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thestarrynightslover · 4 years ago

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I'll Make It Okay for You - Part 1

Pairing: Harvey Specter x Reader

Word count: 3,666

Warnings: Discussion, yelling, some angst, mentions of drugs, and drug abuse.

Summary: What happens when (y/n) (y/l/n), Harvey’s secret crush and a junior partner at his firm, openly defies him in front of everyone?

You can find Part 2 here.

Disclaimer: I don’t own the show Suits, or its characters, also not associated with it in any way or know anyone involved with it.

A/N: So, this is my first Harvey Specter fic and I’m obviously quite unsure about it, lol. This might’ve ended up like one big mess, cause I tried to combine a bunch of Harveys I wanted to see. The perfect recipe for disaster, right? Anyways, I hope it doesn’t suck too bad and, please, feel free to give me feedback, cause I’m also here to learn!!

(y/n) = (your name) (y/l/n) = (your last name) (y/n/n) = (your nickname)

| masterlist |

You’d barely stepped out of the elevator when you were met by your secretary that morning. That couldn’t mean anything good.

“Morning, (y/n/n). You’ve got an emergency meeting with Jessica today. Gonna give you the schedule on the way there.” Lucy stated, leading you on the opposite way to Jessica’s office.

“Oh, I got the memo; company’s under attack again. She wants me on the frontlines this time. Louis is probably running around saying ‘We’re at war, people, war!!!’, or something like that. But why aren’t we headed towards the boss’ office?”

“Apparently, uh, she wants y’all to convey at Harvey’s office.” She said hesitantly, as if afraid of your reaction.

“Are you kidding me? It’s the first hour of the morning and she wants me to go see that smug face of his?” You pouted childishly.

“Smug and hot, you mean.” Lucy corrected you, getting an outraged look from you in response, as she usually would by saying anything positive about Specter.

“Shush,” You said, motioning for her to stop talking, “ one shall not praise Harvey Annoying Specter around me.” You stated full of obstination, but the younger woman just laughed you off and said:

“Well, here we are. I guess I’ll just have to send you an e-mail with your schedule, since, once again, we spent our schedule minutes of the day talking about “the enemy”.” She mocked with gestures and everything this time. That Lucy really was a piece of work, she timed the whole thing perfectly, in a way that you couldn’t even repudiate her insinuations because you were already standing in front of Specter’s office door.

Not long after you had entered and Jessica had officially started the strategy-meeting, though, all eyes in the room turned to you, as your phone started ringing in your back pocket. "Shit! I'm- I'm so sorry, guys, I guess I-"

"Can you please take your job seriously for once in your life, (y/l/n)?" You heard Harvey Pain-In-The-Ass Specter rudely remark, as you tried to swallow your embarrassment.

“Well, like I was trying to say, I’m sorry. Gonna turn it off right now, won’t happen again.” You said, directing your apologetic look to Jessica.

“You should just go ahead and answer it, could be something important.” She calmly told you.

“Especially now that you’ve already interrupted our work.” Specter chipped in again, which just gave you more fuel to answer the goddamn phone.

“Hello, yeah this is her.” You confirmed to the man on the phone, while taking a few steps towards the corner of the room. “What??? Are you sure? Oh my God! O- okay, just tell me which one and I’ll be there as soon as possible! Right, thank you.” Everyone’s eyes were on you, trying to understand what made you look so distressed. Except his, of course.

“Wait a second. Are you leaving right now?” He asked with a mix of annoyance and irritation in his voice.

“Yes, I am. I’m sorry, Jessica, but this is a family emergency. I have to go.”

“Well, I just hope you know that this doesn’t look good for you, (y/n).” She said, voice inexpressive.

“I do and, honestly? I couldn’t care less about that right now.” You firmly told her, while hoping your career wasn’t over by the next morning.

“I hope everything goes well for you and your family, (y/n). If you need anything, and I mean anything, just let me know.” Louis told you with that childish smile of his. Jesus, even in a moment like this, he tried to flirt with you.

“Thank you, Louis. That’s very kind.” You faked a tiny smile.

“Unbelievable.”

“What?” You asked, turning back to face Harvey.

“Your firm is under attack and you’re leaving because of some stupid family crap?” Was he even serious?

“Precisely. And I don’t really care what your thoughts are on it. Our priorities are clearly very different.” Who the hell did he think he was to say anything about your family’s issues?

“Well, that shouldn’t matter because, the minute you walk in here, through those elevators out there, you’re supposed to leave all things personal behind.”

“Oh, right. I’m so sorry that I’m not some heartless lawyer like you, who’s just in it for the petty fights in the name of money-making.” Shit. You needed to get the hell out of there before you said something else to make Specter wanna kick you out himself. So you did. Stormed out like there was no tomorrow, leaving nothing but the very shocked Donna, Jessica, Louis, Mike, and Rachel behind. Oh, yeah, and a very pissed-off Harvey Specter.

Okay, maybe you were a little too harsh, but given the place you needed to go, to do what you needed to do, you didn't care about Harvey, your job, or anything else.

---

It was much later on that same day, around dinner time, that you heard a soft knock on your door. But how could someone be at your door, if the doorman downstairs hadn't announced any visitors? Were you dreaming? Well, the day had been so tiring that that wasn't exactly impossible… Nonetheless, you made your way to the door, whilst holding your very needy three-year-old nephew in your arms. Not that you could blame Henry after the day he’d had.

Since you weren’t expecting anyone, it was reasonable to believe that, whoever it was, was going to be a surprise. But not in a million years would have you ever guessed that Harvey Specter was the one knocking at your door. Especially considering what had happened at the firm earlier. How did he even know your address?

“Hi, (y/l/n). I didn’t know you had a kid.” He stated with a bit of surprise of his own, pointing to the little boy you were carrying.

“No, uh, I don’t have any.” You managed to say, trying to control your shocked expression. “This is my nephew.” You clarified again, a little more at ease this time.

“My name’s Henry. What’s yours?” You heard your nephew ask with his cute child-voice.

“Harvey. It’s, uh, it’s very nice to meet you, Henry.” Harvey told the boy, holding out his hand for him to shake, as a sweet smile came to his lips.

“Is he your friend, auntie (y/n/n)?” Henry asked you hesitantly, before making a move. The Don’t Talk to Strangers Rule must’ve kicked in his mind.

Before answering him, you hesitated a little bit yourself, though. Was Harvey your friend? Obviously not, but if he came to your apartment in the middle of the night like this, it was probably because of something important. Work-related, of course. Which meant you’d have to let him in, so you settled for what would be the easiest classification for a three-year-old.

“Yeah, bud, he is my friend from work.” Hearing that, something in Specter’s eyes changed, you didn’t really know what, though.

“Well, then, can he come play with us?” He gave you such a cute look, that you almost said yes right on cue. But you obviously couldn’t.

“You’d have to ask him, but I’m sure he has a lot of other, more important, things to do now.” You tried to explain to the little boy, giving Harvey a look. But you didn’t get too far, as the lawyer quickly said:

“Of course I wanna go play with you! That is if your auntie’s okay with that…” Now he was mocking you, that was the only explanation.

“Can we play with him, then, auntie (y/n/n)? Please, please, please?” God, what horrible thing could’ve you possibly done to deserve this particular punishment?

“Um, I guess... If he really has nothing better to do-” Harvey didn’t even let you finish your sentence.

“I really don’t.” He said, shooting you and Henry a bright smile that you’d never seen before.

“Okay, then, come in. Please disregard the mess, I got this stuff to make dinner, but someone just won’t detach, right, mister?” You asked your nephew with fake annoyance in your voice, as you tickled his sides a little bit. He just laughed at you. Though what really caught your attention was the fact that Harvey, too, was chuckling lightly at the scene, as he started picking up your groceries’ bags from the floor. “What are you doing?”

“Helping you, what else?” You gave him a weird look because, well, it was a weird situation. Maybe he noticed your discomfort because he added: “You look tired, so I’ll help you by making dinner and putting the rest of these away.”

“You’re kidding, right?” There was no way in hell that the All-Mighty Harvey Specter was gonna get domestic for you, of all people. Since he didn’t bother to answer, you went on: “First of all, what was it that you really came here to do, hum? And, second, I don’t need your help with anything.” Normally you tried to be kind to everyone, but, then again, Specter wasn’t exactly your normal kind of guy.

“Well, first of all,” he started in a tone of mockery, “that was rude! Look at the example you’re setting for little Henry!” Oh God, as much as you hated to admit it, he was kinda right, because you had completely forgotten about the little boy still cradled in your arms. “Second, we can talk about the reason why I came here later,” after your nephew’s asleep, was implicit in his speech, “third, it looks like you do need some help. And, for your luck, I happen to be a very good cook when I want to.”

“But-” You could barely begin your sentence, as Harvey sharply cut you off:

“You see, buddy,” he started, motioning to Henry this time, “the quicker we get your auntie on board with the game plan, the quicker we’ll get to eat and go play together!” Son of a bitch! Using a child to get to you…

“Can we please, auntie? Please?” How could you not crack after that pleading?

“Fine, but I swear I’ll make you pay if we wake up with food poisoning tomorrow, Specter.” You told him playfully, trying to lighten the mood after all of your bluntness.

“Oh, trust me, (y/l/n), you won’t. This will be the best meal you and the young man here will ever have in your entire lives.” He said cockily, but without the usual arrogance level, if that even makes sense.

A few hours and a really great dinner later, you and Henry couldn’t help but snicker shamelessly at Harvey’s ridiculous faces, as the three of you played a game on your living room’s floor. Trying to catch your breath from your giggles, you glanced up at the clock and realized that it was way too late for your nephew to be out of bed like that. So you broke up the game, announcing:

“It’s bedtime for you, Mr. Henry.” You watched the faces of the pair turn into ones of pure disappointment, as they prepared to pout.

“Just a little longer, auntie (y/n/n)! please!” The little boy started.

“Yeah, auntie, just a little longer! Please?” This time it was the grown man, one of the toughest Wall Street lawyers.

“As moved as I am by your synchrony, guys, the answer is a big no. C’mon, bud, let’s go brush your teeth. And then straight to bed. So say bye to Harvey, and thank him for being so nice to us tonight.” He looked between you and Specter as if still hoping for a hail Mary of some sort.

“Bye, Harvey.” He sounded so sad, but then he smiled brightly again, as he repeated what you’d told him to say word by word: “And thank you for being so nice to us tonight.” Hearing that, both you and Harvey chuckled lightly at the young boy, who quickly added: “Will you come see us tomorrow too?”

“Uh, we’ll, uh, we’ll see about that, okay, little man?” He tried to let Henry down slowly but, watching the boy’s expression become a sad one instantly, he added: “It’s just because both your auntie and I have a lot of work ahead of us tomorrow, but I’ll do my best, okay?” That was definitely a side of Harvey you’d never seen before, he had even bent down to be on your nephew’s level.

“Okay.” Henry said quietly, seeming to be a little happier, too.

“Okay, then let’s just go upstairs already.” You took the boy’s hand to guide him towards the spare bedroom’s bathroom, all the while shooting Specter a look that told him to wait for you a little longer.

“I’ll wait for you down here.” He said, proving he understood what your eyes tried to transmit.

So you headed upstairs with your nephew and, after a good fifteen minutes of brushing Henry’s teeth, helping him into his PJs, and tucking him in, you finally managed to come back to the living room, where you found Harvey looking through some of your photos displayed on the sideboard. For a minute or two, you just watched him. It wasn’t that you liked what you saw or anything. It wasn’t. It was more like postponing the weird conversation you two were bound to have, because, after all that had happened in those few hours, the atmosphere was, at very least, a strange one. But, almost as if he’d felt your gaze on his back, the lawyer in him was switched on, and he interrupted your thoughts by saying:

“Ah, you’re back. Good, because we need to talk.” You just motioned for him to follow you into your home office. But both you and Harvey looked so informal to be in that kind of environment, that you just indicated the small couch on the wall opposite to your desk for you to take your seats in.

“So, uh, before you even say anything, I wanna thank you for being so kind tonight,” a small smile came to your lips, as you remembered, not only the evening but how your nephew had used almost those exact same words, already imitating you, a little earlier. Specter smiled too, you noticed. “and I also wanna apologize. If you came here to talk to me… I must’ve made you waste a lot of time, huh?” You tried with a half-smile this time, as embarrassment started taking over you.

“What? No, of course not! I'm pretty sure that I told you I didn't have anything better to do, didn't I?" He calmly asked with a smile.

"Yeah, but I'm not buying it. You're Harvey Specter, isn't that what you're always saying? And Harvey Specter always has something better to do, isn't that right?" You shot back in a mockery tone, regaining your confidence.

"Well, maybe. But, not today. So don't apologize, and don't thank me. I'm the one who should be thanking you, I had a really good time tonight." Okay, now you were shocked. He had a good time?

"Uh, okay, um, so... What was so urgent that you had to come here in the middle of the night?" You nervously ranted, while tugging your hair behind your ears. He just stared at you, so much so that you almost repeated your question.

"Um, yeah, about this morning… That's why I came here…" You were already guessing that that would come up eventually, but it was the topic of your conversation? "I know that you and I always had our differences, and maybe even some rivalry-"

"Some rivalry? Dude, I'm just a junior partner, and ever since I started on that firm you've been persecuting me-"

"I wouldn't say persecuting…"

"Oh, you wouldn't?"

"Not since you made junior partner anyways. Now it's just a healthy rivalry between work friends…" He tried to use what you’d told your nephew earlier.

"Oh, so you do admit you were persecuting me when I was an associate, huh?"

"Shit." He muttered quietly, as you watched him with a victory smile on your lips. "You know what? Hell yeah, I did persecute you when you were an associate." Hearing that blunt admission of guilt, you just couldn't find anything to say. “You wanna know why? I did that because, from the first time I saw you doing your job, I saw this very thing that I see now: you kicking ass, you think I wanted to admit this to you? I’ll answer it myself: no, I didn’t. The only reason why it happened is that you led me to it.” He blurted out, completely knocking you off your socks.

“So, um, you treated, you treat me like shit because, um, because I’m good?” You asked, still unsure of what to think about his confession.

“Well, that was part of it, sure. So, you see, I could understand it when you weren’t particularly thrilled at the perspective of working with me. But, this morning, you said that I’m a heartless guy who only cares about money… Is that really what you think of me?” This time he sounded genuinely sad? When Harvey said that he’d come to your apartment to talk about that morning, you thought he was gonna reprimand the shit out of you for disrespecting him ⎯ your sort of boss, a senior partner ⎯, but, apparently, he was asking about it on a more personal level. A level you’d never really thought played a part in your relationship with him.

“Oh, Harvey…”

“Be honest, please. I don’t want your pity. You don’t even know me all that well, so don’t try to minimize anything. I can take it.”

“That’s not what I was gonna do. And, trust me, you’re probably the last person in the world I’d pity.” You told him with a sly smile. “You’re right. I don’t know you all that well. Or, at least, I didn’t this morning. But I do know that you’re not heartless. Also, I was really out of line then, I’ve seen you fighting tooth and nail for a lot more than just money in that firm. You’re loyal to your firm and friends like no one else and, tonight, I watched you sitting on the floor and playing with a little boy. And, trust me, that meant more to him than you’d ever know, especially after today… Anyways, what I’m really trying to say is that I was so damn wrong and that I’m sorry. I’d gotten some pretty nerve-racking news beforehand, not that that’s an excuse but...” You told him, meaning every word and trying hard to show how much you regretted your previous actions.

“Wait, what news?”

“Ah, it’s nothing for you to worry about, really.” You tried to brush him off.

“Oh, c’mon! You said all those nice things about me, but when it comes to your life and your problems you still don’t trust me, isn’t that right?” His tone was sharply inexpressive, but his eyes showed he was actually hurt.

“What are you talking about? Oh my God, Harvey! I’ve relied on you for a number of cases that I really cared about! I let you in on my apartment! I let you spend an entire night around my nephew! Of course, I trust you!”

“Then what the hell is the problem? You think I’m not gonna give a damn about your family issues? Is that it? Because I am literally begging you to tell me about them!”

“I don’t wanna tell you because I don’t want you, or anyone else on the firm, to think that I’m some pathetic little girl who uses her family issues as an excuse to get out of a tough fight.” You confessed in a lower tone, slightly embarrassed, just hoping he would understand and stop poking. “Things are very different when you’re a woman, you know…”

“I would never think that about you. Family is important. Especially if it’s made of people like Henry…” He said, reassuring you, even though there was a hint of sadness in his voice. “Besides, you said you trust me, so you need to trust me when I say that I wouldn’t betray you by telling people about your problems. I’m not here as your boss, (y/n). I just wanna help you.” He sounded so sincere and, if you were being honest with yourself, you kinda really needed to vent.

“Okay, um, where to start? I have two sisters: Henry’s mother, Kat, and a fifteen-year-old, Lisa. I’m the older one of all three of us. Lisa’s sick, like very sick, so my parents, who are both retired, are with her at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, to try and get her better. In the meantime, Kat was supposed to go to college, as well as care for her son, between my parents and me, she wouldn’t even need to provide for them or anything. But, a while ago, she overdosed for the first time. That’s when we found out about her addiction. We’ve already tried a million different things but nothing works. So, my parents and I threatened to make her lose her parental rights over Henry, hoping that it’d be a wake-up call for her, but it backfired. She just took the boy and disappeared, then today I get that call, from the police department, saying that she was in custody for drug distribution and endangering the well-fare of a minor. They asked me to go pick my nephew and, maybe, get Kat a lawyer.” And, just like that, you’d told Harvey Specter, of all people, everything. Tears rolling down your cheeks and him pulling you into a hug.

If anyone had told you that that was how your night was gonna go, you would have definitely laughed them out of the room. But now, just sitting there, being held and caressed by Harvey, as you let your armor down, it was finally beginning to look like things were gonna be okay.

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where-dreamers-go · 4 years ago

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“Game On” Riley Poole x Reader

(A/N: SURPRISE! A prequel to the Riley Poole x Reader Series! It’s a surprise for me too. Welcome to Ben Gates’ circle of friends prior to going to the Arctic Circle to find The Charlotte. This can be read without having read the series that goes through the movie National Treasure. Written for @girl-next-door-writes Bingo challenge! Bingo Card: Mutual Pining Warnings: Poker game. Word Count: 2,472 words)

Strategy. Confidence. Restraint. Three words perfectly fit the poker game on Ben’s dining table. Ever since your best friend had met Ian Howe, a man who believed in the Templar treasure and had pockets of money, the group of you had played poker on weekends. Not every weekend of course. There were only so many rounds of bets you were willing to have. Even if this time you brought cookies for a snack.

Although in truth, you had been playing more for a few months and sitting through more games than otherwise willing. Why? An incredibly intelligent, funny, and handsome man who was officially a part of Ben’s circle of friends.

Riley Poole. Thank the Universe that you helped Ben with his computer, you thought as you stole a glance to your right. Didn’t think I’d be having this much fun.

Sitting in your best friends’ apartment was a greater comfort than Ian’s home. Sure, you’d known the man for more than a year, but Ben had been your friend since you were in school. Around a decade of friendship meant you knew him. You knew him well.

“Ben,” you said calmly.

“Hmm?”

“You’re bluffing again.”

Ben’s eyebrows raised a fraction before speaking. “I fold.”

In only a moment, Ian chuckled.

“You might not be the best player,” Ian told you. “But you can read Ben like a book.” His chuckling doubled as Ben made a face.

“Maybe we should return (Y/N)’s library card.” Ben suggested with a smirk.

You scrunched up your face in disapproval.

“Yeah, but they can still buy books and stay in a library to read them.” Riley piped in.

You sent Riley a smile and pushed a box of crackers closer to him.

“Alright,” Ian spoke up. “Can either of you beat a Four of a Kind? Riley?”

Biting into a cracker, Riley shook his head and laid his cards down. “I fold.”

“(Y/N)?”

“No,” you grumbled. “I fold.” Reluctantly, you set your cards down.

He’s gonna start prancing his way out by the time we’re done.

Shoulders back and a smug grin on his face, Ian revealed his cards. A three, a nine, a queen, and a king.

“What?” Riley exclaimed.

You dropped your forehead to the table.

Not again.

“They’re not even the same suit. You lied.”

“I win again.” Ian stated as the poker chips could be heard being pulled to his side of the table.

“Next time we’re playing Mario Party,” you groaned as you picked your head up off of the table.

“I am not playing that.”

“Afraid you’ll lose?” You countered.

“No. I simply don’t want to play.”

You made a short sound of acknowledgement in your throat.

“You have a Nintendo 64?” Riley asked as everyone tossed their cards to the middle so that Ben could take his turn to shuffle and deal.

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t know you had one. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“You never asked.”

“How was I suppose to know to ask if you had one?”

“Conversation?”

“Save the bickering for the game, shall we?” Ian interrupted without glancing up.

You gave the man a pointed look.

It was times like those that you weren’t entirely sure if he was playing along or actually annoyed. There were times when you honestly could not tell.

Worse case scenario, he’s always annoyed with me and Riley talking. He’s usually not this way when it’s just me and Ben.

Having finished shuffling the deck, Ben dealt the cards out to each of you.

“As a head’s up, this is my last game.” You said after checking the time.

“You’re not working overtime again, are you?” Ben asked.

“No.”

“(Y/N)…”

“I have to double check an e-mail and double check a few things. Respond to a few more e-mails. Stuff.”

“That’s working.” Riley said.

“I know. I know.”

“At least you’re making sure everything is done properly. Some times that’s hard to find in some people.” Ian added.

“Thank you.” You reached for a cookie and—

Crunch

You peered over to your right and saw Riley’s eyebrows knitted together as he ate another cracker. His eyes were trained just above his cards.

That was a little louder than normal, you thought as you ate the cookie. Mentally shrugging, you checked out your cards. Oh, okay. Not bad so far. Hmm.

“Any chance next time we could play Twenty-One?” You asked.

“Blackjack?” Riley nabbed a cookie.

“Yeah. Though if Ben says ‘no’ he indirectly admits his many defeats.”

“Hey. That’s a game of chance.” Ben pointed a finger at you.

“And strategy.” You added.

“It is older than Poker.” Ian said as he waited for Ben to add more cards to the table.

Ben eyed his own cards. “You know,” he started. “Playing cards were actually invented before 1000AD by the Chinese. The cards didn’t have numbers…”

Turning your head to the right, you caught Riley’s eyes. You gave each other knowing looks as Ben continued giving facts. That could mean two things: Ben was confident or he had a pretty good hand of cards. If Ian had picked up on that through the many games, neither you nor Riley knew. However, you were willing to play more logically to win.

Game on, Ben.

Riley slid the box of crackers closer to you. The box was moved just enough that when you leaned back, Riley subtly tilted his cards.

You had a better cards. You took two crackers and gave one to Riley. He returned his sights back to the center of the table with a nod.

Now to figure out Ian and Ben. Can’t always let one of them win.

“Riley.” Ben said.

“Hm? What?”

“Your turn.”

“Oh, right.”

You reached for more crackers to munch on as the four of you continued playing. Looking up for only a second, you saw Ben smiling and his smile only widened when he caught your eye. You raised an eyebrow in question. He glanced over to Riley then back at you. Acting on immediate reaction, you tossed a cracker at your best friend’s chest. Unfortunately he didn’t drop any of his cards so that you could see them.

Stop it, you thought. Too bad we don’t have telepathy. Then again, that could backfire with comments, but we could team up during poker. Also would save money on the phone bill. Hmph.

With more cards in your hands, your chances of winning were dwindling. It was not a big deal. But you really wanted to win.

Darn it.

“(Y/N), I hope you’re better at bluffing than giving instructions over e-mail.” Riley said, catching you off guard.

“Wha—Hey.” You pulled your cards closer to yourself. “It’s not my fault they don’t know what the icons mean.”

“You should have explained that first.”

“I’m not Internet one oh one.”

Ian rolled his eyes. “Can we get back to the game?”

Hiding your smile as you ducked your head, you muttered, “We already went over this.”

“Bluff.” Riley murmured.

Ben cleared his throat and said, “Your turn, Riley.”

That e-mail was likely not going to be easily forgotten. Then again, it did remind you that a specific e-mail, from the same co-worker, had finally been sent to you earlier in the day.

Could have had it done last week.

A couple of days ago, you had given Riley a personal museum tour and treated him to lunch in exchange for helping you type up an e-mail explaining how to send a document as an attachment to a co-worker. It wasn’t that you didn’t know how to send the e-mail. It was that you didn’t know how to explain it for the third time. Or rather how to explain it in a way that the co-worker would understand the instructions given.

The game went on for another ten minutes until Ian and Riley were at a showdown. Ben and yourself had folded, knowing you were both beaten.

“Alright, show your hand.” Ian said confidently.

Both men turned their cards face up. A Three of a Kind versus a Flush. Riley won the game.

“Aaaay!” You patted Riley’s arm repeatedly for more than a moment.

Riley shuffled a bit in his seat before sitting a little taller.

“Good game.” Ian pushed his cards away.

“Good job, Riley.” Ben congratulated his friend.

Pulling the chips to his side, Riley grinned. Victory was sweet at times.

“Hey, sorry to cut this short, but I have to get going.” You stood from your seat and grabbed your plastic container of cookies to seal them.

