#zack brown is shaking as we speak

[ineffablelarents]

Lewis quite literally took the curse and said “double it and give it to the next person” and the next person was the whole fucking mclaren team

[spiderdreamer-blog]

My Adventures With Superman: “Adventures of a Normal Man, Pts. 1 and 2″ Review

Since the end of Superman: The Animated Series, Superman has not had an animated series solely dedicated to himself as an adult in the intervening 23 years. He’s certainly been part of team shows like Justice League/Unlimited or Legion of Superheroes (albeit as a teenaged Superboy) that had his character as a key component. And there have been no shortage of movies, live action or animated, that starred him either. But it feels like something’s been lost, especially on the live action end, where interesting ideas by Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill largely failed to coalesce into a compelling character (and also were a major contributing factor in the current disaster zone that is Warner Bros. Discovery, so, that doesn’t help). But we finally have a new series starring him in My Adventures With Superman, and its two-part premiere has finally surfaced. How do things shake out for the Man of Steel?

Rather than start with the standard origin, the series picks up with Clark Kent (Jack Quaid, The Boys, Star Trek: Lower Decks) arriving in Metropolis to start work at the Daily Planet as an intern alongside his roommate Jimmy Olsen (Ishmel Sahid, Cousins for Life). They quickly meet Lois Lane (Alice Lee, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist), a fellow intern who dreams of bigger things, but is currently stymied by the Planet’s gruff editor-in-chief Perry White (Darrell Brown, Gabby’s Dollhouse). Lois drags Jimmy and Clark along on a story about military tech stolen by mercenary Leslie “Livewire” Willis (Zehra Fazal, Voltron Legendary Defender, Amphibia, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power), which pretty quickly spirals out of control. Clark quickly leaps in to save the day, and now the question of who or what this “Superman” is becomes THE question.

The first, most striking thing about My Adventures With Superman is its look and tone. Aided by the ever-capable Studio Mir, the character designs are bright, expressive, and far more rounded than the stripped-down, angular DCAU look of old. Clark in particular has an appealing sweet softness to his farmboy frame, Jimmy being black has been done before but never quite this excitable, and Lois is now a full-on tomboy with short hair and dark skin, much to the consternation of idiot YouTube grifter screamy men everywhere. This spreads downward to the tone, where producers Jake Wyatt (DuckTales), Brendan Clogher (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Josie Campbell (She-Ra) basically position the proceedings as a shoujo/josei romantic comedy that happens to have superhero action scenes.

Nothing against them, of course, they’re very well done (and fix a core problem I had with She-Ra in that the action scenes were, number one with a bullet, the weakest part due to jank). But just as much attention is paid to loving close-ups of Lois and Clark blushing as they realize they might LIKE like each other. Needless to say, I find it incredibly charming, especially after years of SnyderBros breathlessly insisting that Cavill’s dour, contemplative lonely god Superman who SNAPS PEOPLE’S NECKS is the best version of the character instead of some pussy who, I don’t know, saves kittens from trees.

(Full disclosure: Cavill is a fine actor in other projects and I have a great deal of admiration for Zack Snyder as a filmmaker, just...not them together for the most part)

In particular, a Clark who’s unsure of himself gives things a bit more of a mysterious tone than usual, particularly in the most intriguing plot hook so far: the Kryptonian ship that he came in contains the usual hologram of Jor-El, but he speaks in garbled Kryptonian that Clark can’t understand and is frightened by as a child. This, the ship creating The Costume (though Martha adds a humanizing touch with a belt and shorts), and a flash of a space battle when he unhooks a piece of damaged tech from Livewire’s back hint that it may be harder than usual to reconcile his Kryptonian and Earth selves. Which I’m not opposed to. While, as said in my STAS review, I don’t generally like the idea that Krypton was some cold unfeeling society with no value to Clark, this could be going a different, more interesting direction.

The awkwardness also adds great dividends to his interplay with Lois, who he generally has to keep up with anyway. Jimmy is also boosted in terms of already having an interest in extraterrestrial stuff, and he feels like a genuine part of the ensemble instead of a third wheel. The supporting cast is also going in some interesting directions, with a wearier Perry White than usual as a solid semi-antagonistic force, Livewire standing out as a smart, canny villain even before she busts out the Electro powers, and an excellent read on the Kents, with Jonathan and Martha warm and supportive, but fretting about losing Clark to this new persona. (Hey, Snyder? That’s how you make the Kents conflicted about Clark being Superman, not “idk, maybe you should let kids die rather than reveal your secret”)

All of this is aided by an incredibly strong voice cast. Quaid is my favorite Clark voice in a long time, affecting a soft dorkiness rather than going for a slightly formal patrician vibe. His comic timing is also great, such as in an early scene where he first meets Lois and is quickly embarrassed. Lee matches him well by switching out Lois’ usual businesswoman vibes for “overcaffeinated”, as well as self-aware enough to admit her mistakes, though not enough to cop to her immediately becoming smitten with Clark. Sahid is a funny, excitable Jimmy, taking the edge off what could have been an eye-rolling “CONSPIRACY THEORIST” gag, and his interplay with Quaid and Lee is often a highlight of the show. On the supporting end, Brown wisely dials down to be a straight man, Fazal is credibly tough and intelligent as usual, Kari Wahlgren gets those aforementioned great beats as Martha, and Azuri Hardy-Jones is immediately endearing as Flip Johnson, a gender-flipped version of the leader of Jack Kirby’s Newsboy Legion (now the NewsKIDS Legion, given some other gender-swaps in the group); she’s very much a believable scrappy kid, worrying at one point if they should call the President or “my mom”.

(Sidebar: the funniest, most unusual casting here is Chris Parnell as an anime twunk-ified Slade Wilson/Deathstroke, who appears as an ominous figure that tries to get intel out of Livewire, fights her, then captures and interrogates her with Amanda Waller and seemingly Sam Lane in attendance after Superman de-escalates the situation. Now, Parnell is an excellent voice actor with a long resume at this point, but his stock in trade is usually characters like Cyril Figgis on Archer or Jerry on Rick & Morty, who are most charitably described as weak-willed sexual obsessives. It’s a head-trip to hear him take on a role previously essayed by deep-voiced gravel pit legends like Ron Perlman, Will Arnett, Mark Rolston, and the late Miguel Ferrer. Though perhaps wisely, he doesn’t try to imitate those guys and leans into his own tones, just more of a smarmy asshole variant. His delivery of “We’re the good guys” at the end of the premiere is wonderfully insincere.)

Overall, My Adventures With Superman is immensely promising and I hope it has a decently long, unimpeded-by-Discovery-fuckery run. By going off-book but also appealing to the fundamentals of the character, it’s a fresh take that I am keenly interested in seeing develop and grow. Also, it’s just really dang cute, sue me.

[watchtowerindistress]

we are not our demons (4/24) - bruce wayne x batmom

Author’s note: So many cameos, dear God! So, I'm officially diverting from canon. Zack Snyder confirmed that the Robin suit in the Batcave wasn't Jason's, but Dick's. But since I wrote this part already before he revealed that little secret, please ignore that, okay? I'm gonna stick to the canon of the comics. [Read more at the end.]

Beta-read by Axolotyl Alot and Heidi.

Words: 2.3k

Warning: mention of death

Please reblog/leave a comment.

Series Masterlist | Want to be tagged? | Read on AO3

Yeah, everybody’s got a thing

But some don’t know how to handle it

Always reaching out in vain

Just taking the things not worth having

-Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing by Tory Kelly-

During her lunch break, Ellie was patiently waiting in the coffee shop she usually frequented during her lunch hours, hoping for a specific someone to arrive.

Truth be told, she wasn’t totally sure if this person would show up.

It didn’t take long until the flaming-red hair burst through the jingling door. Barbara bit her lip upon seeing her and walked towards her table with hesitation. Her straight hair seemed a bit longer and more radiant than the last time Ellie saw her old friend.

“Hey,” Ellie greeted, sensing this previously non-existent awkwardness.

“Hey,” Barbara replied, taking a seat opposite her. “Wasn’t sure if you were actually going to show.”

“Yep, same here.”

Barbara let out a drawn-out groan, hiding her face behind her hands. “God, this is stupid.” She chuckled under her breath.

Ellie was filled with relief at her assertive words. She couldn’t agree more. Her cheeks were blushing in embarrassment after exhaling loudly. “So stupid.”

The redhead’s arms laid on the table when she leaned forward in her seat.

“Are you mad at me for keeping it a secret? Because it wasn’t my secret to tell you.”

Ellie shook her head, understanding why Barbara couldn’t reveal someone else’s secret. “I get it, Babs. I thought I was mad at first, but I’m not. Not anymore, I swear.”

Barbara sighed loudly; her shoulders sagged with visible relief. “So, are we good?” she asked with wide eyes.

Ellie chuckled, shaking her head. She was gazing sympathetically at her friend. “Of course, we’re good,” she revealed with a small and fond smile. “I have missed you.”

“Missed you too,” Barbara squealed, letting out her inner child as they hugged it out.

“Have you talked to the others?”

Ellie and Barbara were taking a stroll down the sidewalk, taking their time in getting back to Wayne Enterprises. The brown-haired woman was happy that they got all their issues out in the open. This way they could finally move forward.

“Yes, I see them from time to time, but I’m not actually hanging out there to do some hacker stints.” The red-headed woman tilted her head in consideration, speaking under her breath, “Well, not really. Dick’s been asking for my help with an operation at Ace Chemicals.”

“I wasn’t aware that you guys were on more than speaking terms,” Ellie spoke slowly, gazing at her friend while walking forward.

Barbara chuckled slowly. “We’re not, but I just can’t seem to shake him off.” Her words were enhanced by the downcast expression on her face.

Ellie bit her lower lip, feeling understanding for the woman who couldn’t let go of the past—she could relate after all—and tried to think of something to cheer her up. Unceremoniously, her arm wrapped around her shoulder and squeezed her tightly to her chest. “Well, screw that guy. He couldn’t pull that thing off without you and he knows it.”

Shaking her head, Barbara snickered in agreement. “Let’s not talk about boys.”

Barbara chuckled, shaking her head. “You know, to be honest, I am kind of relieved that I can talk about this stuff with you.” She sent her a grateful glance. “I have some female superhero friends, but they’re all scattered around.”

“I think I know what you mean,” Ellie assured her, nudging her shoulder.

There was a loud clanking sound in the air, making them both jump and look up. The two women barely had time to register how a metal beam from a construction site was falling rapidly towards them. The sound of the sky being ripped open echoed through the air. There were only high-pitched shrieks surrounding them while Ellie held onto Barbara’s arm.

Something red, yellow, and blue caught it a few meters above them before it could even get close to touching them.

Ellie let out the breath she had been holding, briefly closing her eyes. Superman was in Gotham again.

The radiant smile of Metropolis’ savior gazed down at them. The Kryptonian seemed to hold the metal beam with both of his arms and not an ounce of difficulty.

One hand held it in a tight grip while making a salute with his free hand.

“Always a pleasure,” Superman professed, sending Ellie a smirk that seemed strangely familiar. Ellie noticed how Barbara sent him a small nod in recognition before he flew away.

“Okay, seriously. Who don’t you know?”

Barbara only threw her head back with unrestrained laughter.

“By the way, are you interested in having dinner with me and another friend?”

Ellie swiped her thumb over the screen of her phone. “What time?” Her eyes met the calendar notification for this afternoon’s training session and remembered how Nyssa sent her a text the day before, just like she promised.

Barbara shrugged, smiling softly at her. “Let’s say … how about six? At my place.”

Ellie pursed her lips in thought. “Yeah, I could eat something.”

Twist. Thump.

“Do that again. This time, don’t be afraid of hurting me.”

Ellie sent an incredulous glance at Nyssa before swiping the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.

“You’re a masochist, or something?”

Nyssa’s lips formed into an amused smirk. “You’re cute if you think you could actually hurt me.”

Shaking her head, Ellie’s tightened fists rose in the air. Her knees were bent, and her feet remained paralleled. “Let’s find out then. Hit me, Raatko.”

Nyssa raised a challenging eyebrow. “I hope you won’t mind the bruises.”

Ellie rolled her eyes. “Oh please, you should know me better than that.”

“Okay, let’s do this.”

Nyssa’s hand swept into an upward strike until the fleshy side was close to her throat. Inhaling deeply, Ellie was close to bending down when she swatted her arm away.

Ellie could’ve sworn her armpits were sweating in her black tank top already. Five minutes of warm-up, and she was seriously considering her cardio.

Almost out of instinct, Ellie’s fist pounded toward the area of Nyssa’s stomach—knowing she would evade her. Nyssa jumped to the side, just when Ellie’s straight hand struck Nyssa’s throat.

Her sudden action startled her as she covered her mouth with her hands.

Gasping with a stuttering breath, Nyssa held her hands to the bruised area while letting out a surprised cough.

Ellie heard her mutter unfamiliar words which could’ve been expletives spoken in her mother tongue. “Oh wow,” Nyssa spoke with a hoarse voice.

“Oh God, I’m so sorry.” Her voice sounded muffled through her hands. “I swear, that came out of nowhere.”

Nyssa took a deep breath while stretching until she straightened again. She waved her hand away. “No, that was great.” Her brown eyes lit up with glinting enthrallment, and she tilted her head speculatively.

“Now we can truly begin.”

Ellie pressed her lips together, not knowing if she liked that expression on Nyssa’s face. “Should I be afraid? Because I am, totally.”

Ellie was looking down the hallway while she waited for her host of the evening to invite her inside after knocking on Barbara’s apartment door.

She didn’t yet feel the physical repercussions of today’s training, but tomorrow morning would be a wincing reminder for her muscles.

Ellie was yanked out of her inner thoughts with the opening of the apartment door. A wide smile was on Barbara’s face, feeling content in her arrival. Her blue eyes lit up even more when she saw what Ellie held in her eyes.

“Oh great, I love people who come bearing gifts!”

“I love bringing the wine.”

Ellie shook her head with a smile and stepped into the embrace Barbara was offering. “Show me what you got, Babs.” And with that, Barbara led her through her spacious apartment. The blue colors of the walls were warm and welcoming, not to mention it made her a bit jealous of how beautiful everything looked … and organized.

“Love the place.”

“Thanks. I’m usually a real slob.”

They arrived in the kitchen when a third voice reached her ears, “Oh trust me, that’s an understatement.”

Ellie tilted her head when she met the third guest who was already sitting at the laid-out table. Her shoulder-long hair which was dark at the roots transformed into an ombre-look with striking silver-white hair at the tips. Although what struck her were the high stockings clinging to her legs and the choker around her neck.

Damn, she looked smoking.

Ellie’s eyebrows arched in astonishment while her feet were rooted in place.

“And you are?”

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry,” Barbara stepped forward, waving at her friend as an introduction. “That’s my friend I told you about.”

“Dinah Lance.” The woman with the silver tips stood up, showing her tall figure, and laying out her hand as a greeting. “Pleasure.”

Ellie gave the wine bottle to Barbara’s waiting hands to reciprocate the gesture. “Ellie Rhodes. And definitely.”

Dinah merely revealed a small smirk before she sat back down. “Looks like it’s a party.”

“You’re a superhero, too, aren’t you?”

Ellie certainly knew how to dramatize an evening if the ceasing of cutlery was anything to go by. Barbara cleared her throat, sending Dinah a sheepish look.

“I swear I didn’t tell her.”

Dinah chuckled, looking down onto her plate.

“I really don’t like the s-word.” Her wavy hair twirled in the air when she shook her head. “I prefer vigilante.” Narrowing her brown eyes, Dinah’s expression turned curious. “What gave me away?”

“It was just … a feeling, I guess. Also, there’s a certain dominance around you.”

Dinah’s grin turned lascivious. “Oh really? You should meet my ex-girlfriends; they certainly have stories to tell.”

Ellie cleared her throat, feeling herself blush at the flirtatious remark. “Sorry, didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”

“You didn’t.” Dinah waved a hand dismissively. “So… you don’t want to know my superpowers?” she presumed in a statement.

“You can tell me your secret identity when you trust me. All I need to know is that you’re a badass in and out of your suit.”

Dinah picked up her fork again to dig into her food. “Oh, honey, I certainly am. All the guys can attest to that when I start to scream.”

Barbara cleared her throat, desperate for a change of subject from the sexual tension lingering in the air. “So, we just saw Superman today.”

“Oh really?” Dinah chewed with her mouth open, furrowing her brow.

“Yep, he was such a boy scout about it too,” Ellie threw in with a grumble.

Dinah raised an impressed eyebrow at her annoyance. “What did he do?”

“Saved us from a falling beam,” Barbara mentioned.

“Oh wow, what an asshole, right?” Dinah asked with her mouth filled with noodles.

The evening shifted into some kind of relaxing event. Despite not knowing Dinah for very long, it felt like she was among friends.

“So, … what do you think of Dinah?”

Barbara and Ellie were both in the kitchen, putting the dishes in the dishwasher while Dinah chose some DVDs for the rest of the night.

Ellie breathed in, trying to find some fitting words for Dinah Lance. Shrugging, she tilted her head and used the back of her hand to adjust her glasses on the bridge of her nose. “Well, she’s intense, for sure.”

“I know she can be a flirt. She’s kind of a menace in that regard.”

Ellie pursed her lips in thought. “I like her. She seems nice. Under all that hard, seductive shell.”

Barbara cleared her throat, putting the used wine glass next to the kitchen sink. “Listen, I did some thinking, and you can say no, but here it is: I was wondering if you would like to join us for movie night.” She continued at Ellie’s confused expression, thinking they were just about to watch some movies, “I mean at the Wayne’s.” Barbara nibbled on her lower lip in vulnerability which was starting to mix with the excitement in her bright eyes.

Ellie raised her eyebrows at the suggestion that came out of nowhere. “Oh.”

“Yep.” Barbara pressed her lips together.

Ellie bit the inside of her cheek while her gaze wandered around to ruminate about it. “Does Bruce know about this?”

“Not really.”

Ellie narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “Are the boys even on board with this? I mean, I left so abruptly. I am guessing they hate me.”

Barbara’s eyes widened in shock and whisper-yelled, “Are you kidding me? They miss you like crazy. They would love to have you over for movie night.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Barbara raised her hands in surrender. “That’s all I’m asking.”

“By the way, in the Batcave…”

“Yes?”

“What’s with the suit? You know, the–”

Barbara’s eyes turned morose before she gulped. The redhead nodded once. “You mean the one put on display with the yellow paint over it.”

“Yes, that’s the one.” Ellie tilted her head, feeling like she was breaching a sensitive subject.

Barbara breathed deeply. “It was a Robin suit.”

“Was?”

“Bruce didn’t tell you about that, did he?” She asked knowingly.

“No. He might have if things hadn’t gotten so messed up in the end.”

Barbara sighed deeply. She turned her head away until her fiery locks went tumbling down her face like a waterfall, covering her expression for what she said next.

“That suit belonged to Jason. Jason Todd,” she whispered brokenly. A hardened expression shrouded over her face when she turned back to her.

“What happened to him?” Ellie whispered, unsure if she just made a grave mistake talking about it and rehashing something truly horrific.

“He died. The Joker killed him.”

A/N: I'm a big Black Canary fan and love her in the Birds of Prey comics. I'm still writing with Jurnee in my head after I re-wrote this story. I just changed her hair a bit with the way I associate her character with the comics, not to mention after I saw a fancast picture.

Photo source: reddit

Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath​​ @ravenmoore14​ @alwayshave-faith​ @ikranfuad​ @daydreaming-gemini​ @bluegalaxyprime​ @liadamerondjarin​​ @steph21369 @andrewswifes-blog​​    

[g0ttal0ve101]

Lucian, my AoD OC 🤍

🌸~NAME~🌸

"My name? Haha, you should really tell me yours first!"

Full Name: Lucian Williams

Meaning: "Light"

Nicknames: Lucy/Lu Lu (Eddie), Bunny boy (Cathy), Little cannibal-shit (Zack)

Name Language: Latin

🌸~PHYSICAL~🌸

"Ginger hair is super pretty, don't you know? White hair makes me look like an old guy."

Skin: Pale

Eyes: Blue-green (Turquoise)

Hair: White

Gender: Male

Height: 150 cm

Weight: 76 lbs

Age: 12 (in-game)

Sexuality: Bisexual

🌸~ATTIRE~🌸

"I made these hairclips myself! I'm glad you think they're cute..."

Clothes:

—In game—

Lucian wears white overalls with a white and purple striped undershirt, similar to Eddie. Although, Lucian's ways of killing people makes it more bloody, so there are many blood stains on his overalls.

—Normal—

Lucian thinks B4 is EXTREMELY cold, since he's a very warm person. He usually swears an oversized lavender sweater with a big bunny on the front of it with jeans. (Eddie doesn't like to share, but he often lets Lucian wear his red scarf to keep him warm.)

—Pajamas—

Lucian wears a VERY fluffy, (x100000) white nightgown with a bunny hood. (It even has the white bunny tail, like it's THAT CUTE) He's a literal cookie I can't with this cuteness 💀

Shoes: Black boots

Accessories: Lucian is always seen with a flower or bunny pin in his hair. The bunny pin is brown, just like his old rabbit, Cinnamon. His flower pins change to roses and marigolds.

🌸~STARS~🌸

"The moon is a beautiful and blue! It almost looks sad..."

Zodiac: Cancer

Birthday: June 30th

Color: Silver

Animal: Crab

Element: Water

Planet: Moon

Birthstone: Pearl and/or moonstone

🌸~MENTAL~🌸

"Me? I guess I'm a pretty happy kid! I just wanna see bunnies, is all!"

Personality: Lucian is very happy-go-lucky, oblivious, and bubbly.

Worst Memory: Being beaten by his mother's boyfriend(s).

Best Memory: Meeting Eddie.

🌸~ACQUAINTANCES~🌸

"Eddie is my best friend! I like him a whole bunch! He's the one who cares for me..."

Friends: Eddie

Family: Father (deceased), mother (deceased), younger sister (deceased)

Enemies: Zack and Rachel

Neutral: Cathy, Danny, and Gray

🌸~TRIVIA~🌸

"More to know about me, me, me!"

Lucian loves children and animals.

Lucian has a weird sense of personal space. He almost always gets too close to people when he talks without noticing, especially when speaking about flowers. causing people to get the wrong idea.

Lucian is a cuddle bug. He loves hugging people and playing with people's hair.

Lucian uses an axe to kill his victims. He usually goes for the neck first to make it quick.

Lucian gets scolded a lot by Eddie for trying to have a little bite of the corpses but We DoN't GoTtA tAlK aBoUt ThAt—

Lucian probably has a little crush on Eddie, but it's not decided yet :/

He's a scaredy-bean and hates spooky stuffs.

When Eddie gets upset Lucian plays with his ahoge to make him feel better.

Lucian calls everyone by flowers except for the people he doesn't like. Usually, he calls Eddie multiple kinds of flowers. (If he doesn't like you, he'll prolly call you a weed.)

Lucian has a bad sense of being gentle, for example, shaking someone's hand. He'll squeeze way too tight and often hurt the other. (However, when asked about why he doesn't have a problem with Eddie and being gentle, his answer is, "I knew I had to be gentle with him.")

Lucian is afraid of middle aged men because of his trauma. Since Danny is just that, Lucian is afraid of him. Plus, Danny tried to lift his bangs up (since he covers his left eye) to see both of his eyes.

Lucian might be a cannibal, but he's a precious child so please protect him 😭💕

This was my first design for him...I kept the hair color and the clothes lolol-

[clumsyclifford]

hello bella’s ask box it’s been a min damn.

so the vibes are fucking everywhere w the music in the lab today so i’ve mostly been ignoring it but then unforgettable by thomas rhett started playing and my brain was immediately like This Is a Fic Song

more importantly it is a Bella Fic Song

last time you not so subtly wanted me to prompt u w w thomas rhett song you told me to do that here so i am back again w another song from ur boy

okay i def snuck out just to send this so i gotta go now but this felt important laksdjdld

ok ily bye 💛

hi sam :)

so.................... i was stuck on what to write you for your birthday fic. you sent me this ask prompting me with a thomas rhett song that i had literally been meaning to write a fic based on for almost a full year. the puzzle pieces just aligned REALLY nicely on this one.

happy birthday, my love. there's gonna be a LOT more sappy shit in the ao3 notes, but please know that my life is irreversibly changed for the better because i met you. i am dangerous close to sounding like glinda from wicked and i really want you to get to READ this fic so please see ao3 for more schmaltz. i love you so much.

tw for alcohol

read here on ao3

-

Every life has a moment that imprints on memory like ink on a fresh page. The kind of moment that permanently alters the trajectory of that life, that marks the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. Some people are lucky enough to have more than one. Some people’s minds are laden with crystallized memories. But there’s always at least one. One completely unforgettable moment.

For Jack, this moment happens twenty-four minutes after he enters the club.

Twenty-three minutes after he enters the club, Zack returns with his and Jack's second beers and says, "There's some guy at the bar who's totally your type."

"Yeah?" Jack cranes his neck, but he can't quite see the bar from where he is. "My type how? Not just 'lonely and drunk,' right? My standards have gotten higher, you know."

Zack hands Jack his beer. "He's cute and he's wearing a One Direction shirt, and I'm pretty sure he's drinking a margarita.”

"Oh shit," Jack says. "That checks all my boxes."

"I know it does," says Zack, winner of the Wingman Of The Decade award. He claps Jack on the shoulder. Jack sidesteps people until he gets eyes on the bar and scans for a cute guy in a One Direction shirt drinking a margarita.

Twenty-four minutes after Jack enters the bar, he sees Alex.

And everything changes forever.

*

"Woah," Jack says. His gut is feeling weird and it’s probably unrelated to the beer and a half under his belt.

"What?"

"The guy at the bar," Jack says, grabbing Zack's arm. "Zack. You grossly undersold my future husband to me."

"Your future husband?" Zack sounds amused, but Jack isn't kidding.

"Remember this moment," he says seriously, giving Zack a sloppy pat on the bicep before moving away from him, towards the bar, towards the cute guy with the One Direction shirt who's making Jack understand clairvoyance. "Remember this so you can tell the story at our wedding!"

"Your wedding," Zack repeats.

"Our fucking wedding!" Jack insists, more loudly as space and drunk people fill the growing gap between him and Zack. Zack just gives him a good-luck-and-godspeed wave.

Seconds later, Jack is at the bar.

"Can I buy you a drink?"

The cute guy in question looks up, surprised. Jack practically reels. It's a miracle people aren't flocking to this guy; he's not just cute, he's gorgeous. Bleach-blond hair — clearly from a bottle, which somehow Jack finds more attractive — flops over his forehead in a stubborn commitment to the emo fringe that died out a decade ago, and long lashes frame brown eyes that rival the glossy chestnut color of the bar. Add the five o'clock shadow and the sharply angled jaw and Jack's speechless.

Fortunately it's not his turn to speak. "I have a drink," says the guy, who is rapidly progressing from Cute Guy At Bar to Possible Soulmate At Bar. He quirks a smile. Jack's done for. "I'll buy you a drink, though."

Jack sets his partially-drunk beer on the bar top and slides it as far as he can reach. "Okay," he says.

Possible Soulmate laughs. He slides his margarita away from him, too, pushing it into the space of another person sitting down the bar. "Touché. Okay, you can buy me a drink."

"Well, hey, I don't want you to waste yours," Jack says reasonably. He retrieves his beer and then Possible Soulmate's drink. "I'll get the next one."

Possible Soulmate smiles. Jack is going to need his name eventually. "I appreciate your commitment to environmentally-friendly consumption of alcohol."

