#would terry be offended or shocked or ignore it

[awtysm-cryptid]

Can there just be one of those beefing moments between Daniel and Terry (maybe with an audience like the kids, Johnny, Kreese etc) where Daniel just goes

"*insert insult* Terrance"

[honeybeewhereartthee]

MDD MINI CORNER: DEAR SLEEPING BEAUTY epilogue

Previous|| Table of Content|| Next

he look around carefully as he held the bag and open the door of one of the hospital room and put it to the side of the door and run away. Not realizing the patient that own the room is looking at him oddly the whole time.

"ehehe. Now MC is safe." He happily says as he enter the room again to see you Sleeping peacefully. "MC I have made sure the fiend is gone!" He held your right hand as he say his proud work of putting your curse doll else where so you won't get those scary tattoo anymore!

"... Do you know, that certain doll is probably more important than you are to them?" HiMERU commented which is ignored by his little brother.

"MC is with me even so the fiend don't want mc to do something reckless as this! So MC loves me more than him ùwú." Kaname said proudly to his big brother.

"..." HiMERU cannot say more at this. He look at your sleeping form in worry. He hope you won't get too mad to kaname for doing such childish act.

"MC~ wake up soon~ "kaname mumble. "How ironic." HiMERU watch the scene, it remind him of the scene in the present-future.

Where the one who's always been asleep is now the one praying for the other to wake up.

...

"MC...?" Kaname open his eyes to see no one in the bed, the door is open as well. He went down from his chair and went out to look for you, noticing how late it is and how dark the hallway is if not for the moon light.

"MC...?" He called out again, almost tearfully in worry. "MC where are you..." He cried.

"over here." He heard you answer in the Terris of the hospital. "MC!" He run toward you, your holding the bag where the doll is. "...sowwy." realizing his found out he apologize quickly.

"ahaha. It's fine. You only did that cause you worry about me." You walk toward him to pat his head.

"I would do the same too if that's the case for you too kana." You smile happily not even offended by what he did.

He look at you in shock, he thought you'll hate him --

"awww awwww nyoooo--" he spoke too soon, your hand that once in his head is now abusing his cheeks. He tearfully try to appeal pitiful to make you stop but you don't.

You smile at him while you continue your lecture" Kana what did I say when someone does something to mayoi? Hmm..." You eyed him.

"Wuwu... E-eye *hic for an eye... Wuwuw...*sob." He cried hopelessly.

"hmm... What should I do to you then?" You ask him still smiling. "Wuwu... MC I'm sowwwyyy. I'll wake up and make sure I wont be problem child!" He cried as he went for a hug.

You sigh as you stop bullying him.

"Aww. You wanna wake up? I wanna stay longer here through. " You say as you pat his head.

"H-HU... But big brother said if you stay longer you'll be asleep the same time you spend here." He look at you confuse. He wonder what's up with you now.

"ah... That's fine. I have things to do here before I leave." Your eyes is gleaming with glee.

"...MC. I heard from big brother that you probably stayed here cause your friend isn't a doll anymore--" you shut him up with a smile. " Kana how could you say that! I'm not that doll obsess to go that far ok!" You lied.

"... MC.." he look at you knowingly. He can't Help but smile wildly as you still seems to be your usual self. That kid who loves dolls and always there for him.

"I pity that guy then. He be jealous of his own self." He chuckle as he continue to hug you.

"MC. I'll wake up soon... I'll wake up once you discharge out of the hospital.... I promise to big brother I'll face my own future and present." He finally decided. "And I wanna meet MC in the future too! As well tatsumi and others..."

"...that's good then!" You smile happily at his decision. "I can't wait to chat with kana in the present time too. Being kids is fun in all but we're still both adults after all..." You mumble.

"MC~ I still act childish in the future. Hopefully you won't hate me either way!" He cling to you. " I will not stop clinging to you if you said you'll hate me if I did act like a kid. " He pout.

"Either you be childish or not. Kana is kana. I don't mind how you act." You pat his head softly.

"MC!MC!" He called to you again.

"hmm??" You hummed as you continue to hug kana.

"If I'm the sleeping beauty, why can't you be the prince to wake me up?" He ask you. You look at him in wonder.

"Oh kana want a kiss from me? Lol. What a lewd kid." You giggle and he turn red at the mention of the kiss. "N-no... M-maybe--... Yes I do." He denied at first yet says and think otherwise. Yet in the end he told you the truth as your raising your brow at him.

"I told you before. I don't like the real fairy tale of sleeping beauty. If I were the so called prince charming it be like, I'm molesting you." You sigh as you explained your point view at this matter.

He look at you are daze at your answer of you unwillingly to be the prince charming.

"........" He seems to mumble something while pouting. "What?" You ask him to repeat what he says. "Why not Disney sleeping beauty then..." He mumble again but more audible.

" ahaha... I don't watch such show as a child. I only know the real fairy tale origin story." You says. Not explaining why is that the case. "Hmmp..." He only pout as he cross his arms.

"kana..." You called out to him, he look up to you as you lean in to kiss his forehead. His eyes widen at the soft warm contact.

"*Chuu. Dear sleeping beauty. Is this kiss enough for you?" You ask him softly as his face slowly envelope with redness and his heartbeat seems to beat so loudly he felt you can hear it!

"ahaha. Maybe you want another one in your cheeks ?" As you says that you give him a kiss in the cheeks and he continue to turn red and slowly felt dizzy yet never stop you at all.

"i--... " As he isn't able to find his own words he suddenly realize everything slowly turn black.

"Eh..." He mumble as he watch you look at him and worry and reach out to him to only disappear into the oblivion.

...

"... A-ah...." He tried to call out to you but he cannot find his voice, he slowly open his eyes to see unfamiliar ceiling. "I-- ah... Agh...." He cant help but touch his throat that felt so sour and painful as if he never spoken for years!

"ah... So your finally awake... " He heard unfamiliar voice of someone. His eyes widen when he don't realize there is Someone Else is with him!

"!!!" He would scream if he could but he could only jolt which almost throw him out of his bed when he saw a figure coming out of the shadow.

Holding something fluffy in his arms. The person is a tall man who have a pale skin tone who could be describe as beautiful with long purple hair that is tied in a braid that fall down on one side.

Familiar yet unfamiliar Blue eyes stared at him in slight worry as he almost fall off his bed, a familiar beauty mark below his lips made him realize that person look awfully like MC's beloved doll, mayoi.

"you should be careful... Through a words of someone like me shouldn't matter either way..." He look at the humanoid doll in worry and look around to search for anyone other than him. That guy worries him for reason as well scares him.

"... Fufu. Don't need to fear me~ I will never harm anyone important to my dearest mc~" he don't know if he should be worried because that person chuckle just made him want to hide and scream for his older brother to help him out. "I--... Y-you mad at me...? *Cough...." He somewhat found his own voice as he remembers what he did to the doll before.

"Hm...? Why would I? " Who he believes is Mayoi look at him confuse. "Ah... Did you do something to the old self of mine? I can't quite remember things that happened in those days..." He mumble.

"I won't get angry if you did. It's a normal response of children... Ah. Innocent children who don't know any better!" He chuckle with a degenerate grin that made kaname want to back away more.

"I don't want to sound like a creepy person! I will not do anything suspicious to innocent and fragile little things~ if you worry so much! This is just how I am..." He mumble as he look at kana one last time before he turn to leave.

"Your brother would wake up soon~ do tell how thankful I am with his help~" he chuckle as he left without saying more.

He finally sigh in relief when his left alone.

Through kaname can't help but wonder what's that fluffy doll his holding. It look awfully like someone he knows.

"... HEY YOU WAIT -- *COUGH." he don't know how tried to find his footing but he went and chase the person but found that his no longer in the house and long have left.

"why ..." Are you holding a doll awfully like MC?' he wanted too ask but he collapse from over working his body that is under a coma stare for years and now he lies in the floor. Crying for his big brother and MC.

...

"how stupid could you be..." HiMERU says as he help kaname back to the bed, when he wake up he saw his little brother lying in the floor. Crying his eyes out.

"B-big brother..." He called out.

"yes. What is it?" HiMERU sighs as he listen to his brother. "Where's MC..." He mumble afraid he get an earful if he ask loudly.

"who?"

"MC! My best friend!" He added. " Beside tatsumi." He saw his brother have a look of disgust the moment he mention the priest. " I don't know any MC." HiMERU says as he look at his brother in confusion.

He wonder if his older brother is joking or not. Bit somehow he felt his not. Fear slowly consume Him as he fear the worse.

Yet it motivated him to get hurry to be better to search for you! His not the sleeping beauty anymore! His going to be a hero now! Hmmp!

As he think about what kind of witchcraft that fiend did.

HiMERU internally sigh as he is force to do a prank to his little brother as suggested by MC before he went back to the present future.

MC said they would stayed in the past for a few more days to enjoy the moment and fix some things that they never specify.

When he wake up in the present he don't see MC sleeping form but rather the grinning madness of the phantom holding a doll that seems so dear to him.

"Fufu... MC is such a trouble maker~" he heard the phantom says to the doll, which leads him to understand the situation.

Yet he cannot do but watch as the doll MC tried to move but can't and seems to pout in their doll form. "Dis is hard..." He heard you speak in a high pitch tone. " Ahhh~ so precious! So adorable!" Seeing the phantom acting like a creep.

HiMERU slowly back away and leave. Making sure he don't make a sound to attract attention.

He later learn that it's the consequences of you fixing his doll body, he too realize he forget that your the one who did such act as if his memories is erase.

He then remember what you did to kohaku before and wonder if you have power over dolls as someone who work on patching and creation of the DD body.

He have so many questions but looking at his awaken brother. He still thankful his finally awake dispute all odds.

So he would keep his own question for himself at least for the moment.

'MC really should just kiss this dumb brother of mine from the start now they have to deal with consequences of stupidity. MC really is a friend of this brother of mine.' he thought as he remembers you saying kana went blop in the future after you shower him with kisses. He look at his brother who is messily eating his meal.

"Nom nom.." kaname happily eat as he wish to get stronger soon.

"same feathers flock together...." He mumble with a sigh. He reach to clean kaname face with his handkerchief.

"What?" -kaname look up to his big brother who seems problematic again. 'poor big brother! Don't worry maybe mc could help!' he thought already forgot that his being prank at the moment.

"nothing. Eat your meal property...." He nags. "Okii~"

this is the story how the sleeping beauty wake up and could have been awake since first chapter if you don't have another motive on going to the past.

...

Much Later events:

"TATSUMI HIIIII~" in later time when kaname is all better he went to meet his friend who look at him oddly as he jump for a hug. "I miss you~" he added.

"Eh... But we just saw each other earlier today... But I miss you too HiMERU." Thinking that HiMERU most be acting out of his idol persona and his usual childish self he don't ask more and just pat kanama head.

"tatsumi~ did you see MC anywhere...." He ask which leads to Tatsumi to raise a brow since HiMERU never that close to MC in that standard. "They are over there." He point at you who's chatting with rinne and Niki.

"MC! MC!" He hurried to your side and hug you from behind, not caring for the image HiMERU put out for him.

Earning a shock look from his unit mate but a raise of brow from rinne as he realize something is off with this merumeru.

"oho... What's this... " Rinne raise his brow in amusement. "Merumeru you never been close to MC before. What's up with you now?" He ask the blue haired idiot. "Ah. Kana." You mumble as you realize it's kaname and not HiMERU.

"what do you m-mean rinne amagi-- himeru is not acting weird!" Kaname pout as he use his idol persona that his older brother use for him when his asleep.

"HiMERU just think it's fine to be close to MC now since we're best friends since long ago and--" your eyes widen as kaname going to embarrassed his older brother hard work all those time yet can't do anything about it.

"DAD SAID IF WERE BOTH OLD ENOUGH WERE GONNA GET MARRIED UWU. BECAUSE WE BOTH LOVE ONE ANOTHER" his loud Proclaim not only shock his unit mate but everyone near the place as well Himeru who's watching from a far with a binoculars on the house Terris.

"kaname-- that dumb brother of mine..." He can't help but sigh as Hinata aoi offer him some drinks. "Are you two going to do the twin thing? Ehehe. You guys won't be original if so!" He says as he realize something is up but never really going to tell them off to the agency since it be fun to watch in the sideline. "Not original at all~" yuuta chuckle as put more spicy papers and seasoning to his curry.

"...say what now?" Rinne who found his words suddenly have a very amuse grin as he look at kaname. "But I'm already MC husband!" He point at himself proudly.

"...are you seriously going to fight him with this argument?" You ask with a sigh.

"*Gasp! YOU LIAR!" kaname rejected rinne statement. "The only rival I have is, that fiend!" He added.

"fiend..." You try to think who he meant but realize it's Mayoi. "Kaname what did you call mayoi?" You pulled his cheeks which lead him to pout. "MC!" He tried to slap your hand away but can't as you once again abuse his cheeks ( affectionately )

"MC is such a player huh." Niki says while he take a bite of chocolate energy bar. " Oho, why is Niki going to finally accept the marriage chief status of yours?"

"for all MC did for all of us. I won't mind since they would cook dish and feed me as well. I never understand the idea of love either but MC is important to me like food is to me." Niki casually says his view to rinne who pause at Niki confession.

"Well, MC is an oddball who is too obsessed with dolls like your obsess with food." He chuckle.

"I can hear you rinrin." You who is beside them rolled your eyes after your done booling kaname who is holding his cheeks.

"good, your supposed to hear it. Have you not learn your lesson yet? No. You did not." Rinne remember what the phantom did to someone like who love Doll so much that made everyone laugh at your pitiful self trying to stand in doll form sometime ago.

The person who's so obsess with dolls become a doll as punishment. Lol' he thought very much still amuse by that memory.

"fuck you Rinrin. We're getting divorce. You only bully me >:(" you slap a invisible divorce paper at Rinne.

Rinne:"*lilGASP HOW DARE YOU SAY YOU DID NOT BOOLY ME AS WELL?!"

Kaname:"Omg you guys getting divorce? Yey!"

The three of you being dramatic and Niki have to back away for a while because it's very embarrassing for him to stay beside you three. yet the group start laughing and joking around having a fun time.

In the far sideline mayoi watch you happily interact with people and took a photo with a close up to your smiling face to add in the little album he have. "What a good day today is..." He mumble.

Kaname was later introduce as HiMERU little brother who is a very close childhood friend of yours. which leads to the whole set of darling dolls to have mix reaction yet in the end everyone welcome the once sleeping beauty to the group.

Kaname who's surrounded with many new friends cant help smile at your direction happy to be friends with your new found friends and just being alive and awake with you.

END

A/N: and that's the end of the side story. Yes MC could have gone for prince charming route in the very beginning but they have priority

( coughmayoicutedollformcough ) there be more of Kaname in main story! Ùwú probably....

TAG LIST : @allimili @valeriele3 @emikoisdead

[yurtletheturtlehenderson]

COSMIC - S1:E6; Chapter Six, The Monster - [Pt. 1]

A Will Byers x Male!Reader Series

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘠/𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘌𝘭𝘴𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘰𝘺𝘤𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘣’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.

|| 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕 ||

Joyce and Hopper sat opposite one another at the kitchen table of the Byers' home. The house was cold and hardly lit, copies of newspaper clippings scattered all around the house. One of the only light sources was a dusty chandelier that hung from the kitchen ceiling above the table and their heads, illuminating the several papers.

"Look, we gotta go through this again." Joyce insisted.

"I told you everything that I saw."

"Oh, gosh," she sighs into her hands. "Tell me again."

"Upstairs or downstairs?" Hopper asked.

"Upstairs."

"There was a laboratory. It was where they must do experiments or something, and then there was... well you see, like I said, I got turned around."

Hopper was currently sharing all he had encountered on his rogue mission at Hawkins National Laboratory. Joyce, all the while was hanging on his every word.

"I told you, it was like, I don't know, it wasn't supposed to exist. That whole area, it was abandoned and... forgotten, like it was all some big mistake. Once I found my way back, I saw that... kid's room. That other kid's room, I mean. Like it was actually used, but it didn't even look like a kid's room, neither of them did. It looked like a prison."

Hopper sighed and rubbed the bottom of his palms into his eyes tiredly, is fingers held the lit cigarette inches away from his face as he did so. "If that even makes sense,"

"Well," Joyce began, trying to get to the bottom of this never ending mystery. "So why would you think it was a kid's room, then?"

"Because, I told you, the size of the bed, there was a drawing, there was a stuffed animal--"

Joyce interrupted the man quickly. "Y-You didn't say there was a drawing."

"Yeah, there was a drawing of a... an adult and a child. It said 'Eleven' on it."

"Was it good?" Joyce pressed.

"It was a kid's drawing, Joyce. It was stick figures."

Joyce had a knowing look on her face as she stood up with a sigh, retrieving a piece of crinkled line paper and slammed it down on the table for Hopper to see.

She pointed to the detailed drawing as she sat back down.

"Wasn't Will." She stated confidently, shakily bringing the cigarette back up to her lips.

Hopper examined the drawing and everything seemed to click. He returned his gaze to the anxious mother. Hopper quickly put out his cigarette in the ashtray and made a beeline for the coffee table.

"Earl..." he muttered, as he made his way into the living room. Joyce, who had abandoned her cigarette, was right on his heels.

"The night that Benny died, Earl said he saw some kid with a shaved head with Benny," Hopper and Joyce took a seat beside one another on the living room couch, Hopper's eyes fixed on the several news clippings splayed along the wooden coffee table. "Now, I pressed him, he said it might be Will, but maybe..."

The man began shifting through the papers, and Joyce spoke up.

"Wait... Maybe, it wasn't?"

Hopper pulled the article he had been looking for and pointed to the fuzzy photograph of the woman in the article.

"Look... this woman, Terry Ives, she claims to have lost her daughter, Jane. She sued Brenner, she sued the government... Now, the claims came to nothing, but what if... I mean, what if this whole time I've been... I've been looking for Will... I've been chasing after some other kid?"

|| 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕 ||

Everything is a mess.

Will is still missing, the party is falling apart, Mike and Lucas are still angsty messes that won't speak to one another, and now, El left us. She probably thinks I hate her.

'But I don't! I was just scared'

(Ok but like,,,, who else ships El and reader cause damn I've been giving myself feels lately, dang)

'We need to fix this'

I sigh and sit up from my bed and make my my way to Dustin's room.

⊹ ⊹ ⊹

"I just... I can't believe she didn't come back." Mike sighed.

Dustin and I agreed we needed to talk some sense into the rest of the party. So we got our bikes and made our way to Mike's. Dustin was standing opposite Mike while I currently occupied one of the D&D chairs I had pulled up. Mike was worriedly pacing the floor in front of us.

"She's gotta be close." Dustin offered.

"She said it wasn't safe. She just messed up the compasses because she wanted to protect us. She didn't betray us."

"Mike, calm down."

Mike only ignored Dustin and kept talking, more to himself than anybody it seemed.

"I shouldn't have yelled at her. I never should've done that."

"Mike, this isn't your fault." Dustin said.

"Yeah, it's Lucas'."

"It wasn't his fault, either." Dustin countered softly.

For the first time in what felt like ages, Mike stopped in his tracks. He looked at my brother dumbfounded and took a few steps in his direction. "It wasn't his fault?"

"No."

"So you're saying he wasn't way out of line?"

"Totally, but so were you!"

"What?"

"And so was Eleven."

"That's ridiculous! Y/n, tell him he's being ridiculous!"

Very calmly, I stood up with my arms crossed and stood next to my brother, and sighed, eyes fixed on Mike. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Dustin is absolutely right."

Mike seemed even more furious. "Oh, give me a break!"

Dustin snapped at these words and stormed up to Mike. "No, Mike, you give me a break! All three of you were being a bunch of little assholes! Y/n and I were the only reasonable ones! But the bottom line is... you pushed first. And you know the rules. You draw first blood..."

"No! No way! I'm not shaking his hand."

"You're shaking his hand." I press, stepping forward.

He was sure to make eye contact with me over Dustin's shoulder as he spoke. "No, I'm not."

So I strode toward him and gave him a slight glare.

"This isn't a discussion. This is the rule of law. Obey or be banished from the party. Do you wanna be banished?" I asked firmly.

Mike crossed his arms and pouted before speaking up meekly. "No."

"Good!" I chirp, my face beaming as if we hadn't just been fighting which seem to only terrify him more.

I all but skipped over to the chair grabbing my coat, Dustin following my actions.

"Where are we going?" Mike asked with a hint of frustration.

"Where do you think?" Dustin asked as he put his arms through the sleeves of his coat.

"We're going to get Lucas." I finished, straightening my jacket then looked back to Mike.

My face softened and I tilted my head slightly. "And then we're gonna find Eleven."

⊹ ⊹ ⊹

The three of us stood on Lucas's porch and I rang the doorbell. We stood waiting until the door swung open and Lucas stood there glaring at all three of us, but mostly Mike.

"What do you want?" He spit, resting his hands in his pockets.

There was brief silence which was then interrupted by a muffled smack of Dustin hitting Mike in the arm.

Mike sighed softly and looked to Lucas, clearly hating every second of this.

"I drew first blood, so..." he extended his hand for Lucas to shake but Lucas didn't move.

Great. Of course nobody was going to make anything easy. Why would they?

⊹ ⊹ ⊹

Somehow I had convinced Lucas to let us all in and now, we all stood in the middle of his living room as he paced silently across the floor considering Mike's offer. He finally stopped and stared at the three of us.

"Okay, I'll shake."

Mike sighed what I barely made out to be a "finally" as he extended his arm out once more. Dustin and I perked up, that was until Lucas continued.

