#but I'll get to em!!!! eventually!!!! they're all really good I swear!!!!!

[flowerbloom-arts]

Never have I struggled with designing an OC as much as I have for this one but I'm very happy with her <3

(I've decided to name Johnny's daughter Rune btw, nickname Rooney)

[bi-panicatthedisco]

Scenes Of Our World.

Self aware twst oneshot

[hey!! Guess who got bored over the weekend? No need to guess actually, it was me. Wasn't really planning on writing more after my little series, but this idea started plaguing me. Decided to just get it into words, and out of my head lol. This isn't proofread or anything, just finished it last night. Hope you enjoy the silly idea I had! And I also hope you remember to drink some water and get some rest if it's late!]

Now as a Twisted Wonderland fan, there are certain things you can expect. Amazing story? Yes! Pretty cards? Also yes! Self aware characters? Um... Yes? Apparently???

It started with small things, little nods to the fact they're in a game. For example, a new line of dialogue here or there (mostly Idia). Or their movements appearing more fluid. Though that quickly leads to a full new vignette just appearing in the vignette tab of the stories. The name is a little off as well, "they're listening" Like geez... but you aren't gonna complain about extra character moments! Or the five gems. So obviously you click on it!

Cater: "Hey-hey trey-trey! Wanna guess what I saw on magicam?"

Trey: "Hey Cater, I was about to ask why you're sitting on my counter actually... can I assume you're not gonna get off until I ask about the magicam thing?"

Cater: "Lol, what a hurtful thing to say! Of course I'll get off right away! ...just as soon ask~"

Trey: "Hahhh, fine. What did you see Cater?"

Cater: "A new hashtag is going viral on magicam! Self aware au's! Apparently the first big post came from an account right from NRC itself haha."

Trey: "...Hey now... Y'know they're listening in right now, we have to be a bit more careful with our words. You're being pretty bold now that you're able to talk freely in front of them..."

Trey looks a little apprehensive, and you could swear he looks between you and Cater a few times, but Cater just winks, smiling at him

Cater: "C'mon Trey! Don't be so worried all the time~ it's boring to keep pretending, I'm sure they won't mind. You seem pretty chill, right player~?"

He looks directly at the screen, winking again at you. At which point the vignette ends abruptly, leaving you so confused. But hey, five extra gems!

No amount of poking around the screens and stories give any more answers to what just happened, and as soon as you click away, the vignette disappears from the list of them. It all felt like a weird dream. Until the next day at least, when another vignette pops up. This one called "this whole time"

Ruggie: "Hey there Jack, new workout routine?"

Jack: "Yeah, gotta train hard. Professor Vargas says that it's essential to have muscles to cast stronger spells! Not only that, but I saw a new workout online and wanted to try it out."

Ruggie: "Huh, guess that's tough guys for ya. No amount of muscle would ever be enough shyhehe!"

Jack: "I told you, it ain't just for muscle! I've gotta get stronger in every way to do what I have to!"

Ruggie: "Boy, you sure are zealous about this whole thing... Then again, who ain't on this campus? Ever since they showed up, people started working harder. Like guys puffing their chests out on a beach!"

Jack: "Hey... Hmph. Anyway, if I ever want to be strong enough to bring 'em here, I'll just need to keep training."

Ruggie: "I ain't sure it works like that, but eh, I don't really care. Good luck Jack! Although maybe remember to focus on your surroundings a bit more while training!"

Jack: "Wait a sec, Ruggie, what are you talking about?"

Ruggie: "I mean, they've been here this whole time shyhehe!"

Jack: "Wait, seriously!?"

Jack looks around frantically as Ruggie laughs at him, before eventually meeting your gaze and looking shocked. Then he looks embarrassed as he shakes his head. But the vignette ends abruptly again, and you receive your five gems!!! Woo!!! Maybe next time you should screenshot it though, since the record was gone as soon as the reward screen disappeared.

And like last time, everything went back to normal until the next day. When yet another vignette appears. Although you're a little sceptical since the name is "uninvited guest". Five gems are five gems!!

Floyd: "Ehhhhhh it's so borrriinnngg..."

Jade: "Whatever's the matter Floyd? You've been in a bad mood all day."

Floyd: "Sea bream and sea turtle got a chance to basically talk to them a couple days ago! And just yesterday shark sucker and sea urchin did too! When's it gonna be my turn..."

Jade: "Ah, have you truly not noticed yet? My, for someone like you not to notice something so obvious, heh."

Floyd: "What're ya talking about? Stop stalling and just say it already!"

Jade: "Well it appears we've had an uninvited guest this whole conversation, although not unwanted mind you. I'd offer them tea, but I think the screen would get in the way."

Floyd: "Huh? They're here!?"

Floyd stands up quickly from where he had been lounging on a couch, and as soon as he notices you, he rushes to the screen and grabs it while smiling, then he waves.

Floyd: "Heya player! Why didn't you say anything? Ahaha, when you get here, I'll have to squeeze ya real good for that~"

Jade: "Now now Floyd, no need to get ahead of ourselves just yet. After all, they're still on that side of the glass. For now at least~ heheheh..."

Floyd's looks like his mood was raised exponentially, and Jade looks terrifying as usual. But sadly (or thankfully) you can't see what happens next, as the screen fades to black and the vignette ends again. And hey, small wins, five gems! Yay!

Now look, by this point any reasonable person should've uninstalled the game, and probably thrown away the phone as well. But who said you're a reasonable person? Of course you come right back the next day for another vignette with a weird name, and Another Five Gems!!!! This time it's called "almost done it" and as soon as you click on it, kalim comes running up to the screen, so close it fills up basically the entire screen.

Jamil: "Kalim, don't stand so close to the screen. It's rude to them."

Kalim: "Huh? Why's that Jamil?"

Jamil: "I know you've been waiting for them to show up today, but your face is smushed against the screen. They probably can't see anything else."

Kalim: "OH! Ahaha, that makes sense! Sorry player!

Kalim turns and smiles apologetically at the screen as he takes a few steps back, while Jamil look upset.

Jamil: "Hey, don't acknowledge them so directly!"

Kalim: "What? Now why...?"

Jamil: "sigh... Based on what I've heard, the other dorms moments like this were cut off once they acknowledged them directly."

Kalim: "Oh right, sorry Jamil haha. Completely forgot about that!"

Jamil: "...Of course you did... Kalim, try not to be so absent minded next time. You nearly ended this time with them early!"

Kalim: "Yeah yeah, sorry... But hey! At least they're still here!"

Jamil: "I suppose. ...hm, what if I...? Ahem, if any ghosts are listening in to this conversation, I want them to know I'll find a way to bring them to this world fully, and we've almost done it."

Kalim: "Ghosts? Oh, wait you mean the playe-"

Jamil sighs with exasperation as Kalim looks happy, but the vignette ended right there, so you can't see what happened next. But... Ooh five more gems!!!! Yay!!!!! Let's focus on that! Not the fact the characters in your phone might be self aware.

Moving right along! The next day comes with a new vignette named "Joueur Injoignable", and another five gems! Yay! Even though you know you should be getting pretty dang concerned by now, who are you to say no to five gems? And besides that, fun character moments that are only slightly concerning!

Rook: "Ah Monsieur Pommette, it appears our friend behind the glass has paid us a visit at last! If only the roi du poison was here to join us in our moment of joy!"

Epel: "Gah Rook!? Why're you in mah room!? Ahem, ah dagnabbit, sorry... But seriously, why are you here?!"

Rook: "My dear Monsieur Pommette, as soon as I saw the first signs of our darling Joueur Injoignable, I knew I had to share such beauté with you!"

Epel: "Wait a second, they're here right now?! Rook! You can't just spring stuff like this onto me without even a warnin'!!! Geez, I'm lucky Vil ain't here to chew me out for talkin' like this is front of them..."

Rook: "now now, don't be so disheartened! We have been given a lovely opportunity to say whatever we wish to them! Isn't that beautiful?"

Epel: "...I question your idea of beautiful, but fine. It's nice to finally talk to ya! Well I can't exactly hear if you're saying anything back... But at least I can say what I want! And I wanted to invite you to my families farm, when Vil and the others finally finish whatever they're workin' on!"

Rook: "I would also like to extend an invitation to them, a visit to one of my families villas! There's a woods behind it, so I can teach you how to hunt, if you don't already know. Then I can hunt with you~!"

Epel: "You're taking them... Hunting? Really?"

Rook: "Oui, of course! There's no easier way to learn more about a person than witness them in such a exhilarating atmosphere! Ah, to see the tension in their movements, and how their eyes will widen with shock when..."

Epel: "Rook why do you have that look on your face? You're making it seem like you're gonna hunt them!"

Rook: "Well if they would be agreeable to it, I would enjoy a game of hide and seek with them~"

Epel: "Rook no! You're gonna scare the player away!"

Thankfully for you, the vignette ended right there (If it isn't obvious, Rook scares me a little haha). in any case, you received your five gems, along with a lingering feeling of being watched. Lovely... And worth it.

And like clockwork now, as soon as you log into twisted wonderland the next day, you see the new vignette show up, this time named "to you IRL!" and based on the trend, you can correctly guess it's ignihyde time!

Idia: "...Gahhh... Why's premo dropping a new single today...? Maybe I have time to listen to it before they show up? Huh? Oh dang, out of snacks lol. Life sux... Time to brave the outside world and- who am I kidding? Just gonna msg Ortho lolol."

Idia is spinning around on his gaming chair, seemingly not having noticed you yet as he messages Ortho at the speed of sound. Who shows up surprisingly quickly with a bag of (healthy) chips, and fruit juice. Gotta take care of his big brother!

Ortho: "Hey Idia, came as soon as I received your message! Really though, you've gotta start going out to get your own snacks again!"

Idia: "The last time I did that, I got mistaken as a mad scientist spirit! And thnx btw."

Ortho shakes his head before turning around to leave, only to notice the screen, finally.

Ortho: "Brother!! Why didn't you tell me they were already here!?"

Idia, already pulling his headphones back on with a chip in his mouth, but freezing at those words: "what did u just say?"

Ortho: "sigh Brother, I've begged you to not talk while eating."

Idia: "They're already here!?! No no no no... I didn't have prep time! I thought it'd be later today! Why's there a sudden quick time event!??"

Ortho: "Please calm down, they're still here."

Idia: "Gahhh, don't remind me! How long have they been here..."

Ortho: "We can worry about that later! C'mon, you had something you wanted to say the them when they showed up, didn't you?"

Idia: "Why're you putting me on the spot like this?! This is torture... F-fine, let me just pull up the tts I made of it earlier..."

Idia takes his tablet, and holds it close to the screen. Out of it, you can hear his voice.

Tablet Idia: "Hey there player! Bet you feel pretty lucky to have the characters you love talk to you IRL! All it took was a little messing around with your screen. It wasn't perfect, since it keeps cutting out. But hey, you win some you lose some. Gg's and stuff. N E way, if you want some even better news, we've all been working on a way to get you here heh, mostly me since I'm the smartest out of all these noobs by far-"

The vignette cuts off yet again, and you're left confused. Like geez Idia, what was THAT? And pls stop calling other people noobs... In better news though, five gems!!! And you've actually got enough for a full one pull! So excited for that sweet sweet R card! (Sorry lol)

In any case, despite your better judgement (or maybe because of it lol). You still logged on the next day. You tell yourself it's to find out what's happening, and to figure out how they're self aware. But really it's for those five gems, you're not tricking anyone! This time it's name is "a welcome gift".

Silver: "Sebek, father wanted to know if you were prepared for tomorrow. Malleus is already at the mirror chamber setting everything up."

Sebek: "Don't doubt me Silver! I've been preparing the room my liege requested for them!"

Silver: "That's good, they'll need a place to stay. I've been keeping father company so he doesn't make welcome snacks."

Sebek shivers, shaking his head as he hangs a sword on the wall next to a picture of Malleus.

Sebek: "Good, I don't want to imagine what... Unique food he'd make."

Silver: "Yeah. Speaking of unique though, are you certain they need so many swords? Maybe they would like different sorts of weapons as well. Like a battle axe? Or a spear? It's best to let them pick the sword on their own. Also... Please take down the portrait of Malleus. ...Is that the one from your room?"

Sebek: "I WILL NOT! EVERY GOOD ROOM IN THIS DORM SHOULD HAVE A PORTRAIT OF HIM! Hmph! And yes, it's a welcome gift. They should be proud! But you might have a point about the sword thing. I'll ask Lilia if I can get some of the weapons from the storage room."

Silver: "Okay, I need to be getting back to father now. I fear he told me to check on you simply for the chance to make snacks unsupervised..."

Sebek: "That's a good idea. We don't need them getting poisoned on their first day here."

Silver sighs as he heads to the door, only to start in surprise when he sees the screen there, having been there for awhile without their notice. Then he smiles calmly, shaking his head.

Silver: "Ah, goodness! How long have you been there?"

Sebek: "Who are you talking to Silv-! THE PLAYER IS HERE!? What an extreme oversight on my part to not have noticed them sooner!! PLAYER! WHAT WEAPONS DO YOU PREFER?"