Jack blinks. "Yeah," he says. "That was a lot of big words, but sure. No problem. I'm Jack, by the way."

"Alex." Alex. Jack can see the wedding invites now.

"Nice to meet you," Jack says. "I like your shirt."

Alex glances down out of instinct as the wide collar of the shirt slips over his shoulder. "Thanks," he says with a chuckle, and looks up at Jack. "I like yours."

With great effort, Jack tears his gaze from Alex's shoulder and the hint of collarbone peeking out, but he would like it on the record that it is tremendously difficult. Fortunately he already knows what shirt he's wearing because he'd agonized over it for several minutes longer than Zack's patience ran, shortly before going out.

"Yeah, Kurt Cobain," he says, nodding with probably too much enthusiasm. "I'm a lead singer guy."

"Really?" Alex tilts his head and raises an eyebrow. "Meaning what?"

"I go for the lead singer types," Jack explains. "Kurt Cobain, Billie Joe Armstrong, you know." He nods at Alex's shirt. "Harry Styles."

"Harry Styles wasn't—" Alex breaks off and snorts. "Eh, whatever. Who cares."

"Wait," Jack says. "Hold the phone. Did you fucking cross out Zayn's face?"

Alex looks down at his shirt again like maybe he'll have forgotten what it looks like. "Oh, my friend did that. But now the shirt is factually accurate."

"If you wanted an accurate shirt you'd have to cross them all out since none of them are in the band anymore," Jack observes.

Alex slowly smiles. "I guess."

"I always liked Zayn," Jack says wistfully. "His solo shit is so good, though."

"It's good," Alex says, kind of in the tone of voice of someone who doesn't really agree but doesn't want to get into it, so Jack leaves it be. They can poll their wedding guests. "I'm really digging Niall's solo shit."

"That's an extremely acceptable answer," Jack says, nodding vigorously. In the moment it slips his mind that he's holding a beer and the liquid begins to slosh out of its container. "Oh shit, fuck, sorry."

"Didn't get me," Alex says, passing Jack a napkin. "Couple too many, I get it."

"What?" Jack is very focused on drying his hands so they don't get sticky and gross. "I'm not drunk."

Alex laughs. "Yeah, right."

"I'm not!"

"Okay," Alex says lightly, but it's clear he doesn't believe Jack. On the bright side, he doesn't seem bothered by it.

"I am acceptably drunk for a guy in his mid-twenties at a club,” Jack amends. "And you owe me a drink anyway."

"Hey, I intend to buy you that drink," Alex says earnestly. "Another beer?"

Jack shakes his head. "Vodka soda," he says. "It's a special occasion."

"Really! You celebrating something?"

"I am now," Jack says. "Celebrating meeting my future husband."

"Your future husband?"

"You," Jack says, in case it wasn't clear. "It's not every day you meet the man you're gonna marry. I think it calls for a celebratory vodka soda."

Alex stares, obviously expecting Jack to say sike! When Jack does no such thing, he gives a small, incredulous laugh.

"Fair enough," he says. He sounds like he's humoring Jack. That's okay. Jack is serious, but Alex will figure that out on his own time. "I guess you're not wrong. That doesn't happen every day."

A large shadow materializes on Alex's other side, blocking light like some very cliché movie villain. It's not Doc Ock, but it is some tall, burly guy, a leer affixed to his face that's probably been there since Alex's haircut went out of style.

"Hey, baby," he says in an unnervingly deep voice. The part of Jack that isn't super skeezed out is a little jealous. But Burly Guy isn't talking to Jack; Jack may as well be invisible. To Alex, Burly Guy says, "Saw you across the bar and I just had to come over."

Didn't have to, Jack thinks grumpily to himself. You could have stayed across the bar. If you walk away now we’ll pretend we never saw you.

"Can I get you a drink?" Burly Guy asks, and honestly, Jack has no idea what Alex is going to say.

Big Burly Guy with a deep voice a la Morgan Freeman vs. resident beanstalk Jack whose voice sounds like a rejected cartoon character design. What a tough choice.

Jack is just preparing to cut his losses when Alex grabs Jack's wrist, turns to him, and says, "Honey? What do you think?"

Jack's tipsy, but Alex is definitely communicating something with his eyes, and between that and the pet name Jack is pretty sure he's on the same page.

"You want to buy my boyfriend a drink?" Jack asks Big Burly Guy, cranking up the Bitchy energy because he doesn't get to do it a lot and it's kinda fun. His voice has definitely gone vaguely southern-auntie, but he's rolling with it. "Sorry, sugar, this seat's taken. Must be this guy" — he points at himself — "to ride."

"This guy?" Burly Guy echoes, furrowing his eyebrows at Jack and then looking at Alex with profound confusion, like he just doesn't get it. "You're with this guy?"

"Happily," Alex says, glancing back at Jack, who offers him what is definitely a convincingly enamored smile because Jack is legitimately enamored. Alex laces their fingers together and Jack's not delusional, can't be, not when they fit this well together. No way. "So I'm gonna pass on that drink. Sorry, man. No hard feelings."

Burly Guy seems to have some hard feelings. Maybe he didn't get the memo. "Whatever," he says gruffly. "Your loss."

Jack can't resist countering, "Actually it's your loss, sweetums," as Burly Guy retreats. If he dies tonight, he knows who’s responsible.

As soon as he's gone, Alex breaks down laughing, and Jack quickly follows suit. Alex's hand slips from Jack's and begins to tug at the ends of his own hair instead.

"Sugar?"

"I don't know what happened," Jack says/wheezes. "I became possessed by Blanche from Golden Girls.”

"You have to be" — Alex prods Jack's chest — "this guy to ride." He dissolves into giggles and Jack is laughing too but mostly because Alex's laugh is incredibly contagious.

"Look, I don't blame him," Jack says, feeling exhilarated. "You are the best-looking guy in this establishment. He just happened to have creepo vibes."

"I am not the best-looking guy in this establishment," Alex says, grinning at Jack. "Nice of you to say, though."

"Hey, I'm serious!"

"I thought you were Jack."

Jack stares at Alex and Alex doesn't even last a second before he's breaking down laughing yet again.

I'm going to marry you, Jack thinks, and it almost scares him how serious he is about that. He opens his mouth and says, "That wasn't even— that's not even one of the good dad jokes! That's the most boring one!"

"There is no such thing as a boring dad joke."

"You should go into stand-up," Jack says dryly. "You'd tear down the house with this set. I can see it now." He waves a grandiose hand in the air as if painting the marquee into existence, but when he goes to introduce the act he realizes he's missing most of the crucial information. "Alex…something…something. Austin, Texas, one night only."

"Gaskarth," Alex says. "That's my last name."

"Alex Something Gaskarth," Jack loyally amends, and gives Alex a look like, well?

Except Alex is giving Jack that same look. "I only know your first name and you expect me to tell you my full one?"

"Jack Bassam Barakat," Jack says, gesturing impatiently. "Come on, I'm trying to introduce your act here."

"Guess," Alex says.

"Guess?"

"It's a pretty basic middle name," Alex says. "I'll buy you your vodka soda when you guess it."

"Alex," Jack says. "I am not going to guess your middle name. I am so bad at these games and I'm fucking drunk."

"Quitter," Alex says. "Do you want your drink?"

Jack scowls, trying to channel Blanche again, but Alex is apparently immune.

"Give me a hint," he finally concedes.

"It's a British name," Alex says. “Pretty standard British.”

"Are you British?”

Alex nods. "Born and raised. Moved here when I was about…eight? But I'm not an American citizen. I have a green card."

Yet another reason they should be married. Jack could extend his citizenship to Alex. Plus he'd gain British citizenship, which would probably be useful for, like, travel or One Direction stalking or whatever.

"That's sick," Jack says. "I was born in Lebanon. We moved when I was a baby."

"That's so cool," Alex says, sounding genuinely interested. He props his chin on his hand and gives Jack a cheeky smile. "Now guess."

Jack sighs. "Uh, Charles."

"No."

"Darcy."

"Darcy?"

"Margaret."

"Jack."

"You said it's a British name!"

"A British man's name," Alex says, rolling his eyes in fond exasperation.

Jack takes a long pull from his beer, swallows, and says, "Harry."

"No."

They're going to be here awhile. Jack pulls out the seat next to Alex and settles in while he racks his brain for British names.

*

“Alfred.”

“Nope.”

“John.”

“No.”

“Paul.”

“No.”

“George.” Alex shakes his head. “Ringo.”

“Yup, you finally got it,” Alex says. Jack is over the moon for a split second before it sinks in that Alex is fucking with him. “Alex Ringo Gaskarth. Well done.”

“Fuck off, I’m doing my best here,” Jack says.

“You’re missing one incredibly obvious name,” Alex says. “It’s not that hard.”

“For you,” Jack says. “Because you already know it.” Alex is grinning. Jack likes that he’s enjoying himself. It makes this guessing game fun. Under any other circumstances, this guessing game would not be fun, but Alex makes it fun.

Alex has also finished his mango margarita by now, and Jack’s beer is long since empty. He’s itching for another drink, mainly for something to do with his hands.

As if reading his mind, Alex flags down the bartender, who sidles up with a small smile and says, “What can I get you boys?”

Jack blinks at her. Mostly at her accent, which is not American.

“Vodka soda,” Alex says. To Jack, “I think you’ve earned it.” Jack smiles.

“And a mango margarita,” he puts in to the bartender, “and are you British?”

The bartender looks amused. “I am British,” she says.

“Please help me,” Jack says. “Alex says his middle name is a British name and I cannot for the life of me figure out what it fucking is.”

“Jack, the nice bartender lady has other things to do,” Alex says with a laugh. The nice bartender lady probably does have other things to do, but she shifts her weight and gives Alex an appraising look instead.

“Harry?”

“Tried that,” Jack says, realizing at once that this is a pointless endeavor. The nice bartender lady is going to guess everything Jack’s already guessed and he’ll just have wasted her time. “I’ve tried every member of One Direction, every member of the Beatles, every member of Oasis, every Harry Potter character, every member of the Royal Family—”

At this, Alex coughs conspicuously.

Jack rounds on him. “I have.”

“Edward,” the bartender offers. Alex’s lips are pressed together in a smile and he shakes his head. “Meghan. Kate. Richard. Dick. Philip.”

A lightbulb goes off as the bartender is listing Royal Family names. Jack wants to kick himself. “Oh my— William?”

“Yeahhhh, there you go! See, it was easy,” Alex says, grinning widely.

“William,” the bartender repeats with a charming little laugh. Her lipstick is bright with clean lines, an impressive feat considering Jack has seen her bustling around this bar for almost an hour now. “I had an ex called William.”

“Oh no,” Alex says. “I hope he didn’t ruin the name for you.”

“Please,” the bartender says, waving him off. “The only thing he ruined for me was a few meters of drywall.” Jack and Alex must have twin looks of concern, because she explains, “Anger issues. No worries, boys, I sent him packing, and a vodka soda for you, and a mango marg for you.”

She slides their drinks into waiting hands and starts to turn away. “Wait a sec,” Jack says.

The bartender turns back to him with wide Bambi eyes. “Did I fuck up the drink? I’ve made it a million—”

“No no no,” Jack assures her. “I just wanted to know your name. You rescued me from an eternal guessing game, you’re my hero.”

The bartender smiles and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Maisie,” she says. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, Maisie,” Alex says. “Thank you for the alcohol.”

Maisie laughs again as she moves to the other side of the bar.

“William,” Jack says, swirling his drink with the miniature straw. “God damn. I can’t believe I missed William.”

“You got close,” Alex says. “You guessed Liam twice. And thanks for the drink.”

“Same to you,” Jack says. “It’s a good drink. Yours, I mean. You know what offends me, though? Why aren’t mango margaritas orange?”

Alex furrows his brow. “Why the fuck would they be orange?”

“Mangos are orange! Fruity drinks should be the same color as their fruit.”

“Mangos are not fucking orange,” Alex says with an incredulous laugh. “They’re straight-up yellow.”

“They’re orange with yellow tendencies,” Jack says, “but mostly orange.”

“They are entirely yellow,” Alex says. “Coldplay even wrote a song about them. They were all yellow.”

“They’re orange,” Jack insists, but now Alex has moved on completely and is loudly singing Coldplay.

“I came along! I wrote a song foooor youuuuu! And all the things you do!”

“You’re ignoring the truth!”

“And it was called ‘Yellow’!” Alex shouts.

“Okay, I surrender! Sheesh. You win.”

“Thank you,” Alex says placidly, like he hasn’t just been yelling obnoxiously over the (worse, but much louder) club music. “I’m going to enjoy my yellow mango marg very much.”

“And I will enjoy my victory drink,” Jack says, lifting his glass. Alex lifts his. It smells like mango and tequila. They clink the rims together. “To William.”

“To William,” Alex agrees, laughing.

*

The DJ plays a song Jack loves to hate from hearing it on the radio so many times and Alex is out of his seat before Jack’s managed to put down his drink.

“What are—”

“I love this song, I want to dance,” Alex insists. The implication is clearly that he wants Jack to dance with him, which is like. What is Jack gonna do, say no?

Alex must anticipate some kind of argument, though, because with a glint in his eye he adds lightly, “These are the kinds of things you’ll have to do if we’re married.”

On the one hand, he’s clearly making fun. But on the other hand, the fact that Alex was a stranger an hour ago and is still comfortable teasing Jack about suggesting they’re going to get married speaks volumes. Alex is smiling. They’ve known each other for less than an hour — a drink and a half each — and Alex is smiling at his own joke about marrying Jack. Like he likes that Jack said it first. Like he likes Jack.

“Just wait ‘til you learn all the weird shit you’ll have to do when we’re married,” Jack says, sliding out of his stool.

Any sane person would have run away by now. Even Jack knows when he’s coming on too strong.

But Alex does the opposite; Alex grabs his wrist and pulls him towards the dance floor.

“Fair warning,” Alex says. “I don’t actually know how to dance.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Jack says, and then eats his words not two seconds later when Alex demonstrates how very much he doesn’t know how to dance. All of his limbs seem to move as their own entities, zero synchronization. A couple surrounding people take various minor assaults before taking the hint and giving Alex some space, but this does not stop him. “Okay,” Jack says loudly over the music. “You were right. But luckily neither do I.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Alex says.

Jack does the sprinkler. Alex snorts. He does the wave, very poorly, and Alex continues it, also very poorly.

“Mr. Moves,” Alex says. “I’m impressed.”

“Yeah? Check this one out.” Jack does the running man with extreme focus. Alex laughs, leaning towards Jack as he does. Jack stops dancing so he doesn’t accidentally hit Alex, who is suddenly much closer and who somehow smells like pine and flannel and fall and winter in one and is the best-looking person in blue jeans and checkered Vans on this dance floor. Far from the only person, but without question the prettiest.

Fuck.

“I don’t think I can do that one,” says Alex, grinning. Jack nods at him like, try it, so Alex does, proving himself right. He almost takes Jack’s eye out.

“Yeesh, okay, you’re— alright, take it easy,” Jack says, swatting Alex’s wayward hand away and laughing. “Well, we all have our strengths.”

Surrendering the running man, Alex starts up with some bizarre hand-wavey foot-kicky thing, singing along to the music.

“Do you seriously like this song?” Jack asks, attempting to imitate Alex’s dance. “Dance,” heavy quote marks implied.

Alex shoots Jack a look. “Hell yeah. What, you don’t?”

“It’s just…always on,” Jack says. “Everywhere. How are you not sick of it?”

“Because it fuckin’ slaps!” Alex looks incensed.

“I don’t know why I’m surprised you’re a pop music person when you’re literally in a One Direction shirt.”

“I’m a lots of music person,” Alex counters. “Including pop music, yeah. You don’t like pop music?”

“I sometimes do,” Jack says. “I like Taylor Swift. Britney Spears.”

“Okay, well, you’d have to be insane not to like them.”

“Yeah, and I’m obviously sane.”

Alex barks a laugh. “Drunk but sane.”

“I am not drunk!” That’s probably a lie by now.

“You’re not convincing me otherwise,” Alex says. “I’m confident you’ve been drunk this whole time.”

“You haven’t exactly been an innocent bystander,” Jack says. “You bought me a drink, and you’re gonna buy us shots in a minute.”

“I did— I what?”

“Yeah,” Jack says, and this time he drags Alex off the dance floor, back to the bar. “I can see the future, I forgot to tell you.”

“You—” Alex laughs again and leans on the bar, trapping both his elbows between his stomach and the bartop. “You’re buying the next round.”

“Oh, happily,” Jack says. “I’m actively trying to get you drunk.”

“Why’s that?”

“Studies show I am 75% more attractive to people when they’re drunk,” says Jack.

Alex turns to him. Without missing a beat, he says smoothly, “I don’t think it’s possible for you to get any more attractive.”

Fuck. Actually, fuck. Seriously. Fuck.

“You must be drunk already, then,” Jack says.

Alex smiles serenely. “I feel pretty sober.”

“Exactly what a drunk person would say,” Jack says. “J’accuse, William.”

Alex laughs. “In that case, your studies are right.”

Jack’s probably blushing. He does that in extreme cases only, but this is nothing if not an extreme case. Alex is fucking relentless.

Maisie the bartender is back, and Alex orders them shots of tequila. Somewhere in the recesses of Jack’s mind, this unlocks a memory, and he snaps his fingers. “I should hunt down my friend, he loves tequila.”

“Friend?” Alex looks around while Maisie pours their shots. “You ditched your friend?”

“He told me to,” Jack says. “He’s probably gonna pick up some girl. Actually, he probably already has.”

“Really,” Alex says, sounding amused.

“Zack’s a strong silent type,” Jack explains. “Emphasis on strong. We’re single guys in our mid-twenties, Alex. We’re not going to clubs for the atmosphere.”

“Admit it,” Alex says. “You a little bit are.”

Jack bites his lip. “Fine, I like the atmosphere,” he admits, more affected than he should be that Alex seems to have picked up on this about him. “And the alcohol. And the chances I’ll meet my future husband, which clearly paid off. Zack will never admit it, but I’m pretty sure he likes trying to set me up with random people in clubs.”

Alex laughs. “He set you up with me?”

“Oh yeah,” Jack says. “He wingmanned me hard. You can thank him in your vows.”

This only serves to make Alex laugh harder. “I’ll thank him now,” he says with a grin. Taking his cue, Jack grabs his shot glass. Alex does the same. “To Zack.”

“To Zack!” Jack cheers, and they both down their shots.

“Me?”

Jack whirls around and trips straight into Zack. “Zack!” he says brightly. “We toasted you.”

“I heard,” Zack says. “Why, exactly?”

“I’m Alex,” says Alex, holding out a hand. Zack shakes it. “Apparently you set us up?”

“Oh,” Zack says. “I wouldn’t really say that. I just kind of pointed Jack in this direction. If you can put up with him, that’s all you.”

“I was gonna come find you anyway,” Jack says. “We’re doing tequila shots. Next round on me.”

“Oh, hell yeah,” Zack says. “Count me in.”

They can’t come up with a toast for their second round so they just knock it back with an ambiguous cheer; then Zack offers to buy another, and Jack’s not about to refuse. It’s starting to hit just right, so he’s buzzed but not incoherent. All his most brilliant ideas come in this state.

Case in point: as Maisie is pouring them their third round, Jack suddenly says, “Maisie! Do a shot with us!”

Maisie looks up and laughs. “I’m not supposed to drink on the job,” she says.

“It’s not drinking, it’s bonding,” Jack insists.

“Yeah, we’re forming lasting friendships,” Alex jumps in.

Zack looks entertained. “You guys know each other?”

“As of half an hour ago, yes,” Maisie says.

“Maisie here helped me guess Alex’s middle name,” Jack explains. “Which is William. Like the prince.”

“I feel like I missed so much,” Zack says, half to himself. He shrugs and nods at Maisie. “One shot. On me. For Jack. We won’t tell.”

Maybe it’s because Zack is buff and has cool tattoos or just has good vibes or whatever, but Maisie hesitates only a second before inclining her head. “Just one, and no blabbing,” she says, meeting all of their eyes in turn. Everyone nods solemnly, and Maisie discreetly pours herself a fourth shot.

“Hell yes!” Jack whoops as they all take a shot glass. “To Maisie!”

“To Maisie!” Everyone echoes, including Maisie with a wry grin.

The third shot goes down smoother than the first two. Jack swallows his easily, as does Alex. Maisie puckers her face a bit. Zack has zero reaction, because Zack’s just kinda like that.

“While I’m here, I was hoping to get another beer,” Zack says.

“On it,” Maisie says immediately, giggling. “Thanks for the shot, boys. You’ve kept me far more entertained tonight than my usual shift provides.”

“You can give a toast at our wedding,” Jack says to her. Zack’s eyes widen a little, Alex snorts, and Maisie laughs.

“I’d be honored,” she says. “Back to work now. You need anything, let me know.”

“Seriously, Jack?”

“What?” Jack gives Zack an innocent smile. He pats Zack on the cheek. “Don’t worry, sugar, you can give a toast too.”

Alex laughs. Zack stares at him and shakes his head. “You’re insane,” he says, but he says that roughly twice a day so he’s still below his quota. “I’ll leave you two alone. Come find me when you wanna go. If…” He eyes Alex. “...Just…yeah.”

And with these eloquent words, he disappears with his beer into the crowd.

“I like him,” Alex announces.

“Me too,” Jack says. He turns back to Alex. “Back to the dance floor?”

“Get out of my brain,” Alex says. “I’d like to see your drunken running man.”

“It is gonna blow your fucking mind,” Jack promises, and Alex laughs again.

*

They’re not even being gross like everyone else. Alex has pulled Jack into an exaggerated tango performed mostly with missteps when it happens: someone shoves them aside as they walk past, and Alex loses his balance and falls into Jack, who just barely manages to catch them both. He doesn’t manage to stop his arm from winding around Alex’s waist. To be fair, he doesn’t try very hard.

Jack’s first thought is homophobe, but then he spots the offender, lumbering off with heavy footfalls, and it’s Burly Guy from earlier. The guy who tried and failed to pick Alex up.

All of this registers as Alex slowly regains his footing. “Damn, who pissed in that dude’s Cheerios?”

“It’s the guy from before who tried to buy you a drink,” Jack says, pointing at his back.

Alex whips his head around. “Seriously? Asshole.”

Jack chooses not to observe that from his vantage point, being shoved close together is hardly a dick move. In intent, sure, but not in actuality; Jack’s enjoying the proximity a great deal. Like, a lot.

Like, his hand is still on Alex’s hip, subtly keeping Alex close, and Alex has his arm around Jack’s shoulders from their dance and he’s not moving, either.

“Yeah,” Jack says. They’d already been on the outskirts and now they’re off to the side of everyone, wallflowers.

Alex breathes a laugh and looks back at Jack. He doesn’t step back or even lean away, even though their faces are too close to be friendly now. Jack hadn’t really been expecting friendly, but they’ve been tightrope-walking between sides, and if neither of them breaks this up then they’ll be irreversibly left on one end.

Jack has no intention of moving away. He likes this end of the tightrope. For all he cares, they could cut the tightrope and free-fall together.

“You’re pretty good at bad tango-ing,” Alex says, reaching up to brush away the sweaty fringe that’s clinging to his forehead.

Jack grins. “Well, you know what they say. It takes two.”

Alex kisses him so suddenly that Jack almost loses his balance.

*

He tastes like tequila. That’s all Jack gets before they’re not kissing anymore. The room feels quiet and then unforgivably loud the next second, and Alex is flushed and smiling nervously, and Jack is smiling too, not nervous at all.

“Did I tell you I’m in a band?” Alex asks in a rush.

Jack’s brain struggles to keep up. He can’t remember Alex mentioning a band, but he’s also distracted by wanting to kiss Alex again. There’s no understating the power of wanting to kiss someone over failing to clock anything they say. “What?”

“I’m in a band,” Alex says. “Not as a job, just like, for fun.”

“Oh,” says Jack.

“I’m the lead singer,” Alex says, with a flickering look down at Jack’s shirt.

“Oh,” says Jack, because, like, oh. “Can I kiss you again?”

“What, here?” Alex meets his eyes. “With all these people around?”

“You kissed me first,” Jack says. “Let me kiss you and then we can call it even.”

“Okay,” Alex says, and Jack’s kissing him before the word’s really out of his mouth.

And he tastes like tequila and mango and sugar and the color yellow and the sweat of the dance floor and God, it’s good. It’s like kissing a memory, except this memory is still here, not frozen in time, not trapped in an ornate frame. He’s creating a memory that he knows he’ll relive for the rest of his life.

Somehow, though he doesn’t know the end of this chapter, he knows the end of the book.

Alex’s warm palm cradling Jack’s cheek to hold him steady, fingers splayed out like a star; Alex’s other hand grazing skin over the collar of Jack’s shirt. Alex singing Coldplay in Jack’s ear. Alex’s blue jeans and his checkered Vans and his ridiculous One Direction tank top. Alex holding Jack’s hand and calling him honey to get Burly Guy to leave him alone. Grinning as he shoots down guess after guess for the elusive middle name. Laughing at Jack’s stupid dance moves. Knocking back a shot like it’s nothing. Smiling when Jack says they’re going to get married, never moving away, only ever closer.

Alex sitting undisturbed at the bar, ankles crossed, and Jack seeing him from across the room like something out of a goddamn Hallmark movie and just knowing.

He tugs Alex closer but Alex is already pulling away with a smile. “You wanna get out of here?”

“Yeah,” Jack says. He smoothes a hand over a crease in Alex’s shirt and nods. “Taxi’s on me if we go back to your place.”

“Sucker, I was gonna suggest that anyway,” Alex says with a quiet laugh. “You should tell Zack. Don’t wanna just leave him.”

“Don’t worry,” Jack says. “He knows.”

“He knows?”

“Zack and I are brothers in clairvoyance,” Jack says. “How many times do I have to tell you this?”

“I knew you could see the future,” Alex says. “You never told me Zack could, too.”

“Zack can see everyone’s future,” says Jack. “I can only see mine.”

“Yeah? What’s your future look like now?”

Jack filters out several inappropriate comments. It’s hard when Alex is smirking, clearly baiting him. “I told you,” he says. “You, me, vows, rings, the works.”

“Not that future,” Alex says. “I’m talking about the immediate one.”

It takes everything in Jack not to get down on one knee and say so was I. There’s a tilt in Alex’s head, like a dog listening carefully for a familiar sound.

“Honestly?” Jack says, and Alex nods. “I think it’s more fun if we find out together.”

[tirednotflirting]

but it’s clear when it hits me

vaguely inspired by the story of the pretty venom writing as told by alex on the genius page for the song lol

you can read on ao3 here

It’s close to 3 AM when the four of them spill out of an Uber. Alex has somehow ended up the most sober of the group for the night and therefore has the keys to the house tucked into the pocket of his jeans. He shouts a thank you to their driver while chasing after the other three who have somehow made it to the front door already.

“Alex, I will throw up in this plant pot if you don’t open this door in the next six seconds,” Rian threatens as he teeters back and forth on his heels. 

“We are renting this place,” Alex says while fishing the keychain from his pocket. “Don’t kill their plants with your low tolerance.” He shoves the key into the lock and swings the door open. Rian runs in the direction of the stairs toward the bedrooms while Zack slowly meanders across the room in the same direction. 

He watches Zack make it to the top of the staircase before realizing he’s missing one of his boys. He’s thinking maybe Jack went in search of snacks and is about to cross into the kitchen when he hears Rian calling for him up the stairs and jogs back in his direction. He’s sure Jack can make do finding the Pizza Rolls in the freezer on his own. 