"On one condition. We forget the weirdo and go straight to the gate." He finished, arms crossed defiant.

"Then the deal's off." Mike barked.

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

"No, no, not fine! Guys seriously?" Dustin yelled, as I threw my head back frustrated.

Dustin forced Mike to face him as he spoke. "Do you even remember what happened on the Bloodstone Pass?"

Lucas and Mike shared a confused glance.

Dustin seemed shocked and offended that they had no recollection and continued.

"We couldn't agree on what path to take, so we all split up the party and those trolls took us out one by one. And it all went to shit. And we were all disabled! So we stick together, no matter what!"

"Yeah, I agree. But this is the party, right here in this room."

"El is one of us now."

"Um, no, she's not. Not even close! Never will be. She's a liar, a traitor--"

"She was just trying to keep us safe! She didn't mean to hurt you. It was an accident!"

"An accident?"

"All right, accident or not... admit it, it was a little awesome." Dustin said.

"Awesome?"

"Yeah, she threw you in the air with her mind!"

"I could have been killed!"

"Would everybody just shut up for one second, please!" I snap.

Everybody looks to me, a shocked expression on their faces.

I step forward and begin my long awaited  rant.

"I am sick of your attitude." I point at Lucas. "I am sick of your whining." I point to Mike. "I am sick of all three of you bickering," I gesture to all of them. "I love you guys and I can't thank you enough for taking me in and including me, know that, but GOD I am tired of being stuck listening to you boys argue about every little thing!"

I myself began pacing, my voice continuously rising. "I'm sick of putting up with all your petty arguing when we should be looking for Will only to come home at the end of the day, having found NOTHING and crying my eyes out because the only person who never gave a shit about who started what is missing and probably dead!"

I stopped pacing and looked to the boys who were all silent. I sighed and lowered my voice. "Lucas, you're right. You could have been killed. Which is exactly why we need her. She is more powerful than all of us combined."

"Y/n's right. Do you seriously wanna fight the Demogorgon with your wrist rocket?" Mike said, anger still in his voice. "That's like R2-D2 going to fight Darth Vader. We're no use to Will if we're dead."

Lucas looked torn for a moment, but then he shook his head and pointed at the three of us. There was disappointment in his voice. "If you three wanna waste your time looking for a traitor, go ahead, 'cause I'm not spending my time on her anymore. No way!"

I sighed, putting my face in my hands. Lucas continued.

"I'm going to the gate. I'm going to find Will."

Lucas shoved the boys aside and stormed off, leaving the three of us alone in more ways than one.

[devilrising]

For me the top of the list of things that feel gay and homophobic at the same time is Darco MyFatherWillHearAboutThis Malfoy

I really enjoyed this prompt! Thank you Raye for the beta <3

Warnings: drunken shenanigans, spin the bottle, and first kisses

***

The Room of Requirement is packed with students, speakers, and tables covered with cheap food and alcohol. Harry isn’t entirely sure who thought asking for Muggle speakers was a good idea, but the Room had supplied massive ones that take up a good amount of space. Occasionally a Pureblood bumps into them, and Harry takes great delight in watching them flinch and rush away.

When Hermione had suggested a party to help build interhouse relationships for the Eighth Years, Harry had been skeptical at best. When Ron had readily agreed to it, and even made sure the Slytherins were included, Harry was suspicious. There’s no way Ron was willing to hang out with Slytherins without an ulterior motive.

Part of Harry thinks he just wants to get into Hermione’s pants.

Face twisting in disgust at the thought, Harry forces himself back to the current situation. Most of the Eighth Years are gathered in a semi-circle, sitting in front of a roaring fire. There’s a bottle in the middle of the group, presently ignored in favour of the couple snogging. Harry didn’t see the point in playing Spin the Bottle. He had protested and claimed that they were too old to be making people kiss their classmates, but no one had wanted to listen to him.

Now though, after a few shots of Firewhiskey burning through his veins, he doesn’t think it’s such a bad idea anymore. If nothing else, it has finally made Dean and Seamus realise how stupid they are for each other.

“Alright alright! Keep it family friendly!” Hermione calls out, voice slightly slurred. The boys finally break apart, Dean squeezing Seamus’ butt once before moving back to his spot in the circle. Seamus flushes bright red, and after a moment, crawls after him.

“Spin the bottle!” Blaise shouts, grinning as it's set in motion again.

With all eyes turned to watch who it lands on, Harry takes a moment to scan the room again. There’s the circle of gay girls also playing spin the bottle, another group of people playing a drinking game of some sort, and not much else happening. The flash of blond hair he’s looking for is nowhere to be found, and he sighs under his breath. Bloody Malfoy must be invisible. Or not interested in getting drunk.

Harry forces his eyes back to his own circle, the group of boys staring in horror at the bottle. Theodore Nott and Terry Boot. Harry bites back a shocked laugh. It had surprised absolutely no one when both these boys came out, but surprised everyone when they started dating. Then it had all promptly fallen apart. And now they have to kiss because of a drunk party game. Harry feels slightly sorry for them, even if it’s also hilarious.

He watches as Terry wrinkles his nose in disgust, but shuffles forward on his knees to sit in the centre of the circle. Theo follows a moment later, scowling at Terry.

“It can’t be too bad Theo! You used to be constantly snogging him!”

“Not the time, Blaise,” Ron murmurs from where he’s standing with Hermione next to the fireplace. Ron may be bisexual, and therefore meets the criteria to join the game, but there’s no way he’d look at anyone else now he’s with Hermione. The two are nausea inducing, and Harry loves them.

Harry watches as Terry scoffs, fists his hands in Theodore’s shirt, and tugs him close. The kiss is a harsh peck, over in a second. Theo looks stunned, and then he’s hauling Terry back in. This time, it’s closer to snogging, and earns a few wolf whistles.

“I told you it wouldn’t be so bad,” Blaise mutters. “Bloody boys.”

“Blaise, you’re a boy,” Harry whispers pointedly.

Blaise just shrugs.

“Move it on lads,” Dean calls out.

Terry pulls away first, putting some distance between himself and Theo. And then he’s lifting a hand and slapping Theo across the cheek.

Theodore swears loudly, standing up and storming back to his spot next to Blaise. I guess they aren’t getting back together.

Cheers erupt from the circle of girls, and Harry turns to find Pansy and Lavender snogging. He watches as Pansy gets her hands in Lavender’s hair and tugs, making her moan. Hermione is quick to break it up, and the girls settle back down together, Pansy practically sitting in Lavender’s lap.

“Spin the bottle!” Anthony Goldstein calls, and Blaise takes great delight in grabbing it and giving a hard spin.

Harry zones out again, letting the game play around him. He briefly sees Blaise crawling into the circle, but he doesn’t know who the other player is. He glances around the room again. Where the fuck is Malfoy?

***

“You know what’s both gay and homophobic?” Theodore is asking a little while later, between rounds. Harry thinks having to kiss Dean Thomas is pretty high on his list. Dean a) has a boyfriend (as of 15 minutes ago) and b) is as far away from Harry’s type as possible. He won’t say that though; he would hate to offend one of his roommates of eight years.

“Guitars!”

The circle cheers.

“How?” Harry asks. He’s definitely missing something.

“You know. All those homophobic men who play them, but the gays love guitars.” Theo shakes his head like it should be obvious.

“Here I was thinking you’d say being forced to snog your ex!” Justin Finch-Fletchley called from across the room.

Theo huffs, looking down at the floor as his ears become pink.

An awkward cough draws Harry’s attention to someone outside the circle. Malfoy. Harry freezes, unable to tear his eyes away from Malfoy. His hair is for once not slicked back, but purposely tousled, hanging down over his forehead. His Hogwarts robes have been swapped out for a mesh black shirt and sinfully tight jeans. Harry can see his nipples through the shirt, and the sight makes his mouth water.

“You know what I think is gay and homophobic at the same time?” Ron, drunk off his arse, asks the group.

Everyone pauses, waiting.

“Draco MyFatherWillHearAboutThis Malfoy!”

The circle explodes with laughter and catcalls. All eyes turn to Malfoy, and Harry watches as the boys rake their eyes over his outfit. Something heavy settles and twists in Harry’s gut.

Malfoy flushes a lovely colour of pink, stuttering. No words actually manage to form, and after a few attempts at talking, he just rolls his eyes.

“Join the circle Draco!” Blaise says, his words nearly slurred beyond recognition. Theo nods enthusiastically, and soon everyone else is practically begging Malfoy to join. With an exaggerated sigh, Malfoy makes his way to the circle, sitting down between Theo and Blaise.

Great. Time to leave.

Harry shuffles back slowly, hoping not to draw any attention to himself. The universe has other plans though, as all eyes immediately fix on him.

Harry clears his throat. “I’m uh- I’m gonna go find Hermione. It’s getting late.” He feels his cheeks heating up, and hopes that the flush will be hidden under his dark skin. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

“Nope. Absolutely not. It’s just gotten interesting!” Seamus declares, his accent made all the more worse with excess alcohol. Dean, who Seamus is using as a chair, nods along.

“Yeah Potter, play one more round with us!” Anthony pipes up, a smirk playing on his lips.

A hand grabs Harry’s wrist and tugs him back to the floor. Harry resumes his position in the circle with a scowl. He can’t believe this is happening. Except, it’s not at all surprising.

“What do you say, Draco spins this time?” Blaise asks the group, and everyone nods. Everyone except Harry, who can’t think of a worse idea, but no one seems to care.

Malfoy turns to look at Blaise, his expression hidden from Harry; after a slight hesitation, he reaches forward. Draco’s pale, delicate hands look beautiful next to the bottle. Harry shakes his head. I must be really drunk.

The bottle spins and spins and spins. Harry nearly goes dizzy from watching it move, trying to predict where it will end up. Eventually it begins to slow down. Harry tracks its movements, his eyes flitting from Terry to Anthony to Dean to Seamus to…

“No. Nuh uh, no way.” All faces once again turn to Harry, and he glares at all of them.

“You have to Harry! It’s the rules!” Theo says.

“I am not kissing Malfoy.”

“Why not, Potter?” Blaise asks, eyes innocently--worryingly--large.

“Because it’s Malfoy.”

Harry turns to find Malfoy’s eyes, who is staring right at him. His gaze burns into Harry, setting him alight. I can’t do this.

“What’s wrong Potter?” Malfoy asks, popping the ‘p’ in an imitation of the way he used to say it. Now though, after the antagonism of their rivalry has faded to banter and bickering, Malfoy says it more gently. It always makes something in Harry’s brain melt. “Afraid I’ll be too good?” He lifts a single eyebrow, thin lips curving into a smirk.

“As if Malfoy. You’ve probably never kissed anyone before!” Harry knows it’s weak, but his brain is mostly offline thanks to the Firewhiskey and the idea of what’s about to happen. Because of course he’s going to kiss Malfoy.

“Trust me Potter, he has.”

Harry isn’t sure who said it, but he glares in the general direction. The image of Draco kissing someone other than him turns his mood sour. The weight in his gut reappears.

Draco is grinning when Harry looks at him again. He moves onto his knees and shuffles into the centre of the circle. “Scared, Potter?”

Harry scowls, pushing aside all rational thought, and joins him. “You wish, Malfoy.”

Harry doesn’t have another second to think, because Draco is grabbing the collar of Harry’s shirt and pulling him in. Fire floods Harry’s veins as his lips meet Draco’s. His fingers twitch, and he threads them into Draco’s breath-taking hair. The kiss turns heated very quickly, and Harry struggles to keep up as Draco slides his tongue against Harry’s. He’s going dizzy with it, burning from the inside out. His stomach flips as Draco slides his hands from his collar to the back of his neck, pulling him even closer.

Harry gasps for breath as they break apart, his lungs burning at the lack of oxygen. He can hear his pulse in his ears, blocking out everything except himself and Draco. After a second of harsh breathing, he feels lips on his jaw. A moan is wrenched from him as Draco nips gently, and then the mouth moves down to his neck. Draco sucks a mark into his skin, high up on his neck where Harry won’t be able to cover it. Harry can’t help the groan he releases, and tugs Draco back up to meet his lips again. Right where he wants him.

“Time to break it up!” someone is shouting, and Harry whines when Draco pulls away slightly.

As their foreheads rest against each other, Harry becomes aware of everyone in the Room cheering. Everyone. Not just the guys he was playing with, but the girls and other guys as well. Harry sighs, but he can’t help the smile on his lips.

“About bloody time mate,” Ron is saying when Harry finally gathers the courage to look at something other than the floor.

“Is now an appropriate time to say that I charmed the bottle?” Blaise asks, and Harry and Draco both whip around to look at him.

“You what?!” Draco shouts, glaring daggers into his friend.

“You two have been eye-fucking all term! I’m helping you get laid, Draco.” Blaise grins, the smug smile making Harry shake his head.

Draco rolls his eyes and stands up properly. Before Harry can begin doubting anything, Draco grabs his hand and hauls him up. Harry stands in front of Draco, a shy smile on his lips. God, he’s pretty.

“Come on, Harry,” Draco murmurs into his ear. “Let’s get out of here.”

Harry is helpless to do anything but nod and follow him out of the Room, ignoring the catcalls that trail after them.

***

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Masterlist

[talicat713]

It's Always Been Molly

John Shelby x OC story

Part Three

A/N: Two updates in one weekend! Who am I lol! Another part is up!  You get a glimpse of the Mollys past in this one.  I apologize in advance if I offend anyone. Thank you to the person who made the GIF above. I think it might be perfect for this part.  Links to the other parts are below.  Happy reading!

PART ONE ; PART TWO

Warnings: language, mention of abuse, mention of murder and death, mention of pregnancy and childbirth, angst, alcohol (I’m trying really hard with these btw. If I leave something out I’m so sorry)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two days after her meeting with Thomas, a friend was bringing the rest of her things from London. She had to meet him at the train station. 

Molly had woken up earlier than usual that day. As she walked down the hallway, she saw Jacobs door open. Walking down the steps, she could smell breakfast being made.  She was surprised to see her brother standing by the cooker. 

“When the ‘ell did you learn how to cook?”, she said as she sat down at the table and started making her plate. 

Jacob came to sit down with the rest of the meal,” The nice nanny Tommy hired to watch me after you left taught me.  I think her name was Helen. I just called her Nan. Dad wasn’t happy when he came back, and she was here instead of you.” He looked up at his sister waiting for her reaction. 

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, “Are we really going to talk about this now? I’ve been back for three days!”, she exclaimed. 

“You were never on the receiving end of Richards abuse. Mum and I protected you from that. He killed our mother, but paid off the police to rule it an accident. Then he tried to kill me the same way Jake. And don’t think I don’t know about the time he came home drunk, like he always did, and almost bloody shot you.”

Jacob looked over at his sister with wide eyes. That had happened about a year after she had left. He didn’t know she knew about that.  He begged Tommy not to tell anyone, especially her. And a few days later Tommy and Polly had come over to sign him into Helen’s custody, on Molly’s behave and told him his father was never coming back to hurt anyone again. 

“I was the one who told Tommy to have the Peaky Blinders finish him. Tommy told me they did it slowly and painfully. A way to punish him for what he did to me and our mother. For all the mental, physical, sexual abuse he bestowed on us. Tommy said in the end, John was the one who pulled the trigger. His way of a vengeance for being half the reason I had left,” Molly continued as she stared right at the brother with no emotion on her face.

Jacob reaches over the table to grab her hand, giving it a squeeze,” I was never sad. I was more relieved. And I’m not mad you called the order. Back then I hoped it would bring you back, but I’m happy you are here now. Even though, it’s my fault.”

“I told you not to worry about that. I’ve got everything settled. We are going to the train station this afternoon to get the rest of my things and then I’m officially here for a while,” she smiled. “Tommy said he called a family meeting to announce my homecoming and employment as the maid for the betting shop. We are both invited. At this meeting you will apologize and Tommy will then make you an offer. You’ll either become a Peaky Blinder or you’ll go to work with their horses. You have the afternoon to decide. And then tomorrow, we both start our new jobs.”

Jacob nodded in agreement knowing he didn’t have a choice. He was the one who let it slip to his friends about his relationship with the Shelby’s. He was going to help his sister make it right. 

As the clock struck noon, Molly and Jacob were at the train station waiting for the train from London to arrive. Soon Terry would arrive with the rest of her stuff, and they would never have to see each other again. Terry and Molly had an on then off kind of relationship. He was the landlord of her apartment building. When she got the call, they were off again, so he was relieved when she said she wouldn’t be back for a while. Unfortunately, he didn’t sign up to bring the rest of her stuff to her, so she knew he would be irritable when he got here. 

As the train pulled into the station and people started to exit, she could hear Terry grumbling in the distance. 

“Molly fucking Payne where are you?”, he screamed across the platform. 

“Well hello to you too Terry. This is my brother Jacob. Jacob this is Terry”, Molly said as she introduced them. Jacob stuck out his hand for a handshake, but Terry ignored him.

“Just give me the fuckin’ money, so I can get the ‘ell back to London,” he said dropping her bags at their feet. 

Molly handed him his money and he walked away. “I don’t know what the hell I ever saw in him. Must have been all the good alcohol he fed me and the cheap rent,” she chuckled and rolled her eyes. 

As they were gathering her bags, Molly looked up to see a man on one knee proposing to his lady with an older woman standing next to her. She thought to herself how cute that was and when they walked past the trio, she called out,” Congratulations.” 

This made the older woman look up, and she and Molly’s eyes met. Molly quickly, then looked away, hoping Polly didn’t recognize her, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case.

“Molly Payne. My sweet Molly!”, Polly exclaimed happily. She then grabbed the girl and wrapped her in a hug and kissed her forehead. 

Molly then realized the other two people with Polly were Ada and Freddie. She smiled when Ada pulled her into a hug as well. She gave a small hello nod to Freddie and mouthed sorry for ruining their moment. It wasn’t until Ada squeezed her really hard that she felt something poking between them. 

Molly pulled away with a giant smile on her face, “You’re pregnant!” She reached to put her hand on Adas small bump. 

Ada when leaned into Freddie, “We are! And just in time because by the looks of these bags, it could only mean auntie Molly is back in town.”

“When did you get back? Does anyone know you are here? Does John?”, Polly asked. 

Molly then explained that Tommy was the only one besides her brother, who was forgotten during the reunion, that she was here. But everyone, including John would find out tonight.  She made them promise not to say anything until then.  After they all agreed, they went their separate ways.

As the evening approached, Molly watched out the window as all the Shelbys arrived for their family meeting. Thomas called her after she had returned from the train station to tell her to come over around half past six. He wanted her to knock on the door and wait for him to come get them. 

She looked over at the clock. It was just after six. She got up from the sofa to head upstairs. “Hey, let’s start to get ready. We need to leave soon,” she said as she walked past his room on her way to hers. She sat at the vanity to fix her hair and then went over to the wardrobe to pick a dress. 

With one last look over herself in the mirror, she took a deep breath to calm the nerves that had suddenly appeared. She walked through the hall and down the steps, she notices it’s twenty past six. 

“Jake, please hurry up. I really don’t want to be late,” she said in an anxious tone as she fumbled around trying to get everything together but her hands were shaking.

Jacob came down the steps moments later chuckling,” We are walking across the street. We won’t be late.”  He then grabs the girl by her shoulders to stop her, “Molly, Molly! Stop! Everything will be fine. You look great. Everyone will be so happy to see you.”

“Yeah. Okay,” she said not convinced and took another deep breath.

The two then put their coats on and walked out the door across the street. As they approached the Shelby house, Molly was frozen with fear and anxiety. Jacob then took the initiative to knock on the door signaling they arrived.  Moments later Thomas answered the door and ushered her and Jacob in.  

“Wait here for just a minute”, Thomas whispered, walking back into the kitchen. 

“Now, onto the second reason I gathered you all here today. A few weeks ago, someone had broken into the betting shop after hours and took some money we left laying out,” Thomas looked around at each of his siblings and aunt,” Now part of that was our fault, but me and the Blinders found the boys that had done it and took care of them, except for one. I asked him to come here tonight to speak to us about how he will pay us back. Jacob, please come in here.”

Jacob followed Thomas into the room. “Hello everyone. I would first like to say I am deeply, deeply sorry for stealing from you. I fell into the wrong crowd, and they used my relationship with you all against me. I hope you all can forgive me. We will do everything we can to pay everything back. 

“We? Whose we?”, Arthur piped up.

“Yeah, whose we? You mean you and the redhead leaving your house every morning,” John said jokingly as he stood to wrap an arm around the boy. 

Now with Johns back to her, Molly thought it would be a good time to walk into the kitchen. All eyes were on her except for Johns, who didn’t hear her walk up behind him.  Polly and Ada were smiling, Thomas was smirking and Arthur’s mouth just dropped open. 

She then cleared her throat,” No, it’s me.”

Hearing the voice John hadn’t heard in eight years, his eyes widened with shock, and he turned around.  There was no way he was seeing and hearing correctly. He was speechless.

“Hello everyone. Hello John,” Molly going to grab a hold of her brother.

“Now that Jacob has apologized. I hope you all don’t mind, I’ll be working here, as the maid and nanny for Finn. I’ll also help with your children when needed John,” she said looking at him. His expression still shocked that she was standing there after all these years.

“Jacob here has decided to take a job as a Peaky Blinder, with everyone’s permission. I hope that him joining will help pay back everything you all have done for us.  I want you all to teach him how to keep the city safe. I hope to keep this place tidy and up to your standards, as well as keep Finn out of trouble,” Molly continued. 

