#you would expect Ann to be more excited but nope

[itdisneymatter]

Day 01 - Islands Of Adventure

The short

Islands of Adventure today. First full day and it couldnt have been a more perfect first day of our holiday. Once in the park proer, we made a bee line to Hogsmeade and did Forbidden Journey (gold standard as always) and then Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. And Magical it was, such a great ride and experience, it was fantastic. Jurassic Park next, River Adventure and the super speedy, super awesome Velocicoaster DONE. BAAACK to Hogsmeade to do Flight of the Hippogryph and Hagrid’s again (yup). Pretty much walked on to the Hulk, then Kong and finally Spiderman and the day was done. Very chill day which we didnt expect and ride times were all surprisingly reasonable.. Met up with Pauline and Kevin and went to Chilis for dinner where we were reminded very strongly about how big portion sizes were - IT. WAS. A. STRUGGLE, but very good and great to meet up with the family (not for the first time, I may add - details below). Very tired by the end but overall we all had a very very enjoyable day. Heading to Universal Studios tomorrow with Pauline, Kevin, Emily and Kelly - really looking forward to it.

The long

First off, I am tired writing this as its been a pretty long but very pleasurable day, so please excuse the mistakes, blandness and lack of edit photographs (or even photosgraphs), it’ll get better once I get acclimatized… probably. Please also forgive the fact that this may descend into an incoherent scrawl as I have my first glass of the new whisky at hand as I write this, and it may not be my last as it it very, very nice…

Of all the gin joints in all the towns…

So before I head into today, Ill just give a little recap of some of the events of last night that failed to go into the yesterdays update. Picked up the car after flying through security at the airport and decided to head to Disney Springs to pick up the Magic Bands for our upcoming Disney parks this week. Oh and as soon as we stepped out into Orlando air, the heat just hit us, not too hot - a very pleasant warmth but glad that we dressed for the occasion beforehand. And our car was huge, so spacious and easily devoured all ten of our cases and bags with room to spare. Took about an hour from the airport and by change we parked at the nearest car park to Planet Hollywood which was the place we had to pick up our bands. We were tempted so much to stay at Disney Springs for a while because it felt so familiar and exciting, but came to our senses as it was getting on in the day and headed to the hotel to check-in (and get our smoothies #nom), unpack and get base camp established. And although we were kinda shattered from all of our travels, we headed out to Walmart to get some essential supplies in. Now Walmart is frickin’ huge, its like Asda on Steroids, which then had a baby with Costco and you could easily get lost in it. And who did we bump in to? Pauline and Kevin and the girls (my sister and brother in law for those who dont know). Absolutely crazy and completely unplanned, what are the chances??? So yeah, we were stood in the middle of Walmart catching up and getting the low down on what they’d been up to. It was really nice to meet them out and about even though we had plans to do so this week. So after we said our goodbyes, we returned to the hotel and we all pretty much crashed out.

And now…

This morning I woke up at 5am. Why was this you ask? Maybe it was it my body clock adjusting? Or the heat just getting too much? Nope, it due to an alarm going off, the alarm that Ann had set on her phone to get us up for our flight the DAY BEFORE! I was able to get back for a short sleep though before we woke up proper and we were all the better for a good night sleep.

So on to Islands of Adventure today, our first of the two Universal parks we were doing back to back to kick off the week. We decided to ease ourselves into it, as we had to get our tickets and the accessibility pass organized which would take a little time at guest services. There was a buzz of excitement and familiarity as we parked up in the Jurassic Park carpark and walked down the moving walkway. And the Jurassic Park theme tune playing (which is possibly one of the most emotive movie themes ever), was the icing on the cake. We got to the gate and took our our embarrassingly huge A4 printout to get into the park (I find it pretty crazy Universal still rely on paper and pen for these things). The person scanning us in called everyone by their correct names as we entered one by one, well everyone except me. He called me Gerald. Now, I’ll take this time to recall an event from the evening before - whilst waiting on our Smoothies at the hotel, we came across a whole bunch of keyrings with names, one of which had a similar name to Gerald - Geraldo. I joked at the time about having been referred to that as a friendly moniker occasionally in the past and how it would be funny if I purchased said keyring as a joke. Well, the dude at the gate just gave me a big push in that direction and then having seen a stroller in the park not a 100 yards from that point with the family name of Geraldo, my fate i now sealed.

Guest Services. The girl assisting Ann, Lexi could not have been more helpful and pleasant. Right, I get it , I know this is their job and they get paid to do it, but I’ll tell you what I havent seen such kindness and willingness to help from random people in a long while. and it really didnt stop there. Such nice people here (be warned I fear I may say this a lot on this trip).

So on to Hogsmeade and the plan was to get a return time for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (which I will be calling Hagrid’s from this point on), and ride another Harry Potter ride while we wait. We had been forewarned about how excellent Hagrid’s would be by Michael & SJ, so kinda hyped for it. Decided to do Forbidden Journey while waited, and I couldnt quite believe that the wait time was only 15 minutes! The queue experience was excellent and this has been an outstanding ride in the past, so to see this at 20 minutes, that cray-cray. Pauline and Kev had said the parks were a little quieter but I really didn’t expect this. Hopefully a sign of good things to come. So the five of us strolled through Hogwarts halls, wearing our custom HP t-shirts, and we laughed and reminisced about previous years, even way back to the first year when it was only Ann & I as the children were all too small to ride. Happy times at Hogwarts.

Oh yeah the custom t-shirts (see I told you this was going to be all over the place). I’ll mention this only because it’ll matter later, but one of the sets of t-shirts we did (and we did 3 sets in total), was personalised t-shirts with quotes and character references from Harry Potter, all in Gryffindor colours. Ann had Dobby, Grace had Luna, Patrick had Fawkes, Robert had Hagrid and I had the Deathly Hallows. We didnt really have the time to make them so close to the holiday in hindsight but really glad we did.

Anyway, me and my soon to be sidekick for all park rides Grace, were in one cart and the other three in another. It was just like I remembered, and Grace loved it too (though closed her eyes at the spiders). Very enjoyable first ride of the holiday, scores out of ten below.

GG 8.5

AG 7

PG 8

RG 8

GG2 8.5

Now I and the other have adjusted these scores, in anticipation for the newer rides (Im looking at you Rise of the Resistance), so they may have slipped from previous years, but this is still fairly respectable overall.

Hagrids next and again the girl at the gate, Autumn was so amazingly nice. We had an issue getting a retun time for another ride, so she gave us 5 free tickets to walk on to any other ride later in the day and when I had problems with my locker she gave me a comp locker ticket without question. They dont need to do this, but it really made it so special for us. Just utterly humbled by the whole thing.

So Hagrids, aye well to start I was on the motorbike and Grace in the side car, with the rest of the troops not far behind. And it was so utterly, gob smackingly fantastic - I was grinning from ear to ear the whole time (while holding on to the handlebars for dear life). Everyone loved it and Grace screamed 10. 10. 10. 10. no 11, can I give it an 11?…. as we came off the ride and couldnt wait for me to ask her her rating. Ive said we should also give a ride a star everyday and Hagrids got five stars, it was that good.

GG 9

AG 10

PG 8.5

RG 9

GG2 10 (just 10 grace)

Had to get a Butterbeer (so good), and we then headed off to get a return time for the next coaster - VELOCICOASTER! We decided to come back and do Flight of the Hippogryph at a later time.

Life finds a way

We managed to get a return time for Velcicoaster which everyone apart from Ann decided to do. Yes, even Patrick ���I dont do Rollercoasters” Gaffney decided he would go on it. No coaxing, arm twisting nothing. It was a big thing for him as hes not good with heights at all and it was a big one, so we dont to PG for stepping up to the plate. Meanwhile Robert “I love all the coasters” Gaffney, had been waiting all day for it!

Jumped on Sadie’s favourite ride, River Adventure, while we waited to go back, and we survived unscathed (well unwet, if thats such a thing). Funny thing as we were waiting in the queue, I had to borrow Anns prescription sunglasses as I couldnt read my phone clearly. Definitely felt old, if I didnt already at that point! Scores on the doors for this one were:

GG 7

AG 6

PG 7

RG 7

GG2 7

Back to Velocicoaster at our return time and the tension was building. Ann took some time out to go fill our unlimited refillable drinks and we hesitantly shuffled to the ride entrance. Grace was getting a little nervous, and even more by the fact it was only 2 persons wide as she would be on the end. But she wanted to try at least once, and to her and everyones elses credit, they did great. But boy, was it fast. Superfast really, reaching up to 70mph at one of the loops, and although that doesnt sound like much, it felt very very much. Robert had it as a definite contender for best ride, and Patrick thoroughly enjoyed it, which was great to hear.

GG 9

AG -

PG 8.5

RR 9

GG 9

We decided to use our free tickets we got earlier to do Hagrid’s again whilst it was still within walking distance, so back to Hogsmeade we went. The day was pretty easy going so didnt fell like were had to hurry through anythng at any point which was a nice feeling, so backtracking really wasnt an issue.

Flight of The Hippogryph. It was very short, just like this paragraph so heres the scores:

GG 6.5

AG 5

PG 6.5

RG 6.5

GG 6.5

Seriously though, still a nice wee ride, but when you now need to factor in the newcomers, it starts to slip.

The Fountain of Knowledge

Whilst taking a break before doing Hagrid’s again, we decided to sit on the edge of a nice water fountain in The Lost Continent area. I took my camera out for the first time (hence the lack of photographs, but that will definitely be changing as of tomorrow), and took a few shots of Grace. All of a sudden the fountain started speaking to us! It was surreal. His name was apparenlt Finneus (yeah Finneus the Fountain) and complimented us on our tshirts and asked where we were from. And on hearing that we hailed from Scotland, he put on a poor scottish accent (as you do or at least as others do) and asked about Haggis, the weather and the MIDGES, all the while cracking jokes. It was hilarious and so surreal. It was things like this that made our day get better and better. And it really didnt stop there. So we then got into the queue at Hagrids with our free passes, only to be called back hurriedly by one of the ride ushers. We thought we had done something wrong, but they wanted to see our custom T-shirts! And they were so impressed by them, that they told us to keep our free tickets as they were going to walk us all right to the front of the ride! We just couldnt believe it. It was EVEN better then second time, so better in fact I increased my score to 9.5. As we were leaving we thanks the crew, and they then asked if we wanted to do it again. WHAT??? It was insane, so yeah back to the front of the line yet again for our third time around Hagrids. Such a crazy series of events and special shout out to Justin, Andrea and Jake for that, absolutely buzzing after it and definitely worth eeking out the time to get the thsirts designed and printed.

To wrap up the day, we got a return time for Kong and while waiting for that headed to The Hulk. The ride Grace had been desperately wanting to try since the last time when she was too short to ride. The queue time was only TEN MINUTES!!! Just me, Robert and Grace for this one and Grace, who had been a bit shaky after Velocicoaster was starting to get a little anxious for it. She gripped my handed as we headed off from the platform, and after the first look I heard her screaming. Thinking that she it was too much for her, I looked over only to see her screaming with joy and we twisted upside side down and around and around and around. She exited with the words, BEST RIDE EVER! although her heart won out as she ultimately settled on Hagrids as her most favourite ride experience of the day. I was a little apprehensive about The Hulk after riding Velocicoaster, not living up to the memory and would pale in comparison to the newer tech rides. But it did not disappoint, it was everything I remembered it was, great solid ride and one I would happily go on again and again (which coincidently is what Grace said she wanted to do). One of Robert favourite ride from last time, and he felt the same way to.

GG 9

AG -

PG -

RG 8.5

GG2 10

Penultimate ride of the day - Skull Island: Reign of Kong and although I couldnt remember much from last time, it was really great and mixed visual effects, motion effects and animatronics really well.

GG 8.5

AG 7.5

PG 7.5

RG 8

GG 8

And finally Spiderman. Showing its age a little now, but still a good ride with lots of great sequences.

GG 7.5

AG 7

PG 7

RG 7

GG 7

And with that, we were done with the Islands of Adventure for the day. Honestly so overwhelmed by it all, and cant say enough how much of an amazing day we all had. If every day turned out to be half as good as this, it will be a fantastic trip.

And for dinner we caught up with Pauline, Kevin, Emily and Kelly after a quick change and headed to Chilis. Having only had a snack as we werent really hungry throughout the day, we were ready for it! We sat down to a a plethora of home made chips/nachos, cheese, chicken tenders, wings, bites, sizzling fajitas, corn and the biggest mozzarella sticks on the planet. Of course, not accounting the portion sizes, I think it defeated most of us in the end (well apart from Kev, Patrick and Robert), so will to take that into account in future. It was a great night made even better by my mum and dad who had given us the funds to cover the meal before we left (thanks guys! :)

Were heading to Universal Studios with P&K tomorrow, so need to be up bright and early, so with that Ill sign off for now. Thanks to those of you who are still here, spk to you tomorrow!

Step count of the day: 20.5k

Star rides: Hagrid’s (5 stars)

[altairtalisman]

When your friends refuse to put on a musical with you, just force them to go along like how Selena does it.

It’s pretty obvious what musical Selena wants to put on, though this isn’t canon since it’s impossible for it to exist in the world of 7KPP.

[oh-for-fic-sake]

Tik Tok Leggings

Masterlist

Summary: Time to test these Tik tok leggings.

Warnings: swearing, Fluff, Cheeky Henry, Suggestive Themes, Plus sized reader

A/N: Just wanted to do something different thinking of maybe having a mini TikTok onshot series but unsure yet. Either way I hope you enjoy and happy Easter to those who celebrate  and those who don't? Have a brilliant Sunday xx

Taglist: will be in comment/reblogs

You eyed the package wearily... just how the fuck were you meant to pull this off? Slowly but surely the confidence  and 'fuck it' attitude was waning. They looked small.... very small.

You huffed a sigh looking at yourself in the mirror eyeing your form. You swear you'd gained some more weight, just a few pounds maybe? But you felt huge. Slowly you unravelled the leggings, it had been a good idea at the time but now you wasn't so sure. They were expensive and even thought you bought them as a little prank you did hope they would boost you confidence or at least be comfy enough to wear around the house.

Being a larger girl it was hard finding comfy clothes and you had to be comfy now that your boys were running around the house like headless chickens. You thought the terrible twos with trainers were bad? Your four year olds had scooters!

You grit your teeth and decided to try the leggings on gearing up for an all put war with the waist band but was pleasantly surprized. The fabric was firm and tummy controlling without feeling you feeling caught by a bloody boa constrictor! A comfy tight not spandex tight. You casually wondered about seeing if the company did bras, this shit would stop the girls from trying to knock you out on the stairs!

You pulled the material setting the... elasticated seam in your ass crack and winced... Okay that's a little strange... but not unpleasant and almost thong. You spun around eyeing yourself in to mirror. You didn't look to bad, if you said so yourself. Sure you wasn't magically strim and fit, you were blessed with a nice thick ass... but unfortunately had the thick hips and large thighs to go with it. You'd never be petite or dainty, but then again henry was huge behemoth of a man so you didn't need to be. As he said on many occasions he wanted a woman as thick as him... and you definitely fit that bill. His thighs were only slightly bigger then yours.

You turned around a few more times. Fuck okay hello there~ you grinned. You may not be the perfect sized woman but fuck if your ass wasn't glorious in these leggings~ this just might work.

You grinned and pulled on one of Henry's tshirts, the grey marines one it was snug and would ride up a little over your tummy showing off your bubble but that you felt was your best feature. And then padded downstairs, henry. Was in the large garden trying to teach the boys how to play rugby... Wanting to start them young.

You pottered about the kitchen chopping up the salad for tonight. Contrary to what people thought you were not large because you ate to much or did little exercise, you had always been bigger and admittedly since having the boys you had gained a little more weight but not ridiculously, you wasn't dangerously over weight.

You hummed looking out the patio door seeing henry jumping for joy as his boys and Kal played 'rugby' darting across the garden to the tiny rugby post at the end. Moving to Jersey to raise the kids was a brilliant idea, you had a huge country house with the land to go with it. Flat and immaculate that spread around the house in nearly four acres the lawn was mostly to the back and side and cornered off with tall hedge rows then beyond it a cornered off veggie plot and greenhouse and a work in progress chicken coop. Soon there will be a decent sized pond and some ducks... Henry didn't know yet, but if he was allowed to have a stables built four god knows how many horses you were allowed your ducks god dammit.

You grinned watching as henry ran around both the boys with his phone out cheering them on as they tor across the garden wrestling each other for the ball. You had panicked when you were told twin boys but you should have known henry would be able to handle it. It was perfect, days like this when he was home and strived to make his sons lives as magical and fun as he could, everyday was a holiday when dad was home.

You shook your head seeing the boys both lay on the floor in the shade completely tuckered out from the mornings fun. Henry can into the kitchen and you held your breath quickly bending over the counter a tad more then normal hoping to get a favourable reaction from your husband. But you couldn't help the tinge of doubt  what if he didn't like them? Or thought you looked bigger then you were?

"Hey sweetheart are the boys fruit shoots in the fri-oh sweet baby Jesus" he coughed cutting himself off  and took a half step back as he came in the kitchen. You giggled and turned to him then nodded your head to the fridge.

"Yeah their in there love" you said smirking and blushing as you saw him eyeing your ass tilting his head slowly down trying to get a better look at your ass making you bite your lip.

"Err yeah yeah... I... hold that thought" he said snapping out of it holding a finger up at you and looked to his phone.

"You just stay right were you are- no nope over bend over again babe... fuck me how did I get such a sexy little mama~" he growled one hand swiping over his screen. You flushed and wriggled our hips a little as you leant forward feeling on top of the world as he openly gawked at your ass. For a second you thought he was taking a photo and made to move wanting to snap up right but he napped his fingers to you pointing for you to get back down and brought the phone to his ear.

"Henry what are you?-" you tried standing once more but he crossed the kitchen pressing himself up against your ass and rocked slowly making you mewl as his bulge pressed against your ass half hard already. Henry huge hand pressed you down on the counter before him and winked then he spoke as who ever was on the phone answered.

"Hey mum, hi can you come get the boys?" He asked and you gasped at him shaking your head at him laughing. He wasn't palming the kids off to their grandparents because he wanted a midday fuck! Not that Marie-Ann would mind, she loved hosting the kids and frequently showed up out of the blue and took them out for the day. She was adamant that both you and henry still had alone time.

"No, no everything's all right I just- somethings come up~" he smirked and you laughed loud shaking your head at him, he was a little bugger! He wriggled his brows at you and nodded then flushed stuttering for a few comments.

"I.. No no of course not mum... muuuum stop- well yeah... yes I know you were young once-oh shit no I didn't mean of course your still young! Your in your prime! Okay yes, yes I promise to try my hardest... yes okay, see you in ten okay love you bye... bye mum I will. Yes I will mum bye" he muttered slowly moving through being embarrassed, shy and strangely confident before hanging up.

"Soo the boys are going out?" You giggled finding the way he reacted ridiculously cute. It wasn't what you expected, maybe a kiss on the cheek and a slap on the ass. But not him shipping the kids off for the day.

"And staying over night" Henry muttered moving both hands to your ass and squeezed and rolled the cheeks about making you squeak and try rising on your tip toes but he just growled following pressing a kiss to your neck.

"And what have we agreed to for this mighty generous gift? What have you promised?" You said arching back into him with a teasing tone knowing Marie would make henry pay for the 'young once' comment.

"Oh you know nothing too big just another grandchild, which wont be hard with these in your closet" he chuckled pinging the fabric that clung to your ass like a second skin. You flushed gasping out at him batting him away slowly. But it was a hard fought battle, Henry won easily sliding the cutting board back then let you spin to face him. He quickly hoisted you up onto the counter top behind you and kissed your lips moaning into you before pulling back and pointed at you.

"Right you stay- right here. Don't you move a muscle Mrs Cavill" he said seriously and backed away from you still pointing making you laugh and kick your feet biting your lip before nodding. Henry backed up to the back door and called out to the boys.

"Boys come on! Your going to grandmas for a sleep over! Go pack a bag, jammies, tooth brush and clothes for tomorrow! Come on mush hop it or cop it!" he called you smiled hearing two high pitch excited voices squealing at the thought of grandma. She spoilt them rotten. They dashed into the house quickly running past the both of you giggle as henry tried playfully nudging them on the bottoms with his foot when they ran through the kitchen to dart up the stairs and pack an overnight bag. Henry slunk out of the kitchen following the boys but kept glancing back at you.

"Remember right there babe, been too long since we fucked in here~" he growled making you flush remembering the last time you'd made love in here. It'd been when you were pregnant, the day you moved in before you redecorated you'd had Chinese take out and then made love in every room in the house.

"I'll be right here love I promise, now... You might want to sort yourself out before answering the door to your mother~" you teased pointing to the large lump in the front of his shorts making him grunt and cup himself trying to reposition himself and left the kitchen to help the boys pack.

You can safely say, these leggings were a success. You were definitely leaving a five star review... You did however regret not filming his reaction for tiktok. Honestly you didn't even have the app your sister in law had shown you and you thought it'd be something fun to try with Henry. You may just get more than you bargained for though, not that you minded... You just hoped you had a girl this time, it was about time to try and even things out a bit.

[bubble-booty-cuties]

Once Naoto revealed her true self to the PTs, I can only imagine what kind of outfits Ann and the others got her to try on to properly show off her assets to the boys.

Gonna hijack this ask just a little as a continuation of my last thing, so, sorry if it's not 100% what you wanted~!

____________________________________________

"Are you sure these look alright? They don't exactly feel like they.. Fit.." Was all that was heard on the other side of the curtain, two sets of feet poking out from the bottom as the shuffling and muttering finally stopped.