Can snack on the cookies later, you thought as you smoothly placed one in front of Riley. He won. Prize given.

You pushed in your chair.

“I-uh better go too,” Riley said. “I don’t know how traffic is going to be. It’s dark.”

“Okay, Riley,” Ben replied. “Don’t forget your jacket.”

“Thanks.”

You walked passed Ian, saying, “Any chance you can teach Ben to bluff?”

“Not something you can teach.” Ian answered as he gathered up the cards.

“I don’t need to bluff to win.” Ben added in as he lead you and Riley to the door. Always the nice host.

“Bye Ian,” you waved.

“I’ll see you two later.” Riley said.

“Drive safely.” Ben patted his friend on the shoulder.

“Don’t stay up too late, Ben,” you teased as you walked out the door.

“Bye, (Y/N).” He laughed. Behind you, Ben had shut the door as Riley followed you out.

Two steps away from the door and Riley walked up beside you.

“I can’t believe how many times Ian bluffed.” Riley said. “He must have taken almost half of the chips.”

“I’d say I’m surprised, but I’m not.”

He nodded. Many thoughts running through his head no doubt.

“You didn’t do so bad today,” you added.

“I could have been better. I just can’t tell when Ian’s lying or confident or confident in his lying.”

“There’s little difference.” You murmured as you two reached your apartment’s door. Stopping for a moment, you considered your next words.

Eh. Do it.

“Remember that e-mail you helped me with?”

“Yeah.”

“Would you like to see what they e-mailed me back?”

“How bad is it?” His shoulders slumped.

“What makes you think it’s bad?”

“Because you’re asking if I want to see it and you’re already laughing.”

Oh, I guess I am. You thought as your grin widened.

“You’re right. It’s pretty bad. In a really weird way.”

“Great,” he said sarcastically. A small smile edged its way onto his face. “Let me see it.”

Turning, you quickly grabbed your key and unlocked the front door. Once you pushed it open, you let Riley inside.

“Just give me a second to grab my computer.” You said.

Front door shut and cookies placed on a flat surface, you fast-walked to another room to grab your laptop.

It was not the first time Riley had been in your apartment. It was not even the only time he had been in your home without Ben present. As it turned out, you had made friends with Riley almost as fast as Ben did. There was something that just clicked. Similar interests, shared knowledge, and good old companionship that was refreshing.

Walking out of your room, you spotted Riley sitting on your couch with his glasses on. Your laptop was already up and loading your e-mails.

“Ready?” You asked.

“They didn’t put any attachments, did they?” Riley watched as you placed the computer on the coffee table.

“You’ll have to see.” You sat beside him.

A couple of clicks and you had opened the message from your inbox.

“Hey. There’s actual attachments,” Riley observed as he scrolled to the bottom of the e-mail. “Uh. Um. Were they only suppose to send you the documents?”

“Yeah.” You nodded and bit back a grin. “Click on that one.”

He clicked on the one that had caught his eye.

A large picture of a large cat lounging on an armchair filled up a part of the screen.

“Holy Lord.” Riley looked to you. “Please tell me not all of these are cats.”

“Just two cats.”

Riley groaned.

“I got the other ones they needed to send. Thankfully. I’ve been needing these possible layouts for the next exhibition for a week now.”

“We’re going to have to teach them how to remove an attachment before sending an e-mail now.”

It was your time to groan.

“You don’t want them sending Lord knows what else next time, do you?”

“No.” You sighed. “But…that means I have to mention the cats.”

The moment Riley made eye contact with you, you both started bursted out laughing.

Out of all things to send you, they sent you pictures of cats. Perhaps you should be thankful it was not anything else. Who knew at that point? The question at hand was how to word your next e-mail? It was suppose to be a follow-up message about which layout of the museum space was better not another how-to.

“I’m getting paid to say, ‘delete your cat photos…from the e-mail’.” You wheezed. Trying to breath between laughing and speaking was challenging.

“Maybe….maybe send two e-mails?” Riley’s grin was still present. “One for work and one for clicking the small ‘x’.”

“Yeah, but at this point you should be charging them for tech support.”

“Put that in your next e-mail.”

You bumped his arm with your own.

“Just saying.”

“If they ask for more help I’ll let them know. How’s that?”

“I’ll get the documents ready.”

You covered your mouth as loud laugh escaped you.

Oh goodness. I hope he’ll do it anyway.

Smile only partially fading, Riley gestured to the laptop. “Let me know if their lack of technology skills makes your instruction skills disappear again. But not on your day off.” He removed his glasses and stood up.

You followed suit and walked him to the door.

“You really shouldn’t put in more hours than they’re paying you.”

“I want the new exhibition to be perfect.” You added as you leaned against the opened door. “But you’re right.”

“Can’t work for nothing. Especially when you’re suddenly working free tech support.” He stood out in the hallway.

“Hey,” you said. “Thanks for hanging out today. It was really fun.”

A smile returned to his lips. “I had fun too.”

“Drive safely, alright?”

“I will. See you later.”

“See yah, Riley.” You waved before finally shutting the door. With a lopsided grin, you locked the door and skipped over towards the cookies. Perhaps your winnings will be more than chips won in a poker game some day. Maybe something a little more meaningful.

~~~

(If you love my writings and want to support me, I have a Ko-Fi where you can buy me a coffee. I would be eternally grateful.

Best wishes and happy reading.)

~~~~~

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favefandomimagines · 5 years ago

Text

Soul Surfer 3

AN: HERE WE ARE!! chapter 3 of soul surfer!!! again, feedback is so incredibly helpful!! i hope you all love it! and extra points to whoever finds the teen wolf reference 😉

Violet groaned when she entered her home and leaned her back against the door. “That probably didn’t go how you wanted it to.” Her dad’s voice startled her.

“God, dad! You scared the hell out of me!” Violet scolded her father. “And why were you looking out the window? You have never been that protective before.” She added. “Hey, I’m just making sure you’re making friends and adjusting to the move well.” Rob replied. “Trust me, dad, I’m fine.” Violet replied.

Rob gave his daughter a knowing look, arms crossed over his chest. “JJ’s a good kid, Vi. And good kids aren’t always the smartest.” He said.

Violet nodded her head before retreating to her room for the night.

Violet woke up the next morning to the persistent sound of her phone buzzing. She groaned and grabbed her phone off the bedside table and looked down at the screen, seeing Kiara’s name.

“Hello?” She answered. “Hey, Vi! Do you wanna run with me to Heyward’s to get food for today?” Kie asked. “Yeah, totally! I have some stuff to tell you anyways.” Violet said. “I’ll definitely be there in 10 minutes!” KIe said excitedly before the line went dead.

Violet got up from bed and began sifting through the still packed boxes in her room. She found her favorite hot pink bikini, shorts and her old Hawaiian Island Regional t-shirt.

She got a bag together, putting sunscreen, headphones and a book inside. Violet then exited her room and grabbed a granola bar from the kitchen.

“Where are you off so to early?” Rob asked from his spot at the table. “Kiara asked me to go to Heyward’s before we go out on John B’s boat.” Violet answered. “I’m happy to see you’ve made friends so early. Though I wasn’t worried.” He replied. “Yeah, it’s a change of pace. They’re all really nice.” The brunette said.

“Your mother called.” Rob quickly said, the conversation taking a 180. Violet when uncharacteristically quiet at her dad’s words. “What’d you tell her?” She asked. “That we moved to Seattle.” He answered, a small smile on his face.

His answer caused Violet to laugh lightly before a car horn interrupted them. “That’s Kie, I gotta go.” She said. “Have fun, kiddo. I’ll see you later and be safe.” Rob said.

Violet gave her dad a smile and a wave as she walked out the door. The brunette opened the car door and gave Kie a kind greeting as she sat in the front seat.

“So, what did you need to tell me?” Kiara asked. Violet ran a hand through her hair and Kiara could see the frustration on her face.

“JJ and I had a moment when he walked me home last night. I thought he was going to kiss me but he just left.” Violet explained.

Kiara sighed before she spoke. “God, he’s so stupid. I’m sorry, Vi.” She said. “It’s okay. I just thought we had a connection.” Violet started. “I guess I was wrong.” She added.

The two girls got to the store and Violet got out of the car before Kiara. “Shit.” Kie muttered. JJ was blowing his shot with Violet and giving her mixed signals.

Kiara followed Violet into the store and the two decided to divide and conquer.

Violet was walking down the aisle when she bumped into someone.

“Oh god, I’m so sorry.” She apologized to the unknown person. “Don’t worry about it, Violet.” The person said.

Violet looked up and scoffed when she saw Rafe. “Hi, Rafe.” She said reluctantly. “I wanted to apologize for how I acted last night. I was being an asshole.” He said. “It’s okay. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Violet said, trying to get past him.

“I’m actually a good guy. And I want to get to know you,” Rafe started. The brunette furrowed her eyebrows before he continued. “And JJ. I want to get to know both of you.” He finished.

Violet was getting a weird vibe from Rafe and how he was looking down at her. And she was very grateful when Kiara intervened.

“Rafe, leave her alone.” She said. “I’m just being nice to the new girl, Kie.” Rafe said. “Yeah, I don’t believe a word that comes out of your mouth.” Kiara told him. “Come on, Vi. The guys are waiting.” She added.

Rafe watched as Violet and Kiara walk away from him, a villainous look on his face.

While John B and JJ were waiting for Violet and Kiara, John B could tell that JJ was nervous.

“What’s going on with you?” John B asked. “What? What do you mean? I’m fine.” JJ replied. “Dude, I’ve known you since the third grade. What’s wrong?” John B rebutted.

“I almost kissed Violet last night.” JJ said. “What’s wrong with that? You really like her.” John B asked. “That’s the problem. I really like her and I don’t want to mess anything up. I’m damaged goods, JB. Violet deserves a kook or someone like you.” JJ told his best friend.

John B gave his friend a sympathetic look while JJ nervously rolled a joint.

“J, Violet likes you. I see the way she looks at you and the way you look at her. She’s good for you and she clearly doesn’t want anyone else but you.” John B told him.

“She did until JJ didn’t kiss her.” Pope interjected. “What do you mean?” JJ asked. “KIe just texted me. Violet doesn’t think you like her because of how you left last night.” Pope explained.

JJ groaned in frustration and started to pace around the room.

“Guys, I’m blowing this! What do I do?” He asked. “Show an interest and be honest.” Pope answered.

Before an official game plan could be made, Kie and Violet walked in. “Are we going or not?” Kie asked. The three boys shuffled around the house before following the girls to the dock, small talk being made along the way.

JJ got on first and offered his hand to help Violet on board. Violet looked at his hand before looking up at JJ, who gave her a hopeful smile. The brunette returned the smile and placed her hand in his.

The group of teens had been out on the marsh for a couple of hours.

Kie and Violet were laying out tanning while the boys were fishing. All three knew better than to try to mess with Kiara while she was tanning.

Violet flipped over on to her stomach, grabbing her book in the process. JJ took that as an opportunity to sit in front of her in a way that wasn’t awkward. Not like his previous attempt while she was laying on her back and he was awkwardly standing above her.

JJ took notice of the book and quickly grabbed it from her hands. “What’re you reading?” He asked, examining the front cover. “JJ,” Violet started, trying to get the book from him. JJ put the book above his head so she couldn’t reach it from her position laying down.

“To Kill a Mockingbird?” He questioned. “Yeah, it’s my favorite book.” Violet answered. “Why? I hated it when they forced us to read it in class.” JJ questioned.”That’s because you probably didn’t actually read it.” Violet joked.

“Okay, you’re not wrong. But why is it your favorite?” He asked. “Because of the theme. The conflict between good and evil and how the concept of innocence prevents you from seeing evil. And the author said it’s basically a giant love letter to her dad and how she saw him as a hero. My mom hasn’t been in the picture for a while, so I resonate with that.” Violet explained.

She looked up and saw the look on JJ’s face and her cheeks instantly heated up. “Why are you looking at me like that?” She questioned with a light laugh.

“You’re perfect.” JJ answered. Violet smiled at him and tucked her hair behind her ear, when the realization of what JJ said hit him. “I uh, didn’t mean to say that outloud.” He said. “You do that a lot don’t you?” The brunette asked. “Only around you, Violet Elliot” He answered.

The two were knocked out of their bliss induced state by the John B splashing them with water.

“Hey lovebirds! Get in the water!” He called. “I’ll race you.” Violet suggested. “Oh you’re on.” JJ replied, the two of them already on their feet.

The teenagers were all in the water, splashing each other, having chicken fights, seeing who could hold their breath the longest. (Violet was crowned the winner.)

By the time they had thought to head back to land, the sun was beginning to set. JJ helped Violet get back on the boat before wrapping a towel around her shoulders.

They arrived back at the Chateau, Kiara and Violet getting ready to leave for the night.

“JB, can I crash tonight?” JJ asked his friend. “You don’t even have to ask anymore, dude.” John B commented. “Is it a common occurrence for you to stay here?” Violet asked him. “Uh, yeah. I just don’t like to be home sometimes.” JJ answered.

He wasn’t about to tell her about his messed up home life and risk scaring her away for good. JJ planned to avoid that conversation with Violet for as long as possible.

“Oh, okay. Well, if you ever get tired of John B, my balcony door is always open.” Violet offered before walking towards the car.

JJ looked at her with wide eyes as she got to the car, surprised that she didn’t ask questions and still offered her house as a safe haven.

“God, dude, if you don’t date her I will.” Kiara told him. Both Kiara and Violet waved goodbye to the boys before driving off down the dirt road.

JJ watched as the car was getting farther and farther away before he began kicking whatever was on the ground around him.

“I’m such an idiot! Why? Why am I like this? I’ve never had issues with girls before!” He yelled. “Because you actually like this girl. Violet isn’t like your usual random hookups.” Pope said. “She just makes me so nervous, I don’t know how to act around her.” JJ added.

“Clearly, she likes when you’re being yourself. So stick to that.” John B said. JJ groaned before stomping inside and into the guest bedroom he had previously claimed.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and opened his messages with Violet.

JJ: I forgot to tell you but thank you for coming with us today. I had a lot of fun, as usual.

He stared at the screen and watched as the three typing dots mocked him through the screen.

Violet: thank you for making my day better.

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gilmores-glorious-blog · 5 years ago

Text

5 times Klaus regretted wearing a skirt +1 time he didn’t

Considering he was a child soldier who heard the screams of the dead, being queer was not the strangest thing about Klaus Hargreeves by a long shot. Still, he wasn’t quite sure what to think when he started liking boys as well as girls (and everyone in-between) at age eight. Or when he realized he wasn’t quite a boy a year later.

He knew not to tell anyone. That was the last thing this family needed. Besides, Klaus already felt so isolated from his siblings, he knew being ‘the gay one’ wouldn’t help matters. So, he kept to himself, and occasionally he’d find ghosts who were nice enough to talk to about things. There was one ghost in particular who he enjoyed to talk about boys with- a blond soldier, who told Klaus that he was also gay.

Once when he was nine, Klaus met a ghost who looked like a woman, but talked like a man. They told Klaus they were what was called a drag queen. Klaus’ eyes lit up as the ghost talked to him of dressing up in skirts and makeup. He was so entranced by it all that he could nearly ignore the gruesome strangle marks and bruises around the ghost’s neck.

That night, while Allison was off in the attic with Luther, Klaus snuck into his sister’s room and picked out her nicest skirt. He ran back to his room and locked the door behind him, ignoring the dead around him.

Klaus looked in the mirror on the back of his door as he put the skirt on. Smiling, he twirled around a few times and watched the pink fabric spin with him. He liked this. It was loads better than the stupid outfits his dad made him wear.

He was so caught up in his happiness that he didn’t notice the door was opening until it hit him in the face.

“Klaus! Oh my gosh, are you okay?” He heard his sister’s voice from the ground he’d been knocked to.

“What are you wearing?” Luther’s voice this time, a little behind Allison.

Klaus sat up tentatively and wrapped his arms around his knees. “Nothing?”

Allison glared at him. “You stole my skirt!”

Klaus jumped up and took the skirt off, disappointed to remember how he looked with just jeans on. “I only borrowed it! For a bit!”

Allison said nothing, just snatched the skirt back from him and looked it over as if to make sure Klaus hadn’t ruined it for the two minutes he’d had it.

“Why’d you even want to wear that?” Luther asks. “You’re not a girl.”

Klaus knew his brother didn’t mean for the words to hurt, but they did. A lot.

He shrugged, not making eye contact. “Dunno. Wanted to see what I looked like.”

Luther just looked confused. Allison rolled her eyes. “You’re so weird, Klaus.”

They left his room, leaving the door open. Klaus could smell his father’s cigarette smoke coming up from downstairs, and for what wasn’t the first time, he wanted more of that smell.

It took three years, but Klaus finally got his sister to let him borrow her skirt. He hadn’t asked for a while after the last time because of how badly it had gone, but he couldn’t stop thinking about how he looked while wearing it. And how he felt while wearing it. Klaus wanted to feel like that more.

So he’d started to butter up Allison- mostly by letting her use him as a test subject for all her makeup. Klaus did genuinely enjoy that, though. It gave him more time with his sister, time he’d never had before, and on the rare occasions Allison didn’t screw up and leave him looking like a reject clown, he loved how it felt to wear makeup and have painted nails.

Klaus finally felt brave enough to make his skirt request one day when Allison had just finished painting his nails a dark blue.

“These match perfectly with that skirt of yours, Al.” He said, nodding toward the where said skirt was hanging in the open closet.

Allison gasped a little. “They do! You should put the skirt on!”

Klaus resisted the urge to pump his fist. “Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

Allison nodded eagerly, jumping off the bed to grab the skirt. “Of course!”

Klaus smiled, gladly taking the skirt from her and putting it on. It was long, meant to be floor length, and it nearly went down to his feet (he was a lot taller than Allison). The fabric was shiny and swishy and Klaus couldn’t stop twirling.

Allison clapped her hands suddenly. “Ooo! I just remembered something!” She grabbed her brother’s hand and started to drag him out of her room.

“What?” Klaus was curious, but wasn’t sure he wanted the rest of the family to see him in the skirt. Dad was in his office, though, and Klaus supposed everyone else would be fine with it. So he let his curiosity get the better of him.

“I think I’ve seen Mom wear heels that are the same color as the skirt!” Allison was leading Klaus’ towards their mother’s closet. He had to admit, heels sounded very exciting.

“They should be around here somewhere…” Allison muttered, tossing other shoes out of her way in search for this specific pair. “Oh! Here!”

She turned and presented her brother with a pair of stilettos that sure enough, matched his skirt and nails. Klaus grabbed them and put them on.

He promptly fell against the doorframe. “Shit!”

Allison laughed, taking hold of his arm and leading him out of the room. Slowly, Klaus sort of got the hang of walking.

“Christ, these are hard to move in!” He shakily let go of Allison’s arm, but he kept his own extended for balance.

“They’re not that bad once you get used to it. I borrow Mom’s heels all the time just to practice walking around in them.”

“Why in the world would you do that?”

Allison shrugged. “If I’m gonna be a famous movie star, I should know how to wear high heels.”

Klaus smirked. “Right, of course, how could I forget about your Hollywood plans.” He put on a high-pitched voice, “Look out world, I’m Allison Hargreeves!”

Allison slapped him, nearly causing him to fall again. “Just for that, I’m making you walk all the way downstairs to show Vanya your outfit.” She began to move down the staircase they had found themselves at the top of.

Klaus took this as a challenge. “Oh, you think I can’t go downstairs in these shoes? I bet you I can run downstairs in them.”

“Klaus, that doesn’t sound like a good idea-”

He ignored her and took off. “Vanya!” The more people around to watch him beat Allison at something, the better.

Surprisingly, Klaus made it almost halfway down before something went wrong. He saw that his shoe was caught in the skirt, but not in time to stop it.

“Klaus!” He heard Allison cry from above him as he crashed down the rest of the stairs, hearing the fabric of the skirt rip.

Jesus Christ, his mouth hurt.

Vanya and Allison reached him at the same time, and they worked together to pull him up from the floor.

“God, Klaus, you’re bleeding.”

Klaus spit out some blood and attempted to talk. “No shit.”

His brothers all came running, having heard the fall from where they were training. Ben immediately crouched in front of Klaus and examined him with concern.

“Dude, what did you do?!” Diego exclaimed.

Klaus tried to talk again, but it hurt too much. Allison answered for him. “He tripped while running down the stairs. Which I very clearly told him not to do…” She pointedly added, staring at Klaus, who spit blood at her and enjoyed watching her jump back with a shriek.

“I think you broke your jaw.” Five said with shockingly little sympathy in his voice. “I’m going to go get Mom, she’ll know how to help.”

“You know, you shouldn’t have worn those heels. Something like this was bound to happen.”

“Gee thanks, Luther, I hadn’t thought of that!” Klaus managed to speak. Damn, it hurt to be sarcastic.

“...Or the skirt.” Luther said, trying like always to get the last word in.

“Yeah, okay, I got it!” Klaus spat, raising his voice a little. It was the last he would speak for eight weeks, but at least Luther didn’t get the last word.

“Bennnnn!!!” Klaus hollered, knowing his brother was downstairs, but too high to be bothered to move.

He lay his head on his bed, waiting to see if Ben had heard him. Judging by the footsteps coming up the stairs and the annoyed mumbling, he had.

“What?” Ben said, opening the door. He clearly wasn’t in the mood for Klaus’ bullshit, but Klaus had his mind set on something and he needed his brother to do it.

“I…” Klaus sat up shakily, gesturing at himself with a flourish, “am going to come out to Dad.”

Ben’s eyes widened and he moved fully into the room, closing the door behind him. “You’re… you are? Really? Now? Are you sure?”

Klaus lit a cigarette. “Yeah! Why not?!”

“I can think of plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t, the most notable being our father isn’t exactly warm and cuddly, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Awww,” Klaus batted his eyes at Ben. “You’re so sweet. But I’m fine. The guy has hurt me enough, I can deal with a little more. Plus, he already hates me for the drugs and shit, so this can’t make things all that much worse.”

Ben bit his lip and looked nervously at his brother. “If you’re sure, there’s nothing I can do to stop you. But you have to be careful.”

Klaus put an arm around Ben. “I am fifteen, now, brother, and I have lots of money that I’ve acquired through all sorts of legal means. Plus, Pops still needs me for missions and publicity stuff. And we all know I’m the pretty one, so he can’t fuck me up too bad.”

Ben laughed a bit. “Right. You’re the pretty one.” He stood, ignoring his brother’s offended gasp.

“So. How are you gonna do it? Sit the whole family down for a chat?”

Klaus looked disgusted. “Hell no, that’s way too fancy. Plus I’m pretty sure everyone already knows, even though I’ve only officially told you and Diego so far. I’m probably just gonna dress up all feminine, go downstairs, and improvise.”

“As far as plans go, that’s about a three out of ten.” Ben remarked.

Klaus stood, throwing his extinguished cigarette aside. “Sounds good to me!”

Ben sighs. “What do you need me for? I mean, I’m glad you told me about this, but please tell me I’m not directly involved with your shitty plan.”

“I need you, brother dearest, to raid Allison’s room.”

Ben just stares at him. “No.”

“Come on! I gotta get femme stuff, and I haven’t bought any myself yet. And we both know Vanya doesn’t have any. I just need a skirt, a cute top, and some makeup.”

“And why can’t you acquire these things yourself?” Ben crosses his arms.

“Because she’s sick of me doing that, and she’ll get mad. But you’ve been elected Nicest Hargreeves, and she’ll never get pissed at you.”

Ben didn’t comment for a while, just stared at Klaus. Klaus thinks something about his whole sad, broken, victorian boy aesthetic must have convinced Ben, because the next thing his brother says is, “Fine.”

***

Half an hour later, Klaus is dressed in a sparkly pink skirt, a white crop top, and insane amounts of makeup.

“You look pretty.” Allison smiles. Ben ended up having to fill her in on what was happening, but she was more than supportive. She just wanted to make sure her brother didn’t ruin her clothes again.

“Thanks, Al.” Klaus did love how he looked, but he was too nervous to appreciate it fully. His high had worn off and now he has no idea what made him think this was a good idea in the first place.

“Alright, you ready?” Ben asks.

Klaus takes a deep breath. He looks at his brother and sister, smiling at him. His gaze sweeps over the corpses starting to reappear now that the drugs are wearing off.

He makes eye contact with one of them, one he hasn’t seen in years, since the first time he wore Allison’s skirt all those years ago.

The blond soldier smiles at him kindly, with what appear to be tears in his eyes. He says something that Klaus can’t quite hear from across the room, but it looks like he says ‘you’ve got this, soldier.’

“Number four!” Klaus hears Reginald call from the library. He flinches, but reminds himself that the disdain in his father’s voice has nothing to do with the way he’s dressed- not yet, anyway.

He turns and looks at where Ben and Allison are huddled at the foot of the staircase. Ben gives him a thumbs up and Klaus walks into the library.

“Yes?” Klaus responds, a cheeky tone in his voice that’s hopefully hiding the fear that’s hidden there.

Reginald turns to look at him, and Klaus nearly passes out in the seconds it takes for his father to scan him up and down.

