#why’s he gotta bat? don’t worry about it jimmy’s just like that

[thychesters]

i was thinking about writing another thriller bark fic with zoro but something about that feels a little too much like me telling the man “hey come meet me ‘n the boys out back. we just wanna talk :)” and then he ends up in a trunk

[softtransbf]

Fresh Blood, Old Scars Part 1

You'd disappeared 15 years ago without a trace- what's Yancy supposed to do when you walk into Happy Trails Penitentiary and don't recognize him, because he's transitioned? canon compliant trans!yancy/reader

Reader: he/him trans man, no physical description

Rating: T

Warnings: mentions of violence, canonical and parental. deadnaming and misgendering before either of you came out (none by anyone who knows the correct name/pronouns)

Word Count: 2,690

“Hey Yancy, I heard there’s fresh blood comin’ in today for some sorta museum heist.”

“Oh? Know anything else about these guys, so we can give ‘em a proper welcome, Bambam?”

“I know some. The first guy, Mark Iplier, claimed to have been in charge of the whole thing, but from what my sources said, it’s the partner that ran the show- just real quiet-like. I’ve been told that he don’t say a word.”

“Got a name for this, uh, silent partner?” He chuckled at his joke.

“Y/N L/N.” Yancy’s stomach dropped the way it always did when he heard that last name, your last name. Get your shit together. Wrong first name, and Bambam said he and his. Bambam don’t use pronouns other than they/them unless they’re sure. It’s just some guy with the same last name.

“Yance, you okay?” Tiny waved his hand in front of Yancy’s face.

“Yeah, yeah, just, uh, thinkin about how best to greet dese guys. The usual, wit Don’t Wanna Be Free ready just in case?”

“Right off the bat? You really think they’re that high of a flight risk?” Sparkles finally spoke up.

“I, uh, I don’t trust dem silent-types. They’s always schemin’, got somethin goin ahn in their heads.” And if he's anything like- yeah. Gone before you know it.

“Okay, if you say so. I’ll go let the others know.” Yancy didn’t even register who was speaking; he was too lost in memories.

- 15 years earlier-

Yancy knew it wasn’t cool to be excited for the first day of school when you’re a senior in high school, but he didn’t care. He didn’t need or even want to be cool- all he needed was to be your friend. Well, maybe not just friend. You’d been gone for almost the entire summer, and he’d spent the whole time figuring out how to both ask you out and tell you that he’s a guy.

He practically skipped across the street to your house so you can walk to school together, like you had every day since middle school. He knocked- nothing. Rang the doorbell- still nothing. He checked the back door and the spots where you had hidden spare keys over the years- nothing. All the curtains were drawn, too, so he couldn’t see inside. He kept trying as long as he possibly could before he had to sprint to make it to class just barely in time. All day, he kept an eye on the door, waiting for you- the two of you made sure to sign up for the exact same schedule before you went on your vacation. At lunch, he went to the office to see what he could find out.

“Y/DN isn’t a student here anymore- Mr L/N just told us last week.”

“What? Do you know where they went?”

“I’m sorry, hon, I don’t. All I know is that Y/DN is no longer a student here.”

He’d never ditched a class in his life, but that was the last thing on his mind as he ran home, crying. He didn’t stop crying for weeks.

-Present -

He’d never wanted to be wrong more in his life, but there you were. Looking better than he’d ever dreamed, following Mark around silently as he blabbered on about wanting to rally the other inmates to try to break out. No. I lost you once, and it cost me everything. I’m not about to lose you again. He quickly spread the word to skip pleasantries with the new guys and prepare for the song. As he was, you made eye contact with him from across the room. His heart dropped; you didn’t recognize him. You looked right through him, with the same calculating expression you gave everyone else. Of course he wasn’t gonna recognize you, dumbass. You’ve been on hormones for years and have had top surgery. Usually Yancy loved that he couldn’t see anything of the person he used to be in the mirror, but today he hated it more than anything in the world. Stick to the plan, Yance. He doesn’t recognize me, but it might be better this way. This way, I can get him to stay and get to know me as I am now, and he won’t be disappointed that I haven’t become anything like what we dreamed of so long ago.

Yancy couldn’t have planned it better, Mark practically begging Jimmy to punch him through the wall right before the show started, leaving you alone.

The number went great, as always, but then you showed him a picture of your parents. He knew that picture; you took it when the four of you went on a vacation together before you started your freshman year of high school. He also knew that he had once been in the picture, but you’d cut him out. The tape and staples that had been holding his heart together since you left fell away.

He stuck with his usual response to people citing family for wanting to leave, for the most part. No one at Happy Trails knew about you, and he’d killed his parents before they could leave him, so he’d kept his true abandonment issues to himself. Face to face with you after all these years, though, he couldn’t stop himself from adding “they’re always just gonna leave you behind” and a warning about trifling with the past. You flinched a little at both of those, and a spark of hope ignited in his chest- maybe you hadn’t forgotten about him, even if you didn’t recognize him now.

Then you still chose to leave. The rest of the rather single-sided conversation was a blur to him. Later, as he was tending to his injuries in solitary, he remembered calling you handsome and/or beautiful and your blush when he did. And, of course, you knocking him flat on his ass. He’d challenged you to a fight, because he’d always been able to beat you before. The part that truly left him confused, though, was why he offered to help you break out.

All he’d wanted for the last fifteen years was to go back to the day you left and beg you to stay. He’d told himself dozens, maybe hundreds, of times that if he ever saw you again, he’d do everything in his power to keep you with him. On his darker and angrier days, he truly meant everything. But here you are, and he offered to help you leave. This is what you get for even hoping someone might stick around. Let’s just do this. I gotta stop in with the warden first, though…

“Me? Out there? With you?” He chuckled. You had no idea that, with that simple gesture, you offered him everything he’d wanted for so long. Fuck, I don’t deserve him. I still love him, but he deserves someone better than the angry, selfish man I am. The fragments of his heart splintered even more. “I, um. I done a lotta bad things. And, uh.” He made himself brighten up. “This is home! For now, anyway. Maybe next time parole comes up, I’ll, uh” take it and go find you like I should have fifteen years ago. And I’ll spend every minute until then trying to become the kind of man you deserve. “Anyway, I gotta get back to it. You take care now, you hear? And, hey, visitation! Every third Sunday!” You looked down at the box you’d brought with you, and he ran. When he got back to his cell, he cried genuine tears for the first time since that August day when his world turned upside down.

- 2 weeks later, visitation day -

He knew hoping you’d come was a waste of time, and that he was just setting himself up for more pain. He’d learned the hard way that when you were gone, that was that. But still, there he was, looking up every time a guard walked into the room. As expected, they never called his name. The rest of the inmates gave him a wide berth as he went back to his cell for the night, and they were right to. He was itching for an excuse to fight. No one gave him one, though, so he told himself he’d find one tomorrow and got ready for bed.

When he got to his cell, it took him just one second to realize there was someone on his bed, pull them off, and shove them against the wall. It took him three more to process that it was you, and then another five to step back and let you go.

“Sorry for scaring you, Yancy. I didn’t mean to. It’s just… it’s visitation day, but I’m still wanted for the escape you helped me pull off, and I haven’t decided if I want to come back for good or not.” He stood there, frozen. You chuckled nervously. “I get it, your turn to be the quiet one. I’m sorry about that, by the way. There was a lot to process all at once, and I just kinda shut down when I get overwhelmed.”

I know. I remember that you didn’t say a single word our first day of high school, Yancy wanted to say. He wanted to say something, anything, but you being there and so close was just too much.

“Okay, so, honesty time; there’s a specific reason I came back.” You took a deep breath. “I haven’t been able to shake this feeling that I know you, somehow. But I know I’d remember meeting you- no way I’d forget someone like you. Anyway, I'm probably way off base and ridiculous. I guess I just wanted to tell you?” You ran your hand through your hair. “God, that sounds even flimsier than it felt in my head. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It, uh. It means a lot that you came back to say that.”

“Uh, Yancy? What happened to your accent?”

“Shit. Um. C’mere.” He muttered, as he sat down on his bed and pulled you down next to him. He prayed that you couldn’t hear how his heart started racing when he noticed your knees were touching. “No one here knows that the accent isn’t how I always speak. Not even the warden. I’ve been here five years and haven’t dropped it once. Anyone learns about this, and you’re dead, understand?” He knew that the threat was empty, but you seemed to believe it.

“Yeah, yeah, I do, don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me. I gotta ask, though- why fake it? It seems like a lot of effort. You don’t owe me an explanation, of course, but since you’re heart-on-your-sleeve about your parents, it must be one hell of a reason. I bet it’d feel good to let it off your chest. I can promise to leave and never come back if you do- a burden shared is a burden halved, and if I’m gone, you can be 100% sure no one here will know.”

He took a deep breath. “Something flipped my world on its head, and I needed to distance myself from who I was before. That’s an odd phrase, though- ‘a burden shared is a burden halved’. Where’d you pick that up?”

“Oh, um. The mom of someone I loved a long time ago used to say it a lot. It just kinda stuck, I guess.”

“Loved, huh? You break their heart, or did they break yours?” Yancy was surprised he got the words out without his voice shaking or cracking. You were silent for a long time, and Yancy was sure he’d pushed too hard and you would completely shut down or, worse, leave altogether.

“Sorry, I haven’t talked about this… ever." Your voice shook. "I’ve never talked to anyone about this. I don’t know if I was loved back, but if so, I was the heartbreaker. I didn’t mean to be- I couldn’t control having to leave, and I didn’t know I wasn’t coming back until it was too late. I couldn’t say goodbye. I’ve hoped every day for the last fifteen years that my feelings were unrequited, though. I’m happy to have the pain of an unrequited first love if it means she wasn’t heartbroken.” The incorrect pronoun stung a bit, but you didn’t know, and you’d loved him back all those years ago. He was invincible.

“Have you tried reaching out? Even if your feelings were one-sided, I think you owe it to both of you to say them, at least once.” He reached out and took your hands without thinking. You didn't stop him, and he felt like he could fly.

“I tried, actually. About eight years ago, I'd, uh, escaped and was finally an actual person again after everything that was done to and taken from me, so I started looking for her. But it’s like she vanished off the face of the earth five years to the day after we were separated. It’s actually how I met Mark- I got into some deep and shady shit looking. I only gave up last year. Nothing turned up in seven years of searching, so I have to figure that she did something incredibly stupid a decade ago and got herself killed.”

“I didn’t die. Just the name did.” Yancy breathed. A half second later, he realized he’d said it out loud, and his heart stopped. You took your hands out of his and scooted away.

“Yancy. Are you trying to tell me that you’re- that we- oh my god. It is you. I knew I knew you. Everything else is different, but I should have recognized your eyes. I guess some part of me did. But you- I- I thought you were dead.”

“As you can see, I’m not dead, Brain. And for the record, your feelings were definitely not one-sided.” He reached out and cupped your cheek with one hand.

“Shit, Pinky, it really is you.”

Yancy had dreamed about how seeing you again would go in a million different ways. Not a single one of those included you practically jumping into his lap and kissing him with a lifetime's worth of love and want.

He let out an undignified whine when you broke the kiss. “Wait, wait. You knew from the second I walked in here who I was, didn’t you? You tried so hard to stop me from leaving… but then you helped me do just that. You chose to stay here when I asked you to come with me. Then I came back, and you got me to say all those things… And we’re both trans and wound up here? This is all just. So much. I can’t- I can’t do this.” You got off his lap and scooted to the far end of the bed.

“What are you saying, Y/N? That you’re leaving? Again?” He couldn’t keep the bitterness out of his voice.

You stood up and faced him. “You do not get to play that card. You don’t know how much I went through trying to find a way to tell you I was sorry, that I didn’t know that the trip was a permanent one until we were on the other side of the country. Dad said that I'd never see mom again, and he’d kill me if I tried to get in touch with you or anyone else from back home. He broke my arm to prove he meant it. I can’t stay here to unpack all of this. I have to go. But you can come with me. I mean it even more now than I did last time. I’m not leaving you, I’m leaving here.”

You walked to the cell door and looked back at him with a sigh. “But I know you, and you have a family here. I’ll get you my address- it’s your turn to come to me, when you’re ready. I’ve waited 15 years to be with you again, what’s a little bit longer?” Without giving him a chance to respond, you kissed him again and were gone.

[katcadecascade]

Luck Will Fly

Fair Game fic I already posted on ao3 and decided to post here

it’s basically a baby bird acquisition oneshot

-

“Um, Clover?” The young huntress began and immediately Clover has a tight breath stuck in him.

Ruby Rose is known for impeccable leadership and clever strategies that rely heavily upon teamwork. As per of her skills, she has an air of confidence and hope.

Right now in the academy’s grand hallways where Clover was simply making his way to the kitchen, Ruby approaches him with a frown.

Despite the short amount of time knowing her, that frown means something bad is happening to a love one.

He instinctively has the urge to go find Qrow.

“Is something wrong?” He asks and his old teachers would reprimand him for speaking with such a tone. Captains are meant to be collected and stable. Yet the thought of anything bad happening to the dark haired man sends spikes into the Ace Leader’s chest.

The young adult, still a teenager to Clover’s mind, sends him a freaked surprise that’s shifts into confusion, “No, I don’t believe so. I’m wondering if you’ve seen Uncle Qrow lately.”

He wants to say that every time he sees Qrow, he’s beautiful and stunning and takes his breath away. But this is Qrow’s niece, those thoughts are highly inappropriate to share out loud.

That and as much as Clover dislikes admitting, he hasn’t seen Qrow lately.

“Not really,” Clover said, “He’s the first one to leave the meetings and so far has denied my invitations.” Ruby raises a brow at that last word. A flushed heat crawled up his neck as he quickly clarifies, “Invitations to tea or game nights, that is.”

“Uh huh, yeah he hasn’t been hanging out with any of us lately,” Ruby tapped her chin, “but it’s always the same excuse.”

“I gotta take care of something,” Clover quotes, recalling the hurried tone the huntsman used. “I assumed it was for your or your teams’ sake.”

She shrugged, “I thought it was about you.”

Clover blinked, not at all understanding how she connected those dots.

Because throughout all this time, Clover wants those dots connected, he desperately wants Qrow to give him some sort of sign that he likes him back. They flirt at each other left and right and Clover hopes for something else. He wants his advice for Qrow to get through that brain of his.

Qrow’s always deflecting compliments, shrugging off his self-worth but he’s been doing less so each time Clover manages to get that soft vulnerable look on his face, like he’s no longer hiding in a shadow of doubt and misery.

But right now, from the sounds of it, Qrow is distancing himself from everyone.

Clover didn’t question further, never reading anything to worry from the distracted look in Qrow’s face.

“Whatever this ‘something’ is,” Clover said, “it’s keeping his entire attention. Any idea what it could be, Miss Rose?”

The girl strokes her chin as if she had a long beard, her foot tapping along, “Hmm, if he’s taking care of this something for so long and in secret then maybe there’s a pattern to follow. What else has he been doing?”

The Ace Leader recalled the past week.

Unfortunately (is it though?) he spent quite a lot of it staring at Qrow’s ass.

Look, Clover can be a weak man, give him some slack.

Aside from that, he has seen Qrow always heading towards the gardens but when he passes by the floor-to-ceiling windows, the luxurious garden is empty.

“I think I know where he is,” he said, already walking with the huntress by his side.

“Oh I caught him slicing apples the other day,” Ruby brought up as it is the most important clue, “He always does that when I was younger even though he prefers to just eat to the core.”

It’s a short walk to the academy’s garden, tended daily by both students and staff to create a crisp and clean grass lawn. Flower bushes and beds are symmetrically lines down for sidewalks and a path leading towards a gazebo and groves. Along the way there are stone benches under the shade of tall trees, evenly trimmed and full of leaves.

Sure enough, the garden is cleared but the two leaders easily spot a bench with a napkin with apple slices.

“Huh, maybe we missed him,” Ruby wondered reaching down for a slice.

But then suddenly something small and dark swoops down from the tree, landing right next to the snack.

A black crow cawed at them.

Clover tilted his head, glancing at the bird then up to the tree. High in the branches, it’s a bit hard to spot a nest of twigs.

“Is Qrow known to leave out food for birds?” He asked and then he noticed Ruby has the crow on her arm. “Wow, it must really like you.”

Ruby beamed, gently petting the bird’s head, “I know.”

There was a genuine look of joy on the girl, reminding Clover that once upon a time he was like that, back when he was bright and determined to make the world a better place. He still has that determination, still is joyful, but even he has to admit that with experience and age comes a sense of doubt he can’t fight off.

Which is why Clover is happy to have the Beacon huntsmen here, they all bring in a new found hope and support. He won’t lie, he was never one hundred percent prepared when he and his team entered General Ironwood’s inner circle. The new and magical revelation still shocks him, so teaming up with Qrow and his kids were a lucky sign in Clover’s eyes.

Speaking of eyes, there is a glint of mischief sparkles in the girl’s silver eyes, a teasing smile on her lips, “I bet that this crow really likes you too.”

“I don’t have much experience with birds,” he warns as Ruby raises her arm up to get the bird closer to him. A cousin of his had a pet cockatoo, that bird was territorial and picky. It even got a good few pecks at Clover’s fingers.

“Aw,” she whined, still presented the bird up, “but this one is pretty and nice. Right, Clover?”

The crow cawed loudly at Ruby and Clover nearly backed away when the bird’s black feathers ruffled up.

He couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of its feathers puffing up, making it seem bigger and its red eyes tiny. Once the feathers relaxed, Clover gently and slowly reached over to pet the bird.

“Yeah, he’s a very pretty bird.”

Ruby’s grin went big, not that Clover could understand why, he’s too busy petting the bird. Mostly he’s too amazed at how calm and friendly the bird trusts him to pet the wings.

“Would you say that you love the bird?” Ruby innocently batted her eyelashes. He pulled his hand back as the crow suddenly flapped its wings and pecked at Ruby’s arm. “OW! UNCLE QROW!”

“Uh,” Clover dumbly said, “Qrow?”

As Ruby waved her arm up and down, the bird flies up and Clover watches how that tiny black mass grows and what is dropping back down is a handsome man with red eyes and red cheeks.

Qrow is giving his niece a frown that is trying so hard to not be a smile, “Okay I think you have said enough, brat.”

Rubbing her arm, Ruby sticks her tongue out defiantly. In return, Qrow ruffles up her hair.

Meanwhile, Clover is staring with his jaw dropped.

That bird… was it? Wait no wait- magic real, yep, recalling that- but Qrow and crow and pretty birds?

If he had more rational thought (because half his mind is always focused on Qrow) maybe, just maybe, Clover would remember that he has been informed of the existence of magic and wizards and gods and such.

But of course leave it to Qrow Branwen to always leave Clover Ebi senseless and awed.

“So I’m guessing from the look on your face that Jimmy didn’t tell you everything about me.”

“Ahhhhh,” is falling out of his mouth.

Neither man notices the way Ruby is giggling, her eyes darting between them.

Or well, Qrow is at least ignoring her. Every time he glances over to his niece his cheeks flare up in a redness that just wows Clover.

He wants to kiss those cheeks, watch how the pale skin easily shades into red under the faintest of touches. Those red eyes must look gorgeous when vivid emotions take over, freeing the man from any burdens of the world. Clover wishes desperately to have that honor of sending that sense of security and freedom to the dark haired man.

Tiny chirps interrupt the three hunters.

Qrow sighs and with swift, practice motion, feathers dawned on him. His small form picks up an apple slice and he flies to the nest.

Another chirp arises, sounding more pleased, and Qrow returns to the ground, his boots making a thud noise on the landing.

Ruby is on her uncle’s arm with a wide, excited smile, “Is that a bird up there? That’s whose the apples are for? Can we meet it?”

“It’s a ‘her’ and no,” he shakes his head, “She’s too young to fly down yet.”

Staring up, Clover could barely see movement in the nest. Crumbles of apple chunks scatter over the edge and he could see a tiny beak peer over. Miniscule black eyes meet Clover’s and he is startled by the amount of intelligence and curiosity that little creature has.

“She’s all alone?” Somehow Clover regained his voice and this is his first sentence. It’s also not the first time he said that question, tinged with sadden when he reaches the end of a rescue mission.

“Yeah,” Qrow’s own voice echoes something lonely and empathetic, “She’s been crying out each morning but no one came back for her. I finally found her and,” slowly, almost unnoticed, Qrow had Ruby under his arm, “I couldn’t leave her.”