(Though for a moment he does worry about him using the oven in his drunken state but he waves it away when he realizes there’s no way Jack doesn’t opt for the microwave directions.)

Soon enough, Rian is cleaned up and asleep in bed, a glass of water and a bottle of aspirin waiting on the bedside table for him for the morning. As he shuts the door gently behind him, Alex starts in the direction of his own room when he hears a quiet melody being plucked out somewhere down on the first floor. And despite his exhaustion and the swimming of his thoughts around his mind from the alcohol, Alex finds himself heading in the direction of the stairs.

Jack is on the couch facing away from him when Alex wanders back into the living room. The lights are dimmed to a dull yellow, something Alex remembers setting before they left so they could find their way around after getting back from the night out. Jack is playing through the melody Alex had heard from upstairs another time as he makes his way around the couch to take a seat beside him.

“What’s that?” Alex asks in a whisper as he turns to face Jack, his hand resting on the back of the couch reaching to tuck the tag from Jack’s sweater back before moving absent-midedly to play with his hair. 

“Kinda heard a bit of it in my head on the drive back,” Jack mumbles as he focuses on playing through the pattern again. “Wanted to try to play it out before I go to sleep otherwise I’ll lose it. And this one feels like one I shouldn’t lose maybe.”

Alex smiles fondly while reaching into his pocket with his free hand, his thumb swiping to find his voice note app. He hits the record button and leans forward to let the phone sit on the coffee table. Jack looks up from the strings at the action and then turns to Alex, a light blush on his cheeks just barely visible in the dim lights. 

He shakes his head then and drops his hand from the neck of the guitar to fall into Alex’s lap. “It’s probably nothing. I haven’t been able to come up with anything for days, I’m sure it’s not anything any good.”

“No, come on,” Alex frowns. He lets his hand fall to rest over Jack’s to get his attention. His eyes turn up to meet Alex’s, obvious hesitation mixed into the dark brown. “Play it again. I think it might fit alright with something I was thinking about tonight too.”

Jack makes a face like he’s trying to decide if he should go along with the plan but then he shifts their hands so he can squeeze their palms together before lifting his hand back up to the instrument. Alex lets a small smile pull at his lips while he reaches into his pocket for the receipt he scribbled out some passing thoughts on earlier in the night.

And Alex knows he shouldn’t be surprised, that he should be used to the way their minds work so in sync like this, but he can’t help the joy that spreads further across his face when the words he thought up a couple hours earlier after a few vodka sodas fits so perfectly against the melody Jack plucks out another time. He mumbles through the half finished thoughts he reads off of the receipt paper while his eyes strain against the low light to decipher his messy words. It’s an action Alex is used to at this point since it had become a habit over the years to pull his passing thoughts onto any scrap of paper he could find when the right words struck. He’s learned the hard way that they don’t always stick when he catches them in an inebriated state.

He stops his quiet singing when he reaches the end of what feels like it could be a verse, and he’s waiting for Jack to loop around to the beginning of the pattern again when Alex watches his hand pull away from the strings. He’s ready to question why Jack’s stopped playing but the words get stuck in his throat when he feels a gentle hand cup his cheek. He looks up, the confusion on his face likely obvious but Jack speaks before he gets the chance. “How do you do that?”

Alex feels himself lean into Jack’s touch as he raises his brows. “What do you mean?”

“You always have the words for what I can only say with this,” he says while lifting the guitar slightly from the neck to gesture to what he means. “Like sometimes I wanna say something but I can’t figure out the words and you always have something that says it so perfectly.”

Alex sighs and lifts a hand to rest over Jack’s on his cheek. “We make a pretty good team, huh?”

Jack’s eyes soften as a small smile pulls at his lips. “It’s crazy, yeah. We should make a band or something.”

“Now there’s an idea.”

Jack laughs and shakes his head at Alex a little before his hand reaches around to the back of his neck and he pulls him closer to brush their lips together. There’s words in the action that neither of them really know how to say out loud yet. Like the ones that pass through Alex’s mind while he stands at the bar waiting for his receipt, when he sees Jack laughing and dancing and glowing like a sun across the crowded room. Words he’ll probably never know exactly how to capture in a song but he knows he never wants to stop trying. 

Alex pulls back, his forehead resting against Jack’s and his eyes closed while he focuses on the gentle dancing of fingertips drawing patterns against the back of his neck. He knows they need to find the words for it, to talk about it, whatever it may be. But for now, they have a song to finish.

He pulls back with a deep breath and leans forward to pick up one of the journals on the table and finds an empty page. Alex clicks a pen he finds on the floor beside his foot and looks up to Jack’s eyes, ignoring the way they glitter a little bit under the light. That’s a song for another day.

“Okay, play that again.”

*

“Ready to call it a night?” Alex asks through a yawn as he lets his head fall to rest against Jack’s shoulder.

“Yeah,” Jack agrees while gently setting the guitar back on the coffee table, careful not to move too much and let Alex’s sleepy head fall from it’s resting place. “We can play around with it again in the morning. See if there’s anything there.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Alex moves to stand but Jack drops a hand to his knee and their eyes meet, Alex’s holding a question. He parts his lips to ask it but Jack beats him to it again. “Can I stay with you tonight? This tune’s kinda put me in a weird mood now and I just,” he pauses and his eyes drift from Alex’s. “Just want to stay with you.”

He picks up Jack’s hand and lets their fingers tangle together before lifting them up to press his lips to Jack’s knuckles. “Always.”

They head in the direction of the stairs, leaving the guitar and journal resting out since the living room was already in a state of musical chaos. Jack’s exhaustion is obvious from his shuffled motions as they move up the steps and Alex laughs softly, these hours not unfamiliar to his racing thoughts, though he knows that obviously can’t be the norm for everyone. He lets a hand move to press against the bottom of Jack’s back and guides them in the direction of his room once they hit the top step.

They part ways once inside the bedroom, Jack toward the bed and Alex heads to the bathroom to dig around in his suitcase for a couple of pairs of sweats. He changes out of his jeans before heading back to the bedroom and tossing the extra pair at Jack. He thanks him and mumbles something that sounds like toothbrush before sliding off the bed and heading into the bathroom himself.

Alex slides under the sheets before reaching for his phone on the bedside table and sends a quick text with one of the voice notes with the most complete version of what they worked on attached to the group message. He has a good feeling about this one, he tells them with a few emojis trailing the end of his words.

He’s leaning back over to plug his phone in when a pair of arms wrap around his waist and Jack drops his head into Alex’s lap. He can’t help but giggle at the action as his hand moves to card through Jack’s mussed up hair. Jack’s face shifts then and it’s obvious he’s started thinking about something. It’s the face he pulls when he wants to say something but is worried about what the response will end up being. It’s a face he doesn’t make all that often around Alex. 

Alex uses his free hand to find one of Jack’s and he adjusts so his fingers rest in the spaces between his. “Hey, what’s with the face?”

“We won’t be able to use that song on the album, will we?”

Jack’s expression looks defeated, and it pulls at Alex’s heart a bit. “Why do you say that? I think it’s gonna be a good song. Just sent it to the guys and everything. I’m sure we can work on it some more again tomorrow, fine-tune and stuff.”

“No like,” Jack pauses and his eyes drift around, like he’s looking around for the right words to say. “Don’t you think it’s the wrong vibe?”

“No, I think it’s just a different kind of feeling maybe. Like a piece of the puzzle we were missing or something.”

“You think so?” Jack asks hesitantly. His eyes look up to meet Alex’s as he gnaws at his bottom lip. 

“I do, yes,” Alex says with a sigh before winking down at him. “And I’ll prove it to you tomorrow when everyone else loves it just as much as I do. Now, come on, it’s time to rest, sleepy boy.”

Jack seems satisfied with that answer as he only thinks on it for a second before nodding and sitting up to allow Alex to get more comfortable. He waits a moment before resting his head against Alex’s chest, Jack’s face pressing just above his heart in a practiced manner. It’s then that Alex feels the lateness of the hour and the remnants of the drinks from their night out settle over him as he fights his eyes to stay open. He moves to trace his finger across Jack’s back, his boy cuddling impossibly closer to his chest as he writes out the words to a song he has yet to get the guts to say out loud across his skin.

[valkyrisffvii]

Venting

Setting: Shinra Building, Midgar

POV: 3rd person

Summary: Mithra tells her friends about her feelings towards a certain silver-haired SOLDIER.

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

Mithra sighed as she swung her legs, her heels tapping against the large metal storage container she sat on. The sun was low on the horizon, causing the sky to appear orange behind the glow of the mako reactors that powered Midgar. A light breeze ruffled her short brown hair and made slight goosebumps rise on her bare arms. 

Slumped lazily against the wall that blocked the wind, Genesis had his nose buried in Loveless. He was rarely seen without that book, making Mithra constantly wonder how someone could read such a short book so many times without getting bored. Next to him sat the usually energetic 2nd Class SOLDIER Zack Fair, who was relaxing after a long training session that afternoon. Not too far away was Angeal, the patient and honorable First who trained the two energetic Seconds. He stood and leaned against Mithra’s metal perch with his eyes closed, seemingly unbothered with the world at the moment. The Silver General was absent, as he was currently on a mission that would see him returning in a few days.

As she listened to the ambient noise of her friends, lingering thoughts swirled in Mithra’s head. She could not stop thinking about Sephiroth and how he made her heart flutter and her brain fizz. At first, she dismissed the thoughts as simply feelings akin to those of his fangirls, but something deep inside her kept saying that the feelings were more than that. Could she be feeling love? Sure, she knew that she felt attraction towards men, but this was her first time experiencing a true romantic attraction towards someone because of their character. She kept on debating whether she should tell someone or not, and now seemed like the safest time, since the person in question was not present. 

Turning around and carefully easing herself off her perch, Mithra skillfully dropped down to the same level as the others. As her boots plopped on the rooftop, Angeal opened an eye to look at her, and Genesis and Zack glanced towards her. She gathered her courage as the three returned to their original positions.

“Uhh, could I tell you guys something?” It took every ounce of her willpower to speak without her mind blanking out. She leaned against the crate next to Angeal as he, Genesis and Zack gave her their full attention. 

“What is it?” Angeal asked. 

“I, um, I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and, well, I...” Mithra had prepared herself, yet the words kept on getting stuck as they attempted to leave her mouth. 

“Mithra?” Zack had gotten up and walked towards her, placing his hand on her shoulder as she sputtered. Genesis also came over to stand next to Angeal. 

“I think I’m in love with Sephiroth,” Mithra finally spat, albeit exasperatedly. Her eyes darted between the three men, searching their faces for signs of judgement or mockery. To her surprise, none of them seemed to exhibit such traits, at least outwardly. Angeal looked surprised, Genesis smiled softly, and Zack had a glint in his eye that Mithra knew was genuine. 

“Well, I never thought that our dear Valkyris would fall for the Silverette,” Zack chuckled. 

“You’re in love with him?” Angeal asked. His tone was simply curious, as if he wanted further context. 

“Yes,” Mithra stuttered, “Ever since we’ve become closer friends, I can’t help but stare at him and wish that I could just tell him how I feel. I know that he probably doesn’t like me back. He’d think that I’m just suffering from ‘fangirl syndrome’.”

At this point, Mithra felt like disappearing. Even though she fully trusted the three, the embarrassment of confessing her feelings was enough to make her almost regret saying anything. Her friends caught on though, and they had no intention of pushing her embarrassment further. 

“You know, you’re as close to Sephiroth as you are to the rest of us,” Genesis started. “You’re not just another fangirl. You’ve gotten to know him well and he knows you. I’m sure he feels a connection with you.”

“But even if we’re close friends, he probably doesn’t like me in that way.” 

“Actually, he’s talked about you a few times. He wishes that he could spend more time with you,” Angeal added. “I’m just suggesting-”

“You should tell him!” Zack piped up. “He probably likes you back.”

“No! If he turns me down then I’ll never forget it and it’ll haunt me for the rest of my life!”

“Mithra, you know that Sephiroth would never hurt you. Also, you’ll feel better if you can talk it out with him,” Angeal said, looking her in the eyes.

“And even if he ends up not reciprocating your feelings, I’m sure he’ll still be more than glad to remain close friends,” Genesis pointed out.

“N-No, I truly don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s just a silly crush. I’ll get over it eventually,” Mithra cried, face blushed. The others just stared at her, and Zack shrugged. Taking a deep breath, Mithra composed herself, rolling her shoulders back and shaking her hands out. 

“J-Just promise me that you don’t mention this to Sephiroth, alright?” she asked, a pleading look on her face. 

“Your secret is safe with us,” Angeal reassured her.

“We won’t tell anyone,” Genesis confirmed.

“No, we won’t,” Zack said. 

By then, the sun had dipped lower, turning the sky a blood orange. Mithra hugged each of her friends in thanks, and the four of them walked back into the Shinra building, her secret safe in their heads.

[rosierocks30]

Hidden Ch.4

Chapter 4: Don’t let go of me

Levi was sipping a cup of warm tea while sitting on the bench where his subordinates and comrades eat their breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He stared at his wedding ring for a long time. He still couldn’t believe he’s married. Can he be a good husband to Historia or a great father to his unborn child? HIs insecurities started to creep on him. The captain knows for sure if their union was out to the public, it would be chaotic. The noblemen would be pissed off that the queen is not single for one of their sons to take their place as king. Huh...king? Is he now king? Honestly, he never cares about titles and certainly, he doesn’t care about them now. Levi is a man of action; ready to be put in the field to protect and kill anyone harming his growing family. Tch, Kenny probably would be intrigue as fuck if he was alive now. The raven haired man remembered the last conversation he had with his uncle. That time he found out who he really is. An Ackerman. Kennedy made sure to tell Levi enough about their family’s legacy and what became their downfall. 

“You and that other girl are the last of our bloodline. Continue our once great family name...I still don't’ regret the way I raised you. You turned out ok for a scrawny brat when I found you next to your dead mother.” The older Ackerman coughs blood. “Damn, I don’t have much time left. Anyways kid, don’t forget our ancestors are guiding you and the girl...you two will never be alone.” Levi watched as his uncle took the last breath and closed his eyes as death took him away.  

Levi still had Kenny’s death fresh on his mind. It wasn’t that long ago when Levi and his squad rescued his wife and that Yeager brat. Speaking of Jager, he’ll add cleaning chores in the morning. While lost in his thoughts, one of his subordinates, Jean Kristein stops in front of him while regaining his breath from running. “Sir, Commander needs you in the meeting room. It’s urgent.” The light brown haired man did a salute then ran back. Levi gets up to neglect his tea and rushes towards the meeting room. Once he reached there, Commander Hange and most of his squad were already there to gather around Hange. All of their faces have a similar confused but also concerned expression. “What the hell is going? Kristein said it was an urgency.” The captain glares at his commander. “So I got a report that Her Majesty is missing and the intels believe a group of Zeke followers, The Jaegerist, are involved in the kidnapping of Queen Historia. Her Grace ordered a carriage to meet the Premier Zackely for the news of Eren Jaeger's betrayal of joining his brother’s cause. Both the MPs and the Garrisons are in a man hunt to find the queen before it’s too late especially in her condition.” When Hange finished speaking, the room was so quiet that a pencil was dropped. On the other hand, Levi was shaking in trying to conceal his rage. His wife is kidnapped? It wasn’t that long he saw her. Why the fuck did she left the castle at this late hour?! He wants to go find her now and slay that hairy titan bastard and Eren for kidnapping Historia. Oh Walls, Historia please you better stay alive for me and our kid.

So many fears in his thoughts running in his mind. He didn’t realize the chair he was gripping broke from the rage he tried to conceal. “I’ll put an end to both shitheads.” His tone was dark and cold which it left most of the soldiers here in this room shivering. They rarely see their captain like this. The captain of the Survey Corps was about to walk away, but Mikasa ran in front of him to stop him as she gave the man a death glare. “Captain, I won’t allow you to harm Eren. We didn’t get to hear his side of his story.” Levi Ackerman scoffs like he’ll believe that bullshit. He already made up his mind. Slaughter the Jager brothers and their followers then rescue his queen. “Move aside, Ackerman. If you know what’s best for you.” He threatened his subordinate. “Is that a threat, Captain?” her tone mirrored his. Both Ackerman in a standoff ready to attack. The room is thick with tension from those two. Hange finally intervened before things got ugly. “Alright that’s enough for both of you! Levi and Mikasa stand down, and I order you as your commander. Save your hostility for the enemies. Levi, I need you to be level head if we are going to find the queen and bring her home safely. Can I count on you, Captain?” The commander was stern when she glared at both the Ackermans. Mikasa obeyed her superior and withdrew herself from attacking the captain. Levi was conflicted at first, but deep down Hange was right. He needs to get his shot together if they want to rescue Historia. He sighs in defeat. “Tch, yes.” This made Commander Hange pleased. 

“Alright, I already sent the letter to the officials to volunteer in searching for the Jaegarists. Once we find where their hideout is located, we’ll make a stregistic plan to save the queen.” She said as everyone listened. “Ok, have everyone get ready for this mission.” Most of the soldiers nod and go to get ready for the mission. Levi was about to leave, but his commander stopped him. “Levi, wait. I know this news is shaking you to the core, but please have a clear mind, you have a better chance saving your wife. Believe me, I’m upset and worry for her and the baby. Have faith in us. We’ll get her home.” He takes in her comforting words. Yes, he was being irrational before. The only person who understands what he’s feeling is Mikasa even though he was so close to attacking her for being in his way. His head turns to glance Hange and gives her a nod as a thanks then he goes to gear up for the rescue mission. Once most of the Survey Corp soldiers were ready, They all went to meet up where the Mps and Garrisons were located. 

Meanwhile…

The queen’s eyes open to see the room is dark. The only light that shows is the long line crack giving her a bit of light.. She looks around to see if there’s anything to give her clues of the location. Carefully, the pregnant queen walks by the crack of the light and hears mumble conversations. She listens to identify one of them as that bastard, Eren and a deeper voice she can’t identify yet. Her ear pressed against the hard surface to listen better to the conservation. “Do you have to be a bit rough on her? She is carrying a child, Zeke.” He was interrupted by his brother. “Ah yes, the queen is carrying an heir. How befitting for her already thinking about the future of the royal bloodline. No one knows who she chose to be the father of her child.” Eren said. Zeke nods. “We are going to make her confess.” The older Jaeger smirks with malice. “Why is it important we know who the man spread whore herself to? Probably it's a nobody or a fat nobleman.” Eren said, still feeling bitter and hurt from Historia’s rejection earlier. “Don’t be an idiot little brother. If it was either someone who's nobody, she might have said something, but what Yelena told me, little Historia was determined to not let it slip. So I’m giving you the opportunity to get answers from her or I’ll have Yelena to do it. She will give a fast result so don’t screw this up, Eren.” On the other side of the doors, Historia gasps from their conversation. Her mouth covered to stop making noise. It was too late when the doors opened to reveal Eren and his brother, the infamous Zeke Jaeger, the holder of the Beast Titan. The queen already started to slowly back away from those two. “I see you’re awake now, You’re Highness. Forgive me on the lack of hospitality. We rarely have guests here.” He chuckles while seeing the young queen backing in fear like a trapped puppy. Once her back is pressed against the edge of a wooden table, she glances to see a pair of scissors. Historia grabbed the scissor and held it in front of both brothers so they wouldn't come near her. 

“Stay back. Don’t you dare come closer!” She tries to hide the panic in her voice. “Now now Historia, let’s not be reckless. I promise my fellow followers and I will not harm you. You’re more valuable alive than dead. Think of your child. Do you want your distresses to lose the baby?” No, she doesn’t, but all she wants is to leave and be in the arms of Levi to feel safe. As her grip becomes loose, Eren quickly grabs the scissors from Historia. Now she’s defenseless. “Speaking of your unborn child, it's better you tell us who’s the father of your heir?” Zeke observes to find any detail. He spotted a wedding banded around her marriage finger. “I see you are married. Such a disappointment you didn’t invite me. Your only family.” Zeke still smirks. Historia glares at her so-called relative. “We’re not family! To me you’re just a mad stranger.” Her tone was full of venom. “So that’s the reason you don’t love me? You gave your heart to someone else!” Eren abruptly interrupts her. The blonde haired woman raised her brow at him. “Why does it matter if both of you want to know my husband’s name? He’s not your concern.” Historia said. “Don’t give me that bullshit! It’s one of the higher ups? Or someone who I might have known. Definitely not Ymir unless she can magically impregnate you.” Eren said sarcastically and laughed. The queen didn’t see what was so funny about this. While playing the tips of the scissors blades, Eren steps forward to the woman he loves. Zeke was intrigued about what his younger brother was planning to do. Historia was still when the scissors were poking gently on her neck. “E-eren..please d-don’t.” Her whimpers made Eren feel a bit powerful because she’s at the hands of his mercy. “You know, we just need you alive for the plans of you holding the Founder’s Titian. I can just cut your belly to get rid of your baby. That would be the fastest way right?” He smirks and watches how those beautiful blue ocean eyes widen in terror. “But I love you too much to cause you pain. So I suggest telling me or I will do as I say. Don’t test me.” He glares. Eren hates what he’s doing to her. Seeing her in tears, breaks his heart but this is necessary. To make her submit and be obedient when the time is right. “I’m sorry I- I can’t…” Her sobbing eyes look at the green eyed man. 

He growls in frustration. “Seriously Historia?! Why are you protecting your so-called husband’s identity? If he’s some useless guy then you have nothing to fear.” Now the scissors traces down to her belly and slowly and pressure enough for her to freak out. “No! Please I will tell you. I promise to tell you, but both of you will not harm me or my child after revealing his identity.” She now has her hands covering her baby bump to protect it. “Good, that’s more like it. So this guy must be a big shot huh?” The titan shifter looks down at the crying queen. “Alright, we promise you and your child won’t be harmed.” Zeke said and both waited for the queen to speak. “Eren, you have met him countless times...he is in your squad.” This got Eren his attention. “He’s part of Levi’s squad? Hmm, don’t tell me, is Connie or Jean for that matter?” He was in disbelief. “It’s neither. He’s the strongest of all of us including you.” Eren tries to pretend her insults did bruise his ego. “The only strongest would be Captain Levi.” He stopped when she stayed quiet again. Zeke suddenly pins Historia to the wall by choking her. “I get it why you wanted to conceal his identity after all Captain Levi Ackerman is the father of your baby and your husband.” Historia eyes widen while struggling to be released. “Zeke! Let her go! We gave her our word.” Eren tried to convince his brother to let go of the queen. “Don’t you see brother, this whore is carrying an Ackerman. A royal with Ackerman blood will bring doom to us titans and the Eldian’s curse.” 

“How is that a bad thing? We would be all free from being persecuted by the whole world! We won’t be seen as devil spawns and any baby will not inherit the burden of a titan shifter if one of the nine Titans doesn’t get passed on to a successor.” She tries to reason with Zeke. The older man shook his head in disagreement. “No no, the Ackerman is already a bloodline of titans but in human forms! With our royal blood mingle with an Ackerman it will create an offspring powerful enough to destroy our people and the world.” Zeke explains to the queen and Eren agrees with his brother which Historia doesn’t believe what Zeke had said about her child will bring doomsday. “Are you saying my baby will be an abomination?” The blonde hair woman feels enraged by this nonsense. “What full of shit! If that is what it said, show me the prophecy?” She tested them. “It doesn’t matter that you believe it or not. The baby must be terminated.” A woman named Yelena was running to them in despair. “Zeke, the MPs and the Survey Corps are here! We have to go.” Yelena pleads with them to start leaving before they are caught. In the background, you can hear fighting going. Historia takes this opportunity to scream loud to signal where to find her. “Levi! I’m here!” Then her mouth was covered by Zeke as he pressed the sharp object on her neck. “I’ll cut your womb and let that abomination rotten here. So be careful.” Zeke signals his followers to start walking away from the room and goes through hallways. Just when they were about to escape, the exit was blocked by the notorious Captain Levi Ackerman. Zeke went bewilder when he saw him. The scissors were pressed harder which drew a little bit of blood from Historia. Behind them were Mikasa, Jean and Armin. “Eren!! Please don’t go, come back to us. We’ll forgive you. It’s all a misunderstanding right?” Mikasa shouts to beg the person that means everything to her. “Eren, don’t go with him..” Even Armin was begging. 

“Zeke fucking Jaeger, I’m still planning to cut you into tiny pieces. Let the queen go!” The captain growls in anger. His squad position to ready attack. Zeke let out a crazy laugh then gave Historia to his brother. “Make sure she doesn’t escape.” He said. Eren holds her now. Historia starts to wiggle to have enough space to escape while Zeke pulls the scissors apart into two small blades and posts ready to fight. “Levi...Levi, I’m sorry.” The queen looks at her husband and lets more tears fall. Levi hated seeing his wife in tears. It kills him that he’s useless at the moment. Eren knows they won’t be able to escape. “Let’s make a deal. If you let us go, we’ll give your wife back.” Zeke was not too happy but he can see why his brother did it. The rest of the squad were shocked at the news of what Eren said. Levi has to snap them back to reality. Time is precious. “Oi, snap out of it all of you. There will be no distractions. Got it?” His subordinates nodded. Levi doesn’t want the deal but having Historia in his arms safely from them is more important than his bloodlust for vengeance. “Fine, you got yourselves a deal.” He signals his comrades to give the area a big space for the brothers to escape. Before  Historia was released, Eren grabs her chin to press his lips onto hers and roughly kisses her. Of course, both Ackermans were not happy. Historia screamed in displease from the kiss. Her arm became free and slap hard on Eren’s cheek. “You asshole!” The titan shifter chuckles while rubbing. “It was worth it.” Quickly, he starts running away along with his brother and so,em of the followers. The queen was looking down at the ground taking all in from everything that had happened. She felt her hand pull. Before she said anything, Levi stopped her. “Shh it’s fine. I’m glad you are safe. You’re now safe.” He wrapped his arms around her which she longs been wanting to ever since from the kidnapping. Both lovers embrace their hugs not caring they are being watched. A cough interrupts their moment. “Um not to kill the mood but we’re confused on what’s going on between you two and now Jaeger.” Jean spoke while others nodded. Mikasa was too quiet with a broken heart. Armin was comforting her. Mikasa was too tired of Eren not noticing her feelings. Maybe this time she needs to let go of Eren for good. She hopes Carla’s spirit will understand her for breaking the promise. While the two couples were about to explain, Historia felt a discomfort on her abdomen. “Ahh.” She placed her hand on her baby bump and crouch a bit. “What’s the matter with you?” Levi looks concerned. Historia looks up at her husband, but passes out as Levi catches her in his arms and carried. Most of the squads were for her. “Let’s get her to a doctor quickly.” Levi ran the exit as his team followed him.  

Disclaimer: I don’t own the franchise or anything related to Attack On Titan.

[hoodie-lover]

A Friend Like Me Ink Edition

“Looks like such a beat-up worthless piece of junk.” Maxie said as she inspected the old wooden paint brush.

“Hey, I think there’s still some use out of it, but it’s hard to paint with.” Beatrice said as she dipped it in dark paint and put it on a canvas. But it glowed a bright light, and burned her hand. 

It shot sparks of all colors, exploding into fireworks. 

“WHAT THE HELL?!” Zack screamed as he ducked under a table in their small art studio. 