“What on earth are you wearing!?”

Klaus does a little twirl, “a skirt. Among other things.” He thinks if he dissociates himself from the conversation and just lets his instinct take over, it won’t be quite as scary.

“You can’t be wearing that.” Reginald replies instantly.

“Why not? I think I look quite dashing.”

“You’re a boy! It makes you look very queer, and that’s the last thing your reputation needs.”

Klaus resists the urge to look at his siblings again for encouragement. This moment is entirely yours, Hargreeves. They can’t help you now.

“But I am! Queer, that is. Not quite a boy.”

Klaus feels a hand connect sharply with his face.

It would hurt more if that same hand hadn’t hurt him loads of times before.

His father is still talking, still yelling, still hitting him. Klaus ignores him. He wants out of this skirt.

When Reginald didn’t accompany his children on missions, there were a few things that changed. Diego didn’t stutter as much, for one. And Ben wasn’t forced to kill quite as many people. Allison’s rumors weren’t quite as harsh, and Luther didn’t hit the bad guys quite as hard. They still got the job done- they were The Umbrella Academy, and even though they were getting older, they had a reputation to maintain- but they weren’t nearly as violent without their father there, encouraging them to hurt more people.

As for Klaus, when he went on missions without dear old Dad, he wore and did whatever the fuck he wanted. He knew as well as all of his siblings that he wasn’t in any way helpful to missions unless somehow the job getting done required communication with ghosts. (And even if it did, Klaus would almost definitely be too drunk or high to talk to the dead.) So it had been unofficially decided that when Reggie let the kids do missions on their own, Klaus didn’t really do anything unless completely necessary, and they were all fine with that.

Klaus still enjoyed tagging along on missions, though. He knew damn well that he was still a fan favorite, so to say. He was inexplicably more charming than any of his brothers, so interviews were mostly comprised of him and Allison being endearing and the rest of the siblings standing there looking tough. Today’s mission, Klaus was feeling bold enough to wear a skirt- one that actually belonged to him this time! Allison had bought it for him at their last birthday, and though she claimed to only be doing it so he wouldn’t keep stealing hers, it was a very sweet gift and Klaus was excited to finally wear it during a mission.

The job was taking longer than it normally would, and Klaus was passing the time by making out with a very cute boy he saw watching him in the crowd. Klaus didn’t particularly want to hook up with his fans, but anyone that actually knew him was too repulsed by what they saw to want to be close to him, so he took what he could get.

Eventually his siblings finished whatever they’d been doing, and Klaus was interrupted by a smack on his back.

“Come on lover boy, we gotta go.” Diego said.

“Fine,” Klaus whined. He took a pen from the boy’s pocket and scrawled his number on his arm. “Call me.” He winked and let Diego drag him away while rolling his eyes.

It wasn’t until they got home that Klaus realized the consequences of what he’d been doing.

The moment they walked in the door, Vanya was waiting there to greet them- which was odd, usually she was holed up practicing her violin.

“Klaus!” She said, sounding panicked, grabbing her brother’s arm before he could walk past her like he was going to.

“Uh… hi Vanny?” Klaus was unclear on what was happening.

“Did you intend to come out on national tv?”

“I’m sorry, did I what?!”

“Come here!” Vanya kept a hold of Klaus’ arm and dragged him towards the nearest tv, the other siblings trailing behind them with concern.

Klaus had no idea what his sister was talking about. He was a bit scared, very confused, and also in no way surprised if Vanya was right and he had accidentally come out on national tv. That is one hundred percent on brand for Klaus Hargreeves.

Sure enough, when they got to the tv, a news reporter was talking over a blurry photo of Klaus kissing the boy from the mission. The headline at the bottom of the screen read Umbrella Academy’s Klaus Hargreeves Secretly Gay?

No one says anything for a minute as they all listen to the reporter talk. Finally, Klaus says, “I didn’t think I was keeping it a secret.”

Ben laughs weakly beside him. “Yeah, guess the public just has a terrible gaydar.”

“Dad’s gonna kill you.” Diego whispers, getting a grunt of agreement from Luther.

“Probably.” Klaus agrees, still staring at the screen where the reporter was now discussing/judging Klaus’ choice of clothing. “I feel bad for the kid, I hope they don’t identify him.”

“The kid?” Allison remarks from behind Klaus. “Jesus, Klaus, do you not even know the name of the guy?”

“Didn’t cross my mind to ask.” Klaus responds, ignoring the sounds of horror from his siblings. “Vanya, where’s Dad?”

Vanya jumped a bit at her name. “Uh, I think he’s in his office. Do you want me to get him, or…”

“Hell no!” Klaus scoffed. He did not want to face his father about this. They had just gotten to a point where Reginald wasn’t constantly murdering Klaus with his stare for the first time since Klaus came out to him. But his Dad was definitely not going to love this latest development, since he had made it very clear that he didn’t want the world to know that Klaus was pan and non-binary.

Klaus turned to leave, avoiding his siblings’ disappointed and judgmental looks. “I’m gonna go smoke.” He muttered.

Klaus tried to pretend he wasn’t bothered by what they were saying about him. And he did a pretty good job of it, at least in front of his family. But that night, alone in his room, he broke down. His father hadn’t come out of his office the rest of the day, and Klaus was terrified. He opened up his old laptop and went to the ‘trending’ section of the news. Among articles about some political debate and what type of lettuce was safe to eat, his face was scattered. He clicked on a handful of the articles.

Klaus Hargreeves rumored to be gay.

The Seance caught kissing a boy!

Sorry girls! Looks like national heartthrob Klaus Hargreeves isn’t one for women.

Number Four, the Seance, seen wearing a skirt.

Klaus rolled his eyes at some of the headlines. He really didn’t want to make any sort of public statement on this whole disaster, but he would very much like to clear things up and make it crystal clear that he is ‘one for women’, thank you very much.

Not all the articles are that bad. They’re all somewhat insensitive, considering they’re all making assumptions about Klaus based off of one blurry photo, but some are decently respectful. Of course, Klaus only focuses on the ones that aren’t.

One of the Umbrella Academy members found to be a queer.

Seems to me that a lot of people are no longer going to have a favorite member of the Umbrella Academy.

The Seance may be able to speak to the dead, but he can not pull off a skirt.

Klaus Hargreeves should stick to talking to ghosts from now on.

Klaus reads them all in his father’s voice.

Abruptly, he jumps of his bed and rips off his skirt, throwing it across the room. He lets out a cry of frustration.

Klaus spends the rest of the night doing dangerous amounts of drugs and drinking every last bit of alcohol he had stored in his room. The last thing he remembers seeing before he passes out is the ghost of the blond soldier watching him with concern from the corner of the room.

It took him 26 years, but Klaus Hargreeves was finally trying to pull his shit together. Well, more accurately- it took Ben Hargreeves 26 years to convince his brother to pull his shit together.

Klaus had woken up in the back room of some bar/drug den, mostly naked with random people laying next to him.

His brother stood above him offering a condescending hand to Klaus, since he knew Klaus couldn’t actually touch him.

“Hey there. Your head hurt?”

Klaus tried very hard not to rub his throbbing head, as to not prove Ben right. “Christ, don’t you ever go away? There’s no way I’m sober right now, so why the fuck are you still bothering me?”

Klaus knew why, and Ben knew he knew why. And somewhere, deep down, Klaus was glad Ben didn’t leave. He was glad there was always someone there when he hit rock bottom over and over again. But Ben was also really bloody annoying, always telling Klaus to ‘eat a vegetable’ or ‘take a shower’. Stupid stuff like that.

“Klaus, why do you do this?” Ben asked suddenly, as Klaus was stumbling up off the floor.

“Do what?”

“You know what. All of this. Drugs, booze, hooking up with random strangers and then never seeing them again, living on the streets, the list goes on and on.”

“Ben, are you really still asking me this? You’d think after twelve years of it, you would stop trying to get me to give up all my lovable quirks.”

“They’re not lovable quirks!” Ben snapped, even though he knew his brother was only joking and embellishing his words like always. “They’re… they’re terrible, awful things you do to yourself and I am the only person who’s stuck with you through it all because you’ve pushed away everyone else, and do you know how hard it is that you don’t listen to me? That I have to watch you live your life- something that I didn’t get to do- so dangerously, so irresponsibly, like you don’t even care whether you live or die!”

“Well, maybe I don’t!”

Ben’s face softened. “Klaus…” He took a deep breath and started again. “Klaus, I know it’s hard. I know our childhood was shit, and our dad was abusive as all hell, and the ghosts are unbearable. I know all that. But it could all be so much better if you tried a little bit. If you sobered up enough to get a job, so you could get money, so you could an apartment. Klaus, I don’t care if you buy the shittiest, most rundown apartment in the whole city- I will cry tears of joy if you have a place to live for once. Or... or you could do what Diego does! You could work for someone in exchange to live with them. Speaking of Diego, what about trying to live with him? You know he loves you like crazy, even though he doesn’t act like it. Talk to him, talk to Allison for god’s sake, she’s filthy rich and I’m sure she’d give you money. You don’t have to isolate yourself from your family! God, I don’t understand why you all pushed each other away! Do you know how much I would give to be alive with all of you right now?! Why don’t any of you appreciate this life that you have! Klaus, you have no fucking idea how terrible it is to be dead and watch the people you love throw away their life!”

Klaus didn’t know ghosts could cry.

He watched in horror as his brother curled up on the floor, wiping away tears. Ben looked so small, like he was as young as he was when he was alive. Klaus blinked and saw their father standing over Ben, yelling at him for not trying hard enough. He blinked again and saw an eight-year-old Ben, sobbing on the floor of a bank after murdering a group of people for the first time. He saw every other time he walked into Ben’s room and saw him doing that after a mission- too many times for Klaus to count.

“Okay.” He found himself saying.

Ben looked up at him, standing hesitantly. “Okay… what?”

“I’ll try to find a job.” Klaus meant it, shockingly. Ben was right, and he knew it. He didn’t like it, but he needed to do something to thank Ben for sticking with him.

The look on Ben’s face made it all worth it.

***

“Bennn why is finding a job so hard?”

“Klaus, we’ve been looking for thirty minutes. That’s nothing. And I still think we should go see Diego or Vanya or someone with a computer so you can research places to work, not just wander around until you find something.”

“No, no, nope. I am being nice and doing something for you, but I promise you that by the time this hangover wears off, I will have lost all motivation to do so. We gotta get me some paperwork or shit so I’ll be legally obligated to not back out of this.”

“When has the law ever stopped you?”

Klaus glared at his brother. “Giving up on this now…”

“You’re right, you’re right. I’m very proud of you. Let’s keep looking.” Ben reached out like he was going to pat Klaus’ shoulder, but stopped. Even after Ben being dead for nearly ten years, both brothers forgot sometimes that they couldn’t touch. Klaus would never admit it, but he would give anything to hug Ben again.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, the mood brought down by the cruel reminder of Ben’s death.

“Oh! Klaus!” Ben said suddenly, pointing at the window they were passing. Klaus followed his brother’s finger and saw the Help Wanted sign.

“Well that looks promising…” Klaus wandered over to see what the store was. “Goodwin Hardware… a hardware store? That’s so boring!”

“Come on, it’s the only place we’ve found. And at least there’s sharp objects you can play with!” Ben pleaded.

“Okay, calm down there Diego, I’m still going to check it out.” Klaus used the window as a mirror, adjusting his hair and overall trying to make himself a little less disheveled. He was wearing a blue button up and a silver skirt- both things he had found on the floor he woke up on, and he was pretty sure neither of them belonged to him the night before.

Klaus walked into the store, the jingle of the bell on the door nearly as loud as Ben’s gasp of excitement.

“Can I help ‘ya?” A gruff voice barked from the front counter. Klaus followed the voice to see an old white guy look up from the fishing magazine he’d been reading. Figures, Klaus thought- it was a hardware store after all, but Klaus had been hoping it was one of those cool, lesbian-owned hardware stores.

Klaus felt himself freeze up, seeing just a little too much of his father in the man’s face, but Ben whispered encouragement from behind him, and together they walked to the counter.

“Hi, yes, I was wondering about your help wanted sign? You see, I’ve recently decided to acquire a job, and this looks like a lovely place-”

“No.” The man said, returning to his magazine like the conversation was over.

“...No?” Klaus repeated.

“I don’t hire queers,” The guy glanced up again and gave Klaus a look like it should have been obvious what he was talking about.

Oh.

Klaus heard Ben mutter his name from behind him, the same disappointed tone in his voice that Klaus was used to hearing.

“Well, sir, I don’t think being gay hinders my ability to shelf tools.” Klaus bit his lip as he spoke, trying his hardest to remain polite. Do it for Ben, do it for Ben, do it for Ben-

“Listen, sissy, I told you the answer’s no. Now get out of my shop.”

Okay that was it. Klaus reached across the counter and tore the magazine from the man’s hands, throwing it behind him.

“You’re going to give me this fucking job!” Klaus hissed. He ignored the fact that Ben was telling him to stop, telling him that they would just find another opportunity.

The man grabbed Klaus by the collar and pulled him close, scraping him across the wood of the counter. Klaus flinched, being reminded once again of his dad.

“No, ‘m not. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll get out of my store before I have to tell you a third time.”

Klaus spit in the man’s eye. A fist met his face.

He woke up in what had lovingly been dubbed “his” prison cell.

“God, my head…” He rubbed at his face, feeling a lump from where the man had hit him.

“Oh. You’re awake.” Ben said from across the room.

Klaus remembered all that had happened. (Although why he went to jail when he was the one who’d gotten hit, he wasn’t sure. Probably had something to do with the fact that his cop-in-training brother used arresting Klaus as an excuse to check up on him.)

“Ben, I’m sorry, I swear I didn’t mean to make this into a whole thing-”

“But you did! You egged that guy on when we could have just left and kept looking! Jesus, Klaus do you ever know when to stop?!” Ben rubbed his eyes and turned away from Klaus, making it clear the conversation was over and Klaus was left with a bitch of a hypothetical question.

He picked at the fraying silver of his (not his) skirt. He closed his eyes and saw a tv headline, saw his father’s hand hitting him, saw the floor fall out beneath him, saw his brother and sister’s judgmental faces.

Maybe he should stop wearing skirts.

+1.

Klaus had made a promise to himself that he would stop wearing skirts. Nothing good happened when he did. The only time he’d broken that promise since the hardware store incident was at his father’s funeral- sort of as a final fuck-you to Reginald. And hey, things couldn’t get any worse, right? At least that’s what he thought until his baby brother showed up, rambling about doomsday.

But, Klaus had made that promise in 2016. And this was 1968. So technically, Klaus hadn’t made the promise yet. Besides, this skirt was really cute.

So Klaus bought it, bullshiting some excuse about buying it to send to his little sister back home (as if Vanya would ever wear this), because as nice as the Saigon residents were, he wasn’t about to tell them he was a gay soldier sneaking away from camp with another gay soldier.

He and Dave weren’t fully sneaking around, exactly. Everyone in their unit had a break this weekend, it’s just that most of them weren’t in Saigon. Klaus wasn’t sure where they were exactly, but he knew that he and Dave weren’t in risk of being seen by anyone they knew. So they only had to worry the normal amount about being gay in the 60s! Yay!

Klaus sat waiting outside their motel room, because Dave was a sap and wanted to pretend like he was picking Klaus up for their date, even though they were staying in the same space. Not that Klaus minded- he loved that Dave was such a romantic. It was just one of the many, many things that made him different- and better- than any partners Klaus had before.

It felt wrong, comparing Dave to other partners. They weren’t even on the same plane as him. Klaus had never been with someone because he cared about them before. He’d never really been with someone at all, actually. Three weeks didn’t exactly count as a long-term relationship, especially when he was only doing it for a place to sleep. The point was, Dave was different. Dave was special. Klaus knew it from the moment he saw him. Something about him looked familiar, like Klaus had known him before in a different time.

It wasn’t like Klaus was planning on staying in the middle of a war that happened twenty years before he was even born, but he didn’t exactly have a reason to go back to 2019, either. And he realized about an hour into his time in Vietnam that he did have a reason to stay there- a blond, hot, blue-eyed, Jewish reason, to be exact. And look, it happened to work out well for Klaus (surprisingly, since things so rarely did) when a month later he learned that his reason for staying wanted him too.

Klaus was so lost in thought that he almost forgot how boring it was waiting for Dave. ...Almost.

“Hey!” He stood, rapping on the motel door. “Hurry up!” Klaus didn’t care if Dave wasn’t ready to go out yet- in fact, it was probably more fun that way.

“God, Hargreeves, don’t you have any patience?!” Dave’s voice came all the way from the far side of the room, but Klaus could still hear the affectionate tone it carried. Dave only called Klaus by his last name when he was doing so in a teasing manner. Klaus called Dave by his a lot more, ever since he learned that David Katz was allergic to cats, and he never let him live it down.

“Nope! None at all. Now c’mon, or I’m just gonna leave without you.” He wouldn’t, obviously, and Dave knew it too.

Klaus heard footsteps on the other side of the door and he had a brief moment of panic about what he was wearing. Shit, why did he break his promise? Dave had seemed fine up until now about Klaus’ gender expression and the way he dressed or wore makeup or acted feminine, but what if he really wasn’t? Klaus knew it was already hard for Dave to be comfortable in his sexuality, and he didn’t want to be the reason Dave retreated back into the closet. The last thing this tentative gay soldier needed was a reminder of just how queer the man he was dating is. Klaus very nearly tore the skirt off, even though he wasn’t wearing anything underneath it, but the door opened before he could make that very stupid decision.

He froze as Dave, wearing the same button-up he’d worn the first time they’d kissed and a new pair of pants he must have bought that afternoon, quickly gave Klaus a once-over. They made eye contact and Klaus instantly relaxed upon seeing the fondness in Dave’s eyes.

“You look beautiful.” Dave smiled.

Klaus entered the room, shutting the door behind him with one hand as he held Dave’s face in the other. He kissed him, smiling wide against Dave’s lips.

“What was that?” Dave asked when Klaus pulled away.

“A kiss, you idiot.”

“No shit, Klaus, I just didn’t know why you did it.”

“I did it because you complimented me and I am desperate for validation. Don’t flatter yourself or anything, I kiss everyone who says I look nice.”

Dave laughed, “you better not.” He was the one to kiss Klaus this time, pushing him against the door.

“Hey.” Klaus held onto Dave’s shoulders and moved him far enough away that he could lock eyes with him. “I love you.”

Dave didn’t hesitate, didn’t flinch away or act disgusted, even though it was the first time Klaus had said it and he had been sure the response would be negative.

“I love you too, Klaus.”

#ahhHHHHHH I FINALLY FINISHED THIS #i hope y'all like it i got very carried away with it #also if you notice the tense inconsistencies #... no you don't #klaus x dave #klaus hargreeves x dave katz #klaus hargreeves #the umbrella academy #tua #tua fic #the umbrella academy fanfiction #klaus x dave fic #eli.writes

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illfoandillfie · 5 years ago

Text

5 Simple Rules for a Successful Fake Relationship: One Small Hitch

READ PART 1

Pairing: Ben Hardy x Reader

summery: You and Ben have your first official date and settle into your "relationship". But, with filming coming to a close, you'll need to be more committed to the act than before, especially when Ben's keeping secrets.

Warnings: Again, nothing much. Some language. Drinking. Nothing else I can think of.

Words: 8355

AN: Chapter 2 is finally here! Sorry for the delay but hopefully the next part will be up faster. I'm really really enjoying writing this series and I am so very excited about what's coming! The song mentioned is Reckless Serenade by Arctic Monkeys. Sidenote: Can anyone work out the theme of the chapter titles?

Taglist: @laedymoon @dtfrogertaylor @vee-ndetta @atomic-watermelon @kellypenac @labessieisallama @deakyclicks @jennyggggrrr @drowseoftaylor @hannafuckingsucks @i-cant-hangout-im-drumming @queenmylovely @supersonicfreddie

“I’ve got something for you,” you half shouted at Ben when you saw him walking towards you from across the field you were filming in. You shuffled your shitty takeaway coffee into your other hand so you could reach into your bag, pulling out a piece of paper folded in half. He took it and pulled you into a hug, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “Funny cause I have something for you too,” Ben said as he let you go, reaching into his backpack and handing you a magazine, “Oh, shit, it’s our rules. You want page 15 by the way.” “Figured you’d want a record of them. What exactly am I looking f-” you let the word hang as you found the right page. It was decorated with a photo of you and Ben kissing on his doorstep, his hand around your back, the shirt you’d borrowed riding up just enough that it was clear you didn’t have shorts on underneath as you clutched at him. There was some text beside it, mentions of your most notable roles and his, a brief description of the movie you were in the process of making, and some speculatory remarks with a couple of innuendos thrown in. The usual gossip mag fare. On the other side of the paragraph was another photo, both of you leaving set the previous Friday, hand in hand and smiling. “We look pretty good together,” you laughed, getting only a noncommittal grunt in return. He’d suddenly become very interested in the sheet you’d handed him, staring at it like he hadn’t been there when it was written. You reread the brief article, trying not to gawk at the photographs. It certainly looked believable. “I’ve had about four people wish us well this morning,” Ben suddenly said, seemingly pulling himself together, folding up the rules and shoving them into his back pocket, “and I’ve not been here long. It’s kinda weird having everyone know we’re together. Or think we’re together,” he quickly corrected himself. “Yeah, Mel kept asking me questions about it while she was doing my makeup this morning, so I hope she took my awkwardness as me wanting to keep things private and not me not knowing how to answer some of them.” Ben chuckled, “yeah, Gail gave me a bit of a grilling too. I just told her we’d been sort of seeing each other for a few weeks and had only just like made it official or whatever and she seemed to buy it.” “Good, I told Mel the same sort of thing. Hopefully that’s enough for them.” “I’m more concerned with what my friends are going to say. I don’t think any of them read Heat though so hopefully it doesn’t come up any time soon,” “Lucky. My friend Felicity has the dumb site bookmarked. Checks it religiously. Bloody miracle she hasn’t called yet.” “Better turn of your phone then,” “And come back to a full voicemail and about a hundred texts demanding to know why I’m ghosting her?” “Tell her you were filming. I do it all the time,” he was grinning at you and you couldn’t help but grin back as you pulled your phone out and shut it off, “atta girl,” he pulled you into his side and gave you an affectionate squeeze that you leaned into , fully aware of how many people were around you, potentially watching. It was a feeling that didn’t really let up. You knew, rationally, that everyone there was focused on their jobs, but you couldn’t help feeling like you were constantly being scrutinised, and not just for your acting. It didn’t help when Seth had to stop recording to fix a problem with the boom mic and, good-humouredly, said, “don’t worry lovebirds, we’ll have her running in a second.” Or that one of the ADs delivered your call sheets for the next day with a, “I always thought you’d be cute together.” And it certainly didn’t help when you turned your phone on at the end of the day to find a series of texts from Felicity each with more exclamation points and capital letters than the last, and a missed call from Mary. “Better call her back,” Ben said, following you towards the carpark. You rolled your eyes, already holding the phone up to your ear listening to it ring. “Y/N, I was just about to try you again,” “Sorry, Mary, I had my phone off while we were recording, what’s the matter?” “Are you free this weekend?” “Um yeah, I think so, why?” “We’d like for you and Ben to go on a date this weekend. Somewhere in London preferably but it’s up to you. You saw the article in Heat? It seems to be going well. The hits your names have got on google have increased and there have been a few tweets about it. Nothing huge, you’re not trending or anything but you’re still relatively unknown so we weren’t expecting that to happen, certainly not overnight. But we think if we get a date story out quickly it’ll really help get people interested.” You rubbed your temple as you tried to process everything she’d just said, “Okay, I’ll talk to him and we’ll organise something. I’ll text you the details once I have them.” “Okay, let me know as soon as you can though. And send Peter the info too.” “Will do. See ya Mary.” “Was that about me?” Ben asked, smiling as he leaned against your car. “You up for a date this weekend? Apparently the first story went well and they want a follow up ASAP.” “Sure, where are we going?” “I don’t know, somewhere around London would apparently be best, but we get to choose. Any thoughts?” He thought for a moment, “This isn’t our first date is it? Like, we’ve said we’ve been on others before, right?” “Yeah, why?” “Well normally for a first date I take girls out for dinner and then, depending on the girl and how the dinner went, either a quiet drink or like a romantic as fuck walk in the park or something.” “That’s pretty standard stuff, Ben,” “Yeah, but in the fiction of us as a couple, this isn’t our first date. This’d be, what?” “Fifth maybe?” “Fifth. So I’m still trying to impress you a bit, but it’s like, more relaxed. We’ve done the dinner date, we’ve done coffee and a movie, we’ve even done the Museum. Now we’re getting into the fun shit.” “Museums don’t count as fun shit?” you chuckled, not sure where his train of thought was taking you. “It’s a bit overdone is all.” “What do you have in mind then?” “There’s this place that runs art classes during the day, right? Life drawing or like painting for beginner's type stuff. But a couple of nights a week they run these art and wine nights. They’ll give you a canvas or a ceramic figure or something like that and some paints and you can have a few drinks and do something arty. I did it with some mates a while ago, had heaps of fun. Seemed like the sort of thing yo- a girl might like to do on a date.” “That definitely sound fun.” “Really? You’re into it?” “Yeah, for sure.” “Okay,” Ben pulled out his phone and began typing, “shall I book us in for the Saturday night ceramics session?” “Go ahead. What time was that, so I can let Mary and Peter know.” “Seven thirty. If we get a cab in a little earlier we can grab something to eat on our way.” “Cool, okay I’ll text them. Is it BYO?” “Yeah. They do sell some stuff but it’s a pretty small selection.” “Okay, well that’s something to look forward to. Anyway, I should be going since I have about a million texts to sort through, I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Wait, one thing,” Ben said before you could open your car door, “There’s a few people coming off set now so I’m going to kiss you, okay?” “Thanks for the heads up,” “No worries,” he stepped closer, his hand rising to cup your cheek as he kissed you softly. He took longer to break away than you’d expected, letting the kiss deepen instead, but you didn’t mind too much. It was a good kiss. And if it hadn’t been for Ben and the movie, you would have been severely lacking them recently. Which explained the vague feeling of disappointment that hit you when he did step back.

