,” She grinned as she presented it to him, “I figured you’d need it for prom.” She said softer, looking a little worried as if he might not like it. It wasn’t ugly, but it would make him stand out. 

“It’s blue.” He stated curiously, trying to decide if he was actually supposed to wear it. It felt like it would be odd to show up in something so brightly colored. Then again, he supposed it would look nice against his complexion. Even if it was something he wouldn’t normally buy. 

“And you’ll look very handsome in it,” She nodded her head, “Only if you want it of course.” She added a second later, looking happy as she stood on her tippy toes to hang it up against the closet. He opened it a bit, brushing his fingers against the material. 

“Where’d you get it?” He asked curiously as he pinched the collar between his fingers. It felt nice. 

“It’s new,” She said with a nod of her head, “My friend Penny got it for her son but he didn’t want it. You guys are similar sizes so I thought I might show it to you.” She looked at it for a moment, eyes twinkling before she turned towards him again. He wondered if she had thought about this before, if she was trying to make up for the many other dances and games that she had missed throughout his youth. 

“Penny as in Cindy’s mom?” He asked as he recalled the names for a moment. He wondered why Cindy’s creep of a brother would need a tux like this. Perhaps he couldn’t get away from high school proms. 

“That one sadly,” She nodded her head, “I don’t know why he needed it or didn’t want it, but he never wore it. It was free too.” She added as she shrugged her shoulders, making him laugh. It sounded like something Kim might say. He observed the suit once again. 

“Sure,” He said softly, “I haven’t looked around much.” He admitted as he debated about it for a moment. It wouldn’t be hard to find a black jacket and pants, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted that. He liked these colors. 

“I thought it might be fine, that way you can get a really good one for your wedding.” She added softly, heading straight towards the winning point. He supposed that she was right. 

“Thanks,” He nodded his head softly, “I appreciate you thinking of me.” He told her seriously, smiling as he pressed the tux back into the safety cover. He was sure that Kim would enjoy all of the colors too. 

“I always do.” She said softly, and for once he knew that it was the honest truth. 

///////////////////////////////////

They sat out near the beach later that week, Max and Kim hidden underneath an umbrella to hide their pale skin. Addi had tried to convince Eddie to join them, but he was less than interested. He kept going back into the ocean, apparently a fan of getting tossed around in the waves as it continued to happen over and over again. He kept shouting for Addi to look at whatever trick he was attempting to do, only to nearly drown each time. 

Russell was still at school, though he had shared his thoughts about how unfair it was every single morning. Billy did feel bad for him, but there was nothing they could do with their spring breaks being lined up on different weeks. Rosemary and Sam were both working. 

“Can we practice skateboarding again?” Max asked as she shifted her sunglasses over her blue eyes to peek at him, “I learned this cool new trick.” She grinned happily as he bit back a scoff. There was no way she’d learned a new trick since she’d been here. He needed to know what it was, to at least pretend to know how to do it. 

“Yeah,” Billy shrugged as he sat up on his elbows, “You brought it with you?” He asked her curiously, trying to recall if he had seen her dragging it around with her or not. He wondered if she slept with it in her bed too. 

“I figured we’d be skating after,” She replied as she settled her glasses back over her eyes, “I’ve had a lot of time to practice.” She grinned as she laid back down against the towel. Kim leaned over, giving Billy quite the view as her bikini top rested snuggly against her tits. 

“Is school going better?” Kim asked softly, her eyebrows wrinkling together in concern. He leaned over to push the messy strands from her forehead. She smiled, her skin warm from how hot it was outside. 

“Oh yeah,” Max grinned, “I filled Jason Carver’s locker with a bunch of crickets. He doesn’t mess with us anymore.” She laughed to herself, gleeful and full of amusement as she buried her feet deeper into the sand. 

“Did you get in trouble?” Kim sat up quickly, eyes wide as she watched her younger sister in awe. Billy gave Max two thumbs up, quite proud of her for doing such a thing. Jason certainly deserved that and worse. He wondered what Kim thought of it. 

“No one knows,” She replied smugly as she bumped her head gently against Kim’s, “Don’t be such a worry wart.” She mused as she sighed deeply, like she had missed that too. 

“I have to be,” Kim mumbled as she wrapped her up into a hug, “I never get to see you anymore.” She added dramatically as she leaned against her. Max nuzzled her cheek against Kim’s shoulder, similar to what Pearl would do. 

“We call like everyday.” Max laughed as she glanced towards him, shaking her head like she couldn’t believe Kim’s words. He chuckled before he laid his head back, shutting his eyes in the same way Addi was doing as he began to enjoy the feeling of the sun on his skin. 

“It’s not the same.” Kim continued to speak, her tone soft and sweet. He could sense a hint of sadness there too. He knew that she really did miss Max, probably more than what her sister realized. She had been her only parent for some time. 

“I know,” Max sighed deeply, “I’ve missed you too.” Billy wondered if some day he’d say the same thing to Russell. He doubted it. Not in a bad way, but he was certain it would be hard to develop a bond like that in a short amount of time. Besides, Russell thought of Billy as a brother. Not as a parent. 

“So you really don’t want to come to prom with us?” Kim asked once again, making Billy stifle his own groan. It had been all he had heard about this week. He was ready for prom to be over with. He had spoken to Tommy and Steve over the phone more than what he cared for.

“No way,” Max said quickly, probably wrinkling her nose up, “I got promised arcade time with Russell.” She added delightfully, sounding quite happy. Kim giggled softly, making Billy open his eyes again as he watched the way she playfully rolled her eyes. 

“You’ll have to teach him everything.” Billy mumbled, double checking that Eddie wasn’t looking before he snagged a cigarette out of his bag. He’d replace it later. It hadn’t been the first cigarette and Eddie had yet to notice.

“I still think we should take a day drive up to San Francisco.” Addi hummed from next to Billy, the only other one to sit out in the sun with him. Her tone had grown quite a bit darker from the time they’d been outside. 

“That’s eight hours.” He said as he furrowed his eyebrows together. He’d had enough of LA. He was perfectly fine staying in San Diego. He had no desire to visit any of the other big cities near them. 

“A weekend trip.” She suggested as she shrugged her shoulders, pulling her lips into a smile. She quickly sat up, eyebrows furrowed in worry at the way Eddie got tackled by another rather large wave. Billy suddenly wondered if he’d be sucked out into the ocean. 

“Having you two in the back of my car is not my definition of fun, no offense.” He added as he shook his head, taking a deep drag of the cigarette. Eddie’s were definitely not as strong as Billy’s. 

“I still think you should let me have a go at your bike.” Eddie came up towards them oblivious, hair soaked and pale skin red from how long he’d been out in the sun. Addi sighed as she grabbed the bottle of sunscreen, motioning him over. 