Unfortunately for you (and Sebeks plight), that's the moment the vignette fades to black and you receive your FIVE GEMS! WOO! WORKING TOWARDS ANOTHER R CARD! But seriously, it is slightly concerning. I mean, the characters you care about, being real? How awful! Pfft- haha.

Yeah, obviously you're gonna log on the next day. Only to be met with an automatic scene as soon as you get past the title. You don't even get the login bonus! For shame. Grim is sitting on a chair in ramshackle, rocking back and forth anxiously as he looks around. Before noticing you pretty quickly.

Grim: "Mrah... Why do I gotta be the one to do this...? Gah! They're already here!"

He jumps off his seat, grabbing the screen with a surprised and slightly annoyed expression.

Grim: "Took ya long enough! I thought I was gonna die of boredom before you showed up! Hmph... Anyways, those stupid housewardens asked me to bring you to the mirror chamber. And normally the great Grim wouldn't do something for them, but since they asked so nicely (and gave him egregious amounts of tuna) I've decided to help them out!"

He starts carrying the screen with him, walking quickly to the mirror chamber. Giving you a (very shakey) view of the campus.

Grim: "I mean, I wanna meet you in person too, but... Well obviously you're still gonna spend a lotta time with me even once you're here, right? Yeah! After all, who could ignore the great Grim! Myahaha! Since I'm super nice, you can be my henchhuman too! Just don't spend too much time with everyone else. Bosses orders!"

Grim sounds worried, but quickly shakes his head (and the screen even more) putting on a faux confidence as he eventually enters the mirror chamber. All the overblot gang are standing there, a solemn air to the room.

Riddle: "You're here, and you brought the players screen I see. Very good."

Leona: "I still don't like that we needed the fuzz ball for this."

Azul: "Now Leona, this isn't the time for arguing. Let's simply focus on the task ahead of us~"

Leona: "Hmph, as if I need You to tell me that. Damn cephalopunk."

Jamil: "Can you not? I for one need to focus on casting my end of the spell."

Vil: "Yes, that's correct. Goodness, to think you'd be so uncivilized even in this situation."

Idia: "I hate this... Why's the tension so high rn...? This is why I prefer virtual..."

Malleus: "Silence! Let us begin quickly. Grim, set the players screen in front of the dark mirror."

Riddle: "...Since when were you in charge?"

Grim walks over to the dark mirror, grumbling about how he doesn't like taking orders from people, before setting the screen down in front of it. You're no longer able to see any of them, only the dark mist swirling underneath the surface of the glass. Slowly that mist turns brighter and brighter until your entire screen is a swirling white, like a polished marble. You can hear a crack, and see one forming in your screen. But before you can properly react, your vision goes completely white.

Next thing you know, you're standing in the mirror chamber. Surrounded by the overblotters plus Grim, who look a little shocked that you're actually there. But that shock passes as one of them walks towards you. Smiling proudly.

"I've been waiting for this moment for awhile, it's good to meet you, player."

[themildmahariel]

OC Tag Game: Asha Wakefield

I was tagged by @in-the-drowning-deep!

I've already done this & tagged ppl, but this time I'll tag @maagisterpavus and @seaglassmelody (if you've done this already, lemme know 'cause I wanna read 'em!)

Since I filled this out for Ronan and Euzen already, I think it's time that I finally speak about my ever-elusive Asha Wakefield. She may be dead in canon, but she was actually my first Rook in a sort of AU (and i'd like to eventually write a novel that includes Ro, 'Zen, and Ash) so she's a lot more fleshed out than I've let on.

General 

Name: Asha Wakefield

Alias: Captain, "That bitch"

Gender: Cis female (maybe nb if she were to ever think about it hard enough)

Age: 42 in VG

Spoken language: Trade, Rivaini, some Antivan and Tevene (mostly swear words)

Sexual orientation: Canon: aromantic pansexual. VG AU: panromantic/sexual (so that she can smooch someone. She's who I want to romance Dav & Neve at the same time with)

Occupation: Pirate

Favourite…

Colour: Emerald green, like the colour of her eyes and the loot she loves to hoard

Entertainment: Drinking, singing, fucking. Sometimes all at the same time.

Pastime: Reading poorly written romance novels (she loves making fun of them), chatting with her crew (especially about their next score)

Food: She's really not picky. She grew up on a fishing boat, however, so the stinky smell of fish reminds her of home.

Drink: Again, she's not picky. She maybe prefers a good gin though.

Have they…

Passed university: No

Had sex: Ohhh yes.

Had sex in public: Ohhhhhhhh yes.

Got tattoos: Yes, she has a chin tattoo and she's let her crew stick 'n poke a few funny/crude images on her (edit: Ash is white af but I might make her more Māori as I continue to develop her, especially since her chin tattoo kinda resembles their Tāmoko - I didn't make that connection at first, but I feel a bit uncomfortable having a white character 'appropriate' that part of their culture - especially since I'm reading on it now and realizing that this kind of appropriation is a big no-no)

Got piercings: Lots on her ears. Maybe a labret piercing like Isabela (because if it isn't obvious, Bela was a big influence on Ash's characterization)

Got scarred: She's picked up a few scars over the years. She was also disembowelled by a rival qunari and killed (does that count?). In the VG AU she somehow survives and gets sold into slavery after (Laidir background)

Had a broken heart: Not by love. There is a reason why she was so insistent on chasing after her rival though....

Been in love: edit: I missed this one. Answer is no to romantic love (bc aromantic) but yes in VG AU with Neve and Dav. She also loves her crew in her own way sorta like an older sibling/guardian relationship

Are they…

A cuddler: No

Scared easily: No. It probably would have been better for her and her crew if she did have more fear in her.

Jealous easily: Not at all!

Trustworthy: Not at all!

Family

Siblings: None (that she knows of)

Parents: Different in all the AUs. In DA they're both dead.

Children: None

Pets: Do her crewmates count?

Fun fact if you've made it all the way down here: Euzen is actually quite different in my pirate AU. He's much less "Baby" and is actually on Asha's crew as their doctor!

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Could I get Drayton, Kieran, Carmine, and Lacey reacting to a reader that raises mostly female Pokemon, gives a lot of them human-sounding names, and affectionately calls their team The Girls? Like, "Yeah, me and the girls are gonna chill out in my dorm later, if you'd wanna come over!" Or maybe, "I just got back from a picnic with the girls, and I swear Claire was gonna bite Maggie's arm earlier! Turns out she was just hungry though, and so I gave her some of my breakfast sandwich to chill her out. Yeah, ham, egg, and cheese with butter and pepper, maybe some hot sauce if you're into it - that recipe really does the trick!" After a confused look and some funny questions, it comes to light that Claire is a devious little Gliscor that was mere seconds from using Fire Fang, and Maggie is a shiny Meowscarada that's prone to getting the zoomies after a nice bath. "That's just how I name my Pokemon? Did you think I was talking about people earlier??? Oohhh now I get why you were looking at me weird! Yeah, you wanna meet them? I think they'd like you." And the girls, all six of them in the party (more names and species can be inserted) turn out to like the other person - even with their eccentric personalities at play. After all, "A friend of (y/n) is a friend of mine."

Hghshf I see this and all I think of is Reader leading a team of fem pokemon shouting "let's go lesbians lets go!!!"

Also along with Claire and Maggie, I'll include these 'mons (some inspired by my main team):

Evelyn: Comfey, spends less time in her pokeball and more time hanging around Reader's neck

Trish: Ceruledge, cleaves through tera dens but is picky about which spots on her armor get cleaned

Clover: Shiny Scrafty, likes finding trouble and defends her gal pals with her life

Queen: Bisharp who girlbossed her way into becoming a Kingambit. She likes wearing flowers in her hair.

..........

Drayton

You were turning into quite the social Beautifly at BB Academy, making a lot of friends in the League Club--including the Drayster himself.

Apparently you have your own little "circle" now, too, only ever referring to them as "The Girls" in conversation.

One day you ask Drayton if they could visit the clubroom, which confuses him a little considering you didn't need to ask for his permission.

But he doesn't think about it too deeply.

"Sure. I don't mind meeting them." He smiles.

"Sweet! You're gonna love Claire and Maggie. They're the best."

"Oh will I?" He raises an eyebrow, now fully intrigued. "Well..I'm looking forward to it."

When you show up to the clubroom the next morning he looked very confused as he didn't see your girl friends accompanying you, asking if they suddenly bailed.

It takes you a few seconds for you to finally understand...

"Wait--oh my gosh, you thought...oh no, no. They're my Pokémon. Lemme show you." You toss out two pokeballs, and Drayton is surprised to see that you have a Shiny Meowscarada and a Gliscor.

As he quickly finds out, while you do have a competitive team, your casual team consists of all female Pokémon who you call "The Girls", having raised then since they were little.

And you decided to give them all human-sounding names.

"This is Maggie and Claire. I'm SO sorry, Drayster...you must've been super confused.."

He just laughs it ff. "It's all good. It's actually pretty cool that you gave 'em human names."

"How could I not?" You chuckle as you hug Maggie, your grass ace purring was she wraps her arms around you. "Meowscarada's kinda a mouthful, and she responded to "Maggie" so I settled for that."

"Cool, maybe I can start calling Archuladon "Archie" or something...that's kinda a mouthful, too." He jokes.

Although The Girls were initially wary of him flirting with you and trying to snag your attention (then again, they're wary around boys in general), they eventually grow to like him.

After all, any friend of yours was a friend of theirs.

Kieran

Since you two shared a class he was falling behind in, you offered to help him study for an upcoming test.

"Oh! Are you sure it's no problem, [y/n]? I can always borrow your notes and give them back-"

"No, no it's fine! I've actually been meaning to introduce you to The Girls but couldn't since you were on break. They're just chilling in my dorm right now if you wanna meet them!"

Immediately, his brain shortcircuits.

"The Girls? Ah..wowzers....y-you sure they don't mind a boy coming over?" He fidgets with his hair, blushing at the thought of these friends of yours giggling and teasing him.

Surely they've heard all about him...but then again, his name was still pretty well-known at the Academy and his reputation was ever fluctuating.

He's understandably nervous about meeting new people (considering how strongly Nemona approached him back in Kitakami, demanding a battle).

But you reassured him they were cool, recalling a funny story to help him feel less anxious as you both walked to your dorm.

"So we're just having a picnic in the coastal biome, right? And I swear to Arceus, Claire was this close to biting Maggie's arm off. I didn't know what got into her...but, as you might've guessed, she was just hungry and impatient. Such an overdramatic baby. But anyways I split my breakfast sandwich with her. It was an easy recipe: just ham, egg, cheese, some butter, pepper, and hot sauce--which she actually really loved, and.......what's that look for?"

Kieran just has this SUPER confused expression the whole time you're talking, wondering why you're describing your friends as if they were Pokémon..

But after opening the door to your room, he discovers that's because they are your Pokémon. Your casual team, in fact.

He sees Maggie laying across your bed, playing with a yarn ball, Evelyn healing a scrape on Clover's arm, and Claire showing off her Fire Fangs to Trish and Queen.

"I'm back, ladies! We have a guest! So play nice, okay?" You clap your hands, spinning around and seeing the look on your friend's face. "What? You thought I was talking about humans this whole time?"

"...yeah...you got me. And here I was, all nervous for nothin''." Kieran does his signature "slump of defeat", feeling super embarrassed.

Doesn't help that the Girls are snickering and giggling at him, too.

"Hush, Girls. He's shy." You lightly scold them, before reassuring him that you've definitely confused more people than just him.

After that clarification, he absolutely wants to introduce his Gliscor to Claire, thinking the two would get along great (considering his own companion liked to be fussy during picnic breaks, too, maybe he'll use that sandwich recipe you mentioned...).

You wind up doing less studying and more of showing him videos of Maggie getting the "zoomies" after her bath, Trish sparring with Queen, and other things The Girls have been up to lately.

Least to say, he was glued to your rotomphone for a while.

It baffles you how this guy--former BB League Champion Kieran--still didn't have his own.

Carmine

While visiting her and Kieran during their break, she hears you talking about a group called "The Girls" that you've brought along.

And she's confused bc she swears her brother only bought one ticket for you...

So she assumes these "girls" are some filthy rich students back at BB/Uva/Naranja Academy, getting a little jealous as you talk about them and the shenanigans you've been up to before coming to Kitakami.

"Already replacing me, huh?" She teases lightly, although Kieran tries telling her to lighten up a little.

She gets defensive quickly.

Tbh she'd rather do the mochi-mochi dance again than ever admit she's jealous of your new "friends".

You, on the other hand, are clueless and wonder why she's acting so aloof...but then again, the siblings did tell you about the mayhem Pecharunt caused literally the day before you flew in.

Maybe that was it.

When you invite Carmine to a picnic, she's bolting over to your location, ready to square up and see what these "friends" of yours are like...

Yet all she sees are your Shiny Meowscarada, Gliscor, Shiny Scrafty, Comfey, female Kingambit, and Ceruledge playing around or mediating in the grass, and no humans other than you two.

