#wow okay maybe i do like bryce a little..

[mydemonsdrivealimo]

For this one, for Bryce

1, 6, 10, 11 and 15

tysm for asking!! i wanted an excuse to talk ab him so bad. also this got really longs oops

1. what was your muse's personality like as a kid? How has it changed since then?

i think bryce truly WAS a nerd when he was younger. from age like 8-12 he was obsessed w the percy jackson series and greek history and was in his schools book club. he def participated in the read-a-thons on top of little league softball and soccer, and was just a super social kid who really liked talking with anyone who shared any interest with him. though once he got into higher grades, image became a lot to him. somewhat at the pressure from his parents, but also because he didn't exactly fit in with the "weird" kids who liked reading and were in the book clubs, nor did he fit with the "popular" kids who were in sports with him. given the pressure from his dad (i think he and his dad have a,, complex relationship) he chose to go into sports full time. into adulthood he kind of abandoned reading and a lot of his interests in the pursuit of more socially popular things, and on top of that he now has an Image to uphold. not one his parents wanted, but one that he very intentionally created as he moved into social spaces like undergrad and med school. during med school he hit kind of a rough patch and picked up a few quick fiction reads, and i think he regained his love for them then, but because of this Perfectly Normal and Personable image he's created, he doesnt go around sharing that with anyone

6. Did your muse have a best friend? Friends? Who did they hang out with as a kid? Are they still friends?

absolutely!! ive talked about this before by 5 year old bryce was 100% running around kissing boys on the playground. he has been seeking out other queer people since day one (on top of being a flirt), and a lot of his childhood friends were def queer, even if none of them knew it yet. i think he had kind of a weird group of kids from book club and kids from sports, but they all got along well enough. i doubt hed talk to any of them anymore, but i think he might bump into some of them later on (irl or online) and be like oh so we WERE all gay!!

10. What responsibilities did your muse have as a child? Chores? Babysitting? How good were they at fulfilling their responsibilities?

bryce really did not have any chores or much responsibility at all. at least like,, normal childhood responsibilities (elaborated in next question). i think his parents were definitely well off enough that they hired people to help with the housecleaning and childcare, but occasionally bryce would take keiki out on his own to get ice cream or something (fyi idk how much you know about his relationship w his sister but they have like a 12 year age gap)

11. What expectations were placed on your muse as a child? Who had those expectations for your muse? How did your muse feel about them?

bryce definitely had a lot of pressure on him from his dad. his dad has ALWAYS expected a lot from him, especially academically. i think bryce def ties his worthiness to his academic performance because of that, and on top of that there was just always a lot of strain between them. bryce has been obviously queer since he was really young, and while his dad isn't send-to-a-camp homophobic, its something that, had bryce stuck around, would be expected that he never bring up or make known. it really tainted byrces relationship as far as having a father figure goes, so he was Constantly trying to prove himself and make his dad enthusiastically like him rather than just tolerate him. i think bryce likes to think that it didn't effect him at all, and to a certain degree he was able to break a lot of those barriers after his dad went to jail, but it def impacts him in certain ways well into the future

15. What's one childhood memory that has stuck with your muse over the years? What's it significance to your muse now?

sorry if u expected something that wasnt angst. its me we're talking about.

anyway i think bryce has a lot more memory of his preteen to teen years, which was mainly filled with his friend group but also sports constantly. he pushed himself really hard, and thankfully school came pretty easy, but he was going to be a 4.2 GPA type of person. one of my other minor hcs is that bryce was sick A Lot as a kid, and it still happened here and there throughout higher grades. there were def a few instances where he was too sick to play and had to sit out multiple games in a row. his parents didnt really come to them super often, but they made time for one, and he was really really going to try. he barely made it through their warm up without hacking up a lung so his coach made him sit out. the entire way home his dad gave him a long ass lecture about how disappointing it was and how he shouldnt be a quitter and how he could never be good at anything if he didnt give it 100% and adapt to any changes that were thrown his way. none of this was bryces fault, and looking back he can see that, but in the moment he def internalized a lot of that. i mean he barely saw the guy so the few things he did tell him he tried to hold onto and that was the moment where he really started pushing himself in everything. again, he was already hard on himself, but i think that was when he started the whole "im going to get into an ivy league, im going to be the best in my class, etc etc." and sure it paid off i guess. but i think bryce is just upset w himself now bc he was doing to it please someone who could never be pleased w him and someone who was an objectively shitty person, so maybe all of this really wasn't worth it

[thoughts-with-hailey]

My Life in Prythian - Chapter Two

Summary: After being captured by the bat boys my life is getting a little bit more interesting. I try to explain myself to the fae and maybe convince them to let me hang around for a while.

Content Warnings: language, violence, childhood trauma, sexually explicit

Chapter Two

The fucking prison?

They took me to the fucking prison. 

Azriel and Cassian both held me in a firm grip as they marched me towards the entrance, their fingers digging into my arms. “This is ridiculous,” I groaned as they half carried, half dragged me into the place that sent shivers down my spine. “I’m not here to harm you. I didn’t even ask to be here! Well, okay, maybe I did sometimes when work was super boring or I was having a particularly bad day so I thought ‘wow I wish I was in Prythian tied up in Azriel’s torture chamber right now’ but obviously that was more of a dark fantasy than actual wishing! Please, just let me go. Don’t like, send me back to my world though. Just like…can I work for you guys or something? I don’t have any notable skills but I could clean your house or something.”

“This one is worse than the last one,” Cassian grumbled. 

Azriel, true to form, said nothing. 

The pair of them hauled me through the spiraling paths of the prison, faces grim and grasp tight while I tried to look at everything and anything. Behind the locked doors of the cells I could practically feel the magic radiating off of who or what ever was on the other side. My mind drifted to Lanthys and I couldn’t help my grin at the memory of what he said to Nesta. Sure the guy was a villain and sure he probably was a bit of a misogynist, but a girl has needs. Imagining him a time or two on a self pleasure night wasn’t the worst thing I had done.

“Is Lanthys still here?” I asked, unable to help myself. “Or has Nesta already beheaded him? Actually a good question is where are we in the timeline of your story. Is Hybern dead yet? Wait, earlier you mentioned redheads falling at Azriel’s feet, so that must mean Bryce was here! Damn, so Lanthys is dead. I-”

“Shut. Up,” Azriel growled, his voice dangerously low and filled with irritation. 

Clittia perked up again and both their eyes slid sideways to me alerting me that they definitely smelled my arousal. My cheeks heated. 

Staying silent had never been one of my best skills, especially when I am stressed or anxious, so it took maybe a few steps before my mouth opened again. Before I could speak, however, Azriel let out a sigh and jerked me out of Cassian’s grip only to shove me against the stone wall. Even though I’m tall, standing at a solid 5’10, Azriel was still tall enough that I had to look up into his eyes as he glared down at me with murderous intent. 

“I swear to the mother,” he rumbled, his face nearly pressed to mine as he pressed his hard, warm body into mine effectively trapping me between him and the wall. “If you do not stop talking I will make you regret ever having a mouth in the first place.”

I should’ve stayed silent. Honestly. I have basically zero self preservation and read way too much dark romance to end up in this scenario with one of Prythian’s famous torturers whomst I also harbor a small crush on. Dream or not, I should’ve stayed silent. Instead my mouth decided to say, “Is that a threat or a promise, Shadow Daddy?”

The shadows in question seemed to laugh as they bobbed near his ears and I watched in awe as one darted out to caress my lower lip before Azriel snapped. One moment I was pressed between him and the wall, the next I was thrown over his impressively hard shoulder as we made our way down the hallway. 

“Ow!” I glared as his shoulder dug into my stomach and my face smacked against the hard planes of his back. “What the fuck!”

A loud ‘smack’ echoed through the halls when his hand connected with my asscheek hard enough that I knew it would leave a mark, even through my clothes. “Stop squirming before I drop you,” he bit out. 

Bracing my hands on his hips I pushed up enough so I could see Cassian following behind us, a smirk on his handsome face. Of course he found this amusing. Shooting him a glare I shifted my weight to my left hand and raised my right, fully intending to smack the perfectly sculpted cheeks not far from my face, when one of his shadows snacked around my wrist to stop me. 

Cassian’s smirk turned into a full blown smile and I couldn’t resist the urge to stick my tongue out at him. 

A loud creaking behind me alerted me that a cell door was opening and I sighed. I highly doubted that Azriel was about to play out any of the fun visions I had had about us in this exact scenario. 

The inside of the cell smelled awful, like someone had definitely died inside and they didn’t bother to air it out. Before I had the chance to complain Azriel was demonstrating his lovely strength once more as he swung me back over his shoulder and deposited me into a chair. Instantly Cassian was there slinging chains and shackles around. 

I didn’t bother to fight it knowing full well there was nothing I could do to stop them. As a human fighting a fae warrior with hundreds of years of training I would be lucky to last two seconds. They could snap me like a twig and not in a fun way. 

Azriel rounded on me, eyes filled with fury and threats, as he asked, “How do you know all of this about us?”

“I told you, there are books-”

“No!” he glared, his hand shooting out to wrap around my throat. I gulped against his palm, able to feel the strength and promise within the firm yet somehow gentle grip he held me in. 

Now, as much as I’m into kink and BDSM shit, I have to draw the line at a hand around my throat without prior consent. Childhood trauma instantly had my mind blanking and panic rising in my throat even though he wasn’t exuding any strength in that grip. Images of my mothers watery blue, angry eyes swam before my vision as my body replayed the last time someone had tried to strangle me to death. My heart started pounding so loud that the roaring in my ears was the only thing I could hear and all my senses shut down. My poor traumatized brain decided to transport me from the dank prison cell to the pristine white tiled kitchen of my mother’s house, the scene of so many horrific memories of my childhood, and it was no the strong grip of Azriel’s scared hand on my neck but the boney one of the woman who had brought me into the world. 

“Please,” I whimpered, unable to stop myself from reliving some of the worst memories. “Please don’t do this again.”

Tears, hot and painful, forced themselves out of my eyes and down my cheeks. 

My mind was always a dark place to be. Haunted memories of the past lurked under the shiny surface of smiles and jokes, ready to take over my good days and remind me that I might have escaped that house but I would never escape what had been done to me. On any given day the monsters lurking beneath my smile threatened to come out and play, to wrap me in their darkness and immerse me in the memories of it all. 

It seemed a simple hand around my throat without prior warning was enough to do that. 

Unaware of my real surroundings I struggled against the chains holding me, the memories plaguing me, and screamed. I screamed for help from my brother who was no doubt watching with amusement as she tried to end my life, I screamed for help from my father who was at work and would come home too late to see what she really did while he was gone, I screamed for help from the neighbors who never seemed to call the cops despite how often this happened. I screamed and no one ever helped me. I screamed and I screamed until their was nothing left inside me.

The cool air caressed my cheeks and I sighed, snuggling deeper into the pillow. What time was it? Had my alarm not gone off yet? That seemed highly probably. After a dream like that I usually found it was three in the morning with the moon shining bright instead of the sun. There was little doubt in my mind that if I lifted up my head I would see the darkness of my tiny apartment and then have trouble falling back asleep. 

Scowling I tried to force my brain back into sleep mode, angry at the direction my dreams had taken. Normally when I dreamt of being in Azriel’s dungeon it was for pleasure, not torture. 

My stomach churned and my head ached as I thought of the dark memories I tried to keep underwraps most days, irritated they had infiltrated one of my good dreams. Couldn’t they surface when I was having a dream about work or something? Why did they have to come into my Prythian dreams?

“Is she awake?” a low voice echoed around the room. 

I froze. 

“She is,” another replied, a voice like silk as the words poured softly from their lips. 

“Hailey,” came the deep rumble I now knew as Azriel’s voice. It was closer than the others, almost right next to me, and instinctively I turned towards it. “There she is,” he murmured, something akin to relief in his voice. 

Slowly I opened my eyes to find his shadows were there surrounding me, caressing my cheeks nad my hair like they were long lost friends instead of …well…whatever they were. Above me Azriel’s eyes shone in the darkness of the cell, filled with what I thought might be concern but also might be irritation. It was hard to tell considering how closed off he seemed. 

I grimaced and looked around. 

No longer in the chair and no longer chained up, I was laying on the disgusting floor of the cell with my head in Azriel’s lap and surrounded by more than just Cassian. Across the cell he stood close to a stunning fae female who looked a bit irritated and a bit curious so I could only assume it was Nesta. Next to her was a slightly shorter version of her with bright eyes and a tentative smile on her lips, tucked underneath the arm of the high lord of darkness himself. Feyre and Rhysand. They were truly in front of me in all their fae glory. And both were looking at me with a mixture of concern and interest. 

“Hi,” Feyre said softly, taking a step forward. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit, honestly,” I groaned, trying to sit up. “My head is killing me.”

Gentle hands aided me and I glanced up to see Azriel looking down at me with emotions welling in his dark eyes. “Careful,” he murmured. As if he could sense the questions brewing inside me he sat me on the ground beside him, keeping a supportive arm around my shoulders, as he said, “You started screaming and thrashing around. I couldn’t get you to calm down, and then you fainted. Rhysand…well…”

Rhysand stepped forward, his eyes shuttering slightly as he offered what appeared to be an almost apologetic smile. “Hello, Hailey. I’m Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court, which is where you are now. I was already on my way here when you started screaming, so, well, you wouldn’t calm down so I had to…”

The guilty look that crossed his face combined with the ache in my head told me enough. “You went in my head, didn’t you?”

His eyes widened slightly and flicked to Azriel. Azriel gave a nod, answering whatever question Rhys had asked mind to mind, and I rolled my eyes. No wonder Nesta got annoyed with them. Being left out of the conversation was honestly frustrating as fuck. “Yeah yeah,” I waved off, looking between all of their stunned faces. “I know about the whole going in my mind thing. I know a lot of shit I probably shouldn’t and honestly it’s making me wonder how good old Sarah knew about it. Or maybe she has a magic mind and made up this whole word just by thinking it. Who knows. Either way can we establish that I know way too much about all of you and that I learned it from books so we can get out of this cell. It smells awful in here.”

Rhysand took a moment to look taken aback by my words before his face set into an unreadable mask. When he opened his mouth to speak, however, Feyre placed a gentle hand on his arm and shook her head. One look between the two had him backing off and her stepping forward to kneel on the grungy dungeon floor in front of me. 

“Hailey,” she said softly, eyes full of kindness as well as caution. “I’m sure you can understand why we are a bit shocked to have you here, let alone seeming to know these odd things about us that some of us didn’t even know about each other. Cassian mentioned that you knew about some gift he threw in the Sidra? And Azriel said you know about when Byrce was here.”

“Yeah, like I said, I read it in a book.”

“What else do you know?” Nesta chimed in, her voice full of skepticism. 

I turned my gaze to the beauty that was Nesta and wracked my brain for details about her. “Nesta,” I murmured, causing everyone to pause since none had said her name yet. “Remember when you fell on the stairs that time and your hand seemed to go through the step? Or what about when you pissed yourself on that river bank the day you found the mask? Oh, I know. The night you lost your maidenhead to that random male from the bar and he was scared once he realized what he had done because you are the High Lady’s sister? Or-”

“Stop,” she bit out. 

I grinned, turning my gaze to Cassian. Amusement filled me as i realized I knew way more about any of them than they were comfortable with. Azriel might be the shadow master and spy master, but I was the one who had the written gospel of our lord Sarah J Maas. “Cassian, should I mention how the first time Nesta was kissing you that you-”

“Enough,” Cassian barked, his face heating. 

My eyes flicked to Rhysand and Feyre, both who tensed and I my grin deepened. In a room of these powerful fae creatures, I held an immense amount of power. “Rhys,” I said casually, causing him to scowl. “I always thought it was so interesting that when Feyre used her mind powers to show you what the Bone Carver appeared to her as, you-”

Yeah, okay I admit maybe that had been going to far because he sucked the air right out of my lungs without even moving. Choking I clawed at my throat as the lack fo air instantly sent sharps of pain through my chest. 

“Those are private moments,” he hissed, stalking closer. “There is no way you can know-”

“Rhys!” Azriel growled, stroking a gentle hand down my back. 

Instantly the air was back in my lungs and I coughed. “Fuck,” I managed, clutching my throat and glaring at him. “When I read you did that to Tamlin at the high lord meeting I thought it was funny. Experiencing it, however, isn’t as funny.”

His eyes narrowed and instinctively I leaned into Azriel’s warmth. Whatever had happened between the time I started screaming and now, Azriel seemed to have migrated sides. Instead of being angry or cautious of me, he was protecting me and comforting me. Interesting.

 Rhys, however, looked ready to bite someones head off. 

“How do you know all this?” he demanded again. 

“I told you I read about it in-Oh!” A thought occurred to me. Turning to Azriel I offered a small smile. “Do you have my bag, the one I had when I got here?”

Across the room Nesta produced the bag in question and I reached for it, intending to pull out my ipad and show them. Well, if my iPad worked in Prythian. Nesta, however, glared at me. Okay, maybe the pissing herself thing was too far. Instead of giving it to me she opened the bag and started rooting around. 

“What the hell is all this?” she murmured. I watched as she pulled out a granola bar I had intended to be my lunch, then a spare tampon which had me smirking for obvious reasons, then my phone. “This is like the one Bryce had. Are you from Lunathion?”

“No,” I frowned. “I’m from an all human world. There’s technology like in Lunathion, sort of, but there’s no magic or fae or anything. Listen, if you let me see that I can show you the books.”

“Books? How can this show me books?” 

“Bring it over. Actually if you bring over the bigger version of that from in there, I can show you all the books I have in there. Oh, and Feyre! You would love Procreate. It’s like drawing or painting but on the screen.”

Nesta pulled out my ipad and slowly walked over. Thinking of all the fanart in my library and the hundreds of books in my kindle app I couldn’t help but smile as I opened the cover and prayed for it to turn on. 

The familiar light of my lockscreen greeted me, which happened to be a fanart I had found of Cassian and I laughed softly. “Look. In my world people love you guys so much they draw photos of you. This one is Cassian, actually. I set it as the background.”

Nesta leaned over my shoulder and peered down at the screen for a moment, then looked over at her mate with a sly grin. “They pictured you much more handsome than you are.”

“You should see the ones of Rhysand,” I rolled my eyes conspiratorial. “The author of these books said Rhys reminds her of her husband so she constantly calls him the most handsome male ever. The fan art is wild. Honestly, having seen the real thing now, I can say I am thoroughly disappointed.”

Nesta gave a snort while Rhys glared between the two of us. “Back on topic,” he all but growled. 

“Right, of course.”

Quickly I entered my passcode and opened my kindle app. “Look,” I showed Nesta. “Each one of these images is a book and when I open it the pages appear on the screen like if you were holding it. Like I told Az earlier; there are four books in the series about you guys and one novella about that one winter solstice. Here, this one is called a Court of Silver Flames, and it’s all about you. It starts with the day Cass showed up at your door and took you to the House of Wind.”

Nesta grabbed the ipad from my hands and scanned the page, which was detailing her conversation with Cass and the male who had tried to sneak out her window. After a moment she handed it back, her face pale and drawn. “You said everyone in your world has read this?”

“Well, not everyone. A lot of people, though! There are groups dedicated to talking about this, and book clubs and people throw parties where they dress up like you guys! It’s actually super cool. I’m part of an online group, uhm, it’s like inside my technology other people with technology can connect and talk to each other? Anyways, I’m apart of this group inside my technology where we make jokes and stuff.”

“Jokes?”

“We call them memes. It’s-here I’ll show you one.”

With a few taps of my finger I open the gallery and find a comic I had drawn making fun of Tamlin. “Look.”

Once again Nesta took it and looked it over for a moment before she snorted again. I sat silently as she passed it to Cass and it made it’s way around the group causing smirks to appear from everyone. Outwardly I was quiet for once but inside I was doing a happy dance. The inner circle liked my memes!

“See, I’m not here to harm you or anything!” I pointed out again. “I only know this stuff because someone wrote it down and I read it. In our world it’s just fantasy. I’m truly not sure how Sarah knew all this, so if you’re going to capture and torture someone for information it should be her.”

They all shared a glance that had me shouting, “Wait! Don’t like, actually do that. Please. She still needs to publish the rest of the series.”

“How did you open the portal?” Rhysand asked carefully, eyeing me. “Do you have one of those magical objects like Bryce?”

“No, no, nothing like that. Honestly I’m not sure how it happened. I was looking into a mirror and then all of a sudden I was here. I truly don’t know.”

“So you don’t know how to get back?”

“No.”

He sighed and nodded. With another shared glance and another shared conversation between their minds, he said, “I guess you can stay with us for the time being until we figure out how to send you back. I’m warning you now, if you do anything, and I mean anything, to hurt anyone, you will be locked up in the deepest cell of this prison and will never see the light of day again. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Good. You can stay with Cassian and Nesta in the House of Wind and-”

“The ten thousand stairs won’t stop me, you know,” I supplied helpfully with a grin, my mind back on track to my usual thought process that involved being as close to Azriel as possible. “There’s this thing in my world we call the Valkyrie Challenge, and part of it is training like Nesta so we all do ten thousand steps. I’ve done it multiple times. So if you’re trying to make sure I can’t escape, putting me in the House of Wind isn’t exactly going to work out for you.” Turning my gaze to Azriel, who’s shadows were still swirling around me, I smiled sweetly. “Maybe you can be my baby sitter, Shadow Daddy? Since you were so good at it when Nesta needed to be watched, I’m sure you can keep me in line.”

“Apparently all I have to do is wrap my hand around your throat and you’re completely incapacitated,” he retorted with a scowl. 

That sure sobered me up. Alright then. Turning to Nesta, who I had always loved, I asked, “Is it cool if I come hang with y’all and bring my little Shadow Daddy with me to be my chaperone? When you and Cass are up to your headboard nonsense I’ll need someone to entertain me.”

Nesta’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she glanced between me and Azriel before she gave a quick nod. “I think this is going to be incredibly entertaining, whatever happens.”

[vinnieswife]

Can you do one where vinnie gets jealous over y/n and then punished her but goes to rough and y/n has to use a safe word and vinnie feels bad afterwards- <3

OOOHHH YES BESTIE😩

Please I want Vinnie to punish me for being a brat😎

Punishment:

Vinnie Hacker x reader

Words: 3982

Warnings: spanking, daddy kink ofc, smut, dom!Vinnie x sub!reader, face fucking, mouth spitting, choking!Kink,rough sex in general.

Another morning at the Hype House, Thomas had decided to have a party with the Sway house, despite the fact that Bryce and he did not get along very well, the situation between the two of them had improved a lot, now they were shaking hands and could have a normal conversation not like before they hit each other.

The party would be at night and in this case it would be at the Sway House not at the Hype House like the last times, Bryce promised to behave and not do anything crazy at the party, Vinnie and you would go together with which you would only take a car ( akka Vinnie's car)

It was still 7 o'clock and the party would be at 8 o'clock with which you started to get ready, you got into the shower while Vinnie was talking with Thomas and Michael about any stupidity of theirs, when you finished you wrapped the towel around your body drying it, Then you put on a set of black lingerie that Vinnie had given you last week, debuting it next to a tight black dress, which perfectly marked the correct places on your body, making the fabric conform to your shape, when you were about to apply mascara on your long lashes Vinnie opened the door.

"Hey Y / n have you seen my- wow" he stared at you in the mirror reflection, his eyes roaming you up and down repeatedly, blinking in amazement.

"Hell, you're Gorgeous, I-I..., god"

You turned around looking at him smiling, "Thanks Vin, you don't look bad either"

He supported you on the bathroom sink, your butt against the marble surface, he placed his arms on either side of you, slowly approaching you, making the difference in height noticeable, Vinnie grabbed your chin with his index finger and thumb, forcing you to maintain eye contact with him.

"Hey" he says in a whisper.

“Hi” you answer back smiling, his hand flying to your waist.

“What if we skip the party and stay here in my room doing some ... wild activities? Huh? How does that sound love? "

"As much as I enjoy that ... wild activities I actually want to go to that party, I miss my girls"

“Oh cmon you see them another day, please?” He begs hiding his face in the crock of your neck, leaving some kisses there.

“Vin, we are going to be late” you say grabbing his cheeks, pulling him close to leave a soft kiss on his red lips.

“I just do this because I love you” he kisses you back but with more passion.

“I love you too Vin”

You both got into the car, the trip was not very long, about 15 minutes at most, Vinnie's hand was always on your thigh, given gentle caresses and light squeezes, when Vinnie arrived, he parked the car, along with all the expensive cars of the other guests, Vinnie got out first and walked around the car to open the door for you.

"Oh, such a gentleman"

"Only for you madam" you giggle grabbing his arm to hold him close, "are you nervous?" "No whaaatt? Pufff no "

"Oh god, yes you are" "just a little"

"It's all of our friends you don't need to be nervous, everything it's going to be okay, I promise" "okay" "good" he smiles and starts walking with again to the inside of the house.

~time skip 1 hour~

You started to feel really needy, so you go to Vinnie asking him to go to a bathroom and do something, but, to your surprise he said no, you stood there with a surprised face asking him why,he just shrug his shoulders and keep talking with the people around.

