#yet he’s like oh NO stan is upset and jealous??? I have to fix that for him!

[clydesdonovan]

Also wait can we talk about how much Cartman cares about Stan???? How many times does he prioritize Stan

[bunniwords]

໑ৎ ׁ ׅ♡ ALIBI 🌀

part xxii - masterlist - part xxiv xxiii. bless her heart

bunni speaks — eep!

︶︶ 　 ˚ ᡴꪫ synopsis — you are known for your brain rot anime content on twitter. so much so that you caught the attention of txt’s soobin on his secret stan account and became mutuals. what will become of this new friendship?

when you watched the time hit six on your watch, you let out a deep breath. you were walking to the hotel, and if someone saw you right now, they’d probably thought you were either going to rob a bank or you were back in 2020 during peak covid. you were masked up with dark shades and a hoodie over your head partially because you were knowingly meeting up with a celebrity but also no amount of ice could help depuff your eyes or face from how much you cried the day prior.

the amount of times you were going to shoot soobin a message to tell him that you couldn’t make it should’ve told you to cancel but despite of it, you were curious to what he had to say. although, you could feel yourself walking into another rejection when you see the front entrance. when you step foot into the lobby, your eyes found him instantaneously and his eyes already on you.

you could choke from how he looked at you. he was like a lost puppy scurrying over to you. he definitely looked guilty but your mind was too occupied with other thoughts to notice.

as he got closer to you, him telling you how he liked your letter replayed in your head. was it too late to leave? probably, considering he was leading you to the elevator so the two of you could talk in a more private setting.

“how was your day?” he asked you.

you leaned back at the walls of the elevator, staring down at your feet, “i went to work.”

“y/n… i—“

he was interrupted when another group of people came into the elevator. soobin choose silence until you reached his floor and the silence was deafening. seeing you in person, he could tell you were not in the mood to be here. he’s never seen this side of you. it was clear there was a wall in front of you this time. a barrier that you built just so he couldn’t get through.

reaching his room, soobin let out the biggest sigh. he peeled his mask off, fully expecting you to do the same, but you only stood there… in full gear, not even bothering to take off your backpack.

“you can take off you backpack and be comfortable.”

“oh, i didn’t think this was going to take long,” you said almost too coldly for him to handle before peeling the straps off your shoulders.

soobin felt his lips quivering. the distance between the two of you felt even further than when he was in seoul. he regretted never telling you that he likes you, but it didn’t matter because he wanted to fix it.

“are you avoiding me?”

that’s not… exactly what he wanted to say…

you didn’t say anything. if you said no, it’d be a lie. if you said yes, you might burst into tears… again.

soobin pouted. he felt so frustrated and upset. more so at himself than you. all he had to do was say three simple words two nights ago. how could it have slipped his mind?

“i like you,” he blurted out which was met with silence on your part, but he continued to ramble, “a lot. like crazy. more than gojo. more than anything. i should’ve said it two nights ago. i should’ve kissed you two nights ago. i was so nervous but so happy when i read your letter i completely blanked out. oh my god, and when the guys said i messed up. i had no idea. i didn’t want to move too fast because i thought i’d scared you and—“

“soo—“

“no, i’m not done yet,” he stopped you from saying anything because he felt the need to explain even further, “when you weren’t responding to me, i felt so dumb. when i saw that picture of you and your friend, i was so jealous. just one day without speaking to you felt like torture. i’ll tell you everyday. no, every hour that i like you so you won’t doubt my feelings again.”

“soo—“

“and—“

“hey—“

“i like you so much. i’m sorry if i hurt you. i didn’t mean it. i really didn’t mean it,” soobin’s eyes started to water, “please forgive me.”

he couldn’t see through your sunglasses but your eyes softened seeing how much he panicked and your heart was thumping so fast from hearing his sudden confession.

“wait, don’t cry. i’m gonna cry,” you said as you took a few steps towards him, feeling your own tears about to well up, “i forgive you, okay?”

“really?” his eyes perked up, glistening with his tears and a shear peak of hope, “because i really like you and would love to show you how much i do before i have to leave new york.”

his personality on screen also seemed very on par with who he was in front of you and who he has been for the last few months. you almost felt bad thinking the worse when you two last met; you had believed he played with your feelings by sending you mixed signals, but soobin seemed so innocent and so pure when he spoke to you.

you stared at his eyes through your dark frames and nodded.

“can i please take off your sunglasses and mask? i want to tell you that i like you while looking at your whole face…”

you laughed and broke eye contact to take them off yourself. soobin took a step closer. his fingers nervously swept the strands of hair out of your face, causing you to peek at him through your lashes. he caressed your cheek with his thumb before he leaned down and softly pressed his lips against yours.

your heart felt like it was going to leap out of your chest. the amount of relief you felt knowing that he was reciprocating your feelings had you feeling like you were floating.

“i like you,” soobin only parted from your lips to say those words, but even then, his lips were still gently brushing against yours and you could feel his breath on your skin.

everything about that moment was electrifying. it felt like a 4th of july celebration with the sparks flying around the two of you, and when he reconnected your lips together again, you were actually melting. your legs felt like putty and you weren’t sure how much time you had before you lost their support.

“w-wait,” you tried saying but soobin’s lips couldn’t seem to part from yours, “soo, ple… ase.”

stealing a few more pecks, he finally freed you from him.

“sorry,” he shyly smiled.

you let out a chuckle before wrapping your arms around his waist, hiding your face into his chest.

“i like you too.”

[lokiandbuckyaremine]

Just a Show...

Prompt: Can I request something where Sebastian is jealous cause his wife is part of “The Witcher” series and she have some smut scenes with Henry Cavill, but Seb is so childish and cute when he’s “angry” and lots of kisses and cuddles and sweetie🙈🙈 thanks 💕~ Requested by anonymous

Pairings: Sebastian Stan x reader, Henry Cavil x Reader

Warnings: Mention of smut, fluff, some language, sexy talk from Seb ;)

The tile floor of the bathroom felt cold under your feet, as you shuffled back and forth reading over the lines in your script. “He takes her to a room, where they held the weapons and pressed her naked body against the cold wall of the castle. He slowly drags his fingers up her thigh and--” Your script-reading was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Come in”, you acknowledged. Fixing your robe, you closed the script and walked towards the door to find Henry smiling back at you sheepishly. “Hey y/n, the director has been lookin for you.” You chuckled nervously and took one last glance at your hair and makeup in the mirror. “I figured as much. Just a needed a little time before we do this scene, ya know?” Henry nodded. “I know, you’re not the type to do this but I’m sure you’ll be one hell of a seductive sorceress.” He winked and motioned for you to follow him to the set.

Henry was a really nice guy and a very talented actor, but you were very sure that he had a crush on you ever since you starting working with him on “The Witcher” set. Though you always did your best acting and always wanted to impress, today’s scene made you uncomfortable because it was your first sex scene.

“Well if it isn’t my star actress and the hot witch hunter. About damn time you two showed up. Were you practicing in Henry’s camper?” Your director snorted at his vulgar joke and went to give you a hug. “Very funny Ian, but I was actually prepping myself in the bathroom then Henry came to get me.” Ian stepped back and took in your barely clothed state. He whistled and shot a wink to Henry. “Looks like you’re gonna have fun with this one, Cavill.”

Henry blushed and couldn’t help but eye your body up and down too. Feeling uncomfortable, you cleared your throat and started to walk towards the mini set that the sex scene would take place. “Can we please just get this over with?” You muttered, walking away. As the directors and crew were getting themselves ready for shoot, you and Henry both began to undress. Closing your eyes, hoping this would be quick, you took off your robe. When you opened your eyes, Henry was staring back at you with a slightly opened mouth. “Wow, y/n. You are really fuckin hot. Like shit, this might be hard to do.”

You rolled your eyes and began to feel very self-conscious. “Cavill, I’m married. Remember? Stop gawking and focus. i don’t have time for teenage boy crap.” Ian came over to you both and handed you and Henry a spray bottle. “This is some of that body oil shit to make your skin look shiny form sweat. It’s about to be hungry sex between a witch hunter and sorceress.” Your stomach was forming into a knot as you sprayed the oil all over your body. Once you and Henry were all set, you both walked over to the wall where he would make love to you and you leaned up against it. “You ready to do this, darlin?” He asked, smirking. 

You sighed. “Yea whatever.” You placed each of your arms around his naked torso when Ian yelled, “Alright. ACTION!!!” Henry began to make out with you and slid your hands up and down his chiseled chest. “My dear, sorceress. You are quite the sexy creature. I’m about to you show you what real magic is like.” You moaned at his character’s words and Henry began to slid his finger up your thigh. 

Both of you were panting and moaning, until a slammed door caught your attention. “WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!” Ian growled and yelled, “CUT!!! What the hell was that?!” You peered over Henry’s shoulder to see your very upset husband standing in the middle of the set, holding your lunch. “Babe?! What the fuck are you doing being naked with this creep?!” Feeling embarrassed and slightly relieved, you grabbed your robe and rushed over to your husband. “Seb! You are a sight for sore eyes!” He half hugged you and kept staring at you with anger and disbelief. 

You looked over to Ian who was tapping his foot and glaring at the both of you. “Sorry Ian, but can we postpone this. I’m really not feeling up to doing the scene today.” His eyes grew wide and he threw the script down. “Y/N! You are being paid to do this job. Get your ass back in that room, strip down, and get the fucking scene over with!” Seb grabbed your arm and spun you around, “Uh, baby, a word please.” 

You nodded and didn’t even acknowledge the fact that Ian was cursing and flipping you off as you walked off set. When you and Seb reached the hallway, he let go of your arm abruptly and slammed his hand against the wall. “Well, hello to you too husband of mine.” You rolled your eyes and leaned against the wall with him. Sebastian sighed and looked over to you. “Babe, when were you going to tell me you had to do a sex scene for the show? I thought it was just a couples of kisses or hugs here and there.” You giggled at his innocent thinking of “love scenes”. “Sebby, I’m an actress and it’s what I’m paid to do. Just like you. Plus I had no idea it was going to be this explicit until I read the scene today.”

He sighed again, and looked down into his lap. “I just, I don’t feel comfortable with you doing this sex scene with Henry Cavill. One, the guy is a hunk and every chick digs him. Two, the scene seems all too real. AND three, I don’t want anyone else to see those boobies except me.” You roared into laughter and gave a quick kiss to your husband’s cheek. “Stan, you are so cute and I love how you take possession over my boobies.” This got Seb to smile and he wrapped his arm around you. “Well yea, I married you. Therefore they are my boobies.” You continued to giggle and brushed his thigh with your fingertips, “So does this mean that your dick is mine too?” 