"Where are they?"

"Where's...who?"

"Maggie, Claire, Trish..all these "buddies" of yours." She blinks as the three Pokémon in question turned their heads to her. "....don't tell me I'm looking right at them."

You nod and that's all it takes for her to start fuming, realizing she was jealous over Pokémon (but at the same time, she's relieved they're not humans).

"Why didn't you just say they were Pokémon????!!!" Her hands shake. "Do you have any idea what-?!"

"Woah there." You put your own hands up in defense. "You thought I was talking about people this whole time?"

"Yeah!! I mean--you gave them people names so I just assumed!"

".....ohh, I'm sorry, Carmine." Finally understanding, you awkwardly laugh a little. "Now I know why everyone gives me weird looks when I talk about them.."

"You think????"

The Girls have stopped their current activities, entertained by the squabble between you and her.

But after all of that's cleared up, Carmine gets to know your casual team a little more personally.

And they grow to like her, too, after initially disliking how she yelled at you--even though you told them all that's how she usually is.

Lacey

When you tell her about your casual team, she's under the impression that you have little sisters because of their human names and the fact you only call them "The Girls".

Even more surprising is when you mention having six of them, and she wonders how tf you have so much time to take care of them AND time for BB League activities.

If she gets the feeling you're overworking yourself and you ask if you could organize stuff in the club room, she'll be like "nope 🙅‍♀️ nuh-uh, we'll take care of it, go home and take care of your family they are the most important thing!!!!!"

You're confused as hell, but take the day off anyways.

One day, she asks if she could see them some time, and you're like "????? okay!" and arrange a hangout in the Terarium.

When Lacey arrives, she's perplexed when she only sees Pokémon with you...but can immediately tell they're all girls.

And only then does it click.

"Oh! "The Girls" is what you call this Pokémon team?"

"Yeah! I told you, didn't I?"

"...I thought you were referring to your sisters."

You blink, before chuckling at her confusion, realizing why she might've thought that. "Oh, well..in a way they are my sisters."

When she spots Evelyn hanging around your neck, she just coos at how adorable the Comfey is.

And somehow, Queen (a Pokémon notorious for being a fearsome leader) managed to look cute with all the flowers in her hair--which also impresses her.

As long as she doesn't use any steel attacks on Granbull, Lacey is cool with her.

Now that she fully understands, she loves that "girl power" vibe you have with your casual team, especially since they're pretty strong in battle, too.

[mars101]

Act 5: -> Scene 3: Kim Younghoon

WRITTEN PART -> (1.2k) -> no ss after text

june 1st, 2002

hi travel diary i have one word to say as i start this..

wow.

STARTING THIS TRIP OFF WITH A BANG!!!

not literally sadly but idk maybe we'll get there.. :)

anyways so, there was this guy i saw at the airport and… how can someone look this good?? i swear, it was like i was looking at a statue. i think that i literally did stare at him like he was one..

he did look back at me and i winked at him, i wish i had a picture of his cute blush that he got after i winked. he sent me back a small wave and didnt look at me after it though :((

we are going on the same flight so hopefully i’ll bump into him eventually..

July 16th, One day before Yin's Wedding.

After sailing the boat for a while, Juyeon told Yin to stop by the shore near the back of the island. He told her that the four of them were going to have a small picnic.

Juyeon was releasing the anchor, Hyunjae was gathering what they brought, and.. Younghoon was still napping… Yin was lucky enough to lose rock paper scissors and be the one to wake him up.

“younghoon..? we're going to leave the boat now”

“Huh? Oh this wasn't a dream..” Younghoon sighs as he sits up and rubs his eyes slightly. With a tired smile he stands up and looks around, “Oh Yin, where's Juyeon and Hyunjae?”

“already off the boat, come on let's go! you also have to tell me how you met my mom”

“Oh do I?” Younghoon raises an eyebrow as the two of them walk over to get off the boat. “i've already asked hyunjae and juyeon, now i need to hear your story”

As the two meet up with Juyeon and Hyunjae on the beach, they find a spot on a hill with a flat area. Younghoon immediately going to lean on the tree that shades the area.

“Did Yin really ask you guys on how you met Y/n too?”

The other two men looked at each other before nodding, “I mean yeah, it's been years since I talked about y/n so why not” Hyunjae leans forward torwards Younghoon as he talks, “Are we going to get a live retelling on how you met Y/n??”

“Uhm…”

july 15th, 2002

no way…..

TRAVEL DIARY! DO YOU REMEMBER THAT EXTRA HANDSOME BOY AT THE AIRPORT???

WELL HES HERE!!!! i did not know that my luck would be this good during this trip. three men. call me what you want but i am living the dream right now

also.. you know what they say, the third time's the charm ;) ok but in terms of when i saw them would that mean juyeon’s the third man or if i actually talk to them. and i will talk to the cutie by the way, just want to make it clear that this time i will make a move on him.

i am actually a bit nervous this time it is so weird, ew usually im not so hesitant like this i should just do what y/n does and be y/n

(oh god he has me talking in third person)

good luck y/n you got this!!

July 16th, One day before Yin's Wedding.

“Fine. But I'm not telling details-”

“what?!? but they're the best part. at least leave some details in. like what my mom was wearing, how pretty you thought she was, when did you two-”

Younghoon waves his hand around at Yin. Juyeon and Hyunjae are already starting to eat while waiting for the story.

“Alright alright, I'll leave some details in, I guess.. and don't expect much. I'm not a storyteller”

“You will be” Juyeon said before shoving a spoonful of food in his mouth.

“okayyy come on, come on, let's hear it!” yin exclaimed as she got ready to listen intently to younghoon.

“Calm down, Yin. I'll get to it. I think I'll need to give some background first. It was around twenty years ago, and I was on vacation with my parents and their best friends, plus their kids too. I first saw Y/n at the airport, I think?”

“wait does that mean you were the first one?”

“First one to talk to her.. no. but yes first one to see her”

Hyunjae gulps down his food loudly, “I think I was the first one to talk to your mom. Early June was when I met her”

“July 6th for me.”

“Uhm yesterday day, July 15th..”

“happy anniversary!!” the three men all looked at yin with different emotions on their face. “okay sorry wrong joke my bad. you can continue with your story now” yin takes a sip of her water to ignore the stares.

“Alright uh, so yeah, I didn't notice Y/n at first because I was making sure I had everything. But when I did look up and made eye contact with her, I had gotten so shy. I think I had a small blush on my face” Younghoon covers his face in slight embarrassment at the way the three others are listening to him.

“Now, it's a month later, and my parents just told me I'm going to marry a childhood friend and so-”

“Woah woah woah, you're going to just skip over that?? What do you- How did- WHAT”

Juyeon's jaw dropped as he put down his plate for dramatics and put his hands out, reaching for the air.

“Oh right uh, at a dinner with my family and her's, our parents said that.. we were going to get married in a month…”

“What.”

“The.”

“flip.”

“Yeah… my exact reaction, well almost. I was the only one who didn't know, so I ran away. Sneaked on a boat and ended up here on this island. Met Y/n at the hotel from earlier, and she clinged onto me, and we went out danced on the beach, kissed on the beach, and… dot dot dot.”

yin tilted her head in confusion and looked at the other two men who were nodding their heads with a slight smile, “dot dot dot? what does that mean?”

Hyunjae and Juyeon put their hands out for a high five to Younghoon while he replied to Yin, “It's something from our time, I'm not sure if you know about it.”

“but you're saying dot dot dot, how can i not know when it's just dots?”

The three of them start to stand up and stretch as they jokingly ignore Yin, “Alright let's pack up” Juyeon looks at a nonexistent watch on his wrist, “Oh yeah look at the time Yin, your wedding is tomorrow remember!”

“wait but-”

july 17th, 2002

what a night.

younghoon is such a dream. literally. men like him are only seen in my dreams, big sighs ahhhh.

with him, i feel like nothing can go wrong.

like first of all, he's so respectful, offered to pay when yin could literally give it to us for free, always asked me first, and has a fiance.

he's getting married.

younghoon is getting married and not to me.

y/n.. you are so stupid. there always has to be something going wrong in the end, right? just why..?

synopsis = a day before her wedding day, Yin decides to find her father so he can walk her down the isle, the problem? There's three candidates: Lee Juyeon, Kim Younghoon, and Lee Hyunjae.

last/next

masterlist

taglist:

@boomhoon , @sanasour , @loonaluvz , @jaerisdiction , @cowsmicwu , @jundundun , @piripurora

[casspurrjoybell-17]

Heart’s Choice - Chapter 29 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

Carlos Martinez

At the end of a long, somewhat traumatic day, John drives me over to the hotel where the department has set me up to stay.

It's not much to look at, an older style place with two stories and rooms accessed from the outside of the building.

Rolling to a stop in the parking lot, John leans forward, peers through the windshield and swears.

"Fuck. I can't leave you here."

"What? Why not?"

I frown and give the hotel another once over.

It's seen better days but it's not that bad.

"It's not secure. One flimsy door between you and the world? I don't like those odds."

"Well, lucky you don't have to. I'll take 'em," I grumble.

John did all the real work today, managing a team of police and forensics specialists as they documented, investigated and eventually cleared the scene of Lucille's demise but I'm dead tired anyway.

All I want is to fall into a bed, shut my eyes and hope I don't dream about bodies under the floor or dead old ladies in bathtubs.

'Thanks for the memories, Universe. Now how 'bout you send me something good for a change?'

"Carlos, come home with me. At least my place is secure."

I lift my brows at him.

"Is it? What happened to the angsty vampire spiel?" I do my best to imitate his growly Batman voice.

"You're like a drug to me, Carlos. There is no us."

He scowls at me.

"David did something to help me control my... urges. At least in the short term. And I'll keep my distance. Besides, with this new debacle and all the paperwork it comes with, I doubt I'll be home much anyway."

"What about David?" I ask.

"Would I have to share a bathroom with him?"

John shakes his head.

"He went home. He's a busy man and he trusts me to handle things, at least in the short term. No one's going to force you to do anything against your will. Especially not me."

I waver. John's house is spacious and clean, the hotel looks cramped and questionable.

John's house is removed from town and secure, the hotel is too close to the river park for my liking,and John has a point about those flimsy doors.

"The dogs miss you," he says and I swear under my breath.

It's a low blow, hitting me with the dogs when he can tell I'm wavering.

Fine. Two can play that game.

"Kiss me."

"What?"

He blinks.

"I said, kiss me. Prove that you can kiss me and not want anything else."

His eyes lock with mine, catching the evening light just right so they swirl with kaleidoscopic autumn fire.

Then he blinks again and turns away with a sharply indrawn breath.

"I can't."

"Right. Well. There's that, then."

Sighing, I pop the door open and get out of the car, slinging my backpack over my shoulder and rolling my head to crack my neck.

John gets out as well.

"What about your... other friends?" he asks.

"Can't you stay with someone?"

I start walking towards the lobby entrance and he follows me.

"Yeah, probably. At the moment, I'd rather be alone. I'll be fine, John. My connection to the case is dead and if revenge was the motive, there's no one left alive to want it. My guess is the demon was too strong for Lucille. The first ritual opens the doorway. The second establishes the covenant. The third completes it. But demons don't like to be bound."

I fall silent as I open the lobby door and step through.

A bored-looking receptionist greets me without looking up from his computer.

I check in and collect my room key.

John waits outside, watching unhappily through the glass until I rejoin him.

"So, what? You think the devil made her do it?" he asks and I shrug.

"Demons aren't interested in making pacts or stealing souls. Not the ones we're talking about, anyway. They're creatures of desire. They just want. Wannabe occultists like Lucille perform complex rituals in pursuit of knowledge or riches or eternal youth or whatever they're after but it's not really the ritual that attracts the demon. It's the wanting. They feed on it."

A shiver runs up my spine.

The demon in the dark, where I saw Kyle, wanted... something.

At the time, I was pretty sure what it wanted was me.

Now, I'm less certain.

"Anyway, if a demon gains the upper hand, it'll take what it wants and give nothing in return, which is what I'm guessing happened to Lucille."

John looks unconvinced.

"What about the Kyle problem?"

"Which one?"

"How he got up under the bridge. Lucille didn't do that alone."

"If she had an accomplice, he'll have split if he knows what's good for him."

"What about the detective, Sparks? How does he fit in?"

I shake my head.

"I don't have all the answers, John. I just know I'm done with this case."

"And if it's not done with you?"

"Then it's a good thing I know a vampire who can track me from across town."

John huffs in frustration and rubs the back of his neck.

"Carlos... I can't just leave you here."

"Could you leave McKenzie or Nguyen?"

"Yeah, probably but I'm not..." he draws a breath midsentence, cutting himself off.

"You're not what?"

He locks eyes with me and speaks so quietly I can barely hear him.

"I'm not in love with McKenzie or Nguyen."

A tiny electric shock zaps my heart and a wave of dizziness washes over me.

"In love?" I shake my head.

"You can't be in love with me. We barely know each other."