When “into it by Chase Atlantic” began to sound, you took Vinnie to the dance floor, bringing him closer to you,he followed you, it started like an innocent dance, everything was perfect, and there your plan was put into motion, when the song reached the chorus you get closer to him a lot more, sliding your hands down his chest, taking them over the fabric that covered his abs, hooking your fingers in his belt, “what do you thing you are doing huh?” He grabs your hands turning you around, to have a beautiful sight of your butt, grabbing your hips hardly he puts your butt against his covered cock, moving his hips a little just to make you more flustered, “Vin pleas-“ “no” you turn around to look at him in the eyes. Then you feel how he looses his touch on you, just walking away, not before giving a good squeeze to your ass, making you moan in his neck.

He goes to talk with Bryce and Noah again, so you just search for Ness,Maddy and Nai (NAILEA MY LOVE)

“Omg hiii Y/n” all of them say to you

“Hey gurrllsss, how are y’all been?”

The girls start to compliment you con lo cual tú también hiciste lo mismo con ellas.

“Hey Y/n that dude on the bar table is staring at you” Ness tells you

“Huh? Who?” “The one with the red shirt”

You looked again noticing how the dude still have his eyes on you, you smile politely at him and he smiles back at you.

Your head starts to think in a way to make Vinnie fuck you senseless or at least to give you a little time of pleasure, you smirk at your idea, Nailea look at you knowing what do you think “Y/n if you do that, you are not going to walk in a week” she says.

“God Nai that’s exactly what I want, but he has just been teasing me all the party” you say with a sigh.

Ness and Maddy hype you up to do it and Nai just start laughing.

You start walking to the guy in the bar table,he smiles at you again, you two start talking a little and you discover his name was Zach, and he was an old Bryce’s friend, you two were talking about likeness when you noticed Vinnie’s gaze on you, giving the dude death looks, he takes his phone and send you a text.

-What do you think you are doing pup?

•Just talking with a friend? Why?

You give him a inocent look and he looks back at you clenching his jaw.

-Don play with fire if you don’t wanna get burn princess.

•Maybe I want to get burn.

You put your phone into your pocket and go back talking with Zach,then you think, -what if I just flirt with him to see Vinnie’s reaction?- so you did it, you start to touch his arm, knowing how Vinnie hates when you do that to someone who it isn’t him. You lean a little to get close to Zach’s ear whispering something when your phone buzz again.

“Oh, I’m sorry give me a sec”

You looked at your texts noticing a message from Vinnie.

-You better stop doing what you are doing pup, or I’m going to make you.

You ignored the text and keep the flirting with the guy, he grabs your waist pulling you closer to him, and you smile at him, feeling Vinnie’s intense look in you, your phone buzz again.

-come here. Now.

-You know what? I’m coming to you.

Then you feel a hand on your waist,grabbing you pulling you close to a toned chest, oh lord,you know you messed this.

“Sorry for the interruption dude but my girlfriend is a little too friendly when she’s drunk, I’m sorry again”

When the dude grabs Vinnie’s wrist “I saw her first dude, don’t play the -she’s my girlfriend- with me”

“Excuse me? Oh god you are going to-“ “hey let’s go home okay? Vin, please” he looks at you, and with that look you know he is mad,really mad, you have been acting like a brat all day, talking back, teasing him, flirting with others to make him jealous.

“Leave us alone, right sweetheart?” The dude asks

“No, he’s my boyfriend and I just use you to make him jealous so, no”

Vinnie grabs your wrist roughly but not to hard to hurt you, he makes signs to Thomas and scream a “we’re leaving” with a smirk on his face.

You both got into te car, the ride was silence until Vinnie puts his hand on your thigh again, you look at him opening your mouth to ask him for forgiveness when he cuts you off “ don’t you dare to try to explain it, I know perfectly what you were doing, and when we get home I’m going to fuck the shit out of you, got it? I’m going to edge you for hours, tide your wrists to the headboard, spank you ‘till you cry, then I’m going to eat you out and overstimulate you ‘till you can’t cum anymore,and even there I will fuck you senseless, because you are going to take everything I will give you, got it?”

“Yes I got it” you say with a whispers

“You got it who?”

“Yes I got it daddy”

“Better”

________________

When you arrived at the Hype House, it was empty since everyone was at the party and because of how they were they would not arrive until dawn, with which Vinnie had all night to make you pay for what you had done, and that was not very pleasant for you. As soon as you enter the door Vinnie guide you to his room, entering it, he blocked the door and hit you against the door,

"If you act like a whore, you'll get treated like one"

He began to kiss you roughly, his kisses descended rapidly towards your neck, marking your hot skin with his lips, from time to time he left a small bite at the base of your neck, descending towards your clavicle, leaving hickeys in the area.

"Jump" he said in your demanding tone.

You obeyed and jumped, wrapping your legs around his waist, his hands traveled to your butt, giving it a good grip as he kissed you again in a desperate and demanding way, his tongue entered your mouth without warning, dancing with your tongue, at a slow speed, both of your lips red from the intensity of the kiss.

He sat on the edge of the bed, untying his belt, your eyes widened, you stared at the belt. "Come here" you swallowed and approached staying in front of him, he got up from the bed, taking your wrists, wrapping the belt around your wrists in such a way that it was hooked.

He sat back on the bed, motioning for you to get into his lap.

You looked at his hands, and as his rings were still on each finger, you waited a few seconds praying that he would remove the rings, but that moment never came, this time he would leave them on, which would be more painful.

You lay on his legs, your butt between his thighs and your body on the bed.

His hands caressed your butt on the fabric of the dress, he lifted the dress up to your hips, leaving you exposed, he hooked his fingers in the waistband of your thong, lowering it, passing it over your legs letting it fall on the floor.

"You act like a brat all night ..."

"I don't act like a brat-" he leaves a hard smack on your ass cheek making you whimper.

"Are you talking back little slut?" He asks in a fake innocent tone.

"No daddy"

"That's what I thought" he start caressing your butt cheeks.

"Count"

And then he laid the first smack into your left cheek "o-one" you let out a whimper. He laids another one into your right cheek, you moan and he leaves another smack "I said count" he said in a rougher tone "Two and three, I'm sorr-" another smack "f-uck, four" at this point tears fall from your eyes, falling into the sheets. The smacks laid on your butt in a fast pace, "cmon baby three more" "th-three?" "Do you want them to be five?" "N-no!" "Then count!" "Thirte-en" the cries leaving your mouth between sobs, "Did that hurt puppy? Good, it's supposed to", "f-four-te-en" you say in a whisper, and the smack "five teen!" You scream because the last one was harder than the others.

The three smacks laid on you butt making you moan and scream at the pain in your butt, Vinnie caress your cheeks covered in his handprints.

"You are such a good slut for me, don't you?" I have smirks caressing your back.

"Stand up" he helps you to get up, his hands grabbing your waist, his hands travel to your back, grabbing the zipper of the dress and tugging it down, he slid the straps of the dress down your shoulders, letting the piece of fabric fell to the ground remaining on your ankles, you stepped outside the fabric, you were completely exposed to it, the only garment that covered your body was your bra.

You whimper in response, he could feel the arousal between you legs, but he never been this helpless to relieve the pressure. You squirmed, your hips bucking in desesperation. Vinnie chuckled, gently brushing the hair out of your face, “that’s what I thought”.

“Please, please...”

“Please?” Vinnie mocked, making you start to sob in frustration.

“You know you have to do better that that”

You gasped “Daddy, put your hands on me.Touch me,or fuck me I don’t care”. Tears run down your face.

“Please just use me”

“Touch me please, I can’t take it anymore...”

Your legs were spread open by Vinnie’s hands, your hands chained to the headboard with his belt.

Vinnie had done anything but tease you, touching your thighs lightly, brushing his hand against your nipples or pinching them.

“And what if I don’t?...”

He softened a bit with the tears.

“Good” he murmured, positioning himself between your legs.

At the simple touch of his hand on your heat, your entire body convulsed with pleasure. Vinnie smirked “Now, that wasn’t to difficult, was it?”

The moment when you were about to cum. Your eyes roll back , your shoulder pushed off of the bed as you tremble and shiver in Vinnie’s arms. A high pitched whine resounding in the room before you started mumbling and begging for Vinnie to touch you again. And he just smirks, the thrusts with his fingers stopped as he smiles devilishly and kisses you.

“Dad-ddy please, more” you mumble pulling the belt.

“What baby? You want more? You are begging for me so well. But are not allowed to come,not now. You can cum only when I say it okay baby?” He said with a fake caring tone.

He grabbed you by the hips, getting you out of bed, placing you on his lap, his hand slowly lowered over your abdomen, his fingers brushing your hips, he put his hand in your pussy,cupping it, his fingers quickly found your clit, playing with it lightly, just making pressure, making you moan with pleasure, then he start fingering you while you are sitting on his lap, you started feeling so embarrassed, you just hide your face in the crook of Vinnie's neck. He eventually grabs your jaw roughly and he makes you look at him, telling you to hold eye contact or else you won't get to cum "open your eyes and look at me whore"

His fingers start pumping in a fast pace making your head fall backwards,you bite your lip to not make a sound, he curls his fingers to reach that spot inside of you.

"Stay nice and quiet, if I hear a moan slip I'll fuck your throat raw, understood?"

The pace goes faster again, you try so hard to contain your moans and whimpers,little tears running down your face, he brings up his hand cleaning and drying your cheeks with his thumb,"oh cmon slut you can moan now"

You let out loud moans as your walls clench around Vinnie's fingers,he grabs your throat kissing you roughly while you moan in his mouth, this one is your first orgasm because Vinnie denied all the ones before,then he pulls you close to whisper in your ear "shut up and take it princess, do it for daddy" you nod your head biting your lip again, has he goes rougher, leaving kisses and more hickeys on your neck, you try harder to be quiet until you can't take it and you moan his name and cum all over his fingers.

He starts laughing at how pathetic you are, groaning in your ear "good fucking girl" he grabs you putting you into the bed laying on your back, he kisses your lips, biting harder at your lower lip making you moan, his kisses traveled down again, leaving more hikers on your breasts and abdomen, his lips leaving ghost touches on your skin.

His mouth reach your hips making they way down to your clit, he starts playing with the little bud, kissing it softly before biting it, making you scream in pleasure.

"Oh god Daddy please" you whimper.

His tongue start moving in a fast pace between your folds, playing around your hole, his tongue moving in and out at a torturing slowly pace, his tongue giving your hole little strokes, he goes up again at your clit, sucking on it harshly.

You started to feel the tight sensation in your stomach, getting more closer to your release Vinnie's tongue doesn't slow down for a second, in fact it just speed up 'till you cum all over his mouth and chin, you expect him to stop,but he shoves his fingers into your hole and attaches his mouth to your clit, sucking on it harshly, making you scream again, "Thank me" he growls, pushing his fingers further into your hole. "Thank me for the orgasm I just let you have" you moan loudly, shaking with the force of Vinnie's fingers moving in and out. "Fuck, tha-ank you"

Vinnie smirks at you and you cry out as you feel his fingers twist and his tongue drops down to play with your clit in slow motions.

It was so much pleasure for you to handle, you start to move back from Vinnie's mouth, just to hear a groan from his throat and to feel his hands grabbing your thighs harder to pull your pussy closer to him. "No,no,no. Get back here I'm not done with you "

He goes back at pumping his fingers inside of you all the overstimulation making your chest raise up and down at a erratic pace, your orgasm start to build up again, your moans loud and your hand gripping at the sheets, your third orgasm explodes, "Aww, look the poor thing accidentally came" this time Vinnie stops, cleaning your mess with his tongue, lapping every drop of your cum.

"You taste fantastic slut, now get on your knees"

You make up from the bed, your legs feeling numb for the hard orgasms, you gent on your knees, your hands moving to take off his trousers, sliding them down to his ankles, then your hands reach his underwear, caressing him through the fabric of his boxers. "Take them off" you slide them down his ankles too, his cock already hard pressing against his lower abdomen, leaking with pre-cum, you grab it with your hand, liking the pre-cum in his tip, making him groan in pleasure, you take him in your mouth, but Vinnie has other plans for you, he grabs your hair pushing himself deeper into your throat making you gag, he start at a fast pace, making you gag every-time he hits the back you your throat, you separated from his cock, breathing hard, "vinnie" you said with a ragged breath, he put his cock back in your mouth, "shut up and take it" he proceeds to fuck your mouth again. "Aah just like that, taking all my cock like the slut you are" he groans, tears start running down your face, Vinnie grabs your hair tightly making you moan against his cock, you allow your cheeks to make force on his cock, "aah shit, I'm going to cum" his seed explodes in your mouth, you swallowed all of it, some of his cum falls to your chin so you grab it with your finger pulling it back in your mouth.

"Get up" he grabs your hand to help you to stand up, he makes his way with you to the bed, again, he grabs you and puts you into the bed, laying on your back, he approaches you, positioning himself on top of you, he doesn't waist time, pulling his cock inside of you, you moan, again tears running down your face for the overstimulation you where receiving, Vinnie's strokes are deep and hard, making your head spin, the line between pain and pleasure was invisible now, the pain in your legs was more than the pleasure, you try to push Vinnie out of you, but he grabs your wrists pinning them to the bed, "V-Vinnie..."

He just moans in you neck, 'till you start moving to much, you want him to stop, you need him to stop, so you just scream it.

"Book!, Vinnie book!"

He stops instantly, pulling out of you,grabbing your face, strolling your cheeks. "Oh lord Y/n I'm so sorry, I shouldn't push you that far, I'm so sorry love"

"It's okay, I say it because I don't feel pleasure anymore"

"Shh, love you don't have to say sorry, if you ever want me to stop just say it and I will stop"

"Cmon let's get cleaned okay?" You hummed a “Mhm” agains his shoulder "I'm so sorry baby" he whispers against your hair.

He gets up, leaving you in bed,the puts the sheets over your body, he puts his boxers, and walk to the bathroom, the las time you heard was the water running into the bathtub.

While you where sleeping in the bed Vinnie prepares a bath, with warm water to help your sore body, some slow music,a red bathbomb making the water look red, a couple of candles on the sink and bubbles, a lot of bubbles.

He makes sure everything was perfect for you, the goes to the dorm again, caressing you cheek waking you up. "Hey love" "Hey" you say in a sleepy tone, "let's get you cleaned up, how does that sound?"

"Mhmm perfect" he kiss your forehead and carry you in bridal style to the bath tub, both of you get inside the warm water, Vinnie grabs a sponge and puts some soap in it, massaging your shoulders and washing your arms, chest and back, when he finish he cleans the soap with water, giving little kisses on your shoulders and nape. "I'm so sorry..." he mumbles against your back "I'm truly sorry, I would never hurt you in that way, and I'm sorry that a make you say the safe word" "Vin I promise that it's okay, when I say the word you stopped and help me, you take care of me and give me all your attention, I promise that it's okay" you smile at him, leaning back on his chest,moving head to look at him,he looks back at you making eye contact, "I love you so much Y/n" "I love you too Vin" he leans down and give you a little kiss on your forehead, another on your left cheek and the last one on your lips,that one a little longer than the others.

DONT REBLOG MY WORK! ILL COME FOR YOU

[rookie-ramsey]

Forty (Ethan x MC)

Description: Ethan hates surprise parties. That much, he knows for certain. But she has a way of making anything special, even something as mundane as his fortieth birthday.

Rating: 17+ due to suggestive dialogue at the end, but nothing graphic. 

Ethan hates surprise parties.

That much, he knows for certain. He’ll attend events when it’s for the greater good, but there’s nothing about surprise parties that Ethan thinks serves any real purpose.

If he’s honest, birthday celebrations on their own don’t have much of a point. They’re entirely for socialization with people he normally makes a point of avoiding. He hasn’t made a point of celebrating his birthday since high school, and he can’t remember having a surprise party since he was six.

The jovial tune Olivia’s humming doesn’t go unnoticed. She’s hiding something, and everything about her demeanor suggests that he’s going to walk into a surprise party by the end of the day.

Ethan arches a brow, peering over the rim of his coffee mug at her. He knows by the smirk she’s trying to hide that she has something up her sleeve.

She catches his eye and lets the smile widen. “You’re staring at me like you think committed a felony.”

“You’ve been incredibly suspicious all morning.”

Olivia rolls her eyes and leans across the desk. Her lips touch his in a quick kiss that he wants to sink into, but she pulls back with a teasing grin.  “It’s only eight in the morning. How could I have been suspicious that long?”

“It’s something about the way you’ve been smirking and whistling since the exact moment I asked if you’re planning a surprise party.”

Her mouth curls downwards in mock offense. “I said I wasn’t planning a party. I’d never plan a party without your awareness.”

“That sounds… unconvincing. Very much so.”

The glass doors to the office slide open and Olivia smiles across the room. “Tobias, am I throwing Ethan a surprise party?”

The smirk Tobias gives in response does nothing to ease Ethan’s suspicions. “If you are, I’d like to know why I didn’t get invited sooner.”

“See?”

Instinctually, Ethan pinches the bridge of his nose. If this were absolutely anybody else planning a surprise party, he’d insist on sulking and explaining why he refused to partake in such tomfoolery.

“No party.” Still, she winks and grins in the way that never fails to make his heart stutter, even when she’s absolutely up to something.

There had better be whiskey at this surprise party.

XXXXXX

Ethan doesn’t see much of her the rest of the morning.

In fact, he doesn’t see her again until lunch time, in the cafeteria. She’s already seated, huddled close to Sienna and grinning at something Sienna is showing her on her phone. The glance she throws in his direction tells him that it absolutely has something to do with whatever she has planned.

A friendly clap on his shoulder distracts him. He turns to see Bryce standing in line, grinning ear to ear.

“I hear someone hit the big Four-Oh today. Should I bring tequila?”

Next to him, Rafael tries not to laugh. “Come on, Bryce. Don’t tease him so much.”

Ridiculous as it is, hearing his age out loud makes Ethan cringe, not for the first time today. “Tell me what you know about this party.”

“No can do. I’m sworn to secrecy.” Bryce makes a performance of pretending to zip his lips, chucking an invisible key basketball-style into the nearest trash can. The amused smirk never leaves his face as he picks up a tray and walks away with it.

Ethan turns his attention to Rafael, thinking that maybe he’ll show an ounce of mercy. “Well?”

“I’m… going to go make sure Bryce didn’t take the last pudding cup.” With that, he follows his friend, and Ethan’s suspicions are no less than they were before.

XXXXXX

“Ethan!”

At the sound of Naveen’s voice, Ethan looks up from his patient’s charts. Naveen strides into the room, smiling warmly and holding an envelope in his hand.

“Happy birthday, Ethan,” Naveen greets, pulling his former protege in for a hug before handing him the envelope.

Ethan opens the envelope and reads the greeting on the front of the card. “Welcome to your forties, where a night of heavy drinking requires more recovery time than minor surgery.”

Naveen rolls his eyes at the mildly amused snort that follows. “Hey now, if you laugh any harder, you may get hurt!”

Olivia snorts and smiles at Naveen. “Speaking of heavy drinking, and since Ethan doesn’t want a party, we thought we’d reserve a big table at a restaurant tonight. One with a bar.”

“I don’t think I can make it, but who knows? I always did love crashing parties.” Naveen winks, confirming Ethan’s suspicions that apparently the entirety of Edenbrook’s staff is going to be in his living room when he gets home tonight.

Once they’re alone, Olivia catches his stare and sighs. “Ethan, we’re messing with you. I promise, no surprise party.”

“Mm hmm. You’re fortunate that you are the only person I’d go along with this for.”

“I’m touched.” She pretends to dab at her eyes, then steals another tauntingly quick kiss before her pager interrupts. “Gotta go. But I promise… no party.”

She can deny it all she wants, but Ethan knows better. He’ll go to this party, but he wasn’t lying-- there is absolutely nobody else he would do this for.

XXXXXX

It’s the end of his shift and Ethan knows he only has a few minutes of peace and quiet before he goes home to find co-workers he barely knows occupying his home.

Olivia’s fingers lace through his as they make their way to the top floor. Ethan half-expects to already hear music pulsing through the door, but the hall is eerily quiet.

Suspiciously so.

With the number of people she recruited to tease him today, Ethan expects no less than ten people, and that’s assuming she only invited their closest co-workers.

She steps ahead of him, reaching the door first. Her eyes sparkle with a teasing glint as she inserts the key--- her key--- into the doorknob and unlocks it. She tentatively pushes the door open and emits a low whistle.

“Wow, it’s dark in here. I mean, it’s always dark because we’re responsible people who turn the lights off when we leave, but… you know.”

Not subtle at all.

With a flourish, she swipes at the light switch. Light floods the room and Ethan expects an onslaught of people to jump out yelling some pre-rehearsed birthday greeting, but he’s met only with a living room devoid of partygoers.

“Huh. I told everyone to meet in the living room. They must be in the kitchen. Close your eyes.”  When he relents, she bites back a smirk and ushers him into the dining area. “Okay, open them.”

Ethan opens his eyes, blinking in mild surprise when he isn’t greeted with people jumping from behind every piece of furniture. Instead, there’s a table set for two, a bottle of fancy scotch at the centerpiece.

“I… you didn’t…”

“I didn’t plan a surprise party after all?” she finishes, smirking as she leans up to silence him with a kiss. “Told you so.”

“Then why did you go so far with the act today?”

“Because you’re almost impossible to surprise and I thought if I tricked you into thinking you’d walk into a surprise party, you’d actually be surprised by a nice, quiet dinner.”

At that, he lets out a low chuckle. “Well… I suppose I can say I am very nicely surprised to not have people in my house on my birthday of all days.”

The teasing glint returns to her eyes as she wraps her arms around his neck. “Besides, you’re really getting up there in years now. I couldn’t risk startling you like that.”

Ethan rolls his eyes. “Such a comedian. If my aging memory is correct, your thirtieth is not far away at all.”

“Shh.” Olivia shakes her head and steers him toward the table. She lifts the lid from the serving to reveal their dinner, the warm spices wafting into the air. “Steak, paired with the best potatoes you’ll ever eat, and expensive alcohol. Three things that I know you like more than parties.”

“Four, if your presence counts.”

Her grin widens, making his features soften in response. “That was cheesy, but I’ll take it since you’re the birthday boy.”

Ethan laughs as he picks up a knife to cut into his steak. “I’d like to know how you managed to do all of this.”

“I have my ways of finding help so I can sneak off to cook fancy dinners using your recipes.” She pours two glasses of scotch and sits across from him. “And there’s chocolate cake for dessert, courtesy of Sienna.”

“So that’s what you two were conspiring about in the cafeteria.”

“Got it in one,” she confirms. She clinks her glass to his. “How does it feel to be forty?”

“No different than it felt to be thirty-nine.”

“You would say that. But I’m curious, how old were you the last time you had a birthday party?”

“Sixteen.”

“Did you have to share your birthday cake with dinosaurs?”

Ethan’s eyes roll again. “Enjoying yourself?”

“Absolutely.” An amused laugh shakes her shoulders and she doesn’t miss the way Ethan’s lips lift into a soft smile.

Companionable quiet falls between them as they enjoy their dinner, followed by slices of chocolate cake. As soon as Ethan takes his last bite, Olivia hands him a long wrapped box.

“Open it.”

“Impatient.” Ethan removes the gift wrap to reveal a framed photo. They’re sitting on his couch, her head resting on his shoulder as she snaps the picture. He’s not looking at the camera, but the side view of his face catches the softness of his smile.

The smile he’s pretty sure he’s making right now.

“There’s more under the tissue paper.”

Ethan moves aside the tissue, his fingers brushing against the plush fabric of a soft bathrobe. “I think someone is enjoying her first year of an attending’s salary.”

“Maybe a little. I know I didn’t go all out and the gifts are pretty small, and-“

He closes the distance between them, cutting her off with a tender kiss. Olivia doesn’t hesitate before she melts into it. Her fingers reach up to graze his stubbled jaw.

“I love it,” Ethan assures her when their lips part. “The dinner, the gifts… I’d rather have quality time with you than extravagant parties and presents.”

Warmth fills her eyes as she takes a seat on his knee and touches her forehead to his. A smirk forms on her mouth. “I got a matching robe for myself, too. But I’m sure you’d rather see what I’m going to wear under it.”

The words send a shiver down Ethan’s spine. He’s half tempted to swipe the dishes off the table and let her have her way with him right here, right now, but he does have self-control.

Her smile widens, tantalizing him. It’s enough to make his heart skip with affection and longing.

For a moment, she pauses, her face inches from his. She steals another kiss before she gently grips his shoulders and urges him out of his chair. “Follow me for the rest of your birthday surprises.”

He doesn’t have to be told twice.

XXXXXX

Moonlight and glow from the city lights bathe the room, spilling through the window. Raindrops drip down the glass, the sound of their pattering lulling him toward sleep.

Sleep tugs at his eyelids. Ethan stifles a content yawn. His hand cradles Olivia’s head to his bare chest, his fingers combing softly through her hair.  She’s already asleep-- she always falls asleep first-- and Ethan wants to cherish the moment before he surrenders to sleep, too.

His arm tightens around her waist, drawing her closer. Her breaths escape in soft snores, almost inaudible and warm against his skin. Ethan’s not sure what he did to deserve this, deserve her, but he made a decision two years ago to never take a moment for granted.

He couldn’t be happier if he tried.

author’s note: So I definitely cringed at some of my own dialogue, especially since I don’t use present tense often. But I liked the way this turned out! It was originally going to be a headcanon, but... this happened instead.