Polly then stood up and came toward Jacob,” He’ll be a good man to help keep the pubs in check,” she then turned to Tommy,” You keep him away from the fighting for now. I can still sense the scared child in him.”

She then made her way over to Molly. She looked at her with sad eyes, sensing the fear in her heart. Polly then again turned to Tommy,” She doesn’t need to be involved. She doesn’t owe us anything,” Polly then moved her eyes over to John, who was now stood leaning against the wall,” She was almost family. She should have been rising with us not under us. Jacob being a Blinder should be enough to cover the damage.”

“A deal has already been set Polly. She and I sat down a few days ago and agreed to the terms,” Tommy said back.

“Well then undo it. The poor girl is still broken, I can sense it. Why would you make a decision like this and not consult the rest of us,” Polly spat back. 

Molly then reached for Polly’s hand,” It’s okay Pol. I’ll be alright. It’s just cleaning and watching over the children”, she then reached her other hand out for Ada,” Just think, I’ll be able to help deliver the baby. Just like we did when Finn was born.” 

Polly smiles at the memory. Her sister had been having a hard time delivering the little boy, so she had Ada run across the lane for Molly’s mother. Molly had insisted on going with her leaving Jacob with Ada. That was the first time she had ever seen a baby be born. After, Molly had told John that’s what she wanted to do with when she was older. Have babies and deliver them. 

“I have something to look forward to, so I won’t be running away again,” Molly continued while smiling at the memory as well. She had looked over at John and their eyes met. He remembered that day too. It was the day he promised himself he was going to make that happen for you. But of course, as time went on, things changed.

“Okay, you both win. I won’t fight it,” Polly says raising her hands in defeat. 

Tommy then clears his throat,” Alright then, all in favor of Molly and Jacob coming to work for us raise your hand.” Everyone raised a hand except for John. 

He then kicked himself off the wall and walked back over toward Molly. “I know you better than anyone else in this room. Look me in the eyes and tell me you want this. I’ll raise my hand if you really want this,” he said, wrapping his hand lightly around her shoulders, making her look at him.

Molly reluctantly looked up at John, “I don’t just want this John, I need this. I need to do this to help my brother. He is the only reason I came back here.” 

And with that, Molly shook Johns hands off of her and backed away. She then noticed John raise his hand. 

Arthur then stood up and made his way over to Jacob,” Well, I guess this calls for a celebratory drink,” he then proceeded to pour everyone a drink,” Welcome to the Peaky Blinders kid”

And just like that, it was official. All the Shelbys agreed and it was set in stone. 

They all spent the rest of the night catching up and drinking. Molly couldn’t help but notice how quiet John was. She knew he wouldn’t be happy with the decision and what she had said. But he was going to have to deal with it. It was the truth. She came back for her brother.

Or at least that’s what she thought.

(posted 07/05/2020)

[polygamyff]

45. Part 6

I am glad people have left but now I want my furniture back, the only people to not leave is Marquis and Joy, like isn’t he tired because surely he is old and it’s way past his bed time right now “I want to say thank you mommy, thank you for looking after Reign even though she woke up and she played up, thank you. I am now back at work tomorrow so I will sort myself out so you can go back to Cali, I know you want to go back” my mother smiled at me “it’s ok, I don’t mind. I will stay however long you need me, but I see that Maurice is very good with her alone, he doesn’t really need anyone to help him” walking up the steps with my mother “you think? So, when I am at work you think he will be ok?” I questioned “he will be fine; he dotes on her so much. She gets so much attention, he is very attentive to her needs, I have watched him. Any sign of upset, he is there. He hasn’t been there for her a lot but he is surely making it up for it right now, I find it so adorable. He reminds me a lot of Thomas with you, the smallest detail of Reign just grabbing the couch to drag herself up, she gets that cheer. I think he will be fine; he knows what to do. He also knows what to do with you I see” looking at my mom just smiling at me, I laughed looking away from my mom in shame “well” I dragged out “don’t well me, you don’t wait the both of you. Are you taking precautions?” my mom asked “yes, I want another baby but I want to make sure that it’s not where my child can get sickle cell, I am going to get that done professionally, but I am. Trust me” these stairs are fucking long, Maurice is not wrong at all “I am proud of him though mom, he is listening to me. He is eating healthy, he didn’t drink. He was drinking water, I didn’t think he would at all” I am so happy “he just needed you here Robyn” making our way to the living room “you’re right, I can watch him that way. He knows it” like I said Marquis is still here “are you thinking of moving in here?” I asked them, I mean clearly they are here still “just wanted to make sure the people leave and you’re ok, my son has a beautiful home. His forever home” Marquis said, sometimes I don’t believe what he says at times because half of the things he says seem fake to me.

Looking around the room, I mean does he expect me to clean this. I am sure he doesn’t think that, I can’t do this “you must hate me” Marquis said “you didn’t really respond to what I said about your home” shaking my head “Maurice adores you, I have to tolerate you. I just think you’re wrong in the treatment of Malik, even Joy” looking over at Joy before looking back at Marquis “if Maurice ever places Reign above any of my other kids he will hear it, I don’t play that shit. All of my kids get the same” Maurice would not want me to say anything, but I can’t help it “Malik was not deserving of things” I sniggered “so was Maurice, wasn’t he running form state to state on drugs? Didn’t you chase him and made him go to rehab? I still think Maurice has got issues, like the fact he calls Paula his mami, I mean it’s odd” Marquis’ face dropped, he wasn’t liking what he is hearing “I know” I added “all of it, how did Joy get you back? I mean it seems like it’s taken a lot for you to care for her”  I am on a roll right now, I have no Maurice to shut me up “she was going to get me in trouble for child abduction, that I stole Maurice and he was underage for me to take him. The stupid thing I did was not make her sign a contract to shut her up, I had no choice but to bring him back, not like he wanted too” Maurice never knew this, I let out an oh “you’re a very strong woman Robyn, something my son needs in his life. And I do regret getting him married, I regret doing that to him and it will always be my biggest regret. I have calmed down, somewhat but I am leaving this company in good heart knowing he has you. I am not sorry for treatment of people; I don’t care for them. Maurice is always my number one, and if I didn’t think you was good enough there was always ways of making you go but I see you love him” Marquis made a very bold statement “I think it would be me letting him go because I wouldn’t want to see him hurt, now that is love but I would win that. Anyways! Nice of you both to come” I said walking off “Joy it’s been a pleasure, Jay walk them out. Thank you” I need to go to sleep.

Marquis is funny, I give him that. He thinks he would win in this, he wouldn’t because I would let Maurice go and it would be Maurice chasing me. Marquis loves some sort of power, no matter what he likes to know he has that, but he doesn’t, he is redundant now, he is done with. I just want Maurice to get what is his, I want him to have this company so that really makes his dad redundant. The fact I know why he had to come back, Maurice doesn’t know but I do, and I am shocked he even said it to me, he really doesn’t care for feeling besides himself, I am shocked. So, Joy was going to get him in trouble, so this would be the moment she found out he had a Spanish mami, wow. This is some shit, I am surprised he doesn’t have a Spanish child, he has one in Germany. Oh, maybe that boy is this, no that can’t be because he looked Spanish but then again Marquis is white as shit, his black genes are fair as fuck, ok my mind is running with me. Walking into the bedroom, Maurice has that godforsaken night light on for Reign in this bedroom, I refuse to be listening to baby soothing sounds with that light on but he does it “she has just gone to sleep” Maurice said, oh he is awake “you caught me” I said laughing, I was about to attack the light “I see everything, has everyone gone now?” nodding my head “just your parents left, I am glad you’re awake. Unzip me again, was she ok?” looking over at Reign, she is hugging the hell out of bubzy “not hugging you tonight?” I questioned “she was getting angry with me, maybe too much love?” I chuckled “what are you like, she needs her space too” I bet Maurice was annoying her too.

Dragging my feet along the carpeted floor and to the bed “joining the cuddle gang huh? I been thinking where all my tops been going, you just here wearing them all” I giggled as I carefully moved back the covers “I can, because you’re my man and what is yours is mine. That is it, and I don’t think Reign is participating in your cuddle gang, look at her. She is moving away from you” Maurice looks so offended “I find you rather rude” climbing into bed slowly, I don’t want to wake her “so, how do you feel now, look how far apart we are? Are you going to finally actually get her room done?” I questioned “mhmm possibly, not sure. I kind of like it, I don’t have to put up with your constant kicking, your negative energy when your asleep, your snoring too, I can’t even deal with that” putting a finger up at him “shut up and go to sleep, I have work tomorrow. Luckily not the morning shift” I do miss him close; I want him close to me, but Reign has taken over the middle of the bed so here I am, stuck on the other side. Moving onto my side, getting comfortable. Maurice is staring up at the ceiling, he doesn’t seem at peace at all or like he is going to sleep. It makes me sad that he was taken from his mother, he did get the love, but he deserved to be with his real mother, he never got that, and I find that sad, he doesn’t have that bond “what’s wrong?” I asked him “nothing, why?” he said “I just think you’re not about to sleep, I can tell. What are you thinking about?” I asked “life, I am happy. Just business, I get those brain waves on when I am thinking on the next project, it’s all good. I will fall asleep eventually” I hope he does.

I knew as soon as I fall asleep little momma would be waking me up, and she did “you wake daddy up, not mommy huh? Your momma tried to play me saying you’re her favourite” Reign is so damn adorable in the morning, her crazy ass hair. Reign lifted up her bubzy and placed it on my chest “can I have it?” she then placed her hands on my body and used me to hold herself stead as she got up on her legs “you go Mi Amor, you start using them legs baby” Reign smiled so wide that her pacifier fell out “eeww, eewww. Your saliva all over me, eeww” Reign giggled at me and then started saying her own little words “mhmm, I agree Reign. Whatever you say I agree with” lifting Reign and sitting her on my stomach facing me “yay, you can now sit on me” she grabbed her pacifier off of me “you be using me to put all your shit on huh, it’s ok. Only I accept you to do this to me” Reign sighed out, frowning at her “why you sighing out huh? Hey, Reign. Say dada” I need her to say dada first, grabbing her pacifier from her “hey, look at daddy” Reign whined out “say dada” she shook her head “excuse me? Who learnt you such a thing, you don’t say no to me” she reached towards her pacifier knowing damn well she could never reach “fine” placing it in my mouth, Reign’ frowned at me but she found it amusing.

Terry is feeding Reign, I don’t mind it she wanted too. I am surprised Robyn has never got angry at my tagged pictures, because like recently because of my birthday coming up I have been tagged in a lot of my past pictures, I have met a lot of people. It’s shocking to see actually, lot of women though. My eyes widened, because I do remember some of these women on a sexual level, they need to understand I am changed but people like to celebrate on my birthday and I do not blame them at all, it’s a good vibe and it’s always a party when it comes to me. Tapping on the picture of me and this white girl, I remember her “I do” I said to myself, Italian model and she was good. Looking down at the caption ‘Il mio piccolo compleanno di Maurice presto! Ecco i ricordi. Pre-Birthday wish sexy’ raising an eyebrow “did you say something?” Terry said, looking up at her “oh nothing, talking to myself” I said, liking the post. I mean it’s rude to just ignore it “Terry, can I ask a question please?” locking my phone, placing it on the table “sure, me and Reign don’t mind. If it’s a business question I can’t help with that” she said, I laughed “no, it’s probably relationship, I don’t know what category that is. Is it wrong of me to like a post that was done by a female, like me and this female is in the picture together and we know each other from fashion week. She gave me a pre-birthday wish. So, I liked it, somehow Robyn may see it but is it wrong of me to like it? Is that like a bad thing?” I mean I know it’s her daughter, but I like to know “I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all, I would say it’s foul play if you were openly flirted and initiated a rude conversation with them. Or if they posted something inappropriate. My daughter should never risk a relationship over something so silly, social media is a terrible place but in a relationship you need to pick your fights and liking a post is not it. But if the post is no good then I would recommend steering clear. My daughter is not me Maurice, she will probably pout all day about something so little. I mean the girl upset herself over you giving this little one all of your time but I would say the same to my daughter, it’s no harm” nodding my head, I like Terry a lot, she is wise.

“Well, well, well. Look who it is” placing Reign on the floor so she can play “yes, it’s grandad. And look what grandad got you angel, my beautiful baby” looking behind me at my dad “grandma has it” Reign is actually looking in awe, she looks so happy to see him “what did you get her dad?” I said, my mom placed the gift on the couch “oh wow, Reign. Grandad got you a walker” this is cute “I thought she may need it, she is growing so fast” my dad placed his stick on the side “don’t bother picking her up, you going to break your back. Let me get her for you” picking Reign from the floor “be nice to grandad, he got you a walker Mi Amor” pressing a kiss to her cheek before giving her to my dad “oh my angel, I missed you so much. Yes I did, oh yes. I know” Reign is talking for the gods today, she is in a good mood “hey baby” my mom said, she gave me a hug. Leaning down so she can kiss my cheek “hey mom, you didn’t have to get Reign anything. She has loads of things, just need to sort her room out” sitting down on the couch “doesn’t she look so pretty” pulling a face at my dad “she has just come out of bed, stop playing” Reign reached up, she wants his glasses “oh you want my glasses now, you can’t have that” he shook his head and so did Reign “no? Who taught you that, you are so clever” my dad gushed.

Hearing the buzzer go off downstairs, unlocking my phone to check “are you expecting somebody else?” my dad asked “not really” checking the camera “it’s just Ally” I said getting up from the couch “Ally I am coming down” I said, Ally looked around so confused and then looked at the camera “oh” she said “basic as shit” locking my phone “I will be back, and Reign. Be good for me and dad, stop fussing” I said while making my way to the stairs, jogging down the steps. Jay would have answered but he said he has an appointment for the dentist, so I guess I need to do my own shit for a while, I don’t mind it anyways. Unlocking the door and pulling it open “hello to you, when are you exactly coming back?” Ally walked inside my home “I am enjoying being at home actually” closing the door “well you are needed back so I came here to drop off some paperwork, I also need you to sign off for some things. Is that ok?” nodding my head “I don’t mind it, come on up. You can see my dad and Reign; Robyn should be awake too. It’s a shame you couldn’t come last night, let’s take the lift” I gestured “well I have been off too, I went back and there was so much to do but I have caught up. I have some of your mail in here too, I have logged in your address here but still. There is some mail coming to the hotel still” nodding my head.

Smiling at Robyn “morning baby, oh how I do love seeing you like this” no makeup now, her hair tied back “even my nails are gone. It’s horrible, morning” pressing a kiss to Robyn’ lips “seems a little busy around here, hi Ally” Robyn said before walking off “Oh is your dad feeding Reign” Robyn said, Ally bought out the black box “oh my god! It is here, Robyn!” grabbing the box “I was about to say, it came with the mail” Ally added, turning to Robyn “look what daddy got you, I mean me” Robyn looked at me all dumbfounded, she is confused “what?” she said in a whisper “just what you asked for, I have delivered. Come, let’s open it on the couch” I ran ahead, I am so excite for Robyn to see this “what on earth?” my mom said, jumping over the couch and sat down “Maurice, watch the couch!” Robyn scolded me “I know, I am excited. Just sit, come on! I did this this for you” Robyn looks so confused, she is not sure how to take this “looks expensive” Terry pointed “it is, for me Terry” Robyn finally sat down “here you go, look inside” placing it on her lap “seems a little light in this baby” side eyeing her “well I will take it back, open the box then Bonita” I am excited for her to see it, Robyn opened the box “no fucking way!!” Robyn shouted out “you got me a black card? Oh my god” Robyn placed her hands over her mouth “you really did it” her voice became high pitch “hey, don’t get emotional” placing my hand on her arm “sorry” Robyn wiped her tear “just I didn’t think you would, and you did. I have never had this, everything. Oh god” I chuckled “it’s cool, I got it you. See, I put Robyn Davenport, for you Robyn. This is yours; it’s connected to my account. Hey, don’t cry” pressing a kiss to the side of her face, placing my arm around her “I am just emotional, thank you Maurice. Thank you for everything, I am so happy. I got a black card, thank you” Robyn sniffled “you got priority, you do not need to ever worry about money. Take this card with you, there is no limit. If you need a store to be open later for you, then you can get that. Don’t cry Robyn, you know I always got you” I am shocked she cried.

Reign is asleep but I am taking her with me “Jay you can stay here, I am just dropping off Robyn at work. First day for her, I want to drop her off. Dad, I will call you. Have a safe flight” my dad walked over to me, he gave me a hug “it was a special day, see you soon son. Miss you already angel” moving back from the hug “and sort that room out for her, if she tells me she hasn’t got a room yet I am coming back to do it myself” nodding my head before hugging my mom “I will” I laughed “have a safe flight back” I sighed out moving back from my mom, it was nice seeing my parents “call me though, let me know you got back safely” I waved them off “nice to see you both” Terry said smiling at my parents, where is Robyn because we do need to leave right about now because New York traffic is not the best so we do need to go now “sorry, I am here. I just feel so naked right now, it’s been so long since I been back at work. Bye” she said before running by my parents “well you need to hurry up Robyn” I said.

Parking outside the hospital “I wanted to ask, why did you cry when I gave you the black card? Did you think I wouldn’t, you know I am very giving towards you” putting the car in park, I am using Robyn’ hired car for now “it’s just everything Maurice, I didn’t ever expect this in my whole life, I didn’t expect to have a baby now, or have a soon to be husband. I didn’t ever think I would be living in New York, and I am just thinking of everything you have done. How far we have come, I got emotional because of how much I am loved by you Maurice, you treat me well. That is all, not a bad thing” I chuckled nodding my head “I understand, don’t cry though. I always got you baby” placing my hand over hers “thank you for bringing me to work, on my first day. It makes it so special to me, I will promise to let you know what time I finish, it slipped my mind the time” I love this woman so much “super proud of you, Reign and I both are. I will see you when you come back then” leaning over the panel to kiss Robyn’ lips.

[curiousdamage]

Because of You

A/N: I Own Nothing!

A Careless Man’s Careful Daughter Universe

___________________

Becca hated having lunchroom duty. One hundred fourteen to eighteen-year-olds all talking about different things at once sent her senses into overdrive and set her nerves on edge. The only nice thing was that she had a free period after to relax in silence. She entered the cafeteria to a teacher's worst nightmare.  Two boys were squared off with each other with three other’s circling them. Kyler and his buddies were up to their usual tricks.

She quickly scanned the room, finding Lea Anne on the far side of the room from the boys. Breathing a sigh of relief, she started towards the boys to try to deescalate the situation when Kyler shoved the smaller boy into a table smirking about ''lame ass" karate.

She stopped. Even teachers weren't supposed to get involved once physical violence started.

She sent a student for security and Sylvia. She expected Kyler to rough the kid up to show off. What she didn't expect was for the boy to get back to his feet saying, "Its not lame-ass karate. It's Cobra Kai."

He blocked Kyler's next punch, pinned his arm and delivered a jab punch to Kyler's nose.

At first, it looked like the boy was going to be hurt before help got there and she was trying to decide how best to intervene as just shouting "stop," wasn't working.

Then the boy found his feet and managed to throw off Kyler's choke hold, using his hold on Kyler's arm to pull him into a kick.

Becca was stunned. He slithered. It was Cobra Kai. But how? She knew her Dad was not in the area and Uncle Terry, well, he wasn't starting any dojo's. She couldn't have stopped the fight anyway as the new kid had knocked down Kyler's whole group in less than three minutes before security could even get there.

She took the boys getting up from the floor to the nurse while Sylvia took the other boy to her office.  As she had the next period free she was tasked with sitting with the new boy, who she learned was named Miguel Diaz, while he waited for his grandmother.

“You know, karate was a really big deal in West Valley when I went to school here," she said.  "But I didn't think anyone was teaching locally anymore. Where did you learn?"

''Oh, my neighbor, Sensei Lawrence, teaches me," he replied softly.

"Sensei Lawrence? You mean, Johnny Lawrence?"

"Yes, ma’am, do you know him?" Miguel asked.

"I was in school at the same time he was," she answered, neutrally.

"He's great, isn't he?" he asked excitedly.

Becca wasn't sure she would describe him that way but Miguel didn't wait for her to answer.

"Those guys have been hassling me since summer. They tried to beat me up outside our Mini-Mart. Sensei Lawrence stopped them, but then they did beat me up another time. I guess he decided it would be easier to teach me to defend myself than to keep saving my behind all the time," Miguel said.

She didn't ask why he hadn't reported the bullying. Reseda kids never came out on top when dealing with Encino kids. But this left her with a dilemma.  When Uncle Terry had died the year before, she'd made sure that everything to do with Cobra Kai was in her inheritance for a reason.  The twins didn't remember the poison that damn snake spread like she did. She had never wanted to see it started back up.

But Johnny was just teaching this kid in self-defense. She learned Cobra Kai karate in self-defense and she never  became a giant asshole. Not that she knew of anyway. Bobby hadn't become an asshole, the tournament aside. Tommy was a decent guy. Jimmy had seemed to be doing well at their class reunion. If he hadn't changed in thirty years, she doubted that three more made a huge difference.  She hadn't seen Dutch in decades and the last time Bobby had seen Johnny, Angela had been a baby.  So she couldn’t speak for them.

Johnny was trying to help the kid. That had to mean something, right?

She knew what Bobby would say.  Just hearing the name would have him insisting that they go down and shut Johnny down right away. But even if she did own the Cobra Kai brand, she didn't own the knowledge in Johnny's head. Who was she to say he couldn't share it with Miguel? It wasn't like he'd started the dojo back up.

