#you can ask her out after September 15

[crawlspacefics]

Mercury goes retrograde today (August 23). Sagittarius will be facing the brunt of this. Makaoto is in so much trouble...

[ladyylesbian]

Sorority Rules (18+)

Pairing: dom!wandanat x sub!fem!original character

Summary: ‘New Year, New Me’ can start in September...right?

Warnings: MINORS DNI! Pet names, mommy kink, daddy kink, reader has a name? (Honestly idk anymore, tell me if I missed something?)

Word Count: 11.2k

A/N: This really was just me proving something to myself, but I hope you enjoy it all the same :) Continuation of this story is on AO3

you do not have permission to translate/repost my works anywhere! all mistakes are mine and mine alone. likes, comments, and reblogs are always welcome & appreciated <3

Freshman year left you beat down on the floor. You had been roomed with a girl named Hela. The two of you had hit it off instantly. In fact, you spent so much time together that everyone would know if they found one of you, then they could find the other nearby, definitely helped that you somehow had the exact same class schedule. By the end of the first semester, Hela asked you out and one week later, she asked you to be her girlfriend. 

What was the happiest month turned dark and lonely. Hela spent more and more of her time focused on her sorority since being officially accepted. She had set completely insane restraints on you. You had to text her every hour whenever you were apart, it didn’t matter that she wouldn’t acknowledge your messages. She even would rarely show up at the dorm room to sleep, claiming that the sorority house was where she needed to be, but demanded a picture of you in bed every night. 

You had long since given up expecting to see her anywhere but during classes, however, when she sat down with the other girls in her sorority looking you right in the eyes as she did, you finally broke. That was your time together and she was so obviously picking them.

That only snowballed into her eating lunch in the quad with them too. She took you to a few sorority parties and introduced you to her ‘favorite person’ and sorority big sister, Carol. The two were attached at the hip which quickly left you to nurse a drink off in the corner. 

You didn’t have the backbone to say anything, blindly hoping she would realize how much she missed you and run back.

It wasn’t until right before the end of year finals that Hela had stayed back in the dorm room once again. The two of you would study nonstop and laugh and joke. Everything you had spent months wishing for was happening. The girl you liked was back.

After finishing your last final before Summer break, you waited for her in the hallway. Less than 15 minutes later she pushed open the classroom door and stepped out. You locked eyes and she rushed up and gave you a hug. “Thank you so much, Madelyn. I really could not have passed these finals without you.”

Smiling warmly at the raven haired girl, “Always. It’s you and me all the time. I couldn’t show up to sophomore year without you next to me.”

Her eyes fell downwards before slowly reaching yours again. “About that, Madelyn, I think we should end things. You are just in such a different place than me and I am changing my major, so we won’t be in the same classes anyways. Not to mention, you can really blow up my phone and I am just not into that. But thank you so much for the help this year.” You can’t help but stare at her wide eyed, blinking repeatedly as you try to process her words. She pats your cheek before turning around and walking down the hall “Have a good summer!”

The only thought running thought your mind is ‘what the fuck.”

-

You cannot believe this day is finally here, sophomore year of college. After a thoroughly disastrous freshman year, you are determined to completely turn your life around. A new roommate, new classes, if you can be picky, then hopefully a solid friend group will be thrown in there too. 

It was still a few days before the actual first day of classes, but you wanted to get into your new dorm and settle in. There were quite a lot of other students with the same idea, all unpacking their parents cars that were stuffed full. You quickly paid the taxi driver and hopped out the back seat. He opened the trunk and lifted your suitcase onto the road. 

Dragging your bag up the sidewalk and settling in the line waiting for the booth to find your new dorm room and collect the room key. You look around, wondering if your new roommate is in this same crowd, thinking if her parents are holding back tears as they hug her goodbye. 

Thankfully, before you can stumble too far down that path, you reach the front of the line. “Name and year?” 

“Oh, uh, Madelyn Andrews. Sophomore.” She flips through the pages and finds your name with ease. Looking down into her organized box of keys, she picks up on set, “Room 616.”

With a soft smile, you accept the key and head towards the sophomore dorms.

Thankfully, there’s an elevator in all the dorm buildings once you’re no longer a freshman. You always joked that it was the university’s way of hazing the entire freshman class. 

The slow elevator had you wondering if you could have walked the stairs and ended up there faster, but eventually, opened onto the sixth floor. You held your breath as you walked up to your door. 

Pressing your ear against the wooden surface and straining to try and hear any movement. It sounded completely empty inside. With a quick ‘thank you’ to the skies above, you push the key into the lock and turn, opening the door. 

Unsurprisingly, it is the same layout as your freshman year dorm, not that you were superstitious, but in the spirit of completely turning your life around you opted for the bed on the right this time.

It didn’t take more than an hour for you to put away your clothes and set up the small mementos of your friends from back home. Walking back over to your suitcase, you pull out a small blanket that barely is long enough to cover your legs and hide it under your pillow. 

Laying on your new bed and scrolling your university’s Instagram page, trying to find something to do that can pass the time. That’s when you see there is an early bird trivia event being hosted at the student center in ten minutes. 

Taking a second to think, you come to the conclusion that this is the perfect chance to meet new people. Reinvent yourself as someone social, someone beyond only one friend turned girlfriend. 

Softly pushing yourself off the elevated bed, you walk over to the shared closet and pull out your favorite white crew neck in case the temperature drops after sunset. With an unbalanced turn, you spin around and pull on your black and gray checkered vans. Hopping over to the mirror to give yourself a fast once over then heading straight out the door.

It’s only a short walk to the student center from your dorm this year, which you’re thankful for, perfect for meeting new people. 

Remembering how heavy the student center door is, you pull hard on the handle. The universe must be laughing at you because that seemed to be the wrong choice. The usually heavy door was light this year and you have just thrown the door as wide as it would go, causing a decently loud sound. 

A few students near the door look at you, but thankfully the other students further into the building haven’t seemed to notice a thing. Which is where the trivia is being held, so you awkwardly walk through the doors and inside.

“Hello, welcome to early bird trivia: musicals. Are you joining a team or registering a new one?” states a wide eyed brunette woman. 

“Oh, I didn’t know we had to have a team..” you begin to look around for anyone you might vaguely recognize. “Not a worry, dear. We have another girl looking for a team too. You two can partner up.” She starts to wave over a blonde, who’s smiling bigger than you would think possible.

She continues, “This is..” she pauses waiting for you. “Madelyn.” 

“And she needs a team as well. So, what will the team name be?”

Before you even have a moment to think of something clever, the blonde speaks up, “Mac n Cheese Lovers.” You cannot help but snort at her abruptness. The brunette hands you a paper and pencil to write down your answers on, “Good luck ‘Mac n Cheese Lovers.”

Following the blonde over to a table near the smoothie bar along the left wall, as she sits down she introduces herself, “Hey. My name is Yelena. I hope you like Mac n Cheese or this team name will be super awkward,” she snickers.

You shake your head slightly, “The name is perfectly fitting. I’m a huge fan,” you laugh, “My name is Madelyn. It’s nice to meet you. So what year are you in?”

“Sophomore,” the blonde replies, “How about you?”

“Same, sophomore.” The two of you continue with small talk for a couple minutes until you hear the game host start speaking. He gives a quick introduction of his name and lets everyone know he’s the student activity director, so he plans all university approved events. Which leads him to a quick warning that means no drinking or drugs at these events since he’s required to report them to the Dean. Then, he gets into the trivia rules.

Once he finishes, Yelena leans over to you, “We have to win. Or at least beat my annoying sister and her girlfriend.” 

You raise your eyebrow at the woman, “If you knew people, how come you didn’t team up with them?”

She waves off your question before pointing them out, “See those two redheads? That’s them. They are insufferable at any sort of competition. We need to show them up and win, so I hope you’re a musical lover because I am most certainly not a musical theater major,” she chuckles as she finishes her sentence.

“They do look insufferable,” you agree with the blonde, “and lucky for you, while I am not a musical theater major, I am a lover of Broadway, so get ready to kick some ass.”

Yelena claps you on the back and laughs, “I like you, Madelyn. Let's do this.”

“Okay, everyone, first question. What musical movie has the song ‘It's the Hard-Knock Life’?”

You quickly write down ‘Annie’ on the paper next to the number one as he repeats the first question.

“Second question, the musical Hairspray is set in what American city?”

Once again, you write down ‘Baltimore’ immediately next to the number two as he repeats the question. 

And the process repeats itself all the way to the end. You, unsurprisingly, knew every answer, besides two. Thankfully Yelena seemed very confident in the answers, which led you to learning that while she was not an overall musical lover, she was obsessed with ‘SIX’, claiming ‘they all should have just murdered that idiotic king’. 

By the end, you and Yelena are laughing together and being shushed by other teams around you trying to think. Yelena pays them no mind while she tries to watch and see if her sister and her girlfriend are guessing the answers correctly by the way she’s writing. You tried to tell her that would be impossible to know, but the blonde paid you as little mind as she did the surrounding teams. 

Finally, the host announces for everyone to settle down and starts going over the list of correct answers. Yelena is practically levitating off the seat with how excited she is. Your team got every question right. “Okay everyone, count up your total of correct answers.” He waits a few seconds before beginning again, “raise your hand if your team got more than five correct.”

Faster than lightning, Yelena's hand is in the air, yours follows quickly. “Raise your hand if your team got more than ten correct.” Three other teams' hands go down. “Raise your hand if your team got more than fifteen correct.” Another two teams’ hands lower. Leaving your team, two other teams, and Yelena’s sister’s team, much to the blonde’s annoyance. 

“Raise your hand if you got more than seventeen correct.” One team puts their hands down. “Raise your hand if you got more than eighteen correct.” The other team drops their hands. Making the final two teams, ‘Mac n Cheese Lovers’ and ‘Traitors’, if you were to believe Yelena. 

“Looks like we have a tight race everyone, how exciting, keep your hands up if you got all twenty questions correct.” A moment of tense silence falls over the room, the redheads slowly lower their hands. A loud, piercing scream sounds off beside you, “Yes! Ha! I won! So much for ‘Yelena you don't know anything about musicals. Go find your own team’.” The blonde begins doing her victory dance as you laugh. She grabs your hand and motions for you to victory dance with her. And how could you say no when you are equally excited about the win.

“We have our winners, everyone congratulations to..” the host drags off his sentence.

“Mac n Cheese Lovers!” the two of you say while laughing and dancing together.

“Congratulations to ‘Mac n Cheese Lovers’. Thank you to everyone for coming out and starting off this year with a bang! I will see you at the next activity!” Slowly everyone staggers out of the student center and into the night as you’re exchanging Instagrams with Yelena and saying your goodbyes. 

Not even three steps away from the table, you hear someone speaking to Yelena, “Clearly, you didn’t win with your own lack of knowledge. So, what’s her name?” Not wanting to look back and have them know you’re listening, you keep walking as you hear Yelena reply “Madelyn. Why?”

Cursing yourself for not slowing down because now you’re too far away to keep trying to listen, you look over your shoulder right before walking out the doors. Locking eyes with two pairs of green eyes staring back at you.

-

Spending most of your days walking around campus and figuring out the quickest way to each of your classes, then finding a second route.., and a third route, just in case. Eventually making your way to the cafeteria since it’s the only food place open on campus until classes begin and sitting out in the quad people watching as more and more people arrive. You haven’t met up with the blonde, or the two mysterious redheads, you met at trivia since. However, you are often sending memes back and forth which you take as a small step towards your first new friend of the year. 

It’s officially one day until classes start and you still haven’t met your roommate. You have considered walking back to the welcome booth and asking if you even have a roommate since it’s extremely uncommon to not be moved into the dorms by this time. 

As much as most people would love to strike luck and get a free single, that is the absolute last thing you want. 

The universe finally seems to answer your silent worrying and wishing as you hear someone fumbling with the keys outside your door. Quickly, you hop from the bed and rush to open the door. Coming face to face with a dark haired brunette.

“Oh, good, you’re moved in already!” Taken aback by the woman’s words, your focus shifts between her and the large number of boxes next to her in the hallway.

“Do, uh, do you need help?”

“That’d be great. My name’s Kate. You’re Madelyn, right?”

A wave of shock hits you at hearing someone you’ve never met know your name. Seeing the look on your face causes Kate to laugh. She starts to shimmy inside and you hurriedly move to the side, so she can walk in easier. Once she’s in, you step out of the room and pick up one of the boxes. “It is, yeah. So, where do you want this?”

“You can just throw everything on the bed.”

It doesn’t take long for the two of you to move everything into the small dorm. Laughing as you both try to move around with the now limited floor space since Kate’s bed was quickly filled up with boxes. 

After an offer to help the brunette unpack her things, you figure out she is quite uncaring about her clothes, but she is very particular about her bow. You learn she joined the school archery team last year, but already stands to make captain for her second year. 

She tells you about how last year, on a dare, she hit the bell tower with an arrow. “So, you were the one who caused the crack in the bell tower?” Covering your mouth to try and hide your laugh. She looks at you with wide eyes, “I can’t confirm or deny which clock tower it was.”  

Which only causes you to lose all control and laugh wildly out loud. 

-

Successfully surviving the first four weeks of your second year in college, you get to celebrate at the first football game of the season. Thankfully, Kate is not into the sorority scene like your ex was, so you can go to the game together rather than alone.

With your back against your bed and your feet up the side of the wall, you’re waiting for Kate to get back from her archery practice. She made captain last week which led to you both sneaking out of the dorm at midnight and walking to the nearest pizzeria for a celebratory pizza. Your memory was promptly interrupted by the door slamming into the wall, “Shit. Sorry.”

Laughing at Kate’s mumbled apology to the girls next door who always complain about you two being unnecessarily loud. The brunette throws her sweaty t-shirt at your face which you quickly launch back at her as she softly shuts the door. 

“Hurry up and get ready, Bishop. The game starts in thirty minutes and you smell like a wet dog.”

“Your words are so sweet. Dipped in honey I would say,” Kate’s words laced with sarcasm as she playfully flips you off while kicking off her shoes. 

“Only in honey? You don’t get the soft rose petals or melted chocolate too?” Your words only earn you a deadpan stare from the archer. With a grunt, you push yourself off the wall and sit upright, “Don’t forget that tonight is a black out game, so you need to be in all black to show support.”

“Oh yes, I would hate not to show support. Unfortunately, all my black clothes are currently dirty-”

“I know, which is why I took the liberty of doing our laundry earlier today. Your outfit is laid out on the bed.” You say with a smile and move to make your fingers into the shape of a heart.

Kate can’t help but roll her eyes and laugh, “Of course, you did.” Walking up to her shower bag and picking it up, she heads to the door. “I will be back in no less than 10 minutes, Sargeant,” winking at you, knowing you hate the nickname, before quickly mumbling out, “and thank you for doing my laundry. You’re the best.” and walking out of the room.

Rushing a quick ‘You’re welcome’ out before the door shut. You begin getting dressed yourself, deciding on a black halter top and some black jean shorts with your black high-top converses. Throwing your hair up into a high ponytail, then pulling out your baby hairs so you don’t look like an egg.

True to her word, Kate walks back in 10 minutes later as you put headphones in and stare at the ceiling, you give your roommate privacy to get ready. 

Feeling your headphones ripped out of your ears causes you to face the archer as she smiles, “How do I look? Andrews approved?” Kate stands in front of you in black long sleeve cropped top and blacked ripped jeans.

Jokingly, you raise an eyebrow at her, faking a moment of contemplation before returning the smile, “You look hot. You will definitely grab whoever’s attention you want.”

“I don’t want anyone's attention, '' the brunette scoffs.  

“Sure you don’t and I don’t hope that my 7am professor is sick on Monday,” you retort.

“I don’t even think she is gonna be there,” Kate starts pulling on the sleeves of her shirt, “I don’t think football games are her thing.”

You take a moment to consider what to say. It’s been months since you had a crush on anyone and wanted to try and impress a girl. When you first found out your roommate started crushing on someone, you had been relentless in attempting to have her confess who it was. But as stubborn as you were, Kate was also head strong in keeping her secret. 

“Her loss then. We can post a picture and she’ll see everything she misses out on by skipping the game,” you wink. Linking arms, you and Kate walk out of the dorm and head to the field. 

The first stop you both make is the concession stand since food is the top priority any time the two of you leave the dorm together. Ordering you both an ICEE, yours being coke flavored and Kate’s cherry, and a hot dog each. 

Once arriving at your seats, you turn around and ask the girls behind you if they could take a picture for you. You both hold up your ICEEs, smiling as you cheer for the picture. 

Kate posts the picture on her Instagram, tagging you, and captions the post ‘I’m only here for the ICEEs’.

Quickly commenting ‘and my amazing company’ under her post. Then posting the picture onto your story with hearts underneath.

It’s not until the third quarter that you both finally relent and head to the bathrooms. While standing in line chatting about nothing and everything, the archer tenses beside you and presses herself between you and the wall, “what are yo-”

Kates proceeds to shush you and shrinks further into her hiding spot. Looking around to try and see what has your roommate acting so strange, you come up short since you don’t recognize anyone.

That is until you glance over to the concession line and notice Yelena, who you met your first day back on campus. Quickly turning around to Kate, “Oh, Kate. Do you remember how I told you I met this hilarious girl my first day back?“ You point over to the blonde, “She’s right there. Her name is Yelena.”

The brunette’s face pales suddenly. Worry rushes through you and your eyes immediately start scanning for what’s upset your friend so badly. Until it clicks, “Kate…Oh, Katie,” you start to whisper, “ is Yelena who you have a crush on?”

Her eyes met yours and you can tell you’re right. “I totally know her. I can introduce you if you want. Granted, I haven’t actually spoken with her for over a month, BUT we regularly exchange memes.”

Before Kate could give any response to you, you feel a tap on your shoulder and turn around.

“Madelyn, I thought it was you! How have you been?” Yelena says with a big smile on her face.

“I’m great. Settling into my classes and wishing I didn’t sign up for a 7am lecture that I completely don’t understand and will need to find a tutor for, the usual. How about you?”

As the blonde opens her mouth to reply, she notices Kate, “Bishop? Madelyn and Bishop? You two know each other?” .

“Roommates,” You both say at the same time before you continue, “We’re roommates. How do you know Kate?”

“She’s my lab partner,” she leans around you and looks at the brunette, “We have a project coming up and I’ve been meaning to reach out and figure out a time that works for you,” she runs her fingers through her blonde hair nervously.

A sneaky smile goes across your face, realizing that Yelena also seems to have a crush on Kate.

The archer stands up suddenly at her crush’s words, “I have archery practice most days, but I’m free on Tuesdays after 3pm, if that works.” 

Yelena simply smiles back, “Tuesdays are great, except, I’m in class until 4. How about you come to my apartment, it’s five minutes from campus, and we can eat and start our research?”

“Off campus?”

“Yeah, my sister and her girlfriend wanted to have a secluded place away from the sorority and invited me to stay there too.”

You nod, listening to the two speak while also trying to give them privacy by looking anywhere else in the slowest moving restroom line.

Suddenly, Yelena’s phone goes off, “Speaking of the devil,” she answers.

You can’t hear whoever it is super well over the crowd cheering at what must have been the best touchdown of the game but once they quiet down you hear that voice again from trivia night, the redheaded sister of Yelena.

The blonde turns over her shoulder to look near the concession line she just came from, “I just want a coke.” You look over in the same direction as Yelena, “No, I don’t want anything else. I will be right back. I was just saying ‘hey’ to Madelyn and Bishop. Get your underwear out of a twist. I’m heading back now. Bye.”

Your heart leaps out of your chest when you finally notice the redhead in line. Making eye contact with her deep green eyes for longer than normal which causes Kate to nudge your shoulder as it’s finally your turn to walk into the restroom.

“Sorry,” you mumble to your roommate before turning back with one final look, receiving a wink from both women.

Kate gives a quick goodbye to Yelena before she walks away and then pushes you through the door.

Your roommate tries to ask you about it in the restroom, but you firmly shut down that topic and turn the conversation around on her. If you had known her crush was on Yelena, then you would have tried long ago to set them up on a blind date. Which is probably why the brunette didn't say who she was spending her days thinking about.

Making your way back to the seats, thankfully, without running into anyone else, you try to wipe the redhead’s face out of your memory, feeling incredibly embarrassed for your behavior when seeing her. 

The last quarter of the game passes in a blur that you aren’t even aware the game ended until you notice the football players celebrating on the field and groups of people moving around you to leave at the same time. You glance up to the scoreboard and see the score, 30-28, your team winning.

Pulling out your phone, you swipe to pull up Instagram and post the scoreboard to your story, ‘our blood, our sweat, your tears’.

Linking your arm with Kate to make sure neither of you get lost on the way out of the stadium, the cool fall breeze whips at your shoulders the second you make it outside, but you welcome it after squeezing against every sweaty jock trying to get out of the stadium at the same time.

The two of you quietly laugh together when you look back to see people squeezing through the doors you just came through. 

Neither of you are paying attention and accidentally bump into someone, to your dismay it was Yelena’s sister. Your body goes rigid at the sight of her. A scowl on her face until she settles her eyes on you then she gives you a soft smile.

“So, so, so sorry about that. We should have paid more attention.” The redhead’s smile slowly grows bigger as you continue talking. “Sorry again.”

You go to turn away and drag Kate along when you feel a warm hand softly wrap around your bicep, “No, I should be ashamed for not giving you more attention when you’re around,” smirking slightly at you.

A small blush rushes to your cheeks, opening and closing your mouth a few times before giving a gentle nod to the woman before turning around again.

Once you are out of hearing range from the redhead, Kate starts laughing, “Oh, you’re like a fly trapped in the spider's web.”

With a quick glare to your roommate and a prompt slap to the arm, “Shut up.”

-

As you lay on your bed, winding down your night time routine, you decide to scroll Instagram. Liking posts from your roommate and best friend, Kate’s, account. You didn’t think you would get as close to the girl as you had, but the two of you got along surprisingly well. Usually, you would be watching a new episode of Grey's Anatomy together tonight, however, Kate finally gathered her nerves and asked out Yelena, her lab partner, on a date. 

Squealing and bouncing in your tiny dorm room bed, “Shut up! You did it? You finally admitted you have a crush on her?”

“I wouldn’t go that far!” The brunette laughs in response, “I just asked if she would want to go out to the new ax-throwing bar that just opened up.” She throws herself down on her back onto your bed, frowning and sounding much more somber. “But, Madelyn, Yelena asked if we could go this Thursday. She has to go to the sorority party this Friday.”

Moving around until you're laying down shoulder to shoulder with her, “Psh. Don’t even start, you are going and maybe even getting a second date for Friday.” Wiggling your eyebrows at her and shoving your body slightly into her. 

“If that happens, then you’re coming with me. You need to get out and finally move on from your ex.” Placing your hand over your heart, you playfully scoff and wave off a mumbled agreement, trying to steer away from another possible conversation to find out who your ex is.

Smiling as you recall the memory, you suddenly hear the door to your dorm unlock. 

Kate whispers to someone in the hall, who you assume to be Yelena, “Of course, I’d love to. See you tomorrow.”

Quickly, she walks in and immediately places her back on the door to close it. A wide grin on your roommate's face as she looks over to your bed. First kicking off her shoes, then running to jump into your bed. You stare at her, waiting for her to begin.

Kate sighs before exclaiming, “SHE ASKED ME OUT TO THE SORORITY PARTY TOMORROW!” Wrapping your arms around your friend as you jump together over the great news.”Get ready, Madelyn, you and I are going to a party!”

“Wait, Kate,” You pull back to look at her wide eyed, “I thought you were kidding.”

-

The party started at least an hour ago, but because of your indecisiveness on what to wear, which ended up just being a simple v cut blue dress with white high tops. As you both walk up, you stare at the brick house bursting with music. You hear Kate talking, “Party Rules 101. Don’t forget not to go upstairs with anyone. Do not accept a drink from anyone who is not me. I know you will want to leave early, so do not go without telling or texting that you’re heading out either. Okay?”

You blink a few times before you recognize she wants a reply, “Got it.” She smiles at you and takes your hands before walking up the porch steps.

Kate knocks on the white door. You wonder how anyone would be able to hear the knock inside with how loud the music is playing, but not even five seconds later the door is open. The sound of the music makes you take a step back. Anxiety washing over you instantly as you look down. You don’t even hear the words spoken between your friend and the redhead opening the door. 

Kate’s hold on your hand tightens in hopes to reassure you before she pulls you along to step inside. It isn’t until Kate’s other hand waves to get your attention off the floor that you look up and realize both girls are staring at you expectedly. “I’m sorry, what?” you say softly.

The redhead chuckles and repeats herself, “Hi, I’m Wanda and the Vice President here. We have two bathrooms downstairs, one by the kitchen and one by the laundry room. Also, two upstairs just in case. Drinks, of course, are in the kitchen or the backyard. Is there anyone you are looking for that I can direct you towards? Or anything I can get you to drink?”

“I’m looking for Yelena actually. Do you know where she is?” Kate quickly replies. “She’s in the living room playing beer pong,” Wanda points over to her left, “Go right through there and you will find her.”

With lightning speed, Kate drops your hand and rushes off to find the blonde. Your mouth hangs open as you stare off in the direction she flew. 

The redhead laughs as she looks at you before offering her arm, “Can I escort you anywhere?” Glancing around the foyer, you can't recognize anyone, so you nervously agree and link your arm with hers, “I don’t think I know anyone else here, so anywhere you want to go is fine with me.”

A bright smile spreads on the Vice President's face as she guides you out of the foyer and into the backyard to watch someone attempt a keg stand. You can’t help but look stunned as you watch the girl drink. “Would you like to try?” Wanda startles you with the question. Shaking your head no with absolute certainty that you could never have arm strength or lung capacity. 

After a few moments more of watching, she slowly guides you over to the pool. The redhead kicks off her shoes and motions for you to do the same. The two of you sit down along the edge and place your feet in the water. You start to mindlessly kick your feet along to the music that is playing throughout the speakers. “So, am I allowed to ask your name?”

Multiple memories come to mind with times the Vice President has heard your name, “I’m pretty sure you know my name.”

Wanda’s tongue drags underneath the bottom of her teeth, “Oh, I do, but I want to hear it from your pretty, little mouth.”