Tags, part 1

@princess-geek / @lapisreviewsstuff / @silverlitskies / @paulfwesley / @dr-brianna-casey-valentine / @junehiratas / @choicesstanblog / @trappedinfandoms / @justanotherrookie / @bellcat2010 / @desmaranj / @lion-ess24 / @nooruleman / @caseyvalentineramsey / @xee-na / @edith-eggs1 / @oofchoices / @schnitzelbutterfingers​ / @tefigranger​ / @jlynn12273​ / @laceandlula​ / @crazy-loca-blog​ / @somegdchoices​ / @briefdreamlanddream / @forthebrokenheartedthings​ / @lilyvalentine​ / @parkerattano​ / @drramseysownsme​ / @misswhit12​ / @drethanfreakingramsey​ / @juneiswriting​ / @macy-ray85​ / @swimmingauthordreamerbonk​ / @myusualnerdyself​ / @siaramsey​ / @takemyopenheart​ / @queencarb​

[acircusfullofdemons]

screw writing im talking about the City Heroes

So there's 2: Agent Owl & Mockingjay.

Agent Owl is the City's Main Hero, he's been in the hero biz for a while & is pretty familiar with all the villains, how they work, etc. He knows what he's doing, basically. His Secret Identity is Bryce Williams, a billionaire who lost his parents at a young age. He's a very popular public figure/celebrity.

Mockingjay is Agent Owl's sidekick. She's sort of new to the whole Hero Show, I actually kinda wanna consider her a foil to Alice. They're not direct parallels, but both are the "New Kid On The Block" in their respective circles, and also seen as babies trying to play with big kids. Anyway. She's a little too quick to get the job done, not yet having the patience for long villain monologues like Owl/Bryce. Her Secret Identity is Madeline Williams, Bryce's daughter.

But WAIT! There's more!! That's right, this Superhero Family comes with DRAMA!!!

Bryce used to be married to Selina Von Katt/Kitty, a former villain (in her later years she was more of an anti-hero/borderline hero, though). They had another daughter, Juliet Williams, who became a villain...I guess out of spite?? Juliet became Jeweled Moon (or Moonstone, either work) & started to rob jewelry stores & also stole anything moon-related, similar to Selina who stole primarily cat-themed items.

Anyway. There was a huge falling out over it, with Bryce saying Juliet couldn't be a villain & Selina disagreeing, saying Juliet needs to figure it out herself/choose her own path (note: she wasn't okay with what her daughter was doing, but having been there herself Selina couldn't help but sympathize). Madeline & Juliet ended up having their own argument over it, which caused Juliet to run away/cut off her family & Madeline join her father in the hero business. As for Selina? Well, I'm not really sure. She separated from Bryce - not divorced, but, uh.....nobody knows where she is. She just...disappeared. It's unknown where she is, or if she's even alive. I think maybe Oswald Caldwell knows, maybe even helped her go into hiding.

wow that's a lot of context for 4 people who barely show up & only kick my paras' asses sometimes. damn.

[EDIT: holy shit oops I forgot Bryce has a brother (Ray) that Alice was forced to date/be engaged to lmao. He got hypnotized & basically caused Alice's villain career. sorta. I'll get to that later ig]

[halstudandruz]

Candidate

*Not my gif*

Pairing: Peter Mills x reader

Requested: Yes

Prompt: Mills meets Kelly’s other sister

Warnings: Swearing

You nervously walked further into the truck bay looking around for anyone when you spotted someone bent down in front of the back wall Candidate printed across the back of his shirt, “Hi, I’m sorry to bother you.” you started, causing him to jump a little at your voice making you giggle. “Sorry.” You winced as he turned towards you with a wide smile on his face.

“No you’re good, I was deep in thought. What can I help you with?” He asked standing to wipe his hands against his pants and you took a minute to appreciate the tall good looking man staring down at you. Wow, would you climb him like a tree. Clearing your throat you shook your dirty thoughts away,

“Is Kelly Severide here?” You asked looking around for your brother.

“Yeah, just right this way. Let me help you with that.” He offered taking the pans of food from your hands.

“Hey.” You smiled spotting him as you followed the handsome man through the doors, Kelly stood from the table to meet you, kissing you on the cheek as he took the rest of the stuff from your hands walking towards the kitchen.

“You must be [Y/N],” a short older guy walked up to shake your hand, “Christopher Herrmann.” He introduced himself.

“It’s nice to meet you Christopher.” You smiled politely shaking his hand. Everyone in the room quickly followed behind greeting you and introducing themselves.

“So you’re Kelly’s roommate?” You asked the blonde girl who had introduced herself as Shay.

“That I am. For better or worse and it’s usually worse.” She joked making you laugh as you walked back towards the kitchen where Kelly and the man you had followed in stood.

“I probably should’ve introduced myself earlier but I’m Peter Mills.” The man offered his hand which you took gently shaking it heat rising in your face at the small contact.

“Nice to meet you Peter Mills.” You grinned as Kelly cleared his throat raising an eyebrow at you.

“Yeah well this smells great.” Peter broke the silence pulling the tin foil of the pans of cooked lasagna.

“Oh thanks, but that’s all Katie’s doing I definitely did not get the chef gene like she did.” You admitted helping sort the salad onto the counter for lunch.

“Anything that gets me out of cooking just one meal for these vultures is more than acceptable to me.” He joked.

“Yeah you say that until you have to come to my house for a kitchen fire.” You retorted.

“Maybe I can teach you sometime.” He leaned on the counter whispering to you away from the ears of Severide, biting your lip you tried to hide your smirk and the blush surfacing on your face, turning away from him.

“Alright come eat!” You announced beginning to serve the men and women.

“So, [Y/N], you and Katie should come down to Molly’s tomorrow night. I think you’d like it.” Herrmann started to talk to you from where he was sitting at the table.

“Yeah Katie said something about that. I think she just wants to go to see some guy named Br-“ You began when a dark haired man who had entered a few seconds prior right behind Cruz shook his head furiously. Catching on you stuttered correcting yourself, “some guy named Bryce. Whoever that is.” You covered watching him sigh out of relief thanking you for more than just the food when he reached you.

You said bye to everyone hugging Kelly quickly before he volunteered Peter to help you carry the few things you brought to your car.

“So does being the Candidate just mean you’re everyone’s bitch?” You asked, closing the trunk as he laughed sweetly at your joke.

“Yeah pretty much.” He nodded his hands sliding into his pocket.

“Well regardless if you were forced or not I appreciate the help.” You said leaning against your car.

“Listen I was serious when I said about teaching you to cook,” he started before looking down embarrassed, “andddd why would you ask me for help when you have a sister who’s a chef.” He laughed rocking on the heels of his feet.

“Well maybe because Katie is not nearly as cute as you.” You flirted back, watching his wide eyes meet yours before a blush appeared on his face, gorgeous smile taking over.

“You should come tomorrow. I’ll buy you a drink or two.” He offered, searching his face you nodded.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Peter Mills.” You winked before venturing to the drivers side of the car climbing in. From your rearview mirror you could see Peter’s wide smile as he shook his head waving you goodbye.

So, the drinks that next night may have led to just a little bit more. It had been a month since you met Peter and you could honestly say you had never felt this way about somebody before. He treated you like a queen. The only downside was it was all behind closed doors since he wasn’t fond of the idea of your brother finding out.

“Why are we still sneaking around? I think it’s lost it’s lust factor by now.” You sighed head rested on Peter’s shoulder as you were cuddled on his couch watching TV.

“Because your brother is Severide.” He reiterated as he had many times in the past month.

“So? I’m not scared of him. I appreciate all that he’s done for me and Katie recently. He's really stepped up, and it’s been great having him, but that doesn’t mean he can control me.” You stated looking up at him where conflict seemed to be rooted into his features.

“It’s not that. It’s just..he’s really been helping me with joining Squad, putting me on the fast track and all. I don’t want to give him a reason to be on his bad side, and please don’t take this the wrong way but.. I’ve only been with you for a month. Obviously I really really like you, but I’ve wanted to be on Squad practically my whole life.” He admitted you sat up resting your elbow against the back of the couch for your chin to rest against your hand looking at him intently, heart aching at the way he felt you were asking him to choose between the two.

“Do you really think this is a me versus your career kind of decision?” You eventually asked.

“I mean..I don’t know, but I also don’t know if I want to find out.” He sighed.

“Pete,” you laid your hand against his cheek turning his face towards you, “if that’s what you really believe I’m not going to stand in your way. I want all of your dreams to come true. But do you really believe Kelly is going to keep you from joining squad just because you’re sleeping with his sister?” You asked.

“I’d like to think I’m doing a little more than just sleeping with his sister.” He retorted, small smile playing on his lips.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” You smirked leaning forward to peck his lips quickly before the serious nature of the conversation returned your free hand lacing with Peter’s. “Weirdly enough you’ve known him longer than me so I guess you would know better than I do, but I just don’t see him as that guy. Not to mention I’d exile him from my life if that was the case.” You admitted.

“You’re right.” He nodded his head after a long pause.

“Yeah I usually am,” you shrugged, “about what though?” You questioned.

“It’s just better to tell him upfront. It’s only going to be worse if he finds out some other way.” He said.

“I can tell him if you think it’s easier.” You offered but he shook his head.

“No he should hear it from me.” He replied.

“Thank god. If I have to listen to Katie talk about how “hot” it was that Otis stood up to Kelly one more time. I may have to kill her and we wouldn’t want that.” You squeezed his hand, a smile on your face.

“Mmm maybe we could arrange conjugal visits.” He teased pushing you back on the couch to hover over you.

“Good thing we won’t have to worry about that, right?” You arched an eyebrow at him.

“Right baby, anything for you.” He agreed before attacking your neck with kisses causing you to laugh loudly in his apartment. It was going to be okay, you had faith in Kelly and if it wasn’t well you’d be damn sure to make it okay.

All Tag List:

@corebore123 @scarletsoldierrr @hehurst23 @beautiful-bunny89 @ingie @halsteadsway @malrunaway @smclelli @inlovewith3

[violet-t-9]

Check in on my (not very realistic) wish list for episode 141

 1. Blooming Grove Clay family reunion! Hugs and tears! Home-cooked meal and tea! Much needed relaxation and downtime after saving the world.

Ay that was a nice meal and a good night’s sleep.

2. Widogast’s Nascent Nein (9!) Sided Tower because Caleb still has a spell slot for that! So many cats and books. Also, rooms for Essek and Molly (9!). Bonus: seeing more rooms on the 8th floor of the tower?

Oof well thanks Trent now we don’t get to see the tower again, ever. I’m 100% sure that Essek will see his room during the Aeorian study fun times and Luc and Yeza will see their rooms in magical summer camp with professor Widogast though, so I’m happy.

3. Check in and visiting Allura to return her staff and Kima’s Holy Avenger (”hey we saved the world killed Lucien stopped the city Allura are you proud of us? You are? Tell us who is on the Tal’Dorei council.”)

They mentioned it, but they didn’t play it out, unfortunately. Alas, the members of the Tal’Dorei council shall forever remain a mystery.

4. Check in and visiting Yussa and Wensforth to apologize for their last visit to the Tidepeak Tower and using his emergency exit plan, but Yussa being too grateful to be saved from a screaming city hivemind to care.

Yep, thank you Caleb for remembering Yussa lol. Should have known that he would want to study the Happy Fun Ball... Wizards sharing knowledge, how nice! Also, Veth’s goodbye to Wensforth was very sweet.

5. Molly getting more and more of his memory back and slowly becoming his old flamboyant self.

I... wow I mean I guess Kingsley? This technically happened? He is going to become someone new, which is always exciting! He got a lot of... interesting memories back too. He is also interested in learning about Molly’s memory too, even though he is somebody else (and just as flamboyant).

6. Caleb says goodbye to Frumpkin and there is either a sweet farewell or Frumpkin just goes “nah fam I choose my wizard you can’t get rid of me”.

Aw Frumpkin didn’t feel ready to leave at first... :( The actual farewell was indeed short and sweet, I loved it. 

7. Beau and Yasha moments, conversations, fun times, shameless PDA, or potentially fade to black because they deserve it.

Camping outside at night, aw. Their moment after the Zeenoth trial was very touching as well! “Yes, my love?” and “my Expositor” lol how romantic they are. They are planning to settle down and explore Yasha’s past together! Their honeymoon little trip! Also, “I will have you and then some” was indeed hot.

8. Jester and Fjord being domestic, adorable and sharing kisses/conversations or potentially fade to black because they deserve it.

The sleep snuggle was soo cute and Jester’s love admission was adorable! Also the rain and double confession wow Fjord what a romantic man. Their conversation in Nicodranas was sooo cute guys. They planned boat trips!

9. Caleb and Essek have a long one-on-one conversation about their “it’s complicated” relationship and have some more physical contact (still reeling from the forehead touch last episode).

Caleb attempting to include Essek in the globe of invulnerability and Essek dragging Caleb away from melee combat aw. The kiss on the cheek and the empathetic hug... I will take the time travel conversation as well. 

10. Veth, Yeza and Luc’s joyful/tearful family reunion and happy fun times in which Veth and Yeza may or may not celebrate in private.

Aw that was a nice reunion, so very cute. Veth gets to fully return home to her family after saying goodbye! I’m going to assume that she celebrates her return with Yeza in private. 

11. Cad’s moments with his family and also with Molly (because it’s fun to watch them on screen together and conversing let’s be real).

Caduceus gets to be with his family now, enjoying life at the blooming grove! He deserves the relaxation!

12. Jester’s reunion with her mother with big hugs and finding out that parent trap TM has succeeded thanks to her genius plans. Also, the gentleman being a super awkward but loving dad.

Yes I knew it would work! The gentleman is a nervous drinker confirmed lol. The mother-daughter talk was very nice and a great reminder!

13. The Mighty Nein plans for the future: getting rid of Cloven Crystal, Fjord visiting Vandran (with Jester probably, who discusses Tusk Love with him) and maybe Sabian? Yasha’s plan to bring flower to Zuala (trip with Beau?). Beau’s plans regarding Zeenoth’s trial (has that happend yet? Does she want to go?) and Caleb’s plans for the assembly (or even further ahead, magical school? Aeorian research with Kryn Colleague? How pissed is Ludinus Da’leth?)

Well, the empire siblings sure started a task force against the assembly huh. Also yeah Caleb you tell him, F**k your vacancy Martinet Ludinus Da’leth! Professor Caleb will teach Luc. Astrid would be more interested in the position anyways. Fjord got to visit Vandran with Jester and got him to join their sailing adventures! Jester also talks about Tusk Love with him wow. Beau testified against Zeenoth with Yasha by her side! Yasha gave flowers to Zuala on a trip with Beau! Caleb and Essek got to do their Aeorian research study! Fjord’s cloven crystal adventure was also addressed! I’m so good at predictions you guys I KID YOU NOT I predicted everything.

14. Getting an update about Astrid and Eadwulf to find out that they are in fact doing fine because Trent is in deep trouble and under heavy investigation by the Augen Trust and Cobalt Soul (bonus: Trent is already starting to get what he deserves. Or even better, Trent has died from liver failure in jail. Like his jaundice really kept getting worse so one can hope I guess?)

F**k you Trent, you just had to show up and ruin everything didn’t you. Well, Astrid and Eadwulf are fne now, and Trent IS in deep trouble and rotting in jail. Still hoping that he will die from liver failure after like, a few years.

15. Fjord officially “meeting the parents” and Gentleman/Marion giving Fjord the shovel talk because that didn’t happen last time.

Aw he didn’t go with! But the gentleman did talk about Fjord anyways lol and gave her some sound advice.

16. Wedding mentions/discussions? Proposals? Anyone? No?

Well Jester proposed to marry... her parents? Lol did not see that one coming. Veth and Yeza renewing vows yes! It was a nice suggestion. 

17. Artagan/sprinkle joins in the celebration because why not (bonus: Sprinkle gets to be free! Or whatever an undead weasel could be lmao)

Artagan and Jester’s conversation was very nice development for them. Sprinkle gets to stay forever, unfortunately for Sprinkle lol.

18. Obligatory wish for Essek’s fancy dunamancy or magical items (like I know we will never see dark star probably but I live for spell casting flavours).

Essek’s hold person on Trent was clutch, “stay down”, what a king. The tether essence, lightning bolt and gravity sinkhole were all wonderful. Still sad about the dark star never being seen though.

19. Obligatory wish for the polymorph spell (look, I just love it okay).

Hey, Jester threatened Astrid with it! Polymorph mention wins! Fjord was sad about the potential choice of turning her into a turtle but it would have been funny.

20. Obligatory wish for Caleb to use more fire/customized/dunamantic spells creatively or with nice flair (what’s sexier than wizards NOTHING).

What’s sexier than counterspells and dispel magic NOTHING. Also hey, the manacles of stasis worked!

21. Discussion about Essek’s future because oh boy can he even go back to the Dynasty? Have they found him out yet? If they did, how mad is the Bright Queen? Are Volstruckers too busy to chase him down? We need to know!

Oh man I mean Essek found a way to live freely at least! With a lot of illusions and identities, of course. He also got to stay in contact with the M9! I think he may show up in campaign 3!

22. Group hug! Group feast! Group cheer! I dunno, just do group stuff. They are the Mighty Nein, they are the Mighty Nine, they saved the world!

A lot of group hugs and feasts! I especially loved the hug when they said goodbye to Essek. 

23. Visiting/checking in with other NPCs or allies potentially! Like Kiri, Calianna, Twiggy, Keg, Shakasta, Bryce, Dagen oh also the Hag (I’m kidding).

They checked in with Orly! Not these allies but you know, Orly is awesome. 

24. Obligatory wish for everyone (the Nein, their friends/families) to get a happy ending that gives me a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment, and that the episode/campaign ends with a poetically beautiful scene!

Yes, it was a very poetic and very beautiful story indeed

I love the Mighty Nein/Nine, I love the cast. I’m so grateful for their story in my life. Words are not enough to describe my thankfulness for being able to go on this journey with them.

Now excuse me I just need to go sob in a corner.

My score: 19/24

Seriously though check out #13 I’m proud of that one

Other Highlights: 

Caleb hit 100 HP OMG I too am proud of him.

Well I didn’t expect the boss fight but I’m glad we are getting one? 

Caleb’s produce flame was used by Veth on Fluffernutter, nice!

The Veth + Beau putting collar combo was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen, also there is something poetic about Caleb relying entirely on his friends and Astrid to carry out the collar tactic on Trent.

The forced empathy commands by Cad lmao wow angry Cad is scary, too bad Trent didn’t have any.

Veth’s silent image... Caleb disintegrating and burning everything in the T-dock... Caleb’s book for his parents... Professor Widogast... Excuse me I’m going to cry now.

[omegatheunknown]

AEW ALL OUT 2021

In which, not to get ahead of myself here, AEW puts on one of the best major wrestling shows in several years*, following the simple yet effective principle of giving the people what they want and sending everyone home happy and hungry for more.

- The incredibly 'Nitro' ending of the go-home Dynamite, which ran a little long on the 'heels beat everyone up and strut around like assholes almost too in desperate need of comeuppance' bit, short of garbage raining into the ring, did actually increase the heat for both promoted matches. Again, not rocket science, but executed perfectly. Catharsis was on the card, and catharsis went over several times Sunday. - Again, it's time to move on from the Casino theme, shuffling the deck and drawing suits really only detracted from the Battle Royale and seemingly always throws the production crew a curve. If they haven't hammered it by now, it's not going to happen. - Bit unhappy about the PAC/Andrade situation, but still over the moon with Andrade's promo style and Chavito being unhelpful at best.

*Pre-Card

Best Friends and Jurassic Express v The Hardy Family Office and The Hybrid 2 (**) - Not usually much to say about a loaded-up multiteam boondoggle, particularly when the show has yet to begin, but there were some moments worth sitting up to take notice -- there's a lot of talent in the ring, even if Jack Evans/Angelico aren't going to be more than mid-level mooks, little matchups with guys like Luchasaurus and Chuck Taylor are opportunities for innovative/weird spots. - Really this match exists to show-off Jungle Boy, play his theme song twice, and work him in to the aforementioned spots. I don't rightly know what Jungle Jack's ceiling is, but it sort of feels like he's plateauing, at least this version of himself. - Dan Lambert thing is interesting in that it doesn't seem to easily lead to something obvious... I mean who are Scorp and Ethan Page feuding with by proxy here, the concept of contemporary professional wrestling? Orange Cassidy and Kenny Omega?

*Main Card

Miro (C) v Eddie Kingston for the TNT Championship (***1/2) - 'Redeem Deez Nuts' T-shirts now available -- and made immediately redundant now that Miro has graciously redeemed Eddie's nuts. - Imagine looking at Miro, listening to Miro talk, and not really being able to figure out this guy is money. Also imagine panicking when he took a little while to find his groove in AEW. 'The Redeemer' is both entertaining and terrifying, and this match delivered heavily on the promise of two big fellas smacking together repeatedly. - Not only does Eddie's arsenal of power moves target Miro's neck, he may also be quite difficult to put in the full reclined camel clutch. Or he'd quite literally snap in half. It didn't come to that. - Weird heel turn by Bryce's attention span and the overall weirdness of the finish is all that kept this from being an excellent match, otherwise this was a tremendous curtain jerker and started off a dangerously fun run of pure adrenaline.

Jon Moxley v Satoshi Kojima (****) - The stakes were nebulous, the build was abrupt, yet this was a fantastic match and tremendous showcase for an underappreciated great who has been more or less just toiling for a bunch of years as a NJPW Dad. Same deal for Nagata, and I assume Tenzan is the same, Taka Michinoku even -- let's see it. - I have to assume the Cozy Lariat might have put Mox down, but Kojima otherwise played the hits (Koji Cutter, Piledriver, Brainbustaaaa) in a big way and Moxley once again proved he's become a very well-rounded wrestler who can match the intensity of just about any former IWGP champion. - More to the point-- KAZE NI NARE -- out of nowhere, too. Or out of nowhere to those not paying attention to the whereabouts of Minoru Suzuki (Right, he's just over here to fight Daniel Garcia and not Mox?), which I guess is to my own peril. Wow, though. Surprise Number 1- a complete surprise, and a welcome one. Let's have it.

Dr Britt Baker, DMD (C) v Kris Statlander for the AEW Women's Championship (****) - I love Kris and her best friends but she didn't have a prayer of dethroning Britt. She got one promo, several weeks ago, and though she did make a meal of Hayter and Rebel, the chase has been abrupt and not given much discussion, other than Mark Henry and whomever else acknowledging what is extremely evident -- Statlander is stronger than she looks, and she looks really strong. They've got her doing Cesaro-level 'modify your grip while holding your opponent's entire weight' nonsense, and it's amazing and scary. - Even with the reign of the good doctor not being credibly threatened, this was an excellent match that demonstrated the continued growth of the competitors in the women's division, even as it underlined that their storylines remain undercooked and perfunctory: Orange Cassidy whipping off his shades to urge Stat to get up was a beautiful moment. Britt's Panama Sunrise, also, too sweet. Statlander eating shit on her 451 and her pendulum moonsault was properly brutal, as were Britt's curb stomps. Really great match between these two. - Again, if they had bothered to write anything into this story, such as Kris' alien physiology making her immune to the lockjaw or something... actually, maybe that's a terrible idea. it's an idea. Undefeated challenger is defeated, on to the next for Dr Britt. Statlander and OC should tag against some of the boys.

The Young Bucks (C) v The Lucha Bros for the AEW World Tag Team Championship(*****+) - Can't not mention the insane entrance lined up for Fenix and Penta. It was bewildering, it was enchanting, it was aggressive, it was hype. It also reminded everybody how very badly we all wanted the Lucha Bros to win. The crowd has been setting new peaks with their volume since Punk showed up, but things were absolutely thunderous and ecstatic at the end of this match. Absolutely valid response. I yelled on the couch. - Nick's facial hair was a bigger tell that it was time for the Bucks to lose than anything else about this build. There's literally nowhere to go from there -- they've done the hair, the bandanas, the kicks, the animal print, the dangly earrings -- peak visual heel for this time and place. - Sincerely thought this was going to be too much of a full sprint spot-fest (the PWG-esque circle of trading blows is not really 'my thing') but even so they kept finding gears, and ramping and ramping and adding blood and brutality along the way. Even a bit of levity, with the tacked up sneaker, followed by the sincerity of Penta throwing himself in harm's way to protect his brother. Immense match, I think you'd have to go back to the Bucks vs the Addiction and MCMGs Ladder War to find a more thrilling tag team gimmick match. - If there's a single flaw to be found it's in the production not really settling on wide angles for simultaneous action at the start of the match. They figured it out. - Rey Fenix is the best luchador in the world.

Women's Casino Battle Royale (**1/2) - If nothing else, this really shows off that they now have a surplus of women's wrestlers who deserve time to hang in the ring. Unsurprisingly, the match picked right up when Thunder Rosa and then Jamie Hayter got to the ring, with additional props to Tay Conti and Jade Cargill, who was dumped rather unceremoniously given her general booking... - Okay, there was something else. Welcome to the rechristened Ruby Soho, who I've not seen a lot of outside of her extremely limited showcase in WWE, but she has so many friends in the back and in the industry and that's never for nothing, not in wrestling, anyway. Intrigued to see where she fits, and if the women ever get more than a match per show. - Touched on this in the preamble but this was the roughest part of the night for the home viewer, just weird decisions on cutting away from various entrances to show... nothing in particular happening. Also while the commitment to not-kayfabing the countdown clock is... admirable? It makes the pacing hinky. - Almost everyone who got new gear for tonight was looking like the white ranger -- Nyla, Swole, Bunny, someone I'm missing. Except Anna Jay, whose stars and glitter gear looked great.