“I’m selling it if you want it.” Billy offered casually as he watched Addi begin to bathe Eddie in the sunscreen. He supposed they could drive back to Hawkins on the bike. 

“You are?” Kim turned towards him curiously, sitting up once again as she raised her eyebrows. He paused for a moment, recalling that he hadn’t brought it up to her yet. He’d been thinking about it for a while. 

“I never use it,” He shrugged his shoulders, not admitting that he felt guilty and ashamed every time he looked at it, “Might as well get some cash out of it.” He nodded his head, feeling like he just needed to return the money to Neil too. He hadn’t ever brought it up, but he did feel like he had stolen it from him. 

“You look so handsome on it though.” She added softly, eyes warm as she watched him. He had a feeling she was saying that to make him feel better, but he knew it wasn’t going to work. He had been too reckless with her on it as well. 

“Now you tell me.” He told her with a smile, reaching to give her hands a soft squeeze. She brought his fingertips up to her mouth, kissing softly as he felt a reassuring feeling wash over him. There was no reason to feel guilty now. 

A few hours later they headed back towards the house, full on the nearby tacos and skin warm from the sand. Max’s knees were slightly scraped from all the different tricks she was trying to show off to Billy. He tried a few himself, feeling fairly proud at how easily it still came to him. 

“Do you think we’ll have kids first or do you think they will?” Kim asked as they swayed their hands together, tilting her head thoughtfully as she stared at the couple in front of them. Addi kept swatting at Eddie, trying to get him to stop messing with the jewelry around her neck. Max was far ahead of all of them, skating her way back.

“Definitely them,” He answered quickly, “We’re a lot safer.” He answered with a wink, feeling like it was somewhat true. He didn’t want to push Kim either. There would be no unexpected pregnancies on his part. At least he hoped so. 

“You think so?” She giggled shyly, like she knew that was far from the truth. Okay, they weren’t the safest. That was true. But he felt like it was her fault for how her pussy wrapped around his cock. 

“Sometimes,” He chuckled as he pushed the door open for her. He embraced the feeling of the AC washing over his skin, glad to finally cool off, “I guess we’ll see.” He replied as he walked towards the fridge. He popped it open, passing out cans of Coke to everyone. The bubbles really sounded nice to him.

“How was it?” Sam entered a few minutes later, his hair slightly damp from sweat and cheeks warm from the heat. He was still wearing a bright shirt, telling Billy that he must be doing things in construction again. He went back and forth and Billy supposed it had to do with the money situation. They never let them know if they were struggling, however. 

“I guess you could’ve come and found out.” Max huffed as she rolled her eyes. For a quick second a smile pressed onto Billy’s lips until he realized she was serious. Her features were wrinkled up in irritation, anger. His smile dropped. 

“Max,” Kim said in surprise, “He was working.” She said with a shake of her head, looking concerned suddenly. Sam chewed on his bottom lip, giving her a brief nod before he began to grab a glass of water. Billy felt guilty suddenly. 

“It’s always some sort of excuse, isn’t it?” Max looked at Kim in disbelief, the sudden calm atmosphere turning tense and cold. Eddie took slow steps down the hallway, Addi following behind closely. 

“I-,” Kim paused as she watched Sam leave, “I don’t understand.” She admitted as Billy glanced around, trying to decide on the best way for him to leave. He had a feeling that this was something he did not need to be involved in. If Sam wasn’t here for this, then he certainly didn’t need to be here for this either. 

“I love daddy but-,” Max inhaled deeply, “I’ve done a lot of thinking about how we were raised. About what he did. I understand he had an addiction but-,”

“I did dumb things while drinking too.” Kim interjected quickly, her eyes filing with guilt as she thought of her memories. He gave her shoulder a soft squeeze, feeling his own sense of guilt. 

“I understand that,” Max answered in a mature manner, “But I was talking. Please let me finish.” She spoke calmly, leaving him a little surprised. Kim’s eyes widened for a second before she nodded her head in agreement. 

“I should go,” Billy said softly as he pointed towards the hallway, “I’ll be out here.” He said at last, deciding that he didn’t want to get between any issues that they may have. It wasn’t his business. 

“You might as well stay,” She said as she rested her hands on her hips, “It’s not like she won’t tell you anyways.” She spoke the truth once again. He stalled for a moment as he tapped his palms against his swimming trunks. 

“Well,” He paused for a moment before he sat down, “Alright.” He said at last, biting his bottom lip as he waited for her to speak his peace. He could really use a smoke right about now. 

“You were there for me more than he ever was. I know mom wasn’t there either, but she was working. She had an excuse. He chose gambling and alcohol over us.” Max’s voice trembled at first, but she quickly gained control as she rested her case. She was still hurt. Billy understood that. 

“It’s not that easy,” Kim said softly, “He’s changed. He didn’t mean what happened before. He loves us.” She frowned just a bit, like she was hoping she’d be able to change Max’s mind by a simple statement. Billy knew that it was hard, but Max was still young. He thought that she’d have to understand her own feelings first before she could just accept that things were fine. She’d never been angry with him before, this was something new. 

“All of those things are true but it doesn’t mean I don’t have a right to be upset,” She said at last, “We deserved better and I can’t just pretend like it never happened. He made his choices and they have consequences.” She still sounded like a grown up, far away from the little girl that used to stomp her feet and slam her door shut. To point fingers and shout out insults. She’d grown too. 

“He has had consequences,” Kim continued to speak in a gentle manner, “He really has.” She nodded her head, speaking her own truth. He watched both of them for a moment, a little curious as to how the both of them had changed in such a short amount of time. He really hoped that Susan wasn’t saying anything against Sam. 

“Not when you forgive him so easily,” She replied then huffed as she shook her head, “Sorry. I’m not saying that to be mean.” She uncrossed her arms then, frowning as she exhaled deeply. It was awkward for a moment as Kim’s shoulders fell, her eyes darting around thoughtfully as she tried to come to a conclusion for both of them. 

“He loves you a lot,” Billy spoke up, “You should try to talk to him. I think that would help.” He offered his advice, watching as Kim met his eye and nodded along quickly. It was something. Talking to Neil had helped him in some way. 

“Perhaps.” Max said slowly, but didn’t look convinced. 

“Mom made mistakes too,” Kim replied suddenly, “All those weird men she used to date and bring home. How she’d leave us alone to go on dates. She did things wrong too.” She pointed out, making Billy furrow his eyebrows at the statement. Weird men? He wasn’t sure if he was aware of that history. 

“I know,” Max nodded her head, “But I punished her enough for blaming her for leaving dad.” She sighed deeply, looking guilty as she played with her hair. A habit that had been passed down it seemed like. 