"What are you talking about, they fit perfectly! They really show off that amazing figure of yours Nao-chan! You've got such pretty legs~!" Came the much happier and bubblier voice of Ann, no doubt the one who convinced Naoto into the dressing room.

"Y-You think so? I dunno, it just feels like it shows off so much.. Aren't pants supposed to hide all of this?"

"You might as well just surrender! When Ann wants you to try on some clothes it's like she suddenly hits max level hard mode, and there's no escape rope!" Futaba yelled out to the bluenette, remembering the time she was forced into different outfits, and even a bikini. "You're lucky I was able to hide the little skirt she wanted you to try on!"

"A-A skirt?!"

"Come on Nao-chan, you said you wanted to get in touch with your feminine side, right~? Well here's your chance, and you look amazing~!" Suddenly the curtain was yanked away to reveal both girls, one considerably more red then the other.

"W-Wait! I'm not ready!"

"Ooh, nice, those shorts are totally skin tight!" Futaba sat on the waiting chair with her knees up to her chest, eyes going up the long legs of their detective friend. "See, told you they'd fit her better!"

"Y-You picked these out?!" Naoto didn't like the way the breeze so easily brushed against her bare thighs out in the open, or the way it brushed so easily against her mostly exposed rear.

A sleeveless white button up shirt hugged her torso in ways that not only pushed her sizable chest up and out into the opening, exposing more cleavage then she ever had before, it also hugged her thin waist neatly, riding up just enough to show off her flat midriff and belly button, her exposed shoulders didn't help her feeling any less exposed either.

All that could have been fixed with a jacket, however. What couldn't be fixed was the way her tiny blue shorts rode up between her plump globes of flesh like a second skin, revealing her jiggly, pale flesh for anyone to see if she so much as turned an inch to the side, let alone bent over. Just the thought made her head spin!

"Duh, shorts are the best!" Futaba cheered, motioning to her own booty shorts covered bubble butt, said but was sat in her seat, however. "Home is where the pants is not, and small shorts are like totally cheating to feel like you're not wearing pants at all!"

"How did I get myself into this mess?!" Was all Naoto groaned as she pulled her hat down to cover her face, even as her other was balled up into a fist behind her, trying in some way to hide her but from view from the many people passing by and admiring her figure in the store.

"Oh good, you're finally back! What do you think? Doesn't Nao-Chan look absolutely adorable~?"

"Wha-" Naoto suddenly turned on her heel to see her senpa- Uh, her number one suspect! And he had very obviously been looking lower on her body then she had hoped. "S-Senpai! I-I thought you were-"

"I figured I'd stop by and check on you guys since Ryuji took Yusuke to the arcade." Cool, calm, and collected, like he wasn't just eyeing her butt like a piece of meat! Were his glasses some kind of shield that hid his emotions?!

"Go on Nao-Chan, he never lies, why not ask him how you look~?"

"Th-That's not-!"

"You really just set her up for the trap!"

"What?!"

"Futaba-Chan is just joking around, go on, ask him~!" Ann suddenly grabbed the small girl's shoulders and pushed her towards the much taller young man, so close in fact she had to look almost straight up to see his emotionless face.

"I-I.." Naoto suddenly pulled her hat down just over one eye, her face beet red as memories flooded her mind of the things this man had done to her in private. But, she needed to know.. "H-How do I look, Senpai?"

____________________________________

The rest of the day was a blur, and all she could remember were the hungry looks as people saw her walking around with her friends dressed in such revealing clothing.. And she wasn't sure to be grateful or worried that her Senpai had chosen to walk behind her the entire time, never getting out of step..

Well, she chose worried as soon as he offered to walk her home, offering his feline companion to Futaba to bring home herself.. Then there walk towards her temporary residence began, and he was as kind as ever, as per usual he spoke clearly and the conversation was pleasant.. And just as soon as she forgot what it was she was wearing did she let out a squeak of surprise at the way his hand grabbed her almost bare cheek like a stress toy.

She wish she could say she told him to stop, or at least wait when they weren't literally in public! But she didn't, and she didn't wanna admit why..~

Of course, none of that matters now, not when she was very suddenly bent over forward against her dining room table, her face bright red, as it seems to be a lot around her suspect. Hands gripped her wide, bare hips and yanked her sizable rear back against the young man, her entire, much shorter body rocking back as she was once again introduced to the long, wide, throbbing bulge in her Senpai's pants, pressed firmly against her butt while he rocked his hips against her.

"C-Couldn't you have waited till I changed..?" Naoto just couldn't say no to him, her heart raced a mile a minute, her breath came out in gasps and chokes, and she couldn't stop the little squeal, one she definitely didn't make, that escaped her lips when gave her plump rump a nice meaty smack, echoing through her rented residence so loudly she was sure it could be heard outside.

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Damnit.."

It was happening too fast, and she couldn't even convince herself she wanted it to stop, she could only tell herself she was getting closer to the truth, she was gaining his trust! Right! He'd slip up soon, she's get the proof she needed, and she would have her thief- "Aaah~!"

Once more the young man smacked the bluenette right across her massive, jiggly pair of cheeks, her twin globes wobbling for multiple seconds after he'd already made contact, so perfectly round and shapely, it was a wonder she could slide these little blue shorts up over the swell of her hips and those planetary cheeks.

Naoto could only bite her lip to try and fight back the high pitched noises he always found a way to pull out, and she knew exactly what he was looking at while he forced her little noises out.

Those blue booty shorts rode up her cheeks like a thong, so tight and form fitting you could clearly see just how fat and bouncy they were just from how she walked around, even if she tried to hide it, even if Ann didn't actually choose the sluttiest shorts on the rack, her ass was just too fat to be anything less then mesmerizing with every step she took. And now, right there between those mounds of wobbly bubble booty was the young man's throbbing cock, smushed between that warm crevice while each and every ripple of her flesh sent shivers of pleasure up his spine.

But, tonight wasn't the night. Days of heavy petting, of driving the little detective wild would be leading to her getting fucked, it was practically inevitable, even she knew that, but not tonight. No, tonight he'd had to stare at that fat ass in a pair of shorts for literal hours, and he was about to get his fill.

"W-We have class in the morning, Senpai, we can't-Gasp~!" The busty tomboy detective gasped loudly as she was very suddenly met with he sensation of her suspect's teeth sinking into her meaty backside, having quickly knelt down to face inches from her raised bubble butt, mauling, groping, gripping, and massaging her cheeks like a soft dough while he very roughly and eagerly bit her asscheek like it was a piece of cake. Though he'd argue it was the entire cake.

"Senpai, I haven't showered, y-you shouldn't..~" She hated how feminine he made her sound.. Literally, her voice rising in pitch into a soft, girly tone that made her feel even lewder then her position made her feel.

He didn't listen, he never did, and she didn't exactly kick him off of her, not as she felt her own folds grow wet from the excitement she swore didn't exist. No, not even when he pawed and massaged her pu-.. Her lower region through her shorts, roughly grabbing and rubbing his thumb against her while he continued biting and smacking her ass.

"Senpai can we please at least move to the bed?!" She felt so exposed bent over her table, where she's eaten multiple times and will no doubt remember this moment every time she does from now on. She didn't expect to be the meal spread across her own dining table, but obviously the young man behind her had other plans.

"Nope."

And just like that she felt his expert fingers undo the button and fly Ann had gifted her, said shorts slipping down the swell of her round, pale, creamy smooth cheeks faster then she could even register, and before she knew it she felt the bespectacled suspect grab both cheeks in both large hands, pull her globes wide apart, and expose her most precious regions to himself with nothing but a pair of moist panties between him and her.

"W-Wait!" He didn't.

Naoto squealed loudly and then bit her lip harshly as he abruptly shoved his face between her hot, jiggly, pillowy cheeks. Not even removing his glasses the young man began motor boating her globes while he pulled her panties to the side, pressing his mouth against her wet lower lips and beginning his quick attack on her very core.

"A-Aaah~!! Aaahhhh~!! Haa~!! S-Senpai~!!" Naoto had.. Pleasured herself before her suspect had ever began his attacks on her, she'd admit the feeling of having another person touch her was so much more intense then she could ever preform herself, but this was on a whole other level! Each and every flick of his tongue against her pussy felt like he it her nerve ending on fire, pure, pleasurable fire! She could barely keep herself standing, pressing her full weight on the table, and now the young man's head, no doubt giving him what he wanted and pressing her face deeper between her cheeks.

Her knees shook and buckled, she couldn't stop her cries and squeals, and her flushed red faced dripped with sweat as pleasure overtook her in ways she'd never felt before. And as he.. As he ate her out, loudly lapping and licking her dripping wet slit, every smack across her cheeks, and there were plenty, felt so.. Good~! She'd never though a smack across her behind could feel good! Maybe she thought it did a little when he had done it, but it was something so small, but now~? Oh god, it amplified her pleasure in such confusing ways~!

"S-Senpai~! Aaaah~!! P-Please, I-I can't~!!" Naoto's eyes rolled just a bit as she experienced pleasure like nothing she'd felt before, and that was before he suddenly pressed his tongue inside her pussy, writhing, wiggling, and licking every inch of her love tunnel he could reach. And she could barely hold on for dear life.

"Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh~!!" Stars exploded across her half covered vision, her hat falling askew across her head while she gripped the edge of the table, and she didn't even remember her own name. But, it was simply from lack of experience that she had cum so quickly, because Joker was just getting started.

As quickly as he started, he stopped, dragging his tongue up higher while Naoto gasped, squealed, and tried not to pass out, until his tongue met her backdoor, and then he began what he was fantasizing about all day, grabbing both hefty, meaty cheeks and beginning his meal proper.

"Hggkk~!! Wh-What are you-?!Oooohh~!! H-Haaaa~!!!" Naoto grit her teeth as pleasure once against filled her body, but not from her dripping lips, no, from her puckered pink backdoor. She wanted to tell him not to lick such a place, but how could she when she could barely remember where she was? The pleasure filling her ass was like nothing she'd ever felt before, and she didn't know whether to tell him to stop or do it harder!

And just as she felt the man press the tip of his tongue against her little ring, she too felt a pair of finger slip into her abused folds, once more filling her love tunnel, but not to overshadow his tongue piercing her asshole, filling her with such, horribly confusing pleasure and lust~! Oh god, what the hell was he doing~?!

Naoto's eyes cross as the man frantically fingered her dripping cunt while he just as eagerly began eating her ass, her cheeks wobbling around his face the entire time as she wiggled and twitched all over the place, squealing, screaming, cumming and squirting all over her thighs and dining room floor.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH~!!!!!!"

And just as suddenly as it started, it stopped, and Naoto's entire body went limp against the table, drool dripping down her chin, cum dripping down her legs, and her feminine voice horse from screaming. And she felt incredibly empty as the young man's fingers and tongue left her holes twitching and needy.

Sliding down, Naoto panted, gasped, and shivered in pleasure as she landed on her knees, her own juices making a small puddle on her hard wood floor as she heard her Senpai moving behind her.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow then, Naoto?"

Said detective looked up at the young man passed her hat, giving a shaky nod, and watching him walk out the door.

He was it, she knew it. Him and his friends were the Phantom Thieves. She couldn't prove it, but in her heart she knew. Wh-Which means she'd need to investigate him more! A-A lot more! Possibly every day until she got proof! A-And tomorrow she'd wear more clothes that Ann had bought he! Yes! It- Uh- It threw him off, yes, it threw him off! She only need to dress like this more to get him to slip up!

[magicman111]

A Moth to a Flame - Chapter One

Marcy watched the sun slowly set on Newtopia as she’d done many an evening before. The sharp squawks of the gulls rang through the orange sky. She looked quite the forlorn figure standing by the hotel entrance, the gentle evening breeze that ruffled her cloak underscoring her solitude.

Her eyes remained fixated in the same direction her friend had taken off, maybe in some fleeting fool’s hope she’d change her mind and come sprinting back right into her arms.

Not a chance, Marbles.

Anne was long gone by now. Hopefully, she’d caught up with the Plantars’ fwagon before they reached the city gate. Judging by how quickly she booked it, the odds were in her favor. That girl didn’t make varsity back home for nothing.

Marcy only hoped those sweet, simple frogs knew just how lucky they were to have someone like Anne in their lives.

Sighing, her head lowered, she licked her wounds slowly.

Really? That easy, huh?  

Could Anne have made it any more obvious that she wanted to get out of there faster than she did? After they’d been apart for so long, and for a family of farmer frogs whom she’d known for what? Months?

No, don’t do that, she pulled herself up. It wasn’t right for her to be mad at the Plantars. This wasn’t their fault. Sprig and Polly were a barrel of fun at the slumber party, providing you disregarded their life-threatening encounter with the jelly-fish ghosts. Hop Pop, meanwhile, reminded her so much of her own grandpa it was uncanny. They were sweet, decent folk who’d taken Anne in and kept her safe all this time. It was just...

Her lips twisted into a bitter frown. How else was she supposed to feel but a little rejected?

However, was she really allowed to complain when holding her tongue was so normalised for her by this point? Marcy was a people pleaser, she understood that much about herself. Anytime Anne and Sasha got into an argument, she was there to keep the peace and everyone happy. So if Anna-Banana wanted to spend more time with her bumpkin frog family than her literal best friend since preschool, who was she to say no?

The story with her folks wasn’t all that different either. When they pressured her to keep up her studies, up to and including PSAT prep despite it being years away, she did as she was told like a good girl to make them proud, and they were. She hoped they were.

Goodness knows what they must be thinking right now—

Nope nope nope! Don’t go there, don’t go there.

She’d already lost too much sleep at night ruminating over the unspeakable pain she’d most surely put them through, it was the last thing she needed right now. She tried to do the logical thing and focus on the positives instead. That usually worked.

Anne wouldn’t be away for too long. They’d be together again as soon as Hop Pop’s contacts returned the Box to Wartwood and then it was off to the first of the three temples to get those gems recharged. Once that side quest was done and dusted, it was a simple matter of finding Sasha and making their way home.

Looking down, she caught herself wringing her hands.

Home.

That sure was the plan.

I mean... what else are we supposed to do?

“Always sad to see someone go, isn’t it?”

Marcy quickly wiped her eyes and glanced over her shoulder to greet the towering form of King Andrias.

Almost instantly, her mood perked up a notch. He was the one person whom she trusted, more than anyone else in all of Amphibia. Ever since she first landed outside the city walls, he took her under his wings and ensured her smooth transition into this brave new world.

Andrias was without doubt one of the kindest and wisest people Marcy could have ever hoped to meet. He was a true listener, and there were very few you could say that about, her parents included. How often had he been there to lend both an understanding ear and sage advice over games of flipwart?

Games she won more often than not, she wasn’t humble enough not to brag.

It was also he who sent Marcy on the daring missions that would eventually make her the hero of Newtopian society she was today. All because he recognised the value of her talents beyond passing an exam or helping her friends with their homework. No other 13-year-old had their own solid gold statue adorning a city bridge.

She owed this king a debt she couldn’t possibly repay, but one he was far too altruistic in nature to demand.

Then, why did he look so... solemn?

“Come along, Marcy. We need to talk.”

Maybe it was his serious tone of voice or those specific choice of words, but they made the hair on the back of Marcy’s neck stand on end. In an almost pavlovian manner, she corrected her posture and she held her chin erect.

Shoving whatever remaining conflicted thoughts aside, she silently followed Andrias back to the castle like a pilot fish tailing its great white. She was so puny next to this tremendous salamander, he could crush her with a single blow of his fist if he so chose. Not that a gentle, goofy giant like Andrias would even dream of doing such a thing.

So when he was dead serious, Marcy knew better to zip it, listen, and do as instructed.

Their quiet journey took them all the way back to the castle and into the royal throne room, a place she was all too familiar with by now. To enter this hallowed hall was a privilege bestowed only to a select few. For Marcy, it was where she had her morning debriefs over bugachinos.

Instead of going straight up to the throne for their pow wow as she anticipated, Andrias guided her down a small passageway to their left.

When they made their way up to the statue of what Marcy recognised as one of his ancestors, one of the great rulers of Amphibia, they came to a stop. Andrias then gazed down at her with the most serious look she’d seen him give anyone.

“Marcy, before we go any further,” he spoke sternly, “I need to be absolutely crystal clear about something. Okay?”

“Y-Yes, Andrias?” Marcy asked, shivering a little. She did not like being pulled out of her comfort zone, not like this.

“You’re about to enter the most secret place in all of Newtopia,” he continued, now down on one knee and his hand hovering over her shoulder, as close as they could be to eye level. “What I’m going to show you... I need you to swear you won’t share with another living soul. Not to Anne, not to Lady Olivia, no one. Do you understand? I can’t emphasise this enough, Marcy.”

“Of course,” she answered earnestly, trying to sound more confident. “You know you can always trust me, Andrias.”

A ghost of that warm, fatherly smile returned to his big blue countenance.

“Trust is a hard thing to come by, kid, and you’ve gone above and beyond to earn mine. It’s just that I’m not exaggerating here when I say this is a big one.”

Marcy simply placed one hand over his huge index, the other over her heart.

She smiled back at him sweetly, genuinely, “I promise.”

“Very well.”

Nodding in approval, Adrias rose. He reached out, pushing a luminous coral torch upwards.

It didn’t take an encyclopedic knowledge of ‘Creatures & Caverns’ for Marcy to predict that the statue was going to shift to the left next, revealing the spiralling staircase leading to Frog knows where. She probably should’ve been more surprised, but come on, it wasn’t exactly the first secret passage she’d come across in this castle lately. 

“Follow me,” was all Andrias said, before he pulled off the same coral torch, then proceeded down the stairs without another word. Marcy followed obediently, unable to ignore the unnerving chill that was now travelling up her spine.

Was it... always this cold around here?

Something about all this just felt so unsettling compared to last time. She couldn’t really explain why; she knew she was safe with Andrias and that he wouldn’t do anything to intentionally put her in harm’s way. It was a gut feeling and that sort of thing bugged a rational person like her to no end.

She tried to take her mind off it by hazarding her best guess as to precisely what he was going to show her. Either she did that or started getting all worked up dwelling on Anne again, which she’d rather not at the moment.

Another secret library, perhaps? Probably not, though she wouldn’t be at all disappointed if it was. Maybe there were forbidden texts about the dark arts hidden away down there. Magic users were incredibly rare in Amphibia these days—Marcy had already searched far and wide—so might this be her chance?

Oh, how the very idea of being able to cast actual magic excited her. Being Chief Ranger of the Knight Guard was a great honor and nothing to sneeze at, but to be a powerful sorceress, one who could communicate with spirits, raise the dead, shuffle the orifices on her enemy’s faces—

Okay, rein those snails in, Mar-Mar.

Her musings were interrupted by a strange noise emanating from below. At first she figured it was just her imagination, but the further they continued their descent, the clearer it became.

It sounded an awful lot like beeping. Yes, that was it. A progressively growing cacophony of bleeps, bloops and chirps, the kind she’d expect to hear from a high-tech supercomputer. Something absolutely alien in a world like Amphibia, she and her friends excluded.

Before Marcy could ask Andrias if he heard it too, she was distracted by the emergence of an orange glow chasing away the darkness below. It was a warm, almost heavenly light that conjured the mental image of a crackling fireplace on Christmas morning, protecting you from the snowstorm outside.

The chill in her spine had by now spread to the crown of her head and the tips of her toes. Her throat tightened up. Beads of cold sweat dripped down her forehead.

What the... Marcy could not say a word, only think.

There was something down there. Something greater than any library, however inconceivable that sounded. Whether it was good or bad was irrelevant to her at that moment.

It called her.

The duo finally reached the foot of the staircase and entered the sacred sanctum.

Marcy’s jaw dropped.

“Woah.”

There were no shelves of books. No ancient Amphibian artifacts. There weren’t even any walls that she could make out from where she stood. Just an apparently endless sea of darkness encompassing a large round platform from which both the enticing glow and the lowkey din of beeps originated.

Marcy resumed taking Andrias’ lead as they stepped out onto the platform, the clink-clank of their boots confirming her assumption it was made of metal. The whole thing appeared more at home on an alien spaceship than in the dungeons of a castle.

Upon arriving at its centre, Andrias knelt down on both knees and, much to Marcy’s curiosity, removed his crown and set it down on the floor. She took the hint by following suit.

Any lingering fears melted away the more she basked herself in the radiance. It was as if the beams were steadily pouring into her body, clearing up her headspace, reducing any tension in her body. She recalled a favored memory from when she was five-years-old, when she and Anne spent a whole summer afternoon by the beach. How the tides would come in and out without fail, washing away the ruins of their sandcastles, the seaweed, one of Anne’s sandles and the teeny tiny baby seahorse they rescued.

Like a nice blank canvas.

Was this a private place of worship? Not according to her expansive studies of Amphibian anthropology. Or maybe it was a place for Andrias to meditate away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the castle. Seemed a skosh excessive if that was the case.

“Truly captivating, I know.”

Andrais’ baritone brought Marcy back down to earth. She straightened up and tried to refocus herself. They were down here for an important reason, at least she believed they were.

“One can spend hours down here,” Andrias boomed ominously. “Adrift in their own thoughts and... dreams.” The light cast his face in a rather unnerving shadow as he stared ahead into the void. “But I’m sure you know I haven’t brought you here to show off my retreat from the world.” He took a long, deep breath, like he was mentally steeling himself for what he said next, “As much as it pains me to say it, I’m afraid I haven’t been entirely truthful with you, Marcy.”

He produced from his sleeve what appeared at first glance to be two giant pieces of parchment and unfolded them neatly on the metal surface. A closer inspection told Marcy they were in fact pages torn from an exceptionally large book. Judging not only by the size, but the font and format as well, she easily pieced together its origin.