MJF v Chris Jericho for the fate of Jericho's in-ring career (***) - MJF's unauthorized homage to Y2J's entrance: good. Fozzy's guitarist going off tempo with the instrumental Judas: weak, and would've been sad if this were the end for Jericho. Especially as the build has felt... muted, somehow. - Props to the commentary for continuing to feed the red herring of 'in AEW,' as a caveat to stipulation, it did feel like... a remote possibility that MJF would win. - Credit to Aubrey for calling this one down the middle and not putting the fix in for her friend Jericho, and I guess the Dusty finish will give MJF plenty to gripe about. - MJF wrestles with a pure heel style, holds, chops, blocks, and Jericho is fifty years old, so the level of wrestling on exhibition in these matches is well beside the point. It was solid to good, and I was fighting burn out from the first half of the card's level of excitement.

CM Punk v Darby Allin (***1/2) - There are a couple benefits of Darby as a dance partner, and it's certainly better than having to watch Punk return against like, QT Marshall or Shawn Spears. Darby does make everyone look slow, but he can also be tossed around, and this raises his profile even in defeat, obviously. That said, the stakes here are... meta, at best, in that we want to see the man look good and justify the hype. It's a weird thing to root for. He certainly does look good. (Tights? Tights!) - It's fun to theorize about actually booking an angle where Punk is rusty and needs to regain his prowess, and maybe he'll stumble, but maybe the most we get out of that angle is hitting the GTS a little close to the ropes so Darby falls right out of the ring, in what was, for me, the spot that justified this whole match. - Sting's proud step-dad aura is still a hell of a thing, I really liked the end of the match kudos all around. - Match was good, hard to hang my emotions on. I wasn't watching WWE when Punk was in WWE. Definitely feeding off the excitement of others a bit here, and he sure can talk. I'd like to see him cultivate a stable, certainly.

Paul Wight v QT Marshall (n/r) - ...popcorn match? QT Marshall is like the anti-Daniel Garcia in that while his prominence and presence is just as inexplicable, I don't want it to continue, and he doesn't justify it in the process. - Match was two minutes longer than it needed to be.

Kenny Omega (c) v Christian Cage for the AEW World Championship (****1/2) - Crowd was both burnt out and more or less waiting for the post-match angle. Which I get. it's hard to cruise to the main event and having seen all the different things we've already seen on this card, even a singular performer like Kenny Omega and a legend with whom he (surprisingly? fittingly?) has superb chemistry with in Christian Cage were up against it to deliver something memorable. - Context dependent, I can definitely see rating this below their Rampage match, especially since... I mean Christian isn't winning the AEW title off Kenny at this or probably any other event. - But! It was really good! It was very good! They really do match-up well, and Kenny's v-trigger has rarely looked more devastating than when it knocks Christian flat. Christian got cut open in a novel and initially worrying way, and Kenny followed up a botched moonsault with a harder version of the same move off a rail, but it was a really great match and it deserved more energy than was available.

Post-Show - Calling back and inverting the end of Dynamite, The Elite strut about the ring, slightly less stoked than they were on Wednesday, but with the Bucks smiling through the pain, and Jungle Boy once again subjected to violence for his misguided heroism, Kenny 'not much a promo' Omega lays down a killer line about nobody being fit to challenge him who isn't unavailable, already tired or dead. - The Undertaker ADAM COLE, BAY BAY as Surprise #3 was a minor stroke of brilliance, and a fun swerve because while it's exciting to see him, his appearance at this point in the narrative does nothing to solve the problem of The Elite beating up Christian and Jungle Boy. Unless he's still sore about his unsolved murder, which he isn't. Storytime with Adam Cole is back and it's beautiful. Also Jungle Boy died for this. - Okay. But. Just. Okay. CM Punk and Bryan Danielson are All Elite. They will hopefully tag together. Bryan will head to NJPW, almost definitely. Minoru Suzuki just walked in and started slugging on Mox. The Forbidden Door is wide open. Will Kenny Omega one day return to Wrestle Kingdom? There are so many possibilities and they are all very exciting. This was a phenomenal show and it didn't have Hangman Page, Cody Rhodes, FTR, Santana and Ortiz, PAC, Andrade, Sammy Guevara, Team Taz, and the rest.

- Wrestling is good, actually. Imagine watching like five hours of wrestling and loving wrestling at the end of it.

*What competes- WK11, Dominion 2018, 2019, DoN 2019, 2021.. All-In, probably. Wrestlemania 30. A few Takeovers. Kris Wolf's retirement show...

[mad-rdr]

House of Sky and Breath - Sarah J. Maas (Crescent City #2)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5

I finished this book a couple days ago and honestly just needed time to process before trying to write my thoughts (semi) coherently. First off, wow, what a book. I've been reading SJM's books since 2015 and I firmly stand by the statement that her writing gets better with each book she writes. HOSAB was phenomenal. The way she weaves the storylines and characters POVs all the while having a hidden scheme is amazing. I don't understand how she can juggle so much. As it's the freshest in my mind, let's start with the ending.

If you want a replay of my thoughts for the last 20 something pages it went like this; oh my god, no... multiple fae worlds??, holy fuck, she wouldn't, oh my god she did, AZ, omg that's Feyre, oh fucking hell... Rhysand, holy fucking shit. Anyways, I haven't decided whether or not I liked the ending yet. I loved the cliffhanger, but also the ACOTAR series/world, isn't my favorite so I'm really hoping Bryce only has a short interaction with that world and those characters. I also don't have enough braincells to even get into the whole magic/soul eating things that are the Asteri. There's so much going on there I wouldn't even know where to start. Also, everyone's so caught up on the crossover are we forgetting about Hunt?? Poor baby just got enslaved again after only being free for like 5 months. AND RUHN. Don't even get me started on that. One thing I will say though is I totally knew Day was the Hind/Lidia. The moment she was like "I'm with a man I hate," I knew it. And then the fact that she was the one who had to drown Sophie after being her contact? Absolutely heartbroken. Speaking of heartbroken... I love Danika, truly I do, but how many more damn secrets of hers are going to be dropped on us because holy shit, Bryce really didn't know her best friend at all. Danika had a fucking mate, like goddamn. My heart hurts for Bryce who thought she knew everything about Danika only to find out she didn't really know nothing at all. Moving past that... let's go lesbians! Wlw were absolutely vibing this book with Fury and Juniper and then Hypaxia and Celestina (that closet scene was hilarious). I liked both couples and I hope we get more of them in the next book. And then speaking of couples, how can I no talk about our main duo? The dumbasses who thought they could last till the solstice. I really like their relationship and although I feel like "mate" is an appropriate term, the way they went about it was so... weird? Maybe it's because I'm used to Sarah's other books where it's a way bigger deal because they're all Fae, but between Bryce and Hunt it was like "oh yeah? cool" and then Ruhn validating it. It just felt off. I also can't believe it took 500 pages for them to properly and truly fuck, and then Bryce fucking teleporting them when she comes, that's a fun little trick. Okay, last thing (maybe)... the guys (Ruhn, Flynn, Declan, Ithan, Tharion). I was caught off guard by their comradery, but I loved it. Who would've known the Fae, a wolf, and mer could all live together (although Ithan was done having to listen to Bryce and Hunt lmao). A true found family. I also loved the addition of the fire sprites, creating their own cheerleading squad. There's also the dragon, but I've rambled on long enough lol. Go read the book! You will not be disappointed, don't let the 800 pages detour you!!

tldr; If you're here, at the bottom of this long ass post, you might as well go read the book for yourself to experience it firsthand.

[drariellevalentine]

Medically Inevitable

Chapter 10- Puzzling Pathways

Characters:- Ethan Ramsey, Arielle Valentine, Alyssa Raines, Arabelle Raines, Naveen Banerji, Sienna Trinh, Elijah Greene, Jackie Varma, Landry Olsen, Harper Emery

Pairing:- Ethan Ramsey x Arielle Valentine

Warnings:- Swearing

Arielle’s PoV:-

You wake up quite early with a throbbing head and roll out of bed, making sure not to wake up Belle and Aly. The sun hasn’t risen yet, so you assume it’s around 4. After your morning routine, you pick up Naveen’s latest test reports with a cup of tea and head over to your balcony. Going through it, you can’t find much that catches your eye. You head back inside after an hour and find the duo awake.

“Good morning...”, Belle greets you accompanied with a yawn.

“I thought you were sleeping. I’ll head straight to Flair’s HQ and get ready there with Belle. Our flight ’s at 9pm.”, Aly replies while heading towards the bathroom.

“Hey Belle, are you ready to see daddy again?”, you ask.

“Mhm, can’t wait. I'm going to tell him all about yesterday, it was so much fun.”

“Oh really? What happened yesterday?”, you ask. She launches into a story about how they went to the library and then made pizza for dinner.

“I was going to ask for dessert but I fell asleep. I woke up and saw you sleeping by me. Mommy told me that you brought me here.”, she says with a sheepish grin.

“Well I’m sure you can eat all the ice cream you want when you fly home. Tell daddy to call me, okay?”

“I will!” Aly comes out of the restroom, completely ready.

“Belle, come on. We need to get ready and so does Aunt Arielle.”

“Okay! I’ll be quick!” Aly helps Belle get ready while you decide to make lunch for you and Naveen. You head outside the room to find Jackie and Sienna entering the apartment.

“Good morning Ari! Ines and Kyra just left. I thought you were asleep so I didn’t wake you.”, Si says.

“You both have noon shifts, right? Lucky!”, you reply.

“Yeah, we’ll be nursing our headaches if you need us.”, and with that they both head inside. Opening the fridge, you grab all the ingredients needed for Naveen’s chicken wrap. You get to work, starting with grilling the chicken with a bunch of spices, meanwhile julienning some greens and veggies. After shredding the chicken, you cook the tortillas and layer the fillings, topping them off with dressing and finally wrapping them up. You’re just finished packing the wraps in a container when Aly and Belle come out of your room.

“Alright Belle, it’s time to go. Go say goodbye to everyone.” You point Belle towards Si’s room, she comes out a few minutes later, candy bar in hand.

“Look at what they gave me!”, she shouts with joy leaving both of you to chuckle. She puts the candy bar in her backpack and wraps you up in a hug, or rather your legs. “Bye!...I’ll miss you! When will you come to visit?!”, she asks as you lift her up into your arms and hug her goodbye.

“Maybe during Christmas, okay? Be safe and a good girl!”

“Tell Uncle Ethan and grandpa that I’m leaving!”, She says handing you a few York candies as you lead them to the door. “Bye Arielle, we had a nice time.”, Aly says as she hugs you.

“I did too.” You reluctantly wave them goodbye as they head towards their Über, Belle shouting one last goodbye. “Okay Arielle, time for work.”

A little while later, you’re heading to the nurses’ station after rounds when you see a small crowd near one of the OR’s. Overhearing one of the resident surgeons congratulating Bryce, you head over after the crowd disperses.

“Hey, looks like someone made a good impression!”, you say.

“There was a complication with the surgery and the general surgeon was taking too long to arrive. So I stepped up and performed the procedure, meanwhile scoring a free solo surgery.”, he replies with a smirk.

“Nice! Although I don’t think your friends are happy about that.”, you reply noticing the scowls on the other interns’ faces.

“I came here to be the best surgeon, and right now Dr. Tanaka thinks I’m one of the best.”, he replies.

You smile, “You’re right”-

“Valentine, enough chitchat. Head to the ER.” You whirl around to see Zaid with a scowl on his face.

“Yes, Dr. Mirani!” You shoot Bryce an apologetic look as you head to the ER.

As you enter the E.R. Sarah directs you to the bed of your patient. You find a young woman sitting on the bed along with a guy near her age sitting beside her with a worried expression. As you near them the boy gets up from his seat and to shake hands with you.

"Hi doctor!" He smiles as he shakes your hand enthusiastically.

"Wow, hi and hello," you smile back at both of them and then pick up her chart.

"Willow?" You read out the name.

"That's me, and this is my twin brother, Rowan," she points where the boy is standing.

"Willow and Rowan? Aren't those both-"

"Trees. Yeah. Our parents are uh...outdoorsy type-"

"You can tell the nice doctor, Rowan. She’s a total hippie."

You smile at the twins banter. "What about you too? Have you followed their footsteps?"

Willow grins, "Well I'd say we are... hippie-like."

"We like the environment and all but we also like indoor plumbing," Rowan adds.

"Sounds like a compromise I could get on board with.”, you reply chuckling. Willow laughs.

"How long have you been feeling itchy, Willow?", you ask when noticing her continuously itching her skin.

"Uh...mmm...I’m not sure?" She says nervously.

"She‘s had it for a few weeks now, I guess," Rowan answers.

Nodding, you move closerand notice the darkened spider angiomas under her skin. You take a closer and better look at her eyes to find it jaundiced.

"You haven't had it checked out?" You ask, looking for more symptoms.

"Well, I took her to Mass Kenmore the other day but-" he never gets to finish the sentence as Willow cuts him off.

"But the doctor was a jerk. My friend says the doctors here are much more nice."

Willow's voice is filled with nervousness. But you don’t consider it much thinking it's probably because of her sickness.

"Smart friends," you try to lighten the mood. "Willow, I am going to have to listen to your belly. Lie back." You help her lie down.

"Push your hand on your sides," you order and she does so. "Yeah just like this. Now I'm going to give you a little tap."

You lightly strike one side of Willow's abdomen resting your hand on the other side.

"What are you doing?" Rowan asks both confused and concerned.

"That was fluid wave test for ascites. Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity," you answer his question.

"What did the doctors at Mass Kenmore say?" You ask after noting the symptoms. Willow and Rowan share a nervous glance.

"He, uh... didn't spend that long with me. He said it's probably the...flu," Willow stammers.

"The flu?" You ask shocked. What doctor in their right mind would diagnose a patient with these symptoms as a flu!

"Yeah? He was kinda sketchy," Rowan trails off.

"He was very sketchy. Just because my chest hurts doesn't mean you have to do the whole consultation with my boobs, right?" Willow lets out a nervous chuckle. Their behavior is suspicious but you decide not to jump to conclusions.

"Okay. What did he prescribe?", you ask.

"Just some antibiotics."

"Antibiotics? But influenza is a virus," you get more concerned now. Was he even a doctor? First he misdiagnosed a simple disease and then he prescribed antibiotics for flu!

"Uh...yeah. So dumb right. He was so...old," Willow tries to laugh it off.

"He was so old, he looked like Yoda," Rowan tries to joke.

"But a mean. A mean Yoda,"Willow adds.

"Okay, but Willow I'm afraid it's not the flu,"you say. "It's likely Hepatitis C."

"Hep C?" Willow asks, her voice tracing fear.

"It sounds scary but it's now curable in a matter of weeks," you try to comfort her.

"That umm...sounds expensive," Rowan says nervously.

"Uhm, yes, Hep C treatment is notoriously costly," you say sadly.

"How costly are we talking?" Willow asks.

"The list cost is $28,000 per month. And we are talking about three months of supply,", you answer.

"It's a lot but it's important for you to get treated," You add, "Hep C causes huge damage to your liver. It can cause total organ failure, even can lead to cancer. It can kill you."

"But how are we supposed to pay for it?" Willow's voice is sad.

"Your insurance can help. Wait a minute, let me take your information,"You say and reach for the paper to note the details down.

"Our insurance info. Uhm...we...gave it to the hospital staff when we got here. Right, Ro?" Willow trails off nervously.

"Yeah, right…" Rowan agrees.

Their behavior looks suspicious to you and suddenly it all clicks into place.

"Wait, you guys don't have insurance, do you?”, you tentatively ask.

The twins look at each other helplessly. "...No. We don't," Rowan says after a brief moment of silence.

"Usually when I’m sick, I just hope for it to go away. But this time the symptoms are getting worse," Willow states.

"Mass Kenmore wouldn't even look at Willow without insurance," Rowan adds.

"And we definitely can't afford 28 grand a month," Willow states.

"Yeah, I know. It's total bull. Believe me it makes my gut churn when I have to tell patients they can't afford what they need to survive.", you reply with anger.

"But what can we do about it?" Willow sighs.

"I am not sure…" you try to think of a way to help them.

"Please doctor. I'll do whatever I can to help Willow but I don't earn much either. Our parents don't have any savings. They don't even believe in modern medicine," Rowan says angrily.

"I told my mom I was sick and she said to sleep with an amethyst on my chest," Willow adds.

"We're already in debt from college.This bill will ruin us. Isn't there anything for me to do. Could I work it off somehow?" Rowan asks.

"It's not a restaurant, Ro. We can't do dishes or something. We'll just have to...go," Willow says sadly and gets down the bed.

"But you heard what Dr. Valentine said could happen," Rowan says concerned.

Willow get up to leave.

"Wait, don't go yet. I'll see what I can do," you stop her.

"You'll help us?" Rowan smiles hopefully.

"I can't promise anything. But I'll try," you say sincerely.

"Thank you Dr.Valentine," Willow smiles and for the first time the smile seems genuine.

You reply back with a smile,"First things first. We can't treat Hep C without knowing it's genotype. So I'll need to draw blood sample."

After admitting Willow, you’re trying to think of a way to get the vial to lab. But you know the you can't hand it over to the pathology lab without a resident's signature. And you'd need to do it without anyone asking questions. That's when you see Ines. "The just person for the work," you think and walk towards her pleading for the best. "Hi Arielle. All done in the E.R.?" she asks as you approach.

"Yeah. I was actually looking for you!" You try to smile but your nervousness gets in between.

But she doesn't really seem to notice the hesitation."At you service. What do you need?",She asks smiling. You hesitate for a moment. Weighing your options you decide on telling her the truth, even though it might have risks.

"My patient has Hep C. And I need to run a blood test for further treatment but…" You pause not sure how to say,"but they don't have any insurance."

Ines understands what you are saying and her face falls slightly.

"Oh…"she says after a moment of silence.

"I admitted her. But she can't afford to be here, let alone treatment. She wanted to leave," you state sadly.

"Then I'm afraid you'll have to let her."

"But…" you stop not knowing what to say. You thought that out of all people maybe Ines would understand and help you.

"One of the hardest thing is to learn you can't help everyone. As a doctor your responsibility is to help the people you can help." She puts a comforting hand on your shoulder before walking away. You lean against the nearest wall as a wave of disappoinment washes over you. Later, you head towards the cafeteria for a quick break and then a few more post-op check-in’s.

After checking on one of your post-op patients, you carefully sneak around the construction site and enter Naveen’s room, lunch in hand.

“Sunshine! What a lovely surprise!”

“Hi dad, I brought lunch. Belle and Aly went back to Flair. Their flight’s at 9.”

“Belle was a nice surprise yesterday. You know, I think she managed to make Ethan like her.”, he replies.

“Yeah, she told me all about how she went to the library and Uncle Ethan read her a bunch of stories.”, you say as you draw blood for another test. Filling the vial with blood, you dispose of the needle and wash your hands.

“So, what have you made for lunch?”

“Your special chicken wraps.”, you reply with a smile as you hand one to him. You both take a bite. “So? How is it? Does it resemble yours at least a little?”

“It’s quite close, but the seasoning is slightly off.”

You roll your eyes. “That’s because it’s your recipe! And no one can perfectly make your recipes!”, you exclaim.

“She’s right Naveen. Your recipes are quite tricky to master.” You turn around to find Ethan standing in the doorway.

“Dr. Ramsey. I looked over the files but I couldn’t find much. The blood sample I drew is over there, I think we should try again but maybe..”, you discuss with him about the next steps.

“Ethan. Arielle.” Both of you turn to him. “Will you let a man eat in peace?! Both of you, eat and then discuss whatever you need to.”

“Fine.” You hand a wrap to Ethan.

“Have one, I made a lot more than I can eat.” He tentatively takes one and takes a bite.

“It’s quite good.”

“Thank you. I almost forgot, Belle asked me to tell you that she was leaving tonight and asked me to give these to you.” You hand out the minty chocolate treats to both of them, popping one in your mouth. “Seems like you made quite a good impression on Belle, she likes you a lot.”

“I’m convinced that Ethan likes her more than me! You should have seen him yesterday!”, Naveen exclaims as Ethan groans. Your pager beeps with the results of one of your patient’s tests. Sighing, you pop the last piece in your mouth and close the empty box.

“I have to go, I’ll see you later.”, you say as you kiss him on the cheek and gather your stuff. “Oh and Dr. Ramsey, I didn’t find anything much but I think this might be a small lead.”, you say pointing to the sample and highlighted part of the report. He nods as you exit the room.

After discussing a treatment plan with one of your patients, you’re heading towards the locker room to wrap up your shift early, when your phone chimes. It’s Bryce.

After responding, you change into a pair of jeans and a spaghetti strap top and grab your stuff from the locker. You head to the parking lot, and drive your way home. You unlock your door and find Si dressed up in a 30s theme. “Si! You look beautiful! That side twist is gorgeous! I didn’t know that people dressed up for this.”, you exclaim as you take off your heels.

“Well, I won’t be the only one! I got you a little something.” She rushes into her room and comes out holding a bag in her hand. “I picked out this ivory outfit for you, try it on!”, she exclaims as she hurriedly pushes you into your room to get dressed.

“Okay, okay! Give me a sec!” You pull out the beautiful outfit from the bag and lay it on your bed as you strip and carefully slip on the silky outfit. You tentatively open the door as Si gasps. “So...what do you think?”

“Oh my gosh! You look so pretty, all that’s missing is a matching hairstyle and jewellery. Quick, sit here! I’ll do your hair!” She quickly ushers you on your stool and starts to style your hair with the combs on your vanity. Pulling your hair into a side swept bun, she applies a coat of a pink shade on your lips and lastly helps you add matching accessories. You eye a pair of earrings that match Si’s dress.

“Here! Wear these!” She gasps.

“No way! They’re way too expensive, I can’t wear these!”, she counters.

“Oh shut up! You’re my best friend! You can wear whatever’s in my room.” You quickly trade her earrings and clasp yours on her as she looks in the mirror.

“Wow...these are really pretty.”

“Then keep them, they look much better on you.”, you reply.

“What, no! I can’t possibly”-

“Nope! I won’t take no for an answer.” She finally agrees and hugs you. You both look at yourselves at your floor length mirror for one last time. “Wait! One last touch!”, you say, carefully clasping on the necklace that Naveen gave you.

“Give me your phone! This is a perfect opportunity for a photo op.” She leads to a luminous corner in your room and snaps a pic as you do the same for her.

“These came out amazing! I’m posting mine, then we’ll leave.” You both take a few minutes to post your pictures. Just as you’re about to leave, Si’s phone chimes. She picks up the phone and replies, hiding the screen from you. “Hey, you can go without me. I’ll be there a bit later.”, she says.

“Okay…”, you bid goodbye and leave the apartment. You’re strolling down the sidewalk towards Boston Common, eyes sweeping through the crowd for any sign of your friends when finally you spot them.

“Damn, you look even classier in person!”, Bryce says patting the spot next to him. You place your things nearby and squeeze in by Bryce.

“Where’s Sienna? She said she was waiting for you.”, Elijah asks.

“I don’t know.”, you respond. “Just as we were about to leave, she got a text and said she’ll come by a little later.” Just then, you hear a familiar voice greet Elijah.

“Hey.” You all turn around to see Phoebe.

“Ohh...this guy’s got it baaaad…”, Jackie says, noticing the blush on Elijah’s cheeks.

“Shut up!”, you whisper to Jackie.

“Hey Phoebe. You came.”, Elijah spits out, not knowing what to say.

“Yeah...I said I would make it.”, Phoebe replies equally as awkward. You wince at the awkwardness and decide to play the role of Cupid once again.

“Phoebe! I’m glad you made it. Come sit here!”, you say gesturing to the comfy space by Elijah as he mouths a thank you. The pair sit together and click by talking about Star Trek, leaving you, Bryce and Jackie waiting for the screening. You’re about to ask Bryce when the movie starts when a smell of buttery goodness wafts towards you. All three of you turn around to find Sienna and Danny holding a small picnic basket. “Ohh...so that’s what the text was about. Let’s see how she gets out of this.”, you think. “Hey Danny, Sienna didn’t tell us she invited you! Come on, join us!” You scoot over, leaving just enough room for the pair to sit together.

“Hey Arielle. I had an idea, so I went and picked up a few pastries from a nearby bakery.”, he replies with a slight blush on his face. “Ahhh! These two are so cute!”, you think. Sienna hands out the treats as the opening credits roll. You sink your front teeth into a chocolatey croissant. “Mmm...this is good! Great idea!”, you exclaim. All seven of you relax and watch the movie.

After a while, Landry perks up saying, “Hey Arielle, did you find anything on Patient X?”

“Oh yeah Ari! Did you find anything?”, Elijah asks.

You carefully mull over what to say. “Umm…I don’t know anything. “, you say.

“Bullshit!”, says Jackie.

Thankfully, Si comes to your defence. “She’s serious! Zaid was chewing her out today for asking a bunch of questions.” Jackie rolls her eyes as everyone shifts their attention back to the movie. You mouth a thank you to Sienna and watch the movie. A little while later, you and Elijah are getting some drinks for the gang.

“So, I noticed you were a little down when I saw you before lunch today. What happened?”, he asks. You sigh and explain Willow’s condition. His face hardens.

“Elijah?....Elijah?!”