Their red capes swayed with the gentle breeze, creating a picture of wings wrapped around them.

Ruby smiles up to her uncle, “Does she have a name?”

He shrugged, “I don’t exactly speak bird but I think she’s too young to remember if she was even named.”

A forlorn gaze takes over those red eyes, a familiar sadness tugging onto old handles sunken into the huntsman’s heart.

“Well I think she’s lucky to have you,” Clover comments, sending the other man a wink. It’s become too much of a habit to stop now, not that Clover wants to stop winking at Qrow. Still, it gets Qrow flustered before he could avoid the compliment.

“That’s it!” Ruby gasp, her whole body jittering, “Her name will be Lucky!”

Clover grins so wide it hurts.

Qrow groans.

“I- Oh Brothers no, Ruby, kiddo, no.”

“I think it’s a fitting name.”

“Of course you do, Lucky Charm.”

“Nope,” he shakes his head, “that can’t be my nickname anymore. Otherwise I’ll be very confused.”

Qrow scoffed, “What am I going to feed you apple slices?”

“I wouldn’t mind,” Clover finished with a wink.

Qrow groans, covering his face with his hands.

“Can I feed Lucky?” Ruby asks earnestly, already holding up an apple slice.

Her uncle uncovers his face, taking the slice, “Sorry, kiddo, she hasn’t met people yet. Young birds obverses a lot before they want to get closer. I kind of have to teach her the ropes.”

Ruby lightly punches his shoulder, “Then it’s a good thing she has the best teacher in the world.”

Qrow absolutely preens under the praise, so much like any other time Clover compliments him. He still scratches the back of his neck, tugging a few strands out of place. Clover has the urge to brush them back into an even shape, feel the heat in Qrow’s neck.

“You got everything you need for Lucky?” Clover checks, “We don’t need to gather up worms, do we?”

The caped duo naturally gags at the thought.

“Please don’t tell me you have worm bait, you fisherman,” Qrow pleas.

“Alright I won’t tell you.”

“Gross,” Ruby insightfully adds.

“I got this covered.” The shapeshifter assures, “Her flight and tail feathers just need to grow in and then she’ll be all set.”

Without another word, Qrow jumps up and a crow is flapping about. He flies higher up to the nest and he and Lucky chirp at each other.

Clover still can’t believe the transformation happened right before his eyes. It was so smooth and flawless to be considered a trick of the eye. Nope it was real magic, not something like a relic where it is basically in stasis, but magic as a muscle or a performance. It was definitely eye opening, not that Qrow doesn’t already do that.

For precautionary measures he takes a seat on the bench. “So, right, magic, that’s still a thing?”

The young huntress has the decency to silently laugh at him, “Yep, it is totally a thing.”

“And Qrow’s able to do this because?” Clover trailed off, not sure if it’s a sensitive topic or not.

A clouded look goes over Ruby’s face, “It apparently happened before I was born. Only knew about it a few months ago.” She sits beside the Ace Op, letting her toes tap together in an offbeat rhythm. “But now that I think back, a lot of things make sense. I would find feathers on his cape and oh yeah, he gets really distracted by shiny stuff.”

An undignified squawk is heard above.

“Really now?” Clover teases, “I’ll have to keep that in mind.”

This time the squawk sounds flustered.

Spending the rest of their down time in the garden becomes Clover’s favorite thing for the next few weeks.

It’s a quiet thing, birdwatching in a way as Qrow is the one in charge of the actual care taking for little Lucky. Since Ruby and Clover knew so little on birds, Qrow often shared bits of stuff he learned about throughout his experience of being a crow.

The way Qrow described his new perspective of the world, a place so big and new. He’s able to see places untouched by man, high tree tops or steep skyscraper tops. Suffice to say, the huntsman does not fear heights.

A new energy washed over Qrow as he rambles about stuff he has kept secret. Ruby is just as eager to listen to her uncle’s stories. Clover feels honored for being trusted with it.

The man is just so relaxed in his element, surrounded by nature with a bright eyed youngling oohing and awing at right moments in his stories. Tales of a crow plucking shiny accessories out of propitious folks (it was later returned by the way) and getting into places birds normally don’t have access too.

Clover doesn’t know Beacon or Signal teachers by name but apparently Qrow was a handful for them.

Sometimes Ruby doesn’t join them in the garden, leaving Clover to wait for the crow to finish his bird duties.

Today it seems like Lucky wants to spread her wings. Her chirps forming into a song that Qrow has taught her.

“She’s getting restless,” Qrow rubs his neck, slumping down on the ground so that his back rests against the bench. “I… I think it really is almost time for…”

“For her to leave the nest?” Clover lightly teases, he understands the sudden solemnness that is clouding on the other man but he’ll try his best to clear it. “Lucky will be able to fly with you.”

Qrow clenches his hands over his knees, “That’s not always a good thing. She’ll get hurt just like-“

“Hey,” he moves down to sit on Qrow’s level, getting dirt on his white uniform is the last thing on his mind as Clover takes Qrow’s hand, “She’s in your care. She’ll always want to return back to you.”

They’re no longer talking about a bird, not when their last mission had a close call with Ruby apparently pulling a Yang. (The nieces just have a knack of almost getting eaten alive by big Grimm)

Qrow won’t meet his eyes, “Lucky will eventually find a real flock to be with. I’m just temporary.”

“No you’re not,” he states, reaching over to hold Qrow’s face. His red eyes still hold some lingering doubt. “You raised her and while I don’t know much about birds but I know they’re smart. She’ll remember you for your kindness, patience, and most importantly your heart.”

It almost hurts Clover to see Qrow act like he’s never been told he’s all of those things before. He may not ever know the lengths of Qrow’s pain but he wants to be there for him, to remind him that he really is a good person.

Qrow still stares with vulnerability that is so pure and sacred. Clover will cherish this sight.

“I…” Qrow begins but it’s like something is stuck in his throat, “Clover I…” Hearing his name uttered so softly sent a shiver down Clover’s spine. “Yeah, I guess, yeah Lucky will remember all of that.”

Both have forgotten how their hands interlock, a firm grasp as they hear chirping continue.

Oh yeah, chirping, it’s getting louder.

Instantly both men snap their eyes up to see Lucky flapping her wings, her feet gripping the edge of the nest.

Clover’s breath is stuck, his entire being trained to help and protect but Qrow squeezes his hand.

Completely immune to Clover’s tension and anxiety, Qrow actually sighs with relief. Sadly he smiles, “She really is one restless bird.”

Lucky finally beats her wings in a steady rhythm and jumps off the nest. Next thing Clover knows, that little crow is soaring above their heads.

A new feeling hits Clover like a sucker punch.

Clover wonders if Qrow feels this way every time one of his kids are sent on a mission, this flurry of panic and worry and concern wrapped around a tiny voice that says ‘they’re all grown up and can take care of their selves’.

It feels like a heart attack to be honest.

“Are you okay Clover?”

A gentle hand slides over his cheek, damp.

Oh, Clover belatedly realizes, he’s crying.

“I’m fine,” he tries to say steadily. It comes out wobbly.

Qrow gives him a knowing smile, already whipping the tears away, “Shouldn’t that be my line?”

“Right, right of course,” Clover agrees, already a little embarrassed because why is he crying, it’s Qrow he should be comforting.

He spent weeks watching Qrow take care of Lucky. That baby bird probably doesn’t even know Clover. All Clover really contributed was carrying fruit for them.

Still though, out of curiosity and maybe envy, he complains, “How are you not a sobbing mess?”

“Eh,” Qrow shrugs, “I got all my waterworks out when Ruby dressed up like me for All Hollow’s Eve.”

Rubbing away the rest of his tears, Clover chuckles, “I bet you have that saved on your scroll.”

“What kind of uncle would I be if I didn’t?”

If there’s one thing Qrow loves to brag about, it’s about being Ruby’s and Yang’s super cool uncle. Now after witnessing the vast amount of domesticity coming off of them as of late, Clover sees what he’s missing out on.

Clover could smile a hundred different kinds but none is like the one Qrow dawns at this moment.

It’s a tiny one yet it expresses so much love he has for his family.

A small part of him hopes to be a reason Qrow smiles just as lovingly.

“Hey, look at that,” Qrow points up and while Clover doesn’t want to take his eyes off the man, he looks up to see a familiar crow start circling down to them.

“I told you she’ll return.”

Lucky swoops around and lands on top of Qrow’s knee, chirping like a singer.

Gently, the shapeshifter brushes his fingers against the feathers, a cooing sound coming from the bird. They’re all lost in this moment, carefully watching the how the bird blinks up to them.

Then to Clover’s surprise, Lucky hops over to Clover’s knee.

“Does she know me?” He asks, hesitant and quiet.

Qrow rolls his eyes, “I told you, birds always observe before getting close. She probably knows you as the snack boy.”

The joke doesn’t shake Clover’s apprehension on having such a small and important creature on him. Her eyes are intelligent, completely relaxed with Clover. He takes a chance and carefully raises a hand to pet her.

His hand keeps hesitating, centimeters away from touching her, almost trembling.

“It’s okay,” Qrow whispers, not daring his voice to break the quietness between them, “She trusts you.”

Hearing that confidence in Qrow’s voice is what gets Clover to finally reach Lucky, her feathers so soft under his calloused fingertips.

“She likes me,” he says with such surprise and bubbling joy over this little bird.

His eyes flicker over to Qrow and again there’s a soft look on the dark haired man. He just finds more ways to steal Clover’s heart.

As much as both men want to stay in this moment, Lucky decides her goodbyes are done.

She flaps a few times and then off she flies.

“Are you going after her?”

Clover kind of expected Qrow to take off by now but instead Qrow rejoins their hands. A new glint is in his red eyes as he stares into Clover.

“No, I’m good here.”

[axther]

For CH/JJBA Basic info: straight female, 5'4, Scorpio! If it matters my mbdi is debater, which I think is accurate. I'm a bit curvy/soft and I have really long wavy hair and glasses. Now for fun stuff! I'm a split between being very hyperactive (almost like a puppy lmao) or very quiet (not shy, but more indifferent. I've been told I'm intimidating) I'm into polyrelationships so the more boys the merrier. I like hiking and sports when I'm with people but don't do it by myself cause it's boring. 1

HERE’S UR FOOD QUEEN. also tumblr got me fucked up w no CH gifs :(

Cute Earth High Defense Club Love (Season One) V1

#1 is…Atsushi! 

He’s the most normal out of all the characters, to be honest

When he sees you, it’s nothing spectacularity radiant, per se

There’s a pretty girl in his school! cool! 

The strangest part is that it’s an all-boys school, so naturally, he’s confused

Through a series of plot shenanigans, you’re there as an exchange student

And he’s been told he has to help you get settled!! 

He introduces you to the Earth Defense Club, and slowly you two grow acclimated with each other 

While you’re friendly to everyone else, there’s something different between you and him 

It’s chemistry, and even Ryuu wouldn’t dare poke it 

One afternoon, someone asks you out via love letter, all the extra stuff

And you turn them down as politely as you can 

But thanks to the indifference, the boy gets offended 

He turns into a letter-shaped monster, and the Battle Lovers have to step in 

Atsushi is both appalled and terrified 

Did the monster hurt you??

Why did the monster appear around you? 

Was it something to do with you? 

He spends half of the battle just covering you 

And once the monster starts spewing slander, Atsushi is having none of it.

Whatever the monster says, Atsushi refutes, defending you until the rest of the battle is at a standstill and he’s just bickering with the monster. 

Eventually, Atsushi practically makes the monster choke on respect women juice, and on behalf of the passed out student, Atsushi begins apologising non-stop to you

You’re confused as hell 

The internet-famous Battle Lovers know you??

All you can see is the blurred out faces, and the blue one, the self-declared Piercing Prince, Epinard, seems to be constantly hanging over you 

And honestly 

He’s a cutie 

This results in a sailor moon-esque situation 

Where you have a crush on Epinard, Atsushi has a crush on you, and he’s miserable upon realising what he’s done 

Does he reveal that he’s Epinard???

Honestly, probably not on purpose  

I can absolutely see them talking about it and he’s like ‘do i always have to yell out im Epindard’ and he turns and sees you 

And you’re like ‘????? excuse me???’ 

Which results in more shenanigans 

#2 is…Yumoto! 

babey boye 

He falls for the flirting every time 

He reciprocates as best as he can, but for the most part, it’s just him being soft 

He hugs you so much omfg 

It gives Wombat a break, and though you don’t know he’s a talking wombat, he’s all for you being there 

What’s interesting is that he’s telling everyone he’s gonna marry you

And since most of the ppl in the school are bros, no one’s told you 

Which gets awkward 

Because he’s 200% told you that he loves you 

But you take it as ‘:D! I love platonic love between my Friends! :D!’ 

So it becomes a Situation that everyone gets second-hand embarrassment from 

Yumoto has told his brother that he’s gonna marry you and you’d be the bathhouse’s Okami 

But you’re thrown for a loop when Gora asks you when you and Yumoto started dating 

And you’re like ‘??????’ 

This results in a brief but stern conversation between Gora and Yumoto 

And Yumoto feels guilty, of course

But you’re so sweet! And you flirt with him!! Doesn’t that mean you like him??

It’s a bit of a wakeup call, but he’s still only got two brain cells

You gotta cut him some slack 

For about a day, he chills out, though he’s melancholy 

After that he’s back to being oblivious and sweet 

#3 is…Kinshiro! 

Did someone say ‘emotionally constipated teenager who’s in a rivalry with his childhood best friend for the girl they like but he has no idea how to approach her due to the fact stated above (he is emotionally constipated)’???

no????

Ok that’s valid

But you want a polyamorous relationship???

He and Atsushi are gonna be your best bet. 

This boye is completely lost when it comes to wooing you 

He thinks you’re graceful in a quiet sense

And while you’re a flirt and a meme lord, you’re also yourself 

Ibushi notices almost off the bat 

And he’s like ‘my guy, my dude...my cousin??? Fr???’ 

Kinshiro is crazy confused and embarrassed 

He’s always considered himself to have tunnel vision

But then you pass by and he gets a whiff of your shampoo and 

Oh no 

he gets kinda lightheaded and blushy but wipes it away fast 

Whenever you pop by to say hi to Ibushi he completely freezes 

Like he just stops moving altogether

 It’s something you, Ibushi, and Akoya have noticed 

Y’all exchange glances every time he freezes while sipping tea 

The MOMENT he realises you like Epinard he gets lowkey pissed

 Do you seriously like that barbaric, stupid Battle Lover??

He’s like ‘I’m elite, graceful, rich. I’m the better choice :(‘ 

Make him drink just a bit of respect women juice 

But he’ll be very, very soft for you

And after he finds out about Atsushi being Epinard and Atsushi likes you?? 

Well, it’s two birds with one stone 

He’ll do his best to hint that he likes you, but Akoya and Ibushi have to help him along 

Especially Ibushi, since he’s your cousin 

Get ready for a flood of thoughtful but expensive gifts

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure V2 

(Note: If you want a poly relationship, all three of these lads have convenient best friends...👀)

#1 is…Josuke!! 

Mans is a himbo (refer to chat) 

Sure he’s got like, one brain cell, but it’s dedicated to you!! 

He’s a bit of a flirt, too, so be ready to fend off the fangirls 

Since fangirls in the 90’s were chiller than ones in, say, the 80’s, they mostly respect that he’s got a girlfriend 

But the moment one of them tries to hurt a hair on your head, it’s game over 

Now

The thing about it is that you get shy 

But your shy is looking scary as hell 

So all they see is a glare that would make the devil run, and they bail 

Josuke relates to your fear of bugs!!

He’s not fond of turtles, so you guys can have each other’s back!! 

If you want to draw him something, he can and will frame it in the best frame he can convince Joseph to buy 

Is it gold foil?? Maybe 

Before y’all get together, he pines like no other 

He’ll start frequenting places you go to just because he wants to see you

And he doesn’t think it’s creepy but gets worried that you will 

But he thinks you’re incredible 

It’s something makes him short circuit a bit 

You: :) 

Josuke: Now Playing: Beautiful Girl (Alternate Version) [Tempo Track] - Jimmie Thompson, Gene Kelly & Lennie Hayton (Singin’ In The Rain) (1952) 

#2 is…Johnny!

Southern boye drank his respect women juice after he got shot 

And once he sees you???

He CHUGS it 

First off this is like the late 1880’s so anyone who bathes is probably stellar 

So he, too, has the Joestar Blessing of having Beautiful Girl play on repeat 

But as soon as you start flirting???

He’s GONE 

I mean this in the most literal sense 

He’s a good Christian boye (theoretically) 

So once you talk about dating him he flushes bright red

He’s aware that you’re just flirting, but oh hmmm 

He starts crushing fast 

Plus if you don’t judge him or think he’s weaker for being in a wheelchair? 

Give him a second he’s trying to find a ring 

He might be in a wheelchair but he’s in no way inadequate, if you get what I mean 👀

(who am I kidding, of course you do) 

Considering that memes weren’t much of the thing in the 1800’s if you find some, he probably wouldn’t understand them 

But he does enjoy when you play the piano 

But let’s say there’s a stand attack

And you just bust out knives??? 

instant boner 

#3 is… Joseph!

Flirt, but times two 

Y’all make anyone blush 

No one’s safe 

And with each other??

It can get foul, fast 

Does Lisa Lisa step in?? 

No, not really 

She’s not gonna interfere at Joseph’s chances of getting laid 

Plus she approves so!! 

Catch him trying to flex while you’re around 

Be it him trying to beat Cesar’s ass (and failing) or literally flexing, he wants to impress you 

And while he knows that you’re a flirt for the sake of being one, he also gets a bit nervous when you flirt with others

Especially if he hasn’t confessed, actually confessed, yet

Plus, he’s got a special arm 👀

Y’all know what’s up 

@matchupdomain @peeshposheddie

[sofhyuck]

Lay All Your Love On Me

Genre: rich kid!Jisung, friends to lovers, fluff, self discovery (?)

Word Count: 9k

Excerpt: Jisung glanced at you apprehensively before huffing out a sigh and returning his attention to the night sky. Stars littered the sky, battling the bright city lights in order to be seen. The headlights of cars travelling below you held your focus, eyes flitting between the blurring colors. Jisung, however, couldn’t get your conversation out of his head. Out of the years you had known each other you had always bent over backwards to help him and your friends. Whenever they attempted to reach out a helping hand, however, you always swatted it away without batting an eye. He wanted to be your rock as much as you were his, but you made it nearly impossible to do so.

Masterlist

A/N: first skz au, this one’s for you @jisung-enthusiast

The scent of your perfume tickled Jisung’s nose, filling his lungs with every inhale and clouding his mind with thoughts of you. He laid sprawled out on your bed, eyes closed as he clutched one of your stuffed animals close to his chest. Like everything else in the room, it smelled like you. He burrowed his nose into the head of the bear as he waited for you to finish getting ready. The smell intoxicated him, so much so that he nearly missed you calling out to him.

“Ya! Han Jisung! Pay attention to me!”

Jisung sat up straight, clutching your bear closer to his chest. “Sorry, were you saying something?” He teased, swinging his legs over the side of your bed.

“You’re annoying, you know that? Now come over here and help me with my hair.”

Quickly, he flung the bear back onto your bed as he moved to stand behind you.

“If I’m so annoying then why do you want me to do your hair, hmm?”

“You know you’re the best at it.” You whined, pouting at him through your vanity mirror. Any normal person would look sickly under the harsh lighting of your mirror, but somehow you still managed to look like an angel. “Besides, you’ve been doing my hair for these functions for years, it’s tradition at this point!”

“Yea, yea.” He mumbled, fighting back a blush at your compliment. “You know we’re like, hella late right now?”

“Fashionably late.”

Jisung rolled his eyes, staring at your reflection as you did your makeup. The short lilac summer dress complimented your skin perfectly, delicate flowers embroidered into the silky fabric. You caught his gaze in the mirror and stuck your tongue out at him, laughing lightly at his widened eyes.

“You’re supposed to be doing my hair not staring at me dingus.”

Before Jisung could quip back your ringtone went off, pulling your attention away from the mirror and to your phone screen.

“Shit it’s my mom.” You mumbled, putting down your mascara in exchange for your phone. Taking a deep breath, you put it on speaker phone, leaving your hands free to continue working on your makeup.

“Hi ma how’s the party—”

“Where the hell are you young lady? The party started almost an hour ago, do you know how bad this makes me and your father look? You better get your ass over here in ten minutes otherwise we’re cutting your allowance for the month. And bring that Jisung with you; you’re lucky his parents are our friends otherwise they would have severed our deal half an hour ago.”