On your way home your phone beeped with another text from Felicity but you ignored it until you were inside and changed into the comfiest clothes you could find, flopping down on your bed to scroll through what she’d written. They varied from, “omg why didn’t you tell me about this Ben guy?” to “Y/N!!! Answer my texts!!!” all the way up to, “BITCH!!! CALL ME!!!!” She picked up on the first ring. “Where the fuck have you been all day?” “Some of us don’t have office jobs we hate,” you laughed, “I actually had to work, funnily enough, and because we were on location I had to keep my phone off while we recorded.” “Well I’ve been going crazy over here. Imagine my shock when I boot up my computer and open Heat and see your fucking arse being grabbed by your co-star.” “He was not grabbing my arse.” “Close enough. You didn’t tell me how fucking gorgeous he is.” “No, well, I don’t usually think about the people I work with like that, do I?” “Which is why I was so surprised to see you’ve shacked up with one of them.” “It’s not quite that serious.” “One night stands aren’t your usual thing. Definitely not with guys you work with anyway.” “I never said it was a one night stand, just that it wasn’t super serious!” “How many times then?” “We’ve been on like four dates.” “You fuckhead! You mean to tell me you’re actually dating this guy, who by the way looks like he could be a fucking underwear model, and you didn’t think to tell me? No so much as a I got dicked down by a total babe aren’t you jealous message?” “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it if it wasn’t going to go anywhere.” “But still, I’m your best friend, I tell you about every shag I have.” “In graphic detail,” “Exactly.” “Look it’s just a bit weird still. Neither of us have really hooked up with a co-star before and we didn’t want to say anything until we worked out what was happening.” “I guess that makes sense,” you could tell she didn’t mean it, “But, now that it’s out you owe me. I want to hear all about it.” “There’s not much to tell. We became quite good friends during all the pre-production stuff when we were rehearsing and all that. Our director wanted to make sure we clicked and had the right chemistry and stuff, since it’s a romcom and our characters get engaged in the first scene, so we hung out a lot. And then just before filming started he asked me out. Took me to this nice Chinese restaurant. It was fun so we agreed to go out again and it’s sort of just kept going.” “Those photos, was that the first time you’d stayed over at his?” “Second. First time was a couple of weeks ago. The night that led to the photos was just a few drinks after work with some of the others and we ended up ducking out a bit early and wound up at his.” “And?” “And what?” You had a hard time not laughing when you heard her groan. Her eagerness to know every sordid detail made her easy to fuck with, and that made the whole business of being secretive a lot more fun. “And, how was he?” “I mean…y’know,” “Y/N, I swear to god,” “He was good, okay? Really good,” you remembered what Ben had told you to say, trying not to laugh too much while you repeated it, “like, three orgasms good.” “Shit, really?” “Uhuh. And then another in the morning.” Felicity replied with a long whistle, “shit, girl, hold onto that one then. That’s definitely worth any trouble working together could cause." “Believe me, I know. We’re going out again this weekend.” It was surprisingly easy to lie about dating Ben. Though, of course, you weren’t technically lying since you would be going on a date. “Shit man, date five. That’s serious shit. You better tell me everything, in graphic detail.”

When you told Ben about the conversation the next day, admitting you’d spent ages praising his sexual prowess, he laughed and then thanked you, pulling you into a tight bear hug. You thought it was a slight overreaction considering he’d been the one to tell you what to say but his happiness was infectious, and you found yourself smiling more than normal as you hung out between scenes. An attitude which could only help your performance, making people more ready to believe you were a couple. His easy laughter and bright smiles continued until the afternoon when you were telling him more about Felicity and what you’d talked about. “She thinks you’re a keeper and kept telling me not to let you go.” “Your friend knows what she’s talking about.” “Lucky for you I can’t let you go since it’s all written up in a contract,” Ben laughed but when you glanced at him his smile seemed to falter. “You okay?” “Brilliant. Just had a bit of a late night and it’s catching up on me. Think I might try to have a quick nap before we’re needed again.” “I was thinking of grabbing another coffee if you want one?” “Thanks Y/N but I think the nap will do me more good.” “Probably better people don’t see us heading off to a trailer together anyway or they’ll suspect we’re getting up to mischief.” “Very true. I’ll see you a bit later.” “Sleep well!” Ben turned to leave, his smile seeming more forced than earlier. You would have worried except he seemed to be back to normal when he was called for your next scene. And it continued on through the week, his happiness only getting more pronounced the closer it got to the weekend.

You couldn’t quite match his energy on Friday, anxiety over your date getting stronger the closer you got to it. Hanging out at his place had been easy, even if it did include leaving half dressed. All you’d had to do was kiss him which you’d done enough times during filming that it was no longer too odd. But a proper date was something else. It was going to be the first real test you faced, the first time you’d really have to sell yourselves to the public as more than co-stars and more than a hook-up. “Hey are you okay?” “Huh?” “Your jiggling your leg a lot which you only do when something’s worrying you, what is it?” “Oh,” you forced your leg to stop moving, “nothing,” “Is it about our date tonight?” “What if it’s bad? What if we don’t look like we’re actually together and Mary and Pete have to cancel the whole thing?” “I’d get a decent night sleep not thinking about us,” he muttered. “What?” “I’ve been worried about it too,” he said louder, “but I think we’ll be okay. It’s not like we’ll be starved for conversation and we’ll have the paint and the wine and we’ll be fine. Plus, weren’t you the one who said this would be easy?” “Yeah I was,” you said sheepishly, “but -” “No buts. It’ll be a piece of cake. We go and have a good time painting a couple of plates or bowls or whatever, and then hold hands while we head home. They’ll get whatever shots they get, and they’ll spin it so we look like a couple.” “Yeah, you’re right. Sorry,” “It’s okay,” he reached out to rub the back of your hand, smiling softly at you, “the nerves might actually help you look like you’re legit. And worst comes to worst we can always run lines. I’m honestly so much more nervous about shooting that scene tomorrow.” “The one where we’re playing matchmaker?” “Yes! Have you seen how many names are in there?” “Theres like six, Ben,” “Yeah but they’re all repeated, and I know I’m going to get the order wrong,” You giggled and shook your head, “You’re unbelievable,” “Oh whatever,” he pushed your shoulder almost making you overbalance, “Just cos you know the lines already.”

Ben’s efforts to calm you down worked and you got through the rest of the workday without a hitch. Though your stomach was once again tight with nerves in the hours before the date. You spent a solid half hour standing in front of your wardrobe, freshly washed hair slowly dripping down the back of the towel you had wrapped around you, trying to settle on what to wear. When you were finally dressed you checked and rechecked the contents of your purse, and, in a moment of panic, you grabbed the heavily highlighted and notated script pages with the matchmaker scene and shoved them in beside your lipstick and bank card. By the time Ben arrived in an Uber to pick you up, ushering you into the backseat with a kiss on the cheek and a complement about how lovely you looked, you felt like you were on the verge of throwing up. But, once again, Ben’s natural charm eased your mind. The way he talked to you and smiled constantly had your heart rate slowing and your stomach settling within minutes. Even the way he squeezed your hand when he helped you out of the car, and the way he laced his fingers with yours as he led you towards your destination were welcome comforts. “D’you wanna grab something to eat?” Ben asked, stopping on a corner and looking around, annoyed people passing by on both sides. “Uhh, s’pose so.” “Has anyone ever told you you’re indecisive?” “I swear I’m not normally.” “Oh? Do I make you nervous, snookum?” he asked, playfully. “No, you git,” you laughed back, though you found it hard to meet his eyes, “I just don’t know I’m that hungry.” “Well, keep in mind there’ll be wine drinking. Don’t want to do that on an empty stomach.” “Valid argument. What’s nearby?” After some wandering you ended up in a McDonalds, Ben wolfing down a burger while you picked at the fries, not quite certain you’d be able to keep your food down. It was when you were coming out of a bottle shop, Ben holding the wine you’d agreed on, that you spotted the photographer. It was the same one who’d been outside Ben’s house when you stayed over, camera aimed at the two of you. Quietly you nudged Ben. He just wrapped an arm around you, pulling you into his side as you walked. You struggled to not watch the photographer as he followed you towards the art studio, having to keep reminding yourself to pretend he wasn’t there. “Relax,” Ben said softly in your ear, “He’s not important.” You nodded, afraid if you said anything you’d lose the meagre dinner you’d had. Ben’s thumb rubbing over your own gave you something else to focus on, counting each soft, smooth stroke, until you reached the right place.

You weren’t the only couple there, far from it. Most of the claimed tables were taken by pairs sitting close together, hands clasped or laying on thighs as they talked. A few tables held larger groups, double dates maybe or perhaps just friends. You felt a few eyes on you as you found a table close to the clear glass of the shopfront, but they turned away again quickly, more interested in their own little bubbles than yours. You glanced outside to check if the photographer was still there but couldn’t see much more than the reflection of you and Ben. His knee bumped yours under the table as he leaned toward you, pressing a finger to your jaw to turn your head towards him. “Forget the photographer. Forget Mary and Peter. Forget our arrangement. We're just two friends having a fun night out, okay?” “Okay,” “Okay. So what are you thinking of painting then?” He unscrewed the bottle of wine and grabbed one of the glasses you’d been handed on arrival. “Well what are my options?” “Well there’s your classic teacup, mug or plate options. There’s a couple of different jewellery boxes, I think. And then there are the statues, ummm, fairy, dragon, alien. Maybe a princess one, I can’t remember.” “More than I thought there’d be. What were you thinking?” “I did a dragon last time I was here. But I think I’m going to do a mug this time. Need some extras if you’re gonna be staying over more often.” “Maybe we should both do mugs, then? Something we can use at each other’s places.” “Alright, deal. But we can’t look at what the other is painting until they’re done.” “That’s going to be so hard!” you laughed, feeling properly relaxed for the first time all night. “Yeah but it’ll be fun though. Wait here, I’ll go grab us the mugs.” You took the opportunity to look around the room, trying to think of what Ben might like on a mug. There was art everywhere – paintings hanging on walls, examples of what the classes could teach you, decorated ceramics lining windowsills and shelves. Judging by the wildly differing levels of talent displayed, you assumed at least some of them were left behind and never claimed. There were plates decorated with fruit trees and ocean scenes, jugs covered in splatters of different colours, aliens in shimmery blue and princesses with green hair and orange dresses. But nothing that sparked your imagination. The noise of the room was steadily growing as everyone got stuck into their creations. Ben sat down, took a drink and got to work mixing colours. “You know what you’re going to do then?” “I have an idea. But I will warn you I’m not a particularly good artist so it might not look anything like what it’s meant to.” You picked up your blank mug and put it down again, tapping the end of a paintbrush against the table as you tried to come up with an idea. What did Ben like? He liked coffee. And dogs. And his guitar. More than once he’d brought it to set, playing it in his downtime. He’d been embarrassed the first time you mentioned overhearing him as you passed by his trailer, but you’d assured him you’d liked listening to him. You’d had the song stuck in your head for a week afterwards. “Made up your mind, have you?” Ben asked, glancing up from his handiwork as you mixed a pale peach colour. “No peeking,” “I wasn’t peeking. If I’d been peeking, I would have done this,” Ben craned his neck, leaning over to where your mug was. You laughed and pulled the mug closer to you, pushing him away with your other hand. He caught it in his own, taking the paintbrush from you, “Oi, careful with that.” “Oops, sorry,” Ben laughed and kissed your palm before letting you have your hand back, “No harm done. But y’know if you splattered me I’d have no choice but to get payback.” There was no need to reach for the script you’d brought as you and Ben fell into conversation while you painted. He asked if you’d had any more awkward phone calls with your friends and told you about what had happened when his mates had found out. Nothing like the conversation you’d endured, though there’d been plenty of teasing. You had to admonish him for nearly getting paint on your work when he began using the largest brush he had to artistically spray drops of paint over his mug. And then he’d laughed when you paused, admitting out loud that you weren’t actually sure how to paint the thing you’d planned on painting. He’d promised not to peek while you whipped out your phone to look up a reference image, going to far as to cover his eyes just to make sure. Once you gave him the okay he went back to painting, switching to a thinner brush and shushing you so he could concentrate. It was ridiculous how cute he looked, tongue between his teeth, bent over the mug as he slowly outlined the design. You shook your head to clear the thought and went back to your own work.

“Okay, I’m done. You wanna see now?” “Yes, absolutely. Unless you think we should wait until after they’ve been glazed?” “Fuck that, we can’t pick them up for a couple of days, I wanna show you now.” “Alright, show me then,” you put down your brush, focusing all your attention onto the mug in Ben’s hands. The base coat was a light purple, with splatters of darker purple over top. Slowly he turned the mug to show you the design on the front. It bore a slightly wonky engagement ring, similar to the one his character gave yours in the movie. On either side of the ring, in thin, not quite straight lettering, was the words we’re really good at this dating thing. You smiled as soon as you read the quote from the script, “I love it, Ben” “Thought it was kind of fitting,” he chuckled, “plus it’ll be a nice little souvenir once the movie wraps.” “That was a fun scene to shoot. Best proposal I’ve ever had.” Ben smiled and carefully turned his mug back towards him, “Best proposal I’ve ever given,” He seemed to be about to say something but stopped himself, shaking his head. You lowered your voice, “Promise I’ll get to keep it after we break up?” “Promise,” Ben said, matching your level and leaning in close, “Until then maybe you can use it as a reminder whenever you feel anxious about this whole dating thing.” “Thanks, I will.” You were suddenly very aware of how softly you were speaking, how close you were sitting, leaning in to hear each other over the rest of the room, and for a split second you thought he was going to kiss you again. But then the moment passed, the noise of the room intruding as Ben leaned back in his seat, “So do I get to see mine?” “Uh, it’s not quite done,” you said, picking up your brush again, the moment gone, “give me another couple of minutes.” “Masterpieces take time, I get it,” “This is by no stretch a masterpiece,” “I’ll be the judge of that thanks very much,” Ben turned to look out over the room while you tried to finish your painting without smudging anything, occasionally making comments about other people there or the art that decorated the room. You took one last look at what you’d painted, the guitar with the words stun gun lullaby written in cursive beside it, “Alright, I’m done now, you can look. Careful, some of it’s still wet.” Ben gently took hold of the handle and turned the mug so the design faced him. He broke out into a grin and you felt relieved that he liked it. “It’s definitely a masterpiece. For someone who didn’t know how to draw a guitar you’ve done an incredible job. And how did you know that’s one of my favourite songs?” “Is it? It's just the song I overheard you playing that one time. I thought that line was a good one for a mug. Nice and short so I didn’t have to paint too much.” “This is definitely my new favourite mug.” “Oh stop it.” “And hey, they kind of match.” You laughed when he pointed out the similarities, “Guess they do. Y’know that’d make a pretty cute Instagram post.” “You going to tag me as my mug?” “Of course. You could post a photo and tag me in it too,” “I don’t know. I don’t really post much personal stuff online.” “Well at least comment on mine,” “I can do that.”

After you’d taken a decent photo and posted it online you cleaned up, handed your mugs over to the woman running the night’s activity and stepped back out into the night. There was no sign of the photographer anywhere and you supposed he’d got what he needed and then left. Still, Ben grabbed your hand as you walked back up the street, just in case you’d missed the photographer in the crowd. “Guess that means we don’t have to worry about going home together,” you said, nudging Ben. “Guess not,” his lips quirked down in a soft frown.” “What is it?” “Nothing, nothing, just...feels kind of weird to just end the date here, I guess,” he scratched the back of his head and laughed, “Normally I’d offer to give you a lift home. Or at least give you a good night kiss, but I guess that’s not really needed now.” “Well, it’s like you said, we’re just friends having a fun night out. We could share a ride home though, if you wanted. You live near enough to mine it wouldn’t matter.” “Nah, don’t worry about it. I actually might go grab something to eat, don’t think that burger was quite enough. See you on Monday?” “Oh, yeah, okay, see you Monday.” There was a pause, both of you hesitating and then Ben gave you a much too quick hug before he walked off, disappearing into the crowd. You sighed and hailed a passing cab, spending the whole ride home wondering what the hell had just happened. But you pushed it from your mind once you were home, going through your usual nightly routine and very deliberately thinking of anything other than Ben. It didn’t help much. You still dreamt about him. Dreamt about the goodnight kiss you’d missed out on.

When you woke you had to laugh at yourself. You were sure that, had you binged a few episodes of a tv show or read something before you’d gone to bed you would have dreamt about it instead. Brains were suggestable like that. When you felt awake enough you rolled over and grabbed your phone finding a text from Ben and one from Felicity and an email from Mary. You opened Mary’s first, skimming over it and vowing to look at it properly once you had a coffee in your system. Ben’s was much easier to understand, a short message to say he had fun last night and that he’d pick the mugs up on his way to work on Monday. Felicity’s was just a series of question marks. You sent back a short response saying the date had been a lot of fun. It wasn’t enough and she was bound to come back at you asking for more details, but it would have to satisfy her. Slowly you got out of bed and made yourself a coffee, setting your laptop up next to you at the kitchen counter so you could try to read Mary’s email again. There was some information about some scripts she was going to send you, a couple of potential future roles, but the majority of the email was about you and Ben. She’d already seen the photos, apparently, and some of them would be run in the coming week’s magazine while others were being put online. She’d also seen the Instagram post and commended you for thinking of it. Another date would have to be organised, but it was better to wait until the next weekend or even the one after, so as not to fatigue the public.

So you and Ben fell into the routine of it. An email from one or other of your agents sometimes as vague as just telling you to organise a date, sometimes much more specific in what they wanted you to be doing, then the date itself, and in between work where you played up the romance as much as possible. You got good at pretending to stay over at each other's places, often just hanging out watching TV or running lines until the photographer called it a night and you were free to leave. Once or twice you’d opted to sleep in your own bed but get up early and head over to Ben’s for the required morning after shots but that process got old very quickly so you ended up actually staying over more and more. There was one day when your period came unexpectedly while you were at Ben’s. You were halfway through asking him to take you home when he offered to run to the store for you instead. “No, no, you don’t have to go out of your way like that, I’ve got plenty at home I just didn’t think I’d need any today.” “Y/N, I promise, it’s no trouble. I feel bad I don’t have anything here for you already. Been a while since I’ve lived with a girl and it didn’t even cross my mind. Seriously, it’ll take me two minutes.” When you still weren’t convinced he continued, “Plus, if I go we won’t ruin Peter and Mary’s plan for today. And the Paps can get a shot of me staring at boxes of tampons like a good caring boyfriend. It’ll help our image.” “Oh alright, as long as you don’t mind.” He was out the door a second later and back within ten minutes, though you did get a call from him at the shop, asking what brand you preferred. Once he was home, he made you a cup of tea, gave you a painkiller and, after checking you didn’t mind, cuddled up with you on the couch, teasingly calling you his cuddle bunny as he pulled you back against his chest. You almost complained, almost cited Rule 5, but it wasn’t so bad. Some might even go so far as to call it cute. It was better than snookum at any rate.

The dates themselves got easier after the first. You knew what to expect now so it wasn’t as nerve wracking as before. And Ben was always fun to be around, your list of inside jokes steadily growing as he became the one person you spent the most time with. You let yourselves relax a bit. On your third date Ben’s arm stayed glued around your waist as you walked around the zoo, only losing contact when a lemur jumped on his shoulder and you stepped back to take a photo. It wasn’t low enough to violate the rules you’d put in place but his hand was dangerously close to falling below your belt, and it was definitely something you would have put a stop to when you first started the charade. The Instagram posts had got more frequent too, though Ben still refused to post anything to his own profile. But he commented on everything you posted whether it involved him or not. And people were buying it. You’d been moved from page 15 to page 13 and then to page 10 in the magazines. You both picked up more followers online as your photos were shared across Twitter and Facebook and Tumblr. There were some downsides like rude comments and nasty messages but mostly they were easy to ignore. Worse were the phone calls and messages from family members and friends asking when they’d get to meet Ben. He’d had to fend off his own family as well, but you both stuck to Rule 4, making up excuses and promising it would happen eventually, but it just wasn’t possible right now. But your biggest problem was the issue of intimacy. It wasn’t the lack of sex itself, that was easily managed. It was that Ben had started to intrude on your fantasies. You’d be there with your fingers or your toys and suddenly it was Ben’s voice you were thinking of, Ben’s hands, Ben’s teeth and tongue and chest. Ben’s name falling from your lips. And you knew it was just because you were pretending to date him, on and off set. It was the dumb suggestable brain thing again. The thoughts were only there because you were pretending to be in love with him and usually sex was tied up with love or at least relationships. And really, you hadn’t been attracted to anyone much lately because you hadn’t been looking because you’d been pretending to be attracted to Ben so it’s really no wonder you’re brain got all confused and mixed him into those other thoughts. The first time you saw him after it first happened you wondered if he could tell, a slightly flustered awkwardness hanging over you. But it wasn’t worth mentioning to anyone. You just vowed to push him out of your mind as much as you could.

Nearly two months later you found yourselves back in the office where the idea of pretending to date was first floated. With filming drawing to a close Mary and Peter were keen to check in with you. The first thing either of them said when you and Ben turned up is how well the story was going. “Projections have the sales for this movie increased by five percent, just because of your relationship and that number is expected to grow as we get closer to release,” Mary spoke fast though whether that was excitement at the boosted numbers or just a busy schedule rushing her along you weren’t sure. “What happens now?” Ben asked, “I mean, since we won’t be filming together anymore after this week,” “That’s exactly why we wanted to talk with you both today,” Peter opened a pocket notebook and thumbed through a couple of pages, “so not much will change but we may occasionally need to balance out the loss of on set photos with shots of you out and about together. Nothing stressful and all very easily staged. You probably wouldn’t even need to be out for more than an hour or so at a time. People have been loving the domestic sort of photos you’ve been putting online, Y/N, that one of you using the coffee mugs you painted was especially good. So we’d like a few more of those sorts of moments. The two of you grocery shopping or walking a dog, do either of you have a dog? No? Hmmm, we could hire a dog and write a story about you sitting for a friend. We’ll put a pin in that for now. But yes, just some candid shots of you walking around London and doing regular everyday things together.” “We’ll also need to schedule the argument soon. We’re thinking somewhere within the first two weeks of filming being over. It means we can run speculation about whether the relationship is on the rocks now that you aren’t working together anymore. We’ll see how things go this week and make some decisions later, but we’ll give you plenty of warning before you have to perform it. Obviously, it has to be scheduled so we can guarantee someone will get photos but we need it to seem as natual as possible so we’ll leave the specifics of the argument up to you.” You nodded along but Ben had more questions. “What does this mean for any jobs we might be looking at taking after this movie wraps?” “You can still take on whatever roles you want provided they’re filming here. It’s harder to keep you in the public eye if you’re separated and while the drama of a long-distance relationship might be interesting at first, it’s not sustainable.” “If it was filming somewhere else in the UK we could maybe organise something. We’d have to look into it and see if it was possible to stick to our same plan but just shift the location. Maybe have a weekend visit angle to it, Y/N flies out to see Ben, Ben comes home to see Y/N, that kind of thing.” “Leave it with us Ben and we’ll get back to you on the logistics of it all.” “Oh, that’s okay, I don’t have anything set in stone, I was just curious.” “Is there anything else you have questions about?” “No, I don’t think so,” He looked towards you. “No, I’m all good.” “Okay, well, if you think of anything you can message us any time.” “Really, though, this is going very well. It’s already paying off but we need to keep the momentum during the post-production phase, so we need you both to be committed to this.” “We are.” “Unbelievably committed,” Ben added.