He blushed a deep red and his eyes clouded over with lust. “Oh baby, it’s yours whenever you want.” He leaned in to give you a steamy kiss. When you pulled apart you rested your head on his shoulder and he hugged you tightly. “Seb, I know that this makes you uncomfortable. Believe me it does for me too. But it’s just a show, just acting, and no Henry is not attractive.” Seb chuckled and kissed your forehead. “I know, but I get so jealous when you do these kinds of intimate scenes with other male actors. I should be the only one that gets to share those special moments with you.”

“Seb, you think they are special moments? NO way! Baby, when I’m on screen and I have a love scene to do, you ALWAYS pop into my head. I picture you every time I have to do a kiss or whatever because you are the only man that I could ever feel love and affection for. These other actors have nothing on you.” You kissed his nose and grinned up at him. You can tell he was relieved and his forehead creases disappeared. “How did I get to be the luckiest man in the world with such an amazing wife?” You shrugged and began to stand up, “Maybe it was the spell I put on you. Muahaha....get it? Because I’m the sorceress?” 

Seb stared blankly at you and shook his head, laughing. “Just get back in there and finish the scene, dork.” You shook your head ‘no’ and walked over to Seb, in a seductive manner. “Nope! Not going to finish the scene!” He looked at you puzzled and grabbed your hips. “Uh, why not?” You smirked and pulled at his collar. “Because you and I are going to finish the scene in our bedroom.”

Let’s just say, you never returned back to set and made the magic happen in the sheets with your Sebastian Stan. ;)

A/N: Oooooo. It is about to get really sexy with Seb :) Btw haven’t seen “The Witcher” yet, but I very much plan too ;) LIKE, REBLOG, AND LEAVE COMMENTS as always!

TAG LIST (LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED)

@jobean12-blog @littlenerdgirl16 @jokesonjess @jewels2876 @mashtons-dirtbag @hernameiswhatt @ballyhoobarnes @lauxeyson @thiddlestoff @thatbitchsaidhi @marvelous-heroimagines @iamwarrenspeace @violentlybarnes @moondancewrites @toddneilanderperry @mizz-kraziii @lovelybones81 @thinemineours @godohammers @buckywhoops @thatfangirl16​ @thummbelina​ @notyourtypicalrose​

[shereadsandwritesformelanin]

The Baker And Her Actor: part IV [Click, Click, and Post!]

Parings: Chris Evans x Black Fem!Reader

Summary: You meet Chris while making a house delivery for the Evans. He can’t get you off of his mind, and to be honest neither can you.

Warnings: profanity, sexual content, angst, but overall fluff!

Notes: I hope you guys enjoy! If you have any request feel free to share those. Leave comments in the notes section!

Previous parts: (1) (2) (3) (3 cont.)

-

Y/n’s Point Of View:

Body aching, you shift once more before waking up.

You let out a loud groan of fustration. You’d beeen tossing and turning all night.

You were sad and felt like an idiot for what you did to Chris. Running off like Cinderella with no explinatiom was just so pathetic, especially after the perfect night you to had.

You knew you wanted to take things slow and you should have just conveyed that instead of running off no questions asked.

You needed to make things right.

Rolling over reaching into your night stan you grab your phone yanking out the charger.

Two missed calls from Kiara.

One text message from deac.

Three twitter notifications.

Nothing from Chris.

Sighing, you make your way over to the messages app. Opening up the messages between you and Chris.

Reluctantly you begin typing worried to wake him or if he’d be too upset and just leave you on read, and well who could you really blame if he did.

Y/n: Hi.

It had been fifteen minutes since you sent that lackluster texts message.

He’d probably seen it and thrown it and you away for some other hot Hollywood chick he had stored in his phone.

How was it possible to even screw that up.

Well great job Y/n another one bites the dust.

-

Chris’s Point Of View:

I’d be lying if i say I hadn’t seen your message. I wasn’t busy, I wasn’t doing anything at all.

I was just confused. You had me confused, confused enough to sit on my sofa coffee in hand watching my phone hoping you’d text again or even call.

I shouldn’t be a dick. I’m sure you had your reasons for pulling away, maybe it was too fast or you weren’t really into me.

Were you using me?

No I can’t think that, you’d never. You didn’t seem like the type. If you were you’d done it already and wash your hands with me by now.

Just fucking text her back, meatball.

Chris: Hi.

-

Y/n’s Point Of View:

Your phone pinged from across the room. Hearing the alert almost made you jump across the terrain of your bedroom.

Notification from The Captain.

Your heart nearly stopped. He finally responded like you hoped he would.

The Captain: Hi.

Shit he seems upset.

Call him.

Setting aside your nerves and pride you dial his number hoping he’d pick up so you wouldn’t make a fool of yourself once more.

Pick up.

Pick up.

C’mon pick up

Just pick up th-.

“Hello.” His raspy voice answers.

Oh

“Hello- erm good morning.” You state attempting to should chipper.

“Good morning y/n.” Chris repeats.

Just cut to the chase.

“So..about last night.’ You mutter. “I just want you to know it’s not you I promise I’m just stupid and shouldn’t have pulled away you were nothing but great I just. I’m not sure why I did that.”

Lying obviously.

“Y/n. You don’t have to explain anything to me, I’m not upset. I’d be lying if I say I wasn’t shocked and confused. But I’m not upset or blaming you.” Chris reassures.

Even through the phone he managed to convey his bubbling emotions.

“Can I see you today.” You ask nerves bubbling in your chest.

“What do you have in mind?”

-

You arrive at Chris’s house after an slight delay at the security gate. You couldn’t believe they thought you were there to “violate the tenants homes.”

Y/n: I’m outside.

The Captain: Im coming.

Finally you see Chris, jogging out of his home making sure to lock the door on his way out.

You unlock the door allowing him to jump into the passenger seat.

“Hey, sorry I was late dodger was being a tad bit fussy.” Chris apologizes.

“No, I’m sorry you have to be in my half ass car.” You joke

“No it’s great. Seriously!’ Chris reassures. “You got leather seats and Evan a sun roof.”

“Chris its a thirteen year old car, I’m suprised she’s still going.”

“Speaking of going. Where are we going?” Chris quips

“You’ll see.” You smirk

-

“A farmers market?” Chris questions stepping out of the car.

“Yes this is where I get my produce I don’t want any of the pesticides in grocery store produce.” You explain grabing your reusable grocery bags from the back seat.

“I hadn’t even thought about that before.’ Chris admits. “Let me get that for you.” Taking the bags from you slinging them over his shoulder.

You notice him slipping on some sun glasses. It wasn’t sunny at all, it was actually quite dull out.

“What’s with the glasses MIB?” You tease.

“Just not in the mood to be recognized, thats all.”

Sometimes when you were with Chris it slipped your mind that he was a wildly famous A-list celebrity. So you could understand the need for privacy and not wanting to be noticed all the time.

“Mm.’ You say. “Oh I always wanna get these Dutch donuts for my team. They’ve been working so hard I think they deserve something.”

“That’s sweet of you. I can help you bring them.” Chris offers

“If you want, but warning kiaras there and she’ll be a little bit over the top.” You warn

“Yeah I figured that when she pretended to not know I was in the house on our date.” Chris admits chuckling lightly.

You let a small smile paint your face thinking back to your date. “So about our date, I really wanna be honest and transparent here.” You say picking threw a pile of apples.

Chris faces you giving his undivided attention. It was clear to him there was something you wanted to get off your chest since you continued to peruse the conversation.

“It’s just, I haven’t talked to a guy, been with a guy, touched a guy in five years since my last serious relationship and I freaked out.” You admit sheepishly.

You couldn’t look at him you were too embarrassed.

You felt Chris slip his hand onto your free one rubbing across its skin comforting.

“Y/n like I said before you don’t have to explain it to me. I’m not upset, but I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to tell me this. I want what you want. We can take this as slow as you’d like.” Chris clarifies

You for sure felt like Chris was a safe space for you. He wasn’t judging you or shaming you. He was kind and understanding, another thing you loved about him.

“Let’s get their donuts.” You say.

-

“Ladies first.” Chris smirks opening the door for you, hands full of donut boxes.

You cheeks burn the heat rising he definitely knew what he was doing being so cheeky.

“Guys I brought snacks!” You shout hoping to catch their attention in the back.

Kiara springs out from the kitchen, hair in a bun outfit covered in flour. “Yes you did, and I’m not talking about the food.” Kiara flirts undressing Chris with her eyes.

Chris erupts in a belly laugh. You knew she was only kidding but you felt a little jealous, even though he wasn’t yours.

“Okay.’ You interrupt sass in your voice. “so I have different assortments of donuts. So take your pick and choose wisely.”

You feel a familiar hand rest on your shoulder. “You okay.” Chris ask eyebrows furrowed.

“Yeah, yes I’m great.” You lie shaking off the bad vibes.

Chris shoots you a small smile, Warming your heart.

You notice Deac coming out of the kitchen. Arms crossed tightly.

“What’s all this.” Deacon speaks.

“Uh this, is me bringing you guys a treat for you hard work.” You motion to all the donuts

“And him.” Deac points at Chris .

The room goes stiff.

Please not now.

Deacon let’s out a sarcastic chuckle. “I just don’t understand, I’ve known your for a long ass time and you’ve never gone out with me, there is always some excuse, but you meet mr. hot shot Hollywood and your all over him. Just don’t be disappointed when he lets you down y/n.” Deacon states practically shouting.

The room was silent as he threw his Apron down rushing out of the building.

Your heart raced, turning to face Chris you notice he was quite red. Clearly flustered but what just went down.

“I should go.” Chris states hesitantly

“How you didn’t drive?” You remind him

“Don’t worry about me.” Chris says turning to walk out.

“Chris Wait!” You shout following him out.

“Y/n, it’s fine I should get going anyway. I don’t wanna damper the party.” Chris admits voice soft

“You aren’t, please don’t be mad.” You plead

Chris brings you in for a hug placing a small kiss on your hairline. “I’m not mad I promise.” Chris states

You both stay embrace in each other for what seems like an eternity.

A sudden shift in Chris body causes your eyes to shoot open. “Shit.” He whispers shouts

Pulling back immediately.

“What, what is it?” You question anxiously

“I got to go, go back inside please.” Chris begs walking away.

You follow his orders walking back in side completely baffled by what’s just happened.

