#“hm. Liam in Heat?”

[jonnothyvase]

A Liam x Reader fic, because I adore him and I got inspired. will be more to come

[ervotica]

Ooh! Ooh! I got a cute one! So we know how Liam makes wood carvings, he’s given the reader one and this time she wants to make one for him as a surprise.. but she’s not the best at it. Literally, she’s got bandages on the tips of her fingers, a couple splinters and cuts— and when he sees that, he’s asking her what happened and she tells him she’s okay and shows the carving to him

pairing; liam mairi x fem!reader

warnings; liam calls reader 'my girl' (it's a warning honestly. i've decided it's his thing now), pure fluff, light descriptions of injury

Thick fingers reach for your hands across the table before you can hastily snatch them away, upturning your smaller ones until your palms are bared before him. Crimson tinged bandages adorn the very tips of your digits, and a shallow slice runs the length of your palm, thin shards of wood lodged just beneath the skin next to it.

"What happened?" Liam's asking, the worry that drips from his cadence only serving to tug at your heartstrings.

"Nothin' bad, Li. Promise." You're quick to reassure him, sore fingers curling around his own to deliver what you hope is a comforting gesture.

"C'mere," he beckons with a playful tap, patting the empty space next to him on the bench until you relent, utterly lovesick and unable to deny him anything he wants. You traverse the length of the table, coming to a halt behind the hulking man, throbbing hands resting on either side of his neck. His pulse thrums under your touch, his natural heat seeping into your pores until you have the urge to climb into his lap and fall asleep. His arm comes up and back to hook round your midriff, pulling your chest flush to his back in one swift motion.

"Sit," he teases.

You press pursed lips to his temple for a chaste kiss before peeling yourself away, needling beneath his arm and into his side; you fit like the piece of a puzzle, like it's where you've always been. You have, really.

"You gonna tell me what happened, my girl?"

You worry your bottom lip between your teeth, tilting your head to gaze up at him through your lashes.

"You know you made me that wood carving?" you ask, more meek than you'd expected your voice to come out. You busy yourself picking at your cuticles.

"Yeah?" he singsongs.

"Well..." Your bottom lip spills into a pout. It's unlike you to be so shy - Liam's terribly endeared. "I wanted to make you one of Deigh. It's a lot harder than it looks, and it's not very good, really. But..." Your hand disappears into your pocket and the fabric rustles with the sudden movement; then your closed fist emerges, clutching a mildly haphazard wood carving of Deigh. It's a little wonky in places, lines not as smooth and clean as Liam always manages to get them.

He thinks it's utterly perfect.

Taking the carving from your curled fingers, he smooths a thumb over the little dragon's face, crows feet crinkling affectionately. His dimple craters into the middle of his cheek with a beaming smile, and his forearm draws tight, anchoring you to his chest and folding you into his embrace.

"It's perfect. I love it, angel. Thank you."

"You really like it?" you ask, a warmth blooming and spreading in your chest even as uncertainty drips from your cadence.

"How could I not, hm? It's beautiful."

Your chin tips up to smack a wet kiss against the sharp angle of his jaw, arms twining around the broad expanse of his waist.

"You gettin' shy on me?" Liam mocks lightheartedly. You scoff, brows drawing down and pushing a crease between your eyes which Liam promptly smooths over. "I love you," he coos, pressing his temple to the top of your head. Heat rushes through you, white-hot and surprisingly pleasant.

"I love you, too."

[blouisparadise]

Upon request, today we have a rec list of fics where Louis and Harry have a one night stand! Of course, it often eventually leads to something more, but it starts with just one night. If you enjoy our rec lists, please be sure to like and reblog this post to help spread the word. Happy reading!

1) Let's Get Naked & Explore. | Not Rated | 3,185 words

"Hm, I'd be embarrassed if I had any real morals." Louis smirked and pushed himself off the door ledge he'd been leaning against, walking further into the bathroom. "Good thing, too, otherwise we probably wouldn't have had all that fun last night." "Unfortunately I only remember bits and pieces." "Well, it's also a good thing I'm extremely talented at jogging memories."

2) Please Master | Explicit | 4,344

“I was staring at you”, Harry says quietly, his fingers dancing on Louis’ heated skin, “earlier, on the dancefloor. I know you noticed me. But you’re used to people staring, aren’t you?” Though the question comes with a chuckle, it feels to Louis as though he is being scolded. Scolded, for he is desirable, and innocent, and untouched, and irresistible. Words, all of which were said to him by Harry as he requested his company for his endeavors for the night. It was the manner in which he said them, with a drawl so slow it reminded Louis of the way he liked to pour honey in his tea in the afternoon; through a spoon slightly tilted, each drop a triumph of its own. Most he had liked how the words had melted his mind as hot water did to honey; persistently, inevitably. And, much like he does his tea, it appears he prefers his company – sweet, steaming, and alone. “I think you enjoy it. The staring. I think you find pleasure in knowing you are wanted, a thrill in being chased. How boring”, Harry says, appearing indifferent to Louis despite the cruel nature of his words. “It’s a pity. You enjoy feeling like a slut, but all you need is somebody to fuck the seductive little brat out of you.”

3) If It Hurts To Breathe, Open The Window | Explicit | 4,406

Louis looks wonderful himself, in a muscle shirt reading The Stone Roses and showing off all his own ink. His jeans are tighter than Harry’s, and there are dark circles under his eyes and his hair is tatty and wild, and there’s a sex bruise on the bend of his elbow Harry didn't give to him.

4) Spark A New Flame | Explicit | 6,100 words

Louis is nineteen, Harry is twenty-one, and it's not all that hard to figure out what happens when they both go clubbing.

5) Let The Beating Waves Come Drag Me Down |Explicit | 9,447 words

“Just try it, the worst thing that could ever happen it’s that you won’t like it” Niall had told him. And there he was, on the way to one of these pubs created for perverts, willing to break up the routine to try something new, something that terrified as much as excited him. One night to get swept up in passion, one night to let the devil get in. "Tonight, I’m going to make you scream of ecstasy Louis,” he said with a raspy voice full of control, making him tremble with anticipation.

6) Night Out | Explicit | 9,741 words | Sequel

Note: This fic is locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

Symphony hall was the first place Louis had felt at home in this city, and he always had the box to himself. Until tonight.

7) Make It Feel Like Home | Explicit | 10,587 words

Paris was supposed to be the city of love, who thought getting knocked up by your one night stand whom you're really figuratively never going to meet again?

8) Put It On Me | Mature | 14,890 words

Harry's bachelor party doesn't go as planned.

9) I Won’t Give Up So Come And Get Me | Explicit | 15,322 words

“I can’t believe you’ve roped me into this.” Liam sighs and looks at his best friend slash flat mate behind him through the mirror he is currently standing in front of. “What are you talking about Louis? How have I roped you into this?” Louis is lying sprawled out on his back on Liam’s bed, watching him try on his eighth top from a pile on the chair next to him. “You know perfectly well how. I was quite content spending my Friday night staying in watching Netflix with a takeaway and now I’m being forced to go on a blind date with some bloke while you make bedroom eyes at your new boy toy.” Liam turns towards him, hands on his hips. his face set in a deep frown. “That’s a load of shit. Firstly, I didn’t force you, you were perfectly up for it last week when I asked, you’re just getting pissy with me because you are nervous. Secondly, it is not a blind date. Zayn suggested that he meet you as you’re my best friend and then I suggested he bring along his best friend to make it a bit more even, who said anything about you guys getting together?”

10) Sweeter Than Wine | Explicit | 15,339 words

When Wizard!Louis goes to a muggle club for a change of pace, his one night stand ends up being much more than he bargained for.

11) Carried Away Like Butterflies | Explicit | 17,243 words

Note: This fic is locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

It was probably a huge mistake for Louis to let his former One Night Stand move into his spare room, especially when said One Night Stand doesn't seem to remember him.

12) Wait For Me | Explicit | 17,454 words

Moving to a new place always comes with a few challenges. For Harry, it’s trying to start over after his divorce, while still doing his best taking care of his son. Though just like every parent, he is not infallible, so some mistakes are bound to be made, settling into his new role as a single-dad. For his son, Davie, moving means he has to get used to all the changes happening in his life through no fault of his own. Discovering a secret passageway on their new property lets him form an unlikely friendship with the young man and his dog he finds on the other side.

13) I Put A Spell On You | Explicit | 17,525 words

A BBC/Secret Santa mashup featuring Captain Niall, our intrepid weatherman/amateur matchmaker, rather clueless sports reporter Liam, charming political analyst Zayn, and cheeky entertainment reporter Louis. Harry is the new fashion correspondent who prefers to dress like a flamingo. And pining. There’s a lot of pining.

14) The Wild Night to Memory Loss to Soul Mates Pipeline| Explicit | 17,628 words

“What the fuck are you on—holy shit,” Louis gasps, looking down at his own hand to see a white gold band wrapped his left ring finger. “Wh-what is going on?” “Sure is a conundrum,” the man muses, realization flashing in his green eyes. “I-I’m not married, I can’t be married,” Louis mumbles to himself, staring wide-eyed at the ring, heart racing a mile a minute.

15) Let's Make Christmas Merry, Baby | Explicit | 19,871 words

Harry and Louis have to play Mr and Mrs Claus at a frat party and don’t get on, but keep getting stuck under mistletoe until they do

16) Moonlit Reverie | Explicit | 20,961 words

Note: This fic is locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

Louis has always dreamed of getting kissed under the Eiffel Tower since he was a child. After ending a long-term relationship, he decides to treat himself to his dream trip to Paris and finds a lonely handsome stranger staring at the Eiffel Tower surrounded by other couples. He never thought he would ask a complete stranger if they could kiss under the glowing tower without even knowing each other but there he was.

17) What Happens In Vegas... Doesn't Stay In Vegas | Explicit | 21,976 words

What should have been a fun one-night stand in Vegas turns into something a lot more complicated. Because getting married is easy but getting unmarried... not so much.

18) You’re The Light | Explicit | 31,285 words

Before beginning a new graduate school in the fall, Louis Tomlinson decides to spend the summer working in Chicago as an editor’s assistant for the Chicago Tribune newspaper and staying with his old college roommate. What he finds on his first day of work is a tall, gorgeous editor named Harry who has the most beautiful green eyes he’s ever seen—and who also happens to be his new boss.

19) Something Along The Lines Of ‘An Office Love Story At Christmas’ | Explicit | 43,148 words

Harry hadn’t planned on seeing Louis again, not after that night. When he finds out his only competition for a very desired promotion is Louis, he spirals into a mess of trying to be a better coworker and person right before Christmas in hopes that he can outdo Louis’ effortless effect on his office. If he manages to get his head out of his ass along the way, it’ll be a holiday miracle.

20) Love’s Truest Language | Explicit | 48,195 words

The first part was meant as a joke. He didn't really expect Harry to buy anything. It was just Louis’ way of softening the ‘get the fuck out’ blow. “Where's your order forms, then?” “I don't want your flowers.” Louis chided before directing all of his attention to the arrangement in front of him. Harry laughed under his breath as he stood to his full height, “Who said anything about them being for you, love?”