“Are these...?”

“From the book we “found” in the wing?” Andrias chuckled mirthlessly. “Yes. Still kinda surprised you didn’t pick up there were pages missing, but that's not important right now. Please, read.”

The platform provided ideal reading light. Marcy’s ability to read at a 12th Grade level meant she cruised through the text and finished within minutes.

She read it once, then twice. A third and fourth time just to make sure her eyes weren’t deceiving her.

Her bottom began to tremble.

No... Nononono, this... this can’t be right. I-It’s impossible! How in the world can it...?!

No amount of curative rays could unfreeze the blood in her veins. The metaphorical pistons in her brain were firing on full cylinders in a vain attempt to digest this earth-shattering information. For a split second, she thought she was going to pass out.

Desperate, she turned to the stone-faced Andrias to plead for some kind of answer, but she found no words with which to speak. All the personal growth and development that made her Newtopia’s champion had been stripped of her and she was reduced to nothing more than a helpless lost toddler.

A comforting set of giant digits placed themselves under her chin, the same way a father would do for his daughter.

“All this time, I’ve been testing you,” Andrias told her, his voice full of pride. “The games of flipwart, the missions, the “secret library”, even the barbari-ant colony I had lured to the city. I was watching you, studying your every action. With each challenge I issued, you excelled my expectations. You’re an exceptionally talented human being, Marcy, truly worthy of the name ‘Wu’.”

Even if these words were meant to serve as comfort or encouragement, they had only the opposite effect for Marcy. Tears were leaking out the corners of her eyes.

She mustered only a pitiful whimper, “I-I don’t understand.”

“Don’t worry, kiddo,” he promised, “you will soon enough. He’s so excited to meet you.”

“... He?”

Lifting his mighty hand in the air, he thrusted it into the nothingness facing them. Marcy instinctively followed its direction.

“Marcy Wu,” Andrias’ thundering voice resonated throughout the sanctuary, “allow me to introduce you... to my master.”

No sooner had he finished, the whole world started to tremble at Marcy’s knees, throwing her off her balance. A rumbling, mechanical ROAR struck her ears so loud she had to cover them to protect the drums from rupture. Yet despite this sensory assault, she somehow forced her eyes to stay wide open. She needed to face whatever was coming.

Marcy gazed into the abyss.

And the abyss gazed back with all thirteen of its eyes.

Terror. Pure mounting terror overwhelmed every cell of her being. Her pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks. If her mouth stretched any wider, her jaw risked snapping clean off its hinges.

Everything around her faded into black. Andrias, the platform and its glow, the beeping, all vanished into the ether. All now that existed were herself and those colossal demonic eyes plucked from the deepest recesses of her nightmares, their leer burrowing into her very soul.

Marcy wanted to scream until she coughed up her lungs. Moreso, she just wanted to wake up. This was all a dream, it had to be. A lucid dream that had gone on for far too long. She and her friends weren’t in another dimension inhabited by talking frogs, such a notion was a scientific absurdity. She sure as heck wasn’t a ranger in some anthropomorphic newt army.

Any moment now, her wizard kitty alarm would ring and she’d wake up in her soft, cozy bed. Dad would have left for work by now, planting a goodbye kiss on her sleeping forehead as he did every morning since she was little. Mom would be already making her her favorite congee rice and youtiao for breakfast. Then she would begin the process of packing up her room for the big move to Oregon like a good girl.

Yes, she would even happily do that. Anything to bring an end to this ordeal!

Shhhh

Her train of thought screeched to a sudden halt.

Marcy

It’s gonna be okay

And just like that, as if those were the five magic words required, everything was fine again. No more panic, no more existential terror. Her heart rate lowered to a steady, non-life threatening level.

The tide had risen up and washed Marcy’s mind clean.

Like a nice blank canvas.

What quickly followed was an epiphany of sorts.

There was nothing for her to fear. Once she accepted that fact, the warm sensation from before returned greater than ever, engulfing her in what could only be described as a spiritual hug. She could feel the pair of hands, tender as her own mother’s, caressing her face and flicking away her tears. They even ruffled her raven hair in the same playful manner.

Come to me, daughter of Wu

Let me get a good look at you

Marcy obeyed. Getting down on all fours, she crawled across the nonexistent ground—the laws of physics evidently had no place here—until her face and the eyes’ chief pupil were within inches of each other.

Fresh tears, now ones of ecstasy, trickled down her cheeks and evaporated in the pulsating heat.

“You’re beautiful.”

I know

We’ve gotta lot to talk about, Marcy

And I have a feeling...

You and I are gonna become the best of friends

[all-the-love-harold]

Fine Line

Chapter 2 - I don’t want to be alone

December 20th 2019

“Hey Bowie?” Clara said in her high pitched dog voice and watched as Bowie titled his head to listen to her “Do you want to wake up uncle Harry?”

Bowie jumped down off the bed and ran straight to Clara’s bedroom door waiting for her to open it.

“Ok let’s go big dog, go jump on uncle Harry!” she opened the door and let Bowie out to the living room where a very hungover Harry was snoring on the couch. Now the thing that Clara had learnt best about Bowie over the last few days was that he had absolutely no understanding of personal space so as soon as he saw Harry on the couch, he jumped up and Harry groaned as he landed on his belly.

“Noooo” he moaned “Too early”

“It’s 8am Harold” Clara chimed “Time to drive home for christmas”

Christmas was Clara's favorite time of year and as a result she unusually started preparing in october and she had a ready made playlist of christmas songs to play at any given moment. So she pulled her phone from the pocket of her hoodie and pressed play on “I’ll be home for Christmas” and turned it up as loud as she possibly could.

Harry rolled over and squeezed his eyes shut, “ 5 more minutes”

“Big night then?” she said, sitting herself down at the end of the couch where Harry’s legs were tucked up and Bowie crawled over to snuggle up to his new mum.

“Mmmhmm” he sighed “got back at 4 am”

`

“So I guess I’m driving then?”

“You’re amazing” he smiled, without opening his eyes again.

The morning was slow, Clara made Harry some eggs on toast and then found the biggest travel mug she could for his coffee and one that was only slightly smaller for her own. She packed Bowie's bag of toys and training treats and by the time they packed the car, double and triple checked that they had everything including the presents and the ingredients for the pudding that Clara was going to make, it was 10am and Harry was starting to feel a little more alive albeit a little tired.

“There are shops in holmes chapel Ra” Harry said as he shut the boot to the car “if it turns out that we’ve forgotten the custard I will go out and get it”

“Right let’s go then” clara smiled “and you can face Anne when there’s no custard because they’re sold out”

“I’ll make the fucking custard” he laughed as he pulled the door open and hopped in the car.

"Hi Bowie" he chimed as the dog who was sitting on the back seat of the car rested his head on the shoulder of the passenger seat "you're pretty cute little dude"

Clara's heart swelled, she had grown to love Bowie more than anything else and it was nice to see that she wasn't alone.

The journey was slow. Traffic was almost at a standstill on the highway that would take them out of London and into the countryside, but that was to be expected this close to christmas. Clara imagined what it would be like christmas eve and became very thankful that herself and Harry had the kinds of jobs they could take extra time off from.

“I’m dreaming of a white christmas” Harry sang, turning the stereo up as they came to a stand still once again

“Just like the ones I used to know” Clara sang, horribly out of tune

“Where the treetops glisten '' Harry giggled his way through the next few lines as Clara continued to sing out of time and tune.

“It’s a good thing you’re a lawyer” He said when the song ended

“You’re saying I couldn’t make it as a singer?” Clara said, pretending to sound offended

“On no, I think you’d be great” Harry laughed “With a lot of autotune and lip sync”

“I’ve learnt to lip sync your entire album, so I’ll take your next tour off your hands”

“Yeah great” Harry nodded “You do that, I’ll write the next album and you can tour that”

“We make a great team” Clara laughed “Too bad you look like a troll and you can’t tour for yourself”

Harry shrugged “Hey, I’m just keeping you in a job”

Clara laughed “Alright” she said steering the conversation in a more serious direction “Tell me about Shelly”

Harry shrugged and sighed at the same time, running his hands through his hair “there’s not much to say really, unless you want details about all the sex we’ve had”

“Nope” Clara said definitely “There’s got to be more to it than that H, she was at the show last night, I know you, you don’t invite your fuck buddies to things like that”

“She didn’t stay long though, did she?” Harry was blushing mostly because Clara was right, there was more to it than that, he just wasn’t ready to admit it to himself yet.

“No, I think she was gone before the end of the first song”

“Exactly” Harry nodded

“And you’re not just downplaying this because I’m sad and single now?”

“No” he shook his head “you never downplayed your happiness when I was sad and single”

“Fair pont” she said keep her eyes fixed on the road “Just be careful H, I only spoke to her for a minute so take what I say as a grain of salt, but she seemed like the type to collect trophies”

“What do you mean?” he asked

“Well you’re not exactly some unknown, undiscovered musician, gigging around London, sleeping with you gains serious bragging rights, she seems like the type to want them”

“I actually thought the opposite” he pondered, looking out the window and playing with his lips. A habit that he’s picked up over years

Clara’s heart sank, she hated that he couldn’t see what she and Gemma had thought was so obvious “Like I said, grain of salt, and if you’re happy, I’m happy, just be careful”

He smiled “Don’t tell Mum? Yeah”

“I’m not making any promises, Anne knows how to get me talking”

“Well I might just tell Jenny about …… “

“About what Styles? Jenny and I have no secrets”

He sighed “Maybe you should”

“So what kept you out until 4am if Shelly left the show so early?”Clara decided to turn the subject back around to Shelly so that he wouldn’t ask how she was feeling about the break up, because if she was honest, she didn’t know how she was feeling.

“Mostly stupidity” he rubbed his eyes “But I also went back to her place at about midnight”

“So you’re saying you slept on my couch right after you had sex with her?”

“Yep” he nodded

“Did you shower first?”

“Kinda” he smirked

“How do you “kinda”” Clara said using her hands to make air quotes “have a shower”

“Well we had sex in the shower”

Clara laughed “Of course. Oh God” she sighed dropping her head a little without taking her eyes off the road “I miss having a sex life”

“You’ve only been single for like a week” Harry said, trying to make her feel better without saying too much about Will

“Yeah but I haven’t had sex in months, I knew the break up was coming” she said honestly

“Well you certainly weren’t” Harry giggled tentatively

Claral laughed and playfully slapped his knee “Fuck you Styles”

He shrugged “You can if you want”

“Excuse me” Clara had to fight the urge to slam her foot on the breaks and avoid a collision the the motorway

“I’m joking Ra” Harry laughed, although he wasn’t entirely sure that he was. Somewhere in the back of his mind he’d always had the idea that he and Clara would end up together.

“Good” Clara giggled nervously “Because I know where that’s been” she gestured towards his crotch

“And I know where that’s been,” he said, doing the same movements towards her, a smile etched on his face so that she knew he was joking “and it’s looking a bit dusty”

Clara laughed “I won’t take this abuse” she said jokingly “Keep going and I’ll pull over right here and you can walk back to holmes chapel”

Harry reached out and turned the music back up to almost full volume

“It’s beginning to look a lot like christmas” he sang along with michael buble

“Everywhere you go” Clara joined in and that was that for the rest of the trip. They sang as loud as they could and laughed at each other singing out of tune. They made up stories about the cars passing by and spoke about just about anything, relishing in the time they got to spend together, enjoying each other's company because they knew that in just a few weeks, Harry would be off again, and they would be a part for most of the new year. Or so they thought.

***

December 25th, 2019.

It was 6am. It was still dark outside but Clara and Bowie were wide awake. Like little kids on christmas morning, they were excited. Well at least Clara was. Bowie just knew that he’d get some kibble as soon as Clara got out of bed. But Clara had so much to do this morning, she was responsible for christmas lunch this year and she hadn’t even made so much as a dessert. But christmas was here and there was no way that she was going to allow the day to be anything less than festive.

“Right then Bowie,” she yawned “let’s get this show on the road”

The dog lifted his head, looked at Clara as she spoke and flopped back down again when she was done, as if to tell her that it was far too early for an adult to be getting up on Christmas morning. And it was clearly too early for him to be having any breakfast.

Clara laughed and swung her legs out of the bed, “You can stay in bed if you then, but I will be cooking a chicken later, you might want to get up for that”

Bowie groaned and Clara laughed as she put on her dressing gown and walked out of the room. It was a cold morning, but the house was so well heated she would never have guessed that there was frost outside.

The thing about Christmas in Holmes Chapel was that it was full of chosen family. Clara and Harry’s parents had both split up when they were really little, Clara’s when she was four and Harry’s when he was seven and ever since then, their mums had banded together to make sure that christmas was as festive and magical as possible. And Harry and Clara had always wanted to carry on the tradition now that they were all grown up and usually only home for christmas.

Clara walked into the kitchen and switched the kettle on, still feeling a little sleepy, she didn’t turn the light on and walked straight into Harry, who was standing in front of the pantry.

“Morning” he said sounding as if he was still half asleep

“What are you doing up so early?” Clara questioned “And why are you just standing there”

“I just got off the phone with Shelly”

“Oh gross” Clara sighed “well could you move so I can get to the tea”

Harry took an over exaggerated step to the left “It wasn’t that kind of phone call”

“Why else would she be calling you before 6am on christmas day - you want one?” She held up a tea bag.

He nodded “To wish me a Merry Christmas” all of a sudden all of the colour drained from his face and he gulped before he could finish his sentence “and to tell me that she’s pregnant”

Clara paused as she reached for the kettle and looked up at Harry “She’s what now?”

“She’s having my baby” he huffed and threw his hands up in the air

“And how are we feeling about that? Clara stepped lightly, she didn’t want to say anything that might offend him right at this moment in time.

“Confused” he shrugged “I was so careful, I used condoms every time and she told me she was on the pill, I can’t be a dad right now, I’ll be on tour when it’s born”

“Did you tell her that?”

“Yeah” he nodded “she told me to cancel, she wants to keep it” he ran his hands through his hair “I don’t know what to do Ra? Tell me what to do?”

She gestured towards the bar stool that sat at the kitchen bench and put his cup of tea down next to him “do you want a baby?”

He sighed “I mean, yeah, one day, but fuck not right now”

“And more importantly” Clara looked at him sternly “Do you want one with Shelly?”

He took a sip of his tea “No” he said plainly

“Well there’s your answer”

“But she wants to keep it Ra, I can’t just ghost her now and it’s not like I’m not going to love the kid, but it’s just horrible timing”

“I think you need to talk to shelly in person”

“Yeah” he nodded “I do….” he paused “Can you come with me? Might be handy to have a family lawyer right there”

“Might be a bit intimidating right at the beginning H” Clara admitted “I’ll get you through the custody and child support battles if that’s what you want, but you need to sit down with her and get all your feelings out on the table first - and then if she doesn’t cooperate, call me and I’ll go full lawyer on her”

“Lawyer on who?” Anne said, walking into the kitchen wrapping her dressing gown tight around her to keep her body heat in.

“Oh no one” Harry smiled his charming smile “Merry Christmas Mum”

“Oh Merry Christmas my boy” she wrapped her arms around him “It’s so nice to have you home”

His head sank into Anne’s shoulder and suddenly everything didn’t seem so urgent or stressful

“Good to be here mum” he sighed happily

“Now Clara” she said pulling away from Harry “Merry Christmas Dear”

“Merry Christmas Anne” she smiled “Thanks for having us all in your house”

“Oh it’s no trouble, you’re doing most of the work love, I’ve just got spare rooms. Now,” she clapped her hands “How can I help?”

Clara smiled “You can’t, make yourself a cup of tea and relax Anne, you deserve it”

“Relax this year before you have a grandchild to dote on next year” Harry thought to himself before smiling at his mother and handing her a teabag, butterflies filling his stomach, the thought of being a father still sinking in.

“If you insist” Anne shrugged, “I’ll be in the living room if you need anything”

Harry waited until Anne was as far away as possible and then whispered “I think I have to go back to London tomorrow, talk to shelly”

Clara shook her head “No” she said “you need a few days to get your head around it all. Work out what you want and have a clear head when you talk to her”

“Breaking up with someone are we H?” Ben, Clara's brother said walking into the kitchen.

“No” he laughed nervously “One of the PR managers at my label is trying to get me to get caught by the paparazzi while I’m home” This wasn’t a lie. They’d been bugging him about that for a while now, but right now it was the least of his worries.

“Maybe your job isn’t as great as it looks” Ben shrugged “anyway, Merry Christmas” he smiled “What kind of feast are we having Ra?”

“Well you’re having a roast chicken and Harry and Gemma are having a nut roast”

“Sounds delicious, what can I do?”

“Nothing yet” Clara smiled wishing he would go away so she could finish her conversation with Harry “Go sit down and get warm by the fire, I can see the goosebumps on your arms”

Ben nodded and left the room, feeling a little awkward for not helping and Clara turned to Harry.

“You need to get your head around this pretty fast H, because if she’s already saying she’s going to keep it, I can almost guarantee you she won’t be changing her mind. And I know you, you won’t just be a child support dad, so when we get a chance after lunch has happened, we’re going for a walk, and were going to talk this through until you know what you really want from this”

Harry’s face had turned a ghostly white “Ok” he nodded

“And until then” clara smiled “I’m going to distract you, see those carrots over there?”

He nodded again

“Peel them” Clara said “and the boil them in that pot”

“I can do that” he sighed “But then what”

“Well then you can chop the nuts” Clara took a sip of her tea and tried to empty her head of the idea that Harry was going to be a father and work out where the hell she needed to start for this christmas lunch, which she had refused help with.

***

Holmes Chapel was really beautiful in winter. The trees glistened with frost that had never melted from that morning and paths looked like something straight out of a fairy tale. Harry and Clara had managed to escape their families for a little while, using Bowie as the perfect excuse to go for a walk in the cold. It had been almost eight hours since Shelly had told Harry that she’s pregnant but the information had barely sunken in.

“What are your thoughts H?” Clara asked after five minutes of walking in silence

“I don't have any” Harry admitted “I don’t want a baby right now Ra, but I’ve got one and I don’t know what to do”

Clara nodded, “I think the first thing you need to think about is what you want your relationship with Shelly to look like.”

“I don’t know” he said firmly “I really like her but this makes it very serious very fast”

“It does” Clara nodded “But I’m not sure you’re in a position to be picky about that right”

“I guess we’re better off working out that we don’t work together before the baby arrives”

“That’s one way to look at it…” Bowie spotted something and launched himself forward “Bowie” Clara said firmly “with me”

“Or it could work and I’d have a ready made happy family before I thought I would”

“Yeah” Clara sighed, little apprehensively, “This could be great for you”

“What do I do if it’s a disaster”

“You call me” Clara said “and we do everything we legally can to get the custody agreement that suits you”

“I’d want all of it” He admitted

“I know” Clara smiled “But I wanted you to say that, so that you’d realise that this is not such a disaster”

“I hate it when you do that” Harry smiled down at clara

“Do what?” she smirked

“Know what I’m thinking before I’m thinking it”

“Oh that” Clara blushed “I’ve been doing that since we were 5”

He nodded and sighed “I guess I’m going to be a dad next year then”

[slashbitch2]

Chapter Six (Jennifer Barkley x Reader)

Previous Chapter

The entire day, nay week leading up to Jen's arrival was fraught with tension. Time went all too quickly, yet dragged simultaneously. By Friday you were brimming with so much unnecessary energy that your productivity at work was comparable to that of Leslie, who's determination was currently your source of frustration. Had she not been so resolute about giving Jen a 'personal Pawnee tour', than you would've reunited at 5 rather than 9.

Admittedly, it was also your fault for not calling out her lengthy lie, but those extra four hours you had to suffer through were compensation enough.

In an attempt to pass the extra time, you tried to stay at work for longer, but Fridays were your half day and Ron demanded that you go home immediately, lest you do any extra government work. Reluctant to return to an empty house, you'd asked around if anyone wanted to hang out, and were met with a series of rejections.

Except for Ann, who upon being enlightened about the situation, insisted she help you get ready for your date (initially you refuted the title of 'date', but by the second hour of your evening it became tolerated). Her company, though unexpected, was more than welcomed. Having someone to share your excitement with made the increasing tension almost fun.

"Y/N?" Ann waved her hand in your line of vision, catching your attention. "We going in, or just spending the night in the car?"

"Don't tempt me." You muttered, grudgingly dragged out of your thoughts.

In front of you the queue to the The Snakehole Lounge was gradually growing. The sheer amount of people gathered outside was intimidating, so you dreaded to imagine how packed it'd be inside. Staying at home would've been preferable, but it seemed that time alone with Jennifer was not a luxury presently granted to you.

"Come on." Ann nudged you with her elbow. "You've been going on about this all day and now you're going to wuss out?"

You twisted round to face her, illuminated by the flickering multi-coloured lights beaming out the club's windows. She was watching you closely, trying to gauge how you felt based off expression alone. Despite all that was rushing through your mind, you were at a loss for words. How could you even begin to convey what you were currently feeling?

"Stop overthinking it." She said. "There's no way of knowing what'll happen when you see Jennifer again, but only you can change that, so just roll with it."

You paused to consider her suggestion, coming to the conclusion that she was more observant than you gave her credit for.

"You're right." You admitted, grateful that she'd knocked some sense into you. "Thanks." Awkwardly, you leant across the centre console to hug her. You didn't know Ann all too well, but needed some way of showing gratitude for her sensibility.

"This is nice." She relaxed into the embrace, then unwound an arm to glance at her watch. "But we're five minutes late so I'm pretty sure Leslie will be sending out a search party soon."