She’d wrestled with her decision for hours, especially that she couldn't tell Bobby just yet, but for now, she wasn't going to say anything to Johnny. Teaching one kid wasn't worth her starting a fight, was it?  Especially if said fight would pit Bobby against Johnny.

A month later, she couldn't ignore the talk anymore. Everyone had been talking about Miguel's fight and Cobra Kai Karate. Half the school was claiming to be taking lessons or were going to. There was even a website for it, for goodness' sake.

She had to do something She knew she did.  She decided to go talk to Johnny alone at first.Maybe he'd quit and just hate her and leave Bobby out of it. It took her another week to get up the courage to go.

She checked the website to make sure he would not have a class going on when she arrived. Miguel and Eli Moskowitz were there but if she waited, she knew she might not have the nerve to do that again.

The bells jingled as she opened the door and stepped inside. On the wall of the entrance was the large Cobra Kai emblem. As poisonous as it was to her past, she couldn't stop herself from reaching out and running her hand over the snake, her mind rushing back to that night so many, too many, years ago when she had helped her Dad and Uncle Terry paint the same emblem on the walls of the old dojo. She'd felt so grown-up helping them, like she was really apart of things. In all likelihood, it was just because Daddy had nowhere else to leave her while both he and Cara worked, but he never made it seem like that. They'd made her feel needed and important even though she'd gotten more paint on herself than the walls. She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. She hadn't expected a painting to have that effect on her.

"Welcome to Cobra Kai. Are you ready to learn to kick some ass?"

She turned towards the voice and smiled. "Oh, really, Johnny? You gonna teach me how to be a Cobra Kai?"

He dropped the paper he was holding, his face a mask of disbelief before a smile lit up his features. In seconds, he crossed the room, lifting her up in a hug and spinning her around.

"Hell, no, Becca," he laughed, "You could probably still teach me a thing or two." He kissed her cheek. "What are you doing here? You're probably the last person I expected to walk through that door. Is…, is Bobby with you? God, I haven't seen you in what? Twenty years?"

"Closer to thirty," she laughed.

"Really?" He looked shocked. "Damn, we're old." He hugged her again.

''Bobby's at work," she said. "He doesn't know I am here. I..., I wanted to talk to you alone, and I just realized how that sounds.  If you make a dirty joke, I will beat you in front of your students."

"Eh, I know it takes Luke Skywalker to get you all hot and bothered," he smirked.

''Johnny!" She playfully swatted at him.

“Oh yeah. It was Han Solo," he grinned, leading her to the office.

"Johnny, those are my students," she laughed motioning to the boys. "Well, Eli is anyway."

"Eli?"

"Kid with the mohawk," she replied.

"Hawk."

“So, you gave him that ridiculous name. That tracks," she nodded.  That was also why he was so ridiculously proud of it, too.

"Want a beer?"

''Aren't you teaching?"

“And?" he shrugged.

"I still think it taste like vomit," she replied.

"You drink enough, you won't care," he grinned, leaning back  in his chair.

She laughed. "God, Johnny, we've missed you. He's missed you. You should come by sometime.  Have dinner or something."

"Maybe I will." he nodded. "You still live in that rinky, little apartment in North Hills, right? The one that you both couldn't fit in the kitchen at the same time.  The one that you had to stand in the bathtub to take a piss?"  He poked fun at their first apartment together.

"It wasn’t that small," She shook her head.  ''And I'm pretty sure Angela was conceived in that kitchen so...," she laughed again.

"Well, I guess you found a way to make it work," he smirked.

"We actually live in Encino. Not far from his house growing up. Lea Anne walks to her grandpa's every day.”

“I haven't seen the Browns in years.  How are they?"  The Browns were like a second family to him. And he treated them horribly.

"Dr. Adam is great, but we lost Mrs. Lea in two thousand four, right after our Lea was born."

"Damn," he said again. He hadn't even known. "I hate to hear that." Bobby had taken a week off from school to stay with him when he lost Laura. "So, what can I do for you?  We both know you didn't come all the way down here to ask me around to dinner or shoot the shit about things that happened thirty years ago."

"Well, when I woke up this morning I was coming here to tell you to shut down," she admitted.

"Why would I do that?" he asked, sounding offended.

She looked around, nervously, "I own the Cobra Kai karate brand and all that entails."

"Cobra Kai brand?" He sounded confused.  "How do you own the Cobra Kai karate brand?"

"I inherited it," she replied. "Johnny, didn't you look into all this before you opened?"

“Yeah, duh," he scoffed but she could tell he totally had not. "So what? You want me to pay you or something? What are you getting at?"  He could never get ahead. Every time he got something good, life kicked him in the teeth again. This time it was a double kick coming from someone he had been thrilled to see That he’d thought was a friend.

"Come on, Johnny,”' she snapped. "I wouldn't do that to you. I didn't inherit the brand so I could make money. I did it so I could make sure it stayed shut down. You boys weren't the only ones whose lives were poisoned by that damn snake. I came to bring you this." She threw an envelope on his desk. "And I don't want a damn dime for it."

“What is it?" He looked as if the envelope would bite him.

"My permission to legally use the brand," she replied. “I think you're doing good here and I don't want you to get hung up again. The man who owns this building is an asshole and if he thinks he can make a buck, he will have you out anyway he can.  There's one less way now."

"Thank you," he said humbly as he read the paper. "What changed your mind?"

“Eli Moskowitz." She looked out the window at him and Miguel roughhousing in the main room. "I've been teaching him music all the way back to Mommy and Me. Today, I realized that I could hear his voice for the first time ever. For the first time ever, he laughs out loud. He smiles. He doesn't sit like this anymore." She slumped down and covered her mouth with her hand before sitting back, up. ''Aisha Robinson. She used to try to make herself as small as possible, as invisible as possible. Now, she's proud of herself, of her strength, she doesn't try to disappear any more. I can tell who your students are. They are the kids who always tried to hide and not be noticed.  Now, they walk with their heads held high and their shoulders back. They're proud and confident and they don't care who notices.  That has to be because of you and your Cobra Kai."

Johnny swallowed and shook his head in disbelief. "You know I'm going to have to hug you again."  No one had said anything that nice to him in years.

"I'll take it," she said. "If you'll accept that invite to dinner. You know, for real with a date and a time and everything. And you don't have to stand in the tub to take a piss now."

He was laughing as he walked around the desk and hugged her.  It wasn’t until later that night that he realized that if she inherited Cobra Kai Karate then the old man was really gone and it hurt more than he’d ever imagined it would.

[ijustreallylovezebras]

What Would They Say? Pt 2

Pairing: mob!Tom x Reader

Summary: The reader is a bartender at a bar owned by Tom Holland - the leader of the most feared mob in London. Part One

Requested: No

Two nights later and I’m on shift again. James and Ollie said that they’d swing by at some point but weren’t going to stay long because Ollie needed to pack and James was going to help. Ollie was leaving early the next morning for the army, a dream that he had held since he was a little kid, much to the disapproval of his parents.

At the moment, though, the bar is fairly empty. A couple of the regulars are sat at various tables and Jon’s talking to a man about his trip to London. It’s as I’m cleaning the bar and washing up glasses that the door swings open and Tom makes an appearance. 

Jon and I both watch as his eyes flick around the area and we exchange an unsure look. I take half a step towards the back office, to alert Mr Terry of the man’s appearance in the bar but Tom catches my movement and holds out a hand.

“He doesn’t need to know I’m here,” he instructs. I swallow and nod, my eyes trained on him as he slides onto a stool at the very end of the bar, the side nearest the door. “Same as last time, darling,” Tom orders and I nod, taking a freshly washed glass and filling it up and setting it on the bar in front of Tom.

I move to walk away from the man, figuring that he clearly wants privacy, never mind the fact that he scares the shit out of me but am stopped by his hand reaching out to grab my shirt. I whirl around to face him again, instinctively moving my hand out of his grasp.

“Can I help you with anything, Mr Holland?” I question and Tom observes me for a second.

“Company,” he states simply and I feel colour rising in my cheeks.

“I... I have to work, Mr Holland,” I try to excuse myself but Tom shakes his head.

“The bar’s practically empty. Besides, I see you talking with customers all the time when you’re working,” Tom points out. I swallow and nod, carefully wiping the wooden bar down and silently praying for the entrance of another customer. No such luck.

“Okay then,” I agree quietly, not wanting to anger the man who could easily have me ordered to be killed, if not kill me himself. Tom hums in appreciation as he takes a gulp of the drink in front of him. Either not noticing or not caring how uncomfortable I clearly am.

“Why do you work here?” Tom asks me and I smile down at my hands at the straightforwardness of the question.

“The same reason most people work? For money?” I suggest, grinning shyly and Tom laughs quietly at that. “I have to pay for uni somehow,” I say, looking up at him with a small smile.

“Don’t most people’s parents pay for their university education?” Tom questions, quirking an eyebrow. I remain quiet, feeling the smile slip off my face. “Y/N?” He questions, a more serious tone in his voice, clearly not used to people ignoring his questions.

“They pay what they can.” I say, a note of finality in my voice, indicating that I no longer want to talk about the subject. When I sneak a look at Tom from the bar I notice the slight unimpressed frown that resides on his face, clearly unsatisfied by my answer. “What happened to your friends?” I blurt out, not wanting to hover on the subject of my university life any longer. 

“They’re busy. My brothers went home. Harrison and Jacob have... business to attend to,” Tom answers. “Where are yours?” 

“Packing,” I respond simply, “they said that they’re going to drop in later for a break from it,” 

“They leaving you?” He questions, a cheeky smile on his face and my cheeks heat up at the sight of it. I refrain from rolling my eyes, still finding myself being intimidated by him despite the friendliness of our conversation.

“They have their own lives too, Mr Holland,” I point out and Tom chuckles lowly.

“You can call me Tom, you know,”

“Tom,” I repeat and smile of the man in question appears to grow a little at the sound of his name leaving my lips.

“There you go, love,” 

Before I can reply, the back door swings open and Mr Terry comes out. I shut my mouth quickly, looking down. An action that doesn’t go unseen by Tom.

“You okay, love?” He questions and, if I didn’t know better, I would have thought that it was genuine concern in his voice. I just nodded, not trusting my voice.

“Hello Tom,” Mr Terry’s voice breaks out and a shiver rolls down my spine at the sound of it. Then he turns towards me. “Girl, get Tom and I a drink,” he orders, not waiting for the nod of my head before turning away again. “I swear I’m getting it,” his voice is low.

“I’m not here about the money, Davy,” Tom says, not lowering the volume of his own voice.

“Then why are you here?” he questions as I finish filling one of the glasses up and I place it in front of Tom who nods his thanks at me. I give a small smile but don’t move my eyes higher than his nose. I couldn’t meet his eyes. I couldn’t get distracted by them.

“Just a... friendly visit,” the words sound sinister, even to me and I cannot even imagine the connotations of them. I place the second glass in front of Mr Terry and turn away. 

“Took you long enough,” the man huffed and I bit my tongue to keep quiet. 

Part of me wanted to stay and listen to the conversation but the bigger part of me wanted to run to Ollie and James for safety. Why weren’t they here yet? Instead I went to Jon who shot me a questioning look and I feigned letting out a huge breath of air, which made him laugh.

“You looked terrified the whole time,” Jon informed me as I approached him.

“It wasn’t that bad,”

“You looked more unimpressed then that time I kicked your ass at pool,”

“You just like bringing that up,”

“Good point, well made,” I roll my eyes at my work friend and groan.

“Ollie and James are meant to be here,”

“We are here!” Ollie argues, just as the door closes. I laugh and rush around the bar to greet them.

“Took you long enough!” I say, hugging them each in turn.

“Just cokes today, Y/N/N, we need to pack again when we get back,” James orders and I nod, walking back around the bar to pour them.

“Also, we picked up your post for you! There’s a postcard from Louis and a letter,” Ollie says, sliding both over the table.

“We’re offended because all we got was a postcard,”

“He loves me more,” I grin, opening the letter first and awing when a bracelet fell out. I quickly slipped it onto my wrist before allowing my eyes to scan over my friends words.

Louis had been travelling ever since we finished college. His mother died in our last year of sixth form and he didn’t know how to deal with it. The four of us (Ollie, James, Jess and I) tried to help, but quickly found that it was difficult to comfort someone over the loss of a parent having never lost one yourself. We held sleepovers, movie marathons, anything to try to distract him from the loss of his mum.

Three days after his final A-Level, Louis left to travel the world. The catch was, that he was not going to use any technology other than his camera (his dream from being a kid was to be a photographer), meaning that the only communication we could have with him was through hand-written letters. Jess and I loved it, the guys not so much.

We’d all get postcards every few days and every week or so I’d get a full on letter updating me on how things were going and a more in-depth recollection of his adventures, occasionally including little gifts like bracelets. Jess received them every two to three weeks and the guys got a letter once a month.

“You’re going to write to us, right?” I say to Ollie after I finish reading Louis’ letter.

“I’m taking a phone. I don’t know how to write,” 

“Bullshit, Ol, write us, it makes me smile to have something to keep,” I tell him and he rolls his eyes.

“You sound like my mum,” 

“You treat me like your mum,” I retort.

“I love your mum,” James chips in and I nod in agreement.

“Your mum is fantastic,” I agree and Ollie laughs at that.

“You got Mum jealousy?”

“Nah, I love mine,”

“Y/N! I need the bill,” Tom calls from the other side of the bar, where Mr Terry had just vacated his spot.

“I don’t think you have to pay, Tom, you kind of own the place,” I point out, smiling as I walk over. Tom smiles back and I swear my heart melts a little at how adorable it makes him look.

“Well, I want to tip the bartender for her good service,” 

“You don’t have to do that,” I say, blushing bright red.

“I don’t have to do anything, Darling. I want to,” he reaches down and grabs his wallet from his front pocket. I watch in almost shock as he pulls out five twenty pound notes and passes them across the bar to me.

“I can’t accept a hundred pounds, Tom,” I say, shaking my head.

“Sure you can, Darling. This isn’t even going to make a dent in clearing your uni fees and I want to help,” he assures me, a charming smile in place.

“Tom...” I trail off.

“Unless you can give me an actual, logical reason as to why I shouldn’t give you this money, darling, I’m going to give it to you,” he says.

“Thank you,” I whisper quietly, taking the money from him and his smile seems to widen a little at my shy words.

“Have a good night, darling,” Tom says, standing up. Before I can react, he leans across the wooden bar and grabs my wrist, gently tugging me forward to place a kiss on my cheek. 

Part Three

I hope part two was okay, if you want to be tagged then please just send me an ask or something :)

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[three-drink-amy]

For As Long As I Remember We’ve Been Told We’d Someday Wed

Chapter 3

Without really meaning to, Jake had started keeping to himself. During the days, he pitched in to help Terry, Mrs. Smith, and Percy prepare for the ball. Slowly, more and more people started returning to the castle during the day. It was starting to feel the way it always had when Jake visited for the summer. People were bustling around, getting things done. Jake smiled as he thought of the castle and the kingdom returning to its full glory. Of course, then that usually led him to thinking about his role in it all after the curse was broken. He’d ride back to Brooklynne, alone and sadder than he’d have ever imagined leaving Amy could make him. But he had accepted that once her curse was broken, Jake’s role in her life would go back to being minimal. After all, she’d broken off their betrothal. They would go back to being allies, and likely, that would be it.

That was why in the evenings, Jake ate a quick dinner and made some lame excuse to hide away for the rest of the night. Phasing himself out of spending time with Amy would make it easier when he left her. When she had her true love and didn’t need him anymore. The only problem was he desperately wanted to be around her. During the day, he wished he could spend time talking to her. And yet at night, he hid from her, too afraid of the pain of being around her. He figured she probably noticed, but he didn’t know how to stop. He didn’t know how to be around her at all. The realization that Jake loved her had hit him like a rock. Of course he loved her. He’d be an idiot not to. For the first time in their lives, they’d been spending time together just them. She wasn’t Amy, the girl Jake knew he’d have to marry even if he didn’t want to. She was just Amy, his friend. He was finally able to see how wonderful and charming Amy was now that he wasn’t blinded by his anger at having his choice taken away. He could make his own choices now. And he knew he wanted to choose Amy. The only problem was that Amy didn’t want to choose him.

~~

Ever since coming back from the Winter Castle, Jake had been noticeably absent. At first, Amy just assumed he was freaked out by their mission but didn’t want to admit it to her. But as the days went by and he continued to avoid her, she wondered if there was more to it. Some nights, she’d stand outside his room, trying to find the courage to knock. It never came to her. She felt like he was purposefully avoiding her and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t figure out why. As far as Amy remembered, they’d had a fine time together. She couldn’t remember saying anything he took the wrong way.

Amy slammed her book shut in a huff one night as she continued to think about Jake. Even reading wasn’t taking her mind off of it. For easily the tenth time, she walked over and stood in front of his door, trying to summon the courage to confront him. After about a minute, she gave up, deciding to go see if Mrs. Smith was still in the kitchen.

Amy wandered the familiar route to the kitchen. She was on the third stair from the top when she heard two people laughing. One of them was Mrs. Smith. And as Amy rounded the corner at the bottom of the stairs, her suspicions were confirmed: the other was Jake.

“Amy,” Mrs. Smith called in a warm greeting. “Come join us! I’m teaching Jake how to make souffles.”

Amy blew out a laugh in disbelief. “Really?” Amy asked, settling herself in on a stool at the island. “Why’s that?” Amy could see Jake visibly tensing from across the island. She wondered (for easily the millionth time) why she was having this effect on him.

“Well I was making some practice souffles because I want to make some for the big ball next week. So then Jake wandered in, hoping to score some food and it turned into a cooking lesson,” Mrs. Smith explained with a big smile. “Lucky for you, we have room for another student.” Amy smiled back at her, sitting up straighter on her stool as she would in an actual class. Amy tried to not look at Jake but her efforts were fruitless. It had been weeks since she’d really spent time with him. She was hoping if she stared at him long enough, she could figure out why he’d been so distant.

“Oh no,” Mrs. Smith muttered to herself. Amy snapped her head back over to look at Mrs. Smith. She remembered she was supposed to be learning and not staring at the side of Jake’s face. He’d been paying attention. Or maybe he was just intently ignoring Amy. Mrs. Smith looked up at the both of them. “I forgot to grab some ingredients. I need to go grab some things from the garden. You two wait here. I’ll be right back.”

“Do you want me to go?” Jake quickly volunteered. Amy rolled her eyes. Anything to get away from her.

“Of course not, Dear,” she replied. “No offense, Jacob, but I’m not sure you’d know the right things to pick.” Mrs. Smith smiled cheekily as she bustled from the kitchen.

Amy expected Jake to make some pithy remark about actually being a bit offended but instead she was met with silence. It’s what she really should have expected. About a minute had passed before Amy finally found the courage she’d lacked all the times she stood in front of his door. “Okay, what the hell, Jake?” she yelled, without censoring.

Jake looked over at her, shock coloring his face. “Excuse me?”

“I don’t get it. You’ve spent the last three months here and we’ve gotten closer and become friends and then all the sudden you just...disappear. I don’t get it.”

Jake opened and closed his mouth a few times before he said anything. He swallowed harshly. “I’m just...rehearsing my part for after the ball.”

“What?”

“I mean we’re all getting ready for the ball during the day,” Jake started to explain, “I just figured it would be easier if at night I got ready for my part after the ball.”

Amy tried to understand what he was saying but she was still at a loss. “I don’t get it.”

“What use am I going to be around here once you break your curse?” Jake reasoned. “I mean the only reason you’ve kept me around is because I promised to help you. And I intend to do that, but what role am I going to have after that’s done? Silent ally. So that’s what I’m practicing.”

Amy shook her head, holding back her anger. “Wow. So that’s what you think of me? You think that all I want from you is your help and then you’re going to be dead to me once I’m free?” She chuckled dryly. “And here I thought we’d made so much progress in how we thought of each other.”

“What use am I going to be to you?” Jake asked bluntly. “Terry’s the brawn. You’re the brains. You’ll be free to rule your kingdom. Plus you’ll have your true love. Where do I even fit into that picture? I don’t.”

“So you’re just going to ditch us?” Amy asked, wishing she could find the right words to say to him.

Jake sighed. “It doesn’t feel like it’s going to be me doing the ditching.” He looked down at his feet before standing up. “Tell Mrs. Smith I didn’t feel like eating anymore. I’ll catch another lesson from her later.” He started to walk away.

Amy grabbed his arm as he came around her side of the island. “So what? You’re just going to keep isolating yourself?”

Jake looked down at her with a sad expression. “Amy, you’re going to have everything you want. You’ll have your curse broken, your kingdom restored, and your true love. You don’t have to pretend to care about me.” He wrenched his arm back and walked out of the kitchen.

“But I do,” Amy said to the empty kitchen. She covered her face with her hands as she tried to think of a way to prove to Jake that she cared. He seemed pretty stuck in his idea that she was only using him to break the curse.

Amy heard someone’s footsteps as they came down the stairs. She hoped it was Jake coming back to actually talk to her. But of course it wasn’t. Mrs. Smith walked in with a basket of varied produce and a smile on her face. She always had a smile on her face.

She looked around and up at Amy. “Where’d Jake go?”

“He couldn’t stand being alone with me so he turned down the offer of food,” Amy informed her. “That’s a pretty big indicator.”

“Don’t be mad at him, Sweetheart,” Mrs. Smith advised. “He’s just sad.”

“Sad?”

“Well sure, you’re going to have all these wonderful changes in your life. Changes for the better,” she reminded. “And at the end of that, he’s going to have to go home to Brooklynne with his tail between his legs, sad that he didn’t end up getting what he really wanted.”