Your breath catches in your throat at her words, taking a moment to settle your racing heart, you slowly speak, “Madelyn.”

Deciding to try and control the conversation you cut her off before she could say anything else. “Do you usually take interest in random people that show up to your sorority’s parties?”

She chuckles at your question, “No, not usually. But I would not say you’re a random person. Plus I have never had the pleasure of someone as captivating as you walk through those doors.”

“Yeah, right.” You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at the redhead. 

She grabs your chin and makes you look up at her, “Oh I didn’t take you for the bratty type.” You could have sworn that her eyes sparkled when she said that. 

You shutter, trying to think of a reply. Your brain is completely lagging at the touch and sound of her voice. Wanda’s thumb moves and pushes between your lips, “Is there anything even going through that little head of yours?”

A small groan rips it way out your throat and your eyelids droop slightly. The redhead pushes down slightly onto your tongue.

Mumbling around her thumb, “Yes.” 

The Vice President’s smirks at your reply, “Yes,” She mocks you, “Yes, to what?”

You shift your eyes back to her as you take in the specific color of her eyes, a sparkling green, this time a soft moan comes out of your lips, “Please..”

You think Wanda must take pity on you because suddenly she drops her hand from your mouth. Everything about her seems to return back to when you first walked in the house. She’s back to being sweet and polite, it makes your head spin. “What brings you to the party tonight, Madelyn? Well besides escorting Bishop, of course.”

This was a question you didn’t know how to answer. Why were you here in the backyard of your ex’s sorority spending time with her Vice President? Glancing around the backyard, noticing that you still don't know anyone here, you sigh, “Honestly, I’m not sure. Kate said I needed to come if she got a second date because, apparently, I need to move on.”

“And do you want to?” She looks at you expectantly, “Move on, that is.”

“I don’t even know what I would have to move on from. It’s been months since we broke up. And she didn’t care about me long before that anyways.” You let out a dry laugh, “I don’t even think she liked me. She just liked sex with me.”

The look on the redhead’s face makes you stop your ranting, “Sorry, that is not proper party conversation,” you force out a laugh, “way too depressing.”

She smiles, dragging her eyes down your torso and onto your legs then pulling them back up before landing her eyes back on your face. “How would you like to find something to drink?” 

Thankful for her change in conversation, you smile slightly, “Yeah, that’d be nice.”

The two of you make your way through the house and into the kitchen, “What will it be? Beer? Vodka?” walking around the kitchen as you listen to her talk. “... Or maybe a juice box?” 

Whipping your head around, you glare at the Vice President, scoffing, “I’m not a child. I can drink alcohol.”

Right after you speak, you hear someone laughing from the archway. “Oh, Wands, what a delightful surprise,” she steps further into the small kitchen, “Tell me you were able to get us this cute little thing to play.”

This makes you snap your head quickly around again. A rush of arousal runs through you when your eyes lock onto the redhead, “And who the hell are you?”

The cheshire smile on her face makes it clear she remembers you, she moves towards you before gently lifting up your hand as she bows her head to place a soft kiss on it, “To you, Madam President.” 

“What the fuck.” You snatch your hand away and look towards the sparkling green eyed woman before returning your gaze in front of you.

“Oh, what a dirty mouth, I will have to clean that out.” The redhead smirks at you. Another wave of arousal hits you, gulping as you maintain eye contact, “Like you’d get the chance.”

Wanda speaks up, breaking the growing tension in the room, “Darling, wouldn’t she just be…” walking up and placing a finger under your chin, her voice dropping, “...divine?” 

You shutter at her words. Eyes bouncing between the two redheads suddenly much closer to you than before. Realizing they have successfully surrounded you, your arousal spiking but you choose to mask with slight panic. “So what is this then? Two spiders trapping someone in their web and then going in for the kill?” Puffing out your chest slightly, trying to gain back some more control. “You think the President and Vice President would require consent.”

Wanda chuckles in your ear behind you, “Oh dear, we do.” Bringing her finger up to brush some hair behind your ear before speaking softly, “We only accept enthusiastic consent. Absolute begging.”

Your knees wobble slightly at her words. “A little archer told us that you needed to move on, and typically we wouldn’t do rebound sex, but you…” The President takes a sharp inhale through her teeth, “You are too special to pass up.”

“So what do you say, baby, want to be ours for the night?” Wanda whispers.

A million thoughts race through your mind. Most importantly, the fact you’ve never had a threesome or sex with people you don’t really know. You look around the kitchen and notice how nobody else even acknowledges the two redheads circling you like prey. 

“I say,” You gulp, mustering all the fake confidence you can find. “I say show me a good time first and we will see.”

The two women share a sinister smile before they each drape an arm around you and walk you out of the kitchen and into a room that only stores a pool table and some chairs. 

“We have the next game.” The President says to the small group finishing up their game before walking you over to the side of the room. She lowers her hands to your hips and lifts you with ease onto the barstool behind you.

Shock fills your face at her actions before you glare at her, “Excuse you. I am perfectly capable of sitting in a seat by myself.”

The redhead simply smiles at you before moving to stand next to the side of your chair, absentmindedly running fingers through your hair. 

“Hello? Earth to you. Usually, when someone speaks to you it's polite to respond.” You huff and cross your arms over your chest. She gently turns your head to look at her. “Oh, come on. Don’t be like that. I’m sorry, baby. I won’t do it again.”

“Madelyn, I have a name and it’s not baby.” You scoff, “What is your name anyways?”

She winks at you before smirking, “I told you. To you, it’s Madam President.”

“That’s not a name. That’s a title. What’s your name?” Your eyes met the redhead locked in a standstill. You already know you won’t last long. Her eyes trap you in endless pools of deep green. They are powerful and unmoving, you huff, “What’s your name, Madam President?” 

The President lifts her hand and holds your lower lip before pulling it down and out slightly, causing you to look through your lashes to maintain eye contact, the action making you feel as if you’re losing the last shreds of your control. The redhead presses down the slightest bit more before pinching your lip and releasing it, “Natasha.” 

Wanda, who has been repeatedly running her fingers from your shoulder to the knee, leans over you slightly if only to be in your personal space, “Natty, it’s our turn now.”

You go to hop down, but yet again your hips are grabbed and you’re picked up and put down by Natasha’s hands. You give her a glare even as a blush starts covering your cheeks.

“Tsk, tsk. Don’t be like that. I would hate to have to spank that gorgeous ass for the first time surrounded by all these people.” Your blush deepens with your embarrassment at the volume the redhead spoke. The heat pooling between your legs only causes you more confusion. 

The three of you walk towards the table. Natasha moves to rack the balls and Wanda takes you over to pick out a cue stick, grabbing one for Natasha as well. 

It’s decided that you will be on your own team, which you tried to protest by saying you have never played a game of pool in your life, but your complaints fall on deaf ears. 

Wanda starts off by breaking the balls, officially starting your unfair game. She gets a solid into a pocket, “That makes you stripes, baby.” She says in a sickeningly sweet voice before getting two more solid balls into pockets. 

Standing there with your mouth open, you begin to complain, “This is so unfair. There is no way I will be able to even get close to hitting even one of these balls in!” 

“Okay, okay, I’ll help you in the first round,” Wanda says, holding up her hands. She walks over to you and shows you how to bend down and how to aim your cue stick. You lean down like she showed you but still, you feel her hand press down between your shoulders as she speaks in your ear, “Like this, darling. Eyes level with your target.”

Acutely aware this position has almost completely folded in half on the pool table, you pull back the stick and then push it forward with a decent amount of force. 

And you completely miss. 

To make matters worse, you got one of their balls closer to the pocket instead. Groaning, you stand up and look unamused at the two redheads who are both trying to hold back their smiles at your reaction, “This game is stupid.”

Natasha comes up to the table, leans down, noticeably higher than the position Wanda moved you into. She breathes in and out, then hits the cue ball, causing it to sink a solid ball into the nearby pocket. She glances up at you, smirking, while still leaning down. Causing a completely automatic eye roll. The redhead arches her eyebrow at you before moving to a new spot. She leans down, breathes in and out, and.. misses. “HA!” You cheer as your stripe ball goes into the pocket instead of the solid ball that was next it. 

You walk up to the table for your turn and glance to Wanda for her help again. Natasha subtly shakes her head, which you don’t notice since she was behind you. Wanda simply gives you a nod of her head, encouraging you to try by yourself. So you lean down and focus on which ball you’re aiming for and what pocket is your goal.

Breathing in and out a few times before pulling back your cue stick on your inhale and pushing it forward on your exhale. As the stick connects with the cue ball you feel a stinging on your ass. You immediately stand up and spin around with a glare, “Hey! That’s not fair.”

The President laughs as she looks over your head, “Well, it seemed like good luck because you got the ball in.”

Spinning around again to see if she was lying but there, clear as day, you see your stripe ball missing from the table and sitting in the pocket. “Don’t think for a second that I won't punish whiny, bratty behavior though, baby.” Natasha whispers in your ear, her front flush against your back, “Now, say thank you.”

You shiver at her words. The logical part of your brain can’t stop wondering why you should thank her for spanking you, but when you feel her hands on your hips as she pulls them closer to her own, that part of your mind goes blank. The heat between your legs grows even hotter and you let out a soft sigh before fingers hook under your chin and guide you to look up at Natasha, “Say thank you.” She softly growls. 

“Thank you.” It comes out more as a pant than actual words but the redhead is pleased enough.

The rest of the game crawls by slowly as each redhead tries to work you up with innocent touches and whispered words. Your head becomes fuzzy in the best way, but even in this state you are completely aware that every other stripe ball that’s gone in is because of Wanda and Natasha simply trying to keep the game going. 

With all solid and striped balls now off the table it’s down to whoever can sink the 8 ball in the game. 

Wanda glances at you before smirking, “What if we make a little bet out of this?”

You can’t help but let out a dry laugh, “Are you joking? This whole thing is already a game of if you two can get me into bed.” Natasha licks her lips at your words, causing your cheeks to blush even more than they were. 

The Vice President ignores your reply, “Great! So I was thinking, if we sink the 8 ball, then you give us a strip show,” you arch your eyebrow at the redhead, “and if you sink the 8 ball, then you give us a strip show.” She winks at you. 

“That’s absolutely-” You're cut off by Natasha speaking, “Deal.”

“Deal?” You shriek as the two redheads shake each other's hand, “You two cannot agree on this without me also agreeing.”

They both come up to you and place a hand on your cheek, “And do, baby?” Wanda mumbles into your ear. Right after Natasha says, smirking, “Wanna make a deal?”

Your skin flushes at their voices, your mind hanging onto their every word. You slowly close your eyes and your head falls back slightly. Wanda lowers her head to breathe along your neck, occasionally brushing her tongue against it while Natasha’s fingers tangle around your hair, pulling it back. 

A soft moan hits your ears, shocking you when you realize it came from you. Suddenly coming back to yourself, you lightly push off the women, clearing your throat to try and fake your control over yourself once again. “If I sink the 8 ball,” you take a deep breath, “then I decide the next time you touch me.”

Both redheads simply nod their heads in agreement before extending their arms to allow you space for your shot. Looking over the table and considering all the choices you quickly realize that you absolutely have no shot at winning. Ignoring every other reason besides the obvious one, you didn’t want to win.

But you wouldn’t make it apparent to the President and Vice President. 

So you lean down, “Corner pocket.” You spend a considerable amount of time figuring out your angle and practicing the strength of your hit. With one more inhale, you pull back the cue stick then exhale and strike the cue ball.

You hit the 8 ball but it stops just short of falling into the pocket. You give a shy smile to the women before stepping back. 

There’s a silent conversation going on between the redheads before Wanda nods and steps up to the table. “Corner pocket.” She winks at you before aiming at the cue ball and without any delay she strikes. The 8 ball disappearing into the corner pocket. 

Without even a second to think, your feet are suddenly lifted into the air and over Natasha’s shoulder. Wanda comes up to grab the cue stick from you and places it on the pool table.

Once you realize the redhead plans to walk out of the parlor room with you over her shoulder, you begin to protest, “Wait. Wait. I can walk. You don’t have to think I’ll back out of the bet.”

You feel a soft hand brush the back of your thigh as the sparkling green eyed woman steps into your view. 

“Oh, baby, we know, but Natty here is a very proud winner and wants to show you off,” her thin fingers smoothing down your hair. You stare at her dumbfounded as she swipes her thumb across your lower lip, “If you’re a good girl then we’ll give you an extra special reward. Can you do that for us?”

The Vice President allows you your time to process as you blink a few times before nodding your head. 

A swift smack to your ass has you gasping as Natasha corrects your action, “Words baby.”

“Yes.” Another softer smack to your ass. “Yes, I can be a good girl.”

Both redheads make a pleased humming sound before walking out of the room. You try to avoid eye contact with all the partygoers. The blush across your face and chest only grows at your slight embarrassment. 

It isn’t long until you're walking up to the stairs. Suddenly stopping right at the bottom, trying to turn your body at the sound of Kate’s voice. Mortification slams into you when she leans around the redhead holding you to look at your face. 

Her tone relentlessly teasing, “Now, I thought I told you not to go upstairs with anyone,” the memory of her words at your arrival pulled to the front of your mind.

Rolling your eyes at your roommate only caused her to laugh further at your predicament. 

Yelena speaking prompts the brunette to move back into the circle of conversation with her and the redheads, “Don’t kill the poor girl. It would severely ruin my chances with Bishop.”

Natasha laughs at her sister’s comment, “Please, the only thing she’ll get is mind altering pleasure,” pinching your ass when finishing the sentence. “Now, I’d love to chat, but I have a bet to cash in on.”

Wanda leading the way up the stairs, pausing as Kate speaks, looking up at your roommate, “She has a study group tomorrow morning at 10am! She can’t miss it!”

The redheads laugh, continuing up the stairs, the President turns slightly as she walks and salutes to the brunette, “Aye, aye, Captain.”

Less than fifteen steps later, you’re carried into a large room. Your heart stopping completely at the sound of the door closing and locking. As if noticing the slight pure panic, Wanda stands by the door twisting the handle, “It locks from inside, so if you twist the handle, then it’s automatically unlocked,” then she relocks the door.

Nodding your head in thanks and understanding of her words, she gives you a reassuring smile in return.

Then, Natasha lightly throws you onto the bed, a grunt leaving your lips, leaning over you, she smirks. Wanda comes up to sit beside your head and gently rubs your forehead with her thumbs.

The deep green eyed woman locks her eyes with yours before placing a soft kiss on your chest, then throwing herself to the empty side of you. 

“Now, don’t keep us waiting,” you turn your head to see sparkling green eyes looking at you.

They wait a few seconds before both women have another silent conversation. Suddenly, you startle the redheads by standing up.

Standing with your hands on your hips, stilling your voice and shifting on your feet, “Well, this will be rather awkward to do in silence.”

The President smirks at you before pulling out her phone and playing ‘Supermassive Black Hole by Muse!’ from her speaker. 

Slowly you begin to sway your hips and drag your fingers across your chest. Kicking your shoes off as sexually as you can. You let the song play for about twenty seconds before you lean down and run your nails up your legs stopping where your thighs meet your center. 

Turning around, you hook one finger under your right strap and pull it down, staring directly into sparkling green eyes. Then, turning your head to face the other direction and repeat the action, but slower, as you look into the deep green eyes.

Your dress only stays up from pushing out your chest. You continue to dance around until you slowly sit down onto your knees. Rolling onto the ground, your head closer to the women,  arching your back as you begin to spread apart your knees. Never looking away from the redheads as your knees hit the floor. Watching as both women tighten their grips on the bed sheets. 

Straightening your legs and bringing them back together, slowly using all your core strength to sit up rather than using your hands. You turn around and crawl over to the bed, standing before placing one foot on the President’s thigh.

She brings her hand up to gently hold onto your calf before digging her nails in. Biting your lip at the minimal pain before moving your hands across your chest, breathlessly Natasha speaks, “God, don’t be that much of a tease. Let Daddy see.”

Grabbing her hands, you bring them up to your chest, she squeezes before pulling down your dress exposing your breasts, strangely thanking yourself for foregoing a bra tonight.

The cool air in the room feeling amazing on your burning skin.

Lowering your foot, you walk over to the Vice President and bend how she showed you earlier during your game of pool. A loud hum of approval leaving her mouth.

Keeping your position, you gather the material at the hem of your dress and pull it over your head. Leaving Wanda staring directly at your covered center. Her finger gently travels up the inside of your thighs, never reaching the apex.

Noticing the dark patch on your light gray underwear, she speaks mockingly, “Do you want Mommy and Daddy to take care of that for you?”

A small moan slips out as you feel two different fingers suddenly press against the dark spot. 

“Words, baby,” both women huskily say at the same time.

“Please, please,” you’re all but moaning.

A smack on your ass that you can tell was from Wanda by the feeling of rings soothing the sting, “Be specific, baby.”

You breathe in and out a few times before roughly swallowing, “Please, take care of me.”

The redheads, losing their lack of control, slowly decide that your answer was good enough for now, for the first time.

Natasha walks around to face you, her hands find your shoulders and makes you stand up. Wanda moves further back on the bed, removing her shirt and bra before leaning against the pillows.

Grabbing onto the President’s face, you stand on your tip toes and connect your lips to hers. She eagerly begins kissing you back, nipping at your lip. Moving her hands to your ass, smacking your ass lightly, so you’ll jump into her arms.

Continuing to kiss you as she walks to the side of the bed and places you down. Ending your kiss, a low whine comes from you. Sealing your lips quickly but both women have already heard you and have lust flashing through their eyes. 

“Now, go ahead and make Mommy feel good while Daddy makes you feel good.” Nodding your head at the redhead’s directions, you turn around and crawl up the bed and between Wanda’s spread legs. She holds up her hands and guides your lips to her nipple.

Natasha begins to massage your ass and tease your slit over your underwear, soaking them further by the second. 

Sucking and pulling on the Vice President’s left nipple, bringing your right hand up to roll her right nipple between your fingers. You continue this while feeling the unending teasing around your clit.

Popping off Wanda’s left nipple, you drag your tongue across her chest until you can wrap your lips around the right nipple, twirling your tongue around the nub.

On the first suck, you feel a rush of cool air hit your center as your underwear is pulled down your legs, moaning loudly at the sensation. Without even a second to spare you feel the redhead’s tongue lick up the wetness on your lips before softly pushing her tongue inside your entrance.

Your jaw slacks at the feeling, your head falls away from the needy nipples in front of you. The redhead pulls you back against her nipple, “That’s a good girl. You’re giving Mommy so much pleasure,” holding you close to feel every sound come from your lips, moans of her own filling the room.

Natasha licks her way up to your clit. Giving soft licks before wrapping her lips around your clit, humming, then pulling softly on the bundle of nerves.

Your knees start shaking at the pleasure, causing you to fall further onto Wanda. 

“Oh, fuck,” you mumble around the nipple.

Bringing her fingers up to your clit, rubbing circles, “Come on, baby. You're such a good girl for us.”

Her fingers slowly push into you, curling slightly against your velvet walls. “Fuck, baby, you’re so wet. Let Daddy make you cum, alright?”

A truly unholy sound fell from your lips, clenching around Natasha’s fingers, Wanda lifts your head slightly, so you could reply, “Please, make me cum.”

Lowering her mouth back to your clit as she sucks, licks, and nips all over while her fingers continue a relentless pace. Wanda brings her own finger to your nipples and begins rolling them between her fingers. “God, everything about you, baby. Everything is perfect,” pulling at the nubs blurring the line between pain and pleasure.

“Fuck,” your voice cracking at exclamation. Shaking from the stimulation, the coil in your stomach tightens more with each second.

Wanda leans her head forward next to your ear, “Come for Mommy, baby. Come all over Daddy.”

A simultaneous pinch from the Vice President's fingers on your nipples and the President's pinch on your clit has a wave of pleasure crashing over you, a scream rips from your throat as you cum all over Natasha’s face and fingers and fall on top of Wanda.

Dragging out your orgasm not stopping until she's pulled every sound from your lips does she begin to lick up all traces of your orgasm, sitting up and moving towards the other. You look up just in time to see them share a deep kiss, each moaning at the taste of you on their tongues. 

Breaking apart, deep green eyes look at you, “Do you have another one in you, baby? You came hard enough to drown me,” lust shining in her eyes.

“I’ll do whatever you want, just make me cum that hard again,” your eyes pleading. 

Smirking at you, Wanda moves you to scoot down the bed, tapping your thighs. It takes a second for you to realize where she wants you, but you quickly move to hover above her face. Natasha settles between her girlfriends thighs, removing her skirt and underwear in one pull, “Now, this will be a sight to see,” lowering her mouth immediately, sucking the redhead’s clit into her mouth the way she likes.

Biting your lip at the sight, you sit down, your eyes connecting with the deep green ones between the redhead’s thighs. Allowing the Vice President to move you where she’s most comfortable. Feeling her tongue push into your entrance has you arching your back.

Natasha’s fingers move to Wanda’s clit, rubbing at a brutal pace. Below you the redhead sucks in a sharp breath. Moving to drag her teeth along your clit. 

Your hips arch at the feeling, soft grunts passing from your lips, “Shit.”

Pulling you back against the redhead’s mouth, “Tsk, tsk, where do you think you’re going, baby girl?”

Rutting your hips against the face below you. Moans and pleas mumbling out of your mouth at the suction of your clit. Natasha sits up, keeping her fingers on Wanda’s clit, and leans towards you. Digging your nails into her shoulders, as she begins to leave soft bites along your chest before kissing up your neck. 

Inhaling sharply as her teeth sink into your pulse point, sucking harshly on the delicate skin, “Such a dirty mouth.” 

The pleasure on your clit increases, building up your orgasm quickly. Moaning as you drag your nails down the redhead’s back.

Wanda becomes sloppy underneath you, hinting at her own release coming soon. “Mommy’s getting close. Come with Mommy, baby,” Natasha mumbles against your neck, pushing you right to the edge. 

Sucking your earlobe into her mouth and biting down on your soft skin, “Seeing how you ride Mommy’s face makes me wonder how well you would ride Daddy’s dick,” her words sending both you and the woman beneath you over the edge. 

The Vice President slowly licks your cunt to clean you as the President drags her finger through her girlfriend’s release. Bringing them up to your mouth, “Be a good girl,” and pushing them between your lips. 

A sinful moan escapes both of your lips, though for different reasons. Exhaustion riding through your body allows Natasha to gently lift you off Wanda’s face and leans you against the pillows.

Your eyelids fight too close to receive a moment of rest, quickly winning over your desire to stay conscious. Both women get off the bed walking into the en-suite and cleaning themselves up quickly, returning with a towel for you.

Noticing your sleeping form, the two exchange a look before Wanda’s soft hands spread your knees and gently clean you up. 

“She’s perfect for us,” the President whispers.

“She is, but how can we convince her of that,” the Vice President whispers back.

As a plan forms in her mind, the redhead smirks, “We will just have to show her.”

Wanda throws the towel aiming for the laundry hamper, but misses, before laying down into the bed next to you. Natasha follows suit, listening to the music thrum downstairs while closing her eyes.

-

Groaning and swatting at the air when you hear the familiar sounds of a phone alarm going off.

Your messy morning hair is removed from your face, startling you into opening your eyes. Confusion flashing through you until you see two pairs so similar yet different green eyes.

“Wha-,” you begin, but are cut off.

“I would have let you sleep in more, baby, but we need to get you dressed for your study group. The last thing I need is my little sister trying to murder me for ruining her chances with the archer.” 

Blinking a few times, begging for your brain to catch up, yet all your mind can think of is, “Her name is Kate.”

The redheads smile at you, “Yes, of course, we apologize,” Wanda says sincerely.

With a pat on your thigh, Natasha sits up, “Now, I don't think you want to go to your study group in that little blue dress you were wearing last night, so you can borrow something of ours.”

“No, no, it’s fine. I can just run to my dorm. I need to brush my teeth anyway, so it’s okay.” However the looks you receive fills your mind with doubt, “What time is it?”

“9:45am,” Wanda grimaces. Your jaw falls open at the realization that you will definitely not make it in time unless you go straight there. Cursing yourself for not understanding your math course better and needing to go to the study groups in the first place, with a deep breath you look up at the women, “Show me the outfit.” 

Standing in the mirror you can’t complain. It was a simple pair of medium washed jeans, though slightly too long since you are shorter than both women, they have been cuffed and paired with a loose long sleeve shirt sporting their sorority name and logo. You felt a bit like a walking advertisement. The worst part, yet best part, was the sports bra Natasha gave you to wear. 

Cringing as you put on your soiled underwear from the night before, you throw on your shoes and tie your hair into your best messy, not messy, bun. Hurrying down the stairs towards the front door. To your surprise, the redheads follow behind you. Thinking they must be the type to walk out guests, you say nothing. 

Reaching for the door handle, you're cut off by Wanda’s ring-covered hand opening the door for you, extending her arm in an ‘after you, ladies first’ motion. 

Arching an eyebrow at the action before turning to face them, “Thank you for the clothes. I’ll return them washed by the end of next week, swear,” beginning to turn back around before stopping and facing them again, whispering, “and thank you for last night too,” then rushing down the steps of the porch.

Stepping out of the doorway both women laugh before replying, “Now, that you don’t need to thank us for.” Trying to hide your blush from the redheads as you speed walk down the sorority's front lawn, checking your phone for the time, seven minutes to get there, thinking ‘I can do it’ as you break out into a run across campus. 