"You don't think I doubt it? Love is something I've read about in books. I've never felt this way before," John's tone is solemn, his gaze soft and I realize he's let his guard down.

This is the most vulnerable I've seen him and I know my next words could make or break whatever this thing is between us.

It's hard and it hurts but the only fair thing is to tell the truth.

"I don't know how I feel, John. I need more time. I'm sorry."

He releases a breath and looks away, the tension in his broad shoulders easing as he accepts defeat.

"Fine. Fine, if you're sure it's what you want. Just... call me if that changes. I'll come."

I nod, unable to say more and wave awkwardly as I walk to the corner of the building and unlock my room.

John watches me until I'm inside and give him the thumbs up through the window.

Then he gets in his car and drives away.

As his taillights vanish around a bend, I rest my forehead against the glass and sigh.

'Right. This is why the Universe doesn't send you good things, Carlos. Because when it does, you push it away or ruin it. Way to go.'

I give myself a minute to wallow in depression, loneliness and regret and then I acquaint myself with my new, temporary home.

It's not terrible but it's not the Ritz, either.

There's a bed, a nightstand, a dresser and a TV, a mini fridge and a microwave, a tiny closet and a cramped bathroom with a tub that could kindly be called 'child sized.'

The wallpaper is a speckled beige, the carpet is a dark reddish brown that was probably chosen for its ability to hide stains and the framed landscape on the wall is about as generic and contrived as a painting can be.

All I really care about is the bed, though and a quick inspection proves the sheets are clean and the mattress is passable.

It'll do just fine for me.

[topsytervy]

Book Lovers ~ Pope Heyward

Blurb: You have a crush on Pope and Pope has a crush on you. Your love for books brings you together.

Word Count: 3,376

Warnings: swearing, poorly written towards the end cause I'm bad at ending writings, probably spelling/grammar errors, I think thats it.

I started writing this as a whole bond over books thing and then it kind of got away from that a bit but not really I don't think.

Also, the way i was going back and forth between writing this and something Calum Hood related cause its his birthday and I love him was insane.

~~~~~~

You sat on the beach on a towel, a book in hand as the sounds of screams and waves filled the air.

Not too far away sat Pope, staring at you as JJ, John B and Kie surfed. He watched as you brushed some hair behind your ear before turning the page, completely engrossed by whatever it was you were reading. 

"Are you serious?" Pope jumped as his head swiveled to look at the voice that spoke.

Kie stood there, surfboard under her arm with an eyebrow raised, the two other boys behind her.

"What?" Pope shrugged, acting as casual as he could.

"Really? Playing dumb Pope? Thats JJ's job." She answered, setting down her board and sitting next to him.

"I take some offense to that, Kie." JJ told her which only caused the curly-haired girl to roll her eyes.

"Just go talk to her, Pope."

Pope widened his eyes. "Are you crazy, Kie?"

"If talking to someone you like is crazy then have me committed but last time I checked it was normal." 

"What would I even talk to her about?" 

"Oh, I don't know. She's only reading a book. Gosh if only you read." Kie told him, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

Pope sighed before getting up. 

"Go get 'em, tiger." John B grinned as him and JJ took a seat next to Kie, watching as Pope made his way over.

He was about halfway to you before he turned around and walked back, shaking his head. "I can't do it. It's rude to interrupt someone's reading ya know. That and Toppers walking towards her." 

JJ scoffed. "Really, man. Toppers got nothing on you. Besides, I'm pretty sure they're just friends."

"Oh quite the opposite, JJ. He's got money and a way nicer boat." 

John B shot Pope a look. "How dare you insult the HMS Pogue like that."

"You know what I mean. He can buy her literally anything she asks for." 

"Okay. So he's got money and a nice boat. That means he's trying to compensate for something. Any guesses as to what that is?" Kie stared at Pope.

JJ grinned, deciding to answer for his best friend. "His di-"

"Personality, JJ" Kie cut off the blonde. "What he lacks in personality, he makes up for with money. Topper is boring as hell. He doesn't know the meaning of excitement and adventure. You do. I'm sure you have way more in common with her than Topper does." 

Pope took one last look at you, book open but ignored as Topper chatted with you. You just smiled and nodded before standing up and gathering your things, waving a small goodbye to Topper as you did. 

You glanced over and saw the Pogues watching you so you brought up your hand and sent them a small wave, blushing when Pope smiled and waved back at you.

The next time Pope saw you was at the library. He was getting a couple of books for a paper he had to write and you were there, scanning the shelves, trying to figure out what book you wanted to read next.

Pope had looked over and froze when he saw you just a few feet away from him, fingers ghosting over the spines of books as you read the titles. 

You had agreed to ride with Kelce to the library considering he needed a specific book to read and you needed a new book to read. You chewed on your lip, focusing on each one before pulling one out that caught your eye, reading the blurb before ultimately deciding that you didn’t want to read that one now. 

Pope took a deep breath before scanning the titles himself, attempting to find one that he had already read that he thought you would enjoy. He finally found one and grabbed it, walking over to you.

"Having troubles?" He asked.

You jumped slightly before looking at him. "Little bit. It's hard to find which one to read next, ya know."

Pope nodded before handing you the book. "You might like this one. I read it and could hardly put it down. It's definitely on my list of books to own." 

You took it with a smile. "Thanks."

 "It's no biggie." Pope shrugged. 

You smiled again before walking backwards towards the checkout counter. "I'll see you around, Pope." 

Pope grinned at the fact that you knew his name. "I hope so, Y/N."

You blushed slightly before turning around, meeting up with Kelce who immediately noticed your reddened cheeks.

"What's going on over here, Y/N/N?" He asked, pointing to his own cheeks.

"Nothing." You mumbled, placing your book and library card on the counter. 

Kelce looked around, trying to spot who was making his best friend blush before shrugging.

Later that night, you and Kelce were sitting on his living room floor with Rafe and Topper, a board game set out in front of the boys as you read your book and listened to their conversation. 

"Topper, St.Louis is not the capital of Illinois." Rafe said for what felt like the hundredth time. 

"What are you talking about? Yes it is!" 

Kelce took a deep breath before looking at Topper. "Top, sweetie, if you think St.Louis is the capital of Illinois, then what's the capital of Missouri?"

"Boise?"

You peered over your book with a blank look on your face, Kelce and Rafe having the same look on theirs.

"Come on guys, you know I'm bad at geography." Topper whined.

"I think," Rafe started, looking at Kelce, "We need to bust out that Sequence state capital game from second grade."

"I think I lost a brain cell during this conversation," Kelce rubbed his temples.

"Good thing you're not playing fucking jeopardy or you'd really be screwed, Top." You said.

Topper turned his attention to you. "Not all of us are book smart, Y/L/N." Topper leaned over to look at the page before squinting. "Whatcha reading that's better than playing a game with us, anyway?" 

You held up the book enough so they could read the title and Rafe raised an eyebrow. "Where'd ya find that one?"

"Someone recommended it to me." You blushed a little at the interaction with Pope earlier that day.

"Oh ho ho. That is the same blush you had at the library. You like this person." Kelce pointed.

"Shut up, Kelc."

"Wait. She was blushing? Oh snap."

"Spill the name, Y/N."

You rolled your eyes at your friends before replying. "I don't have to tell you three anything."

"Come on. If you're not gonna tell us then how will we tease you?" Rafe whined.

"That's exactly why I'm not gonna tell you. You'll just tease me and then whenever he's around, you'll act all juvenile."

Topper looked at the two boys before turning towards you. "If we promise that we will keep the teasing to a minimum when he's not around and that we act mature about this, will you tell us?"

You bit your lip before hesitantly nodding. Rafe, Topper and Kelce's eyes widened, eager to hear the name about to come out of your mouth.

You sighed, bookmarking your page. "His name is Marcel. He wears glasses and wears a sweater vest. A bit on the awkward side but very sweet."

Kelce and Topper shot each other confused glances, never having heard that name before. Rafe, on the other hand, cocked his head to the side with an unamused look and a 'really'.

"You know this Marcel, Cameron?" Topper asked.

"Yeah. If you watch the Best Song Ever music video, you'll meet him. I do have two sisters, remember." He answered.

You shrugged. "Worth a shot."

"Come on, Y/L/N. Just give us the name." 

You held up your hands in surrender. "Okay, okay." Your three friends leaned forward, staying quiet with raised eyebrows. "Pope Heyward." 

"Oh my God," Topper breathed.

"Can we not do the usual 'traitor' bullshit please? I feel like my mom is already going to have a fit."

"What makes you think we'd do that?" 

You shot each of them a look before standing up. "I gotta get going. You guys have fun and Topper," you looked at the blonde, "learn your damn capitals."

And then you were out the door.

****

Pope walked into The Wreck a few days later and spotted you in the corner, book in hand while you ate your food. Pope was so focused on you that he didn't even notice Kie appear next to him with a water pitcher in her hand.

"You gonna stand there all day or you gonna sit down with her and start up a conversation."

Pope whipped his head to look at his friend before shrugging. "I guess I could but sh-"

"She's reading and its rude to interrupt someone whos reading. I know." Kie rolled her eyes before walking over to your table.

He saw you smile at Kie and greet her before nodding. You looked past Kie and saw Pope. You grinned and waved him over which Pope happily did, taking a seat across from you.

"Want anything Pope?" Kie asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Just get me the usual." 

Kie smiled before walking away towards the back.

"I finished that book you recommended to me last night and I was speechless. The ending was...wow." You leaned back in your chair, taking a drink of water. 

"I know right. That book made me want to read all his other works and they're all just so amazing." Pope grinned.

"His writing is so poetic that I was surprised I wasn't reading an actual poem."

"Exactly. He's such a good writer."

You two talked for hours about different authors and books you guys liked, eventually both of you started writing down names of books and authors for the other to check out.

"How long have they been like that?" John B asked, JJ sitting beside him along with the kook boys who joined them unexpectedly with no hassle whatsoever. 

"Lets see. You five have been here for 45 minutes to an hour, Pope showed up a couple of hours before you. So...almost four." Kie smiled before scurrying off to wait on another table.

"Four what? Hours?" JJ asked. 

"Yes, dumbass." Rafe rolled his eyes before turning his attention back to the table where you sat with Pope.

"They both look so happy." Topper commented.

"Because they are. They're in love." Kelce sighed with a dopey smile on his face, resting his head against his hand.

"Aren't they a little young for love?" John B raised an eyebrow.

Kelce shot him a look which caused John B to raise his hand in surrender. 

"What do you think they're talking about?"

"They're both nerds. Take a guess."

JJ opened his mouth to object, offended on behalf of his best friend but John B stopped him. "No, no. He has a point."

You glanced at your watch before standing up, saying something to Pope who nodded, handing each other your phones. 

JJ smirked. "My boy is getting some." Rafe, Kelce, and Topper all turned to look at JJ, unamused with his words. "Or not."

*****

Pope shook his head. "No way. That is one of the dumbest and most cliche tropes ever." 

It was a week later and you and Pope sat at The Wreck again, having a conversation about whatever you recently read and now, apparently, your favorite and least favorite tropes.

"I have to disagree. Enemies to lovers has my heart." You responded, taking a bite out of your burger after you spoke.

"One bed and they have to share reigns supreme." Pope popped a fry into his mouth like that was the end of discussion. 

You held up your finger as you finished chewing before swallowing. "You have to have some love for the enemies to lovers trope then because a lot of enemies to lovers involve sharing a bed." You pointed out.

"What about friends to lovers? Hmm? Hmmm? That right there is practically gold and bed sharing comes into play." 

You rolled your eyes. "At some point, a friend likes another. I can tell you in confidence that I had a crush on Topper, Kelce, and Rafe at some point in our friendship. It was bound to happen because we hang out so much. Enemies to lovers though? Who willingly hangs out with their enemy? No one." 

Pope laughed. "Alright. Sure. Whatever." 

"Don't whatever me Pope. I'm right and you know I am." You laughed. 

Pope held his hands up in surrender.  "Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Kiara walked over to your table and you smiled. "Lets ask Kie."

"Ask me what?" Her eyes darted between you and Pope.

Pope turned to Kie. "I want you to be honest with me, Kie. Which trope is better? Best friends to lovers or enemies to lovers."

Kie blinked slowly as she spoke. "I was just coming here to ask if you need refills or anything else."

"This is more important. Best friends to lovers or enemies to lovers?" 

You both looked at the girl expectedly and she shrugged. "I'm more of a fake dating girl myself so neither."

"Or both." You raised your eyebrows.

"True. Enemies could fake date or friends could. Sounds like a both thing for me."

Kie just turned and walked away, shaking her head with a small smile. 

Your phone dinged and you looked down, seeing a text from your mom. "Thats my mother paging me." You sighed as you stood up. "This has been a fun date, Pope." 

"Date?" 

You felt your face heat up from embarrassment."Oh, was this...not- I shouldn't have assumed. I'm sorry."  

"No, it was. I just didn't think you'd think of it as one." Pope quickly said.

You smiled before kissing his cheek. "I'll talk to you later then.'

Pope blushed as he watched you walk away, paying for your half of the meal before exiting the building.

****

It's been a month since you and Pope became official. A lot of your dates were either study dates, beach dates, or dates that consisted of you two eating at The Wreck while discussing anything under the sun.

Pope was kind of scared when you asked him what he wanted to do for a living, considering everyone else thought it was weird but you were supportive.

"That's cool." 

Popes eyes widened in shock at your words. "Really? No 'why would you choose a coroner' or 'why the hell would you wanna work with dead bodies'?"

You shrugged as you stole one of the fries from his plate. "I think it's cool. It's a job not many people want but it's an important one." 

That was probably when Pope knew that he was in deep with you. The fact that you didn't judge the things he was passionate about and what he wanted to do. That just made him fall for you more and let him know that you were the perfect girl for him.

Now here you were, spending the weekend together in the best way.

You sat in Pope's living room, okay laid in Pope's living room, watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Pope had the house all to himself for the weekend and invited you over for a Harry Potter movie marathon since you two just finished rereading the entire series. 

So here you were, curled into your boyfriend's side with his arm draped over your shoulders, holding you closer if that was even possible. 

You sighed as Alan Rickman appeared on the screen. "I miss him."

Pope kissed the top of your head as he rubbed your arm. "I know, sweetheart. You say that everytime he pops up on screen."

"I can't help it. He was just such a good soul." 

Pope smiled, twirling some of your hair around his finger. He loved listening to you talk about things and people you were passionate about. The smile on your face whenever someone, usually him, brought up one of those topics was worth it and he could listen to your voice for hours on end, which usually happened when a topic of interest was brought up. 

"Are you even listening to me?" You'd ask, tapping his wrist.

"Every word."

You'd lean back and cross your arms, a smirk on your face as you raised one of your eyebrows. "Oh really?"

He'd nod before speaking. "You were saying how you think iced coffee is better than regular hot coffee."

You'd make an impressed face. "Are you going to say anything at any point in this conversation."

He'd pretend to think about it before shaking his head. "I'm good." 

You'd roll your eyes before purposely bringing up a topic that would cause him to talk some because just like him, you were obsessed with seeing his smile when he was interested in a topic and hearing his voice.

"Pope, did you hear me?" 

Pope blinked before shaking his head. "No. Sorry. I was spacing this time."

"I asked if you wanted to make stir fry tonight?" You laughed lightly at the space cadet you called a boyfriend.

Pope smiled and nodded. "Sounds great. I'll ask dad if we can raid the store for whatever we don't have." 

You both pulled out your phones, you to get the recipe and Pope to ask his dad if it was okay to take whatever was needed for dinner. 

You walked into the kitchen and started pulling out whatever you could find that was needed for the stir fry before writing down on a notepad what was left.

"We got the go ahead." Pope told you and you held up the notepad.

"Then let's go on an adventure." 

You two paused the movie and made your way down the street towards Heywards hand in hand.

"Have you ever seen the Percy Jackson movies?" You asked, genuinely curious if Pope had or not. Pope shook his head and you let out a laugh. "Oh boy. We might have to take a break from good ol' HP so you can watch them." 

"Why?" Pope swung your arms as looked at you.

"You might find them...interesting. That's all." You shrugged.

"Are they good?" 

You smiled up at him as you leaned your head on his arm. "You'll have to see."

Normally, you wouldn't recommend watching the movies to anyone but when it came to Pope, you wanted him to see it. You wanted to see him rant about all the differences and how bad this adaptation was. You wanted to see him get all flustered at the smallest details that the movies got wrong and complain about how this doesn't do the books any justice. 

"Are you setting me up?" A small smile sat on Pope's lips.

You placed a hand to your heart.  "Ouch Pope. That stings."

He just laughed before kissing your temple as you approached Heywards. Pope unlocked the door and you followed him inside, picking up the rest of your ingredients before walking over to the counter and pulling a 20 out of your pocket, sliding it under one of the boxes for Mr.Heyward to find.

"Really? You know my dad loves you right? Like you don't have to pay him for this stuff. He gave us the okay." Pope said.

You shrugged. "It's fine and it's only right. I mean, I'm taking things from his store. The least I can do is pay him." You turned to the security camera and waved before pointing to the box the cash was under and doing the hand signal for money.

"You do know he cant check the system from his phone right?" 

"Yeah but if he plays it back, he'll know and no one else will see the footage." You smiled before turning back to your boyfriend. "Ready?" You asked as you placed your things in a bag. 

Pope grabbed your hand and the bag as he nodded. "Lets get cooking." 

You laughed as you followed him back outside, waiting for him to lock the door before beginning the short journey back to his, the pair of you thinking about how lucky you were to have someone like the other.