“And what is that?” Amy wondered aloud.

“Well isn’t it obvious? I mean he’s been so devoted to you-” she cut off when she saw Amy’s confused expression. She stammered as she attempted to cover what she said. “You know, you and your curse. He’s been so devoted to helping you break it. Anyway, I’ve said too much. It’s time for me to get back to cooking. So the first step to a souffle is-” she started before Amy interrupted.

“Wait! You know something,” Amy accused, her finger pointed at Mrs. Smith.

“I know that the key to a good souffle is silence,” Mrs. Smith joked. Amy glared at her. “Look, it’s not like he ever said anything to me. It’s just obvious.”

“What is?” Amy tried, hoping she could get some logical explanation for Jake’s behavior. Every one she’d come up with had seemed ludicrous.

“Sweetie, if you don’t know, I’m sorry, but I’m not going to tell you,” Mrs. Smith replied with a sad smile. “But I do know this. I know that he is a sweet boy with a good heart and a bottomless stomach,” she concluded with a laugh. “And I know that he’s been worried for the last three months that he won’t actually be able to help you. And I think that scares him. You can take from that what you want.” Amy nodded thoughtfully. “Now I’m going to get back to my souffles. Are you going to join me or take the time to mull over things?”

Amy smiled at Mrs. Smith’s knowing comment. “If it’s alright, I think I’m going to mull over things.”

She nodded happily as she cut up her ingredients. “I figured that would be the way to go.” Amy stood up to leave the kitchen. “Oh, Amy?” Mrs. Smith called when Amy was at the bottom of the stairs. Amy turned back around. “Be gentle with him. I know how badly you want to know what’s going on in his head, but underneath that tough exterior, there’s a heart that is easily broken. Do what you have to do, but be delicate with him. There’s a reason he’s acting the way he is.” Amy opened her mouth to grill Mrs. Smith for what she knew, but she held up a hand, stopping Amy. “I don’t actually know anything for certain. But I think I know.”

“And you won’t tell me?” Amy asked again.

“It’s not mine to tell,” Mrs. Smith replied sadly.

With a curt nod, Amy turned to go back up the stairs. She had half a mind to go find Jake and see what more she could get out of him. But in the back of her head, she could hear Mrs. Smith’s warning. Be gentle with him . Amy had no idea what that really meant. The best idea she could come up with for Jake’s behavior seemed too implausible for her to even voice to herself.

~~

The next day, Jake was helping set up the Grand Ballroom for the ball. It was in five days and the castle was abuzz. He was helping put a table in the right place when Terry strolled up to him. “Hey Jake, can we talk?”

“Sure!” Jake replied cheerily. “What’s up Terr-Bear?”

“You know how the last time you were here, you ended up going four years before you saw Amy again?”

“Yes. Are you saying that’s how it’s going to go after the ball?” Jake asked, not sure what he wanted the answer to be. Maybe four years without seeing Amy could help him get over her.

“No,” Terry answered quickly. “But you know how after we didn’t see you for four years, we marveled at how much you’d grown. At what a cool guy you’d become.” Jake shrugged. “You’re losing that, man.”

“Buh-what now?”

“Dude, you’ve been so great the last few months and now we’re in the final stretch and you’re tanking it. Why are you avoiding Amy? Why are you acting like a baby and hiding?” Terry interrogated.

Jake stood there, at a loss for words. It had been a long time since anyone had scolded him like this. “Oh now, Terry,” Mrs. Smith called from behind Jake, saving him from answering. “You know why he’s acting this way. It’s because he’s clearly in love with Amy and he doesn’t know how to tell her.”

Jake spun around to glare at Mrs. Smith. He looked back and forth between her and Terry. He pointed his finger at one, then the other. “You two spend way too much time together.” He turned back to Mrs. Smith. “I get that enough from him. I don’t need it from you too!” He exclaimed. “I swear, if you didn’t provide me with the most amazing food, I would…”

Mrs. Smith stared at him, waiting for him to finish. “You’d what, Dear?”

Jake shrugged. “I don’t know. I kinda lost my train of thought there.” He shook his head. “Look, can you both just stop it with those comments. If I really loved Amy I’d tell her.”

“Would you?” Terry asked, staring Jake down.

Jake didn’t know how to answer that. His statement had obviously been a lie. He did love Amy but there was no way he was ever going to tell her. “I’d like to think so,” Jake answered evasively. “But it doesn’t matter anyway. In five days, in all likelihood, Amy will have found her true love and it wouldn’t matter even if I did feel that way.” He looked around the room at all the pieces being put into place. “I’m just here to help.”

Jake ignored Terry and Mrs. Smith’s sad expressions as he walked away to help Percy with a podium. As he went about his day, he realized that Terry was right. He was being immature by avoiding Amy. But he was trying his best to protect himself. Once his part in all this was done, he would be the last thing on Amy’s mind. She may be upset that he’s not talking to her now, but once she’s in true love bliss with her beloved Teddy, she’ll be thrilled he’s not talking to her. As much as he wanted to sit with her for a whole evening and absorb the time they had left together, Jake really didn’t think he was up for it.

~~

It was the night before the ball and Amy was filled with a nervous energy like never before. All throughout the castle, people were scurrying around, carrying out last minute preparations. For a second, Amy let herself be optimistic. This time tomorrow, I could be free of my curse , she thought to herself. Honestly though, she didn’t believe it. It seemed too good to be true. There was no guarantee that the curse would be broken tomorrow. There was no guarantee that the curse would ever be broken.

Suddenly, the castle felt too stifling. Amy walked out into the moonlight and stared out across the lake. Looking up at the sky, she realized it was the first night she’d gone outside in a long time. She spent so much of her day outside, she chose to spend the time that she could inside the castle. For some reason that night, the outside was calling to her. The open space with the moon above made her relax. She didn’t feel cramped or pressured.

Sitting down on a bench by the lake, Amy began to think back to nights spent like this with her father. Jake had said that her dad would be proud of her if he could see what she was doing. She wanted to believe that was true. Would he really be proud that she spent three years cursed because she was too weak to break it? Would he be proud that she still had no true idea of how to break it? Would he be proud that she spent her days as a bird, dreaming about what life could be like if she could be human again? Amy wasn’t so convinced. She wasn’t the one who’d held the kingdom together. It was Terry, Percy, and Mrs. Smith who somehow kept things running. What did Amy know of running kingdoms? Maybe it was too soon to take the throne. She could always skip the ball.

Amy felt a drop hit her chest. She hadn’t even realized she was crying. So much was changing so quickly. The plan was basically for everything to change in one night. And the most overwhelming part of it all was that the one person she wanted to talk to about it wouldn’t even be in a room with her. The tears continued to fall, Amy not even bothering to wipe them away.

Amy knew Jake would have a good insight on how she was feeling. The fluency that he had in reading her honestly astounded her. She didn't want Jake to leave. For the first time, she'd found someone that helped make her a better person. She liked the person she was around Jake. It hurt that he was so sure she would shun him when all was said and done. He clearly couldn't feel the same things she felt if he hid from her this desperately. He couldn't feel the same way if he kept swearing she’d toss him aside. Sometimes she just wanted to shake him. Apparently that held on from their summers together.

Amy heard footsteps approaching. She turned quickly, instinctively raising a hand to wipe her tears. It was like she'd summoned him with her thoughts. “Oh, sorry,” Jake muttered before starting to turn back. He did a quick double take of her. “Are you crying?”

Amy almost laughed. “Oh, now you want to talk to me, huh?”

Jake sighed, hanging his head slightly. “You’re right. I’ve been…” he trailed off. “I’m sorry for how I’ve been behaving. I guess I don’t always react to change well.” He looked up and met her gaze. “But forget about that for now. What’s wrong?” Amy stayed silent, trying to figure out how to articulate everything she was feeling. “Look, I get that I’ve been kind of a jerk. If you want me to leave, I will,” Jake offered, turning back for the castle.

“No, please don’t!” Amy called, reaching her hand out.

Jake nodded, walking closer to her. There was plenty of room on the bench with her, but Jake sat down on the ground next to it. He cleared his throat. “So do you want to talk about what’s wrong?”

Amy sighed, drawing her legs up onto the bench and wrapping her arms around them. “I’m just...overwhelmed. I mean I know that if everything goes as planned tomorrow, a lot of good things are going to happen. But it’s just a lot. I don’t...I don’t know if I’m even ready to be queen. I mean for the last three years, I’ve been living half my life as a bird. That’s not exactly queenly.”

“That’s not exactly your fault either,” Jake reminded her.

She nodded in agreement. “I’m just not ready.”

“Well what do you want to do? Not break the curse?” Jake asked bluntly.

“No, of course I want to break the curse. I just don’t want everything to change. I mean, I want some things to change, but not everything . You know?”

“I think I do,” Jake admitted. “But look, Ames, you’re gonna be ready. It’s not like you’ve been spending half your life asleep. You’ve still been you. You’ve still been able to plan things or note things that need to be changed. I mean you must have at least some plans for what you’d like to do.”

“I guess,” Amy replied blankly.

“I’m sure if you really thought about it, you’d know at least one thing you wanted to do.” They sat there in a heavy silence. Soon, Jake stood up, brushing off his pants. “It’s a big day tomorrow. I better get some sleep.” Amy nodded. “Night, Amy.”

“Night, Jake.”

~~

Jake was laying in bed an hour later, unable to sleep. No matter how hard he tried, his brain wouldn’t turn off enough for him to sleep. He’d given up on trying to sleep when the door started to open. Jake looked over quickly, instinctively pulling his covers up just a bit more. He was shocked to see Amy walking in his room. Without saying a word, she walked around and laid down on the other side of his bed on top of the covers.

“Uhh...hey, Amy. What’s up?” he asked awkwardly.

Without looking at him, she replied. “Can you promise me something?”

“Is it something that won’t be weird that you’re asking me while we’re laying in/on my bed?” He joked.

Amy chuckled. She turned her head and looked over at him. “Can you promise you won’t ditch me?”

“What?” Jake asked, shocked by her favor.

She sighed grandly. “I never expected a day to come where I treasured your friendship, but somehow here we are. And I know that you keep saying that you’ll be gone after the ball because there’s no place for you, but there is! You’ve become my best friend Jake. I know neither of us saw that coming, but honestly, I couldn’t have gotten to this point without you.”

Jake was staring at her, unable to speak in reply.

“I don’t want you to just go on back to Brooklynne and have us just be allies. Or just be people who used to spend every summer together. You’re important to me and I want you to promise me that you’ll stay a part of my life,” Amy continued. “I know I probably seem crazy right now, but everything is about to change and I want to make sure that this,” she motioned between them “this new bond that we’ve developed isn’t one of the things that changes with everything else.” She looked at him pleadingly. “Can you promise me that?”

Jake felt a huge lump in his throat as he tried to swallow. “Yeah,” he choked out. He nodded as he tried to gain more of a voice. “Ames, I promise.” He felt a grin grow on his face. “But you know, friendship is a two way street. You can’t expect me to do all the work to maintain our friendship because you’re a Queen and I’m just a Prince.”

Amy threw her head back in laughter. “Yeah, because that’s how I see that going. Sure.” She looked over at him with an intense look. For a moment, Jake felt like he couldn’t breathe. “I’ve missed you,” she admitted in a small voice.

Jake felt guilty. For all of his self preservation, he’d forgotten to take Amy’s feelings into account. He looked back at her and nodded. “I’m sorry.”

Amy shrugged. “It’s okay. I’ll punch you for it later,” she joked. At that point, Jake expected her to get up and say something about seeing him at the ball, but she didn’t. She laid there and looked up at the ceiling. Jake took that chance to stare at her. “I did think of one thing I’d like to do,” Amy said suddenly. Jake had to scramble to realize what she meant. She looked over at him. “As Queen,” she clarified. She was referencing their talk an hour ago. “I want to turn the Winter Castle into a shelter. I want people who need somewhere to live or somewhere to hide to be able to go there. I don’t need two castles. But someone else may need a place.”

Jake gaped at her. “That’s a really great idea.”

She smiled back at him. “You actually gave me the idea.”

Jake laughed in reply. “What?”

“Oddly enough it was when you were talking to Pembroke. You mentioned that the royal family would have him relocated. And it somehow made me think about people needing to be relocated,” Amy explained.

“Well then I expect some credit when it happens,” Jake joked. “Maybe a plaque or something.”

Soon they fell back into the rhythm they’d shared for the past three months. They continued to talk into the night. It was like they were catching up on all the talking they’d missed when Jake was avoiding her. As laughter filled the air, Jake kept waiting for a sense of sadness to fill him. But it never did. It was enough at that moment to just be with Amy, laughing and talking and sharing in each other’s lives. As she was animatedly telling him a story, Jake realized that his promise to her would be easy to keep.

Jake had no idea when they fell asleep. He woke up while it was still night, Amy laying asleep on top of the covers next to him. He tried his best to pull at least one layer out from under her so he could cover her. She only ended up partially covered. Jake was moving to lay back down when he took one last look at Amy. If everything went as planned, this would be the last time they’d get a moment like this. He continued to stare down at her, taking in her beauty, thinking of her charm. As he looked at her, he thought of every single thing he loved about her. “If only it were enough,” he whispered to himself. He pushed the hair out of her face before laying back down to try and sleep more. Jake knew that when he woke the next time, he’d be alone. She would be a swan for the last time. He chanced one last look at her before closing his eyes, wishing that he had more time for them to be like this.

~~

Jake was packing all that he’d acquired in his time in Ninenne the next morning. He was doing his best to ignore every instinct he had and instead actually fold his clothes. There was a knock at the door, interrupting his progress. “Come in,” Jake called, turning toward the door.

Terry smiled as he walked in Jake’s room. He furrowed his brow as he spotted the open trunk on Jake’s bed. “What are you doing?”

Jake looked at the trunk and then back at Terry. “Packing. You know, it's amazing how much stuff I gathered for coming here with just the clothes on my back.”

“Yeah, well I was grossed out when you wore the same borrowed outfit for like two weeks. I kept “finding” you new clothes to wear so you’d not be so disgusting.” Terry admitted. “So you’re packing. To go where?”

Jake stared at him blankly. “Brooklynne…you know...where I live.”

“You’re just leaving?” Terry asked, a sad expression crossing his face.

Jake sighed, looking down at his feet. “I can't stay.” Terry gave him a look, encouraging him to elaborate. “I’m gonna stay for the ball and make sure the curse gets broken, but after that, I...I just can't stay.”

“Okay. But why? Don't you want to see the benefits of all your work?” Terry wondered aloud.

“I think you know why I can't stay.” Jake was hoping that would be enough to say. Terry clearly wasn't letting him off the hook though. “You’ve been right, okay?” Jake sighed deeply. “I love her,” he admitted quietly. He saw Terry’s face soften. “And the idea of seeing her blissfully happy with Teddy is driving me insane. I can't be here for it. So after the ball, if the curse is broken, I’m leaving.”

“Jake,” Terry said softly, sympathetically. “There’s no guarantee that Teddy is actually her true love.”

“Yeah, well I certainly doubt it's me,” Jake retorted with a dry laugh.

“You never know,” Terry crooned annoyingly.

Jake rolled his eyes. “Look, I want the best for Amy. But I also want the best for me. And watching her be happy with someone else is going to be painful. I can be happy for her from afar.”

“Have you told her?” Terry asked, surely already knowing the answer.

“Have you told Sharon?” Jake countered.

“Sharon?” Terry recoiled at the tables being turned. “What do you mean by that? Sharon and I are just friends!”

“Sure, Terry, sure you are,” Jake replied knowingly. “You forget that I’ve gone with you to the market and seen the way you purposefully head straight to her stall.”

Terry scoffed at Jake. “Yeah, because we’re friends.”

“Okay, Bud,” Jake said with a pat on Terry’s shoulder. “Whatever you have to tell yourself.”

“Jake, I think you should tell her before you just leave,” Terry advised.

Jake turned and looked back at his trunk. “I don't even know how I’d do that.” Feeling the urge to get out of the room, Jake turned back toward the door and toward Terry. He saw the look on Terry’s face. “No, that wasn't me asking for advice!” He stared up at the man he’d admired for years, feeling like he was saying goodbye. “I really appreciate all you’ve done for me over the years, Terry. I’ll miss you when I’m back in Brooklynne.”

“You know you’re welcome here anytime, Jake,” Terry reminded him kindly. “You’ve turned into a fine young man. And I feel confident in saying that you’ll make a great king someday.”

Jake fake sniffled. “Don't make me cry.” Jake pulled Terry in for a hug. He stepped away from Terry and towards the door. “I have an errand to run, but I’ll be back to help with any last minute details.”

Terry nodded, walking out of Jake’s room with him. Getting out of the castle might just be what Jake needed.

~~

Nerves suddenly hit Jake as he stood in front of the mirror, dressed in his same royal clothes he’d worn the night Amy came to Brooklynne and called off their betrothal. As he ran a hand over the navy jacket, he tried to think about why he was nervous. He was fastening the gold buttons when it hit him. The goal of today was to break the curse. What if that was harder than just finding Amy’s true love?

Or maybe he was nervous about Amy finding her true love.

He shook his head, hoping to find clarity before going down to welcome all the guests they’d invited. Hundreds of people had received invitations and all of them had said they were coming. It was proving to be a very elaborate affair. Granted, Jake had been to a fair number of elaborate affairs back in Brooklynne. This one just had a bit more riding on it.

Looking back in the mirror one last time, Jake shrugged, deeming himself good enough before leaving his room. He went down to the Grand Ballroom, curious to see how he could help put the final touches on the event before people arrived in twenty minutes’ time. Everything looked beautiful. The flowers were gorgeous and matched the draperies hanging from the ceiling. The food being set out nearly made Jake drool. He wished he could try some samples. A chuckle rang out from behind him, making him turn. “If you’re hungry, Dear, I have some extras down in the kitchen,” Mrs. Smith informed him. “You’re more than welcome to some.”

Jake smiled kindly at her. “You are far too kind, Mrs. Smith. I think I’ll manage.”

She nodded happily before she stood still, appraising him. “You look very dashing, Jacob. I think you might turn a few ladies’ eyes tonight,” she said with a mischievous wink.

Jake laughed, shaking his head. “Like I said, you are far too kind.”

“But there’s only one lady’s eye you want to turn,” she finished for him.

Jake rolled his eyes. “Do you and Terry talk about everything?”

“I was going off all the looks I’ve seen you give her over the last three months. Are you saying there’s been an actual admittance of feelings?” Mrs. Smith asked playfully.

“I...I think I should go find Terry and see where he wants me for the ball,” Jake replied evadingly.

“I’m going to take that as a yes,” she called after him.

Jake shook his head, mostly to himself, as he walked away to find Terry. Everyone looked like they were getting into place for the guests to arrive. It was forty minutes till sundown. The plan was to have everyone there, happily eating and chatting when Amy transitioned back. She’d quickly change and make a grand entrance. Admittedly, they did not have much of a plan in place if the ball actually drew out Pembroke. With all the guards in place, Terry reckoned he’d be crazy to try and make a move during the ball.

Terry and Jake were positioned at the doors to the Grand Ballroom. They were in charge of welcoming the guests into the room. When Jake stepped up next to Terry, he started whistling. “Someone looks dapper!” Terry teased.

Jake gave a small bow of his head. “Well, I try,” he joked. “I figure it’ll help me look the part of “Royal Ally from Brooklynne” wearing my official royal uniform and all.”

“Plus it’s the only clothes that are truly yours,” Terry added.

“Joke’s on you because I’m taking all the clothes you gave me back to Brooklynne,” Jake reminded him.

“You really do look very handsome,” Terry said again. “I’m sure Amy will approve.”

“Please stop,” Jake begged.

Thankfully, the first guests started to arrive, making Terry talk to them instead. They seemed so nervous and excited to be coming to a royal ball. Jake and Terry pointed them around, giving them an idea of where to proceed. More and more people arrived, quickly filling the ballroom. Jake was so busy greeting his own people, he didn’t see half the guests that arrived. The numbers coming in were starting to decrease.

“I’m just saying,” Terry said, continuing their conversation from long ago. “It’s worth telling her how you feel.”

“When would I even do that?” Jake asked, motioning to the ball. “I’m leaving in the morning.”

“You’re being weak,” Terry accused.

“Well everyone’s weaker than you, Terry,” a voice said from behind him. Jake grinned as he saw her and as Terry spun around wildly.

“Sharon?” Terry asked in a high pitched voice. “What are you doing here?”

She smiled, looking around him to Jake. “Well when you get personally invited to a royal ball, you can’t say no.”

Terry turned around and looked at Jake. “You did this?”

Jake shrugged. “Thought I’d give you your chance.” Jake stepped closer to him, putting a hand on his arm. In a low voice, Jake said, “You know, if all goes as planned, you’d probably have a lot more free time. And I have a pretty good idea of what you’d like to do with it.” Jake shot him a knowing look. “Now, why don’t you go show Sharon all the parts of the ball that you planned? I can handle the stragglers.”

Terry shook his head at Jake with a smile. “Okay.” He turned back to Sharon. “Sorry about that. Would you like me to show you around?” he asked, extending his arm. Sharon happily took it. As they walked away, Jake heard Terry say, “Can I just say, you look beautiful tonight.

Jake laughed as he turned back to the door. It seemed like most of the guests had already arrived. Percy walked in after a few minutes, telling Jake, “That was our last carriage. If anyone arrives after that, they can certainly show themselves in, I think.” Jake laughed, going to mingle with the guests.

He was at the table, finally getting some of the food when he was approached by someone. “Prince Jake, right?” a male voice said from behind him. Jake turned around and his stomach sank. It was Teddy. Jake was 99% sure of it.