It spun as a dark smoke emerged from the brush, revealing a brown clothed skeleton floating in mid air. He wore a shirt shirt with a yellow stripe and brown top. He also had a brown artist's glove with mint-green fingers. Though he did have brown overalls, the top part fell over him and wasn’t secured. Rainbow paint vials with heart-shaped tops were secured to a black sash. 

“Aaaaahhhhh!” He screamed, his eyes glowing and a sinister grin on his face. 

“Oy! 10,000 years will give you such a crick in the neck.” He said, cracking his neck, however that worked and his mouth didn’t move as he spoke. He got up close to the trio, giving them a quick look over as he got excited. 

“Hang on a second.” He said as the three friends were placed onto invisible wall hooks.

“Whoa! Whoa! Does it feel good to be outta there!” He said spinning his head and stretching.

He had a long scarf that trailed into a puff of smoke, it also was a dark brown and transitioned into a pale brown. He then turned the end of the smoke trail into a microphone and held it to his mouth. 

“I’m telling you, nice to be back, ladies and gentlemen.” He said, waving to a crowd that wasn’t there. 

“Hi. Where y’all from? What’re your names?” He said, bringing the mic to them and waiting for the stunned trio to speak. 

“Uh… Uh, Maxie.”

“Zack.”

“Beatrice.”

They were all hopelessly confused at this stranger. 

“Maxie, Zack, and Beatrice. Hello Maxie, Zack and Beatrice. Nice to have you on the show.” He said, making a billboard with their names and glowing in rainbow colors. 

“Can we call you Max? Or maybe just Xie?” He said, fiddling with his scarf as he spelled the nicknames in the air with sparkles. 

“How about Trixie?” Sounds like ‘Heya Trixie!’” He said, making himself look like a traditional high school prep girl as he laughed. 

“We must have hit our heads harder than we thought.” Zack said, he was rubbing his head as he looked at the girls, they nodded as well. 

“Do any of you smoke? Mind if I do?” The skeleton said as he poofed and returned to his normal self. 

“Oh sorry guys. Hope I didn’t singe the canvases.” He said, looking at the run down shed he was in as he surveyed the sketches. 

“Yo, Broomy. Haven’t seen you in a few millennia.” Ink said as he waved to the brush which came to life and grew to his height, which was four feet. 

“Give me some bristles. Yeah. Yo, yo.” Ink bumped hips with the brush and high-fived the brush.

“Say, I’ve never had more than one master.” He said, counting them off.

“Either that or I’m seeing triple.” He said, sprouting two more heads before quickly dissipating them. 

“Hold on one moment, how many rocks do you see?” he said, pointing to the three rocks Maxie brought in for a diorama she needed to make for a school project. 

“Wait a minute. We’re your masters?” Zack said, even more confused. 

“That’s right. They can be taught.” Ink said, snapping his fingers as graduation caps and diplomas appeared in their hands before disappearing in a puff of smoke. 

“What would you wish of me?” Ink asked, gearing up for a few tricks.

“The ever impressive,” He made large muscles for himself as he flexed. 

“the long contained,” Getting smaller as he was in a glass box.

“the often imitated,” He ventriloquist doll was in his lap as it said the words in a high pitched voice. 

“but never duplicated...” Duplicates of Ink said the word duplicated in a weird echo effect. 

“Guardian of the Brush! Name’s Ink.” He said, summoning sunglasses that he slid down as he winked. 

“Right here direct from the brush, right here for your very much needed artistic assistance.” He said, bowing. 

“Thank you.” Ink waved at an imaginary crowd. 

“Wait. Artistic assistance?” Maxie said, and Ink nodded. 

“As much as you need, to be exact. Per master so that’s infinity times three.” Ink said, question marks in his eyes as he contemplated what he had just said. 

“No substitutions, exchanges, or refunds.” He said as he had three beaten wooden signs appear in front of the three. 

“Now we know we’re dreaming.” Zack said, and everyone nodded. 

“Masters, I don’t think you quite realize what you’ve got here.” He said, gasping as he held his hands to his face.

“So why don’t you ruminate whilst I illuminate the possibilities.” He sat them down on the floor and began to glow. 

“Well Avatar had them three seasons. Gravity Falls had a thousand mysteries.” Ink said, duplicating himself three times before they surrounded the tiro, holding brushes dripping with paint and pointing at them. 

“But masters you’re in luck 'cause up your sleeves, you got a brand of magic that never fails!” Ink said as he snapped his fingers and the duplicates vanished. 

“You got some power in your corner now. Some heavy ammunition in your camp. You got some punch, pizzazz, yahoo and how.” Fireworks and rockets went off inside the shack as it seemed to get bigger, the things in it fading to black. Ink himself was a firework as he exploded and pulled up his living brush. 

“See all you gotta do is use that brush!” Ink cried out making the three shake hands with Broomy. 

“And I'll say ‘Mister Creators, sirs, what will your pleasures be?” Ink said, appearing in a puff of smoke as his voice boomed. 

“Let me take your orders. Jot it down,” Ink was now a french waiter who had them sat down at a table. 

“You ain't never had a friend like me!!” Ink cried out, winking at nobody.

“Life is your restaurant. And I'm your maitre d'!” Ink cried out, placing a turkey on the table, but his head became the main part of the chicken before they could eat it. 

“C'mon whisper what it is you want.” Ink grew an ear that grew bigger.

“You ain't never had a friend like me!” Ink said, once again making more duplicates as they surrounded the trio. 

“Yes sirs, we pride ourselves on service.” Now the three friends were in a spa and being cared for by the Ink clones. 

“What the hell is going on?!” Zack cried out as he tried to kick one. 

“You're the bosses!” Ink said, propping them on large fancy chairs made of gold and velvet.

“The kings, the gods!” Ink once again said, duplicates fanning them with large palm leaves. 

“Say what you wish, it's yours, true dish.” Ink said, making more food appear before them. 

 “How about a little more buttsctoth pie?” And the dish in question flooded the room. 

“Have some of column A,” They found themselves on top of a large pillar, about to fall off any second. 

“Try all of column B!” Which they did into a pile of art supplies as they continued to fall. 

“You bastard!” Maxie cried out, she hated heights. 

“I'm in the mood to help you dudes.” Ink said, catching them on a pillow as he opened his mouth. 

“You ain't never had a friend like me!” A smaller but more dapper version of himself came out and began to dance. 

“Can your friends do this?” Ink took off his head and began to juggle it along with more copies of it.

“Do your friends do that?” He threw the heads at them, and miraculously they could also juggle them, before Beatrice screamed and threw them at the headless body. And Ink’d was right where it was supposed to be. 

“Do your friends pull this out their little hat?” He turned into a hat and popped out as a big pink rabbit. 

“Can your friends go poof?” The pink rabbit became a dragon which spewed a large stream of flames. 

“Well, looky here~!” Ink said as the flames took vaguely humanoid shapes and began to dance very suggestively. 

“Can your friends go, Abracadabra, let 'er rip!” Ink ripped himself in half.

“And then make the sucker disappear?” Right after he literally split the flames poofed out. 

“So don't cha sit there slack-jawed, buggy-eyed.” Ink’s jaw fell off and he grew organic looking eyes when he said the corresponding phrase. 

“I'm here to answer your all nighter prayers.” Ink said as he summoned a desk with a drawing tablet and gave himself disheveled clothes and large bags under his eyes. 

“You got me bona fide, certified.” Ink was now a certification sheet and wrapped them up in the paper. 

“You got a helper for your struggling affairs.” Ink unrolled and the three were released as they tried to get their footing. 

“I got a powerful urge to help you out.” Ink was still large and used a finger to steady them. 

“So what-cha want?” Ink leaned in as if he were trying to hear better. 

“I really want to know!” He leaned in closer. 

“You got a list that's three miles long, no doubt.” Ink pulled a piece of paper from Zack’s ear and used it as a jump rope before he popped it on the ground. 

“Well, all you gotta do is use like so - and oh!” Sparks flew from the ground and the trio were transported to a new place. 

“Mister Creators, sirs, I have a master, two and three.” Ink counted them off, each turning a different color as he did so. Maxie was blue, Beatrice was yellow, and Zack was red. 

“I'm on the job, you big heartthrob.” Ink said as he did the equivalent of a kiss on Zack’s cheek, causing Zack to slap Ink. 

“You ain't never had a friend, never had a friend. You ain't never had a friend, never had a friend.” Ink said as he summoned a circus and had dancers and dancing animals. 

“You ain't never had a friend like me!” Golden buildings and music filled the area as more and more dancers came up and fireworks went off.

“You ain't never had a friend like me! Hah!” All of it vanished in a flash and Ink was floating on air, with an applause sign above him as he grinned smugly. 

Broomy clapped enthusiastically, which earned him a slap from Zack.

[itsalliepg]

Fields of Gold – Zig X Scarlett (MC) (Part 5 of The Sweetest Thing Series)

SUMMARY: After the accident, the crisis between Zig and Scarlett (MC) finally gone?

PAIRING: Zig X Scarlett (MC)

RATING: Teen

WORDS: 2162

NOTE: Hey guys! They will finally talk!!!! But this story is far from an end!  English isn’t my native language. I write to practice and learn, so please sorry any mistakes. I hope you like it, and if you do, I’d appreciate if you like/comment/reblog!

Click here to read Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Fanfic Masterlist

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Will you stay with me, will you be my love Among the fields of barley We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky As we lie in the fields of gold

See the west wind move like a lover so Upon the fields of barley Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth Among the fields of gold I never made promises lightly And there have been some that I've broken But I swear in the days still left We'll walk in the fields of gold We'll walk in the fields of gold

(Fields of Gold – Sting)

Zig looked up, and saw Scarlett awake. Her beautiful dark brown eyes opened, in her mouth a tired smile. Her voice was weak but clear.

               _Scarlett… - surprised, Zig smiled back – did you hear what I said?

               _Each single word – her eyes also left some tears – I woke up when you and the doctor came in. I recognized your footsteps and your voice. I refused to open my eyes because I thought I must be dreaming. But when you held my hand and started talking to me, I knew it was real… - her tears mingled with his tears on her face – I’m so happy to see you!

               _Me too! I mean, not in this state, of course, but…wow, I missed you so much – he grinned – I was afraid you wanted me to leave…

               _No, Zig! I want you to stay, you don’t know how much I want it – she lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it – I don’t hate you, Zig. And I understand your side. I also wanted to say…ouch! – she tried to shift on the bed, but suddenly stopped – everything hurts…

_Scar, don’t worry about it now …

               _Zig, as you said, this is heavy in my heart as well. I need to say it, please.

               _Right, sorry. Our fight was because I didn’t hear you – he lowered his head, then lifted to see her. She inhaled deeply before speaking.

_Geez, where should I begin? – she let some tears leave her eyes – Zig, I’m so, so sorry for everything. For hurting you, for hiding these things from you and I should have trusted you more. You protected me from the day we met, and I don’t call you my angel by chance. Since you always did that for me, I was trying to protect you too. But things didn’t end as I expected and I let it become an avalanche. I needed more evidence and I didn’t want to disappoint you if I couldn’t gather them. But with your help, things could have been different. I should never have said that I always acted by myself. It was so selfish of me – her crying increased – you have every reason to be mad at me. And I’d like to spend the rest of my life redeeming myself for this bunch of BS I've done and brought into our lives…I was afraid you would hate me, but now… - she smiled reluctantly – it gave me hope that you can come back to me.

               _Scarlett, I understand your side too. You just did what you thought was right to protect the people you care about. I did the same to Marie and, well, you know.

_There’s no comparison, Zig. Marie could get hurt, and you just defended her. I just wanted be the heroin and I didn’t have to do that.

               _I could have stopped when she asked me, but I didn’t listen to her. I just wanted to protect her and didn’t care about the consequences. That’s why I understand you now, Scarlett. Your intentions were the same as mine – she grinned. That was all she wanted to hear. He grinned too when he saw that smile he adored so much.

               _I’m so glad you understand now. But my fate will be the same as yours. I can be arrested at any moment, and there’s nothing I can do – her expression turned somber – but as I told Zack, I don’t care anymore. Maybe I deserve it.

_Of course you don’t deserve it! Beau is the only one who deserves it, he is to blame! And I bet Kassidy, Nathan and even Tyler are involved in some way. I won’t let it happen, Scar – he took her hand and sighed – and I broke a promise I made two years ago. I said I’d be there for whatever you needed, and you need me now more than ever. I want to help you to stop these Alphas. They can’t go unpunished.

               _When you said they couldn’t go after us if we were all together, you were right. We were always a team, and now we are the majority. We can beat them. Even more so now I found out Nathan was the driver last spring.

               _What? – Zig’s eyes widened. Scarlett told him about the picture. She just told Abbie about it – okay, now it’s a matter of life and death. He can’t escape it. And maybe this is crazy, but I think he ran you over.

               _I agree, I thought about that too. But we need to work together. Now I need you guys more than ever.

               _Exactly what I wanted you to understand that day, Scar. You aren’t alone. You always help us, and now that you have a problem you can count on us too – he kissed her hand affectionately.  

               _It’s so good to hear – she smiled, relieved – can you forgive me?

               _Of course I can, Scarlett – he smiled back – I also want to spend the rest of my life redeeming myself for what I made you suffer. And I feel so guilty about it – he looked her up and down.

               _But it’s not your fault, Zig!

               _I know, Scar, but what if you weren’t so lucky and, well, something worse happened before we could talk? – she grimaced.

               _Yeah, don’t tell me…I thought the same when I got here at the hospital…now I understand you after the car crash last spring.

               _So when we get back home, I’ll take care of you, if you’ll have me – he reached for her and cupped her face – forgive me too, Scarlett?

_Sure, Zig! I’m so glad I’ve got you back – after sharing a smile, Zig leaned over and caught her lips in a long, deep kiss. The first kiss in two weeks. Their lips moving slowly against each other’s, rediscovering that sensation and taste. They pulled back smiling and breathing heavily – I missed this kiss like crazy…

_Same here. I missed everything about you like crazy – he rested his forehead on hers – I love you, Scarlett.

_I love you too, Zig – they beamed. That was too good to be true – would you stay this night with me?

               _For sure, my princess – he answered, and she smiled even more.

               _I was missing hearing you calling me like that, my angel.

               _And I was missing hear you calling me like that – he also grinned – oh, I brought you something – he took the flowers and the doll behind him.

               _Oh, Zig… - she grinned – when Chris, Kaitlyn and Zack came in, I can’t believe I thought I didn’t want to see me…

               _I wanted to make a surprise – he kissed her cheek – I won’t abandon you, never more – she turned her head and kissed him again.

               Zig spent that night with Scarlett in the hospital. He slept holding her hand and woke up when he felt the sun through the window. He stood up to close the curtains so as not wake her, and heard a knock on the door. It was a nurse.

               _Sorry, I hope I didn’t wake you up – she smiled.

               _Don’t worry, ma’am. In fact, the sun woke me up – he smiled back, rubbing his eyes.

               _Here are the clothes she was wearing yesterday. They’re already washed – she handed him the clothes and a pair of sneakers – poor girl, she was so scared when she arrived here yesterday…

               _Oh, did you see her?

               _Yes. Actually, I was during her treatment, and after that I helped her wash and get dressed – she giggled – she asked so many times not to forget to put back her star necklace… - Zig also giggled.

               _That necklace was gift I gave her last year for her birthday. She never leaves home without it.

               _Oh, so you’re the famous boyfriend she mentioned so many times while I was helping her? – she stared at him – Zig, right?

               _Yes – he was surprised – what she said about me?

               _So many things I don’t remember, dear. She was under the influence of the accident and the anesthesia, but she hasn’t stopped talking about you – she laughed – but the main gist I could see is that she’s completely in love with you – Zig grinned. Even during that break, after everything he did and said, she talked about him, and said good things. And of course, he did the same.

               _Well, it’s reciprocal. I love her too, so much… - he looked at Scarlett, still sleeping – it’s a relief that she’s fine now…

               _Yeah, I’m always sad when I see young people here. And she’s a golden-hearted girl – the nurse smiled – I have work to do now. Call me if you need anything – she smiled and left the room. Zig closed the door and sat beside Scarlett again. The pair of sneakers she wore was her favorite. She was wearing a pair of denim shorts and a blouse Zig recognized was the birthday gift he gave her this year. He sniffed the fabric and despite the scent of the soap, he could felt her scent. How he missed that! He heard she was sighing deeply and noticed she woke up.

               _Hey, you – he smiled and stroked her hair – how do you feel today?

               _I’m fine – she stretched as best she could – still hurts, but less than yesterday.

               _Good to hear that – Zig kissed her forehead – are you hungry? I’ll ask a nurse to bring you something to eat.

               _Yes, thanks – in minutes, the same nurse that brought Scarlett’s clothes brought her breakfast. Zig helped Scarlett to cut her food and put the coffee on the cup.

_I need to get used to it, I'll do it a lot from now on. Like I didn’t do before with my sisters – they giggled.

_Glad my injured hand was the left, so I can still do my homework – he laughed, shaking his head negatively.

_You and your unbeatable sense of duty and responsibility. Now I’m sure your head is normal after the crash – she rolled her eyes.

_You and your unbeatable habit of making fun of me – she laughed and he kissed her cheek before put a piece of pancake in her mouth – but I don’t like this rest, I don’t like having to miss classes.

_It’s only a week, my princess. And you don’t have to worry, your professors know you’re an exemplary student, they’ll understand your situation. And your classmates will help you during these days when the doctor told you stay home – he chortled – did you see James and Becca yesterday trying to convince the doctor to let them stay for another ten minutes after the visit ended?

_Yeah, it was so fun – she giggled – I felt so beloved, they both told me they don’t like hospitals, but wanted to stay here with me…

_They love you, Scar, and after your recover, we’ll come up with a plan to catch the Alphas – Zig helped Scarlett to open a yogurt cup – and when your parents were leaving, I apologized to them. I was damn glad they’re also with me too.

_Zig, baby, I said it’s not your fault.

_I know, and that was what they said to me. But I felt guilty anyway, I told them I would always protect you, and I left you when you needed me. They trust me to take care of you, and I’ll ask my boss for a few days to be with you – he caressed her cheek and she smiled to him.

_Thanks, Zig – she blushed slightly – you were my first thought when that woman asked me who she should call, but I was afraid you wouldn’t answer me…but I also trust you to take care of me.

               _That’s what I imagined. You called the right person – he sighed – after everything I said to you before leave our apartment, I’d be surprised if you called me.

_I don’t like to remember that – her eyes let two tears escape – I was so afraid... I thought you didn’t love me anymore.

_No, Scarlett! I love you! I’ll love you forever! – he wiped away her tears – I was upset and not thinking well on what I was doing. Never doubt of my love for you – he frowned – and I’m sorry for doubting your loyalty.

_I always say I only have eyes for you! I’m all yours, forever – she put her hand to his face – you know, I’m so happy you were willing to talk and make it up to me, on Thursday I had a great conversation with Zack and yesterday I was going to talk with you after your shift.

_Yesterday I talked to Chris too and…- he interrupted and after some seconds they smiled knowingly – they were acting together, weren’t they?

               _Definitely. But that’s fair, we needed it. How many times have I done this to my friends before… - she finished eating and took his hand – you know, despite everything that happened, I’m very happy we’re fine now – they smiled – I love you.

_I love you too.

[daryls-dixon-antoni]

Chapter 2.) 30 Days without Incident

I run up to where I see Daryl, a long haired gruff looking man, with blue eyes, and a scruff covered face, speaking with an older, smaller looking woman with short grey hair and a kind smile. She's giving him some sort of lecture; during the last few weeks we've been here, I've learned Carol's lecture face.

I come in just as a dorky looking brown haired boy just a little older than my Mason walks up to Daryl and asks him to shake his hand.

I can admit; even as a happily married person, I do find myself getting a bit distracted as Daryl licks each individual finger before shaking Patrick's hand.

"Hey, uh. Can I speak with you?" I ask hurrying after Daryl and Carol.

"Can you walk and talk; I've got to show him something," Carol asks, sounding a little short with me.

I nod; following after.

"Where're your kids?" Daryl asks as we follow Carol.

"With Tyler, Aaron wanted to help Rick and Carl in the fields but..." I trail off, looking in the direction of the fence full of the Dead being killed by our people.

"You don't want them 'round that?"

I shrug, "Its not that.... it's just that, we'll we've been trying to avoid killing anything around the kids if we could help it."

"What'ya want to say?"

I look at him, "Right, can I go on the run with you lot? With Tyler still down, and the boys not really much help; I'd really like to do my part and be an asset. I know how to handle myself out there, You wouldn't regret bringing me, I'll make sure of it."

Daryl nods; "A'right, I'll meet up with you by the gates with the group."

I nod and rush off to go get ready. I meet the kids in the cell block where Tyler is laying. Tyler has blond hair, and the kindest crystal blue eyes you'd ever see.

A chorus of my boys saying, "Mom!" can be heard and I smile; pulling them both into a hug.

"Hey boys, how you doing?" I ask; before kissing Aaron on the top of the head while ruffling Mason's hair.

"Good; Patrick and Carl came by and Patrick asked if we could go read with the kids in the library today." Aaron says, excitedly.

"And Carl asked if we'd want to hang out with him in his room, can we, ma?" Mason rushes out.

"Yeah, can we please? He has comic books that the Horse Lady with the cool swords brings him," adds Aaron.

"Michonne; the woman who brings Carl the comics is named Michonne. Not the Horse Lady." I gently correct.

"Right, her." agrees Mason.

I look at Tyler who is quietly watching the exchange with a small smile on his face. I roll my eyes playfully at him before turning back to the kids.

"It'll have to be up to your father; I'm heading out on the run with Daryl and the rest to help get supplies."

I see Tyler try to sit up at this; but he fails to do so. "You're leaving? Why?"

"I want to help out, you aren't in any shape to do so; and the boys certainly aren't old enough to. And I have been trained for this kind of thing basically since birth."

"You're father's schizophrenic episodes where he'd turn your home into a boot camp to prepare for the up and coming Zombie Apocalypse is very different than this actual Zombie Apocalypse," says Tyler.

I straighten my stance; "I've kept us alive for the most part; and that's mostly because of my fathers Bootcamps. I can help them. So I'm going to."

"They won't need the help for much longer; Hershel said they are almost able to grow enough here that they won't have to go out on runs anymore. I get why you have to go, I do. It's who you are, but please be safe; I don't know what we'd do without you."

I glance from my husband to my sons; and then back again. There's affection and fear shining inside of my husbands eyes.

He's a good man; from a very well off family. His father was a famous singer who'd even appeared in a few movies and television shows back in his time; his mother was an actress, and even his sister grew up singing as a solo artist who became rather popular as well. As for my Tyler; he can sing; but he was always more interested in writing and acting. He published a few novels and was just starting to act in his first real movie after the television series he was in ended. But all that was before the world ended; and now we're just here.

"I'll be careful; I promise;" I lean down to give Tyler a kiss before I hug each of my boys; individually this time. After all; even whilst being careful, there is always the chance I won't be able to back.

I begin approaching where everyone is meeting up before the run; when I here from behind me, "Momma! Wait! Ma!"

I turn around and see Mason running after me; "What are you doing?"

He looks at me; I see a maturity about my young son that I wish was never there, "Aaron asked me to tell you we love you. Please come back; won't ya?"

I nod, "I'll be trying my very best. This will be safer than when I used to have to leave camp, there's others coming too. And they'll have my back."

"Promise?"

A new voice joins in, "We'll get your ma back, Kid."

I glance at Daryl before raising my eyebrows playfully at my boy, "See, I've even got Daryl's protection."

"Okay," Mason looks away briefly before looking back at me, "I love you."

I ruffle his hair, "I love you, too! Now get, we're leaving soon." I push him gently back towards the prison.

I turn around as a darker skinned man, with a kind demeanor walks up to a very thin and beautiful darker skinned woman, "Hey. I'd like to start pulling my weight around here."

"Bob, it's only been a week." She responds.

"That's a week worth of meals, a roof over my head. Let me earn my keep."

Sasha sighs, an arm over the door of the car she was loading up, "You were out on your own when Daryl found you."

"That's right."

"I just want to make sure you know how to play on a team."

Daryl walks past them as I join in on finishing loading the car up. "We ain't gonna do it unless it's easy."

"You know he was a medic in the Army." Glenn; a lovely Korean American man poins out to Sasha as he leans against the other side of the vehicle.

Sasha glances at Glenn, before turning back to Bob, obviously debating on her decision.

Bob grins, "You a hell of a tough sell, Y'know that?"

I chuckle under my breath and turn away to see Daryl getting on his bike.

"Okay," I hear Sasha give in as I hop in the back of the car.

We begin driving to the gates; seeing that a gorgeous darker skinned woman with dreadlocks and a katana on her back; Michonne is back and talking to a middle aged man with brown hair and blue eyes; Rick and his son Carl, a boy who's about a year older than Mason with the same brown hair and blue eyes as Rick. Daryl stops in front of them and I watch as they talk. The conversation seems to end as Michonne gets into the car next to me.

I stand behind Daryl as he explains why we're outside of a cut open fence surrounding a Big Mart, "Army came in and put these fences up. Made it a place for the people to go. Last week when we spotted this place, there was a bunch of walkers behind this chain-link keeping people out like a bunch of guard dogs."

"So they all just left?" Bob asks.

"Give a listen," Sasha instructs.

Music can be heard, just barely.

"You drew 'em out," Michonne sounds impressed.

Sasha responds with pride, "Put a boom box out there three days ago."

"Hooked it up to two car batteries," Glenn adds.

"All right, let's make a sweep," Daryl instructs as he begins to walk through the hole in the fence. "Make sure it's safe. Grab what you can. We'll come back tomorrow with more people."

We walk through, I have an arrow ready in my bow; as we look around, witnessing the horror of what's around us. Dead bodies scatter around what looks like a campsite, these people thought they were safe here, probably had their families set up here. I turn away, following Daryl.

We reach the entrance of the Big Mart just as Daryl says, "Come on." He knocks on the window, trying to entice any of the dead that could be lurking inside. "Just give it a second." He sits down at the window sill.

"Okay, I think I got it." A young boy with floppy dark blond practically brown hair; Zack says, with an easy going grin on his face.

"Got what?" Michonne asks, and I listen in out of curiosity as well whilst leaning against the side of the Big Mart.

"Oh, I've been trying to guess what Daryl did before the turn."

"He's been trying to guess for, like, six weeks."

"Yeah, I'm pacing myself. One shot a day," he sits down next to Daryl on the window sill.

"What have you guessed so far?" I ask, intrigued.

"Fireman, store clerk, mechanic, car salesman, hit man, spy, and some others, but those were my best guesses."

"And they were all wrong." Daryl responds, but he seems a little less on guard, as though he enjoys these moments.

"Well this one's got to be it."

"All right, shoot."

"Well, the way you are at the prison; you being on the council, you're able to track, you're helping people, but you're still being kind of... surly. Big swing here. Homicide cop."

Michonne and I both start laughing.

"What's so funny?" Daryl asks, sounding almost defensive.

"You, a Cop?" I ask, before laughing again.

"Yeah, it makes perfect sense," Michonne says, attempting to hold back her own laughter.

"Actually, the man's right. Undercover." Daryl says, surprising me for a moment before I notice the glint in his eye.

"Come on, really?" Zack asks, sounding surprised.

"Yep. I mean, I don't like to talk about it 'cause it was a lot of heavy shit, you know?"

"Dude, come on, really?"

Daryl gives him an 'are you kidding me' look before he clears his throat.

"Okay. I'll just keep guessing, I guess."

"Yeah, you keep doing that."

"Mm-hmm."