[isaacarellanesismyhusband]

★ fluff | † angst | ‡ sad | !! suggestive

¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡ navigation ¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡

‼️THIS MASTERLIST IS NOT GONNA BE UPDATED ANYMORE, PLEASE CHECK THE MEGALIST ↓↓↓‼️

¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡ megalist ¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡!¡

Isaac Garcia (mlwtwb)

playing with his hair ★

unconsciously smiling whenever she smiles ★

drunk ★

y/n(she/her) finds Isaac drunk on the front porch

(i have more of Isaac on my wattpad but i won't pot them here so u can check them out on there if you want)

Lee Garcia (mlwtwb)

teacher ★

Lee teaches y/n (she/her) how to skateboard

first kiss ★

Draco Malfoy (harry potter) +check the other masterlist too

september back to Hogwarts-writing prompts

too late ‡

y/n (she/her) who is in her first year at Hogwarts (11y/o) and likes Draco Malfoy who is in his 4th year (15y/o), but Draco tells her that she's too young. this happes every year until y/n turns 15 and stops trying to be with Draco and moves on but Draco realizes that he likes her but it's too late cause she already moved on.

in the shadows †

y/n (she/her) is Professor Umbridge's niece and had transfered to Hogwarts when her aunt got a job as a teacher there but what no one knew is that Umbridge is abusive towards y/n (she uses the same method she used on Harry Potter in the movie: to write something on a piece of paper and it magically engraves on the back of your hand with cuts) for a while no one noticed and thought that she was just shy but one pearson, Draco Malfoy, a fellow Slytherin, noticed her hand one day in potions class and asked to talk to her privetly in the Slytherin common room and that's when y/n opens up about the abuse and that's when she finds out that Draco had took a notice of her ever since she arrived, but she didn't notice because of her shy and scared demeanor.

in your arms ★

y/n (she/her) is Draco Malfoy 's girlfriend and one night Draco show's up at her house and he ends up spending the night there, with him cuddled up in her arms crying after he told her that he was forced to join the death eaters.

"it was nice knowing you!" †

bully †

y/n (she/her) tries to take her life after Draco bullies her, but little does she know the reason of the bullying is for him to hide his actual feelings for her.

alphabet nsfw headcanons !!

lazy day headcanons ★

first kiss ★

y/n (she/her) having her first kiss with Draco

kisses ★

you don't have to go ★

y/n(she/her) stops Draco in the battle of Hogwarts

one day at a time †★

y/n(she/her) losses her mom in the battle of Hogwarts and Draco is there to help her get through the grief

wildflowers ★

i could stay here forever ★

you and Draco have been sneaking off to the library to study together, but it always ends up with him pulling you close between the dusty bookshelves, stealing kisses and making you giggle as he murmurs sweet nothings in your ear.

you have no idea how much you mean to me ★

Draco loves taking you on secret walks around the Hogwarts grounds after curfew. Under the soft glow of the moon, he wraps his arms around you, his cold demeanor melting away as he admits how much you mean to him.

but you had fun, didn't you ★

it’s winter at Hogwarts, and you’ve convinced Draco to join in a snowball fight.

well, that didn't go as planned ★

during potions class, Draco helps you brew a tricky potion, but it ends in a harmless explosion. Covered in glittering mist, he laughs for the first time in front of everyone, holding your hand under the table and whispering that it was worth it just to see you smile.

shall we? ★

Draco asks y/n(she/her) to the Yule Ball

dating Draco Malfoy headcanons ★

worth it ★

Draco is a prefect and finds you out at night

i can’t believe it ★

you tell Draco that your pregnant and you, bith, break the news to the Malfoys

kissing Draco Malfoy headcanons ★

happy valentine’s day ★

i’m beginning to feel like a rap god… ★

draco with a girlfriend who loves Eminem

see? i told you they’d love you ★

y/n(she/her) a holiday at malfoy manor and Draco's family loves her (especially lucius)

Harry Potter (harry potter)

september back to Hogwarts-writing prompts

bittersweet goodbye ‡

y/n (she/her) is the only friend Harry Potter had while living with the Dursleys and now they have to say goodbye because Harry is going to Hogwarts.

first snowfall ★

it's the first snow of the year at Hogwarts

Fred Weasley (harry potter) +check the other masterlist too

september back to Hogwarts-writing prompts

you promised, remember? †

y/n (she/her) finds Fred after the battle of Hogwarts

ridiculously in love ★

together at last ★‡

Yn had died years before Fred was even born, she died during her 7th year. So when Fred first sees her he fell in love.

second chances ★‡

after Fred’s near-death experience in the Battle of Hogwarts, y/n(she/her) struggles with the fear of losing him again

too far ★

Fred has always been the king of pranks, but one day he goes a bit too far, and he Fred spends the rest of the day trying to make it up to you with adorable gestures until you can’t help but forgive him.

the kissing booth ★

a bit down ★

after a tough day, Fred surprises you with your favorite sweets from Honeydukes and a cuddle session

you’re completely mad, you know that? ★

y/n(she/her) loves thunderstorms and the rain and always wants to go dance in the rain with Fred, but Fred is terrified of them

it’s okay to be happy, even after everything | p2 | p3 ★‡

i like you, and it scares the hell out of me | p2 ★

all of Fred's life he's hated Slytherins and has always said he would never befriend one much less date one, but reader appears and he starts falling for her while denying it and is maybe a bit of an a**hole to reader because he just doesn't believe he could ever like you, but realizes that reader isn't horrible and that not all Slytherins are monsters, and once they're together everyone teases him about how he would say he would never date a Slytherin but now reader is basically the love of his life

Cedric Diggory (harry potter)

september back to Hogwarts-writing prompts

first kiss ★

please wake up †‡

y/n(she/her) finds out Cedric died during the Triwizard tournament

Sirius Black (harry potter)

finding home | p2 ★‡ (platonic)

y/n(she/her) finds out that Sirius Black is her father but he didn't know that, and her mom found out after he was inprisoned, but then she was killed by Voldemort when y/n was a baby and was placed in an orphanage for wizards and witches. and he found out after the battle of Hogwarts (in which he survived) and came to find you and tell you and take you in...

Harry Potter boys headcanons (harry potter)

how the hp boys would react when they find out you have a crush on them ★

the hp boys help you calm down †

the hp boys find y/n (she/her) crying/hipper ventilating

Newt Scamander (fantastic beasts/hpu)

september back to Hogwarts-writing prompts

to me, you’re… everything ★

Newt showing his love to y/n(she/her)

good morning, love ★

waking up with Newt

Stiles Stilinski (teen wolf)

dance in the living room ★

Stiles starts dancing in the living room with y/n (she/her)

Tony Stark (mcu)

see? not so scary, right? ★

y/n(she/her) and Tony share their first kiss

too late †‡

Tony confesses his love for y/n(she/her), but it's too late

panic attack ★

Tony finds y/n(she/her) having a panic attack

if only... ★‡

y/n(she/her) gets injured and Tony helps her, and y/n confesses her feelings for him but she's too young

princess treatment ★

tom!Peter Parker (mcu)

i'll always be here for you ★

y/n(she/her) has a panic attack because she was attacked by a villan, but spider-man saved her and brought her home and after spider man left, peter arrived like 2 minutes later and comforted her

cute ★

Peter tries to ask y/n(she/her) out but he gets all flustered and shy and stumbles in words a lot but she thinks it's cute

i’ve never... kissed anyone before ★

both y/n(she/her) and Peter are really shy and awkward and they have their first kiss

Percy Jackson (percy jackson and the olympians) +check the other masterlist too

mornin ★

waking up in the morning, Percy is still half-asleep, his arm draped lazily over your waist

forehead kisses ★

Percy has a habit of giving you quick, gentle forehead kisses whenever he passes by you

i’m always going to protect you, no matter what ★

during a quest, Percy instinctively steps in front of you when danger arises, his protective nature shining through

i… i hate thunderstorms ★

y/n(she/her) is afraid of thunderstorms. Percy holds her close, whispering that he’ll keep her safe no matter what

even heroes need someone to stand up for them ★

y/n(she/her) gets protective when another camper tries to pick a fight with Percy, stepping in to defend him, much to his amusement

Timotheé Chalamet +check the other masterlist too

cut ★

y/n(she/her) and Timothée work on a movie together and they have to film a kiss scene

let them know ★

y/n(she/her) and Timothée's seceret relationship is outed by a paparazzo

under the weather ★

Timmy takes care of y/n(she/her) on her period

sleep well ★

y/n(she/her) takes care of Timmy after a long day

book nook ★

Timothée created a cozy reading nook just for you. Filled with fairy lights, plush cushions, and your favorite books, he surprised you with it one evening, encouraging you to pick a book while he read aloud, making the evening warm and intimate

please… don’t give up on us †‡

Timothée watched as everything he once cherished slowly crumbled around him. He saw the hurt in your eyes and knew he was the cause, but the more he tried to mend the pieces, the more it felt like everything was slipping through his fingers

Finn Wolfhard

i’m lucky to have you ★

y/n(she/her) is on the chubby side and Finn loves that about her and he wants to touch her and hold her and if at any point she is embarrassed or feels insecure about what she looks like he always reassures her and shows her how much he loves her

Tom Holland

just… a habit †★

Tom finds out that y/n(she/her) s.h. during a interview

you’re my favorite person, after all ★

you’re sitting in your favorite coffee shop, absorbed in a book, when Tom sneaks up behind you and places a cup of your favorite coffee on the table

lights, camera, love ★

y/n(she/her) and Tom go to a red carpet event together for the first time

i’ve got you ★

Tom taking care of y/n(she/her) whilst she's sick

why so shy? ★

y/n(she/her) gets shy and flustered around Tom, and he absolutely loves it

Walker Scobell +check the other masterlist too

you’re such a goof ★

y/n(she/her) and Walker share a cute momet in the park

pet names ★

Walker can't stop giving y/n(she/her) different pet names

breathe ★

Walker helps y/n(she/her) through an anxiety/panic attack

oblivious ★

y/n(she/her) has a huge crush on Walker and gives his very obvious hints but he is very oblivious

off-camera ★

y/n(she/her) and Walker have their first kiss (off camera)

i just… i like it ★

y/n(she/her) can't help but play with Walker's hair

i love you, you know that? ★

Walker loves kissing you in between takes

i’m fine ★†‡

y/n(she/her) is crying on the beach at night and Walker, Aryan, Leah, Dior and Charlie find and comfort her

you’re the best hugger i’ve ever met ★

y/n(she/her) finally meets Walker and he is, in fact, the best hugger ever

[ickypuppi3]

billy meets andy in fourth grade.

andy’s a year older than the rest of the class and doesn’t ever talk.

billy gets paired with him for a project and andy doesn’t move. billy stands up and calls his name but he still doesn’t turn around.

“andy’s deaf, billy.” ms. mackenzie tells him.

“oh.” billy’s eyes widen. he’s stumped, for a moment. “um. how do i…”

billy trails off. not sure what he wants to ask, exactly.

“just make sure he can read your lips.”

billy nods. he walks over to stand in front of andy and holds out a hand. like he sees adults do. andy raises his eyebrows but takes billy’s hand. shakes it. billy tells him his name and andy smiles.

andy’s taller than billy. most people are but billy still whales on anyone who makes fun of andy. billy’s small, sure. but he’s scrappy.

he’s sitting outside the principals office with mark p’s blood on his knuckles when andy walks past. billy pulls a face and andy laughs.

billy likes it when andy laughs.

andy uses sign language to talk to his sister and his aunt.

teaches billy, when he asks.

billy shows some of it to his mom. teaches her how to tuck her two middle fingers down, index and little finger pointed skyward and thumb sticking out.

“like this?” she asks, forehead creased in concentration.

“uh-huh.” billy smiles. puffs out his chest. proud. “it means ‘i love you.’”

billy’s walking andy home when andy points up at the stars dotting a purple sky. signs pretty. billy walks right into him when he suddenly stops walking.

andy catches billy when he stumbles.

sand shifts beneath billy’s feet as he leans up on his toes to kiss andy. it’s childish. a quick peck, awkward and clumsy. billy doesn’t really know why he did it but andy doesn’t frown or push billy away.

he smiles, instead.

signs pretty again and hugs billy tight.

billy’s mom leaves and neil loses his job. they move away and billy doesn’t see andy again. neil calls him words that didn’t exist in andy’s world.

when billy’s seventeen, neil packs up again. takes him, max and susan to hawkins. neil’s family. and billy.

billy locks eyes with steve harrington across the parking lot in september. gets on his knees and blows him in tina’s parents guest bathroom in october.

steve corners him in the showers after practice the next day. reopens the split on billy’s lip and gets blood all over his own.

they communicate with hands, mostly. grabbing, pushing, pulling. jerking each other off in the backseat of steve’s car. fists come in to play when billy finds steve in a house alone with a bunch of kids, max included.

billy’s bruises are somehow worse a week later and steve tells him to come over that evening. doesn’t ask. just tells.

billy sneers. spits and swears at steve.

rocks on his heels as he waits on the harrington’s doorstep at 9:15.

“you’re late.” steve says.

billy doesn’t say anything. doesn’t need to.

something changes after that. steve fucks billy in his plaid nightmare of a room and drags him to the bathroom to dab at his cuts and scrapes right after.

brushes the backs of his knuckles across bruised ribs and frowns.

billy tugs at his hair and brings their lips together. almost gentle.

it’s too fragile for a name, whatever they have.

it’s summer when billy first mentions andy. billy’s sitting on steve’s bed and steve’s looking at him in the way that he does whenever billy reveals a part of himself. eager to soak it up and bask in it.

billy shows steve how to sign his name. how to say please and thank you, bitch and motherfucker.

“what’s-” steve’s hair has fallen over his forehead and billy reaches out to brush it back. unthinking. “what’s ‘i love you’?”

billy freezes.

his heart pounds. they haven’t- they don’t-

“you sweet on someone, harrington?” teasing is easy and billy’s a coward.

“oh, you know.” steve shrugs and it would be casual if he wasn’t looking at billy like that. “kinda.”

“yeah?” billy looks away. focuses on steve’s boxers which billy knows have been in that exact spot on the floor for the last three days. “anyone i know?”

“you might.”

billy shakes his head, grins. “hot?” he asks.

steve just nods, smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he edges his fingers towards billy’s on the comforter until they’re intertwined.

billy opens his mouth but steve leans forward and kisses the next smart ass response right off of his lips. winds long fingers into his hair and steals billy’s breath away.

makes his stomach do flips in that way that only steve can.

billy leaves with a smile on his face.

something crashes into his car on the drive back and everything goes dark.

five months, a ‘mall fire’, a shadow monster and seemingly endless hours stuck in a hospital bed later, billy finds himself in a house straight out of texas chainsaw, standing next to max as everyone debates on what to do next.

billy keeps quiet. doesn’t have much to say these days. he bites at his lower lip before looking across the room at steve.

steve smiles at him. something small and private.

everyone’s talking, no one’s paying attention to them.

steve raises his right hand. tucks his two middle fingers down and points the other two toward the ceiling, thumb sticking out.

billy’s cheeks flush and his heart pounds.

thinks it might jump right out of his chest if he isn’t careful.

his stomach does somersaults and he vows that if they get out of this, he’ll tell steve.

he’ll tell him.

for now he raises his left hand. two fingers down, two up, thumb out.

[ryeriy]

slipping through my fingers | lewis hamilton

-> summary: Lewis is watching is daughter slip away through his fingers

-> pairings: dad!lewis hamilton x mom!reader

-> a/n: this was a really cute idea in my head but I hope it turns out okay 😭

mamma mia series

join my taglist

navigation post

15 years ago, January 29th

It was just a few hours ago that little Savanna was born into this world. She had already been adored by both of her parents that loved her so much in these first few hours.

"She's quite cute isn't she?" Lewis said while looking down at the baby girl in his arms. Savanna was swaddled in blankets and being held by her father. Y/n looked over at Lewis as he held their newborn daughter. Even though y/n was very tired, she couldn't help but to slightly smile.

"Probably gets that from me." Y/n let out a soft laugh. Lewis laughed too.

"I couldn't agree more with that one," Lewis smiled at the baby in his arms that's his.

He couldn't believe that something this perfect and tiny was his. He has a child now and if felt so unreal to him still. It felt like to him it was only yesterday she was showing him the two pink lines on the pregnancy test, now he was holding his baby girl in his hands.

"I wish I could just freeze this moment and treasure it, it's so peaceful."

"Me too..." y/n agreed.

Y/n looked over at Lewis holding their daughter smiling at the sigh of it. They're finally a family after nine whole months of waiting. Their lives couldn't have been any better.

10 years ago, September 1st

"Okay, do you have everything you need Savanna?" Y/n asks as she grabs her daughter's Hello Kitty backpack, putting it onto her back.

The five-year-old nods her head and looks up at her mom. "Yes, mommy, you asked me that before we left the house too!" Savanna giggled in response. "I know, I'm just making sure!" Y/n smiled at her daughter and pulled out her phone from her pocket.

Lewis was standing next to y/n looking at Savanna and smiling at her. He leaned down to kiss her head and ran a hand through her hair. Savanna clung to Lewis hugging him.

"Okay fine...just one more picture though!" Y/n let out a soft laugh opening her camera.

"Mommy! I've got to go!" Savanna giggled again putting a smile on her face. She pulled away from Lewis standing in front of both of her parents.

"Just one more hug?" Y/n asked looking at Savanna getting down to her level to hug. Savanna ran up into her mother's arms embracing her mom. Y/n kissed her forehead and smiled at her. "Okay, okay! Just have fun and we'll pick you up after school?"

"We can even go for ice cream later!" Lewis exclaimed as he kneeled in front of Savanna. Both of them were smiling ear to ear pulling her into a tight hug.

"Yay!" Savanna exclaimed wrapping her arms around Lewis' neck.

Savanna pulled away one last time and looked around seeing other kids laughing and playing. She looked eager to go meet new kids and looked back up at her parents. Lewis and Y/n were standing next to each other. Lewis had his arm wrapped around y/n as they both had their eyes on Savanna. "Go, go have fun!" Lewis said to her and y/n smiled.

Savanna smiled at them and ran off to the entrance of the school where the other kids were. She turned around looking back at her parents, waving to them. "Bye, mommy! Bye, daddy!" She smiled and ran up to a group of kids.

Lewis and Y/n waved back and softly smiled at Savanna. They couldn't believe that she was growing up so fast. It was their daughter's first day of school and she wasn't looking back and rethinking.

8 years ago, July 25th

"You'll do great, sweetheart," Lewis hugged Savanna.

Today was Savanna's first big gymnastics competition. She's had competition before but nothing this big. There were so many other girls her age competing. It was quite intimidating, especially for a seven-year-old girl. Lewis and y/n would be there though to support their daughter even if they had to watch her from afar, they were still supporting her.

"You promise?" Savanna looked up into her father's eyes.

"I promise you, me and mom are going to be in the stans cheering you on the entire time, okay?" Lewis comforted her. He gently brushed a strand of curly hair out of her face.

Savanna hugged Lewis and y/n with a wide smile on her face. She took her water bottle and her bag with her and ran off to go with her team. Lewis held onto her hand until she started to turn away from him. Both parents were proud of their daughter and how far she's come along.

Savanna placed fourth overall in her events. Even though she didn't get first place, she still got a medal and a proud smile on her face.

"Mommy! Mommy! Daddy! Daddy!" The little girl came rushing up to her parents smiling at them. Savanna barely had her bag on her back and her water bottle hanging her tiny fingers. "Look! Look! I got a medal!"

"Oh, look at that!" Lewis looked at her and hugged her tightly. He placed a kiss on her forehead. "You did really good sweetheart."

"We're so proud of you, baby!" Y/n said as she looked at her daughter and smiled.

"Can we get some ice cream now?" Savanna looked up at Lewis and y/n with puppy dog eyes.

"Yes, we can go get ice cream now," y/n laughed softly and kissed her daughter's head.

Savanna smiled widely and let out a giggle. She was so excited to go get ice cream after a well-deserved day full of gymnastics. "Yay!"

Present Day, January 29th

"Happy birthday dear Savanna, Happy birthday to you! Blow out your candles, sweetheart."

Y/n smiled as she took a photo of Savanna, who was sitting in front of her cake with fifteen lighten candles on top of it. Lewis was next to y/n smiling at his daughter as blew out all fifteen of the candles on top.

"God, you're so old now!" Y/n joked as she smiled and looked at Lewis and Savanna.

"It's like yesterday you were in my arms for the first time and your mom was fawning all over you!" Lewis laughed and so did y/n while Savanna cringed.

"You guys are acting like it's a big deal, I'm only fifteen!" Savanna said as she looked at her parents.

Only fifteen.

That was the only thing Lewis could think of. He didn't realize it but his little girl was growing up right in front of him. He remembered thinking back on the day she was first born, when he said to y/n, "I wish I could just freeze this moment and treasure it, it's so peaceful." He wishes he still could.

[justagalwhowrites]

Stitches: Part of For You - A Collection of Requests Benefitting Palestine

Joel comes into the clinic after getting hurt on the job. A non-canon one shot set in the Lavender universe.

^Gif not representative of reader's appearance, just here for the vibes.

Event Terms: Commissioners could choose to donate between $15 and $50 via Ko-Fi for one fic of 1-2k words to be written by April 1, 2024. Payment due after completion of the fic. Donation with a match by the author to be paid to PCRF on April 2, 2024 in honor of Pedro Pascal's birthday ❤️ Commissioners had the option to choose to keep a fic private and all fics may not be shared here.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader from Lavender, QZ era

Warnings: Brief description of injury. Angst. Smut (P in V sex). No use of Y/N, Minors DNI 18+ only.

Length: 4k

A/N: Sooooo this one got a little away from me (shocking, I know.) I can't promise all of this collection will be this long but apparently I really missed Joel and Doc. Written for @suzmagine after she requested QZ era Joel and Doc with angst and smut :)

For You Masterlist | Main Masterlist

Sunday, September 20, 2015 

“I’ve got one more for you,” Marta hovered outside the patient room, a file folder in her hands. 

You groaned. 

“Another one?” You asked. “Shouldn’t we be done for the day by now? Shouldn’t we have been done for the day an hour ago?” 

“I’m not any happier about this than you are,” she replied. “I’m the one who’s been pulling double duty all day because Andrew’s out…” 

“And I’m the one who’s had twice the patient load because the entire QZ has the flu,” you sighed before you pinched the bridge of your nose. This wasn’t helping either of you. “Alright, just… Please tell me this is the last one.” 

“Last one,” she said. “Doors are locked.” 

“Speakeasy after this?” You asked, opening the folder. 

“I would but Brian and I are going to a friend’s place tonight,” she smiled, almost sheepishly. “Sorry.” 

“It’s alright,” you sighed. “I just need to get a life….” You glanced down at the intake notes. Just stitches and antibiotics, on order from FEDRA. “This looks basic, why don’t you head on out. I can finish up here.” 

“Really?” She asked. You just nodded and she squealed a little. “Thank you so much!” 

You tried to not be jealous of the fact that she had a life to go home to. In all reality, you shouldn’t be upset about staying late at work. It’s not like you had anything else going on. Once Tommy left the QZ and Andrew and Jess started spending more time just the two of them while she was down for the count because of her pregnancy, you pretty much spent your time not at work at home, doing a lot of nothing. 

“I need a hobby,” you muttered to yourself before making your way down to the exam room where your last patient was waiting for you. 

You knocked once on the door and gave the patient a moment to answer before you opened it, reviewing the intake notes as you did.  

“Hi there,” you said, looking up from the file. “I’m….” 

Your voice trailed off. Joel was sitting there, perched on the end of the exam table, his eyes ranging over you. 

“Don’t think you need to introduce yourself, Kid,” he said, giving you a wry half smile. 

You looked back at the file. In the name field was just J.M. - FEDRA. You frowned and looked back at him. 

“FEDRA sent you in?” You set the file down on the counter before going to wash your hands. “Why, did you pick a fight with a guard?” 

“No,” he quirked his jaw. “Just some equipment on sewer duty.” 

“Lucky you,” you said, pulling your chair up beside the table. You sat down, closer to him than you’d been since you’d been almost blown up before Tommy left the QZ. “Well, I’m sure you’d rather see anybody else but I’m afraid there’s something going around and I’m the only doctor who’s here right now. Since you’re here on FEDRA orders, I can’t really let you leave and come back another time…” 

“S’fine,” he cut you off. “It’s not… I don’t mind. That it’s you, I mean.” 

“Oh,” you said, a little taken aback. You tried to hide it as you pulled on your gloves. “Well that’s… good. Why don’t take off your shirt, looks like the injury is on your stomach?” 

“Yeah,” he said, unbuttoning his top. “They put a bandage on me there but said I’d need stitches and shit to keep it from gettin’ infected.” 

“Yeah, I feel like dying from an infection that doesn’t turn people into monsters in this day and age is a bit of a raw deal.” 

Joel snorted and shrugged out of the shirt. You saw a bandage, stained with blood, near his belly button. You winced a little, even though you’d seen so much of Joel’s blood at this point you thought you should be used to it. But it never got any easier, knowing he was putting himself at risk, knowing he was in pain. 

Blood was a good distraction, though, when you thought about it. Joel without his shirt had always been a weak spot for you. Blood was one way to keep you from focusing on things you shouldn’t. Like the fact that his chest was broad and firm and you knew just what it would be to rest your head against him there and listen to the steady thrum of his heart as you fell asleep. 

“I’m going to remove the bandage, OK?” You said, looking up at him through your eyelashes. You watched the bob of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed. He just gave you a single nod and you pulled down the bundle of gauze and tape to expose a jagged cut that dipped into the muscle of his abdomen. You hissed a little in sympathetic pain. “What’d you do, Joel?” 

“Had to jump to dodge an out of control truck,” he said. “Ended up landin’ on something sharp. Hurt like a bitch but… had worse.” 

“Had worse is a damn low bar for you,” you said, gingerly examining the wound. “Good news is, this is even cleaner than I expected. Actually, you’re cleaner than I expected, you don’t smell like you were on sewer duty.” 

“Yeah, well, figured patchin’ me up wouldn’t do much if I was covered in shit,” he said, voice beaten down by the misery that was QZ life. It was a tone you knew well. “Showered before I came.” 

You nodded slowly. 

“I’ll numb you up and get this all closed,” you said, sitting back from him. “Go ahead and lie back for me while I get set up.” 

You gathered what you needed and came back to find Joel flat on the table, his hands folded over the base of his chest. The cracked face of the watch glinted in the florescent light and you tried not to think about how his arms looked bare. You hadn’t seen his arms bare in so long. 

You cleared your throat and pulled the chair back up alongside him and changed gloves. 

“Small poke,” you said as you injected the local anesthetic. He grunted but stayed still. You gave it a few minutes to kick in before you gently prodded the wound. “Feel that?” 

“No,” he said. 

You nodded and set to work, flushing out the wound and aligning his damaged skin to stitch it closed. 

“So,” you said after the silence was heavy in the room. “How’ve you been since Tommy left?” 

His body tensed a little. 

“Fine,” he said gruffly. “Just a bit quiet around the apartment.” 

You nodded slowly, focusing on your stitching. 