You chuckled, separating from Ann to glance at the building once more. Jen was somewhere inside waiting for you. She'd voluntarily returned to Pawnee, and to one of its less than fine establishments of all places, just because she wanted to see you again. The very notion had your heart racing.

"I'm ready."

---

The atmosphere of the club was as intense and unruly as expected. By the time you'd adjusted to the blinding lights and deafening music, Ann had already slipped away, replaced by Tom.

"Welcome this evening's esteemed VIP." He thrusted a disturbingly bright neon beverage into your hand. "Drink up."

"What is it?"

"Sweetums Fizz. My go-to drink for when I'm tryna get lucky." He winked. "But if it doesn't work out, feel free to give her my number."

Coming from Tom, that was the closest you would get to his blessings. So, unenthusiastically you took a sip of the dreadfully sweet drink , screwing up your face as you forced it down. Trying your best not to grimace at the taste, you smiled at him in thanks before he dispersed into the mass of people.

Next to approach was Leslie, who engulfed you in a crushing hug while spewing unintelligible nonsense about her trip. Usually her overly affectionate manner was too much, but this time you pulled her closer. If all went well tonight than you would be forever indebted to her.

Removing yourself from her grip, you interrupted her endless talk. "As much as I'd love to hear about Washington," You yelled over the obnoxiously loud music playing. "I can't hear a word your saying."

"Right." She nodded. "Wrong time, wrong place." There was a pause as the both of you were happy enjoying each others company. Since Jen's exit, Leslie had been so supportive and you'd missed her while she'd been gone.

Although, now wasn't the time for acknowledgements. "Have you seen Jen anywhere?"

"Oh, yeah." Leslie swivelled around and gestured in a general direction. "I think she said something about staying near the fire escape. Said this entire building was probably a hazard."

"That sounds like her." You grinned, spotting the green glowing fire exit sign. "Wish me luck."

"You don't need it." She patted your back, smiling reassuringly as you shuffled past.

Navigating through the crowd while keeping an eye on your target was a challenge. Several people bumped into you, their drink nearly spilling as they pushed past without an apology. However, nothing else mattered as you drew closer to the sign. Nothing else mattered except finding Jen.

Only she wasn't there.

As you struggled through the final row of people, you were met with yet another group of strangers. You sighed, absentmindedly swirling your glass as you resigned to return to Leslie. You then raised it to drink while turning round, though the necessary libation never reached your lips as you collided with someone.

The casualty gasped, stepping back as the cocktail spilled down the front of their dress.

"Shit." You froze, surveying the damage. "I'm so sorry-" You finally glanced up to face the woman and apologise again, but halted upon realisation.

Of course it was Jennifer. You just couldn't catch a break.

"I was going to surprise you, but looks like you got there first." She joked, scanning the vicinity for any kind of napkin. You joined the search, eventually spotting a couple abandoned on a table.

"Again, I am so sorry." You repeated, watching as she scrubbed at the stain. The attempt was futile as it didn't take long for the paper to be completely soaked through, and with little improvement to her dress. "Come on." You grabbed hold of her hand as she discarded the napkins, eager to try and improve this disaster of an event.

You maneuverer through the club with much difficulty while dragging Jennifer, who had an iron grip on your hand. Invigorated by the embarrassment, you arrived at the bathroom a mere minute later, all but shoving her inside one of the cubicles. Under the blaringly bright lighting you could assess the damage in greater detail.

"You know what?" She casually leant against the wall, waving her finger around. "I'm having some serious Deja-vu right now." You looked at her questioningly, pleased to see she didn't look too upset with the state of her dress. "Us together in a public restroom, you staring at my chest..."

You scoffed, reaching past her to grab the toilet paper. "Don't flatter yourself." You wrapped several layers around your hand, creating a makeshift towel. "Completely different circumstances."

"Same outcome though?" She raised an eyebrow suggestively, taking the bundle of paper from you.

"We'll just have to wait and see."

"I think you owe me." She scrunched up her face. "Or is throwing your drink over someone a traditional Pawnee welcome? Because that would explain the mess back there. Pretty sure every surface was sticky."

"Maybe you should wear one of those plastic ponchos next time." You muttered, nervously fidgeting with your hands.

The familiar anxiety from earlier seemed to have reappeared, you were unable to drag your eyes away from where they were fixated . Under the sobering bathroom light, everything had suddenly become very real. It had been years since you'd pursued any kind of serious relationship, and Jen was hardly the easiest person to start with. You tried to think about what Ann would say if she were here.

Probably something astute like "All the best things in life are worth fighting for." Too cheesy.

It'd be more "Nothing good comes out of running away from what you want, even if it's hard." Not inspirational enough.

Possibly "With great effort comes great gain." Nope. You'd definitely plagiarised that one from somewhere.

Maybe she'd-

"Y/N?" Jen ducked into your line of vision, bringing you back to reality. "Lost you there for a second." She smiled cautiously, resting a hand against your arm as if tethering you to the present.

"Sorry. I was thinking about something a friend said." You admitted sheepishly, placing your hand atop of hers. "Or would say if she were here."

"Oh yeah?" She carelessly threw the wad of paper behind, her full attention now on you. "And what would she say?"

You'd finally settled on what Ann would suggest. She'd say "Kiss her, idiot."

And you did.

[atruththatyoudeny]

Monthly Reads | October 2020

Happy 28th! I probably sound like a broken record already but I have to say it again: this fandom has an insane amount of talented writers! I am in awe! Every single one of you is my hero! ♥♥♥ Here are all the 23 fics I read and loved this month:

✧ Welcome to The Rivalry | 2tiedships2 | a/b/o - strangers to lovers - enemies to lovers - rivalry - college - 19k “Welcome home!” Niall yelled, clapping his hands in excitement. “Isn’t it great?” Louis looked between Niall and the house, unsure how to respond. “I don’t understand,” Louis finally managed to say. “Aren’t we a little old to be living so close to campus?” Niall scoffed. “You’re only twenty-four for fuck’s sake. There is still plenty of partying left for us to do. What better place than one street over from where a car was set on fire after the Michigan game last year?” “Is there proof of that? Did the car have Michigan plates or something? Is there a photo I can send in a DM to Wolfie?” As if on cue, a Twitter notification popped up on Louis’ Apple watch. He had tweeted again. Or a reverse You’ve Got Mail au inspired by the Ohio State/Michigan rivalry. Featuring duplex neighbors, (kind of) enemies to lovers, and an anonymous Twitter feud between omega Louis and alpha Harry.

✧ Back to Seventeen | crimsontheory | teacher - soccer coach - 26k As a first grade teacher in a small town in Illinois, Harry’s life is pretty simple. He loves his job, is close with his family, and has a best friend he would go to the ends of the earth for. When a new soccer coach starts at the local high school, things start to get a bit more exciting for Harry. Because that coach just happens to be Louis Tomlinson; the guy Harry was unrequitedly in love with in high school. Or the one where Louis moves back to his hometown and Harry realizes he’s still not over his high school crush.

✧ Sigh for Sigh | logogram | historical - a/b/o - regency - miscommunication - pining - marriage of convenience - 11k When his father's sudden illness forces Harry to get married in a hurry, he's delighted that Lord Louis Tomlinson is the one who makes him an offer. Being married to Louis is just as wonderful as he imagined, except for one thing-- they haven't mated yet. Or the one where they're both idiots, Harry's afraid to say what he's thinking, and Louis's just trying to be honorable.

✧ We Can Find a Place to Feel Good | yeah_alright | 1960s - High School - school dances - 8k 14-year-old Harry is ecstatic to finally be old enough to experience the time-honored tradition of school dances. But with each year that passes and each dance he attends, he’s realizing they’re not all he used to hope they’d be. Especially when he can't actually dance with the person he most wants to. Maybe he and Louis can figure out their own ways to keep dancing, anyway.

✧ At Risk, I Fold | clare328 | canon compliant - established relationship - angst - emotional hurt/comfort - miscommunication - anxiety - implied/referenced alcohol abuse - 15k 2015 is a stream of hotel rooms and whisky on the rocks, tired glances and touching hands under tables. It’s the bears and the bees under a rainbow sky, and Harry and Louis have to figure out how to grow up together, instead of apart.

✧ Carry These Feelings | LadyLondonderry | fae Á faires - established relationship - magic - 3k Harry is one of the fae, and has to return to Court once a year to please the Queen. He makes a detour on his way home to Louis. Two weeks and I'll be home.

✧ Hung Up High in the Gallery | lovelarry10 | friends to lovers - slow burn - pining - 14k "Louis, lay still!” Louis sighed loudly, and Harry watched his chest puff out as he inhaled deeply, the breath he let out loudly making Harry’s curls shift. “I am, stop being so fussy. Can I see yet?” “Nope,” Harry remarked, smiling to himself. “I’m doing your chest next. Shit, this is going to look so good, Lou. Your tan and these colours… why haven’t we done this before?” “Because we haven’t been this drunk in a while, and it never occurred to me until tonight?” ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ When Harry’s best friend, Louis, comes to support him at his art show, he decides they need to do some celebrating afterwards. How fast do the lines between friends and lovers get blurred ... or better, get painted?

✧ Love you in the dark | Perzikje | historical - wedding night - arranged marriage - dubious consent - 10k The story of a historical wedding night: in which Louis is quite unaware as to just how clueless his brand new husband is about sex. They try their best to figure it out together.

✧ Victorian Boy | audreyhheart | historical - victorian - royalty - enemies to friends to lovers - slow burn - angst - murder mystery - 101k Victorian AU. Harry the virgin Duke of Somerset knows little of love, while Louis the sly Duke of Warwick knows too much. When the two dukes come together for the Bilsdale fox hunt in York, Harry finds himself drawn into Louis' bed. But when secrets from Louis' dark past come to light, Harry fears that the fox isn't the only one being hunted.

✧ the anticipation of knowing you | sweetrevenge | strangers to lovers - neighbors - light angst - 13k Hello Neighbor! Just wanted to let you know that you were having sex so loud and scarily I called our building manager and security officer because I thought you were hurt. P.S. I sent them away when I heard you yell ‘cock’. I’m sorry that I heard that, but I wanted you to know in case they stopped by to check on you or something. Sorry! Your neighbor Louis Tomlinson in apartment #306 After Louis overhears his next door neighbor having sex, he doesn’t really expect anything but awkward hallway encounters to come from it. Instead, he’s surprised to find himself in a whirlwind pen pal relationship with the sweet, albeit loud, baker next door.

✧ We'll Be All Right | dandelionfairies | married couple - accridents - 13k Harry is performing his one night only show in LA but there are four very important people missing.

✧ The Last Song of Your Life | reminiscingintherain | famous/not famous - Rays of Sunhsine - homophobia - 21k As Harry glanced around at all of the faces, he froze as a very familiar pair of blue eyes leapt out at him. A pair of eyes that he hadn’t seen since before the One Direction bomb exploded. A pair of eyes that he never expected to see again. ~~~~ or the famous/not famous AU, with first love, miscommunication, interfering bandmates, and adorable little sisters.

✧ Her | jaerie | a/b/o - trans character - transitioning - dysphoria - anxiety - quarantine - 7k The buttery swipe of a high quality lipstick was almost a sexual experience in and of itself. This time a deep colour with purple undertones which drew out the emphasis of long, dark lashes and perfectly contoured cheekbones. It was a look for loose and styled curls, feeling the classy formal nightclub vibes reflected back from the mirror. The silky plum coloured slip dress would be perfect to debut. The tags still needed to be cut free from the new garment that hung in the closet, but tonight was the night to set it free. When Harry gets home, she can finally be who she wants to be. Letting someone else in always feels like a distant daydream to her... until it suddently isn't.

✧ Loving You's the Antidote | lululawrence | Stylinshaw - a/b/o - touch deprivation - hospitalization - soulmates - polyamory - anxiety - friends to lovers - no smut - 11k Nick and Harry had never been an obvious match. When eighteen-year-old Harry, newly presented as an omega, came home freshly bonded to Nick, a man nine years his elder and a beta no less, Anne had been more than skeptical and Eileen had shared some harsh words of her own. That didn’t deter them, though, and their families soon realised there really was something special about the bondmates that allowed them to work together almost seamlessly. It was only a few months later that Harry started getting sick. Or the one where Harry and Nick have been able to keep Harry's disorder at bay over the course of their relationship, but when they move to London and away from their support system, they find themselves in desperate need of help.

✧ Like A Neon Sign | reminiscingintherain | canon compliant - mentions of death - fluff - 8k Harry had always been perfect to Louis, through every age, through every stage, and in all the important ways, he was proud to have been able to witness the growth that Harry had experienced first-hand.

✧ We Had Everything | lightswoodmagic (sarah_writes) | exes to lovers - getting back together - famous/not famous - 3k “You know Harry’s coming, yeah?” Louis’ fingers twitched, faltering where he was straightening the knot in his tie as he tried to ignore the false nonchalance in Zayn’s voice. He had no idea how he missed the name on the invite list, how he skipped over the initials on the small gifts, didn’t notice the elegant swirl of Harry’s name inked onto an emerald green place card. Or, Louis and Harry fell apart, and Louis' never forgiven himself. He gets a second chance at Zayn and Liam's wedding.

✧ True To Your Heart | reminiscingintherain | Mulan AU - a/b/o - 13k The world was at war with itself. In the small country of Enilenif, in a tiny, often overlooked corner of the world, young Alphas were quickly signing up to fight, desperate to protect their Omegas and their country as Aidem began to attack their borders. A few defiant Omegas tried to enlist as well, but were firmly turned away with disapproving looks by the staff in the office. Harry Styles was one such Omega, sighing heavily as he kicked at a small stone on his walk home.

✧ What the Water Gave Me | larryatendoftheday | fantasy - mermaids - long distance relationship - 29k When a mermaid crawls out of the sea to listen to Harry sing, it changes everything.

✧ it’s hard for me to go home | localopa | angst - breakup - getting back together - 5k don’t call me baby again

✧ The Prince and the Thief | jaerie | Fairy Tale - a/b/o - strangers to lovers - violence - kidnapping - threats of rape/non-con - 19k Harry is an omega prince locked in a tower and Louis is the thief sent to kidnap him. Nothing turns out as planned.

✧ Up On The Shore | wordsnnotes | Eroda AU - magic - epistolary - friends to lovers - childhood friends - emotional/psychological abuse - angst - long-distance relationship - domestic violence - 34k Magic has been outlawed on Eroda ever since President Cowell came into power, and all the magic people had to go live on the island of Stonell. Things are not looking good for Harry when he finds out he's a magician and his abilities seem more and more out of control. Thankfully, his best friend Niall's mother has the idea to put him in touch with Louis, a magician boy living on Stonell. They begin a secret correspondence and drama ensues. Or: Louis hides his feelings under sarcasm, Harry is too sweet for his own sake, everyone is a rebel, the mums are amazing, Harry's dad is a jerk, and I'm struggling to make it understandable without using normal narration.

✧ this town's just an ocean now | louistomlinsons | exes to lovers - friends to lovers - summer romance - miscommunication - childhood friends - light angst - fluff - 31k “I have really great friends. Do you remember Louis? You guys were always hanging out when you were growing up.” Harry remembers Louis. Harry remembers Louis. Suddenly, his throat feels way too dry, despite the ice cream he keeps licking at. He chokes a little on a chocolate chip before saying, “I, uh. I remember Louis.” Her face brightens. “We have dinner every Sunday. He owns the house now. His parents moved further north, and he wanted to stay here, so they just gave it over. Now if you want to worry about someone being lonely, that’s who I worry about.” inspired by watermelon sugar, featuring picnics on the beach and boys being dumb

✧ I Am the Blinking Light | dearmrsawyer | ghosts - shipwreck - 19k There is a legend of a lighthouse far out to sea. It can’t be found on any map, and those who do find it never return. They say a ghost haunts the lighthouse, and you can hear it calling out in loneliness on the ocean waves.

[wouldpollyapprove]

This Is Not A Date

Summary:  Y/n thought she had an easy job being Thomas Shelby’s secretary. Take calls, write checks, book appointments. It was simple. She never once thought that it would involve having to go to a business meeting with him. But it turns out this meeting was not they type of meeting she had in mind.

Requested: Can you write something with Thomas Shelby with the prompts “It’s because I’m so attractive, isn’t it?” “I say this. And I cannot stress this enough. I find you completely repulsive.” “So, it’s a date?” “Nope. Not a date.” Thank you in advance x

Requested by Anonymous

Thomas Shelby x Reader

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: Language, alcohol

A/N: I’ve been trying to figure out how to write this for ages and I’m so glad it’s finally done. It’s not as long as I wish it was but I still like how it turned out. I will be adding prompts to my prompts list later tonight as requests are open. If you have any prompt suggestions, I would love to hear them b/c I’m having the hardest time finding ones I like.

Masterlist

Part Two

“There’s your date.” Tommy pointed to a man on the other side of the glass. Y/n’s whole face dropped at his words. That was not what she was expecting. “You only have to see him once, so make it worth his wild.” He patted you on the back before nudging you towards the door. “Go on.”

Sadness and anger washed over her as she straightened her dress; this was not how she pictured her evening. Opening the door, a bright smile covered her face, a facade she wasn’t sure she could keep up with. The man Tommy had pointed to stood from his chair and greeted her, Y/n didn’t care to learn his name. Taking a seat, she did her best to make the man think she cared.

It was hard to sit there, though, when the man she thought she was going on a date with was walking down the street. Y/n had been excited when Tommy asked her, going to the shop to buy a new dress. She’s liked the man for ages, but never thought he would return the favor. She jumped at the offer and couldn’t help but let the butterflies take over. All she could think about for the days leading up to it was what she was going to say and how she was going to do her hair.

And then he left her at the fucking door to entertain some fucker.

Y/n knew Tommy worked in mysterious ways and he never cared much about what people thought of him, but how could he do something like this? Was this leading her on? She didn’t know, it felt like it. It was something people would laugh about if they heard what he’d done. He would be praised, giving smiles and pats on the back if she didn’t bitch about the position he put her in. Y/n, on the other hand, would earn laughs from the men and pitiful smiles from the women.

Sipping on a glass of wine, Y/n starred off into space, nodding when needed and giving small answers for each question. God, how she wanted to cry? What a fool she was for even coming!

“You’re staring,” he stated with a full mouth. Y/n hadn’t even noticed their food had arrived, not like she was going to eat any of it.

She shrugged, “That happens.”

A cocky smile was flashed at her. “It’s because I’m so attractive, isn’t it?”

She rolled her eyes, men always thought so highly of themselves. If Tommy were sitting across from her, he wouldn’t ask such a question. Perhaps he’d tease her a little, but he’d want to get to know her, not just listen to his own voice.  “I say this. And I cannot stress this enough. I find you completely repulsive.”

He laughed, scrapping his fork around his plate. It was all a joke to him, her words nothing but something to laugh at. No woman could ever truly feel that way about him. 

The night dragged on, every second feeling like hours. Y/n couldn’t find the words to express how miserable she was. Her food sat completely cot and intact by the time the date was coming to an end.

“I am going to the derby this weekend, you should join me,” He mentioned before standing from the table. She nodded, not really listening to what was being said but it caused him to smile. “So, it’s a date?”

“Nope. Not a date.” Y/n stood from the table and bid the man goodbye before scurrying out of the restaurant. Any second longer spent next to him and she was sure she would say something she’d regret. 

The walk home felt slow as she took in her surroundings. If only she had been told ahead of time what she was getting into. Then she wouldn’t have spent money on a new dress or let the idea consume her. 

Now, she just looked like a fool.

*~~*~~*

The days after the date, Y/n spent her time doing one of three things. 1) Crying int he bathtub,  clutching a bottle of cheap wine. 2) Going out of her way to avoid Thomas Shelby or even the mention of him. 3) Complaining to her grandmother of what shit men were. It was always those three, nothing more.

After a day or two, it seemed that Tommy didn’t even care about her absence. Of course, he didn’t. Y/n had put more thought into him then he had ever put into her and it showed. Even though she wanted him to ask where she was, to go searching for her, she was quite sure if she wanted to see him. She was sure that if he stood in front of her she would slap him, hit him, call him every name in the fucking book. It wouldn’t do anything, though. He would just look at her like he looked at the world, blank and unamused.

“You should come to the bakery with me, love,” her grandmother called as she walked through the parlor to answer the door. From the kitchen, Y/n shrugged. It wasn’t like she would have much of a choice on the matter, she would be dragged there whether she liked it or not.

Her grandmother, Mary Ann, wiped her hands on the front of her apron before opening the door. No one was expected to come by the house and the face her eyes locked on was definitely not expected nor wanted. “Mr. Shelby,” she said, her voice polite but tipping on the edge of anger.

“Is Y/n here?” Tommy asked, for once his face showed concern, wrinkles pulling his forehead up. Mary Ann huffed and rolled her eyes. “Please, just tell me where she is.”

“She’s here, but why should I let you see her.”

That was a good question. After Polly had ripped him a new one after she found out what he’d done, Tommy wasn’t sure if he deserved to be in her life. He was too consumed in his business to see that Y/n cared about him as more than just a friend. He was too busy caring about only himself to see all the times she had put him first. And his aunt made sure he felt like utter shit for what he had put the girl through and what he had failed to notice.

Before the mobster could think of an answer, Y/n appeared behind her grandmother. She stood there for a second, blood draining from her face, unsure if she was going to cry or not. But there appeared to be no tears left to shed as she shooed her grandmother away from the door. “It’s alright. Really.” Hesitantly, the older woman stepped away from the door and went back to the kitchen. “What do you want, Tommy?”

“You’ve been calling in sick to work, I wanted to make sure you were alright,” he confessed, his blue eyes piercing into hers.