“Calm down, ma, we’ll be there soon - oh fuck.” You muttered. The spaghetti strap of your dress had suddenly snapped, your hand flying up to keep the dress from falling and expose your bare breast to your best friend. Maybe you should have stopped wearing the dress after the strap began fraying, but it was your favorite summer dress and you were intent on wearing it until the fabric disintegrated in your hands god dammit.

“Language!” Your mother snapped over the phone. “You have ten minutes.” With that, she hung up the phone.

“Jisung, can you hold the strap for a second?” He followed your orders without a second thought, his fingertips tingling where they brushed your skin. You rifled through your vanity drawers before pulling out a safety pin. “Perfect.” You mumbled, passing it back to Jisung.

“Why don’t you just put on a different dress? You know your mom’s gonna have a fit when she sees you fixed your dress with a safety pin.” He scolded, pinning your dress regardless.

“There’s not enough time to put on a whole new dress plus change my makeup and jewelry and shoes to match. The repercussions of mismatched everything versus those of a safety pin? Definitely worse.”

Jisung hummed in understanding, finally clipping the pin in place. “There, all done. Now come on, we have to get across the hill in eight minutes.”

Grabbing Jisung’s outstretched hand, you slipped on your heels and headed out of your room. “It’s a good thing your car could get us there in three.”

“Sure, if we wanna get arrested.”

You only laughed, pulling him out the door of your family’s extravagant home. A light blush dusted Jisung’s cheeks, the skin of your hand soft against his own. He couldn’t be sure when exactly he had fallen in love with you, but damn was it fucking with his heart. Stepping outside, the fresh summer air eased his warm face.  

“Unlock your car dummy!” You whined, pulling lamely at the handle.

“Hands off before you set the alarm off, stupid.” You rolled your eyes, huffing as you crossed your arms over your chest. Digging through the pockets of his khaki shorts, Jisung pulled out his keys and unlocked the car. It beeped loudly and Jisung pulled the driver’s side door open, signalling for you to open your door.

“Did you have to get such a flashy car? You could see and hear this thing from the ISS.”

“You know my parents wouldn’t pay for anything less obnoxious.” The engine revved and he pulled out of your driveway, the large gate shutting closed behind you. It took less than six minutes to make it the the Bang’s mansion, and you made it into the actual house just in time for you to keep your monthly allowance. There was a pair of Jimmy Choo’s you had your eye on, and you’d be damned if you couldn’t buy them by next month’s summer gala. You had barely made it inside the mansion, your arm wrapped tightly around Jisung’s, before your mother came storming over to you.

“God, here she comes. Could you get me some champagne?” You lightly patted Jisung’s arm, pushing him slightly towards the waiters. Jisung reluctantly moved away, not wanting to leave you alone with your furious mother but also knowing how much you hated when your mother scolded you in front of him. Spotting Changbin and Felix across the room, Jisung grabbed two glasses of champagne and headed over towards them. He could just make out your mother’s reprimanding from across the room and winced slightly.

“You know if you didn’t want her to get yelled at you should’ve told Y/n to move her ass so that she’d get here on time.” Changbin deadpanned, his head leaning on his palm as he watched Jisung slide into the seat beside him.

“Oh I tried telling her but you know how she gets when she’s getting ready for these functions, especially when she wants to piss off her mom.”

“No, we don’t actually. You’re the only one who gets to see her highness before her grand entrance. Ruins the surprise, she says.” Felix added, rolling his eyes.

“Well she really likes taking her time, if you couldn’t already tell.”

“Oh, we can tell.” Changbin laughed, taking a swig from one of the champagne glasses Jisung had placed on the table.

“Hey! That was for Y/n!” Jisung whined, hopelessly reaching for the now empty glass.

“I’m sure princess can handle getting her own.”

“Speaking of…” Felix trailed off and Jisung followed his gaze, catching a glimpse of your retreating figure before you disappeared outside.

“I gotta go.” Jisung mumbled. Changbin and Felix nodded in understanding, looking after him with worry laced in their gazes.

❃❃❃❃

The warm summer air brushed against your bare arms and you sat on a stone bench, gazing at the large mansion, light filtering out of every window. You inhaled deeply, revelling in the fresh air void of the mingling of expensive colognes and perfumes that stifled the air inside. It wasn’t rare that you would bump heads with your mother at such events; she always found something wrong with your appearance and, at this point, you were trying to set her off. You weren’t about to let her force you into her ideal family vision without a fight. Besides, it seemed as though the functions were designed specifically to bore you half to death. Why not have some fun, no matter how much trouble you always ended up in.

A dark silhouette approached you from the bottom of the hill where you sat, backlit by the bright lights from the house. Without even seeing his face, you knew it was Jisung. What kind of best friend would you be if you couldn’t immediately recognize his outline? You watched as he made his way up the hill before he finally made it in front of you, hands on his knees while panting heavily.

“Stand up straight, drama queen.” You laugh, lightly kicking him in the shin.

“I climb all the way up that blasted hill for you to treat me like this?” He huffed, sitting down beside you.

“Like I said: drama queen.” Jisung only nudged your shoulder with his own in response. You both sit in silence for a moment, gazing at the party through the floor to ceiling windows that faced you.

“It’s all so pointless, isn’t it?” You break the silence. “Why do we even have to go to these dumb things? They always end in our parents telling us what embarrassments we are to our family names. And we always end up sneaking out anyways.”

“What did your mom say this time?”

“Oh, the usual. Making a bad impression for the rest of the family. What will the investors think of the company if I’m meant to be the future CEO. All her greatest hits.”

“Those don’t usually cause you to get so pissed. In all the years we’ve come to these dumb things I’ve never seen you storm out like this. So tell me, what’s really up?” He pried, turning to face you.

“I think I’m just…finally feeling the stress of being the company’s supposed future.” You shrug. “Now that I’m in college and learning all this shit while my parents continue to step on my back, it’s all finally becoming a reality, I guess.”

Jisung nodded in agreement, bringing his hand down to rub comforting circles on your thigh. Now that your little band of company children was growing up and one-by-one entering college,  you were all coming to realize the weight that rested on your shoulders. He himself, luckily, had taken a liking to business and had quite a knack for the subject as well, leaving him in good graces with his parents and future career. However, he was just now realizing that you hardly spoke of your studies with any of your group of friends, and it worried him. In fact, you didn’t even share any classes with him that past year, despite going to the same university and supposedly studying the same subject.

“I know I shouldn’t complain. I mean, we’re all going through the same thing and in the end we’ll all have great jobs without even worrying and we’ll be living comfortably. But, it just seems wrong, you know? Like my parents have so much fucking money but they don’t do anything with it. It just sits in their fucking bank accounts accruing more and more interest. I wish they were more like your parents; actually donating their money instead of keeping it all to themselves.”

“You and I both know my parents only donate so that they can get good press at charity benefits.” Jisung snorted.

“Better to donate for publicity rather than not at all.” You sighed, kicking lamely at a rock.

“Yo, we’re gonna bounce in a couple minutes, you guys wanna come?” Felix calls from the base of the hill, his voice carrying above the dismal orchestral piece drifting from indoors.

“Nah I’m gonna stay here for a bit, maybe we’ll catch you later.” Jisung calls back.

“You don’t have to stay here just for me,” you nudge his side. “I’m perfectly fine sitting here alone and reflecting on all of my miseries.”

“Like I’d ever let that happen. Now c’mon, I wanna take you away from this wretched party.” He bounces up, reaching his hand out for you to grasp.

“Wow, big words. That college education is really teaching you well.”

“Oh, shut up.” Jisung rolls his eyes, forcefully pulling you up so that you stumble a bit, his hands immediately coming to your sides to steady you. “Now let’s go for a ride.”

❃❃❃❃

Jisung struggled to keep his eyes on the road, attention constantly flitting between you and the dark tar ahead. You insisted that he leave the windows down and the wind whistled through your hair, but you hardly minded. Jisung always seemed to know just what you needed when you needed it, and right now you needed to feel free. The headlights of Jisung’s brand new car pierced the dark night as you travelled through the guarded neighborhood your families resided in. Whipping around turns, much to your amusement, Jisung made his way up the side of the small mountain at the center of your development. Making a sharp left, you cut onto a semi-concealed road you had hardly paid attention to in the past.

“Shortcut.” Jisung muttered, noticing your apprehension.

“Not like I know where we’re going anyways.”

“I doubt you’d know where it is even if I told you.” He smirked, glancing briefly at your expression of feigned offense.

“You think I could spend my entire life in this blasted development without exploring every inch of it?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m thinking.” The car came to a rolling stop in a small clearing. You gazed out of the windshield in awe at the sight before you. Jisung was right, there was a lot you didn’t know about the environment you grew up in. The clearing was at the perfect level to view the city that lay beyond your community as well as the night sky. Jisung couldn’t take his eyes off of you, your own filled with utter fascination, the stars reflected in your eyes. He climbed out of the car after a beat, breaking you out of your frozen state and following his lead. Settling on the hood of his car, you leaned your head on his shoulder.

“I found this spot by chance one day. I was in a similar mood, didn’t know what the point of my future was. Chan had mentioned it off handedly one time and I figured it was my turn to try and find the famed spot. It’s strange; I didn’t know where it was but I somehow found myself driving out here, as if something was calling to me. I think we’ve all come up here at one point or another, you’re the last one.”

“Why didn’t you bring me up here before?” You cried in indignation, sitting up to smack his arm.

“Ow hey don’t hit me!” Jisung pouted. “It’s kind of like, ritual to only come up here when you’re having a mental breakdown basically. It seemed like it was finally your time to join the club.”

“Bold of you to assume I’ve never had a mental breakdown before.” You snorted, rubbing your arms lightly to warm them from the cooling night air.

“I hope you know how concerning that is.” Jisung shrugs his jacket off to drape over your shoulders. “Why didn’t you bring a jacket with you?”

“Sorry, how was I supposed to know you were going to drag me up a mountain?”

“You should know by now that we always end up anywhere else besides the actual party for these functions.”

“Maybe so.” You mumbled, pulling his jacket tighter around your frame.

“You know you can tell me anything.” Jisung reached out to rest his hand over yours.

“I know, but some things are better kept inside my head.”

“But I care about you, Y/n, and it worries me to know there are things you won’t share with me.”

“I can take care of myself Jisung. There’s no point in troubling you with my shit too.”

“I want you to trouble me! In fact, it’s more troubling to hear all of this afterwards than if you just came to me in the moment. It kind of hurts knowing my best friend doesn’t want to confide in me.”

“There’s more to it than that Jisung. Let’s just drop for now, ok?”

Jisung glanced at you apprehensively before huffing out a sigh and returning his attention to the night sky. Stars littered the sky, battling the bright city lights in order to be seen. The headlights of cars travelling below you held your focus, eyes flitting between the blurring colors. Jisung, however, couldn’t get your conversation out of his head. Out of the years you had known each other you had always bent over backwards to help him and your friends. Whenever they attempted to reach out a helping hand, however, you always swatted it away without batting an eye. He wanted to be your rock as much as you were his, but you made it nearly impossible to do so.

“I care about you a lot, you know that right?”

“I know, Jisung, I care about you too.”

“No, I mean I really—”

A loud honk cut Jisung off and you both whipped your heads around to be blinded by the headlights of Chan’s car. It rolled to a stop besides you and Changbin jumped out, slamming the door behind him.

“We figured we’d find you guys up here.” He smiled, walking over to pull you off of Jisung’s car and into his arms. “You didn’t even stop to say hi at the party. I haven’t seen you since spring break you snake.”

“I’ve been busy!” You laughed, returning his embrace.

“Not too busy for Han over there, though.”

“Maybe if you went to the same uni as us we’d see each other more often.”

“Maybe if you guys were smart enough to get into my uni I’d see you more often.”

“Oh fuck off.” Jisung frowned, slipping off his car to walk over.

“Don’t be mean Changbin.” Dropping your arms to your sides, you delivered a sharp jab to his side.

“You know I love you guys.” He sang, wrapping his arm around your waist.

“Yea, whatever.” Jisung mumbled, rolling his eyes. “Why were you guys looking for us anyways?”

“We saw you leave the party before we were able to make our escape and since we haven’t seen you guys in so long we figured you’d like to hang. We’re going to get gelato.

“Yo hurry up I’m killing the environment over here!” Chan yelled from the driver’s side.

“That’s why you turn the car off, dumbass!” Changbin replied in reply before turning back around to face you. “So, feel like coming now?”

“Yea, I missed you guys but gelato especially. It’s just not the same at uni.”

“Nice to know where your priorities lie.”

“Jisung, you wanna come?”

He nodded in agreeance. “C’mon, Y/n. We’ll meet you guys there.”

Changbin hopped back into the car and Chan drove off. Opening the driver’s side door, Jisung slid onto the seat, waiting for you to get in before following the others.

❃❃❃❃

“God, this is so much better than the stores at school.” Jisung shovelled another spoonful of gelato into his mouth, savoring the sweet taste.

“Slow down, you might choke.” You laughed, eating a spoonful of your own.

“I would die happy if this is how I went.”

“The rest of us would be happy too.” Seungmin piped up, laughing as Jisung shot him a dirty look.

“What kind did you get Y/n?” Felix asked, pulling your attention away from the sight of Jisung chasing Seungmin up and down the sidewalk.

“Hazelnut and chocolate. What about y—”

“Again? Y/n you always get the same boring flavors, try something new for once.” Jisung abruptly cut you off, falling down to sit beside you on the bench.

“Well sorry if I don’t want to kill my tastebuds with whatever concoction you came up with this time.”

“Peppermint and fig! It’s actually pretty good, wanna try?”

“Absolutely not.” The mere sight of the two colors melting together into a puce had your nose crinkling in disgust.

“Your loss.” He shrugged before moving to steal a spoonful of your own gelato.

“Not on my watch.” You swatted his hand away, glaring at his bold attempt. “What happened to not having the same boring flavors?”

“I was talking about you, I haven’t had hazelnut and chocolate in a while.”

“Well then why didn’t you get your own?”

“It’s tastes better when I steal from other people.” He grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief.

“You’re insufferable.” You groaned, swirling your gelato together with your spoon.

“Yea but you love me.”

“I guess I do love you, idiot.”

Jisung wished you knew how much those words meant to him.

“Oi Jisung weren’t you saying you were gonna have a pool party next week?”  Felix drew your attention back to the rest of the group, who evidently had been discussing more pressing matters.

“Oh yea, my parents are out for a business trip and it’s supposed to be hella hot. It’s gonna be like the first official get together for the whole group.”

“Hell yea it’s gonna be lit!”

“Please never say that again Chan.” Felix groaned.

“Oh so when you guys say it it’s cool but when I say it it’s weird?”

“Exactly.” Felix deadpanned, everyone laughing at Chan’s flustered state.

“Sorry old man, you can never be one of the kids.” Seungmin patted his back. “At least you have Woojin.”

“We’re barely older than you guys! Besides, he’s not even here to back me up right now it’s not fair!”

“Save it for the pool party then, we should all be there”

Chan huffed, sitting back on the bench while crossing his arms.

“You’re coming, right?” Jisung asked, poking your side lightly.

“Of course!” You grinned. “It’s not a family reunion if we’re not all there!”

Jisung flinched a little when you referred to your group as a family. Sure, you had all grown up together, but Jisung sure as hell didn’t want to be seen as a brother to you. A very distant cousin, maybe, but even that was pushing it. Realizing just how weird his thoughts were getting, Jisung lightly shook his head and forced himself to listen to the conversation going on around him. Family was better than nothing, he supposed.

❃❃❃❃

Driving up Jisung’s extensive driveway, you could hear the pool party long before you saw it. Windows rolled down, loud laughter drifted into your car along with the warm summer air. Giddy with the prospect of finally reuniting with your full friend group, you parked your car and hopped out. You grabbed your small bag and skipped around the side of the mansion to the backyard where the pool lay. Rounding the corner, you almost ran straight into Felix.

“Yo, Y/n! Nice of you to finally join us!”

“You know she always has to come fashionably late.” Changbin called from the pool, playfully rolling his eyes.

“Of course, it’s my signature move.” You huffed, crossing your arms as you walked to place your things down on one of the many decorated pool chairs. You barely had the chance to let go of your bag before a very wet body ran up to you and latched onto your back. The force nearly knocked you over and you had to steady yourself with a hand on the pool chair before turning around.

“Hi, Jeongin.” You grinned, ruffling his wet hair.

“I missed you! I can’t believe you and Jisung decided to go to uni so far away, it’s not fair to the rest of us!”

“I missed you too, Innie,” you said with a laugh. “And it’s the parents wish, I had no choice.”

“Yea well it sucks.” Jeongin pouted, swaying you around in his grasp.

“Let her breath, Jeongin. You’re not the only one who missed her.” Woojin sidled over as the younger reluctantly released you from his grasp. Before Woojin could embrace you, Felix called out.

“Get in the water, losers. It’s what all the cool kids are doing.”

“Who are you calling loser, loser?” Woojin quipped back, motioning for you to follow him into the pool regardless.

“Let me take my shirt off first.” You laughed, preparing to remove your cover before a pair of arms once again wrapped around your waist.

“Lee Minho don’t you dare.” You attempted to glare behind you to no avail.

“Sorry I can’t hear you.” He sang in your ear, picking you up and promptly dropping you into the pool. Spluttering, you re-emerged from the water, shooting daggers at the laughing boy standing by the edge of the pool.

“That’s what you get for leaving us all here.”

“Jisung left too!” You exclaimed, pointing to the shocked boy across the pool. Jisung grinned sheepishly, waving lightly at you.

“Yea but this is his house so I have to be nice.” Minho shrugged, sliding into the pool beside you.

“You suck.” You mumbled, peeling your now drenched shirt off and placing it on the side of the pool.

“Yo, Minho, come over here! We’re playing chicken and everyone knows we’re the A team.” Hyunjin called him over, Seungmin already on top of Chan’s shoulders, game face on and ready to destroy anyone who dared to cross his path.

“Minho better watch out, Seungmin just lost his favorite pair of Gucci slides and he’s on the warpath.” Jisung piped up from beside you, wrapping his arm around your shoulders.

“Dude how are you so warm? The water’s freezing.”

Jisung shrugged. “I guess I’m just warm blooded.”

“We’re all warm blooded.”

“Well then I’m extra warm blooded.”

“It feels nice.” You mumbled, wrapping your arms around his waist so that you could steal more of his warmth. Jisung’s cheeks flushed and he tried desperately to calm his blush by staring at the bloodbath taking place before the two of you.

“Jesus Christ Seungmin don’t strangle him!” Woojin called out, acting as referee while trying to pry Seungmin’s hands from around Minho’s neck. Gasping dramatically for breath, Minho signalled for Hyunjin to let him down.

“I don’t think we should play anymore, Seungmin’s out for blood.”

“That’s loser talk!” Seungmin shouted, still sat on Chan’s shoulders as he pumped his fists in victory.

“If losing means I get to keep my life then I’ll gladly accept that title.”

Chan, having enough of Seungmin’s tirade, promptly fell backwards. Seungmin yelped in surprise, flailing his arms helplessly as he was dunked underwater. Jisung could feel your laughter vibrating against his chest and he wrapped his arms tighter around you, resting his cheek on the top of your head. Eyes trained on the splash fight breaking out in front of you, you failed to notice Minho coming up behind you. With a quick flick of his wrist, Minho pulled the strings holding your bikini up in a tight bow. You whipped your hands from around Jisung’s waist to keep from exposing yourself.

“What the hell, Minho? What are you, in middle school?” You snapped, glaring as he swam away, devilish laughter following in his wake.

“My revenge is complete.” Minho sent you a wink before diving under the water, swimming over to Chagbin and grabbing his ankle, the younger letting out a yell of surprise.

Rolling your eyes, you turned back to Jisung with a pout.

“Can you help me re-tie it? And double knot it, please.” Jisung nodded meekly in compliance and you turned around once more to allow him easier access to the strings. He fumbled with them, hands shaking slightly as his fingertips brushed against the bare skin of your back.

“All done.” He mumbled, pulling the knot tight.

“Thank you.” You crooned, patting his cheek lightly before wading over to where the rest of your friends were swimming about. In a desperate attempt at cooling his reddened cheeks, Jisung dunked himself in the cool water, shaking his hair out after resurfacing. Wiping water away from is eyes, he joined his friends, latching himself onto Minho’s back as he watched you laugh at something Chan had just said. The water perfectly reflected the sun’s rays, basking you in a warm glow. Jisung only prayed Minho couldn’t feel the way his heart beat faster at the image of you.