“I hope you’re not just sitting in there all alone,” you said, half teasing half serious. “Even you need social contact now and then.” 

“M’fine.” 

There was something in his tone that made you feel like he was not, in fact, fine. As much as you tried to forget, you carried so much of the intimacies of Joel Miller within you. How he looked when his face was relaxed in sleep, how he felt when he held you like you were the only thing he had left in the world, how he sounded when he was in pain. He sounded that way now. 

“Are you?” You asked, lifting your eyes from his stomach to look up his body to his face. His head was raised just enough to look back at you. 

“Not your damn business what I am or what I’m not,” he snapped, lowering his head back to the exam table. “Leave it.”

“I’m just…” you paused as you finished the last stitch. “I worry about you sometimes is all. I know you don’t have a lot of people, Joel, and…” 

“I’m not your fuckin’ problem,” he bit out, sitting up so fast that you shocked back from him. “I don’t need you pokin’ around my life and fuckin’ it up anymore than you already have so just leave it, alright!” 

“Alright,” you said quietly, tears pinching at the back of your throat. 

“You done sewin’ me shut?” He snapped. You nodded, still trying to resist the urge to cry. “Good.” 

He snatched his shirt up and stalked out of the room, not even stopping to put it on. 

You took a deep, shaky breath, staring at the place where Joel had just been. You tried not to think about how, for just a few minutes, there had been a quiet intimacy there like there had been with him before. How he felt comfortable and safe beside you, where you could run your fingers over his skin and see where his hair was starting to gray. 

You gave yourself a few minutes to calm down before you started cleaning up, trying to focus on getting home so you could curl up in a ball in your bed where you were warm and safe, even if you were alone. You were starting to clear the tray of tools when you realized the syringe of penicillin was still there, shiny and full. 

You’d never given him the antibiotics. 

“Shit,” you muttered, voice wet. 

You set it aside and finished cleaning up before grabbing a bottle of pain killers and an oral course of antibiotics and setting out to Joel’s place. 

He answered quickly, all but ripping the door open and looking surprised to find you there when he did. 

“What do you want,” he snapped. 

“You still need antibiotics,” you said quietly, fighting to not flinch back from him. You held up the small bag with the syringe, bandages and pills inside. “You left before I could give them to you.” 

He quirked his jaw but stepped aside, opening the door wide enough for you to come in. You set the bag down on the table and started taking off your coat. 

“Didn’t say you could fuckin’ stay,” Joel said, voice still sharp. 

“I figured you’d want me having full range of motion with my arms when I’m sticking you with a needle,” you said harshly before closing your eyes for a moment, forcing yourself to calm down. “I need to get at the wound again so… shirt off.” 

He ground his teeth but obeyed, pulling the shirt off. You sat down at the table and got the syringe ready and he stood beside you there and you had the strangest urge to kiss his stomach. You pressed your lips together instead. 

“If you didn’t run off this would probably hurt less,” you said. “But the anesthetic might be wearing off already so… small pinch.” 

You pressed the syringe into his skin and pushed down on the plunger. He flinched once and that was it. 

“Just going to bandage you up,” you said, not waiting for a response. 

“Why’d you come here,” Joel asked as you taped the bandage over his damaged skin. You looked up at him, frowning. His eyes were on yours, deep and warm and chocolate brown. 

“You needed…” 

“Don’t give me that,” he cut you off. “You could have fuckin’ left it, told you enough times that I don’t want shit to do with you now so why are you really here? Not like FEDRA was gonna come and check and make sure I was on their ordered drugs so what is it?” 

“Do you really think I’d just let something happen to you?” You asked quietly. “You might not care if I live or die anymore but I care about you. I’m always going to care about you.” 

You didn’t wait for.a response. You looked back to his stomach and finished taping the bandage in place before taking the pills out and setting them on table before getting up and pulling your jacket back on.

“Instructions are on the bottles,” you said. “Take all the antibiotics, every last one, I don’t care if you’re feeling well and your cut is magically healed, still take them. Change out the bandages every 24 hours for the first few days, come by the clinic if there’s a lot of blood or discomfort. Pain medication as needed. I’m sure you’ll just sell whatever’s left…” 

You grabbed the now empty bag off the table and turned to go to the door but Joel’s hand closed around your wrist, pulling you back around. You frowned, looking at where he was touching you before looking back to him. 

“Joel…” 

“You really think I don’t care about you?” He asked, voice heated. “You really think I don’t give a shit? Hm?” 

You shrank back from him as much as you could while he held you in place, his grip on you tight. 

“Joel…” you said again but he cut you off. 

“You think I don’t care if you live or die?” It took you a moment to realize that he didn’t sound angry. He sounded… hurt? Offended? Both? “Jesus…” 

“You’re hurting me, Joel.” 

He scowled but dropped your wrist. 

“After everything I’ve done,” he snapped. “After everything we’ve been through, you think I don’t fuckin’ care?” 

“Why would I think you care?” You tried to sound mad but you just sounded hurt, your voice quivering. “All you’ve done for years now is tell me how I hurt you, how you wish you’d never met me, how you don’t want to see me again! Even when you’ve done something that you say is for me or because of me you act like your obligated to me in some way but you’re not and I wish you’d just leave me alone! I can’t keep doing this with you, I’m so tired of being your burden, Joel!” 

You tried to turn to go but his hands were on you again but on your shoulders this time, his fingers digging into your flesh there. His eyes searched yours for half a moment before he pulled you sharply to him, his hands flying from your shoulders to your face to tilt your head to just the right angle, gripping you tight and desperate, before his lips crashed into your own. 

It took you a second to fully understand what was happening but your body responded before your mind. It might have been years since you last kissed Joel but your lips knew his. They conformed to his like the familiar ground they were, giving to the hot press of him as he licked into your mouth. 

You moaned and wrapped your arms around his waist, forgetting, for a moment, that he was injured. He hissed in pain and you tried to pull back but his grip on you grew tighter, fingertips pressing into your skull. Your body curved against his and you were suddenly acutely aware that he was shirtless, that you could feel his skin on yours if you could just take your own shirt off, too. 

His hold on you eventually loosened and he pulled back from you, the brown of his iris almost entirely swallowed by his pupil now as he panted for breath. His thumbs traced the arch of your cheekbones. 

“I care,” he said, voice hungry and low. “I care more about you than about any other person left on this godforsaken planet…” 

“Joel…” you were breathless, heat and tension pooling at your core. 

“And I’m tired of tryin’ to stay away from you.” 

He pulled you back against him, gently that time. His lips were soft on yours, his tongue tracing the seam of you until you opened for him. You could properly taste him now, the mint of his toothpaste and the bitter tang of liquor and the familiar flavor of his skin. You drank it up, needing it like water. His hands left your face, sliding down your body to your waist. He pulled at your shirt, separating from you just enough to pull it up and over your head, taking a moment to look down at your body, an expression of almost reverence on his face as he panted for breath. 

Joel tugged you toward him again, his mouth quickly finding yours, as he unhooked your bra. He slid that off your body, too, and cradled you to him. 

You moaned into his mouth, you couldn’t help it, as your arms went around his neck. His skin was everywhere, so soft and so warm and just like you remembered. He felt so good against you, like home, and the ache of missing him flared to life inside your chest, sharp and cruel. 

Part of you knew you should put a stop to this now, before it went any further. He was only going to push you away again, just like he had after Boston. It was only going to hollow you out and leave you feeling more desperately alone than ever. 

But you couldn’t resist him. You’d missed him too much over the years, he was too much a part of you to ever dream of pushing him away. You needed this. You needed him. 

You let him guide you toward the couch, his fingers prying at the button of your jeans before pushing those and your underwear down your body, too. You stepped out of them and your shoes together before Joel gently lowered you, completely bared to him, to the rough, aging fabric of the couch. You watched as he stood over you, your eyes wide, as he opened his own pants, freeing his cock and swiping his thumb over his leaking tip before stroking himself in long, slow strokes. 

“Tell me you want this,” his voice trembled. “We can stop right now…” 

“I need you,” you cut him off with a needy whisper. “Please.” 

He didn’t need any more prompting. He shoved his pants and underwear down before he nudged your legs apart and settled between them. He gripped the root of his thick, heavy cock and trailed his tip over your leaking slit, moaning as he did. 

“Missed this wet little pussy,” he notched his head at your entrance before thrusting halfway inside you with a short, sharp stroke. You gasped at the stretch of him, your back arching and fingers scrambling at the tattered upholstery. “Fuck, still so fuckin’ tight. Gotta be fuckin’ dripping for me or I’d never get inside you…” 

He pulled back just a little, his thumb finding your clit and pressing into you there, working you in a slow circle. He thrust back into you, a little further this time. 

“You get this soft and hot and wet for anyone else?” He asked, a possessive edge to his voice as his eyes ranged over your naked body. “Or you save that just for me?” 

“Just for you,” you didn’t care that you sounded desperate and pathetic. You just needed him inside of you, filling you totally. “It’s all for you, I’ve always been all for you.” 

“You all mine, Baby?” He asked, pulling back and thrusting deeper. “This little pussy all mine?” 

“Yes,” you rocked your hips up against him but he pressed down on you, holding you in place and making you whimper. “Fuck, please…” 

“How about the rest of you?” He asked, his hand leaving your clit as he lowered himself onto you. His skin was on yours, the plush swell of his stomach against you, his chest tight to your own. His hand came up to brush your hair back and cradle the crown of your head, his thumb tracing over you there. His eyes searched yours and, for the first time in years, you saw the Joel you’d fallen in love with so long ago. The quiet strength of him, the gentle care, the fierce love, the raw and aching whole of him there with nothing holding him back. “Want all of you, want that so much more than your perfect fuckin’ pussy…” 

“Joel…” 

“Say you’re mine,” he thrust deeper and you keened at the feel of him inside you, so close to having all of him within you where you’d known he belonged from the first time you’d taken him into yourself. “Tell me I’m not gonna lose you.” 

“You’re not going to lose me,” you breathed. “I promise, you can’t lose me.” 

He pulled back a little and you whimpered at the loss. 

“Say you’ll let me protect you,” he thrust in, almost to the root this time, and held himself there. Your channel tightened around him. 

“Joel,” you were having a hard time remembering how to say anything but his name, that single word the most vital one you’d ever known. “Please…” 

“Tell me,” he ground himself against you, his skin on your clit, his cock pressing into your most sensitive places. “Let me take care of you, protect you. Say it.” 

“You can protect me,” your hands found their way to his shoulders, nails digging into his skin there. “You can take care of me, I promise…” 

“Let me love you,” he pulled back again but it was his words and not how he was moving inside you that made you gasp. “Say it. Tell me I can love you, that it’s safe to love you.” 

You reached up and gently traced his hairline before threading your fingers through his curls, your eyes on his. 

“I haven’t been the one stopping you from loving me,” you whispered. 

“I never stopped,” he rocked himself part way into you again before pulling back. “Always loved you, always. But I need it to be safe, I can’t love you without it destroyin’ me if it’s not. Please, baby. Tell me. Tell me I can love you.” 

“You can love me, Joel,” you said softly. “It’s safe. I’m safe.” 

He kissed you, his mouth claiming yours and he pressed all the way inside you then, making your back arch and legs go tight around his hips. You moaned against his lips as he held himself deep within you for a moment before pulling back again. 

It might have been years but your body knew Joel’s. You knew just how to take him and he knew just how to make you come, his hips grinding down into you when he was fully seated inside of your tight channel, making his cock tease your most tender places while his hips worked your clit. He fucked you deep and hard and greedy, like he couldn’t get enough of you, like he wanted to lay claim to all of you. 

The tight band of pleasure inside of you wound tighter and tighter until it snapped when he was pressed deep, your walls fluttering over him. He moaned against your lips and fucked you through it, never slowing, never letting up, making it so your orgasm never really subsided. It just rolled into building the next one until he pulled his desperate and needy mouth from yours. 

“Not gonna last, Baby,” he ground himself deeper, as if to make his point. “Where -” 

“Inside me,” you panted. “I need to feel you, please don’t leave, please, inside me, please…” 

He kissed you again, fucking you a little harder and faster, driving the band of pleasure tighter and higher until you felt him press deep and pulse inside you, triggering your next orgasm. 

You came with him, your pussy rippling over him as he throbbed, emptying himself into you. 

His body went slack for a moment before he propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes returning to their normal color. They looked over your face for a moment before locking onto your own and you had a moment of fear that the walls would go up again. That the cold, disconnected Joel who had taken over since he’d come to the QZ would be back. But his eyes stayed soft and open and warm, his large palm still cradling the top of your head. 

“Tell me you meant all that,” you whispered even though you were afraid of what the answer was. 

“Oh, Baby.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips to your forehead before trailing his nose over your own. “I meant every word. I promise.” 

You smiled, looking into Joel’s eyes and realizing that, even though you were still stuck inside the QZ, you were right where you belonged. 

[hooked-on-elvis]

Those are absolutely two of my favorite pictures of Elvis. Of course I like the details and all the info I can get on the pictures. One thing I have to say is that in that moment Elvis was in his 7th season at the International Hotel in Las Vegas (August 4th - September 4th 1972), and it was the first time he brought Linda Thompson to accompany him during the concerts (prior to that she had only accompanied Elvis during rehearsals in July). You can imagine how jealous I am of her because, well, just look at Elvis! 🫠🥲 Anyway, here's a little story about the fans with Elvis in those pictures:

Las Vegas, NV. Monday, August 28, 1972. Elvis with two Italian fans. The woman is Nicla Crippa and the man was the President of the Italian fan club, his name is Livio Monari. Livio Monari started the Italian FC in 1962. Together with Nicla Crippa, a personal friend and member of his Fan Club, they met Elvis just after the Midnight show on 26th August 1972. Photos taken that day didn't come out, so they asked to see Elvis again... to have new ones taken on the 28th August (2nd meeting) which are the ones shown above. They had just attended the Dinner & Midnight shows on the 28th Aug: when a waiter approached them - that Elvis was waiting for them.

Nicla said the following about the meeting:

1972 was a special year for me, I picked up all my saving of a year and together with Livio Monari at that time president of the E.P.F.C. of Italy, I flew to Las Vegas in August to see Elvis performing. When we arrived we were so excited that we started immediately to ask anybody of Elvis entourage if we could meet Elvis, crook Col. Parker was at a gambling table with his cigar and he said very rude "NO, you cannot met Elvis", then Joe Esposito who said No too, and when I told him "Hey Joe you are Italian like us" he answered "I'm not Italian, I was born in Chicago" very rude too... until I saw the name of Emilio Muscelli on an office door, I knocked and entered and I said with all my 18 years old enthusiasm (in fact I was not yet 18, I would have turned 18 on December 30) "Hi Emilio, we are Italians and we are here to see Elvis concerts and meet him"... well he took it good to his heart and from that point on he treated me like his daughter - he was 50 years old. We saw 14 concerts in 7 days and we met Elvis TWICE, the first time on August 26 but the pictures Joe Esposito took with Livio's camera did not come out as Livio due the emotion charged an already used film in the camera... the second time on August 28, this time we called a professional photographer to take the 2 pictures to be sure. When I saw Elvis the first time coming out of his dressing room I ran towards him and I almost jumped on him, I hugged and kissed him and he returned the hugs and kisses to me and he asked me "Hey baby how old are you" I answered "18" and he said "And you came all the way from Italy just to see me?" "Yes Elvis" and he "Oh baby..." and he hugged me again very tight. We stayed with him for 15 minutes, we gave him a trophy we brought from Italy unfortunately we have no picture of Elvis with our trophy but I saw it at Graceland Trophy Room in 1987. He wrote a dedication to me, and one to Livio, on 2 LPs we brought with us, he gave us a yellow scarf each, but especially I held his right hand in my hands for a long time, and he did not withdraw it, on the contrary he caressed my hands. He was such a gentle, sweet and tender person, he made us feel at ease and he slowed down speaking English as at that time I could not speak English well. We asked "when will you come to Europe?" he said looking at Joe "I definitely wanna go, after a project I have for January 1973 (Aloha from Hawaii) I'll ask Parker to organize a tour to Europe". The night after Emilio gave us seats in the first row, Elvis saw me from stage and he stooped down and he put a red scarf around my neck... and on August 28 we met him again same place backstage and he said "Hey you are still here, good", he had such a sense of humour. Those 2 meetings with Elvis still are the best moments of my life!

Credits: elvis-collectors.com

[moon-my-beloved]

Run: (Eventual 141 x Vamp! Reader, but first let’s start from the beginning. 🕯️)

Bloodied, injured, and exhausted, Laswell finds herself in the last place she would like to be lost in: the woods. After escaping what was supposed to be her ultimate death, Kate wanders off into the wilderness in hopes of finding refuge. She is unlikely to make it out of this situation alive.. at least that’s what she thought.

TW: blood, mentions of a gun shot wound, reader can be considered as fem but anyone is welcomed to read it! that’s pretty much it babes. xoxo

— September 15, 1996. Location: Unknown

If you were to ask Kate Laswell where she would be in the last twenty-four hours, she wouldn’t even muster the thought of being in the most unpleasant and unfortunate positions. Nothing surprised her anymore, not when you were doing work that’s perceived as illegal, unethical, and dangerous. Kate knew this. She understood this job would bring unavoidable losses, sacrifices, and risks. She knew it as soon as she signed those papers to get her hands dirty. To keep the world safe from such cruelty she had and has to see. This was her life now and she was okay with it.. That was, until now.

Kate had no fucking idea where she was going. She had been running for god knows how long once she heard the sound of booming voices echoing through the hallway as they made their way into the small base. Slamming, kicking, and taking doors down to the ground from the other side of the building. She had been finishing up her last report when she and her team were ambushed. Things taking a dark turn before the gears in Laswell’s head could even process what was going on. ‘So much for being under high surveillance.’

She didn’t manage to get much. Just her laptop, a few files that read ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ in red bold letters, an already messed up USB along with a crappy radio in hopes of getting in contact with the agency before she was bolting to the nearest exit she could find. Her colleagues were long gone, she knew it. She heard it.

She didn’t have much time, barely managing to escape bullets flying past her while throwing her leg over the sill of the window and deciding that it was a safe enough jump for a three-story building. Her ribs making immediate contact with the grass and soiled dirt in an attempt to shield her prized possessions from meeting their ultimate death.

Managing to catch her breath, she shot up. The denim of her jeans and shirt soaking up all the mud from the fall. It was uncomfortable the way the material stuck itself to her skin, but that was the least of her concerns at this point. The wet ground made an irking ‘squelch’ with each stride she took, sprinting through the trees mindlessly to wherever the woods would take her. If she even got far enough.

‘Just keep running Laswell. Run and find somewhere to hide.’

And that she did. Chanting those two sentences over and over again like it was a damn prayer. Running to the woods was probably a bad idea, but where else would she have gone? The base was just a small pebble in the middle of endless trees. It was pitch dark and it was getting cold. No noise at all except for the ringing in her ears and the rustling of leaves she left behind. You could only go so far with adrenaline running through your veins before it eventually runs out.

She must have been far away now. At least enough to catch her breath now that she feels her body crashing down from that pure bliss of epinephrine. Strands of hair sticking to her forehead from exhaustion. Not even noticing the big crimson spot forming on her thigh but hell could she feel it now. It was a miracle she wasn’t dead by now.

She must have gotten hit when she was trying to get out. ‘Shit. Okay, okay, everything’s going to be fine.’ Hissing through her teeth, she reaches out to inspect it. Leaning down against the trunk of one of the many trees and lifting her leg to get a better view. The glow of the moon blessing her with enough light for her to see the big gaping hole in her jeans. Did it go through? She had no idea. Too busy focusing on not face-planting on the dirty ground as her sight grew dim with the amount of blood she had lost. Skin glistening with all the sweat she was accumulating despite feeling more cold than usual. A shiver running down her spine and teeth clattering against each other. She felt like a whole bucket of ice just got dumped on her.

‘Getting eaten alive by nature wouldn’t be such a bad way to go,’ She thinks to herself. But before she could feed into the thought some more and become one with the food chain, she zeroes in on a roof. Seemingly making itself known from behind the leaves of the too tall trees.

‘She can make it. Just a little further.’

She takes a deep breath as she pushes herself off the trunk, biting down on her bottom lip to keep a cry from slipping into the night. The pain was getting worse. A hot, almost burning sensation spread throughout her thigh and body. She tries not to put too much pressure on her leg and slowly walks (more like drags) her way down the dark trail just enough to catch a better glimpse of the house. It’s big. It’s undeniably huge the more she gets closer to it. It’s not just a house, it’s a manor. What is a manor doing in the middle of the woods? Well, with how old and unkempt it looks, she wouldn’t blame anyone if they mistook it as one with the trees considering how roots, stems, vines, and leaves seem to be sprouting from every corner of the walls. It looks abandoned, that's for sure. No one would live in the middle of nowhere where there’s no food source let alone transportation.

Taking a look around, Kate sees nothing. No neighboring houses, cars, or bicycles that would hint at any sign of life. Not even a rolled-up piece of newspaper was left scattered on the ground. It’s secluded, but so out of place that it makes Laswell’s gut twist with uneasiness. Either no one lives here or nobody knows this place even exists. The thought alone just makes her more hesitant to try and figure out the truth. The unbearable pain only got worse the more she stood there thinking of what to do next.

‘Fuck it.’

If she was going to die, she would at least die with some dignity left in her. Mustering up all the strength she could, she limped her way towards the door. Dread filled her senses once she noticed that she would have to climb a few steps of stairs before she could finally reach the handle. Trying not to put too much pressure on her bad leg, she settles on hopping up the stairs with her good one. Her body must have decided that she had enough once she made it to the last step and before she knew it, she was falling into the abyss, her ears ringing endlessly until there was nothing but darkness.

⛰︎↟ ⛰︎↟ ⛰︎↟

The first thing Kate notices when she wakes up is the softness and warmth surrounding her. The smell of something sweet and earthy filling her nose as she ponders what it might be. Patchouli? Lavender? Maybe it’s vanilla bean.. whatever it is, it’s comforting. An overwhelming sense of tranquility washing over her body as she shifts onto the other side of the cushion– wait. Cushion?

The realization dawns on her as she sits up abruptly, eyes flying open in confusion and fear. She was on a couch, a nice one. Pillowy cushions with a smooth texture to them as she traced her palm against the velvet fabric. The ringing in her ear interrupted her yet again as a pained groan slipped past her lips now that she was fully conscious. She sits there for a while until the tinnitus stops, hand pressed up against her head as she frantically takes in her surroundings. She was inside the manor, in the living room from what it appeared to be. The interior of it was much more.. beautiful. A complete contrast to what it looked like from outside. A dim, golden glow cascading over the room with how the lamp beside her shined. Across from her there was a fireplace, freshly lit on that she could still feel the heat of it lingering in the air. In front of her there was a table, shiny wood reflecting on itself. Everything looked so antique. Whoever lived here was either filthy rich or was stuck in the eighteenth century.

Her train of thought was disrupted when she heard the sound of a voice, head whipping to see who was the source of it.

“Finally awake?” The figure asks, tray in your hand as you carefully inch closer to her. “Didn’t know what you prefer so I sett-”

“Don’t come closer,” Kate states, twisting the blanket around her fingers and pressing her back against the corner of the couch. “Who are you? Where am I?” She sputters out, a hint of demand in her tone. For all she knows, you could be someone out to kill her. Laswell couldn’t risk herself putting her trust on a complete stranger. Let alone one she couldn’t see. Your face was completely covered by a veil of some sorts, only managing to catch a small silhouette of your face with how the material pressed up against your features. Your choice of clothing was rather modest and old-fashioned. You weren’t one for color, Laswell assumed. The color black consuming your form from your long-sleeved shirt down to your long black skirt, boots barely peeking out from under the material.

“You mustn’t move too much, wouldn’t want you to open your wound after all my hard work.” You said, dismissing her questions while carefully setting the tray down against the table, and pouring her a cup of tea. “It’s herbal tea, it’s good.” You added, carefully pushing the porcelain cup towards her as you kept your distance. Wound? Oh. She must have hit her head pretty hard when she passed out, throwing the blanket off of her to reveal her bandaged thigh. It didn’t even hurt anymore, eyebrows furrowed and mouth gaping with bewilderment. It felt like she never even got shot. Had she come across a witch of some sort?

“Uh.. thank you?” She mutters, leaning a bit to grab the cup carefully to take a sip of the warm beverage. Mhm. It’s delicious. Usually, she preferred to drink coffee on days where missions like these kept her up until the crack of dawn. Yet, here she was drinking tea with an odd stranger after almost getting killed. An awkward silence filled the room, followed by the sound of her sips as you sat across from her in an armchair. Legs crossed with your hands placed in front of your lap, not particularly looking at her but your body language signaling that you were acknowledging her presence. “You were gone for quite some time. Thought you would never wake up,” You finally said. Head turning to face her. “You shouldn’t be out here.”

“Yeah.. I ran into some trouble..” It wasn’t a complete lie, she wasn’t about to spill private information to you just because you’ve been polite to her so far. It all could be an act. You can never be too sure.

You must have detected her uneasiness towards you, getting up suddenly to exit the room before coming back with her belongings. “I didn’t peek through your things if that’s what you’re worried about. Whatever your dilemma is, that is none of my concern,” You said rather abruptly, dropping her stuff beside her. Kate was ready to throw a glare at your direction for handling her things with no care just to see your covered face already facing her. She might not be able to see you how you look, but she can feel your eyes pinning her in place through the fabric like an unseen force. “I can take you to an area where your friends can come and pick you up,” You explain, reaching out to grab the radio and tapping your fingernail against it. “If you promise me one thing.” You say, tone eerily stoic. “Never come back here, understand?”

Feeling paralyzed under your gaze, she nodded. Clammy hands gripping onto her things as she threw her legs over the couch. Feet planting against the patterned carpet. ‘Where were her shoes?’ As if you read her mind, you drop her muddied boots next to her. “I’ll wait for you by the door. Hurry up.” Before she could even manage a word, you were rounding the corner of the living room and disappearing into the shadows of the enormous manor.

‘She needs to get the fuck out of here.’