She scoffed, “Oh, yeah, I’m fine,” she said sarcastically. “Just need a few days to digest how well my date went the other day.”

The man let out a sigh. “I realize now that wasn’t what you were expecting and I should have told you. “What can I do to make it up to you?”

“You could apologize or are you allergic to those?” she sneered. She wanted nothing from him, not anymore. Not if all she was was a pawn in his game. 

“Y/n-”

Y/n held up a hand, silencing him. “Don’t even, it won’t be genuine. It will take a long time to earn my forgiveness,” she told him. “A long time. And don’t think I’ll get over this in a week.” 

The door shut in Tommy’s face, rattling the house. He deserved that. Of all the things he deserved, that was most certainly one of them. He fucked up, something that wasn’t unusual, but he could have prevented it. This could have all been avoided if he hadn’t been such an idiot. Now, he had to earn back Y/n, trust, respect, and love. She wouldn’t make it easy, but he knew he couldn’t let her slip right through his fingers.

*~~*~~*

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[thepancakeboi]

124. “You seem like a friendly face, mind if I sit with you?”

When I had walked into one of the many cafes in Shibuya for lunch, I had not expected the visit to be anything noteworthy. I was going to get something quick to eat and leave just as quickly. That is until I looked around the place. It’s never been a very crowded cafe, even at its busiest. It’s one of the hidden little gems Ann had shown me a few months ago that I’ve started frequenting somewhat regularly. But, at one of the tables closest to me, I see Ann herself sitting with someone. The other person, probably a friend of Ann’s, is unfamiliar to me. I decide to approach them, greeting them as I say, “Hello, Ann.”

Ann’s face lights up as she replies, “Oh, hey Goro!”

It’s days like these when I’m glad I have her as a friend. She was the first of Ren’s friends to accept me for who I am. Once she found out that I did, in fact, have a sweet tooth despite saying otherwise, she constantly dragged me with her to have whatever dessert she fancied that day. I’ve grown to genuinely enjoy her company. Even if I already know the answer, I ask, “What are you doing here?”

“We’re gonna get some cake! Can you believe she hasn’t had the cake here? If I had known you weren’t busy, I would’ve asked you to come too!”

“That’s all right.” I turn my head to look at the person Ann’s with. She has short black hair that fluffs out a bit. The rest of her face is obscured, her head turned as if to avoid making eye contact with me. Compared to Ann’s vibrant outfit, this girl’s is much more subdued. Even so, her long-sleeved gray top that exposes her shoulders and the black skirt seem to suit her, for some reason. I wonder why I haven’t met this girl until now. I look back to Ann as I remark, “I don’t think you’ve introduced me to your friend. What’s her name?”

“Ah! The name. Um...it’s Akira! Akira Kurusu.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet, Kurusu-san. You seem like a friendly face, mind if I sit with you?” The girl only shakes her head in response, not even looking up at me. Her reticent attitude gives me pause. I didn’t mean to offend her. “My apologies. Did I say something wrong?”

“No no! Sit down,” Ann says reassuringly. I sit down in a chair between the two girls as Ann stammers, trying to explain Akira’s behavior. “Uh, it’s just...that...she...she’s a huge fan of yours! Yeah. And we didn’t think we’d be seeing you.” She laughs awkwardly as she finishes, twirling a lock of hair in her fingers.

“Oh? I’m honored,” I reply, pulling out my typical TV-perfect smile that’s as fake as the personality it belongs to. Even if Ann knows that I’m very much unlike my detective prince facade, Akira likely doesn’t know that. I figure it’s best to keep up that pretense around her. “Most people seemed to forget my name after the Phantom Thieves incident ended. So, how do you two know each other?”

“I, uh, met her at one of my photoshoots! She’s wanted to be a model for a loooong time.”

“A model? I’m certain you’ll do well in the industry. You have the looks befitting a model.” Akira still doesn’t look at me, her gaze glued to her hands in her lap. Her nails are painted black, and I think I can see her blushing? Or perhaps it’s makeup. Either is possible, all things considered. She is rather flat-chested for a model, but there is nothing wrong with th-okay, why am I even noticing this? I really hope she didn’t catch me looking. After a few seconds of silence, I turn to Ann, who didn’t seem to notice my earlier gaze. My voice is hushed as I gently ask, “Are you sure she’s okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. She’s really shy at first.” Ann doesn’t seem too surprised at her friend’s behavior. Maybe it’s normal for Akira. Ann seems to remember something as she quickly adds, “But she does talk about you a lot!”

“Is that so?”

“Mhmm! I don’t think she’d be able to stop talking about you. She goes on and on about how great you are.”

The laugh I give, while mostly fake, is a somewhat genuine one. “Surely, you exaggerate.”

“Nope. We went to get crepes, and once she found out you were my friend, she talked about you the whole time.”

“I see. Well, a friend of Ann’s is a friend of mine,” I say, looking over at Akira. She’s still staring at her hands as she fiddles nervously with the chain attached to her skirt. Hold on, why am I still noticing these little details? That thought gets shoved aside. Right now, I need to find out what exactly is making Akira act so quiet around me. Is she perhaps intimidated due to my former popularity? If that’s what the problem is, I need to try and get her to open up to me somehow, get her to see that I’m not as unapproachable as she thinks. Well, not unapproachable due to being the detective prince, that is. I doubt someone like her would be comfortable around my true self. “It’s all right. You don’t have to be shy around me. You and Ann are probably much more popular than me.”

“Oh, don’t say that! You’re the second detective prince. Even she knew about you after being in Tokyo for only a couple of months.”

“You’re not from here?” Akira shakes her head, starting to play with the chain hanging off her black choker. I can’t see much of her face, but I think I see a smile starting to form. At least she seems to be more at ease, even if she hasn’t said a word thus far. “Are you enjoying Tokyo so far?” A nod this time. “How long have you lived here? Or are you just visiting?”

“She’s been here for about two years now,” Ann says for Akira. “Likes it so much better than home.”

“In that case, perhaps I know the area where you’re living? I’ve been to a lot of places in Tokyo.” As I finish my comment, Akira’s chest starts to heave. Is she...laughing? What a strange girl. It’s clear she’s trying to hold her laughter in as if she doesn’t want anyone to hear it. I don’t understand. What’s so funny about what I just said? “Kurusu-san? Are you all right?”

Akira finally looks up at me with brilliant gray eyes accentuated by a lot of makeup: eyeliner, pink eyeshadow, and even a little black heart under her left eye. Her gaze is sharp, and it feels like she’s staring right into my soul. It almost reminds me of- Wait a minute. I get a closer look at the person sitting next to me. I recognize those eyes. My own eyes narrow instantly as I drop the detective prince act entirely.

“You.”

“Akira” gives me a lopsided smile, their identity finally revealed to me. I know exactly who this person is. “Hi, Akeppi~” the “girl” who is none other than my boyfriend, Ren Amamiya, says before quickly kissing me. His lips, I notice, are covered with lipstick, and the blush I had noticed earlier was indeed a lot of makeup. Now that I know exactly who this is, I understand why I was so drawn to the mysterious person next to me. I allow myself to notice that he’s wearing black thigh highs over fishnet tights. Well, I suppose this being Ren explains the flat-chestedness observation from earlier. “Are you enjoying yourself, staring at me?”

My eyes dart up upon hearing his question, seeing the devious look in his eyes. Damn it, did he notice earlier then...? I groan, “Shut up. Just...explain. Now.”

“We didn’t mean to trick you!” Ann says, trying not to giggle now that the charade is done. “I just wanted to see if Ren could pass off as a girl, and he let me dress him up.”

“It must’ve worked if even Akeppi didn’t notice,” Ren says as he scoots his chair closer so that he can hug me. So much for that reserved personality from before. “You should’ve seen the look on your face when you realized it was me.”

“You are a menace,” I snap, trying to pry his arms off of me with no success.

“Yup! But I’m your menace.”

“Damn you both.”

Ann and Ren both laugh at that. I wouldn’t be surprised if they had been trying to hold it in during the entire conversation. How they made it so long without laughing, I have no idea. Despite how annoyed I am that I fell for their spur-of-the-moment prank, I can’t help but join in, chuckling under my breath. Their laughter is infectious. Well, at least they’re enjoying themselves.

“This was fun, Ann,” Ren comments after he’s had his fill of laughing at my expense. “We should do this again.”

“For sure!” she replies. “We could try another style and see how it looks.”

“Wait, I have an idea. You should do Akeppi next time,” Ren suggests, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Oh, that would be amazing!” Ann immediately looks at me, her excitement at the prospect all too obvious. “Can I? Please?”

“Not a chance,” I snap, refusing to entertain this latest scheme of theirs. “Ren may have agreed to it, but I’m not Ren.”

“Come on, please?” Ann looks at me, doe-eyed, pleading with me to allow her request. “At least let me do your hair and paint your nails.”

“Fine,” I groan. I can put up with that much, I suppose. They both grin simultaneously, sharing a quick glance. Something tells me I should be concerned about what they’re plotting, but I can deal with that later. “So, are you both actually planning on having cake, or was that as much a lie as Ren being a girl named Akira Kurusu?”

“Oh, yeah! That was true. Do you want some too, Goro?”

“I don’t think I’ll have much of a choice, considering someone probably won’t let go of me.” I pointedly look at Ren as I say this, who is still hugging me, might I add.

“No~” he hums as he tightens his hold, confirming that much for me.

“Well, in that case, I suppose I’ll have some cake. If it’s as delicious as it was last time, then I look forward to it.”

We talk for a while longer while eating cake, Ann having more than enough pieces for the both of us. How she can eat so many sweets with no problem, I have no idea. Eventually, we part ways with Ann, Ren holding onto me the entire way home like a cute, clingy girlfriend head-over-heels in love with me. That is a mental image I never thought I would apply to my own life. I can’t help but affectionately ruffle Ren’s hair, the action earning me a jubilant grin. I truly am blessed to have both Ren and Ann in my life.

Prompt source

[crowdedimagines]

BFB - Harry Styles

best friends brother an// y’all don’t care but pretend holmes chapel has a big airport lol. 2.6k

“How long are we planning to keep this from her?” Harry asks, tracing his fingers lightly over my bare shoulder. I lean against him, pulling the covers a little higher as the air is cold on bare skin. It’s a question we’ve been struggling with the answer for a long time now.

“I don’t know. You know that Gemma would absolutely freak out if she found out about us.”

Harry and I have been dating for about eight months now. It’s been bliss, better than I could even imagine, other than one thing. We’ve been hiding it from his sister and my best friend. I’ve never kept anything from her before, nothing like this and it’s killing both Harry and I.

“She’s going to hate me.” I whisper, thinking of how angry I’m sure her reaction will be, “I can’t lose either of you.”

“Gem could never hate you, you’re her best friend.” Harry presses a kiss to my temple, “You won’t lose me ever.”

Gemma and I met a few years ago and became fast friends. We bonded over similar personalities and being in need of a loyal friend. She brought me to meet her family one random weekend because her brother was finally home. The whole drive there she talked about how friends in the past have tried to hit on him, or they only get close to her with the prospect of meeting Harry Styles. She made me promise to stay away.

I reassured her over and over that I wasn’t interested in the man that I had never met, I mean sure I would have to live under a rock to have not heard of him. We met that same day for dinner. Both Harry and Anne excited to meet the best friend Gemma was always hanging out with.

I was never expecting to make such a connection to Harry. I wish more than anything that I didn’t know how she felt about Harry because I would’ve asked for his number that night. She caught on to us right away.

After eating we all settled in the living room to continue talking. I should’ve known that getting along with Gemma so well it would apply to the whole family as well. Anne is a sweetheart, making me already feel so welcome in her home.

“I see what the two of you are doing.” Gemma states as soon as Anne goes back into the kitchen.

“What?” I ask turning away from Harry who had been talking.

“Harry, you’re flirting with her, you’ve been eyeing her up since she walked in the door!!”

I grow quiet, unsure of what I could even say to that.

“Gem-” Harry starts.

“I don’t care. Y/n is my friend, you’re not ruining this for me. You two aren’t happening.” Gemma sits a little straighter.

“Sure, the two of you could maybe date a few times, fuck, whatever, but at the end of the day, I still want my best friend. I don’t want to have to separate you after Harry doesn’t call or Y/n doesn’t like the fame. It’s never gonna happen.” Gemma finishes right as Anne comes back with a plate of treats. We all drop the subject and put on smiles, not wanting Anne so suspect anything. Harry and I are silent, still digesting what Gemma just dropped on us.

After that day I shut down even the idea of being with Harry for two years. It didn’t matter that I had never felt that connection with anyone before, Gemma was my best friend. At least it didn’t matter until my job relocated me to Los Angeles.

It was a hard decision to move, but it was a promotion after all so I made the decision to return to the states. Gemma helped me pack up all my things, then I flew across the world for Harry to help me unpack. He was glad to have another friend in Los Angeles. He’s taken up residence in Malibu while working on a new album.

We hung out more and more, Harry happy to have a reason to get out of the studio for a little while and I was just happy to have someone to hang out with that I didn’t work with.

One day however it changed, I drove out to his house for a movie night and one thing led to another. We didn’t let our shared person hold us back for once, and once we did it was impossible to go back to being just friends, but we didn’t want to.

After that we started dating, sneaking and hiding from paparazzi, hiding more importantly from Gemma. We were our own little secret. Harry’s band were the only ones privy to the information. It was hard for them to not figure it out anyway once Harry came in the next day, happier than they had ever seen him. He finished his album and released it, now he finally has some time off before tour starts next year.

“Alright, so you’re coming home for Christmas?” Gemma asks, cheering into the phone.

“Yeah, I’ll be coming home for Christmas.”

Harry looks up and smiles, he loves the fact that I’ll be flying back with him and spending the holiday with his family.

“Thank god, I haven’t seen you in so long! I need my best friend. Do you at least love it there? Otherwise you can totally move back.”

“I miss you too, and yes I love it here. You might have to just move out here instead. I’m out here, your brother’s out here. If you did then we could definitely convince Anne do make the move too.”

Harry smiles once again, I can tell he’s not focused on the book in his hands, rather he’s focused on my conversation.

“I don’t know, I don’t think I’m much of a L.A girl. Do you ever see Harry?”

Her question catches me off guard, Harry too when his head snaps up to look at me.

“From time to time.” I answer.

“Well if you see him before you’re back for Christmas, tell him I say hi.” She laughs.

“I will. We actually booked the same flight so we’ll be flying in together.”

I swallow, hoping that she’s not picked up on anything.

“That’s lovely! It’s a long flight, plus that means only one trip to the airport.”

“Yep, it’ll be good.” I smile, “I’ll see you in a few days, love you.”

“Love ya!”

I hang up the phone and let out a sigh. I throw my back down against the mattress, successfully knocking into Harry’s legs.

“This is killing me.” I groan.

“Only a few more days and then we can tell her.” Harry reminds.

“I know I know, I’m just so nervous. I have a bad feeling.”

“At least we know that my mum will have a good reaction!” Harry crawls down to the end of the bed.

“Yeah?” I turn to face him.

“I’m sure she’ll be thrilled. She’s loved you almost as long as I have.”

“Shut up.” I roll my eyes, I pull lightly on his shoulder so he falls on top of me, “You’re so cheesy.”

“Don’t act like that’s not one of your favorite things about me.”

Only a few days later we pack up a suitcase and board a plane to go all the way to Holmes Chapel. By the time we land, it’s technically Christmas Eve.

“Ahh!” Gemma screams, running towards us as we leave our gate.

She rushes forward to pull us each in for a hug.

“You’re both here!” She smiles.

We walk to Gemma’s car, it’s a short drive to Anne’s house. Harry takes the backseat and lets me sit in front with Gem.

“Y/n, you’re glowing!” Gemma grins and looks between me and the road, “California is treating you right?”

“Yeah, I absolutely love it. I wasn’t so sure at the start, but now I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.”

“Meet any cute boys yet?” She asks.

Harry starts profusely coughing, causing everyone’s attention to go to him.

“Jesus, do you need some water?” Gemma asks.

“Nope, I’m okay. I just had a catch in my throat.”

“Before Harry almost started dying I asked you a question.” Gemma sings the tease, reminding me of her question.

“Yeah, there’s been one guy.”

“One guy?” Gemma cheers, “Give me all of the details.”

“Let’s do it later.” I look out my window and avoid anymore questions for the rest of the ride.

We pull into the driveway and Anne comes out before we even get the chance to grab our luggage.

“Merry Christmas!” She pulls Harry into a hug first. I smile at the interaction.

“Y/n!” Anne says with glee. She pulls me in for a big hug and it makes both of the siblings roll their eyes.

“She’s always been the favorite.” Harry mutters with a laugh.

“Mhm.” Gemma agrees.

Anne pulls away after a while and we all make our way into the house.

“I set up the guest room for you, Y/n.” Anne explains.

“Thank you.”

We all stay up in the living room talking for a while, Anne eventually calls is quits and goes to bed.

“Gem, I need to talk to you.”

“Ooh, is it about your mystery boy?” She grins, setting down her tea. She turns to look at Harry and I on the couch from her spot on the chair.

“Uhh, yeah.”

I look back to Harry for reassurance, he gives me a nod.

“Gem, first and foremost, I love you.”

“Yeah, I love you too.” Her brows furrow, “What’s going on?”

“Harry and I are dating.” I blurt.

She doesn’t even flinch, the room fills with silence. She stares at me, completely unwavering. It’s like she’s waiting for a just kidding or one of us to say ‘gotcha’. It never comes though, I turn to see Harry looks just as concerned as I do.

“For how long?” Her voice is a whisper.

“Eight months.” Harry answers.

“I trusted both of you.” She tries not to whimper.

“We’re both sorry Gemma. We didn’t mean for it to happen.” Harry explains.

Tears fill Gemma’s eyes while she looks between the two of us before she settles on me.

“Everyone has always loved him more. You were the one person that was mine, you were my person. You let him steal you away.”

“No, that’s not what’s happening-”

“Isn’t it though? I can’t believe I thought you were my friend.” She scoffs.

“I’m still your friend!” I cry out.

“Gemma!” Harry scolds.

“No you’re not. You’re his now.”

“Gemma, please.” I sigh, she quickly gets up and starts stomping towards the stairs.

“What? So you don’t love him?” She stops in her tracks to look at me. I come up with no words, I can’t lie about this, “That’s what I thought.”

“Please, Gem, wait!”

“Gemma, come on.” Harry suddenly speaks out

“No, Harry. You’re an ass! You couldn’t let me have one thing? You get everything you want, you always have. Y/n was the one thing.” She yells. I can only hope that Anne is completely out of it.

“Do you want us to break up?” I shout, “Is that what would make you happy, to have both of us miserable? You’re being selfish! You’re supposed to be my best friend and you’re using me like I’m some trading card. I’m a person, I’m not a way for you to one up your brother.”

“Wow, so I’m the bad friend? You’re the one who broke her promise.”

“A promise from over two years ago. A stupid promise.” Harry reminds.

Gemma rolls her eyes and continues up the stairs.

“Cheers, I hope you both are very happy together.” Her words dripping with sarcasm.

We both hear her door shut and neither of us follow her. I turn around in Harry’s arms, he rubs slowly up and down my back as the sobs start.

“I told you so.” I laugh bitterly, tears still falling.

“I’m sorry, love.” He presses a kiss to my forehead.

Harry and I stay like that for a while until the exhaustion hits. I go up to my room and change into pajamas. Harry goes to take a shower before he’ll be back. In the past few months we’ve spent very few nights away from each other. Harry decided he’s going to sneak in.

I tuck myself in, turning out the lights. The bed is big and comfy, but I’m staying up until Harry comes in.

“Come in.” I answer the knock at my door. Why is Harry knocking?

The door opens and I can see with the hall light that it’s most definitely not Harry.

“Gem?” I sit up.

“Can we talk?” She asks.

I nod and pat the spot next to me for her to lay down. She wordlessy walks over and slides in the covers next to me. We both lay on our backs and stare at the ceiling.

“I’m sorry I’m selfish with you.” She states.

“I’m sorry I hid this from you.” I reply.

Without a word she reaches to connect our hands.

“I really do want you to be happy, and if it has to be with him than so be it.”

“Thank you.” I smile.

The door opens again and this time is actually is Harry.

“Oh, hey.” Harry notices Gemma is in here too, “Are you guys talking? I can just go.”

I look to Gemma and raise my brows and she rolls her eyes.

“You can stay.” Gemma says, catching him before he walks out.

Harry smiles and walks back in, climbing into bed on my other side. Thankfully it’s a big bed, we all three fit easily. I roll my eyes, having a jealous Styles on each side of me.

“You know you’re lucky, right?” Gemma sits up to look at him. “You can’t screw this one up.”

“I know, Gem.” Harry smiles.

We all fall into a comfortable silence, we’re all just thinking.

“This is actually going to be really amazing!” Gemma cheers, completely changing her attitude from an hour ago.

“How so?” Harry asks.

“Now she can actually be a part of the family! Y/n, you’re going to be my sister!”

“I thought I already was your sister.” I question.

“You are, but once you both get married, you’ll actually be my sister.”

“Woah, Gem.” Harry laughs.

“I think you’re moving faster than we are.” I tease.

“Whatever, I know both of you. I give it a year before you’re engaged.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but get excited at the prospect of it. I’ve known Harry for years, and I’ve never felt a love like this. I know that if he asked me tomorrow even, I would say yes.

“We’re telling mum about us tomorrow.” Harry informs.

“Please let me be there. This is going to be her favorite Christmas present.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s been dying for you to be a permanent part of our family for a while now. Plus, she always wanted a second daughter.”