You and Ben left the meeting joking about potential arguments you could have and for the rest of the day, whenever you passed each other in the halls or had a moment alone you’d try to one up each other's suggestions. It was a good way to keep your spirits up even though the end of filming was fast approaching. One by one each cast member recorded their last scenes, saying an emotional thank you to the crew when the director called cut. You and Ben were the last to finish since you were the leads. A small pillow talk scene that you could do in your sleep. It was a nice way to end it, lying in bed with Ben’s arms around you, even with the heat of the studio lights. While you were waiting for the cameras to be positioned you and Ben joked around with the crew that were flitting around angling mics and adjusting set decorations. “Hey, Seth,” Ben said suddenly, “can you pass me my phone. I think we need to document this moment. What d’you say, cuddle bunny?” You laughed and poked him in the side but agreed. Ben stuck his arm straight up into the air, trying to angle the camera just right but he couldn’t quite get the photo to take without blurring. Seth took pity on you and offered to take the photo himself, allowing you and Ben to snuggle in close. “If you post it on Insta you better credit me,” Set laughed, turning it round to show you. “I’ll do that,” He said with a smile, “It’s pretty cute, I think I have to post it.” “Really?” you asked, surprised he’d volunteer to do such a thing. Ben didn’t have a chance to respond because everything was ready to go. Seth put the phone back away so you could film the scene, laughing in between takes until everyone was satisfied. “That’s a wrap on Ben Hardy and Y/N Y/L/N everybody,” A round of applause started as you pushed yourself to sit up, trying to stop yourself from welling up. “And that’s a wrap on The Perfect Match.” The applause continued and Ben pulled you into a tight hug, rubbing your back and pressing a kiss to the top of your head. You had to say a few words but you managed to get through it, and Ben’s little speech, without completely losing it. Afterwards, as people packed up the equipment and you headed back to your trailers to change, Ben pulled out his phone again. “I guess I should post that photo now, how’s this caption,” he said each word slowly as he typed it out, “Thank you Y/N for being the perfect Edith to my Andy. And thank you @theperfectmatchmovie for finding me my perfect match.” “Did you tag me?” “Of course,” “Did you tag Seth?” “Uhhhh, camera emoji by @seththesoundman. Now I have,” “Then it’s perfect. Little bit cheesy but I’ll let it slide.” “I’ll post another lot of photos with everyone else later and write a longer thing about how much fun this movie was and all of that, but I think this’ll do for the minute. Mary and Peter better fucking appreciate it.”

That evening most of the cast and crew headed out for drinks at the local pub. The official party would come later but everyone needed to get out and celebrate for an evening. You and Ben stayed for a few hours, Ben getting a little more clingy with each drink he finished. You limited yourself to only a couple. Ben wasn’t going to be able to drive so you decided to fall on that sword, switching to water quite early on. When he reached the point of intoxication that had him constantly complementing everyone you decided to call it a night, taking a final lap to say goodnight to everyone. There were a few wolf whistles and slurred comments about getting some as you left, Ben’s arm around your waist and his laugh in your ear, but you waved them off and led Ben out to your car. “C’mon Benny boy, I’ll drop you home.” “What about my car?” “Well you’ll have to come get it in the morning, won’t you.” He hummed and lay his head against the back of the seat, chatting animatedly as you made the trip to his. You wished him goodnight as he got out of the car and watched him make his way up to his front door. There he paused, patting his pockets. “Everything alright? You called out to him. “I don’t have any keys,” he laughed, turning around to come back to the car. “You fucking goon, did you leave them at the pub?” “Guess so,” he shrugged, “Can I crash at yours?” “Get in,” “Thanks cuddle bunny, you’re the best” You rolled your eyes, “Guess this means I’ll be your taxi tomorrow, running you around to find your keys and your car,” “That’s what girlfriends are for,” “If you say so.”

Once at yours you headed to the kitchen to make tea, Ben following to grab a glass of water and a snack. He knew where you kept everything by now, making himself a sandwich with whatever he found in your fridge, and then carrying it out to the couch. By the time the teas were made Ben already had Netflix queued up, ready to play the next episode of the series you’d started watching together. Nearly Twenty minutes into the episode Ben’s phone dinged. “Ah shit,” he said as he glanced at it, “forgot I said I’d call Joe. Do you mind if we pause the ep? We’re trying to organise travel stuff for him and it’s easier if we talk it through rather than texting it all.” “Sure,” “I promise I won’t be long.” “Take your time, it’s fine,” you were already reaching for your laptop. Ben smiled at you before ducking out of the room. You head him walking down the hall, footsteps fading as he got further away. For a while you just enjoyed the quiet as you checked your emails and social media profiles but after commenting on the photo Ben had posted and replying to a few messages from people you knew there wasn’t really much left to do. You drummed your fingers on your keyboard trying to think of another website you could visit. There was still no sign of Ben and you didn’t want to continue the show without him so you stood up, stretched, and headed back to the kitchen to grab some chocolate from the stash you kept. You were just about to shut the fridge when you heard Ben’s voice coming from the other side of the wall. Your spare room where he’d clearly gone to make his phone call. “Yeah, Joe, I fucking know. But I don’t have much choice.” He sounded more sober than he had when he’d got up. There was a pause as Joe spoke and then you heard Ben again. “I don’t know what I was thinking getting into this mess…..Yeah maybe. Doesn’t really matter though now does it…. What’s that supposed to mean? I can’t just call it quits now, the story is doing too well and Peter has assured me that the numbers are promising or whatever I don’t really know how they measure it. All I know is that people are going to see the movie because of us.” There was a long pause. You quietly shut the fridge and took a step back towards the doorway. This was not a conversation you should be listening in to. But then Ben spoke again, and curiosity got the better of you. “It doesn’t matter Joe. It doesn’t matter how I feel.” He laughed but it was completely devoid of humour, “Of course it sucks. It’s fucking shit, man. I just keep waiting for her to tell me she feels the same but it’s not happening…... No, I know it’s completely one sided…..No, I don’t think she knows. She wouldn’t have wanted to do it in the first place if she knew…. I just wish things were different. I love being around her and being able to hold her and kiss her but it fucking sucks that it’s only in public….. I don’t know. Maybe not filming together will ma-” You could feel your cheeks burning as you tiptoed back towards the lounge room, not quite sure what to do with yourself. You paced back and forth for a moment before deciding to go to the bathroom, at least then Ben couldn’t walk in on you as you tried to process it. You let the door shut loudly behind you, hoping that if Ben had heard movement he’d think you’d just got up to use the loo. He couldn’t know you’d overheard him. You leaned against the sink and tried to make sense of what you’d heard. Ben couldn’t have a crush on you, he just couldn’t. But it was the only thing he could have been talking about. What the fuck did that mean for your arrangement? What the fuck were you meant to do now?

#my writing #my fics #ben hardy x reader #ben hardy imagine #ahhhhhhh #ya'll im so excited about this series #i have all the chapters planned out #i have all the titles planned out #i wrote a short synopsis of the film they're making #so that i can reference it throughout the fic and be consistent in what the scenes might be #god can ben please just make a romcom now #i want it more than anything in the world

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nexttrickanvils · 4 years ago

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MI Fic: Beware of Karen

Title: Beware of Karen

Ships: Guybrush/Elaine, past Stan/OC (if you could call that mess a relationship)

Notes: So this is the result of lots of jokes and headcanon swapping with @captmickey. Hope you enjoy. ;)

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Throughout his adventures, Guybrush Threepwood, Mighty Pirate(TM) had seen the strange and impossible…

...And yet none of it compared to the sight of perpetual grifter, Stan S. Stanman standing on a dock before the Screaming Narwhal with a sleeping roll and other items in his (still flailing, how does he do that) arms.

“Guybrush! Good to see you! How’s the wife?”

“...She’s fine?” Guybrush remarked glancing at an equally baffled Elaine to his right.

“What...exactly are you doing here?”

“Haha! A good question! Typical of a smart man such as yourself! See, I need a favor and I figured we’ve been such good friends for so long...”

“You sold me a cruddy ship, I locked you in a coffin, scammed your life insurance business, you tried to sell me a timeshare, and tried to prosecute me on false charges. I don’t think “friends” is the word I’d use.”

At that, Stan’s usual bluster and “charming” salesman smile deflated like a really sad balloon.

“Alright alright. I know we haven’t exactly been on the same page but you’re the only one I actually trust with this.”

Okay that got Guybrush’s attention.

“This being?”

“I need a place to stay. Maybe a few days maybe a week. It shouldn’t be too long… hopefully”

Guybrush and Elaine glanced at each other, warriness and a little bit of annoyance obvious on both their faces.

They were planning on sailing off tomorrow and continuing their Multi-Island Anniversary Vacation. Elaine especially was looking forward to this after all the craziness with the Pox Incident… and the LeWalrus Incident before that. Winslow was even nice enough to be willing to stay at Spinner Cay with Anemone and the rest of the Merfolk so the two could have their space.

Then came Stan like a bad penny.

“Stan… we’re-” Guybrush attempted to explain

“We’re in the middle of something. As a couple. As in something for just the two of us.” Elaine added

“Don’t worry! Ol’ Stan here will be quiet as a mouse!”

Guybrush pinched his nose in frustration at Stan’s refusal to take no for an answer.

“Stan… why do you want to stay with us anyway? What? You couldn’t scam yourself a hotel room?”

“I take personal offense to that, my friends!”

“We’re not friends.” Elaine interrupted

But Stan ignored that and continued, “See I’ve been a businessman for a long time and in that field of work, I’ve met many a character, believe you me! I’ve crossed paths with the prickliest pirates, the saltiest of sea dogs, the most brackish of buccaneers...”

Guybrush muttered to Elaine, “What’s “brackish” mean?”

“I think it just means unpleasant, dear.” Elaine responded

“But none of them! None of those pillaging plunderers hold a candle to the most frightening person in the Caribbean… KAREN!”

Was… was he joking?

Is this one of those weird Pirate Prank Plays?

Was there a hidden audience ready to burst out and laugh at him?

“Unless Karen is LeChuck’s first name… which would be hilarious I can’t lie, I don’t think I see the threat.” Guybrush replied

“Who is Karen anyway?”

“Oh… she uh… she’s… err… she’s my ex-wife.”

An awkward silence hung between the three…

“Alright Guybrush, pull up the anchor.”

“WAIT! Listen I understand that I may have a… unique relationship with the truth but please believe me when I say that Karen is the absolute worst person imaginable and if she finds out that I’m on this island, I am a dead man!”

Okay… wow… even after racking his brain, Guybrush couldn’t really remember seeing Stan so… terrified (well okay the coffin thing but that’s uh something else.) He looked over to Elaine and could tell that she was still less than sympathetic.

Not that he could blame her. A guy, known for exaggeration and bullshit, shows up to your ship and tells you how his ex-wife is somehow WORSE than LeChuck? Not a good look.

But obviously Stan was not gonna go away, Guybrush had to think of something.

“Okay, listen, Stan. Elaine and I are trying to have a nice private vacation as a couple. But since you seem so worried, why don’t I just go talk to Karen?”

“ARE YOU CRAZY!? Stronger men than you have buckled before her! No, it’s better for all involved to just get out of dodge!”

Guybrush just gave a cocky grin in response, “Stronger men, but not wittier. Believe me after dealing with you for years, I think I can handle this.”

Stan merely sighed and muttered, “Sounds like I need to go back to the coffin business because it's your funeral.”

Guybrush turned to Elaine and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

“Don’t worry Plunderbunny, I’ll get this done quickly and we can get right back to our vacation.”

“Oh alright but you owe me a shoulder massage after all this.”

The Mighty Pirate(TM) shot a wink and began to disembark The Screaming Narwhal.

---------

Before long the two were making their way through a marketplace full of merchants, scam artists, and those in between.

“So… how did you and Karen meet?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

Yikes, Stan doesn’t want to talk about something? Maybe… this wasn’t a good idea…

...WELL IN FOR A PIECE OF EIGHT!

“Why’d you divorce? Or is that too personal?”

“We began to see each other as competition. And Karen is quite ruthless to anyone she sees as competition.”

Before Guybrush could ask further, a pained high scream rang through the market. A female pirate ran past him and Stan screaming about her eyes as she covered them.

“You’ll thank me when you have to beat the men away with a club!” shouted another woman

“...It’s her.”

Guybrush turned to where Stan was glaring and immediately spotted a woman in a jacket and plaid pencil skirt. Her hair was closely cropped with some parts flared up or sticking out. In her hand was one of those fancy looking glass perfume bottles. Her face was covered in way-too much make-up for one person and she had a pure white salesman smile similar to Stan.

“Karen...”

The woman turned to them and immediately her smile dropped.

“...Stan.”

Hoo boy, Guybrush was wearing a coat and he could feel the chill between these two. Better step in before things get more awkward.

“Um excuse me?”

“Hm?”

Guybrush straightened himself and adjusted his coat.

“I’m Guybrush Threepwood, Mighty Pirate™.”

“Uh-huh, that’s nice.” Karen remarked with little enthusiasm

She then turned to Stan and shot him a smug look, “You know Stan, I always said you couldn’t find better than me but wow you really dug rock bottom.”

Stan just continued to glare at her while it took a second for Guybrush to realize what she was saying.

“Oh, oh no! Stan and I are just… acquaintances… who keep running into each other. I’m happily spoken for to the most beautiful ex-government official in the Caribbean.” Guybrush explained, showing off the ring on his finger

Guybrush wasn’t sure what happened next; one moment there seemed to be a glint in Karen’s eyes and then he found himself pulled away from Stan with one of her arms wrapped around his shoulders.

“Oh you’re married huh? Can’t imagine the Missus being too thrilled to see you spending time with someone like Stan.”

“Uh...I mean… you’re not wrong”

“You look like the kind of guy who’s just one mistake away from the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

“I… um… actually Elaine and I-”

“A lady likes to be treated… um… Gasbroom was it?”

“Guybrush… but I’m not here to bu-”

“Of course, of course. And you say she’s ex-government? Well clearly you somehow found a woman of class who deserves only the classiest -and most expensive- items in my collection!~”

Thankfully before Karen could continue with her sales pitch, Guybrush felt Stan pulling him back and he suddenly felt more clear headed. It was almost like a spell had been broken. Or maybe he was now further from the perfume fumes and wasn’t feeling as dizzy.

Karen glared at Stan and crossed her arms.

“Hmph, I see you haven’t changed a bit, Stan. You just can’t stand the mere IDEA of someone buying something from someone other than you.”

“This isn’t about sales and you know it, Karen.”

Guybrush pushed himself away from Stan and faced Karen.

“Listen, I just wanted to talk to you and clear up all… whatever this is!” Guybrush exclaimed, pointing his finger between the two

At that, Karen began to laugh.

“Oh, sweetie, there is no fixing that mess. And that mess could also be in your future if you don’t...”

“I’m not buying anything!” Guybrush snapped

“Oh… no wonder your marriage is on the rocks.”

“HEY! My marriage has survived curses, evil undead voodoo jerks, and my mother-in-law! I think it can survive not buying your stuff”

“See this is what she does! She lies and insults you every way to get you to buy from her!”

Guybrush couldn’t help but side-eye Stan as he remarked, “Isn’t that what you do?”

“Oh no no no. What I do is a little something called Cold Reading. A skill of the trade. All she does is push you down and down until you can’t take it anymore!”

“...Again, sounds like what you do.”

“I agree with Stan, how dare you compare my mercantile skills to this idiot who couldn’t sell a used ship to a pair of monkeys!”

“AT LEAST I DON’T TEST MY WARES ON THE MONKEYS!”

“Still spreading those lies and slander are we? I think we’re done here, Stan. Leave now and if I see your face around here or worse yet, try to set up shop near me. I will have the Island authorities on you like flies on a zombie.”

“BUT! You’re at a marketplace! You can’t have someone arrested for running a business near you!” Shouted Guybrush

Karen smirked, “True but I can if this is what I tell them...”

Instantly Karen pulled out a handkerchief and started crying (without any actual tears, can’t smudge the make-up after all.)

“I-It’s my ex-husband, sir! He-he won’t leave me alone! I just want to run my business in peace but he just keeps harassing me!”

In an instant, the “oh woe is me” act is dropped and that smirk came back.

“Have I made myself clear? Now go on, shoo! You’re scaring off customers.”

Realizing that there was no winning here, Guybrush and Stan began to turn around and walk away. But not before…

“Hey! Goibersh!”

“...It’s Guybru-”

Quickly Guybrush caught a tube of lipstick that Karen tossed at him before it could hit him in the face.

“Consider this a free sample. And when your dear lady inevitably demands more, you’re free to come crawling back to me without Stan.”

With that, Karen went straight back to harassing another “customer” passing by.

“Stan...”

“Yes Guybrush?”

“You can stay on the ship. THIS DOES NOT MAKE US FRIENDS! But I’d feel like a jerk if I just left you to her “mercy.””

“...Thanks. Maybe if we survive this, I’ll give you a ten percent discount on my next business venture.”

“ONLY TEN PERCENT!?”

#Monkey Island #Anvil Writings

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themarvellouswriter · 5 years ago

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MOB! SEBASTIAN x TALL! READER

PART II OF THE MASTERPIECE SERIES

Warnings: Nothing yet, Y/N is a bad-ass and she doesn’t take anyone’s nonsense. Slight swearing? Does referring to a stupid pair of buttocks count as swearing?

Word Count: 1.9k

Genres: Fluff, angst and a lil’ romance

Notes: The story has officially started! Now we’ll be seeing a lot more of Sebastian’s and the reader’s interactions.

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

“Ugh,” you groaned as you opened your eyes. The sheets underneath your palms were smooth. Your vision swam as the room came into focus. A pastel coloured ceiling greeted you. You blinked several times trying to recall the events of the night before. A flash of panic went through you as you sat up with a start. “Veronica!” You gasped as you got to your feet. The room began to spin. You clutched the bed for support. Sinking down on your knees, you started taking deep breaths. Shakily, you stood up, using the bed for support. You looked around the room, assessing your surroundings for the first time. The room was fairly well furnished with a glass wall to your left and two doors to your right. “Unbelievable,” you muttered. “I let a pair of idiots kidnap me while saving the life of a baker. Why?” You tried the closest one. It gave way and swung outwards. “I am the maid of honor at a wedding! I refuse to stay kidnapped.”

Quietly, you made your way outside. You found yourself at the end of a long hallway. You looked around, there were three doors and a flight of stairs. Ignoring the doors, you went down to the ground floor. The entryway was deserted. Stifling down the pit in your stomach, you headed for the front door. You had just turned the handle when the door opened and you were greeted by a familiar face.

Your eyes met blue grey ones. “Sebastian?” His name rolled easily off your tongue. He grinned. But it wasn’t a soft like the one you’d seen in the pub yesterday. This one was showed thinly veiled irritation. “Mystery girl. Lovely to see you again. Now,” he stated coolly and gripped your elbow roughly. “Lets go upstairs for a nice chat, shall we?” “What? No! Let me go.” “See, if you hadn’t interrupted my boys in their business last night, you wouldn’t be here. Instead you would’ve been safe at home.” Your heart thudded loudly in your chest. “Wait, your boys? Your boys were beating up my neighbour in the middle of the night! What did you expect me to do? Watch and enjoy?” You tugged your arm out of his grip. Poking your finger in his chest, “Nobody beats up my friends and gets away with it.” “Beat up? I’m sorry love, we don’t ‘beat up’ people. We kill. Your neighbour, Veronica, knew what she was getting into. And since she outlived her usefulness.” Sebastian made a vague gesture with his hands. You felt the air get knocked out of you. “You killed her?” “Me? Why I never! My people did.” He took a step forward. “Why?” Your brow furrowed in confusion. “What did she do that was so bad that you couldn’t leave her alone?” He gave you the once over. You were at eye level with him, your arms crossed over your chest. You were still in your pyjamas as compared to Sebastian’s crisp, cobalt blue suit. ‘He prefers blue suits.’ You filed this little fact away.

He took a step forward and you instinctively moved in the opposite direction. Your back hit the railing of the stairs. “None of your business.” You stared at him, wide eyed. “I’m a witness, aren’t I? You’re gonna keep me here and then what?” “Aren’t you a smart one? Yes, you’re a witness. I can’t have you running around to the cops now can I? Telling them stories about who you saw beating up your neighbour. So, I’m going to keep you here, at least for a while.” “Till when? Till I outlive my usefulness?” You asked bitterly, not backing down. “Be a good girl and you’ll last longer,” he answered, patting your shoulder. You gave him a dirty look. “I’ll cooperate. On two conditions.” “Darling, I don’t think that you’re in a position to be making any demands right now.” “Please, if you wanted me dead, I would have been by now. You want me for some other reason and so yes, I do think I can make some demands right now.” You stood up to your full height and squared your shoulders. Sebastian watched you carefully. “If your demands are reasonable enough, then I’ll think about it.” You raised an eyebrow but went on, “Firstly, I need a lot of things from my place. The final submission for my thesis is coming up and I need to add finishing touches to the thing. Secondly, the rehearsal dinner for my best friend’s wedding is this Friday and the wedding the next day. So, I need some free, not – your – prisoner, time on both days. These two things are my immediate concerns, other than that I really don’t care what you do or where I stay. As long as my work gets done.” He stared at you. “Do you not get the concept of kidnapping?” “I do. I just don’t happen to care very much for it.” His gaze didn’t waver, you returned it with the same intensity. He let out a resigned sigh. “Fine. We’ll go to your place so you can get your things. But after breakfast. Come, you must be starving. I know you didn’t have much dinner last night.” He led you by the elbow, this time gently, to the kitchen.

You stared dumbfounded at his back, his muscles flexing underneath his suit. How can one person switch personalities so fast? He pulled out a chair at the kitchen island for you. You sat down slowly. Cupping your chin in your hands, you watched him as he moved with practiced ease. “For this -” He waved his spatula between you, “Companionship thing to work, I’m gonna need your name.” “Y/N Winchester.” “Huh.” “What?” “It suits you. Really well.” “Well… Thanks,” you finished lamely. “So, how do you like your pancakes?” “With maple syrup, please.” He grinned. “And ice – cream?” “If you have some.” “Of course! It’s my favourite.” You gave him a polite smile.

“Why are you -” “Why aren’t -” You both began at the same time. He laughed and you saw the semblance between the man who flirted with you last night and the man you was making you breakfast (after kidnapping you for being a witness to a murder, kind of witness to a kind of murder). “You first,” you said gracefully. “Why aren’t you screaming bloody murder at me right now? I mean, I just kidnapped you. Not to mention I admitted to murder out loud. How are you not freaking out?” He pushed a plate in front of you with a generous amount of syrup. “Well,” you began after taking a bite. “Well, you haven’t tried anything.” You paused. “Yet,” you added as an afterthought. “And I guess, I’m not that scared of you? I dunno. Maybe I get kidnapped every other day and this is no big deal. You never know.” You took another bite and almost moaned at the taste. “This is good stuff. You have a future in pancake making. Pancaking? Is that a thing?” Sebastian settled down with a plate of his own, opposite to you. “Funny you should mention that. Its one of my hidden talents.” “And do you have many of those? Hidden talents, I mean?” He just smiled enigmatically and continued eating. “Your turn, what were you gonna ask?” You looked at him. His lips were glossy with syrup and you imagined yourself kissing them. Quickly as the thought had come, you pushed it away. ‘Don’t be ridiculous Y/N. Do not develop Stockholm Syndrome for the pretty kidnapper. Absolutely not. Doing this is peak dumb-ass.’ “Why are you giving me breakfast? Aren’t I your prisoner? Aren’t you supposed to be dark and threatening and breaking my bones?” “Do you want me to threaten you and break your bones?” “Well, no. Of course not. It’s just that the idea of a fairly nice kidnapper feels a bit like an oxymoron.” “Just because you aren’t allowed out of the house without permission doesn’t mean I’m gonna treat you like some sort of animal. Besides, I don’t want anything to happen to that pretty face of yours.”

You nearly choked on your food at the sudden flirtation. “Why are you surprised? You’re beautiful and obviously smart. I’m surprised you’re not used to the constant flirting.” You swallowed. ‘There goes that plan for not having the hots for the pretty kidnapper.’ “Its usually me doing the flirting. Its quite rare for me to find myself as the object of someone’s affections. Most people just run away from the height.” He looked at you thoughtfully. “I can’t speak for most people but I find your height and confidence quite attractive.” You shrugged noncommittally. “I’m used to people being intimated by this.” You gestured at yourself with your free hand. ‘Your kidnapper basically said he has the hots for you. Play it cool Y/N, no letting anyone in your pyjamas. He’s just trying to distract you.’ “Well, I’m not intimated by someone who resembles a baby poodle as much as you do, love.” Your heart jumped at the sudden term of endearment. Flustered, you ducked your head and continued eating. ‘How pathetic is this? Getting all hot and bothered just because someone complimented you. You know not to trust your kidnappers. Cause if they were sane people, they would’ve asked you out on a date and not kidnapped you in the first place.’ The two of you finished the rest of your meal quietly.

Getting up from the island, you headed to wash your plate. “Here, let me. I’ll wash. You dry,” came Sebastian’s soft voice from behind you. He handed you the plates after washing and you dried them dutifully. “Now, to your place?” You raised an eyebrow. “You’re coming with me?” He gave you an incredulous look. “I’m not going to let you go alone if that’s what you mean.” “Aren’t you going to send your boys?” Exaggerating the last words by using air quotes. “I fear that you’re a greater threat to my men than they are to you.” You grinned impishly. “Is it just that you think I’m dangerous or that you want to spend more time with me?” He returned your smile with one of his own, “Why not both?” You laughed. “Good one, Mr. Kidnapper.” “Its Stan. Sebastian Stan.” His name rolled of his tongue, a light accent peeking through. ‘Adorable.’ “You’re weird, Sebastian. What kind of kidnapper are you?” “One of a kind.” You liked the way his name felt on your tongue, warm and familiar. “At this rate, I’ll be a not – kidnapped person by tomorrow.” “Yeah, I doubt it. I like you, just not enough to get you go. Remember why you’re here. And no funny business once we’re at your place, okay?” “Yes sir!” You gave him a mock salute as you followed him outside. On the way to his car, you spotted several armed men scattered throughout the compound. Making a mental note in your brain under ‘Ways to fail escape’, you sat inside his car wordlessly and then you were off.