❃❃❃❃

Having spent nearly two hours playing in a pool under the hot summer sun, you all slowly gravitated out of the water to bask on the pool chairs. The sun embraced you in a comforting warmth after being in the cool water for so long, and you happily lay on your stomach. You had nearly slipped out of consciousness when a foot nudged you on the side. Glancing up, you found Jisung sat on the chair next to you, everyone else having gone inside a few minutes before.

“We’re all gonna get cleaned up and then watch a movie, you sticking around?”

You nodded sleepily, rolling over and holding out your hands for Jisung to grab onto and help pull you up.

“Can I stay over tonight? I don’t think I’ll be awake enough to drive back home.”

“Of course, did you bring anything to sleep in?”

“I’ve left enough clothes here over the years to have my own closet in your house.” You snorted, bumping your shoulder with his.

“I think my mom was actually talking about setting up one of our guest rooms as your own personal room, you’re here so often.”

“What can I say, your parents treat me better than my own.” You laughed lightly, shrugging your shoulders. Before Jisung was able to express his concern, you had already bolted inside. Sighing heavily, Jisung made his way to his own room only to find you rifling through his drawers.

“Ah, perfect!” You held up one of his worn band t-shirts that lay around from his brief pop-punk phase during high school. “I can’t believe you still have this thing.”

“You always wear it when you sleep over, how could I get rid of it?”

“Aw, Jisung you’re so thoughtful!” You cooed, ruffling his hair as you walked past him to get to one of the many bathrooms. “I’ll take the shower down the hall, I’m guessing we’re meeting in the cinema.”

Jisung nodded, eyes following you down the hall before you disappeared into the bathroom. He shuffled around his room, grabbing clean clothes, before making his way to the bathroom attached to his room. The warm water of the shower helped him clear his head, if only momentarily, of all thoughts of you. After showering, he quickly got dressed. Towelling his hair dry, Jisung made his way down the stairs and towards the small in home cinema in the basement.

“For once Y/n isn’t the last one to show up!” Changbin cheered, earning himself a sharp kick to his side courtesy of you.

“Yea, we thought you were drowning in there or something.”

Jisung chucked his towel at Seungmin, the now damp cloth landing squarely on his head. Seungmin squawked, frantically pulling the material off, exclaiming something about how disgusting Jisung was. Laughing at his friend’s vexation, Jisung plopped down in between where you and Woojin sat.

“Hey c’mon man.” Woojin groaned, Jisung having practically sat on top of him.

“Let me sit next to my best friend!” He whined.

“Yea because you guys never saw each other when you were off at university together four hours away from the rest of us.”

Jisung only stuck his tongue out in response, nuzzling further into the cushions and your side. Almost as a reflex, you brought your hand up to run through his hair, Jisung automatically relaxing into you.

“Since someone decided to take an hour in the shower we decided on watching The Wailing.”

“Oh c’mon I was only in there for like, fifteen minutes tops this is so unfair!”

“Listen, it’s already started!”

“Don’t worry I’ll protect you.” You whispered into his ear, a teasing lilt to your voice.

“Shut up.” He mumbled, but he still found himself tightening his grip on your waist a tad bit more. Sensing his acceptance, you smiled lightly and continued to stroke his head.

❃❃❃❃

Jisung barely noticed when the lights turned back on; considering his head was practically buried into your chest it made sense he was unable to notice the change in lighting. You were about to lightly nudge him when Woojin delivered a sharp smack to the back of Jisung’s head. He jolted further into your embrace before he lifted his head up, scowling at both the harsh lighting and the pain of Woojin’s slap.

“What was that for?” He groaned, rubbing the sore area.

“Movie’s over.” Woojin gave a curt response, still sour over being squashed earlier.

“I can see that. Now all of you get out of my house.”

“So rude, not even seeing us out.” Chan tsked, shaking his head. “Y/n, shouldn’t you be heading out too? It’s getting pretty late.”

You shook your head. “Nah, I’m sleeping over tonight. Too tired.”

“Ok kids, stay safe, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Shut up old man.”

“Again, I’m barely older than you guys!”

“Old enough!” Jeongin’s voice sounded from the hallway.

“I’ll see you two later, I gotta go kill Jeongin real quick.” Chan flashed a sickeningly sweet smile before taking off, the sounds of Jeongin’s screams reverberating around the house.

“Can we eat? I’m pretty sure we skipped dinner.” Your voice pulled Jisung’s attention away from his murderous friend.

“Oh, shit you’re right I’m so sorry. I think there’s some leftovers from my parents’ brunch party yesterday, how’s that sound?”

“That sounds perfect.” You grinned, already standing up to head out of the room. The two of you padded towards the kitchen, Jisung pulling the refrigerator open as you sat at the island countertop. The microwave hummed, cold leftovers rotating in an almost mesmerizing manner.

“What are your parents off doing this time?” You questioned, choosing to break the comfortable silence.

“Hm? Oh, they’re trying to expand the European branch, hoping they’ll be able to pull off more trips to Italy cloaked as business trips.”

“Smart, my parents are doing the same thing in Singapore. Trying to break into the Crazy Rich Asians crowd.”

“Man, we should’ve been cast in that movie.”

“Yea, because we definitely look like we’re in our mid-twenties and early-thirties.”

Jisung focused on you for a moment, eyes squinting. You felt your cheeks flush, caught off guard by his intense gaze. Seemingly coming to a conclusion, he nodded his head.

“You could definitely pass.” He grinned.

“Do you want to die?” You exclaimed, springing out of your chair and rushing over to him, wrapping your arm around his neck in a feeble attempt at a headlock.

“You walked into that one, what was I supposed to do?” Jisung cackled, a mixture of laughter and wheezing escaping his lungs.

“Doesn’t mean you had to say it.” You whined, dropping your arms, effectively releasing him from your grasp.

“You know I love you.” Jisung pinched your cheeks and you promptly swatted his hands away.

“Meanie.”

The microwave chimed and Jisung opened the door, pulling your plate out. Placing it beside his own on the counter, you both sat down and began eating.

“Did your chef make all of this? It’s fucking delicious.” You exclaimed, words muffled by chewed up waffles.

“How ladylike.” Jisung winced. “And they actually got catering for this, the chef is on a family vacation right now.”

“You have to give me their contact info, this is exactly what I want for our midsummer’s bash.”

“I thought your parents didn’t want breakfast for dinner.”

“They’re letting me organize the event for once so it’s my choice.” You huffed, stabbing at the strawberries Jisung had diligently sliced up for you.

“Ok, well I’ll ask my parents to send me the information and I’ll send it to you.”

“Thank you Jisung!” You sang, happily shovelling another piece of waffle into your mouth.

❃❃❃❃

After finishing your meal, the two of you headed upstairs to get washed up. Mouths full of toothpaste, Jisung crossed his eyes at you through the mirror and you almost choked on your spit from laughter. You poked his cheeks in retaliation, causing Jisung to jump away from your offending finger. Spitting into the sink, you rinsed your mouth, waiting for Jisung to do the same before heading towards his bedroom. Without hesitation you dove into his queen sized bed, turning on his bedside lamp so that he could turn off the overhead lights. Jisung lifted up the covers, sliding in hastily and turning to face you.

“Hi.” You grinned, tangling your legs together.

“Your feet are cold.” He whined, kicking desperately to escape your vice like grip but to no avail.

“You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Laughing, you wrapped your arms around his torso to further prove your point. Now face to face with you, Jisung’s eyes darted in an attempt to avoid your gaze, cheeks flushed red. God, why did you have to be so pretty?

“I wish we could have spent more time together at school.” You sighed, loosening your arms in order to lazily finger at the hem of his shirt.

“We literally hung out all the time, what are you talking about?”

“I mean, I don’t know, I just wish I wasn’t such a baby.”

“I’m not following you.”

You inhaled deeply before letting out a huff of frustration. The room grew silent as Jisung waited for you to collect your thoughts and, hopefully, explain exactly what you were talking about.

“I’m scared, Jisung. Scared of what my parents will think, what the guys will think, what you will think.”

“You’re the one scaring me here, Y/n. What’s going on? Are you - you’re not pregnant are you?” Jisung’s heartbeat sped up at the thought of you with anyone else besides him. He was with you all the time, there was no way he would have missed another guy, and there was no way you wouldn’t tell him if you were in a relationship.

“No, dumbass.” You rolled your eyes, smacking his stomach.

“Well then tell me what’s going on!” He exclaimed, growing frustrated with your rambling tangents.

“Fine. You know how we didn’t share any classes all year even though you were taking basically all business courses and how you kept asking me about it every day and I’d always just say I was in different timeblocks?”

“Yea…?”

“I didn’t take any business classes last semester. In fact, I haven’t taken any since I got to uni. I’m not a business major, Jisung. The reason you haven’t seen me in class or even around campus is because I’ve only taken courses in the liberal arts.”

Jisung faltered. It all made sense, he supposed. At least, why he never saw you during the school day. He had believed your excuses, you made compelling arguments. There were a few times he had wandered out of the business department towards the History Triangle when he could have sworn he saw you, but he had brushed it off as a fluke. People were allowed to inhabit areas of campus that didn’t pertain to their major, afterall.

“I tried to take a business course first semester, in fact my whole schedule was business and stats and all that bullshit. But I went to my first class and sat there and I just, I couldn’t do it Jisung. I felt like, if that was what my future was gonna be, I didn’t want to have a future. After that first class I dropped all the other ones and signed up for random courses and I found out I have a real affinity for history and literature. I wanted to tell you, Jisung, I really did but I was just so scared you’d hate me and, god please don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not mad you’re not doing business, Y/n. It was pretty obvious all throughout high school you hated it. I’m just mad you didn’t tell me.”

“I already said I tried—”

“I’m your best friend. You shouldn’t be scared of me. Do you even know why I decided to go to the same school as you? I got into the same school as Changbin, you know, I could’ve stayed here if I wanted to.”

Your eyes widened in shock; when you were receiving acceptance letters Jisung had made it seem as though he had only gotten into the same school as you.

“I went there for you, Y/n. I - I didn’t want you to be alone and—”

“You didn’t have to do that…”

“Let me finish. You were so excited when you found out we both got in, I couldn’t just abandon you. I know you only went because of your parents. Plus, the business department is better there, but don’t tell Changbin I said that.”

“Don’t lie Jisung. I know that was your dream school.”

“My dream school is wherever you are.”

“Oh my god shut up you idiot.” You rolled your eyes, pinching his chest. Swiftly, he engulfed your hand in his own and held it pressed to his chest.

“I’m serious, Y/n. You’re really, you’re so dense sometimes. I thought you were supposed to be the smart one out of the two of us.” Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion and Jisung only sighed in frustration. “I’m in love with you, idiot.” He blurted out, cheeks flushing as he averted his eyes to the window that lay behind you.

“You’re what?” You shot up right, eyes blown wide.

“I’m in love with you?” He mumbled, eyes still refusing to meet your own. Pushing him onto his back, you moved to straddle him with your arms crossed over your chest, eyes narrowed.

“Han Jisung, just how long have you been in love with me?”

“I don’t know…a couple of years?”

“Years? God, you’re right, I am an idiot.”

“Can you just reject me already, I’m dying of embarrassment down here.”

“Reject you? Why the hell would I do that? Han Jisung I’ve been in love with you since sophomore year of high school when you fucking spilled your water on me during soph hop.”

Jisung sat up, his arms wrapping around your waist to steady you. “Why would you fall in love with me then? That’s, like, in my top ten most embarrassing moments, right in front of this one.”

“Because you practically started crying you were so scared I was gonna stop being friends with you.” You laughed fondly at the memory. “You were so cute, shoving napkins at me. When you took off your jacket so that I could wear it, I don’t know, I just kind of fell for you.”

“God, how are we both the most dumb?” He groaned, burying his head in your chest.

“We can be dumb together.” You laughed, stroking the top of his head.

“You’re serious? I mean, you really do like me?”

“No, Jisung, I love you.” You reiterated, cupping his cheeks to bring him eye level to you.

“Good.” He mumbled, eyes locked with your lips. “Now can I please kiss you? These past few years have been torture without them.”

“You act as though I’ve kissed you before.”

“Don’t you remember? Winter break, junior year, in the cabin?”

“Oh god don’t remind me of that. There’s no way it counts as our first kiss, it was horrible.”

“I thought it wasn’t that bad.” Jisung pouted.

“Dude I was so drunk. Just kiss me already.”

Jisung gladly complied, tightening his hold on your waist as he leaned up slightly to press his lips to yours.

Your first kiss had taken place during an impromptu game of spin the bottle sat on the first floor of Hyunjin’s family cabin. You had probably drank a little bit too much and Jisung was no better. When the bottle had landed on you after Jisung spun, his heart nearly fell right out of his ass and directly onto the plush carpeted floor. It was a sloppy kiss, barely lasting five seconds, and it was overpowered by the taste of alcohol on your lips. This kiss trumped that first one by a landslide, and Jisung definitely didn’t mind if you both chose to forget it ever happened in favor of this one. His lips melded with yours perfectly, taking a moment to warm up to each other before you both began to move in unison. Hands still holding his cheeks, you moved to run your fingers through his hair, pulling a muffled sigh from his lips. Without a second thought, Jisung’s hands ran down your waist to gently cup your ass. Pulling away in surprise, you eyed the wide smirk spread across his face.

“Han Jisung you cheeky boy.”

Jisung only laughed in response, already swooping in for another kiss.

❃❃❃❃

You stood in front of your parents study, wringing your hands together from nerves. Jisung’s hands were on your waist, rubbing soothing circles into your side. It had been a week since you and Jisung became official and your entire inner circle already knew. No one was shocked, in fact both of your parents were completely overjoyed and the boys almost broke a table out of excitement (Minho might have got a little teary-eyed when he found out but he begs to differ). There was already talk of a wedding floating around, which you and Jisung chose to ignore for the sake of your own sanity. After you and Jisung had settled down from your initial lovers high, he had somehow convinced you to tell your parents that you weren’t studying business, which leads us to where you’re currently stood.

“Can you please come with me to tell my parents? They probably won’t kill me if you’re there.” You whined, tugging at his shirt sleeve.

“Sorry, baby, you’re on your own for this one. You can do it, be strong, I believe in you.”

“Baby?”

“Yea, I get to call you that now. The perks of being your boyfriend.”

“Yes, the perks are calling me gross pet names, not the great honor of being able to call me your girlfriend.”

“Baby is not a gross pet name, it’s cute!”

“Sure, Han.”

“Just go in, I’ll be right out here, ok?”

Taking in a shaky breath, you nodded and pulled at the end of your skirt in an attempt to straighten it out. Jisung placed a quick peck on your forehead and pushed the door open for you, watching it swing shut behind you. Undeniably stressed for you, Jisung wiped his sweaty palms on the front of his pants and took a seat on the bench facing your parent’s office. His leg bounced uncontrollably as he strained his ears, trying to catch any snippet of the conversation taking place inside. A loud shriek sounded from behind the door, no doubt your mother, and Jisung winced at the exclamation. He had half a mind to go in and help, but you were strong and he knew you could handle it on your own. Besides, he’d probably somehow end up worsening the situation. A few more minutes passed with no further exclamations and Jisung thought it best to distract himself. Sitting back on the bench so that his back met the wall, Jisung took out his phone and began mindlessly playing whatever app he could find.

Nearly half an hour passed before the door slowly creaked out, your expression unreadable as you made your way over to sit beside him. Fumbling with his phone, he pocketed the device and turned to face you, his hands automatically going to hold your own.

“Well…?” He trailed off, unsure of whether he should console or congratulate you.

“They’re not that happy, at least not my mom as you could probably hear. My dad was more sympathetic, I don’t think he ever really expected me to take over the business, to be honest. My mom’ll get over it, too. Eventually. For now party planning privileges have been taken away so no more breakfast for dinner at the midsummer bash.” You shrugged. “Oh yea, also this month’s allowance has been taken away but that’s just because my dad’s mad I didn’t tell him right away. Guess the Jimmy Choo’s will have to wait.”

“See, that’s not so bad! Honestly, I’m a little surprised that’s all.”

“If we weren’t dating it’d definitely be much worse. However, since everyone’s convinced we’re getting married, they figure we’ll just merge our companies together when you take over for your parents.”

Jisung’s cheeks flushed at the mention of marriage and nodded along to your parent’s reasoning. “See, now aren’t you glad we’re dating?”

“What made you think I wasn’t glad to begin with?”

“I’m teasing, baby.”

“I will break up with you if you keep calling me that.”

“You wouldn’t dare. We’re getting married soon, remember?”

“Slow your roll there buddy, it’s been one week.”

“A man can dream.”

���❃❃❃

Jisung once again found himself sprawled across your bed as you prepared for the midsummer’s bash. He absentmindedly threw your stuffed bear up into the air, catching it as it came back down.

“You know it’s kind of rude to show up late to your own party.” He called out, giving up on the bear and focusing on your back instead.

“Technically it’s not my party since I wasn’t allowed to plan.” You quipped back, perfecting your winged eyeliner.

“Is it really a great idea to piss off your mom more than she already is?”

“Oh she doesn’t care, she’s busy fretting over her precious lobster spread.”

“You are so petty, you know that right?”

“But you still love me.” You grinned, spinning around in your chair to face him. “All done.”

“Let’s go, princess.”

“Hmmm, princess, I like that a lot better than baby.”

“Finally, a pet name she agrees to.” Jisung flung his arms up in mock exasperation, moving to pull you up out of your chair. “C’mon, let’s go grace everyone with your lovely presence.”

“As you wish.” You placed your hand into his outstretched palm, standing up to head outside.

Your entire backyard was lit up by thousands of fairy lights, round tables covered in white lace perfectly placed so that wide area was left open to act as a dance floor. A string quartet sat on a raised platform, Mozart floating around the open area. Friends and business partners mingled about the premise and you immediately spotted your group of friends clustered around the banquet table. You tugged lightly at Jisung’s hand, pulling him over to where they stood.

“A chocolate fountain, nice touch.”

“Breakfast for dinner is better you traitor.” You huff, releasing his hand as an act of protest as you approached the table.

“Uh oh, trouble in paradise already?” Felix laughed, chocolate staining his pristine new polo shirt.

“You spilled, idiot.” Seungmin pointed out.

“Fuck mom’s gonna kill me.” He mumbled, immediately grabbing a glass of water and dabbing at the brown splotch.

“And we thought we were the dumb ones.” Jisung laughed into your ear.

“Sorry I don’t talk to traitors.” You quipped, crossing your arms while turning to face Woojin.

“How did you already fuck this up Jisung? I was really rooting for you guys.” Minho groaned, punching Jisung’s arm.

“I just said the chocolate fountain was a good idea! Trust me, Y/n, breakfast for dinner would have been so much better than this.”

“Fine.” You sniffed haughtily, returning your hand to hold onto his forearm.

“Oh fuck my dad’s coming over.” Chan muttered. “He’s been bugging me all week about asking out the Kang’s daughter ever since you guys started dating. Gotta blast!” Promptly, he set his plate on the nearest table and made a beeline towards the now crowded dance floor.

“We’re gonna go too, Chan’s not the only one being pestered by adults to start dating.” All of your friends vacated the area and, before you could follow suit, Mr Bang’s hand landed squarely on Jisung’s shoulder, causing him to jump in surprise.

“Hello, Mr. Bang!” You greeted, a cordial smile immediately making its way onto your face.

“I’m so happy for you kids, really. It’s about time you two got together! The other kids need to step up their game before it’s too late.” He chuckled, taking a bite of the lobster that sat on his plate. “I heard the companies are gonna combine, think you can handle in, Han?”

“Oh he definitely can Mr. Bang! His grades are absolutely incredible, he’ll make a great CEO.” You smiled proudly up at Jisung, his face flushing at your praise.

“I’m not that great.” He mumbled, shuffling his feet awkwardly.

“Oh shut up you’re practically the top student in your major!”

“Ah, young love. These are gonna be some of the best days of your life, better enjoy them while you can. Enjoy the party, it’s wonderfully put together!” Mr. Bang exclaimed. “Your mother did a great job, Y/n.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bang, I’ll be sure to tell her.” You smiled through gritted teeth, Jisung wincing as you tightened your grip on his hand.