“Yeah,” he replied shortly. “And you are?”

“I’m Teddy,” he answered. “I used to do some schooling with the princess.” Jake nodded understandingly. He felt like a jerk, but he didn’t really want to encourage conversation. “If you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing here? I heard Amy called off the betrothal.”

Jake swallowed harshly. It felt like Teddy was trying to find out his odds with Amy. “Yes, she did, but I’m here as a friend.”

Teddy laughed. “A friend? I always thought she hated you. The things she used to say after the summers you’d spend together.”

Jake felt his fist tighten at his side. He didn’t want to punch Teddy. That would make a scene. But with the way he was talking, it was hard not to hit him. “Well things change,” Jake said lamely. “We spent a few summers off, away from each other and then when she came back and, uh, called off the betrothal, we ended up spending some time together and grew a lot closer. We both grew up a lot,” Jake said, hoping to make Teddy feel a little of the jealousy that was currently coursing through him.

“So you’re not still a human marvel?” Teddy asked.

“What?” Jake asked, completely confused.

“A human marvel who could talk out of his ass instead of his mouth,” Teddy explained with a laugh. “At least that’s how Amy always used to put it.”

Jake plastered on a tight smile, adopting a fake laugh. “Yeah, we were all pretty dumb as kids. Things change when you grow up and get closer to ruling a kingdom. You learn more about people. You get better at reading people. I know for a fact that Amy has gotten better at that too. You might be interested in that. Anyway, I should go. I helped plan this entire ball with Amy so I should make sure everything else is running smoothly. I promised her I’d keep this side running. Excuse me,” Jake said, trying to get out of there as quickly as possible before he made a scene.

He was wandering aimlessly through the crowd when Terry found him. “Hey, Jake!” he called. Jake walked over in his direction. “There were some late comers that I think would interest you.” Jake looked at him with a confused expression. Terry pointed over to the door to the ballroom.

“My mom? And Charles?” Jake asked, shocked to see them here. He weaved quickly through the crowd to go see them.

“Jake!” Charles cried, wrapping his friend in a hug. “It’s so good to see you!”

“Yeah, it’s good to see you too,” Jake replied. “But what are you guys doing here?”

“Well we heard that there was a big coronation ball in Ninenne,” his mother informed him. “I figured as the Queen of Brooklynne, I should be here in support.”

“Yeah, that was kind of why I was here,” Jake explained.

“There’s no reason both of us couldn’t be here, Jacob,” Karen insisted. When Jake had been talking to Teddy, a knot had started to form in his stomach. As he listened to his mother, it got even tighter.

“Well then come on in,” Jake said, motioning toward the ballroom. “The party’s hopping.” His mother smiled sweetly at him as she swept forward into the room. Charles made to follow her but Jake pulled on his arm, holding him back. He looked at Jake questioningly. “Look, I’m happy to see you, Charles, but remember the trouble in Ninenne that I told you about last time I was in Brooklynne?” Charles nodded. “This is kind of a final play of sorts to end that. That’s why you guys weren’t invited.”

“So do you want us to go?” Charles asked, looking like it was the last thing he wanted.

Jake shook his head. “No, of course not. You’re already here. Just listen to me. My mission for tonight was to look after Amy and make sure she was safe. I don’t want to have to worry about my mom as well. So I need you to look out for her, okay? I mean, I know my mom can take care of herself, but still.” Charles nodded. “If I find you and tell you it’s time, don’t let her out of your sight, okay?”

“Of course. I’ll make sure I’m on her like a fly in honey,” Charles promised.

“That’s a weird way to say it,” Jake said through a grimace. “That’s my mom.”

“Sorry.” Charles shook his head shamefully.

Jake wrapped his arm around Charles’s shoulder. “No problem. Let me show you around. You’ve got to try some of Mrs. Smith’s food. There’s a reason I’ve been talking about it since I was six.” Charles gasped excitedly as they walked further into the ballroom.

Everything seemed like it was going well. People seemed happy as they chatted with each other, enjoying food and drinks, and even dancing. It wasn’t until Jake was milling through the guests that he realized something was wrong. “Where’s Princess Amy?” he heard one guest say to another. Suddenly it hit Jake that it was later than planned for Amy’s entrance. He looked out the window. It was way past sundown. Amy should be ready by now. She was always prompt.

Jake tore through the crowd, not caring if he bumped into people. He scoured everywhere to find Terry. He couldn’t find him. Jake pulled out a chair at the edge of the floor, standing on it to see over people. He spotted Terry exiting the ballroom with Sharon. They were all the way across the room. Jake ran around the crowd of dancing people, trying to get to Terry. “Terry!” He yelled as he got closer to the door. He skidded to a stop at the stairs when Terry turned around.

“I was just showing Sharon around the castle,” Terry commented.

Jake cleared his throat. “We’ve got a problem.”

“What kind of problem?” Terry asked, clearly wanting to spend more time with Sharon.

Jake tried to think quickly. “A swan problem.”

Sharon looked confused, but Terry realized quickly what Jake meant. “Oh God,” he muttered. Terry turned to Sharon. “Look, Jake and I need to take care of this. I’ll find you back in the ballroom, alright?” Sharon looked at the both of them skeptically, but agreed, walking back toward the ballroom. Terry waited till she was out of earshot before he began interrogating Jake. “What happened?”

“It’s later than she should be,” Jake informed him. “Think about it. So much time has passed. We were just distracted. She should have made her entrance by now.”

Horror covered Terry’s face. “You’re right. Crap. I was so busy talking to Sharon that I didn’t even realize.” He bolted up the stairs, Jake right behind him. They ran into her room but no one was there. “She’s not here.”

Jake walked over to her wardrobe. “She hasn’t even been here,” Jake mentioned. He ran a hand over the red ball gown Amy had been planning to wear. “Her dress, her jewelry, her crown, it’s all still here.”

“Do you think it’s possible she didn’t turn back?” Terry asked, scandalized at the thought of it.

“I don’t know. But whether she’s Amy or a swan, we’ve got to find her,” Jake said urgently, his nerves rattling up again.

“Okay, I’m going to run down to the armory and armor up to go search for her,” Terry decided. “I need you to run down to the ballroom and inform Percy and Mrs. Smith of what’s going on. They need to distract people so they don’t get suspicious. Okay? Then go to the armory and get your own weapons. We’re gonna find her.”

Jake nodded his understanding and the two men tore from the room, running in opposite directions. Jake sped through the castle, taking a back way down to the ballroom. He found Percy first, informing him quickly. Percy agreed to pass the word on to Mrs. Smith so Jake could go help find Amy quicker. As Jake ran towards the door, he spotted Charles. Jake pulled his arm, getting him closer. “Remember what I told you about if something went down?” Charles nodded with a concerned expression. “It’s that time.”

“I’ll make sure she’s safe. Do what you’ve gotta do,” Charles whispered back, pushing Jake toward the door.

Jake ran off toward the armory. He grabbed a bow and a quiver full of arrows. Though his weapon of choice was the bow, he strapped a sword around his waist as well. He wanted to be as prepared as possible. Jake had no idea where to go or where Terry had run off to after getting armed. Making up his mind quickly, Jake ran off toward the lake.

The rest is posted on AO3!

[its-a-queer-thing]

ICYMI Pt 12--3x03

Now we're going to talk about the infamous pedophile episode and as much as I want to criticize our society's double standard for sexuality at young ages and how that transcends into how we view pedophilia, I will try to keep off that soapbox and keep it contained to the Gallavich topic. 

So first and foremost, after Debbie sees a man masturbating on the bus, Lip and Ian have this idea to see if there are any sex offenders living in their neighborhood, and it turns out that there is one only a couple of blocks over. So they go to get the Milkovich family upon Mandy's suggestion, and they all congregate at this pedophile’s house only to find out that the pedophile is a woman. 

Instantly everyone calms because she's a woman and we have been taught never to hit women (also this changes how the mob empathizes with the victim) so the question then is why do we look at pedophiles differently if they are women? Why is it more socially acceptable for teenage boys to be sexually active with grown women but inappropriate for teenage girls to be sexually active with grown men? (Hopefully I don't have to explain this but I will clarify I am not trying to say that it is okay for young girls to have relationships with older men or young boys with older women or any other variation of this. What I am saying is we need to stop criticizing young girls who are interested in sex at an early age if teenage boys are the same way, stop acting as though young boys are capable of sexually fending for themselves while treating our young girls like china. To make it even clearer, I’m saying we need to protect our young boys as much as we do our young girls or come to some kind of compromise. We also need to keep in mind that older women who have sex with teenaged boys (or girls) are also pedophiles. It is pedophilia regardless of the gender of the pedophile and we as a society need to come to that understanding.)

 I will now step down from that soap box and return to topic of Gallavich... 

I can already see the snarky comments about that rant...

Anyway...

So the number one thing about this scene that is important for Gallavich in particular is when she tries to justify her pedophilia by saying that she served her time and paid for her “mistake,” then redefining her “mistake” as love. 

At the mention of love, Mickey looks to Ian and this really shows that maybe Mickey is already starting to consider that he may be in love with Ian, at least on a subconscious level.

After the party disperses, Mickey tries significantly too hard to act straight. 

 This could be a direct response to his halted revelation that he definitely feels something for Ian and is desperately trying to convince himself that the relationship he has with Ian is physical and that he is not gay. 

In a desperate attempt to cling to his masculinity and heterosexuality he asks someone who has a reputation for being easy if she wants to have sex 

This is a depressing and almost shocking attempt to cling to his heterosexuality to prove to people that he doesn't even need to prove his sexuality to that he's not gay and that frankly is tragic to me.

Ian, seeing this for exactly what it is tries to ignore it . Of course, we find out later that Ian can’t just forget it because even though Mickey is desperately trying to cling to his perceived heterosexuality, Ian can’t help but feel jealous that Mickey got involved with anyone at all...

Next time we see Mickey is at the Kash and Grab for his shift with Ian and the first thing we see is a failed attempt at a drug deal. 

The kid clearly has never done this before, and though I have personally never been involved in a drug deal, I can say with certainty that this was not a good one. 

For several episodes now I've been alluding to evidence that supports that Mickey is involved in Terry's drug ring or whatever business he has and this is another big piece of evidence: 

He calls it his business, but I have a distinct feeling that he was not the mastermind behind this operation in that he wouldn't be in this situation if his dad didn't probably either force him or suggest to him that he start dealing drugs. First we saw evidence in 2x02 when Mickey tries to strike a deal with Kev and Lip suggesting they sell his cocaine/Special K/whatever else and when Kev refuses, for a second it almost seems like we saw some remorse or thought go into what he's doing. Then just in the last post we saw a little bit of sadness when Mickey explains his reason for coming back to school that he wasn't coming back to school to get an education or re-enroll, he wasn't doing anything that promised a bright future, he was picking up drug money for cocaine that he trafficked into the school. Here he seems a little more casual about it, but then he seems a little more casual about everything in this episode. 

He casually disregards his feelings for Ian, he casually disregards the pedophile, he casually disregards his own sexuality, and now here he is not seeming to mind anymore that his drug pushing is directly impacting young people's lives because that's who he mostly deals to: kids only a little younger than he and Ian.

 I think that maybe because he knows that this is for his and his family’s survival, he is able to ignore it. Keep in mind also that if he suddenly stopped dealing drugs for his dad I know with great certainty that this would be dangerous for him. His father would not take it lightly and he would definitely have to find a new way of making money, one that's probably even more dangerous, so in this instance it's as though he's made peace with what he’s doing because he knows that he's doing what he has to do to help his family survive, to keep his dad off his ass, and pull in what his family needs for income. 

Then for some reason, Mickey also feels suddenly casual about talking about his sex life with Ian... He switches gears about his openness about their relationship, and this seems really sudden. It may be because Ian is upset at him (whether it be because he's dealing drugs to young people or just that he’s dealing drugs in general, I’m not sure. Ian definitely is not happy with Mickey's little side business either way) so Mickey tries to be cute.

And it works! Well... at least it certainly did for me... 

Or it could just be that he is getting comfortable and as I mentioned before is just casual in this episode in general.

But Ian quickly refocuses and asks about Angie Zago, who as I promised was revealed to be kind of like the easy girl on the block.

Mickey makes it seem like it's not a big deal when the truth is, it is. Especially after such a close call to a revelation about his feelings for Ian, he probably needed to ground himself to convince himself that Ian means nothing to him more than sexual gratification. And even at this point it seems he’s trying to convince himself that he doesn’t even need Ian for that, that they can be just friends, even though it's painfully clear that Ian means a lot to him. Keep in mind, when he first came back he acted out of rage and jealousy when he found Ian with someone else, and then even admitted to Ian that he missed him. Now we see him start to distance a little bit, trying to maintain that boundary that has been coming down slowly but surely every time they meet. 

.

.

Next shot that we see of Ian and Mickey, Ned comes to the Kash and Grab to (basically) stalk Ian and try to ask him out... but it's under the guise of being in the neighborhood and being hungry... Because you know... He’s smooth like that...

Mickey is talking to a couple of customers in the back of the store, almost definitely for his drug deals if the gesture and white cup in his hand is anything to go by, but notices the exchange, and doesn't look happy about it... 

While Ian doesn’t look terribly tempted, he does see an opportunity. You can almost see the thought occur to him in the next gif when Ned insists.

Ian is willing to play to Mickey’s jealousy in order to get him to act on his feelings that Ian knows are there. And our boy does not disappoint.

When he gets back to the front of the store, he again does not look happy as Ned is trying to leave. As smooth as our boy tries to be, it's very clear that he's jealous of what he's seen, and he knows that there's something between Ian and Ned. Look at Ned even seeing right through him.

So because he understands what he's just seen, Mickey reduces the entire thing down to a joke and mocks Ian for being involved with an older man. Of course, I'm disgusted by it too (though for a different reason than Mickey is) so I'm certainly not going to hold it against Mickey for making fun of Ian in this case, though generally it would be considered rude and even a little demeaning. 

 As I mentioned in the previous analysis, this season is a season of jealousy. With Mickey starting to open up his own mind and his own heart to the possibilities of Ian meaning more to him than he initially believed, he's also allowing jealousy into this situation. BUT he’s still very deep in the closet. So how do you open up to someone you care about, but keep your defenses up against potentially being outed because of just being with said person?

 So this is the first time we're seeing Mickey feel really anything towards Ian that isn't the violent anger we saw in his premiere episode or blatant lust as we saw in 2x02. And with this jealousy we're seeing how strongly Mickey connects to the people that he cares about and this connection is really really strong for him even if he won't admit it to himself, and certainly not to Ian. 

My favorite part of this scene in particular was when Ian stuck him with that zinger, leaving Mickey just staring after him almost as though he's saying “touche”

Because now Mickey is consciously receiving a taste of the jealousy that Ian has been feeling with Mickey's non-commitment and of course Mickey's encounter with Angie Zago. And I think that it's this comment that is actually required to help Mickey understand that what he's feeling IS jealousy, and maybe only a second longer to realize what that jealousy means. From there it's just a question of what this feeling motivating the jealousy is and if he's willing to allow that feeling to grow. (Which of course we know it will).

Considering how Mickey follows Ian to spy on him, I'd say he is starting to realize how much he cares for the redhead.

 But of course we can't make too much progress all at once... 

Notice Ian’s face. Shit is going downhill so quickly and he already knows what’s going to happen....

Mickey definitely also sees any term which would insinuate that he is gay as an insult, probably even the highest of insults! While Mickey is making progress towards accepting his sexuality, he is not quite there because the internalized homophobia is still such a huge, huge hurdle that he has to overcome, especially in public. This is a stranger, one he already dislikes because Ian has a relationship with him, and they were out on a city street talking about this where anyone could have overheard. 

So while I do not condone his violence towards Ned, because it was so undeserved (though I still can't find it in my heart to feel too terribly bad considering that Ned is in a pedophilic relationship with Ian (if he isn’t a full blown pedophile which we have no knowledge of) and I will never be able to accept that as okay... but of course because Mickey isn't beating that up for that reason I can't really use that as a way to specifically excuse him, so I won't excuse him...) 

I will simply try to encourage everyone to understand where this violent outburst is coming from to at least understand him in this moment. And what I want people to understand is this violent reaction to Ned insinuating that Mickey is gay is the same violent hatred he feels towards himself for actually being gay. He’s always fine to joke with Ian about their sexual relationship and even acknowledge that they have sex (only amongst themselves, of course) but as soon as there’s an assumption of a relationship or deeper feelings, that’s when Mickey shuts down. That’s when sexuality becomes more than just a primal need and becomes too intimate. That’s what he feels the need to shut down, the intimacy.

Now, watch Ian’s reactions. Remember, I mentioned earlier that whenever Mickey does something outrageous we need to look to Ian to figure out what’s going on with Mickey because Ian is excellent at seeing through Mickey’s mask.

Now, Ian’s pretty calm for someone witnessing an assault and I think it’s because he understands that Mickey feels defensive over his sexuality. He knows that for some reason, Mickey feels the need to beat any doubt about his heterosexuality out of any challenger’s mind, and for now that challenger is Ned.

Of course, this is still an assault and certainly not an appropriate response to this insinuation, but Ian understands just how deep that rage goes for Mickey to be called gay. 

Notice that Ian is pretty calm when it comes to stopping Mickey, only meeting him at his level of violence when it’s clear Mickey won’t back off. And even then, that chop to the throat wasn’t a very hard one, just enough to knock the air out of Mickey and knock him off balance long enough to realize that what he was doing was stupid. Also notice that Ian’s reasoning to Mickey for hitting him wasn’t anything to do with Ned, it was that they were going to have cops on their asses soon. Ian is still choosing Mickey’s well being over just about anything at this point. Even though Mickey has done something incredibly wrong, Ian is still on Mickey’s side and is still more worried about what’s going to happen to Mickey if he gets caught.

Now, I don’t think this part can be over valued. Ian chose Mickey. Mickey did something really, really wrong but Ian still picked Mickey, running with him even though if he and Mickey had been picked up together, Ian would probably have been guilty by association and arrested too.

But he chooses Mickey. And makes a statement to Ned (and Mickey) that Mickey is more important. A lot of Ian haters seem to undervalue this moment.

Then we're going to put a beautiful red bow and Band-Aid over what just happened and see a really beautiful moment between Ian and Mickey as Ian scolds Mickey for what he did.

I just have to mention how his hand immediately goes toward his belt... I think it's playful, I think it's funny, I think it's endearing, I love how they then played with each other, they chased each other around and had a great time together like boys should! Even at this age, boys should just run around and have fun! And so that's what they're doing, and it's in these private moments that we see a glimpse of the boy that Mickey still is. 

Mickey may be 18 technically but I think every now and again due to his circumstances, he deserves a few moments to just let loose and be young, especially if that is with his best friend and his lover. I think it's important that we keep in mind that the Mickey that is abrasive and confrontational that we see in public when he's surrounded by strangers is polar opposite to the warm and inviting young man he is with Ian. I think it's important to know that Ian seems to recognize which is a mask and doesn't push it when he wears that mask because he understands why it's necessary, even in the last season when Monica takes Ian out to a club she reminded Ian that there is a time and a place to be loud open and proud about who he is, but reminded him not to come out of the closet at the high school because there's a great chance that he would get attacked just based on where they are. So it's important to note that Mickey recognizes that danger everyday on top of the risk from his own father, and so that means that his true self, who he is around Ian and this guarded off person that we see him as a significant amount of the time during this show, are completely different people and there's a reason for that. His fear is what makes these two sides of him so polarized and the mask and shield so strong, because it has to be.

So to Gallavich haters, to wrap up, look at them play around and just have fun together. These two are best friends, they are each other’s release, each other’s partner and pillar to lean on. Their relationship is developing so beautifully at this point and it’s amazing that we get to see these little glimpses of them being more than just lovers. I feel as though too much emphasis is often put on a romantic couple being romantic or sexually intimate. But a relationship takes so much more than that, there needs to be a foundation of friendship with that extra little spark and we definitely get a glimpse of that here.

That’s all I’ve got for this episode!

Did I miss anything? Do you disagree with my analysis? Let me know!

Until next time, lovelies! <3

Get the full analysis!

[yurtletheturtlehenderson]

COSMIC - S1:E6; Chapter Six, The Monster - [Pt. 1]

A Will Byers x Gender Neutral!Reader Series

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘠/𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘌𝘭𝘴𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘰𝘺𝘤𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘣’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.

||𝟑𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐕||

Joyce and Hopper sat opposite one another at the kitchen table of the Byers' home. The house was cold and hardly lit, copies of newspaper clippings scattered all around the house. One of the only light sources was a dusty chandelier that hung from the kitchen ceiling above the table and their heads, illuminating the several papers.

"Look, we gotta go through this again." Joyce insisted.

"I told you everything that I saw."

"Oh, gosh," she sighs into her hands. "Tell me again."

"Upstairs or downstairs?" Hopper asked.

"Upstairs."

"There was a laboratory. It was where they must do experiments or something, and then there was... well you see, like I said, I got turned around."

Hopper was currently sharing all he had encountered on his rogue mission at Hawkins National Laboratory. Joyce, all the while was hanging on his every word.

"I told you, it was like, I don't know, it wasn't supposed to exist. That whole area, it was abandoned and... forgotten, like it was all some big mistake. Once I found my way back, I saw that... kid's room. That other kid's room, I mean. Like it was actually used, but it didn't even look like a kid's room, neither of them did. It looked like a prison."