#sebastian stan #seb stan x reader #sebastian stan fluff #sebastian x reader #sebastian stan x reader #masterpiece #themarvellouswriter #sebastian stan smut #sebastian stan x y/n #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x reader #someone please protect this baby #sebastian is baby #masterpiece series #please pay attention to this fic

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myaekingheart · 4 years ago

Photo

(I saw this trend going around on Facebook and just wanted to do a little something with it for Kakashi + Rei 💕)

#Valentines Share your story! Valentine’s Day is coming!

Here’s our story:

How’d you guys meet? “We grew up next door to each other” Kakashi smiled. “Our parents were friends, so we were friends.”

First Date: “I think our first official date” Rei started, “was Kokana Grill, that super fancy hibachi place.” Her cheeks blushed as she shook her head and laughed. “You were really trying to win me over, weren’t you?”

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. “I just wanted to take you someplace nice is all.”

How long have you been together: Rei snorted. “Officially, or in general?” she asked. “I’m pretty sure I’ve lost count.”

Furrowing his brows, Kakashi counted on his fingers before answering, “Six years dating, right?”

“Your guess is as good as mine” Rei replied.

Age difference: “I’m two and a half years older” Kakashi replied.

Who was interested first: Rei and Kakashi blinked and looked at each other quizzically. They honestly weren’t quite sure. “Well, I know I’ve cared about you since I first met you” the Copy Ninja started slowly, “But we were just kids.”

“I always hoped we’d end up together, even back then” Rei replied. “But I don’t know when I started feeling that way. I think I just always did. But again, we were kids, so it wasn’t quite the same.”

“Well, when you joined the ANBU” Kakashi continued, “I had feelings for you, but I definitely had a hard time accepting them until that training mission gone south at the Forest of Death.”

“I think that was when I realized you still cared about me” Rei nodded. “You remembered Aisuruhito, and you looked at me differently that day.”

Kakashi smiled softly at the memory, then snapped back to reality. “So, to answer your question, I’d say we were both interested at the same time.”

Who is taller: “Him” Rei grumbled, crossing her arms across her chest and pouting.

Who said I love you first: “Also him” Rei answered, her face now softening.

Most impatient: Without a single word, Kakashi pointed to his fiancée. Rei grimaced up at him and slapped him playfully on the arm.

Most sensitive: “I think the answer to the last question is significant enough evidence for this one” Kakashi joked.

Loudest: Brushing the long bangs back out of her face, Rei pursed her lips and replied, “One time when I was, like, fourteen, someone called the cops on me because I was too loud and they thought I was being kidnapped. So I’m going to say it’s probably me.”

Most Stubborn: Kakashi wrapped an arm around Rei as he replied, “Rei is one of the most resilient and steadfast women I’ve ever met. She doesn’t give up no matter what. The fact that she took her lack of support and used it to fuel her progression as a kunoichi, and not only that but progress all the way to captain of the ANBU black ops, is incredibly admirable.” Rei’s cheeks burned as she buried her face in his chest, flattered.

Falls asleep first: “I feel like it’s probably Kakashi” Rei answered. “But we’re both pretty weird when it comes to sleep.”

Kakashi nodded. “I think it’s safe to say we both have some insomniac tendencies.”

Cooks better: “Oh god, absolutely Kakashi” Rei enthused. “He’s tried to teach me his ways but I’ll never be as good in the kitchen as him.”

Better morning person: “I’d say Kakashi” Rei replied. “He runs late for everything, but he’s way better at getting up early than I am. I’ve overslept so many damn times, sooner or later Lady Tsunade is just going to confiscate the snooze button from me.”

Most competitive: “Definitely Rei” Kakashi chuckled. “Again, she never gives up until she gets what she wants. She definitely gets heated in battle.”

Rei tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and averted her gaze. “I mean...I do have to admit that my temper is a little shorter than average.”

Funniest: “Kakashi is a lot funnier than he gets credit for” Rei replied. “He seems really cool and serious but when we’re alone, he has me in stitches. He’s really good with situational humor.”

Where do you eat out most as a couple? “Maybe Ichiraku, or that takeout place around the corner” Kakashi replied.

“Their subuta is really delicious” Rei added. “It’s one of my favorite comfort foods.”

Who is more social? “We’re both pretty introverted” Rei replied. “We don’t really go out much, unless it’s with Sekkachi and Guy.”

“I’d say we both have a good amount of friends, though” Kakashi continued. “But with jobs like ours, we make a lot of connections.”

Who is the neat freak? “I am, admittedly, a total slob” Rei confessed. “I wouldn’t say Kakashi is a neat freak, necessarily, but he definitely does a much better job of keeping our place clean than I do.”

“You’re getting better, though” Kakashi smiled. “You’ve improved a lot since we moved in together.”

Where was your first kiss? Kakashi laughed awkwardly. “It was on the roof of our old apartment building” he replied.

“It was all very romantic” Rei laughed.

Who initiated your first kiss? Rei paused for a moment before hesitantly answering “...Pakkun.”

“Yeah...all the ninja hounds, really” Kakashi added.

Do you get flowers often? “Sometimes” Rei replied. “I really love flowers, but I also take them a lot more seriously than other girls do, I think.”

“Rei has this incredible jutsu” Kakashi started, and Rei’s heart swelled at the love in his eyes as he explained. “She tethers others chakras to different plants as a way to keep tabs on her loved ones. Because of the chakra link, the flowers can reflect that person’s morale, so if someone is in danger or sick, the flowers will start to wilt and Rei will know that something is wrong. Likewise, if the flowers are thriving, she’ll know that whoever’s chakra is tethered to that plant is thriving, too.”

“I don’t do this stuff for just anyone, though” Rei continued. “So I treat flowers really carefully and am really specific on what kinds are assigned to who. Hanakotoba and all that good shit. It’s, uh...it’s kind of complicated, I guess.”

How long did it take to get serious? “We’ve had some ups and downs” Rei admitted, “But after a brief break-up, I think it was only a few months later that Kakashi proposed.”

Kakashi nodded, taking Rei’s hand in his. “I knew that I couldn’t afford to lose her ever again.”

Plans date night? “Definitely Kakashi” Rei replied. “He’s better at sorting everything out than I am. If I had it my way, we’d be ordering takeout in our underwear every night.”

“Which, by the way” Kakashi interjected, “Is also a very valid dinner plan.”

Rei rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “You just like any excuse to see me with my pants off.”

Who picks where you go to dinner? “It’s a mutual decision” Kakashi said. “It depends on what we’re both in the mood for.”

Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong? “I’d say Kakashi” Rei replied. “I feel like it can be really hard for me to own up to my mistakes, even if I feel really guilty about fucking shit up.”

Who wears the pants in the relationship? Rei smirked and shook her head, her cheeks reddening. “If you ask me, I think we both prefer our pants off” she joked. Kakashi’s face turned beet red under his mask.

Who cries more? “I’d say I do” Rei replied. “I think in general I’m just a lot more emotional, or at least outwardly.”

Who sings better? “Definitely Kakashi” Rei immediately answered. “He secretly has a great voice.”

Spends the most? “I think we’re both pretty good about finances” Kakashi said. “There isn’t much we buy for ourselves outside of books.”

“Though you would spend a ton of money on anything Icha Icha” Rei replied, poking Kakashi playfully in the cheek.

Did you go to the same school? Rei nodded. “We both went to the academy, but not at the same time. He had already graduated by the time I started.”

Where is the furthest you two have traveled? “We’ve gone to lots of places for work” Rei replied, “But I can’t really remember the furthest we’ve ever travelled.”

“It can be hard to keep track” Kakashi admitted.

Read more about Kakashi and Rei in The Scarecrow and the Bell.

#kakashi hatake #rei natsuki #kakashi x oc #the scarecrow and the bell #naruto #naruto oc #fanfiction #myaekingart #myaekingheart #ramblings

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wolferals · 5 years ago

Text

🇪🇸di mi nombre🇪🇸

finally fallin' chapter 5

arón piper x reader

(The spanish is all google translate, i wont take responsibility for mistakes)

chapter 5

After your „date" with Arón, he had been so sweet to walk you back to your small apartment at around 9:15. On the way there, he had reassured you that you were going to be fine filming the video with him.

You were still pretty nervous and to be honest a little anxious already.

To explain your concern about the smallest thing, it'd be good to clear some things.

When you were 14, your grandma had died right after Christmas. That had really gotten to you, you had been very close with her, and you hadnt gotten the chance to say goodbye go her.

Thats how it all started, your sadness, the loneliness.

You had spent days and nights sitting on your bed, listening to sad music and just staring at the ceiling.

The years after that it had gotten a little better, you didnt cry at the thought of her anymore but now every little thing triggered your mind into thinking you were going to get hurt or embarrassed.

You were overthinking everything.

And to briefly explain why you got so nervous when a guy looked at you or complimented you, you had never been in a super serious relationship. And you were almost 20 now.

Some people would say its weird but you had realized that maybe your time hasnt come yet, and that was okay for you.

So as to right now, you were sitting in the subway on the way to the address Arón had sent you.

College had been alright today, Itzan and you had had lunch together again and had spent some more time finding ideas for the photo shoot with Arón.

You were still nervous but tried to calm yourself down by thinking back to what Arón had told you. He was going to be there and he had done nothing but be comforting and sweet to you.

On the right station you got out and walked to location.

It was a big market place somewhere in Madrid and you immediately spotted Arón in the crowd. He was wearing a black shirt and a jeans jacket over it. He looked good.

You walked up to him and he noticed you right away and walked towards you.

„Hola chica, you feeling good?" He pulled you into a tight hug.

That had been your second hug. The first had been the night before when he had taken you home and then left.

His hugs were tight but so comforting to you.

„Hey, I'm good how are you?"

He put his arm around your shoulder and you guys walked back to the others.

„Guys that's y/n, my girlfriend."

Your head shot up to him.

He grinned and added:"In the video."

You started laughing as well.

Then yon got introduced to the other guys and you went through the scene again before you relatively quick went to filming. The first scene had been easy for you. Just walking around, holding Arón's warm hand, pretending to be interested in everything around you.

Since he was a lot taller than you, you used the opportunity to put your head on his shoulder while walking.

He pressed your hand tightly until the guy yelled a loud „cut."

You walked back to the camera to see the scene from this perspective. Arón was still holding you hand until you both realized and he let go, grinning at you.

„That was great guys, we already got it." His friend „Moonkey" spoke and highfived you both.

The next scene had been the one, getting some food and sitting down at a bench. You had to feed each other a little to seem „cute" until you spilled the ketchup from your fries on his shirt, making you laugh out loud. For real though, it hadnt been planned but Arón later on had said that it was perfect for the video.

It was getting darker over the course of filming those cute/funny scenes with the guys and at around 7 you decided to take a break and get an actual snack.

The guys got burger and stuff but since you and Arón had eaten for the scene before, you just grabbed drinks and slowly walked to the next location.

The cameras were wrapped up in bags that the guys could easily carry as backpacks.

The club you originally intended to film a scene it was closed that day and the next one would've been to far to walk so you had to change your entire plan.

„Why dont we film the rooftop scene now and include some dancing and jumping around? Turn on some music and you guys dance."

Arón agreed immediately but you again got self conscious, having to dance in front of a couple boys.

Arón reassured you again and took your hand as you were making your way up to the top of the building.

While the guys were setting up the cameras and all, you and Arón were standing together, talking.

He again told you stuff like:"Close your eyes and just pretend no one is there. You're gonna do great I'm sure."

You smiled at him and then examined the view over the city and its lights.

„Alright Arón, y/n just sit down over there, cuddle and maybe watch the stars i dont know." <Moonkey> laughed and you both did as he said.

Aròn put his arm around you, pulling you closer to his chest.

You intentionally closed your eyes and listened to his heartbeat and breathed in his cologne. You were fully enjoying this until something or something basically ripped you out of your thoughts and your comfortableness.

„Cut thanks."

Arón seemed to be a little startled as well because it took him a bit until he removed his arm from you.

„Now, dancing. Arón show her what you got." one of them laughed. „Cabrón, i cant dance." Arón cursed and looked at you.

He then turned on some reggaeton you didnt know but it was perfect for dancing so you took a deep breath and let all your thoughts go.

You grabbed Arón's hand and just started dancing around like you didnt care who was watching.

It seemed to help him because he got more comfortable as well and you ended up jumping and running around the roof terrace, not giving a shit at all.

<Moonkey> was dancing along behind the camera and the mood was set.

You all had so much fun that second and you wished it wouldnt end.

To be completely honest, you owned it. You felt everyones gaze on you, Arón was almost looking at you freaking out in awe, as he was dancing with you.

If you werent so in your own state, you'd think there was a certain tension between the both of you.

„Cut. As sorry as I am to stop whatever is happening here, we need to finish this so I can cut it."

„Off to Arón's." The blonde guy spoke and again packed the camera in the bag.

You caught your breath first and then looked at Arón.

You started to laugh loudly, not being able to believe how careless you were just dancing.

Arón smiled at you for a while before you all left to go downstairs to enter his apartment.

Finally sitting on the black couch in his living room, he first handed everyone a drink and then sat down next to you.

His place was a lot bigger than yours. No wonder though, he was an actor and probably had more money than you, not that that mattered you just noticed.

„Everything ready?" He then asked and again put his arm around you.

„Ready." you all answered almost simultaneously.

The scene was relatively short. You started by clicking your glasses together, then pretended to laugh about something and then it was time to end the scene with a kiss.

You slowly turned your head to meet his and smiled at him.

His eyes were sparkling towards you, before he smiled once again and your lips finally met for the first time.

It was a short but hard kiss.

You heard Moonkey go „whooo" behind the camera, but you were too focused on Arón's kiss.

It felt better than you had expected and by now you were almost sure you had deeper feelings for him.

Was that crazy since you didnt even know him that long?

„Cut." someone broke off your kiss and you kept on looking into each others eyes for a little.

„Guys" Moonkey laughed, official breaking the tension going on.

Afterwards, the guys packed their stuff, took some time finishing their drinks and then took off relatively quick.

„Alright I'll cut it together and send it to you next week or something." His friend told Arón and they talked a bit before you heard the door close.

You were still sitting in your exact position on the couch, with the half full glass of red wine in your left hand.

„See, it went fantastic." Arón fell down on the couch next to you.

„Yeah..."

-„Thank you. I had a lot of fun." you finished your sentence.

Arón smiled at you.

„Me too."

And then it all went super fast.

The alcohol kicked in and you guys went off to talking about rather intimate topics and he scooted closer to you.

„Ill call you next time I need a fake girlfriend." He slurred and laughed afterwards.

Since you were a bit tipsy you joked:"You can leave out <fake> too, thats fine with me."

Arón started laughing again and before you knew, his lips were on yours again.

This time it was more forceful and rougher.

You liked it a lot.

He grabbed the drink from your hand skillfully and placed it on the table without breaking the kiss.

And then he was on top of you, with both his hands holding your head.

You knew you had to stop him before it got too much but your drunk mind wanted it more than anything that moment.

Next thing to happen was him taking off his shirt, revealing his toned chest and abs.

„Joder, Arón." you cursed and looked down on him.

Arón chuckled at your comment.

„Di mi nombre, bebe."

#elite #aronpiper #cute #preference #omander #aronxreader #ander #preferences #smut #itzan escamilla

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joetatoeheads · 6 years ago

Text

“If he wanted you he’d make an effort if he missed you he’d make time” X David Dobrik

Word Count: 1.6K

Warnings: None

Masterlist

There was an unspoken thing and you and David. There were obvious feelings but David’s schedule had made it impossible for you two to have any type of relationship. David sometimes barely had time for friends, if it didn’t involve content some days.

You, on the other hand, had nothing to do but hang out with the other members of the vlog squad. You appeared on some vlogs with Zane and Heath and appeared on some of Carly and Erin’s videos too. You were another Matt but were treated better because David had a soft spot for you.

The simple fact that David would never pull a prank on you was the first sign. Then every day he would ask where you were and if you wanted to hangout. This constant need to be with each other was overwhelming in the beginning. He cared for you, you cared for him, and then things changed.

Just as quickly as David wanted you by his side, he didn’t want you anymore. The vlogs became his concern and you had no objections. The vlogs took precedence before you met David and they would still take precedence after you were gone. It was a slow change that slowly broke your heart.

Missed hangouts, unanswered text messages, and apologies as David left you all alone some nights were just the beginning.

“What are you doing here?”

Y/N turned around to find Zane, Heath, and Mariah by the door.

“David canceled again. I was already here before I got the text.”

“Oh baby girl,” Mariah’s sad voice had made things worse.

“Come out with us.”

“What are you guys doing here?” asked Y/N.

“Zane forgot his camera when he was pregaming earlier,” explained Mariah.

“Mariah’s right, come out with us! If Zane gets drunk enough then maybe you’ll get to see David.”

Y/N agreed and she did end up seeing David for a couple of minutes. They said hello and exchanged a couple of sentences. David even apologized and promised to make it up. A movie night was arranged later in the week and when the day finally came David barely paid attention to you.

Either he was trying to edit or doing a brand deal and was trying to post. You didn’t mind the lack of attention because Youtube was his life and how he made a living. When the movie ended you turned to David who was on his phone as he was before.

“David?”

“Yes?”

“Are you okay?” asked Y/N.

“I am. Why?”

“It’s just that we’ve barely had time to hang out that’s all. I could help with some things if you like.”

David gave her a big smile, “I’ve been busy but I’m not going to bother you with my stuff.”

“I could see you more if I started helping.”

“Thank you for offering but I have everything under control.”

“I just want to hang out with you. I never see you anymore,” said Y/N.

“We’re hanging out now,” observed David.

“The first time in weeks.”

“Look, I like you, you know that but I can’t spend every second with you.”

Y/N nodded and let things go and David never knew how much his words hurt. So slowly the drift widens as the days went by. Everyone noticed but no one could do anything about it. David cared for Y/N just not enough to make things official nor enough to prioritize her above other things.

From seeing David less and less, things changed once again when Y/N wasn’t invited places anywhere. Parties and hangouts never included Y/N and the rest of the vlog squad started to notice. The vlogs stopped featuring Y/N but she was still being in Zane, Heath, Carly, and Erin’s videos. So of course gossip stirred.

David didn’t care for gossip but when Corinna and Natalie finally mentioned something, David realized he was toying with Y/N. Keeping her close enough to have someone, but keeping her far enough so it wasn’t anything serious. David wasn’t interested in anything serious and that wasn’t his fault.

Days after being confronted, Y/N went to David’s with chipotle and was met with tired eyes and mumbles. The guys had a late night and Y/N was more than happy to cheer up David and things were fine until David wanted to talk to alone. It was in his bedroom that David confessed his feelings. He didn’t want a serious relationship with Y/N and all she could do was nod even if she wanted to cry.

“Are you okay?” asked David.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” smiled Y/N.

“Everyone made it seem like you would cry and hate me.”

“I could never hate you.” But Y/N did cry when she went back to her apartment.

The smile was gone from Y/N after that. Her routine was still the same. Film some videos, appear in some vlogs, and bring over food to David’s. The first sign that David was annoyed with Y/N spending less time with him was when he found out she was spending more days with Zane, Matt, and Jeff. His little side comments didn’t alert anyone in the beginning.

Then the food stopped coming. No more chipotle or homemade cookies from Y/N. One night Zane was passing around cookies and David could recognize them from a mile away.

“Hey where you’d get these?”

“Y/N she made them this morning and I thought I’d bring what’s left of them.”

“I missed them so much! I can’t get them at David’s anymore,” said Carly as she tried to get as much as possible in her hands.

Then there was getting food. Y/N didn’t come by with Chipotle or Jimmy John’s. David had to find out that Y/N was stopping by to eat with Carly, Erin, and Matt. Y/N was ignoring David and he didn’t like it. After a missed phone call and unanswered text messages, David was trying to find out where Y/N was.

“Dude she’s at Jeff’s. She helping him out with a video,” said Zane

“She never does that,” replied David.

“Ya she does man. Jeff thinks she has a crush,” added Matt.

“On him?” asked David.

“No on Oscar.”

“Y/N doesn’t have a crush on Oscar.”

“Why because she can only have a crush on you?” asked Erin.

Everybody had uncomfortable faces. David found an excuse to go to Jeff’s finding Y/N talking to Jeff. Oscar was on his phone and David went up to him first. He introduced himself to the group of people in Jeff’s apartment and finally made his way to Y/N.

“Hey man what’s going on?”

“I came to pick up Y/N,” smiled David.

“Me? Why?”

“Movie night,” answered David.

“Oh. Okay… like right now?”

“Well I was thinking of getting some food.”

Y/N nodded but Jeff gave David a weird look. After picking up chipotle and going back to an empty house, Y/N turned to David.

“Where is everybody?”

“I thought you’d appreciate just the two of us.”

“It’s been so long since we’ve ever been alone like this,” laughed Y/N.

“I asked them not to come tonight,” confessed David.

“Okay, what is going on?”

“What do you mean?”

“You have never done anything like this before. If you think I’m mad at you, I’m not, I could never be.”

David looked at Y/N, with a small smile, “Are you sure about that?”

Now Y/N was confused, “What are you talking about?”

“You ignore me now. You don’t come around anymore and now you’re helping Jeff film videos?”

“I’m not ignoring you. I just stopped putting you at the top of my list now. Besides, I’m helping Oscar more than I’m helping Jeff since he does most of the prop work.”

“Let’s go on a date,” suggested David.

Y/N laughed at the bluntness, “Are you serious?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You have never shown interest in me like that.”

“That’s not true.”

“David yes it is.”

“I don’t treat you like Natalie or Corinna. I treat you differently because I like you.”

“What happened to not liking me that way? You told me that to my face.”

“I did like you. I do like you but I just never have enough time to put effort into any relationship. If I’m going to be your boyfriend I want to put all my love and time into it and not give you this half-ass version of me,” explained David.

“Wow didn’t realize there was a whole you, that I had yet to see,” joked Y/N.

“I’m serious. You’re too pretty, too smart, and too everything for me just to drag you around to stupid parties and dangerous stunts. I like you too much for that.”

“Say I say yes to the date where would we be going?”

“I would take you to the fanciest restaurant in LA and buy you 100 roses. I would try and show you I’m in this for the long run.”

“This can be our first date.”

“What?”

“This can be our first date. We’re both already here and all alone. We can just watch a movie and order Chipotle,” suggested Y/N.

“I don’t deserve you.”

“Well no, you don’t, but things happen” Y/N walked over to the couch and started going through movies, “Also you’re paying for chipotle. This is a date after all.”

#david dobrik imagine #vlog squad imagines #vlog squad imagine #David Dobrik Imagines #david dobrik fanfiction

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death-himself · 5 years ago

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Hidden in Shadows—Roman’s Story (pt 2)

Summary: Roman goes into Thomas's care and begins to heal

Word Count: 1,891

Warnings: Past Trauma, Internalized homophobia, Fear, Jealousy at the end

Part 1 (AO3 Link)

The house was so small compared to where he used to live. Only two bedrooms, a small kitchen, the dining and living rooms were just one big room! And not even a second story! And he wasn’t even gonna be going to private school anymore! Compared to his parents’ place, it was just depressing.

But, Thomas greeted him kindly enough to maybe make up for it. He set up his room, grateful that at least his room was decently big, before pulling out his crayons and paper and trying his best at art.

By the time Thomas knocked on the door to call him out for lunch, he had finally made something he was proud of. It wasn’t good, but he didn’t completely hate it. He allowed himself to smile at it, before stowing it away under the bed.

It had been a few days since he was placed under Thomas’s care. He was a kind and caring grown-up, but Roman didn’t dare look him in the eye. His eyes overflowed with so much emotion and empathy. Roman was scared that if he looked him in the eye, the grown-up would see every single flaw he had, and realize that he wasn’t worth all the time he’s been spending on him.

And he kept that up, his gaze slamming to the ground whenever Thomas looked in his direction.

Then one day he was drawing. Thomas, for whatever reason, had bought him a new set of crayons, a set of 64 that Roman had to struggle to contain his excitement over. He had been drawing on his bed, humming quietly to himself as he added a few swirls of a darker blue through the light blue river, not really paying attention to much. He didn’t even hear the knock on the door or the door open as Thomas stepped in. He just continued humming.

“Roman?” The kid in question screeched, reeling back so fast he had to scramble to stay on the bed. Thomas held back a laugh, apologizing and asking if he was alright. As he did so, he glanced over at the drawings laid out on the bed, before looking them over.

Panic gripped Roman’s heart. “Don’t look don’t look!” He shouted, beginning to grab up the drawings and hide them from view. Thomas, albeit confused, politely looked away, covering his eyes with his hands. “Alright, I didn’t see anything!”