“But you know what would make this party so much better?” Mr. Bang leaned in closer as if ready to spill a juicy secret. “Three words: breakfast for dinner.” Too shocked to respond, you stood in silence as his wife called him over. Mr. Bang bid his farewell, plate of lobster legs in hand. Snapping out of your shock, a wide grin spread across your lips and you turned to face Jisung.

“See! I fucking told you it would bring this whole thing together!” You cried once he was out of ear shot, jabbing a finger into Jisung’s chest. He grabbed your finger, pressing a chaste kiss to the tip.

“How about we get out of here and find some breakfast of our own?” He winked, eyes reflecting the twinkling fairy lights strung around your backyard. Grinning in response, you grabbed his hand and led him towards his car, his grip tightening as you reached the front of your house. He could already taste the waffles.

[vityacristo]

Grilled Cheese

Para: Grilled Cheese

Who: Vitya Cristo & Monty Prescott @montyprescottjoy

When: June 27th, 2020

Where: Vitya’s apartment

What: Vitya, mid-manic episode, goes grocery shopping for food beyond candy. Monty is waiting, unannounced, in his dorm room. They tip-toe through conversation, yet again, unable to break down each other’s walls. That does not mean boundaries aren’t broken, though...

Triggers: Suicide, Drug use, Abuse, Sexually Explicit

VITYA

Vitya was cursing to himself as he walked to his dorm room. Something processed him that morning, something gripped his gut and it would not go away; Go buy groceries. Vitya never bothered, just eating junk food. he figured, if he wasn't going to live long, why bother taking care of himself? He had no idea how to cook, anyway, so this could be a complete failure. the only guide he had was the 'diet recommendations' his doctor had, buying everything he could find on that list. His wallet was looking thin now. He opened his dorm door, noticing a familiar pair of shoes by it; Monty had let himself in. Vitya didn't mind. It felt... nice coming back to his dorm, knowing someone was there waiting for him. Even if it was Monty, of all people. Now that he thought about it, the voice in his head, telling him to do this, was less his own just telling him to get groceries, but more Monty's voice. 'Eat some real food, asshole' was more appropriate. Knowing the other man was likely in his bedroom, he passed by the kitchen and opened his bedroom door. Unceremoniously, he dropped one of the bags on the bed, the contents of apples, lettuce, and a loaf of bread spilling out.

"Get up. You're teaching me how to cook."

MONTY

Monty had been waiting for Vitya, he was rather surprised when he'd gotten no answer at the door and part of him was worried by that. as far as Monty knew Vitya didn't spend the night with clients so it was concerning to not get an answer this early in the day. It was barely lunchtime. Monty often showed up here without any warning these days and this was the first time there had been non answer. Monty pulled a small tool from his wallet and jimmied the lock, keeping his eyes peeled for anyone who might see him breaking in but luckily the dorms were quiet because it wasn't quite official move in day yet so only returning students were even on campus.

Monty looked around the dorm as he entered quietly, toeing off his shoes so he wouldn't make much noise just incase Vitya was still asleep. Monty found the apartment empty which made his stomach fall in disappointment. He huffed but decided to wait, after all it wasn't like he had anything better to do than hang around with the younger man for the day. Not that he would admit he wanted to spend the day here, just that he had nothing else going on with no classes to keep him out of trouble at the moment when he wasn't working on his research project.

Monty took a peek in the refrigerator and couldn't even find a beer. He grumbled under his breath about Vitya having finished off the last case he'd left here and flopped down on the bed. He let his mind wander as he laid there and was half asleep, face buried in Vitya's pillow when he was shocked from his sleep by the sound of Vitya's footsteps and a bag of groceries hitting his leg.

"The fuck asshole?" He groused, voice thick with sleep and hair sticking up in every direction. "Where the fuck ya been man? What with the bag attack?" He huffed, brow raised suspiciously at the food that had rolled out of the bag.

VITYA

Vitya couldn't help but laugh to the state of Monty. His disheveled hair, the sleepy tone of voice, the huffing and puffing. "I went shopping. I actually paid for something, for once." He stepped to the edge of the bed, leaning over and petting his hair back, kissing his forehead. "Come on, you're going to show me how to make something." Vitya said, standing back up and grabbing the tossed bag and walking outside the bedroom.

"I was able to grab you a bottle, too. I had to smuggle it out, since you Americans have moronic age gates for that, but I still got it," Vitya said, placing the bags on the table and starting to unpack. An array of healthy foods, fruits, grains, meat, as well as a few bags of candy, more due to Vitya's love of sweets and impulse to buy them. "I have no idea what I am doing with all of this, so I hope you at least know something. I'd rather learn from someone in person than a Youtube video," Vitya admitted, reaching into his left boot and pulling out the bottle of bourbon he stole. He set it to the side, for Monty to go at whenever he wanted.

MONTY

Monty hummed softly in appreciation of the gentle forehead kiss that helped bring him back to the land of the living and batted Vitya’s hand away playfully. “So you’re telling me ya didn’t just raid a vending machine damn kid what is this a special occasion?” Monty laughed teasingly. He’d never see this much food in Vitya’s apartment and he couldn’t help but wonder if the younger man was finally taking his own illness seriously by actually trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

“I see! The truth is finally out. The prince of poison himself doesn’t know how to cook. that’s why he lives on a diet of candy!” Monty actually laughed out loud, messing with Vitya and using his childhood nickname against him. “I ain’t exactly master chef ya know. I don’t just eat take out around you, but Nikko did teach me some shit an’ I do have my own famous grilled cheese I can show ya real east an it looks like ya got all the stuff for it. I see ya couldn’t resist ya sweet shit though.” Monty teased as he spied the candy while collecting the ingredients for a good grilled cheese and starting to throw the rest slightly haphazardly into the refrigerator out of habit, not thinking (or more like not allowing himself to think) how helpful he was being by doing it without being asked or forced. “Good call on the bourbon.” Monty moaned eying the label. “Ya got any ice goin in the freezer or do I gotta wait to have a glass of this?”

VITYA

Vitya laughed to himself, shrugging at Monty's question. "Not sure... You're here fairly often, and we always eat, figured I can have something here," Vitya noted, still pulling out various items. He looked at a rather girthy cucumber with a twinkle in his eye. "Thought of you," he joked, setting it on the counter.

Vitya could not control his impulsive laughter, this one making his eyes crinkle, his cheeks turn pink. "Shut up, I was a pampered prick. I never lived somewhere without a personal cook until moving America- Imagine my horror!" he said with both sarcasm as well as self-reflective truth. Feeding himself was hard at first, and that challenge made his diet of candy an easy choice. Nevermind what it did to his emotional state, eating junk all the time. It wasn't the cause of it but it certainly didn't help.

"Well, I am not expecting high cuisine here. You have just... lived more than I have, and if anyone is going to teach me how to be better at this 'feeding yourself' thing, it would be you." There were little butterflies in his stomach as that sentence came out. It was tart to say, sour but sweet. Monty had such a riviting life, of mob hits and gun fights and a brother he would die to protect. To Vitya, it was a far more exciting life than his. His eyes wandered to where Monty was helping him put the groceries away, tossing them inside. Hey, as long as they were edible, he didn't care where they ended up. First step was actually eating them, not organizing them like colors of socks. "Of course I do, Red Bull with vodka demands ice. It's in the freezer," the pointed to the top compartment.

Vitya collected the plastic bags, shoving them under the sink to be used as trashbags later. He grabbed his precious bags of candy and placed them on his desk, having to move some jars of dirty water and ink to give them a spot. He walked back to the kitchen, playfully resting his chin on Monty's shoulder. "So, are you going to make me watch you make the grilled cheese, or are you going to recreate the pottery scene in Ghost?"

MONTY

"Tryin' ta tell me ya sick of take out? Fuckin' sure they can cook more than me, but unless ya highness has a money tree we do need to cut down," Monty cocked his head, and stuck out his tongue in a way that wasn't exactly common with him but he was still a little pliant from sleep in a way that was also unusual so it seemed his guard was down for a change... though it didn't last long as he made his next quip he instantly felt his own insides shatter... "or ya need ta be takin' ya ass ta work more." Monty instantly bit his own lip. There was a time he didn't care about Vitya's job, he understood doing whatever a person needed to do to make money but now the thought of Vitya going out and doing that made him feel sick in a way he didn't understand. Monty turned away feeling himself blush, he never blushed.

Monty only looked back when he saw the cucumber waiving in his peripheral vision and he was finally able to laugh again, to took the produce from Vitya and lewdly imitated the motions of a handjob on the length of it before throwing it into the refrigerator with the rest.

"Fuckin' fine. Grilled cheese it is. It's one-a the first things Nikko showed me, figure if he let me do it you can too, and I throw slices or tomatoes in there so it counts for vegetables or whatever." Monty shrugged off Vitya's comment about having 'lived more'. He didn't find his life something to be proud of something people should be interested in, to him it represented the very worst of his memories and as much as he used his mob connections as a shield; something to terrify others with, it was the thing he was most ashamed of. Monty looked away from Vitya, keeping his eyes downcast as he moved around the kitchen area collecting a glass, ice, and the bottle of bourbon. He took a deep swig before pouring a half glass and topping it with ice. Monty leaned back into Vitya's body when he hooked his chin on a shoulder, he couldn't resist pressing a kiss to the younger mans jaw. "If by that ya mean forgettin' the food and going to the fuckin' I ain't complainin' but if ya wanna eat today ya better gimme a frying pan and the bread and butter." He chuckled.

VITYA

"What, and you aren't? There are only so many fucking times I can eat chinese food, or afford to." Vitya joked again, giving Monty the middle finger at him sticking his tongue out. The playful warmth between them froze like Hell in a blizzard, for a split second, when Monty let slip his addendum. Vitya's jaw locked a moment; it had been a long time. His last 'paycheck' was three days before his hospital visit, nearly two months ago. Vitya never said anything, but he was strapped for cash. "Let me worry about that," he said, in a somber tone. The reality was, Vitya knew nothing else. He had no other practical skills beyond sex, but he was having so much fun with Monty, feeling better than he ever felt, both inside and out- He didn't want to fuck someone else. Vitya had to be rational; he needed cash. And he wasn't going to take it from Monty anymore. So, whoring himself out it is.

The tone met in the middle, lukewarm, as Vitya watched Monty pour his drink, feeling the other man's warmth against him made it so tempting for Vitya to let his hands wander, maybe jerk Monty off from behind, but he resisted, for now. He chuckled, returning the kiss on his jaw with a lick up the shell of Monty's ear, biting the lobe and then letting it go. "Alright, hold on," Vitya said, letting Monty go, searching through the cupboards for a frying pan. he eventually found one, handing it to the other man along with the items he asked for.

"Normally I would take you up on the 'skip food, just fuck' thing, but the last time I ate anything was when you were here last, so I figure I better not skip this time," Vitya admitted. It affirmed one thing; his grocery shopping today had nothing to do with Monty coming to visit. Vitya had no idea he would be there today. He didn't buy it for when Monty was there; he bought it for when he wasn't. For when Vitya was on his own, not caught under Monty's eye, who Vitya knew watched him eat...

"Tell you what; once we're done here, I'll blow you. As long as you want."

MONTY

"Fuck, fine, okay, sendin' Nikko ta LA hurt my wallet an' I'm even more on the outs with pops after refusin' ta do a job for him but I should be gettin' some cash at the end of summer for this project I'm workin' on if I get all the fuckin' math figured out. That or we go Breaking Bad in here an' I start cookin' my own shit." Monty laughed dryly. Humour fizzling out as he mentally took stock of his current savings. Yes his graduate program got him room and board thanks to the scholarship prize but it barely stretched beyond the apartment rental. Textbooks and equipment in his field were not cheep.

"Ya know, ya could think about sellin' some of this." Monty gestured to the art littering the room. He actually did appreciate Vitya's art more than he would ever feel comfortable voicing and the thought of Vitya selling that rather than his body was oddly comforting in a way he couldn't understand never mind explain.

A shiver ran up Monty's spine thanks to the heat of Vitya's breath and the kiss in return. A blush raised in his cheeks and he cleared his throat distractedly, trying to refocus himself on the task at hand.

"Fuck Vitya, it's been two full days." Monty sighed heavily, wanting to punch the other boy for his idiocy but not wanting to expose his concern, already berating himself for the words he'd let slip so he kept the anger in check as best he could as he attempted to butter the bread gently so it wouldn't tear it up.

"Al'ight sounds like a fair exchange," Monty grinned, feeling more relaxed as their easy banter set back in. "Want ya ta swallow it too, look so fuckin' hot when ya swallow it down for me, pretty boy..." Monty couldn't help the words slip out as Vitya's lips caught his eye, reminding him of the image that was Vitya's lips red and puffy...

VITYA

Vitya snapped his fingers at Monty, in a small 'told you' sort of way. Monty was stretching himself, too; all the more reason Vitya needed to get back out there and work. Monty at least had a plan, one that involved his career, uplifting himself. It was admirable. His train of thought was interrupted at Monty's suggestion, eyes rolling over the mounds of art he had made. He grimaced. "Really? It's all depressive ramblings and... I don't know, devil worship? That's a niche market if I ever heard of one." He said. In all honesty, Vitya had no faith in his own work. He only chose it as a major so then he could get into this college; it was either that or be homeless, so Vitya chose college.

Vitya could hear the concern in Monty's voice. Instead of give in, he just smiled and shrugged. "Yeah, well... I'm working on it." he spoke softly, returning Monty's concern with a hopeful optimism. A rare form, in Vitya's case, the emotional vulnerability making his heart pound. "It takes a lot, sometimes, just to get out of bed, so the fact I made it to the store and back? I call that a win," Vitya threw his hands into the air, hoping this conversation would end here. He didn't want to talk about his mental health, or his behavior, right now. He wanted to make food with Monty, and ignore the past two days entirely.

"Mmmn," Vitya teased back, licking his lips when they caught Monty's eye. "Oh, I will, if you..." Vitya leaned to Monty's ear again, sliding his hands down's Monty's arms. "...Slide your cock so far down my throat, it makes my body freeze, and my head go all fuzzy-" He cut himself off, stealing Monty's glass of bourbon a moment and backing away, taking a sip before putting the glass back where it was. "Don't get too distracted, " he teased, motioning to the task at hand. "You need to earn it!"

MONTY

"Hey stop thinkin' so hard over there, ya know I can mock up some financial documents for ya, that's how I cleaned up freshman year, been doin' ma dad's taxes an' shit for years, the man's an ass but we know how ta play the system." Monty laughed, he'd never told anyone but Nikko about this and even then it was only recently, after he started college. Yet he didn't question the way he was opening up to Vitya, it just seemed natural and somehow he knew Vit wouldn't snitch.

"Nah man, crazy old collectors go mad for this shit. An' if tryin' ta sell legitimately doesn't work gettin' ya shit inta an established gallery is a scam I could work easy." Monty winked, letting his mind wander down the road of imagination. Even if scamming was part of his horrid upbringing it was something he often genuinely enjoyed. The thrill got his heart racing. Though that could just be from Vitya's proximity... Monty cleared his throat "Got a knife for cheese or did ya get craft slices?" he asked, concentrating more than necessary on the pan heading up and melting the glob of butter he'd thrown in.

"Did someone fuckin' sneak happy pills in ya mornin' red bull? Ain't seen ya this fuckin' optimistic since the idea of havin' my cock up ya ass" Monty teased, but it was soft, almost kind, pleased to see the younger man in a light he wasn't used to. Having someone to connect with, who understood his pain was one of the best things about Vitya, after fucking of course, but seeing him hopeful did something to Monty he hadn't experienced before except with Nikko... it made him proud. But even deeper than with Nikko it also made warmth stir in his belly.

"Fuck..."Monty groaned shamelessly at Vitya's response, that familiar tingling racing through his body, making his dick twitch in response, his head fell back onto Vitya's shoulder and he pressed his ass back against the taller man's dick instinctively. His body instantly felt cold when Vitya moved away and he had to press his hands hard onto the counter to regain his composure.

VITYA

Vitya shook his head. "Temping, I don't want charity... As nice as your offer is," Vitya added on the end, not wanting to sound ungrateful at Monty's offer. It was kind of him, and Vitya had no idea what to do with that. Vitya had nothing to offer Monty beyond sex, and yet he wasn't asking for anything by offering this to him. At home it was 'Smile for the camera and you get a treat', a concept that Vitya still used to this day with his prostitution.

Vitya laughed for a moment, a air of disbelief on his face. "You would scam my way into a gallery? I went to so many useless galas and balls at art galleries growing up, the people at those were posh and snarky and... gross. You think you can trick that crowd into thinking my depraved, sexual, borderline rancid work is high class?" Vitya reached into a nearby drawer, handing him one of the knives inside. The drawer was disorganized, taking a moment to find it.

"This is just... normal," Vitya said, cryptically, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm low, sometimes really low, for a few weeks and then, boom. Really, really high for a few days. It comes in waves. My professors back home would say I was 'manic'," Vitya explained. He had never gone to a therapist, psychologist, nothing. With his physical health being so poor, he hid all he could about his mental health. But with Monty, away from home, feeling more free than ever... He was able to talk about it. For the first time in his life, someone knew he had a problem.

A tingle of power went down Vitya's spine as he watched Monty fumble before him. It made him feel so strong, like he could take on the world, when he had Monty like this. In the palm of his hand... "Don't let the thought of me circling my tongue on your tip distract you too much. Go on, I want to learn how to make your sandwich..." he teased, grabbing a jelly bean from one of his many, many candy bowls and slowly sliding it onto his tongue.

MONTY

“Ain’t like I’d be the one giving ya money, just a few fake documents ta have the school giving ya what ya need.” Monty shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal to try and scam a huge business like a university. His perception of what constituted ‘a big deal’ was extremely warped thanks to his upbringing. Kindness, selflessness, compassion were things that terrified him as much as if not more than putting a gun to someone’s head and pulling the trigger but fraud was nothing.

Monty shrugged, continuing to work on the food as if it really wasn’t a big ask. “Sounds easy enough, those bougie pricks are easy ta manipulate, they’re like fuckin toddlers always wanting new entertainment and bein possessive little fuckers.” He laughed. “We’d persuade some hot dude who can pull off that mysterious shit ta play the part of you an’ charm his way into those inner circles with a bit of blackmail and the promise of a small cut.” Monty mused, letting his mind run wild planning a con. It had been a while since he’d done anything more than running drugs and the potential had his mind buzzing.

Monty listened closely to Vitya explaining some of what went on in his head. It was similar to how he felt when he was taking drugs regularly, but those feelings were chemically induced highs and lows not his own brain chemistry and he had heard enough from Nikko to know what Vitya was describing wasn’t healthy or normal but he had no idea what to do or say and it terrified him.

He did the only thing he could think of. He put down the knife and turned into Vityas arms and placed a hand on the taller boys neck, his thumb resting on his sharp jawline and kissing him hard. Not sexually and filled with desire but firm and filled with promise even though he had no idea what he was promising.

“Fuck you!” Monty tried to sound threatening at Vitya’s teasing but it came out breathless almost like a whine and he couldn’t even gather his thoughts enough to care how pathetic it sounded.

VITYA

"And I'm telling you, I don't need it," Vitya said again, this time more firmly. "You already have given me enough money, I don't need you goading the university to give it to me, too." He said, hoping this would be the end of it. Knowing Monty, he would bring it up again, butt hat was for another time.

Vitya snapped his head to Monty, a curious, and fake-offended look on his face. "What, you don't think I could pull it off? I've played The Game before, Monty. I've wowed a crowd or two. Mainly at my father's request, but if I can convince money-hungry dogs that I was, indeed, the perfect son with full intent to take over his business, I can con some art hacks into thinking I'm some bougie personality," Vitya glanced at his art again, pursing his lips.

Vitya was shocked at first, at Monty's sudden burst of affection, but didn't refuse it. He kissed back, with a similar fervor, taking Monty's waist with one hand and his hair with the other. He gripped tightly, wanting nothing more than to strip him down, there and then. It was so hard to resist.

"You really want it bad, don't you?" he whispered, the hand on Monty's waist sliding to the obvious bulge in his pants. "Really, really bad," he continued, sliding his hand up and down. Fuck, this is what Vitya needed! That dominating power, that hold on Monty like a vice. He could get drunk from this... "Be a good boy and finish cooking. Then, whatever you want. You'll be a good boy, right?"