-

Chris’s Point Of View:

Getting back home I quickly get on the phone.

“Megan, yeah we have a problem.” I state prepared to tell her everything.

Everything about how I’d been seeing you, how a pap had just shot about 50 photos of us in the span of .5 seconds.

This wasn’t good, and was the last thing I wanted for you.

“Chris this could be all over the news by tomorrow morning, what were you thinking.” Megan shouts

“I wasn’t! I thought we were safe!” I rebuttle.

“How do you know she didn’t call the paparazzi? It wouldn’t be the first time someone you’ve been talking to has done that.” She reminds me

Sitting back down I place my head in my palms fustrated. “I know I know.” I repeat.

“We can fix this, we have to for y/n’s sake she isn’t ready for the wolves yet.” I speak.

-

A/n: so like I stated previously this is based off the beauty and the baker on abc and I don’t wanna pull to far from that. So Deacon is gonna be our Vanessa 🤣.

But I know things seem rocky but they are in a good spot. Their both confused and now Chris is angry that he put you in that position to get violated by the public.

Kiara is just jokingly flirting nothing serious she supports them!

This is gonna be a long tale for our love birds. ❤️

-

Tag list:

@toniilaney

[honeyxmonkey]

Shattered Trust (part 5)

“Why did you leave?”

Veronica pursed her lips and looked away. She couldn’t bear to see the hurt in his eyes. She sighed and carded her fingers through his hair.

“I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I thought you would be better off without me.” She brushed a tear away from his cheek. “I promise I will never leave you again.”

Varian hugged her, letting a few more tears fall. He had exactly what he wanted. How long would it last?

*******

“Varian wasn’t in his room.” Rapunzel sighed and dropped onto her throne. “He might be in town today.”

Catalina and Angry looked at eachother confusedly. “Why is Varian so upset? We haven’t seen him in a few days, what happened?”

Rapunzel groaned and mentally slapped herself. The girls didn’t know.

“We uh... we lied to him. About something rather big and he’s really mad at us.”

Lance snorted from where he was sitting on the side. “’Mad is an understatement. I have not seen him this angry at anyone since... well, since I don’t know when.”

Rapunzel thought back to the day he stole the flower. “I have, and trust me, if we let him be alone for too long something bad could happen.”

Eugene cleared his throat and gave her a look.

“I didn’t mean like that. I was wrong to think he would do something like that again.”

Eugene nodded, apparently satisfied with her answer. “Alright, but I do think we should give him some space to clear his head.”

******

Varian immediately liked his mother. She was everything he’d thought she’d be and more. After he was done crying, they’d spent the day together. They got to know one another and it was great. That was when he found out she had tried to come back once when he was five.

“So, he wouldn’t even talk to you?” Varian asked her quietly.

Veronica nodded. “He was so mad. I mean, he had every right to be after I left without a word. And you... well, you weren’t there that day. I never got to see you.”

“What did you do?”

“Well, after your father yelled at me, I left. I had no reason to stay. He didn’t want me back in his life and I can’t really say I blame him.”

They both were silent for a moment before she asked him a question.

“How did you know I was here?”

“Monty told me. He was surprised he hadn’t seen us with you yet.” Varian bit back another wave of tears. “They- they lied to me. They all told me you were dead. When I asked why they lied, dad wouldn’t say anything. Rapunzel said she was afraid I would leave Corona with you.”

Veronica looked surprised. “Why would the queen think I would want to take you away?”

Varian laughed bitterly. “I don’t know. She’s never been this insecure about our friendship before. It’s almost like... like she’s jealous? I don’t know why. I mean, she has no reason to be.”

Veronica was silent for a moment. “Varian, you should talk to them. Perhaps this is the only way to make things right. For everyone’s sake.”

Varian nodded. He really didn’t want to but he knew she was right. He couldn’t keep ignoring his friends no matter how much he wanted and no matter what they’d done, they were still his family and he loved them. That would never change.

*****

Varian and Veronica went to the palace later that day. Pete and Stan were pleasantly surprised to see him.

Pete hugged the young alchemist and it seemed like he was trying not to cry. “I’m so happy you aren’t trying to kill us right now!”

Varian pat his back awkwardly. “Yeah... me too?”

After releasing him, the two guards allowed them in the castle.

“Rapunzel is going to be so stoked to see you!”

Varian bit back a bitter comment. No matter what Rapunzel had done he had to keep a level head. He refused for things to turn out like they had last time.

They entered the throne room to find all his friends were looking anxious. Rapunzel most of all.

When she saw Varian she jumped up and ran to hug him but stopped short when he backed away from her. Instead she offered him a smile.

“Varian, I am so sorry.”

“For what?”

A look of confusion crossed her features. “W-what do you mean?”

“What are you sorry for? Lying to me? Letting Nigel lock me in a dungeon for something I didn’t do? Oh, or sending Cassandra of all people to talk to me.” The bitterness in his voice stung like venom. “Did you think I was going to go back to being a villain? Is that something you’re scared of?”

He expected her to deny it right away, but instead she turned her head away and bit back tears.

“I... Varian I...” She couldn’t even bring herself to say it.

Varian once again felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. Why was she so scared of him? Scared of him. One of his best friends, his basically sister, was scared of him. Scared he would turn to kidnappings and murder plots at the drop of a hat. Scared he would turn into a monster again.

“Okay.” Varian’s voice was barely over a whisper. He looked right at Rapunzel. He wanted to be angry at her. He wanted to yell and make her feel just as wronged and betrayed as he did. But one look into her eyes and he could tell she was already suffering tremendously from guilt. He didn’t want to add to that. “That’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.”

She was surprised by how soft his voice had gotten.

“I can tell we’re having trust issues.” Varian decided he would be the bigger person and make the first move to forgive. “But Rapunzel, you don’t have to worry about me like that. I’m not going to try and hurt you again.”

Rapunzel nodded and she knew he meant it. She took a step forward, arms out as she waited for Varian to accept the hug. Varian fell into her embrace and for a moment, everything seemed like it was going to be okay.

Veronica watched with a smile. It gave her no greater joy than to see her son surrounded by people who loved him.

The Nigel walked in and that moment ended.

“Your majesty, we went back to his lab and we found this.” Nigel marched forward and showed Rapunzel the automaton plans. “I have every right to believe he wants to use them for evil.”

Rapunzel stared at the plans but Varian wasn’t worried about her. He glared at Nigel.

“Did you break into my house?” He demanded angrily.

Nigel fixed a cold, steely glare of his own on the boy. “Don’t try to turn me into the bad guy. The evidence for your conviction is right here.”

Rapunzel slowly looked at Varian. “Var, what is this?”

Varian snatched the plans out of her hands and kept his glare at Nigel. “Do you want to know why I have these? Do you want to know what this is? I’m trying to help my village.”

Rapunzel stayed silent as Varian explained.

“I tweaked the design so that instead of them being made for battle, they’re supposed to be used for construction.” He crossed his arms. “I’ll take your apology now, Nigel.”

Nigel glared at him. “Do you truly expect me to apologize to you? How do we know you aren’t lying?”

Rapunzel stepped in, fixing her own glare on Nigel. “He’s not. I trust him.”

Nigel crossed his arms. “Forgive me for saying this your majesty, but trusting this boy is foolish and would only lead to the end of the kingdom.”

“Excuse me!” Rapunzel demanded, her gaze intensifying. “How dare you, Nigel! Varian has proven time and time again how trustworthy he is! How can you still not believe in him?”

“Forgive me, but you were quite certain he would return to his old ways when he left yesterday.”

“And that was my mistake. I shouldn’t have even entertained the thought.” She looked at Varian apologetically. “I’m sorry.” She looked back at Nigel, her glare returning. “But you do not get to go and arrest my friend because he yelled at me. He was angry and had every right to be.”

Varian watched Nigel’s face go red from anger and embarrassment. “But he’s attacked the kingdom before! Who’s to say he won’t do it again!”

Rapunzel grit her teeth. “That’s enough, Nigel.”

“Your majesty, he is a danger to Coro-”

“THAT IS ENOUGH NIGEL!” Rapunzel yelled, startling everyone in the room. “I want you to take a leave of absence.”

“What! For how long?”

She sighed and ran a hand over her face. “I don’t know!” Just, go. We all need to take a breather and I don’t want you two in the same room.”

“Then why send me off!”

“Because you’re being irrational and I don’t trust you around him right now!” That’s why.” Rapunzel crossed her arms. “Now, Nigel.”

The man grumbled under his breath but walked away, aggressively brushing past Veronica on his way out.

Varian let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding in. “Thank you.”

Rapunzel gave him a tight lipped smile. She was obviously still stressed out. “Of course. I’m sorry for everything that happened. I shouldn’t have lied or doubted you.”

Varian nodded. “And while all this was happening, I found my mom.”

Her eyes widened. “You... what?”

He pointed his head towards Veronica who took that as her cue to walk over.

She did and gave the queen a smile. “Your majesty.” She bowed her head. “Thank you, for standing up for my son. It... it means alot to me, to know that he has such a good friend.”

Rapunzel couldn’t decide between being shocked and faking happiness. The result was her staring blankly as everything Quirin told her ran through her mind. This woman seemed nice enough. But then again, so had Gothel.

She shook off her thoughts and gave her a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Um... thanks for watching after Varian for the day. I know I was the last person he wanted to see.”

If his mother noticed her apprehension, she didn’t comment on it. “Yes, well. I hope you two can patch things up. I’d hate for you to end your friendship over me.”

Rapunzel was startled by this. It was an odd thing to say. The queen looked into her eyes but only saw warmth and motherly affection.

“Uh... right. Yes. I mean, I love Varian. I would never let that happen, of course.” She awkwardly stumbled over what to say. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of the woman.

“Rapunzel,” Varian’s voice was soft and his eyes were kinder than she’d seen them in a while. “I know my dad probably said some awful things about her but, she’s changed. I trust her.”

Rapunzel resisted the urge to tell him he’s barely known her for a day. But, knowing the reaction that would entail, she instead smiled and nodded. “Okay. If you trust her then I do too.”

*******

Hope you guys enjoyed chapter 5! Likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated!

[barney-james]

Why Her? || Sebastian Stan

this post is an entry in @asadmarveltrashbag​ Summer Challenge. This is based off of her one shot

*not my gif*

“Y/n, please open up. Its me, Sebastian.”

“Uhhh...” I stand on my toes to come eye level with the door’s peep whole. It really is Sebastian. 