A couple of the dead slam themselves to the window at that, so we all stand up; any former signs of joking around gone in an instant.

"We gonna do this, Detective?" Michonne asks Daryl.

"Let's do it."

We all approach the entrance and Tyreese; Sasha's big brawny older brother, Glenn and I all go in to take out the Dead first, before everyone comes in to collect all of what we can.

Sasha takes charge after we drag the last body out. "All right, we go in, stay in formation for the sweep. After that, you all know what you're supposed to look for. Any questions?"

"Was there ever a time that you weren't the boss of me?" Tyreese teases her.

"You had a few years before I was born." They both grin as we all walk in, going to scavenge for what the Prison needs.

I take a grocery cart because why the hell not and go straight for the baby section; Rick has a daughter, a very young one; Judith. I would never want what happened to my Tonia to happen to her. So I go to find formula and diapers; things the others may not think to get. I just barely start throwing stuff in my cart when I hear a loud crash. I abandon my cart and rush to help; yelling, "Everyone okay!"

As I hear Glenn's voice yell, "What happened?"

"Everyone's all right. We're over in wine and beer!" I hear someone call back.

It's not long after that that the Dead start to basically fall from the sky. It's absolutely terrifying. The scene around me looks like something I used to watch in horror movies.

I get out my pocket knife and kill one after the other; and all I can hear is gunfire. I see Michonne kill one of the dead with her sword. And then I hear Bob yelling, "Hey! Hey!"

I look over; and see Daryl on top of one of one of the displays, I can also see that the ceiling above him is about to cave down, which will allow about six or seven more of the dead to fall directly on his head.

"Daryl, look out!"

He jumps down, and then immediately gestures to Zack and I; "Let's get Bob."

I nod and rush to help move the fallen display of wine off of Bob, aided by Zack as Bob yells, "More, more!"

We finally pull the display far enough up that Daryl is able to pull him free. "Come on, time to go."

We all start moving, "Let's go, now!"

"Come on!"

"Go!"

The situation is getting worst right before our very eyes.

"Let's get out of here!"

We all hear Zack scream in pain and turn to see him being bit; I hear Glenn yell his name.

We watch as he is being eaten alive before our very eyes.

"Go, go!" Daryl pulls my jacket, "We have to go!"

"We have to save him!" I yell back, the vision of Zack mixing with my own baby girl, and then his face being replaced with my boys'. "We can't leave him."

"Dammit, Woman!" Daryl gives a huge tug, and manages to pull me out if the store, Zack's screams echoing loudly in my ears.

"Anne." I'm alone in a bunk, my boys are reading with the kids and Carol and I have yet to go visit my husband.

I don't look up from my knees, but I do respond to Daryl. "What?"

"What was that?" He asks, gruffly.

I look up, and see that he doesn't seem angry, just... resigned almost?

"I'm sorry, I'll do better next time."

He nods before asking, "You lose a kid?"

I nod, "Yeah. You ever lose one?"

"Never had one, won't ever. Not in this mess."

"I wouldn't trade anything for my boys."

"Don't."

I then ask, "Are you alright?"

"Just tired of losing people is all."

"A drifter?" I ask.

"Huh?" He seems confused.

"Before all of this, you were a drifter. I think you drifted from place to place, probably unable to stay too long anywhere. I'd bet you had to fight for everything you got."

He nods once, before walking away.

I go to find my family only to discover Aaron coughing harshly. I check his forehead and its warm.

"You feeling alright, Little Man?"

"I don't feel good, Momma."

I nod, "Okay, its okay. Lay down," I tuck him in.

"Can you sing to me?"

I nod and start singing softly, "Its not where you come from, its where you belong, nothing I would trade, I wouldn't have you any other way," I feel Mason move to sit on the end of Aaron's bed and start softly singing as well, "Your surrounded, by love and your wanted, your home with me, right where you belong." Aaron closes his eyes and falls asleep while I stoke his hair.

[eadanga]

Work, Love, and Desire Part 3

Author note: This series is for @indiacater one of my winners for my 300 followers giveaway Hope you enjoy it and thank you for participating

MC walked through a long highway. She stopped at two large double doors and knocked. A deep voice echoed “Come in” MC pushed the doors open. A man sat at the desk signing papers he was surrounded by three other men. The man looked up and smiled “MC glad you’re here”

“Hey dad”

“We’ll have to continue this meeting later let me have a word with my daughter”

The men nod and walk out the door. MC sits on the couch and Gabriel Valentine walked over to the bar and grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses “Want something to drink?”

“Sure” Gabriel brings the wine over and sits across from her

“I just saw your photoshoot pictures and I thought they were great” He pours the wine into the glasses

MC takes a sip of her wine “Thanks”

“But they gave you such racy clothes I don’t like you being exposed like that”

“It’s just for a fashion magazine all the models were wearing that”

“Still I don’t want all those dirtbags feasting their eyes on you”

MC smiles “I know you care about me dad but I’m fine and if any idiot try anything I’ll kick their ass”

Gabriel smiles “That’s my girl I wish you could be in the family business”

“Dad football is your thing not mine”

“But you could be the new spokesperson you’ll be great in the commercials”

MC rolls her eyes “I gotta go bring dinner home”

Gabriel sighs “Alright see you later”

MC walks out the door and leans against it Why can’t he support me more?

****

Chris looked through his closet throwing clothes on the ground No, no, no! He let out a frustrated sigh A whole closet full of clothes and I have nothing to wear. He goes through his closet again Come on there’s got to be something He looks their his closet again “Ok I could wear this shirt with…this pants and this jacket” Chris quickly gets dressed and looks at himself in the mirror and grins “Not bad I know she’ll like this”

Chris puts on his shoes and paces around the room “Ok phone?” He pats his pockets till he finds it “Check” “Reservations?” He checks through his phone till he sees the confirmation email “Check” “Hair?” He looks in the mirror and smooths down his hair “Good” He looks over himself one more time before he smiles “Ok MC get ready for the best date of your life” He grabs his keys and walks out the door.

He drives over to MC’s apartment and knocks on the door. Chris fidgets Ok no need to be nervous just show her a great time.

The door unlocks Chris taken back when guy steps out. He smiles and stretches out his hand “Hi you must be Chris”

Chris shakes it “Yeah that’s me and you are?”

“Zack MC’s roommate”

Her roommate is a guy? Chris clears his throat “Well is MC here?”

Zack turns around “MC! Your date is here!”

“I’ll be out soon!”

Zack steps aside and let’s Chris in. He takes a seat on the couch Zach sits next to him “So you’re the famous superstar I’ve heard about” Chris nods “Hey MC! When you two get married can I have a cut of the money?”

“Shut up Zack!”

Zack laughs as Chris rolls his eyes “Take care of my little MC she’s my girl”

“I will though she never mentioned a roommate”

“Really? MC you don’t mention me?” Zack clutches his chest “You have wounded me!”

Chris can hear MC laughing for the bedroom. They looked so close with each other. He felt a ping of jealousy he wondered if something else could be going on between them.  

“So sorry for the wait” Chris turns around and his jaw drops. MC comes out in a sparkling hot pink dress with the straps in the middle of her shoulders. Her chocolate brown hair curled on both sides.

Chris stood speechless as Zack walks over to her “Well hello there gorgeous”

MC roll hers eyes and tries not to smile “Thank you Zack now don’t you have a date to get ready for?”

“You’re right can’t keep Grant waiting see you two lovebirds later” Zack points finger guns as MC smacks him playfully

MC rolls her eyes “Sorry about Zack he’s such a goofball”

“I heard that!”

MC giggles

“It’s no problem who’s Grant?”

“Zack’s boyfriend or as Zack calls him the sexiest guy on the planet”

Chris’s eyes go wide then he bursts out laughing “He really calls him that?”

“Yeah crazy right?”

“I only speak the truth!”

Chris and MC laugh as Chris offers her his arm “Shall we go?”

“Yes we shall”

MC takes his arm and they head out. They drive to a small roof top restaurant. The maître’ d leads them to a table out on the balcony.

“Chris this place is so cute and I love this view”

“I’m glad I chose this place because it’s low key don’t want the paparazzi showing up”

“Oh should we be out here then?”

“Don’t worry about it I’ve come here many times without any problems nobody’s gonna bother us tonight” The waiter comes by and takes their orders. MC smiles as Chris takes her hand “You look beautiful by the way”

“Thanks Chris”

Chris feels his phone buzz in his pocket he ignores it “Listen MC I -”

His phone buzzes again he grumbles MC giggles “Go ahead”

“I’m sorry about this” Chris looks at his phone and sees 2 text messages

Yo Chris where you at?

Yeah man let’s go out for a beer

Can’t tonight busy

Doing what?

Things ok talk to guys later

“Sorry my friends were just bugging me”

MC smirks “What they don’t like the fact that you’re on a date?”

“I didn’t tell them”

“Why?”

“They have these stupid ideas about dating think that football stars shouldn’t been in relationships”

“Who made them relationship experts?”

Chris chuckles “Exactly but I don’t think that I have a dream that I’m chasing”

MC smiles “What’s your dream?”

“My first dream was to play professional football and that dream is already accomplished” MC laughs “My next dream is to have a family a wife and kids” Chris sighs “My dad walked out on me when I was young so I wanna be a better dad than him”

“I can tell that you’re already gonna be”

“Really?”

“Yeah you have such a big heart and you really care about people. You’re also very passionate I can see you being an amazing dad”

Chris grins “Thanks but the dream won’t happen until I meet the right girl” He smirks “Know where I could find her?”

“Don’t know maybe she’s doesn’t like corny lines”

Chris mock gasps “Corny?”

“Who said I was talking about you” They both burst out laughing

They both finish off their meals and head out. Chris drives MC back over to her apartment she smiles “Thanks Chris I had a good time tonight”

“I’m glad I did too”

MC leans over and gently places her lips on his. Chris closes his eyes enjoying her touch. MC pulls back “Good night Chris”

“Good night MC”

MC gets out the car and walks to her apartment. Chris smiles and drives to his apartment. He strips down to his boxers and lays down on his bed grinning She’s so intoxicating. I want to kiss her over and over again He shakes his head No I’m just taking things slow don’t wanna make her feel uncomfortable. He sighs She’s so much different than any other girl I’ve met she doesn’t see me as the football star she sees me as Chris. I really like that. He smiles and falls asleep.

Tags: @indiacater @hopefulmoonobject @annekebbphotography @the-soot-sprite @cora-nova @furiousherringoperatortoad

[hazzasgayvodka]

25 * EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE * 25

Impact: Chapter 25

Chapter title song: Every Breath You Take - The Police 

HARRY

How does she do this to me? How does she make my heart beat faster and my head pound harder? How does she flood every thought that pops into my mind and influence every move I make? Every fiber of my being wants to turn around and go back for her, to apologize for being an idiot and tell her about the way she makes my body feel like I'm floating.

It's otherworldly, indescribable. The way her eyes can burn into mine and inflict the sensation that they do. They rattle my bones, stir up my breathing, get my heart truly beating. Everything about her is so precise and spectacular. The angle of her nose and the lines of her lips, the fiery curls of her hair and the warm golden brown of her eyes. She makes me crazy, insane even. I hear her voice in my head, sweet and soft or sometimes loud and strangled. Either way it is music, a piece of art meant to be cherished rather than strung in a line to make a sentence and forced into un-wanting eardrums.

I lied to her again when I told her I wasn't going home. My instinct was to go to the bar and drink away the feeling of the boulder sitting on my chest but with her voice in my head and the image of her behind my eyelids I couldn't bring myself to do it.

I walk inside and despite having already taken a shower today, I find myself walking into the bathroom and starting the water. I step into the shower with a grimace, my leg is still sore from the fight last night. I look down to see my torso covered in bruises, some worse than others. A mix of purple and blues adding to the black sketches across my skin. I let my eyes travel across my skin and I wonder how she looks at me and isn't horrified. The bruises, scrapes, and bumps all over me. The angry red blotches across my stomach from a car airbag and the giant scars down my back.

The water stings as it hits them, cascading down my back and I have to remind myself that it's all in my head. I reach my hand over my head to run it along the divots in my skin where they reside, the deep scars scraping down my spine. I flinch as my fingertips just barely brush the tip of one of them. It doesn't hurt, my body simply remembers where it's supposed to hurt, it's not real.

I hear my old shrink's voice in my head, reminding me of the three steps to getting through psychosomatic injuries and it makes me feel nauseous. The water is far too hot, but I welcome it gladly as it scorches my skin in the same places her hands have touched me. I can still feel them, soft and small as they trace the black lines across my skin and hold my face so gently as if I'm something to be protected.

I run my fingers along my wet skin wishing for the burn that accompanies her each and every touch, but I am cold. No matter how hot the water I'm freezing, the scorching cascade down my back is no match for the inferno she creates within my veins. No number of cigarettes could give me the high I get from her lips on mine. The electricity that runs up my spine when her fingertips brush my skin cannot be met by any amount of adrenaline from any fight.

There is not a number, not a description, not a word to describe the way she makes me feel and the way she has impacted me.

JESS

How does he do this? How does he melt my insides and rip my heart out all in the same sentence? Why do I still want to turn around and chase his car down after it all. After all the secrets and the yelling, after everything he's done I still want to be in his arms. I still want to wrap my arms around his neck and pull him impossibly close to me.

His voice won't get out of my head, smooth and velvety or rough and raging there is never an in-between with him. I can hear his laugh in my mind, it fills a room and never fails to make me smile. I can picture him, his beautiful viridian irises as they look up into my eyes from underneath his rich curls that frame his face. I can't take my eyes off him, god he looks like an Adonis when I'm looking up at him like this. His eyes, his cheekbones, his jaw, his lips. He looks like a protagonist, like the one that wins in the end, how appropriate.

I feel my mind whirling, coursing through every moment we've shared together and wondering how I didn't figure it out. How did he never slip up? All the times we hung out with Miles and studied in the library, all the times he was jealous when Miles picked me up from his house. They knew, and I didn't. How did I never wonder enough about their relationship? Their obvious dislike for each other. It was so obvious, so right under my nose and I never saw it. I guess I was too busy looking up at him.

HARRY

I walk out of the bathroom, redressed in my long sleeve shirt and jeans. I feel better, finally able to breathe without her standing beside me. Niall meets me in the kitchen, reaching in the fridge to grab a beer as he passes me.

"Where's Jess?" He asks.

"I don't know." I shrug, leaning against the counter behind me.

"What do you mean you don't know? That's not like you-"

He's cut off as Louis and Sam burst through the door groping each other. I thought Louis said she was pissed at him? She doesn't look pissed now as she kicks the door closed and grabs his face in her hands roughly pressing her mouth to his. He walks backwards, his arms contortioned around her as they maul each other, stumbling through the living room to his bedroom around the corner.

I turn back to Niall and my stomach sinks, despite the severity and aggression of it, part of me wishes me and Jess could be doing something similar. Perhaps not sucking each other's faces off but there's not much I wouldn't give to be able to kiss her face right now.

"What happened?" He speaks up, smacking me in the arm.

"She knows." I sigh.

"About?"

"About everything Niall."

"Everything?"

"The fights, Zack, the scars, my dad and the fact that he's getting married," I groan, running my hands through my soaking hair, "Everything Niall, she knows everything.

I can tell he doesn't know what to say. I've never told a girl everything. Hell, I've never told a girl anything. All of those other girls who came through here and never went past the confines of my bedroom door. They all meant nothing, I thought they were everything, but they were a speck, a blip in the timeline. Jess is the timeline.

"So, where is she?" He asks.

"Somewhere hating my guts." I mumble, taking his beer out of his hand and taking a sip.

"Why aren't you there making her not hate your guts, then?" He shouts, smacking me in the head.

"Because we need time!" I shout, distancing myself from him so he can't hit me again, "She needs time, she's had a hundred bombs dropped on her in the past forty-eight hours and I don't want to drown her."

He shakes his head, "No Harry, when girls have time they make decisions, bad ones in your case. When they have time they're able to convince themselves they don't need you that bad," He says seriously, shoving me towards the door, "Now go get in your car and drive your ass to wherever she is and apologize until she's kissing your face again."

"Niall-"

"Harry, she is good for you and you're about to let her go because you think you let her get too close. I know what you're doing, you're backing out. You're not drowning her, you're letting her drown because you handed her an anchor and didn't help her get back in the damn boat!" He shouts, shoving his finger into my chest with every word, "Do not let your ego get in the middle of this because she is way too good for you, but she is stupid in love with you for some reason."

He shoves my keys in my hand and nearly throws me out the door. I walk in a daze to my car and collapse inside, putting my keys in the ignition and banging my fists against the steering wheel.

In love with me? Jess? No, of course not. A girl like Jess doesn't fall in love with a guy like me.

The music starts playing again, haunting me. I skip through song after song and every one of them makes her appear in my mind. They're tainted with images of her in the car beside me, singing along to the lyrics with smiling eyes. I grip the steering wheel with white knuckles as the music surrounds me in a beautiful haze of her.

I can't stop myself before I'm snatching the CD out of the player and snapping it in half in my hands. I break it again and again in the unbearable silence I've created. Soon I'm holding smithereens, reflective shards of memories of her and surrounding myself in the silence. I embrace the ringing in my ears and let it flood the foreground of my mind, drowning out every other thought fighting to encompass me right now. I'm being rash, why am I doing this? What kind of hold does she have on me?

I look around me at the countless CDs I've destroyed, the plastic pieces littering my lap and strangling my arms, wrapping around my fingers, the music holding me hostage. I want to drive, to go anywhere but here in this deathly silence, imagining her arms around my neck.

I drive in circles, my mind aimlessly wandering. My head is filled with images of her. Warm brown eyes to match her soul and fiery red hair to compliment her personality. I remember the first time I kissed her and the longing for her lips on mine grows stronger. I remember my hesitancy and the way she let her hands roam my body. I remember the taste of her lipstick and how she grabbed me by the shirt just like the first night I ever met her.

I long for the inferno we create within ourselves. I long for the fire, for the electricity that she sparks in my veins and spreads through my body. The rush of adrenaline I get from her skin on mine. I long for it all so much that my head is spinning. I want to hear her laugh and see her eyes squint when she smiles. I want her to blab to me about manuscripts she's reading at work and dance with me while we make dinner in the kitchen. I want to watch movies on the couch with her feet tucked under my legs because she's cold. I want to scrape the snow off her car and start it for her so it's warm when she drives to class. I want to see her in my clothes every day of the week, every night when we go to bed and every morning when she goes to class. I want to take morning showers with her and kiss her with toothpaste in my mouth, I want her to roll her eyes at me and yell at me and fight with me because fighting with her will always be better than kissing anyone else.

I want her.

No, I lied to her.

I need her. I need her.

JESS

I sit in Taylin's arms, tears running down my cheeks like waterfalls. She rubs her hand up and down my back, cradling me like the big baby I am. She ordered pizza on the way over, but I know I won't be able to bring myself to eat it. It only reminds me of him and all I want is for him to pick me up and take me to Spiro's.

"What did he do?" She asks finally, and I can tell she's been holding off from asking.

I don't even know where to begin. What did he do? Nothing. Everything. He lied to me, well, he kept secrets. Every time I turn around another one comes to light and he's having to explain himself. I feel like I'm being dragged further and further into darkness and soon enough it will swallow me whole and I'll be blind.

"He's complex." I say carefully.

"Complex?"

"There's a lot of parts to him," I explain, "He wears different masks, and has too many secrets and I just don't know if I'm the person to be able to keep up with all that."

"What do you mean?" She asks, brushing my hair behind my ear.

"Well, I work with him, and he's an editor," I breathe, my chest caving as I speak his secret for the first time, "And he's a tattoo artist, and a boxer."

"A boxer?" She asks, sitting up straighter.

"Yeah, he fights people, and people bet on who will win and he makes money."

"Is that legal?" She asks and my stomach twists.

"I don't know."

I don't want to tell her about Niall and how confused their relationship makes me. I don't tell her about him hotwiring a car or how angry he got when he beat up Jackson the other night. I don't mention the scars or the temper or his dad because deep down somewhere I don't want her to hate him, I think I want her to like him and convince me to stay with him too.

There's a knock on the door and she sits up excitedly, "That's the pizza."

I know she's trying to cheer me up but as soon as the smell of pizza fills this room, she won't be able to drag me back from my crying fit.

"Will you grab the door and I'll go find my wallet?" She asks, "I think I left it in the bathroom."

I drag my feet across the room and fold my arms across my chest to keep warm. It feels foreign being here again, this dorm doesn't even feel like mine anymore. I pull the door open and my heart stops in my chest. He's standing there with soaking wet hair and the same clothes as this morning. He's shivering, it's fucking freezing out, but he doesn't seem to mind as she takes a step closer to me.

"Jess, I've never needed anyone," He sighs, his voice cracking, "But I'm starting to think I might need you."

I can't breathe. My chest is collapsing, my stomach is in my throat. My mouth is glued shut, I don't know any sum of letters that could be half as beautiful and profound as the words that just fell past his lips.

"I know I've fucked up, I should have told you everything, but I was scared. I thought you would leave, I thought it would freak you out. All the fighting and the shit with Miles, but I just want you back," He breathes, "I'm so sorry baby, I know I'm going to have to buy you every concert ticket in the stadium for this one but I'm willing to do that. I just need you next to me in the morning wearing one of my shirts, even my Pyromania one, I don't fucking care, I just-"

He doesn't even have the rest of the sentence out of his mouth before I'm grabbing his cheeks and pressing my lips to his. It's not rushed and messy like other kisses we've shared, it's slow and meaningful, our lips molded to each other's with no desire to break away any time soon.

He tastes like spearmint and smells like laundry detergent and cologne. I feel the chill of his lip ring against the corner of my mouth and I'm reminded that it really is him I'm kissing. I'm stuck in a whirlwind, in a cyclone of him, a hurricane of emotions and feelings and fears of the unknown. He's crazy and he makes me crazy, but I love it all the same. He's up and down and hot and cold and I thrive on it. We're so alike and so different, polar opposites and yet one in the same. He fits against me like a puzzle piece, his hand moving from my cheek to wrap around my waist and the shock of electricity I get from his touch makes me jump.

His touch is the only contact I crave, the only feeling I can never seem to get enough of. I wish he'd never stop touching me, just a constant hand on my skin, inflicting small bursts of electricity in my nerves every few seconds.

He pulls away from me and the grin on his face makes my heart flutter. It's just a small turn up on the right side of his face, a small laugh escaping his lips. God he's so handsome. His eyes are locked on mine, his arms loosely wrapped around my waist, holding me to him. I think back to those car rides in his car with the radio on and all I can think about is how much better this would be with music in the background.

"Jess I can't find my wallet, I checked everywhere in the-"

I turn around in his arms to meet eyes with Taylin. I completely forgot she was even here as soon as my eyes landed on him at my doorstep. Harry releases me and leans forward, extending his hand towards her.

"Harry Styles." He smiles, shaking her hand.

She laughs, looking at me incredulously as he pulls his hand away, "Taylin McCormick."

The awkward air around us is tangible and I find myself biting my lip as I turn around to talk to him quietly, but he cuts me off.

"Can I uh, steal her, for a bit?" He asks, looking straight at Taylin.

"Be my guest." She laughs, gesturing to the door.

He grabs my hand and tugs me outside and I'm instantly shivering in the cold. His hands are shaking, from the cold or the delightfully nauseous feeling that's taken over me, I'm not sure.

"Can we go home?" He asks, his voice nearly begging.

"Harry, I'm not just going to leave Taylin alone in my dorm." I sigh, my teeth chattering.

"Sam will be back at some point, I'm sure they'll be best friends by the time you're back tomorrow morning."

"Harry." I warn, raising an eyebrow.

He sighs, his breath coming out in a fog as he rubs his hands together and swears under his breath about how freezing it is.

"Fine," He huffs, "But you better make this kiss good if it's the only one I'm getting tonight."

I laugh as he pulls me to him and presses his mouth to mine. I can feel his lips grinning against mine as his arms wrap around me, momentarily keeping me warm. He pulls away and presses another kiss to my forehead, holding me tightly in his arms.

"I'm picking you girls up for breakfast in the morning," He says, turning away and heading back to his car, "Be ready by eight, baby."

I watch him get in his car and drive away. My heart sinks but my stomach flutters at the thought of seeing him again tomorrow morning. I walk back inside to see Taylin sat on the couch, her eyes wide as I sit next to her.

"I can't believe you didn't leave with him," She scoffs, punching me in the arm, "Actually, I can't believe you're dating him, I mean, how many tattoos does he have?"

"Oh, shush." I groan, tossing a pillow at her.

He shows up the next morning at seven thirty, a whole half hour earlier than he originally promised. I've barely crawled off the couch where me and Taylin fell asleep watching Twilight the night before when I hear him knocking at the door.

I drag myself from the confines of my burrito of blankets and open the door, my eyes adjusting to the flood of sunlight outside. He walks past me, rubbing his hands together to warm them up and I close the door behind him.

"You're early, Styles." I tease, leaning up to peck his lips.

"Couldn't wait to see you, baby." He smiles, holding me to him and pressing his lips against mine again, clearly not satisfied with our first kiss.

I pull away from him and stare into his eyes, noticing the bags surrounding them. He looks like he didn't get an ounce of sleep last night.

"What's happening?" Taylin groans from the couch, stretching her arms out as she yawns.

"Harry's here, we should probably get ready for breakfast." I laugh, tugging the blankets from around her.

"Free breakfast? I'll be ready in five." She grins, standing from the couch and making her way to the bathroom.

I turn back to Harry, shaking my head, "Looks like I'm gonna have to wear my own clothes for once."

"My jackets in the car," He laughs, "I grabbed it on the way out the door."

I roll my eyes at him, turning towards my room and deciding to get ready. He tries to follow me, but I sit him on the couch and hand him the remote, promising to be out in twenty minutes. I undress from my pajamas and slide a pair of jeans on with a black and white striped long sleeve shirt. Taylin comes in after brushing her teeth and sorting out her crazy long hair to get dressed in white jeans and a floral blouse. She looks adorable in seconds and I'm still trying to untangle the knots in my hair.

"I'm ready when you are." She smiles, spraying some perfume on herself and throwing a jacket over her shoulders.

I nod, shoving my feet into a pair of boots and following her back out to see Harry watching an episode of Law and Order. He stands from the couch and grabs my hand, twirling his keys around his finger.

"Are we ready ladies?" He asks, holding the door open for the both of us.

We both nod, walking out to his car parked outside. I get in the front seat and Taylin climbs in the back as he starts the car, Guns and Roses flooding the car from the speakers. He reaches into the backseat and hands me his jacket as he backs out and drives onto the main road. I meet eyes with Taylin and she looks like she might burst as she eyes the acid washed denim jacket in my hands.

He pulls into a shopping center parking lot and parks in front of the IHOP. He stops the car and gets out, running around to my side and grabbing the door. Taylin nearly squeals in the backseat as she gets out herself and rushes to walk next to me, Harry walking slightly ahead of us.

"You two are fucking adorable." She whispers, hooking her arm through mine as we approach the front of the restaurant.

He holds the door for us, making Taylin nearly explode, "After you," He smiles, gesturing inside and following us inside the doors.

He walks up to the podium and gets us a table, following the hostess to the back where she sits us by a window. Taylin insists that I sit beside him, but he shakes his head and claims he should be the one to sit alone. I roll my eyes at him, sitting down next to Tay just as she jumps up, excusing herself to use the bathroom.

"I'll be right back." She says, heading back to the front.

I turn to him with a conscious smirk on my lips, "What are you doing?"

"What are you talking about?" He laughs.