MONTY

"Thought I was payin' for a service." Monty raised a brow trying to read Vitya but he didn't press any further no matter how much he wanted to. To be good at illicit activities you needed at least some level of perception and he'd quickly learned when not to push Vitya if he didn't want it to turn into a fight though he was still more in the dark about this guy than he would like.

Monty laughed. "I've got no doubt the littlest prince could pull it off but do ya want all them jerk-offs knowin' ya face? Aren't ya supposed ta be hidin' from Daddy? Figured ya'd be tryin' not ta draw attention to yaself but whatever we'll throw ya ta the dogs if that's what ya want." He rolled his eyes, feeling as though Vitya was only pushing this to prove a point and he didn't feel like fighting. Monty knew all about trying to be the perfect son but his families idea was far different than the Cristo family.

Monty held Vitya tight, the hand not at his neck was wrapped tight around his waist keeping them close. He let his eyes close and leaned their foreheads together in a comforting, intimate gesture once their lips broke apart. To some sex was intimate, but to him these soft gestures were more than he could bare. Usually.

"Always want you," Monty gasped out, losing himself to the feel of Vitya surrounding him. The taller man was taking over all of his senses and the thought of cooking completely left his mind as he tried to thrust his hips forward to find more friction for his fully hard cock. Vitya had power over him like nobody else and all he wanted to do was give himself over willingly and have someone take care of him in every way. Monty shivered with the words ''good boy" and he whined shamelessly. "Y-Yes." He forced out.

VITYA

Vitya looked at Monty with an unblinking stare, a mile long, navigating the words that came out of Monty's mouth. He broke eye contact a moment, licking his lips. "You aren't giving me more money." There. Final. Done.

Vitya shook his head. "Not really hiding anymore. He paid my hospital bills, sends me these medications he wants me on, but aren't FDA approved. He knows where I am. Why he hasn't come after me... I have no idea. I think he knows if I see him again, I will make damn sure he can't find me..." Vitya stopped, his hands balled into fists as he went on. he let the pressure go, breathing his fury out. "Besides, I don't want some rando claiming my work, even if we pay them."

Vitya continued palming Monty's erection, his wrist changing the angle every few strokes, letting Monty practically hump his hand. "Good. Then," Vitya turned Monty back around, but this time, pressed his chest to Monty's back, lightly grinding his own hard cock against his lower back. His hands were on Monty's hips again, but this time, one went up to play with his belt buckle. "You keep going, and the more you do, the more I do," he said. With the pace of a snail, Vitya started pulling at Monty's belt, slowly starting to take it off. He stopped, just before the last of the belt left the metal buckle. "See? Look what being such a good boy got you... So much closer to your reward."

MONTY

Monty rolled his eyes but dropped the subject, seeing it wasn't worth fighting anymore right now.

He took a moment to absorb Vitya's words on the subject of his father trying to process it. "So no Bratva followin' ya around?" Monty tried to tease, shying away from talking about fathers, it was an uncomfortable subject and he tried to block out the memories of the the last time his father had contacted him because his threats were still hanging over his head and he was both scared and glad his father hadn't yet followed up on the threats. "We'll make ya the perfect little Russian gentleman an'  have 'em fawnin' all over ya." Monty chuckled, redirecting his attention to the image of Vitya suited and booted for a fancy party. It was a good image.

All the thoughts of scamming and scheming were driven from his mind as Monty tried his best to move his concentration back to the task at hand. The pan was smoking from the time he had been distracted, usually he was more than capable of preparing the food while the pan warmed but not today. A strangled moan left Monty's throat at the feel of Vitya's hard cock sliding against his ass. He had to clench his fists the stop them shaking from desire before he could turn down the heat on the burner and put together the sandwiches. He layered the cheese and tomato between the bread waiting for the pan to get back to a proper cooking temperature. "More, please...." He whined, trying to buck his hips up to the hands that were so close yet so far. He loved and hated how quickly Vitya could reduce him to begging. Monty Prescott did not beg for anyone. Except for this man.

VITYA

"If they are following me, they are doing a good job keeping themselves hidden," Vitya said, noticing that this was a subject neither of them wanted. Good, this was uncomfortable. Both of them had difficult connects with their fathers, and neither wanted to talk about the details too much. Yet one more thing they could agree on. Vitya smirked and ran his fingers in his hair, rolling his eyes. "You just want me in a suit," he teased.

Vitya watched Monty try so hard to keep it together. He really was doing everything Vitya said, without question. He was trembling, and each little shake made Vitya feel so damn powerful. Vitya kissed and sucked at Monty's neck, watching his hands work. When he whined, Vitya smiled against his skin. He gracefully unbuckled the last of Monty's belt, letting it dangle by the loops. His hands were on Monty's jeans, two fingers sliding up and down the length of his zipper. "Almost there," he whispered, undoing the button and peeling the zipper apart. Vitya's finger's danced over the elastic of his underwear, tracing circles around his confined cock through the thin fabric. "You're doing so well, so close. Such a good boy.”

MONTY

"We could throw a few Cugine on ya see if they find anythin'." Monty mused, though thinking how badly that ended after putting a few young idiots on Sam and it ending with him being robbed and putting him and Nikko on the outs. But it was worth it to protect someone he cared about... wait no he couldn't go that deep... but another thought cut him off as he realised it was too late now...

Monty winked, "Wouldn't say no ta that, bet ya look hot as fuck." He licked his bottom lip teasingly, letting his eyes roam Vitya's lithe body.

Standing there Monty felt completely powerless. Usually it was a feeling he hate more than any other. For his whole life he'd craved complete control because he'd been stuck under his fathers thumb doing things he hated but giving up control to Vitya was freeing. He didn't have to make tough calls and painful decisions because here was someone doing it for him, keeping him safe and steady. He didn't hate this because in the end the things Vitya was making him do were things he wanted to do, he'd just never understood how to ask...

Monty felt completely consumed by Vitya who's body was all over him; fingers, lips, chest, dick. He sloppily threw the two sandwiches into the pan and prodded them with a spatula he'd spotted in the draw Vitya had opened to find a knife so they didn't stick. Monty's body was getting hotter and hotter, every inch of him was tingling with too much not enough as Vitya touched and teased him. "Please man fuckin' touch me" He groaned, letting go of the pan handle and reaching back to fist his hand into Vitya's hair. "Been good, please, more." He keened, wiggling his hips, trying to grind back on Vitya's cock to get him as desperate for more as Monty himself was.

VITYA

Vitya cocked an eyebrow. "No. If I'm in danger, I run. Simple as that. I don't need protecting," Vitya said, in the same tone he uses when he is annoyed. The type of annoyed when someone asks how he is feeling, or if he is taking his meds. It felt like he was being babied, and having wanna-be mobsters keeping an eye on him? No, he'll brave it on his own.

Vitya's heart was pounding. He had this man, who was so loud and strong and independent, around his finger, whimpering and begging for release. He wasn't pushing, either, to get it himself, he was letting Vitya choose when. Vitya sighed on Monty's neck when he grabbed his hair, biting his lip and letting Monty rut against his crotch. The friction of the fabric made it so hard to saw no... But if anything was going to happen, he needed the energy to do so. And that meant eating before getting busy.

Vitya's fingers slid under Monty's waistband, fingers now touching the bare skin of his cock. He was warm, hard, and Vitya could feel Monty quivering. "Shh, shhh," he shushed in Monty's ear, slowly starting to pull his waistband down. "You're almost done, look," Vitya motioned to the food in the pan, cooking away. Vitya's hand coiled around Monty's cock, finally freeing it of it's cloth cage, and with an agonizing slow pace, his hand slid up Monty's shaft. "So hard for me, and waiting so patiently... Can you wait till after I eat? Just a little bit longer, for my mouth on your aching cock?"

The way Monty was shivering had Vitya's head going wild. All the things he wanted to do to the other man became possible realities, and not just his sick, twisted fantasies. And Vitya, being a man of unsound mind, grew a devilish look on his face. "If you wait, like a sweet, good little boy, then I'll fuck you, too," he whispered, his free hand slowly sliding down the back of Monty's jeans.

He made sure to give every opportunity for Monty to stop him, in case this was too far. "Would you like that? Would my good boy wait for my cock in his ass? Will he?..."

MONTY

Monty groaned, rubbing a hand through his hair. "Fine man, whatever." He groused. Vitya was being rather stubborn tonight and as annoying as he found it, he was rather impressed with his determination and pride. Maybe Vitya would find it in himself to apply those trait to his will to live. Monty could only hope.

Monty felt as though he was quite literally losing his mind the way Vitya was teasing him. It was almost painful. He' never felt need this intense before. It was driving him wild. The praise was doing something he had never experienced before and it was maddening yet wonderful. Part of him wanted to snap and make Vitya stop talking to him like he was a kid but a far louder part of his mind was screaming for more and had fire coursing through his veins.

"Feels so good" Monty moaned when Vitya's finally touched his hard cock. It felt so much better than rubbing through his boxers even it was torturously slow. Monty bit his lip, trying his best not to let any more of those pathetic sounds out but it was a fruitless effort when Vitya began talking again. He should have hated it but he couldn't.

The dirty talk was something that should have reminded Monty of Schuyler, because it always had before now and would inevitably lead him to trying to shut the mouth of whoever he was fucking or make them leave all together, even if he did give himself blue-balls in the process. But right now there was no room in his mind for Schuy, he was completely consumed by Vitya.

Monty's body began to sing at the thought of Vitya fucking him. It had been so long since Mont had bottomed and it made him moan deep and loud, so loud that if it wasn't summer break they'd have neighbours banging on the walls to try to quieten them. "Yes, yes, fuck me, I'll do anything, please fuck me." He mewled, pushing his ass back against the hand moving over it. The word my had come from Vitya's mouth and served to make Monty evenmore desperate. The food was completely forgotten to him.

VITYA

“Yeah? Feels good?”Vitya asked, rhetorically. The shake of Monty’s body gave him all the clues he needed, every whimper a sign that Monty was enthralled with all of this. In fact, Vitya was, too. Most clients would pop in, pop out, end of story. Monty was unraveling at his touch, giving Vitya a burning passion in his gut.

Monty’s sudden moan, his cry of desperation, his begging to be fucked; Vitya nearly did it right there. His ass pushing back against him made Vitya growl in his ear, looking down at the hot stove, then back at Monty. “Fuck it,” Vitya said, turning the stove top off and making Monty put the cooking utensils. His hand was on Monty’s cock, stroking at a fast pace to keep his attention, the other hand coming around to hold Monty‘s chest.

“Listen to me. When I let you go, walk to the bedroom and strip. Get on the bed and wait for me. You can touch yourself, finger yourself, but if you come before I am inside you... Well, you’d be a bad boy. And you want to be a good boy, right?” Vitya spoke slowly. Normally he doesn’t get turned on by his own talk, but this was every fantasy he had been having about Monty since he left two days ago!

He stopped his stroking of Monty’s cock, spinning his finger around the head. He have Monty a few seconds before letting him go. Vitya turned his attention to the forgotten sandwich, deciding to leave it for now and grab an apple out of the fridge. The moment he was done with this was the moment he would follow Monty.

FADE TO BLACK

[lady-olive-oil]

Work Out: Chapter 2

Writings || Florian Index || MTC ||

What up, what up! It’s ya girl Liv here with another chapter of Work Out. In this chapter we’ll go deep into Geneva’s past and her favorite past time. Let me know if ya wanna join the Lil Nasties Squad. I also added 2 new characters to the roster, one is Josephine Montoya-Wade (in MTC) and the other one, well you’ll see soon. Thanks for reading! Stay tuned from scenes for our next episode. Skating visuals linked in bold.

WC: 3.4K [I’m starting to think each chapter will be this long]

Warnings: suggestive themes, dirty flashback if ya squint

Tag Team, Lil Nasties: @maddiestundentwritergaines || @sparklemichele || @designerwriterchic || @honeychicana || @chaneajoyyy || @jojolu || @dc41896 || @titty-teetee || @inlovewithmakeupcomicsanimelove || @ljstraightnochaser || @mimigemrose || @crushed-pink-petals || @fumbling-fanfics || @madamslayyy

The sounds of 70’s to 00’s music rumbled through the rink, as skaters young and old all came together for one night in solidarity. For those who can skate that is. Others like myself however, have been in the game for years.

“Come along and ride on the fantastic voyage.” I couldn’t help but sing along to the sounds of my childhood. Seeing friends of old and new in the rink made me feel at home again. Not like good old nostalgia to make you feel at peace.

“Is that Jimmy and Trinity? The franchise let them have a break before the big match? That’s new.” Destiny got my attention by noticing two old friends of mine from the past.

I was a trainer for WWE in Orlando, years ago. I have met the past; present and the future of the company come in and out of those doors. It was a tremendous job to have right out of college, that I will forever cherish. I’ve grown close to most of everyone from all rosters. I left due to some personal reasons.

“Yeah it is. Let’s go say hi.” Maneuvering through the busy crowd I tapped the glow queen herself, and was met with an excited squeal. Thus rewarded with a loving hug with just enough force.

“Gege! It’s am so glad to see you. How’ve you been girl?” Upon giving Destiny and Cynthia their hugs as well, Jimmy and Jey both hugged us all in a group hug.

“I’ve been well, about to be blessed with a divorce soon.” Taking a swig of my Angry Orchard Rośe, I heard Trinity chuckle.

“You finally went through with it. Proud of you little sis.” Jimmy commended me, with Jey nodding in agreement.

“Thanks Uce, It’s been a long time coming too. Trust and believe me, Dede and Cyn are throwing me a divorce party. What better city to do it in, than Atlanta?” You better believe I was looking forward to that party. Nothing was going to keep me away from it.

“You know I’ll be there. Even if I have to drag Jimmy with me.” Trinity nugged her husband, who was in a deep conversation with his twin over which food is better: bacon double cheeseburger vs mozzarella sticks.

“Huh? Uh yeah Atlanta seems cool.”

“That’s funny because last time I remember, you weren’t going for my good sis to move to the ATL.” I arched a brow in mock curiosity, causing Jimmy to blush a tad.

“At first I was but then I realize she needs a lot of family around no matter what. Plus Georgia and Florida ain’t far, so we came to an agreement.” Placing a kiss on how wife’s head, made all of us smile in pure joy.

“Y’all are sickeningly cute. Let’s go skate, I gotta get my groove on.” Lacing up my white skates, the ones with the hot pink wheels, and neon green laces on them, I saw a pair of Jordan’s come into view.

“Well well well, look who showed up.” Leaning against the table, giving a glance over

“Couldn’t stand my cousin up now could I?” Michael  showed his pearly white teeth, before giving me a hug. Looking up behind him I see Florian in all his glory.

His tight black v-neck shirt; with matching jeans and red polo sneakers just made him irresistible. His hair and beard were clean cut, and what set it off was his gold link chain around his neck. If I’m being completely honest here y’all, at some point I plan on yanking on that gotdamn chain and-

“Hello gorgeous.” His deep voice broke my inner thoughts and just melted my insides. Making my body feel all warm and giddy. This man does things to me already.

“Well hello there handsome. I see my cousin let you come out and roll with the big dogs huh?” Smirking a bit as I skated around him on the rubber glow in the dark floor.

“Actually he didn’t want to come, I dragged him. He wanted to stay in all day and watch Netflix.” The way he laughed was even a magical tone. Like you could be hugged by a velvet blanket, by a cozy fire in the middle of winter.

“Oh? Damn Baraki, you don’t wanna spend time with ya cousin? I’m hurt.”

“I’m here aren’t I? Besides, had to break out my skates from retirement and help Florian buy his from Amazon. Turns out, the dude here owns a pair, without my knowing” He shrugged and stuck his tongue out at me when I flipped him off. Feeling glad that the rink had given us the party section to have us somewhat away from fans. Yet a few had asked for pictures, and I didn’t mind taking them for them.

“Yeah yeah. Anyway, Florian do you know how to skate?” I asked gently.

“Little bit. Haven’t had the time to in a while, just been training more often.” His reply was honest and sincere. Man why isn’t her dating anybody already?

“Oh really? Well I wouldn’t mind teaching you a bit.” The slight bite on my bottom lip, caused Florian to smirk at me before taking a sip of his Heineken.

“I’m sure you could.” He mumbled just enough for me to hear, letting me hold his beer so her could tie his skates up.

His arms bulged with every movement, a vein popped a few times and it just made my body hum in desire and need. That was until I felt my phone vibrated, I gave him back his beer, and watched as he skated with Michael over to the Dj booth. Checking my phone for a few updates from friends and fans of my work, I received a message from Cassie that she had arrived.

Cassie was also another childhood friend of  mine who had no issue with telling you how it is. Knowing that she moved back to the city as well, made it all better for me to have friends. My phone buzzed again, letting me know a message came again. This time I was worried. Re-reading the message, I felt my face scrunch in confusion.

Cassie: Uh Geneva don’t be alarmed but a certain blonde walked in.

What was she talking about? Responding as fast as I could, I looked around the section and saw nothing.

Me: who?

Looking at Trinity, who nodded her head in the front direction of the rink.

Trinity: she devil

Me: oh fuck

The she devil in question, was another former trainee of mine at the facility back in 2016, when I had started. She is one of the major causes of my divorce; Mandy Rose. I don’t see what the WWE universe sees in her anyway. All the while I know what I did see; Jake’s dick in her in our bed.

“Watch my back.” I told the girls, and they all looked towards where I was skating at. They soon followed me when they knew immediately where I was going. The memories came flooding back.

I haven’t spoken to Mandy sinch I quit. It was around April of last year, Wrestlemania season, when everything went down and I had filed for divorce 2 weeks later. That was the final nail in the coffin of my marriage with Jake, and I couldn’t take it anymore. With all the blatant disrespect; the awkward silences when I asked him about the finances of our joint accounts; the secret rendezvous he’d have coming home late, the high expense charges and the lying.

I thought he was different from all the others but that was lie, a bold face lie. We got married right after graduation, in 2014, two years later I started working in Orlando. The first full year on the job I introduced Jake to Mandy. It had been a whirlwind to work for WWE with my medical degree, to make sure the superstars were in tip top shape. With the constant bickering, physical altercations and accusations he threw at me, about sleeping with one of my coworkers I had to put out marriage on pause that same year.

A year of separation had put my mind into perspective and think about what I wanted out of this marriage. We had agreed to meet up at our house, I was staying at Cynthia’s at that time, for dinner to catch up. I still had a key to the condo, it was in my name, and I looked all over the house for him. What do I see walking up the stairs? Mandy riding Jake like no tomorrow. He tried to save his ass by running away from me, as I waved my steel bat at him. Mandy was long gone and laughing by then.

Putting in my resignation was hard but I had to do it. Now more than ever, I was focused on me and only me. Moving back home to New York was just the beginning. During the first few months, filing for divorce, I did go on a few dates. Only a few guys came home with me, none of them satisfied the itch I craved. Maybe Florian could be the one to fix that.

Trying not to fall while skating through the crowd, I made it to the group that just came in. Sonja Deville sported me quick and pulled me into a tight embrace. The death glare I set straight towards Mandy could be picked out of a much bigger crowd.

“Geneva! It’s been too long. How’ve you been?”

Keeping my composure I returned Sonja’s gesture.

“I’ve been well, been well. Working on my personal trainor thing, keeping the lights on. I’m always busy, plus going back to school so yeah.”

I made it my priority, to keep my bond strong with Sonja, after I left the company. When I told the MMA fighter about the scene I witnessed, she couldn’t fathom it either. She promised to keep an eye out on Mandy for me as well.

She was one of the first people, besides my crew of course, to message me about the sly matching posts on Instagram, between Florian and I. She wished us nothing but luck and invite her to the wedding in the future.

“I hear ya. I hear ya. Just to let you know, I did keep- ah hell.” An exaggerated sigh escaped Sonja’s lips, causing my face to contort in confusion.

“Uh something wrong?” I asked curiously, seeing her visibly gulp.

“Want me to be honest?”

“I expect nothing from a woman who kicked my ass in practice back in Orlando.” Earning a soft chuckle from her, she sighed and turned me around to the scene.

“That little bitch.” The growl that erupted in the back of my throat, made Sonja go wide eyed.

“Geneva-”

Before she could even finish that sentence, a let my anger skate me towards Florian. I was already attached to him and I didn’t want Mandy to ruin that for me. She was touching all over him; feeling him up, touching his face, shoving her silicone bean bags in his face and just being her trashy self. The look of discomfort shown on his face, but soon shifted once I came into view.

“Hey Florian, ready to go skate?” I intervened so fast, that you could see steam coming out of Mandy’s ears.