21) Waiting On You | Explicit | 76,584

“Vampires,” Louis says with disgust, glaring over at the vampire who is noisily slurping from the woman’s neck nearby. Zayn gives the neat fang marks on Louis’ neck a meaningful look. “Can’t live with them, can’t live without them,” Louis finishes, ignoring Zayn when he rolls his eyes. Louis takes a long sip of his milkshake, presses his fingers against the marks on his neck, and definitely doesn’t think about the vampire who left them there.

22) Love Will Tear Us Apart | Explicit | 204,151 words

It was only meant to be a one night thing, but when the country goes into lockdown, Louis Tomlinson finds himself stuck in windsor castle, in company of his royal fucking highness, Harry, the prince of England.

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

[towards-toramunda]

I had a moment earlier in this campaign (maybe around episode 25-35?) when I thought “…hm maybe Ashton and Orym would be a good ship” and then episode 40 happened and I’ve been in an ashrym brain rot ever since.

Like don’t get me wrong I’m a Dorym and Callowmoore and Laudmoore respecter, but I just love the care and softness and respect Ashton and Orym hold for each other any time they have a one on one. And I had a feeling that without any healers there would be a moment of one of them caring for the other in this recent arc, but seeing Orym just reach for Ashton and begin massaging their hand because he knows they’re in pain even if they don’t say it? Absolutely perfect 10/10 no notes.

The world has been cruel to both of them in different ways, and they’ve both been overlooked in different ways. The soldier in the background doing what he’s told always. The broken thief laying on the ground to be left behind. The loneliness that comes from chronic pain. The loneliness that comes from being a widower. Orym constantly trying to turn towards kindness even when its hard. Ashton blaming the world, blaming themselves, believing that they deserved to be left behind.

Ashton telling Orym that it must be hard to be the good one all the time, and they’re here if he needs any help. Carrying him to his room after he fell off the air ship. Asking him what he thinks when he’s been silent. Looking to him. Trusting him with their pain when he knows they rarely trust.

Orym with ties to something that sounds familiar (Ashari?) treating Ashton with kindness. Telling them to breathe. Blotting out their nosebleed. Teaching them to meditate. Massaging their hand. Showing them that they’re part of the group. That their pain matters to someone else.

Since the recent 4 sided dive and Liam mentioning that Orym was about 5 when Vax went to Zephra: I’ve been thinking about how Orym is 35-36 and Ashton is 24-28, and I feel like we can see all the time how much Ashton looks up (pun intended) to Orym. He’s older, he’s more experienced, and they’re constantly looking to Orym for wisdom and asking him what he thinks and following him. Ashton may be a punk who has problems with authority, but he has no problem putting Orym in a position of authority. At the end of the day Ashton believes in him, and they believe in him because hes kind.

And just to be clear: if they don’t turn into any canon romantic pairing or anything I’d be totally fine with that. I just love their dynamic so much. I love the tanks constantly going into the heat of the fray, but helping and understanding each other. (Almost similarly to how I felt with Beau and Yasha last campaign)

[archiveikemen]

"Black Wedding" Story Event: Epilogue 🔞

Liam's Route

I do not own any of the Ikemen Series content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD. Please support them by playing their games and buying stories. Not 100% accurate, expect mistakes.

read this before interacting with my posts

this story contains nsfw content. minors please just scroll past and ignore.

Today, Liam and I had our wedding with Crown as the witnesses.

However, something unexpected happened during the ceremony—.

(... I didn’t expect to not be able to kiss him to seal our vows.)

Liam: Sorry, Kate. I… oh my goodness…

Right when we were about to kiss, Liam picked me up in his arms and dashed out of the wedding hall like a cat.

I was finally regaining my composure after being startled by the sudden gesture.

(Come to think of it…)

– Flashback Start –

Liam: … I hope that when we have our real wedding someday, it will have nothing to do with missions.

Liam: I’ll give you a bouquet of modern roses so big that you can’t hold them.

Liam: … And I’ll seal our vows with a kiss. Ah, but I don’t want anyone witnessing that.

– Flashback End –

I recalled what Liam said to me on the night of our fake wedding we held for an undercover investigation, back when we had just become lovers.

Kate: By any chance, was that because you didn't want anyone witnessing our kiss…?

Liam: ...

Liam: … Yeah. Your face looks too adorable when we’re kissing.

Liam: When I thought of others seeing your face, I couldn't bring myself to stay put.

(So that's what happened…)

Listening to Liam’s point of view made my facial expression involuntarily soften.

Liam: … Do you hate me now?

Liam: … I’ll go crazy if you hate me. I’ll do anything to make you not hate me.

Liam: So—

Kate: I can never hate you, alright? I was just surprised, that’s all.

Liam: Really?

Liam: Ahh, that’s good…

Kate: But there /is/ one thing I’m quite dissatisfied with.

Liam: Dissatisfied? I… I don’t want you to be unhappy.

Liam: Can you tell me what is it you’re dissatisfied with?

Kate: I want a kiss to seal our vows, right here and now. … I was really looking forward to it.

Liam: … Kate.

Liam: Since it’s such an adorable complaint, I’ll be glad to give you what you want.

Liam heaved a sigh of relief and put me on the bed.

We faced each other on the white sheets.

(... We just said our vows to each other, but I’m still feeling nervous.)

Liam: Listen, Kate.

Liam held my hand tightly and looked into my eyes.

Liam: You are very well-liked by many people. It’s inevitable that everyone will come to like you.

Liam: But the person who thinks about you more than anyone else… is me.

Liam: Tomorrow, the day after, and every day after that… I’ll love you with all my heart.

Kate: … Liam.

Liam: I promise that to you and no one else. — I love you, Kate.

He touched my cheek, and I felt his breath on my lips.

Closing the gap between us, our lips met in a kiss.

Kate: Haah…

Our kiss grew deeper, and he pushed me down onto the sheets.

Liam removed his jacket and looked down at me.

Those dangerous, fierce, yet gentle eyes made my body heat rise.

Liam: … Hey, Kate.

Kate: Hm…?

Liam: I don't want to take it off yet. … Shall I do you while you keep your wedding dress on?

With a bewitching smile, Liam slipped his hand under my dress and ran his fingers across my chest.

Sweet sighs of pleasure escaped my lips as I felt the sweet stimulation under my dress.

Liam: Does this feel even better than usual? … You’re so cute.

Liam ripped my dress off and caressed my thighs while dropping kisses on my bare skin.

Liam: This garter belt is awfully sexy… can I ruin it?

Kate: … Liam.

Liam removed my garter belt with his teeth in a manner that looked like he was intentionally trying to put on a show for me.

He narrowed his eyes as he plunged his fingers into the area between my legs, seemingly able to tell that I was getting turned on.

Kate: Nn… aahh…

Liam: Doing you like this… my bride is such a naughty girl.

Obscene wet noises echoed through the room, and his fingers gradually went faster.

He was going faster than usual, and my heart celebrated a little when I realised that Liam was losing his composure.

(... I want our bodies to become one quickly.)

We had just vowed our love for each other, but I wanted more.

Meeting Liam taught me that love had no limits.

Kate: … Haah, Liam. … That’s enough.

Liam: … Uh

Kate: I want you…

Liam: —!

Liam: … I wanted to be as gentle as possible. … I can’t control myself anymore.

I felt something warm touch the spot between my legs, a loud wet noise sounded out the moment he pushed himself into me.

Kate: Ahh…!

Liam: … Nngh, haah…

We held our bodies close as if pouring our feelings into each other.

Liam stopped moving and hugged me.

Kate: … Liam?

Liam: … Sorry.

Liam: … I’m so happy right now that… I feel like you might just vanish…

Kate: … I’m not going to vanish. We just promised to always be together, right?

Liam: … Right.

Liam’s voice trembled as he embraced me again, as if making sure that I was really there.

Liam: I hope that you’ll still be by my side tomorrow.

…

(Mm…)

I woke up still with the afterglow from last night, and Liam’s smiling face came into view.

Liam: Good morning, Kate.

Kate: Good morning, Liam. Sorry, I slept longer than I should.

Liam: Nuh-uh. I was a little too rough with you last night.

When I sat up on the bed, laying next to the bed was—

Kate: That’s…

A bouquet of modern roses so huge that it looked impossible to hold.

Liam: I borrowed the kitchen to make you some breakfast. I’ll go heat it up for you.

Liam: I’ll get you some coffee after you're done eating. And after you get dressed, let me do your hair.

Liam: And—

Kate: Liam, hang on.

It was nothing uncommon to have Liam being this devoted to me, but he somehow seemed more enthusiastic than usual today.

Liam smiled at me while I was trying to figure out why.

Liam: We’re married, and yet it still feels like you’re not mine yet.

Liam: You’re far too attractive for me.

Liam sat down onto the bed and gently caressed my hair.

Liam: I’ll become a stronger and kinder man. I want to always be with you.

Kate: … I feel like I haven't fully won you over too.

Kate: I’ll also work towards becoming a stronger and kinder person. … Because I want you to like me forever.

Overflowing with love, I pulled Liam into a hug.

He said in a small voice.

Liam: … I’ll want to do you again if you keep hugging me like this.

Kate: That’s… fine with me.

Liam: …

Liam: One fine day I’m going to die from the amount of happiness you give me.

I tightly hugged the man I love again, to prevent my love from overflowing.

[fanficwriter284]

can you do a fic (teenager chiffany) where they get caught by their parents, doing that... yk

Hi there anon and since they’re underaged um…it might not be to the extent you want it…BUT Sure…Also FYI Chucky’s abusive parents died when he was 11 so these parents are his adoptive/foster parents. Mary is his adoptive mom and Liam is his foster dad. Okay, we cool!? Sorry it's a tad bit short, it's been a while since I've written. Hope ya like it anon!!!

A shy crescent was beginning to glow, over Hackensack, home to Charles Lee Loman Reinhardt or more commonly known by his American name Charles Lee Ray and his now girlfriend Tiffany Delilah Valentine. The young 17 year olds had sat both with their tender fingers interlocking, and Tiffany’s leaning into Chuck’s slender torso. Tonight the young witty couple relaxed in Chucky’s bedroom since his parents had been out late watching a movie. Chucky hung his head as he listened to the wind's howling whisps, meanwhile the gothic blonde fiddled aimlessly with his twisted locks, gently wrapping a stray strand around her finger. The two teens simply enjoyed the others' silent company. All till Tiffany gave a gentle squeeze on her boyfriend's thigh drawing the brunette's attention.

“Hm?” he mumbled, cracking one eye open to see what Tiffany had been up to. 

Tiffany smiled looking up at him, now tracing his jawline with one of her sharpened nails, grinning seeing that Chucky allowed it even leaning further into her grasp. Slowly she cupped the side of his cheek, her touch gentle and full of loving warmth grazing against his slightly heating face. Slowly she pulled him closer, his iceberg's iris locking with her coffee brown ones with the two both instinctively shutting them as their lips touched. Their kiss tender at first with Chucky gradually pulling Tiffany closer and closer to him till there was nothing between them and Tiffany wrapping her limbs around his necks. The tenderness of the kiss soon exchanged for that of adrenaline passion, the two teens now wanting nothing more than to be closer pulling and grabbing each other tighter and tighter. Tiffany’s nails now digging into her boyfriend's scalp the pain of a radiating sting growing more and more prominent that Chucky ignored and grew to love the sensation of, and Chucky’s grabbing at Tiffany’s curved hips and torso, the two soon found their themselves pinned against the wall both longing for the each others touch.