He blinks and turns to you. “Oh sorry.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s alright.” You can clearly tell he’s lying.

“I’m not an idiot.”

He sighs, “It’s always that, don’t treat the condition or you’ll die; or treat the condition you you’ll be financially ruined.” You give him a look.

“...I was diagnosed with chronic spinal cord damage when I was 5. A surgeon came up with a solution to save my life, but it bankrupted my parents. They had to sell everything for my surgery. That’s why I wanted to become a doctor, you know? If it weren’t for that surgeon, I wouldn’t have been here right now. That’s what I wanted to do, find solutions for people who have nowhere to turn to.”, tears slowly trailing down his face.

Your heart wrenches. “I’m so sorry Elijah. And for what it’s worth, I know your parents would have made that decision over and over again for you.”

“I know. Do you know that there are government clinical trials for some patients?”, he asks.”

“Oh! I didn’t know that.” He doesn’t get any better.

“You are worth it, do you hear me? You are an amazing, wonderful and sweet person and whoever has gotten the pleasure to know you are blessed.”

He nods as he returns your hug. You buy the drinks and head back towards your friends.

Long into the movie, you’re completely bored and lost. “Does anybody know what’s going on?”, you ask.

“Well, Rosie’s supposed to hide out in Richard’s office until he leaves for the files of...or Wait I think it was...Oh forget it! I’m lost too!”, Landry exclaims. Your friends start talking, ignoring the movie as Bryce turns to you.

“So, you want to ditch this place?”

“I thought you were the one who said this would be ‘fun’!”, you counter.

“Hey! No point in making mistakes longer than you need to! Now, you coming or not?”, he asks.

You give him an incredulous look. “Where would we go? And I’m dressed like this!”

“We’ll go on an adventure. And maybe fashion you up some clothes meanwhile.”

“Okay, lead the way!” The two of you sneak away from the group and Bryce leads you to a mall. “Really? A mall? This is your definition of an ‘adventure’?”

“Well first, we need to get you some clothes. Second, who said a mall can’t be an adventure?! Just follow my lead!” You and Bryce enter the mall to find the mall mostly empty. “Okay, first you need an outfit change! So, does Miss Celebrity shop at stores like Forever 21 or only high-end brands?”, he teases you.

You roll your eyes. “I shop at Forever 21! And a bunch of other stores that aren’t high-end!”, you defend yourself.

“Okay then! First stop, picking out an outfit for you.”, he walks to the directory and scans the list for Forever 21. “Ah! There it is, second floor. Let’s go!” Both of you take the escalator up and enter the near empty store. “Now, I want you to sit here-“, he pats a bench near the dressing room, “While I go pick out an outfit for you.”

Before you can protest, he twirls around and heads into the women’s section. You decide to check your messages, seeing new texts from Si and Ethan and click on them.

You’re about to go look for Bryce when he appears out of nowhere. “Crap! You scared me!” He gives you a sheepish grin.

“Hehe, sorry about that. Now, go try this on and see if you need a different size.” He hands you the black bag and pushes you into one of the dressing rooms. You open it to find a lace black bralette with an olive green cover-up and jeans. “Hmm...not bad scalpel jockey.”

You slip on the outfit and open your door as Bryce lets out a low whistle.

“Looks like it fits perfectly.”, he replies.

“It does.” You quickly hand over the clothes to Bryce and give him your purse, but he doesn’t take your purse. He comes back in a few minutes and tosses the outfit through the top. “Hey! A little heads-up would be nice!” You slip on your new outfit and fold your other outfit into the bag. You head out of the dressing room and sit on a bench near Bryce, who’s texting someone.

“It’s Jackie. She wanted to know where we went.”, he says without looking up.

“I told Sienna though.”, you reply confused.

“Apparently, both pairs of lovebirds are grossing Jackie out.” You both laugh. “Just a sec, okay.” You nod and look at the nearby display of nail polish when you hear a click. Turing around, you see Bryce smiling and your phone chimes. Pulling out your phone, you see that Bryce took a picture of you and sent it to you.

“Hmm...who knew scalpel jockey had such photography skills?! I might post this.”, you tease him as you post it.

“So, does that make up for wasting your time?”, he asks.

“Maybe...depends on what adventure we’re going on next.”, you reply.

“Well, first we need fuel for our adventure. We’re getting some food!”, Bryce exclaims.

“You really know the way to a girl’s heart.” He flashes his signature grin and leads you to Chick-fil-A after paying for your outfit.

“How do you know I like Chick-fil-A?”, you ask.

“I don’t .”, he nonchalantly replies. He heads inside and orders two chicken burgers with a side of fries and an Oreo milkshake. You both take a seat in the booth after picking out your favourite sauces and water.

“I come here only for the mayo, and then stuff as many packets as I can in my pockets. It’s sooo good!”, you exclaim as he laughs.

“You remind me of my sister.”, he says.

“Careful Lahela, then I might come to the conclusion that you like me as a friend.”, you tease. He’s about to reply when the employee calls out your order. You get up but he doesn’t let you, and carries the tray full of goodness and carbs back to your table. “Such a gentleman.”, you say. Taking the burger from the tray, you unwrap it and take a bite (not before adding a little extra mayo, of course). “Ohmygod…”

“There’s nothing like comfort food.”, he says handing you a spoon for the Oreo milkshake.

“Yeah, comfort food becomes your best friend after a breakup.”, you say.

He raises an eyebrow. “And when was this?” He notices the hesitation on your face and places a hand on your shoulder, “Hey, it’s alright. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“No, it’s okay...he was my first love. We met at med school, he was in his second year of med school for neuroscience and it was my first for internal medicine. It was my first week, I was in Hopkins’ central library trying to reach for a book and managed to pull down the whole section of books somehow.”

He chuckles, “Sounds like you, alright!” You roll your eyes.

“It sounds cliche, but he helped me up and with the books, then took me out to cheer me up. After that, we met up more and more and found ourselves going on dates. He didn’t have classes together so we mostly met up during the weekends and texted everyday. Later, I met Laura.”

“Who’s Laura?”, he asks.

“She is...was my best friend through all of med school. I’ll explain. We started dating three months later and made it official at the end of the year. We took it slow, both of us respected each other’s careers and dreams so we never had many disagreements. It was amazing, all 5 and a half years of med school. I had a wonderful, kind considerate boyfriend who knew everything about me and a best friend that always had my back. Everything was perfect, he never used me for my connections and treated me as a normal person.”, you say.

“Hah! Imagine my surprise when I looked you up on Insta!”, he says. You laugh, remembering the day when Raf and Bryce had found out about your celeb status.

“Because he was studying to be a neurosurgeon, he had an extra year so we both ended med school in the same year. His medical idol is Dr. Harper Emery, he would talk about her all the time and really held a level of respect.”, you continue.

“She is mine, too. Have you met her, like personally?”, he asks.

“I have once. It was quite a few years back during one of Edenbrook’s charity galas. Naveen had taken me there as his plus one and I met her, she was someone that you would just hold a certain level of respect.”, you say.

“Woah, woah, woah. Hold on, do you mean Naveen, as in Naveen Banerji, as in the greatest diagnostian of all time?!”, he exclaims. You wince, completely forgetting about that. Taking your time, you explain what happened with him, except about his illness. “Damn, that’s impressive. I mean, changing your last name and starting completely fresh without using any influence. Anyways, continue.”

“As you know, my inspiration and my idol was Dr. Ramsey, and we both wanted to get into Edenbrook for our residency. Laura wanted to go to Johns Hopkins Hospital for their peds program. And after our final exams, we found out that I had gotten into Edenbrook for my residency...and he didn’t. Laura didn’t get into Johns Hopkins either.”, you say recalling the horrid memories after that moment.

“I’m guessing that’s where the problem started.”, he says.

You nod. “At first, he was really happy for me and so was Laura. But after a week, he started acting cold, like he was keeping a grudge against me. I tried talking to him but he didn’t try to talk it out. One day, I couldn’t take it anymore and burst, screaming at him why he was doing this.”, your throat hitches.

“What happened?”, you can see the anger in his eyes.

“...he had the audacity to say that I had used people to get into Edenbrook for my residency. I was shocked, having thought that the person who knew me so well thought I was using my name to rig the system. We didn’t talk for a week after that, and when I was cleaning out my clothes from his closet,...I found a velvet box. It was an engagement ring.”

Bryce’s eyes go wide. If only he knew what happened next. “I thought that we could fix this, I thought that he loved me, our relationship could be saved and we would be happy. So, I knocked on his door but no one answered. After a while, I couldn’t wait so I unlocked the door with the key he gave me and…” You take a deep breath. “...Laura was kissing him….and he was kissing her back.” By now, tears are slowly making their way down your face.

“That asshole! What the hell was he thinki”- He stops at the sight of your face and takes a seat beside you, comforting you. “Hey, hey, hey. Don’t cry now. You’re one of the strongest women I’ve ever met and I’ve met a lot!” That makes you smile a bit. “That guy is an idiot, alright, for letting one of the most kind, compassionate and selfless women I’ve ever known. He doesn’t deserve you, alright!?“

You nod, brushing away your tears. “Okay.”

“Now, no more crying. Tonight, we’re going to have the time of our life! Now, finish up and we’ll go.” You finish up your food as Bryce tells you about the crazy parties he went to at Stanford.

“Oh my god! I can’t believe you did that!”, you shriek.

“I did. Now, let’s go!” After throwing away everything, you head out and Bryce leads you inside Walmart.

“What are we doing here?”, you ask.

“Just watch.” You watch as he strolls casually near a rack of clothing and yells, “There’s a snake in here!!” Your mouth and eyes widen in horror as everyone screams and runs away, leaving racks and displays to topple over each other, making a mess. “Oh sorry guys! It was just a scarf!” He quickly runs away pulling you with him out of the store before the employees can see you.

“What the hell did you do that for?!”, you half shout.

“What are you talking about, that was epic!? My mission today is to cheer you up, and I will do whatever it takes even if I have to makeshift a zip line from the 5th to the 1st floor.” You try to hide a smile but unsuccessfully end up bursting with laughter.

“Those people were sooo scared! And then I swear, one lady looked like she was about to bite your head off!!”, you say.

“Well, we’re not done yet.”, he drags you away before you can protest. A few minutes later, you’re standing in front of Urban Outfitters. “I have one more idea, and then it’s your turn.”, he says.

“What! No, there’s no way!”, you exclaim.

“Uh, uh, uh. You’re doing it.” He drags you into the store and randomly grabs three different pairs of jeans and heads towards the dressing room. “Wait here.” He points to a secluded corner as he goes inside the dressing room.

After several minutes, the door suddenly bursts open and Bryce makes a big scene. ”Ugh! What kind of jeans are these? None of them are leak-proof!” He says as he throws the jeans to the side and disappears in the racks, a few seconds later appearing by your side. You have to clamp your mouth shut after witnessing the attendant ‘s flustered and wide-eyed face.

After you both manage to escape from the shop without the woman noticing, you burst out in a fit of giggles. “Leak-proof?! That poor woman was astonished!”, you manage to blurt out in between laughter. You look up to see him smiling at you.

“What?”, you ask.

He gives you a devilish grin. “Now, it’s your turn.” Your eyes widen.

“No, no, no, no, no! There’s no way I’m embarrassing myself, that too on purpose! I have a reputation to uphold!” He looks at you. “Fine! Let me think!” You look around and spot an abandoned shopping cart, which triggers the memory of a prank Mark played before. A smirk fills your face as you say, “I have an idea. All I need is some clear beading wire.” He looks at you. “Don’t worry! I know what I’m doing!”

This time, you’re the one dragging him inside Michael’s and quickly pick out a strong wire. After paying for it, you turn to him. “Is there like a grocery store or something here?”

“I saw a Target on my way here. I think it was on the second floor.”, he says. You go down to the second floor and spot the Target.

“Okay, so are you going to tell me what your master plan is?”, he asks with a raised eyebrow. You pull him down and whisper in his ears. His eyes widen. “I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Well, you should now by now that I’m full of surprises.”, you say as you enter the shop. After wondering around for a bit, you find the perfect place to execute your plan. You carefully set up the wire as Bryce goes to get a shopping cart.

“Did someone ask for a shopping cart?” You roll your eyes as he pushes the cart to you. “Shut up and help me with these wires.” After another 15 minutes of prep, you are finally ready to execute.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”, he asks.

“It was your idea. Plus, I’m not backing out now. Ready?” He nods as the both of you take your places. He mouths, “3...2...1!” You let out a high-pitched scream as the shopping cart rolls towards you. Attracting attention, you quickly run across the aisles as the shopping cart mysteriously follows you at quite a speed. People start shouting and screaming and you keep running and shrieking, Bryce nearby controlling the shopping cart with the wires. Everyone is freaking out, screaming and shouting, things on the shelves are completely scattered, the floor a huge mess until suddenly, you’re pulled back. Turning around, you see a security guard holding the wire, exposing you and Bryce. Shit!

A while later…

“So, I guess you being an actor and all didn’t help...that wasn’t a good idea was it?”, he says. You’re standing outside the mall you’ve been banned from for a month.

“No it wasn’t…”, you both burst out laughing. “I had an amazing time Bryce. Thank you.”

“Of course, you’re my sister from another mister.”, he makes you laugh for the millionth time as you both walk back to your apartment. By the time you reach home, it’s already 11.

“Just keep in mind that everything won’t always have a readymade solution. Sometimes you have to make your own path. Goodnight Elle.”

“Goodnight Bryce.”, you lightly kiss his cheek and head inside. After getting ready for bed, you slide into your sheets and let today’s events wash over you...when it hits you. “I know how to save Willow!” Hopping out of bed, you quickly grab a notepad and a pen. Propping open your MacBook, you start typing in a search query, knowing you have a long night ahead of you.

The next morning, you’re walking to the front desk to ask the whereabouts of Chief Emery.

“Hey Arielle! Need help with anything?”, you look to your right and see Danny walking towards you.

“Good morning Danny. Have you seen Chief Emery? I need to ask her about a treatment for a patient.”

“Umm...I think I saw her go into OR 6, but there isn’t any surgery though.” He shrugs and walks away. You shout a thank you and head to the sixth floor where all the scheduled surgeries are performed. The door is ajar as you near the OR, taking a peek inside, you see her hovering over the surgical tools, hands running over them as if she’s greeting an old friend. You wait for her to notice you until she turns around, your signature vanilla scent wafting in the air.

“Dr. Valentine. What can I do for you?”, she asks. You take a deep breath and launch into your prepared pitch for Willow’s treatment. After you’re done, your nervousness gets ahold of you leading to you biting your lip.

“So you’re telling me you want to exploit a fully funded government study for a patient’s treatment?”, she asks.

“It’s the only way for my patient to be able to afford her treatment. Edenbrook won’t be held of any charges.”, you reply thinking that as the chief, that’s what she’s worrying about.

“You sound like Dr. Ramsey.” You don’t know why, but your heart swells with pride.

“I take that as a compliment.”

She thinks it over, leaving you thinking that you blew it until, “Hand it here.” You can’t stop the smile blooming on your face as you hand her the papers. She signs them and gives them to you when your pager beeps.

“Excuse me.” You see that Willow’s being discharged. Crap! You quickly grab the papers and run back to the 1st floor all while shouting, “Thank you!” You swear that you hear her laugh.

By the time you burst into Willow’s room, you’re out of breath and the pair of twins look at you like you’re wearing an octopus as a hat. “Dr. Valentine? Is everything alright? Is something wrong with my sister?”, Rowan asks nervously. You look up to see Willow dressed and all her belongings packed as you catch your breath.

“You don’t have to leave! I found a way for you to receive your treatment!” You explain your findings and the government study. “So, it will cover all your medical expenses but both of you will have to agree.”

“Of course, I’d do anything for my sister. But, we both are still in college debt. I’ll just have to work a few extra shifts. Thank you so much, Dr. Valentine!”

You pull out the check you wrote yesterday night. “I want you to have this. It will help with your debts.” His eyes widen as he looks over the amount.

“I...I can’t possibly take this. It’s way too much”-

“No please, keep it. What’s the point of being rich if you don’t use it to help others?”, you say. Rowan hugs you.

“Thank you so so much for all your help Dr. Valentine. We’ll never forget this.”, Willow says.

“Of course.” You’re interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. Opening it, you find a doctor, but not one of Edenbrook’s.

“You must be Dr. Valentine. I'm the doctor you spoke with on the phone yesterday. There is some initial paperwork which has to be looked over and signed.

“Ah yes. You must be Dr. Martin. We’ll get started.”

After finishing up the paperwork, you head to the nurses’ station with a big smile on your lips. "What are you smiling about?" A familiar baritone voice from behind you grabs your attention. You turn around to find Ethan looking at you raising his brows.

"I found a way to help some people who deserve it. It's a really good feeling," your smile broadens.

"Well done, Rookie,", he shockingly offers you a rare smile before leaning closer. He rests one of his hands on your arm."And thanks for not telling anyone about… my patient." He sighs sadly as you study his features.

He doesn't seem happy or relieved but surely seems better rested. You sadly smile at him, "Of course...you’re not the only one who wants him to get better."

He nods at you understanding. His hand rests on your arm for one last moment after he squeezes your arm as a thank you, letting them fall to his sides.

You turn away as he requests for one of his patient charts from Marlene. You freeze seeing Dr. Emery standing across the hallway, looking at the two of you thoughtfully. You are brought back to reality by Ethan's voice, thanking the nurse and leaving. Harper looks at you one last time before walking towards the direction where Ethan went.

Ethan's P.O.V

You are forced to look up from Naveen's recent test results when you hear a knock.

"Come in," you say keeping your voice devoid of any friendliness, thinking it was some intern. “Or a certain intern with violet hair!���, your mind reminds you. The door opens, revealing Harper who waltzes in and takes a seat opposite to you.

“What can I do for the Chief of Medicine today?”, you ask.

“I just wanted to see how my friend was doing. Is that a crime?”, she asks.

You scoff, “I’ve known you for a long time Harper, and quite well enough to know when you want something.”

“I’ve been noticing you’ve been quite distant these past few weeks, you’re never found in your office, always somewhere around the hospital.”

“So she has been noticing your behaviour.”, you think. “I’m not distant. I’m just busy.”, you reply with a roll of your eyes.

Her voice softens, “Ethan, you know I’m still your friend. You can talk to me.”, she says.

“Not anymore, not when you’re the Chief of Medicine I can’t.”, you think. You blatantly lie, “I’m perfectly fine Harper. Now I’m sure you have much more important work to do.” With a sigh, she exits your office.

”I know she’ll discover this someday, but when she does...would everything be alright?”

Part 1 of taglist:- @kaavyaethanramsey @rookie-ramsey @ohramsey @ohvamsey @hopelessromantics4life @realmrsramsey @mysticaurathings @binny1985 @maurine07 @alina-yol-ramsey @helloitsthiv @tsrookie @arcticlumineer @mary-c92 @sad-satan-herself @whippedforethanfreakingramsey @archxxronrookie @ethansrookie02 @semanticsandsea-lemons @mrandmrsramsey @nikki-2406 @deepikakkannan @siaramsey @katkart122 @openheartthot @imonlybibecauseofethanramsey @akshara16 @luvevelynclaire @literaryexpress @miss-smrxtiee @nadeen-ahmed11 @mrsalanrickman394 @drstellavalentine @ethandaddyramseyx @annekebbphotography @custaroonie @ladyrileybrooks @robbies-sutcliffe @cralinedp @bladesofopenheart @ezekielbhandarivalleros @daddyethanramsey @aquirkychica @romewritingshop @lilyvalentine @xpandabeardontcarex @in-love-with-a-trans-girl @coastalengineer @starrystarrytrouble @clowneryme

[lucas-koh]

Stitches - Bryce Lahela x MC XIV

Open Heart; only somewhat canon compliant.

Parts 1-13 linked in bio

Song: When My Love Won’t Stick To You - Whitaker

Rating: M, swearing, sexual language, references of violence

Word Count: 3286

Taglist: @lahellacute @lahamseiroshoe @anotherbeingsworld @fuseboxmusebox @choicesficwriterscreations @bubblelaureno @bratzlahela @eleanorbloom @bryceslahela @thegreentwin @kelseaaa @kingkassam || please let me know if you would like to be added to or removed from this list

A/N: just to say Stitches will not be updating next Friday, since it’s Christmas Day I will not be majorly online. I’ll be posting again Jan 1st 2021💛

Chapter Fourteen: Everything Goes But The Memories Made

“What?” She barely whispered, her head spinning. Bryce had just revealed to her that he remembered her from their college days when they’d shared a kiss once, drunk.

He looked nervous, afraid to continue, but he did.

“Truth be told, I always had a soft spot for you. You know when you just feel warm around someone, even if you barely know them? That’s how you made me feel. When I’d see you studying at the library with snacks and coffee splayed all around you, or when I’d see you at the hospital for lectures, it was always just a mental ‘hey, I know you’ and suddenly everything would feel okay. Seeing someone you recognise is really grounding, you know? Especially when there’s a distance and you don’t really know them. And I liked the competition of it all, that you were so smart and always number 1 but didn’t even know it was me at number 2, because you were so confident in your own abilities you didn’t need to look back. I wanted to be your friend, but you didn’t seem to have the time, so I let you be. And then you kissed me at that frat party and I thought, god, this is amazing. I didn’t think into it too much - college and all - but I have thought about it a lot since. And then when you crashed into me on our first day at Edenbrook, at first I didn’t know who you were. You look different, you know. It’s been like, seven years, after all, it wasn’t until I saw your name tag that it hit me. Why you’d felt so familiar. But I wanted to wait until you recognised me too, if you even did. And then when you did, I got nervous, and tried to ignore it.”

Holy shit. He… he really remembered me. Not even just from the kiss, either, he remembered me before that.

Suki stammered a little before the words came out, “…Bryce… I don’t understand why you wouldn’t just say?”

“Honestly? I was embarrassed that you didn’t recognise me to begin with. More so, I was embarrassed that I’d known you and recognised you and always thought about you every now and then and you hadn’t,” he said. “I guess it felt sort of… creepy?”

“Wow…” was all she could stifle out. She was at a loss for much more.

Bryce had remembered her, for all this time. Things felt like they were looking up, the way he’d opened up to her and finally told her the truth. Unfortunately, the altercation with Fred and Ben wouldn’t stop nagging at the back of Suki’s brain.

“…sorry,” Bryce exhaled, rubbing his hand across his neck bashfully.

“No, I- don’t worry. I get it. It was just a kiss I’m sure you had loads, but it’s weird.”

“This is why- I didn’t want you to think I was weird.”

“No! Not you! I’m really glad I’m not forgettable,” she laughed lightly, “it’s weird that… oh god it’s going to sound ridiculous.”

“It can’t sound more ridiculous than what I just said. I won’t laugh,” he said, then twisted the corner of his mouth up into a grin, “maybe.”

She sighed, burying her head in her hands before coming out with it. “I guess it just feel like we keep being pulled together, like, i don’t know,” she felt her cheeks become seriously hot, “fate.”

Bryce had lied, because he burst out laughing, which then devolved into a coughing fit and had Suki patting him on the back. Maybe a little harder than she was meant to.

“Ow!”

“You said you wouldn’t laugh!” Except she was laughing, too.

“I know, I know. You just looked funny. Honestly? I do see what you mean. All signs pointing to us ended up here,” he gestured between them, sat facing each-other in his bed.

Maybe this cosmic power she’d been cursing for all the early embarrassing encounters wasn’t so bad after all.

—-

Bryce and Suki talked for hours about college, and their stories, and people they knew in common. They laughed about how Suki didn’t even know Bryce sat near her in most lectures, and only knew him by his reputation.

A little later, after raking through Bryce’s Stanford yearbook and finding Suki in there, Bryce pulled out his high school yearbook.

“This is my senior photo. Just before graduation.”

Bryce was smiling up from the page, his golden tinged hair darker and shoulder length, and silver piercings shone from his ear, eyebrow, nostril, and lip. When Suki had known him he’d been piercing free.

“Oh my god! Why the hell did you stop looking like this for college? You know, I might’ve actually spoken to you if you’d looked like this.”

“Eh. I wanted to be taken more seriously. Why?”

“Don’t make me say it you dick.”

He nudged closer, smug all over his face. “What?”

“Because it looks good on you.”

“So I don’t look good like this?” He motioned down his body, which might’ve been sexy if he was in better shape. Well, as in his cold. His physique was perfect…

Suki gave him an affectionately knowing smile, “of course you do. I like the way you look very much,” she nodded. Then when Bryce’s face lit up she added: “but you’re not going to catch me saying that again anytime soon, okay? Your ego is big enough.”

Bryce moved to get up from the bed, “look, I’m just going to the piercing shop I won’t be long-“

Suki pulled him back down to the bed with a laugh, “Bryce! Although I wouldn’t oppose I’m not sure you’d be allowed in surgeries looking like metal face.”

“It would make things interesting though…”

“What?”

“A lip ring. Maybe a tongue ring. Imagine the kissing, or me going down on you…”

“Bryce.”

“What! Don’t tell me you wouldn’t consider it.”

“You are not getting any action while you’re sick.”

He leaned closer to her in the bed, “I got you to kiss me.”

She sighed and pulled the back of her hand up to check his temperature. Before she got there however, he took it from her.

“What’s this?” He brushed a finger lightly across her fingers, by the edge of the bandaging.

Ah, crap. This guy really does make me lose my mind. I’d forget my name if I spent too long around him.