"You're being too nice, like, Miles nice."

"I am not being Miles level nice," He sighs, "I just want her to like me, she's your best friend."

"That she is," I nod, "And she does like you, you don't have to butter her up."

"I know I don't have to, but I should," He insists, "Louis says the best friend of the girl you're dating is the most dangerous thing in the world because if they don't like you, the girl dumps you."

I can't help but laugh as I take in the nervous look on his face. Oh my god, big bad Harry Styles is nervous. Shitting himself nervous.

"The girl you're dating?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at him, "Is that your way of officially asking me to be your girlfriend?"

He looks up from the table in shock, meeting my eyes with his mouth hanging open. I can tell I've caught him off guard.

"I uh, yes? Wait, no, I'm supposed to make it a bigger deal than that, right?" He asks worriedly, trying to search my eyes for an answer.

"You're so cute when you're flustered." I laugh, leaning across the table and pecking his lips.

I pull away to see him rolling his eyes and shaking his head at me. Taylin comes back and slides into the booth beside me just as the waitress appears, asking for drink orders. Me and Harry get coffee and Taylin decides on a glass of orange juice.

Breakfast goes perfectly other than Harry's grumbling about their pancakes. I can tell he doesn't like them as much as his own and he definitely doesn't want me to think they're better than his either. He kicks his foot against mine under the table multiple times, making me look up at him with a teasing glare.

Too soon we're leaving, and Harry is driving us back to my dorm. We spend the rest of the weekend shopping and taking Taylin around the area to do tourist things. She consistently gushes about how cute we are, and I have to hide my blushing cheeks away from them both. On her last day before she has to go back for another week of class, she asks me about homecoming.

It feels like she's the hundredth person that's asked me, but I don't know if Harry would want to go to something like that and I don't want to go without him.

"It doesn't matter if he wants to go," She huffs, packing her suitcase, "It matters that you want to go, and therefore he should want to take you."

"I don't think dances are really his thing." I shrug.

"Who cares? It's homecoming! Dances can be his thing for one night." She laughs, zipping up her suitcase and standing from kneeling on the ground.

"I guess I'll ask him about it." I sigh.

"You better, I'm going to call you to make sure you did, too." She warns, pointing her finger at me as she drags her suitcase to the door.

I sigh, pulling her in for one last hug before she has to go. I never get to see her anymore now that we're in two different colleges, two hours away from each other in good traffic. She hugs me tight, kissing my cheek as she pulls away and grabs her suitcase again.

"I'm glad you worked it out with him," She smiles, "I like him Jess, he's different than the other ones."

"I know, he's not a high school jock." I laugh.

"True, but not what I meant," She says, "I mean he's different in the way he is with you, he opens doors for you and gives you his jacket. He's so happy around you Jess, you should see his face light up when you walk into the room."

I shake my head, cupping my blushing cheeks in my hands and hiding my face from her. She's right, he's different than the others. They never cared, they made me pay for dinner and expected me to put out every night of the week. None of them would fight for me like he does, every time I think we've gone too far, pushed each other too hard, we come back together.

Being Harry's girlfriend had to be the weirdest title only because, no one has ever worn it before. Whispers around campus spread like wildfire the more we walked around hand in hand and kissed before class. I constantly had strangers asking me if I was really dating Harry Styles and I got to proudly tell them yes. He loved calling me his girlfriend, perhaps more than dollface or even baby. Everywhere we went he introduced me as his 'amazing girlfriend, Jess' and his face lit up every time.

Although the bet was technically over, I definitely spent more nights at Casa de Styles than my own dorm. More than half of his closet was taken over by my clothing and he sacrificed one of his dresser drawers to hold my underwear and socks. No more suitcases or bags, I had two toothbrushes and two hairbrushes and even two bottles of face wash.

Rather than switching back offices, Harry dragged the hallway desk into his office one morning while I was in class. He split his office in two, moving his own desk further into the corner so I have my own space on the other side of the room. He even decorated, well, decorated for Harry I guess. He put a picture of us on the wall and a picture Niall took of me on his desk. He claims it keeps him focused.

Homecoming is around the corner and the more proposals I witness in the courtyard between classes, the more I want Harry to do something. Louis surprised Sam and payed for the question to be written in the sky by a plane. She screamed and jumped into his arms and I rolled my eyes as I walked passed them.

Even Miles is caught up in the homecoming spiral. He's the captain of the football team and the homecoming game is right around the corner. It feels like he's always at practice or weight lifting and I feel like I barely ever see him anymore. He asked Nicole, a girl in our stats class. He asked her to help him with a graphing problem and when they finished graphing it, the calculator said 'HOCO?' Needless to say, she said yes.

I try not to get my hopes up, I doubt Harry even wants to go, but it's hard when everyone under the sun is getting asked to go.

"Why don't you just ask him instead?" Miles suggests as we sit in the library, avoiding our stats homework like the plague.

"Because that's not how it works Miles." I sigh, twirling my pencil between my fingers.

"Why not, it's a time of progression, do it Sadie Hawkins style." He laughs, taking the pencil from my hands so I'll actually look at him.

"How hard is it to just ask though?" I huff.

He sighs, standing up and reaching a hand out to me. I start to protest but he shushes me, grabbing my hand and pulling me up from the butt-numbing chair.

"Where are we going?"

"Café, I need a coffee to get through this work." He groans, dragging me behind him.

I roll my eyes and turn to look at him as he shoves me towards a short haired boy walking past me. I knock straight into him, bracing myself and holding my arms in front of my face. His cup drops to the ground and splatters against my shoes and I gasp, looking down to see my white converse covered in only water.

"Oh my god I am so sorry-" I apologize, looking up to meet their face.

"Don't worry about it dollface," He smirks, holding out a piece of clothing from behind his back, "I guess I'll just have to lend you this dress, so you can wear it to homecoming with me."

I gasp, my mouth nearly hitting the ground as my eyes land on him. My mind doesn't know how to react, I want to kiss his face, but his hair is all I can focus on. I grab him around the neck and pull him to me. I can't take my eyes off his hair, it's short, so short. I run my hands through it over and over. It curls around his ears and the back of his neck and the front lifts off his forehead, tousled into a wave.

"You cut your hair," I mumble, running my fingers through the strands at the back of his neck, "Oh my god you cut your hair, Harry, it's gone."

"I did," He grins, laughing at my reaction, "I also bought you a dress which I honestly thought you'd be more excited about."

I pull away from him, looking at the dress held in his hands. He holds it up to show me it in its full length, I immediately recognize it from the mall. I tried it on with Sam, but it was at least a hundred dollars over my budget. It's gorgeous, all white lace and see through. I can't believe he would buy me this, it's so sheer, it's so everything he would never want me wearing out. I can't imagine his reaction when he realizes it's also skin tight.

"Harry! Oh my god I loved this dress!" I shriek, taking it from his hands and holding it up to me.

"I know, Sam told me," He grins, "I was a little cautious when I first saw it but I'm sure it looks fucking gorgeous on you."

He smiles, laughing at my excitement as I twirl with the dress held up to me. Sam offers to hold the dress for me and as soon as it's out of my hands I grab his face and press my lips to his, feeling his lip ring against the corner of my mouth. I reach my hands around his neck and thread my hands through his short hair, it feels so different, so foreign, and yet I love it.

I pull away to see his smiling face again, it's so crazy seeing him with short hair, he doesn't even look like himself. I can see the earrings in his ears for once, two rings on the top of each of them and plain black circles in his earlobes. The time piece tattoo on his neck is in plain view, something I've only ever seen a few times.

"So, is that a yes?" He asks.

"Yes, yes of course, yes!" I say, running my hands through the front of his hair instead.

I hear a chorus of cheers behind me and I turn around to see Louis, Sam, Niall, and Miles all standing behind me. They're all smiling, Louis and Niall whistling, and I can't believe the amount of noise they're making in the library.

"Did you like it?" He asks, making me turn back to him, "Recreating the first night we met?"

"I loved it, oh my god Harry I loved it, it was perfect," I gush, "I mean I can't believe you just soaked my shoes, but it was still perfect."

He laughs, throwing his arm around me, "I can't take all the credit, it was like ninety-five percent Niall's idea."

Niall smiles proudly, holding up his phone to snap a picture of us. Harry presses his lips to my cheek at the last second, making me flinch just as the flash goes off. Niall laughs and shows us the picture and I look to see my eyes squinting closed, a huge smile taking over my face. I can't believe how happy I look with his arm wrapped around me, how happy he looks as he attacks me with kisses.

He leans down and presses a kiss to my cheek, but I turn my head, pressing our lips together instead. He pulls away and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear like he always does.

"This is perfect." I sigh, holding his cheek and letting my hand fit perfectly behind his ear where I can feel his short choppy hair in between my fingers.

"I'm not even finished yet," He laughs, "Don't you want to know the reason for the big chop?" He asks, pointing at his hair.

I nod eagerly, grabbing his hands in mine and awaiting his response. He turns me away from the crowd, secluding us a few feet away from everyone.

"Lex put my application through for the board member's position and they liked it, I have an interview next month!" He says enthusiastically.

I can hardly wrap my mind around it. He might be a board member of one of the largest publishing companies in the nation. He's only twenty-four years old and he could be a board member.

"I thought a trim might help." He shrugs, running his hand through his hair.

I grab him in my arms and he lifts me up, laughing. I kiss all over his face, attacking him as he sets me down and leans down to press a kiss to my forehead.

"If I get this job I won't even have to work at the shop anymore, I'll be making more than when I was fighting. I could get a better car and a better apartment, this is it baby." He grins, pressing his lips to mine.

The excitement of the homecoming proposal finally dissipates and soon we're off to work for another day behind our desks. I can't wipe the stupid smile off my face as I walk through the office, heading to the break room to grab us both cups of coffee.

Tonight, is Vance and Eliza's wedding announcement party. They've invited everyone over for cocktail hour and Harry and I have been asked to make an appearance. He's been on edge about it all week, still not loving the idea of his father getting remarried, but I can tell the walls he's built up are starting to crumble.

"Hey there, Jess." Vance smiles as I enter the breakroom, a cup of coffee also in his hand.

"Afternoon, Vance." I grin, making two cups of coffee.

"You two are coming tonight, right?" He asks, leaning against the counter in front of us.

"We are, not sure for how long but Harry says he will make an appearance." I nod, hoping he understands Harry's hesitancy.

"I can't believe you even got him to come in the first place," He thinks aloud, taking a sip of his coffee, "I've got a question for you Jess, do you think it'd be too much if I asked him to my best man?"

I nearly drop both cups of coffee as the words come out of his mouth. Best man? Harry? He can hardly stomach the idea that his father is getting remarried let alone attend every single event leading up to the wedding.

"Best man?" I ask, my voice wavering.

"It's too much, I knew it." He sighs, setting his coffee cup down.

"I don't know," I say quickly, hating the way his face falls, "I'm not sure right now, I think your relationship needs to bond a little more before you ask him. It might freak him out this soon. He just started agreeing to being in the same room as you."

He nods his head, thinking over my words in contemplation. He chews the side of his lip the same was his son does and once again I'm astounded by how alike their mannerisms are. With his short hair, he looks even more like him.

"Oh, have you seen him today?" I ask, changing the subject and lightening the mood. He shakes his head and I grin excitedly, "Just wait."

I poke my head out the door of the break room and call his name, hoping he isn't playing music while he's working. I turn back around and wait for his door to open. He peaks his head out and I divert my eye contact, turning back to making the coffees. I can feel his eyes on me through the glass walls of the break room before he pushes the door open.

"Did you call me?" He asks.

"Yes, I'm showing off your haircut." I laugh, running my hands through it to get it off his forehead as it's fallen throughout the day.

"It looks good, you look like a future board member." Vance grins, walking passed him and patting him on the back.

He rolls his eyes but smiles nonetheless and I can't believe he's actually smiling at something Vance said. Lex pushes past Vance to get in here, his eyes wide.

"I saw you walk in here and I thought you were some intern I haven't met yet!" Lex exclaims, "Oh my god, Harry, your hair hasn't been this short since you were a teenager."

He claps him on the back and Harry rolls his eyes again nodding along to get Lex to shut up. I can tell he's embarrassed as Lex goes on and on, but I can't help but laugh. Soon, nearly everyone in the office is complimenting his hair and telling him he looks so professional.

"Thanks everyone, thank you." He sighs, grabbing my hand and dragging me back to our office.

He collapses into his chair and runs a hand through his hair, frowning when he realizes he's only got a few inches of hair to work with.

"It's so weird," He laughs, "My ears are cold all the fucking time now."

I giggle, turning back to the paperwork for the new publishing deal we're working on as he gets up from his chair and goes to open the window. He cracks it open and takes a cigarette from behind his ear, lighting it between his teeth.

"I need to get Niall to print that picture," He thinks aloud, "From today, I want it on my desk."

I shake my head as I walk up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my cheek against his back. He places his free hand over mine, intertwining our fingers and kissing my knuckles. I feel content, looking out the window to the street below.

"Tell him to print two of them," I smile, thinking about how happy he looked in it, "I want one for our room."

"God, I love it when you say that," He smirks, turning around in my arms and cupping my cheek with his hand, "Our room."

[donttellpeterparker]

You’re A Loser Part 5

Summary: Peter had no idea you existed… till now. Who knew that just with one little text to the wrong number your whole world was about to change.

Requested: No

Word Count: 3.8k

Warning(s)?: Popular!Peter, Loser!Reader and something else ;)

PROMPT LIST

masterlist (x) requests (x)

dedicated to <3: @smexylemony, @18silverwolf, @loxbbg, @greenarrowhead, @ohdamnerons, @andreuskystuff, @americaswritings, @spiderdudeparker

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Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9

You’re A Loser

You had decided to wait a few hours before giving Peter a call back. You weren't even really sure if you were going to or not, he's the one that usually calls you. Hoping onto your bed with a soft smile, you unlocked your phone and hovered your finger over his contact, pressing the call button nervously.

''Uh hey!'' He seemed genuinely surprised you called which put you off a little bit.

''Sorry, is this a bad time?'' You asked, hoping it really wasn't.

''Uh no, no it isn- crash'' You stiffled a laugh as you heard him curse to himself over the phone shortly afterwards.

''Is your room really messy?'' You asked with a smirk even though he couldn't see.

''Kinda'' You laughed.

''But hey, I'm glad you called...'' He trailed off, the sounds of stuff clattering together before silence.

''I wanted to ask you something...'' You began to grow slightly nervous at where this was going.

''And it's totally okay if you say no, well, actually it probably wouldn't be okay...'' Peter began to ramble, something you found out he does often when he's nervous which was evidently cute.

''You know, to be honest, I think I'll die if you say no. Uhh... would you want to go on a date with me? Like, a real date?'' He paused, you weren't sure if he was waiting for an answer or he was going to continue. Your stomach flipped with joy and excitement but your smile instantly faded, your heart twinging in sadness and guilt.

''I have a... family thing tomorrow but I'm free after?'' You could tell he was lying bit you were too preoccupied to press it.

''Uhh...Yeah?'' You hated the way it sounded more like a question.

''Yeah?'' He asked shyly.

''Yeah, I mean yes, yes, umm I'm down... for that?'' You face palmed yourself and shook your head in embarrassment.

''I just gotta clear some stuff first'' You finished, looking over towards your turtle swimming in his tank happily.

''Uh yeah cool.. that's cool...'' He trailed off awkwardly.

''I'll get back to you'' You spoke up, not wanting there to be a awkward silence.

''Okay, yeah. Sure'' You could hear the slight disappointment in his tone and you would be lying if you said it didn't hurt a little.

''Um don't die before then, okay?'' You tried to joke, Peter laughed.

''Okay, I'll try''

''Bye..''

''Bye'' You hung up and frowned to yourself. How the hell were you going to pull this one off?

~*~*~*~*

''Please?'' You pleaded Britney next to the bathroom stall, glad the bathroom was empty this early in the morning.

''One date'' You tried to persuade her.

''Why can't you go?'' She asks, crossing her arms over her chest as she awaits your response. You open your mouth to speak but nothing comes out, just silence. You opted to shrug your shoulders instead, earning an eye roll from her.

''Look, you can't keep this going forever you know'' You sighed, you knew she was right.

''I know that I just... need more time'' You spoke quieter as someone entered the bathroom.

''How much time?'' She lowered her voice too, making sure the other girl couldn't over hear you both.

''I don't know'' You answered honestly. She sighed herself and shook her head in annoyance.

''Fine, but on one condition'' She finally caves.

''Okay''

~*~*~*~*

''I'm going on a date'' You spoke up to Zack who was by your side picking up rubbish around the park. He glances at you with a confused expression.

''A date?'' You popped another piece of trash into your plastic bag.

''So you want to put two really hot people together and you think that's going to work out for you?'' No, obviously. You picked up another piece before responding.

''Yeah, she likes Spence remember?'' Even you knew you weren't fooling yourself.

''I still gotta leave by five cause I gotta teach old people how to work computers while you con jocks and stuff'' Zack speaks up as he begins to walk to a new section of the park, you following close behind.

''It's not like that'' You tried defending yourself.

''You mean it is like that'' he responded with a lopsided smile. You smiled back then quickly averted your eyes over the park, your smile instantly fading once you saw a familiar mop of brown curls in the distance.

''What?'' Your best friends asks, following your glance.

''No way...'' Zack speaks up, eyeing Peter himself from beside you.

''That's your pretty boy?'' You were confused as to why Zack was so shocked about this revelation, he's seen Peter down the school hallways plenty of times before.

''He looks that damn good and he's a good person?'' You rolled your eyes at him and quickly ducked as soon as you thought he and the younger boy glanced over this way.

''We gotta go, let's go'' You rushed out, turning on your heel quickly.

''What? Go where? No, no, wait'' You stopped and turned around slowly.

''Why are we leaving? He don't even know what you look like'' Zack tries to reason.

''Yes but he knows my voice!'' You whispered back, Zacks eyebrows inching together in confusion.

''Why are you whispering?'' He asks in a whisper.

''I don't know!'' You angrily whispered back, spinning back around on your heel.

''Yeah, uh uh'' He grabbed you by the arm to halt your movements.

''We're going over there'' Your eyes widen.

''No we are not, are you crazy?'' You looked at your best friend as if he had just stepped out of an asylum. You quickly squatted down again once they faced this way in the distance.

''Are you kidding me?'' Zack just scoffs.

''Now are you a cat fish or a can't fish?'' You narrowed your eyes at him when you get the double meaning behind his words.

''I guess we'll find out'' He just smirked at you and began walking off, actually, jogging towards Peter and the little boy.

''Zack!'' You whisper shouted out to him but he didn't listen. You glanced around and ducked slightly, noticing a few people giving you an odd glance.

''Zack!'' You tried again, nothing.

''Hey, coming in for the interception!'' You could hear Zack call out in the distance as he misses the ball and flings his hand as if he has hurt himself.

You slowly began to walk over there, mentally cursing Zack every name under the same.

''Hey man, are you okay?'' Peter asked Zack, offering his hand out.

''Yeah I'm fine, names Zack'' He introduced himself to Peter, shaking his head politely.

''Peter'' he responded casually, preparing his arms to catch the ball from the younger boy.

''You got room for two more?'' He didn't.

''Uhh.. yeah'' Peter answered slightly awkwardly, glancing your way as Zack began to wave you over. You just fake smiled and spoke through clenched teeth.

''I am going to kill you Zack Gerald''.

''Hi'' Peter says politely as soon as he sees you, sending a small smile your way. You smile back and look down at the ground, finding your shoes to be quite interesting.

''Peter'' He finishes. You glance up and smile again, just nodding your head. He gives you a funny look before facing Zack once again.

''And you are?'' He tries. Your brain froze. You randomly began to move your hands about, pretending to be signing to him.

''Your name is shit pizza?'' With this Zack's mouth widened as he turned to face you with a sly grin. You ignored him and closed your mouth tilting your head to the side.

''Ty! Come here, come here'' Peter gestures for the younger boy to come over. He walks over and stands beside him shyly.

''You guys are not going to believe this but this is Tyler, my friend and he's deaf too'' He introduced him using sign language so that way he could see as well. Tyler smiled and nodded in response.

''Friends?'' Zack asks, becoming nosy.

''I go down to the Orphanage Wednesday to Friday and help out'' Peter replies with a small smile, turning to Tyler to sign something to him as Zack turns to face you once again, his mouth open sarcastically in shock.

''What are the odds of that?'' He says to you sarcastically, earning a scowl from you.

''It's crazy. I'm gonna make him the first four-foot quarterback'' Peter says happily, signing as he spoke so Ty could follow along.

''What are the odds'' Zack says under his breath with a smile only loud enough for you to hear this time.

''Um...'' Peter was soon cut off by Tyler beginning to sign towards the both of you. You watched the movements of his hands very closely, trying to figure out what he meant as Zack just turned to face you with a sarcastic grin.

Zack looks between you and Tyler a few times before crossing his arms over his chest.

''That was very nice''. You where going to kill him. You thought for a few moments and realised you understood none of what Tyler just did so you opted for something easy. Your hand formed a fist ad you popped it in front of you for a fist bump. Zack just chuckled underneath his breath, covering it up with a cough when Peter glanced at him.

''Usually when I introduce him to people they start talking REALLY LOUD and it's really annoying'' Peter continues the conversation with ease, casting a glance your way from time to time.

''We go through that, too'' Shut up Zack.

''This is my sister, Y/N. She's adopted, of course, but she's deaf also as we know'' Zack begins, giving you a side squeeze as you faked a smile.

''So she can't hear anything I am saying even if I say something like, 'she's a hermaphrodite''' You almost chocked on air. Peter just gave you both a wary smile as Tyler just beamed from beside him.

''Which she isn't! She's not a hermaphrodite at all. She's all lady parts'' God please kill me now. You wanted the ground to open and swallow you up whole right then and there.

''I only know that because she's been slutting it up a little bit lately'' You pinched his back causing him to squirm slightly from beside you.

''But the important thing is that's shes a very caring person'' You just nod along stupidly.

''Yeah, uhh nice to meet you Y/N'' With this Peter extended his hand forward for you to shake. Your nerves immediately came back as did the lump in your throat. You stared at his hand for what felt like ages but was probably only seconds. You slowly extended yours and placed your hand in his, enjoying the rush of tingles and warmth that soon traveled through your hand, up your arm and entire body. Peter froze too for a moment, glancing down at your hands before shaking his head, quickly retracting his hand away.

''All right, ah okay, we're gonna go'' Zack interrupts quickly, stepping in front of you as he begins to walk away from Peter and Tyler.

''So great meeting you, you too Ty'' He says again, Tyler waving goodbye to the both of you. Zack reached to grab both of your bags before grabbing your arm, pulling you along and away with him.

''Look that's not okay... what just happened'' Zack spoke up as soon as you both were out hearing distance from them.

''I don't care'' You smiled to yourself like a giddy high school girl.

''You have to tell him the truth'' Zack continued, finally letting your arm go as you made your way to the pathway.

''Because that was the dumbest shit I've ever seen'' You just cover your mouth as you begin to laugh harder.

''That was just reckless. Why would you be so reckless?'' Zack keeps talking.

~*~*~*~*

Tonight was the night. You had both anticipated and dreaded tonight and how it could go. Britney had came over to get ready at yours, though she decided to only wear casual clothing, even with your persistence for her to wear something else.

''Remember the plan okay, don't wimp out'' Britney says in a serious tone, looking at herself at your bedroom mirror as she applied the final touches of her lipsticks across her already red lips.

''Okay, fine'' You agreed, just wanting to get tonight over and done with. You had decided to drive the both of you to the movies, Britney hoping out of the car with her coat as you found a parking spot for your beaten up car.

You sighed once you exited your car and was met with the chill air of fall. You closed your door and locked your car, making your way into the movies to grab a soda. Once you lined up and successfully retrieved your drink you looked for Britney in the distance, seeing her standing on her own near the counter.

You began to walk towards her, deciding to talk to her before Peter gets here.

''Hey! Sorry I'm late'' You heard Peter's voice not to far from you address Britney with a guilty expression. Your eyes widen as you quickly hid behind the wall beside you, successfully dodging the pot plant while doing so.

That was a close one.

You took a sip of your drink as you peeked your head around the corner, just barely making out their conversation from over here.

Like the gentleman he was, He shrugged off his coat and popped it around Britney's shoulders, even though she had her coat in her arms. She smiled in thanks and glanced over her shoulder towards you, you quickly ducking away out of sight.

''You ready?'' He sounded nervous, on edge.

''Yeah'' Britney agreed. You soon watched the both of them walk up to the counter to buy snacks and drinks for the movie. Your heart was beating at a million miles per second. You couldn't go through with this. You couldn't do the plan.

You began to signal to Britney, hoping to catch her attention without Peter's. You gave up after a minute when you weren't successful. You reached for the phone in your jean jacket pocket and unlocked it, swiping to find Britney's contact.

You quickly typed her a message before popping your phone back away. You watched as Britney retrieved her phone and curtly excused herself from Peter who frowned to himself.

''Yeah... sure'' He said in confusion as Britney bounded away from him and over towards you. Peter quickly turned his head and you had managed to duck out of the way in the nick of time. With your still pounding heart, you grabbed Britney's wrist as she came towards you and headed over to the girls bathroom.

''I can't do this'' She was right, you are such a wimp. She looks over to you with a little bit of anger.

''What do you mean you can't do this?'' Yeah she was definitely angry.

''You don't have to do anything! Just switch places with me and explain everything, do it now!'' She had grabbed you by your arm this time, beginning to tug you out of the girls bathroom.

''No, I can't'' You argued, taking your arm back swiftly from her grasp. She snapped back around with a frown.

''You have to, this isn't going to work. It isn't right, I'm on your date, don't you get that? I am on YOUR date'' She raised her voice slightly gaining the attention of a few on lookers who where strolling past. You glanced around yourself before facing her once more with slightly tinted cheeks.

''I need more time'' She raised her arms then dropped them down to her sides as she huffed.

''Well time is running out!'' She shouted to you under her breath before gripping you once again, pulling you along with her as she dragged you back out to the main area. She dropped your arm and looked around in confusion once she saw there was no sign of Peter.

''Where did he go?'' You thought the same thing, not caring that you were out in public where he could see you. Your eyes searched high and low but you couldn't see his brown curls anywhere.

''Did he... ditch us?'' No he wouldn't, Peter wouldn't do that. You shook your head to Britney's question and began to walk around, still no sign of him. Britney followed behind you, looking around as well.

''Well this is a shitty first date'' She mumbles under her breath from behind you earning a groan from you.

''This cannot be happening right now''

''Well it is, Peter's a jerk. Want some advice? Let it go and find a hotter jock, there's plenty of them'' Britney says as you froze in your spot, turning your head to face her with a 'seriously?' look. She just shrugged her shoulders and walked away from you and out the main doors towards the parking lot.

You followed after her, both of you walking towards your car that was parked along the main street.

''Let's just have a girls night, rent movies and cyber-stalk hot celebrities'' Britney suggested with a smile as she hops into the passenger seat of your car earning a small laugh from you. That sounded more like her.

Your heard a car horn in the distance but paid it no attention. You opened your driver's side car door and stepped out a bit, allowing yourself room to hop in.

''Watch out!'' Your head turned to this and your eyes widened once you saw an on coming car power towards you. You could hear the screeching of breaks as your heart began to pound in your chest. You cowered away and shielded yourself with your arms, blocking out the shining lights as you became frozen in your spot.