“I can’t change your mind,” Kim said at last as she held her hands together, glancing towards him once again, “But Billy is right. You should talk to him.” She suggested, tilting her head as Max watched her for the longest time. She then turned her blue eyes towards him, making him raise his eyebrows as he waited for her answer.

“Fine,” Max agreed with them, “But I don’t have to be happy about it.” She replied. 

///////////////////////////

Their little prom was planned at the end of the week on Friday. Billy felt dumb for suddenly feeling nervous. He would be surrounded by friends, by his girlfriend. There was no reason to be nervous. It was dumb. Very dumb.

But it still made his stomach churn and his palms grow sweaty. 

“We’re getting dressed together,” Kim grinned as she approached him earlier in the morning, “The girls and I.” Her hazel eyes were bursting with life, her smile from ear to ear. He kissed her knuckles again.

“That sounds like fun.” He told her truthfully. He’d gone down the day previous to invite Alma because of how Tommy and Kim kept hounding him about it. Alma had agreed, but smarted off to him about how last minute it was. 

“You should do it with your friends.” She suggested playfully, grinning as she untangled her body from his. He groaned as he fell into the pillows, sure that he didn’t want to spend that much time with them. Pearl seemed to agree as she curled up against his side. 

“You’re funny,” He grinned as he rubbed at his cheek, still feeling a little tired. Sleeping in only made him that much more sleepy, “I’m not doing that.” He said as he pointed his finger towards her, wanting her to get the point. 

“Are you sure?” She asked him sheepishly, pulling her lips together into a cheesy smile. He groaned as he tossed his head back, covering his face with his hands. 

“What did you do?”

“Nothing,” She piped up in surprise, “Well, Rosemary volunteered to watch Jennifer.” She added as she leaned in closer to him, tugging his hands away softly. He pouted his lips out as he looked at her, not amused at all. 

“Okay.” He replied, waiting for her to continue. She paused as she rolled her tongue around in her mouth, puckering her lips out as she thought to herself. 

“So Rosemary said they could get ready here.” She added at last. He stared at her, trying to decide if she was being serious or just throwing Rosemary under the bus. 

“I don’t want them here.” He said as he shrugged his shoulders, although he knew it was a ridiculous statement. Eddie was already here. It made sense. Billy thought that he’d rather get ready alone and meet up with everyone there. That sounded like a much better idea. 

“Put that grumpy face away,” She teased, playfully pouting her lips out as she squeezed at his cheeks, “It’ll be like an hour max.” She pressed her palms together, pleading with him softly. He sighed but ultimately agreed. He knew she would win regardless. He couldn’t deny her. 

But he knew without a doubt that she was lying about the timing. She would take far longer than an hour to get ready. 

“How the fuck do you do this?” Tommy huffed as he struggled with his outfit, furrowing his eyebrows together in anger as his face continued to burn. 

“Here,” Billy paused for a moment as he adjusted the bow tie on Tommy’s neck, “Easy, just like that.” He patted his shoulders playfully, chuckling as he went back to getting his own outfit fixed. He felt odd being in a tux and it was slightly too tight around the crotch. 

“This doesn’t feel right,” Eddie commented as he pressed his hands over the front of his shirt, “Like it’s unnatural.” He was dressed in all black, except for the red tie. 

“Well,” Steve paused for a second, flushing like he caught himself, “You don’t normally wear stuff like that.” He added awkwardly, furrowing his eyebrows like he couldn’t tell if he had been rude or not.

“I feel like I should be passing out snacks.” Eddie held his palm up dramatically, posing like a waiter. Billy snorted. He didn’t fit in as a waiter, even with the fancy suit. Him and Addi had purchased their outfits from a thrift store since it had been so last minute. 

“Hors d'oeuvres.” Steve corrected as he knelt near Billy, his elbow hitting against Billy’s arm each time as he tried to get his hair perfected too. He huffed before he moved closer, bumping Steve out of the way. 

“Excuse me?” Eddie sounded confused, eyebrows raised high as Steve glanced back towards him. 

“The snacks-,” He started once again, “You know what, it doesn’t matter.” He said as he waved his large hands, brushing off that he had said anything at all. Billy snickered in response, mirroring the sound Tommy made. 

“Stevie is all fancy,” Tommy smirked as he continued to fuss with the material around his wrists, “He knows all the correct terminology.” He grumbled as he struggled to get them fixed once again. He was hopeless.

“Shut up,” He mumbled, “Do I look alright?” He asked as he fixed his tux, trying to get all of the wrinkles out of them. It was the first time Billy had seen him not covered in baby throw up. 

“Like a strapping young lad.” Eddie nodded his head along as he brushed a hand through his long hair. 

“I wish you’d stop saying odd shit,” Steve replied a second later, “But thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment.” He said a little slower, darting his eyes back and forth before he shook his head. Eddie only laughed. 

Billy felt the need for fresh air as they finally left the little room. Pearl had been following him, whining at his refusal to pick her up. He didn’t want to end up with little strands of white hair everywhere. Especially when they were on food duty.

“You’re sure you’re okay to watch her?” Steve looked down at Jennifer, nervous as the little baby continued to chew on her pacifier. Billy thought she was beginning to develop a bit of a personality, one that didn’t involve her making a stink face all the time.

“Absolutely,” Rosemary grinned as she cradled Jennifer, “She’s such a sweet baby.” She added, smiling as Sam handed over the many pictures they had taken. Billy had already been threatened to take some of all of the girls. He understood his task. 

“Okay,” Steve nodded his head as he sighed deeply, “Thank you.” He added a little softer, almost looking relieved as he kissed Jennifer's soft cheeks. She cooed in response, but her interest soon fell back to her pacifier that she was awkwardly grasping. 

“Go have fun,” Rosemary told them seriously, “Prom is so fun.” She smiled brightly, looking sincere as she continued to bounce Jennifer. They would be taking Russell and Max to an arcade later, bound to have their own fun. Russell had hidden himself away since Steve had arrived. 

“You look like geeks.” Max said with raised eyebrows, but he didn’t miss the way she continued to gawk at Steve. Or how Russell did. But Billy was the geek. 

“Well let’s get going.” Billy added awkwardly, still thinking about how he hated that he’d be forced to drive the others. Max was right. It truly was lame. He wouldn’t tell Kim that, not when she seemed so excited. He wondered if Steve and Eddie felt forced to do the same. 

“So what should we get?” Steve asked, looking quite happy as he took the passenger seat. Tommy griped about being in the back until Billy tossed a cigarette his way, sure that would silence him.

“Gina didn’t mention anything about food?” He asked as he lit up his own, taking a long drag as he slowly backed out of the driveway. They were screwed if they didn’t have a plan for food. 