He’s looking down at his shoes, so I can’t get a good look at his face; his hair’s a mess from what little I can see.

Stumbling back a step, I clear my throat; I have no idea what to do. 

I haven’t thought about Sebastian in a long time. Last time I saw him, he broke my heart all over again.

“Er.. Y/n’s not home right now. Please leave a message,” I say out of panic, instantly face-palming myself.

An all too familiar chuckle sounds from behind the door. I can hear him place his hand on the door. “Y/n,” he begins. “I need to talk to you. Don’t make me stand out here and say it all. Let me in, let me say what I need to say, and if you still want me gone after that, I’ll leave.” His voice weavers as he speaks through the door.

I take a deep breath, reaching for the door handle. Part of me doesn’t want to listen to him, to ask him to leave without letting him say anything. But the other part of me opens the door. Sebastian looks up, his eyes red and puffy from crying, yet filled with hope.

I keep a straight face as I look him in the eye. “What do you want, Sebastian,” I say. “Are you here to break my heart a third time over?”

“What?” a pained expression plays across his face. “No, no. The opposite actually. Please, just -- can I come in? I need to talk to you.”

I step back from the door, take a deep breath, and sigh. “No,” I say weakly, reaching for the door again. I go to slam it shut, but it just bounces back open. Confused, I look down at the floor. His foot is in the way of the door closing. He pushes the door all the way open again.

“Nice try, doll,” he says. He takes a step in, and out of fear, I step aside. He walks into the apartment and looks around. “Nice place you’ve got here; how do you afford it.”

“New job,” I say simply. “Why the hell are you here, Sebastian? Why aren’t you with your wife?” I decide to act like I didn’t just read the title of that article.

“She left me,” he looks down at the ground again, having lost his cockiness. 

“Oh, you poor thing,” I say sarcastically. “I’m not going to be your backup plan, Sebastian. I’ll just fall for you again, and you’ll rip my heart out again.”

“Y/n, just let me explain myself, please,” he pleads. 

I remain silent with my arms crossed over my chest. 

“She left me because I was comparing her...”

“To?”

“You. She realized before I did that I’m not over you, that my reason to leave you was stupid.”

“You mean when you said ‘I’m not in love with you anymore, Y/n. I’m sorry’?” I began to raise my voice. I didn’t notice I was crying until a hot tear hit my chest. “You can’t just come in here and expect me to let you back into my life! ‘I don’t love you and I never want to see your face again.’ Remember when you said that? You broke me, Sebastian. Twice. It was a game to you.” The tears kept flowing. “You broke up with me because you wanted to play your game with someone new.”

“I broke up with you because you’re too good for me, Y/n. You deserve better than me.”

“Oh, so you thought your new toy was better than me, but she wasn’t actually. I’m the only person who really knows you, Sebastian. That’s a bullshit reason to leave someone.” 

At this point, I was sobbing. I try to turn around, so he doesn’t see me like this, but he grabs my shoulders and holds me in place. 

"Calm down,” he says softly.

“Don’t tell me to calm down after all you’ve done!” I yell in his face. “You have no right.” I try to wiggle out of his arms, but his grasp is too strong.

“I love you, Y/n.” he exclaims. “I always have, and I always will.”

Before I know what happens, he’s leaning in, but stops at the sound of a sharp smack. My hand burns. Sebastian grabs his now red cheek, letting go of my shoulders astounded by my action. I was astounded by myself. 

His focus moves from my face to somewhere behind me, and his eyes go wide. 

“Chris?” he murmurs, hurt taking over his soft features. 

“What’s going on here?” I hear from behind me. 

I spin around. My boyfriend, Chris, who happens to be Sebastian’s friend, is standing there shocked. His expression is full of confusion. I can feel my cheeks burn red as I notice, he’s only wearing his boxers, and his hair is wet. Chris had just gotten back from the gym not too long ago, and we had planned a movie night in, so he showered once he came back to our shared apartment. 

“What’s going on here?” Chris’ voice is stern, protective. 

“Nothing,” Sebastian says, and out of the corner of my eye, I can see him adjust his posture to stand up straighter. 

I’m left speechless, frozen in place

Chris walks with few long strides until he is standing between Sebastian and I. “If you ever touch my girlfriend again, I will hurt you.”

Sebastian hesitates a moment. “How long?” He asks. 

“What do you mean how long?” Chris asks. 

“How long have you been dating?”

“A year,” I squeak from my position cowering behind Chris. “That night you told me you never wanted to see me again, I was walking home, sobbing, Sebastian. That really hurt me. Chris found me walking home. He showed me what it’s like to really be loved.”

Sebastian scoffs. “I showed you love, Y/n.”

“By leaving me because you don’t? That’s a real great way to show it.”

“I loved you first, and I want you back.” Sebastian is looking around Chris and at me.

“You should leave now,” Chris says, turning Sebastian towards the door. 

“She belongs with me, Chris!” Sebastian yells, turning back towards Chris and shoving him. 

Chris pulls his hand back, then connects it with Sebastian’s jaw. 

Sebastian falls to the ground, grasping his jaw. He stumbles back wards and to his feet. He shakes his head, a tear falling from his eye. Sniffling, he opens the door and storms out. 

Chris turns around, facing me. He looks at me with eyes full of hurt. His head lowers as he shoves past me, our shoulders colliding. 

I let out a sob as the bedroom door slams shut and fall to the floor. I may have just lost the one who really loves you because Sebastian thinks he can play these games. 

I have to try and talk to Chris about this. If I don’t, I’ll definitely lose him, but there’s a chance I won’t if I talk to him. I stand up from the floor, collecting myself and heading into the bedroom. I carefully open the door, trying not to make much sound. 

Chris is pulling his pants on and a shirt over his head. He sits on the edge of the bed  when he notices I’ve entered the room. He looks me dead in the eyes, then looks back down, putting on his shoes. His eyes were moist and full of hurt. 

“Chris?” I almost whisper. 

He says nothing as he laces up his last shoe.

“Chris, baby, please. Talk to me.”

He stands up from the bed and walks towards the door behind me. He stops in front of me and looks me in the eyes once more. There was something more in his, something other than hurt, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. He reaches his hand up and cups my face, wiping a tear away with his thumb. 

“I’m going out,” he gulps, his voice almost monotone. “Don’t wait up.”

“Where?”

He doesn’t say anything else as he pushes past me. The sobs come back, raking through my body. “Chris?!” I cry. 

In response I hear the front door open, but it doesn’t close immediately. I fall to the floor again, against the side of the bed, looking out the open bedroom door, and sob. I can’t lose Chris. 

After a moment, the front door slams so hard that it rattles the apartment. I take deep breaths, trying to calm down, telling myself that everything will be okay. But as I do, the thought of it never being okay won’t leave my mind. The sobs won’t stop. 

I stand from the floor once more, crawling onto the bed. I grab Chris’ pillow off his side of the bed and hug it, inhaling the familiar scent that I love so much. 

After who knows how long, my eyes are heavy and dried out from crying, and I have no motivation to move. I let my eyes fall shut and I fall asleep, on top of the covers and still in my clothes. 

***

The front door slams shut for the third time tonight, making me jump out of my not-so-peaceful slumber. I had been so upset from the nights previous events that I didn’t dream at all, or at least not one that I could remember. 

I look over in the bed next to me; Chris wasn’t there. That must be him coming home now. Realizing that I was still cuddling his pillow, I throw it back on his side of the bed and roll over, pretending to be asleep. 

The bedroom door opens and faint light floods the room. I expect to feel the bed shift next to me, but it doesn’t. There’s a rustling sound, some footsteps, and then the bedroom door closing. Rolling over to Chris’ side, I see he’s taken his pillow and a throw blanket from the basket by the bed. He must be sleeping on the couch. 

I don’t know what I’ve done wrong. I denied Sebastian didn’t I? Was Chris just jealous? I begin to cry again. I can’t seem to stop crying tonight. I don’t try to hide the sounds of the sobs; Chris should know what his silent treatment is doing to me. 

An idea hits me, one that may fix this whole thing. I grab my phone from the bedside table. It’s 2:24 AM and the brightness of the screen momentarily blinds me. I go to my text messages and create a new chat with Sebastian. 

‘Meet me at the coffee house. 6:30 AM.’ 

Sending the text, I realize he may be asleep, he may not wake up until later. 

But then my phone dings. 

‘It’s a date’

I roll my eyes and type out the last message I’m willing to send.

‘No it’s not’

I put the phone back down on the night stand and roll onto my back. I want to cry some more, but nothing comes out. Instead I just stare at the ceiling until I fall back asleep. 

***

I jolt awake at the loud blaring of the alarm on my phone. My head is pounding from the headache. I groan and throw my feet over the edge of the bed, rubbing my head. Remembering what I texted Sebastian last night, I roll my eyes at myself. It’s never safe for me to have social interactions when I’m half asleep. 

The only motivation that pulls me from the bed is the headache I have. I walk into the bathroom and take some Aspirin before getting ready for work.

Looking in the mirror one last time, I smooth out my jeans and pull on my sneakers. I take a deep breath before leaving the bedroom, seeing Chris still asleep on the couch. I hold back the tears that threaten my eyes, not wanting to wake him, or ruin my makeup. Quickly, I grab my packed lunch from the fridge and my bag from the hook by the door. I look over my shoulder before I leave, and decide to quietly say goodbye to Chris for the day. I put my things down by the door and walk over to the couch. 

“I love you,” I say, kissing his forehead and holding back the tears again.

He stirs on the couch and groans. I rush out the door, closing it softly, and make my way towards the coffee shop.

By the time I get to the doors, I’m already 10 minutes late. I enter the shop and look around. Sebastian is already seated at a table in the back corner. I order my drink and wait for my name to be called before heading over the the table.

“Y/n,” the barista calls my name. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sebastian lift his head from looking down at his phone. I thank the barista and head over to the table.

“I don’t have long,” I muttered, pulling out the chair and sitting. 

“Y/n, I -” Sebastian begins but I cut him off before he can continue. 

“Sebastian,” I say, looking into his steel blue eyes. They’re still bloodshot and puffy, and dark bags have appeared under his eyes. “I can’t let you talk, I’m sorry. Anything you say, you’ll just be trying to real me back in. I can’t let you back into my life. I was perfectly happy before yesterday. I hadn’t thought about you in a very long time. You said you left me because I deserve better than you, and you’re right. I know I may be what you want right now, but I won’t let you continue to break me. Chris makes me happy; he really loves me. He trusts me. He’s always there for me and encouraging me. I can’t be with you, Sebastian. I’m sorry.”