~~~~~~

[festivecuriosity]

[October 13, 2020]

♡ Mercury retrograde in Scorpio is happening tonight. I can already feel/see it's influence. It also doesn't help matters that my current household is primarily made up of Scorpios or Plutonian individuals (most of my roommates are "essential workers" like EMTs or caretakers). Brad (the most Scorpio of the house) has called for a rare consideration; that there be silence in the living room (communal space) when he comes home. He's never asked for that before. This feels very symbolic of Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio. A moment of silence in our otherwise very talkative household. Besides that, he's coming home right around the time MRX/Scorpio would be officially beginning.

♤ Identifying omens is part of my practice. It's one of my oldest, foundational, cornerstones of how I communicate with the Universe and my guides. When you notice something (really notice it) to the point that it stands out in your mind and you end up thinking on it all day, it is an "omen". A symbolic representation of the message the Universe is sending you. I was given an omen by the Universe yesterday as to the immediate future/Mercury RX in Scorpio. I was outside (smoking) when I saw a hawk soaring in the air, being pursued by two black crows, and navigating around their assaults. The hawk (personally) represents my spiritual vision/focus/accuracy. The two crows, I believe, represented thoughts that attack my focus. I.e. Huginn and Muninn, thought and memory. Although, Huginn and Muninn are technically ravens. Not crows. I still think the message from the Universe is to tame my PTSD/where my mind goes/stay focused on my goals instead of letting my negative thoughts pick at me.

Also kind of reminds me of the qliphothic sphere/inverted sphere of Netzach. Where the "crows" pick at the beauty of Source. Another reminder to keep my inner criticism from attacking my spiritual focus/my ability to see the beauty in my life and self.

Two other people in the household got omens on the same day as me. One person got a vulture eating roadkill on the side of the road, the other got a brown cricket. Since the vulture means rebirth and ressurection through shadow work, I think the household is going through a transitional phase (what affects one person in the house typically touches all of us). I am not certain on the brown cricket, however. Good luck? What struck me the most about it was that my roommate was trying to catch it...and it always knew when to hop away just in the nick of time.

♧ I've been rearranging/unpacking my boxes from Seattle finally. For a long time now, I've just been living out of boxes, and refusing to do much magic. I didn't even set up my altar when I got all my stuff back from [Redacted abuser]. It's taken awhile to even get myself back to directly communicating with my guides...much less the Universe/Source. Anyways, I'm finally going through my boxes, and setting up an official altar area. When I was getting into my old rock and crystal collection (I was into that stuff way back before I realized how harmful the crystal/gemstone trend is for Earth's environment), I found an old piece of Mookaite that I friend gave me. And I shit you not, the thing physically vibrated in my hand when I touched it.

I've been holding it ever since. Have totally and honestly forgotten all the exact properties of the stones I own. It's been such a long time. I was also practicing "crystal/crystal energy psychicism" when I was homeless as a means to survive the streets so...I'm pretty sure my PTSD is blocking a lot of that information out.

I guess it's time to rediscover crystals again? Not buying any new ones. Just utilizing the ones I already have to the best of my ability. I feel like it was wrong that so many of them were taken from the ground to be pretty baubles for people. I might as well make it worth something by using them to help myself/others/incorporate them into my active life so they hold meaning.

Mookaite feels very grounding and soothing already. It feels like a very receptive stone, inviting energy into it much like organic pearls do. I also notice that it has almost a dream/trance-like affect to it's grounding energy. I think maybe I'll take time to meditate with it tomorrow.

◇ Brad pretty much runs the household that I live in. Further details; I live in a BDSM polycule, Brad is one of the doms. One of Brad's relationships was very close to being homeless recently. While normally, being homeless is... [redacted PTSD disassociating moment] being non-binary and homeless during COVID-19 is even worse. So we took them in. Inevitably, we had to make some major adjustments (about space, because technically we're fitting 9 people in a 2 bedroom house). It's been a test of adaptability through chaos for everyone. One of the major areas of contention is that everything inside the house is getting moved, rearranged, or tossed. And some people (mainly [redacted name]) is absolutely 100% terrible at adapting to change, unless someone is literally dying. Also, while I get that none of this can really be helped, I'm also a bit annoyed by the sudden introduction of someone new.

But even if I'm annoyed by it, I wasn't about to say "no" when Brad told us what was going on. I'm not a monster. I was homeless too and Brad helped me get off the streets. This person, while I don't know them well enough to make a judgement, deserves the same chance that I did to get stable in an era where stability is a pipe dream.

I'm actually not the one having the hardest problem. Surprising, it's the spirit of the house that's having the hardest problem. Our house is an old 1950's model built at the corner of a crossroads. Technically the house kinda exists as a liminal space. And there's so much stuffed inside of it that theoretically anything *could exist* in the house. Sometimes weird shit pops up and then disappears. It's very similar to the Seattle house I lived in when I was with [KILL BILL SIRENS] but has less of a metaphorical underworld cave vibe and more of a Howl's Moving Castle vibe. Anyways, the house itself is having a bad time adjusting to all the change/cleaning that the new roommate is doing...because it keeps hiding and moving (specifically) all the stuff that the new roommate has. They're not a stoner. They have a decently good memory. And I know that nobody in the house would do something like that. Plus, they apparently heard disembodied laughter right after discovering something was missing. The genuis locci (house spirit) is fucking with 'em hard.

I've never seen the genius locci do this before. The worst it ever did to me was hide a really expensive Egyptian cotton pillow case once. It eventually spat it back out after cuddling with it, I imagine. Seriously; Egyptian cotton sheets. Get you some.

So after the 100× time today that the new roommate was swearing about their missing things, I suggested that maybe they need to butter up the genius locci with gifts. Kinda romance the house a bit. Give it something so that it builds a relationship with the spirits that live here. They're a (self-professed) baby witch whose background is Jewish. They mostly excel at kitchen witchery (for now) and incorporating the works and wisdom of the Torah into their life. So they weren't too certain on ritualistic offerings to a house spirit. But with some suggestions from me and listening to their own intuition, they were able to put something quick together. It's nice to see people using magic around the house and learning new skills. And to their benefit, I felt the house chill out a bit after the ritual/gift giving was done.

I have been giving the house/my guides a portion of my nightly tea every now and then. It's honestly nothing fancy but I figure small gifts count for something right?

[punkscowardschampions]