“No,” Steve said slowly, “Robin has a nut allergy though, so nothing with nuts.” Despite his best effort, Billy began to crack up. He did his best to cover his mouth, trying to pass it off as a cough as his eyes watered.

“What’s funny?” Tommy asked curiously, tilting his head as he leaned forward. Billy swatted him back, still trying to control his laughter. Robin certainly did have a peanut allergy in more than one way. 

“Nothing,” Steve replied a little too shrill, looking like he was close to laughing as well, “It’s nothing.” He rubbed at his chin, his eye twitching as he tried to keep his composure. 

“So no nuts,” Billy continued to cough, “Pizza is easy.” He cleared his throat, his lips failing to catch on as he continued to grin. Something so dumb shouldn’t be so funny. 

“If we’re not getting nuts, does that mean sausage is off the table too?” Eddie asked, so sly that it caught Billy off guard again. He erupted into laughter, possibly even giggling this time before he began to curse as he nearly dropped his cigarette onto his crotch. That just set everyone else off, leaving his car in a roar of laughter. 

“I quite prefer roast beef to sausage.” Tommy added a moment later, making him crack up all over again. Okay. Billy decided that perhaps it wouldn’t be that lame. 

In the end they decided on a few different pizzas, along with an assortment of desserts and sodas. Billy ended up getting a bag of M&M’s for Kim, knowing that she would appreciate those. 

“Jesus Christ,” Eddie’s jaw dropped as he walked inside, “Your place is so nice. I don’t think I should touch anything.” He gaped as he looked around, looking rather nervous as if he could see the price tag on each item. 

“Just don’t break anything,” Steve warned, “It’s not child proof yet.” He said as he nodded his head, like he had already thought about that. 

“Can’t be too bad if it’s Tommy proof.” Eddie mumbled as he shrugged his shoulders, smirking as he gave Tommy a strong nudge. Billy snorted in agreement. 

“Asshole.” Tommy muttered as he shook his head, rubbing his hands over his chest like he was nervous. He really had a thing for Alma. 

“Can I smoke?” Eddie asked as they all took to different jobs. Billy worked on getting the tape set up, a mixture of everyone's song suggestions while Tommy set up the food and Steve worked on the drinks. 

“Outside,” Steve directed, “There’s an ashtray out there.” He nodded his head, looking quite stern about it as he struggled to pop the ice out into a large bowl. Billy thought it would melt fast, but he didn’t say anything about it. 

“Pizza and alcohol free punch,” Billy replied as he leaned against the counter, “This is a first.” He said truthfully, deciding that he hadn’t ever been to a party that he had worried about food before. 

“Who needs alcohol to have fun?” Steve asked and Billy was fairly certain that Tommy mumbled underneath his breath. He ignored it. 

“I love pizza,” Tommy spoke up as he peeled a slice out, “I hope Alma likes pizza.” He spoke almost dreamily, his brown eyes soft as he looked up at the staircase. Billy met Steve’s eye, noticing the same teasing manner that was hidden there. 

“You’re smitten.”

“I’ve never met anyone like her before.” He continued on, like he was stuck in a lullaby. Billy shook his head. Alma was going to eat him alive. 

“Does this mean you’re over Kim?” He asked him playfully, watching the way Tommy devoured the slice of pizza. 

“Kim is a sweet angel,” He replied between large mouthfuls, “But she’s not my happily ever after, you know?” He tilted his eyebrows together, thinking deeply about it for a moment. Billy looked at him unimpressed, not quite liking that comparison. 

“I’d hope so,” Steve muttered, “When do you think they’ll come down?” He asked as he began to stress with his tie this time. Good. They were all nervous. Except for Eddie it seemed like. 

“Kim is always late,” Billy told them seriously, “So it might take a minute.” He pointed out, knowing that it would take far longer than what they planned. Tommy groaned as he dropped his head into his hands.

Billy was right, as a few minutes later Steve had tried to make his way upstairs only to be shooed away. They were still finishing up on their makeup apparently. 

“Dude,” Steve looked at Eddie in surprise, “Did you get high?” He asked once Eddie stumbled inside, his eyes red as a cheesy grin pulled onto his lips. Billy whistled, smelling the weed off of him. He’d been spending a lot of time with Argyle it seemed like. 

“Weed,” Eddie nodded his head, “Good for the nerves. Anyone want any?” He began to offer it, only for Tommy and Steve to reach for it simultaneously and shove it back into his pocket. Billy rolled his eyes. 

“Weed wasn’t the issue.” Billy said dryly as he took another drink of his Coke. He licked at his bottom lip, raising his eyebrow at the way the other two shook their heads. 

“We’re not risking anything,” Tommy scoffed, “Just ignore this guy.” He placed his palm over Eddie’s face, making the other guy protest in response. 

“We’re ready!” Gina called down, interrupting their argument. They all shuffled forward, elbows bumping against sides as they tried to get into the right position. Billy didn’t know where to stand, where to look or how to position himself. He paused before he leaned forward, pressing play on their tape . 

Addi came down first, her dress was a soft blue; the bottom of it dragging against the floor. It was strapless, but she bore a lace set that crinkled up to her neck and billowed off of her shoulders. There was a large blue bow underneath her chest, highlighting her silhouette. 

Gina’s dress was more modern, a hotter pink that was strapless and stuck tighter to her skin. It was ruched around the middle, then stopped at her waistline. There were three sections to the bottom of her dress before it ended just above her ankles. She held her chin up high, looking tiny compared to the rest of the group. 

Alma bore a pair of dark pants and a gray buttoned up shirt. Her hair was down, her tight curls large and bouncy as she walked down in a pair of vans. She had her hands tucked into her pockets, like she wasn’t quite sure what to do with them as she followed behind Gina. She glanced behind her to whisper something to Robin, who was dressed in a similar manner. Actually, at a second glance, Billy realized Robin was dressed more like Steve. Probably a former suit of his.

Kim came down last, her reddened cheeks framed neatly from the way her hair had been curled and styled. Her dress was a soft pink, matching the colors of her freckles. It was strapless, with ribbons tied across her ribs to show off her chest. The dress flowed out after that, like a ball gown before it ended right at her knees. It was covered in tulle, truly reminding him of a princess.

He kept his feet planted as a grin spread across his lips, his eyes darting back and forth between her dress and her pretty face. It fit her all very well. She looked beautiful.

“Hi,” She whispered as he cupped her face gently, tilting her head back and forth. Her eyeshadow was pink at the top, but she had taken blue eyeliner against her top and bottom lids. It looked really pretty, “What do you think?”

“I’ve never seen someone so stunning before,” He said softly as he brushed his fingers against her soft cheek, “I got these for you.” He told her as he held out the carnations, glad that he had found some that ended up matching with the color of her dress.