You waited for impact but nothing happened. Instead, you slowly removed your arms from your face and saw the car came to a complete stop just an inch in front of you, the whole front covered in some kind of white string as they slowly began to tear due to the weight of the car.

''What the... hell?'' Your heart began to slow down as you stepped even closer towards the car, inspecting it for yourself. Britney's door slammed shut as she came rushing over towards you worriedly.

''Oh my god! Are you okay?'' She asks, gripping your arms as she begins to check you over for any injuries. You were dazed, looking curiously at the webbing around the car. You reached a hand out slowly and just as you were about to touch a piece, the car jolted forward causing both you and Britney to jump back with a start.

''Ahh! Can we go now... please'' You could hear Britney scream from beside you as she clung to your arm, still hearing the car motor still turning over as the lights still shone through the webbing.

''Y-y-yeah let's g-g-o'' You stuttered out, fumbling for your keys as you quickly hoped back into the car, Britney hoping into the passenger seat once again.

''Are you sure you're okay?'' She asks one last time, worry still laced through her tone.

''Just peachy'' You replied still shaken up, you popped the key into the ignition and turned it over, the car engine roaring to life.

''God you are so lucky'' Britney spoke up from beside as you slowly pulled out, making sure to drive slowly as an audience had grown to watch the scene.

''I wouldn't exactly call it luck...'' You mumbled back, turning left at the lights. Britney turned to face you and beamed, her worried expression a few seconds ago long gone.

''It was webbing! Omg! It was Spider-man!'' Britney had actually squealed.

''Spider-who?'' You questioned, the name sounding familiar to you.

''Spider-man! The guy who practically saved your life tonight! How did I not notice before?'' Now you remembered, Spider-man, the self proclaimed superhero of New York city. Sure you were impressed and grateful for what he has done for the city but that was about it, you weren't obsessed like a lot of other teenage girls where.

''Does he have some kind of P.O box where I can send a thank you letter?'' You tried to joke, your heart still slowing down inside your chest.

Britney scoffs at your joke but smiles, glancing out the window.

''Only a few have encountered him and-''

''We didn't even see the guy'' You replied. Britney rolled her eyes at you even though you couldn't see.

''Minor details, the main thing is that he was there, I wonder what he was doing there in the first place...'' Britney soon got lost in her train of thought.

''Probably swinging around like he usually does?'' Jokes helped to calm your anxiety and nerves so you often used it to diffuse the tension inside of you.

''Such a hater''

''Not a hater, just a pessimist''

''Pessi-what?'' You laughed to yourself quietly as you continued the drive home.

~*~*~*~*

Peter message you as soon as you got home from dropping Britney off. The both of you were too startled to go through with the girls night plans. She wanted to head home to sleep and forget the night and honestly, so did you but for other reasons.

Peter

I am so sorry about tonight, can we reschedule?

That was it? Not even an explanation? You were hurt and yet guilty at the same time. You had no right to feel this way, after all, you are the one who is hiding secrets from him not the other way round.

Your fingers hovered over the keyboard.

To Peter

What happened?

You were going to keep it short and simple. You didn't want to seem like a bitch and didn't want him to think he can get away with what he did either so you decided to play the middle.

Peter

Something came up. Family stuff.

Family stuff, another lie. You could even tell when he was lying through text , on the phone it was easy, his voice would slightly raise with nerves and he'd have a slight stutter in his tone.

To Peter

Hope everything's okay.

You weren't in the mood to deal with it tonight so you decided to turn your phone off after sending the message, quickly hoping into bed to drift off to sleep.

#Peter's pov (Well this is a first)

My fingers drummed nervously on the screen of my phone, seeing the message created a bubble of guilt inside my stomach. I almost felt sick for lying to her. I ran a hand through my hair before getting up, walking over into the bathroom to grab the first aid kit.

Only a few bangs and bruises this time thank god, stuff to easily cover and fix up. I popped the phone on the bench beside me, a part of me hoping it would vibrate with a message from Britney.

Nothing.

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

A/N: Yes, there will be Spider-man action in this series as well! I've been waiting 5 parts to let you guys know that! I didn't wanna spoil anything ahhhhh xx Let me know what you guys think so far lovelies xxxx

[maxattack-powell]

Truth, Truth or Dare (Part II)

Truth, Truth or Dare (2-4c) - Part II -

***This is an original fic that fits in between Book 2/Chapter 4 (split in half) - labeled as 2-4c in my masterlist***

Masterlist - go here for other chapters and related original fics

Disclaimer: The following are fics (adaptations from actual game chapters AND original works) to Choices: The Freshman and The Sophomore stories. It is a fictional adaptation. I do not work for Pixelberry Studios, the game developer or own the rights to the characters Chris Powell, Nicole or any other IN GAME character. All of the ORIGINAL characters, storylines and events were developed by me, for my adaptation of The Freshman story.

Comments: I enjoyed playing Choices The Freshman… But I wanted more. Basically, I’ve included certain things that aren't really full fic size, adding more substance to the story. I ALSO have quite a few full size fic moments. I wanted to see MC and Chris through their freshman year… with more angst, fluff, sweetness, real life and overall detail.

NSFW moments in future chapters - Mature Readers Only Please

Paring: MC x Chris

POV: ~MC~ or ~Chris~

~Chris~

The pair arrive back at the dorm just after dark. When they enter, they find the suite in a swirl of activity. Everyone is finished with classes by this time, making Wednesdays their new group hangout day. Usually there is some type of game involved. They group had previously agreed that it was a great stress relief last quarter when it occasionally occurred, so it was intentionally incorporated into their weekly rituals this quarter.

Zack spots Chris and MC, immediately running over with his arms stretched wide as he collides with MC, pushing her back into Chris, before he wraps his arms around them both. “MC! There you are! Guess what I managed to do today?!”

He's so excited that he can’t stand still, almost vibrating in front of MC who’s grinning from ear to ear. She quickly grabs both of his upper arms to steady him as her back remains pressed into Chris. “I don't even want to guess. Just hurry up and tell me already.”

“I convinced Kaitlyn to let us play Truth or Dare.” His face lights up as he flashes her the biggest smile.

She laughs. “You mean Truth or Truth?” Chris lays his free hand on MC’s shoulder.

Zack shakes his head almost violently, his large brown curls bouncing around as if they share his excitement. “NO. Truth or DARE.” He pulls her into a hug and almost throws her back into Chris just as quickly before spinning and taking off into the living room.

“Someone is going to get NAKED tonight!” He yells through the suite.

James clears his throat, suddenly making both MC and Chris aware of his presence. “Just to be clear, I will NOT be doing that for a Dare.”

Chris chuckles at their exuberant friend as well as their more stoic one. He slips past MC, his hand running across her back as he passes. When she looks at him he winks, seeing her blush slightly before he turns and places their bags on one of the dining room chairs. He spins back to face the living room and steps next to MC. She is shaking her head and laughing at Zack who is still clearly excited about the game of choice tonight.

Kaitlyn walks into the room and snorts as if she has been defeated. “Ugh, whatever Zack. Truth or Truth is a much better game.”

Zack jokingly sticks his tongue out at her for a moment before Brandon manages to grab him, pulling him into his chest. The taller man somewhat blocks Zack’s view as he wraps his arms around the short brunette’s head and shoulders.

Brandon chuckles when Zack attempts to free himself by biting his chest. “I’ve got this. Crisis averted.”

Chris laughs and looks towards MC. He watches her for a moment, enjoying the smile on her face as it is such a contrast to the expression she held throughout most of the morning. He takes a deep breath and looks around the suite. James is talking to Tyler in the living room. Abbie is in the kitchen setting out cups and other items for everyone to take into the living room and Kaitlyn walks over to grab a stack of cups and a bottle of wine, immediately filling her hands.

He walks over and grabs the small cooler of drinks and nods at her, implying he will assist with the setup. They move everything to the living room and count out seats, realizing they are a few short. Two of the dining table chairs were still on the roof from the night before, so the pair go up to grab them. Once they make it onto the roof they give each other a friendly smile. Chris and Kaitlyn step over to the railing and look out over the dark sparkling campus as they chat for a few minutes. After a while they both fall into a comfortable silence as they appreciate the scenery.

Chris decides it is a good time to clear the air with Kaitlyn about MC. He turns and looks at her with a small smile. “So uh, I just wanted to make sure we were cool...”

“Yeah why wouldn't we be?” She tilts her head at him curiously.

He clears his throat. “Kait, I know… how you feel... about MC.” He says softly and slowly, his breath fogging in the crisp night air.

Chris doesn't want to hurt her feelings or make her uncomfortable, but he has to get it out there. He assumes awkward moments will occur between them as it is inevitable with them all living under the same roof, but he wants to make sure Kaitlyn knows they both care about her.

She swallows and forces out a smile. “Well, yeah. I mean doesn't everyone? We’re best friends.”

He shakes his head slowly. “No, Kaitlyn… I--”

She cuts him off, throwing her hand up between them to stop him. “Chris. Wait.”

He gives her a small, almost sad smile. His voice is almost a whisper as if others are on the roof with them. “I know, Kaitlyn.”

She looks at him for a moment, her eyes flicking back and forth between his as she thinks. Only a few seconds pass before she sighs and looks down at her hands. “So she told you.”

He shakes his head when she glances back up. “No. I just know.”

Her voice is uncharacteristically quiet now as she speaks in a breath of air. “How…”

“Ayuh... ‘cause I know what it feels like.” He says, his words laced with a melancholy tone as he remembers his first quarter at Hartfeld.

Her shoulders slump and he continues. “And I’ve seen the way you look at her sometimes…” She closes her eyes. “I saw the kiss… at the club, on your birthday.”

She turns away from him and crosses her arms before she leans on the railing. “Well, this is… great.” She says sarcastically.

Chris frowns and slides closer to her, speaking without looking in her direction. Both of their eyes stay focused forward and he sighs. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” She tilts her head curiously at him once again. “MC made her choice… And she chose you, Chris.” Her gaze falls forward once again and her voice lowers slightly. “You shouldn't be sorry for that.”

He relaxes a little as he takes a deep breath. “Thanks, Kaitlyn. I just… I know she really cares about you. And I do too… I don't want things to be weird.”

“It won’t be… people get over crushes. I’ll be fine.” She smiles and shoulder checks him a little. “As long as you don't try to take my best friend away from me, that is.” She cocks an eyebrow at him, clearly in a threatening manner.

A huge smile splits his face as he lets out a deep chuckle. “I would never dream of it.”

“That’s wise.” She smirks at him.

He stretches his long arms out, silently asking to hug it out.

She accepts and crushes her face into his chest, mumbling. “Take care of her, or I’ll make you pay, Powell.”

He laughs and they break apart. “Oh, I know. You and Zack both. You two terrify me.”

She grins and points two fingers at her eyes, then swivels her wrist to point them at him.

He nods and laughs even harder, patting her on the back before he reaches over and grabs one of the chairs. “Come on. Let’s get back inside.”

When they find their way back downstairs, it's easy to notice who else has arrived. Logan’s loud, boisterous voice bellows from the kitchen, the sound often mingling with the bell-like charm that can only belong to Madison. Chris glances up and sees them both, as well as Edgar and Tyler, apparently deep in conversation over what he can only assume is ridiculous from the expressions he sees across their faces.

He chuckles and looks around the suite. Darren is chatting up Kaitlyn and James, his standard grin in place. He turns to see Brandon still cradling Zack against his chest as they sway back and forth to a song only the two of them can hear. Abbie walks out of the hallway then, joining the group in the kitchen as she leans on the bar top and grins when her eyes catch Tyler’s.

Chris smiles, agreeing with Zack and MC on the Tyler/Abbie ship. He frowns slightly when he doesn't see the one person he is truly searching for. He instantly decides to search her out, quickly setting his chair down next to the one Kaitlyn just sat down. Crossing the room, Chris slips down the dark hallway only to find a thin line of light slipping from her bedroom.

As he approaches, Chris tries to be as quiet as possible, peeking through the thin gap. He sees her sitting on her bed, running her fingers through her hair. She appears to be deep in thought. He hopes that it has nothing to do with this morning, but he knows better. Deciding he doesn't want to snoop on her any longer than he already has, he gently knocks. Her eyes snap up as he slowly pushes the door open a few inches so she can see him. “MC?”

She gives him a warm smile and gestures for him to join her. Without hesitation, he steps in and pushes the door shut before he takes the few long strides to join her.

“You okay, baby?” He says gently as he rubs soothing circles on her back the moment he sits down.

She gives him an even smile. “Yeah, I’m alright. Just been a long day.”

He nods, knowing he is responsible for a lot of her exhaustion. “Want to skip suite night?”

She grins wider and shakes her head. “Not a chance. You’re going down Powell.”

He smirks, his chest swelling with pride as she rises to the occasion. “Didn't think so.”

~MC~

They make their way back to the group just in time to grab one of the last remaining seats. Chris runs his hand down her arm before squeezing her wrist. She looks at the chair and then nods for him to sit, making him give her a small smile before he obeys. Luckily for them, it’s one of the larger chairs in the suite which allows her enough space to sit on his lap and drape her legs over the high sides and still remain comfortable for both.

Zack is almost unable to contain himself as he grins at Kaitlyn. She playfully rolls her eyes and sticks her tongue out at him, instantly regretting it as he reaches over to attempt grabbing it. “Zack!”

“Don’t Dare me then, Kait.” He grins wildly, his eyes flashing with excitement.

“Ugh, not that again. Don’t ever call me that.” She makes a gagging face.

The game gets underway after everyone has a drink of some type in hand and the snacks are distributed. MC grins at her friend as it becomes clear very quickly that Zack has one motive in mind for the night. He is determined to get someone naked with a Dare, or so help him, someone is going to pay. A trend starts to build quickly as the group as a whole realizes this. An unspoken tactic is activated whenever it’s Zack’s turn to ask, no matter who it is, they chose Truth. Never a Dare.

He becomes more agitated as the night goes on, but everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves. Possibly a little at his expense. Kaitlyn's turn comes up and she looks around the group, eyeing them with great interest as she spins the bottle on the table.

The bottle had to be introduced after Tyler balked at a few questions earlier in the night. Now it is random, and no one can complain. The group grows quiet as the bottle slows.

The raven haired girl pouts when it lands on Logan, knowing he will probably chose a Dare. He does not disappoint, immediately jumping up with a hoot before he looks at her expectantly while yelling ‘Dare’ loud enough for the windows to rattle in the suite.

Kaitlyn thinks hard for a minute, trying to come up with something good. Darren starts laughing and leans over slightly from his spot next to her and whispers into her ear. Her face lights up instantly as her eyes shoot up to Logan's.

“Alright, Logan… I’ve got a Dare for you Hot Shot.” She smirks at him hard, making Chris laugh out loud from his seat when Logan poses like Superman.

MC leans back into his chest as she shifts both legs higher on the arm of the chair. Her eyes are focused on the loud man standing across from them, eager to hear his sentence so she doesn't immediately notice when Chris reaches up and runs his hand down her thigh methodically while they wait. The moment his warm hand touches her thigh, she glances at him without drawing his attention, watching him smile as Kaitlyn and Logan square off. After a moment, he notices and side-eyes her just in time to see a smile. MC tucks a bit of hair behind her ear to get a better view of his joyous expression, causing the corner of his lips curl slightly higher.

“Bring it!” The tall student fist pumps into the air, clearly excited and ready to rock and roll, disrupting the focus of the two sitting close together in the large chair.

“Logan, I Dare you to go to our RA’s suite…” She pauses as he nods. “...and plead with him to give you some condoms, at least one, for a hot date.”

His mouth shuts quickly as he thinks. He glances around the group and sniffs in defiance. “Alright. Yeah, bro. I’ve got this. Watch me wreck this Dare.”

The group scrambles to get up and follow him as he moves to leave the suite in pursuit of an RA. They discuss which floor RA he should attempt his Dare with, eventually deciding that the first floor option is probably the smartest. Just in case it blows up in his face and he has to make a run for it, he's right by the door.

Everyone shoots down the stairs like a herd of elephants until they get to the last section for the first floor. Logan stands straight and puffs out his chest as he pushes through the group huddled on the wide stairs. They all find a place to peek out and watch as he approaches the centrally located RA suite for the first floor.

He knocks on the door and glances back at the group for a moment before quickly turning his attention back to the door as it opens. When it opens Logan laughs out loud, bending slightly at the waste as if he has heard a seriously funny joke.

“Hey Mike… What's up man?” He reaches out a pats the tall thin senior that steps out into the hall.

MC frowns and looks at Chris, hoping he has an idea who this Mike is, but he is no help as he shrugs back at her before glancing towards Darren.

The ex-quarterback shakes his head and tries his best not to laugh as he whispers. “He thinks he has this in the bag, but he is so screwed.”

They all listen as Logan begins his Dare. “So, hey man. I need you to do me a solid. I have this chick upstairs who is ready... if you know what I mean.” He tilts his head towards the thin blonde in front of him.

When he doesn't budge Logan’s brow creases slightly. “Hey, dude… seriously. This chick is locked and loaded. I just need a condom and I’ll be out of your hair.”

Mike just shakes his head at Logan as he crosses his arms. “What the hell are you up to Logan? You don't even stay in the dorms.”

“Riiiight, but my chick does… so hook me up man.” When he doesn't budge again, Logan begins to get frustrated. “Mike. I need a Love Glove like, yesterday!”

Mike the RA just glares at him for a moment, increasing Logan’s frustration. “I. Need. To. Hurry. MAN.”

The group all look at each other, trying not to make a sound as they wait. The thin man sighs and disappears into his room, only to come back out toss a condom at Logan while he glares.

“Here. I’m only doing this so you will one, leave. And two, because you thumped Tony Mitchell for me back in Freshman year. Fucking prick.” He sneers at the memory.

Logan’s grin widens as Mike the RA continues. “Now please, get the hell out of here and don't cause me any damn trouble tonight…” He sighs.

Logan starts laughing and shoots him a finger gun while he winks. “You got it bro.”

Mike shakes his head and closes his door as Logan turns. The tall dark haired senior struts over to the stairs and just grins while he tosses the condom at Kaitlyn. “Dare complete.”

Darren crosses his arms and shakes his head in astonishment while Kaitlyn throws her arms up in the air. “You knew the guy?! That is so unfair…” She lets out a huff of air.

Logan shrugs. “Hey, I didn’t know he was the RA here. We were project partners in lit our freshman year. This dick wouldnt stop messing with him because he was small and quiet back then, so I took care of it for him.”

MC and Zack both start to laugh, looking at Logan’s smug face. She shakes her head and grins at Logan. “Very serendipitous.”

He turns to her with a confused look. “Seren-what?”

Chris smirks and steps past MC to grasp Logan on the shoulder. “Come on, man. Let’s get back upstairs.”

Logan grins and nods before an idea crosses his mind. He quickly reaches over to Kaitlyn and snatches the small metallic package out of her hand. “On second thought…”

The group chats all the way back to the suite. Once upstairs, everyone finally gets settled to  continue the game. Tyler spins the bottle and it lands on Darren.

The tall senior sits back confidently in his chair and smiles. “Truth.”

“Alright, of all the people here, who do you want to trade lives with?” Tyler smiles and takes a drink from his cup.

Darren grins widely and slowly looks around the circle of friends. “Oh that is interesting. Let’s see…”

Everyone starts looking around the circle as well, like they are also thinking who they would choose if it was their question. Darren’s eyes roll over each one slowly, falling on James first. “Hmm, smart and rich. I mean, that's not a bad life. Even if I had to wear sweaters like that all the time…”

He smirks as James’s expression deadpans before he looks down at his clothes and tugs on the knit fabric, inspecting his fashion choice.

MC giggles and reaches over to pull his hand away. “It’s a nice sweater James.”

James glances up at her and slowly grins and laughs. “Sure it is.”

Darren’s eyes continue to sweep around the circle. He pauses to wink at Madison. “I could trade with Mads and be the most adorable sweet cute girl in the world.”

Her face explodes with joy. “Darren!”

Logan shoots his friend a serious glare and Darren just laughs at him hard. “Something wrong Logan?”

The dark haired senior grumbles and crosses his arms as he leans back next to Madison. “No.”

Darren glances at Edgar and laughs. “I wouldn't know what to do with all those brains.”

Edgar beams as Tyler laughs and pats him on the back.

Darren’s eyes roll across Abbie. “Or all that artistic skill…”

She blushes and grins at Tyler who pulls her into a side hug and kisses her on the temple.

He shoulder bumps Kaitlyn. “I might enjoy trading with you though, spark plug.”

She laughs and shoulder bumps him back.

Darren looks between Logan and Chris. “I love football. So the logical trade is one of you two meatheads. But, Logan’s college career is about over.” Logan groans at him and pouts, making Madison give him a hug, instantly making him smile again.

He turns to Chris. “And yours is just beginning.” He glances at MC briefly, a small smirk slowly sliding across his face. “And I have a feeling it's going to be a good one…”

Darren arches an eyebrow and MC notices as her face heats up. Almost immediately she feels the warm arm behind her snake around her waist, tightening to pulling her even closer. She glances sideways at Chris, finding him already shooting Darren a glare. It’s clearly playful, but it also has a serious coating to it that only she and Darren pick up.

Darren starts to laugh. “Yeah, I’m trading with Chris. His ankle is still good, he’s probably going to be the next Pro All Star QB… and....” He laughs harder as Chris’s nostrils flare. “Yeah. Trading with Chris.”

MC see’s Zack giving her wide eyes as he forcefully pinches his lips shut, making her realize that he too has caught on. He glances around the group and when he thinks its safe, mouths ‘OH MY GOD’ at her before he starts laughing awkwardly. She narrows her eyes at him, demanding him to shut up immediately.

“I’m not agreeing to this trade.” Chris laughs

He scoots both himself and MC forward to grab the bottle for his turn as he holds her in place on his lap. Shooting Darren one more glare with a smirk for good measure, he starts the spin. Once it’s moving well, Chris slides back and gently tugs hips MC until she shifts back against him again. She sees a small smile creep across his face when her back is flush against his chest.

Everyone holds their breath as they wait to see whos next. It slows, and slows, and stops. It has  rolled back around to him, or rather MC, who’s sitting across his lap. She slowly turns and looks in his eyes, knowing she's in trouble.

The corners of his lips start to curl higher and higher as he looks at her. “Payback is a bitch, MC.”

She sighs, having a good idea what she's about to be paying for. She raises her chin defiantly and looks around the group, seeing many entertained expressions as they wait.

MC turns back and looks at him, narrowing her eyes slightly as her voice lowers. “I choose Dare… Rogers.”

He immediately laughs, his expression a mixture of amusement and shock at her determination. “Yep. That would be it.”

Logan pops off. “Who the hell is Rogers?”

Madison tilts her head and looks at him curiously. “Like… Mr. Rogers?” She hums lovingly. “I loved that show.”

Chris starts shaking his head as different strings of chatter cut across the circle with theories about the nickname ‘Rogers’ and he just stares into her eyes.

“Funny girl, that MC…” He says again, just like the night before, causing her cheeks to warm slightly.

This time though, his tone is lower, almost mischievous as he impishly grins at her. She swallows, suddenly not sure about her choice of Dare.

“Shit.” She says under her breath as she holds his gaze.

He hears it though, and slowly nods as his grin grows more evil. “Alright.” He raises his voice. “My Dare for MC…”

She sucks in a breath and everyone grows quiet.

“Is to call up Coach Cohen.” He tilts his chin up and raises an eyebrow at her.

She shrugs and looks around the group. “Okay, and… do what, prank call? Your refrigerator is running, better go catch it?”

He flashes her a huge smile, teeth and all as he starts laughing. “Sure, you can call it a prank call, no refrigerators though.”

Her brow furrows and he continues. “You're going to tell him what a big fan you are. Tell him how much you appreciate him, you know… like when you ogle him?” Her eyes narrow and he almost laughs again. “See if he bites.”

She glares at the long bodied man under her. “You're a jerk.” She hisses. “You're just doing this because I grinned at him earlier to get a rise out of you, aren't you?” She scoffs at him.

He laughs. “Ayuh, and the ‘Rogers’… don't forget that part.”

Tyler rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Is it like… Stev--”

Chris snaps his eyes towards him. “Tyler!”

Tyler's eyes go wide and he shuts his mouth immediately. MC watches as Logan and Darren both look at Tyler, then each other, clearly making plans to get it out of him as soon as possible. Abbie watches them looking at Tyler and frowns before leaning close and whispering into his ear. He glances at Chris and MC briefly before whispering back to her. She turns and looks at Chris, and almost immediately starts giggling into her hand. Kaitlyn studies them all for a few seconds before something clicks and she spins to face Chris with a huge grin.

Chris grinds his teeth and bites back a laugh while also shaking his head at MC. “You’ve earned this woman.”

She shrugs. “I dont have his number… he's probably not in his office by now either.”

Chris keeps his eyes and his smirk plastered to MC as he speaks to Tyler, not missing a beat. “Hey Tyler. Do me a favor and find Coach Tim Cohen’s personal cell phone number.”

Their friend perks up and nods once. “Alright… one second.” He pulls out his phone and starts typing away.

In less than a minute he looks up, thoroughly pleased with himself. “I had to dig through a few different databases, but I found it. It’s recent so yeah… this should be it.”

He texts it to MC and she frowns and looks at Chris. His smirk only grows and something snaps inside of her. This is another game, and he’s trying to box her in.

Her expression turns deadly serious as she studies his joyful one. “You will regret this Christopher.”

She hits dial on the number and starts to lift the phone to her ear, but he stops her, placing his hand on her wrist and lowering it. “No ma’am. Speakerphone.” He turns to everyone as he hits the button and hisses for them all to be quiet.

~Chris~

MC clenches her jaw as the phone rings, her eyes fixed on Chris’s. The phone clicks. ‘This is Tim Cohen.’

She takes a breath and licks her lips, her eyes still locked on his. He feels his body heating under her gaze. It’s assumed she’s going to make him pay for it later, he just has no idea how yet.

“Hey there Coach. What are you doing tonight, baby…” MC starts, her eyes unmoving.

Chris immediately stiffens when he hears her call someone else baby. Not just someone, his unusually young head football coach, who so many already fawn over from his glory days as a legendary QB for Texas A&M. MC hasn’t really used the word with him much, but Chris still feels like it it should be reserved for him alone. No one else.

‘Ma’am? I’m sorry, I think you may have the wrong number--’

She quickly cuts him off. “No, Coach Tim Cohen. I know exactly who I’m calling. I’ve watched you all season… Coach. And it’s been a great year…”

She lowers her voice, using her most sultry tone as she holds Chris’s gaze. “You really know how to work those boys. Maybe you could show me some ...drills. You seem like you're good at that. Yanno, drilling?”

Chris almost chokes on his drink as he takes a sip. He feels his heartbeat speed up as she keeps her eyes on his, now with a very promising smirk. Logan and Darren’s mouths fall open as they stare at MC. The others all have a range of emotions on their faces such as shock, respect, and the occasional lust.

There is a pause on the other side and they hear him clear his throat. ‘Okay, who is this?’

The group tries hard to remain quiet but a few laughs and snickers make it out.

‘Ah, yes… LOGAN. I heard you. No one else has that damn laugh. Who all is there?’

The group suddenly goes silent, knowing the jig is up.

‘When I find out who’s in on this… you better believe there will be some drilling.’ He says in a serious tone, but they can hear the hint of humor in his voice. ‘Shouldn't you guys be studying? Don't make me get campus security in on this you jackasses.’