“Work casualty,” she tried to laugh nonchalantly and pull her hand back to his forehead to seem normal. But he brought it back down to inspect it. His brow furrowed as he tried to decide what was under the gauze, and then he used one of his hands to grab Suki’s other one. He turned this one so that the palm was facing up and the scars from the month before were visible; standing paler than her skin tone right in the centre.

He held each hand in his own like they were feathers, opposite directions up.

“Does it hurt?” He asked, moving his thumb as if about to graze over the scars, asking permission.

“No, go ahead.”

He followed the neat shape of the puckered skin with the pad of his thumb, as gentle as he had been when he’d stitched it. Suki’s hand felt cold under his touch, the sensation on her scar able to feel each fingerprint dragging over.

He dropped her scarred hand somewhat to the mattress, but still held it in his own, shifting their hands slightly so that it was more of a classic hand-hold.

Suki tried not to focus on the bolt of electricity coursing from that spot. She’d wanted to hold his hand for so long, and here he was holding it like it was no big deal. His thumb ran up and down her skin in a soothing motion.

He turned his attention to the other, biting his lip as he looked.

“Whatever caused this, it’s gonna have to answer some questions.”

“It was just, uh, slammed it in the double doors. Those are heavy,” she cleared her throat, hating every fibre of herself for lying.

“Stupid door.” He brought his face down to the bandaged hand and placed a featherlight kiss to the top of her knuckles, “I’m a surgeon, I have magic kisses.”

“Oh dear,” she laughed, a little breathless and trying to seem light and uncaring, “did you take some medicine this morning? I think it’s kicking in.”

He chuckled, almost back to his usual Bryce chuckle, “but,” he cleared his throat, clearly gearing up to make a cheeky comment by the smirk on his face, “if I had a tongue piercing, my kisses really would be magic.”

“Oh my god,” Suki couldn’t help but laugh at him.

As they laughed together on Bryce’s bed, hands tangled together and bodies close, Suki truly felt happy. Like things really could work out for her. For them. And Suki was having an amazing time just being with Bryce.

The only problem was the albatross hanging around her neck.

—-

The next thing Suki knew, she was waking up in Bryce’s bed. He was sat beside her, scrolling through his phone.

She blinked her eyes a few times to make sure she was seeing things right, and moved to sit up.

“I… fell asleep?” She asked groggily, causing Bryce to turn to face her. He smiled when he saw her.

“Yeah. I figured I should just let you, you seemed pretty tired.”

She realised she must’ve fallen asleep when Bryce had been searching for some Stanford pictures, because that was the last thing she remembered.

She sighed, “you should’ve woken me.”

“Nah, you were working all night.”

And getting into it with your colleagues…

She sighed again and bit her lip, figuratively and physically.

“You really should’ve woken me,” she whispered, unable to handle Bryce treating her like this knowing she’d stuck her nose where it didn’t belong.

He smiled back at her, she could see in his face that he knew something was up.

“You’re fine. It’s what friends do.”

“Bryce.” She felt like she was sighing his name a lot these days, and not in the way either of them liked the most.

He twisted his face up into a grin and Suki noticed his eyes were much brighter now, “Suki.”

She rolled her eyes, but she was terrible at hiding her guilt. She had to get out of there, because if Bryce was the one trying to alleviate it she’d feel even worse. She started to shift in the bed, but Bryce reached an arm out over her waist.

She just sort of lay there shocked as he shifted over closer to her, putting his torso over hers.

“At least let me try and kiss away some of those frown lines. If I remember correctly, it’s one of our benefits,” he smirked, hell-bent on making her feel better and in turn making her feel even worse. She couldn’t kiss him and feel like it was okay, because even that, even what was happening at that moment, felt like overstepping and taking it too far and Suki knew that it was on her. She was the one who caught feelings, who started blurring the lines and the rules and taking liberties where possible. She was the one unable to tell Bryce the truth. About her feelings or about her meddling.

But she also knew they were on borrowed time, and this might be the last chance she had to kiss him.

So she put as much as she could into it as she pulled his face to hers, hands on his cheeks and feeling the soft skin with a little bit of stubble beginning to come through, committing it to memory. Her lips pressed to his slowly but definitely, making sure each inch of herself was tied to him. With the kiss her head was filled with every other kiss they’d shared: at college, in the supply closet, at the housewarming party, and the many since. He wasn’t trying to force more like he had earlier, he seemed to be savouring it as much as she was, his lips sweet and slightly chapped but so familiar and Suki felt at home.

Kissing him was that to her.

She felt her face scrunch up as she kissed him, praying to god this wasn’t the last time. His familiar citrus scent washed over her and she never wanted to stop kissing him.

Reluctantly, but knowing she had to, Suki pulled her mouth from Bryce’s. Her eyes were glued shut and her forehead lulled against his, feeling his hair tickle her skin and his hot breaths wash over her face.

“Woah…” he exhaled, speechless to say much more.

Bryce’s kindness and the fact that she liked him so ridiculously much just meant that Suki’s guilt kept growing and growing. She just knew this couldn’t last.

—-

A couple of days passed by and Suki had been bogged down with work again, and hadn’t been able to see Bryce since that day. He’d texted a couple of times and seemed to be on rising spirits, so she was pleased about that.

It was just, every time she thought about Bryce, she couldn’t help but think about what she’d done.

Or about how the clock was ticking down until he found out.

And it was.

Bryce was back to work that day, he’d told her, and she was filled with anxiety the entire time.

Suki was on her way home later that day, just about to enter her apartment building when a voice stopped her in her tracks.

“We need to talk.” It was dark and low and every part of her went cold. She turned to face him, that face of her dreams stern and distant and everything she never wanted to see.

“Okay. There’s people home. We can go to the river.”

Bryce just nodded and started in the other direction.

Suki nervously followed behind him, afraid to catch up for she didn’t know what to say. Building in her chest were nerves and dread and like a hairline crack in her heart which she knew would expand soon enough.

She thought about the last time she saw him, the kiss they shared. How happy they’d been.

They came to the river as the sun was just setting, sparkling over the water like constellations. Bryce’s soft caramel skin was golden in the sunlight, the light reflecting in his eyes and Suki’s heart was put through a wringer just looking at him. Was this it? The last time she’d ever get to see him like this?

Suki searched her brain for ways to start, how to apologise, but Bryce beat her to it.

“Why, Suki?” It wasn’t anger, it was at a loss.

“Why what?” Bad move, Suki. He knows. There’s no point still lying to him.

“Why did you meddle in my business?”

“Because they had no right to do what they did.”

“You’ve made it worse! Now they’re never going to leave me alone! I don’t care about being liked I care about doing my fucking job! It was fine—it was over!” Bryce’s voice was now angry. Suki wasn’t sure which hurt worse. Or maybe they exacerbated each-other, like a hammer and a nail. The nail was the disappointment, and the anger just kept bruising it further into her chest.

“I- are you really pissed at me for standing up for you?” If she just let him know her intentions, maybe she could fix this.

“I’m pissed at you for going and stirring shit up! You crossed a line!”

“It wasn’t just me, Jackie was there too and I don’t see you yelling at her.”

“Well I’m not sleeping with Jackie!”

“What?” She spat.

“You-” his face scrunched up and she felt her heart scrunch with it, “you kissed me. Twice! Knowing you’d gone behind my back and disrupted things.”

“What did you mean you’re ‘not sleeping with Jackie’? Why does that mean we’re held to different standards?” She asked, her voice raised, ignoring his words because the truth hurt too much to say.

“And you didn’t tell me! You spent the entire day with me where you could’ve mentioned it and you didn’t even bother! I thought we were-” He ignored her too, but his voice halted like he couldn’t say what came next.

She couldn’t tell if his voice was breaking from the cold or the anger – but it was heartbreaking.

“No, I didn’t, because I had no clue how you’d react. And look! You’re so… mad,” as she said the last words her voice shook and it came out like a whisper. In fact, her hands started shaking too. Her eyes were beginning to blur from stinging tears welling at the bottom. She’d upset him – the last thing she ever wanted to do.

“You’re damn right I’m mad!” He yelled, and Suki flinched at the noise. “Your hand – you told me you shut it in a fucking car door! I saw his face Suki. You seriously hit him? For some stupid petty rumours?”

“Yes, I hit him,” she could really feel the tears coming as she spoke firm and loud, “he could’ve fucked everything up for you.” And it was cloying with her words, when it came to Bryce, it seemed the anger couldn’t come without pain, too.

“He’s not the only one who fucked things up for me. I mean, you violated my trust,” he shook his head, his hair blowing in the light breeze, “I trusted you,” he said this quieter, and Suki got the impression he wouldn’t have been able to yell it. It was hurt.

“And I ruined that.” I ruined everything. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry. I’ve never cared for someone like this.

“Yeah. You went behind my back on something I told you in confidence, and then lied to me about it. I feel so fucking—” he shook his head, at a loss for words. But he looked embarrassed.

“That wasn’t—I—just wanted to them to know how bad they fucked up! I was so mad that they did that to you.”

“It was months ago! It’s over, old news! And it was my problem to solve.”

“Well you matter to me! Okay?” It came out like a sneeze she couldn’t hold back and her heart was beating more rapidly as soon as she said it. Shit.

Bryce’s expression then was completely unreadable. Suki had no idea what was going on in his head. He just looked at her like that for a few moments, her statement hanging in the air like cigarette smoke. And then Bryce finally came out with something.

“We’re sleeping together Suki – what did you think you were doing?”

And her head was running like a machine; all cogs and whirring and sparks and clanging. The emphasis he’d put on that one word, and she knew where this was headed. Every bad dream, every nauseous predictive thought she’d had lately was laid out in front of her and coming true.

She didn’t want to ask her next question. But she had to. She had to. She knew it wouldn’t come out with any semblance of strength, but at this point, it didn’t really matter.

“So I am just a body to you?” she whispered it with a heaviness which hung in the air. They both knew this moment was going to change everything. There was no going back from here.

Bryce stared at her steely-eyed and jaw clenched so hard it looked like it might pop. She wasn’t prepared for his next word. She never would be.

“Yes.”

[sincerelyella]

So Close - Beautiful Monster Part 3

Book(s): The Royal Romance & Open Heart crossover (AU)

Pairings: Liam x Ella (MC); Ethan x MC

Characters belong to Pixelberry; Ella Brooks belongs to me.

Song inspiration: Beautiful Monster by Ne-Yo

Summary: Ella was stuck in between two men, Bryce and Ethan. When she had to make a choice, she ultimately chose Ethan … but he refused. Now what?

Catch up here –> So Close masterlist

A/N: An anon request that wanted an Ethan x MC x Bryce or Ethan x MC x OC scenario. This is what I plotted along with @dcbbw​​ and her brain 😘thank you so much Robin!

Warnings: Adult language; sexual innuendos

Word count: 1146

Greece, 2012

“Okay, Liam,” Ella slowed her steps and nervously looked around. “You said to wear ‘beach attire,’ yet I only saw a church, plants, and a bunch of … stone walls.” This is it. This is what my mom warned me about; beautiful psychos that woo unsuspecting women and murder them!

Liam let out a loud laugh that echoed throughout the walls. “It’s just up here,” he gently tugged her hand to follow him. “I told you, I’m showing you places no tour guide will take you.”

Ella followed him slowly; he was so tall that she couldn’t see past his massive frame. She stared up at the stone walls and was so engrossed in the vegetation that she didn’t notice Liam had stopped walking. She ran into his back and let out a muffled yell. “Gaaahh!” Ella felt his muscled body shake with laughter.

“Are you okay back there?” He turned around, lifted her off the ground in a flash, and settled her over his shoulder.

Ella yelped. “Hey! You blonde giant! Put me down!”

Liam let out a loud laugh. “Calm down,” he gently pushed back her legs so she wouldn’t knee him in the face. “I wanted to make this go quicker; it’ll take you forever if you walk on those little legs of yours.”

“You jerk!”

The pair laughed together until they got to a small inlet between the stone walls. Liam gently lowered Ella to the ground and turned her body to face the little creek. “Ohhhh …”

“This is the Potami Gorge,” Liam walked towards the water and gently took her hand in his. “So, the building we passed on the way here is the Metamorphosis tou Sotiros Byzantine church.”

“It was so beautiful,” she murmured as she gazed at the water in the front of her. “So is this.”

“Let’s get in,” Liam suggested as he began to strip.

“W-wait, what’re you doing?” Ella’s eyes widened as he took his shorts off and deposited them on the ground. His plain black boxer briefs hugged his ass, and she audibly swallowed as her gaze traveled up his back, to his broad shoulders and muscular arms. “Umm …”

“You okay?”

“Uh, yeah,” Ella quickly removed her dress and shivered as a cold breeze blew through the gorge.

“Come on,” he picked up her hand again and guided her into the water.

“Ohmigosh, it’s … warm!” Ella laughed and looked around as her voice echoed down the creek.

“There’s a surprise on the other side that I wanted to show you.”

The two followed the narrow gorge, and it led them to a mini waterfall that was just a little bit taller than Ella.

“A waterfall?!” She squealed.

“Yes, a waterfall,” Liam grinned, and Ella’s knees went weak. Thankfully, Liam quickly reached out and caught her before she looked like a complete idiot. “Whoa, hey, did you trip?”

“… something like that, yeah,” she stared into his clear blue eyes. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” he murmured and gently took her small hand into his. “I wanted to say that it’s been an amazing few days with you,” his thumb stroked her knuckles, and he felt nervous all of a sudden. “And I wanted to tell you something.”

“What?” Ella could feel her heart beating in her chest just a little too fast for her liking. It made her dizzy if she was honest, and she couldn’t stop looking at his lips. Maybe if I just …

“I-” Liam’s sentence cut off as Ella stood on her tiptoes and covered his mouth with hers. They stayed that way for several minutes, Liam’s hands tangled in her hair, cradling her head as Ella’s arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Ella pulled away first, both of them breathless and panting as they stared at each other.

“Sorry,” she giggled nervously. “I just-”

Liam leaned down and captured her lips once more, and Ella sighed. Another few minutes went by before he slowly pulled away. “It’s fine,” he whispered as he stroked her cheek gently.

Ella smiled. “What did you want to tell me?”

“I’m not from here-”

“You’re not?” Ella frowned. “You speak perfect Greek.”

“I speak a lot of languages perfectly,” he chuckled and let go of her waist; he turned around so Ella couldn’t see his face. “I’m from a small country that’s governed by a King and Queen.”

“Wow! Do … all of the people look like you?” Ella clapped her hand over her mouth. “I mean-”

Liam let out a loud laugh as he turned back around to face her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just … you kind of look like a Greek god, okay? Don’t let that get to your head or whatever,” Ella rolled her eyes as Liam leaned over to laugh even harder.

Present-day

“Your boss?” Liam glanced sideways at Ella with a confused look on his face then quickly turned back to Ethan.

“Yes, my boss,” Ella said more confidently as she met Ethan’s gaze. “Did you need something?”

Ethan swallowed quickly to try to make the lump in his throat disappear. “I needed to speak with you,” he glanced back at Liam. “Alone, please.

Ella placed her hand on Liam’s arm and looked up at him as he looked down at her. “It’s fine; I’ll just be a minute.”

Liam turned his head and made eye contact with Ethan before stepping back.

Ella approached Ethan with her brow raised. “Yes?”

“I came to find you,” Ethan licked his dry lips nervously before continuing. “Our … conversation earlier. I wanted to apologize.”

“Apologize?” Ella cocked her head to the side. “Ethan, you drove over here for that? You could have just called.”

He shook his head. “I wanted to do it in person. I wanted to tell you I was wrong. Then I saw you kissing … him,” he frowned and focused his glare behind Ella to stare at Liam.

“I’d be nice if I were you,” Liam warned, his tone frigid as he stepped forward. “I was trying to give Ella her privacy since you’re her boss, but it seems as if you want to have a confrontation.”

“I’d advise you to mind your business,” Ethan spat. “I’m here for Ella, not for you.”

“She doesn’t seem to want to speak to you,” Liam calmly responded. “And you interrupted a moment we were having,” he looked over at Ella and smirked. “Bringing back good memories from Greece.”

Ella’s eyes widened, and she could feel the heat rising from her neck to her cheeks. Ethan noticed how flustered she became, and his eyes narrowed. “Just what the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

Liam shrugged. “We were having a moment to ourselves, and we’d like to continue-”

Ethan saw red and, within a split second, raised his fist and lunged towards Liam. He heard nothing but Ella’s scream.

[path-of-my-childhood]

Aaron Dessner Talks Taylor Swift’s New Album folklore

By: Sam Sodomsky for Pitchfork Date: July 24th 2020

Like millions of people across the world, Taylor Swift spent the past few months in isolation, stuck at home, changing plans, reflecting on the past, and imagining new connections. One of those new connections was with Aaron Dessner, the multi-instrumentalist and producer from the National.

On release day, he called us from his home in the Hudson Valley to speak about their entirely virtual but highly collaborative process, sounding just as surprised as anyone. “Nobody needs to tell Taylor Swift how to write a song - and I certainly didn’t,” he says with a laugh. “But it did feel like we were going toe-to-toe pushing each other.”

What is your personal relationship with Taylor Swift’s music? I’ve always admired her craftsmanship and talent. But 1989 was the first one I was really listening to as a fan. My brother [Bryce Dessner, guitarist in the National] and I were in Iceland with [performance artist] Ragnar Kjartansson, and he’s a total Swiftie. It was the summer of 1989, and we’d be hanging out listening to it loud. Ragnar is an art historian, so he was just contextualizing every moment. It was a lot of fun. That’s when we became bigger fans.

When did you actually meet her for the first time? We met her at Saturday Night Live in 2014 when Lena Dunham was hosting. And then she came to see us play last summer in Prospect Park during this crazy torrential downpour. She was there with Antoni [Porowski] from Queer Eye. She talked a lot with my brother and me. That’s when we realized how much of a fan she was, and how lovely and down to earth. I don’t know that many people who have that sort of success, so it’s a nice feeling to realize they’re cool. That left a good impression.

She got in touch again at the end of April. I got a text and it said, “Hey it’s Taylor. Would you ever be up for writing songs with me?” I said, “Wow. Of course.” It was a product of this time. Everything we had planned got cancelled. Everything she had planned got cancelled. It was a time when the ideas in the back of your head came to the front. That’s how it started.

You ended up with a credit on 11 of the 16 songs. How did the collaboration get going? At the very beginning of March, Justin Vernon and I had gone to Texas to work on the new Big Red Machine album. I had been living with my family in France as COVID was starting to spiral out of control in Europe. I said to my wife that maybe they should come back to the States with me because I was worried about getting separated. So we got tickets, and my kids and wife flew to [the family’s home in] Upstate New York and I flew to Texas. I was there for a week, and by the time I got back Upstate, the borders were being shut and we got stuck. I have the Long Pond studio here, so in a way it was lucky.

I hunkered down here and started to write a ton of music - more than I ever have. I thought maybe they were National or Big Red Machine ideas or maybe something totally different. Things were happening.

So when [Taylor] reached out, I had this large folder of ideas that were pretty well on their way. She was very clear that she didn’t want me to edit any of my ideas; she wanted to hear everything that was interesting to me at this moment, including really odd, experimental noise. So I made a folder of stuff, including some pretty out-there sketches. A few hours later, she sent “Cardigan,” fully written in a voice memo. That’s when I realized that this was unusual—just the focus and clarity of her ideas. It was pretty astonishing. Over the next couple months, this would just happen; all of a sudden, I’d get a voice memo. And then another. Eventually, it was so inspiring that I wrote more ideas that were specifically in response to what she was writing.

When did it occur to you that an album was forming? There were moments when we started to reflect on what we were doing. The first three songs we wrote were “Cardigan,” “Seven,” and “Peace.” “Cardigan” is probably the closest to a pop song on the record—it’s this epic narrative. And then “Seven” was this nostalgic, wistful, emotional folk song. And then when she wrote “Peace,” I realized she can do anything! She is so versatile. It’s just a harmonized bassline with a pulse and a drone, and she basically wrote a Joni Mitchell love song to it. She only did one vocal take, and that’s what’s on the record.

Were you communicating through the whole process? Yeah. We were pretty much in touch daily for three or four months by text and phone calls. Some of it was about production and restructuring things but a lot of it was just excitement. We both felt that this was some of the best work we have done. That was a strange and surreal thing to have happen, especially at this time.

At one point I was randomly doxxed by right-wing conspiracy theorists who misidentified me as an Antifa organizer in Ohio, long story, but it was in the middle of all this work. I didn’t want to stress her out so I didn’t tell her. But at some point she laughed and said, “So you’re a notorious anarchist?” And I’m like, “Yeah, I was gonna mention that."

How did the collaboration with Bon Iver on “Exile” come about? Taylor wrote that one with the singer-songwriter William Bowery. When Taylor sent it to me as a voice memo, she sang both the male and female parts - as much as she could fit in without losing her breath. We talked about who she was imagining joining her, and she loves Justin [Vernon]’s voice in Bon Iver and Big Red Machine. She was like, “Oh my god, I would die if he would do it. It would be so perfect.” I didn’t want to put pressure on Justin as his friend, so I said, “Well, it depends on if he’s inspired by the song but I know he thinks you’re rad.” Which he does.

So I sent him the song and he was really into it. He tweaked some parts and added parts as well - the bridge where he says, “Step right out.” The end too, and his choral parts. It was fun because Justin and I work on a lot of stuff together, so it was very easy and natural. At some point I felt like a superfan, hearing two of my favorite singers. This was all being done remotely, but it was one of those moments where your head hits the back of the wall and you’re like, “Fuck. Okay.”

There is some fan debate over William Bowery’s identity - I’m not familiar with him. I’m not either. I haven’t actually met him because of social distancing, which is kind of funny. I think he’s a friend.

Did you feel the pressure of working with an artist at Taylor Swift’s level? I tried hard not to think about the scope or scale of making a record that would be heard by millions and millions of people. I did a pretty good job of tuning that out. Music for me is an emotional necessity. It’s therapy. It’s what I live and breathe. All these songs are things I was working on already, and we both felt there was some serendipity in the fact that we ended up in this situation together. I just stayed focused on that, on making this as good as we can.

As the release got closer, I almost thought it wouldn’t happen. Or maybe I just told myself that! The National guys will tell you the same thing - I tend to work until the last possible minute. I didn’t really have a moment to be like, “Holy shit! People are gonna hear this.” We were joking about it last night. I said, “So this actually happened?” And she goes, “Yep!”

What was it like working under total secrecy? There was no outside influence at all. In fact, nobody knew, including her label, until hours before it was launched. For someone who’s been in this glaring spotlight for 15 years, it’s really liberating to have some privacy and work on her own terms. She deserves that. At times, if I wanted friends to play on the record, it was a little difficult because you can’t send a file with her vocals. But everyone was cool. At the end, I reached out to some wizards just to add bits, and that was nice. It was kind of fun: “What? Why can’t you tell me, Aaron?” Then they start guessing. Everyone made a game out of it.

Is there any music that was left on the cutting room floor? There are things I feel could still be songs. It does feel like an ongoing collaboration. Now Taylor is starting to help with other things. We’re bouncing other ideas off each other, whether it’s Big Red Machine or other things. There’s a community aspect. I think that’s how music should be.

[crystalwillow]

Fixing A Broken Heart, Part Two

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Casey Valentine (F!MC)

Mentioned: Bryce Lahela, Sienna Trinh

Included: Alan Ramsey, Casey’s mom

Word Count: 7.2K

Disclaimer: This will be the last part of this series. The ending may leave some of you wanting a Part Three, but there is just no way I could physically write one. I will try and give as much closure as possible, but please bear in mind this is the final part. I’ve loved taking this journey with you in going through a small window of teenage Casey and Ethan’s lives.

Sending you much love and many thanks for joining me on this journey 🥰✨

Lahamseiroshoe (Georgia) ❤️✨

--- Ethan & Casey, Current Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (French Region) ---

The first 2 weeks of their backpacking trip around Europe was difficult for them both. Casey had moments where her heartbreak kicked in so bad she didn’t want to move from the hotel room they had booked. And it was difficult for Ethan because he hated seeing her so broken over a guy who couldn’t give two shits about her and was probably with some other bleach blonde tramp who’s sipping a fruity drink because unlike Casey she can’t shoot a whiskey or a combo on the pool table. Today was one of those days, it was currently almost 2 pm and Casey hadn’t moved to go anywhere but the bathroom since she woke up at 7 am.  Ethan was in the kitchen making her a sandwich with a few ingredients they had brought at the market the previous day, and as a treat, he had gone out earlier that day and brought them a cinnamon roll each. Letting out a deep sigh he cut the sandwich and placed everything on a chopping board, using it as a tray, and carried it to the bedroom.

When he entered he saw Casey crying at her phone screen, eyes even redder and puffier than when he had seen her roughly an hour ago. He placed the chopping board on the side and sat in front of her.

“Give me that.” He said in a kind yet demanding tone as he held his hand out for her phone.

Casey shook her head and continued crying. “WHY? Maybe he’d like me if I dye my hair and acted stu-”

“No!” Ethan exclaimed. “You are not dying your hair bleach blonde. And you are not acting like an airhead to get back some douchebag who broke your heart!” he continued with a softness to his voice as he slipped Casey’s phone from her hands, locking it and putting it in his pocket.