“They’re beautiful,” She grinned softly, “I love them. Thank you.” She took a deep inhale, smiling brightly as she examined them. She truly was the prettiest person he’d ever laid eyes on. He was very lucky. 

“Where did you get the dress from?” He hummed as he traced his fingers across her dress, thinking that their colors matched a lot. He wondered if Rosemary had set him up. If so, he was glad. 

“Well,” She took in a deep breath, “There was a dress I wanted, but then it was far too expensive. So then we tried another store and I didn’t like the dresses there. I looked at some thrift stores but they didn’t have this color. So then Rosemary found this pattern and I found the material and she asked her friend to do it.”

“So you got it from Rosemary’s friend?” He asked as he raised his eyebrow, grinning at the way she thought about his question. 

“In shorter terms,” She paused for a second, a grin spreading across her lips, “Yes.” She laughed with him, making his heart flutter roughly inside of his chest as he leaned forward to press his nose against hers. 

Their first dance was slightly awkward, sort of dorky with the way she kept stumbling over her feet and he kept bumping into whomever was behind him. There didn’t seem to be enough people to slow dance all at once, so they quickly adjusted to that.

They traded off a bit after that, moving to stronger beats as bodies spun through the living room floor. It was all in good fun as they passed the girls back and forth, spinning them until they were left in giggles. He didn’t even feel awkward about doing it to Robin, despite knowing so little about her. He was not much of a fan when she began to spin Kim around. He had to step in a second later, grumbling at the way Steve apologized with a cheeky grin. 

“Can’t let you get away.” He mumbled as he brushed his nose against hers. She giggled softly as she moved her arm around his shoulders.

“And go where?” She teased as swayed back and forth to the song, her features wrinkled in concentration as she stared at where she almost stepped on his feet once again, “I was thinking.”

“About what?” He hummed softly, very curious as to where her thoughts had brought her.

“Us,” She replied softly, “We’re going to be hitting a year soon, on the anniversary you picked.” She giggled in response, her cheeks a little pink like she was bashful.

“Do you not like that date?” He asked her curiously, a little worried suddenly. He didn’t want her to disagree.

“No I do,” She told him quickly, “I do, I was just-, I don’t know. I guess I’m still surprised that we were able to make it.” She said at last, taking him completely by surprise.

“You didn’t think we would?” He questioned her, wondering if he had really stressed her out that badly. She shook her head, pausing for a moment before she spoke.

“I thought it would be tragic,” She mused softly as she tilted her head, “Like I would always love you but we could never really be together.” He furrowed his eyebrows together, but then slowly came to an understanding. It had nothing to do with their former issues.

“I thought you were a hopeless romantic.” He teased as he brushed her loose strands behind her ear.

“I was being realistic,” She flickered her eyes towards him, “And I thought I’d always be forced to see you with someone else. My stepbrother. And I couldn’t do anything about it.” 

“You’re lucky I don’t care about that bullshit then,” He smirked as he rubbed his fingers across her sides, “As far as I’m concerned, I saw you first.”

“I’m happy that we’re like this,” She said softly as she played with the ends of his curls, “Very happy. I don’t think I could be any happier.”

“Cheesy,” He hummed as he just gently brushed his lips against hers, “I’m happy too,” He stalled for a second, “You know you made me love you when I didn’t want to.”

“Oh?” She questioned him with interest, her hazel eyes flashing with worry as her pretty lips poured out. He leaned forward to drag his mouth against hers, stealing away any concern she might have.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been so scared in my life.” He told her as he pulled away, resting his forehead against hers as they continued to rock back and forth.

“Really?” She asked as a grin formed on her lips. He brushed his nose against hers once again, craving the sensation of being so close to her. Even if she stepped on his feet.

“It scares me every day to wake up and think that I won’t have you.” He whispered between the best of the music, so only she could hear him. 

“You’ll always have me.” She leaned forward, pressing her lips against his softly. He kept a soft grip on her waist, keeping her close to him as his mouth molded together. She tasted like cherries, her gloss staining his lips as he kissed her deeper. He flicked his tongue across her bottom lip, his chest growing tight at the way she opened up towards him. A soft moan rolling off of her tongue.

“Gross,” He heard Alma from the side, “Get a room.” He laughed as he pulled away, letting Kim hide her burning face into his chest.

“No rooms,” Steve piped up as he pulled away from Gina, his hair all messy, “I did not agree to rooms being used.” He held his finger up quickly, pointing as if he was talking to a small child. 

“There’s too many for you to keep an eye on,” Billy rolled his eyes, “Speaking of, have you seen Addi or Eddie?” Billy had in fact seen them slip outside a few minutes ago, but he wasn’t going to tell Steve that. His brown eyes widened fearfully as he turned towards Gina, panic laced through his features. 

“Where’d you get the suit from?” Tommy questioned as Billy dragged Kim over towards the snack table, watching as she went for a piece of chocolate rather than the pizza. 

“Ethan.” Alma answered as she chewed on her crust, still making a disgusted expression as Billy began to rub his fingers across Kim’s waist.

“Whose Ethan?” Tommy asked hotly, eyes wide and cheeks pink as an incredulous look settled on his features. Kim turned towards Billy, as if he knew.

“My stepdad,” Alma replied with a laugh, “Is there a problem?” She asked as her lips curled into the softest smirk, her eyebrows raised partly. 

“No,” He squeaked out, his face red, “Just curious was all.” He shrugged as he began to stuff his face with pizza again.

“Mhm,” Billy grinned at him, “Thank you for coming.” He told her seriously, although he was disappointed that he hadn’t convinced her to practice some new tattoos on him. 

“Thank you for giving me a day to get ready.” She snorted as she playfully rolled her eyes, giving Kim an exasperated look. Kim tilted her head down and smiled.

“You look like you match with Robin.” She said softly, staring at the pizza boxes as Alma continued to watch her. She was too shy for her own good.

“They do, don’t they?” Billy smirked at the way Tommy’s eye slightly twitched, how his expression instantly soured. 

“I think she borrowed hers from Steve,” Alma laughed softly, “Or should I say stole it.” She added as she nodded her head, laughing like something funny had happened. 

“It worked out anyways,” Billy hummed as he held onto Kim, “C’mere.” He mumbled as he pulled her back towards the dance floor. 

She giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling brightly once again as she fell into his motions.

“Who would you have married?” He asked her, genuinely curious as he pulled her even closer.

“What?” She turned to face him, hazel eyes wide as she pressed her lips together softly. He thought about his question for a moment.

“If we didn’t get together, who would you have married?” He clarified, wondering who her second choice would have been. Perhaps he needed to pay them a visit.