However unbeknownst to the couple Charles' parents had returned home early from the movie, their car pulling into their driveway. Mary, Chucky’s adoptive mom had stepped out the vehicle reaching into her purse searching for the house keys.

“Oh don’t worry Mary I got em. You think Chuck’s gonna be happy we stopped to get him some pizza?” Liam, Mary’s boyfriend and Chucky's Foster father grinning wide as he unlocked the house carrying the fresh pizza. However much to his surprise the house was silent, curious he ventured upstairs to see what his son was up too.

“Hey sport your mom and I—” Liam could feel his jaw drop and his body cement to the ground in shock and absolute horror. Quickly the man averted his eyes and slammed the door shut and rushed downstairs to compose himself. 

Chucky swung his head up instantly his eyes widening, “shit”

Tiffany’s face flushed red as she sat up fixing her messy hair.

“T–Tiff you gotta go…Now” Chucky whispered, opening the window.

The blonde gave a silent apologetic nod before climbing out and sliding down a lonely tree that stood outside Chucky’ window.

…

“So was he happy about the pizza?” Mary questioned her native smile, contracting Liams look. Her look faded instantly seeing Liam's face twisting into one of concern.

“What’s wrong? Is Chucky okay?” she questioned

“He’s in great health….” Liam utterly lacked what to say, his mind still trying to figure out what he had just seen.

“Then what's wrong?”

“U–m M–Mary….C–Chuck was…having….well….he fully clothed if it makes you feel better”

The bright hue of Mary’s face drained as her eyes widened with each word Liam said.

“What”

…

After what felt like hours the couple finally managed to process their situation.

“I–I’ll go talk with him…I was his age once…I know what it’s like…” 

Mary nodded as she ran a hand through her long chestnut locks wishing she was dreaming.

Liam made his way upstairs, this time knocking on his foster son's door. “Hey Chuck”

“Go away Liam” Chuck retorted from the corner of his room his face buried in his pillow.

“I think we both know I can’t do that” he spoke softly, twisting the doorknob and setting into Chuck’s room. Quietly he stepped inside and sat himself beside Chuck.

“Look…Chucky…I know you’re growing up and things are changing with you” Liam pressed, his palms sweating at his discomfort from having the conversation.

Chucky only dug his head further into the pillow clenching his teeth, feeling his body tense in discomfort.

“A–And I know…you’re to want to…try new things…l–like you did tonight but it’s important that you do them in a safe and protected way….”

“OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DAD PLEASE STOP” Chucky blurted tossing the covers off him.

Liam froze his lips tightening as he listened to Chucky and the word he used…Dad.

“I’M SURE IN THE FUTURE I’LL BE "THANKFUL" FOR THIS ADVICE BUT RIGHT NOW JUST LEAVE ME ALONE” Chucky yelled his face flushed with redness and embarrassment.

Liam backed off giving a slight nod, “Alright…I’ll give you space” he relented leaving the teens bedroom.

[tarrenterror25]

First: I just want to say that I think you're awesome and wonderful, and this Halloween/horror themed event is SO COOL. 🖤 Such a brilliant idea.

Second:

💀 Spooky Scary Skeletons - David Robey going apple picking 🥺

🕸️ Caught - You were in Liam Black's taxi when a zombie outbreak hit. Could take place in the beginning or a few weeks/months after and you're still together (😏). Dealer's choice, I just want to put that man in a Situation. 😌

📼 Scary Movie - 😁💕

💀 Spooky Scary Skeletons - Send in a character with a prompt/theme and I will make you a moodboard! 🕸️ Caught! - Send in a character with a prompt/theme and I will write a drabble for you! (Less than 500 words) 📼 Scary Movie - I'll tell you what horror/Halloween/fall movie I'd watch with you!

Fear Lounge

Thank you, Tara 😭🥹💕💕 I think you're just amazing as well!!

Ok, I've actually never been apple picking and now I want to go!! I won't lie, I was listening to a lot of Lana Del Rey while making this, specifically "Chemtrails Over the Country Club" and "Say Yes to Heaven". I wanted this dreamy romantic vibe especially since David might be so reluctant to be affectionate 🥹🥰

For a movie, I am nervous because I feel like you're such a horror connoisseur 😂 I want something I know we both can deep dive and analyze because I know we both would.

OF COURSE we'd watch Luther and I want to rewatch the Menu with you because I know we can swap details throughout the film 🥰💕

The movie I'd watch with you is-!

A psychological horror that I feel you appreciate/would appreciate! This movie scared me the first time I saw it, it was so creepy and eerie, I thought about it for a few days! Again, I can see us both offering our own commentary on the film and theories!

Now for the last bit!

Zombie Outbreak with Liam Black

Tags: mentions of gore, stalking, allusions to p in v, f!reader

---

Steam from the heat of your bodies fills the car. You rest on top of Liam in the backseat of his vehicle, his hand on the small of your back holding you to him while the two of you catch your breath. The flimsy throw blanket covering you two.

The world went to shit so fast and when it did you were in the backseat of Liam’s taxi.

It’s been about a month now and it was only a matter of time before you discovered the truth about Liam; about how he had been following you in the days leading up to the outbreak. He watched you, managed to steal from your purse when you weren’t looking, and found out intimate details of your life. You learned he was using these to get close to you and yet, in the midst of your anger, frustration, and hurt after finding out, you still slept with him.

In the backseat of his taxi.

Not like you had anything better to do.

“They’re coming again,” Liam says with a sigh.

The growls and gurgles of the undead shambling in your direction can be heard in the distance.

Clumsily, you two maneuver in the backseat to redress and then climb into the front seats. Liam starts the car and drives off to get you two away from the horde of trudging corpses. You look behind you and through the rear windshield; a few strays can be seen, some without arms, others with internals spilling from their bodies, and some that are…just unrecognizable.

You and Liam make it to the countryside where you locate a few abandoned vehicles. The two of you make quick work of siphoning the fuel from them.

You lean up against his car as he fills it up with the fuel gathered. “So what was the goal?”

“What?” he asks.

“Were you going to sleep with me and then dip?”

He sighs. He understands that you’re upset with what he’s done and doesn’t expect you to forgive him. He isn’t sure if he forgives himself. “No, it wasn’t like that,” he explains. “I just…I knew you wouldn’t have liked me if…you knew who I was.”

“And who were you? Hm??” You give him a pointed glare.

“Nobody,” he replies softly.

Silence hangs in the air for a moment before Liam packs up the supplies for the fuel. “That should last us awhile,” he says.

The two of you get back into the car and resume driving.

“I wish you had given me a chance,” you say as you turn to Liam. “To know you, the real you, not the person you pretended to be.”

“Let’s be honest, you wouldn’t have given me that chance,” he replies.

“You don’t know that,” you quip. “Stop being afraid. Not like we have anything better to do so you might as well drop the act.”

There’s the hint of a smile on his face.

“….you don’t actually like Turkish Delight do you?” you ask, referring to one of the things he learned about you.

Liam sighs. “Does anyone?”

You chuckle. “Not many people do, I suppose.”

“You may very well be the only person left alive that enjoys it,” he chuckles. “More for you.”

You laugh.

The two of you continue the drive getting to know each other; no lies and no more subterfuge. Only the truth.

I hope you liked it!!

[eadanga]

The Royal Romance Part 7

Liam dusts himself off as they start to walk down the street to the pastry shop. Riley walks beside him smiling “You’ve got a leaf in your hair”

Liam feels his face heat up as she gets closer and reaches to pull a leaf out of his hair he inhales her scent God she’s so intoxicating if we were alone the things I would do to her He smiles as Riley pulls the leaf out his hair

“There you go”

“Thank you Riley you’re very kind”

“It was my pleasure”

As they continue to walk Maxwell grins “Is it me of is it more fun to be out a night when you’re also breaking the rules?”

Hana giggles “It’s more fun when you know your heading to something delicious”

Liam nods “After a day spent answering the press and the queen this is the sweetest freedom”

Riley grins “And it’s about to get sweeter”

They approach the pastry shop and Maxwell shouts “We need all your finest cronuts please!”

Riley and Liam laugh as Hana speaks “I think you’re supposed to go to the counter not just shout from the doorway”

Drake shakes his head “Like normal people”

Riley smiles “I’ll take care of this you guys take a seat”

Liam chooses a spot by the window and they all take a seat. He watches Riley as she orders the cronuts and smiles

Maxwell leans in and whispers “So Riley is really something right?”

“Hm? Oh yeah she’s great”

“Seems like Riley doesn’t have a chair” He grabs a chair and puts it next to Liam

Liam raises an eyebrow “Maxwell what are you doing?”

“Oh I’m not doing anything”

Liam chuckles “You’re a terrible liar” He smiles “Thanks anyway”

Riley returns to the table and takes as seat next to Liam he drapes his arm around the back of the chair she leans in closer to him and he grins Wish she was closer “Well these look delicious”

Drake eyes them suspiciously “What’s more important is how they taste let me at them” He reaches for one

Riley nods “All together”

Liam counts “1”

Hana smiles “2”

“3” Before Drake can finish Maxwell immediately takes a bite

“Delicious!”

Drake frowns “Maxwell!”

Liam can’t help but chuckle as Maxwell grins “I regret nothing! Mmmmm so flaky crusty glazed cloud of flavor!”

Hana smiles “I must take these back home I’ve never had anything so light so fluffy and sweet”

Liam smiles “These rival finest pastries from the palace chefs even Drake is smiling”

“What who doesn’t love a good dessert?"

****

Riley smiles as she them enjoy the cronuts “I’m glad you all are enjoying them I like they make it here even better than New York”

Maxwell grins “The last time I had something this good Bertrand hired a pastry chef from a Michelin starred restaurant to make his birthday cake”

Riley looks at him surprised “Wait are you saying Bertrand actually used to have fun? The same Bertrand who’s been lecturing me all week?”

Maxwell nods “Heh yeah he wasn’t always like he is now”

Liam nods “There was a time when Bertrand would’ve been here with us now”

Riley’s eyes widen “Really?”

Liam sighs “Yes we were close once but he’s grown distant over the pass few years”

Maxwell smiles “Aw Bertrand gonna be fine he’s sorting some things out you know what I’ll even bring him back a cronut”

Hana smiles “That’s sweet of you”

Drake scoffs “It’s a noble thought but we’ll see if that cronut actually makes it back to the palace”

Maxwell raises an eyebrow “I hope you’re not implying I’ll eat my brother’s cronut”

“Wouldn’t you?”

Maxwell pauses and Riley can’t help but snicker “…Well it’s the thought that counts”

Hana grins “Can’t believe mine’s gone already it was delicious”

Riley grins “What did I tell you? Have faith in me”

Maxwell grins “That’s was a treat thanks Riley!”

Drake smiles “We should sneak out more often”

Liam smiles “I wish I could”

****

Liam takes a handkerchief out of his pocket and wipes his mouth as Hana looks out the window

“Wow it’s gotten so late”

Liam stands “We should head back”

Riley smirks “Don’t want the kingdom to panic over it’s missing prince?”