Casey looked at him through her tears before breaking down again. Sighing as his face fell, Ethan pulled her into a tight hug and felt his heartbreak even more as she clung to him tighter than she had before. He gave her back gentle rubs and whispered reassurances to her. But what he wanted to do was kiss the tears off of her face and her lips with the loving she deserves. Eventually, her cries subsided, and she pulled away from the hug.

“Sorry.” She sniffed, wiping his shoulder.

“No.”

“What?”

“Don’t you dare apologize for feeling and healthily processing your emotions.”

Casey blinked at him blankly. “You’re such an amazing guy. Why do people hate you?”

Ethan shrugged.

“And why have you chosen to let me in and see this side of you? why the new girl?”

“Wow.” He chuckled. “I don’t know. Probably something to do with the fact you didn’t grow up as a young child with me and don’t know the story of my mother leaving. And the fact you aren’t judgmental of the things I do others perceive as ‘weird’ because it’s not normal.”

“But I do unique things too. It’s what makes me so different and special. Like each batch of toys from a factory that has a unique batch code. But there aren’t batches of humans that do the same weird things. It’s only you. And I-” she rambled but cut herself off before she went too far.

Ethan gave her a kind smile. “I brought us some food through.” He explained, pointing over at it.

“Is that the kitchen chopping board?” Casey chuckled, squinting to get a closer look.

“Yes.”

She threw her head back and laughed loudly, Ethan breaking out in a large smile before laughing along with her. He was glad that had cheered her up a little bit. Together, they sat and ate the lunch that Ethan had prepared for them.

“Oh, when we reach our next place, Sienna needs me to call her,” Casey said as she finished her cinnamon roll, and Ethan nodded.

They spent the rest of the day snuggled on the couch watching movies on the TV until they woke up the next morning to the alarm going off on Ethan’s phone signaling they needed to get up and head to the airport.

“Where are we headed next?” Casey asked with a yawn as she folded the few pieces of clothing still on the bed she was sleeping in and placed them in her suitcase.

“We’re heading into Italy.”

“Our first week and a half long stop!” Casey perked up.

Ethan gave a soft smile and nod.  “Excited?”

“Excited is an understatement.” She smiled, pulling her coat on.

Ethan continued smiling at her as he shrugged on his backpack. “Have you got everything?”

Casey double-checked her belongings and the room before nodding. “Yup.”

“Awesome. Let’s go and check out and get to the airport.”

Casey led the way with a pep in her step and Ethan was happy to see she was in a better frame of mind after some sleep. A taxi ride to the airport and plane journey later, they stepped out of the main doors of the airport in Florence, and Casey took in a deep breath of fresh air with a smile.

“Let’s get to the hotel as quickly as possible!” she enthused as she looked over at Ethan.

Once they were settled in their hotel room, Casey sat on the couch with her notebook, sketching the view she could see from the hotel room. Ethan was in the bedroom looking over their plans whilst they were in Florence and picked something out.

“Casey??” he called out.

“Yeah?” she answered, concentrating on her sketch.

“Do you want to go out for coffee tomorrow?”

“Sure!”

Ethan smiled to himself before replying “Cool!” then going to grab a shower.

Casey had already stated that she would shower before bed as she just wanted to give herself time to fully settle in as this was their first longer stop on their trip. She was finishing up the last of the shading on her sketch when he entered the room about 45 minutes later, rubbing his wet hair with a towel.

“You okay in here?” he asked as he sat down in the chair next to the couch.

“Yep. Just sketching the view.” She explained and turned her notebook to face him.

“Woah!” he gasped. “Could I take a closer look?”

“Of course!” she replied, placing the notebook in his outstretched hand as she stood to stretch. “I’m going to go and look at the room service menu, do you want anything?”

“No, I’m okay thanks.” He smiled, leaning back in the chair taking a closer look at her sketch. The more he looked at it, the more he noticed it was on a page quite far into the book. He knew it was wrong because he didn’t have her permission, but he flicked back a page and was amazed at what he saw. So he kept flicking back. A sketch of each place they had been so far filled the other pages, plus a sketch of her dog. Ethan was mesmerized, the attention to detail was amazing. He closed the book and placed it on the table as he heard Casey reapproach the living area of the room.

“All ordered. I got something for you anyway. You are in no way pulling a “No I’m okay thank but I plan to steal yours” on me Mr. Ramsey.” She chuckled as she reclaimed her seat. Ethan chuckled along with her.

“Have you called Sienna since we got here?” he asked curiously. 

“No. I planned on doing it after I’ve showered and am getting ready for bed.” 

“About that. I’m sorry about the mix-up and the fact we only have one bed.”

“It’s okay. Are you sure you’re okay taking the couch though? Because I’ll happily swap, you’re paying for this place so I feel like you should take the bed.”

“Casey. I would join you if it was a double, but it’s a single. I’ll be fine on the couch. It’s only a few days.”

“Well… if you’re sure.”

Ethan nodded with a kind smile as Casey packed her supplies away then patted the spot next to her.

“Come sit with me. We can watch TV whilst we wait for our food.”

“You just want a cuddle because you miss your plushies at home.”

“So what if I do? Is it such a bad thing you’re the current replacement?”

With a slight chuckle, Ethan took a seat next to Casey and she snuggled into him as he turned the TV on adding subtitles for them to follow along. Shortly after they had just settled properly, room service arrived with their meal, Ethan let them in and they placed the food on the dining table in the room before leaving after Ethan and Casey had both thanked them for bringing the food. Shortly after room service had left, Ethan and Casey sat around the table and were digging into their food, complimenting it by making little moans of satisfaction. 

“Oh my gosh! … THIS, is the best cheesecake I’ve ever had. It might even beat my moms.”

Ethan raised his eyebrows. “It’s that good?”

“Try some.” Casey smiled, holding her fork at him with some cheesecake on it. Ethan leaned forwards and took the bite in his mouth, Casey slowly retracting the fork and watching as Ethan ate and processed the flavors. 

“...wow,” Ethan said after a moment of silence. “That is….” 

“Right?! It’s the perfect creaminess mixed with the perfect amount of tartness from the raspberries. It’s almost like food heaven.”

“Almost, not quite though. If you added a sprig of mint…”

“Oh my…” Casey gasped as she practically drooled, earning a chuckle from Ethan.

Before they knew it, it was time for bed and Casey still felt bad that Ethan was giving up the bed for her and slowly trailed into the living room and plopped herself in the chair. 

“Are you okay?” Ethan muttered from behind his book

“Mhm.” Casey hummed as she wrapped the blanket around her and zoned out. 

Ethan finished the chapter in his book and placed it on the table before looking at Casey who was now falling asleep in the chair. “Hey. Go to bed,” he whispered to her but got no response. “Casey….” he whispered, sitting up to look at her. 

“Shhh,” she said lazily and a ghost of a smile crossed Ethan’s face as he got up to carry her back to bed. As he was pulling the covers over her to make sure she was tucked in properly, Casey opened her eyes and looked at him. “What are you doing?” she groaned sleepily.

“Putting you to bed,” Ethan explained with a quiet softness.

“But it’s not fa-”

“Nope. I won’t hear that. It’s perfectly fine. I’ll be okay.” 

“Promise?”

“I promise. Now, get your sleep.”

“Okay. Goodnight Ethan. I love you.”

Ethan froze for a moment before smiling and pecking her forehead. “I love you too, Casey. Goodnight.” 

Casey closed her eyes with a smile as she fell back into a deep slumber for the night. 

The next morning, Casey was up early and replying to Sienna’s latest message with an apology, explaining that jet lag suddenly caught up with her and she fell asleep out of nowhere when she came online and started typing just as Casey sent her message. After a short while of messaging, it was decided that Casey would take a quick shower and then call Sienna. On the call, Sienna ranted about how she was now officially done with Bryce. He was officially nothing but a dumbass frat fuckboy who didn’t give a shit about anybody’s emotions anymore and had stood her up 5 times in the past week. Casey winced and replied with how she’s sorry he’s now acting like a complete idiot towards her, and how she wished she was in America right now because she would come and visit her for a while. One thing was now clear for sure though, Bryce Lahela was officially a FAH. A fake ass hoe. And Casey and Sienna both agreed they did not need a FAH in their lives. Both knew deep down when everything about Bryce’s new lifestyle crashed and burned in front of his very eyes, he would come crawling back to them groveling about how he was wrong and an idiot. But, Casey knew that by then she would hopefully be well on her way to being over him and she would have Ethan by her side to protect her. He’d promised that he would be, and Ethan Ramsey was not one to break his promises. 

“Oi! Casey.” Ethan called from the bedroom doorway as he held out his hand.

“Yeah?.. Oh!” Casey smiled as she noted his outstretched hand, getting up from the bed and taking it in her own. “When did you wake up?” 

“Whilst you were dissing Lahela on the phone.” 

“You heard all that?”

“Not all of it. Just some. I’m proud of you though.”

“You are?”

“Mhm. You’ve come a long way, in a short amount of time. Most girls, or boys, would still be hung up on him and trying to get him back. But I’ve known you long enough to know that you, Casey Valentine, are not like most girls.” 

Casey smiled at Ethan as they sat down on the couch together and he naturally wrapped his arm around her shoulders, tugging her to his chest gently. They looked out at the view together for a while before Casey sighed deeply.

“What’s up?” Ethan asked, still transfixed on the view. 

“I’m going to the bedroom. I need to journal something real quick. I’ll be back soon.” Casey explained, quickly pressing a soft kiss to his jaw then speed walking to the bedroom and closing the door. 

The kiss pulled Ethan back into the moment and he stared after her as she went to the bedroom, a ghost of a smile gracing his features as he softly strokes the spot she just kissed with his index finger. 

Over the next week and a half they done everything from visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, to trying out local coffee shops in the area. After leaving Florence they flew all around Europe before making a decision that with the spare funds they had left over, to take a last minute trip to England and road trip from the south to the north, before catching their flight home. As they sat on the plane for the last two hours of the flight, Casey started to stir from her slumber. Ethan turned his head to make sure she was okay. 

“Hey.” He whispered, kind smile on his features. 

Casey smiled back in greeting and gave him a hug. Which he returned as best he could, given their confined space. A couple hours later as their plane taxied along the runway, Casey looked out of the window with a smile. 

“Happy?” Ethan questioned

“Yeah. It’s going to sound weird…” she trailed off as she turned back to look at him, contemplating her next words, “... but I feel like I’m finally home.” 

She braced herself for impact of him laughing at her, but it never came. Instead he gave an understanding smile and small nod as they were given permission to unbuckle their seatbelts. As they stood at the baggage claim, and old lady turned to them. 

“You two make a beautiful couple.” She smiled

“Oh. No ma’am, we’re not-” Ethan stuttered, trying to correct her as kindly as possible.

“Oh and you’re American. What parts is that accent from? New York?”

Ethan stood there stumped and looking the Casey for help.

She smiled at the lady. “We’re from Boston.” 

“Ahhh New England.” 

Casey nodded, still smiling. “But we aren’t a couple. At least not yet…” she trailed off smiling at the befuddled looking Ethan. 

“Oh! I beg your pardon. I thought you were together.”

“It’s okay.” Casey giggled, “I do want him to be my boyfriend. But he’s my best friend, currently helping me heal my broken heart.” She whispered leaning towards the lady conspiratorially as Ethan grabbed their bags as they came round on the conveyor belt.

The lady gave a her a knowing nod “Well, when you’re ready dear. Make sure he’s made aware, most men these days are oblivious to the most obvious of things.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. Though… I don’t think I’ll need to do much with this one. He already has feelings for me and we’ve been on this kind of weird “date” thing a couple months ago when we graduated.” 

“Oh, what are you doing when you go back to education?”

“Medical studies. We want to become doctors, diagnosticians to be more specific. Ethan will excel faster than me though, he’s more perceptive and observant than I am. I’m good, but… he’s better” Casey smiled up at him, and he smiled back. 

“You ready to go?” He asked.

“Yeah. Just one second,” she nodded, turning back to the lady. “It was lovely talking to you.”

“You too dear. And uh,” she gestured for Casey to come closer, “when you have babies, they’re going to be beautiful.” She whispered and gave a kind smile as Casey stood back to her full height.

“Thank you.” She smiled, then with a wave over her shoulder, followed Ethan out of the airport.

Once they were outside, Ethan gave Casey an inquisitive brow and Casey smiled back. “What?” 

“Nothing. Just… wondering.” 

“About?” 

“Nothing.” 

Casey laughed. “I know you better than that Ethan Ramsey. There’s something on your mind. Spill!” 

Ethan regarded her closely for a moment before finally choosing to speak, “It’s just. When we get home. Would you… Can I…”

Casey waited patiently as he stumbled over his words. 

“I’d really like to take you out. On a proper date. An adult one. With meals. And wine. In a restaurant with dim romantic lighting. Because I really like you. And uh, you look gorgeous in dresses. I mean you’re gorgeous anyway. Smoking hot actually. Ugh no that’s cringe, forget that. You’re like the honey on my toast in the-”

Casey pressed a gentle finger to his mouth with a small giggle. “You’re too cute Ethan. But yes. I’ll let you take me out when we get home.”

“Really?!” He clamped his hands over his mouth as his exclamation drew in some stares, Casey giggled again with a nod.

On the flight over they changed their plans to just stay in London this time round and visit all of the historical sites they could, so they jumped in a cab and headed to the nearest hotel, in hopes they had a spare room for a couple of nights. It took them a couple of tries but eventually, before nightfall, they found a hotel room. It was a double, but it was okay for them. They were friends who could restrain themselves, unlike some people in this situation who would take it and then go at each other like rabbits in heat.

They entered the room and placed their suitcases in the corner of the bedroom, before sitting on the bed. 

“Ethan?”

“Mm?”

“I’m tired and super hungry. Can we grab something quick to eat and then snuggle in this super comfy bed and sleep?” 

“I couldn’t be hearing sweeter words formed into a suggestion right now.”

Casey chuckled.

“What?” Ethan asked, eyebrows raised

“You. You’re so dorky and cute.”

“And you’re not?”

“Oh. We’re playing that game huh?” 

“Yes,” he smirked, “we’re playing that game.”

Casey shook her head lightly with a laugh, preparing her going out bag with her lipgloss, phone, pepper spray and wallet. She swapped her shoes for some comfier walking shoes as Ethan stuffed his wallet in his pocket, phone in the other. Casey stored their keycard safely in her bag and together they headed out into the streets of London to find some food. They don’t know when, but at some point along their route, they’re fingers had lightly intertwined. Ethan walked along watching Casey take in the sights with wonderment. She looked like a kid shaking a snow globe. The tip of her nose was turning red from the evening chill, he could see every exhale she made, and her eyes danced in the reflection of the street lights as light turned slowly to dark and the stars above them became visible. After a while, Casey spired a burger van and tugged Ethan over. 

“Two of your largest burgers please. One with cheese, onions and barbecue sauce, the other with fried onions and ketchup.” She enthused without even turning to ask Ethan what he wanted.

“Would that be everything?” The vendor asked

“Ummm. Could I also get a medium portion of chips please. Salted, no vinegar.”

The vendor smiled as she rang up the total “That would be £11.78 please”

Casey rifled through her wallet and pulled out a £20 note from amongst other notes from other countries she’d kept. Ethan would be protesting right now if he weren’t so amazed by how at home Casey was looking right now. Giving over the right amount and accepting change without hesitation, smiling and being friendly as if she was of British descent, not American. The kindness and happiness that shone from her eyes like the sun blinded him, yet he was transfixed by it. Enamoured almost. Once the food was ready, they took it with thanks and walked until they found a park bench to sit on and enjoy it. The warmth was welcomed in the chilled air that surrounded them. 

“Casey?” Ethan spoke, now half way through his burger.

“Mm?”

“How did you know?”

“Know what?”

“How I like my fries?” 

“You mean chips?” 

Ethan chuckled with a slight shake of his head. “Yes. I mean chips.” 

“Simple. I observe.” She smiled back, popping one in her mouth. 

“What do you want to do tomorrow?” 

“Mmmmm,” Casey hummed as she took another bite of her burger. “I think we should start with the London Eye. Then from there, we can go anywhere that has free entry to the public.” 

“Like a museum maybe?”

“I’d love to visit a museum with you.” 

“Really? It’s not too… old man-ish?”

“Being interested in the history of the world? Heck no. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world today. Well… second most beautiful.”

“What’s the first?”

“Us.”

“Us?”

“Yeah. I couldn’t give myself the title, it felt wrong. Then giving you sole ownership felt biased. So I went with wrongly biased and gave us joint first.” 

Ethan smiled as he swallowed his food and Casey beamed back. “What?”

“That’s so you.”

“So me?! What do you mean??!”

“I mean you’re predictable. Sometimes”

“Uh! A batda- uffn- ppfftt-!” She spluttered as Ethan started to chuckle and then full belly laugh at her. 

“Hmph.” She sulked, eating more of her burger. “Fuck ya snuggles. Im sleeping on the floor.” She pouted as she chewed which only made Ethan laugh harder. 

“You- oh gosh. Hahahaaaaa. Aw you’re too cute Casey Jane.” He said as he calmed down, wiping the tears from his eyes. Yet Casey remained pouting and mad. 

“Predictable. I’ll give you predictable. Asshole.” She muttered to herself. 

Ethan chuckled and they finished their meal in silence before throwing out their rubbish and heading back to the hotel. As they entered the room, Casey was still in a mood at Ethan for say she’s predictable so grumpily, she stomped to the bathroom and turned on the shower, locking the door behind her. Ethan chuckled and shook his head as he shrugged his jacket off and slipped off his shoes, placing them in the corner of the room. About an hour later, Casey suddenly screamed from the bathroom and came out wrapped in a towel, hair dripping a couple of minutes later.

“Casey!” Ethan shouted as he startled awake.

“I’m fine. The water just turned cold.”

“Casey.” He sighed, “I thought you were in danger.” 

“No.” 

“It’s been a while. Can you snap out of your funk now? You know I was teasing you.” 

“Hmph.” 

“Snuggle muffin.” 

“No. You will not- Ethan I’m soaking wet!!” She yelped as he got up and in a couple strides was giving her a hug. 

“I don’t care. You could be molten lava for all I care. I’d still hug you.”

She tried to resist his cuteness and charm but she was putty in his hands. She let herself melt and mold to his body. “But now you’ll need to change your clothes.” She spoke quietly.

“I’d need to have done it when I woke up anyway. So…” 

Casey sighed contently as she wrapped her arms around his torso and squeezed slightly, breathing in his scent. 

“What are we for now?” Ethan asked.

“What do you mean?” 

“Well, we’re obviously friends. But…”

“We flirt?”

“Exactly.”

“Well, we’re exactly that Ethan. Friends who flirt. We have feelings for each other and we know they’re mutual. We respect each other’s boundaries and have the best times together. I have amazing memories with Sienna, but some of my best are with you.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Take this trip for example. Are you telling me you haven’t had fun?” 

“No. Of course I have. I’ve had tons of fun with you. From Spain to Italy and all the way to where we are now. I’ve enjoyed every step. Well… apart from the handful of times we’ve argued.” 

Casey stifled a chuckle, “yeah. They were…. not the best. Though. I still say you looked good in that blue and pink Hawaiian print shirt.” 

“I looked awful.”

“You did not! You looked comfortable and happy and… well…” she trailed off as she got lost in his cerulean blues, gently placing her lips on his as she softly closed her eyes. Ethan was hesitant at first, but the longer Casey kept her lips on his, his hesitation melted away and he kissed back softly, drinking in every ounce of her delicate and loving affection. Noting how she smelt distinctly of delicate roses. When the pulled back, Ethan opened his eyes to be met by Casey’s forest greens looking up at him, the softest of smiles on her face. Neither of them said it, but it was conveyed in the matching gaze they gave each other.

‘I love you so much.’ 

/// Back In Boston /// 

Four days later Casey and Ethan got out of a cab outside Casey’s house. They knew her mom would be at work, so they had planned to settle Casey in and store Ethan’s bags in the guest room as he was staying for a few days until the jet lag had worn off completely. As they took their bags from the trunk of the car, they laughed and joked before thanking the driver and watching him leave. Though neither of them were expecting to run into someone one the doorstep. 

Ethan’s jaw clenched and he moved protectively in front of Casey who was now stricken with a mix of emotion, but the main one was panic. What was he doing here? Why was he here? How did he know when to come? 

Casey could feel the fear starting to rise in her chest and so she reached forward to grab Ethan’s arm but he had already reached backwards for her hand with his. She quickly grabbed it as she swallowed harshly. 

“Ethan..” she trembled.

“Shhhh. It’s okay petal. I won’t let him near you” he whispered over his shoulder. Casey gave a small nod, drawing herself closer to him. 

Ethan kept his gaze on Bryce who was walking closer towards them. “Casey.” Bryce started but was immediately cut off by Ethan.

“Why are you here?” 

“Who are you?”

“I think you know who I am.”

The two men stared each other down. Ethan squeezing Casey’s hand in reassurance as her trembling increased. 

“Ethan.” Bryce spat. 

“Got it in one. I should give you an award. Your could add it to your cabinet.” 

“What?” 

“You heard me. Fuckboy.” Ethan started to snarl.

“E.” Casey spoke in a small voice. 

“Shh. It’s okay. I’m not gonna do anything rash.” Ethan reassured. 

“No E. I… I feel sick.” 

At those words his attention snapped from Bryce and he turned to her aid. “What is it? Jet lag? Hunger? Period related? Food poisoning?” 

“I-It’s him. I. The memories. The pain. The.. the…” she stuttered, breaking down and shuddering violently.

Ethan nodded understandingly and took her into his firm embrace. “You need to leave. Now.” He hissed over his shoulder at Bryce.

“No way! I came to talk to Ca-”

“LEAVE. NOW!” Ethan boomed with authority in his voice as he held Casey close, covering her ears to lessen the volume of his voice. 

“Fine. I don’t know why I’d wanna try and fix things with such a fragile bitch anyway.” Bryce spat.

Ethan’s muscles and jaw tensed as Bryce spat out his words and it took everything in him not to follow and punch him square in the nose as he deserved. But the shaking body in his arms was his anchor in that moment. Casey needed him more than Bryce needed a good face rearrangement. Soon Ethan had calmed Casey down enough to get her inside. They left their bags by the door and made their way up to her room. It was exactly how she left it, with the edition of some fresh flowers and small tupperware on her desk with a note. But for now she wanted to ignore it, Ethan dumped his bag, shoes and jacket in a heap on the floor, Casey halfheartedly doing the same as Ethan pulled the covers back. 

“Come on. Let’s get some rest. We’ll read the note later.” He said softly.

Casey slid underneath the covers and snuggled into his arms. She sniffled as she settled down feeling safe in his arms. Slowly her nauseous feeling started to settle as she focused in on his breathing and the gentle rising and falling of his chest, which lulled her into a peaceful sleep. Later when they awoke it was the middle of the night. 

“Wow. Jet leg must have hit.” Casey croaked, snuggling back into Ethan’s arms.

“Must have. But look. Food.” 

Casey’s head popped up in a fashion similar to that of a meerkat making Ethan chuckle quietly as he pointed to a tray by the door. The room dimly lit by Casey bedside lamp. 

“Mom’s homemade curry!” She gasped and jumped out of bed with a stumble.

“Careful.” Ethan warned.

“Sorry. I’m hungry.”

“Well I think both myself and your mom would prefer it if you stayed just hungry. Not hungry with a broken leg or arm.”

Casey giggled as she retrieved the tray and brought it back to her bed. 

“Are you not going to reheat it?”

“And wake mom with the microwave. You know I can’t do that.”

“Then I’ll do it for you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know. But I want to.” 

Casey sighed with feigned annoyance at how insistent he was being, then waited as he took the tray to reheat their food. He returned 10 minutes later, the plates on the tray piping hot and glasses of water added to the tray. Casey’s eyes almost popped out of her head as she smelt the food. 

“Gimme gimme gimme.” She enthused and Ethan laughed quietly.

“You that hungry?”

“Yes.”

“Well then I guess I should eat both of these.” 

“Wait. What?!” 

“I’m kidding. Let’s get comfy on the floor.”

“What’s wrong with my desk?”

Ethan looked at it and then back at Casey with a smile. “Right.” 

“Midnight brain.” 

“Huh?” 

“You weren’t thinking properly. I call it midnight brain.” 

“You might wanna um… think about changing that.”

“What? Wh- Oh Ethan!”

“What!?”

“Get your mind out of the gutter you dirty bastard!” Casey exclaimed, boshing him over the head with a cushion. Ethan laughed as he defended himself with his hand trying to grab the cushion from her as he balanced the tray on his forearm, but she tossed it back beside her and rose to her feet, making space at her desk for the tray. 

They sat together and watched a movie on Casey’s computer in a comfortable silence, lowly muttering at each other occasionally. After the movie, Casey took the glasses and plates down to the kitchen on the tray whilst Ethan used the bathroom. They stayed up to let their food settle watching medical and true crime documentaries until the sun started to rise, peeking through Casey’s curtains. As he turned to look out of the window, Ethan let out a deep yawn and stretched his hands over his head. 

“You can go back to bed if you want.” Casey smiled.

“Only if you join me.” 

“Why’s that?”

“Because.”

“That’s not a valid enough reason.”

“Of course it is. Women use it all the time.” 

Casey laughed. “You cease to amaze me Ethan Ramsey.”

“Why’s that?”

She could see what he was doing and gave him a smirk. “You’re always full of it. That’s why. And don’t think you can ever outsmart me but flipping the question back onto me again.”