I turn to look at Harry and he nods agreeing with her. His eyes are closed with a smile on his face. I reaches out to put his arm around me, pulling me a little closer to his side of the bed. I let out a loud yawn, it’s been a long day.

“So, are we having a sleepover?” I ask.

Both of the Styles children chime in with yes, making me grin. I didn’t know if it would work out, but now I have them both. Best friend and boyfriend and the best family I could have ever been thrown into.

[have-each-others-six]

no more tears to shed, nothing left unsaid

for @the-quiet-winds- love you, j.

Katherine Howard is trying to summon up the courage to knock on Cathy’s bedroom door.

She’s not scared of Cathy- all of the queens have been together now for almost a year, and they’re definitely to the place where they all trust each other more than anyone else. 

But Katherine still has some things that are hard to share, some things that make her feel overexposed and fearful, and the notebook she’s about to show Cathy has almost all of those things written inside of it. Somehow, she finds herself knocking before she really decides to, and the door opens slowly to reveal Cathy, standing in the doorway and stretching. “Why are you always up so early, kid?” the older queen asks with a yawn, leaning on the doorknob, but then she sees the worry in Katherine’s eyes and her posture straightens. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” Katherine replies, a little nervously. “I, um- I have something for you.” Cathy’s brow furrows, but she lets Katherine in her room, opening the curtains and making the bed in a few motions as the girl fidgets with the folded pages of the notebook. After Cathy’s done, she gestures to her desk chair, and Katherine takes a seat and shoves the notebook sort of awkwardly towards Cathy.

“I- what is this?” Cathy asks, managing to catch the notebook and looking at the cover, which doesn’t give her any clues as to what’s inside.

“I’ve been writing. Things. Stories. I’ve been writing stories. They might be more journal entries, maybe? And I know you write, and I wanted to-” she sighs, hanging her head and taking a pause before continuing, trying to gather her thoughts. “Could you read the first story in there, please?” she asks quietly. “And tell me if it’s any good?”

Cathy smiles softly at Kit’s request, both out of amusement from the girl’s endearingly worried rambling and out of happiness that she trusts her enough to share something this significant with her. She’s sick of writing, to be completely honest, and she doesn’t really want to read anything at all right now, but that’s not what she says. “Of course I will,” she tells Katherine, setting the notebook carefully in her lap as she sits down on her bed. “Actually- if you can withstand staying, I know how hard it is to be in the room with someone who’s reading your work- I finished a new short story if you want to look over that while I’m reading this.”

“Really?” Katherine says eagerly, turning in the desk chair as her eyes rove over the papers, trying to find the story in question. She always loves reading Cathy’s work. She prefers her fictional works, but she’s read her poetry and her songs and been amazed by those, too. “Yes, really,” Cathy laughs. “Careful, now, kid,” she instructs, still smiling, getting up from her seat on the bed. “Don’t mess up my system.” She lifts a bundle of pages from the desk and centers them in front of Kit, tapping the top with her finger. “I think you’ll like this. It’s sort of a ‘what if’ scenario with our history, told through a different lens.”

Katherine settles in excitedly, opening the first page slowly so she can savor it, but she ends up devouring the writing quickly like she always does. Cathy’s writing is just so rich, layered with characterization that Kit can’t even wrap her head around the magnitude of sometimes and imagery that transports her to places she’s never been.

Cathy is far more methodical in her reading than Katherine is, marking down a few careful criticisms to share with her later, but mostly she finds herself enamored in the girl’s story- it gets wordy at times, certainly, but the plot holds true and the relationships she builds between the characters seem to live and breathe right there on the page. They come up for air from the story-worlds they’ve been inhabiting at the same time, both finished with their respective tales and blinking a little like they’re getting used to the room again. “So-” “I-” Both of them laugh, having started into their effusive reviews at the same time, but Cathy gestures for Katherine to go first. “Okay. Well. I loved it. I always love it, you know that, but this is amazing- every word has a purpose. There’s no extra fluffy bits, it’s just a well-told, well-based perspective of a story. Didn’t hurt that the mother-daughter relationship was really cute, too.” Cathy smiles. “Thanks, kid. I’m glad you liked it- I was actually pretty proud of that one.” She clears her throat and launches into her review, unsure how much she should soften her criticisms, but the pink-haired girl seems to take them pretty well. However, strangely, it’s when Cathy gets into praising Katherine’s rather depressing story where all the characters die that the girl starts to become subdued. She waits for Cathy to finish, and then when Cathy asks her gently what’s wrong Katherine swallows. “I’m never going to be this good,” she murmurs, pointing to the papers in her lap. “I… your style is so incredible. I could never do this! I don’t even know what my writing style is.” “Well, first of all, however ‘incredible’ you think my style is-”-Katherine whacks Cathy’s hand lightly for using air quotes around ‘incredible’-“-you can’t write something in my exact style, kid. No one can. You write the way you write, and it’s unique and amazing in its own right.”

“But I have no idea what the way I write is.” Cathy squints, deep in thought, and a smile flickers across her face once she gets an idea.

“Would you want to write together?” Whatever Katherine was expecting Cathy to say, it wasn’t that. “What… what would we write?” she asks, confused and more than a little nervous- she has no idea if she’ll be able to even keep up with the way Cathy writes. Cathy shrugs. “I don’t know. Anything. We wouldn’t have to share it with anybody if you didn’t want to. It could just be practice for both of us, learning to write collaboratively. Heaven knows we wouldn’t have come anywhere near that chance in our old lives.”

There’s a few moments of long, quiet silence where Katherine thinks about the offer, but then a grin pulls at the corner of her mouth and Cathy knows what the answer will be. “Why not?”

***

The next day, it’s Cathy who knocks on Katherine’s door, holding an unused notebook that Jane had given to her months ago. Katherine looks up from the book she’s reading and smiles when she sees Cathy. “Are we starting?” “Well, if you want to be technical about it, I’ve started,” Cathy says, opening the notebook and pointing to a paragraph written in her slanted scrawl. “Take it whatever direction you like, kid. I’ll be back in a little bit, and then I’ll write some more. Does that sound all right?”

Katherine nods vigorously, already hunched over another piece of paper to group together ideas that sparked in her head once she glanced over Cathy’s section- she’ll read it in more detail later. Cathy waits in the doorway for a moment before leaving, watching the girl write, and she smiles a little bit before heading into the living room, where Jane is playing chess with Anne. She curls up in an empty armchair and turns the television on with a soft volume to watch a mindless show- one can’t be sustained on books and writing alone, not in these modern times. “Katherine’s been in her room for a while,” Anne comments when it isn’t her turn, her gaze flicking over to the hallway where all the queens’ bedrooms are. “Is she all right?” Jane asks, concerned, pausing in the midst of hopping her knight to capture Anne’s bishop. “She’s fine,” Cathy assures them. “She and I are trying something out with our writing- we’re going to see how it works.” “Do we get to know what this very mysterious writing project is?” Jane questions curiously, intrigued now, and Anne’s turned to face Cathy too, her own interest having been piqued.

“Not yet,” Cathy tells her. “And maybe not ever. We’ll see what happens.”

Jane raises her eyebrows, and after Anne manages to checkmate her king somehow, she walks over in gracious defeat to Cathy and kisses her head, half out of affection and half hoping to avoid Anne pleading for another game.

“I’m very excited for a story written by both of you to exist, no matter if I get to read it or not,” Jane says, smiling. “I think it’s a very good idea.”

Katherine walks into the room a while later, and with a shy sort of grin on her face she hands the notebook to Cathy, trying to be surreptitious, clearly enjoying the overdramatic espionage of it all. “Kat, are you going to tell me what’s going on with the notebook?” Jane asks Katherine, batting her eyelashes, and Katherine shakes her head, smiling. “Nope. You heard Cathy, this is top secret.”

Jane shakes her head, pretending to be annoyed with having been foiled, but in actuality this is the most she’s seen either of her girls smile in weeks. 

She gives in to Anne’s request for a rematch, smiling at Cathy writing eagerly on the couch- it’s not an unusual sight to see the sixth queen writing, but it is unusual to see her smile while she does it.

Jane knows that Cathy loves to write, but with the constant demand from historians and journalists for information on their lives and their reincarnations, she’s been burning out, having to churn out a new piece almost daily, and it’s not hard to tell the joy in writing is dying for her.

But this is a return to the old Cathy, the one who would write ideas down on napkins and the back of her hand because she didn’t want to forget a single moment of inspiration that struck her. 

Jane doesn’t say anything, because she’s afraid she’ll ruin it if she speaks, but the corner of her mouth stays in a small smile as she advances upon Anne’s line of pawns.

***

The notebook passes between Katherine and Cathy a few times before they all head to the theater- they become creative, hiding it on shelves and in cabinets and in plant pots to make it a game to find- and by the time they’re all walking down the sidewalk in the cold to get to the show, the notebook has almost six pages filled with two different types of handwriting. They don’t really know where the story is going, but that’s part of the fun of it, taking the thread of the story through their different styles and ideas and seeing where they end up.

Katherine isn’t thinking about how much better Cathy is than her anymore. She knows her own style has its own merits to it, even if she does tend to use five words where just one would have flowed better. She’s practically skipping as she goes down the street, the notebook banging against her hip in her bag. Cathy watches her and smiles, because she’s not buried in words anymore. She’s harnessed them back for herself again, for her joy rather than for work or for explaining something impossible to somebody else. Their happiness spreads to everyone, and then they’re all chattering about absolutely nothing of importance and trying their hardest to make each other laugh, all of them feeling the lightest they have in weeks, which translates to their performance in the show- the audience is immediately on their feet for a standing ovation when the girls all jump together at the end of the last number.

Cathy finds the notebook on her desk at the end of the show, with a full page added by Katherine, pink glitter dotting some parts of the paper. It’s well-written, but it’s long, and after a long show all Cathy really wants to do is shower and sleep. She sighs and promises herself she’ll get to it later. The notebook is put in the depths of her bag and stays there for a few hours, well after they’ve all eaten dinner and most of the queens have gone to bed. “Is the writing paused for tonight?” Jane asks curiously, tapping on Cathy’s doorframe. The woman looks up, in the middle of writing an article, getting back into the rhythm of writing for work. “Katherine’s staying up for something, but she won’t tell me what.” “Oh…” Cathy starts, then trails off, chewing on her lip. She wishes she was more comfortable with twenty-first century expletives, because saying some of them in moments of realization of crisis is more satisfying than any wordy curse from her old life. She writes out a quick paragraph that furthers the plot and allows the girl room to play around, heading to Katherine’s bedroom to apologize and finally hand her the notebook, but when she peeks in the girl is asleep, curled up tight on the bed. Cathy goes to turn around, trying to let the girl sleep, but her foot hits a creaky floorboard and Katherine sits up in a flurry of blankets, exhaustion thick in her eyes when she blinks over at Cathy, who’s almost to the doorway.

“Cathy?” Katherine questions sleepily. “Is that you?”

With a sigh, Cathy lowers herself from her tiptoes to flat feet, forgoing her soft footsteps. “Yes, it’s me,” she mumbles. “I’m sorry for waking you up, kid, I just realized I never gave the notebook back to you and I wanted… I’m sorry.” “You have the notebook?” Katherine asks, perking up slightly, her eyes still foggy with sleep as she holds her hands out for it. “Kid, you should get to sleep,” Cathy reprimands gently. “We’ve got another show tomorrow. I can leave it here on the nightstand, how’s that?” “But I-” “It’ll be waiting here for you tomorrow morning. You need sleep, kid, I can tell.” “I want to write something,” Katherine says. “Please? I’ll sleep better.” Cathy rolls her eyes at the girl’s stubbornness, but then an idea occurs to her and a slow smile spreads across her face. She left her pen in her bedroom, but she takes a green one from Katherine’s desk and scribbles out a quick message, handing it over to the girl. “This just says good night,” Katherine points out sourly, showing Cathy the sentence she wrote that’s accompanied by three green hearts. “That it does. And now it’s your job to respond- that’s how the notebook works. It’s the rules,” Cathy says seriously. She’s probably laying it on a little thick, but it seems to be working. Katherine pouts, but writes a short goodnight as a reply, laying down in bed with a huff. “I’ll see you in the morning,” Cathy says gently. “We’ll write more tomorrow, yeah?” “Yeah,” Katherine echoes, her frustration finally giving way to a small smile. “See you in the morning.” Cathy goes back to her room to work some more on her own piece, but after a few hours Jane pokes her head in on her way to bed. “You should come see this,” she whispers, laughing softly. Cathy’s intrigued, her brow furrowing, so she lets Jane lead her down the hall to Katherine’s room, where the sight is indeed sort of ridiculous. Katherine clearly took the notebook again, as she has fallen asleep facefirst on top of it, and from what Cathy can read on the page around Kit’s head, it’s mostly incoherent. She fights a laugh, and shakes her head as she gently works the pages out from under the girl and sets her back in a more comfortable position with Jane’s help. “Hope you’re sleeping well, kid,” she murmurs, pushing some hair out of her face, and then when Jane kisses Kit’s forehead she smiles in her sleep. The next morning, Katherine will be up before Cathy again, as she always is, and when she looks over the incoherency from last night she’ll giggle a little bit, but that laugh will fade into a smile when she reads what Cathy wrote after it. Good morning! Hope you slept well last night after your little writing adventure- I’m giving you a chance to redo whatever you wrote here, for... well, just read it, and then tell me what you think. It’s going to be a good writing day, I can already tell- love you, kid! Katherine will eagerly begin to write a good morning in reply, and until the back-and-forth writing comes to an end many years later, their stories are peppered with breaks of good nights and good mornings and messages between writers who care about each other. It’s not your typical group of short stories, but it helps Cathy find her love of writing when she’s scared she’ll lose it, and it lets Katherine find her voice and figure out how to utilize it to its full potential.

In those pages, they aren’t ‘The Wives of Henry VIII’, with all of that title’s significance and pain- they’re just Cathy and Katherine, finding out a story together. 

And that is enough.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 61: 4 Targets

The next day, as Ren and Morgana were heading to school, Morgana popped his head out. “So, what are we doing today?”

“Well, I was thinking of going into Mementos,” Ren answered.”Take care of a few requests , as well as getting Makoto more acquainted with the Metaverse.” Morgana smiled, and nodded, and the two of them went to school.

During class, Ren took out her phone and messaged the group.

Ren: We’re meeting up today.

Makoto: Do you always text in class?

Ryuji: Woah! He really didn’t say anything.

Makoto: Who?

Ryuji: Nothing…

Makoto: I’ll ignore that for now.

Ann: So, are we going after Kaneshiro?

Ren: Not quite.

Ren: We have a few Mementos missions to take care of, and I feel like we should do those first.

Makoto: Mementos?

Sumire: Right. She wouldn’t know.

Ryuji: Mementos is everyone’s palace, I think.

Makoto: Could we attack Kaneshiro through there?

Jose: Nope.

Sumire: Palaces are formed when desires are so warped that they don’t fit in in Mementos.

Sumire: While Mementos itself is more of a collective of everyone else’s minds.

Yusuke: Mementos is quite fascinating actually. I’m interested to see what you think.

Makoto: Well, it sounds intriguing.

Ann: OK. Sounds like a plan.

Ren: See you after school at the hideout.

They put their phones away.

After school, they all arrived at the hideout. “So, how does this work?” Makoto asked.

Ren took out her phone and the sheet of paper Mishima gave her. “Well, it’s fairly simple. We make the target aware that we’re going to steal their treasure, then we go in and steal it.”

“That’s also how it works for palace rulers,” Morgana explained, “but unlike the palace rulers, we don’t have to do as much to get to them.”

“I see,” Makoto said.

“We do usually end up having to fight them” Ann lamented.

“But it’s fine,” Ryuji added. “We don’t hurt them in real life this way.”

“But we can get hurt ourselves” Yusuke finished.

“Well...yeah…” Ryuji admitted.

Sumire smiled. “But that’s why we come prepared!”

Jose nodded. “And we also work together to overcome the odds.”

“Hm” Makoto grinned. “Sounds like you have this all down pat.”

“Well, as much as we can,” Ann said. “I mean, none of us even KNEW about this strange parallel world until Ren showed up.”

Ren shoved Ann. “Don’t make it sound like I brought it with me.”

Ann shoved back. “Why not? You were the chosen one in all of this.” The two girls shared a giggle as they continued to playfully fight each other.

“Well then,” Makoto said, causing them to stop, “let’s get crackin’.”

Ren nodded. She looked over Mishima’s paper. “Let’s see. First, we have our follow up. The person pressuring Daisuke into bullying: Yoshimori Sakoda.”

“Wait, someone was bullying Daisuke?” Makoto asked.

Sumire nodded. “Apparently, this guy had some blackmail on Daisuke, and he was using that to manipulate him.” Makoto looked disconcerted. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh!” Makoto exclaimed. “Well, when we confronted him, he brushed us off saying ‘there’s more going on than you know’. At the time, I thought it was just bluster. I did notice a change in his behavior recently too. Was that you?” They all nodded. “I see.” She grew a little frustrated.

“OK, next on Mishima’s list, we have a girl named Hikari Shimuzu,” Ren continued. “She’s been torturing this one guy, basically making him her slave. He’s been coming to school with bruises all over.”

“Sounds horrible!” Ann said. “We MUST put a stop to this!”

“Did he put the request in?” Jose asked.

“It doesn’t say,” Ren answered.

“Hm” Jose thought.

“What’s wrong Jose?” Sumire asked.

“Well, in my studies on humanity, I’ve heard of people who derive pleasure from pain,” Jose explained. Everyone else was stunned. “What’s it called again?”

“Even if that was the case, this sounds like it’s going too far!” Ryuji interjected.

“Oh?” Jose wondered. “And how do you know?”

“Uhhhhhhhhh” Ryuji stammered.

Yusuke jumped in. “Well, if someone thinks it’s enough of a problem to raise awareness of it on the Phan-site, it’s at least worth checking out.”

“Well put, Yusuke-senpai,” Sumire chimed in.

Ren nodded. “And last on the list is a restaurant manager named Nozumi Ono, who, according to the request, does little to no work, berates their employees for even the slightest mistakes, and takes all the credit and money for himself.”

“Disgusting” Makoto reacted.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Morgana added.

“Sounds like a total jerk” Ryuji piled on.

“So, we’re all in favor?” Ren asked. Yusuke raised his hand. “Yusuke?”

“If I may,” he began, “I found something I think we should investigate as well. A string of burglaries being tied to us.”

“WHAT?!” Ryuji shouted.

“Oh, those,” Jose said. “Well, from what I’ve heard, the perpetrator has been using calling cards that resemble ours, but apparently, not even the police believe them.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” Morgana said sardonically.

“But they still don’t know who did it,” Jose said.

“If I may, I wasn’t finished” Yusuke said

“Sorry” Jose apologized.

“You are forgiven,” Yusuke assured him. “Ahem. I did overhear a student planning said burglaries.”

“Really?” Ann asked. “How’d you manage to swing that?”

“I’m not sure myself,” Yusuke replied. “I was just passing by, and he was talking to himself as if no one else was there.”

“Did he just not hear you coming?” Sumire said.

“I suppose so,” Yusuke answered. “Although, I am curious as to how he didn’t see me. I was walking toward him.” The rest of the group looked on blankly. “Well, whatever the case may be, I know who it is.”

“Great job, Yusuke” Makoto cheered him on in an embarrassed tone.

“Why thank you” Yusuke said, not picking it up at all. “His name is Kazyua Makigami.”

“I’ll ask Mishima to add him,” Ren said, texting Mishima.

“Oh, right,” Makoto said, realizing something. “Mishima-kun’s involved in this?”

“Yeah” Ren answered. “He’s in charge of the Phan-site.”

“Oh. I thought that was you guys” Makoto said.

“Well, he knows who we are,” Ryuji explained.

“But he’s on our side” Ann continued.

“Besides,” Ren said, “having him manage the site leaves more time to plan and do things like this.”

“I see,” Makoto said. “Well, as long as you trust him.”

Ren smiled and nodded. “I just sent the word to him. Are we ready?” Everyone else nodded. “Then let’s go.” They all headed into Mementos.

Upon entry, Makoto looked around. “Woah! This isn’t exactly what I expected. But it is interesting nonetheless.”

Ren smied. “Welcome, to the garden of madness.”

“Well, no time like the present,” Makoto said. She started to walk off the platform, but Ren and Sumire caught her.

“Woah, Queen-senpai,” Sumire said.

“What is it?” Makoto asked.

Ren and Sumire helped her back up. Ren then explained. “Memento is huge. It’s too big to walk through.”

Makoto was confused. “Then how do you get around?”

“Myeh heh heh” Morgana chuckled. “My time to shine! Transform!” He transformed into the car.

“Woah!” Makoto said.

“Heh heh” Morgana laughed.

Makoto thought about it. “So, this world is based around people’s perceptions…”

“Correct” Ann answered.

“And I’m guessing that this is because a lot of people have the image of cats turning into vehicles” Makoto went on.

“Also correct,” Ren added.

“But according to Mona himself, he’s not a cat,” Makoto finished. Everyone stood in silence for a few moments before Ren broke down laughing.

“Well…” Morgana began uncomfortably, “...I guess it’s because most people see me as a cat…”

“Oh. That makes sense” Makoto responded.

Ren finished her laughing fit. “Alright. We should get going. Hop in.” Everyone got in and they started driving off.

Once they reached the end of the first floor, Makoto was stunned. “That’s it?”

“No,” Ann answered.

“Then how big is it?” Makoto asked.

“No idea,” Ryuji responded.

“Huh,” Makoto remarked.

“We believe Eris is hold up at the bottom,” Ren explained.