Liam chuckles then nods “Precisely I’ve already been gone for some time”

Drake smirks “Historians will tell the day when Cordonia nearly collapsed because the Prince went out for cronuts”

Liam chokes back a laugh “Maybe it’s not that bad but we really should be heading back to the palace”

They all head out the café and begin to walk down the street and a figure appears

Liam’s eyes widen “Bastien? What are you doing here?”

“Couldn’t have you go anyway without your security”

Liam sighs “How did you know?”

Bastien chuckles “Please your highness I was assigned to your brother before this I’ve seen every trick in the book”

“I’m sorry to have troubled you”

Bastien waves away his apology grinning “Like I said I was assigned to your brother compared to him this was hardly any trouble but…”

“We should be getting back I know”

“You go an ahead I’ll walk behind and keep an eye on things”

Liams nods “Thank you Bastien”

They continue to walk Liam notices Riley slowing down to walk next to him “This was an excellent idea”

“I thought we could use a little fun”

Liam grins “It’s more than that it’s really seeing everything” He looks around “It’s strange I’m a potential leader of my country and yet there’s still so much I haven’t experienced”

Riley grins “Well I’ll be your escape in your own backyard”

Liam chuckles then smiles “You have no idea how happy I am to have you here being an icon robs me of certain luxuries liking visiting going out with friends” He smirks “Spending time with you”

Riley blushes “Liam you know you should be fair to the other ladies”

“Maybe I don’t have to when I’m outside the palace”

“Oooh scandalous”

Liam smiles as he takes her hand and squeezes it “Riley thank you for another rare glimpse beyond my princely world”

Maxwell turns and waves “Hey you two you’re falling behind catch up or we’ll leave you!”

 Liam sighs Thanks for ruining the moment Maxwell “Looks like we better close the distance” He suck a breath Oh I shouldn’t have said that it implies I want to kiss her which I do so badly He looks over and sees Riley smiling

“But not so fast I want to hang onto these precious moments”

Liam let’s out a sigh of relief then smiles “I will oblige my lady”

****

Riley wakes up the next day to knocking on the door Ugh who is that it’s so early She sleepily gets up and opens the door and sees Maxwell and Bertrand

Maxwell grins “Rise and Shine Riley!”

Riley groans as she walks back to the bed and sits down

Bertrand sighs “I’ll assume that’s the appropriate morning greeting followed by use of my title”

“What is it? Why are we up at this time?”

Maxwell smiles “We just heard where the next social event is gonna be and if we wanna get there before anyone else we should get packed it’s gonna be fun”

Riley yawns as she stretches “Where are we going?”

“To the northern region of Cordonia to the snow!”

Riley smiles “I love the snow”

Bertrand shakes his head “I wouldn’t celebrate too soon the family that’s hosting us up there the place we’ll be staying at belongs to the Lythikos duchy”

Lythikos why does that sound familiar Riley raises an eyebrow “That means?”

“That you’re about to go straight to Olivia’s home territory if you want time with Prince Liam you’re gonna have to beat her at her own game”

Riley frowns I knew I shouldn’t have asked “…Crap”

Tags: @indiacater @mfackenthal @the-soot-sprite @iaminlovewithtrr

[snowingclouds]

Jewelry - Harbor

Pairing: Harbor/Reader

Tags: Nipple Play, Nipple Piercings, Suggestive

Word Count: ~790

Misc.: No Y/N, No ‘You’, They/Them Vague

Varun was always sore after his workouts or missions, and luckily, they happened to enjoy roaming their hands across the expanse of his skin. He laid stomach down on the bed with them on his back digging their hands deep into the muscles soothing the forming ache. He relaxed under their touch breathing deeply. Groans occasionally spilled out in a low rumble.

Pressing between his shoulder blades they released a tough knot. Their hands moved down to his laterals and then to his lower back relieving all lingering tension. Once finished, they clapped their hands that were still damp with oil.

“Flip over.” They instructed and Varun quickly followed as they lifted themselves off for a moment.

When he laid back again, they sat right on his hips. They added some more oil and started at his stomach easing his obliques. Then their hands came up to just under his ribs and up to his chest. They kneaded the flesh in their hands noticing the slight groan that he let out rumbling in his chest. They gave a slight pinch to his nipples just to play with him before moving to his arms.

Pressing their thumbs into the muscle, their hands spread the oil at his shoulder and bicep. Once covered, they gave a few more deep twists of their thumbs before returning to his chest.

He smiled and chuckled, “I know what you’re doing.”

“Hm? I don’t know what you mean, you’re just sore.” They smiled back playing dumb before quickly dropping the act. “Besides, you like it.”

They pulled and pinched rolling the buds in their fingers. He wasn’t wearing any jewelry, so were being a bit rougher.

"That's true." He mumbled.

A warm thrum settled to his veins and a groan escaped when they licked a small stripe across it. They cupped his pecs gently squeezing while thumbing at his hard buds.

With their hands still kneading, they sat up at a realization. “Don’t we have a meeting in 30?”

Harbor groaned with hair strands falling out of place. “Yes, but we still have some time here.”

They gave him a chastising look to which he only laughed. “Come on, please? If only to rile me up?”

“Fine.” They quickly said with a soft smile. "Only if you wear that shirt." The prospect of him sitting though a meeting with the piercing sort of visible made them rake their nails across his chest.

They continued pushing the time by lazily tracing his nipples, but eventually they did have to peel away. His chest was red and the scratch marks were bright, a sight that made them weak. He sat up and rummaged through a small bag at his desk pulling his hand away with two slender silver bars. Varun quickly put them in leaving them a small moment to glance before he pulled a shirt over his head.

Meetings were always a drag, and this one was the same, but with the added distraction of Varun wearing a snug shirt that showed the piercings? That was torture, but a torture they brought on themselves.

If they looked close enough, they could see each round end of the barbel jewelry, and the hard buds poking in his shirt. The edge of the capped sleeves tightly hugged his arms and the fabric clung to his torso. Every subtle shift drew their attention. They tried to pay attention to the droning meeting, but somehow their eyes kept falling to him as they poured over every detail. His hair freshly back in its bun, the focused expression as he listened, and the way his arms folded over each other. When he did give them a side glance, a smug smile painted his face.

They shook their head trying to focus and remember whatever Brimstone was going on about. At least, they tried until he raised his hand and the barbell tugged on his shirt. Their face heated as he asked a simple question acting as if the jewelry wasn't clearly on display.

Thankfully, the meeting ended on schedule, and they were first out of the room. Standing by the doorway, Liam stopped Varun. He pulled him to the side by his arm and Harbor folded his arms making him drop it.

Once the meeting room cleared, Liam sighed dragging a hand across his face. He pinched the bridge of his nose before dropping it. “You’re aware that’s visible, right?”

“Very! What, were you distracted too?” He half chuckled.

“Christ, you’re as bad as Chamber.”

Varun rolled his eyes. “Oh-ho. Don’t compare me to that! At least I know how to take a hint. It’s just a bit of fun.”

“If they get shot because they weren’t listening, it’s on your ass.“ Liam sighed tiredly.

He nodded and turned to leave. “Understood! Besides, I wouldn’t in combat. Chaffing.”

As he left Liam muttered, “Jesus fucking Christ.” with a hand at his temples.

[peterjakes]

ian x mickey - 'forever meant nothing when we had nothing'

Ian Gallagher has resided to the fact that he's going to spent the rest of his life a fuck up, in a shitty diner job, with no future and a bipolar diagnosis following him wherever he goes.

Mickey Milkovich is likely to spend the next ten years locked up, for something that wasn't even his fault, as far away as from Ian Gallagher as he could be.

But things don't always go the way we expect, and maybe, just maybe, the two can find their way back to each other again.

so, I’ve been rewatching shameless and thought it would be interesting to write about if mickey had stayed in s6 (still in prison) bc I was distraught when I first watched it. sort of follows the s6 timeline but with some changes. some angst but an eventually happy ending - enjoy :)

also posted on ao3; https://archiveofourown.org/works/48106180/chapters/121304722

Ian Gallagher was an eighteen-year-old, bipolar, high-school dropout who spent most of his days wiping down greasy tables, wishing for something else. Ian had also just broken up with his criminal boyfriend, the boyfriend who was now facing 15 years in prison. Maybe criminal wasn’t the best way to describe Mickey, but you attempt to murder someone, you get called a criminal. Or at least that’s what Ian thought. The ex-boyfriend in question didn’t feel the same way. But fuck, this wasn’t about him.

It was early morning. The sun had started to flicker through the 10-year-old, dusty curtains covering the window. Ian could hear the commotion of his siblings ongoing downstairs. Debbie was arguing about something, was it with Fiona? Maybe Liam. Ian couldn’t be sure what exactly, their voices weren’t clear enough for Ian to make out. The sound of quick footsteps started to come up the stairs and Ian knew what was coming. Fiona. Wishing he could be swallowed up whole, Ian’s body pulled him further and further under his bedsheets until the heat started to rise. This wasn’t going to stop Fiona pulling the bedsheets off and forcing Ian out of bed. Not that she would do this, but still.

“Hey, sweetface. Time to get up.” Fiona’s voice was almost a whisper, but she must have heard Ian’s alarm go off and then quickly be shut down. Ian was awake, he was just not getting up. This was a regular thing. Fiona must have grown tired of the routine, but she didn’t show it. She was delicate, kind. But Ian knew. She was tiptoeing around him, like they all were. Have you taken your meds, Ian? How much sleep did you get last night? Why aren’t you eating? Better not be late for work! Ian couldn’t escape it. He got it, he knew they cared about him, but, Jesus, it was just constant.

Though her voice was quiet, it was fucking grating too. Fiona’s voice meant getting up. Getting up meant going to work. Going to work meant the never-ending cycle starting again. Was this it? Was this Ian’s life now? “Hm.” Ian pulled his covers further over his head, trying to block out the noise. He knew he’d have to get up eventually but was trying to prolong that for as long as possible.

“Ian, now. Come on.” Fiona’s voice was firmer now, like she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. And she never did, not once in her entirety of looking after her siblings. She was fucking stubborn; Ian knew that much. Ian thought he was stubborn too once. Maybe he still was, but everything just felt so different now. It was always a losing battle for Ian, every single day. He just didn’t have the energy to fight, he didn’t have the energy for anything anymore. How sad was that.

“I’m-I’m coming.” Ian’s muffled voice escaped from the covers, he slowly pushed them away and stared at the ceiling. He knew he had to get up, try to move, but he just couldn’t do it. His body just wouldn’t let him, even if he wanted to. This happened almost every morning. He was much slower now; his meds had fucked him up. They seemed to fuck everything up. His brain. His body. Mickey. Shit, no. Ian wasn’t going to do that, wasn’t going to go down that road. Nope. The thought of those baby blue eyes gave Ian the kick up the ass he needed, and he managed to sit up, rubbing the excess from his eyes.