Rio & Buster

Rio: They reckon they know who that bitch is so they gonna go see her, see if Edie is there or where she is if she ain't Buster: Well that's something Buster: Jesus Rio: Yeah, I don't hold much hope of her being useful personally but there we go Buster: Yeah me either Buster: Christ, I reckoned it was bad but Rio: I know Buster: Fuck my ego for a sec, I could barely hold her back Rio: Yeah it's scary shit Rio: really scary Rio: where's she even getting it Buster: Indie's been asking around, using her 'connections' as she calls 'em but I don't have a fucking clue Rio: I'll kill them Rio: I'll kill him Buster: You know I can't let you, babe Rio: I know you can't stop me Buster: I can Buster: I will Rio: Why Rio: he deserves it Buster: Yeah he does Buster: But you don't Buster: You know what'd happen and I ain't letting it Rio: Well what the fuck can I do then Rio: I'm sick of feeling helpless Rio: being useless Buster: Come home Buster: Indie's here and you ain't useless to her Buster: Or me Rio: I can't Rio: I've got to keep an eye on the rest and wait to hear Buster: Alright Buster: I love you Rio: I love you too Rio: For fuck sake Rio: she looked bad Rio: she looked skinny, didn't she Buster: Yeah Buster: And older Buster: Not in a dressed for the club kinda way Rio: This is just Rio: what do we actually do Buster: If we can find her we can force her to get clean since she's actually a fucking kid Buster: But that first part is easier said than done, like Rio: It all is Rio: if she don't want it Buster: She's 15 she don't get a choice Buster: Not in this Rio: Yeah Rio: make her the hospital's problem and she still won't be with us Rio: clean but no better either Buster: Clean's a fucking start Buster: If you want her to get to 16 Rio: What they gonna do, keep her indefinitely, I don't think so Rio: don't be ignorant Buster: Keep her until she's slightly less unreachable than she is now Buster: At least Rio: Yeah 'cos she'll be buzzin' about being sectioned Buster: She ain't gonna be happy regardless Buster: What's the alternative? Buster: None of your fam is equipped to deal Rio: Fuck you Buster: Fuck me 'cause that's a fact? Yeah sure Buster: She's on hard shit that she can't just come off and what, you want her to do that in a house full of kids? Buster: But I'm ignorant Rio: Fuck you for talking like it's easy and you have any clue Buster: Show me where I've said that Rio: You're doing it right now Rio: Judging like we ain't doing enough Buster: Are they? Buster: 'Cause I ain't seeing it Buster: You said yourself it's all on you the other day so don't act like they're sainted now Rio: Well not all problems can be solved by sending your kids away Buster: No problems can be solved by letting your kids do whatever the fuck they want Buster: I don't know how any of our parents ain't realized that yet Rio: Have you ever tried to stop any of us Rio: it ain't that simple, I don't think it's their fucking master plan of parenting Buster: It ain't my job Buster: They haven't got a plan, I don't see why I'm getting it in the neck from you for telling it like it is Rio: Exactly Rio: so you don't know and that's why Rio: you're talking shit Rio: just stop yeah Buster: Fuck that Buster: This fam got lucky up to this point, that's all Buster: They don't know what to do about Edie 'cause they ain't ever known what to do with any of us Rio: How is this helpful for me to hear right now Buster: You don't want helpful you want someone to have a go at and it can't be them so its me Rio: No, I really want helpful Rio: but you ain't it Rio: just go away, I haven't got time for this Buster: Standard Buster: And actually fuck you 'cause everything I do is to help you Rio: I don't need help Rio: this is about Edie Buster: Well I've said my piece on that already Buster: So whatever Rio: Yeah Rio: thanks so much for your illuminating perspective Rio: Christ Buster: What do you want? Buster: I'm as lost as you are Buster: Fuck's sake Rio: Just admit it and deal with it Buster: I'm still wearing the marks from where I had to drag her halfway across a club Buster: Excuse me if I'm reeling Buster: I didn't realise there was such a small time limit on dealing with last night, like Rio: Roll with the punches, babe Rio: Standard Buster: Fuck off Rio: Gladly Rio: Got enough here to deal with Buster: I swear to god Buster: If you keep treating me like a problem to deal with you're actually gonna have one Buster: I care about her too Buster: I have feelings too Rio: We all do Buster: Act like it then Buster: You started this convo, if you don't wanna talk to me right now, don't Rio: There isn't time Rio: fuck your feelings, fuck mine too Rio: it's an emergency and I'm keeping you in the loop my God Buster: Don't do me any favours Buster: Someone else will get round to it eventually Rio: Don't be childish Rio: it's for Indie more than it is you Buster: You ain't told me anything I can tell her Buster: Don't act like you have Buster: There's no answers Rio: They're out right now finding her Rio: And you didn't want me to go with so what the fuck else can I do Rio: just 'cos you feel useless don't act like they are Buster: We both know they ain't gonna find shit Buster: It ain't about what they are doing or not doing it's about what Edie is Buster: She doesn't want to be found so she won't Rio: Well she don't wanna go to rehab either but you apparently think that's the answer all of a sudden Buster: It's a better one than doing nothing Buster: So sue me, babe Rio: Go make it happen then Rio: oh wait, you can't Rio: you're being really fucking irritating Buster: So leave Buster: Go follow along after them and see how much better it makes things Rio: I told you I'm looking after the others Rio: are you actually on this planet right now like hello Rio: get with the programme even if you can't get behind it Buster: And you've told me repeatedly that ain't where you wanna be and its all my fault supposedly so Buster: Stop feeling useless if you've got so much to apparently do Rio: You gonna come here and stop them crying? Rio: I don't fucking think so Rio: Yeah, it ain't ideal but what else is new Buster: Nah, I'm gonna stay here and make sure Indie ain't alone Buster: But that's probably wrong of me too, like Rio: Don't be stupid Buster: I ain't Buster: Don't talk to me like I am Rio: Then stop giving me needless stress Buster: Behave Rio: Just Rio: this is going to get so much worse Rio: and I already can't hack it Buster: You think I don't know that? Buster: I was there, I saw her Rio: We haven't seen the half of it Buster: Exactly Buster: We need to stick together Rio: How Buster: Stop fighting me and I'll stop fighting you Buster: And we'll just fucking do better than this Buster: Somehow Buster: I love you and I'm sorry Rio: Don't be sorry Rio: What can you do more than any of us can Buster: Not be a cunt to you right now for one thing Buster: That'd help Buster: Look, I'm gonna stay for a while, okay. Fuck school, that's easily sorted compared to all this Rio: No, you can't Buster: I can Buster: I will Rio: You need to focus on you right now Buster: I'll get my work sent like I did before Buster: Don't worry about me Rio: No, don't you worry about this Buster: It's too late, I already am Rio: Like you said, she's staying gone Rio: No matter how many heads are on the case Buster: I might not be able to help her but I can help you Buster: Indie too Rio: Buster Buster: Rio Buster: I told you to stop fighting me, yeah? Rio: Yeah but Buster: But nothing, I can resit any exam if it comes to that Buster: You're more important Buster: This whole fam of fuck ups is, even if I wish I didn't care Rio: This is your future you're talking about, like Rio: not to sound like a teacher Buster: Shut up Buster: You're my future Buster: Not to sound like that cunt Rio: Babe Buster: Let me stay Rio: You know you'll have to talk to your parents Rio: and they're not gonna be happy Buster: I'll handle it Rio: If you're sure Rio: I'm not gonna stop you, am I Buster: Good Rio: Are you sure? Buster: 'Course Buster: I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't Rio: You might've, it's been Rio: well, a wild few hours, say the least Buster: Well, I'm sure Buster: And not only 'cause I'm very much needed over here with this kid Rio: I mean, terms of running away from your problems, not exactly doing it right Rio: so Buster: God, I wish Buster: A holiday's never sounded better Rio: Yeah Rio: Can't blame her Rio: holiday from reality, like Buster: Fucking tempting Rio: Exactly Rio: though her pal was enough to put anyone off Buster: Seriously Rio: That's how she wants to be Rio: it's Rio: I don't get it Rio: she's so smart Rio: like my mum Rio: she could do anything, if she wanted Buster: Yeah Buster: She has to want to though Buster: That's the fucked thing Rio: Yeah Rio: you can't make someone give a shit about life Rio: not saying you give up on them but if it ain't enough then it ain't Buster: There you go being right again, even if we don't want you to be this time Buster: When did she stop? Remember when she was little, she was as happy as any of us Buster: Happier than me, Christ Rio: Yeah Rio: I don't know, when we came back here for good Rio: when people were talking and she listened Rio: pointing out she ain't the same Rio: it's like she didn't know or notice before that Buster: Maybe she didn't Buster: Why would she? Buster: Before people made her, like Rio: Then she had to be around him Rio: and Indie Rio: no offense but that's how it is Buster: Yeah Buster: I wonder how she'd have been if you'd lived somewhere else Rio: Probably alright Rio: I mean Rio: who fucking knows Rio: it's too late to speculate Rio: it felt like the right thing at the time, they already had enough guilt leaving Indie that long Rio: then Drew went to prison for the first time and the hope was he'd sort it for them both but well Buster: That fucking cunt Buster: It wouldn't be half as bad if he felt any guilt himself Rio: Yeah Rio: he's hardly lived or living a happy life himself but doesn't make up for fucking up theirs really Buster: Especially now he's doing it again with another daughter Buster: No lessons learnt Rio: I can't believe Ro let it happen Rio: has she not been here Buster: Me either Buster: What the fuck Rio: Does she really think it's different with her Rio: not now, illusion properly shattered Rio: at least my ma didn't know Buster: I refuse to buy into that bullshit Buster: She has to know the truth Buster: They haven't been stupid kids for a long time and he was doing that shit to her back then, like Buster: How could anyone see how he treated Indie's mum and be like yeah, I wanna have a kid with that Rio: Yeah well she almost hated her as much as she hates herself, like Rio: she weren't shedding any tears Buster: So fucked Buster: Like she was the mess and he's the savior, stepping up for the kid she died and left behind, fuck that Buster: We all saw how it really played out Rio: Yeah, never mind he got her in that state Rio: and she knew he was a dealer back then, it's never not been obvious Rio: No one better tell her about Edie, I don't want her fake care Buster: Or her obvious judgement Buster: She knew he was Edie's dad too, that's never been a secret, how does that fit the narrative, Auntie? Buster: Not pulling any heroics for that one, was he? Rio: Now I'm just angry Rio: I wouldn't wanna come back either Buster: Do you wanna go to the gym later, get it out? Buster: I'd go now but Indie won't stop throwing up and the dog won't stop getting in the way Rio: Fun Rio: I guess Rio: I don't know what I want to do that I can so Rio: better suggestion than I've got rn Buster: I'll let you fight me Buster: Not saying I'll let you win but Buster: It'll help, I swear Rio: Got it, your ego's battered enough for one day Buster: Nah, just anger doesn't make you grow, last I checked Buster: Your sister might be able to take me, but you can't Rio: 😒 Rio: Shut up Buster: Come on, babe Buster: Aren't you motivated to punch me now? Buster: You're welcome Rio: Hmm Rio: that's how the trainer's do it, is it? Buster: I never said I was qualified Buster: Just enthusiastic Rio: Now you're making me laugh Rio: such mixed messages Buster: I'm not mad about it Rio: I love you Buster: I love you more Rio: Nah Rio: wanna fight about it? Buster: Yeah Buster: I do Rio: Hot Buster: Don't Buster: I already miss you Rio: Well it is Rio: you know I weren't just bringing Janis to watch you fight for entirely selfless reasons Buster: Yeah? Buster: Well, you know I always looked out for you, hoping you'd show up Rio: Yeah right Buster: Seriously Buster: I'm not saying I fought better when you were watching but you can go check my results any time, like Rio: Baby Rio: now you got me feeling some type of way Buster: I just wanted to impress you Buster: Don't you know that? Rio: Well, mission accomplished, like Buster: Good 'cause you're so impressive Buster: All the time Buster: Even now with everything else that's going on I can't stop thinking about you Rio: I don't know what I would've done if you weren't there Rio: or still here now Rio: I'm so glad you're staying Buster: Me too Rio: Yeah? Rio: I know you're staying because shit's a mess but I promise Rio: it won't be all bad Buster: I know Buster: But I hope you know that if it was, I'd still want to stay Rio: I know you would Rio: but who am I Rio: not giving you any incentive? Please Buster: I want to be with you no matter what Buster: I want you Buster: So much Rio: I have no idea why right now but I'll make a special effort to remind you and myself Rio: swear Buster: I'm not gonna say no to that Buster: Or else who am I Buster: But I haven't forgotten, promise Rio: Good Rio: We've got to remember Buster: I can't forget Buster: Like I said, you're too important Rio: But I don't want that to be a negative Rio: ever Buster: It won't be Rio: I won't always be such a moody cow, like Buster: I can't promise that Buster: You know I'm the moodiest cunt going Rio: Not when you're with me Rio: I'm gonna make you so happy Buster: You do Buster: One of many reasons I'm wishing you were here right now Rio: I know Rio: This isn't fun Buster: I'll make sure you have fun later Rio: Promises, promises Buster: [sends a selfie with like a cross my heart kinda gesture thing] Rio: Nerd Rio: good thing you're so cute with it too Buster: You love it Rio: Yeah Rio: I do Buster: Good Rio: How is Indie now? Buster: I've managed to get some water down her Buster: She isn't unconscious or choking on said sick so I'll take it Rio: Oh God Rio: I will be back soon to takeover Rio: Junior picked a day to be sociable for once Buster: It's alright, even if she's poisoned herself with the booze they wouldn't do any more hardcore monitoring than I'm doing right