“I don’t know,” She said with a giggle, “I don’t know many guys. Or really any that would be interested in me either.” He looked at her in disbelief, not understanding how she didn’t know how pretty she was.

“There’s plenty.” He told her truthfully. She rolled her eyes dramatically, scoffing in his same manner as she rubbed designs against his shoulder.

“I only imagine you as my husband,” She said at last, “No one else.” She smiled as she twisted her fingers through the curls on the nape of his neck. He narrowed his eyes for a moment.

“Alright,” He said softly as he pressed his lips together, “I believe you I guess.” He teased as he kissed the top of her head. She smelled good.

“Who would you have married?” She asked him next, eyes gleaming with curiosity as he rocked her back and forth. He playfully dipped her, earning a squeak from her.

“No one,” He answered honestly, “You were the first one I thought about marrying.” He told her truthfully. It had never been on the table before here.

“Same here.”

“Do I need to bring up journal entries?” He asked her teasingly, watching the way her eyes widened and her cheeks reddened. He was sure she was the only one that would make a journal about how to lose her virginity. And specially geared towards someone.

He could never let Steve know.

“That was a crush,” She said hotly, “It was not for marriage.” She spit out shyly, eyes darting around before he brought her back to him.

“Mhm,” He chuckled as he pecked her lips softly once again, “I’m glad I was able to change your mind.” He teased as he guided her through the next song, then the next one.

They slipped outside between the beat of the music, hiding under the cloak of their friends laughing as he gripped her hand softly.

She was soft as she pushed him into the seat, giggling softly as she continued to peck his lips. He brought his hands against her hips, squeezing at her flesh. She felt like heaven.

Her lips were everywhere, her hands trailing across his chest as he brought her onto his lap. He shifted her dress up over her hips, his hands dancing at her panties.

“Billy,” She moaned softly against his lips, sighing deeply as he brought his palms against her perky tits, “I want you so badly.” She whispered as she rolled her hips against him, making him groan as he reached down between their bodies.

He still wasn’t fully hard when he slid himself inside, but she paid it no mind as she began to rock her hips up and down the length of his cock. She moaned at the sensation of him stretching her walls, her clit throbbing underneath his touch.

“Kim,” He huffed out slowly, his large hands moving to her waist. She placed her hands on top of his, squeezing roughly before she pushed them down to his sides, “What are you doing?” He mumbled softly, looking up at her in confusion.

“Let me do it,” She persisted as she shifted her knees into position. She rested her hands back against his muscular thighs as she began to slowly build a rhythm on his hard cock, “Oh God.” She whispered in bliss, shutting her eyes tightly.

He felt like he was in bliss as he moved his hips to the movements of her soft bounces, grunting as her pussy leaked around his thick girth. He clawed at the top of her dress, getting a feel for her tits underneath her dress.

Billy groaned from underneath her, his fingertips brushing back against her knees as she dragged herself up and down his cock. She bit down on her bottom lip, and he wondered if she was feeling the same waves of pleasure racing up her spine. 

“Feels good,” He mumbled from underneath her, his cock throbbing inside of her walls as she rode him. She gaped from the overstimulating pleasure, sighing as she moved her hands up her slender body. Billy’s eyes followed in a heated desire as she cupped her tits in her hands. He groaned, his eyes flashing, “Such a dirty slut.” He cursed as his eyes drank in the image of her. 

Her lips curled into a smile, a sound leaving her lips like she was going to laugh but was unable to do so as she exhaled roughly again. Her head rolled back as his cock pressed against her bundle of nerves, earning a loud moan from her lips.

He didn’t care if someone walked out, or if they were caught. All that mattered was her, was the feeling of their bodies mingling as the pleasure shot through his body. 

He groaned as he began to thrust up again, watching the way her pussy swallowed his thick girth. She fit around him so well, like a puzzle piece. She was meant to be his.

“Do you like that?” She leaned over a bit, flickering her eyelashes at him as she slowly moved her hips along the curve of his cock. Her voice came out sultry and smooth as she spoke as a fresh wave of confidence crashed over her. He flicked his tongue over his teeth, sure that she had no idea just how badly he was enjoying it.

“Mhm,” He hummed as he reached down to stroke at her pretty pink clit. She cried out, gripping his shoulders this time as she moved faster, “Such a pretty little slut for me. Riding my cock so good, such a good girl.” He huffed out, his eyebrows furrowing together in awe. 

She whimpered as she rocked her hips forward, dragging her weeping cunt along the curve of his cock. He grunted as he gripped a holder of her waist, holding onto her tightly as he began to roughly thrust up. He gaped, eyes feeling heavy at the sound of her cunt squeezing roughly around him. She moaned loudly, tossing her head back as he continued to flick his fingers across her clit.

He kissed her deeply, stealing the moans that were rolling off of her tongue. He dragged his mouth against hers, taking her sticky lip gloss as he pleasure filled him deeply. His cock ached as he flicked the tips of their tongues together. 

She shook around him, thighs clamping down on his legs as her head fell against his, “Fuck! Fuck, Billy!” She whimpered as she rocked against him, pressing against him tightly as she came with a cry. He cooed softly, kissing along her lips as he enjoyed the feeling of her body trembling against his.

He gripped her hips, pressing her down a little harder as he felt his own high rush forward. He grunted as he bit down on her exposed shoulder, sighing deeply as he came inside of her. His legs shook, his lungs tightening as he held onto her. She giggled softly, whimpering as she kissed the side of his face.

“Mhm,” She sighed before she broke into a small fit of giggles, “Steve will be mad if he finds us like this.” She said playfully, making him chuckle as he held onto her. Steve could be mad all he wanted. Billy didn’t regret a damn thing. 

[slytherinshua]

HOME WITH YOU

genre. fluff. inseong as a dad. warnings. a toddler (great heavens). mention of overworking. pairing. husband!inseong x nurse!reader. wc. 1.1k. request. no. a/n. inseong is so very dad coded :( along w youngbin also but i decided to write for inseong first probably gonna have that youngbin dad fic soon tho

“You messed it up, daddy!” You heard muffled squeals from the other room. It was still the first week of kindergarten for your 4 year old daughter, Mina. She wanted to wear pigtails every day for school, and your husband had been trying to oblige her request every day where you needed to sleep in.

You worked late shifts at the hospital, especially during the flu season that was just starting. It was exhausting, but coming home to Inseong and Mina always made it worth it. 

You forced your eyes open enough to check the time on your phone, groaning when you realized it was still before 7 am. You hadn’t gotten home until past 2 last night, and you were definitely feeling the effects of continual loss of sleep. You needed a break.

The high pitched giggles from your daughter’s bedroom mingling with the deeper raspier chuckles from Inseong brought a small smile to your face. You were happy to be able to hear their joy. But a bittersweet feeling panged your heart as you were once again reminded that Mina was growing up, and because of your work, you were missing out on her childhood.