With having said what I need to say, I stand up from the chair. I look at Sebastian one last time, and I can tell that I broke his heart. But I can’t think about what he needs in a relationship or in life. I tried to help and support him years ago, and he broke me. I have to think about what’s right for me, right now, and that’s Chris. I turn around, fighting back more tears and begin to talk out of the coffee shop. A chair scrapes against the floor and a strong hand grabs my wrists. 

I stop, but I don’t turn around. 

“Y/n, please,” Sebastian croaks. “Please, give me another shot.”

I don’t say anything, but instead pull my wrist from his grip and walk out.

Part 2? where the reader and chris make up? don’t want to leave you hanging there but this is long enough as it is.

[psycho-slytherin]

Strangers ch. 34

Yoongi finds your phone– and so does someone else...

Pairing: Yoongi x (female) Reader

Word count: 1.8k

Genre: fluff, angst

|mlist|

<–– Prev   Next ––>

You force a laugh. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t lie to me, y/n,” Yoongi says softly, his voice a knife in your back. “These– Jesus.” He exhales sharply as your phone buzzes again, again, again. You would’ve turned your notifications off months ago, but you need Twitter for your jobs. “How long has it been like this?”

@satanhasaholdoffrance: hey @yourname make like a tree and die

@queenynuwu: I hope y/n knows we love her!! <3 @yourname

@gummyyoongi: has anyone found @yourname‘s address yet?

“I don’t know what you mean,” you reply stubbornly. You don’t want your weight on Yoongi’s shoulders, not when you know he’ll blame himself.

“Bullshit. You said this wasn’t happening! You told me that my fans weren’t coming after you.”

“And you never checked,” you reply, your throat tight. “You know what I am. I’m a liar. And you trusted me– that’s your mistake.”

Yoongi flinches. “I know you don’t mean that.”

You begin trembling, your hands and arms and shoulders tensing against your will. “You shouldn’t trust me, Yoongi.” I’ve kept too many secrets from you.

“Well, I do trust you. I know you too well, y/n, and you don’t mean that. But this?” He taps your phone. “This is messed up.”

You take a step back, shrinking into yourself. “I-I’m sorry.”

“What? No. Why are you apologizing?” Yoongi gets up and walks towards you, his eyes intense. “My fans– the stuff they’re saying– that’s what’s messed up. And y/n, I’m so, so sorry this happened. You don’t deserve it.”

“I, uh...” you mumble, confused. Why isn’t he angry at you? You lied to him, again and again and again. “Sorry...”

Yoongi sighs, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “What are you even apologizing for?”

“I don’t know!” You cry. “I thought you’d be mad at me!”

“I’m not mad at you, y/n-ie.” Yoongi raises his arm and brushes a loose strand of hair out of your face. “I’m just worried. The comments you’re getting, the haters... they’re too much for anyone.”

Your mind drifts to the nightmares, the thoughts that your hate comments have inspired within you.

Yoongi’s gaze darkens, but he’s not looking at you– he’s staring far off, at something beyond. “I’ve seen idols, trainees– friends– that internalized those things, and they didn’t see an escape... no one is equipped to deal with this shit alone, no one.” Yoongi swallows, and his voice wavers. “So don’t try, y/n. You’re not alone, and I can’t lose you.”

You blink hard before drawing back and punching Yoongi in the arm.

“Ow!” Yoongi yelps, rubbing his arm. “What the hell?”

“That’s for being dramatic,” you say, using all your willpower to keep your voice light. “And this–” you poke him in the ribs– “is for being selfish. I don’t wanna lose me either, nerd. It’s not all about you.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Yoongi laughs. “My bad, I almost forgot that you’re a force to be reckoned with.”

“Just don’t let it happen again,” you sniff haughtily.

“I won’t, promise. Hey, do you need a lift to your next job?”

“Nah, I’ll take the bus. I’m not famous like you,” you reply. Besides, you want to be alone with your thoughts.

“Suit yourself. I have to go to the studio anyways.”

“Another BTS comeback already?” You muse, and Yoongi winks.