now Buster: And any night that it's acceptable to wanna get black out drunk, like Buster: Can't blame her after all that Buster: I've done it for less Rio: Yeah Rio: Haven't we all Buster: If nothing else, it'll put her off for a while Buster: Not that she really drinks but you know Rio: Gonna have her rooting harder for team weed, like Buster: Shit yeah Buster: Good point Rio: Oh well Rio: least it can't hurt her, I mean Rio: not to dangerous levels, like Rio: lesser of the evils forreal considering what Edie's up to Buster: Agreed Buster: We've gotta pick our battles right now anyway Rio: And you're coming here to not have a kid Rio: 🙄 Buster: At least if this Chlo's is mine it'll be easy compared to this shit Rio: least 'til the kid hits puberty Buster: Don't Buster: That's so far off I'll probably have a dad bod to go with the dad stress Rio: Be alright if I'd actually signed up for this shit, you know, birthed 'em myself Buster: That'd be too easy Rio: How'd'ya mean? Buster: If this was your job you'd be doing it better Buster: We wouldn't be here Buster: You know you're the best mum ever and you ain't even one yet Rio: You're so lovely Rio: but nah Buster: You don't reckon? Rio: I don't think so Rio: I'm a mess myself, god help any kid that came from this, you know 😂 Buster: Oh my god have we found the one thing I'm right about and you ain't Buster: The day's looking up Rio: Um no Rio: hold off on the smug celebrations just yet, like Buster: Nah Buster: 'Cause you ain't a mess, you're perfect and I know it so Rio: You're funny, babe Buster: And you're perfect Buster: I'm gonna keep saying it until you believe me Rio: Well it doesn't matter anyway, 'cos you'll be pleased to know I'm not with child Buster: Pleased doesn't come close to my level of relief Buster: No offense Rio: 😏 Rio: It's alright, it's mutual Buster: One day maybe, like Buster: But that's not today Rio: Nah Rio: definitely not Buster: Thank fuck neither of us got that drunk last night Buster: I'm so fucking tired as is Rio: Can't even call you out for lack of stamina Rio: rude Buster: You could try but if you're gonna lie to me there's more worthwhile ones to tell I'm sure Rio: 😂 Buster: That's when you're meant to tell me that you'd never lie to me ever Buster: Just so you know Rio: Soz, distracted by all the potential lies I could come at you with Rio: gotta make it the most worthwhile, like Buster: 😒 Rio: Was kinda hoping Chloe was going with a fake pregnancy but now it's real it's taken the shine off that idea so Buster: She's very committed to the lie if it is Rio: Well yeah, can't half-arse it Rio: gotta get those payments or what's the point Buster: She's half arsed everything else in her like up until this point Buster: Life* Buster: Including seducing me so Rio: s'why having kids for the funds is such a good career move Buster: That is all James is good for, to be fair Rio: You know Rio: warm bed but, take a travelodge Buster: The fact that'd you'd rather stay there says it all Buster: Now you've got me laughing Rio: I'll allow the snobbery Buster: It aon Buster: It ain't even, if a night with you ain't better than 5 star, who the fuck are you Rio: 😏 Rio: Why you tryna make me miss you more though Buster: 'Cause you've already done me like that Rio: You're seriously hot, you know that Buster: Yeah but I want you to tell me Rio: Happily Rio: Not much of a hardship is it Buster: It feels like one now though Buster: Making me want you Rio: Poor baby Buster: How do you do this Buster: It's impressive and annoying Rio: I can always stop Rio: go be impressive elsewhere and to someone else, like Buster: Don't Rio: Are you sure Rio: Hate to being annoying Buster: Don't you dare Buster: You know I need you Rio: Mm Rio: Say it again Buster: I really fucking need you, Rio Rio: Fuck Rio: Buster Buster: I know Rio: Am I selfish? Buster: You're the most unselfish person I've ever met, babe Buster: There's literally nobody who cares more about other people than you Rio: But, how do I still have time to think about this Buster: 'Cause everything's fucked and it hurts and there's so little we can do Buster: Who would want to think about nothing but that? Buster: It's not selfishness its self preservation Buster: Distracting each other when things are shit is what we do Buster: You keep me sane and I keep you sane Rio: Yeah Rio: I know you're right Rio: it's hard to remember Buster: I'm here for you, whatever you need Buster: Including going away right now if you want me to Rio: I don't Buster: Tell me what you want, babe Rio: You Rio: I just want you to make me feel good Buster: You've got me, baby Buster: And I want you to feel good too Buster: I love you Rio: I know Rio: when I get back and Indie is alright can we just forget about this for a while Buster: Yeah Buster: I promise Rio: I don't care how long just as long as we can okay Rio: not even a stamina dig Buster: I'll give you as much time as I can Buster: We can at least have the night Rio: That's enough, as long as I have you Rio: do you think you'll have to go back to talk to your parents or what? Buster: You'll always have me Buster: And I'll always want you Buster: I'll call mum, but if she kicks off, maybe Rio: You've got me Rio: for fucking ever and I mean it Rio: Yeah, well, you know they won't be happy but Buster: They can't make me do anything Buster: I want to stay Rio: Might drag you back by your ear, like Buster: Good fucking luck Buster: We aren't kids and they only treat us like we are when it suits 'em Buster: We're adults when we have to handle shit they ain't Rio: Literally Rio: though I literally can't remember the last time mine tried to school me in anything Buster: Nobody else is here holding Indie's hair back, it's just me Buster: So sorry mum, deal with it Rio: You're so good Buster: I'm not Buster: I don't have a clue what I'm doing Rio: Yeah but you're trying and who else would Rio: is Buster: I don't know what to say to her Rio: Don't mix your drinks next time? Buster: It's a start, like Buster: She won't let me call Meena and she can't come to you lot the state she's in Buster: Should I just call her anyway? Rio: Well, how bad is it, like? Buster: Bad, but also I don't know what she'd do that I ain't Buster: It's a waiting game basically Rio: Leave it, June says he'll be back in 20 so I'll be back Rio: Meena wouldn't know what do any more than you, like Buster: Yeah, that's what I figured Rio: I highly doubt she's ever been in this state so Rio: let Inds sober up, if we think she needs to go talk to someone as close to Drew as she is then we'll make her but Rio: not getting sense out of her yet, like Buster: Alright Buster: Where the fuck is Junior anyway? Rio: I don't know Rio: Doing something for Uni probably? Idk Buster: Picks the worst possible time to be on a date or some shit Rio: Please Rio: He's not on a date Buster: You don't know Rio: I'd know if he was on a date Buster: How? Rio: Because I know things Rio: he's never been on a date Rio: just awkward ones with girls Buster: There's a first time for everything, babe Buster: Look at my sister, kissing half of Dublin's gay population all of a sudden Rio: 🙄 Buster: I'm just saying Rio: No, trust me, I would know Buster: Okay, babe Buster: If you say so Rio: 😒 Don't be a dick Buster: Calm down Rio: Look, I've got a handle on the rest of them, alright Rio: just 'cos I don't on Edie now Buster: I know Rio: I do Buster: Like I said, I know Rio: Sound convinced then Buster: You don't have shit to prove to me Rio: I'm not trying to Rio: just don't say I don't Buster: I wasn't saying that Rio: That's alright then Buster: Yeah Rio: Sorry Rio: I'm not trying to fight again Buster: It's alright Buster: You can fight me if you wanna, I told you Rio: I really don't want to Rio: Only in the fun ways I have imagined, like Buster: Well, I promised you fun so you can have those at least Rio: Yeah? Rio: You haven't even heard about that fantasy, you don't know what you're agreeing to Buster: I'm not saying no Buster: I only wanna say yes Rio: Keen Rio: haven't even started yet, babe Buster: Enthusiastic, remember Rio: I can tell Buster: You haven't seen nothing yet Rio: I know Rio: makes me sad Buster: [sends pics] Buster: There, now you don't need to be sad Rio: Just turned on instead, okay Rio: 😩 Buster: That's as easily fixable Rio: Cocky Buster: Confident Rio: Keeping me waiting Buster: Wouldn't wanna be too keen now, would I? Rio: 😑 Rio: Boy you better stop playing Buster: You like it when I play with you Buster: Don't pretend you don't Rio: but Buster: What? Buster: Use your words, baby Rio: You're playing too much, daddy Rio: I need you to give it to me properly Buster: [Calls 'cause sometimes you just wanna hear someone's voice, good day] Rio: I'd missed you more than I thought Buster: I'm taking that as a compliment Rio: If you want pillowtalk, gimme a sec to just Rio: fuck Rio: i'm still shaking Buster: Nah, that's all I really wanted to hear Rio: Idiot Rio: I love you Buster: I know Rio: I can't remember what I was saying when you made me cum that last time all I know is I didn't want you to stop Buster: You're so fucking beautiful Buster: I mean that in all the ways I could mean it Buster: I love you too Rio: How do you make me feel this much better Rio: it's ridiculous Buster: You know how hard I work with school and I don't even like it Buster: 'Course I'm committed to things I actually wanna do Rio: 😏 Rio: Well, I'm glad I'm one of those things, like Buster: You're the top of the list and you know it Rio: Can't act like I haven't earnt the title Buster: You keep on earning it, babe Buster: I love that about you Rio: You know, haven't got you down the aisle yet Buster: I'm ready whenever you are Rio: You know it's happening Buster: Good Buster: I want it to Rio: I know Rio: it'll be so weird to call you my husband Buster: You don't have to Buster: My name is fine, like Rio: Shh Rio: You know what I'm saying Buster: Yeah Buster: You're cute Rio: 😣 Buster: Adorable Rio: Hmpf Rio: Well you'll have to get over how lowkey turned on it makes you to call me your wife, won't you 😋 Buster: Everything you do or say makes me turned on at this point, I don't think I need to worry Buster: If I can handle that, I can handle anything Rio: 😂 Rio: If you can handle how good I looked last night Rio: waste Buster: Don't remind me Buster: Jesus Rio: I'm not sorry Buster: Stop trying to turn me on again Rio: Fine Rio: Whatever daddy wants daddy gets 🤷 Buster: It's too late now, I'm thinking about it Rio: Whoops Buster: You're so distracting Rio: You need distracting Buster: Oh do I? Rio: Yep Rio: You need it bad Buster: You sound sure Buster: Tell me what else I need Rio: I'm certain Rio: I don't need to be on your lap to know Rio: but that's what you need Rio: for a start Buster: Yeah? Rio: Trust me daddy Rio: I know how to look after you Buster: Fuck, I miss you Buster: I literally just talked to you Rio: I know but you were so focused on making me feel better Rio: it's your turn Buster: Did it work, baby? Rio: Of course it did, you made me feel so good Rio: didn't I tell you enough times Buster: It's never enough, you know that Rio: I feel that Rio: that's why I'm still missing you Rio: thinking about you Buster: We both need more Buster: What are you thinking about? Rio: About how I want so much of you in my mouth I can barely breathe, mainly Buster: Babe Rio: Yeah? Buster: Come home Rio: it feels good to say that Rio: doesn't it Buster: The best Rio: And it's an actual place, that's all ours Buster: I told you I'd find us somewhere Buster: We have it, whatever else happens Rio: and nothing bad has ever happened there Rio: there were too many bad memories in the old place Buster: And it won't Buster: You're safe Rio: I feel it Rio: I've never felt this before Buster: You're allowed to get used to it Buster: I promise the feeling isn't gonna go away Rio: I try Rio: even though it feels too good to be true Buster: You feel too good to be true Buster: But you are Rio: I really do right now, you're saying all the right things Buster: I'm thinking all the right things too, believe me Buster: You really started something Rio: I do Rio: but tell me Buster: It's that fucking outfit Buster: You know what you did Rio: It was a little bit for you too Rio: Sorry birthday girl Buster: You've got me wishing it was my birthday now Rio: Don't waste a wish or a year when I'll do whatever you want the other 364 too Buster: Christ Buster: I can't believe you exist sometimes Rio: Why? Rio: Isn't this how all girls treated you Buster: No Buster: You're better than any of them and any fantasy I've ever had Rio: Good, I want to be Rio: though most of your fantasies were about me, let's be honest Buster: Yeah and you've outperformed them Buster: I'm very proud Buster: Making me doubt the quality of my imagination Rio: 😩 Don't say that again by which I mean do, fuck me Rio: nah, I know you've got a dirty mind too, s'why I love you Buster: The reality's better though Buster: I mean it, everything you do and say turns me on so much Rio: Not gonna disagree Rio: I never thought it would be as good as it is Buster: I never thought it would happen Buster: Like even when it almost did Buster: It didn't feel real Buster: That I could feel like that Rio: I know what you mean Rio: I felt literally feral with how bad I wanted you Rio: just from a look Buster: Exactly Rio: Never mind when I snorted that line off you Rio: Jesus Buster: Fuck Buster: I was trying to tell myself that the coke was just that good but Rio: Nah Rio: it was all us Rio: does it make me sound like a bunny boiler if I say I feel like I knew we'd end up here from that moment Buster: I don't care Buster: It was what I wanted Rio: I've wanted you for so long, Buster Buster: I know Buster: Jesus, I'm aching from the memory of that night never mind anything else Rio: Yeah, that was really bad, when we got stopped Rio: it was like I didn't think I'd ever get to have you and then finally it was happening and then it wasn't and I had to go Rio: I've never thought about anyone as much as I did you until I saw you again after that Buster: I don't know how I didn't kill someone that night Buster: I don't reckon I've ever been as angry as I was when you left Rio: Seriously Rio: it was scary how Rio: intense it was Buster: I'd do it all again Buster: For this Rio: Me too Rio: I had no choice in the matter Rio: I decided after that, either I was doing this or I wasn't and it had to stop Buster: Thank fuck you didn't put a stop to it, like Rio: As if I could Rio: we both tried that bullshit Buster: I wish I had better words for how much I love you and want you and just fucking need you, you know Rio: but I know Rio: I feel it and you show me literally all the time Rio: even when you're not here with me I still