There really wasn’t much you could do. You couldn’t ask for less shifts— the hospital needed all the nurses it could get, especially since it was already short-staffed. You couldn’t quit your job, either. You needed the money to be able to support your family. The only thing you could do was keep going, with the small hope that the workload might lessen with time.

It was almost time for Mina to get to school, so you heaved your body up and rubbed the sleep from your eyes. You didn’t bother changing— you would probably find yourself falling back to sleep after you said goodbye to her, anyway— but you tried to rid any traces of your tiredness from your face. Though Mina was little, she was very observant. She didn’t understand complicated concepts like overworking, understaffing, and responsibility. But she did understand that if mommy was grumpy, it probably meant that she was tired; and mommy was only tired because she was never at home.

You walked into Mina’s room after you had deemed yourself presentable and immediately smiled at the sight before you. Your daughter adorned 2 lopsided pigtails tied with bright pink scrunchies. They were definitely messy due to your husband’s inexperience in dealing with hair— some loose strands of hair escaping them at the bottom, but they looked cute enough. The teachers at the kindergarten would probably redo her hair if it got undone anyway. Given the bright grin on your daughter’s face, and the way she was smiling up at your husband, you figured she was pleased with her new hairstyle.

“You all ready for school, Mina?” You asked, kneeling down to be on the same level as her.

“Yes!” She squealed, running up to you to give you a hug. You held her for longer than a normal hug with a toddler would last as you didn’t know when the next opportunity to hold her would be. Though she squirmed a bit, she hugged you back until you separated from her.

“You look very pretty today. Did your dad do your hair for you?” You tilted your head as you admired the messy masterpiece that Inseong had created on her head. The scrunchies matched her pink outfit, altogether making her look twice as cute as usual.

She hummed happily, holding a pigtail in each hand, “It doesn’t hurt when daddy does my hair.”

You laughed, “Of course. He doesn’t want to hurt your precious head, does he? I wonder how long they’ll stay in, though.” You murmured the last part, amused at how the left pigtail was already slipping. Inseong had gone to pack Mina’s little bag, and was now back with it in his hand.

“It’s time to go, princess.” He ushered, taking Mina’s hand and slipping the backpack on her back. “Breakfast’s on the table— coffee on the counter.” He called back to you as he lead her out the door.

You sighed, half happy and half exhausted. Seeing your daughter always energised you, but the high only lasted so long before the crash you always experienced. You were feeling it now, and although your brain and body wanted nothing more than more sleep, you chose to go find the food that Inseong had left out for you.

You smiled at the plate of pink dyed heart-shaped pancakes on a plate waiting for you. You got your cup of coffee and sat down to eat, checking your phone for your next shift in your schedule. Your eyes widened when you read it.

Y/n L/n and Park Sunhwa’s shifts covered for the next 2 days. New locums hired for the second week of September.

You hadn’t had a 2 day break in what felt like years. You wanted to laugh, or maybe cry. You had been so, so exhausted this past month. You finished your breakfast just as Inseong returned from dropping off Mina to school. He picked up on your elated smile quickly, and it quickly triggered his own.

“Why so happy, hm? You looked tired this morning.” 

“I’m off for the next 2 days.” You told him happily as you loaded your dishes into the dishwasher.

“Really? That’s amazing, love. You deserve the rest.” He smiled, pulling you into his arms. You sighed as you leaned your head onto his chest and circled your arms around his waist tightly, letting all the exhaustion and frustration slowly release from the embrace.

“It’s been so exhausting. Missed you so much.” You mumbled, savouring every second you could feel being so close to him. The gentle squeeze of his arms around you, his calming scent reaching your nose, the soft thump of his heart in his chest. You were so glad to be back in his arms.

“You should go back to sleep while you can. It’s hard to sleep when Mina’s back from school.” He suggested, swaying you back and forth in his arms.

“Want to sleep next to you.” You responded, not objecting to the idea, but hugging him a little tighter just in case he might try to escape.

He laughed, stroking your hair, “Okay. We can sleep next to each other.”

Getting back into bed, this time cuddled up next to your husband, felt like home. It was quiet and intimate, and drowsiness quickly took over your body. You said I love you’s in hushed voices, and Inseong pressed light kisses to your head, reminding you of how hard you had worked and how proud he is of you. You fell asleep before him given your tiredness. He held you in his arms for a long time, listening to your steady breath and appreciating the feeling of you so close.

↳ sf9 taglist: @eternalgyu,, @weird-bookworm

[judeswhore]

So I had this summer holiday!jude scenario and it’s pretty simple but I can’t get it out of my head man!!

So basically yknow that really colourful shirt right imagine having a scrunchie to match it and it has like a thousand colours on it and that like that shirt. And you’re both just vibing somewhere with both of your friend groups and he’s just laying down next to you and like tugging the scrunchie on your wrist while your just talking to your friends and that. And later on you tie your hair up with the same scrunchie and it’s just giving him thoughts to all the times you’d suck his dick and he’s have to move the strands of hair that fall in-front of your face, and he’s low-key getting a boner out of that thought and you can see but your not quite sure as to why he he’s growing down there. A little later into the night you slowly move into a more chill setting, just the two of you and your friends are where you all were before and he’s just rubbing at your hip and that sounding so like moany and stuff, all like “forgot how cute you look with your hair up like that” and your just smirking at him while sipping on some sort of drink, giving him bedroom eyes and he’s like “don’t do this to me”. Anyways further on he’s on this couch and your on your knees giving him head but while doing so he removes the scrunchie from your hair and tugs it round his wrist instead and just hold your hair up in a similar ponytail style and just bobbing your head up and down for you. And after all that, walking back out towards your group and Jude still has the scrunchie on his wrist while your lipgloss is smeared and hair is a literal mess and his mates are like “where’d you get that” referring to the colourful hair tie and your mates know exactly what happened due to the hair and your glossy eyes and fucked out state.