“Oh!” Makoto said, excited. “So, we need to break through to the bottom?”

“Basically” retorted Ren. “Although to gain the ability to do so, we need to make a bigger name for ourselves as the Phantom Thieves.”

“I see,” Makoto pondered. “Well then, let’s give it all we got then!”

Sumire chuckled. “I love your attitude, Queen-senpai!”

“Although it seems easier said than done,” Yusuke explained.

“It seems like we have to play Eris’s game to be able to get to the bottom,” Jose iterated.

“I don’t care,” Makoto said. “If this Eris can turn someone like Naoko into someone willing to murder, I’ll do anything to put them in their place.”

“Woah! Scary” Ryuji remarked.

“No, I get it,” Yusuke said. “Eris really messed with someone she cared about. I have a similar feeling towards her about Kosuke.”

“I’m not saying I don’t get it,” Ryuji explained. “I’m just saying that she’s scary.”

“You want me to be sunshine and roses about this?” Makoto asked.

“That’s not what I meant either,” Ryuji continued.

“Just stop,” Ann said. “You’re going to keep digging a hole for yourself.”

“...Yeah” Ryuji relented.

Ren giggled. “I think what Skull’s trying to say is that if he is afraid of you, whoever we’re fighting better be incredibly worried.”

“Yeah. Something like that” Ryuji agreed.

Makoto nodded. “Very well.” They continued onward.

They came upon a portal and hopped in. “I think that guy is Yoshimori’s shadow,” Ryuji exclaimed. “The guy that’s been bullying Daisuke.”

“Well then, let’s put a stop to his reign of terror once and for all,'' Sumire said aggressively.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Makoto said, cracking her knuckles.

They walked up to him. “Tch. Looks like someone ratted me out.”

“Sure did,” Ren said. “And we’re going to put a stop to you and your fledgling school empire.”

“PAH!” Yoshimori spit. “I’d like to see you try!”

“He’s not trying to convince us to join him,” Yusuke remarked.

“We aren’t meeting on my terms,” Yoshimori explained. “I would have liked to ally with you, but apparently that Akechi boy was wrong. If I had your power, I’d make all bow before me.”

“Well that’s why we have it and not you!” Ann shouted.

“C’mon!” Yoshimori shouted. “Do you really think the people in the school care about scum like us? I’m just evening the odds.”

“By forcefully recruiting people!” Sumire snapped.

“Well, how else are you going to get people on your side?” Yoshimori asked. “Deep down inside, all people are nothing but selfish jerks.”

“Enough!” Makoto screamed. “You go on and on about how it’s you vs them, and you don’t even try to differentiate yourself. You’re no better than Principal Kobayakawa.”

“No better?” a shocked Yoshimori retorted. “No BETTER?!” He transformed into Black Frost. “WE’LL SEE ABOUT THAT!”

“BRING IT ON!” Makoto shouted back. After a well-fought battle, the Phantom Thieves won.

“Gah!” Yoshimori grunted. “Why does no one like me?”

“Um, probably because you blackmail them?” Ryuji took a stab at answering.

“Even before that,” Yoshimori added. “I always have to make people try and like me. But it all just falls apart.”

Makoto glared at him. “It’s because you’re not honest with yourself.” Yoshimori gasped. “You don’t like doing this either, do you?”

Yoshimori looked at her. “N...No…”

“And yet you do it,” Makoto said.

“How do you know how I feel?!” Yoshimori yelled.

“Because I was there once too,” Makoto answered sternly. Yoshimori gasped again. “The problem isn’t everyone else. It’s you. Once you find a you that you can be comfortable with, then you can start reaching out to others earnestly.”

Yoshimori smirked. “Thank you. I needed that. It might take some time to find myself, but I’ll dissolve my network based on blackmail.”

“That’s a good start,” Makoto said.

“If I reached out to you when I find myself, could we be friends?” Yoshimori asked.

“Of course,” Makoto answered. Yoshimori smiled and faded away. Ren took the treasure.

“Wow,” Morgana commented. “People are complicated.”

“True” Makoto agreed. “But we are meant to be social creatures. We ought to help each other in need.”

“I see,” Jose noted. “Fascinating.”

“I guess you’re right,” Morgana responded. “I feel that way too sometimes. I guess that’s part of the reason I feel split.”

“Well, hopefully staying at my place is helping,” Ren added.

Morgana smiled. “Yeah.” Ren smiled back.

Makoto smiled too. “Well, we should get going. We’ve got other people to help, you know.” Everyone nodded, and they left.

They continued onward until they got to the next door. Standing between them and said door was another shadow. “That’s Hikari Shimizu’s shadow!” Ann remarked. “The girl that’s been abusing someone.”

“I feel bad for him,” Ryuji said.

“Well, we’re here to help,” Jose reminded him.

“You said this boy is covered in bruises in real life?” Yusuke asked. “If that’s the case, she might be a dangerous opponent.”

“True. We should be on guard” Makoto reminded them. They walked forward.

“Ugh. So you’re the Phantom Thieves?” Hikari bemoaned. “Why are you bothering me?”

Ren dramatically pointed. “We;re here to stop your abuse.”

“Yeah, you’ve been treating this boy like he’s your slave!” Ryuji added.

“Please. He wants it” Hikari explained. “I just give it to him.”

“He wants bruises?” Yusuke remarked. “I don’t quite think that’s true.”

“I am his queen!” Hikari snapped. “He takes whatever I give him!”

“Yeah?! Well, you shouldn’t treat him like dirt!” Ann snapped back. “If you’re his queen, make yourself a respectable queen! Not just some annoying monarch that holds absolute power over him!”

“Grrr” Hikari growled. “I’m smart, I’m pretty, and he worships me. I’m allowed to do what I want with him!”

“No you’re not!” Ann yelled. “He’s a person too!”

“Grrrrrrah!” Hikari yelled, transforming into Yaksini, “I’ll just do whatever I want with you!” The thieves fought Hikari’s shadow. While it was a tad bit tricky, the thieves won. “NO!” Hikari yelled after defeat. “I don’t want to lose him…”

“Lose him?” Ann asked.

“Yeah. If I apologize, and say what I’m doing is wrong, he’ll run away…” Hikari explained. “And I don’t want that.”

“How did this all start?” Jose asked.

“He came up to me one day… Hikari began. “He asked me if I needed anything. I told him ‘a foot massage’ as a joke, but he really did it.”

“And you didn’t stop him?” Jose inquired.

“Well...I liked it…” Hikari continued. “...And him…”

“Oh” Jose said, surprised.

“You mean like like like?” Ann asked.

Hikari nodded. “Day in and day out, I’d ask him to do more and more ridiculous things, and it just spiraled out of control. Now I feel like this is the only way I can hang onto him.”

“Listen,” Ann said, beginning to offer advice, “being in a relationship requires the two people to be on the same page. If neither of you are happy, you need to feel confident enough to say so.”

“Yeah,” Ryuji added. “I mean, it sounds like this guy also kind of likes you too. And even if he’s willing to do some things for you, if you push him too far, you’ll just push him away.”

“But…” Hikari groaned.

“I know,” Ann said. “It’s hard. But you have to try. If you want this to work, you both have to be happy.”

Hikari started crying. “You’re right. Thank you.” She faded and Ren stole the treasure.

“Well, I think that went well,” Ann said. Jose was looking at her, puzzled. “What is it Sunshine?”

Jose tilted his head. “I know you told Fox, but are you sure you and Skull aren’t a couple?” Both of them started to blush. “Because you sounded like a couple just now.”

“Ha ha” Ann laughed nervously. “Of course we aren’t a couple.”

“Yeah” Ryuji said, equally as nervous. “Our advice applies to all kinds of relationships.”

“I see,” Jose said.

Ren stifled a laugh. “Well, if we’re done here, let's see what the next bit of Mementos looks like, shall we?” Ren walked over and placed her hand on the door. It opened up. Once it finished, she turned around. “What are we waiting for?” The thieves all walked over and headed deeper into Mementos.

Soon after, they found another portal and jumped in. “I think this is Nozomi Odo,” Morgana said. “The slave-driving restaurant manager.”

“Ugh, people like him make me sick!” Ryuji remarked. “Let’s do this fast. The sooner we do this, the sooner he’ll be a better manager.”

They nodded in agreement and approached Nozomi’s shadow. “What do you want?” he asked indignantly.

“What we WANT is for you to treat your employees with kindness!” Sumire said, stomping her foot on the ground.

“Tch” Nozomi reacted, brushing it off like it was nothing. “Have you ever worked in a restaurant?”

“Well, no…” Sumire admitted.

“If you did, you’d know that that’s the law of the land,” Nozomi explained. “You get treated like shit, until you work up to a place where you treat others like shit.”

“What garbage!” Makoto said, stepping forward. “You’re a leader! You need to step up and act as such.”

“I am,” Nozumi said.

“No” Makoto seethed. “You’re a coward. A REAL leader looks out of their team. Not just themselves.”

“Tch. I don’t have time for this” Nozomi said. He transformed into Setanta. “Starting now, I’m YOUR boss!”

“You should know, we don’t take kindly to those in authority,” Yusuke quipped.

“GAH!” Nozomi yelled. The thieves charged into battle, and won. “It’s not fair,” Nozomi said after losing. “I went through all of this before. Why should they be treated differently?”

“Look,” Makoto said forcefully. “What your employees are going through sucks, and what you went through was also probably terrible. But you don’t need to continue the cycle of abuse. You can end it here.

Being a leader is hard work. I should know. But you need to make sure all that hard work is worth it in the end. Otherwise you’re going to wake up one day and realize you hate the person staring back at you in the mirror.”

“Heh. You’re right” Nozomi said. “Man, getting lectured by some kids really puts things into perspective. Thanks.” He faded away, and Ren took the treasure.

They continued onwards and found another portal. Again, they hopped into it. “By process of elimination, this would be Kazuya Makigami’s shadow,” Yusuke said.

“The jerk thief who’s using our name to steal things,” Morgana added.

“But didn’t Sunshine say that not even the police believe that we’re associated with him?” Sumire inquired.

“I did say that, yes,” Jose said.

“Well...it’s the principle of the matter,” Morgana said.

“Whatever the reason, we need to put a stop to it,” Yusuke said.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Ren nodded. They walked over to him.

“Ah, the glorious Phantom Thieves,” Kazuya said. “Have you come to join forces?”

“No. Of course not!” Makoto refuted.

“Then why?” Kazuya wondered.

“Put simply, we’re here to stop you,” Yusuke explained.

“WHAT?” Kazuya shouted. “But we have the same goals. We’re on the same side. There’s no need for fighting.”

“Then will you just stop burglarizing people?” Sumire asked.

“And using our name?” Morgana added.

“WHAT? You don’t like that?” Kazuya asked.

“Of course not!” Ann said.

“Grrr. I thought you were cool” Kazuya grumbled. “Fighting for the underdogs. I thought the world needed people like you. But I guess power just corrupts, as the saying goes. SO…” he transformed into Mithras, “...I guess I’ll just use my power to stop you!”

“...You literally just said power corrupts,” Ryuji said, picking up on the irony.

“SHUT UP!” Kazuya shouted. The thieves charged into combat, and while it was a bit tough, since they’ve been going for a bit, it was nothing they couldn’t handle. Once Kazuya was defeated, he was breathing heavily.

“Pardon me,” Yusuke wondered, “but why do this at all?”

Kazuya looked at them. “Fine. I guess I owe you that at least. Ever since I was a kid, my parents were always more impressed with my little brother. He was more successful at everything, and because of that, he was their favorite. It almost felt like I wasn't even there sometimes.

Yeah, I was jealous, but I didn’t do anything. I felt like that was just how things were. And then you came along, and taught me that maybe things can change. So I began abusing my brother. And when that wasn’t enough, I took out my anger on every bigshot I could find. I started gathering some like-minded people, and I assume you know the rest.”

“How terrible,” Sumire remarked.

“Yeah,” Kazuya agreed. He sighed. “I probably should have said something earlier.”

“It’s not too late…” Sumire pointed out.

“I guess you’re right,” Kazuya replied.

“Well, as long as you’re making it up with him,” Yusuke said.

Kazuya smirked. He took his own treasure out of him. “If you can find my brother, tell him to use this key to open my nightstand drawer and burn what’s inside.”

“Are you sure?” Yusuke asked. Kazuya nodded. “Very well.” He grabbed it.

“Just promise me you’ll keep going after people who deserve it,” Kazuya said.

“You have our word,” Yusuke said. Kazuya smiled and faded away.

“How are we supposed to find his brother?” Ryuji asked.

“He also goes to Kosei,” Yusuke said. “I can give it to him…”

“That might be a bit conspicuous,” Morgana pointed out. “I’ll just drop it off in the cover of night.”

“Very well then,” Yusuke said. They left.

Ren asked “Do you want to keep going, or is that fine enough for now?”

“We did get all of our targets” Ann pointed out.

“Eh, I at least want to get to the next door,” Ryuji said. “It probably won’t open, but it’s a good marker of progress.”

“I agree,” Jose said.

“Anyone have any objections?” Ren asked. No response. “Very well.” They kept rolling. Eventually, they made it to the next door. “Well, we’re one step closer.”

“If I’m assuming correctly, this will open once we defeat Kaneshiro?” Makoto asked.

“Sees that way” Ryuji answered.

“Do we want to do that right away then?” Makoto wondered.

“No,” Ren answered. Makoto looked at her. “We shouldn’t keep blitzing through things. We are tough, but going through the metaverse is exhausting. We need our rest.”

“I see,” Makoto said. “What smart and thoughtful advice. Truly, you’ve adapted to the role of leader quite well.”

Ren was embarrassed. “Thanks.”

“Well, then, I guess that’s all we’re going to get now,” Makoto said. “Should we head out?” Everyone nodded, and they all headed up to leave Mementos. On their way back, Makoto noticed Sumire seeming awfully distant. “Something on your mind Violet?”

“Huh?” Sumire gasped. “Oh yeah. My meet is coming up, and being down here, and seeing everyone’s different problems has got me thinking.”

“You know we’re here for you” Ren reminded her.

Sumire smiled. “Thanks senpai” Sumire said, smiling and blushing. She looked down. “I guess seeing all those people suffering just has me in a tizzy. I mean, I was fraught with so many problems that I didn’t know what to do. So, in a way, this was kind of cathartic. It really helped me put things into perspective. If they can improve, then I know I can!”

“Way to go Violet!” Ann cheered.

“Yeah! You show them!” Ryuji followed.

Jose looked at them. “Are you really sure you’re not a couple?”

“YES!” they both answered, slightly embarrassed.

Sumire giggled. She then covered her mouth. “Oh. Sorry.” Ren then started snickering. One by one, people started laughing along. Pretty soon, the entire PT crew was in stitches. Between the laughter and the exploration, they felt exhausted and remained silent until they left Mementos.

As Ren and Mogana were heading home, Ren bumped into someone. “Oh, sorry.”

“It’s OK,” the woman Ren bumped into said. Ren looked up, as did Morgana. They recognized her as Ryoko Aino, the person who kidnapped cats and almost kidnapped Morgana. She took notice of Morgana. “Oooo. What a cute kitty. Mind if I pet him?”

Morgana hissed. Ren put her hands on him to stop him. “I’m sorry. He’s usually really kind.”

“Oh no,” Ryoko said. “I think it’s my fault.” She fished through her purse. She handed a can to Ren. “Um, for a little while, I was, um, kidnapping cats. And I almost got this little one.”

“Oh?” Ren inquired.

“I was saddened by the loss of my own cat, Snowball” Ryoko informed her. “I panicked, and I got it in my head that I needed to protect all of the cats in the area. But I came to my senses after the Phantom Thieves saved me. So, I’m sorry.”

“I see,” Ren said. She looked at Morgana. “Well, what do you think?”

Morgana was pouting, but knew the answer. “I guess it’s OK.”

Ren smiled. She turned back. “He says he’ll let you pet him.”

“Really?” Ryoko said, beaming. She started petting Morgana, and Morgana started purring. After she was done, she bowed and said “Take care.”

“We will,” Ren said. “And thanks.” The two nodded and went their separate ways. Ren looked at the can. “Wow.”

“What is it?” Morgana asked.

“It’s some fairly expensive tuna,” Ren said. “I guess this is part of her apology.”

“WOW,” Morgana said, drooling. “I know what I want tonight.”

As they were entering Leblanc, they passed by two young adults and an old man, who they recognized as Heiji Ono, the former belligerent old man in Kijijoji. As she came in, she looked at Sojiro and said “I haven’t seen them before.”

Sojiro grinned. “Maybe they’ll start a trend. It’s always nice to get new customers. You know, they only came by to spend some nice quiet time with their grandpa, but I hope they tell others how good the food was.” Ren smiled. Sojiro went on. “The old guy sure was somethin’ else. When he got his drink, he quietly toasted the Phantom Thieves. His grandkids didn’t hear it, but I caught it.”

Ren sat down at the counter. “What do you think of these Phantom Thieves?”

“Well, if that guy is toasting them, they can’t be all bad,” Sojiro said. “But I’m not one to accept things like that so easily. Maybe if they came in and had some curry, and we got to chatting, I might soften up to them more.”

Ren smiled. “You want me to start an ad campaign?”

“Huh?” Sojiro said, taken aback. “Of course not. That prosecutor’s been on my ass enough. I don’t need her breathing down my neck thinking I have a link with the Phantom Thieves.”

“I getcha,” Ren said. “It can be hard to trust people sometimes.”

Sojiro looked at her. “Well, I know I can trust you. I hope you can trust me too.”

“Of course,” Ren said.

Sojiro smiled. “Here. Let me make you some curry. But then I gotta head out.” Sojiro prepared some curry and handed it to Ren. She took one bite and was delighted. “Heh heh. Well, seeya.” Ren waved as Sojiro left.

Morgana was pouting. “Don’t think I forgot.” Ren said. She got up, fetched a can opener, and opened up the tuna for Morgana.

“MEOW!” he frenzied. He plopped his face in the can and went to town.

Ren smiled. “Hm.” She took another bite of her curry. After she swallowed it, she said “Today was a good day.” She continued eating, then went to bed soon after.

[heytheredeann]

i love your love for black sails bc those are literally the only writers that i trust ever

No, okay, listen

I started watching Black Sails out of curiosity for the pirates aesthetic, basically. I wasn’t that sure about it, wasn’t sure it would be my thing, but I was curious. Also, I was still very much suffering because Once Upon A Time brutally betrayed me (I say, pretending that I am not still suffering), so I was kinda okay with diving into something that wasn’t likely to make me feel too many emotions (LOL joke’s on me). 

The only spoiler that I had about the show was remembering that someone I follow once said that ‘nobody is straight in Black Sails’. Only I didn’t know it was a spoiler, because I thought she meant it in a ‘there are a lot of guys with deep friendships and gay subtext’ way. 

I didn’t think she was serious

So I started watching this, and I was weirdly captivated: Silver was a little shit and I loved him, Max and Eleanor had my heart, I had a crush on Anne Bonny, I felt this weird love for Flint even though I was not sure why…

Throughout all this, I developed a ‘gay conspiracy theory’, as I called it. Flint and Miranda kept referring to this ‘him’ that they had in common, which I assumed was her husband, and I was like “LOL wouldn’t it be fun if the affair was actually between Flint and the husband and then he and Miranda fell together in their grief when he died?” 

I wasn’t serious. At all.

I mean, I thought that if we ever got flashbacks (which I was hoping for) James and Thomas would be best buddies who longingly stare into each other’s eyes and then get tragically thorn apart by their passion for the same woman and yet somehow manage to maintain tons of gay subtext. Truth be told, I was even a little preemptively annoyed, because I usually don’t like it when friendships are torn apart by the two guys Wanting The Same Woman.

Anyway, I kept watching, sometimes things happened that made me go “LOL I stand by my gay conspiracy theory”, like when Flint went for the forehead kiss with Eleanor, who obviously thought Something Else was going to happen, but I still wasn’t at all serious. 

Fast forward to 2x05. 

In one scene (I think it was one of the first flashbacks of the episode) we got Thomas being all casual about his wife sleeping with his friend, which already blew a giant hole in the official cover story about him going mad with grief over the betrayal, and Miranda talking about people possibly discovering Something Far More Damaging Than That. 

Obviously my head immediately went to the gay and it stayed there. 

But I didn’t want it to stay there, okay?

I spent literally the whole episode watching as the whole thing got gayer and gayer, and I was DESPERATELY looking for SOMETHING to explain why they were being so dramatic about James’ crimes that WASN’T ‘He was fucking Thomas’, I deliberately ignored James’ tone when he said ‘Our affair?’ (as in ‘You and me? But I was sleeping with him! Obviously!’, nope, didn’t hear that, n o p e), etc.

BECAUSE I DIDN’T WANT TO BELIEVE OKAY

I was getting way too excited and I needed to find a way to level my expectations because there was No Way the writers from any show would give me something like this, so I had to Calm The Hell Down and find the Logical Explanation that undoubtedly was there somewhere, even if my little gay head couldn’t see it

Then Thomas and James kissed right there in front of my eyes, I exploded, turned into a rainbow, and pledged my allegiance to Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine for as long as I shall live.

The end.

[i-do-trash-fanfictions]

Thera’s Journal Entry #46

TW / / Talks about attempted suicide

I returned to my ship and closed the door. I slumped into the pilot’s seat and just sat there. I was sure that I would have another mission to do in just a couple of minutes, maybe seconds. 

My ship’s comlink beeped with a missed message and I tapped it, expecting for sure for it to be another mission or patrol. Ikora’s voice came on. “Thera, I realize that we’ve been giving you too much work lately. You’re free for the rest of today and tomorrow. You deserve it.”