Fiona sighed, moving closer to Ian’s bed. He could smell her perfume, it was ripe this morning, like everything else. “Leave in 20, okay?” Fiona’s voice was softer again, she lingered for a moment, as if she wanted to say something else but decided against it. Ian knew what she was doing, she did it almost every time he walked into a room. Every time Ian was slacking at the diner, every time he spent too long in the bathroom, every time he was taking his meds. God, it was insufferable, he couldn’t fucking breathe. It was bad enough feeling like a zombie every minute of the day; Ian didn’t need Fiona’s worried eyes on him whenever she thought Ian wasn’t paying attention. Fiona cared, Ian knew that, but he didn’t need her to keep surveillance on him. He was an adult, he was taking his meds, he was going to work. He wasn’t running away, he wasn’t stealing babies, flushing his meds. Ian was being a fucking constructive member of society, just like she wanted.

Every day was the same. Ian would wake. He’d take his meds. Go to work. Come home. Shower. Bed. And repeat. It was endless, a never-ending cycle. Ian saw no way out. This was his life now, what he had to live with. It wouldn’t get better than this and he knew it. He’d come to accept it. The way the Gallaghers always accepted it. There was fuck all they could do about it. And there was fuck all Ian could do. After everything, there was a part of Ian that believed he deserved it. This was as good as it was gonna get for Ian. No point even trying, Ian knew that.

Ian didn’t hate his job, and as Fiona so kindly loved to remind him, he should be grateful. But working at Patsy’s wasn’t the dream. Ian wasn’t so sure what that dream was exactly, but it sure wasn’t busting tables at some diner. Ian didn’t have those feelings of aspiration anymore. That kid that was stupid enough to believe he’d get in West Point and have a great fucking life, that kid was long gone. It was tedious, but Ian didn’t think he could truly handle anymore excitement. His meds made him drowsy, made him weak, tired. This was just how he felt now. Like a robot. Ian was like a zombified robot. Shit.

Svetlana hadn’t been to see Ian at work, or bribe him, for a good few weeks. It wasn’t that Ian wanted her to, in truth, Ian couldn’t think of anything worse. It was a reminder, a constant one. Yev was one too. He looked so much like him, too much. The way he furrowed his dark eyebrows, the little quirk in his smile, the chubbiness in his face. At one point, no one knew exactly whether Yev was even his. But there was no doubt now. He was growing up so fast, and Mickey, he was missing it. He was missing so much, all because of Ian. Shit.

Ian didn’t want to think about it. It was done. It was better this way, much better. Ian had meant what he said. Ian could just about deal with Fiona’s constant worrying, his younger siblings watching his every move, but something he couldn’t bare was Mickey. He couldn’t bare how sad Mickey’s eyes turned when he found him that day waiting for him. Couldn’t bare how his voiced cracked when he realised what Ian was doing. Couldn’t bare seeing the back of Mickey’s dark head, turning away from Ian.

That didn’t stop Ian from thinking about him though. About that smile, the one where his teeth would shine through. About those stupid jokes he would make, knowing they’d make Ian howl. About how soft he was with Ian; about the way his finger would caress from Ian’s fingertips up until his collarbone. About how much he-No. Ian wasn’t thinking about Mickey, not at all.

Ian spent most of his day washing the dishes, which was fine by him. Not talking to anyone was bliss. The rest of his co-workers just seemed to ignore him, they only spoke to him if he needed to pick up some plates or if they asked about Fiona. The rest of the time, it was just him. Fiona was usually too busy for a long chat, not that she’d get anything out of Ian. This was how Ian liked it. He didn’t believe he actually had the capacity to do anything more. His head always felt so fried, frazzled. He moved slow, sometimes too slow.

It was later in the day. Ian had been on an early shift, but had spent the rest of the afternoon sleeping, or at least trying to sleep. He probably only got an hour or so in but couldn’t bring himself to get out of bed. It wasn’t that his bed was super comfortable, or that he was too sleepy, he just couldn’t move. There was no point even trying once Debbie got home, making racket downstairs, Ian wondered how anyone ever got any sleep. Deciding he couldn’t stare at the ceiling for the rest of the evening, Ian climbed out of bed and grabbed his phone.

Ian started to aimlessly flick through his phone, something he often did to occupy himself in the late evenings after a shift. He was tired, he could feel the heaviness of his eyes but that didn’t stop him staring at the bright screen. Leaning against the bedframe, Ian had managed to get round to looking at some photos on the phone. And oh, there it was. Ian had forgotten it even exist, being buried far away in his phone memories.

It was a photo, an old one. Ian’s hair was much shorter, his freckles more visible, but he looked healthy, broader. Not the skinny lump that was currently occupying his bed. He was smiling too, a big, wide, bright smile. A smile he hadn’t seen in a long time. And there he was. Mickey. His shoulder was pushed against Ian’s, all slouched, as if he didn’t care they were skin to skin. He was frowning, his eyebrows furrowed, but his mouth wasn’t, there was a hint of a smile. Only a hint, though. The edge of his mouth quirked. It was one his things, the things Mickey did that drove Ian absolutely insane back then. The way his mouth formed, into not quite a smile, something he only saved for Ian. Or at least he had.

Ian remembered that day, it was…special, he guessed. It was after Mickey had decided to headbutt Jimmy’s dad. Ian just remembered them running, running, and running. And then laughing, like they couldn’t control themselves. Mickey had touched Ian, in public. He’d touched him the way teenage boys did, playfully, with no fear, no anguish. Ian felt like something changed between the two of them that day, he could feel it in his brain, in his bones, in his heart. God, Ian replayed those moments over and over in his head. He thought about the way Mickey’s laughter echoed the alleyway, the way their arms bumped into each other, the way Ian couldn’t help but grin at the dark-haired idiot running in front of him.

Fuck. Ian didn’t know why he still had the photo. It was old, it was an Ian and Mickey that didn’t exist anymore. Ian couldn’t remember the last time he felt that happy, that elated, that hopeful. Ian didn’t make a big thing of deleting any memories of Mickey, he just hadn’t thought about it. He didn’t like how it made him feel. Like an asshole. Like the pile of shit that he was. Shit. Why was he doing this to himself? Tormenting himself like this? It was pointless. It didn’t change anything.

Ian’s finger hovered over the little trash can at the bottom of the screen. It hovered for way too long. But no. Ian couldn’t do it. He wasn’t going to do it. He wasn’t going to think about it. Backing out of his photos, Ian tapped onto his messages app. There was one person who could make some of these unwanted feelings go away. One person who always knew how to make him feel better, boost him up, telling him to stop being a prick. Lip was at college, actually doing something with his life. The complete opposite to Ian. He’d actually made it out, he was going somewhere. Ian didn’t like to bother him, pull him back into the Gallagher madness but…shit, he needed him. He needed his big brother. What a baby he was.

*

Mickey Milkovich was exactly where everyone had always thought he would be. Where they all predicted he’d end up. He never was going to exceed any of their expectations. Mickey had done exactly what he was always going to do. Mickey Milkovich was in prison. He was going to be in prison for a good few years. All of because of Ian-fucking-Gallagher.

It was true that technically it wasn’t Ian’s fault. Ian hadn’t asked Mickey to drug Sammie and chuck her in that crate. But Ian hadn’t asked Mickey to punch that cop. He hadn’t asked Mickey to fuck with Kash. But Mickey had done it anyway. For Ian? Maybe. Yes, for Ian. That was why Mickey was sitting in the mould-ridden cell with the quiet roommate and realising how fucked he was. Mickey was always going to do it for Ian, even now, knowing Ian didn’t want anything to do with Mickey. Mickey was a fuck-up. A criminal. Worthless. Mickey always knew this was true. He was stupid enough to believe for a while that maybe it didn’t have to be that way. But now? Well, now even Ian believed it. So, what was the fucking point?

The bright orange jumpsuit didn’t fit his body right, there was just something that felt off. Mickey didn’t like it, the way it gapped over his legs. But whatever. It didn’t matter how it looked or how it felt. Time had slowed down for Mickey, more this time than ever. This wasn’t his first rodeo; he knew how it went. All those years spent in juvie taught Mickey there were certain ways of doing things. Ways to not get your ass beat every single day. Ways to make the time go quicker. Ways to stay under the radar. Ways to make life easier for yourself. Mickey knew

Ian was Mickey’s last visitor. Of course, it had to be, it just had to be him. Mickey was hopeful, at least for a while, that Ian hadn’t meant what he said. That one day, he’d go and see Ian sitting there, waiting for him. But that didn’t happen. There wasn’t a happy ending, not for Mickey. There never was going to be a happy ending, after everything, Mickey should have known that. Someone like Mickey, someone who had grown up beaten and bruised, who never thought he’d ever have anything good; he was always going to end up there.

But Ian was good. Ian was so good. Too good. Ian had loved Mickey before Mickey even knew what that meant. Ian had waited for Mickey. Ian had held Mickey in a way Mickey didn’t think even existed. Looked at him in a way you only saw in the movies. But Mickey had fucked that up. He’d ruined it. He’d ruined them.

The first time Ian had left, Mickey hadn’t gone after him. He hadn’t told him what he really felt, whatever the fuck that actually was. It was hard for Mickey, trying to put that into words. But he’d done, he’d actually done it. Mickey was never truly sure what love was, or how it was supposed to feel. Growing up around an asshole of a dad like Terry does that to you. But the way Ian made him feel, how could it be anything else? He made him feel free. Ian was the first person, the first time Mickey actually felt that he actually loved something that didn’t make him feel guilty, didn’t make him feel worthless or sad.

But that didn’t matter, not anymore. That love had been snatched away from him. He couldn’t love Ian now; he wasn’t allowed to. Ian didn’t want him. Ian didn’t love Mickey back. Ian didn’t wanna visit Mickey. Couldn’t stand the sight of him. Didn’t care about it. Had to be paid to even visit him. When Mickey asked if he’d wait for him, Ian had said yes. But that ‘yes’ had an entirely different meaning. Mickey knew he didn’t mean it, just as Ian knew. Mickey knew even asking that question was fucking desperate. The only time Ian had actually wanted to visit was the first, but that seemed so long ago. He must have been feeling guilty, that was the only real reason he would visit. It was awkward but lasted longer than his last visit. There was no Svet or Yev as a buffer. Just the two of them, as it should have been. Ian was far skinnier than Mickey remembered him being. His hair was a mess too. Bags under his eyes. And he seemed so dazed. At least this confirmed he was taking his meds, doing what he was supposed to do. But this didn’t make anything any easier.

The next time Ian visited; it was different. Like he’d remembered what happened between the two, remembered what he’d said. He couldn’t look Mickey in the eye, didn’t seem to listen to anything he said and just seemed to be generally somewhere else. Ian had been there at the sentencing too. Mickey had asked him to come, and he did. Mickey could spot that red hair a mile away. He couldn’t help himself, couldn’t help sneaking glances to the boy sat at the back of the room. Ian didn’t look in Mickey’s direction. Not once. Too painful. Well, shit, it was painful for Mickey too. 15 years, that’s a long fucking time. The realisation finally hit Mickey afterwards, back in his cell, knowing that this was his fate. He’d be in his thirties by the time he’d get out, if that day ever came. Mandy was gone. His brothers, his cousins, they’d be gone too. And Ian? Asking him to wait was a dumb fucking idea. Ian was going to have a life of his own, without Mickey and there was nothing he could do about it.