That’s was super long

this made me go🤭🤭u and ur friends just being in a private villa so there’s plenty of little private areas and ur friends are all still by the pool but u and jude have “gone to get drinks” but everyone knows that’s not the case bc youse have been so touchy and flirty they know exactly why you’ve disappeared. but there’s a little sofa area around a fire pit in a little corner of the villa and u know no one’s gna come to u here so jude’s got u on ur knees and he’s just relaxed back against the sofa while ur sucking him off. he’s took the scrunchie bc he likes pulling ur hair so he’s doing exactly that and is pressing ur completely down on his cock until ur gagging and he’s praising u sm and telling u how he’s been thinking abt it all day and he’s just “u drive me fkn crazy always batting ur lashes at me, just begging me to fuck ur mouth”. youse are away for quite a while bc u started off by teasing him but after he’s came youse both look so fucked out like jude is just looking frenzied and there’s literal scratches on his thighs and abs from ur nails and he also looks so smug. and ur lips are just all puffy and ur lipgloss is messy and ur hair looks a wreck and ur eyes are all glassy and u look even more fucked than him so the second youse are back w ur friends the teasing starts. they’re all talking abt jude wearing ur scrunchie and abt how u look like you’ve been having a good time and ur friend wld just be like “u want me to fix ur lipgloss for u” but neither of u are all that embarrassed bc you’ve been caught doing much worse by all of them before

[thesupreme316]

What It’s Like To Date Daniel Garcia (in my mind): Daniel Garcia X Reader

Genre: Fluffy headcanon

Summary: A glimpse of dating Daniel Garcia

Word Count: 641

Supreme Speaks: I realized despite this man still being a love in my life, I have not written about him. Also my day has been shitty so I decided to post this for cheering up. And as always my requests and inbox are open to all. I hope everyone is doing well and remember you are loved and appreciated.

Warnings: none really…I *tried to* used gender neutral terms in here to appeal to everyone, not proofread

Taglist: @princess00wifi @wwenhlimagines @triscillal @diabloguapos @hooks-martin @sheinthatfandom

I think most people think Daniel as a very serious person (who is quite cold and stoic)

BUT HELL NAW THAT LITTLE CAT IS EVERYTHING BUT THAT

Danny is a goofy bf, I can just see it

If y’all seen any Isiah Kassidy or BTE vlogs, then you know how funny this man can be

He would try to make you laugh under any circumstances

You: Danny, what are you doing?

Daniel: *dancing with a water bottle as his mic* THe ThINgS I WannA dO TO yOu BENd me OVER-

The man is a switch I tell you

I feel like he would call you cute nicknames like Babe and Baby

But he would also call you (playfully ofc) loser

He is a menace as he constantly (playfully i emphasize) calls you out

ALSO if you seen any vlogs featuring him, you would know he’s down for anything

Wanna go prank the boys? He’s ready

You wanna drive around at 2 AM? He’s already warming up the car

Speaking of the vlogs, he would just constantly bring you up with a smirk ironically

 “Well you know, my significant other is very talented in that area ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)”

I personally think you, Isiah, and Daniel would be a trio of bffs

But Daniel would also be very protective of you

I feel like he would warn the person at first like “I don’t think you wanna talk to them like that. So correct yourself and try again” (man’s from New York)

And then he would whoop their ass while saying what’s up repeatedly (again man’s from New York)

Since he does have to wear matching outfits with the JAS often (ew), he rarely matches clothes with you (nothing against you it’s just that he wants his own outfit)

“Okay, so I saw this outfit earlier-“

“Can we wear that on Friday? I’m already matching with Jericho tomorrow”

But I do see him wearing your accessories like necklaces or scrunchies on his wrist while you wear his clothing

I can see this man loving PDA

Like anywhere from kisses and hugs to ass slaps and putting each other’s hands in pockets

To the point where y’all put S**my and Tay to shame

Also y’all would just lightheartedly roast each other on twitter (whether you’re a wrestler or not)

Just constantly funny bickering that gets other wrestlers invested and taking sides

Would not play wrestle with you….it would be a war that would go into a pillow fight with him commentating on it

“And the Dragon Slayer goes in for an uppercut but is cut off by an ass shot to the face??”

Goes sneaker shopping with and for you

Would bring you back at least two pairs of shoes

Although he wouldn’t really wear that many matching outfits, he would match y’all sneakers any day

Blasts Kpop any time of day and expects you to try to sing along

On the other side, I believe people forget that Daniel is very sweet

Dates would be anywhere, anytime no matter what

HE WOULD BE THAT BOYFRIEND THAT MAKES YOU PLAYLISTS OMG

Know you like the back of his hand, can answer questions about you within seconds

He would do anything to see you smile

He would also try to comfort you if anything is wrong

Like full-on “shut-everything-out and all his focus is on you” kind of focus

On his list of priorities, you will always be number one

Overall, Daniel Garcia would be that boyfriend who would not be afraid to show you all sides of him

[takeariskao3]

I’d love a little one shot showing little James being doted on by his sisters, maybe they put ribbons in his hair, that sort of thing. 😉

"No, wait!" Ruby cried, reaching for the basket. "We should do the yellow ones too!"

"Oh, definitely!" Lily agreed, sliding a second green bow into place.

Ruby dug through the mess of ribbons and hair clips to find anything yellow to go along with the small pile of green accessories. James watched her with a little furrow between his brows.

"Dat's too many," he frowned and crossed his arms in a classic James pout.

Lily combed a section of James' hair to the side and replied matter-of-factly, "Do you want to play or not?"

James hesitated, then finally grumbled a soft, "Yes."

Lily returned to her task while Ruby hummed quietly to herself as she sorted hair bows. For a three year old, James had quite a lot of hair. It was dark, like Lily's, and grew every which way, also like Lily's, but where Lily had let it grow and grow until it was long enough to plait away from her face, James' hair was short and stuck up all over the place.

Which made the perfect canvas for her and Ruby's collection of clips, ribbons, and bows.

"Does this count as yellow?" Ruby asked, holding up a gold sequin scrunchie.

"Ooh! Yes!" Lily snatched it from Ruby's hands and started working the crown of James' head into a pony tail.

"Ow!" James complained, trying to duck out of Lily's reach.

"Hold still!" Lily ordered, holding onto his hair tighter.

"Willy, stop!"

"Don't be such a baby!"

"It hurts!"

"What's going on in here?" Mum appeared in the doorway to Lily and Ruby's bedroom. She took in the three of them on the floor, then clapped a hand over her mouth to cover her snort of laughter. "What have you done to your brother!?"

Lily and Ruby sat in guilty silence as James piped up, "They said I couldn't play Harpies with them unless I was a girl!"

Mum bit her lower lip and Lily knew she was trying not to smile.

"Couldn't he just pretend to be a girl?" Mum asked, her gaze sliding between Ruby and Lily. "Did you have to dress him up?"

Ruby put on her best smile. "But look how cute he is as a girl!"

James scowled.

"Ruby," Mum chided, then she gave Lily a quelling look like she knew whose idea it had really been. "If your brother asks, and he's doing it properly, you need to let him play with you. You don't make up rules to torment him."

"Okay," Lily and Ruby grumbled apologetically.

"Okay," Mum nodded like the matter was put to bed. "James do you want to wear ribbons in your hair?"

James looked up at Mum with wide eyes. "No."

"Then you don't have to," Mum explained, then her eyes sparked. "But can you keep them in for just a little while longer so I can get the camera?"