Hopper sighed and rubbed the bottom of his palms into his eyes tiredly, is fingers held the lit cigarette inches away from his face as he did so. "If that even makes sense,"

"Well," Joyce began, trying to get to the bottom of this never ending mystery. "So why would you think it was a kid's room, then?"

"Because, I told you, the size of the bed, there was a drawing, there was a stuffed animal--"

Joyce interrupted the man quickly. "Y-You didn't say there was a drawing."

"Yeah, there was a drawing of a... an adult and a child. It said 'Eleven' on it."

"Was it good?" Joyce pressed.

"It was a kid's drawing, Joyce. It was stick figures."

Joyce had a knowing look on her face as she stood up with a sigh, retrieving a piece of crinkled line paper and slammed it down on the table for Hopper to see.

She pointed to the detailed drawing as she sat back down.

"Wasn't Will." She stated confidently, shakily bringing the cigarette back up to her lips.

Hopper examined the drawing and everything seemed to click. He returned his gaze to the anxious mother. Hopper quickly put out his cigarette in the ashtray and made a beeline for the coffee table.

"Earl..." he muttered, as he made his way into the living room. Joyce, who had abandoned her cigarette, was right on his heels.

"The night that Benny died, Earl said he saw some kid with a shaved head with Benny," Hopper and Joyce took a seat beside one another on the living room couch, Hopper's eyes fixed on the several news clippings splayed along the wooden coffee table. "Now, I pressed him, he said it might be Will, but maybe..."

The man began shifting through the papers, and Joyce spoke up.

"Wait... Maybe, it wasn't?"

Hopper pulled the article he had been looking for and pointed to the fuzzy photograph of the woman in the article.

"Look... this woman, Terry Ives, she claims to have lost her daughter, Jane. She sued Brenner, she sued the government... Now, the claims came to nothing, but what if... I mean, what if this whole time I've been... I've been looking for Will... I've been chasing after some other kid?"

||𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐕||

Everything is a mess.

Will is still missing, the party is falling apart, Mike and Lucas are still angsty messes that won't speak to one another, and now, El left us. She probably thinks I hate her.

'But I don't! I was just scared'

(Ok but like,,,, who else ships El and reader cause damn I've been giving myself feels lately, dang)

'We need to fix this'

I sigh and sit up from my bed and make my my way to Dustin's room.

⊹ ⊹ ⊹

"I just... I can't believe she didn't come back." Mike sighed.

Dustin and I agreed we needed to talk some sense into the rest of the party. So we got our bikes and made our way to Mike's. Dustin was standing opposite Mike while I currently occupied one of the D&D chairs I had pulled up. Mike was worriedly pacing the floor in front of us.

"She's gotta be close." Dustin offered.

"She said it wasn't safe. She just messed up the compasses because she wanted to protect us. She didn't betray us."

"Mike, calm down."

Mike only ignored Dustin and kept talking, more to himself than anybody it seemed.

"I shouldn't have yelled at her. I never should've done that."

"Mike, this isn't your fault." Dustin said.

"Yeah, it's Lucas'."

"It wasn't his fault, either." Dustin countered softly.

For the first time in what felt like ages, Mike stopped in his tracks. He looked at my brother dumbfounded and took a few steps in his direction. "It wasn't his fault?"

"No."

"So you're saying he wasn't way out of line?"

"Totally, but so were you!"

"What?"

"And so was Eleven."

"That's ridiculous! Y/n, tell him he's being ridiculous!"

Very calmly, I stood up with my arms crossed and stood next to my brother, and sighed, eyes fixed on Mike. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Dustin is absolutely right."

Mike seemed even more furious. "Oh, give me a break!"

Dustin snapped at these words and stormed up to Mike. "No, Mike, you give me a break! All three of you were being a bunch of little assholes! Y/n and I were the only reasonable ones! But the bottom line is... you pushed first. And you know the rules. You draw first blood..."

"No! No way! I'm not shaking his hand."

"You're shaking his hand." I press, stepping forward.

He was sure to make eye contact with me over Dustin's shoulder as he spoke. "No, I'm not."

So I strode toward him and gave him a slight glare.

"This isn't a discussion. This is the rule of law. Obey or be banished from the party. Do you wanna be banished?" I asked firmly.

Mike crossed his arms and pouted before speaking up meekly. "No."

"Good!" I chirp, my face beaming as if we hadn't just been fighting which seem to only terrify him more.

I all but skipped over to the chair grabbing my coat, Dustin following my actions.

"Where are we going?" Mike asked with a hint of frustration.

"Where do you think?" Dustin asked as he put his arms through the sleeves of his coat.

"We're going to get Lucas." I finished, straightening my jacket then looked back to Mike.

My face softened and I tilted my head slightly. "And then we're gonna find Eleven."

⊹ ⊹ ⊹

The three of us stood on Lucas's porch and I rang the doorbell. We stood waiting until the door swung open and Lucas stood there glaring at all three of us, but mostly Mike.

"What do you want?" He spit, resting his hands in his pockets.

There was brief silence which was then interrupted by a muffled smack of Dustin hitting Mike in the arm.

Mike sighed softly and looked to Lucas, clearly hating every second of this.

"I drew first blood, so..." he extended his hand for Lucas to shake but Lucas didn't move.

Great. Of course nobody was going to make anything easy. Why would they?

⊹ ⊹ ⊹

Somehow I had convinced Lucas to let us all in and now, we all stood in the middle of his living room as he paced silently across the floor considering Mike's offer. He finally stopped and stared at the three of us.

"Okay, I'll shake."

Mike sighed what I barely made out to be a "finally" as he extended his arm out once more. Dustin and I perked up, that was until Lucas continued.

"On one condition. We forget the weirdo and go straight to the gate." He finished, arms crossed defiant.

"Then the deal's off." Mike barked.

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

"No, no, not fine! Guys seriously?" Dustin yelled, as I threw my head back frustrated.

Dustin forced Mike to face him as he spoke. "Do you even remember what happened on the Bloodstone Pass?"

Lucas and Mike shared a confused glance.

Dustin seemed shocked and offended that they had no recollection and continued.

"We couldn't agree on what path to take, so we all split up the party and those trolls took us out one by one. And it all went to shit. And we were all disabled! So we stick together, no matter what!"

"Yeah, I agree. But this is the party, right here in this room."

"El is one of us now."

"Um, no, she's not. Not even close! Never will be. She's a liar, a traitor--"

"She was just trying to keep us safe! She didn't mean to hurt you. It was an accident!"

"An accident?"

"All right, accident or not... admit it, it was a little awesome." Dustin said.

"Awesome?"

"Yeah, she threw you in the air with her mind!"

"I could have been killed!"

"Would everybody just shut up for one second, please!" I snap.

Everybody looks to me, a shocked expression on their faces.

I step forward and begin my long awaited  rant.

"I am sick of your attitude." I point at Lucas. "I am sick of your whining." I point to Mike. "I am sick of all three of you bickering," I gesture to all of them. "I love you guys and I can't thank you enough for taking me in and including me, know that, but GOD I am tired of being stuck listening to you boys argue about every little thing!"

I myself began pacing, my voice continuously rising. "I'm sick of putting up with all your petty arguing when we should be looking for Will only to come home at the end of the day, having found NOTHING and crying my eyes out because the only person who never gave a shit about who started what is missing and probably dead!"

I stopped pacing and looked to the boys who were all silent. I sighed and lowered my voice. "Lucas, you're right. You could have been killed. Which is exactly why we need her. She is more powerful than all of us combined."

"Y/n's right. Do you seriously wanna fight the Demogorgon with your wrist rocket?" Mike said, anger still in his voice. "That's like R2-D2 going to fight Darth Vader. We're no use to Will if we're dead."

Lucas looked torn for a moment, but then he shook his head and pointed at the three of us. There was disappointment in his voice. "If you three wanna waste your time looking for a traitor, go ahead, 'cause I'm not spending my time on her anymore. No way!"

I sighed, putting my face in my hands. Lucas continued.

"I'm going to the gate. I'm going to find Will."

Lucas shoved the boys aside and stormed off, leaving the three of us alone in more ways than one.

[polygamyff]

39.

Letting out a deep sight from my lips, Ally has just text me that they have arrived back which is good. I am glad they are back “Robyn, how would you feel if Ally was at the wedding?” I should ask, I can’t just say it “well, she has pulled through a lot. I would say yes, let her. I owe her a chance, right? So, I will allow it” that is good news “cool, I thought I would ask your permission, I didn’t want to just invite her and then you hate me for it” tapping my email while I used my free hand to scratch my balls “while you’re there fondling your balls, please make sure your pubes are trimmed and ready thanks. I want my wedding night to be perfect. I can’t wait to have sex” moving my phone from eye-view “what makes you think it isn’t done already? What do you know?” I questioned, I hate when Robyn has her boobs out, it makes me horny “you sure about that” she tilted her head but my eyes are diverting all the way down to her breasts, licking my lips “stop looking” she put her top on finally “I am sure” I am lying, this is overgrown as fuck “ok, then let me see” she walked around the bed “no, one must wait for the wedding night” Robyn is tripping “if I want to see your dick I will Maurice, I can trim them for you?” I laughed shaking my head “leave me alone please” placing my hand over my crotch, she is not seeing anything “you’re lying that is why, see! Liar” Robyn yanked the covers off of me “this is rape, you’re here just trying to see my dick. Leave me alone” she is so cheeky “you know what Maurice; it makes me happy. To see you are getting better. Your skin, your body, you’re gaining too. You look so happy” I cooed out “thank you, this is on you though” I grinned, Robyn is trying to trick me I know her “I love you Maurice” she gripped my arm and tried to move it “see! I knew you” quickly gripping her arms and dragged her down to me “no! Oh my god, ok stop. See what I mean, you’re better now, look at you. Let me go and I will not do it, deal?” I can’t trust her “ok” letting her go, Robyn shuffled back. I really did yank her down to me. I let out a yelp, Robyn’ hand gripping my dick “oh my! Why are you like this!?” I spat “no, don’t tighten your squeeze. Please” she is so smug “then you lay there and let me see this” she is not shit at all, I sighed out “go on then” Robyn lifted my boxers up “what I say” she hit my stomach with her hand “fixt that shit” she pointed and walked off.

Jogging down the steps with my phone pressed against my ear, my dad is on the phone with me “well your sister is on the jet to California” rolling my eyes “with Shawn I guess?” reaching the bottom “yes, well you wanted Shawn there” my dad said “yeah well did your precious daughter not tell you she is with him” Robyn frowned at me “no, she did not. Why? Shawn is a nice kid; I didn’t think they would be together to be honest. Shawn and Nalah? It’s weird” I chuckled “it is, so listen dad you need to do that all for me. Tell mom perfect, but I want it connected to the double doors so then when anyone goes outside it’s all connected, I don’t want it to be raining and we having to step outside, and the rain hits us. I am trusting you with your food taste, I have dealt with my side. He said that is ok, I will call you later dad. I have someone sat here listening, she is nosey. And I mean both of them” I laughed, Reign is sat in her booster just staring “oh, how are they? I do miss them, little Reign” great, now my dad won’t get off the phone “they are ok, Reign is fine. She is sassy as ever, she is sat in her booster acting like she should be in the conversation” I laughed “I can’t wait to see her, speak soon” disconnecting the call “you told your dad about Nalah and Shawn? Why? You are such a snitch” Robyn scolded me, pulling the chair out “your husband needs feeding, so please” I ignored her “listen to me, Maurice this is going to cause issues. They want to be together, let them. It’s not your issue, it will be your issue if he does something to her. Please, for me drop it. She is coming, she did text me. So please” Robyn knows damn well I can’t keep my mouth shut “sure” I mumbled, I will say sure.

Reign and I are just staring at each other “Maurice, will you just eat” she is staring at me, so I am doing it back “you got a stank attitude ma’am, your resting bitch face is not it. You want fighting?” Reign looked away from me silently “girl, you are so much like Uncle Leon, baby girl. Look at you, my baby. You show daddy who boss is” Reign smiled at Leon “mhmm, Reign wants to fight me. You see that?” I said to Robyn “maybe because you haven’t been waking up for her, she is probably offended. But anyways, Maurice I feel I am in the dark with this wedding. Is this all going to be a surprise?” nodding my head “it’s your birthday and also your wedding day which me, Maurice Davenport will organise, I will even get your dress for you? Or the choice is yours” Robyn’ face softened “oh really? I don’t know how to feel about that, wow. Oh my god” she looked at Leon “that is beautiful, I am so jealous of you Robyn” Leon said, staring at the side of Robyn’ face. She is in shock “I just, I don’t know what to say. I mean I would love for you to do it or should I. Can I think on it?” nodding my head “you can do as you please, I don’t mind but the wedding is me” Robyn reached up grabbing my head, pressing a kiss to my lips “what about our first dance song? Can I pick that?” shaking my head “sorted, I picked it” Robyn gasped “what!? What did you pick, aww Maurice please tell me something” I laughed “please pootie, tell me. I want to know, like I will not ask anything else” clearing my throat grinning “well, erm. Ok. We practically had our first dance to this song, and I felt it was right to use that song. That is your clue” see if she remembers because I do “oh” she grabbed my arm “your birthday party?” nodding my head “oh my god, that was so beautiful” nodding my head “that is our first dance song, now that is it. No more information, I want to make this extra special for you” Robyn shrieked out “I am so excited” I love that she is smiling.

Placing Reign and this damn booster seat in front of me on the table, now we both face to face “this Mi Amor, it’s got to stop. You need to share me with other people. I can’t be yours constantly, you can’t sit here and get a face on with me. Boo thang never does this to me, but you do. It’s got to stop, I think I may need to take away your Hermes bag, I am very disappointed in you” feeling a hand on my back, looking behind me and it’s just Robyn “you know she likes your attention Maurice” Reign started gurling something “I know Reign, daddy just needs to learn how to spend time with you too. It’s ok, mommy taking care of that bag for you too” Robyn been saying she wasn’t giving her that bag anyways, looking back at Reign and she got her arms out to me “oh you want me now?” she is funny “Maurice, I decided I want to get the dress, and listen to me. I want to pay for it ok? I want to pay for this because I can’t have you paying for it all, I want the dress to be surprise for you” frowning at Reign “Reign tell your mom she is talking too much, I want to pay” looking up at Robyn “I am, let me do this please” Robyn does mean it “please” she said again “I just think I want it to be a surprise for you, and listen to me you take Leon with you to get suit too once Shawn gets here” rolling my eyes “I thought he was wearing a dress?” Leon shook his head “I am going to create rumours that Maurice Davenport hates gays, you done for nigga!” he pointed “I will take him and be nice” I said it before Robyn did.

I am just waiting on Shawn to come back so we can go suit shopping, he is taking his time “I actually need to speak to the both of you” Terry said, stroking Khaleesi’ head, I did miss this dumb dog but she can be mad annoying at times, she is forever wanting attention “what’s up?” I asked “well things are going quick, you know what. My family never had the chance to ever meet Reign, not in person anyways. They have seen pictures of her and that is because things have been so fast paced, they never get the chance and you both are always away, so they never got the chance, and I have told them that Robyn is getting married in Texas, they are wanting to come but I want them to meet you, not by name but meet you Maurice. It’s time you did, and I know you’re a busy man but if you can do that” looking over at Robyn “they going to say some stupid shit to me, about how I look. You know” Terry shook her head “they understand, they know what you have. I have explained to them. They won’t, also Robyn. What do you want to do with Poppy and Paw Paw?” who the hell are they, I don’t even know these people “do they know what their son has done? I don’t want him” I am guessing Thomas “Paw Paw does adore you Robyn, don’t make him come down here. I have not spoken to them but if we can, just them two and uncle?” Robyn shrugged “ok I will speak to them, but Maurice if I can set up for you to come and meet my family. The ones that are to come to the wedding?” nodding my head “sure” I can’t say no, that is rude.

Poking my lips out at Robyn, she is not happy “is your mom’ family nice? They going to be nice to me?” I need to know “they are nosey and loud, that is why they have not met Reign and I have stayed away from them because I didn’t want them to be asking questions but I think you will be overwhelmed so good luck” pulling a face “see I didn’t need to ever see or speak to my extended family, they came to me but your mom asked so I guess I will. I also set up our honeymoon but it’s dependant on you if you would like to take Reign with us or keep her here with your mom, well in Texas, it depends on your mom. I am taking you New Zealand, I know you have always wanted to go there, so we are going” Robyn gasped “oh my god, no way! Baby! Aww, I can’t, this is too much. Pootie, I am so lucky to have you. I do not deserve you at all, oh my god” I grinned “Robyn, all I ever ask of you is to love me and you do. You have done more than you should have, you have really looked after me throughout, fed me, clothed me, talked to me” I chuckled “helped me pee, cut my nails. Robyn you have done so much for me, so this is my thank you. I still got gifts for you of course but I don’t want you to think I am doing too much because I’m not, you have done so much for me and I really do appreciate it” hearing a knock at the door “Leon get that for me, Maurice I do it because I love you and you are my everything ok? Don’t think you need to spend money on me, you being well makes me happy, I love you so much” Robyn wrapped her arms around my neck, kissing the side of my face “good to see Robyn and Maurice getting along” that is Shawn, he is here I guess. Looking behind me “likewise” I mumbled, he out here with my sister, annoying as fuck that he is still fucking with my sister like this.

Robyn got into my eye-view “for me” she keeps saying that, taking in a deep breath “Maurice” looking to the side of me “Shawn” shaking his hand “it’s good to see that you both are finally getting married though, I am so happy for you both. So quick though” Nalah is angry, I can tell with the look on her face “who stole your lipstick?” I questioned “you know what” she said “you’re my little brother so stay as that, you’re not older than me to be questioning me on what I do with my life, I don’t want to hear it. Yes it’s your friend but he is making me happy” shaking my head laughing “like I said, who stole your lipstick, anyways” getting up from the chair “we have places to be, I can’t sit around and see your sour ass face” Nalah moved around Shawn “what is your problem? Don’t you want me to be happy, don’t you think it’s my time to be happy. I am happy and you’re not happy, what? Did you want his dick, I have always been there for you. Always Maurice! And you can’t do this for me, you’re hurting me. Please share my happiness with me, and no I won’t break up with him unless he does something to upset me. I like his short self, so please I am asking you to be my brother and support me like I have done you, and you know I have” nodding my head “sure” walking by her “he will get over it, I am so happy to see you girl” Robyn said as I made my way up the steps, I guess I have no choice but to accept it.

I asked Ally to find me people that can tailor me a suit in California and well, I got the best she said but will they make it on time. I may need to spend more than I would, walking into the store “you must be Maurice Davenport” the guy came over to me “I am Taylor, I am know it’s funny because I tailor suits. Pleased to meet you” shaking his head “nice to meet you too, so I need this to be privately done as I don’t need the media knowing” he nodded his head “of course, full privacy. We make suits for the rich and famous and its always full privacy here. I Spoke to your assistant and she said it will be a close deadline?” nodding my head “I need them done in two days max, I will pay upfront and extra for your work” the guy looked at me like I was crazy “like I said, I will pay” he took in a deep breath “ok, I will do it” smiling at him “we need to start now, I will get some of my assistants out and we will start selecting materials, what is your idea?” he asked “I want a tuxedo, three piece. I want light grey, collars to be black. I want my best man to have the same but white. And Leon, he can decide what he wants, I will pay for him” Leon cooed out “aww, you don’t have too” Leon knows damn well doesn’t mean that, he will do anything for a freebie.

I am glad that is out of the way, like I wanted to do it a while ago, but everything happened with Robyn I couldn’t exactly leave her like that “Maurice, honestly. Thank you, you’re so giving and it’s wild to think that I am friends with you, thank you. And thank you for saving Robyn from herself, she needed you even though she didn’t realise it, as a best friend of hers she was pretty lost with men, and it was never like she couldn’t get them but they was possessive, like you’re mine possessive but luckily for Robyn, she was into her books, into her learning and she wanted to be a surgeon. While Kellen and Tiffany were fucking she was there doing her work, and I always did say to Robyn I think Kellen likes you, like no offence to bring it up but he did but Robyn did not like him, bad vibes I guess. And I am happy you did peruse her, she is hard-headed because she wouldn’t have and then she would have missed out. When she sent me the picture of her at the wedding, I was like wow. Are you the bride, she looked so good. I was very protective of her because I didn’t trust the men she was with, too good for them I would say. And when she mentioned you I was like ok, you going to Santa Monica with this man, but she was well over the moon, she was so smitten with you” I smirked at Leon “thank you, she was very much upfront. When I met her in Texas, she was at my hotel and she told me to find her room, and she opened the door. She was half dressed and she was confident in it, it was me that was like oh fuck, she made me nervous about it all. I was doing things I didn’t think I would be doing, I was flying economy for her, I was hooked on her and I knew I had to tell her the truth. But it was the hardest time to go through, with the Noami thing. I did think I lost her. To tell someone you’re married when you don’t want to lose them is hard but she found out in the worst way possible. I think so much came out that I was like, if I tell her I got sickle cell, she would be like why do I need this, it was hard but I thank you for always having our back in all of this, thank you” Leon got his arms out “why do you like to touch me” Leon shuffled closer and closer to me “come on, let it happen. Come” he is so annoying, he hugged me “there, there now. Let it happen” side eyeing Leon “to Robyn and Maurice” Shawn lifted his cup of Sprite “to Maurice and Robyn” Leon held his cup up, I laughed shaking my head “Reign is going to be so hard-headed like Robyn, I am putting that out there. That girl was asking to fight you in her little baby brain” I laughed out “I am glad you saw that; she was angry. My daughter is going to be so boss” I just know it.