Without a second thought, she hastily put her boots on, not even caring to properly tie her shoelaces. Her thoughts were all over the place. First, the mission was an absolute failure that cost the lives of people, and probably much worse for those who didn’t manage to escape. Second, she wanders off into the wilderness in hopes of finding an empty flat to hide in until she could contact the damn general only to faint and find herself inside someone else’s home. Now, she’s here. Struggling to get in contact with the intelligence unit. Just her luck.

“This is Kate Laswell, do you copy? Over.” Static. That’s all she’s been hearing for the past five minutes and her patience was wearing thin. “This is Kate Laswell, CIA communications analyst. Do you co—”

A voice from the other end of the line speaks. She recognizes that voice. Joseph Allen, chief of the communications department she works for within the agency. “Bravo-4, we hear you loud and clear Laswell. What’s your status?” Allen asks, a hint of concern laced in his tone that makes her feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. “It’s good to hear you, Allen.. I-I’m doing okay. A bit roughed up, but alive and well,” She stammers a bit, clutching onto her things before taking a deep breath in. “Don’t worry Kate, we’ll get you out of there in no time. Sending a chopper your way. Hang tight.” The man reassures her, stating how there would be a few soldiers waiting to bring her back. With that, she bids her goodbyes to the chief, swiftly grabbing her things, and slowly approaching you.

The door was cracked open beside you as you waited for her arrival. Silently, you beckon her to go first. The bright light and melody of birds chirping greeting her as she takes her first steps. A new day has come. It was nighttime when she stumbled upon your house, but now that the sun has come up, she has a clear view of the environment. Trees as tall as ever, a bit less intimidating with light now. Her boots stepped on dried leaves with fall inching closer, a crisp, cold wind hitting her face sending shivers down Laswell’s spine. Everything was much brighter, more alive.

That feeling of peace was short-lived, hearing you close the door and start walking off into the woods without even looking back if she was following. You hadn’t mentioned where exactly you were taking her, doubt sending warning bells in her brain not to follow you. Burying her nerves, the woman caught up to you, keeping her distance as she trailed behind you with a wary look. This was probably the only chance for her to get home, she couldn’t risk losing it. ‘This job would bring unavoidable losses, sacrifices, and risks.’ She reminded herself.

⛰︎↟ ⛰︎↟ ⛰︎↟

Laswell didn’t know how long the two of you were walking for. An hour at least from how her feet were starting to get sore. This whole time, you haven’t said anything. Not a peep or glance her way. You were undeniably quiet. In fact, a little too quiet for her own comfort. With every step you took, it was like you were floating. Pristine and soundless. The crunch of leaves being heard by her own movements. Creepy.

Finding the courage, she spoke up. “How long have you been here for? It’s well hidden from the outside world.” She inquired, making a show of looking around to distract herself from her own self-consciousness. Shockingly, you halt in your steps, almost like you weren’t expecting her to ask questions, let alone about you.

“I’ve been here for most of my life. It was my family’s home originally. They’ve passed long ago now, leaving me with it.” You admit. Irritation lacing your tone at the mention of your parents. Must not have a good relationship with them. She couldn’t blame you, her relationship with hers was rather.. complicated. She barely saw them but on days she did, all she saw was disappointment and disgust. Partly because of her job, and the other half when they found out that their good daughter didn’t meet their traditional standards. She was fine with that. Sometimes she couldn’t bear to see their faces let alone hear them. It was for the best. Still, she felt bad for asking.

“I’m sorry to hear that, I did-” You wave a hand dismissively, turning around to face her. “No need.”

Laswell didn’t ask any more questions. A few minutes passed by before you stopped in your tracks. “We are here.” You announced. Nothing seemed to be too out of the ordinary, it was much more spacious, trees surrounding the empty land they were on, a few rocks covered in moss along with a few violets blooming in purples and whites. Perhaps this was a common area for hitchhikers to be rescued for those who got lost. ‘You probably encounter plenty of people carelessly wandering into the woods.’

“Well, this is where we go our separate ways.” You say, turning around without a goodbye and beginning to walk back into the endless path. Not putting too much thought into it, Laswell calls out for you. “Wait!” She shouts, watching you stop, and turn around to meet her nervous gaze. “I just wanted to say thank you.. for everything.” Laswell admits, a gust of wind passing between you two as you continue to stay silent. “I never got your name, I’m Kate, Kate Laswell.” She says, almost breathlessly. Anticipation filling her senses as you grab onto the corner of the piece of cloth and lift it up. Immediately, she’s struck by the void of your eyes. A small smile she could only describe as sad decorating your face before you opened your mouth.

“Don’t worry, you’ll forget.”

Laswell didn’t have the chance to ask what you meant before her knees buckled, making her lose her balance and fall to the ground. Black dots taking over her vision. She was immobile, unable to speak or move as she watched you disappear into the trees. Laswell felt herself being disassembled from her own body, a voice in the back of her mind begging her to get up. She couldn't. Her vision slowly dimmed, a force luring her into the abyss again until she couldn’t reach the top of the ocean and let the darkness consume her as a whole.

(A/N: I’ve had this whole idea planned out already for quite some time but never really could commit to it, until now!! I’m so happy I got to finish it after months. Hope you guys enjoy! <33)

[from-the-clouds]

texas sun - joel miller x f!reader - vol. ix

series masterlist | series playlist | writing masterlist | previous chapter |

chapter summary: “When you're born in a burning house, you think the whole world is on fire. But it's not.” - Richard Kadrey, Aloha from Hell. But maybe it's about to be. pairing: joel miller x f!reader words: 5.0k chapter warnings: HEAVY ANGST. Panic attacks. Referenced death of a parent. References to abusive/neglectful parents. Complicated sibling/familial relationships. Alcohol consumption, smoking. As always please dm if you have questions. a/n: I know it's annoying, but the thing about me is that I’m never able to write compelling things if I don’t include complex family/sibling relationships. Like I’m so obsessed with putting them in everything, even my stupid little love stories. But it does serve a purpose, I promise. There is an important character in this chapter….just saying.

**ALSO! I got rid of my taglist. Please follow @ftcwriting and turn on notifs if you would like to be notified when I update my works :) **

-September 15, 2003-

Joel can sense that something is off with you the minute you get home from work. 

For starters, your voice sounds a bit too syrupy-sweet when you come through your garage door, and chirp out ‘Hey!’ when you spot him sitting on the couch in your front room, your cat curled up on his lap. 

Just ten minutes earlier, he’d let himself in, using the spare key you’d given him and Sarah. Your house felt vacant, dark, and shockingly quiet without you there, and so he’d turned on the lights, put on a record, and washed the plate, two mugs, and a bowl that were sitting in your sink. 

Joel stirs, and Martini immediately jumps off his lap as though he’d personally offended him in some way. “Hey, darlin,” he stands, accepting your affectionate kiss on the cheek. “How was your day?” 

When you pretend you don’t hear him, that’s the second thing that tips him off. You turn to hang your messenger bag over the hook in your front closet. And then you flex your fingers like you’re trying to stretch them out, cracking your knuckles one at a time with your thumbs, and rolling your shoulders back before heading into the kitchen and gesturing for him to follow. 

“Do you…uh….do you want something?” you turn your head slightly, but not enough to meet his eyes. “Let me get you something.”

He follows after you tentatively, remaining silent until he figures out what's going on. Martini, who was walking underfoot, scatters out of the way as your heels click over the tile and retreats to a safe distance alongside Joel, who pauses to lean against the threshold. 

Even despite the clear tension in the room, he can’t help but check you out. Before, Joel wouldn’t say that he necessarily had a type, it still is a little shocking that he ended up with someone like you. 

Before you speak again, you retrieve two lowball glasses out of your cabinet along with a bottle of his favorite whiskey, and pour two drinks, turning to offer him one. He accepts it cautiously, and you nod at him before taking a long pull of your drink. 

“So uh,” you say. “There’s something I kind of need to talk to you about.” 

You take another sip and then unbutton your blazer, shimmying out of it and tossing it over a barstool. Pushing the sleeves of your blouse up to your wrists, you cross your arms and chew on your bottom lip, like you are trying to decide how to break some sort of horrible news to him. Joel prepares for the worst. He racks his brain for anything he could’ve done or said recently that might have upset you, maybe even scared you off. But he’s coming up with nothing. What could he have done? 

At this point, his parents even know about you, even if he hasn’t had the chance to introduce you. His mother tries, in her I’m-not-prying-but-I’m-definitely-prying type of way, to get more information out of him. She asks him questions like ‘Do you think she’s the one?’ and he doesn’t answer directly but it does make him think. He already knows you’re his one. He just wonders if he is yours.

It’s consistently been his fatal flaw. Joel falls hard, even when it’s not right. It’s how he has always been, and that’s how he ended up alone with Sarah in the first place. The very thought of you ending things makes him feel sick. He knows he’s in love with you, that he doesn’t want to look elsewhere. It’s becoming harder and harder to hold back. You’ve filled up all this space in his life that he didn’t even know existed. What is he going to do with it once you leave? 

“What’s going on?” Joel asks, hoping his voice doesn’t sound as pinched as his throat feels. 

“I should’ve told you this earlier,” you begin. “But….my dad has been sick the past few months.”

“Oh,” Joel says, but relaxes just a little, which feels a little selfish because it’s still unfortunate news. “I’m sorry to hear that. What’s going on?”

“It’s fine. I’m not really sure. Just…my brother called me today and apparently he’s taken a turn for the worse. The doctors…they think he doesn’t have that much time left. I…I need to go see him, I think. Before…” you don’t finish your sentence, you just shrug and look down. 

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah no, it’s fine, I’m fine,” you say dismissively. “I actually booked a redeye that leaves tomorrow night. I wanted to make sure I could still take Sarah to the office with me for her career day and everything, so you don’t have to worry about that. So yeah.” 

“Do you need to leave earlier?” He asks. “She can always come to work with me.”

“No, no…” you give a soft smile. “I made a commitment, and….I want her to see how boring my job really is.”

Joel wants to smile back at you, but he doesn’t. Because despite the jokes, when you meet his eyes for a second, they look so dull and desolate it feels like it’d be inappropriate. 

“I don’t know how long I’ll be,” Joel sets his glass down just as you pick up yours for another hearty gulp before continuing. “I got my company to approve me working remotely for two weeks. I don’t think it will be that long, but…I’m sorry.”

“What are you apologizing for?” Joel reaches out and rests a hand on your own.  “You should go be with your family. Sarah and I will be fine.” 

“I know that. I just…I don’t really want to go,” you say. “But I’ll feel bad for the rest of my life if I don’t…and at the very least, I need to be there for my brother. He’s closer with my dad than I am.” 

Bringing the glass back to your mouth, you take another sip – at this point, the drink is nearly gone. Joel steps behind you, because he can’t really hug you the way you are now, facing forward and bracing yourself on the countertop. “Come ‘ere,” he murmurs softly, pulling you back against his chest. For a second, you tense. It’s like you’re surprised, still, that all he wants to do is be gentle with you. Once you remember, he feels your body relax, and your head falls back to tuck under his chin, one of your hands clutches his arm that wraps across your collarbone. “I wish you could come with me,” you say. 

“Me too,” Joel says against the top of your head. He knows he can’t. Not with Sarah, and not with work being the way it has been. Unfortunately, the excuse probably wouldn’t go over well with the guys there. Not that he cares that much what they think, but he can’t jump ship right now. “But I’d have to find someone to look after Sarah….maybe I could ask my parents.”

“No,” you shake your head.  “No, no. I don’t want to put anyone out.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s fine,” you insist. “Everything will be fine.” 

“Well at the very least, do you need me to take you to the airport?”

“You’d endure rush hour traffic for me?” you tilt your head back to look up at him. 

Joel laughs softly, leans down for a kiss. “That and more.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

-September 17th, 2003-

The room you’re in is dark, but the lack of awareness of your surroundings seems to be the only thing keeping you from suffocating. You’re standing in your childhood bedroom, which doesn’t look much like it used to. It's a guest room now, but it never really felt like yours all the way, did it? You clutch at your stomach – you’ve been nauseous ever since your plane touched down at JFK – and reach towards your old dresser to steady yourself. 

The vanity that had once been scattered with trinkets and trophies and photos of childhood memories was now vacant – pristine and polished. You wondered if the items had been thrown out, or dumped in a box somewhere in your old closet. It almost doesn’t matter – you aren’t interested in digging up any more memories. The feeling of your fathers hand clasped around your own had done enough.

You inhale deeply, bracing yourself against the glass top as you try not to throw up or pass out. For some reason, you had underestimated what you were walking into, and hadn’t expected your body to react so….viscerally.  On the other side of the closed door, you hear your name, muffled from down the hall.

It’s hard to make out who it is, perhaps your stepmother, Meredith, or some other distant relative you hadn’t seen in years who had crawled out of the woodwork and now lingered in the apartment, hoping to get their piece. But you’ve locked yourself away. That’s what you had gotten so good at whilst living here. Hiding. 

Until the door opens, and you squint against the light that floods the room to find the only person who has always known where to find you. Your brother. 

“Hey. Ethan and Elizabeth are on their way up,” he says, then pauses. “Why are you standing in the dark?” 

The lightswitch clicks, and the harsh ceiling lamp illuminates, starting the fan up with it and causing you to shiver. Vincent is frowning, standing halfway into the doorframe, his brows pinched. 

You widen your eyes at him. Come on, don’t give me away yet. “Will you please turn that off?” 

Vincent rolls his eyes, but obeys, switches on your desk lamp instead and closes the door behind him. “Are you okay?” he asks, like he doesn’t already know that you aren’t.

“It was a lot…being in there with him,” you look at the floor. 

“Well, at least you know he still likes you. He’s not going to take you out of the will.”

It feels like a smack across the face, and your jaw drops. How could he be so oblivious to your pain, when he’s the only person in this house, in the world, maybe, who understands exactly how you are feeling right now. “Is that all you think I care about?”

“No, I-”

“I’m here because of you,” you say. “You wanted me here. So I came, and I shouldn’t have.” 

“Oh come on,” he says. “Don’t say shit like that.”

“I wish I wasn’t here,” you continue on, despite his wishes. “I wish I didn’t have to wait my entire life to hear him say those things.”

Vincent’s expression shifts. He had been in the room. He had heard it. Your dad had been so….sweet. Gentle. Whispering praises even though his eyes were closed. You had expected, had wanted cruelty. This was somehow worse. Maybe he had known what you wanted all along, held it over your head, and waited only until the end of his life to give it to you. Even his admission of love was somehow malicious. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop you from regretting everything you’d done to get away from him.

Just outside the door is the flight of stairs that leads to your father’s room. And suddenly you aren’t an adult. You feel as helpless and as scared as you did when you were just a little girl – looking up at him, the view of his figure obscured by your brother’s shoulder. 

“God, it’s so fucked up.” you choke out. 

Vincent steps forward wordlessly, pulls you into a hug, and it’s only after you hear a quiet sob leave him that you let your own tears fall. There’s nothing either of you can say to fix the damage that has been done, so all you can do is cling to each other and cry. 

“I know it’s fucked up,” he says. “I know. Maybe I should’ve….I could’ve done more.” 

You pull back, relieved to see your tears didn’t ruin his cashmere sweater. “What could you have done?” you ask, dejectedly. “We were kids.” 

Vincent doesn’t know how to answer that, but he wipes his nose with the back of his hand, and looks at the ground a moment before lifting his head. “We’ve got each other.” 

But that’s hardly true anymore, and he knows it. You’ll always resent each other for different reasons – he had adapted to the circumstances, and you had left them. Neither strategy did anything to fix the damage. 

You’re still weeping, but softer now, face wet with tears that fall everytime you blink. Swiping under your eyes, you sigh and attempt to compose yourself. 

“Come on,” Vincent says. “Say hi to Ethan and Elizabeth. Dad is stable for the time being. We can take a walk or something. Get some fresh air.” 

“Okay,” you agree. “I’ll be out in a second. I have to get my shit together.”

After he leaves, you check your makeup in the vanity, wiping away some smudged mascara before following him out. When you enter the front room, still sniffling, you pray that you don’t have a run-in with any other family members. But the only person you see besides Vincent is your sister-in-law coming through the door. 

Elizabeth’s face is pinched in concentration as she tries to wrangle your nephew out of his coat. “What up, champ?” Vincent holds a hand out for a high five, just in time for her to free Ethan’s arms so he can reach towards his father, who stoops to accept his hug. 

“Hi, Daddy.” 

Elizabeth steps back and makes eye contact with you as you approach. In the past, you pitied her for the decision to marry into your family and then go on to have children with your brother. She was a little too good for him. But now, you feel like that was kind of a callous way of looking at things. You wonder if your brother would feel the same way about Joel for getting mixed up with you. Fortunately, Joel is still a well-kept secret. 

“Hey, it’s good to see you,” Elizabeth says. “I’m so sorry it’s under these circumstances.”

“It’s alright,” you accept her hug and return her kiss on the cheek. “It’s good to see you, too.”

She looks down at her son. “Honey, do you remember your aunt?”

“Hey, Ethan,” you crouch alongside your brother, and he nods, but still side-steps closer to his dad and smiles over at you bashfully. “How are you doing?” 

“Good.” 

“Don’t be shy,” Vincent encourages, but your nephew doesn’t seem interested in your attempt at an embrace, so you let them drop by your side. 

“It’s okay,” you stand up, feeling a fresh batch of tears threatening their way to your waterline. Ethan’s treating you like a stranger because you basically are one. 

“You’ve met a lot of new people the last few days, haven't you?” Elizabeth asks, then looks over at you. “He might be a little overwhelmed. He’ll warm up.” 

Vincent stands at the sight of you starting to cry. “I am going to take her to get some air,” your brother puts a hand on your shoulder, speaking about you as if you are not in the room with them. You feel so useless, you might as well not be.

“That sounds good,” Elizabeth says. “We can catch up later. I ought to say hello to Meredith.” 

You both nod, stepping into the hallway. 

The fresh air helps, even if you can’t go far from the apartment. You walk around the block in silence, which gives you a chance to compose yourself. It’s a surprisingly warm day, although it’s much colder in New York than it is in Austin this time of year. In early fall, the leaves have only just begun turning. 

You’re about to turn the corner to the stretch of sidewalk that leads back home, when Vincent plops himself down on a bench without warning. He fishes through the front pocket of his jacket and retrieves a flask. 

“Jesus, Vincent,” you mutter under your breath. “Right now?”

“Uhm, yeah,” he answers. When you scoff, he continues, rolling his eyes. “Oh, get off your high horse. It’s just a little.”

“Aren’t you sad?”

“Of course I’m fucking sad,” he defends. “But I go to therapy now, so….I’m better at processing.”

“Yeah?” you gesture towards the flask. “Is that what this is called?”

“No. But it is the only way I can deal with Meredith.”

“You’re insane,” you say, but can already feel your exasperation fading. In your absence, he’s been dealing with all this alone. “Give me that.” Reaching forward towards the flask, he jerks his hand away just before you make contact. 

“I’m not sharing.”

You pout at him. Come on. He rolls his eyes and passes it over. “Fine.” 

While you take a sip, he produces a pack of cigarettes and plucks one out of the carton. “You don’t smoke these anymore, do you?” 

“Not really. But I still have not managed to kick the weed habit.”

“Well I’m jealous,” he says, lighting it. “Now that Elizabeth and Ethan live with me again, I really have had to get my shit together.”

I’m sure you’ll fuck it up soon enough, you’re primed to say, but even as a joke, you feel like it’s a little too mean. It’s okay to let this be a nice moment. 

“You know, if you wanted,” he says. “You could stay here for a couple months. I can get you set up with a place in the city. It might be good to be home…after…” You do your best to ignore his reference to the inevitable storm that hangs over your heads.

Any other time, and the offer might tempt you. This is your home, always would be, and you will always feel called to it. If you came back, all your family and childhood friends would be here. And without your father, things may be different. But now you have other priorities. “I can’t do that,” you shake your head. 

“Why not?” He asks. You sit down on the bench, swipe the pack of cigarettes from where they sit between you, and take one for yourself. “Didn’t you say you were approved to work remotely?”

“No, it’s not that,” you light the cigarette and take a pull, coughing when you inhale too deeply. It’s not a joint. “I actually….met someone.”

Vincent frowns like he doesn’t believe you. “Really?”

“Yeah….he’s actually my next door neighbor.”

“Oh, you managed to wrangle a fucking cowboy-”

“How many times have I told you? I don’t live on a farm. You know what? Nevermind,” you roll your eyes, shake your head. “Forget I mentioned it..” 

“Relax, I’m joking. Always so emotional-”

“Emotional? Emotional?” you ask. “Remind me which one of us was the one who had to be sent to a-” 

Vincent’s eyes roll back, and his head tilts with them. “Oh, here we go.”

“It’s not a joke to me,” you say, desperate to end the argument, and it actually works. 

“So is this….serious?” 

You shake your head. “I mean, I…I think I’m in love.” It’s not as insane to say out loud as you had expected.

“I didn’t think you cared about that sort of thing.”

“I didn’t either. But…I don’t know. It just sort of happened.” 

“What’s his name?”

“Joel,” you say. “He’s got a daughter, Sarah…she’s sweet. So is he…hardworking, thoughtful, kind….” you trail off, and veer away from becoming too sincere.  “In other words, he’d fucking hate you.” 

“Yeah, you know I repel the honest type.”

“No,” you correct him. “I actually think you’d get along. And you’d like Sarah. She’s funny.”

“I’m sure you’re a great influence on her,” he quips, sarcastically. 

“I’m good with kids. I’ve always been a good aunt to Ethan?” you insist. “....when he knows who I am, at least.”

Vincent chuckles. “He knows who you are, he’s just in a shy phase. That or I’ve already fucked him up.” 

You’ve heard some variation of the same from Joel while talking about Sarah, and it makes you smile, just a little, and wonder how terrifying it must be to have a child of your own. 

“You couldn’t,” you tease. “Elizabeth wouldn’t allow it.”

He nods as if you’ve made a good point. “So that’s it? You’re really never coming home?”

“I mean, never say never,” you say. “At the very least, I should probably visit more often. I could bring them sometime to meet everyone. We could try to be a normal family.” 

He wrinkles his nose. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Only your brother could find a way to make you laugh even under such dire circumstances. For a while, you’re quiet, and then you speak up again. “Being in love….it’s fucking scary.”

“That’s part of it,” he says. You sigh, shake your head, and put out your cigarette. “I’m happy for you,” he says, after a while. 

“Thanks,” you smile. “I’m happy for you, too.” 

Despite the fact that your stomach still hurts, you’re sleep deprived from the flight, and your father is standing at death’s door, you are thankful for what feels like a huge step forward. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

-September 19, 2003-

Joel’s hand stretches out to stop whatever thing is ringing in his ear at such an ungodly hour. His phone. He doesn’t even think, just answers it. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he registers it might be important.

“Hello?” he grumbles. 

“Hey,” He can tell instantly that something is wrong. “I’m sorry, did I wake you? I didn’t check the time.”

Joel looks at the clock. It’s six in the morning for you, and he’s never known you to be an early riser. He already knows what you’re going to tell him, but he asks anyway. “Yes but it’s alright. Are you okay?” 

“My dad is gone.” 

“Oh, baby,” he says softly. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” you say, shockingly stoic. “It will be okay. I just, I wanted you to know I’ll be staying longer than I thought. I’ve got to help my-” you clear your throat. “I’ve got to help Vincent with the arrangements and then my dad wanted his ashes scattered somewhere in Colorado. It’s where he grew up, so I’ll probably go there before I fly back, and-” You keep rambling, and Joel cuts you off. 

“Hey that’s fine, that’s okay. Don’t you worry about that.”

“Yeah, but I’m gonna miss your birthday,” you say. “I had this whole thing planned where I was gonna take you and Sarah out to dinner, and it was gonna be really nice and-” 

“We can celebrate another time,” Joel insists. “It’s okay. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” you say, so quick it sounds like a reflex. “I knew it was going to happen, so...” 

“Are you sure?” He doesn’t want to push you, but it’s very clear you’re holding something back. 

“Yeah, I…” you trail off. “I don’t know.”

Joel doesn’t answer right away, just gives you a little space to process. The silence is excruciating, and lasts so long that he wonders if you’ve hung up. But eventually, you speak again.

“I don’t….I don’t feel anything,” your voice breaks, all strained and choked and horrible. “I feel like I should.” You’re hundreds of miles away, and Joel has never felt so helpless. “Something….something is really wrong with me. I can’t-” 

“Babygirl,” he hears himself say, doing everything he can to calm you down. “There’s nothing wrong with you.”

He hears you take in a sharp, staggered inhale on the other line, struggling to catch your breath. “I wish you were here with me.”

Me too, I wish I was too. He wants to say, but all he feels is panic, tight around his throat. He feels like if he can’t get to you, something horrible will happen. What had he been thinking, letting you walk into this alone? Things must have been worse than you had let on. “Maybe I can try to figure something out.”

But almost as quickly as you lose control of yourself, he hears you clear your throat, a hard swallow. “It’s….it’s…it will all be fine. I will be okay, sorry, I just…” Joel can’t tell if you’re answering him, or if you’re talking to yourself. 

Joel knows the routine pretty well at this point, each time you show any sort of vulnerability, you immediately pull back – like there’s some invisible boundary you’ve crossed that snaps you back into place if you test it. He’d be able to actually help you if he was there. In some ways, you being so open with him, but only over the phone….makes sense. It’s just another way to avoid him.  He won’t resent you for it, but it doesn’t make him hurt any less. 

“What can I do?” Joel asks. “I’m worried about you.” 

“I’ll be fine, Joel. I promise,” you sniffle, clearing your throat, pulling yourself together. “I’ll be home soon and everything can just…go back to normal.” 

“Yes, it will,” he says. “You’ll get through this. And you’ll come home to Sarah and I. I’ll have a martini and a back rub waiting for you the second you walk in the door. 

“God,” you say. “You’re so hot.”

Joel chuckles, relieved to hear your smile. 

“You know,” your breathing steadies. “I would like you and Sarah to come out here. Not now. But another time.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you say. “I was thinking about it. My brother has plenty of room. We could crash here, and you could meet everyone. I mean, Vincent comes across as like….such an fucking asshole, really, truly…but I don’t know. I think ultimately you’ll get along.”

“I’m sure we will,” Joel breathes softly. 

“You just have to promise you won’t leave me if you don’t.”