“Nope.”

~~~

Once Yoongi leaves, you wriggle into another sweater and shrug your coat on over it. You can’t help but feel chilly lately, and you can’t afford to get a cold.

You leave your apartment building and quickly walk towards the bus stop. Your afternoon will be spent on a photoshoot for a new makeup line, and Lisa said you’d be able to keep some of the merchandise.

You adjust your face mask and pop in your earphones, your mind a whirling dervish of thoughts. You imagined Yoongi would be furious– after all, you’d promised no more secrets. You couldn’t help but keep your Twitter mess to yourself, because you didn’t want your friend to stress about it.

Friend... the word seems strange to you, almost wrong.

Well, we’re ‘dating’ now, you think, so I guess he’s my fake-boyfriend instead.

It’s weird; for years you were completely in love with Yoongi, besotted with his face and voice and laugh and lyrics. His shy, goofy nature. His irresistible charm. You remember when you and Lisa would scream together at every new music video, each concept photo, any hint or clue or theory. It seems so long ago now.

Speaking of Lisa... your phone begins buzzing with a call from your manager/friend.

“Y/n, darling, how are you doing? How’s the leg?”

“All healed up now,” you reply, flexing and unflexing your left leg. You lost a lot of blood, but your injury missed all the arteries and important stuff.

“Great. Hey, I lined up a job, it’s yours for the taking if you’re interested. They need an extra in a cologne commercial, it should only be a two-day shoot and we can plan around Moon Over The Sea. What do you think?”

“Yeah, sounds good,” you murmur absentmindedly. “How much does it pay?”

“Pretty well, your cut would be only a little less than you’re making on the makeup shoot today.”

“Alright, sign me up.”

“Great. And... how’s it going with Yoongi?”

You jolt. “What?”

“C’mon, y/n, you can’t expect me not to ask. You’re dating your idol!”

“I-I’m not, really...”

“Oh, shush. It’s official, isn’t it? BigHit confirmed it last week. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were together!”

You grit your teeth– you have to tell her the truth. “Lisa, seriously, it’s not real.”

“I know, I bet it totally feels like a fairy tale, huh? I’m so jealous.” Lisa’s voice gets quieter, pouty. “We have to hang out soon, it’s been ages since we’ve had a proper gossip sesh!”

“But...”

“No buts! I’m ordering you as your manager to hang out with your best friend... who is also your manager... who is also me.”

You can’t help but laugh. “Yes ma’am, just pencil me in.”

“Will do! See you soon.”

“See ya.

Humming to yourself, you continue your bus ride, arriving at the studio a few minutes early. A fashionable young man strides up to you bearing shorts and a shirt.

“Ah, you’re here. L/n y/n, right? Perfect, perfect, put these on and we’ll get you straight into hair and makeup.”

“Uhh...” you examine the outfit he gave you. “Are you sure this is for me?”

“Of course I am, what are you talking about?”

“It’s black, these shorts are made of leather, and...” you trail off, gulping. “It’s all very tight.” That’s right, clothes like these will only hug the curves you don’t have. You’re not a sex icon like some of the female idols you’ve seen Yoongi with on TV. You know as someone in the entertainment industry, you’re supposed to be fashionable– but you’re too much a fan of oversized sweaters and soft pants to let them go. “I don’t know if this outfit suits me.”

“Nonsense, you’re beautiful– you just need the confidence! Besides, you’re gonna have to get used to this type of stuff if you want to get anywhere in your career,” the man chuckles. “Changing room is over there. When you’re ready, head to hair and makeup.”

“R-right,” you mumble, taking the clothes. They look so cold, you shiver just thinking about putting them on.

Ten minutes later, you stare at yourself in the mirror. Staring back at you seems to be a child, a little girl who doesn’t belong, who can barely fill out the tight crop top or shorts. And you’re supposed to be dating Yoongi? You don’t know if you want to laugh or cry. Yoongi deserves better, someone prettier, smarter, who looks like they belong at his side. In your mind’s eye, you can see Yoongi next to you in the mirror– black-haired, a brow raised, his mouth quirking upwards in a lazy smirk. He looks like a prince, a god, and you look like you’re playing dress-up next to him. No wonder so many people are upset; you’re doing Yoongi no favors by being with him.

You sigh and shake your head. You’re cold, so cold, and you hate it. You turn away from the mirror to get your hair and makeup done.

“Okay, can you give me a little lip bite? Something cheeky? Oh, perfect! Yes, hold like that!” The camera flashes while you sit frozen in place. “Cross your legs now, hold the lipstick closer to your face... can you give me bedroom eyes?”

Face flushed, you lower your lashes and pout your lips like you’ve seen real models do, and the camera flashes again and again. The lipstick you’ve got on is a brighter red than you’ve ever dared to wear, and combined with the outfit and your bold eyeliner, you look a little edgy.

“Great, y/n, you’re doing wonderfully. We need one more photo for the spread...” the photographer looks around the photo studio, which is a rather minimalist set. “Can someone get me that chair? Y/n, sit on it backwards and try for a smirk– like an ‘I’m-better-than-you’ face.”

But I’m not. Still you try, channeling your inner Seokjin as you fix the camera with your best downward stare, and then half smiling as though you’ve got a secret– which you do, too many to count. Half a dozen shots later, you’re dismissed with the promise that the money will be wired to your account by Friday.

The next morning, you wake up to the familiar buzzing of your notifications, again and again and again. You haven’t overslept, have you? No, your clock informs you that it’s not even six AM. You groan and flip your phone over to read your new mentions.

@beautyoftheseoul: Check out our new line of matte lipsticks, modeled by #MoonOverTheSea’s @yourname!

@chimyoongles: Omg @2460sunshine did you see that @yourname liked a yoongi thirst tweet? Lmaooo I’m dying she’s rly all of us

@scarletwitchisjunghoseok: I think I love @yourname now that she’s exposed herself as an army lololol

@captainkookie21: why are ppl stanning @yourname for her fuckup lol it just goes to show what a liar and a slut she is.

You blink sleepily. You liked a tweet about Yoongi? You’ve been careful about doing that ever since you became a public figure, in case Yoongi noticed. You tap through your likes and gasp:

@slutfordionysus: rt if you want Suga to crush you between his thighs, like if you want him to use his tongue technology on you ;)

Oh, fuck. You never liked that. You’ve never even seen that tweet. Which means... you’ve been hacked?

[gaspbrat]

Senior Year Hues

not blues

au where IT is just a normal travelling clown.

Georgie is alive and well.

As is the prom haze.

warnings: angery jealous eds, swearing

ENJOy, I don’t know why I never posted this. Undoubtedly was part of an entire series.

wc: 3500+

Gretchen Tozier was a beloved and respected 1968 partially black Barracuda “carefully” handed down through the family. Gifted to Richie’s uncle in ‘71, pawned off on Richie’s dad following his uncle’s first DUI and the damage that came with it in January of '72.

Two matte grey mismatched panels on the driver side door and the front bumper were added, hoped to be finished by '73 so Richie’s older sister could joyride through her senior year, seven years later. Thanksgiving that same year, though, dear Uncle Andy rolled through Derry again. He borrowed the car for about twenty-six minutes before overturning it on an embankment near Neibolt. Gretchen was towed, fixed and released back to his father a few months later. His uncle spent the night in the drunk tank, receiving his second and final DUI. Andy hasn’t returned to Derry or their lives since.

To his sister’s distaste, she would not be able to take it a few hundred miles down the coast to college with her like she had hoped. His parents told her she needed to buy her own, especially with her living on campus. She does, a beat up ‘88 Mitsubishi with peeling forest green paint and a bumper that didn’t match.

Richie, upon turning 15, bought her off of his dad for fifty dollars and a pay stub in '91. She has been appreciated properly for the next three wonderful years. Only the finest of company near Ol’ Gretchie.

Eddie definitely hated the ridiculous, loud, obnoxious piece of junk. He definitely didn’t end up falling for that piece of junk just like he did with its driver. Out of the question.

He didn’t get excited when he heard the rhythmic drumming of the old engine approaching his street from a block away.

He most certainly did not love the homey fabric of the seats with endless rips in them or the faint lingering smell of the little trees Richie puts up to mask the ghost of cigarettes past. (Eddie is almost certain they aren’t Richie’s, but if they were he knew Richie would never admit it.)

Eddie did not love that car. Whatsoever. But he did find a place in his heart for all the memories made with it. With him.

So when Richie told him he had to take it to the dump, Eddie nearly lost it.

“What do you mean you’re trashing it, I thought you loved that thing?!”

“Eds, why are you getting so upset, I thought you hated it?”

“I do (not), but… it’s sad seeing you just get rid of it like that.”

“You’re gonna miss ol’ Gretchie aren’t you, spaghetti?”

Richie knew his car didn’t actually need to be trashed entirely it just needed a few major repairs that he knew he would never be able to afford. At least not soon; not for another three months until he could save enough. And if Eddie found out he’d dump his savings into that thing no question. His little hypochondriac was far too good to  him. Even if he wasn’t his yet.

Eddie always was ready to help Richie any way he could, he knew that wholeheartedly, but his stupid damn pride would not allow it.

Richie took up working overtime on the weekends just so he could get back to driving his little Eddie bear around Derry as soon as possible.

Gretchen was a staple in the Tozier’s Promposals. She accompanied his parents to their prom. He was not about to break this tradition just because of his bank account. Eddie deserved the best carriage for his first prom. He was going to have to swallow his pride and buckle in for the most agonizing waiting game of his life, so far.

“Hey, Richie,” Eddie called over to his friend, remembering an invitation he was to extend, snapping Richie from his brooding, “Bill’s having a sleepover tonight, did you want to go? He said you can pick the movie.”

Eddie’s smile was so genuine and hopeful the he almost said yes just so he could keep that smile right where it belonged always but he remembered he had to close tonight and work the mid shift tomorrow. And Bill never let him pick the movies, ever.

“Wish I could but I work tonight. Sorry, buddy.” he patted Eddie’s shoulder and gave him a weak smile.

“You’ll get along without me though, won’t you, Eds?”

“I guess… yea.”

Richie immediately wanted to take it back just to see that smile. Just to see those damn dimples.

He seemed to have gotten his wish when he noticed those big brown eyes light up.

“What about tomorrow? We could go see that movie you wanted to see?”

Again, almost horrendously, Eddie looked so hopeful to be spending time with him that Richie’s frozen heart thawed, just slightly.

“My old man wants me to help him get my sister’s junk out of the house and down to her dorm this weekend, shit, I’m really sorry Eds.”

Richie really really hoped Eddie would leave at that but of course not. He really wanted trashmouth to suffer even if he didn’t know he was suffering.

“..I could help?”

Eddie knew he just grasping at straws here but he really missed being annoyed by this dumb stupid asshole every day even though he would never tell him that.

“Eds, I’d love for you to,” the smaller boy’s eyes twinkled, “but there probably wouldn’t be enough room?”

He knew he didn’t sound convincing. Not at all. He just didn’t want to think about it anymore. He wanted to just get work done so he could get paid and then never ever ever have to see this look on Eddie’s face again.

“Oh. Yea, you-you’re probably right, um, sorry I asked. Maybe next week, I guess.” Eddie decided it was best to just give him his space at that point, turning away from him, trying to end the conversation.

“Eds, wait-”

“Stop fucking calling me Eds.”

Richie didn’t see Eddie for the rest of the weekend after he dropped him off at Bill’s that night. Partially from working almost the entire weekend, partially because Eddie had avoided him as much as he could.

Somehow Eddie managed to steer clear of anything remotely related to Richie that next Tuesday.

The taller boy caught a couple glimpses of him the previous school day but he would disappear before anything could be said between them.

Richie sauntered over to the rest of the losers at lunch to find Eddie absent like the day before.

“Hey, where’s Spaghedward?”

“We thought you would know, didn’t you guys just have chem?” Ben answered from beside Stan.

“Yea but he darted off somewhere in a hurry. I thought he’d be here.” Richie turned around hoping to spot Eddie coming from the bathroom or something.

“He seemed kind of upset when I talked to him earlier, what’s going on?” Beverly interjected after swallowing her first spoon of peach yogurt.

Stan ate in silence while the others discussed what could be wrong. He eyed Richie with what others would call just blatant disgust but hid it behind his thermos of chicken noodle soup.

“Yo, Stan, what do you think?” Richie finally asked him directly. He knew something.

“I think you should talk to him.” Ben responded before realizing he wasn’t the one with the answer Richie wanted.

“I second that. Talk to him.” Mike said around his turkey and cheddar sandwich.

Beverly and Bill simply nodded as they picked through their lunches.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Stan very quietly said, focusing pointedly on his sandwich.

“Why not?” Richie started to get impatient. Stan knew something he didn’t and it was clearly upsetting enough that Stan couldn’t hide his distaste. More than usual.

“He clearly just wants some space, I think you should respect that, okay?”

Stan started to raise his voice slightly and that immediately made Richie eight times more concerned knowing that Stan, of all people, was trying to keep Eddie away from him. Stan quickly picked up his tray and dumped it into the trash before heading down one of the halls.

Richie gave Beverly a kick under the table.

She initially was annoyed but softened when she saw the beat up Docs that had kicked her, nodding without a word. She kicked back twice, the second kick stronger than the first.

“Ow,”

“What, Richie?” Bill raised his head.

“Nothing just kicking myself.”

Lunch proceeded in near silence. Richie was silent for once while the others gossiped about their classes. He was debating the decision to ditch his last period to be early for work. Craig would appreciate him showing up and relieving him early, anyway.

The others returned to their classes and the day sailed by. After school most of them, save for Richie and Mike, met up by the racks to see each other off. Beverly and Ben made a plan to head to the library to cram for their English final tomorrow morning. Bill was planning on tagging along but decided to spend some time with Georgie instead.

Stan knew he didn’t want Ben to third wheel, even though it was evident Bill would be the outlier.

“Bye guys, see you Monday!” Eddie called to the other three losers as he and Stan got on their bikes to head home.

“Oh, hey can we stop by the store really quick? I need to pick up some more of the Nutty Buddies for my mom.”

“Sure.” Eddie didn’t think twice about the grocery run given Mrs. Uris had an acute craving for peanut butter after four.

He was unaware, however, that Stan had set a plan in motion.

Just so happens that the general store was directly across the street from the arcade. Eddie immediately got excited and thought to tell Stan they should go say hi to Richie. Then he remembered Richie telling him he had to help his sister today and brushed it off.

The two went inside to pick up the Nutty Buddies. Stan bought a kit-kat and a bag of chips for him to eat after dinner later.

“I don’t know how you can eat all that junk Stan, how do you sleep at night with your teeth just-,” Eddie stopped nagging momentarily as something outside of the store caught his attention. A dark green, vaguely familiar, car pulled up outside the arcade.

He saw Richie pop out and walk into the arcade with a can of Shasta cola in his hand and a snickers hanging from his mouth, leaving who Eddie assumed was his sister to drive off.

Weird. Thought she would still be in New York right about now.

“Eddie whats going on? You stopped yelling at me.”

“Shut up Stan, look!”

Eddie pointed out the window towards a car he noticed was parked every other season in the driveway.

“Wait, I thought you said he was helping his sister.” Stan inquires further, knowing far better.

“He said he was.” Eddie was immediately disappointed for a reason he wasn’t sure of yet.

Their investigation was put on hold while the clerk rang up their items. She tried starting small talk but Stan just replied curtly with, “Not interested, thank you” while waving a twenty in her general direction.

Eddie supplied a ‘thanks’ to Stan for buying the goods without once looking away from the arcade, observing a cloud of teenage girls huddled in a corner. Their ring leader was approaching the glass and Eddie started to feel dread at the pit of his stomach. He nudged Stan and then started bagging erratically.

They gathered the items and bolted out the door, trying to make sure they could see Richie through the glass without him seeing them.

“Wait, who’s that girl?” Eddie said after a long period of silence.

“Looks like Melissa Cromwell. She’s pretty hot du-.” Stan passed on the general rumor he heard relentlessly from around town. They made him sick but she was definitely well recognized by most boys.

“Shut up, Stan, who asked you?” Eddie whipped out, hoping his words stung like the sting he felt in his chest at this moment.

“You.. did-”

“What the fuck is she doing?”

“Is that a trick question?”

He scoffed but let Eddie’s rambling continue, however, because he had a feeling that Eddie cared a lot more than it already seemed he did. He hasn’t said anything to Stan like ‘Hey I’m bangin’ Richie now, deal with it’ but they’ve been spending a lot of time in each other’s company as of late.

He also knew exactly what a little jealous sap Kaspbrak was like so he didn’t intervene; didn’t mean he couldn’t feed the flame just a bit. Richie was being dismissive and kind of a dick lately, not that that’s anything new. Stan just didn’t want to see his friend tossed over a cliff over this dirt bag.

“Oh my God he’s making her laugh? Look- look at that!”

“I mean, yea? They have Lit together.” Stan announced with his all-knowing bird brain. He saw all and only repeated what he wanted to.

“Why do you care about what Richie fuckin’ Tozier does with his wa-”

Eddie turned to Stan and gave him the look.

Stan shut his mouth tight.

“He lied to me Stanley and know he’s chatting up that hot chick.”

He would never say it to Eddie’s face, (Richie’s face is another story) but Stanley didn’t truly understand what Eddie saw in that asshole. Richie was a dick about three-hundred percent of the time. A dick to Eddie three-hundred percent of the time. He was also for some reason intensely obsessed with his mom.

Stan decided it was best to just let that ship sink on its own eventually when the captain abandoned it. However, if he saw a time bomb ticking down the hull of that ship, he would hop on that lifeboat without a single word and paddle away, letting the pieces fall behind him.

But he couldn’t do that to Eddie.

Right?

The pair noticed the girls all call his name as they exited through the glass doors, cackling with their mob mentality. Stan found them repulsive but knew most guys saw the other qualities.

“Eh, Richie makes a lot of girls laugh sometimes. I guess they think he’s funny?” Stan attempted to level out some of the doubt surrounding his friend.

Much to Eddie’s dismay, Richie started to head back outside of the arcade.

He let out a panicked ‘oh fuck’ before darting off into the alley and biking through it, he didn’t care where he went he just wanted to get far from there.

Stan was struggling with the bag and his kickstand and failed to notice the quick departure of his friend.

He started off a moment later but hesitated when he saw Richie following Melissa further down the street holding a pair of sunglasses and a sharpie in his hands.

Bright neon lights blinked in the arcade window with a welcoming glow. It felt like home to Richie. Except he worked there and wasn’t allowed to play (unless it was empty because it was so slooow after eight).

He got out of his sister’s car with a quick ‘thanks, sis’ before closing the door and heading into work. He wondered what bullshit he’d have to put up with today as he munched down on his snickers.

Richie immediately noticed Melissa and her biters at Pacman not far from the counter. He knew all too well that it yielded almost no tickets at all.

“What’s up, Craig?” he called from around his almost-gone snickers.

The mid-twenties blonde looked up from his comic to acknowledge the brunette boy before him with his hand outstretched in a fist. They bumped fists before Richie set down his shasta on the glass prize display case so he could vault the counter. He landed with a huff loud enough to peak the interest of one of the vapid cheerleaders. It wasn’t hard, none of them were at all focused on collecting dots.

“Those girls came in about a half hour ago. One of them was asking about you.” Craig was telling Richie offhandedly while the younger brunette took off his leather jacket to replace it with his work shirt.

“They’re annoying please, just, like, give them your number and be done with it, totes,” Craig started to bust out laughing while he took off his work shirt and headed into the back of the store.

Richie bent down to put his keys and jacket under the register, pausing when he heard a light giggle from above him.

Fuck.

He slowly got up to face whoever was waiting on the other side of the counter.

“Heey, Richie.” Melissa was leaning on her hand with her elbow propped up on the glass of the counter.

Richie took small a step back from the register.

“Hi, Melissa.”

“I, um, wanted to exchange these tickets for something.” she reached into her back pocket and brought out a pitiful stack of tickets.

Absolutely pathetic.

“Okay.” Richie took them and put them into the ticketing counting machine next to him.

27

“You have twenty-seven.” He said back plainly.

“Ooh, jackpot.” she said slyly smiling as she bit on the end of her sunglasses.

“You can get a finger puppet, a pocket alien” He began listing the lowest tier of redemption.

“A pair of dice,”

“Or jelly bracelets.” The short list came to an end, his attention being returned to the glinting eyes across the counter. He took note of how flattering this direct light would be on anEone else. He pushed it back and awaited her decision.

“Can I get that one?” she pointed to a particularly adorable bear toy.

“Oooh, no sorry. You don’t have enough tickets. How sad.” he clicked his tongue, cocking his head to the side.

“How many more do I need?” She asked with a horrible attempt at puppy dog eyes.

“One.”

“Let me check,” she dug into her back pocket, bouncing from foot to foot.

“Ah-hah!” Melissa pulled out a single ticket, setting it on the counter and sliding it across to him.

“Lucky you.” he said so sarcastically he almost sounded believable.

Richie turned the ticket over before putting it into the machine revealing red numbers and a call me in sloppy cursive loops with,his favorite, a little winky face. He paused, collected his nerves before presenting her with a coy smile.

“I’m sorry, this ticket has been tampered with. I can’t accept this.” he slid it back, grinning.

“Fine. Then I’ll take the,” she leaned much farther than necessary over the counter to point to a tiny alien on a key chain.

“Weird ass alien thing.”

“All yours.”

“Thank you.”

She winked at him before returning to her gang of much too giddy single sheeple friends.

He couldn’t wait to tell Eddie all about this petty ordeal but then he remembered he probably wouldn’t see his best friend until tomorrow at lunch if Eddie showed. Maybe he’d sneak out tonight.

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw Melissa and company head towards the exit.

“Bye Richie.” they all called in shrill unison as they left the arcade, giggling manically to each other. Melissa dangled her alien keychain from hier pinkie as she turned away.

Fuck he hated his job.

He crossed his arms on the glass that he would need to clean anyway and rested his head on top of them. His nose bumped something on the counter causing him to jolt up.

Fuck.

Richie picked the glasses up off the counter before vaulting it again. He walked with some urgency through the glass door after Melissa.

Lucky for him she was lagging behind her friends while they undoubtedly chattered among themselves about how perfect him and Mel would be together. How great they would look together at prom, most likely.

“Melissa!”

Eddie’s bike was thrown into the dirt far from the arcade while he sat down on a rock and used his inhaler. He hasn’t biked that fast since they had to chase Bill to that stupid fucking house on neibolt. That house that he broke his arm in. The house that the clown tried to eat him and all of his friends in.

That goddamn house where Richie set his broken arm after relentlessly trying to keep his focus on that motherfucking shit clown.

He coached his breathing back down to mildly panicked just before he saw Stan biking rapidly towards him. He seemed shocked.

He immediately worried if Richie had seen his buddy Stan and stopped him.

“Hey Stan, what’cha got there, lube for you dad?”

“No it’s Eddie’s snacks, he bolted like a bitch when you came out.”

“Oh damn, well, I got Melissa’s digits and I would have wanted to tell him that his mom’s gonna have to wait unt-”

“Eddie!”

Stan shook his shoulder lightly.

“Wait, when did you get here?”

“Like a minute ago while you were lost in thought, dude.”

“Shit. Damn.”

“You okay?” his only sanity broke off at Stan’s useless question.

“No, Stanley, Im not o’ fuckin’ kay.”

Thanks for readin’! Much love

[thorne93]

Old Flame, New Problems (Part 12)

Prompt: You’re in a serious relationship with Sebastian Stan, when news from your first love informs you that he’s now single and in need of a friend. Will your old flame burn out or will the flames get fanned and consume you?

Word Count: 2773

Warning: language, angst, fighting (verbal), cheating, drama

Notes: This idea came to me when news hit about Hayden and Rachel splitting. Of course I’m sad that a long time relationship such as theirs is ending, but it also means he’s single sooo…Also, no hate towards Rachel. I don’t know her, don’t know what really happened between them, etc. It’s a fic and in no way reflects what I think of either of them or their precious daughter ^.^

Beta’d by my #1 gal @like-a-bag-of-potatoes​

Forever Tags: @capsmuscles @cocosierra94 @essie1876 @magpiegirl80 @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked @harleyquinnandscarletwitch @iamwarrenspeace @marvel-imagines-yes-please @superwholocked527 @myparadise1982sand @missinstantgratification @thejemersoninferno @rda1989 @marvelloushamilton @munlis @thefridgeismybestie @bubblyanarocks3 @random-fluffy-pink-unicorn @hardcollectionworldtrash @igiveupicantthinkofausername @kaliforniacoastalteens @feelmyroarrrr​ @kaeling

Sebastian Stan Tag: @nedthegay @lostinspace33 @alwayshave-faith @elleatrixlestrange @buenostardissherlock @lenawiinchester @the-red-world-of-jess-chibi @memory-of-a-goldfish @mellsstark @crazybutconfidentaf

Old Flame Tag: @blackwidow-romanoff @seargantbcky