Regardless of everything, Ian Gallagher was a fucking asshole. He was a giant prick. A dickhead.

It was him, who supposedly fucked with Mandy. Him, who came searching for the gun. Him, who ran to Mickey when he had nowhere else to go. Him, who visited him in juvie. Him, who waited with Mandy when he got out. Him, who didn’t want him to go back for Frank. Him, who spent all summer looking at Mickey in a way Mickey never could have imagined. Him, who waited for Mickey. Him, who left because of Mickey. Him, who had kissed Mickey like he’d never kissed him before in that club. Him, who had teased him in ways that made Mickey’s lip curl. Him, who gave him that ultimatum at Yev’s christening. Him, who had fought against his homophobic piece of trash of a father. Him, who had come back to Mickey, only to be taken away again. Him, who made their little family complete. Him, who thought Mickey wouldn’t come back to him. Him, who made Mickey fall in love with him. Him, who’d taken that all away.

Mickey hadn’t thought about it before, but it seemed almost every memory Mickey had growing up, Ian-fucking-Gallagher was there. It hadn’t started like that. Before Ian, those memories Mickey had existed, but they were filled with anger, hatred, red. They were filled with a woman, dark hair, a small smile and loving hands. Then Terry. Just Terry. But now? He couldn’t escape him. Little league. 5th grade. His older brother. The essays. Mandy. The Kash ‘n’ Grab. The gun. Pizza Bagels. The summer air. High school bleachers. The alleyway. The gunshot wound. The movie. Terry. That stupid fucking suit. The club. That tank top. The alibi. Fuck, the list went on. Mickey could spend all night thinking about it. Not that he was going to do that, definitely not going to do that. Not after that last visit. Ian had made it pretty fucking clear, and Mickey wasn’t going to embarrass himself anymore. He wasn’t gonna pine over Ian. He wasn’t pathetic. Wasn’t desperate. No matter how much it hurt.

It was late, and for where he was, Mickey thought it seemed pretty quiet. His cellmate kept himself to himself, which suited Mickey fine. He didn’t want any hassle, couldn’t handle it. Not today. He was tired, his brain was wired, all these thoughts kept circling around and around. He kept seeing him, he just wouldn’t go away. Mickey didn’t want him to. Watching him leave the last time, fuck, it hurt. Mickey knew it would, but he didn’t imagine he would ever feel this way. After the buzzer, after everyone had left, visitors, the rest of the fuckers locked up, he had just sat there. The fat fuck of a guard had wobbled over to him, howling abuse, forcing him out of his seat. But all Mickey saw was the back of Ian, walking away from him. Likely forever. Jesus, he was being dramatic. He had to snap out of it. It was just…stupid. It was done. Ian didn’t love him. Didn’t want him. And nothing Mickey could do would change that.

It still hurt, though. Thinking back to that day, the day when his name finally popped up on the screen. When he heard his voice for the first time in days. Hey, Mick. Mickey had fucking ran, sprinted over there. He had no clue what Ian was going to do, but he didn’t care. He just wanted to see him, he missed him so much. Felt like he fucked it. There wasn’t an expectation that he had actually fucked it. Those few days apart, they’d changed everything. Ian couldn’t look at Mickey the same, and he didn’t want to. Those bullshit excuses he came up with, they broke Mickey’s heart. And then the fucking realisation hit him. Ian didn’t want Mickey anymore. He didn’t want him there looking out for him, looking after him, loving him. The one thing Mickey thought he might actually be good at, the thing he tried so hard to do. And it was fucking pointless. It was over, he’d lost the one good thing in his life. And Ian wasn’t going to let him back in. That was it.

Mickey was lying flat on this piece of shit they called a bed. His head was tucked by the pillow, and he was staring up at the bottom of his cellmate’s mattress. Mickey knew Ian was bound to be at home. He was bound to be with the rest of the Gallaghers. Maybe he was tired, too. Hard day at work. Mickey knew he was still working at Patsy’s, and probably still hating it. Mickey could see why. He couldn’t think of anything worse than washing down tables and having to take orders from the oldest Gallagher sibling. Well, there were worse things. But those things only happened to people like Mickey, people who deserved it. Not Ian. Ian had to have something good. He may be a gigantic asshole, may have fucking destroyed Mickey, but Mickey couldn’t hate him. He just couldn’t. It was late, and the past few times he had actually visited, Ian had seemed so tired, sleepy. Maybe he was in bed too. Waiting for the world to turn dark so he could sleep. Waiting for the new day, just not waiting for Mickey.

Mickey’s fingers moved from the side of his until they found his chest. Pulling the jumpsuit away from his body, his index finger trailed across the writing tattooed on his chest. It fucking hurt. The tattoo did too. There was some dried blood that had stained the white tank Mickey wore under the jumpsuit. He dragged his finger across the words over and over again, until he had to close his eyes.

His mind kept falling into that trap, kept following where Mickey didn’t want it to go. Mickey couldn’t do it, couldn’t even attempt to sleep. He knew as soon as he closed his eyes, all he would see was that fucking redhead. More out of frustration than anything else, Mickey’s fist hit the wall. Nothing. He hit it again. And again. And again. The usual shouts from the cells down the block started up, but Mickey carried on. His cellmate didn’t make a peep, only rolled over, making the mattress creak. Mickey didn’t stop until the blood started to trickle down his arm. He watched it go, until a drip landed on his thigh. The ‘fuck’ on his fingers was barely visible, now covered in pure red. There was a slight crack in the wall, a tiny dent if anything. Mickey had hardly made a scratch. Fucking wall. Some of his blood had fallen into the small crack. Mickey moved his hand to try and grab it, but it just slipped away. Trying to wipe the colour off, he just smudge it. It was all red.

Red, it was all red. That’s all Mickey saw. It was all he was going to see. Red.

*

Somehow, Lip’s doom room seemed bigger than the room he had once shared with his younger brothers, the room Ian now alone shared with his two youngest siblings. Maybe it was the lack of bed’s squashed in, lack of overcrowding, the lack of any reminders of the South Side. But whatever, Ian didn’t care about that. He didn’t care about the size of his room, didn’t care about the fact that Ian would never be sitting where Lip sat, didn’t care that his brother felt so distance now, so different. Ian didn’t seem to care about anything now, couldn’t bring himself to do it. Nothing mattered that much, Ian didn’t matter.

Lip was sat by his desk, his eyes focused on the $150 laptop he’d managed to find. The screen’s brightness reflected on his face, but that didn’t seem to matter. Lip was tapping away, even with his brother sitting across from him on his bed. Ian was leaning back, his head against the wall and his eyes unfocused. He could see the blurry figure of his older brother, but everything else was dazed. Nothing seemed to occupy his mind, but for the first time in weeks, Ian didn’t mind that. He didn’t mind feeling exhausted. Didn’t mind that he struggled to move any quicker. He actually felt calm. Even if this moment of bliss was interrupted by Lip turning around, Ian didn’t care.

“So, you, uh, ended it? With Mickey, right?” Lip asked as he began to light a cigarette. Ian watched his older brother as he puffed out the smoke and moved across to offer it to him. Ian stared at it for a minute, before slowly nodding and taking the cigarette from his brother’s hand. He took a drag, inhaled the smoke and watched as the rest escaped from his mouth. Ian watched as the smoke glided up and up, until it had disappeared completely. He knew what he must have looked like in that moment. Knew Lip was closely watching him, eyebrows frowned.

“Yeah, I mean…it was before…” Ian tried to shrug it off. He didn’t want to talk about Mickey, not with Lip, not with anyone. Those moments when Mickey filled his brain, his mind, his head, those were for him and only for him.

“Yeah. But you, uh, visited him again?”

“Yeah…”

“Why?”

“Svetlana paid me.” Just saying it made Ian feel guilty, maybe not as guilty as he should be. But why else would he realistically visit Mickey? It just made things harder. He didn’t have anything to say to Mickey, nothing he could say would ever make things better. He knew that, and Mickey must know that too, at least now. Ian thought he’d made that clear. Drawn a line under it. But could he ever do that with Mickey?

“How much?”

Ian rolled his eyes, of course, Lip just cared about the fucking money, like that even mattered. It didn’t. Well, maybe, a little. Svetlana knew it was the only way she could get Mickey to see her. Wouldn’t without Ian. But Ian didn’t want to be involved in their shit, he had his own Mickey shit to deal with. “Don’t judge me.”

“I’m not. What happened?”

“Uh, he asked me to wait for him.” Ian scoffed; he couldn’t help himself. Ian didn’t think he’d actually ask him that, have the balls to. But of course, he did. It never crossed his mind, at least not that the time, that Mickey was desperate. He was desperate for any sign, even the smallest thing, from Ian that he hadn’t meant what he said before. That he was willing to try.

“What’d you say?”

“Yeah.” Ian shrugged, though not very convincingly. Ian knew he that, and Ian knew that Mickey did too. Ian saw how the shield had dropped and that vulnerable, softer side of Mickey came out when he asked if he’d wait. He saw the longing in Mickey’s eyes waiting for the answer. He saw how his eyes avoided Ian’s, became glossier, and distant when Ian answered. Ian saw how Mickey’s eyes took one last look at Ian before going back to his cell, and then disappeared forever. Ian saw what he had done to Mickey.

Lip saw it, knew it too. Lip knew what Ian was saying without having to speak the words. It was this thing they had; Lip wasn’t sure when it started. It just always seemed to be there. They had almost nine years just the three of them. Fiona, Lip and Ian. The three oldest Gallagher siblings grew closer, it was the only thing they could do. Fiona took charge, like she always did, which left Lip and Ian.

It was something unspoken, a little connection. Lip could always tell when something was up with Ian, when he was keeping something from him, when he was faltering. Which was why Lip hated himself so much after Ian’s diagnosis. Lip knew, deep down, he did, the moment he and Debbie found Ian in that club. He knew when Ian was staying up until crazy hours, going on runs for miles and miles, shouting all these ridiculous ideas. He knew when he stayed in Mickey’s bed for four days straight. He knew when Ian refused to go to the clinic. He knew all that time and didn’t make any real effort to help his baby brother. Ian, who Lip always looked out for. Ian, who Lip shared so much with. Ian, who Lip told everything.  

But there were some things Lip didn’t understand about Ian, even now. He was fucking confusing, particularly about Mickey. “Why’d you go see him, Ian? Even with Svetlana paying you…”

“We broke up. I didn’t…couldn’t deal with the way he looked at me. Like I was so…broken. I’m not, okay? Things changed. And I…all he wanted was to take care of me. Like I’m so sick I can’t do anything myself. Like I need to be fixed. That’s not…I didn’t want that..for me or him.” Hearing those words escape his lips, Ian wasn’t sure how that made him feel. It was more or less what Ian had told Mickey. I don’t want you sitting around, worrying, watching me, waiting for me… Too much is wrong with me, and you can’t do anything about that…You can’t fix me….I don’t need to be fixed… That self-loathing Ian felt, it was fucking with everything. But Ian had meant what he’d said. Him and Mickey…they didn’t work anymore. It had nothing to do with anyone else. Just Ian. Nothing Monica said. Nothing she did. Things had changed too much between them. And Ian, he didn’t need Mickey anymore. He had to let him go. He could survive without him. Ian had to think like this, otherwise what was the point?