Walking out of Wendy’s and towards the SUV “I was thinking you know” Shawn turned to me, we both stopped walking “what’s up?” I asked “you are getting married for keeps, this is it. We need to go out for a night out, one last time. Just the boys, we get them together. Vegas bro? You know that is our place to be, let me sort this out for you? You’re settling, I am settling?” I didn’t think of doing anything “erm, I don’t think I got the time to do all of that though, you know it is last minute?” I said “nah, let me sort your bachelor party out. I know this is it for you, let me do it? You know we need to celebrate, something private for us” taking in a deep breath thinking “I mean, as long as it’s not dumb shit but I need to ask the boss, if Robyn is not happy with that then I can’t you know that. I can only ask her” Shawn chuckled “I will take this as a yes, let me speak to her too. I want my boy to have a good sending off” I didn’t think of a bachelor party at all.

[awkwardsha]

Sina’s Chronicles              “The Family Dinner”

                                                    By: Shawnice Renee

           Nicolette hair still in jumbo sized rollers, was setting the table for their guest to arrive shortly. She wanted elegance, so she decided to pull out her ivory and gold plates. Those plates were special, because Luther bought them while they were honeymooning in Paris. It was so long ago, but she’s held on to them since. Everything was just about ready. The food is finished, bottles of wine nicely chilled. She even outdid herself by baking a cherry- covered cheesecake for dessert. Glancing at the clock, it was 6:45. Nicolette’s pace grew fast because their guest would be arriving at 7. Hurrying up the stairs, Nicolette knocked on Sina’s door, (knock, knock).

“Come in!” Sina yelled.

“Sina? You have to make sure everything is fine downstairs, I have to let my hair down.” Nicolette demanded.

Rolling her eyes Sina responded, “Mommy, I thought you took care of all that already?”

Not in the mood for Sina’s antics, Nicolette let her know one last time.

“This is for you Sina, this is your new little friend coming over, get your but downstairs!”

“Ma, she’s lazy. This is Sina we’re talking about.” Then in walks Drina dressed in sweats and a t-shirt, Nicolette thought she was going to lose her mind at Drina’s ensemble.

“You aren’t wearing that Drina.”

“It’s only dinner mom, really?” said Drina as she folded her arms.

“We’re having a guest.” Sina snarled.

“He’s your guest not mine.” Drina shot back Nicolette put her hands up.

“Girls that’s enough! Sina go downstairs like I asked and Drina? Change…your…clothes now!”

               Both girls walked out and did what they were told. Minutes later the doorbell rings. Sina quickly runs to the hallway mirror to check herself. Once she was satisfied with her look she excitedly opened the door. There on the other side stood a man of mocha complexion appeared about 5’11 with small wire frames. His eyes lit up the moment he saw Sina.

               Good evening handsome, come inside. Meet my family.” Sina invited her guest inside the to introduce him. Nicolette graceful as ever walks up to him and introduces herself. She also couldn’t help but notice his mature appearance. Hopefully before Luther gets home.

“Hello there! I’m Sina’s mom of course, Nicolette Hoover. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Terry…?”

               Extending his hand for a handshake he politely responded. “…Terry Lee, my name is Terry Lee. Mrs. Hoover and the pleasure is all mine.”

               Smiling suspiciously Nicolette invited him to sit down on the couch. Meanwhile a wardrobe-changed Drina walks in to hand him a glass of water. Nicolette urged Sina to introduce Terry to Drina before dinner. Just so everyone is acquainted with her guest. With reluctance, Sina does it anyway.

“Drina, Terry. Terry. Drina, mom where’s daddy?”

“Sina don’t be rude, your father’s coming home shortly”

               There was an air of silence amongst the four. No one was exactly sure how to start the conversation. So Terry decided to break the ice.

“So Sina tells me-“

“Exactly how old are you?” Drina cut Terry off before he could complete his sentence.

“Drina shut up!”  Sina whined.

“I’m curious. You’re not the type she normally goes for cuz you seem smart.” Said Drina as she closely observed him. “And you don’t look Sina’s age, no offense but you look older than me.” Drina continued to explain.

               Nicolette excused Drina’s rudeness, even though she herself would like to know. Flushed with embarrassment, Sina clenched Terry’s hand while they sat on the loveseat. On the outside looking in, it appeared like a serious conversation. The way the two pairs sat opposite one another in the living room. He realized Drina was being rude and totally ignored it. Politely he answered her question.

“It’s cool I wasn’t offended, Yes I am older than Sina and depending on your age I might be older than you.”

Drina turned her nose up snobbishly, she couldn’t help but being a bitch. “I’m 25 how old are you?” she asked Terry.

“Close enough. I’m 27” Terry answered. Both Terry and Sina then smiled proudly at one another.

Nicolette taking mental notes wanted more answers. “27? Interesting and exactly how did you and Sina meet?”

“Ma I told-“ Sina tried to explain but Nicolette stopped her.

“No I want to hear it from Terry.”

               Before Terry could ever respond the man of the house walks in, Mr Hoover. When Terry saw Mr. Hoover for the first time he was shocked, he didn’t expect Mr. Hoover to be so…short. Terry couldn’t help but laugh inside, meeting his lady’s father for the first time, and he looks like black George Jefferson. Wanting to leave the best impression he can, Terry stood up to introduce himself.

“Hi daddy!” The girls said in unison, that was only time they could be in unison. Luther greeted his beautiful daughters with hugs and kisses. While keeping his eyes on Terry. For his short stature Luther Hoover was quite the intimidating man.

“Why is there a man standing in my living room? And he’s taller than me.”

“Daddy stop hahaha! This is my boyfriend Terry.” Sina laughed.

               Terry extended his hand for a shake but Luther consciously ignored it, and continued his conversation with his daughter.

“Boyfriend!” Luther yelled, “ Since when we’re bringing boyfriends home?”

“Daddy I told you he was coming!” Whining Sina.

“Oh I’m just pulling his leg, how are you Terry? Larry Hoover III.” Luther laughed, reassuring Terry he was joking. He took off his blazer while Nicolette was already waiting to hang it up.

“Alright let’s eat and chat some more with our own special guest tonight!” Luther proceeds to guide everyone to the dining room. It was beautifully decorated by Nicolette of course had a large crystal glass dining table. Surrounded by five cream-colored cushion chairs, the table had five plates along with eating utensils awaiting anyone ready for an elegant feast. Overlooking the guests and table is Swarovski crystal chandelier. Terry noticed the reflection in his water glass. Nicolette and Drina brought the food and drinks out while Luther, Sina, and Terry chit chatted.

               So, Terry is it? Tell me about yourself are you in college? Graduate? Drop out?” Luther asked as he took a light sip of his water.

Pushing his glasses on his face, Terry nervously laughed at Luther’s sarcasm. “Actually Mr. Hoover I attended Shaw University. I graduated with a degree I psychology. As for now I’m currently enrolled in school for my masters in clinical psychology. He didn’t want to admit or show it but Luther was very impressed. Most of the time, Sina is always introducing her dad to lowlife aspiring rappers. Who think smoking weed is part of the job description for rapping.

“You’re working on your masters huh?”

“Yes, sir then I plan on getting my Ph.D. as well.” he made sure to keep eye contact with Luther through the whole conversation. His father always told him it’s a sign of respect to look a man in the eye.

“Well, well, Terry I must say I am very impressed with your future. Since you’re my baby Sina, I have to know son, how old are you? Because you look slightly mature for my Sina.” Luther had a bit of sternness in his voice.

Sina sat quietly with her head down like a little girl being lectured by her parents.

“I’m 27…Sir. I know there’s…gap…somewhat. But I assure you sir, and Mrs. Hoover as well. That there isn’t a woman I’ve met yet that captivates me the way your daughter does.” Terry gazed at the woman he fell in love with, while in response Sina smiled and looked away in embarrassment.

Everyone at the table stared at both of them, when Luther spoke again. “That’s the kind of girl my Sina is…captivating! Hahaha!” Luther belted out a hearty laugh. “I expect nothing but the best for my girls. So I expect you to give her the best. You know Mrs. Hoover is 10 years younger than me.” Stated Luther.

“Really? Amazing because you both age really well. May I ask how did Mrs. Hoover parents take it…you know..meeting you for the first time? Terry asked, he felt relieved hearing about the age difference between Sina’s parents.

“Oh my father hated him! Hahahaha!” Nicolette interjected.

“Ah yes, Mr. Arden may he rest in peace. He hated my guts, that man. I mean who could blame him? I was a 29-year-old man dating his 19-year-old daughter.” Explained Luther.

“Yes, my father did everything he could to keep me from him. But it didn’t work. I was away at college and out of his eyesight, there was nothing he could do to keep me from Luther.” Nicolette began to smile at Luther, like the feelings she had never went away.

“He did try to keep Mrs. Hoover away from me. I remember one time her father tried to transfer her to a college somewhere out in Ohio was it?

“It was down in Louisiana, Honey.” Nicolette reminded him.

“Yeah down there. Now Mrs. Hoover was already attending college in Chicago. He made some ridiculous excuse that she would get quality schooling if she transferred. But having two girls of my own. I understand why he was so protective. Man to man Terry? A father idealistically doesn’t want his young 20 year old daughter bringing home a 27 year old man. These May-December romances can be quite complicated. Sina’s an impressionable young lady whose still figuring out what she wants and who she is.

               You’re an equally impressionable man who has a good head on his shoulders. You’re starting to build a foundation for yourself and Sina isn’t quite there yet.” Luther said.

               This is the conversation Sina dreaded. On the other hand, Terry being drawn to what Luther had to say, wanted to reassure him he has nothing to worry about.

“Mr. Hoover Sir, I do understand her level of maturity and I’m willing to be patient. This whole age difference thing is new to me. To Sina as well but I have faith we’ll work it out.”

Nicolette smiled with pleasure, happy to hear a young man is so in love with one of her daughters’. Luther on the other hand, was not quite convinced.

“Listen, Nicolette and I love love Sina. The last thing we are going to do is judge her for being in the same shoes we were in over 30 years ago. We went through it! However, one thing Mr. Arden, Mrs. Hoover’s father accused me of something at that time. I remember being so offended but as I said prior I understand. So, this time I’ll do it differently from Mr. Arden. Don’t manipulate my daughter.” Luther urged.

               Overall the dinner was a success, much to Sina’s surprise. Everyone ate their food and Nicolette was even nice enough to make Terry a to-go plate. Drina, over the whole night retired to her bedroom, while Sina walked Terry to the door, more in love than before.

“Im so happy you came! I’m extremely happy you and daddy hit it off.” Said a smiling Sina.

“Thank you for inviting me, your family is amazing, your mom is beautiful I see where you get your good looks from. Mr. Hoover is a great man to admire and Drina…she’s very…outspoken.” Terry laughed.

“Yeah I think Drina orgasms off of being a bitch.” They both laughed. Then Terry’s face changes to a more serious one. He had something he’s been wanting to say. Even though it’s still early he can’t help it. For Sina he’s a sucker for love.

“Listen, baby before I go I want to get this out.” Terry cleared his throat and exhaled deeply. “We’ve only been dating for a couple of months, and these months have been something to cherish. Sina I want to cherish you more, actually forever. Baby I want to marry you.”

               Waiting for an answer, Terry gazed deep into Sina’s eyes, ad without hesitation squeals “Yes” and giggles as she jumps into Terry’s arms kissing him.

“Oh, my gosh are you sure you want to marry me? She asked in disbelief.

“More than anything, I was going to ask for your father’s blessing tonight. But then I thought maybe too soon.”

“Too soon my ass, where’s my ring?” Sina extended her left hand out, wiggling for a ring to be placed on her finger.

“The ring is coming. I want to make sure we’re on the same page. We are on the same page, we are on the same page, right? Cuz if not I’ll take it back- “

Sina jokingly intervened, “…uh no there will be no taking back of anything over here! We are on the same page. But for the sake of my family let’s keep this a secret.”

“As long as you marry me I’ll do anything you want.”

“Ugh why do you have to always be so sweet?” she giggles, looking down at the floor.

Terry laughed, only for you, listen though I’m going to head home. My last day of interning is tomorrow.

“Aww that’s right, I forgot! Ok then call me when you get home?”

“I definitely will, I love you Sina.”

“I love you too Terry.”

               They both shared a deep long kiss before he got into his car and drove off. For both of them this is truly a night to remember.

[yurtletheturtlehenderson]

S.T REWRITE -S1:E6; Chapter Six, The Monster - [Pt. 1]

A Will Byers x Reader Series

With Eleven gone, Y/n and Dustin struggle to keep the party together. Elsewhere, Hopper and Joyce uncover the truth about the lab’s many experiments.

||3rd Person POV||

Joyce and Hopper sat opposite one another at the kitchen table of the Byers' home. The house was cold and hardly lit, copies of newspaper clippings scattered all around the house. One of the only light sources was a dusty light that hung from the kitchen ceiling above the table and their heads, illuminating the several papers.

"Look, we gotta go through this again." Joyce insisted.

"I told you everything that I saw."

"Oh, gosh. Tell me again."

"Upstairs or downstairs?" Hopper asked.

"Upstairs."

"There was a laboratory. It was where they must do experiments or something, and then there was... well you see like I said, I got turned around."

Hopper was currently sharing all he had encountered on his rogue mission at Hawkins National Laboratory. Joyce, all the while was hanging on his every word.

"I told you, it was like, I don't know, it wasn't supposed to exist. That whole area, it was abandoned and... forgotten, like it was all some big mistake. Once I found my way back, I saw that... kid's room. That other kid's room, I mean. Like it was actually used, but it didn't even look like a kid's room, neither of them, it looked like a prison."

Hopper sighed and rubbed the bottom of his palms into his eyes tiredly, is fingers held the lit cigarette inches away from his face as he did so. "If that even makes sense,"

"Well," Joyce began, trying to get to the bottom of this never ending mystery. "So why would you think it was a kid's room, then?"

"Because, I told you, the size of the bed, there was a drawing, there was a stuffed animal--"

Joyce interrupted the man quickly. "Y-You didn't say there was a drawing."

"Yeah, there was a drawing of a... an adult and a child. It said 'Eleven' on it."

"Was it good?" Joyce pressed.

"It was a kid's drawing, Joyce. It was stick figures."

Joyce had a knowing look on her face as she stood up with a sigh, retrieving a piece of crinkled line paper and slammed it down on the table for Hopper to see.

She pointed to the detailed drawing as she sat back down.

"Wasn't Will." She stated confidently, shakily bringing the cigarette back up to her lips.

Hopper examined the drawing and everything seemed to click. He returned his gaze to the anxious mother. Hopper quickly put out his cigarette in the ashtray and made a beeline for the coffee table.

"Earl..." he muttered, as he made his way into the living room. Joyce, who had abandoned her cigarette, was right on his heels.

"The night that Benny died, Earl said he saw some kid with a shaved head with Benny," Hopper and Joyce took a seat beside one another on the living room couch, Hopper's eyes fixed on the several news clippings splayed along the wooden coffee table. "Now, I pressed him, he said it might be Will, but maybe..."

The man began sifting through the papers, and Joyce spoke up.

"Wait... Maybe, it wasn't?"

Hopper pulled the article he had been looking for and pointed to the fuzzy photograph of the woman in the article.

"Look... this woman, Terry Ives, she claims to have lost her daughter, Jane. She sued Brenner, she sued the government... Now, the claims came to nothing, but what if... I mean, what if this whole time I've been... I've been looking for Will... I've been chasing after some other kid?"

||Reader's POV||

Everything is a mess.

Will is still missing, the party is falling apart, Mike and Lucas are still angsty messes that won't speak to one another, and now, El left us. She probably thinks I hate her.

'But I don't! I was just scared'

(Ok but like,,,, who else ships El and reader cause damn I've been giving myself feels lately, dang)

'We need to fix this'

I sigh and sit up from my bed and make my way to Dustin's room.

+++

"I just... I can't believe she didn't come back." Mike sighed.

Dustin and I agreed we needed to talk some sense into the boys. So we got our bikes and made our way to Mike's. Dustin was standing opposite Mike while I currently occupied one of the DnD chairs I had pulled up. Mike was worriedly pacing the floor in front of us.

"She's gotta be close." Dustin offered.

"She said it wasn't safe. She just messed up the compasses because she wanted to protect us. She didn't betray us."

"Mike, calm down."

Mike only ignored Dustin and kept talking, more to himself than anybody it seemed.

"I shouldn't have yelled at her. I never should've done that."

"Mike, this isn't your fault." Dustin said.

"Yeah, it's Lucas'."

"It wasn't his fault, either." Dustin replied softly.

For the first time in what felt like ages, Mike stopped in his tracks. He looked at my brother dumbfounded and took a few steps in his direction. "It wasn't his fault?"

"No."

"So you're saying he wasn't way out of line?"

"Totally, but so were you!"

"What?"

"And so was Eleven."

"That's ridiculous! [Y/N], tell him he's being ridiculous!"

Very calmly, I stood up with my arms crossed and stood next to my brother, and sighed, eyes fixed on Mike. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Dustin is absolutely right."

Mike seemed even more furious. "Oh, give me a break!"

Dustin snapped at these words and stormed up to Mike. "No, Mike, you give me a break! All three of you were being a bunch of little assholes! [Y/N] and I were the only reasonable ones! But the bottom line is... you pushed first. And you know the rules. You draw first blood..."

"No! No way! I'm not shaking his hand."

"You're shaking his hand." I press stepping forward.

He was sure to make eye contact with me over Dustin shoulder as he spoke. "No, I'm not."

So I strode toward him and gave him a slight glare.

"This isn't a discussion. This is the rule of law. Obey or be banished from the party. Do you wanna be banished?" I asked firmly.

Mike crossed his arms and pouted before speaking up meekly. "No."

"Good!" I chirp, my face beaming as if we hadn't just been fighting which seem to only terrify him more.

I all but skipped over to the chair grabbing my coat, Dustin following my actions.

"Where are we going?" Mike asked with a hint of frustration.

"Where do you think?" Dustin asked as he put his arms through the sleeves of his coat.

"We're going to get Lucas." I finished straightening my jacket then looked back to Mike.

My face softened and I tilted my head slightly. "And then we're gonna find Eleven."

+++

The three of us stood on Lucas's porch and I rang the doorbell. We stood waiting until the door swung open and Lucas stood there glaring at all three of us, but mostly Mike.

"What do you want?" He spits, resting his hands in his pockets.

There was brief silence which was then interrupted by a muffled smack of Dustin hitting Mike in the arm.

Mike sighed softly and looked to Lucas, clearly hating every second of this.

"I drew first blood, so..." he extended his hand for Lucas to shake but Lucas didn't move.

Somehow I had convinced Lucas to let us all in and now, we all stood in the middle of his living room as he paced silently across the floor considering Mike's offer. He finally stopped and stared at the three of us.

"Okay, I'll shake."

Mike sighed what I barely made out to be a "finally" as he extended his arm out once more. Dustin and I perked up, that was until Lucas continued.

"On one condition. We forget the weirdo and go straight to the gate." He finished, arms crossed defiantly.

"Then the deal's off." Mike barked.

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

"No, no, not fine! Guys seriously?" Dustin yelled as I threw my head back frustrated.

Dustin forced Mike to face him as he spoke. "Do you even remember what happened on the Bloodstone Pass?"

Lucas and Mike shared a confused glance.

Dustin seemed shocked and offended that they had no recollection and continued.

"We couldn't agree on what path to take, so we all split up the party and those trolls took us out one by one. And it all went to shit. And we were all disabled! So we stick together, no matter what!"

"Yeah, I agree. But this is the party, right here in this room."

"El is one of us now."

"Um, no, she's not. Not even close! Never will be. She's a liar, a traitor--"

"She was just trying to keep us safe! She didn't mean to hurt you. It was an accident!"

"An accident?"

"All right, accident or not... admit it, it was a little awesome." Dustin said.

"Awesome?"

"Yeah, she threw you in the air with her mind!"

"I could have been killed!"

"Would everybody just shut up for one second please!" I snap.

Everybody looks to me, a worried and shocked expression on their faces.

I step forward and begin ranting to the boys.

"I am sick of your attitude." I point at Lucas. "I am sick of your whining." I point to Mike. "I am sick of all three of you bickering," I gesture to all of them. "I love you guys and I can't thank you enough for taking me in and including me, know that, but GOD I am getting tired of being stuck listening to you boys argue about every little thing!"

I myself began pacing, my voice continuously rising. "I'm sick of putting up with all your petty arguing when we should be looking for Will only to come home at the end of the day, having found NOTHING and crying my eyes out because the only person who never gave a shit about who started what is missing and probably dead!"

I stopped pacing and looked to the boys who were all silent. I sighed and lowered my voice. "Lucas, you're right. You could have been killed. Which is exactly why we need her. She is more powerful than all of us combined."

"[Y/N]'s right. Do you seriously wanna fight the Demogorgon with your wrist rocket?" Mike said, anger still in his voice. "That's like R2-D2 going to fight Darth Vader. We're no use to Will if we're dead."

Lucas looked torn for a moment, but then he shook his head and pointed at the three of us. There was disappointment in his voice. "If you three wanna waste your time looking for a traitor, go ahead, 'cause I'm not spending my time on her anymore. No way!"

I sighed, putting my face in my hands. Lucas continued.

"I'm going to the gate. I'm going to find Will."

Lucas shoved the boys aside and stormed off, leaving the three of us alone in more ways than one.

+++++

(apologies the tag list was not posted originally. It slipped my mind. Sorry lovelies! <3)

Tag List: @fuckwaad @aimee-lucass

DM me if you want to be added!