“That wouldn’t make me leave you.” It’s you I love. He’s not going to tell you that over the phone. So he settles. “You are what I care about.”

“I feel the same,” you say softly. 

You’re silent for a spell. 

“I probably should go and eat something. I’ve felt awful for like three days straight and I finally have an appetite. And there’s really no problem that can’t be solved by a bodega sandwich.”

Joel chuckles. “I’m sure you’ll feel better if you eat something.” 

“I will call you later, okay?” you say. “Thank you, Joel. I miss you, and I’ll see you soon.”

“I miss you too,” he murmurs. “I’ll see you soon.”

See you soon. For the next few days, everytime you call each other, every conversation ends with the same promise. Neither of you are aware it’s one you can’t keep. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

-September 26th, 2003-

Joel sits in the front seat of Tommy’s car, and tries to hide the fact that his hands are shaking. There’s blood spattered on the front of his shirt, blood that didn’t belong to him. He’s done a lot of things to protect Sarah. To protect his family. He’d used that turn of phrase, that he’d kill for them, in passing, but never actually thought he’d have to do it. He did. He did. And he’s suddenly scared of what else he might be capable of. 

He does not want this burden, to be a protector, but he has no choice. It has been his entire life. First an older brother. Then, a father. It’s worth more than his own peace, than his own life. He would sacrifice that every time if it kept his family safe. 

And you, too.

He’s only just now looking down at his phone, trying to block out the noise of the voices on the radio that cut in and out of static. And it’s not because it’s broken. The world he knows is crumbling, he’s freefalling towards the earth, and he’s gotta grab the only things that matter or they will perish upon impact. 

Sarah says your name from behind him. “Do you think she’s okay?” 

It’s the first minute he’s had to think since he arrived at the prison to bail out Tommy. He has several missed calls from you and one voicemail. He doesn’t even think to listen, just immediately tries to call you back. 

“I don’t know, babygirl.” The phone doesn’t even ring. Sarah’s hand falls to his shoulder and he squeezes it tightly, hoping she can’t feel that it’s still trembling. Joel has no cell service, and none of the calls are going through even after trying several times over.

Joel looks down at his watch to see what time it is. It’s working now, thanks to Sarah, who had told him that she’d got it fixed at a place you had recommended before you left. It’s delusional, but he hopes maybe this isn’t happening in Colorado. You’d called him this morning to wish him a happy birthday, things had been fine then. How could it all fall apart so quickly?

He accepts that he can’t reach you, and listens to the voicemail you’ve left.

“Hey Joel, I….something is going on here. I don’t know if it’s happening everywhere. People are sick. It’s….it’s…If I don’t see you again I hope I- I want you to know that I love you. Okay? You and Sarah. Thank you, Joel. Please…please stay safe.”

I love you, too. Why didn’t he just say it when he had the opportunity to? What had he been thinking?

Joel tells himself that this is not the end. Things will settle, even if it takes time, and you will keep yourself safe. You won’t get sick. All the promises you made to each other will be kept. Even as he tells himself this, he knows it’s probably a lie.

Still, he indulges. Things will go back to normal. As long as he keeps himself safe, he’ll find his way back to you again. It’s just a matter of time. 

But his hope for the future, for anything else, dies an hour later.

-

-

-

[jinnie-ret]

HIII so I'm the one who asked Abt the sister reader and I wanted to rq a older brother skz x adoptive little sister reader where shes 15 and cusses a lot and is always getting into trouble like piercing her ears without anyone knowing, loud introvert, things like that and how they react to it? Love ur writing btw!🫶🏻🫶🏻

rebel

stray kids x adopted sister!reader

genre: fluff

content warnings: none

word count: 0.6k

summary: the boys are too used to their little sister's rebellious ways by now, but that doesn't stop them from worrying every now and then.

Hi thank you so much!! I hope you enjoy this one! :)

As always, like, reblog if you enjoyed, and my asks are open for any requests you may have. And let me know if you'd like to be tagged when I post :)

MAIN MASTERLIST

You had just arrived back to the dorms in the morning after coming back from your friend's house and spending the day with them all yesterday. It was silly of you to think that that boys wouldn't be awake at 10am in the morning.

"Ah, Y/N, nice of you to come home," Changbin says sarcastically, arms folded as he leans against the kitchen counter.

"It's not that late...?" you tried to get around the awkward situation, as you saw all of the boys eating breakfast with their phones out, and if you looked closer you would have noticed they had it open on the groupchat they had with you, waiting for a message to know when you'd be back.

"You could have told us you'd be ok," Han sighed in relief, coming up to you and affectionately stroking your hair back, but his fingers caught your ear, where you had gotten your second set of piercings done.

"Ow," you winced, causing him to raise a brow at you.

"You good?" Felix stood next to him, the September twins wondering what was the matter.

"Yeah, yeah, it's nothing," you shrugged them off and hopped onto the kitchen counter, nicking a piece of toast from Hyunjin's plate.

"I'll let that slide only because we were worried about you," Hyunjin sighed, still giving you the side eye despite his comment.

"Why were you worried?" you bit into the toast.

"Maybe because we haven't heard from you since 2am? What were you doing up at that time anyways?" Chan sighed, walking up to you and getting up from his seat at the table.

"Just watching films and that," you shrugged, mistakenly brushing your hair back.

"Oh, and what else did you get up to?" he frowned, huffing out a breath though his nose as his finger brushed against your new piercing.

"Ow... fine I got my seconds done," you admitted, looking away.

"With what money?" Jeongin laughed, "you only went to that local gig with your friends recently, and you can afford to have another piercing?"

"There was a discount! I got it done for ₩15,000!" you said happily, feeling like you had gotten a bargain.

"Oh dear, well hopefully you've got enough money left to pay for antibiotics when you get an infection," Minho wrinkled his nose.

"What do you mean?" you frowned.

"₩15,000?! That's too cheap, who knows if the metal is good quality, or if it was sterilised," Seungmin spoke up.

"Ah, well, I'm sure it'll be fine, only live once don't you?" you waved off their concerns.

"Yep, with infected gunky ears," Hyunjin patted your head.

"Stopppp," you whined at their teasing. But you didn't expect anything less from your brothers.

"Look, next time just tell us where you are and if you're ok, yeah?" Chan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Yeah, Felix thought you died," Changbin giggled.

"I did not! I just thought she got kidnapped..." Felix trailed off after his attempt at defending himself.

"You do worry about me a lot," you laugh poking Felix's cheek.

"You're still a child, of course we worry," he hugs you to him.

"Ah, I'm not that young, I'm mature enough," you smile at them all.

"Yeah right, we still hear you cursing like a sailor when you're on the phone," Seungmin exposed you with a smirk.

"Who corrupted our baby y/n?" Han shook your shoulders, making you almost dizzy.

"Ok, ok, calm down," you giggled at him.

"I remember when you were 11 years old, so innocent, and now look at you," Changbin cried out, putting on a fake emotional voice as he covered his face.

"Such a rebel now," Hyunjin laughed, shaking his head at the scene in front of him, as Felix clung onto you and Han, Jeongin and Minho where now inspecting your piercings.

tagged: @skz-streamer @backintomykpopphaseagain @hannahhbahng @kiraisastay

[xx-metanoia-xx]

I Hate It Here

Summary: Y/n has been stuck at her job at the library all summer, missing her friends. The Pogues come to cheer her up.

Pairing: Pogues x Reader

Warnings: mention of an adult man being a creepy

Word Count: 2.3k

______________________________________________________________

Separating fiction, nonfiction, and fantasy, etc: has been my summer. I had gotten the job at the library, around September of my junior year, hoping to get money to repair my car and well they suckered me in with ~Christmas bonuses~. So I’m here 2 years later, 17 years old, sitting in a nice air conditioned library while all of my friends are running around Kildaire. Basically locked in the public library without friends, but the upside was that I get paid 15 dollars an hour, so at least I’m making money.

Today, has just felt off since I woke up. Maybe it was from the hardcore partying from the night before, the atrocious hangover, or maybe because there was a guy who looked to be 40 just sitting in the library all morning and all afternoon, not even reading but scrolling on his phone and staring at me.

I avoided the man with dedication. He would move closer to my desk? I was now putting books on the shelf down the hall. I was at the printer, printing, and he would sit at the computer by it? I would go to the bathroom. He was like the plague, and I tried my best to avoid him. Until, he had walked up to my desk.

“Can you help me find a book?” the man said, peering down at my sitting figure.

“Yuh, yes! I can look it up on here! What author, genre, title, or anything, would you like me to look up?” I say with a smile, trying so hard to be nice.

“Do you guys have any, like, you know, “ he replies, “types of magazines or books?”

Baffled, absolutely baffled, is how I look at him.

“Sir this is a public library.” I responded still shocked.

“Yeah, but you guys still carry magazines. Do you have them or not, beautiful.”

Utterly disturbed by this old man calling me beautiful, I begrudgingly search what he is asking on the computer.

“Sorry nothing is coming up for it.. Is there anything else I could find for you?” I say, looking up from my computer at him.

“Um, do you have an adult novel section or anything?” He says moving closer to my desk.

“Yes it’s right upstairs, section 214!” I respond while pointing to the stairs.

He mutters a thank you before walking away. I go back to sorting the return books when my phone turns on, after hours of being dead. I grab it realizing that I've missed a lot of text messages. I don’t have it in me to read all 100+ texts so I read like the last 30.

Group Name: That's Squad, That’s Fam, That’s P4L

Mybank (JJ): what is everyone doing right now, it so fucking boring just hanging out at John B’s Jambie (John B): I feel like I should be offended right considering you are sitting right next to me.. But you're lowkey right Kiewi (Kie): Me, Sarah, and Cleo are all making sure there isn’t turtle homicide on the beach right now. You could join fr. SarBear (Sarah): It’s so fun! Cleur Naurr (Cleo): A fucking pigeon stole my fucking fries.. WHEN I CATCH THAT PIGEON Mybank : Wait Y/n isn’t with you guys? Where is she then? Kiewi: Work SarBear: Work Cleur Naurr: Work Mybank: That damn job is always stealing her, UGH. Pope is a Rockstar (Pope): She told us yesterday, before the party started. Mybank<3: Its not my fault she tells me things when I’m already blasted and or stoned.. She also hasn’t responded to me today yet either. Kiewi: POPE HAS RISEN BABY GIRL Pope is a Rockstar: AND I DON'T WANT THE WORLD TO SEE ME. Jambie: guys Kiewi: CAUSE I DON'T THINK THEY”LL UNDERSTAND Jambie: Guys Pope is a Rockstar: WHEN EVERYTHING’S MADE TO BE BROKEN Jambie: GUYS Kiewi: WHAT Jambie: Hi Mybank: Bro, you are so annoying Jambie: Nuh Uh Cleur Naurr: I was jamming SarBear: Are you guys coming down or not? Mybank: I have to make a pit stop first.. Then I’ll be down, trust! Smarty Pants: OOOOO Mybank: gonna go fill up my bike, nothing special Kiewi: SUREEE Jambie: I’m on my way… maybe I shouldn’t text and drive… SarBear: JOHN B

Cleur Naurr: Pope??????? Pope is a Rockstar: I’m thinking of a plan to sneak out rn.. Heyward’s gonna kill me. Kiewi: Hurry or else it's just gonna be John B and Sarah macking on each other the whole time. SarBear: Not true! Jambie: So true! Sent 2:25

I chuckle at those stupid conversations before finally responding, 4 hours later.

That’s Squad, That’s Fam, That’s P4L: Me:You guys are so lucky not having jobs. #I hate it here #sendhelp. Jambie: SHE SPEAKS Mybank<3: why are we sending help? Kiewi: are you done work, JJ is losing his mind SarBear: We can’t bear it anymore. Ugh, no I still have like an hour and 45 minutes left. Mybank: We could come visit? Me: Nah, I’m almost done anyway. 2 more hours yall!!! 6:25 pm

I put my phone down and go back to putting books away.

I hear the door open, I turn my head swiftly. The man from earlier walks out. I jump for joy.

“THANK GOD.” I whisper yell and do a little jig.

The door opens again, I think it's probably just a random member of the library. And to my surprise, it's not patrons at all, it's the pogues! I run faster over there now and jump hug JJ.

“You missed me that much?” He says grinning ear to ear.

“Yes, and I am really glad you guys are here, IT HAS BEEN SO BORING.”

“You were the one who got the job.” Sarah says to me as she pushes JJ to the side.

“Yeah well someone has to be able to get us food.” I put my hands up.

“Do you want us to stay until you get off??” Cleo says, “Cause, I'm exhausted from chasing those pigeons… I could really use a nice AIR-CONDITIONED place to relax.”

“Why are we staying?” John B asks, tuning into the conversation.

“Because I miss you guys, I've been trapped here all summer. Plus a free air conditioner.”

Pope and JJ tuning into the conversation instead of fucking with the postcard stand.

“Yeah I think we should stay,” Jj suggests, “It better then going back to the un-airconditioned Chateau”

“REAL.” Pope exclaims.

They all sit down in the common area, John B and Sarah go on the computers while Cleo and Pope look at action adventure novels on the table in front of them. Kie is in the little kids section, Kie pretending to do story time to the stuffed animals around her.

JJ starts wandering around the sections in front of my desk, he grabs a random book from the bookshelf, sitting down in front of my desk. He begins to fake read.

“You're so dumb.”

JJ, who is currently holding a book upside down, looks over at me.

“I think you mean, studious.. After all I am reading-” He turns the book around to see what the name is, and simultaneously realizes what I meant. He flips the book right-side up, “-Pride and Prejudice.”

I wheezed, checking my watch to see how much time was left before closing, it's 7:00pm, 60 minutes before closing. I get up and begin my nightly check making sure everything is still in decent shape.

JJ, Sarah, and Kie follow me around. JJ talking about how they didn’t want to give him gas at the station.

“So they wouldn’t give you gas because it wasn't below half full? That's stupid, they should be happy they are getting money.”

“Those guys there are so stupid,” Kie chimes in, “they are lucky that you still even go to them.”

“That's what I’m saying,” JJ laughs

“I hate it here so much guys, you have no clue how much I want to quit day to day and just drink beer and smoke weed with you guys.” I say, as we turn the corner back to the common area.

“I don’t know why you just don't quit? I mean 15 dollars an hour isn’t worth the creeps.. And well you would get to spend more time with me, your best friend… I'm biased.”

“AND me, your 2nd best friend in the whole wide world.” Sarah says, grabbing my right arm.

“AND ME, your 3rdd best friend in the whole wide world!” Kie exclaims, grabbing my left arm.

I laugh, “Hanging out with my best friends all day everyday sounds nice, but I love my Christmas Bonuses, I CAN'T QUIT!”

“The drug store, down on main, does bonuses and double time on christmas… seems like a better choice honestly.” Sarah suggests

“Deal.. I'm going to tell my boss I quit later, but right now,“ I check the time, it's 7:05, “It's time to think of something we can do for 45 minutes.”

“We should see how many books we can stack on each guy's head.” Kie suggest.

“YES.” Sarah yells.

Jj rolls his eyes, hating the idea.

Kie, Sarah, and I grab each guy while Cleo finds thick and thin books to stack on them.

“You guys are gonna have to sit, criss-cross applesauce.” I say.

“You have been doing too many story times with children.” JJ laughs.

“Shut up….”

The guys all sit on the ground, criss-crossed.

“Are we betting?” Kie asks.

“Sure… John B has the biggest head so he’ll probably have the most.” Sarah says.

“HEY.”

“Sorry John B.. Jj moves too much so he’l have like 2.” Sarah continues.

“WOAH.”

“Sorry not sorry, Jj. And Pope’s hair is gonna add height so it might be unfair.”

“Why didn't you attack him like you attacked us?” John B pouts.

“You guys are easily attackable.” Kie shrugs.

Cleo returns with the books.

“I’m gonna count!” I say sitting down at the table, grabbing a piece of paper.

They all nod. Kie, Sarah, and Cleo all grab books and start putting them on each guys head. Sarah stacks it on JJ’s head, Kie stacks on Pope’s head, and Cleo stacks on John B’s head.

“JJ, YOU NEED TO STOP MOVING.” Sarah exclaims, as all the books fall of his head.

“You only got to 4 books king, you are out,” I say, crossing his name off the thing, “Sarah’s predictions are so real right now.”

He sits across from me and Sarah sits next to me. JJ takes my pencil and starts drawing on the paper. I grab it back, and he then yanks it from me again. Now pissed I yanked it back, pulling his arm across the table. He retaliates by jumping across the table. I run away. Sarah chases behind me and jj as we run throughout the library.

“Gimme the pencil, I wanna draw.” He says, catching up to me.

“Never,” I throw the pencil down the stairs. It lands in front of Sarah, “ Take it SARAH, RUN.”

“Seriously!” He says out of breathe, and then proceeds to run down the stairs, “JOHN B GET SARAH.”

I chase after him, “Don’t listen to him, John B!”

John B and Pope look at each other before getting up and running after Sarah.

Kie and Cleo look at eachother confused, Kie starts, “We aren’t done with the game!”

“Cleo, Kie, no time, get the pencil. WE CAN’T LET JJ WIN.”

Deciding not to ask questions, they chase after the boys with me trying to save Sarah.

Sarah, makes a sharp left, be cornered by Pope and John B with JJ on her coattails.

“OVER HERE!” Cleo yells, sticking her hand through the book shelf.

Sarah hands her the pencil with a smirk. John B, Pope, and JJ all look so defeated by this tactical move, but regain strength and direct their charge at Cleo, who has climbed the bookshelf and is jumping across each.

“NOT FAIR!” Pope exclaims.

John B not giving up, climbs up the last book shelf in the row Cleo heading too. She stops seeing that she cannot escape him..

“Cleo down here!” Kie shouts. “Oops.” Cleo snickers as she drops the pencil.

Kie catches it. And runs towards my desk. John B and Cleo jump down from the shelfs.

JJ sprints after Kie, who discreetly passes it back to me, and slides under the table. JJ catches up to her and grabs her.

“HAHA, I win,” he laughs, “give me that pencil.”

Kie smirks, “I don’t have it.”

He looks over at me who is waving it around. JJ, Pope, and John B all full sprint at me. JJ tackles me to the ground, Pope and John B pile on. Kie, Sarah, and Cleo stack on top of them as well.

We all laugh hysterically. I don’t notice JJ taking the pencil from me before they all get off me.

“So who ended up with the pencil?” Cleo asks.

“I RAIN VICTORIOUS!” JJ declares.

We all laugh. My phone rings. It's 7:59.

“GUYS, one minute left!” I say walking over to my desk.

I go over the intercom, directing that everyone left in the store to return their books and no more signing out will be accepted.

John B groans picking up a book, “BUT I WANNA TAKE HARRY POTTER.”

“WELL THAT'S TOO DAMN BAD.”

I rush to the door, pushing them all out and slamming the door behind me, quickly locking it.

“I'M FREE.”

They all cheer.

“You guys really know how to make a girl’s shift better!” I laugh out.

“Yup!” They all shout together, group hugging me.

John B shouts, “LETS GO GET HIGH AT THE CHATEAU!”

We all agree with him, piling into the Twinkie and riding away from that place.

______________________________________________________________

[lovrre]

Lost and found~ part 1

Crack baby by mitski ♫

Pre-outbreak Joel miller and post-oubreak Joel miller x Fem reader

Prt2 <<here

Word count: 3k

Warnings: cursing, lots of angst, a little fluffy in the beginning, and probably some other stuff.

Summary: you and Joel begin to plan your future together, but there's a secret you're just not ready to tell him yet, you're pregnant. When You and Joel get separated on outbreak day, you see him again after 20 years but now your secret is all grown up.

Author’s note: this part is really the warm up for part two that's going to get more into the relationship between Joel and his new kid and his kids relationship with Ellie. Also I wrote this all to Crack baby by mitski.

Sunday, September 25th, 2003, 12:15 Am, Austin, Texas

You and Joel sat on the couch, you let your legs sprawl over his lap as you two watched TV. You took a bite of the cookie you stole from the fridge and leaned over to give Joel a bite. “Open,” you say, pressing the cookie to his lips. Joel obeys, opening his mouth and taking a bite before returning his attention to the show. “Hmm, where did you get that,” he asks, gesturing for another bite, you smile, bringing the cookie back to his mouth.

“ It was in the fridge,” you say, laughing at the way he took a second bite. Joel goes to turn the channel and you stop him. “No, I like this one!” You say, gesturing to the little ballerinas on screen, practicing their Plié. “ They're so cute… When me and Nia were kids we wanted to be ballerinas and I mean so, so bad. We would buy tutus with our spare money, and we begged our mom every day for about a year to sign us up for classes” you say, finishing up the last piece of the cookie. “ It was that or a hairdresser”

“Did she ever sign you up?” Joel asks you shake your head, moving a bit closer, so you’re sitting on his lap.“nope, but good thing she didn't if I had become a famous ballerina I would be somewhere dancing instead of with you” you say, leaning over and planting a kiss on his lips.

“What I'm not good enough for a ballerina?” Joel asks, looking up at you with a smile on his face, his lips inches away from yours. “ You are for this one,” you say, giving him a small kiss on his lips. When you finish, Joel readjusts himself on the couch slightly but doesn't move you. “When I was younger I wanted to be a singer,” Joel says, turning to you, not a hit of humor on his face. You hold back your laughter “hmm” you say, pressing your lips into a tight smile, desperately trying to keep your composure. “What’s funny?” Joel asks his face bunching up in confusion “nothing”

~~~~~

An hour later

“JOEL, DON’T!” You say, putting your hands over your pizza, “you already had three” he says, trying to grab at it. “Sarah, are you going to let him do this?” you ask, turning to her for help. “Sorry, this is a couple

quarrel, not my business,” she says, walking out of the kitchen. “ JOEL, STOP, YOUR FAT ASS DOSE NOT NEED ANYMORE,” you scream as he comes over to literally wrestles with you over it. “I'm not giving it to you,” you say with a stern tone. “ I ain't asking,” Joel says, trying to take it from you. You pull your arm far behind you where he can't reach. “I’ll cough on it,” you say, holding it up close to your mouth. “Do it” you do exactly what he says, coughing all over the pizza. Before you can do anything, Joel Is kissing you, he takes advantage of your confusion, and he snatches the pizza right out of your hand and begins eating it, Taking large obnoxious bites.

You watch him disgusted. “you’re disgusting, I literally coughed all over that, I hope you get sick,” you say, still staring at him annoyed. “ After all I’ve done with that mouth, you think I care about a little cough,” he says with a smile, leaning against the sink and taking another bite. You roll your eyes, “why are you so nasty…?” you say, making a face as if you had something unpleasant in your mouth. Joel puts down what’s left of the pizza on the counter before walking toward you. “ You made me this way baby,” he says in a very fake thick country accent, that reminded you a bit of Elvis, you laugh, pushing him out of your personal space. “Don’t do that” you laugh, shaking your head in disapproval.

“ What baby, you don’t like this voice on me?” he says, leaning in for a kiss, Still using the funny accent. “ GET AWAY FROM ME,” you say, pushing his face away, trying to run out of his grasp. Joel follows behind, chasing you through the house, You make it to the living room before Joel grabs you, throwing you over his shoulder. “WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU” you scream, punching and kicking at his chest. “ Little lady, I gotta get you down to the station,” He says, making his way up the stairs with you over his shoulder. “ You're so weird,” you say, giving up On the fight

You get to the top of the steps and Joel almost trips. You laugh, “c’mon on cowboy, you can do it,” you say, slapping his butt. Joel makes a funny gasping sound and You both break out into silent laughter, trying to be quiet in case Sarah was sleeping. “GOOD NIGHT GUYS!” Sarah yells through her closed bedroom.

“Good night baby girl” Joel replies, still walking to his bedroom, you still over his shoulder. “Good night, Sarah,” you say before Joel opens his bedroom door, kicking it close with his feet once you two are inside.

Sunday, September 25th, 2003

8:32 Am

Joel wakes up in bed, the sun shining through the windows and onto his face. He rolls over, hoping to feel your body next to his, but instead was greeted with the feeling of cold bunched-up sheets. He sits up, rubbing his hand over his face and letting out a sigh. He looks over at the clock. It’s 8:32 he assumed you’ve probably gone home to get ready for work.

Walking down the stairs, he hears laughter coming from the living room. “You’re out!” you yell. Joel turns the corner to see you and Sarah playing what seems to be a makeshift Dance, Dance revolution with arrows made from tape on the floor. “YOU’RE CHEATING OH MY GOD” Sarah yells “no I said left, left, up, down, right, left, you went up twice,” you say, pointing to the arrows as you talk. “ NO, I WENT DOWN!” Sarah says, pointing to the arrow. “Proof?” you ask, a smile spreading across your face,

Sarah pushes you Lightly on Your shoulder and you both laugh, Sarah stops laughing before you, noticing Joel behind you “oh hi dad,” Sarah says. You turn around and see Joel standing in the entranceway with a big smile on his face. “Good morning ”

You walk over to him, leaving a kiss on his cheek before walking to the kitchen. “We made breakfast, well, Sarah made breakfast I made eggs,” you say, pouring a cup of coffee. “That’s probably for the best,” Joel says, sitting down at the table, Sarah rolls her eyes and pulls out a chair, and sits next to him. You made Joel a cup of coffee too, placing it in front of him before sitting down in your chair. “Thanks,” he says before going back to what he was about to say, “You took off from work today?” Joel asks, taking a sip of the coffee you gave him.

“Yeah I wasn’t feeling well, but I work tomorrow, I get off around six, so I’ll stop by, so we can do something” you take a sip of your coffee before continuing. “Tomorrow is the big day, anything particular you want,” you ask smiling into your mug. “This is good, all of us together,” Joel says, smiling at the two of you, his words hang in the air for a second before Sarah speaks. “oh god he’s gone soft,” Sarah says, looking in your direction “I know right? He couldn’t have said cologne or something” you both laughs. Joel rolls his eyes, “remind me not to be honest with you two”.

“Will do” Sarah replies, grabbing her fork to finish her plate from earlier. You hear a dog barking outside, and it reminds you of your own “Oh my god what time is it” you say, jumping up abruptly. Joel looks at his bare arm before remembering his watch is broken. His eyes search for the clock on the wall. “It’s nine o'clock – what’s the issue, I thought you were off today?”

“I am, I have to go home and feed Luna,” you say, walking over to the front door and putting on your shoes. “You can’t stay a little longer,” Sarah asks, making a funny lip pout, “I wish I could honey, but I’ve been here almost a whole two days and totally forgot to ask my neighbor to feed her” Sarah takes a sad bite of eggs. “ I’ll be back tomorrow after you come from school, actually if you call me early enough I’ll drop you off,” you say, finally getting your shoe over your back heel. “ You swear?” Sarah asks, raising an eyebrow,“ I swear” you say, walking back over to kiss her on the head. You stretch over her and leave one on Joel’s as well. “See you, tomorrow babe,” you say before running out the door.

When you’ve been gone a minute, Sarah speaks. “When Are you going to marry her?” Joel damn near choked on his coffee. “What?” Joel asks, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “You’ve been dating for almost two years, you still don’t live together, and you’re not engaged yet. What are you doing ?” Joel goes silent for a second before speaking. “ I don’t know…things seem good how they are, I don’t wanna mess that up,” he says, getting up from the table to make himself a plate of the now-cold French toast. “ You just might do that if you keep waiting, you better hope she wants to wait around a hundred years for a ring”

“ You talk too much,” Joel says, sitting down at the table with his plate. “ I’m just not saying what you want to hear,” Sarah says, taking another bite of eggs. The door opens, and their heads turn, it’s Tommy. “ Y’all have to start locking this door,” Tommy says, jiggling the handle. “ Hi uncle Tommy, me and y/n made breakfast. There should be a little left if you want some,” Sarah says,

“ I just came to pick up my tools from the garage. I’m not staying long—wait, Joel, can you hand me the cookies wrapped in aluminum foil in the back of the fridge with the sticky note” Joel stays silent for a second before answering. “The chocolate ones?” “Yeah,” Tommy replied, already afraid of where this was going. “The cookies?” Joel asked, preparing his apology, already in his head. “Yeah” Tommy replied

“My bad, me and Y/N ate those” Tommy looks at Joel, slightly worried. “Joel those were edibles” Sarah lets out a laugh “that explains it,” she says, trying to finish chewing her food, so she can speak. “They were running through here like a bunch of kids,” Joel thinks for a second before talking, “Tommy, why the hell did you-“Tommy speed walks out of the kitchen to the garage “We’ll talk about this later!” Joel yells, standing up to put his mug in the sink, “we need to take away his key”.

“It’s not like we lock the door,” Sarah laughs, getting up to put her plate in the sink.