“Serious? You dumped him ‘cos of that?” Lip frowned, putting out the cigarette and closing down the laptop.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Lip tapped his finger on his desk before turning around to face his brother, like he was thinking about what he was about to say. Lip was always more of a talk shit, think later kinda guy. Ian thought he must actually want Ian to listen this time, follow his words and understand. “Own your shit, Ian.”  Oh, Ian didn’t expect that. God, he’d got so use to everyone being so quiet, so delicate with him, that he’d forgotten how cut-throat the Gallagher’s could be. How cut-throat his brother was. He’d actually missed this, being treated like a fucking normal person. Lip was watching all of these thoughts process through Ian’s mind, saw how he almost lit up, saw how his brother, Ian, was back, even for just a minute. “You think Mick wanted to end it?”

“No.” Ian answered, his voice so small, it almost didn’t exist.

“So, you did it for you.” Lip raised his eyebrow, and gave his younger brother a small smile, as if he knew. Of course he fucking did, fucking Lip.

“Asshole.”

Lip sighed, “You’re allowed to be selfish, okay?” Ian was misunderstanding. Lip wasn’t berating him, wasn’t giving him a telling off, wasn’t telling him what he did was wrong. That was Ian’s business, whether Lip agreed or not. Shit, Lip had made so majorly fucked up decisions in past week, let alone past few years. And Ian had been there for all of them. And didn’t give a fuck, mostly. The topic of Karen could still be a little bit touchy on a bad day. All Lip wanted was for Ian to admit why. He was allowed to be selfish. He was having a bitch of a time, but maybe, just maybe, he’d come out of it, eventually. And he’d realise.

“I was an asshole, but it was the right thing to do.”

“OK.”

“I don’t know why I went, to get it over with, I guess.” Ian said this, as if it was nothing. As if he was getting rid of something like an old pair of pants or an empty cartoon or juice. No emotion. Nonchalant. Lip knew Ian was being completely truthful, not his brother and certainly not to himself. It was like his thoughts and feelings were still there, but there was some kind of wall blocking them from coming out. Lip knew the meds Ian was taking would fuck with him for a bit, but it would have to get better eventually. His brother would have to come back to him eventually. Surely? But maybe not. Lip wasn’t stupid. Fuck, he hated seeing his brother like this. That cheesy grin, the glow he seemed to exude, it didn’t exist anymore. Ian was just grey. All the time.

“I..just…don’t get it.”

“What d’you mean?” Ian sighed, Lip wasn’t going to stop, that much was clear. Ian didn’t know what he was trying to say. Was Ian such an asshole that Lip Gallagher, who at one time, fucking despised Mickey, was on his side? They didn’t hate each other now, maybe. The Gallaghers, they’d all got use to have Mickey around. Like family. And then Ian took that away from them. Away from himself. Away from Mickey. Yeah, he was an asshole.

“Look, I never really got you two together…but, you know, he tried…when shit hit the fan.” Shit hit the fan. Yeah, it did a whole lot more than that, Lip. Fuck’s sake.

“Sometimes that’s not enough.” Ian said, his voice almost a whisper. Mickey tried. Yes, Ian knew that. But that didn’t change anything. It didn’t change the way Mickey looked at him, the shift between them, how everything seemed to feel so different. It wasn’t just Mickey who looked at him like that, it was everyone. Every single one of his siblings, even Liam. But it was Mickey who hurt the most. Mickey who Ian thought could look past that. But he couldn’t, no one could. Breaking up with Mickey, that was the only way Ian could gain back some control. But fuck, was it worth it?

“Guess not.”

“Yeah.”

“Gonna visit him again?”

“Should I?” Ian asked, almost laughing. Why would Lip want him to visit Mickey? Shit, he never liked him.

“Not up to me, little brother.”

Ian didn’t know what Lip was getting at. Did he want him to visit Mickey? Hammer the final nail in the coffin? It wasn’t as if Ian hadn’t thought about Mickey, like there was something unfinished. He wished he didn’t. Not much filled Ian’s brain these days, he couldn’t let anything even if he wanted to. But Mickey…sometimes he’d creep in when Ian would least expect it. Ian would be washing some dirty dishes and he’d just randomly pop into Ian’s mind. Or just before bed, something would remind Ian of him, and then he wouldn’t leave, not until Ian woke up in the morning. This wasn’t all the time; Ian didn’t think he’d be able to handle that. But when Mickey did appear in his thoughts, he lingered. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, the hole that Ian felt constantly, the tiredness, the nothingness, it would slip away. Sometimes it would be quick and appear almost immediately again. But it would go. Ian knew this wasn’t healthy and he knew this wasn’t going to fix anything. But he couldn’t help it. Damn that blue-eyed, dark-haired, short-ass fucker. And yet, he had no idea. No idea what the single thought of him was doing to Ian. Ian knew there was no point overthinking it, he knew this wouldn’t and couldn’t change anything. But…maybe Lip was right. He had to put an end to it.

Fuck. Ian was gonna have to visit Mickey again, wasn’t he?

[walker-extended-universe]

Skinny Dipping

Relationship(s): August Walker/Sadie Yoo

Tags/Warnings: Skinny Dipping, Lake, Playing Hooky, Summer, Heatwave, Swimming, Kissing

Summary: A heatwave has hit Austin. August and Sadie find a way to cool off

Written for @yeehawgust Week 4 Prompt 25: Heatwave

Taglist (if you would like to be added, let me know!): @theladywyn, @ihavepointysticks, @klaatu51, @itsjessiegirl1, @neptunium134

-----

It was the middle of August and Austin was looking at the hottest day on record in 30 years. It was times like this when Liam wondered why he didn’t just stay in New York. But the horses still needed to be looked after and Stella was probably going to brain him with her shovel if he made her muck out the stalls alone for much longer. So, back to work.

He yelped when a burst of water hit his back and he turned around to see August laughing with the hose dribbling on the ground. “Horses are watered,” he sputtered between laughs. “I’m gonna head back to the house now. Sadie’s coming over with popsicles.”

“Tell her to share!” Stella demanded from within the stables.

“Yeah, yeah….”

Liam shook his head and grabbed a wheelbarrow so he could move in some fresh hay. Maybe he should just go back to New York.

—-----

The air conditioner was running full blast but it was still too damn hot, even inside. “Thanks for letting me crash,” Sadie said, presenting the promised popsicles. “The AC at Geri’s place broke and the Side Step was packed.”

August grimaced and put the popsicles in the freezer. Thank goodness he had the day off. “It’s no problem. So, what do you want to do?”

Sadie shrugged, ripping open the popsicle she kept for herself. “Dunno. Too hot to think of anything. Know any fun ways to cool off that don’t involve vegging out in front of the tv with all the fans going?”

August thought for a moment, then smiled. “I think I have an idea…. Do you know how to swim?”

Sadie quirked an eyebrow. “Yeah but I’m pretty sure the public pool is full by now….”

“Who said anything about a public pool?”

She scoffed. “What? You got a private pool you’ve been keeping from me? Or are we finally digging the plastic kiddie pool out of the attic?”

August smirked. “Who said we even needed a pool?” He disappeared into the other room to get towels for them. “Come on; I know a place.”

“What? Wait, what do you mean we don’t need a pool? August? August!”

—---------

“Why are we at a lake?”

“So we can cool off in it. And be alone.”

Sadie bit her lip. “Okay…. Is it safe? I’m not gonna crawl out of there with some weird rash or anything, right?”

“I’ve never gotten anything.” August squeezed her hand. “Come on; would I have brought you out here if it was gonna end in a doctor’s visit?”

“I guess not….” Sadie approached the lake with trepidation, testing the water with her toes. “It is pretty cool.”

August stripped down to his boxers and jumped in, splashing Sadie in the process. He chuckled when she yelped and jumped back. “A little warning would’ve been nice,” she muttered, but there was no heat behind it.

“Sorry; I got a little impatient.”

She rolled her eyes. “Walkers,” she muttered before stripping down and joining him in the water.

“You said we’d be alone out here, right?” she asked sweetly, swimming over to him and wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Yeah; everyone else is busy at work so we should be alone out here….”

She giggled. “Somebody’s playing hooky,” she teased, pecking him on the lips.

“Yeah, but don’t tell anybody. I’ve got a good reputation around here?”

“Hm, that so? Wouldn’t want to sully it.” She kissed him again, wrapping her legs around him now too. “Guess we better keep quiet….”

August certainly wasn’t going to complain about that.

[menacingdino]

Spiderman

reupload

[ao3]

He thinks about him everyday. He yearns for him everyday. Until he shows up at his fucking doorstep.

It’s creepy how it feels like time is repeating itself when he sees Liam’s face in front of his door again.

And Liam feels it repeating again when Bryce looks at him like that. You would think after everyone got home, safe and well, Bryce would want to at least give a short phone call. But no. So obviously, Liam knocks on his door.

Bryce grabs the door knob so reluctant to even slowly try and close it; but Liam sticks his foot in the door.

“Can you at least say hi? I missed you.” Liam says, foot still intruding the space. Bryce wordlessly steps out of the way and gestures towards his messy yet close to empty apartment. Liam’s surprised, for a moment he thought Bryce was just gonna break his foot.

“Uh, hey..” It comes out gruff and depressed from Bryce’s tired body.

“Were you just sleeping?” Liam says passing Bryce getting familiar again with the small apartment. He pretends the sleepy rasp didn’t make his neck heat up.

“Only for the last 10 hours, yeah.” Bryce admits, it’s 2 pm. Liam turns back to give an empathetic frown before sitting on the floor; there wasn’t anywhere else to really sit. And he liked the floor.

“So.. Um… What have you been doing?” Liam picks at the carpet. Bryce puts up with it because it’s him.

“Working and sleeping. Sorry, not anything too exciting.” He leans against the wall and let’s his messy bun down, not thinking much of it.

“Oh! Your hairs grown a lot.” Liam smiles. Hopefully this carries the conversation, and distracts Liam’s brain from noticing how sluggish Bryce looks.

“Yeah. I should cut it.” Bryce shrugs.

“No! I, uh, I mean you could but I like it.” Bryce is surprised by the sudden reaction and Liam can see him think.

“Hm. Maybe I’ll keep it.” He smiles in a way anyone else would call insanely flirtatious.

Liam pats the floor signaling for Bryce to sit with him. Bryce ends up sitting on his bed just behind Liam instead; and he returns the gesture of patting a spot. Liam quietly shakes his head. Weird. Bryce thinks; but it’s kind of endearing.

It was always little things like that. The way he hums a secret song in his head. The way he’s always moving or fidgeting. The way he tilts his head when he’s confused. The fact that Bryce has started to notice Liam wears lip gloss and eyeshadow sometimes. Pink ish tones reflecting well on Liam’s dark skin.

Bryce hates the silence (and hates how flustered his own thoughts are making him) and awkwardly fumbles his phone to put on some music. He never liked tv that much. What he likes is he notices Liam smiling up at him. What is so amusing? He’d give anything to be in his brain sometimes.