“Why’s that?” He smirked, trying his luck a second time.

“Because you will never outsmart me. I know you too well for you to do so. I also know the reason you’ll only go back to bed if I agree to join you.”

“Oh?”

“You hate sleeping alone. You’ve slept beside me for so long, and you like me so much that you’re currently in the honeymoon phase of crushing. You don’t like spending a single waking moment away from me if you can help it.”

Ethan stared at her stunned. How could she tell this? Was he really being so obvious? He quickly regained his composure and cleared his throat, shooting Casey a smile.

“And what if you’re wrong?”

“Then I’m wrong. But we both know I just hit the nail on the head there. Don’t we?” she smirked.

Ethan sighed deeply, admitting defeat this time with a chuckle as he blushed red. A shy smile lighting up his features. With a shrug he tilted his head towards Casey’s bed, and after a brief smile, they clambered back into bed, snuggling together and fell back into their slumber. 

As the days and weeks passed and eventually turned into months, Casey and Ethan were closer than ever. Bryce hung around Boston for a while longer, refusing to leave until he had spoken to Casey, but… Casey didn’t want to talk so until she was, she decided to file a restraining order against him so she could heal safely and not worry about having him turn up on her doorstep again. After he left, Casey got a job at the local ice-cream parlor, whilst Ethan got a job as a cleaner at the mall. Working around their work schedules they arranged their first proper date. 

One evening after she finished work, Casey arrived home to find Ethan and his dad chilling in the living room with her mom. 

“Oh! Hey. If I’d have known we had guests I would have tried to get home sooner.” She smiled apologetically.

“It’s okay, sweetie. You’re home now.” Her mom smiled back. 

“Yeah. Uh. I’m gonna go and grab a shower quickly. Um..” she smiled, awkwardly backing out of the room.

“Okay. Come and join us once you’re ready.” 

“I will, mom.” 

Casey backed out of the room and then turned sharply on her heel, making her way upstairs. 

“I’m gonna refill my water.” Ethan excused as he left the room too, following Casey. 

“Babe?” 

“Ah!” Casey screamed, covering her chest with her towel. 

“Oh! Gosh! Sorry!” Ethan stammered, closing his eyes and Casey took the moment to tie her robe around her securely.

“What did you want?” 

“To see if you’re okay. You were acting strange.”

“I’m tired. It’s been a long day.” 

“Is that all it is?”

“Yes.” 

“I don’t believe that somehow.” 

“Well that’s your decision.”

“I guess so. Can I… open my eyes now?”

“Also your decision.”

Cautiously, Ethan opened his eyes and looked at Casey. His heart immediately ached at the tiredness on her face. “Why don’t we have a chill night tonight? Maybe hang with our parents and finally share our pictures we took in Europe.”

“Uh yeah. Yeah, that would be… nice.” she smiled, “I just need to uh… shower first.”

“Of course!” Ethan exclaimed, “I’ll be downstairs waiting for you.” 

“Okay.”

Ethan turned and started walking out of her room when she called out to him,

“Ethan, wait!”

“Yes?” He asked, turning back around to face her. 

“Could.. could I get a hug? Please?” She blushed 

“Of course you can! You don’t have to ask for those, you can steal them. I’ve told you.” 

Casey walked forward and stepping into his outstretched arms, the warmth and comfiness of his chest a welcome reprieve from the chaos happening in her mind. She inhaled deeply, breathing in his scent. “I missed you today.” She whispered into his shirt. 

“I missed you too, pumpkin.” He said, kissing her temple gently. 

After her shower, Casey collected the photos from their trip and headed downstairs now more relaxed.

“Hey.” She said, entering the room and taking the empty seat next to Ethan. 

“Hey sweetie, feel better?” 

“Yeah.”

“Hello, Casey.” Alan smiled

“Hi, Alan.” She smiled back, “Um… me and Ethan wanted to share our pictures with you. If that’s okay.” She hesitated 

“Oh honey of course!” Her mom exclaimed, shutting off the television and they gathered around the dinner table. 

“Okay. So as you know, our first stop was Spain.” Casey started. “And this,” she placed a photo down. “Is the first picture we took after we arrived.

Ethan chuckled, “you look so grumpy.” 

“Well, you woke me up!”

“I couldn’t just leave you in the plane!”

Alan and Casey’s mom chuckled at their little debate. 

“Anyway…” Casey continued, “this.” She laughed, “Is Ethan in an outfit I brought him and made him wear to the beach” 

Alan gawffed picking up the picture. “That’s a nice colour on you son. Pink and blue is definitely your scene.” 

“Ugghhhh daaaaddd.” Ethan groaned, covering his face

Casey laughed and they continued sharing pictures. They were having a fun time explaining their travels when Casey froze as something fell out from between the photos. 

“Oh!” She exclaimed, scrambling to collect it but Ethan beat her to it.

“Casey…” he gasped, staring down at the piece of paper in awe, “this is…. it’s… me.” 

Casey was blushing a deep shade of crimson, eyes fixed on the table in front of her as she nodded shyly. 

“It’s-”

“Awful.” She said, cutting him off and snatching it from him. 

“I-”

“Excuse me.” 

Casey abruptly left the dining room and ran up the stairs.

“I should-”

“No, son. Give her a minute.” Alan said with a sad smile, gently grabbing Ethan’s wrist to stop him. 

“But she-”

“Needs reassurance and calming down. I know. But I think this would be best done by her mother first. Don’t you?” 

Ethan’s gaze flicked from his father to Casey’s mom before he sat back down and gave a nod. “Of course. I um- excuse my forwardness. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just… I care about her. Deeply.” 

“I know you do dear,” Casey’s mom smiled, “I’m thankful that you do. I’ll just go up and speak with her, then hopefully she’ll see you.” 

Ethan nodded and waited with his father in the dining room. The minutes ticked by in an agonising wait as Ethan continuously paced back and forth. 

“Son, come and sit down. The time won’t pass any faster with you pacing than in would if you sat still.” 

“I can’t dad. I’m.. she’s everything to me. Even though it’s just embarrassment, it’s still a big thing. Right?”

“Of course it is. The sketch was beautiful, we saw it but. She definitely wanted to keep it to herself. At least for now.”

Ethan nodded in enthused agreement. “And how do I ease her mind about me seeing it. I mean, yourself and her mom seeing it is one thing. But myself?” 

“Be gentle. Don’t bring it up unless she does. Or gives you an opening to do so.” 

“Is that all? Just… be as nice as I already am to her?” 

“Even more so. Just, like I said. Be gentle.”

Casey’s mom re-entered the room as Alan finished speaking and gave them a somber smile, “She… said you can see her. If you want. But I must warn you, she’s still a little mortified.” 

“Of course. Understandably so. But thank you.”

Ethan smiled gratefully at Casey’s mom before heading upstairs and knocking on Casey’s door. 

“It’s open.”

Gently pushing it open, Ethan ventured inside carefully and found Casey on her window seat looking out over Boston. 

“Pretty beautiful out there, huh?” He said barely above a whisper coming to a stop in front of her and pointing to the empty spot beside her.

She nodded. “Go ahead.” 

He sat down and took her hand in his, tracing slow circles on her soft skin. “Are you okay?” 

She turned to look at him, his bright blue orbs slightly dulled and filled with worry. Shrugging, Casey looked away. She felt a brief guilt in not being able to calm his worry. Ethan gently pulled her into his chest with a sigh. “You’re mom said you felt a little mortified.” He mentioned quietly, his voice vibrating gently through his chest, soothing Casey. He felt her relax slightly in his arms. 

“Case?” 

She relaxed some more. 

“Do you want me to just talk?” He chuckled and Casey nodded. 

“Can I talk about your picture?” 

There was a pause, Ethan convinced he’d gone too far.

“I guess… yeah.” Casey muttered, fiddling with his shirt 

“Well,” he breathed out, “first off, it’s gorgeous. You’re so talented.” 

She smiled shyly into his chest, “thanks..”

“I only got a glimpse but your attention to detail looked amazing. Have you ever thought about applying for art school instead of medical?”

Casey shook her head. “Art’s my hobby. I want to keep it that way.” 

Ethan nodded. “I see. That’s fair.” 

Casey sat up and looked at him. 

“What?” He smiled, curiosity in his eyes

“You’re not gonna make fun of me?”

“Honey, why would I do that?”

“Because everyone at school did.” 

“You and I, both those idiots at school, were just that. Idiots. They like to tear the ‘weaker’ kids down. Make them ‘understand their place’ in the world. Society. But I’m not them Cass. You aren’t them. We. Aren’t them. We’ve had each other’s back since day one pretty much. Plus, I love you Casey. Anything time I ‘made fun’ of you, would be done in a loving way. Not to be mean.” 

Casey looked into his eyes, a gentle smile breaking out on her face. 

“What?” Ethan quizzed.

“Nothing, it's just… I love you too Ethan.”

He smiled back and they shared a soft kiss before resting their forehead together and giggling quietly between themselves. On the other side of the door Alan and Casey’s mom gave each other a knowing look and nod before they retreated back downstairs quietly. 

There was still a way to go with trust, but she knew one thing in particular deep down, and Ethan felt it too. 

He had fixed her broken heart. 

[brycecortez]

imsg 📲 dallas 🤠

when: december 18th, 2021

nb: even after spending almost half the week together, the two just can’t seem to get enough of one another and make plans for a movie night. plans were immediately canceled after a comment was made about the status of their “relationship”. bryce still invites dallas over, saying they need “to talk”.  @dallaskstarkmu

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

pretty boy i have a question for you

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛����𝚎𝚣

pretty boy? i think i might be losing my edge

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓

you don't like that? well let me start over

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i love it 😘 only because it’s you

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

okay good awww

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

what’s up?

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

so... are you free? i wanted to go to the theatre and you're the best company ever so.... wanna come with me to see the new spiderman film?

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

absolutely 100% yes i’m so fucking excited for that movie

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

right?! im sure it's awesome

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i deleted all of my social media because of this i didn’t know you were a marvel fan 😏

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

wow i am surprise so when do you have time?

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i didn’t want to risk seeing spoilers :(

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

what im getting from this is.... we go rn

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i just got back from the gym, but give me a half hour to shower and i’m all yours

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

perfect ill pick you up

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

okay babe...dying to see u

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

you know you make being only exclusive so difficult?

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

what do you mean?

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

forget it, i'm just thinking outloud

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

oh okay [typing] if this is getting to be too much for you, we can stop

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

no that's not what i meant i mean that i would not mind being ... you know more that's all

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

oh wow i don’t really know what to say

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

sorry don't say anything you still wanna go out or i messed things up?

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

you didn’t mess anything up but i do think maybe we should skip the movie. there’s a lot i need to talk to you about, and i don’t think this should be discussed over text

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

[typing] hm sure want me to go to your place?

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

if you're comfortable with that

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

I'll be there soon

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

take your time for what it's worth, i still can't wait to see you

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

you can't?

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

of course i like spending time with you

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

i wasn't expecting that not after i fucked everything up

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

you didn’t fuck anything up

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

oh hmm good i panicked i still am

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i’m also panicking a little bit

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

so this is something bad or?

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i really hope not

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

its not bad if you ask me  but... idk what do you think

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

what i think is that i don’t deserve you dallas

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

what? don't be silly maybe it's the other way around

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

it’s not i really fucking like you

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

i really like you too

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

enough to be with me?

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

not enough to be with you

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

oh okay

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

bryce i really like you and i would like to be with you

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i’m a bit confused you said you liked me, but not enough to be with me. what’s the sudden change in heart?

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

nonono i think i didn't type it right what i mean is that i like you but i don't think I'm enough for you

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

you are more than enough dallas. you have been more than enough since i first met you but you deserve more than what i have been giving you

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

i don't want more, i want you

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

you don't really know me

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

i want to

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i'm scared of what will happen if you do

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

nothing will happen

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

how can you be so sure of that?

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

because... i don't I'm not going to change my mind, not with you

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i really don't want to lose you.

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

you're not losing me

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

it feels like i already am

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

you're not losing me

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

okay [typing] i really don't know what i did to get you in my life, but i would do it a million times over

𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌

you are so sweet

𝚋𝚛𝚢𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣

i'm a lot of things, that’s for damn sure

[violett-writes]

Water Park Shenanigans

REQUEST:

If you're taking requests, may I ask: could you possibly write y/n and Sapnap, George, and Dream all going to a water park for the day? Choose whoever you enjoy writing the most to be shipped with our character.

You sigh, looking at the three bathing suits you brought with you laid out on your Airbnb bed. The first one is a cute yellow printed bikini, the second a red hot one piece with the sides cut out, and the third a simple black bikini. You weren’t sure which one to pick. On one hand, you wanted to looked super fucking hot so that Nick would finally notice you, but on the other hand you didn’t want to spend the whole day feeling insecure. You hum slightly, before finally saying fuck it and grabbing the simple black bikini. You grabbed your yellow cover up, that way if you were feeling strange you could throw it on. You quickly changed in your private bathroom, throwing your hair up, before finally joining the three boys in the living room.

“Finally!!!” Clay groaned, standing from his seat on the couch. “You take forever to get ready.”

You giggled, rolling your eyes. “Okay, Mr. make us 15 minutes late for our reservations just so your hair could look perfect.”

Clay gasps, clutching his heart in feigned pain. “I had to look good for the press.” He jokes.

Nick gets up from his seat on the couch, having spent your and Clay’s conversation texting rapidly. You frowned slightly.

The four of you had planned this trip a month ago, excited to finally meet up and get into all sorts of trouble. But ever since you arrived yesterday, Nick had been distant and on his phone practically the entire time. You had complained to George about his behavior, but he did nothing to help your mood. Instead joking that maybe Nick was just so intimidated by your good looks.

“Okay, okay, let’s go. We’re not going to have enough time to ride the waterslides.” George complains, putting on his shoes and grabbing the sunblock.

“Ohhh no. There will be no waterslides for me. I will enjoy my day in the sun and the wave pool.” You warn them, looking at George with a raised eyebrow.

Clay looks over at Nick sharply, leaving you confused. “Wait, you’re not going to be riding the waterslides?” He asks you.

“Helllll no. I don’t fuck with heights. Man is not made to leave the ground like that.” You tell him confidently, walking to the car with your bag for the day. You’re sure the boys will fill your bag with their own personal items, so you were sure to bring an extra large one.

Nick laughs at you, making eye contact. You swear it was only the second time he’s made eye contact with you in the span of a day. “Aww poor baby is scared of heights?” He teases you.

You roll your eyes, ignoring the butterflies that came with him calling you baby. “Yeah, yeah. Make fun of the defenseless girl.” You complain, getting into the backseat after Clay calls driving and George practically throws himself into the passenger seat.

Nick sits reluctantly next to you, the dislike for you practically radiating from his body. You frown slightly for the second time. Does he really find you so repulsive that he can’t even sit next to you for a 40 minute car ride?

Nick spends the whole car ride on his phone, as expected as you and Clay bicker back and forth about how he’s definitely not going to push you in the water.

You enjoy a nice relaxing day at the waterpark, loving to go around the lazy river about 50 times and jumping in the shallow end of the wave pool. The boys on the other hand, prefer to spend their day chaotically, going down every waterslide at least once.

When you arrive at the waterpark, Nick immediately gets out of the car, barely even waiting for Clay to put it into park. Tears begin to brim at your eyes, obviously your crush is not reciprocated.

The four of you walk into the waterpark and you sniffle away any tears that try to come out. George doesn’t fail to notice your mood and puts a reassuring hand on your lower back, trying to comfort you silently.

When you see all the waterslides, your eyes go wide. They’re even taller than you could have imagined. Clay finds a perfect spot for the four of you to put your things, four lawn chairs set up next to each other. You all lay your towels out on the chairs, Nick putting his next to yours. You ignore it, assuming he’s letting Clay and George lay next to each other.

“Okay so first we’re going to go on the Ultimate Wedgie then…” Clay begins to list off all the rides that the four of you are going on. Your stomach begins to tie into knots as you try to desperately come up with an excuse not to go on them.

As he’s talking, you strip off your coverup for the first time and you hear a sharp intake of a breath. You look up to see Nick staring at you, but he quickly averts his gaze when he notices you looking at him. Blush rushes up your neck and onto the tips of your ears as you start to feel a little self conscious.

“Wow, (Y/N), you look amazing!” George compliments you as he takes off his shirt and shoes. You giggle, tucking a piece of loose hair behind your ear.

“T-thanks George…” You mumble, looking at Nick again to see him staring down George.

“No really, you look bomb in that swimsuit.” George continues, smiling slightly.

“Okay, we get it, George! She looks hot. You don’t need to go on about it.” Nick snaps, crossing his arms, noticeably still wearing his shirt and shoes.

Clay glances up at him with furrowed brows. What the hell was that? You wonder, biting your lip.

“I, uh… I’m going to go grab us some floaties. Maybe we can go on the lazy river first?” You ask, your voice soft as you make your way to the inflatable tube kiosk. You hear Clay arguing with Nick, but their voices are too distant for you to make out what they’re saying. You cover your stomach slightly as you walk, feeling a little self conscious in front of all the drop dead gorgeous girls.

You finally reach the kiosk, with a very attractive man running it. You smile at him, “Hi there. Can I get four single tubes?”

He smiles at you. “Anything for such a pretty lady.” You blush, thanking him quietly.

He comes back with two singles and one double. “Unfortunately, though, we only have two singles and a double. Is that okay?” He asks you handing the tubes across the counter. You nod, biting the inside of your cheek. George and Clay will probably use the double. You’re sure they won’t mind.

“So, is a little thing like yourself single?” The man asks you once you grab the tube. You laugh, glancing back at Nick and Clay who are still arguing.

“Uh… yeah. Yeah I am.” You tell him, your resolve hardening to get over your silly crush on Nick.

The man smiles, reaching his hand out to shake yours. “Well then, my name is Bryce. It is very nice to meet you.”

You blush and shake his hand. “Likewise, Bryce.”

“Can I get your number?” Bryce asks you, flashing his pearly whites.

“No you can’t, actually.” You hear Nick say, coming up behind you. You jump slightly at his possessive tone and look over at him. He looks furious. He grabs the two of the tubes from your hands gently before turning back to Bryce. “She’s taken.”

Bryce holds up his hands, showing that he is not looking for a fight. “No worries man, she just said that she wasn’t though, so I’d get your girl if I was you.”

Nick turns away from the booth, stalking back to George and Clay. You quickly rush after him, muttering a soft apology to Bryce before you go.

“What the hell was that, Nick?” You ask him once you reach the group, struggling to carry the double tube on your own.

Nick shrugs, refusing to meet your eyes.

“Wait, what happened?” Clay asks, looking between the two of you.

“Well, the kiosk dude asked me for my number and….”

“And you were going to give it to him!” Nick interrupts. “Why would give a stranger your number!”

You scoff, “Actually I wasn’t going to. But thank god I had someone strong and mighty to come save me from the interaction.”

Clay’s eyebrows raise as he looks over at George. The two of them slowly turn and walk away, muttering something about getting a drink. You’re not entirely sure, you’re too focused on Nick as your blood boils.

“Have I done something to you?! Killed your parents or maybe your cat?!” You ask him, crossing your arms as you stare at him with your brows furrowed together. “Obviously I must have committed quite a crime, because you can’t even make eye contact with me!”

Nick scoffs, rolling his eyes. “Yes I can!”

“Then do it!” You yell, catching the attention of the nearby family before smiling at them apologetically. “Then do it.” You repeat, softer so as to not disturb them again.

Nick looks up at you, something so strong in your eyes that it makes your breath catch in your throat. “You didn’t do anything.” He tells you, his voice soft yet firm.

You take a step closer to him. “Then why the hell have you been acting like I shouldn’t have come on this trip.”

He takes a step closer to you. “You- You….Ugh!” He groans, pulling at his hair slightly. “You just don’t get it. You’re here in that-that bikini and… I just can’t.” He tells you, walking away to go join George and Clay, you assume.

You plop down on your lawn chair, tears threatening to spill over as you throw on your cover up.

After ten minutes, George, Clay, and Nick return, drinks in hand. Nick thrusts out a lemonade to you, a peace offering you assume. You shake your head, not wanting his pity drink. He shakes it again, not looking at you.

“I don’t want the fucking drink.” You tell him, pushing it away.

“Stop being stubborn, just take it.” He whispers, making eye contact with you finally. Your mouth straightens into a line as you take a deep breath and take it from him. You’re pissed, because it’s your favorite drink. You remembering tell him that a while ago when you two actually talked. It hurts slightly thinking about your dynamic before the trip. The two of you would stay up all night talking on face time until you inevitably fell asleep on him. You would share secrets and jokes, you would tell him all about your parent’s and their cripplingly expectations of you. He would even bare his soul to you in return, whispering about the pressure that came with being in the public eye. Why couldn’t you two be this close now? Why did coming on this trip change that? You had this wild fantasy of him falling in love with you on the trip like you had so long ago. Obviously that wasn’t going to be happening.

You sip the drink, enjoying the cool refreshment as you lay out, closing your eyes slightly.

“Okay, George and I are going to go on some rides. Are you sure you don’t want to come, (Y/N)?” You smile, cracking one eye to look at Clay in the sun.

“I’m absolutely positive, I don’t feel like dying today. Maybe when you’re done with a few rides, we can go on the lazy river?” You ask him, hoping he’ll say yes.

Nick sits down next to you, “I’ll stay. You guys go have fun.” That stuns you, you look over at him with raised eyebrows but he was looking at Clay.

Clay and George nod, walking off to go on the Ultimate Wedgie or some other death defying ride as you lay back down, closing your eyes.

“Why did you put the coverup back on?” Nick asks softly, causing you to look over at him. He’s laying in the sun with his eyes closed. He looks so peaceful.

You scoff slightly. “I figured it would be better this way. Obviously you didn’t want to see me in my bathing suit.” You spit out, closing your eyes once again.

“Why would you say that?” Nick asks, opening his eyes as to leans onto his side to look at you.

“How could I not?” You tell him, keeping your eyes closed so that he wouldn’t see the tears that were starting to fill your eyes. You refuse to look at him. “You made it oh so clear.”

He groans as you hear him lay back. “I didn’t mean it like that… (Y/N), you just…”

“Don’t get it? I think I get it clear enough, Nick. You don’t like me. Obviously I was just making things up in my mind.” You lean your head away from him, sure that your cheeks are red from your proclamation that you did indeed like him.

Nick sits up, swinging his legs off the lawn chair so he could face you. “What?” He asks shocked.

“Please don’t make me any more embarrassed than I already am. I’m sure you already know.” You tell him, crossing your arms on your chest, hot embarrassment filling your bones.

You feel Nick touch your arm and you finally look over at him. Shock written across his features. “Clay was telling the truth?” He asks softly.

You frown at him. “Clay told you what?”

“That you liked me back.”

You stop short, your mouth open as you were about to defend yourself. Back? What does he mean back? “Wh-what?”

He laughs, rubbing his face with one hand, his other still on your arm. “I’m so fucking stupid,” He mutters to himself. “Clay told me that you liked me back, but I thought you and George had a thing and he was only denying it so I wouldn’t feel bad.”

You sit up, facing him as your knees touch together. “Back?” You whisper, hoping filling your eyes.

“I like you, (Y/N). I like you so fucking much. I just… I got pissed off because of how close you and George seemed. You guys always were whispering together, you sat together in the car ride from the airport. You ate breakfast together… He touched your back when we walked in here. I mean….” He trails off, looking up at you.

“We… We… George was trying to make me feel better because I thought you hated me…” You whisper, looking at him as the third round of tears threaten to break free.

Nick laughs, grabbing your hands. “We are so fucking dumb.” He tells you, pulling you closer to him. You sit next to him on his lawn chair, giggling slightly.

“I like you Nick. I thought you hated me.” You tell him when your giggles finally die down.

Nick shakes his head vehemently, “I could never hate you, (Y/N). I got you your favorite drink.” He motions to the lemonade sitting beside your chair.

You nod, laughing. “You got me my favorite drink.” You agree with him when you see Clay and George walking back awkwardly, soaking wet.

“Ultimate Wedgie, not fun. I could go for the lazy river right now.” Clay tells the two of you, but stops short when he sees you two holding hands.

“Holy shit, George are you seeing this?” Clay asks, tapping George’s arms. George gasps.

“Is this real?” He asks Clay, glancing between the blond boy and your interlocked fingers.

You laugh, rolling your eyes at the boys’ antics. “You know we can hear you, right?” You tease them.

“Do you think Nick finally told her that he’s basically in love with her?” George stage whispers to Clay, keeping the bit up.

“Or do you think (Y/N) had to be the one to break the news?” Clay whispers back, a broad smile plastered on to his face.

Nick laughs, throwing Clay’s towel at him. The two boys finally end their bit and the four of you grab your tubes, walking towards the lazy river. Nick carrying the double tube as Clay and George immediately grabbed the two singles. You blush slightly when Nick puts the tube in the water, holding it for you to get in.

The four of you rode the lazy river at least 20 times, you and Nick trailing behind your two friends. The two of you talked about everything and anything, Nick stopping every now and then to compliment you in your bathing suit. It felt exactly how you thought it would, being with him. It felt like those late night facetimes, but instead you got to see him in real time. Nick kept his head on your knee the entire time, refusing to let you go know that everything was in the open.

-----

Holy shit this is way longer than I anticipated. Love y’all.

As always, Dream Team if you see this, no you didn’t. But also hi I’m 19.