Roman blinked, turning to look at this grown-up who had just looked away from his awful drawings just because he asked him to. “You aren’t upset?”

“Of course not! I didn’t see anything to be upset about.”

Roman huffed. “You saw my drawings, don’t pretend you didn’t.”

“Yeah, that’s what I meant. I didn’t see anything to be upset about.”

Roman blinked, staring as Thomas slowly took his hands away from his eyes, turning to look back down at Roman, slowly sitting next to him, gesturing at the now somewhat-crumpled drawings in his hands. Roman handed them over to him, feeling almost numb as Thomas took them and looked them over.

And then Thomas smiled. His eyes turned to Roman, and this time he didn’t look away, leaving him to stare directly into eyes radiating more fatherly pride than Roman had ever seen in his lifetime, all directed towards him and his awful drawings.

“This is so good! Is it alright if I put it up on the fridge?” The first part of his words had Roman’s heart beat with excitement, but the second part froze it in dread. Still, he nodded, following Thomas down the hall to the kitchen, where Thomas took a magnet and stuck his drawing up high on the fridge.

Roman stared up at it for a moment, knowing where he would find it later on.

It surprised him to find that it was still up there in the morning, then the day after that, then the day after that. Maybe his drawings weren’t so bad.

Roman had been with Thomas for a full month before he officially decided to take him clothes shopping. Everything had been pretty busy for him; he had been recording and editing a really big video nonstop, and hadn’t really had time to do anything else. But now that the video was ready and uploaded, they could head out.

They had gone to some random Walmart, since Roman’s new father was a peasant. To get to the boys aisle, Thomas simply cut through the girls’ aisle. Roman refrained from looking at any of the cute skirts and dresses, keeping his eyes trained forward, opting to look at the boys’ shorts in front of him.

Thomas allowed him to choose whatever clothes he wanted, which was strange enough as it was. But, Roman went through, grabbing whatever Disney-themed shirts he could find in his size. As he tried to pick a final shirt out, he accidentally looked into the girls’ section.

And there was the most incredible skirt Roman had ever seen. It was red and poofed out like a tutu. Sparkles and glitter covered every bit of it, so, just like that dress he had seen when he was six, it seemed to glow in the cheap lighting.

He realized he was staring and forced his eyes away, grabbing a shirt at random and walking back over to Thomas. He glanced up at him only to realize he had been watching Roman that whole time. Roman threw the shirt into the cart, his eyes trained to the ground.

Thomas thought for a moment, before sighing and deciding to just get straight to the point. “Do you wanna get a skirt?” Roman tensed up, shaking his head quickly. “I’m sure you’ll look adorable in it!” Thomas insisted.

Roman simply shook his head again, mumbling, “Skirts are for girls. I don’t want one.” Thomas wanted to push a bit harder and get the skirt anyway, but decided to hold back. They made their way out of the store.

“Just so you know, there’s nothing wrong with you or any other little boy wearing a skirt. It’s not hurting anyone, so why should people care?” Roman was silent as Thomas paid for their stuff, as they walked to the car, and as they drove home.

Three weeks later, Roman was carefully placing a skirt in their shopping cart.

Roman was now in third grade and was learning multiplication. And it was one of the hardest things he had ever been forced to learn. It made no sense! How did a 2 and a 3 make a 6? It should be 5!

That’s why Roman wasn’t at all surprised, yet still just as upset, when he got a 63% on his first test. He was scared to get on the bus home that day, getting in the back of the line and hoping that the bus would run out of seats and leave him there at school.

Thomas was waiting for him at the bus stop. He gave Roman his usual smile, ruffling his hair in a way that was so similar—but so different—from how his dad would.

“How was school today?” Thomas asked. It was something Roman was still getting used to—having him ask how his day was before asking about his test.

“Fine.” He answered bluntly. Thomas immediately knew something was off. He looked at Roman in the rear view mirror, before asking, “Didn’t you have a test today? How’d it go?”

“63.” Roman mumbled out. Thomas was looking in the mirror more than he probably should have been, watching Roman’s upset expression. Thomas didn’t particularly care about what grade Roman got, especially since Roman wasn’t even in middle school yet. But if it was bothering him this badly, then it was now very important.

“Were you having a bad day, or are you having trouble with the material?” Thomas asked softly, pulling up into the driveway. Roman definitely wasn’t used to that kind of question.

“Multiplication is hard.” Thomas nodded as if he understood. “It is, isn’t it? Makes no sense that the numbers do that, it’s weird.” He turned around to look at Roman.

“Mind if I tutor you a bit on it? I’ll help you with any issues you might have with it, and I’ll try and help you understand it. How does that sound?” Roman was hesitant, but eventually agreed. The two went inside and sat at the dining table, running through anything Roman asked about.

Roman got a 70% on his next test, then a 55% on a spelling test. Turns out Tho—Dad was proud of every grade, not just the passing ones. He was always willing to tutor him if he asked.

Roman was a kid more interested in fantasy than the real world. But when he got curious about something in the real world, he got very curious. That’s what got him to walk up to his dad early in the morning before school and ask, “Why don’t you have a wife and children of your own?”

Dad seemed taken aback, and nearly offended, by the question. He took a moment to process it, before holding back a laugh and saying, “Well, I’m gay, so if anything I would have a husband.”

Roman blinked up at him, before outright saying, “You’re not gay. That’s gross!” Dad stared back, having not been prepared to receive homophobia from his own child at seven in the morning.

“I am, I like guys. And it’s not gross, it’s just as natural as a guy loving a girl.”

“But it’s gross!”

“In what way is it gross?”

“Because! Because, umm…” Roman sputtered out nonsense for a moment, smacking his fists together as if trying to prove a point. “Just because!”

Dad crouched down to his level, putting a hand on his shoulder and looking him dead in the eye. “Like I’ve told you before, if it doesn’t hurt anyone, then why should people care? It’s okay for people to be gay, straight, bi, or whatever they identify as.”

He checked the time, before standing up and saying, “Come on, we gotta get to the bus stop!” Roman silently followed, lost in thought.

When he came back from school, he asked, “Why don’t you have a husband?” His dad didn’t have an answer for that.

When Dad had first told Roman he was getting a new brother, he was extremely upset. Why was there gonna be another person coming in? He was gonna take Dad’s attention away! When he found out that his new brother was three, almost four years old, he was even more jealous. His old parents always swooned over toddlers.

When his Dad came home with his new brother, he refused to look in their direction. Then he heard small footsteps toddling over to him, and a small finger poke him in the back. He huffed, turning around and pouting at the kid.

His eyes met round, bright blue eyes, shining with innocence. He giggled at Roman’s expression, booping his nose. Any jealousy that Roman was feeling melted away. It was hard to stay jealous of a toddler for very long, anyway.

He hugged Patton close, glad to now have a brother around to play with. He looked up to see Dad smiling down at him. That’s when Roman realized that he would never have to be alone again.

#sanders sides #hidden in shadows #roman sanders #kid!roman #thomas sanders #character thomas #dad!thomas #tw homophobia #tw past trauma

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thebiasrekkers · 5 years ago

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Fragmentation 0.1 - JHS

Plot: How does one measure freedom? Are our choices truly our own, or are they part of a preset design outside of our control? We all have a question burning inside of us, though few speak it out. It is the question that drives us forward, seeking purpose in our lives. What is The Matrix?

Rating: NC-17 // NSFW

Pairing: N/A

Warnings: Strong language, allusions of suicide, extreme angst, graphic violence

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin E’s AO3 || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 2,008

AN: It’s finally here! I know that I am still in the process of updating Make It Right, but I have been dying to get this series off the ground. Especially since no one in the fandom has written in this Universe from what I can see. So I’m super excited to share this with you all. This is the prequel to my upcoming series, Defragmentation, which showcases everyone’s origin stories and how they managed to escape from The Matrix. Because this universe is so extensive, I strongly suggest that people utilize the official Matrix Wiki as a reference point because there will be much in this world that I will not go into in-depth explanations for. Again, if anyone would like to be added to the tag list, please feel free to message us!

Tag List: @aroseforyoongi, @prisczero, @pinkpjmin, @btsaudge (I’m adding you because I purple you; don’t @ me)

© thebiasrekkers (Admin E). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Sabine saw The Code first.

Just after his fourteenth birthday, Hoseok met up with his best friend after school for their traditional birthday shenanigans. The funny birthday card, the sweet cupcake with a single candle on top, and a handmade present that he knew Sabine spent the better part of three months putting together. That was supposed to be the plan. Nothing changed in the ten years they knew each other.

Instead of meeting on the roof after school, Sabine told Hoseok she would be waiting for him at the abandoned playground on the edge of town. He didn’t understand why she wanted to meet there, of all places. Kids didn’t go there anymore because of a major accident and the lack of upkeep made it look creepy. Going there after the sun went down just gave it eerie vibes.

When he arrived, Sabine was idly moving back and forth on one of the swings. Her eyes looked focused on something just behind him. When Hoseok turned to see if there was anyone there, he felt a chill slide down his back when there was nothing. He wasn’t sure if Sabine was trying to scare him, but it was working.

“Hey, Hobi,” she called to him, standing from the swing to meet him, “you haven’t been using your inhaler lately.”

He tilted his head slightly. Now that she mentioned it, he hadn’t been. The doctor told him to only use it when he felt it was necessary. For the last year, he didn’t feel a need. P.E. wasn’t as hard for him as it used to be and he could run four full laps around the track without feeling winded.

“No, I haven’t,” he replied, meeting her gaze, “but why bring that up, Bean?”

She smirked, brushing past him to stare out across the road. The street lights flickered to life, illuminating the pastel green landscape around them. Hoseok knew that look and it almost always meant trouble. He really didn’t want to get involved with another of her hair-brained schemes on a school night.

“Can you see it?”

He turned to look in her direction, her back still facing toward him. “See what?”

He watched Sabine’s back muscles tense slightly until she craned her neck to look at him. “You can’t see it?”

“See what?” he repeated with a sigh. “I don’t see anything except you being weird.”

For a while, Sabine said nothing. It wasn’t like her to be silent for this long and Hoseok was consciously aware of how hard she was looking at him. He was about to tell her to say something, anything, instead of staring at him like he’d grown a second head. Just then, she let out a defeated sigh and began walking away, leaving him behind.

“Hey,” he called, already starting after her, “what am I not seeing?”

“Doesn’t matter,” came her dejected response, “no point if you can’t see it.”

He wanted to keep bugging her about what it was she was seeing and he wasn’t, but Sabine clearly made up her mind about something.

Hoseok just wished he knew what that “something” was.

“Sabine, wait!”

Hoseok watched his best friend continue her ascent up the fire escape without him. He tried not to be too loud, considering that their neighbors were middle-aged office drones who worked nine to five hours and had 2.5 kids. The last time it got rowdy in their complex, the local authorities were called almost immediately. Add the fact that they were sneaking out after curfew and it was easy to see why Hoseok was a little nervous to be raising his voice.

But Sabine kept going, as if she hadn’t heard him.

Pouting, Hoseok quickly ran up the stairwell after her - his legs feeling much lighter than they usually did. Normally he would feel winded trying to keep up with her, but today it felt easier to breathe. Which was strange, considering he’d been diagnosed with asthma since he was a child.

Then again, a lot of things were different for the past two years.

His parents told him that it was the normal adolescent hormones that popped up at the age of thirteen. “Puberty” and all that nonsense. He’d learned about it in school and, at the time, it made sense. He figured that it was just “growing pains” and nothing more.

Ever since his fourteenth birthday, however, he knew that things were changing at a pace that almost didn’t seem natural. Things were getting weirder and weirder every day. Hoseok even had a weird case of déjà vu when he thought he saw the same cat go by twice.

That couldn’t have been the case, though. That sort of stuff wasn’t real.

Hoseok mentioned it to Sabine just a few days before his fifteenth birthday. He remembered the way her eyes almost seemed to light up - a look he hadn’t seen on her face in almost a year. The truth? Their friendship was strained and Hoseok was confused as to why. He couldn’t remember doing anything to upset her and she was the sort of person who was blunt and honest about her feelings at all times.

Though she had been surfing the net more and more. There were days where Sabine would skip out on their normal hangout time to stay glued to her computer. Her parents said she was studying or doing homework, but he knew Sabine was extremely intelligent and rarely had to put any real effort into her school assignments. Hoseok was no dummy either, but even he needed her help from time to time when it came to classwork.

The days bled into weeks and then the weeks into months. Before long, he was beginning to dread that things weren’t going to be the same between them anymore.

Then Sabine showed up at his door, telling him to come with her to the roof of their apartment complex. He wasn’t about to question her reasoning. Hoseok was just glad that she was talking to him again outside of class.

When he finally reached the top, Sabine was standing on the edge of the roof on the other side. Her dark curls whipped around her head as a sudden gust of wind blew through the air. Hoseok shivered, feeling the cold bite go straight through him. He crossed the roof to where she was, rubbing at his arms to warm them up.

“So,” he said, trying to ignore the awkward feeling in the air, “what’s up?”

She continued to stand on the rooftop’s edge, her hands stuffed into the large front pocket of her hoodie. Sabine didn’t answer him right away and while that would have bothered him before, he was just glad to be able to be close to his friend again. If he was admitting anything to himself, it was that Hoseok missed her. A lot.

“Do you feel that?” she asked suddenly, causing him to look up at her.

“Feel what?”

Sabine sighed, turning to look down at him. “C’mon, Hobi. I know you feel that.”

He really didn’t understand what she meant, and was about to tell her as much. Suddenly, she reached down to grab his arm so she could pull him up onto the perch beside her. Hoseok almost squawked, losing his balance slightly until she tightened her hold on his sleeve to steady him.

“Bean, I really don’t know what you’re talking about…” And he felt bad about it.

“No. I think you do.” Sabine gave him a pointed look. “You feel it, but you just don’t want to admit it.”

He sighed. “What is it I’m supposed to be feeling, Bean?”

“That this,” she said, stretching her arm out toward the cityscape, “isn’t real.”

Hoseok balked at her. “Wait, what?” He blinked once. “What?!”

This time she scoffed. “You haven’t had to use your inhaler in the last two years. You run the track regularly during P.E. and you’re able to keep up with me now.”

He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped himself because he wasn’t sure if he wanted to argue with what she was insinuating. It wasn’t like any of it was a lie. But to say that none of it was real? That was just crazy.

“I’ve been reading up on these forums and there are whispers about this place. About how it’s not real.” Sabine’s brows furrowed as she bit her lower lip, averting her gaze from his. “How our whole life is one giant lie.”

A soft ache welled in his heart. Had she been battling with these feelings of depression alone all this time? Was that why she’d pushed him away?

“Hey,” he said gently, reaching out to grasp her hand, “that’s not true. How can you say that?”

“Because it’s true. I’ve seen the glitches. I’ve seen the code.” Her tone was a mixture of hurt and indifference, like she couldn’t decide what emotion to display to him. Sabine turned to look at him. “And you have too. You just keep pretending that you haven’t.”

Hoseok frowned. “Sabine, come on…”

“You just want to keep being blind to it, but I know you’ve seen it too!”

The truth? He had. He had seen weird things - almost like flickers and after images. He figured it was because he was overworking himself or that his body was continuing its weird pubescent changes. What other reasoning was there? If he saw the same cat twice, it was just a coincidence. If he felt lighter on his feet, it was because he was taking the time to exercise properly. If there were ripples in the glass reflecting a person that was both him and not him, that had nothing to do with anything. It didn’t mean that their world wasn’t real or that their lives had no meaning.

...right?

A rush of movement reclaimed his attention and he screamed in horror as Sabine jumped off the roof. Hoseok reached out, grabbing at her wrists. The force of the jump coupled with gravity pulling her weight down in a rush caused his knees to crash into the concrete perch. The pain was immediate and he gripped onto Sabine with all of his might. Tears leaked out of the corners of his eyes as he looked down at his best friend, unable to fathom why she’d had the sudden urge to want to kill herself.

“Let go,” she said, causing him to sob.

“Are you crazy?!”

“Just let go, Hoseok.”

When he looked down at her, she wore an expression he couldn’t place. It seemed almost peaceful; resolute. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was a level of acceptance plastered over Sabine’s face that was profound. It caused his heart to leap into his throat and for a moment, the landscape dissolved into an array of black with strings of green numbers and letters in every direction. Even his best friend’s image was shaped around these numbers and letters.

His knees scraped across the concrete, causing his grip to slip a little. And then everything returned to normal. Or, at least, the normal that he believed himself accustomed to.

When Hoseok’s eyes met Sabine’s once again, he saw her crying. He didn’t have to ask why. Because he already knew the answer.

“...it’s not real,” he mumbled.

Sabine nodded, smiling up at him. “So let go.” Her fingers tightened around his wrists. “Let’s go.”

He smiled at her, leaning down a little further, and gave a small laugh. “Okay.”

Hoseok waited for her to close her eyes first. Then he closed his. When he felt her thumbs pressing into his wrists, her silent way of saying she wasn’t going anywhere, he let gravity take hold of them both. The world rushed around his ears - the wind howling from the speed of their descent. At some point, he groped blindly until his arms wrapped around Sabine in a strong embrace.

And then everything went dark.

“Welcome to the Real World.”

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colbybrocksmolder · 6 years ago

Text

The Wilderness – Colby Brock x Reader 4/4

PART 3

The next few days played out very similarly. Elton called everyone together once a day for a small competition. You’d won a scavenger hunt and you didn’t think the mud wrestling was worth any prize, so you sat that one out. People kept asking why you guys looked so clean and happy. Colby always said you guys just packed a lot of clothes and you liked camping, not wanting to share your secret lake. You guys continued to enjoy clean clothes, bathing in the lake, and plenty of food. You’d even busted out the smore supplies and playing cards last night.

The competition was down to 4 teams and Colby was worried Sam and Kat were going to throw in the towel soon.

“You okay?” Colby asked Kat, offering her a protein bar.

She shrugged her shoulders. “I think I just want to sleep in my own bed.” She half smiled.

“Do you want one of our sleeping bags? I know Y/n wouldn’t mind.” He offered.

“No.” She laughed. “I mean I miss my apartment with my bed and my shower and my tv and my phone and my microwave and postmates and…”

“I get it.” Colby laughed. “How long do you think you’re staying?”

“I’m only staying for Sam.” She smiled. “It’s up to him.”

“Kat, Sam wanted to leave yesterday.” Colby laughed.

“Really?” She asked, shock evident in her voice.

“Sam!” Colby called. You and him were sat by the water, talking. You both walked back when you heard Colby call for Sam.

“What’s up?”

“Not that I want you guys to leave, because I definitely want you to stay…but you’ve both said you’re only staying for the other person and you both seem miserable.” Colby laughed.

“You don’t want to stay?” Sam asked Kat, sitting down next on her on the bin.

“I wanted to go home yesterday!” She laughed.

“So did I!” Sam joined in laughing.

“Awww, we’re going to be all alone.” You pouted, sitting on Colby’s lap.

“Don’t pretend like you’re going to be sad.” Sam teased. “You’re just going to walk around naked more often.”

“He’s not wrong.” Colby laughed.

“Do we even want to stay today?” Kat asked, looking at Sam.

“I’m out, dude. I want to ask Elton if we’re allowed to give them our supplies, but after that I want to go home and play Minecraft.” Sam laughed.

“I’m taking a bath and getting my nails done.” Kat said, looking at the one nail she had busted in half.

“Hey, Elton. This is Sam. I have a question.” Sam said into the walkie talkie, walking back out to the fire.

“What’s your question, young Samuel?” Elton replied.

“If someone were to hypothetically quit, they can give their supplies to another team, right? Technically it’s still considered trading goods?” Sam asked.

“Yup. Make sure to pack and bring back anything they aren’t going to use to the RV so it’s easier to clean up at the end of the competition, but you can definitely give them your food and flashlights and stuff.” Elton answered. “I know it’s going to take missing his flight or a lightning strike to get Colby to quit, so is it safe to assume you and Kat are going home?”

Sam laughed. “Yes. We’re tapping out.”

“I won’t announce it until you drag your stuff down here.” Elton laughed. “Do you need any help?”

“No, I think we’re good. We’ll be down there in a bit.” Sam answered.

“If you open that tote, we can put our snacks and stuff in it.” Kat said, pointing to the bin you were sitting on.

You hopped up, moving to help Sam pack everything up.

“Do you guys want the pillows?” Sam asked.

“I’m fine with what we’ve got.” Colby answered. “Y/n?”

“No, I’m good. Thank you, though.” You smiled at Sam, helping him pack the rest of the inside of the tent into the totes.

They ended up leaving an extra flashlight, the alarm clock, some snacks, and some toiletries. You got everything else packed back into the two bins and the both of you walked them to the RV. When you got back to your campsite, it looked weird without the second tent.

“I wonder why Elton hasn’t announced it yet.” Colby wondered aloud, holding your walkie talkie in his hand.

“He hasn’t announced our daily challenge thing either. Maybe he’ll do it at the same time.” You said, not thinking too much of it. “Let’s record a diary entry.”

“I’ll grab the camera.” Colby said, ducking into the tent and coming out with a blanket and the camera. “Can you grab the smore stuff?” Colby asked, shaking the blanket out to lay flat.

“Of course.” You smiled, grabbing the Ziplock baggie with the smore ingredients.

Colby turned the camera on. “Hey, guys. We’ve got a bit of a sad announcement this time around.” He sighed, turning to look at you.

“Sam and Kat decided to go home.” You said, leaning your head on Colby’s shoulder.

“I don’t blame them. They were kind of done with this whole thing yesterday.” Colby explained. “So, to cheer myself up, I’m going to make smores and cuddle with my beautiful girlfriend.”

You looked at him, surprised he just said it on camera. You placed your hand on his cheek, guiding his lips to yours. “That sounds like a great plan.”

“I agree.” He smiled at you, turning back to the camera. “I don’t know if Elton has anything planned for today since there’s only three teams left, but we’ll update you guys in a bit.” He turned the camera off and started making a smore.

About an hour later, you heard the announcement. “Hey teams! Looks like we’re down to three! I need everyone to meet down at the RV in about an hour! See you then!”

When you made it down to the RV, you noticed a big table set up with chairs surrounding it. “Ooo, what’s going on today?” You asked, Colby standing behind you with his arms around your shoulders.

“We brought our batteries and SD cards, by the way.” Colby said, pulling them out of his pocket.

“Sweet!” Elton said, grabbing them and running inside to exchange them. “And today is going to be a bit different.” Elton answered.

“Hey, hey!” JC called, walking towards you holding hands with Chelsey. “Who left?”

“Sam and Kat.” Colby answered in a sad voice.

“No way!” Chelsey said. “I thought they’d stay as long as you did.”

“I think we actually enjoy this more than them.” You laughed.

“Definitely.” Colby agreed.

Crawford and Franny joined the group. “HOW THE FUCK DO YOU GUYS NOT LOOK LIKE YOU’VE BEEN SLEEPING IN THE WOODS FOR 5 DAYS?!” Crawford practically yelled.

“They won’t tell us.” JC laughed.

“Your hair isn’t even greasy!” Crawford continued.

“Dry shampoo, brother.” Colby snarked back, making you laugh.

“One whole tote was dedicated to things to keep us camera ready.” You joked.

“You’ll find out everyone’s secrets when you watch the videos.” Elton laughed, walking to the table. “Okay! Today is going to be a little different. I’ve got Chinese food for us to share and I want to just talk. I want to hear your thoughts and your funny stories. I want this to be a camp-wide diary entry. Talk about how you’re feeling, if you’re enjoying this, if you’ve learned anything.”

“Fuck yes.” You said, letting your head fall back against Colby’s shoulder. “I could destroy some sesame chicken right now.”

“Lucky for you, its on today’s menu.” Elton said.

The 7 of you sat around the table, loading up your plates with food.

“Okay, First, I want to hear how everyone is doing. Physically, mentally, etc.” Elton instructed. The camera men were in different spots to catch everyone’s parts of the conversations.

“I’m great.” You said, shrugging your shoulders. “Seriously. I am loving getting to spend this time with Colby. It’s been great to hang out with Sam and Kat and get to talk without someone recording us or needing to leave to record something else.” You added.

“I agree.” Colby said, leaning over to kiss your cheek. “I mean, I ended up getting a vacation and a girlfriend in one fell swoop. AND I plan on getting that 10 grand.” He smiled at you.

“I wondered if you two were official.” JC said, reaching over to fist bump Colby. “Congrats, guys. You two seem to be really good together.”

The rest of the group all said their congratulations.

“I think we’re doing pretty good.” Chelsey chimed in on Elton’s question. “I’m terrified I’m going to start my period, but other than that I think we’ve enjoyed the break.”

“God, men have it so easy.” Elton replied, laughing.

“I think we’ve got a few days left in us.” JC added.

Crawford and Franny looked at each other. “We’re ready to go home soon.” Franny laughed. “Honestly, I’m just bored at this point. I didn’t realize how many things I use to pass the time until they were all 2 hours away.”

Crawford nodded his head. “I agree. It’s mostly little things I miss. We’ve talked and we want to stick it out a bit more, though.”