~~~

Monday, September 26th, 2003

7:30 am

Sarah balances the phone in the crook of her shoulder while brushing her teeth “hello, y/n, I’m almost ready you can come ”she says, mostly muffled from the toothbrush. “Ok, I’m on my way right now,” you say and hang up the phone. Sarah does the same, placing it on the side of the sink.

You pull up outside Joel’s and debate going inside, the news you got yesterday making you a little unsure. You honk the horn and Joel comes outside, walking towards the car. He looks good, fresh like he just got out of the shower. You roll down the window, ”hey birthday boy, you look good ” you whistle. “Good morning baby,” Joel says with a wide smile, ducking his head through the window to leave a quick kiss on your lips

“Sarah’s almost finished, she's looking for her shoes,” he says, leaning on the car a bit. “ Can I get in, I wanna ask you something,” he says, moving back a bit, “Yeah, yeah of course you say. Unlocking the car door, Joel walks around and jumps in the passenger seat, he smells really good, probably because he used the cologne you got him last year on his birthday. He leans the seat all the way back, the way he likes to do when you too are having long car conversations. “What’s up,” you ask, a little worried for some reason, watching him look up at you for the seat.

“Do you think I would be a good husband,” Joel says plainly. You instantly relax at the question, you shake your head. “No, you’d be a terrible husband…” you say in a serious tone. “Really?” Joel asks, sitting up. You smile, “Ya, you’re way too thoughtful and kind to caring, wayyyy too good of a father, you would be a horrible husband. Joel's body relaxed and he laughs, “What about me, would I be a good wife?” You ask, the weird feeling of worry creeping back slightly. “ No you’d be a horrible wife, you’re wayyy too beautiful, too kind, I’d love you too much,” he says, laying back down in the seat.

His words hang in the air as you two sit in a moment of comfortable silence. “But if I’m being serious, I think you’d be a great wife” you involuntarily smile at his words

“you’re great with Sarah, you’re understanding, we barely fight. It’s good with you”

“Is this a proposal?” You joke, and Joel goes quiet. “ It could be,” he says, all his attention on you. Your heart feels like it drops for a second, “you wanna get married?” You ask, a little surprised. “ I understand if you ar-,” Joel asks, seconds away from stumbling over his words. “— No, no, no, Joel, I want to marry you,” you say, making it very clear you are serious. “ I just didn’t think you were ready yet, I know you’ve been married before, and I didn’t want to rush you”

“ I rushed into my first marriage, I was young and got married for the wrong reasons,” he says, still looking intently at you. “So you want to marry me?” You say again, shock still running through you. “When?” you question, excitement starting to enter your body. “Whenever, unless you want a big wedding,” Joel asks. “ I don’t have much family you know it’s only me and Nia, most of the seats would be empty,” you say, letting out a dry laugh.

“ Ok then it can be small, sometime this week, maybe this month,” Joel says, without a hint of humor, in his voice. “ Oh my god, you really want to marry me” you laugh, your smile hurting your cheeks. “Yes I do, Y/N” Joel replied, a smile creeping up on his lips. “ Only you would propose like this,” you say, shaking your head. “I wanted to do something romantic, I did, but it just kept me up all night, I was starting to get so Damn impatient I almost called you up Twice last night and proposed right then”. You laugh at his cuteness. “ Well my answer is yes,” you say, leaning over leaving a small sensual kiss on his lips.

The back car door opens, and you both look back to see Tommy plopping down on the seat. “ Oh, Tommy's here…” you say unenthusiastically. “Sarah's still looking for them damn shoes - am I interrupting something?” Tommy asks, looking between the two of you. “I proposed,” Joel said, looking back a Tommy, “you’re fucking with me” you shake your head and Tommy instantly lights up. “CONGRATS BROTHER, I DIDIN’T THINK YOU HAD I’T IN YOU,” he says, patting Joel on the back. “I thought it be a lifetime before he snagged you up,” Tommy says looking at you, “me too,” you say, smiling.

Joel doesn’t say anything else, taking a big gulp of the coffee that was in your cup holder.

“ If we’re being honest, I should be the one getting married, I mean I did know you first, the better Miller brother is right here if you change your Mind,” Tommy says jokingly a hint a truth behind his words. You did know him first an Tommy did have a brief thing for you years ago. “Nah… Tommy I don’t think you’d look good in the dress,” you say, trying very hard not to laugh. “I think he’d look more like a male-order bride,” Joel says, looking at you while putting back down your coffee, “emphasis on the male” you joke as soon as the words leave your lips, and you break out into laughter. “I changed my mind, you two are perfect for each other,” Tommy says, unamused before opening the car door and getting out. “Please Ask Sarah to hurry up, we’re late” you yell at Tommy right before he closes the door behind him.

You watch Sarah run out of the house seconds later, you lean In kissing Joel goodbye. “Love you, see you later,” you say as he gets out of the car. “ love you too,” he replies, ducking his head back into the open window for another kiss. “shit, I almost forgot… I have something to tell you” you shake your head, your courage instantly fleeting “never mind I’ll tell you tonight”.

“ Ok see ya, baby,” Joel says, hitting the car before walking back to the house. Sarah gives her dad a wave before jumping into the passenger seat. “ Girl, what took you so long?” You say, starting the car back up “I couldn’t find my shoes anywhere and when I did, they were in the wash, I tried to blow-dry them, but they're still wet” Sarah says, struggling with her seatbelt. You think for a second before answering. “Look in the back I should have some converses or something back there, I think we’re around the same size.

Sarah climbs over the seat and searches under the passenger side chair. “Found them,” she says before pulling out a pair of shoes and throwing them on. After she’s finished tying them, she climbs back over the seat, putting on her seatbelt.

“ I’m going to fix dad’s watch for his birthday,” Sarah tells you, looking at the passing cars. “ With who's money?” you asked confused, “his” Sarah replies, still looking at the cars. “ How are you going to gift someone something they paid for” Sarah shrugs. “You could have asked me,”

You say quickly looking over at her. “ But it's funnier if he paid for it,” you think for a second before answering. “ It is”

“What did you get him for his birthday” Sarah asks turning to you. you go silent at the realization that the real “gift” was growing inside you. “ It’s a secret” you say kee you eyes on the road

~~~

You drop Sarah off at school and hand her five dollars for lunch. “bring me back one of those muffins from the cafeteria” you yell as she walks towards the school entrance. “Chocolate?” she yells, turning around to walk backward, so she faces you. “Yeah” you reply and she turns around. You watch to make sure she enters the school before driving off.

You get into work late and your manager forces you to work a double. You spend your whole day thinking about what your wedding with Joel would be like. After work, you stopped at home to change into some cuter clothes before going to Joel's house. The News anchor was still going on about a virus, the Same stuff He’d been talking about all day. You lay down for what feels like a second, just trying to relax, the News anchor’s voice slowly fading into the background.

~~~~

Tuesday, September 27th, 2003

2:30 Am

You wake up to the annoying ringing of your phone, your eyes flutter open, and you jump up at the realization that you fell asleep. Your eyes land on your clock on the bedside table that reads 2:30. “Shit, shit, shit” you repeat, frantically searching for your ringing phone under your pillow and on the nightstand, You had slept through Joel's birthday and missed the perfect time to tell him. Frustrated you make your way to the floor to look for your phone. You found it between the nightstand and your bed. Finally, answer the phone.

“Hello?” You say, slightly out of breath.

“Y/N?” Sarah asks, worry coating her voice. “ yeah- you alright sweetheart, you sound scared” you reply, standing up from the floor and sitting on the bed. “Yeah, I woke up and Dad wasn’t here, I was wondering if he was with you, all the channels were off on the TV and I keep hearing helicopters ”. She says, her voice still sounding shaky “No, he’s not, but I can call him, Do you need me to come over?” You ask, already walking towards your bedroom door.

“Can you?” She whispers, you leave your bedroom and walk towards your front door, putting on your shoes. “Yeah, of course, I'm on my way right now, stay in the house and lock the doors”. You say, walking back to your bedroom to get your purse.

“Ok, see you soon” and with that, you hang up the phone and dial Joel’s number, but You only get his voicemail. “ You have reached the voice mail of… “Joel Miller”, please leave a message at the tone”.

“ Hey, baby it's Y/N sorry I couldn't make it tonight. I accidentally passed out as soon as I got home, Sarah just called me looking for you, she sounded really worried so I'm on my way to your house right now, please call me back when you get a chance.”

Tuesday, September 27th, 2003

3:25 Am

“Hello?” You called out, opening the unlocked door, the house is completely empty. You walk halfway up the stairs and called out again. “ Sarah?” No response, so you walk up the stairs, “Joel?” still no response. You Open Sarah's bedroom Door and are greeted by more nothing, you walk further in the room and a muffin on her table next to a birthday card for Joel catches your attention, It's not chocolate, but you can tell it's from Sarah's school, likely the one you asked her for yesterday.

You walk out of her bedroom and into Joel’s, the windows are open, letting in the moonlight. You walk closer to the window, the cold air and the sound of sirens coming through, you could see the whole town up there. Your phone rings in your pocket, and you quickly fumble to answer. “ Y/N?” your body relaxes at the sound of his voice. “Joel?”

“Y/N were all ok, The highways packed were driving past the old movie theater,” Joel says, spitting out his words a mile a minute. Looking out the window, you can see a plane flying very low over the builds near the plaza where the old theater should be. “Joel… where are you again?” you say, fear racing through your body at the thought. “JOEL” He doesn't answer, and your heart starts beating harder in your chest, “JOEL WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU” you scream “where almost out of the plaza meet us about a mile down keep your pho-”

“JOEL! ” you scream, watching the plane seconds away from crashing into town. “SHIT, TOMMY MOVE MOVE MOV-” Joel yells from the other side of the phone, all you hear is a crash as the line goes silent.

“JOEL JOEL! ” you scream, tears running down your face. The silence feels like it’s surrounding you, the last seconds of the call reply in your ear like a recording. You stand completely still staring out the window for what felt like hours in disbelief at what you just saw and heard. When You finally get the courage to move, a blue velvet box catches your eye. It sticks out like a sore thumb on Joel’s messy dresser, A part of You already knew what it was, but your brain told you that you needed to open it. Even though if it was what you thought it was, it would make everything real. You slowly opened the box, your heart beating louder in your ears with each passing second.

It’s an engagement ring, the perfect engagement ring, your engagement ring from Joel. Tears in your eyes, you examine the ring band, on the inside, there’s writing “My Ballerina” Suddenly everything hits you, You let out the most blood cuddling sub as you fall to your knees holding on to the ring box.

Thursday, December 18th,2023

2:12 pm, Jackson, Wyoming

20 years later

Rae bends down, grabbing her book bag off the floor and rummaging through it frantically on the bed. Her best friend sits on a chair in the corner of the room, bouncing a ball off the wall and into his hand. “ What the hell are you looking for,” August says, continuing to bounce the ball off the wall. “My mom wants that damn picture of my dad, I think I put it in my bag somewhere,” Rae says, dumping the contents of the bag out on the bed. “Does she not have another picture?” August asks confused.

“ Yeah somewhere, but she gets in a way about this picture, I rather find it, I don’t feel like hearing her mouth right now,” Rae says picking through all the stuff on the bed. “I mean, does your mom even yell… I’ve never heard her raise her voice” August says, no longer playing with the ball, his attention on Rae’s frantic movements. “ Oh she yells,” Rae says, walking to the closet to look through her coat pocket, she rummages for a second. “Found it,” Rae says, taking the picture out of her coat pocket to examine it before putting it back and sliding on her coat. “Is your mom cooking tonight?” August asks, putting back on his jacket that was laying on your bed. “ probably not, she's in one of her moods today. I'm starting to worry again, she’s so stuck in the Damn past, all she does is talk about him” Rae says, zipping up her coat.

“Your Dad?” August asks, zipping up his jacket, “yeah, I know she loved him, but it's been twenty years now, she has to move on eventually. But in her defense it’s been a lot recently, Tommy coming here, finding out he’s alive and then finding out my dad’s alive… That just made it worse, I hate to say it, but I think it was better when she thought he was dead” Rae says, walking out of the room down the steps, August follows close behind. “ So if I died today, you would stop caring 20 years from now?” August asks, a cocky smile on his face. “ I love that, that's what you gathered from that….” Rae says, continuing down the stairs. “So…would you?” “Most likely” Rae states plainly

“ Wow, and to think I was gonna make you the godmother of my future children,” August says sarcastically, shaking his head side to side. “I wouldn't want to be the godmother of your ugly ass kids anyway,” Rae says, walking into the living room.” Why do my kids have to be ugly?” August asked, slightly offended. “ Because anyone willing to lay with your ass has to be hideous” August doesn’t say anything, just looks at her slightly annoyed.

You’re sitting on the couch in the living room drinking Tea watching Rae and August bicker in the entryway, Rae shoves August before walking over and plopping down next to you. “ I found it,” Rae says, pulling a picture of Joel out of her pocket and handing it to you. “Thank you, baby,” you say, taking a good look at it before putting it down on the coffee table. “Where are you going?” you ask, gesturing to Rae's big coat. “Me and August are going to the dining hall, you want anything?” Rae asks, sitting up from the couch,“ actually, I think I'll go. I should probably get out of the house”. You saying standing up “thank god” Rae whispers under her breath. “What was that?” you ask raising a brow. ”nothing” Rae replies giving you a tightlipped smile.

~~~

You’re in line with Rae getting food, she stays quiet for a while, taking time to think about what she would say. “I was thinking Me, you, and August go hunting tomorrow look for some deer,” Rae says, walking down the line with you. There’s a bit of silence as you consider your reply, “I don't know Depends on how I'm feeling-you want some corn” You ask, holding the spoon towards her plate, “I’m good-mom do you seriously intend to stay in That house doing nothing forever” Rae asks moving farther down the line. “Yes,” you say, letting out a dry laugh

“ Mom, It's not funny,” Rae says, her tone turning serious, stopping completely, so you both are entirely still in line. “I'm starting to worry…nowadays, you don't do anything but mope, It's affecting your health, It's Affecting me it's Affect-” You cut her off “-I hear you, I hear, ok I'll go hunting,” you say knowing that there's not one bone in your body that desires to do that. “ I promise I'll be ok, you'll be ok and my health will be ok” you laugh. “ See, that’s my moma,” Rae says, a smile spreading across her face as she looks at the smile on your own. Your heart warms at the words, and you think to yourself, maybe it might be easier to try to move on for everyone else.

You two walk a little farther down the line, just inches away from the end. “You’re not gonna eat that,” you chuckle, watching Rae pile a heap of diced potatoes on the corner of her plate. “I am,” Rae says matter-of-factly, “ we’ll see” you reply unconvinced.” “Yes, we will see” Rae replies, getting ready to walk to the table, you stop her, placing your hand on her shoulder “wait-can you take my plate I want to see if they have any cups,” you say, handing Rae your plate.

“Sure,” She says, taking the plate and walking towards the table before stopping dead in her tracks, completely frozen in shock, your back facing her you don’t realize, and keeping searching for the cups. “I don’t see any over here, do you know where the extras are?” You ask, but there’s no answer. You stand on your tippy-toes looking over the counter for the cups “Rae?” you call out, but There's Still no reply “Girl I’m talking to you-” You say, turning around to scold Rae but are instantly stunned. Your eyes land on Joel Miller, after 20 years of life without him, you think you must be hallucinating, but you don't wipe your eyes or shake your head in fear that he might disappear. He looks the same but so different at the same time, he’s aged so much since you last time you saw him.

Only a couple of feet separate you two, but it feels like he's miles away. You wanna talk, you want to say something, but your mouth feels dry. Your heart thumps heavily. In Your chest, you can feel every thump and jerk in your body. Suddenly, your legs feel weak like your body is forgetting how to stand. “Joel?” you finally speak, you move a step forward and suddenly grow very dizzy. Before you can do anything to stop it everything goes black.

“ Y/N-” Joel looks like he’s going to rush you to your side, but debates it. Instead watching Rae curiously as she runs up and helps you. She lightly shakes you, gently slapping your face “Mom?” you don't answer, and she puts a finger under your nose to see if you’re breathing. “ She's breathing” Rae says letting out a sigh, relief. “TOMMY CAN YOU HELP ME!” Rae yells, and He comes out of thin air. Ellie comes up from the side of Joel, “ You know her ?” Ellie asks, confused, looking down at the scene. Joel doesn't say anything, the world going quiet around him as he watches Rae With curiosity. Her hair was braided in two French braids, but he could tell it was curly, like Sarahs but also like yours. she had a small button nose like you, but her eyes reminded him of his own. The possibility swarmed through his mind as he watched her.

“ ARE YOU GONNA HELP?” Rae yells at Joel, making him instantly snaps out of it, quickly bending down to help her pick you up. ”Bring her this way!” Tommy yells as Rae and Joel carry you. Tommy leads you guys to an empty house next door, where they place you on the couch. “ Tommy can you get a wet rag please,” Rae says, bending down to move your hair out your face. “ How often does this happen,” Joel says, looking down at you. “Too often,” Rae says, pulling off your shoes and placing them on the floor. “ Is something wrong with her?” Joel asks, worry bubbling in his gut. “We don’t know-thanks” Rae answers, taking the rag from Tommy and placing it on your head.

Joel watches Rae's every move, the resemblance is uncanny. He wonders if it’s just his old mind playing tricks on him, making him see similarities that aren’t really there. “ How old are you?,” Joel asks this question would confirm or deny his beliefs. “ Seventeen” Rae replies, not looking up from you. A part of Joel hopped for a different answer, Tommy looks at Rae confused. She says nothing, giving Tommy a look that tells him to shut up.

“Can you watch her?” Rae asks, looking at Joel “yeah I-” she cuts him off

“-Good, Tommy can I speak to you for a second?” Rae asks, gesturing for Tommy to come with Her into the room down the hall. Rae hurries him into the room, closing the door and lowering her voice before speaking “what the fuck is going on” Rae asks confusion and anger lacing her voice.

Tommy looks like he’s about to speak, but he doesn’t say anything. “ First it was he died with you when the plane crashed, it was hard, but after a while, mom accepted that. But then…you came here, we find out you and him survived minus Sarah ok… she was hurt but still had hope of seeing Him, then you tell her that he’s not coming here for some reason, Now he's here?” Rae says, her words coming out a mile a minute. “ Look I found out around the same time you did, I only found out earlier today. I had no idea he was coming,” Tommy says, trying to calm down your upcoming tangent.

~~~~

Nervous to get close, Joel watches your breath rise and fall from the corner of the room. Your eyes flutter open after a while, and You look around confused, taking the wet rag off your head. Your eyes land on Joel in the corner of the room, and you quickly sit up. You both don’t say anything, waiting for the other to go first. “Hi” you speak first, your voice barely above a whisper. “Hi,” Joel says, awkwardly, walking slightly closer, you really missed the sound of his voice. Your eyes start to blur, your feelings start to overwhelm your body. “I missed you so much” you sob, holding out your arms. Joel is beside you in a second, your arms around him in an embrace, you don't say anything else, crying into his shoulder, at the same time, taking in the smell of him that you missed so much.