“Well lookie here, It’s the hag. Listen honey, he doesn’t want to skate with the likes of you. He’s having fun talking to me. Isn’t that right Florian?” Moving her hand on his chest, you could see the disagreeable expression on his face. Upon removing her hand from his chest, he stood by me and I felt my body temperature erupt in euphoria and triumph, as if I had won.

“Well I was here to skate with Geneva and her friends.”

Mandy sneered at me with her fake lips and tosses her bleach blonde hair.

“Fine, but this isn’t over Geneva. May the best woman win. Oh and Florian, I’ll catch you later.” Being the snake that she is, she leaned up on her tippy toes and placed a kiss on his cheek, before leaving with her friends. I wanted to claw at her face so bad, yet I’m surprised Florian held me back.

“It’s Genevieve to you.” I gritted through my teeth.

You see, lately I’ve been talking to Florian about myself, opening up a bit more, getting to know one another better and such. I had mentioned Mandy in the conversation, how she was one of the causes of my divorce, and how she tried to one up everyone. He knew her through a friend of theirs, they chatted and had a night together.

Although she got too clingy for  him after that and it’s not in him to just let a woman go after a night, but he needed to be away from her. By the time this all transpired, it was before his practice scenes for Creed. That’s when I met him on set a month later.

“I’m sorry that happened Geneva. Nor did I know she was coming either.” He tried to sooth and keep me calm. I had never been consoled by another man who wasn’t my father or my brothers.

Glancing up at Florian I saw hope; dedication and devotion. Some qualities I loved in any man, but this man here was something else. Collecting myself together, I took a breather and skated away from him on to the rink floor.

“It’s all good Flo.” The way I said his nickname, caused his face to heat up in embarrassment. The action caused his sweet smile to appear as he leaned against the rock wall, watching me groove to the music in place for a bit. He was entranced by just a little movement.

“So I hear that you’re, Queen of skating huh?”

“Maybe so. If you can keep up with me during this song or the next I’ll go on that date.”

“Wait wait, for real?” He arched a brow, as I nodded.

“Foreal. I’ll go on a date with you if you can keep up.” Sending off a wink before I skated off to the jumping sounds of reggae music. Moving my hips to the rhythm, I kept eye contact with him as I move to the beat.

My hips have a mind of their own, as I float across the floor and take off my jacket. I managed to hand it to Cynthia as I skated around to hand it to her and I kept going. I always felt at home here, it was never a dull moment.

Upon hearing the song change over, to Rock the Boat by the ever so great Aaliyah,I felt a pair of strong hands grace my hips. I didn’t think he’d catch up to me.

“Guess who?” His warm voice graced my left ear, and sent chills through my body, as we grooved to the music in sync. Moving my hips on instinct against him, rolling in tandem with his hands around the rink.

“So Flo got rhythm. So tell me, how do you know how to skate?”

“A movie you mentioned, that was your favorite. May have picked up a few pointers.” Grabbing my hand on cue, he twirled me around before bring me back to his strong, broad chest. I stand corrected, I was in heaven.

“You watched Roll Bounce? And you listened to me too.”

“And I’ve been skating since I was 10. So that’s just a bonus.”

Dancing on him with the music changing, made the tension grow hotter and more sensual. Lost Without You started playing and I followed Florian’s movement this time around. Hearing his gentle voice singing in my ear once more, I began to sing along with him. I haven’t felt this much emotion in so long, I’m starting to feel like this was meant to happen. The smooth gentle rocking, made me feel like I was floating. We were floating. I felt safe in his arms more than I thought. I could feel his rigid muscles through his shirt on my back, making me hold back a moan.

I know he could feel the connection as well. The grip on my hips told me otherwise. Placing my hands on top of his, I laced our fingers together before turning to skate backwards.

“White boy got some moves. I like it, you can keep up with me.” He twirled me around a bit before holding me against his chest again. I leaned my head back to look up at him a little, just to place a kiss on his chin.

“That’s not all I can do.” The deep baritone bass of his throat made me want to jump his bones right then and there.

“Oh I bet.” I teased him back by rotating my ass against him, earning a low growl to erupt from his chest. Gege can play too Flo.

The Dj let everyone know that it was time to roll out, and to drive safely. Rolling off the floor, we met up with our group and planned the next move of action to extend the night. The rink was starting to close up soon, so we all met in the parking lot.

“Girl we saw you and Florian getting down like an old southern couple.” Cynthia nugged me, giving me a sly look.

“Y’all were doing the damn thing.” Destiny winked and caused me to laugh a bit.

Cassie high fives me before heading to her car.

“Geneva, I’ll catch you later this week aight? Gotta get up for work in the morning. I’ll see if I can bring Josephine to the meeting.”

Sending her my love my regards, I placed my skates in the back of my Range Rover.

“So y’all good for some bar hopping? I know this great spot along the jersey shore.” Ryan mentioned while looking up the directions.

“I can’t. I have class in the morning and a test, I need to be sober for. Sorry guys.” Gently replying I smiled up at the crew before shrugging.

“Dang maybe next time. Oh what about our monthly couples game night? How about Monday, Geneva’s?” Destiny suggested as she headed towards her Jeep renegade.

“Couples game night? Sounds intriguing, I’m in. I’ll bring Johari, you in Florian?” An enthusiastic Michael was all anyone could handle.

Glancing over at me, he smirked gently.

“Yeah I’m down. Geneva, I’ll pick you up tomorrow from class for our date. See y’all around.” Placing a kiss on my cheek, I sighed heavily and bit my lip. This man was gonna be the death of me. The action caused him to chuckle adorably.

“Deal. See you tomorrow Flo.” Kissing his cheek, I saw his face heat up again. Seeing him walk away with my cousin, I let out a soft groan.

“Girl, you are sprung.” Cynthia smirked at me while Destiny let out a gut busting laugh.

“She got it bad.” Destiny couldn’t help herself.

“I will say this; I hate to see him go, but I love to watch him leave. His ass is sculpted like a god.” I fanned myself in the process.

Hugging my friends goodbye, before getting into my car and driving home, I glanced down at the sound of my phone going off. Glancing down for a split second, I saw the notification. I had received a text message from Florian.

Making it home safely I got ready for my shower and for bed; tying down the massive mess of my 4c curls in a silk scarf, I finally read the message. Leaning against my room door, I read it over and over again, feeling all giddy.

Florian:

Can’t wait for tomorrow night gorgeous. I promise it’ll be worth it. You deserve the best and I plan on delivering. Sweet dreams my queen.

This man knew how to charm his way through anything. Getting back on track, I kept staring at the message. I had to reply and not be rude. So I kept it short and sweet, yet tasteful.

Me:

Looking forward to what you have in store handsome.

“Damn Florian. My heart is yernin for ya love..” singing gently to myself before getting into the shower, I felt powerful. Maybe this is my chance to finally be happy. To finally be free from my chains of the past. This whole turning over a new leaf thing, won’t be so bad after all.

[thelastspeecher]

Superhero/villain AU - Jimmy Snakes

I spent my morning writing this instead of doing chores like I was supposed to.  As for what this ficlet is about?  Well, it’s on the tin.  Enjoy.

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              Stan whistled as he walked up to the door.  Even though he and Angie had lived in this house for ages, he had zoned out flying home from work, and as a result, he’d gone to the place he used to share with Ford before remembering he didn’t live there anymore.

              That was a bit embarrassing.  But not as embarrassing as it was for Ford.  Ford had rushed out of his bedroom, beet red and only in boxers, when Stan entered. Ford’s stammering when he asked what Stan was doing there didn’t ease Stan’s suspicion.  I wonder if he had someone over.  Hmm.  He’s been acting a bit weird lately.  Maybe he’s got a boyfriend he doesn’t wanna tell me about.  Guy’s gotta be a piece of work if Ford’s too embarrassed to tell me, his brother who’s engaged to a supervillain.  Stan sighed.  Whatever. He’ll tell me when he wants to. He could just as easily have been having some “alone time”.  Stan snickered softly.  Something shone in the corner of his eye.  He looked over.  A flashy motorcycle stood in the driveway, next to the Stanleymobile.  That wasn’t there this morning.  Maybe Angie bought it?  That’d be kinda hot.  He opened the door.

              “Ang?” he called.

              “In the livin’ room!” came the response.  Stan stepped inside.  “Oh, and we have a guest!”

              Right.  Stan grimaced.  Angie had warned him that morning that she had a former coworker visiting, who might still be around when Stan got off work.  I hate meeting Angie’s coworkers.  They’re always nice to me, but it’s weird as hell to have the person you threw in jail last week ask you about your plans for the weekend.  Sure, this guy is a former coworker, but he’s still an active villain.  He and Angie just don’t work the same area anymore.  Stan made his way to the living room, deciding to say a polite hello to Angie’s coworker and then leave again.  Maybe I go back to Ford’s place, find out what he was so nervous about.

              “There ya are!” Angie chirped.  She was sitting cross-legged on the light brown sofa, Daisy in her lap.  Her coworker sat next to her, holding Danny. Angie’s coworker was facing away from him, but Stan recognized the leather jacket and bandana.  Stan’s heart stopped.  “Stan, this is James.  ‘Member? I told ya ‘bout him.”

              “Uh.  Yeah,” Stan managed.  “James” turned around.  Stan swallowed.  “H-hey, Jimmy.”  Jimmy Snakes, his ex-boyfriend, peered at him over his sunglasses.  He smiled suggestively.

              “Hey, kitten,” Jimmy purred.  Angie frowned.

              “James, care to tell me why ya called my fiancé that?”  Her tone had a hint of warning to it.  Stan knew from experience that while not a jealous girlfriend, Angie did get territorial when other supers made a move on Stan.  Jimmy chuckled.

              “Relax, Angie.  I’ve moved on from him.”

              “Moved on?” Angie asked.  Jimmy shot another grin in Stan’s direction.

              “Stan and I used to be an item,” Jimmy drawled.  As if upset by this revelation, Danny began to fuss loudly.

              “Hand her over,” Stan said shortly, snatching his daughter from Jimmy. Jimmy raised his eyebrows.

              “Geez, relax.”

              “What the hell are you doing here?” Stan demanded.  He was painfully aware that his attempt to seem threatening was impeded by how he was bouncing Danny in his arms to calm her down.

              “I’m Angie’s former coworker,” Jimmy said, spreading his arms wide.  “I had to come in town for business.  Thought I’d drop by to catch up and hash out an agreement for transporting supplies.”

              “James purchases a lot of stuff from my folks,” Angie said.

              “Since when are you a villain?” Stan asked.  “You weren’t one when we dated.”

              “Yeah, but I never really liked followin’ the rules,” Jimmy said lazily.  “When I became a super, only made sense to go into villainy. I found a guy who knew a guy who knew a guy who knew a guy, set stuff up, and now I’m a regular highwayman.  With a side gig of transporting goods for Mr. and Mrs. McGucket.”  Jimmy raised an eyebrow at Stan.  “What about you, kitten?  You puttin’ those pyrotechnics to good use yet?  Actually, you don’t need to answer.  If you managed to shack up with one of the best villains on this coast, you obviously decided to do the same as me.”

              “No, I didn’t.”

              “Then what do you do?” Jimmy asked.  Stan tensed.

              “I don’t need to tell you.”

              “Fair enough.”

              “How did you become a super?  Did you have latent powers or something?” Stan asked.

              “Nah.  Accidentally summoned a demon, gave him my soul in exchange for abilities, you know how it goes.”

              “…No, I don’t.”

              “Hang on,” Angie said, holding up a hand.  She glared at Jimmy.  “You made a deal with a demon?”

              “And you’ve made politicians mysteriously vanish,” Jimmy retorted.  “Don’t try to take the high road when you rob a bank every Tuesday.”

              “James, my fam’ly might be villains, but we have our standards and morals,” Angie said firmly.  She crossed her arms.  “We’re good Catholic folks.  We don’t like bein’ affiliated with demons or their minions.”

              “Ah, c’mon, Ang, gimme a break.  I don’t let the whole demon thing get in the way of gettin’ the job done. Your folks told me I’m the best transporter they’ve ever had.”

              “We don’t want folks who work fer Satan workin’ fer us.  We know which boss ‘ll come first.”

              “I don’t work for the big S.  Just one of his accountants.”

              “Well, it still stands.  We don’t like contractin’ folks that have another boss.  We like knowin’ that our workers are loyal to us.  It’s fer safety purposes.  We can’t risk our covers gettin’ blown.”  Angie sighed softly.  “Unfortunately, I’m goin’ to have to tell my folks ‘bout this.”

              “Really?  Over that?” Jimmy asked.  “I’ve only been loyal to you guys.”

              “Look, it’s how we run things,” Angie said.  Jimmy scowled.  

              “Bitch.”  Stan tucked Danny into the crook of his arm, then used his free hand to grab Jimmy’s shirt collar and pull him up.

              “Don’t talk to my fiancée like that,” Stan snarled.  Danny giggled loudly, clearly thrilled by what was going on. Jimmy held up his hands placatingly.

              “Geez, geez, fine!  I’ll back off!”  Stan let him go.  Jimmy adjusted his shirt.  He looked around.  A faint breeze was beginning to pick up, and smoke curled from Stan’s sleeve.  “Guess that’s my cue to leave.”

              “You think?” Stan rumbled.  

              “Ang, if your folks do decide to drop me as a transporter, make sure they call to let me know,” Jimmy said.  “I don’t like getting ghosted.”

              “We try to keep up good manners, and good manners includes tellin’ people if they’re fired,” Angie said.  Jimmy looked at Stan.

              “Good luck with the kids and fiancée, kitten.  Never took you for the parenting type, but, eh.  Maybe you’ll surprise me.”  With that, he strolled out of the living room.  The front door opened and closed.  A rumbling started up outside, then faded.

              “I’m guessing the motorcycle I saw when I got home was Jimmy’s,” Stan said, joining Angie on the couch.  Angie nodded.

              “Sorry about that,” she said quietly.  “If I’d known James was yer ex-”

              “It’s fine,” Stan said.  He frowned. “His behavior was weird, though. He was always a bit of a dick, but he never escalated things.  He always insisted on trying to calm people down instead of rile ‘em up.”

              “Yeah, I don’t remember him bein’ so rude the last few times I’ve spoke to him. Maybe it’s the prolonged demon exposure.”

              “Maybe.”  Stan grimaced.  “Your parents aren’t gonna be pissed at me, will they?”

              “Why would they be?” Angie asked, cocking her head.  Stan flicked a crumb of something off Angie’s T-shirt.  It was one of her favorites, with a large salamander emblazoned on the front.

              “Well, I showed up, started talkin’, and next thing you know, your parents lost their best transporter.”

              “Oh, hon.”  Angie took a hold of Stan’s hand.  “Honestly, I think my parents will be pleased ya got him to spill.  Like I said, we don’t affiliate with demonic forces.  Or employ folks already workin’ fer someone with interests similar to ours.”

              “Yeah, but what if he retaliates?”

              “We can take care of ourselves.  Don’t you worry ‘bout that.”  Angie smiled at him.  Stan smiled back.  “So, what took ya so long?  Did ya get lost comin’ home?”

              “I accidentally went to Ford’s place again,” Stan confessed.  Angie chuckled.  “Weird thing, though.  He ran outta his room like a bat outta hell, bright red, in his boxers.”  Angie scooted closer to him.

              “Really?”

              “Yeah.”

              “Think he had someone over?”

              “I think so.  The last couple times we’ve dropped off the girls, I’ve noticed a few things laying around that aren’t Ford’s.”

              “Ooh.”  Angie’s eyes sparkled.  “Maybe he’s found himself a, ah…”  Angie frowned momentarily.  “I don’t want to be presumptive, but I get the feelin’ he’d prefer a male lover over a female.”

              “You’re right.  On both counts.  That was my thought too, that he’s got some boyfriend he doesn’t wanna tell anyone about yet.”

              “Well, give him time,” Angie said.  “He’s yer brother.  He’ll tell ya eventually.  Every time, it takes Lute forever to come clean when he finds a new boyfriend, but he always tells me at some point.”  Angie rolled her eyes.  “Usually months after the fact.  Like, right now, I’m pretty sure he’s at least got a…”  Angie glanced down at Daisy, who was still in her arms.  “Hmm.  Tryin’ to figure out how to phrase it without sayin’ a swear in front of the girls.”

              “He’s got a regular lay?” Stan suggested.  Angie tilted her head.

              “I guess that works.  Yeah, I recognize the signs.  Not all the folks he knocks boots with end up bein’ his boyfriend, but in my experience, when he invites the same person to his bed multiple times, it’s headed into that territory.”

              “Man, Lute is way different from Ford.  I think Ford dated someone in college, but I don’t know who. Meanwhile, Lute’s out getting laid every night.”

              “Pfft.”

              “I’m tempted to sneak back over, see if I can spot anything,” Stan said.

              “I mean, we do need to confirm that he’ll be babysittin’ the girls tomorrow while we’re both at work,” Angie said.  Stan grinned.

              “Wanna come?”

              “It does sound entertaining, but I’ve got to call my parents about Jimmy. And I need to call Lute.  He was s’pposed to kidnap someone today and didn’t. Since I was the one who put him up fer the job, I’ve got the responsibility to follow up on why he didn’t do it.”

              “Okay.”  Stan kissed Angie on the cheek.  “Want me to take Daisy?  She and Danny are both asleep, so I can put them both in their cribs.”

              “That would be excellent, dear.”  Angie kissed him back.  “Have fun haranguing Ford.”

              “I always do.”

[coincidenceiscancelled]

Subtext; chapter 3: Ash

Sam walked toward the sound of music emanating from a rustic wooden structure that stood a ways from the media centre where he had been attempting to catch up with the news. The centre had several radios picking up satellite stations that were still apparently on air. Most were run by individuals giving updates on their situations. Some were run by communities just like the camp; where they’d organized themselves and had some semblance of order. There was no active Internet but they had computers and they had solar power. There was a sort of intranet where archived files could be accessed.

“How did you guys do all this?” Sam asked the woman sitting at the next computer.

She smiled over at him, “Ash.” She said.

“Ash?” Sam asked mystified. Was it some sort of code word?

“He’s a hippy genius. He set up the intranet we have and the communications systems…”

“Oh. He’s a guy.” Sam said.

“Yeah.”

“Which one is he?” Sam asked looking around for a nerdy twitchy guy with too big specs perhaps.

“Oh he isn’t here. At this time he’s usually in the roadhouse.”

“And where’s that?”

“Not far,” the woman said with a smirk, “Just follow the sound of jukebox music.”

“Oh. It’s a bar.”

“Yeah... How long have you been in the compound?”

Sam smiled sadly, “Not long.”

“Well, don’t worry. You’ll find your feet eventually. Find where you’re most useful.”

“Yeah, of course. Thanks.” Sam said with a smile as he stood up.

“Hey, I’m Amelia by the way,” the woman said.

“Sam.”

“Nice to meet you Sam.”

“You too Amelia.”

∞

Taylor Swift.

They were playing Tay Tay at the honky tonk looking bar.

What the ever-loving fuck?

Sam stepped into the space, looking around. The room was peppered with people, some of whom even looked familiar. None of them looked like an Ash.

Then his eyes fell on the most eighties looking faux hawk he’d ever seen, body hunched over what was definitely a laptop-like electronic device. He took a hesitant step toward the man, when he heard a whistle to his left. His head whipped around to see Leslie sitting with the socially awkward guy who’d let them into the camp. A third guy, the one who had whistled Sam suspected because Leslie didn’t whistle and he somehow didn’t see awkward guy doing so, sat with them. Sam cast one more longing glance at Ash and then changed direction.

“Hey Pumpkin, where were you going?” Leslie asked palm coming to rest on Sam’s chiseled abs.

“Uh, I was just uh, going to meet the tech guy?”

“Who Ash?” third guy said, “He’s not really that social.”

Sam lifted an eyebrow at him.

“Oh, I’m Travis by the way,” third guy said holding out his hand to be shaken. Sam looked down at it and considered just ignoring it but…manners and all. He reached out, shaking the guy’s hand firmly, professional smile in place, making eye contact.

“Please to meet you,” he rumbled. Leslie was still rubbing her palm gently against his abs. for some reason he wanted to step away from her and ask her to quit it. So he leaned in and let her go to town.

“And you’re the guard at the gate,” he said to the awkward guy, holding out his hand.

“My name is Jimmy.” He said making no effort to shake Sam’s hand.