“That’s kind of why Kat wanted to go home. She just missed her normal everyday stuff.” Colby added.

“What is one thing you’ve learned out here?” Elton asked, shoving fried rice in his mouth.

“I think I need to remember it’s okay to unplug for a bit.” Crawford said.

“Same.” Franny added.

“I think I just needed a reminder that the world isn’t going to end if I’m not there to answer every text and every email.” JC said.

Chelsey nodded, leaning into JC. “I think it’s been good to realize that not everything is dire. We’re so used to having instant access to everyone and everything in our lives.”

“All good things.” Elton said, looking at you and Colby.

“I think I forget that taking a moment for myself isn’t wasting time.” You said, your chest heavy with emotion. “I think I’d convinced myself that it was lazy to take a day to sleep in or to argue to push a deadline back for my mental health.” You paused, taking a deep breath.

“Hey.” Colby said, pulling you into his arms. “You’re okay.”

You let him comfort you for a second, taking a few more deep breaths. “If I could honestly tell the people watching your series anything, it’s that you matter. And that doesn’t just mean to other people. You’ve gotta realize you matter to you. Ignoring stress and bad sleep patterns and your own need to rest and heal…You’re only going to make things worse.”

“I fully fucking agree with that.” JC said from across the table, reaching his hand out to hold yours for a second.

“Me too.” Colby said, his arm still around you. “I didn’t even know you felt that way which means you’re pretty good at hiding it.” He smiled at you sadly. “You were spot on with ignoring the problems because you don’t think you’re worth the time it takes to fix them. I do that all the time. I gotta get better at that.”

“We’ll help each other.” You smiled at him, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.

“It’s been years since I’ve cried while eating Chinese food.” Elton joked.

“That an old habit of yours?” you laughed.

“You don’t want to know.” Elton said, putting on a dramatic face. “In all honesty, though. That’s probably the best thing you could take back from this experience. Burn out is a real thing and it’s not just related to work.”

You guys talked for about an hour, laughing and telling funny stories. When you got back to your camp you went and mixed some of the sports mix with a gallon of water and put half your tampons in a Ziplock baggie. You added a trash bag and a pack of baby wipes to the Ziplock before walking back out of your tent.

“Do you know where JC and Chelsey are camped?” You asked, intent on giving her the supplies.

“I don’t, but Elton does.” He answered, looking at what was in your hands. “You’re quickly becoming the best human I know.” He said, pulling you into his arms. “Let’s ask Elton over the walkie talkie.

“Hey Elton, can you tell us where JC and Chelsey are camped? We have some supplies we want to give them.” Colby said after switching the batteries.

“You’re giving them supplies?” Elton asked.

“Don’t ask.” Colby laughed.

“Yeah, they’re closer to me than you if you just want to walk back up here.” Elton answered.

“I’ll be back.” You said, heading back down the path.

“As if.” Colby laughed, grabbing the flashlight and the walkie talkie. “Come here.” He said, grabbing your hand.

“Thank you.” You smiled over at him.

When you got to the RV, Elton pointed to where JC and Chelsey were camped. You could see the tent up the hill. “I’m gonna go by myself, okay?” you said, letting go of Colby’s hand.

“Be safe!” he called. “Watch where you’re walking!”

Elton and Colby watched you start your short hike up the hill. “You guys are kind of perfect together.” Elton said, looking over at Colby.

“I mean, I’m not going to argue with you.” Colby laughed, leaning against the RV. “But what makes you say that?”

“I know the only reason Sam and Kat stayed out here so long is because you guys helped them. Hell, Corey and Andrea would have quit day one if you hadn’t set their camp up for them. And here she is giving to another team when there’s 10 thousand dollars on the line.” Elton explained. “You’ve both got very giving hearts. You both know that people are always more important than things. You’re both just really good people.”

Colby smiled over at Elton. “You really think all that highly of me?”

“What do you mean?” Elton yelled, knocking Colby’s shoulder with his. “of course, I do.”

“Thanks.” Colby said, bumping his shoulder back into Elton’s. “I think I sometimes forget what got Sam and I started on this whole thing. It’s hard to breathe constant kindness through all the LA smog.” He joked, bitterly.

“Well I think a pretty good reminder for you just walked up that hill.” Elton nodded towards you.

“You’ve got that right, Uncle Elton.” Colby replied, seeing that you had just gotten to the tent.

“Chelsey?” You called. “JC?��

“Yo!” JC replied, crawling out of the tent. “What’s up?”

“I brought these for Chelsey.” You said, seeing her crawl out of the tent after JC.

“Whoa, why?” She asked, realizing you’d have to have hiked back to your camp and then all the way back.

“Girl, I am not about to let you suffer having a period in the woods with no supplies.” You laughed, handing her the bag. “There’s tampons, baby wipes, a few trash bags…” You pointed out different things in the bag. “And this will make sure you don’t get dehydrated as hell. It’s got electrolytes and shit in it.”

“Seriously?” JC asked, dumbfounded. “Can we give you anything for it?”

“Nope. We’ve got more than we need.” You answered, waving and walking back towards the RV.

“Thank you!” Chelsey called, running and pulling you into a hug. “Seriously, you’re so sweet.”

“No problem.” You laughed, hugging her back. “Really.”

When you got back to the RV the sun had completely gone down. “You ready?” you asked Colby.

“I am.” He answered, reaching out for your hand.

“Have a good night, guys!” Elton called, going back in his RV.

Colby clicked the flashlight on and lead the way back to your camp. “You did a very nice thing.” He said about halfway back to camp.

“It wasn’t a big deal.” You shrugged. “We still have more than we need.”

“That’s not the point.” Colby laughed. “Just wait until the series comes out. I guarantee you JC and Chelsey are going to talk about what you did in their diary entry and the comments are going to be filled with people thinking you’re crazy for helping the competition.”

“Think about it this way.” You said. “Would you want to win because one of your friends had to quit because of something you don’t even have to struggle with?”

“Not at all.” He answered, stopping in the middle of the trail to pull you against him. “It doesn’t mean what you did wasn’t a very nice and kind thing.” He leaned down and connected your lips.

When you broke the kiss, you laid your head against Colby’s chest. “I know we’ve been friends for a while, but we’ve been dating for less than a week.” You said, slipping your fingers under the back of Colby’s shirt to rest against his skin. “I know it’s way to early to ACTUALLY say what I’m thinking…So I’m just going to say I could really love you one day.”

Colby laughed, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “I could really love you one day, too.”

Crawford and Franny quit the next night. And you had to wait three whole days to get the final walkie talkie announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to announce that the 9th team has officially quit, and Y/n and Colby are our official winners!” You heard Elton scream into the walkie talkie at about 5 in the morning.

Colby grabbed the walkie talkie, replying. “Did you really have to wake us up for that? Also, if we’re the only ones left why did you say that like you were announcing it to the entire camp?” he laughed.

“Get dressed and head down here, guys.” Elton’s laugh could be heard through the speaker.

You grabbed the camera to record your ‘reactions’.

You yawned, looking over at Colby. “I think we just won.” You said, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.

Colby sleepily nodded, kissing your forehead. “I think we did.”

“I need to pee.” You laughed.

“Elton can wait.” Colby said, looking at the camera. “We’ve got priorities.”

You turned the camera off and started getting ready.

“It’s kind of chilly out.” Colby said, peeking out of the tent. “Wear this.” He chucked you one of his hoodies.

“Thanks, babe.” You smiled, pulling it over your shirt.

You finished getting ready and made the trek back to the RV. By the time you got there, the sun had fully risen.

“CONGRATS!” Elton yelled, hugging both of you. JC and Chelsey were still there and they both congratulated you guys.

“Thank you.” You both said, your arms linked and your hands in your hoodie pockets.

“So, as you know…You get 10 thousand dollars to split and you get to pick a charity that I’ll donate another 10 thousand dollars to.” Elton said, two stacks of cash in his hands.

You leaned up to whisper in Colby’s ear. “For Sparta, right?” You asked, knowing that Elton was working his ass off on a charity all by himself.

“Oh, fuck yeah.” Colby said, kissing your forehead.

“What?” Elton asked, looking back and forth between the two of you.

“We’re giving the charity money to your charity.” Colby said, seeing Elton’s mouth drop open a bit. “You don’t get enough media attention or credit for the work you’re doing and 10 grand is a lot of money.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Elton asked.

“This is no joking matter.” You laughed.

“You know you don’t have to do that.” Elton said, making sure you knew.

“We want to, Elton!” you promised.

He pulled the both of you into another hug, handing you the other stack of bills. “Thank you.” He said, shaking his head like he still couldn’t believe it. “I honestly didn’t expect that.”

“With this one, you should have.” Colby teased, elbowing you.

“Do you guys know what you’re doing with your money?” He asked, remembering everything was still being filmed.

“I don’t know, actually.” Colby said, looking over at you.

“I hadn’t thought about it.” You shrugged your shoulders. “If it’s anything fun or crazy, we’ll make sure to film it for you.” You laughed.

“One last thing!” Elton remembered. “Do you want to tell Chelsey and JC why you were always so clean?” He busted out laughing before he even got the whole word out.

“Oh, yeah.” You chuckled.

“We found a lake.” Colby said, shrugging his shoulders. “It was a long ass hike every day to get down here, but it was totally worth it.”

“I KNEW it!” JC yelled, Chelsey laughing at him.

The cameras were turned off and JC and Chelsey walked back to their camp to pack up.

“Are you heading back down in the RV right away?” Colby asked Elton.

“No, actually. I won’t leave until tomorrow afternoon.” Elton replied.

Colby looked over at you. “Want to spend one last day up here?”

“As long as that means we get to go back to sleep for a few hours.” You laughed, wrapping your arms around Colby.

“Oh, for sure.” He replied, pulling his sleeves down to cover his hands and wrapping his arms around you. “Elton, do you mind if we stay and ride back with you tomorrow?”

“Not at all.” Elton shook his head. “We may come take a swim up by you in a little bit.”

“Sounds good to me.” Colby said, asking Elton to keep your cash prize in the RV for the night.

When you climbed back in your tent and stripped down, Colby pulled you to lay against his side. “I’m going to miss this.”

“I’ll miss it a little, too.” You said, dragging your fingers up and down Colby’s bare side. “But home is going to be a new adventure too. We get to do everything together for the first time.”

Colby smiled. “That’s very true.”

“And we’ve got 10 grand stashed away now. Maybe in a few months, You, me, Sam, and Kat can take a little trip.” You suggested.

“Another little break from the crazy.” Colby agreed.

“Exactly.” You said, snuggling further into Colby’s chest.

“I know you said it’s too early to say what I’m thinking, but I just want to reiterate that I am really going to fucking love you one day.” Colby kissed the top of your head.

You laughed, pressing a kiss to Colby’s neck before laying your head back down. “Well one day, I’m going to argue that I love you more.”

#colby brock #colby brock imagine #colby brock x reader #colby brock oneshot #colby brock smut

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falseroar · 5 years ago

Text

Is This Your Card? Part 8: What Little Chef Saw

((The District Attorney runs into the Chef, who doesn’t know much about what happened last night. His little buddy, on the other hand, is a different story. In need of some fresh air, the attorney goes outside and runs into Damien, who’s feeling just as lost and confused as they are.

Link to the masterlist for the series.))

In the kitchen, you ran cold water over a rag dug out of one of the drawers and, with a wince, pressed it against your bruised eye. The excess water from the rag ran down your wrist and dripped onto your shirt, but it did feel good after the initial shock of the first touch.

“I thought I told you to stay out of my kitchen!”

You turned around to find the chef standing uncomfortably close. You backed away from him, or tried to, but your hips bumped into the counter behind you.

Following your stare, the chef lowered the knife in his hand and said, “I was about to start making some food when I heard a rat scurrying around in my kitchen.”

“Sorry, I just needed something for my eye,” you said, removing the compress for a second to show him.

He snorted with a barely suppressed laugh at the sight. “Man, that hunter really hit you, didn’t he? I’d offer you a steak, but I don’t want to waste good meat on you.”

The chef turned away from you and went to the island in the middle of the kitchen, where he had already laid out a cutting board and what looked suspiciously like leftover spaghetti. With an exaggerated grunt of effort, he raised his knife and brought the blade down on the cutting board with a smack before repeating the cut again and again.

Maybe it was cathartic, or maybe it was supposed to be intimidating, you weren’t sure, but you waited until after one of the swings against the defenseless noodles before speaking again.

“You don’t know why he hit me, do you?”

“Probably for asking stupid questions,” Chef answered before bringing the knife down with another crack. “I bet you’re here to ask me about last night. Well, you can tell that dick that I was busy cleaning up after that delicious meal I prepared, no thanks to any of you. It was one AM before I finally retired to my room. Took me forever to mop up all of that blood.”

“Blood?”

“You cook raw steak, you’re going to get some juices,” Chef answered with a wave of his knife. “Not that you would know, you barely touched any of my cooking!”

“…Sorry, I didn’t have much of an appetite last night,” you said. It wasn’t like you could tell him the silverware made it almost impossible. “It smelled really good though.”

“I know my stuff,” the chef said as he used the flat of his blade to push the pulverized noodles out of his way before pulling over some vegetables for chopping.

Even over the whack of the blade, you can make out the sound of the butler still sobbing down in the wine cellar, although the sound was faint enough you doubted the chef could hear it.

“Is the butler…is he okay?”

“You mean in the head? I don’t know, man, this place seems to attract weird people,” the chef said, his shrug indicating that he included himself in it.

“He seems to be taking Mark’s death pretty hard,” you said. Not that he was the only one, but you added, “Was he that close to him?”

“You really don’t know nothin’, do ya?” The chef paused in his dicing of lettuce to look you up and down before explaining what that was supposed to mean. “Mark, he helped me and that pompous clean freak out when we needed it most, and I ain’t ashamed to say it. Not for me to say what was going on with Benjamin, but after Easy Pickin’s went under, Mark was the only one willing to hire me. He’s cheap as hell, but at least he pays something.”

“Easy Pickin’s?” You knew that name.

“Restaurant I used to work at.”

“Wait, wasn’t that—”

The chef cut you off with a glare. “So you read about it in the paper, huh? Or were you one of the people howling to shut us down?”

You flinched at his choice of words and admitted, “No, I’d been there. Not as a—I don’t mean—”

The chef growled and you cleared your throat.

“I had contacts who liked to meet there, because of the…atmosphere.”

“And the damn good food.”

“Yeah. That too.”

You had been to Easy Pickin’s before, and knew exactly what kind of clientele they had served before the city shut them down. Vampires, ghouls, any relatively human-shaped persons that managed to live on the outskirts of society knew that the restaurant was the place to go for anyone with…special dietary needs. The candles on the tables provided ambience and enough low-lighting to pretend not to notice what the table next to you might be eating or drinking, although your nose picked up on enough details despite your best efforts to drown them out.

The chef sighed, his shoulders sagging. “I was the head chef there, where people knew what respect meant. We weren’t hurting anybody, but…”

“But people weren’t comfortable with the reminder that nonhumans live in the city too,” you finished for him. The wards on the city’s walls could force anyone who wanted to enter or exit the city to go through the official gates, but not all monsters could be picked out of a line that easily.

You personally knew there were ways to get around being spotted, especially for someone determined enough to risk everything on a new life.

You weren’t sure if it was the words or something in your tone when you said them, but the chef gave you a new, studying look before he spoke again.

“Tell you what. I’ll let you check with my Little Chef, see if he’s picked up anything that could help.”

“I’m sorry, your little…?”

You trailed off as the chef placed a proud hand on a small statuette that looked remarkably like him, down to the long tangle of hair trailing down over its shoulder, although you had yet to see the chef give a smile like that. You weren’t sure if you would ever be ready to see him smile like that statue.

“A witch gave Little Chef here to me to keep an eye on my kitchen as a gift, because my pies are just that good. If anything happened here, he can show you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s some kind of scrying spell or something, looks for anything out of the ordinary. I don’t know, magic ain’t my thing.”

“No, I mean you’ll let me look at it?” The chef could have easily not told you about it, or shown it earlier to prove his innocence in front of everyone if he thought it would help. “Why now?”

“…You know those cards everyone got last night? How Mark’s outed him as a werewolf?”

“Yes, but Mark wasn’t—”

“This is what I got.” The chef held up a card, on which was typed the words “Easy Pickin’s.” “Seein’ what Mark had, I guess that whoever sent those cards thought I would be ashamed of where I used to work, like I would ever regret something I put my heart and soul into.”

The chef jabbed a finger into your chest, leaving you glad that he at least didn’t use the knife still held in his other hand. “Which is why I want you to find whoever’s behind all of this, so I can look ‘em in the eye and spit in their face.”

“…Got it,” you said. It wasn’t the most admirable reason, not when the person in question was most likely a literal murderer, but you weren’t about to talk him out of it.

The chef turned back to his meal prep with a more or less positive grumble, leaving you staring at the statuette sitting on the corner.

How, exactly, was this thing supposed to work?

You glanced at the chef out of the corner of your eye, but he had stopped paying attention to you and you suspected that asking him would just lead to more angry outbursts and knife waving. Better to save that as a last resort.

You leaned closer and placed a hand on the statue’s head to turn it in search of some kind of device or clue to activate it, but the second your skin touched the oddly warm ceramic, the room around you changed.

It was still the kitchen, but dark and silent. An awareness in the back of your mind that you weren’t familiar or comfortable with told you that it was just after one AM last night, the still glistening floors suggesting that the chef really had just finished his mopping. You tried to turn your head, but the movement did nothing to change the angle of what you were seeing.

Out of the ordinary, Chef had said. Like someone entering the kitchen.

At your thought, your vision blinked before returning to the same room, the sense in the back of your mind telling you that it was now 1:35. Only instead of an empty kitchen, you saw Benjamin loom large in your peripheral vision as he walked past the statue on the counter. You tensed as the butler leaned to look down the hall in the direction of the chef’s room and then around him before opening the door—

Of the fridge.

The butler proceeded to pull a glass bottle out of the fridge and pour himself something before abruptly returning the bottle to the fridge and leaving the room at speed, glass in hand.

The sound of approaching footsteps that scared the butler off proved to belong to the Colonel, who stood in the middle of the kitchen and looked around as if searching for something before lazily scratching at the back of his neck with the barrel of his gun. The gun which he placed on the counter next to the statue before raiding the fridge himself, during which he popped something you could not see straight into his mouth. Then he shrugged and walked out of the room.

Leaving his gun behind.

Your heart leapt and you willed the statue to go to the next time someone entered the room, but when your vision skipped again it was to find the light of dawn streaming into the room as the butler entered through the same door he left by the night before, duster in hand.

At the sight of the gun on the counter he sighed and picked it up with two fingers before calling for the Colonel on his way out.

If no one exchanged the bullets in the Colonel’s gun then, that meant it must have happened during the party last night. Of course, everyone was distracted enough that still left a wide window to work with, but there was something else that bothered you about what the statue had seen.

Benjamin had made a remark about the kitchen closet, the one very clearly in view all night, and the spare master key contained within it. The key that someone would have had to use to get into Abe’s room and his nightstand to get to his gun.

At the thought of the monster hunter, Little Chef began to jump back through previous nights, giving you scattered visions of other rooms in the house devoid of anything interesting until it stopped at a view through the kitchen’s back door, the awareness in the back of your mind putting it at three nights ago, on the 7th. Through open blinds, you could see a figure still undeniably recognizable even in silhouette.

“Abe!” Mark called out, his voice sounding tinny and distant through the statue, and you felt the breath leave your chest in a sharp gasp.

“Mark,” Abe said warmly, taking his hand. “Good to see you.”

“Great to see you,” Mark answered. “Look, I’ll cut right to the chase: Chef, Butler, good?”

“Chef’s an asshole,” Abe said, earning a nod in acknowledgement from Mark, “But he’s clean. The butler, the new guy, also clean.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Mark said.

Their conversation was cut short as they moved out of sight of the door and Little Chef, leaving you to step back from the statue and into the present.

“I don’t…I—” You shook your head and looked around, but the chef seemed to have left while you were distracted. The timer over the oven, from which a smell wafted that made your empty stomach turn with a wave of nausea more than hunger, suggested it would be some time before he came back.

With no one around, you walked over to the closet and opened the door to find the spare master key hanging on its hook. You briefly considered taking it, but realized that could just lead to more issues if someone found it on you.

But if it was here and there was no sign of anyone returning it since last night, then…

A brief pain throbbed inside of your skull, made worse by the smell coming from the oven that you couldn’t ignore, too strong and overwhelming just like the tick of the clock on the wall, the heady odor of polish the butler seemed to have used everywhere, the scent of cleaning fluid used to mop the floor last night that still lingered on the tiles, the voices of the chef, the butler, and the colonel arguing in the distance after a chance encounter in the hall, every smell and every sound in the house—

It was just too much.

You stumbled out the back door, arms wrapped around yourself in a desperate attempt to stay in the moment, to stay in control, while you could feel the tingle in your spine and along every nerve, the familiar precursor to the change.

Not here, not now.

Outside, in the fresh air, you took a deep, steadying breath and then another. You’d had moments like this before, where your whole body reacted to a situation and decided “wolf” was the best option, but never this bad or for this long. It had been a constant since you entered the house last night, as though your whole being was trying to turn in and defend itself. From what, you didn’t know, but the last few hours had sent the sensation into overdrive. You had already changed once without meaning to, last night apparently, and that was before…

Before everything else.

When Damien found you sitting on one of the benches beneath the metal gazebo near the stairs some time later, you still felt at a complete loss. A sentiment echoed on your friend’s face when he spotted you, before sighing and taking a seat beside you.

“Look, I’m sorry you saw that argument with the Colonel,” he said, surprising you. “I lost my temper and it wasn’t right.”

“Are you sure I’m the one you should be apologizing to?”

Damien sighed again. “He must be in shock. The Colonel’s an eccentric, it’s his best quality and his worst. But he’s my friend, and…so was Mark.”

The cane passed back and forth between Damien’s hands, his focus at times more on the silver-topped piece of wood than anything else as though it was the only thing within his reach that he could control.

“I know I’m supposed to be a leader in this scenario, but I can’t help but feel lost. I’ve known Mark for years, since we were kids. And he’s just gone?”

His voice broke and you found your hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him in your own silent way.

“I-I’m sorry, I know Mark was your friend too—”

“You don’t…Please stop apologizing to me, Damien.” You felt the strain in your voice as your hand slipped off of his shoulder. “You have every right to feel as lost and confused as the rest of us, if not more. It just…the more I look at it, the less any of this makes any sense. Those cards…”

“Were upsetting, as they were clearly meant to be,” Damien said. There was something in his tone, but before you could ask what his cards were, he continued, “Was that…the card Mark had in his pocket, was it…?”

You nodded, unable to even look in his direction. Your hands clasped together as you leaned forward, fighting to remain human as you said, “Yeah. Yeah it was. You were right, I should have told him, before—before…Maybe he would—”

“My friend.” You felt Damien’s hands on your shoulders, irresistibly turning you toward him. You could see his cane lying on the bench behind him, but your eyes resisted meeting his own for as long as they could. “Look at me. That is not a road of thought you should ever go down. We cannot change what we did or did not do any more than we can change what happened last night.”

“So, what, I’m just supposed to forget Mark was killed with a silver bullet while holding my card? That if I hadn’t been so terrified to even look at it again, I might have realized it was gone? That maybe if I had tried to talk to him last night instead of trying to drink my thoughts away, maybe he wouldn’t have been alone with a killer? That maybe if I had ever tried to tell him, maybe I would at least know…know if he…”

“Mark would have understood,” Damien said with a quiet certainty that you could never understand, ignoring the prickle of fur beginning to rise under his hands, the elongation of your teeth. “I believe that completely. Just as I believe we can figure this out, together. We can choose to keep moving forward, if for nothing else than to bring this murderer to justice.”

A rumble of thunder overhead distracted you both, leaving you to wonder if underneath a metal structure was really the best place to be with a storm coming.

“You know what I always say—”

“Don’t you dare—”

“Life is ours to choose.” Damien smiled as you pushed him away with a groan at his far too often repeated motto. You still felt raw inside, the pain of the last few hours still too close and fresh to fully process, but being here with him helped. As if you could stay in control for a little longer.

You knew, no matter what shape you were in at the moment, Damien could always calm you down and bring you a little closer to human again.

((End of Part 8. Thanks for reading! ...You know, it’s always bothered me how we were able to see those recordings on Little Chef in WKM. Does he have a screen on the back of his head, or like a cable to connect to a monitor, or...? So yeah, this version’s just a magic plot device.

Link to Part 9: On its Own?

Tagging: @silver-owl413 @skyewardlight @withjust-a-bite @blackaquokat @catgirlwarrior @neverisadork @luna1350 @oh-so-creepy @weirdfoxalley @95fangirl @lilalovesinternet-l @thepoolofthedead @a-bit-dapper @randomartdudette @geekymushroom @cactipresident @hotcocoachia @purple-anxiety-blog @shyinspiredartist @avispate @missksketch))

#markiplier #fanfiction #wkm au #werewolf au #monster hunter au #wkm district attorney #wkm chef #wkm damien #wkm detective #damien & y/n #doubts and regrets #a little closer to human #but what do you do when he's gone?

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