“I know, I know” You hear Joel whisper, letting out quite a sob into your shirt. When you finally have the strength to pry yourself from the corner of Joel's shoulder, you look up at him with tear-filled eyes. He looks back at you with the same, you kiss him, savoring the feeling of his lips against yours. Something in the back of your head wondered if maybe he had a wife now or a kid, and you were overstepping by kissing him. But you didn't care, you didn’t care about the repercussions, only that you were with him at this moment.

~~~~

“What about the radio you told me about, he didn’t tell you he was coming on there?” Rae asks, trying to make sense of the situation. Tommy sighs, wiping his face with his hands. “ You know the rules Rae” Rae’s whole demeanor, changes at his word.“Tommy are you fucking kidding me… You didn't tell him I exist, or that my mom was alive because MARIA TOLD YOU TO STAY OFF THE FUCKING RADIO?” Rae says her vision starting to blur. She quickly calms herself down, wiping away the tears that were trying to form from anger. “Do you know how Fucking hard it’s been these last couple of months, MY MOTHER IS A SHELL OF HERSELF TOMMY, she spends every minute of the day thinking about the past, do you know how long it took her to finally accept that you guys were all dead? Just to find out that you’re not dead, but she can't see Joel again”.

Tommy doesn’t say anything, your words making him rethink his previous decisions. “Some fucking uncle you are” Rae mumbles before walking out of the room, leaving Tommy alone with his thoughts.

[delilaahh9]

After Practice

September 11th, 2021

5:23pm

Luke had partied a little to hard for his 18th, so he’s been bed ridden at home since yesterday, Anna went home this morning but he just told her to go back to school and mom has been taking care of him.

She had no classes or practice today, which led her to stroll around campus and down some streets, eventually finding herself at the library where she decided to sit and relax.

All was peaceful until loud whispers were coming from the door and grew louder and louder until they were right next to her. What she wasn’t expecting was to turn her head and see Ethan, mark and two people she didn’t recognize. “Yo- it’s Hughesy’s sister” Ethan gasps and moves to sit at her table, Ethan and other two following in suit.

“Hello Ethan, mark.. and two people I don’t know” she chuckles but her smile was mainly due to the fact mark sat next to her.

Something she hadn’t felt in a long time, butterflies.

“That’s dukers and samo ”

“Dylan duke” the one known as dukers smiles.

“Mackie samoskevich” the other replies and she introduces herself.

“You doing anything at 6?” He asks quietly as the other boys were now off in their own worlds.

“Nope, maybe watch a movie, or go for a skate”

“Could I accompany you on this skate? Teams going to a party after a practice and I don’t want to”

“Yea of course, Im going to the one in canton, that alright?”

“mmmm have you ever skated at yost”

“No? Do they do public skates?”

“Well no, but I have a pass where during certain hours I can go skate, do you wanna go there?”

“Yea that sounds fun-”

“Hey! Estapa let’s go” Dylan calls from a few feet away. They didn’t realize the three were up and moving away, make glanced at his watch and started to stand up while she raised an eyebrow at him.

“Practice, I’ll text you when I’m done okay, if you don’t mind meeting me there”

“Yea I’ll meet you there, see ya later mark”

“Bye Anna”

She smiles when he walked away, her brothers would have a field day if they saw the way she was blushing right now. So that’s why she waited to get back to her dorm to face time Quinn.

“Hey Q-Ball” she says when the call goes thru, making him roll his eyes playfully to which he replies “You hang out with Jack to much”

“Actually the opposite, he’s the sibling I hang out the least with” she realizes, making her eyebrows furrow.

“Yea, your both really busy, but devils are playing Detroit soon so you should do something, without Luke”

Quinn has pretty much made it a job to make sure all siblings get along at all times, especially Annabelle and Jack since they had a rocky relationship through her ages 5-13, 7-15 in jacks ages.

“Quinn, we aren’t fighting. I know you care a lot but we are good now” she smiles and begins to look around her closet.

“I know, but moving on, what are you up to? Looking for something?”

“Yea my.. haha! Got them. Oh yea I was looking for my skates- roller skates. There are some nice paths around campus” She lied, it was ice skates she was looking for.

“Oh you should go down near the golf course, much emptier I walked there all the time”

“will do, but i gotta get going so ill call you again in a bit?”

“No, call Jack when you get a minute” He orders, she sighs and decides to agree just to hey him off her back. “Will do, bye Quinn”

“Bye Annie”

She put on a knit sweater, leggings and some crew socks then slipped on a pair of boots, most likely the blundstones she wears everywhere. Then waits for the text from mark that arrived less then 2 minutes later.

Mark! 🌷

All done

You can come whenever

Anna! 🎀

Be there in 5 :)

It took a little longer due to after class traffic but she’s a fast walker, she walked into the arena with her bag slung over her shoulder and a pink tint to her cheeks from the cold wind.

“Cold?” She hears ahead of her, that voice belonging to the one and only mark Estapa who stands in skates and a hoodie with sweats.

“Just a little” she says quietly and sits on the bench, taking off her boots to replace with skates.

“Ready?” She turns and asks him with a smile, to which he stands and they walk side by side onto the rink.

[lulublack90]

Prompt 15 - Help

@rosekillermicrofic September 15, word count 426

Previous part First Jegulus part

“No fucking way did you actually do this,” Evan laughed as he watched the video for the hundredth time. “I think this might be the best thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life,” Barty grinned, it had felt so good to get Walburga like that, poetic even. He hoped she never got the smell of cheap meat out of her hair. 

“I’m going to go see Regulus in a bit, if he’ll see me.” He grimaced. "I'll need some help to get his boxes into the van, do you think you could give us a hand?” Barty asked. Evan put down the phone and gave Barty his full attention. 

“Do not piss him off. Do not go after Sirius. If Reg needs more time, don’t push him, just leave the boxes with Sirius or someone and leave. I swear, Barty, if I get a whiff of you being a shit to them, you’ll be sleeping on the sofa.” Evan warned. Barty gulped, Evan was rarely this serious, but when he was, Barty obeyed to the letter as Evan was usually right. 

“I promise. I’m just going to drop his things off, give him his gift and maybe show him the video if he’ll let me.” Evan nodded and stood so they could go get the boxes. 

Barty had left it until later in the day to go over to Regulus’s flat above Sirius's and his boyfriend’s café, ‘Howlin’ at the Moon’. He rolled his eyes at the name but hopped out of the creaking van and knocked on the side door. No one answered. He knocked again, harder this time, still nothing. He stepped back and yelled up at one of the open windows above. “Oi, Regulus, I’ve got your shit, open up so I can bring it in!” Not even a twitch of the curtains. He wasn’t in. 

Barty waited in his van for an hour before he gave up. It looked like he’d have to come back when the café was open or get Evan to message Regulus to arrange a time as the git had blocked him again. 

With a huff, Barty turned the key in the ignition and the van roared to life. He looked back at the flat and café one last time before pulling away and driving back home feeling rather disappointed that he hadn’t been able to reconcile with Regulus, but also glad he had an extra day or two to actually plan what he was going to say to him and hopefully get his best friend back.  

[buckybarnesss]

I don't know own if you've stated this before, but what is your theory on Eli's existence?

I love reading everyone's theories on how Derek came to parent this adorable mini-Stiles.

i've speculated a little before. mostly tongue-in-cheek (or was it hem).

like, we talk a lot about teen wolf's messy timeline but eli hale existence breaks it on a fundamental level. the teen wolf movie takes place in 2026 and eli is 15 years old. this makes him born in 2011.

season 1-3B all take place in 2011 and it's a very tight timeline.

i would like jeff davis to sit down and tell me when derek hale had not only the time but the desire to go have sex during s1-2. eli couldn't have been conceived any later than maybe april to still be born in 2011 and that's pushing it.

like, derek was very busy going through The Horrors in season 1 in which he was trying to find out who murdered his sister, dealing with scott and stiles, jackson's needy ass, being tormented by kate and feral peter.

season 2 picks up almost immediately after s1 as lydia's still in the hospital and takes place over a few weeks. during this time derek's trying to find out who the kanima is, dealing with the argents and attempting to build a pack (and starting to become aware the alpha pack is coming).

derek ain't got the fucking time.

and no jennifer cannot be the mother because jennifer fucking died and also jennifer and derek didn't meet until like early september.

and also no braeden cannot be the mother because derek and her didn't even meet until 3B which was in late october and they didn't fuck until season 4 which takes place in 2012. it's too late.

and no it's not kate. fucking gross.

but heather, you ask, maybe the conception happened prior to wolf moon?

it's possible but i have such a hard time seeing that version of derek engaging with anyone beyond a surface level that the only way it makes sense is if eli's an accidental baby and the mother couldn't get in contact with derek for a significant period of time.

we know by age 3 eli was with derek as scott had seen him. which coincidentally would've made it 2014 the same year the show actually ends.

(never mind that the final final scene of them all in the parking lot is supposedly 2 years after that making it 2016 putting eli around 5 but i guess no one saw him despite them all hanging out but whatever).

conclusion: jeff davis pulled eli hale out of his goddamn ass

and i can already hear oh but what if he was laura's or what if eli was adopted from another pack and those are good scenarios but in terms of canon itself jeff fully intended eli to be derek's biological son.

so my theories are this:

derek accidentally got someone pregnant shortly before wolf moon and she was unable to reach him but knew his name. at some point before eli is 3 derek comes into custody of eli.

it was the nemeton and eli just straight up exists out of some kind of magic.

tl:dr

[daenysthedreamer101]

Youngest Original ~ TVDU

Ch 4 - Homecoming

Mikaelson!OC

Warnings: descriptions of blood, murder, injury, death, Mikael being a horrible dad, fem oc

Corresponding episode: TVD 3x9

She's finally here!!!

Masterlist

Oh, who is she? A misty memory A haunting face Is she a lost embrace?

Portland, September 2010

Klaus was walking through the woods when his phone rang. It was Stefan. He picked up the call.

"Portland is fantastic, once you get over all the whiney music and healthy-looking people, it's literally a breeding ground for werewolves." He says.

"Your father's dead," Stefan says.

"What did you say to me?"

"Oh, my mistake. Not your actual father, and not dead. Mikael. Daggered. What do you want me to do with the body?" Stefan asked.

"Well, first, I want you to explain to me exactly what happened," Klaus demanded. 

Stefan "explained" what happened. Klaus demanded to see his rotting body. 

"Well, he's here. Come by whenever." Stefan said. 

"I want to talk to Rebekah." Klaus says and Stefan hands the phone to said blonde who tells Klaus that Mikael is dead.

"I miss you. I'm miserable here." She says to Klaus.

"I'll be home soon." He replies softly.

"Good. I'll see you then brother." Rebekah responds and finishes the call. Klaus walks to his car and drives back to the city, a plan forming in his mind.

~

Mystic Falls, Salvatore House

Rebekah was painting her toes in the living room when her father woke up from being daggered.

"Finally. Took you long enough." 

He looks at her wide-eyed. "Rebekah."

"Whatever fatherly rubbish you're thinking, save it. Nothing you say matters to me." 

"I see..." He gets up from the floor. "Where's my dagger?"

"Elena has it. So you can forget your plans to use it on me." 

"You were never the one I was after." Her father said.

"Nik was my family. If you were after him, you were after me." 

"He blinded you, Rebekah. He killed your mother." Mikael said.

Rebekah got up from the sofa. "I know what he did. And he'll pay for it with his life.  But Nik was not born a killer. None of us were." 

"You did this to us when you turned us into vampires...You destroyed our family, not him." She said to her father with tears in her eyes. 

"Rebekah..." He called for her but she was already gone.

~

Klaus's POV

He walked through the halls of the warehouse where he kept his sibling's caskets. He decided that he needed someone he could trust, someone who would never lie to him, and he had only one person on his mind. 

His eyes fell upon a specific casket. Taking a deep breath, he opened it. Inside was his youngest sister and sibling, Kassandra. Daggered, grey, and desiccated, she lay in this casket for almost 15 years. 

Klaus took a good look at her. This was the first time since daggering her back in 1996, that he has opened her casket. It was too painful to look at her while she looked like that. It just reminded him of the promise he broke. 

As Klaus gazed upon Kassandra's desiccated form, a wave of guilt and remorse washed over him. Despite his outward demeanor of strength and ruthlessness, he couldn't deny the pang of sorrow that pierced his heart at the sight of his youngest sister in such a state. He remembered the promise he had broken to her, the trust he had betrayed, and the pain he had inflicted upon her.

Her long brown hair was styled into a classic 90s blowout. She wore a black turtleneck with white lace details on the cuff of her sleeves, black dress pants with a silk string tied into a bow in the front, and on her feet, she had a pair of black leather ankle boots. 

Her usually bright blue eyes were now closed and the only color on her gray face was the dark red lipstick she had. Slightly below her daggered heart, her hands were neatly folded over her stomach. On her right hand was her golden daylight ring. 

He smiled slightly as he caressed her cold cheek with the tips of his fingers. "It's time for you to wake up, little dove." He took hold of the dagger and slowly pulled it out of her heart. 

~

After her conversation with Bonnie, Elena went back to the Salvatore house and argued that Rebekah could not be trusted and that she would turn her back on them. Damon told her that he was making a secret plan and that she should trust him. 

~

At Mystic Falls High, Tyler was decorating a truck with a glitter gun. He told Caroline that he was hungry and they should go and grab a bite. 

"Oh, I have a thermos in my bag," Caroline told him with a smile.

"I mean a real bite. Rebekah knows some people who like to be fed on. They're into it. We don't even have to compel them." Tyler said. 

Caroline refused, saying it was too risky and he should stop hanging out with Rebekah.

"Just keep the claws in tonight at the dance, ok? For me?" Tyler told his girlfriend.

~

Elena's POV

"Getting a head start, huh?" Elena said as she entered the room. Her eyes fell upon Rebekah who was wearing the red dress she chose days ago.

"Embarrassing truth, this is my first high school dance," Rebekah revealed.

"Ever?" Elena asked.

Rebekah said that with her and Klaus always running, she never had time for high school. "Anyway, I didn't want to leave anything to chance." She said as she looked at herself in the mirror.

Rebekah asked if she heard anything from Klaus and if Damon and Mikael had everything prepared. 

"Yes," Elena answered.

"Don't tell me. I just want to go to the dance and leave the rest to Mikael." Rebekah said as she took a golden bracelet and put it on her wrist. 

Elena thanked her for helping them bring Klaus back to town. Rebekah warned her that she was running for a reason. 

"Mikael is not a good person and he definitely can't be trusted. No one in my family can." 

"Are you okay?" Elena asked.

"I've spent my whole life loving and hating my brother with equal measure. I never thought that I'd be the one to help drive a stake through his heart." Rebekah said tearfully. 

The blonde blinked. "No tears. I don't want to ruin my makeup...How do I look?" She asked, looking at herself in the mirror once more. 

"You look amazing." Elena complimented. "But you're missing one thing." She pulled out Rebekah's necklace.

"May I?" Elena asked, offering to put it on. Rebekah nodded and Elena clasped the necklace around her neck.

"Thank you," Rebekah said with a smile. Elena smiled back. She then proceeded to stab Rebekah in the back with the silver dagger.

Rebekah gasped, hunching over in pain. "I'm so sorry. I can't leave anything to chance either." Elena said as Rebekah's body turned grey and fell to the ground.

Elena daggered one Original, not knowing that on the other side of the country, another one was waking up from her long sleep. 

Kassandra's POV

She was sleeping a dreamless sleep. It could've been hours, days, months, years, she wasn't quite sure. For the longest time, there was a stinging pain in her chest that weighed her down, making it impossible for her to move. 

Then, the ache in her chest disappeared. Slowly, she regained feeling. First, her mind cleared. She was no longer sleeping. "I'm waking up." She realized. Then she regained feeling in her extremities - her hands and her legs. 

Then she realized that her heart was beating again. Slowly and painfully, but it was beating. It felt like a certain heaviness was lifted from her. She waited until she was a hundred percent certain that she could move. Once the numbness left her entire body, she opened her eyes.

She took a deep breath and welcomed the air into her lungs. The first thing her eyes saw was a ceiling. Her eyes moved and she realized where she was - inside a casket. "Klaus..." The face of her impulsive older brother immediately came into her mind. 

Slowly, she moved. Her right hand grabbed the edge of the casket, her golden ring shining in the early morning light. She pushed herself up and sighed. The memories of Klaus stabbing her by the edge of Lake Geneva came back to her. Anger and fury flooded her mind, a desire for revenge creeping into her heart. 

"Your sister is awake." She heard someone say. She turned her head and saw a man dressed in a guard uniform. He was talking to someone on the phone.

"Good, you know what to do." A commanding voice said. A voice she instantly recognized - her brother,  Klaus.

Kasandra got out of the casket and carefully stood on her feet. "Where's my brother?" She asked the man, her voice hoarse from not being used. 

"I don't know. I just know what he told me to do." The guard answered, obviously compelled. 

"And what did he tell you?" She asked tentatively. The man proceeded to pull out a knife and cut his arm. Blood poured from the gash, spilling everywhere. 

Only then did Kassandra acknowledge the hunger that had been building up inside her for almost 15 years. The scent of blood hit her nostrils and her eyes instantly turned red. She couldn't help but devour the man on the spot. 

As Kassandra fed on the guard's blood, the primal instinct to survive overrode any semblance of rational thought. Her senses heightened, she could feel the warmth of the blood coursing through her veins, revitalizing her with each swallow.

Once the hunger was sated, Kassandra stepped back, her chest heaving as she fought to regain control of her emotions. The taste of blood lingered on her tongue, a reminder of the darkness that lurked within her.

~

"In the back. Harsh." Damon said as he covered Rebekah's body. Elena defended herself, saying it had to be done.

"Hey, I'm not judging you. It's very...Katherine of you." 

"Not the way to make me feel better about myself, Damon!" 

"It was a compliment! Sort of." 

Elena said that Stefan was right, that someone was going to mess up the plan, and that it was most likely going to be her. Damon argued that she would be fine. 

"Yeah, but I feel bad about it. I care too much. That's the problem, Damon...I'm the weak link." 

Damon told her that he didn't trust Mikael or Stefan and that when everything went down, he didn't want her taking part in any of it. 

~

Klaus's POV

He immediately got into his car once he got the news his sister had awakened. Half an hour later, he found himself inside the warehouse again. He felt something akin to nervousness as he walked through the halls. He wondered how Kassie would react to seeing him again.

He took notice of her empty casket and the dead guard on the floor. 

"Kassandra. It's your big brother. Come out, come out wherever you are." He said in a sing-song voice, the same way he greeted Rebekah.

Walking further down the hall, he found her next to the caskets of their brothers. She had her back turned to him. She had opened Elijah's casket and was looking at him.

"Hello, love. Long time no see." He said with a smirk. But she made no reaction, no effort to acknowledge his presence.

"Is that any way to greet your big brother-" He joked but was cut off by a heavy smack to the face. The ferocity of the slap sent him back by a couple of meters, the skin of his cheek stinging. 

Before he could move, she kicked him in the stomach, knocking the air out of his lungs. He fell to his knees, groaning, not expecting this whatsoever. She put her foot on his chest, pressing harshly against his ribcage. 

Then, she stabbed him in the heart with her dagger. "That's for breaking your promise, traitor!" She spat, her words dripping with venom.

As Klaus staggered to his feet, he couldn't help but feel a mix of astonishment and admiration at Kassandra's display of strength and defiance. Despite the pain radiating from his chest where her dagger had pierced him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swell within him.

"Touché, little dove," he managed to choke out, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips despite the agony coursing through his body. "You always did have a knack for keeping me on my toes."

Kassandra's expression softened slightly at his words, but the anger still simmered beneath the surface. She turned her attention back to Elijah's casket, her fingers tracing the edges reverently. "When did you dagger him?" she repeated, her voice laced with accusation.

He sighed. "I wake you up after 15 years and your first instinct is to worry about Elijah? Seriously?"

She turned around and for the first time in over a decade, he could see her eyes properly. Most of the time, there was nothing but pure love and adoration in them when she looked at him. 

Now that love was replaced by a fury Klaus rarely ever saw. "Answer me!" She demanded. 

Klaus would never allow anyone to talk to him in that manner, but he always did have a soft spot for her which gave her leeway to do many things and act in a certain way around him. 

"A couple of months ago. There, are you happy?" She slapped him again. She sighed shakily, her lip trembling as she held back a sob.

Klaus winced as her palm connected with his cheek once more, the sting of her slap a sharp reminder of the pain he had caused her.

He could feel the weight of her anger pressing down on him, a heavy burden that he knew he deserved to bear. He watched as she turned away from him, her gaze fixed on Elijah's desiccated form, and he felt a pang of guilt tighten in his chest.

"Why did you wake me?" She finally asked. 

"Why do I have to have an ulterior motive to wake you? Maybe I just missed my darling sister." 

"Don't lie to me! There's always an ulterior motive with you, Klaus. I'm not stupid." 

He sighed. "Alright, fine. Yes, there is a reason why I woke you. Months ago, I broke the hybrid curse our mother put on me."

Her eyes went wide at that. "You did?" She asked softly.

"Yes, even though our dear brother here tried stopping me." He said as he gestured to Elijah's body. 

"I'm happy for you." She said in her usual soft voice.

"What?" He asked confused at her ever-changing mood. She walked closer to him. 

"You've been wanting to break this curse for centuries, Nik. I know how much you wanted it. I'm happy that you have finally achieved your goal." He couldn't help but smile at her, his dear sister, always so sweet and loving.

"I'm sorry. I really am sorry, for everything I did to you. It was a necessary evil." He told her, unusually sincere.

She smiled lightly, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I forgive you, brother." He looked at her, suspicious as always. She took his face into her hands and looked into his eyes. 

"Don't make me regret trusting you, Klaus." She said with a smile on her face, though there was a certain edge to her voice. He took her hands and kissed them. He then pulled her in for a hug and kissed the top of her head. 

"Now how would you feel about a homecoming dance?" He asked her with a smirk. 

~

In front of their high school, Caroline watches in disbelief as emergency services block the entrance to the school.

"What happened?" She asked Tyler.

"The gym's flooded. The dance is canceled."

"Excuse me!? Well, what are we supposed to do now!?"

~

Caroline and Bonnie entered the Lockwood mansion, where the homecoming was transferred. Bonnie questioned who all these unfamiliar people were. 

Stefan stood amongst the crowd and watched as the band played. Tyler greeted him. 

"Hey, Tyler. Nice party you got going on here." Stefan commented. 

"Thanks, but I'm not the one throwing it. I'm just doing what Klaus wants." Tyler admitted.

"What do you mean?"

"It's not a party, man. It's a wake."

Then Klaus appeared on stage and thanked everyone for coming here to celebrate with him.

~

Stefan's POV

"Quite the homecoming," Stefan commented as he and Klaus walked outside the Lockwood mansion. 

"I've been planning my father's funeral for a thousand years. Granted, in no version of it were any of these people involved, but you get the idea." Klaus replied. 

"So, what now? You stop running?" Stefan asked.

"Now I reunite my family." 

"Your family? You mean the people you cart around in caskets?"

"Not all of them are in caskets." Klaus pointed out. 

Stefan chuckled. "Right, Rebekah's out of hers. That's one. What about the others? Oh right, they're dead."

Klaus smirked and rolled his eyes. "You seem to forget I have another sister, Stefan." Klaus turned his head at the sound of heels clicking against the ground. Stefan turned as well. 

A tall, slender girl in a tight-fitting, black dress approached. Her long brown hair was curled into loose waves. "Stefan Salvatore. My God, I thought I'd never see you again." 

Stefan furrowed his brows. "...Kassandra? " The girl smiled and her blue eyes bore into his. 

"Hello, Stefan." She greeted, her voice soft and melodious.

Stefan looked at her dumbfounded. "Speaking of Rebekah. Where is she?" Klaus asked, breaking the Salvatore out of his stupor.

"I've no idea. I thought she was coming with Matt." Stefan said. 

"Oh, be honest now Stefan. Where's my sister?" Klaus asked again.

"I said I have no idea. Now would you like me to take you to your father?"

"Well, it wouldn't be a party without the guest of honor, would it? Bring him to me." Klaus replied.

Stefan bargained with Klaus - if he brought Mikael's body to Klaus, he would be free of Klaus's compulsion. Klaus agreed.

~

"Change of plans. Klaus is back. He's at the Lockwood's and he wants your body delivered to his doorstep." Stefan said to Damon and Mikael as he entered the living room of their house.

"I'm afraid he's in for a colossal disappointment," Mikael replied. 

"But you do have a plan? Right? Stefan asked.

"We have a plan. It just doesn't involve you." Damon said.

Mikael then bites Stefan and leaves. Damon looks surprised. He takes his things and leaves as well, leaving an unconscious Stefan on the floor.

~

Tyler's POV

"My mom would seriously freak out if she saw all these people here," Tyler commented as he and Klaus looked at the massive crowd of people in his backyard.

"Your mother won't be a problem. I compelled her to go to church and pray for your friends." 

Tyler laughed, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"I want you to look around," Klaus said and pointed to Tyler's friends - Bonnie, Elena, and Matt.

"But who are all these other people?" Klaus asked, feigning ignorance. Tyler said he didn't know half of them.

"That's cause I invited half a dozen friends of my own," Klaus revealed. He then pointed out certain people in the crowd who were hybrids all sired by Klaus.

"They were all sired by me. They wish to serve their master. So if anyone should so much as make a move against me they may feel obligated to retaliate."

"And how could I forget my beloved sister, Kassandra? She's right there, talking to your pretty little girlfriend, Caroline." Klaus said and pointed to a tall brunette in a black dress who was standing next to and talking to Caroline.

"She is my most loyal sibling, so I don't think she would take it lightly if something happened to her big brother." He added

"Feel free to warn your friends," Klaus said and walked away.

~

Caroline sighed as Tyler pulled her into one of the spare bedrooms. 

"What are you up to with Klaus?" He asked her.

She turns to look at him. "Nothing."

"He's onto you, Caroline. Whatever you all think you're about to pull off, he's two steps ahead of you." Tyler said, warning her.

"Ok, I don't know what you're talking about."

Tyler sighed. "That girl you were talking to, the brunette in the black dress, she's Klaus's sister."

"What?" She asked shocked.

"Yeah. I don't know what you told her, but stay away from her, she could be just as dangerous as the rest of her siblings."

"I didn't tell her anything!" She defended herself. "And how was I supposed to know that he had a second sister?"

"Can we just go back to the party?" She asked and started walking toward the door when Tyler pulled out a syringe full of vervain and stabbed her in the neck with it.

~

Kassandra's POV

She sighed as she walked around the estate, looking for Klaus. On their flight from Portland, he explained everything to her.

How there was a new doppelganger, Elena Gilbert, and that she was involved with the Salvatore brothers. He explained how he broke the curse and over the summer had a little adventure with Stefan.

Now they were back in town to kill their father. She wasn't sure if she was ready to face her father, not after everything he and their mother did to her and her siblings. 

She still wasn't sure why he awakened her specifically but just the fact that she was awake after 15 years and not daggered was good enough for her.

As she once again made a full circle around the house, she saw a tall, dark-haired man in a black leather jacket kill one of Klaus's hybrids. "Curious." She thought as she watched him enter the house.

She made her way into the house. As she walked she heard a voice she hadn't heard in centuries.

"To what end, Niklaus? So you can live forever with no one by your side? Nobody cares about you anymore, boy!" Her father said as he held the new doppelganger. 

Kassie listened to how her father insulted her brother and anger spread through her body. 

"Who do you have other than those whose loyalty you've forced?" 

She couldn't stand it anymore. She couldn't just stand there and not defend her brother. She walked to the front door where Klaus was facing their father and she stood by Klaus's side.

"He has me!" Kassandra said defiantly as she took Klaus's hand into hers.

Surprise and shock washed over her father's face as he processed her presence. "Kassandra?"

"Father." She greeted coldly.

"What are you doing here?" 

"Nik's my brother. My family. I'm here to help him."

Her father laughed at her words. "You foolish girl. You've always blindly followed him and trusted him. He doesn't deserve your trust or your love, Kassandra."

"I will decide who gains my love and my trust," Kassie responded boldly. She could feel Nik squeezing her hand.

Mikael threated to kill the doppelganger. Nik told him to go ahead. 

"Ah...your impulse, Niklaus. It has and will forever be, the one thing that keeps you from truly being great." Her father said, taunting Klaus.

She looked up at Nik and could see tears falling down his face. She could see the pain in his eyes. She could feel her own eyes starting to tear up. 

"Enough! Stop talking to him like that!" She defended her brother. Her father's eyes fell upon her once again.

"And you, my daughter...He will be the end of you." 

"Then so be it." She responded as a tear ran down her round cheek.

~

Klaus's POV

He looked at his sister and felt his heart tighten at her words. She was always there for him, always there to comfort him and put his mind at ease. 

Even now, she was choosing him, her half-brother, against her own father. Loyal to a fault, she was. And he thanked her by stabbing her and putting her in a casket for 15 years. He had to find a way to redeem himself to her.

His sister's gasp pulled him back to reality. Mikael stabbed Elena in the back, and the girl fell to the ground with a gasp. 

Then, someone yanked his sister away from him and slammed her against the wall. Before Klaus could react this person punched her in the stomach.

Damon Salvatore, he realized, as he got slammed down to the floor. "Klaus!" His sister yelled and tried getting up. 

On the porch, the doppelganger got up. "Katherine," Mikael said, realizing it was not Elena. 

"Kaboom!" She said and threw wolfsbane grenades onto Klaus's hybrids. 

Damon was just about to stake him with the White Oak stake when Stefan appeared out of nowhere and pushed Damon off of him.

Klaus took the opportunity - he grabbed the white oak stake and threw himself onto Mikael. He drove it right through Mikael's heart.

His body started burning in flames and Klaus stood there and watched as the man who tormented him for centuries was finally gone. 

~

"What do you mean he stole them?" Kassandra asked, confused. 

Klaus sighed. "He stole them, Kassandra. All of them." Klaus repeated himself. 

"Why would Stefan steal our siblings?" Kassandra wondered out loud. "What would he gain by stealing their caskets?"

"Leverage. Against me." Klaus replied as he chugged his bourbon.

"You still haven't found Rebekah?" Kassie asked, her thoughts drifting to her sister.

"No. I've no idea where she could be." 

"They daggered her. They must have. How else would they keep her down for so long?" Kassandra theorized.

"Well, it seems we'll be staying in Mystic Falls for longer than I expected," Klaus said as he took a seat next to his sister. 

She was on her laptop. After waking her up, he showed her how to use modern technology and she quickly got accustomed to it. "What are you doing?" He asked her.

"Looking for a house. You said it yourself, since we're staying here might as well stay in a nice place, right?" She responded as she looked up from her laptop.

***

She is finally here in the flesh! We see that Kassie will not put up with Klaus's bs lol and will beat him up if necessary.

Can't wait for the following chapters where she'll interact with her other siblings.

Thank you for reading. ❤❤❤

If you have any opinions feel free to comment.