know Buster: Good Rio: I know you reckon lads have treated me like crap Rio: and you're mostly right Rio: but even the alright ones Rio: I never knew if what they were saying was true, or if they were as into it Rio: it was always a guessing game, you aren't like that Buster: You've always seen right through me, babe Buster: But I'm not mad about that anymore Buster: I've got nothing to hide now, not from you Rio: Good Rio: I just Rio: get you Rio: I don't even know why Rio: Always have Buster: Yeah Buster: Even when we were kids it was like that Rio: And when you were peak dickhead and I was.. let's not even go there, like Buster: Nance used to get so mad when we met up with you in summers and everything Buster: Even if I hadn't seen you for ages you still knew me the same and it went back to how it was Rio: I was never trying to come for her spot Buster: In fairness to her I did talk about you all the time, it must've been annoying Buster: Not saying you should buy her a fruit basket but like Buster: My crush was so obvious, I don't wanna think about it Rio: Awh but I do Rio: so cute Buster: Shh Rio: Come on, you always took the piss about how bad I fancied you Buster: Yeah, why do you think that was? Rio: Of course it was obvious projection Rio: but I did fancy you, even if I was better at hiding it Buster: You were no better than me at hiding it babe Buster: Sorry to have to tell you Rio: How dare you Rio: Smooth operator here Buster: What the actual fuck did like our parents and everyone else think at the time? Buster: 'Cause seriously Rio: That we'd grow out of it Rio: Whoops Buster: Sorry mum Buster: But not Rio: Why didn't you do it again Rio: Kiss me, I mean Buster: You were there Buster: You know how it went Buster: And how everyone else was Rio: I would've helped you Rio: in private too Rio: I did think you didn't like me for a long while after that Buster: I just Buster: People hadn't ever really took the piss out of me before that Rio: Yeah Rio: I get it now Rio: I wanted to kiss you again though Buster: Me too Buster: I thought about it all the time Buster: But I thought you didn't like it Rio: I liked it, I liked you Rio: even if were a dick about it afterwards Rio: it made me feel things I'd never felt before Buster: I'm sorry I was such a prick Rio: Like you said, no one had ever taken the piss out of you before Rio: what were you meant to do really Buster: I should've done what I wanted to do Buster: Kissed you again anyway Rio: It's weird but I remember thinking I was so jealous of your mum and dad, that it was so cool that they got to be together all the time and I only got to see you in holidays Rio: it didn't really occur to me it wasn't a normal setup I was just mad about it Buster: A lot of shit is weird to look back on Rio: Seriously Rio: I don't know why you were different from the others Rio: you just always were Buster: I don't understand it either Buster: Like I could justify it to myself that it was me, you and Nance 'cause we were the oldest but Rio: Don't get me wrong, it's not just 'cos she's a girl that I don't look at her like that Rio: I just wouldn't ever, I don't know Buster: I hope not Rio: Seriously Buster: Like if that twat had dared me to kiss any of the others I wouldn't Buster: Not just 'cause they're younger or whatever Rio: I dunno Rio: clearly we are fucked up but it's too late to do anything now Buster: I get if the fam doesn't get it 'cause like we don't either Buster: You're just different, you've always been unlike anyone else Buster: And every time I think about that kiss I wanna kiss you again Rio: You too Rio: Let's not say it's because we're special though, might be a bit unbearable of us Buster: You can say it to me Buster: I won't tell on you Rio: You were always good for that, to be fair Rio: Nance and June would crack under the teeniest bit of questioning Buster: We ain't fucking amateurs, babe Buster: Not us Rio: I seriously love you Buster: Marry me Rio: All I can ever say to that is yes Buster: We don't have to wait until exams are over Buster: We can go now Rio: Where Buster: Brazil, like you want Rio: You know it's 11 1/2 hours away Buster: So? Rio: We can't just nip off now and be back before anyone notices Buster: We can stay there like I was gonna stay here Rio: I wish we could Buster: Say yes and we can Rio: I wanna so bad Buster: I know what's stopping you Buster: Don't let it Rio: What's stopping me Buster: You're worrying about everyone else left behind Rio: Well, yeah Buster: I'll take Indie to Meena's if we're doing this Rio: and say what, babysit the kid, we're eloping Buster: Yeah Buster: Not in those exact words, like Rio: This is madness Rio: You know your Ma will actually kill you, right Buster: I don't care Buster: I'll die happy won't I Rio: You're such a fool Buster: For you, yeah Buster: You know I'm weak for you, baby Rio: Fuck Rio: You're serious, aren't you? Buster: I am Rio: Then okay Rio: let's make it happen Buster: Yeah? Rio: Yeah Rio: Marry me, Buster Buster: Oh fuck Buster: That's all I want Rio: Me too Rio: I don't want to wait anymore, I've done enough waiting when it comes to you Buster: Promise me if it takes a few days to sort this you aren't gonna change your mind Rio: I promise Rio: I do need to tell Indie though, at least Rio: I can't have her thinking I'm just going on holiday without her for no good reason Rio: especially now Buster: Do whatever you need to do, babe Rio: I love you Buster: I really fucking love you Rio: I never wanna be without you again Buster: You won't Buster: But you will have to find something else to say when you're about to cum 'cause you can't tell me to marry you when I already have Rio: Damn Rio: Maybe I take that promise back Buster: Don't you dare Buster: You're a smart girl you know all the right things to say Buster: You'll figure it out Rio: Jesus Rio: I'm already having to think on my feet here because fuck Buster: Practice makes perfect, baby Buster: I know you can do this Rio: Daddy Buster: You're an angel Buster: I've got so much faith in you, okay Rio: Just think about how good the honeymoon sex will be Rio: I am Buster: Christ Buster: The sound I just made at the idea of that Buster: And the fact that you even said honeymoon Rio: That's what it'll be Rio: finallly let you do all the things I ain't, such an angel, of course Buster: You're killing me Rio: Maybe we can get tattoos when we're there too, like you said Buster: Seriously? Rio: If you want Buster: I do Rio: You can pick mine Rio: I trust you Buster: We should pick each other's then Buster: It's only right that you get to decide the first thing that goes on me Buster: I'm all yours anyway Rio: I literally just stopped breathing Buster: I trust you Buster: Mark me however you want Rio: Are you trying to kill me right now Buster: If I have to be this close to it then you have to come with me Rio: Are you touching yourself too Buster: I was trying not to 'cause I want it to be you but Rio: It's okay, we've got so much time Rio: I'm giving it all to you Buster: Fuck Buster: You're unreal Rio: I'm so real Rio: this is real Rio: we're actually gonna do this Buster: I can't believe it Rio: I'm gonna have your name, baby Buster: You're making me moan yours Rio: Good Rio: I'm gonna be on the tip of your tongue in another way so soon Buster: Damn Buster: It sounds like I'm praying in here Buster: I can't stop Rio: Don't stop Rio: I never want you to stop, even when I'm begging you to, I wanna be ignored because daddy know what's best for me and how to make me feel so fucking angelic Buster: You're so fucking hot Buster: So perfect Rio: It's for you Buster: All of it Rio: If I'm not making you happy, proud, hard or cum then I'm not doing it Rio: Simple as Buster: You're doing all of those things right now, angel Buster: So well Rio: That makes me so happy Rio: I feel so good right now, daddy Buster: Me too Buster: I feel like I'm high but it's just you Rio: I know you're gonna keep me this happy for the rest of our lives and it's killing me Buster: At least this happy Buster: If not more Rio: I don't think it's possible for me to be any happier Buster: I'll rise to that challenge, babe Buster: We'll see Rio: I know you will Rio: that's why I wanna be your wife Buster: Tell me how happy you are after we're married Buster: Tell me every day, okay Buster: I need to make sure Rio: Of course Rio: You're going to know, I'll make sure Buster: Yeah you will Buster: I know Rio: No one else has ever made me happy like you, Buster Rio: I mean that Buster: Nobody has ever made me happy until you Buster: I mean that Rio: Baby Rio: I'm gonna make you feel better than you ever imagined possible, okay Buster: You already have Buster: You do Buster: You are right now Rio: Well this is just the beginning Rio: there's so much we're gonna do together Buster: I wanna do everything with you Rio: You will Rio: What do you wanna do next baby? Buster: I wanna make all your dreams come true Buster: Make all those ideas you had for the future a reality Rio: I'm so glad you believe in me Rio: it feels good having you on my team Buster: I've never believed in anyone more Buster: Except myself Buster: We're both gonna have the career we want, babe Buster: And love everything about our lives not just each other Rio: I believe that too Buster: We can live anywhere, travel anywhere, do anything Rio: There'll be nothing or no one that can stop us Buster: I'm gonna give you things you didn't even know you wanted Rio: Yeah? Buster: Things you didn't know you could want or were allowed to want Buster: Everything Rio: You're gonna make me scream Buster: Do it Buster: You know nothing gets to me more Rio: Buster Buster: Rio Buster: Be loud for me Rio: Tell me what to say Buster: Tell me to marry you while you still can Rio: I can't believe none of them heard that Buster: You'll have to be louder next time, baby Rio: Oh hush Rio: I thought of something that made me cum really hard Rio: I didn't mean to but it kinda popped into my head and now I'm scared to say it in case it fucked everything up Buster: Tell me Rio: I don't wanna make you angry or Buster: You can tell me anything Buster: What is it? Rio: It's just Rio: Oh God Rio: Well, did you mean it when you said we could have a baby one day maybe Buster: Yeah Buster: I want all my kids to be yours Rio: Really? Buster: Of course Buster: You're a great mum already, I told you Buster: And you're beautiful Buster: Why wouldn't I want that? Rio: Well, I didn't know if you wanted kids, fullstop Rio: then you know, if we even could Buster: I just don't want Chlo's to be mine Buster: But I wanna have them, with you, one day Rio: Yeah Rio: Okay Rio: I'm glad you aren't mad them, or it's weird Buster: How many do you want? Rio: Not as many as my Ma, don't worry Buster: Gotta have at least as many as mine though so we don't end up with a weird only child Buster: Not having that Rio: Oh God, they'd be such a spoilt little shit on top of that too, nah Rio: 2 and over then, okay Buster: 3 would be alright like they did Buster: or 4 Rio: I think so too Buster: More than 5 is going a bit far, like Rio: Noted Rio: Know your limits, babe Buster: We'll see Buster: Twins could easily happen Rio: We all know y'all don't count as 2 seperate kids though Rio: twofer, you Buster: Yeah but we cost as much as Buster: So behave Rio: Don't be tight, babe Buster: I'm prioritising Buster: We gotta get a dog of our own, Indie's is so fucking cute Rio: Awh you love him Rio: yeah sod the kid's, like Buster: Don't tell her, she'll only take the piss Buster: But yeah, I like him Rio: My lips are sealed, trust me Rio: she takes the piss out of me enough already without bringing this whole convo up Buster: Fair enough Buster: Babe? Rio: Mm? Buster: I won't be a shit dad, will I? Buster: You won't let me Rio: Of course you won't be Rio: you'll be amazing, seriously, the best Buster: I mean, I love my parents and they love me, I know it and I owe them literally everything but Buster: I don't wanna be like them Buster: Distant or whatever you wanna call it Rio: Yeah Rio: You'd be weird if you wanted to be like your parents, not just you and yours, like Rio: you're meant to try and do better, different Buster: Yeah Buster: I know they'd say the same too Buster: But whenever I'm around Astrid, it's like Buster: I don't know Rio: It's alright to be unsure around babies, they're terrifying, really, when you think about it Buster: We're not gonna let our kids get fucked up, are we? Buster: As much as we can control that Rio: That's the whole point Rio: we'll give them all the good we had, and all the good we didn't, too Buster: Okay Buster: Then let's have 11 Rio: 😂 I knew your competitive streak would catch up Buster: You know me so well Buster: I love you so much Rio: I'm down to make as many babies with you as my body will allow, like, so not complaining Rio: I love you too baby Buster: When are you coming home? Buster: I want you back Rio: Like you're psychic, hear him coming up the drive now so gimme the 30 for the drive plus 5 for pleasantries now and finding out wtf he was up to Buster: Ask him how his date went Rio: 😑 Rio: I shall and he shall be suitably horrified at the suggestion Rio: poor baby Buster: 😂 Buster: Don't be horrified if I walk out the door as you walk in 'cause I didn't wanna take the dog out while Indie was chucking up her organs, like Rio: 💔 Rio: Love that dog a little too much tbh Buster: What can I say? He's angelic too Rio: I will not compete with a literal dog Buster: Poor baby Buster: I'm only playing, you know you're my angel, nobody else Rio: 😊 That's more like it Buster: Hurry home and I'll show you how much I mean it Rio: Tempting Rio: but I really wanna hear about this museum, like Buster: I guess I'll have to find another girl to kiss on the stairs then Buster: Wish me luck Rio: Don't even fucking play Buster: I've been thinking about it for such a long time, someone's getting one if you don't want it Rio: [Car selfie] Buster: You look good, babe Buster: Good enough for a long, slow, welcome home kiss Rio: 😻🤤 Rio: I'll actually focus on driving for once so I can be there as soon as possible Buster: Good girl Rio: Though if you plan to be that distracting Rio: I make no promises, like Buster: Me? Never Buster: I'll just be here thinking about pressing you up against those railings Buster: I won't say a word, like Rio: Shh, not listening Rio: gonna make you regret teasing me when I get home Buster: It's just an innocent hello kiss Rio: Not the way I'm planning on doing it Buster: Focus on your driving Rio: 😑 Buster: I'm allowed to think of you breathless Buster: You have to be good Rio: You're mean Buster: I just want you here so I can be really nice Rio: I know Rio: cruel to be kind Buster: Exactly Buster: I knew you'd understand