“Hey Jimmy, pleased to meet you.” Sam turned the aborted handshake into a wave.

“So umm. Les, I see you making friends.”

“Travis and Jimmy were just telling me about how the camp works and how likely we are to get my dad back.”

Sam’s heart sank. He completely understood why Leslie was so relentless but it was a pain in his ass.

“Hey, why don’t I go over and have a word with Ash, and then I’ll go and tackle talking to Dean directly huh?” he proposed.

Leslie’s eyes brightened, “Really? Tonight?” “Yes.”

“Aww Sam, you are the best.”

Sam stretched his lips in a smile and accepted the wet kiss Leslie pressed to his mouth. Then he turned away and went to introduce himself to the guy with all the tech. He took a detour through the bartender and got another bottle of whatever Ash was drinking. He expected that he might be asked for payment in cash or kind but the bartender simply handed the bottle over.

Sam’s eyebrows lifted internally but he took the bottle and walked away, putting it in the ‘ain’t broke’ column. He slid into the stool next to Ash and waited until the other man looked up.

“Hey.” He said.

Ash just stared.

“I got you a beer,” Sam said handing it over.

Ash beamed, “My man,” he said grabbing the beer and taking a long pull from it, “So. What can I do you for?”

Sam opened his mouth and then closed it again. He’d been hoping to ease into this. Maybe get the man drunk a bit.

“Uh…” he said, “I was curious about how you do what you do. Someone told me you built your own intranet.”

Ash’s eyebrows rose, “What of it?”

Sam shrugged, “Just curious I guess. Do you mind me asking how long you’ve been here?”

Ash regarded him with a steady surprisingly insightful gaze. Sam wasn’t expecting it from a man with a faux hawk.

“You’re Sam Winchester,” he said.

Sam’s eyebrows rose, “Yes I am. Sorry I should have introduced myself.”

Ash looked back at his laptop and pressed a few buttons. There was a beeping sound and then quiet.

“So…what do you want to know Sam Winchester?”

Sam took a deep breath, “Well, you might know that I just came in today. It’s rough out there to survive on your own. Been looking for my brother forever it seems. No one seemed to know where he was. Then I find out he’s some kind of militia leader,” Sam huffed a laugh, shaking his head, “It’s crazy. I just…anything you can tell me would be welcome. I feel like I’m being stonewalled at every turn and I don’t even know why.”

Ash continued to regard him silently for a while.

“You wanna know how I met your brother?” he asked at last.

Sam nodded but didn’t say anything lest he discourage Ash from talking. Ash’s eyelids fell and he looked to be rather far away.

“My boyfriend was infected by the croats. He came home to our lil’ shack we were livin’ in one evenin’, shook me awake and told me to leave. That I didn’t have much time. That there was a whole colony of Croats nearby and they would be coming for me.”

“But why me?” I asked, “Why can’t we both go?”

“Because I’ve been bit Ash. I can feel it churning through my blood. Pretty soon I’ll be too far gone and I will attack you. You gotta go now.”

Ash swallowed, staring down at the table top, face bleak. Sam sat silently by him. So many people had lost people to Croatoan. This was the first case Sam had heard of an infected warning a loved one.

“There was no time.” Ash looked up into Sam’s eyes, his own shining with unshed tears, “I didn’t get to say goodbye.”

His voice was choked at the end of the sentence. However long ago this had been, it wasn’t long enough to forget. Sam reached out, patting Ash’s hand briefly before sitting back and still again.

“I just picked up my laptop and ran you know? It wasn’t even…it was just the thing that was nearest. I tried to get as far as I could be of course they found me. They followed me. Connor led them to me. He knew me. He knew how to track me. Even as a monster, he still knew me well enough to catch me.”

“I barricaded myself in a shack, covered the entrance with furniture and such. I knew they would get me eventually. There was nowhere for me to go. I didn’t even want to live without Connor. But…that goddamned will to live, huh?” Ash cast a glance at Sam as if to commiserate with him on their still being alive after all this.

“Yeah,” Sam whispered in agreement.

“So I had my laptop in my hand and I just suddenly got this idea to broadcast an SOS. In case anyone was close. In case anyone cared. I didn’t think anyone would care even if they heard it, but I had to do something.”

Sam nodded, leaning forward, completely absorbed in the story.

“Well the croats had got their hands on some sort of battering rams. At least whatever they were using was batting hard at the door and the walls. Pretty soon, they would have me. I sat down and just…waited.”

Ash stopped again, staring into space and Sam wanted to prod him to continue but he knew better than to interrupt.

“That’s when the gunshots started.”

Sam jumped; he didn’t know if it was at the words or at Ash suddenly speaking after a while.

“Next thing I knew, someone’s knocking on the door.”

“Anyone in there? He asked in his gruff deep voice just daring you to not answer. You know the voice I mean?” Ash looked up at Sam as if expecting an answer so he nodded slowly. It wasn’t true though. He didn’t know that voice. Five years ago, Dean was some small time hunter, his voice was barely broken and he didn’t need to shave every day. He wasn’t a man. He was a boy pretending. This Dean though…he could imagine that this Dean could sound like he would brook no opposition.

Just like dad.

He guessed Dean would be proud of that…

“He opened the door and there was this…pile of bodies. Dead croats. I didn’t look. I didn’t wanna see Connor like that. Just walked in front of Dean to his jeep. Let him check me for cuts or bites, got in quietly.”

There was another extended silence.

“He let me be for two days before he called me to his office and asked me about the signal I transmitted. If I could do it again. What else I could do…”

“You owed him...” Sam ventured to say.

Ash shook his head, “No. this isn’t about who owes who what or keeping score. This is about survival and what skill you can contribute to make continued survival of the species possible.”

Sam nodded his understanding.

“So. Sam Winchester. What can you do? Cause ain’t nobody need a lawyer around here.”

Sam stared at Ash.

“You really do know a lot about me. Is it common knowledge in the camp or just you?”

“It’s me and Dean. He asked me to keep an eye out for you.”

“Why?”

“None of your business.”

“He doesn’t even want to see me. Why would he ask you to-“

“There are bigger things afoot than your family drama young padawan. If you want to know more than that, you should speak to your brother.”

Sam nodded once.

“I will do that. Where can I find him?”

Ash laughed, “Oh no no no. You find him, on your own Sam Winchester. I am not getting in the middle of that.” He turned his head slightly looking over Sam’s shoulder, “Aaand it looks like your fiancée is done waiting. It was nice talkin’ Sam Winchester,” Ash said with a wave and turned back to his laptop.

Sam stood up before Leslie could reach him and went to meet her halfway.

“You promised you’d let me handle him on my own,” he said before she could open her mouth.

She huffed and then pouted.

“I’m going to look for him now. Stay here or wait for me in our bunker.” He said and then walked away before she could answer.

‘Fucking Coward,’ he heard quite clearly in his mind, but he wasn’t sure who said it.

want more of my stories? start here.

[survivor-all-stars-blog]

EP 2: “That Was a Little Coo-Coo Crazy for Me” - Jack [ PART II ]

First, the positive: Kabru dodged tribal for the second time, and not only that but we put up a very high score that could've easily been competitive for the top spot. That tribe is rolling, and I chatted some with Jakey last night which reassured me about him a lot. No idea why I was so intimidated, he's super chill and friendly.

Now, the bad.

ANDAMAN IS NOT BAD ENOUGH TO BE GOING TO TRIBAL FOR THE SECOND TIME. ANDAMAN IS NOT BAD ENOUGH TO BE GOING TO TRIBAL FOR THE SECOND TIME. ANDAMAN IS NOT BAD ENOUGH TO BE GOING TO TRIBAL FOR THE SECOND TIME. ANDAMAN IS NOT BAD ENOUGH TO BE GOING TO TRIBAL FOR THE SECOND TIME. ANDAMAN IS NOT BAD ENOUGH TO BE GOING TO TRIBAL FOR THE SECOND TIME.

This SUCKS. In the first round, we lost a tiebreaker despite doing everything right. In this round, we lost the tiebreaker TO the tiebreaker. 

Complete and utter shenanigans. 

Tomfoolery. 

Nonsense. 

We could've avoided the whole damn thing if I'd have been less of an idiot and taken my time on step 18. And I acknowledge the ridiculousness of putting any of the blame on myself when I was our highest scoring player and miles ahead of Abbey and Emma. But there it is. I wish I could have saved my brainfart for one more step.

Anyway, it can't be helped now, unless someone knows how to build a time machine. I'm relieved that Jack, Abbey and I made this alliance because, although I wish we didn't have to show our cards so soon, this just makes sense. The vote will be an easy one on our end, but it still sucks and I hate burning Emma like this. She deserves better. Wrong place at the wrong time is an especially shitty way to go out.

Logan and I were talking last night and I think we both agreed: since this twist is fairly limiting, it's pretty reasonable that until someone feels the timing is right to topple the apple cart, we'll probably keep seeing the people going to two tribals being the first casualties. So I really hope there's a swap or a change-up soon, otherwise we're in line for more predictable boots. As a cast of all-stars, I think we'd all like our hands a bit less tied. But all we can do is adapt to the circumstances.

I'm also making an effort today to improve my bonds elsewhere, just in case a swap does happen. Focusing on those I haven't spoken to much since the reveal (Simon, JC, Owen, Ricardo.) I also genuinely do want to get to know Simon a bit better, because despite our past differences he's always struck me as a pretty bright dude. It'd be neat to see what makes him tick. Owen, too, but I know from past experience that we're just not super socially compatible. SUPER kind dude, but our conversations always fizzle out. And JC will be interesting, too, even though I feel like I already know them a bit due to our past game. Where neither of us remember what happened. BUT DAMMIT, JC WAS THERE.

After this vote cycle, I think one of two things happens: 1. there's a swap to proactively stop this pattern of voting. Two tribes of 8, with one person from each game sent to exile and joining the losing tribe post-vote, maybe? That would at least give more options if people are INSISTENT on knocking both versions of a player out at once.

OR

2. We wait until one tribe is reduced to two players, a la Philippines, then 'disperse' them. I say 'them' because I'm using all the positive thinking in the world and hoping it's not Andaman but Makalu, and that it's Logan and Jenn who emerge unscathed from the pile of rubble.

Or, come to think of it, maybe a Palau-esque absorbtion? Man, there's so many moving parts and possibilities. 

It's exhausting being social. But I think I'm managing to be friendly with people in a way that's not seen as annoying. And I think the big difference is that I'm not talking to people just for the sake of talking to them, like I did in Rebels & Rogues. I genuinely enjoy a lot of this cast and I think (hope?) the feeling is mutual. So I'm doing everything I can to shut down the gamebot thoughts that pop up, and it's been paying dividends on the social front.

Now, if we could just win a fucking challenge. 

This challenge was pretty yikes, not gonna lie! When I came up with it for Machu Picchu I was very proud of myself but like...now I realize the pain I inflicted on all of my players and I would like to apologize for that. I decided to just type out each message instead of copy + paste because I thought I would be able to go faster that way, but instead I just got super frazzled and accidentally typed the wrong thing and I flopped with only 8 points. At that point I was in panic mode and I was CONVINCED I was going to get blindsided on Okhotsk and savagely voted out of Jannu so I had to get to work!

I first started talking to Jessy, and we both agreed that as more old-school players who haven't played in a while that playing with a bunch of recent players was very intimidating. We worked together in Adversaries a bit but not too much, but I do trust that she's telling the truth when she says she wants us to have each other's backs, so I felt confident there. Then, I messaged Steven about how I fricked up and he was very quick to tell me that even if we ended up going to tribal, he would work with me to figure out a way to stay. Looks like my social game and strategy of connecting to him day 1 paid off! We didn't end up having to go to tribal, but I feel confident enough in my relationships with Jessy and Steven that if that situation ever comes up I'll be alright.

Both of my tribes came middle of the pack which meant NO TRIBAL, but also no adventure. I'm eager to win a reward at some point because, as far as I know, I'm one of 5 people (myself, Simon, Kait, Jenn and Jimmy) who have a clue to the whereabouts of the idol. Any of them, or Alex for that matter, could have told other people in which case #RIP, but I figured that letting that group know would be beneficial in hopefully keeping the idol close to home instead of out and around for anyone to find. Jimmy said he had no luck, so next round I'm DETERMINED to get out there and find that idol myself.

i still dont have an alliance i literally just talk to people what the fuck someone align with me or im gonna align. if someone doesnt aling with me by next round im gonna make an alliance

So avoiding the first 6 tribals has been fun, really enjoying not having to put myself through any torment whatsoever.

Still feeling like a grungy disease-ridden spud among quality potato gems which is really good for the ego, but hey there's getting less and less of the potato gems.

I'm just gonna continue making mates and fart-arsing around 

I'm not going to tribal again YASSSSS. I'm so glad to not have to go to tribal again where I could end up possibly go home!! However I'm hella worried that my ally Emma might end up getting sent home because in my mind it'd be a smart strategy to vote out someone who's going to tribal in both their A and B games because then there'd be no way for them to get revenge on you if they were going to tribal. However, I'm hoping that she has enough ties to stay in regardless :s

Apart from that I'm also upset that I didn't get to go on the bombass adventure, like Simon gave me the idol clue that he got from the sacrificial lamb which is poppin if it's real. But oh well I'll just hold onto it til I do finally get to go to the adventure bleh!! 

I still haven't gotten any alliances or anything yet but I think I'm in the numbers on THOTse, like if we go to tribal again it'll probably be Simon going home. Idk about Hudson but I think I have a good relationship with Logan at least? Idk hopefully the others like me too, or enough that I'll be safe if we do end up going to tribal.

I guess I could do a mini cast assessment now that I've gotten to know my tribes better? I'm still struggling a bit to get conversations going with EVERYONE but like..come on...over 20 people so I'm trying my best. 

Lets start with Bering: Jenn - Really hit it off with Jenn early on and would definitely like to work with her on this tribe. She seems pretty level headed and kind of reserved which is nice because I'm kind of bad around really vocal people. Carson - Again really nice and I've had a few conversations with him. Not sure about how I could work with him in the long run because he's keeping his cards close to his chest. MJ - He's hard to call. Had one conversation with him and it was a little forced which is meh. He seems a little forceful in his opinions and I'm not sure if that's someone I want to work with. He doesn't seem to like his other tribe though so I'll be nicey nice to him. Ruthie - Honestly really amazing. Our conversation flowed pretty well straight off the bat and she seems like such a lovable person. I really want to work with her purely because she's so nice and I feel she would be loyal down the line. Okay...onto Jannu! Matt - So I was really happy I got put on a tribe with Matt. He's really cool and we got chatting before we even ended up on a tribe together and I like people who take the time to approach me. I think he is a strong gamer and honestly I'd like to have someone like that close to me because they know what's going on. He's also a really nice guy so hopefully something could work out there. Jessy - I LOVE Jessy. She's got so much positive energy and is just a bundle of fun. Everyone must love her..right? RIGHT? I'd really like to work with her too but I think her and Matt have played with each other previously but I'm yet to find out if that ended ugly or not. Ultimately her and him would be my 2 main choices on this tribe. Steffen - We have a lot of mutuals but we've never actually got to play together so it's fun being on a tribe with someone I know well-ish. He is kind of known for being a bit.....loose with words so I've gotta be careful there. I also think he's pretty close with Abbey so there's that... Abbey - Really had to force myself through a conversation with her. I just don't think we're gonna have any longevity together in the game. She's kind of....bland? I don't know maybe I just need to try harder. I'm just not getting the positive energy like I have with the rest on this tribe. I'll need to get to the root of the Jessy/Matt conundrum though b/c it could become a case of her being the swing. Other people: Jimmy - Love Jimmy, he's easy to talk with and definitely an ally going down the road since I don't think he knows many people here. Lydia - Honestly? Still struggle to talk with her. I think if I can get her to give me info that's what I can hope for at best. Definitely don't see us replicating some Port Royal alliance. J.C. - I love them! I wish they were around more often because they have an Irish connection which is lol. I think they'd be someone I'd like to work with in the future. Ric - Ric is a cutie, but he's also messy as fuck. Nearly cost me my game last time we played together in Sicily AND left with 2 idols. Gage - I'd love to work with Gage, definitely need to start shooting him a few messages. We know each other from different series but he's a player and will cut you so I'll be weary. 

Everyone else I've not spoken to since opening night TBH. Jack gave me a cool vibe so idk. Kait gave a shitty one so probably ain't gonna go after that one. Simon...lol. Maybe i'll send him a message fo the lols. And I've still not even added Logan or Pat, whoever they are!

This vote is rough. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place and it's exactly why I wanted to avoid going back to tribal in Game B. I want to work with Emma, Jenn, and Owen, buuuut I can't!!! Do that!!!! If we're going to tribal!!!!! Like, I even thought of a way to keep us all in the game, but with Emma being on vacation, communication with her has been limited. And the plan requires a lot of trust between all four of us. Basically it would be that one of the people safe in Game A (Jenn, Owen, and myself) would sacrifice their life in Game B to keep in Emma, who is definitely going home in Game A. But again, with Emma being gone, I don't think she was able to gain enough trust with Jenn and Owen to make them willing to rock the boat for her. I have no problem throwing away my Game B life, mostly because doing this move would shake up what's been kind of a stale game thus far, but even I'm not sure if I trust Owen enough to want to. Between Emma and Owen, I definitely think Emma is the better ally. But I don't trust him to keep things on the down-low, and my plan would kinda backfire if someone outside of us for knew about it. I can't vote Owen out either, since he's safe in Game A and could blow up Jenn and I's games by revealing our alliance to the One World chat. I really wanted Emma to go far, especially after what happened to her in Olympics. I've wanted to play in a game with her for a long time too. This is suuuch a bummer....

Dear Diary, 

It's been a rough one. I won immunity on both tribes, but at what cost? My loving, caring, amazing, perfect, showmance is going to tribal and so is Jenn. Jenn is just okay, but I still care about her safety. Logan apparently was being a weirdo about keeping Emma instead of Owen, which like I get yk! I get it you have your pals and want them to be safe! But Jenn is gonna get what Jenn wants like that's just how it works friendo! 

Anyways Diary, I'm really pissed I didn't get to go on the adventure! Especially, since Jakey got this cool record player thing that flips the immunity results. I can't wait to be fucked over by it! But he can make the losing tribe be safe and the winning one go to tribal, so that's kind of yikeridoodlydoos!!! Anywhooooo! I gave him the idol clue for shits and giggles tbh. Probably a bad idea in the long run but honestly I hardly even want the idol! So WHATESJDK  whatever idk who cares im just here to have a good time hehehehee 

Also Emma is leaving apparently. I know what's going on in the game unlike Ricardo who messaged me once today asking me if i was going to tribal and I said no and he goes oh okay and doesn't message me again. Okay hunty!

Okay Diary thank you, love always, 

Lil Kait

so at the start of this round, alex gave owen his immunity idol clue, and owen gave his clue to jake. jake gave the clue to me and we had a whole plan to get to the idol system first and find the idol or whatever it is and i thought i had a good chance because the immunity challenge was something i'm really good at but my tribe wasn't really good at it, so i didn't get to find it :(

i think i did really good in the challenge though to the point my tribes might see that i'm useful but i think i'm not in the clear just yet. matt and steven are definitely working together and matt implied that to me that he's talked to him the second most and honestly? i don't trust matt for shit. he tried to butter me up and say that i'm the "only one he talks to" as if! 

in the tribe chat he said his score was 8 and then he said it was 7 and nearly made me go to tribal council and i think it was a mistake but i think my tribe thinks he's a shady heck and that's cool whatever idc! 

i have zero alliances and i really want that to change, but i literally don't know how to work with these people. i really don't think they like me that much, so i'm really praying for a swap. 

jake found the record thing at the adventure thanks to owen's help and i know he's more loyal to me than owen. thanks owen for handing him the golden record though. it's not exactly an idol because you only have one hour to use it and that's scary as shit.

emma's leaving tonight on both tribes and i'm honestly heartbroken :( she's literally a queen and now i'm running out of people i was going to work with. i had a dream i was going to be in an alliance with her and jake but i guess it just won't work out.

i'm disappointed i couldn't find the golden record for myself. i have to try really hard in these challenges or i'm going to be voted off. i think jc might be the hudson tribe boot if we ever go to tribal council, but with this dual tribe twist, i think if both my tribes lose, people will just vote me off in order to have the game move faster. i really hope that doesn't happen, and i'll just HAVE to try much harder socializing to ensure it doesn't.

literally pray for me