The group erupts into a storm of loud laughter and Chris quickly kills the call on MC’s phone. He grins at her triumphantly. “I guess I can’t list you as an emergency contact now that he knows your number…”

He chuckles and takes a sip of his drink, looking at her over the rim of the cup. She purposefully shifts, making sure to grind her rear into his lap. He freezes and lets out a low breath of air, not quite a groan, as his eyes flutter closed for the briefest moment. She smirks and turns back to the group still recovering from her Dare.

Kaitlyn whistles loudly. “Alright MC, nice work. It’s your spin.”

MC stands proudly and bends at the hip to reach down and spin the empty bottle on the table. Chris shifts uncomfortably in his chair as he realizes the optimal view she has given him of her lower body in tight jeans. On either side of her he sees Darren and Logan lean over, each with their own shit eating grin as they look around her to him, knowing what he sees from his point of view. Chris’s eyes narrow at them both as he shakes his head mildly, looking away from the set of legs in front of him to control the flame that has just been lit in his body.

She moves to sit back down as the bottle slows its spinning. Chris shifts again just before she sits onto his lap, trying his best to hide how she unknowingly affected him. Thankfully for him, she doesn't seem to notice as her eyes are glued to the bottle. He can’t see where it lands, but everyone begins to laugh and cheer so he leans to look around her, finding that it’s pointed directly at him. He sighs and leans back, waiting for her to turn and look at him. When she does, he sees the biggest cocky grin that he has ever seen on her face.

He wants to wipe it right off, but instead he just laughs and curses under his breath. “Hells…”

She tilts her head and gives him the sweetest, most patient look. “What will it be, Rogers?”

His eyes snap up to hers as he chews his tongue, stopping himself from snatching her up to run to his room with her over his shoulder, locking her in while he shows her the error of her ways. This game with friends now has a double meaning for the two of them. This is war.

He refuses to be outdone and lifts his chin to her with a wide smirk. “Dare.”

Her smile shifts to a very impish grin before she turns her head across the circle. “Tyler, do me a favor… find Ms. Twombly’s cell?”

The circle erupts with laughter, gasps and cheers at her obvious direction. Abbie bites her lip to stop from laughing as Edgar nods on the other side of Tyler. “That is… well, yes that is pretty bad.”

Zack claps feverishly as he folds over with laughter. Brandon pulls him back and shakes his head in disbelief of MC’s Dare. “Wow.”

MC spins at the waist to look Chris in the eyes once again. “I think Ms. Twombly would loooove to hear from one of Hartfeld’s favorite students… Don't you Christopher?”

He sniffs definitely at her as he chews on nothing. “Uh huh. So, what’s the Dare?”

“Lather, Rinse, Repeat…” She leans down close and almost gasps into his ear. “...Captain.”

He growls at her, low enough so no one else can hear. She doesn't take his threat seriously though as she sits back up and winks before turning to Tyler. “You got it?”

Tyler starts laughing. “Yeah. This one will be good. Who’s phone?”  

Edgar holds up his hand. “Mine would probably be ideal, as I have never nor will I ever have an association with said counselor. Also, this is a new number and the university does not have any record of it.”

Everyone goes silent during his monologue, but as soon as he finishes the all laugh loudly again. He looks around the group curiously. “It really is the best solution.”

Tyler pats him on the shoulder and grabs his phone to enter the number before tossing it to Chris.

He easily catches it and hovers his thumb over the call button as he looks at MC. “You really want to see this? Sure you can handle it?”

MC shrugs. “From what I’ve seen so far… I think I’ll be fine.”

Logan wraps his arms around Madison, making her giggle as he yells out energetically. “Oooohhh sick buuuurn!”

MC looks around the group and Zack holds up his hand. She does the same and they long distance high five before falling into a fit of giggles.

Kaitlyn humorously grimaces. “Ouch.”

Chris takes a deep breath and shakes his head at them all. “Screw you guys.” He chuckles and hits the call button, once again telling everyone to hush.

‘Hello!’ A overly cheery voice slips out of the phone.

Chris’s jaw clenches as he locks on to MC’s eyes and clears his throat, slightly changing his voice for the call. “Yes, I need to speak to Helen immediately… it’s important.”

‘Oh dear, this is she. Is there something wrong?’

Edgar and Tyler start laughing, causing Abbie swats at them until they stop. “Shhh!”

Chris collects himself and continues, still holding MC’s gaze. “Yes, actually… I need your help.”

‘Sure, just tell me what is going on and who this is… and I would be glad to.’

“I don't know I can do that. See, Helen… I’ve watched you every morning as you walk into your office building. We’ve known each other for a while, but I’ve never been able to say this to you in person… I can't stop thinking about you. I want you…” His eyes narrow slightly as he gives MC a lustful look. “...Helen.”

‘Oh… oh my.’ There is a long pause on the line and Chris looks at the screen to make sure the call is still connected.

He jumps and almost drops the phone when she speaks again. ‘Who is this? I must know.’

Chris panics and they all look around to each other as they scramble for a response. They begin whispering harshly across the circle as suggestions are tossed around.

~MC~

MC is about to mouth a name for Chris to use when she hears it. ‘Is this you Enrique…’

Everyone freezes.

‘Professor Vasquez?’ The soft voice continues.

MC’s eyes widen an she snatches the phone from Chris’s hand immediately. “Wrong number!” She yells and hastily ends the call.

Kaitlyn falls out of her seat and onto the rug, crying with laughter. Tyler and Edgar start chuckling as MC tosses the phone back to them. Abbie shakes her head and covers her mouth and looks around the group as everyone laughs. MC looks at James and he stares right back with huge eyes, his face frozen in shock as his eyebrows raise more with each second.

Madison looks at Darren and Logan as they fold over. “I didn't know Professor Vasquez loved Ms. Twombly. That's so cute!”

Zack busts out laughing. “Madison…” He gasps, trying to speak but failing.

Brandon snickers under him and looks at Madison. “Um, Professor Vasquez was not on that call…”

“But, I thought…” She looks around the group with confusion. “I don’t get it.”

MC turns to face Chris again, her expression making him chuckle. The startled fear on her features refuses to leave no matter how many times she shakes her head. “Oh my god… I need to wash my eyes, no wait… my ears. Wait, what?! Someone tell me we there’s a way to delete memories?”

He pulls her down to lay on his chest and laughs. “Guess that one backfired on you, huh baby?” He whispers into her ear.

She shudders and curls up into a ball on his lap, tucking her head into his neck. “Mistake. I have made a grave miscalculation.”

Eventually the group settles down and it’s Kaitlyn's turn to spin for the next victim. As it slows it lands on Brandon and Zack. They look at each other and decide it is for Zack, since Brandon went the last time.

He perks up and looks towards his friend. She grins and asks him, but he’s so excited that he doesnt think about his answer until it's far too late. “Dare! Oh, no… wait!”

Kaitlyn starts to cackle. “No sir! You can't go back… Dare it is!”

Zack curses under his breath, knowing what's about to happen. “Ben-zona.”

“Zachary Zilberg! I DARE you to run through the quad… NAKED!” She yells out for the world to hear. Everyone looks at him with great joy, as if the whole point of the game was for this very moment.

The thin brunette stands and looks off into some invisible distance as he adjust his popped shirt collar. “Excuse me.”

He walks towards the hall and disappears as everyone watches. Murmurs cut across the living room as they start to wonder if he’s coming back. Just as Brandon stands to go find their curly haired friend, Zack steps back into the living space. The silence is deafening as they all turn to look at him, now wearing a long colorful robe with running shoes at the end of his bare legs.

MC spins on Chris’s lap to fully take in her friend. “You own actual track shoes?” Her eyes look up to his in disbelief.

He scoffs and crosses his arms as he taps his foot. “My mom made me bring them. She seems to think I’ll have a reason to wear such things.”

Chris chuckles under MC, making her move slightly as he laughs. “Looks like they are about to come in real handy.”

Everyone laughs again and Zack shoots them all a glare. “Okay! Let’s do this or I’m going to sleep and you will all have to dream of my bare ass instead of seeing it!” He turns with a huff and starts down towards the door.

The gagle scramble to get to their feet and run after him. Once outside and on the edge of the quad by the dorms, negotiations begin. Everyone throws out a possible path for Zack to streak across and he shakes his head at every one. Finally, Brandon suggests a somewhat small circle from the dorms, to the coffee shop, by the administration buildings and then back to the dorms.

Zack sighs and agrees, stepping away from the group and untying his robe belt. He stands there for a moment, clutching his robe shut while he contemplates. MC watches him as each breath fogs in front of him. She suddenly feels bad for her friend, knowing this is going to suck.

Brandon walks up and lays his arm across Zack’s slight shoulders before leaning down and kissing him on the temple. “You really don't have to--”

Zack cuts him off with a flick of his hand. “No. I’m a man of my word.”

Kaitlyn smirks and takes a few steps to stand next to Zack on his other size. “Regrets?”

He tilts his chin up and licks his lips. “Never. Okay Brandon, I’m ready.”

The taller man can’t help but grin as he grabs the shoulders of Zack’s robe. He slides his arms out and sucks in a quick breath before he takes off at a full sprint. He cups both hands over his more private parts as he runs along the predetermined path. The group starts laughing as they hear other students, and probably some faculty, as they scream, laugh and cheer when he passes by.

The group of friends catcall, whistle and yell at the top of their lungs as their friend speeds up around the last turn. His eyes are wide as the moon and his skin looks flushed from the frigid air as he gets closer. “Shit-balls it is COLD!”

Brandon can’t stop himself from laughing as he holds Zack’s robe open. He quickly wraps it around him when the smaller man slams into his chest. Holding Zack as he spins, the short man pushes his hands into the arms of the robe and quickly ties his belt. Zack spins back to face his boyfriend, tucking against him as tight as possible while Brandon laughs and rubs his arms and back in an attempt to warm him. Zack pops his head out only once to look at the others as they all laugh. He sees some falling over onto the sidewalk while others lean against each other as they gasp for air.

“Ha, ha, HA! Enjoy this moment! I will get you all back one of these days!” Zack threatens before smashing his face back into Brandon’s vibrating chest.

~Chris~

MC tries her best to swallow her laughter, crushing her lips together as she grabs Chris’s arm. “Oh my god.” She gasps.

Chris stands up straight and pulls her to him as her laughter dissipates, his own chest rumbling against her. “Ah yes, gotta love a full circle game of Truth or Dare.”

Zack quickly tells them all goodbye, that his junk is frozen and he's going inside. Brandon leaves with him and they quickly disappear around the corner. Everyone else stands around for a few minutes to say their goodbyes before they split off in different directions. Kaitlyn, Tyler and Abbie remain with Chris and MC for a moment longer while they rehash Zack’s streaking adventure.

After a few minutes they head towards the dorm and everyone becomes quiet, reflecting on their respective days. MC begins to slow her walk, causing Chris to hesitate to match her. He feels the same dread from this morning creep in as he glances sideways at her stoic face.

Kaitlyn turns as she opens the door. “You guys coming?”

Chris shakes his head and gives her a small smile. “We’re going to take a quick walk, but we will be right up.”

She nods at them both and turns to join Tyler and Abbie by the elevator without a second thought. When Chris turns to face MC he finds her staring off into the dimly lit quad.

“Hey?” He asks softly.

MC turns to look at him, her face somber as she forces a small smile. “Hey.”

He sighs and steps closer, pulling her to his chest. Chris feels his anxiety drop when she doesn't resist, instead tucking her head under his chin and slipping her arms around his waist. He leans down slightly and kisses the top of her head.

“Let’s walk…” He mumbles into her hair.

She nods and they both turn onto the path leading towards the quad as Chris laces his fingers through hers, giving her hand a meaningful squeeze.

They walk in silence for a bit as they naturally make their way to their statue, the one that started it all. When they approach it, Chris turns to face MC. He finds her eyes unfocused while she's deep in thought. He stands there for a while longer, holding both of her hands in his before he takes a deep breath and speaks.

“Hey, beautiful...” He tugs at her hands gently, hoping to gain another smile, a look, anything.

She looks up into his eyes and his breath catches. Her normally bright hazel eyes are glossy with pink, almost red rims. Her lips turn down slightly on both end as she sighs. He matches her sigh and his shoulders fall as he struggles to hold her hands firmly in his, feeling defeated.

Chris feels his heart shift in his chest as it tries to escape the pain wrapping around it with a death grip. “MC, what are you thinking about? Please tell me.”

She swallows and looks away as she begins to speak. “I just… our talk from this morning…”

He closes his eyes and waits, wondering if the entire day has just been one long, crazy dream. That this, this moment right now, will awaken his true reality.

MC licks her lips. “I feel like…” She lets out a long breath. “Well, my heart hurts...”

Chris visibly cringes.

“...for you.” She finishes and his eyes snap open, instantly searching for hers.

“Wh-what?” He looks at her with confusion, his stomach in knots as she meets his eyes with her own.

“I can’t imagine what you must have felt through all of that. All of you... really.” She chews on her bottom lip, making him want to reach up and stop her instantly. Instead he locks up, watching her eyes as they turn down to focus on their joined hands. “And… and I can't stop thinking of being in that position. Of being in her position...”

Chris frowns. “MC... baby. It’s not the same. None of it is the same.” His voice goes thick as he tries not to let the emotions swirling inside slip out.

She nods quickly. “I know. But after everything from last quarter, and learning more about this… this train wreck of misunderstandings…” She squeezes her eyes shut. “I‘m worried this is all going too fast. That maybe I’m getting caught up in something I’m not ready for, just like she did.”

Chris suddenly feels nauseous as he swallows hard and crushes his eyes closed.

“Please don't say that.” He lets out in a hushed whisper, feeling his chest constrict sharply as he knows everything is about to end.

He jumps as he feels her smaller, cool hand cupping his face. His eyes snap open instantly, finding her hazel ones already looking deep into his. “It doesn't feel like it is though.”

He gives her a small smile and encases her with his large arms, instantly picking her up and walking over to a bench nearby. She similarly wraps her arms and legs around him before he sits down on the edge, giving her legs just enough room behind him. Chris buries his nose into her neck, and she does the same to him. They stay like this for a while, just holding each other and warming each others skin with their slowing breaths.

After a few minutes of controlled breathing, Chris finally feels relaxed again. He takes another deep breath, smelling her skin, shampoo, perfume and laundry detergent all at the same time. The individual smells blend perfectly together, creating a smell that is uniquely MC.

‘Screw freshly baked blueberry muffins. This is my favorite smell.’ He thinks to himself as he nuzzels her soft skin.

“I didn't know what I was thinking then, MC. I was a mess, and I wasn’t thinking clearly at all. But I know exactly how I feel now, and it’s nothing like a year ago. Or even before that, when I thought that banshee of a woman was the one for me.”

MC laughs lightly into his neck at the random evil nickname he gives his ex, Nicole. He smiles against her skin, feeling his body relax even more as he begins to accept that she’s not going anywhere. They both turn silent again for a while. She gently plays with the hair at the base of his neck while he runs one of his hands up and down her back under her Hartfeld hoodie.

~MC~

She's not sure who, but one of them shifts slightly, making them both sit up straight. She keeps her arms looped around his neck while he keeps his locked around her waist. They give each other small, exhausted smiles before Chris reaches up to tuck some of her hair behind her ear.

“Do you trust me…” He whispers as his piercing blue eyes shift from her hair to her eyes.

She unconsciously pulls her bottom lip in and bites at it slightly as she thinks. He reaches up and grasps her chin softly, lifting his thumb to free her lip with such tenderness that she almost doesn't feel the contact at all. His eyes stay on her lip for a moment longer before sliding back up to hold her gaze. MC studies his face, her eyes moving across all of his features. She notices the dark circles under his eyes for the first time, realizing that he didn't get much sleep last night.

She takes a deep breath and gives him an honest smile. “I do.”

MC watches as a blissful grin cracks across his weary face. “Thank you, MC.”

Only seconds later Chris tightens his grip on her and stands suddenly. She quickly tightens her arms and legs around him as she lets out a startled sound. “Chris?”

He kisses the side of her neck while he slides his hands under her thighs as he begins walking back. “Let’s go get some sleep.”

She sighs and rests her head on his shoulder, her eyes slipping shut as she relaxes in his arms, her mind drifting as she breathes in his skin, shampoo, cologne and laundry detergent. She grins as the individual smells blend perfectly together, creating a smell that is uniquely Christopher Powell.

‘Forget freshly baked blueberry muffins. This is my favorite smell.’ She thinks to herself as she kisses his warm neck.

[mackenzie-wolf]

I'm Here all Week p.2

MC = Emily/Milly

- Emily meets some new writers and a few new friends who are taking a keen interest in her, much to James' dismay -

Part 1

----

James passed Emily the key-card to her room. As she took it, her nerves started to settle in.

"Hey, James?" She said abruptly, gaining his attention as he walked towards the next door. "You... you really think I should be here? I mean I know I've had a few successes, but... I don't know. Impostor syndrome?"

James took a tentative step towards her and placed his hands on her arms, gingerly brushing them with his thumbs. "Emily, you may not see it, but your writing is well above the average monotonous pages that are published every day." He smiled at her but she never met his eyes. Instead her head was hanging, but James could easily see the blush that she was trying to conceal. "If I'm honest, when I finished the second book of your series, I tried looking for your other works; I was sure that you had written before."

"Why?" She finally looked up at him. Her eyes were tearful as self doubt took its toll on her confidence.

"Because, when I first started writing, it was texts like yours that I aspired to. To hit off with a winning series on your first try is amazing enough. But the intricate way you write is something that would only be expected from seasoned authors."

"You're supposed to say that... You're my friend." At the sound of her words, James' thumbs stopped brushing the soft skin of her arms.

"Yes I am. Which means I owe it to you to tell you if your books are terrible. And when you release one that I dislike, I'll do just that" He said, ever reassuringly. "And furthermore, as your friend, im taking it upon myself to buy the first round tonight. We can meet some other authors, or just drink. Its your choice."

"Ok.." she grinned with new energy. "Give me an hour and I'll be ready. Meet you in the lobby?"

"See you soon" he smiled as he turned back towards the door to his room. As he closed the door behind him, James let out a long sigh that seemed to have been trapped inside of him. He thought about Emily sitting next to him, the whole car ride over, soaking wet. Her clothes clinging to her skin... the way that.. 'Damn it! I can't think way!' James thought to himself.

'Sure we've flirted but she's never admitted to being interested in going further than friends. But...' His mind wandered again. James thought back to the first and only other time he and Emily had gone for a drink.

James checked his phone again, rereading the text that Emily had sent him, giving him directions to the bar. As he saw it come in to view, James gave a laugh when he noticed the sign.

MacKenzie's Bar & Video Arcade

As he walked inside, his eyes strained against the flashing lights of the machines. Walking through a small crowd of people he glanced over at what had their attention. Just over the heads of the crowd, he could see a mess of wavy, brown hair being thrown back and forth to pounding music. James made his way to the front of the assembly and saw Emily playing on the dance machine with practiced ease. The short guy playing opposite her was struggling to keep up. Taking note of the plastic cup of beer in Emily's hand that she was somehow managing not to spill, James went to the bar and ordered two more before walking back to the machine. As the music came to a stop, Emily was the winner by more than double her opponent's score. The short guy flung his arms around Emily, yelling cries of defeat. As Emily turned, she saw James stood a few feet away from the crowd. Finishing her beer, Emily linked arms with her friend and walked over to where James was waiting. Before she had a chance to say hello, her friend said something to her, just out of reach for James to hear it. Then he gave her a long hug and a quick kiss on her cheek before running off and calling back. "LOVE YOU, MILLY!"

"LOVE YOU TOO" Her words made James' stomach sink. He hadn't come here just because he was interested in getting closer with Emily, he genuinely just enjoyed her company. But still...

Emily practically ran the last few steps towards James, enveloping him in a tight hug. James returned the hug. "Hi Emily" He said with a smile.

"Hey James, thanks for agreeing to come. I planned a night out with Zack, but as you saw, he ditched me."

"Oh, I'm sure he must have had a good reason?"

"Knowing him, he's got his eye on someone who he'll be too shy to ask out all night until they eventually catch on and give him their number just because of his big sad eyes."

"Oh. I thought.. isn't he your..."

"Oohhhhh" Emily laughed loudly. "Sorry. No he's definitely not. He's my roommate, and you're more his type than I am" she winked.

"Well he is very handsome" James mused.

"Want me to go get him for you?" She asked with an arched eyebrow before the two of them shared a laugh. The evening went quickly. Emily confided in James that she was under pressure from her publishers to finish her most recent book but she had no idea how to end it. James listened and reassured her. Giving her advice right now would be pointless. She was at least 4 beers in and full of an endless energy.

Nearer the end of the night, Emily had taken to the pinball machine. Her movements were blurred by the alcohol. Looking over her shoulder, she called back. "Hey James, give me a hand"

James positioned himself around her as she studied the movement of the ball. Her fingers linked in with his, making his heart beat harder and harder. As the ball almost fell, Emily managed to hit the button just in time. The jerking motion snapped James out of his slight daze. As she played, Emily seemed to be moving closer, closing the small space between James and her back. As she pressed against him, James let go of her hands. The game ended.

"Is... something wrong?" Emily sounded embarrassed through her slurred words.

"No. Not really, but I don't want to do... that. Not when you've been drinking."

"James, give me some credit. I'm perfec.. perfectly in control." She stammered.

"Even if you were able to speak properly, it wouldn't be fair. For either of us. But I wouldn't mind revisiting this." He said with a laugh. Emily's embarrassed look dissolved in to a warm grin.

James set his bags aside after pulling out the well stored clothes he had brought. He hung them over the roof of the four poster bed before turning on the shower.

He waited in the lobby of the hotel. Having arrived 5 minutes early he sat down on one of the armchairs to wait comfortably. As minutes flew by, James checked his watch. '20 minutes late.' He quickly remembered Emily's earlier nerves and got up to go and make sure she was ok. Upon turning the corner back towards the elevator, James feet stumbled as he suddenly stopped, nearly knocking over Emily. James was speechless as he looked at her.

Emily's was wearing a black dress that hugged her body with the back done up in a corset. Her hair was pulled back and styled in an intricate series of plaits. Her smokey eyeliner matched the dark lipstick she was wearing, making her pale skin more prominent.

James' eyes moved over her body. The dress was classy but not without alure, the hem of the skirt sat around half way up her thighs. Her flat stomach gave way to the curves of her hips and breasts that the black material did little to hide the shape of.

"Emily.. you look..." Words didn't often escape James entirely, but he was at a loss.

"Dammit. Did I overdress?" She asked timidly, rubbing the top of her arm in a nervous way.

"Not at all. You just caught me off guard. You look beautiful Emily." James grinned at her. Emily's confidence was still shaky but she believed that James had meant what he had said.

"You're looking pretty hot too" She mockingly fanned herself with her hand.

"Pretty hot? I suppose I'll take that in stride" he laughed.

The two of them sat at the bar and nursed their drinks, looking over the function room that would tomorrow, be bustling with all manner of writers. A few people were dotted around already. Some were laying out the furniture that the room would be using.

Emily looked around the room, taking in all of the signs and posters that had been put up. She was is awe of the names she recognised, as it dawned in her that she would soon be conversing with them.

As the evening wore on, Emily noticed James' attention falter. "Is everything ok?" She asked with a concerned tone.

"Everything is fine" He said stifling a yawn. "I think the journey here took it out of me."

"I hope you're not staying up on my account" she said sheepishly.

"Not at all. Im staying up because I enjoy your company. That's on me."

"James..." she smiled. "Remember we have all week together." It was music to his ears to hear her say it. James considered that maybe he had gotten ahead of himself. They did have all week and there was no pressure to pursue anything right now.

"Prehaps you're right." He said, somewhat reluctantly. "Besides, we should be on top form tomorrow." He stood up and offered Emily his hand.

"I think I'll drink some water first. If I wake up with a hangover tomorrow, this hotel is going to go very Shining very quickly."

James laughed. "I don't doubt it. If you need me just knock. Im a light sleeper anyway"

"Got it... no overnight guests" she laughed. James wrapped her in a tight hug before bidding her good night.

Emily sat at the bar, waiting for the bartender to step back through the divide that lead to the next function room. Her phone began to ring. Trying her best to shake off the effects of her drink, Emily answered.

"Hello?"

"Emily? Hi, this is Maddison from D&E publishings."

"Hi Maddison, whats up?"

"Oh, not much. I just got back from my vacation to China. Have you ever seen a panda cub? They're amazing! Like little black and white balls of...."

"...."

"You mean, why am I calling don't you?"

"Yeah kind of" Emily laughed

"Sorry. It was a great vacation though" Maddison said nostalgically.

-- "MADDISON!" Another voice called across the phone. "Stop treating our clients calls like they're social engagements. --

The line went quiet for a short while.

"Hello?" Emily asked tentatively.

"Hello. Who is this?" The other voice answered.

"Emily Murphy..."

"Ah yes. Hello Miss Murphy. This is Rebecca Davenport."

"Hi Rebecca. Is everything ok?"

"Everything is fine, we just need your authorisation on the final edits to your book. Annoyingly it's not something that I can get over the phone or by email. I need your signature on the original documents. Can you come in at some point tomorrow to sign?"

"I'm actually out of town at the moment. I've been invited to a convention and..."

"Say no more. Send me the address and I'll mail you the papers."

"Thanks Rebecca, what are your thoughts on the book?"

"I don't really read horror novels."

"Oh.. ok" Emily said, disheartened.

"But if I did, I'd tell you that Devon should end up with Stacy. And that the idea of keeping a crow as a pet is weird."

"So does that mean that you..."

"I'll have them sent out tonight Emily. Have a great week"

"Oh, thanks. You too Rebecca."

"You can just call me Becca" she said, almost flirtatiously before hanging up the call. Emily's attention turned back to the bar where the bartender was waiting with a patient smile. As Emily's eyes landed on him, the quickly swept over his tall body. The dark jeans he wore making the bright white tshirt almost glow as it fit tightly to his abdomen. Emily's eyes were held on the shadows of definition that the muscles underneath were causing. As she met his eyes with her own, she noticed the small tuff of hair that hung down over the olive skin of his face.

"Need another?" He asked. His voice was strong and deep. Looking down at her glass, Emily noticed that she had finished her drink.

"Um.. sure. Why not" she smiled.

"What are you drinking?"

"Whiskey, neat" she said, gesturing toward the bottle of Jameson's just behind the bar. He took the bottle and poured her a generous helping. As she lifted the glass, he leaned back on his hands and let out a long sigh. "Is something the matter?"

"Isn't that what I'm supposed to say? People don't go to bars to listen to the bartenders problems" he grinned at her. His teeth caught Emily's attention. Pure white and perfect. It was a strange thing to focus on, but the smile they produced was blinding.

"If I don't listen to the plight of the bartender, then who will?"

"You must be a saint" he laughed. "Its nothing really. Just a busy night." Emily looked behind her at the nearly empty room before turning back and raising her eyebrows at him. "Oh you don't believe me?" He said, approaching the door to the other function room. He pushed it open slightly and the loud bass of the music almost shook Emily where she sat.

"Wow... so that's..."

"Pretty loud?"

"At least it sounds good" she smiled at him.

"You're a punk music fan?"

"I don't know about that, but I like what I hear."

"Want to join in?" He said, opening the divide of the bar.

"I..." Emily looked around her. With a short sigh, she walked behind the bar where the man stood waiting with a charming grin. "I'd love to."

"By the way... I'm Zig." He said confidently as his hand extended to her.

"Emily." She said, placing her hand in his. Zig raised her hand to his lips, touching them gently to the back of her knuckles.

"Very pleased to meet you Emily."