The message finished and went off and I grinned. Oh sweet freedom.

“I bet that Crow had something to do with that.” Scout said from over my shoulder.

“Probably,” I said, flicking some switches and firing up my ship, then setting course for the Tower. “Put him on coms.”

“Alright. Done.”

“Alright, how’d you convince Ikora and Zavala to give me a break?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.

“I simply went to Osiris. He took care of the rest.” Came Crow’s answer.

“You know, now that the rest of today’s open, I think we should do that date. Head to my place at 6. I’ll make dinner.”

“Ooh, what will you be making?”

“I’ll let that be a surprise.”

He hummed. “I’m sure it’ll be good whatever it is.”

We went off coms and I sighed contently. “I’ll probably make one of those new recipes I saw.” I told Scout.

Scout bobbed in the air, as if he were nodding.

“You still have the report to file out for this mission. I’ll go get that done for you so you don’t have to worry about it.”

I nodded and Scout flew off, leaving me in the cockpit.

My thoughts wondered about how well Crow has been adjusting to living at the Tower. The same day that he had arrived I had taken him to a high area on one of the roofs. We had drunken some alcohol and enjoyed the sight of the Traveler and the sun setting.

The next day I had him meet Ann, who was so excited. Poppy was excited to see Glint again. They had talked before, back when he was known as Pulled Pork. She loved to hear about some of the things he had scanned and the places he had seen.

The three of us had met at another spot of the Tower that was outside. No one went out there much, so it would be perfect. Then Crow could take his mask off and enjoy some food with us.

Ann and Crow got along really well, and then Ann ended up asking for a story from me. I had begun to tell her some about me, Sora, and Zane, and Ann wanted Crow to hear one. So I told one about a ship race that Zane had brought me on. 

Crow had a bit of trouble adjusting to everything at first. I took him around, showed him his room, and gave him some glimmer when he first arrived. But it took some getting used to, going from living in a little room in Spider’s lair where he barely got enough food (when I had found out about that, I had nearly gone straight to Spider and carried out my threat), to living in a nice room in the Tower where he could get almost anything he wanted. He wasn’t used to being able to go nearly wherever he wanted without asking. He would always ask me if he was allowed to go places. But he did adjust eventually. Though he still hasn’t entirely adjusted to where things were to the Tower. I’ve had to help him out twelve times when he’s gotten lost.

Soon, the Tower came into view and I docked in the Hangar. I stopped over at Amanda’s spot really quick.

“You ain’t got anymore missions to go on?”

“Nope. Had a friend to bail me out. He convinced the Vanguard to give me today and tomorrow off.”

“Lucky you. Hey, got some more music all set up.” She handed me a chip.

“Thanks. I better get going.”

“See ya around.”

I walked off and headed towards my room. I was going to try to make some pasta. I didn’t make it very often because I didn’t know how, but I had seen a recipe and it seemed easy enough.

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

I heard a knock at my door and got up to open it.

“Hey.” I said, letting Crow in.

He sniffed the air and then spotted the pizza box, half pepperoni-half sausage, sitting on the bed.

“I thought you were going to cook.” He said, sitting down at the small round table near the kitchenette.

“Yeah, well-” I said with a blush. “I tried and it didn’t turn out to well. So I got pizza.”

“I’m fine with that. I actually haven’t had pizza yet.”

“You haven’t had pizza yet!” I said, feigning a gasp.

He chuckled. I got us both slices and I sat across from him at the table.

“So, what are you going to do now that you’re off?”

“Sleep in.” I said between bites. “Probably make brownies. Goof off with Ann.”

He nodded. “Seems like a good way to spend your off day.” He looked past me. “You wear hats?”

I turned around to see what he was looking at. A cowboy hat sat on the table on it’s stand.

“Oh, no. I might wear it sometime. It was Zane’s old cowboy hat. He used to wear it when we went out to places.”

“You’ve become more comfortable talking about your fireteam. Last time I asked about them you got upset and didn’t want to talk.”

“I suppose since I’ve been talking about Sora and Zane more with Ann, it isn’t as hard to talk about them anymore. I spent most of my time after their death pushing their memory away.” I finished off a final bite. “I’m glad I’ve got someone like Ann. For the longest time, I had no friends at all.”

“Why not?”

“After Zane and Sora’s death, it became real to me that Guardians could still die. That they may not come back from a mission. It scared me. I was afraid that I would lose someone else, and then I would fall right back into my depression again. So I decided that I wouldn’t take the risk and make anymore friends. That I would be a loner.” I got up and went to the mini fridge that sat on the counter, opened it, grabbed a soda and sat back down. “It was bad after they died.” I said, popping the can open and taking a sip. “I wanted to die for a while.”

Crow didn’t say anything. I suppose he didn’t know what to say. 

I kept going. “I wanted to kill myself and I didn’t want Scout to rez me. I did a few times. He rezzed me anyway. Once I tried to lock him in the bathroom and run off where he couldn’t find me. He contacted a... friend.” I was talking about Cayde. I still didn’t like to mention his name around Crow. “He caught up to me. Talked some sense into me. Brought me back to my room. I felt so guilty for scaring Scout like that later. Scout talked some more sense into me later. I never tried again.” I took another sip. “I also used to run away for days at a time. Once it had been a week and a half. I wasn’t planning on going back. That same friend got on coms. Talked some more sense into me. I came home. Never ran off like that again. I convinced myself that it would be better to push away their memory. Then I wouldn’t have to be so upset all the time. It’s been years, and only now am I going through all the stuff they left to me, like the cowboy hat.

“When Ann came along, I couldn’t just push her away. I thought about it, after I first hung out with her, but then decided not to. We became close friends. She sees me as like an older sister figure.”

“I can see that.” Crow said. “She looks up to you a lot.”

I nodded. “I’m still afraid that something bad might happen to her. But I try not to worry about it too much. I’ve realized now that life’s a lot better with friends than without.”

“What happened to him?” Crow asked after a pause.

“Who?”

“That friend. That convinced you not to kill yourself. That convinced you not to run away.”

I didn’t meet his eyes. “He died too.” I answered quietly.

“Oh.”

I tried not to cry. This was the most I had told anyone besides Scout. Sure, Ann knew that I had gone through a bad depression after Zane and Sora’s death, but she didn’t know that I had been suicidal. That I had wanted to run away from the Tower and never come back.

But I couldn’t hold the tears in. Crow was up in seconds and his arms were wrapped around me.

“Hey. Hey.” He said softly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked about him.”

“No, no. It’s alright. You didn’t know.” I sniffed and wiped my eyes.

“Hey, let’s watch the Goonies. I know you like that movie.”

I smiled. He picked me up and moved me to the bed, then went to grab my projector and the chip that held the movie. He fiddled with it for a bit and I grinned.

“Yeah, you’re going to have to set this up.”

I stood up and set it up. Soon the movie was playing and the two of us were leaned back against some pillows and the headboard. Crow had his arm wrapped around my shoulder and I leaned on his chest, taking in his scent, our conversation that we had had long forgotten as the opening credits began. I need more moments like these, I thought to myself as finally the scene changed to the beginning of the movie.

[maylovexhs]

everytime - GOLDEN HOUR (Chp. 26)

Author’s Note: I would like to thank miss Kacey Musgraves. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. (This is my new favorite chapter. And it’s a tear jerker) - May.

Catch up on everytime here

August 26th, 2019.

*HARRY'S POV*

"Sam's son just got engaged" My mother said. 

"Jack?" Gemma asked. "The youngest one?"

My mother nodded.

"Mhmm" She said. "Sam said he proposed on his girlfriend's birthday a few days ago"

A bee closely flew next to my face. I flinched, waving my hand at it away. My sister smirked at my response. Why did we choose to have breakfast in the backyard again?

"Did he?" I asked. "Didn't they just get together?"

"Yes but they have been friends since university" My mother said. "They already set a wedding date?"

"Which is?" Gemma asked.

"June 28th" My mother said.

"Next year?" I asked. "They want to wait a year?"

"Are they going to be moving in first?" Gemma asked.

"I don't know" My mother said. "You have to ask them"

My phone vibrated on the table. 

"But a year?" Gemma asked. "Most people get marry months after they get engaged"

I picked my phone up from the table, looking at the screen. I smiled. 

"Who's that?" Gemma asked.

I looked to Gemma.

"Just Y/N" I said, setting my phone down on the table. 

"Aren't you going to answer?" My mother asked me.

"Not at breakfast" I said.

"Oh, you sound ridiculous" Gemma said to me. "Just answer her already"

I looked to my mom, giving me an approving look. I picked up my phone again, answering Y/N's facetime.

"Hi" I said. "What's up?"

"Just returning your call from yesterday. I was busy with a photoshoot" Y/N said. "Anyways, what's going on with you?"

"We're having a family day" I told her, showing Gemma and my mother to her.

"Hi Anne!" Y/N said, waving to her. "Hey Gemma"

"Hi darling!" My mother said to her. "What are you up to?"

"Oh, nothing really" Y/N said. "Just writing little pieces of songs in my hotel room. Nothing else"

"That doesn't sound like nothing" I commented.

"Ooh!" My mother said, excited. "You should come out to dinner with us later. Gemma wants to go to an Italian place. What is it called again?"

"It's Italian" Gemma said. "Doesn't matter the name"

My mother rolled her eyes at Gemma.

"What do you say, Y/N?" My mother asked her. "Us and Italian?"

I looked to Y/N, who seemed hesitant.

"I would love to" Y/N said. "But I don't want to come if that means I ruin your family day"

"Oh, nonsense!" My mother said. "We all love you. You're already family to us"

"Come on" I begged Y/N. "You want to spend the rest of the day in your hotel room?"

Y/N bit her lip, tempted. She sighed, giving in. 

"Alright, I'll come" She said. "Where's the place?"

"I'll send you it later" I told her.

"Tell her to wear white" Gemma said. "Can't have her breaking the rule"

"And Gemma says to wear white" I passed on to Y/N.

"Wear white" Y/N said, nodding. "Got it"

"We'll see you soon" My mother said to her.

"Okay" Y/N said. "See you soon. Bye!"

Y/N hung up the call on me. I set my phone down on the table. Gemma and my mother looked to each other, smirking.

"What's that look for?" I asked them. 

Gemma sipped on her cup of tea. My mom turned to me.

"Do you ever think of getting back with Y/N?" My mother asked me.

I raised my eyebrows at her, confused and repulsed.

"No, no" I said, shaking my head. "We tried that for a month and that went nowhere"

"Dating for three weeks isn't a relationship" Gemma said. "It's a fling"

"We both agreed we are better off as friends" I said. "And Y/N really isn't what I'm looking for in a person"

"She was when you dated her" Gemma commented.

I crossed my arms at her.

"Honey, we're just saying Y/N seems good for you" My mom said. "You seem so happy when she's around. We just want to see you happy"

"I am happy" I told her. "But I don't love Y/N, not in that way."

Gemma and my mother looked to each other. My mother sighed, letting this conversation be over. My mother looked to Gemma.

"How's Michal's new job?" My mother asked her.

"It's been alright so far" Gemma said. "Not complaining yet"

I took a sip of tea from my cup.

Y/N . . . nope. Never again.  

Later. 5 PM.

"And cheese!" My mother said.

I smiled at my mother as she took the picture. She looked at her phone.

"Aww" She blushed. "My babies"

I removed my arm around Gemma. I took my phone out of my pocket, going to my messages.

"No word yet?" Gemma asked me.

"Nope" I said. "Sent her a text fifteen minutes before. Nothing yet"

"Shall we just go in then?" Gemma asked Mum. "She'll probably come when we are ordering"

"Let me give her a call again" I said.

I tapped on Y/N's name on my screen. I pressed my phone to my ear, hearing it ring. I looked in the distance, the phone ringing another few seconds. I squinted my eyes, seeing a woman looking similar to Y/N walk down the block towards me. I hung the phone up, seeing Y/N more clearer as she walked over to us. Her hair was up in a bun, her bangs shining and covering her forehead. She was wearing a white button down shirt with matching white shorts. Didn't expect her to wear converse though but at least they were white.

"Oh, Y/N!" My mother blushed. "You look absolutely beautiful. I forgot when was the last time I saw you" 

"Definitely more than a year ago" Y/N answered, hugging her. "How long have you been waiting for me?"

"Oh, not long" My mother said as they separated from each other.   I smirked, seeing Gemma roll her eyes.

"I've missed you" My mother said to Y/N. "All Harry does is talk about you. Doesn't care to bring you over though"

"Well, I don't blame him" Y/N said. "I've been busy but I've missed you too"

Y/N looked to Gemma, smiling. She had her arms open, ready to hug my sister.

"How are you, Gemma?" Y/N asked. "How's your sunglasses going?"

My sister and Y/N shared a quick hug.

"Quite alright." Gemma said. "More of a writer now"

"Really?" Y/N asked her, excitement in her voice. "You have to tell me about it inside"

Y/N looked to me, smirking as she knew what I was going to say.

"My phone is on five percent" She said. "Didn't want to risk it"

"Couldn't send a text?" I asked.

Y/N shook her head.

"Well, shall we go in?" My mother asked.

Gemma entered the restaurant, holding the door for my mother. I caught the door before it shut, holding it open for Y/N.

"After you" I said to her.

"Thank you" Y/N said, walking inside.

"Mhmm" I nodded, walking after her.

An Hour Later.

Dinner was going alright. Alright as it could ever be going. Y/N and my mother caught up. She told Y/N about our not-so-new cat Evie. Gemma told Y/N about Michal. Y/N was just beginning to tell them about her documantary.

"It's only of the European shows and some interviews" Y/N said. "We're aiming for a Christmas release"

"Christmas?" My mother asked.

"Uh, huh" Y/N said. "Lisa and I think that's the best timing. You know, with the Christmas marketing?"

"We get it" Gemma said. "H's releasing his album around that time too"

"You are?" Y/N asked, turning to me. "I thought you said September"

I shook my head.

"December 13" I said. "The official date"

Y/N smirked at me.

“Can’t wait you own a copy” Y/N said.

“I’ll send you one” I offered her.

Y/N nodded. I looked to my mother and Gemma, both sharing the same look before in the morning when I was on the phone with Y/N.

“Well, we will try to watch your movie when it comes out” My mother said. “It’s always busy at Christmas. Everyone comes over”

“As Harry told me” Y/N said. 

“That reminds me,” My mother said, an idea striking her. “Why don’t you come over for Christmas?”

“Mom-“ I said, trying to stop her as I knew what was coming.

“Harry told me you’re not close with your parents” She said. “I can’t imagine spending the holidays alone”

Y/N blushed. I didn’t know if it was from flattery or awkwardness.

“I think it’s too early to make plans for Christmas, Mom” Gemma said to her.

“I’m just offering” My mother said. “But it’s your choice, Y/N. When Christmas comes around and if you want some company . . . we’re here. You’re always welcomed”

Y/N smiled at my mother.

“Thank you, Anne” Y/N said. “That’s very sweet of you but I always spend the holidays with my sister or my friends. But I’ll keep the invitation in mind if anything changes”

My mother smiled to herself, sitting back. Gemma’s phone started to ring. She took a quick peek of who was calling.

“It’s Chloe” Gemma said.

“Go ahead and take it” My mother said to her.

I nodded at Gemma, giving her my approval. Gemma got up from the table, taking the call and walking out the restaurant. My mother’s attention returned back to Y/N.

“When do end tour again?” My mother asked her. “Next year, right?”

“Uh, yeah” Y/N said. “Next year, October. But I got breaks between each leg so I’m taking it day by day.”

“When’s your next break then?” My mother asked.

“Halloween” Y/N and I said at the same time.

Y/N smiled at me and then looked back to my mother.

“Actually, now you mentioned it . . .you should come to one of my shows” Y/N said. “I’m only here for tomorrow and the day after”

“I would love to come” My mother said. “I have dinner with a friend tomorrow but I’m free the day after”

“So, Harry and you” Y/N said. “Gemma could come too”

“I’ll ask her for you” I said.

Gemma walked back into the restaurant, frustrated.

“Sad to call it quits early but Chloe needs me” Gemma said. “She got locked out of her apartment and she needs somewhere to spend the night at”

Y/N and I looked to each other. Locked out?

“Oh, no” My mother said. “You’re going to pick her up? She could stay at our house”

“I think she would be fine spending it by mine’s” Gemma said. “Do you want to leave with me now or pick you up later?”

“You only brought one car?” Y/N asked us.

“We came together” I said. “Didn’t plan on this happening”

My mother looked to us and then to Gemma, debating what to do.

“I really don’t want to leave you two alone” My mother said to Y/N and I. “I wanted to spend more time with you” She said to Y/N.

“There’s plenty of time to catch up at my show” Y/N said. “And it’s no big deal. Harry and I are fine on our own”

“Go with Gemma” I told my mother. “It’s only a few blocks from my house. I’ll take care of the bill”

My mother smiled at me.

“Take good care of her, will you?” She asked me.

“He will” Y/N said, answering for me. “Always does”

My mother nodded. Gemma and her quickly left, leaving Y/N and I alone. We talked for a bit before finishing eating. I paid for tonight. I asked Y/N if she wanted to walk home with me. She said yes.

“Did I tell you about that time Tom’s daughter almost vomited into my mouth?” I asked Y/N as we walked.

“No” Y/N said. “But you told me once that Lux did”

“I did?” I asked, not remembering when I told her that. 

“Uh huh” Y/N said.

“Well, then” I said. “Did I tell you another baby almost vomiting on me?”

Y/N let out a little laugh, her smile quickly fading away. I stared at her, feeling something was wrong with her. I suddenly remembered my mother’s suggestion about her spending Christmas with us.

“I’m sorry about my mom earlier” I said to Y/N. “I swear I only told her years ago you weren’t close to your parents. I didn’t think she would-“

“It’s alright” Y/N said, stopping me. “I found it sweet that your mother invited me. Don’t get many invites these days to Christmas parties”

“It’s August” I said. “Not supposed to this time”

Y/N chuckled, her smile fading quickly more than before.

“Are you okay?” I asked her. “You look like something is wrong”

“It’s nothing” Y/N said. “Don’t want to bother you with you”

“Why would I be bothered?” I asked her. “Wait,  it’s my mother, isn’t it? You don’t have to lie-“

“No, no, it’s not that” Y/N said, shaking her head. “It’s just Felix. He called me yesterday in the middle of my photoshoot”

"He did?" I asked her. "About what?"

"He's been dating someone" Y/N said. "They've been dating for almost a year. And he got her pregnant . . ."

"Oh" I said, feeling sympathy immediately for Y/N. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, no" Y/N said. "I cried in front of Lisa and Adrian after he told me and I don't want to cry in front of you now-"

"Why?" I asked her. "You cried in front of me before"

"But I don't want to deal with it 'all that' now" Y/N said. "Not yet"

I nodded, understanding her. She still wasn't healed from her miscarriage, or from Felix of that matter.

"Were you writing earlier about him?" I asked Y/N.

"Yeah" Y/N said. "It's just . . . fuck him"

I chuckled at her response.

"Like, fuck him" Y/N said. "How is he so happy about having another baby when we lost ours? It took me a damn year to process it and another year to date again and he just moves on like that"

"You're angry at him" I said. "It's okay to feel that way"

"I know it is, H" Y/N said. "But it's all . . ."

Y/N stopped walking and sighed. I stopped walking and looked to her. Her eyes were tearing up.

"That should be me" Y/N said. "I know I sound jealous but sometimes I think if I didn't have a miscarriage, Felix and I would be so happy together. Felix and I would have never broke up if it wasn't for the baby"

I stared at Y/N, feeling her pain. She had the right to be angry. How could she not be? She was happy, about to have everything she wanted with someone she loved and loved her back. Then, life happened and took her joy away. She was healing from it still. She was healing all alone when she shouldn't be. No one should be alone in pain. 

"Now, he gets to have that life with someone else" Y/N said. "He gets to be happy while-"

I hugged Y/N, wrapping my arms around her body tightly.

"I know" I told her. "It isn't fair. You don't deserve to be in pain. Not alone"

I felt Y/N shift in my arms. I loosened my grip on her, thinking she would want to pull away. Instead, she gripped onto my shirt, holding onto me tightly as she cried. I rested my forehead on the top of her head while rubbing her back. Some people passed us, looking intrigued and confused.

"You don't have to go through this alone" I said to her. "You shouldn't. No one should. I'm here for you. I'm always here for you"

Y/n didn't say anything to me. I figured I shouldn't say anything either. It was best for her to say something first, or at least get herself together first. We stood there, quietly holding each other for a moment. Y/N gently pulled back from me.

"It isn't fair" Y/N said, wiping her cheeks of tears. "But it still hurts"

Some of Y/N's mascara was smeared. Her cheeks were splotchy, red mostly with spots of pink and white from the crying but that didn't matter. I was just happy she was feeling better.

"I'm sorry I ruined your shirt" Y/N said, looking at my shirt. "I got mascara on you"

I looked down at my shirt. She did get mascara on me. That didn't matter either.

I looked back up to Y/N.

"I mean it, Y/N" I told her. "You don't have to go through this alone"

A beam of sunlight perfectly landed on Y/N's face, casting light on her eyes. Y/N smiled at me with her eyes sparkling, having a gleam in them. I felt my heart jolt. Y/N smiled at me hundreds of times before but this one - this one felt different.

"Thank you, Harry" Y/N said. "For always being there for me"

Y/N wrapped her arms around me, gently hugging me. I smiled, embracing her. I felt my heart gave another jolt. 

My heart. Wait. 

Y/N pulled away from me, still smiling. I stared at her.

Oh.

Oh.