~~~~~~~~~~~

He was dressed to the nines. He looked absolutely amazing. You were completely captivated by his unparalleled handsomeness, gravitating towards him during the after party. He’d just starred in the movie Takers, you were invited to the premiere by him, and now you were ready to actually see him. He’d been out of reach all evening due to being in the spotlight, but now, finally, he was just mingling, as best he could. You made a beeline for your friend, and as soon as you reached him, Rachel ran up and snatched his arm.

“Y/N, you made it,” he said in a fond, inviting voice as he leaned forward to give you a half hug.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” you responded with a grin.

“Oh, have you met Rachel?” he asked, gesturing from you to her.

“No, I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure,” you stated, eyeing his date. Pleasure was the opposite of what you felt when it came to Rachel. Since they’d been engaged two years, you tried your best to stay away from her.

“Y/N, this is Rachel, Rachel this is Y/N,” he introduced and you shook each other’s hands.

“So you’re the one I always hear about,” Rachel remarked, a gleam in her eye.

Uneasily, you responded, “I suppose so.”

“You know, I’ve read your work, starring my fiance. Must be really sad to have your first and really successful novel to be about a man you’re no longer with. Does it hurt?” she asked. Her tone made it seem like she was being friendly, honestly curious, but you recognized that look on that girl’s face. She was jealous of you, and you had no idea why. She was the one with the ring on her finger, you were the one with a broken heart.

“Uh, if you’ll excuse me,” you said before rushing to the bathroom to stop the flow of tears.

Both you and Seb were too exhausted to talk, so you went straight to bed and fell asleep together.

The following morning you made sure to apologize as soon as he woke up. You’d woken up around dawn and made coffee, working around the millions of rose petals in the house. As soon as you were done, you went back to your bedroom, cup in hands, and he was waking up.

“Good morning,” you softly greeted as you sat next to his lying form. “Sebastian, I’m really sorry. I know you went through a lot of effort last night, and I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me that you’re trying to make sure we spend valuable time together. I don’t want you to think I didn’t want or appreciate that,” you informed as he started to properly wake up, rubbing his eyes, and pulling his shirtless self into a relaxed position against the headboard.

He nodded slightly, his eyes cast down to his lap, listening to you.

“I was just upset because I do miss Hayden. He’s a really old friend and after the holidays, he’ll probably only be in town for two more weeks and if this thing with King kicks off soon, I won’t have time to see him. I wasn’t mad at you or blaming you or upset with anything you did, it was my fault. I just...I was getting upset that the window to see him became shorter and shorter. That’s all.”

Sebastian nodded again, but he was still quiet for about a minute.

“I just wanted last night to be special, is all. And when it seemed like you were more irritated with the evening than anything...well it hurt. It also didn’t make sense to me because you’ve been telling me you wanted more time together, more date nights, more romantic stuff...Then I did that and you weren’t into it. I didn’t know if I did it wrong or...what…”

You reached forward and put your hand on his. “No, not at all. You were perfect, I was in the wrong. I just got mad when you got mad about me being upset. While, yes, it was a perfectly romantic evening, it didn’t mean I didn’t feel a little sad about missing Hayden. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah,” he replied, his eyes coming up to pierce yours. “I love you,” he offered in a gentle voice.

“I love you too,” you breathed, relaxing a bit. “I brought you some coffee, a peace offering,” you said, eyeing the steaming cup.

“Thanks,” he said. His hands traveled to your shoulders and he pushed you back on the bed slowly. “But I think it can wait,” he whispered in your ear before kissing your neck.

------------------------------

After an unexpected and eventful morning with Sebastian, you got ready for your day.

“I...uh...was going to go check on him, if that’s okay,” you tentatively stated. “I don’t know why he got blitzed and I’d like to know--”

“Babe, go. It’s fine. Go see your friend. I’m sure you’re worried and I’m sure he needs you,” he assured as he grabbed his gym bag.

“Are you sure? I won’t go if you don’t want me to,” you promised. You meant it. You weren’t going to do anything with Hayden any more if it meant upsetting Sebastian. It wasn’t worth it and you knew the more you were around him, the worse your feelings would become.

He walked over, put his hands on your shoulders, and looked you straight in the eye. “I don’t mind. I love you. I trust you. Go be with your friend.”

Sighing a breath of relief, you thanked him, kissed him, and left to go see Hayden. It was nearly noon so you decided to grab some takeout on the way, assuming he probably hadn’t eaten yet. You got to the door and knocked, hoping he was awake by now.

After a second, the door opened, exposing a person you never thought you’d see.

“Oh, I should’ve known you were nearby with this fiasco,” Rachel sneered as she eyed you up and down.

“Nice to see you too, Rachel,” you greeted in an even tone.

“What do you want?” she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I came to see him,” you informed.

“Don’t you have your own boyfriend to go home to? You have to crawl your way towards him too?”

“Rachel, you left him, remember? Don’t like me around Hayden? Take it up with him,” you insisted in a calm, firm tone.

“I don’t like you around our daughter, that’s for sure,” she stated.

“For your information, Briar loved trick or treating with me,” you said, getting defensive.

“Pretty sure it was just being around her dad that excited her,” she remarked with a scowl.

“Wouldn’t have to be that excited if you let him see her more often.”

“Well that’s why I’m here. I was going to see if he wanted to take Briar for the day,” she informed. “But seeing as he’s hungover from hell, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Rachel,” you started, a pleading tone in your voice, “don’t do that to him. He loves her, hungover or not. Please, leave her here.”

“Are you going to be here?” she asked.

“No, I came by to see you,” you sarcastically said.

“Then no. I’m not leaving her here.”

“Are you fucking serious?” you spat in a hushed whisper. “You’re going to deny him from seeing his daughter because I’m here?”

“I don’t want her around you.”

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath.

“Okay, is he still hungover?” you asked evenly.

“Yeah, why?”

“Just...Take Briar for a few hours. I’ll get him fixed up and leave and then you bring her back here.”

“I don’t take orders from you,” she remarked, offended.

“Look, Hayden loves her and he misses her. I care about Hayden, which means I care about his happiness. And Briar makes him happy. If you take this away from him, I will do everything in my power to get her here. Your petty, insecure revenge shit can be put on hold. So I suggest you do as I say, or shit won’t be pretty.”

Her eyes went to the floor for a second then back up. “Fine. I’ll be back at three. Be out of here by then or she’s not staying.”

“Thank you,” you said.

She eyed you balefully before turning around. “Briar, baby, come on. You and Mommy are gonna run some errands while Daddy tries to feel better.” She went back and picked up Briar and put her on her hip, Hayden nearly refusing to let go. He finally let his hands slide off his daughter’s little form, a sadness forming in his eyes and face.

She started to leave before you caught her just as she was stepping out the door.

“Rachel?”

“Yeah?”

“Why...why don’t you like me? I mean, you’ve hated me from the moment we met,” you wondered in a quiet voice, hoping Hay wouldn’t hear you.

For a moment, she was lost in thought, it seemed debating on what to say to you. “Why don’t you ask Hayden? I’m sure he can fill you in,” she softly said, thrusting her chin towards him. At that, she walked away and you closed the door, stepping in with food.

“Hey, sunshine,” you greeted, trying to mask the inevitable confusion on your face. You came in and placed the food on the table. “I got the works. Anything you might want,” you informed.

“Thank you. I’m starving.”

“Probably because you didn’t eat last night,” you remarked.

“And how do you know that?”

You shrugged. “You were drinking all night, doubt you had time for a meal or wanted one…”

A silence grew between you two as you finished pulling out all the to-go boxes. You stopped your work and went over and sat across from him on the opposite bed.

“Hey, you wanna tell me why you decided to get that shitfaced?” you gently asked.

Hayden turned to you, his eyebrows going up. “Not exactly.”

“Look, Hay, you aren’t an alcoholic or anything. I’m not judging you. I just want to know what...triggered you to want to drink, that’s all. We’re friends right? I want to help.”

He nodded his head side to side and sighed, playing with his hands.

“Rachel informed me last night that...she doesn’t want me to spend Thanksgiving with Briar Rose. She’s taking her to her family’s house for the holidays and doesn’t want me there because it could be awkward.”

Your eyes and gut fell. That had to be like a bomb dropping on someone. Being told you can’t see your daughter on a holiday that’s meant to be for families.

“Oh...I’m so sorry,” you offered.

“It’ll be the first holiday I’ve ever spent away from her,” he informed quietly and evenly.

“That’s why you drank? Missing her?” you affirmed as you leaned down to try and see his face.

He lifted his head up and looked around the room, everywhere but you. “I started to drink because last I realized I’ve pushed everyone away in my life and I didn’t mean to. I pushed Rachel away because of my inability to compromise, to just swallow my anxiety shit a few nights and go out with her, like she deserved. I lost Briar Rose because I didn’t want to deal with meeting new parents. I lost a lot of friends from the entertainment business because I cut off ties to a lot of them and I shouldn’t have. I just wanted to be left alone I guess. I wanted Rachel and me to run away from all the bullshit that’s in Hollywood, and just go to the country. Just, be, and exist together, to be happy. Just to be away from everything. But I guess taking them away from everything also took them away from me. I think I was so blinded by my own happiness I forgot to see if they were.”

You leaned forward and put your hand on his knee. “Hey, that’s not your fault. You did the best you could. You and Rachel are just two different people.”

He nodded. “You’re right. And it’s over...I realized it last night. We’d been trying to hold onto this for so long...And last night it just hit me, after that call...We really are over with, for good. We’re breaking up…”

You gave his knee a squeeze. “I’m sorry, sweetie,” you offered.

“Not your fault. But I’m glad you’re here. Thank you for getting me home last night. I sort of remember being fed coffee and something else. Was Sebastian here?” he asked as if he was losing his mind.

You laughed. “Yeah, he was here. You actually called in the middle of a fight. I said I was going to get you and he said he wanted to help.”

A small look of shock crossed his face before slowly nodding. “Wow. Well...Tell him I said thanks. I don’t remember if I gave you a hard time or not.”

“Nah, you were rather easy to corral,” you informed with a smile. “Speaking of people who don’t like each other...I’ve never asked you why Rachel hates me. I just tried to ask her and she told me to ask you...So...Why does Rachel hate me?” you asked, your tone heavy.

Hayden let out a small, sharp laugh. “Uh, wow. She said to ask me? Well...Uh...Okay. Back when we got engaged, things were still sort of rocky. I was still getting over you and I may have...brought you up a few times.”

“How so?” you inquired.

“Well, i may have inadvertently compared you two. I didn’t mean to, it would just happen. You and i had been together five years, and her and I only one. So she would make coffee and I’d mention that you’d make yours a certain way. If i read a script, I'd tell her how you used to help me prepare my lines. Then, when we met at the Takers premiere, I don’t know, it pissed her off. She was upset that I invited you and accused me of not being over you.”

In a whisper, you asked, “Were you?”

“No,” he responded immediately.

You frowned. “So then what happened?”

“We broke up. She didn’t believe me that I was over you. But I couldn’t just let it go. I went after her, and three months later, we were back together. I lied to her. I told her I was over you. I thought if I could pretend, if I could force myself, if I could try to move on, I’d get over you.”

“Did it work?” you wondered.

“No,” he said again, a breathy laugh coming from him. “I’ve never gotten over you. You were another one I pushed away and...I never should have.”

His eyes were on yours, that same static crackling between you two right before you betrayed Sebastian.

“I never really got over you, either,” you confessed in a whisper.

You stared at each other a long time, not sure what to say, what to do…You weren’t going to betray your boyfriend again. If you wanted Hayden, you needed to make it clear to Sebastian that’s who you wanted before you crossed that line again.

After what seemed like ages, Hayden finally spoke. “So what do we do now?”

You shook your head. “I have no idea. I...I don’t think we do anything,” you informed.

“So...we just...go on like this? Never knowing if this could work?” he wondered. “Pretend that we don’t feel the way we do when we hang out? Pretend that I don’t still want to touch you...and kiss you...and feel you? Pretend it’s not your face I want to see when I wake up?”

His words sent a wave of heat, yearn, and guilt through you. Yes, you’d thought of those things. Yes, he still haunted your dreams too.

“That’s our only option…”

“No, it’s not,” he countered. “You could leave Sebastian. You could come with me, back to Canada. You’re more independent now. You can move with me there and write there. We can figure this whole thing out. We can have another shot.”

“Hayden…” you started. You knew there was no way you could leave Seb, even if you wanted to. Even if you were still in love with Hayden, you loved Sebastian too.

“You don’t have to decide now. But...at least think about it...What do you say?”