A calm Nirvana song, Dumb plays, gentle guitar and raspy vocals coming from Bryce’s playlist that he may or may not sleep to. Liam taps his fingers against his leg. Bryce doesn’t know what suddenly makes him feel inclined to get closer but he drifts a hand down onto Liam’s shoulder. He mimics the chords with his fingers. Liam is savoring the touch, and he shimmies his jacket off his shoulders. Bryce pauses but then continues on the bare skin around his tank top sleeve.

He notices a small tattoo. A butterfly; some would say it symbolizes change. He traces it, but then he has to lean down to get the full illustration, it’s mostly on his upper back. So he leans down, and his hair brushes Liam’s collarbones. Liam’s flinches then he starts squirming and giggling.

“That tickles!” He claws his own jeans and keeps squirming.

“Oh really?” Bryce smirks and shakes his head a little making his hair tickle the other man more.

“You’re so mean!” Liam shimmies more and ends up lying on the floor. Bryce follows him to kneel on the floor, his face is near Liam’s and he’s hands rest of the fronts of Liam’s shoulders. They laugh for a while before the chuckles calm and their eyes open from their joyful crinkles to see how close their faces really are.

Bryce’s hair frames Liam’s face and they can’t see anything but each other— They don’t want to.

Liam reaches up and tucks Bryce’s hair behind his ear, Bryce releases a small gasp at the minuscule touch.

“Is this the part where I kiss you?” Liam says.

“If you want it to be.” Bryce stutters a little. He doesn’t notice he’s unconsciously moving his thumb back and forth on Liam’s shoulder.

“Only if we stay like this. It’s like Spiderman.” Liam smiles and Bryce’s heart explodes. He can’t help it and he brings himself down towards Liam, their lips meeting.

A soft display of affection, brought deeper and deeper, their noses tickling each other and a hand from Bryce cradling Liam’s face. The face he loves. The face he imagines before he sleeps. And now he’s kissing the boy with the beautiful face. And he feels fucking insane in the best way.

Liam’s butterflies in his stomach are so strong he’s wiggling his feet all around. He nips Bryce’s lip, and Bryce gently slides his tongue into Liam’s mouth. He’s always so gentle. Even with the current position, he’s using his whole body to make sure he doesn’t put too much weight onto Liam’s shoulders.

Liam reaches his hands up to tangle his hands in Bryce’s stupidly beautiful hair. He pulls him closer and Bryce groans. Liam might just die.

Liam pulls away slowly to his own regret.

“Can I stay here tonight?” He doesn’t even open his eyes.

“Sure thing, dear.” He kisses Liam’s forehead and gets up swiftly. “But I hope you realize it’s still the afternoon.” Fuck, he left. But fuck, they might get to cuddle tonight. So it evens out. (Maybe.)

“Oh.. Yeah.” Liam forgot time existed. “Um anyway, do you still have your Epic Burger employee discount?”

“… Yes, Liam.”

[cryptidwritings]

Dark Water

Chapter 9 : The Cathal pt. 4

prev | masterlist | next

CW: freezing whumpee, beating with fists, gun, gun shot wound, blood

Moss’ clothes felt like ice against his skin. Dark clouds had snuffed out the sun and brought a chilling rain. He shivered, closing his eyes, unintentionally torturing himself with intrusive thoughts of lying on a hearth, wrapped in a wool blanket.

“Why do we live here?” 

“Because we’ve always lived here,” His mother answered from their kitchen just a few feet away.

“We can’t… leave?”

The silence as he stared into the fire, even with the crackling of heat-eaten wood, was enough to tell him to bury the thought. 

“Be back before sundown!” 

Ignore it.

“Mom, Dad! Look what I found!”

Don’t say it.

“You trying to bring a curse on us, boy!?”

Moss stood in front of that same fire, feeling the heat bounce off a fresh bruise with eyes red and swollen from tears long past being able to fall. He turned over a stone in his fingers, feeling the hand-carved grooves of two intertwined rings.

Moss felt a small tap on his cheek, and he opened his eyes, staring at the Quartermaster. 

"Sorry to interrupt your nap,” he said with a smile as he stood up, “just thought I should introduce myself, since we’ll be here a while," He removed his hat and hung it on one of the unused shackles, revealing braided blond hair underneath a red cloth that wrapped around his forehead.

Moss had been too busy drowning to notice the skulking presence of the man.

He grabbed the other chair and placed it in front of Moss before walking towards the porthole, "I'm Liam Riess. Quartermaster on this ship for five years, previous boatswain for ten,” He shut the window.

Moss barely heard what he had said, distracted by the pain in his fingers and toes and by the small fact that he didn’t really care to listen. 

“Unorthodox introductions can make things a bit awkward if you let it,” he smiled, taking a seat, “your turn.”

“You kn-know my name,” Moss’ teeth chattered.

Riess nodded, “Moss Harper from Holm,” his gaze lingered, “your island has an interesting history.”

“Is that why you’re doing this?” Moss shook with frustration, or from the cold, he couldn’t distinguish one from the other anymore.

Pity pulled Riess’ mouth into a frown as he placed his hand in his pocket.

“Not directly. Truthfully, you are either incredibly stupid or incredibly unlucky,” Riess shook his head and glanced down as he pulled something from his coat, “Or a combination of both.”

Moss watched as he placed a large ring on the trigger finger of his right hand.

“Either way, you’ve found yourself here, so this is how it’s going to go,” he reached into his coat again and pulled another ring, fitting it on his middle, then another until all four were adorned, “I’ll ask you questions, and hurt you until I know you’re telling the truth.”

“I am telling the tru-” 

Moss’ head snapped to the side, staying that way as the pain radiated throughout his cheek, burning from the cold.

The other chair clattered to the floor as Riess retracted his open hand, “Stupid is taking the lead.”

Moss re-adjusted his gaze toward him and stretched his jaw, watching as Riess untied the cloth around his head and used it to meticulously wrap his fist, snaking through fingers. He flexed his hand and finally looked at Moss again.

“One more time, then. Who sent you?”

Moss stared at the officer, who patiently waited for an answer. The sound of water dripping onto the floor and the chains shifting along the wall filled the silence. What could he say?

“I-I just wanted a job-”

The room spun as the initial hit forced his head to the side, followed almost immediately by the unmistakable pain. 

“I’m going to need a name.”

Moss felt blood dribble from his lip, falling onto his pants as he looked back at Riess. His nostrils flared and he balled his hands into fists.

“I don’t. Have. One.”

“Hm,” Riess looked through the porthole, “shame…” 

His fist collided with Moss’ face again. His head snapped back and he groaned, slowly picking it back up just as another came flying, finding its purchase on his left cheek, pummeling it quickly again until he could feel the blood seeping from it and down his neck.

Then a train hit Moss in the gut. He doubled over as far as his restraints would allow; his hands shook behind him, mimicking the shaking of his eyes.

“You can take a punch, I’ll give you that,” Riess sniffed and grabbed Moss’ shirt, pushing him against the back of the chair again. He swept aside his coat and pulled out a pistol, “Put an end to this and tell me what you know.”

“I don’t know anything!” he coughed, “let me go!” Moss twisted away from Riess.

“Don’t fucking lie to me!” Riess yelled, pushing the barrel to Moss’ leg.

“Fuck you!” 

A blinding pain ricocheted through Moss’ leg. The ringing in his ears swallowed his initial scream as his vision went white, “Aah! D-damn it!”

What the hell? Did he- he shot me? he…

Riess pulled him upright again. Moss grimaced and huffed as his freezing thigh grew warm and damp with blood.

“Why were you in the hold!?”

Moss fought the adrenaline coursing through him to look into Riess’ eyes. He grit his teeth, hearing the muffled question. 

“I overheard the Captain mention it to you. I didnt care about the cargo until then!” specks of spit flew out of Moss’ mouth, “Gah!” He slumped forward again as the wound pulsed. 

He didn’t feel cold anymore. No. There was pain, there was frustration, and there was blinding hot anger. He left Holm to leave this shit behind… All those days he spent wandering; trading the noise of breaking backs for that of waves breaking against the cliffside, all with the hope that one day he would run and never look back.

Moss clenched his fists, “You drowned me, beat me, shot me, and then ask if I’m a spy while this ship hands over cargo? What’s in them? Medicine? Charts? How many lives have you sacrificed for a bit of coin!?”

Riess’ pensive face fell, as did his grip on Moss’ shirt. 

"Wish it were that simple, swabbie” he crossed his arms, relaxing the pistol on his bicep, “You’re not a spy. I believe that."

Moss exhaled a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

“Though," Riess continued, "you already stuck your nose where it didn’t belong, so it doesn’t really matter if you were.”

Doesn’t matter? Moss’ eyes locked on the gun as it clicked.

“Unfortunate, really, but you know the saying, dead men and all that,” Riess began, his voice bubbling with curiosity, “How did you know what was in the crates? I thought learning pirate knowledge was forbidden.”

Moss thought for a moment, swallowing a dry lump in his throat. He really was stupid.

“Holm has an interesting history,” He repeated, trying his best to smirk, though he could feel his face shake as a cold sweat fell off his swollen jaw, “I guess knowledge finds the desperate, aye?”

Riess stared down at him, eyes flat, “So does death, thieving pig.”

Moss snarled and pulled at the restraints, looking Riess in the eye, "Better a pig than a snake!"

He was cut off by another punch to the gut and a hand pushing him down by his neck, folding his torso over his knees. He sucked in air and felt cold metal press against the back of his head.

"That’s enough," The Captain stepped in. 

Moss stayed bent and wheezing underneath the gun, hearing the exchange as he watched their boots turn toward one another.

“There’s been a change of plans. Patch him up,” he kneeled in front of Moss with an impish grin, “looks like I do have use for you.”

taglist: @sparrowsage @kixngiggles @honey-is-mesi

(let me know if you would like on or off this list)

[itsnothesameasitwas]

!!! - please be careful and read all the tags and/or warnings before start, left kudos and nice messages to the authors <33

❀ Lover Boy by @brightgolden | 21k | E

“I’d love to meet your lover boy one day,” Lottie says suddenly as she pours Louis a whiskey on the rocks after their dinner.

OR Where Louis wants to tell everyone about his relationship with Harry, but his boyfriend clearly thinks otherwise.

note: I'm a big fan of the author (she knows) and honestly I suffer a lot when I was reading this because idk... it was a different kind of angst i guess?? but loved the end!!!

❀ Rooms on Fire by @softfonds | 34k | E | ABO/MPREG

Ten years ago, Louis helping Harry through a heat was the start of a romance that ended in heartbreak. Now, Harry's marriage is over thanks to his husband's very public infidelity, and Louis is fresh off a Golden Globe win. The last thing they both expect is to be cast in the same movie.

note: PER-FECT! this fic is everything!!!! it's one of my favorite fics tbh, I've re read it like 20 times at this point and still so good!!! I think y'all alr know but I'm a sucker for ABO and this is just so precious and well written!

❀ Years of Blood and Magic by @beelou @thedevilinmybrain @foreverfanficaddict @justalarryblog @idolizingthelight @whatevertearsyou @out-of-road | 30k | M

Harry goes along willingly, but frowns, intrigued by who else is helping Liam on the case. “You have another… like me? In there?” “Hm, not like you. I mean, like you in the supernatural sense? Yes. But I hope you don’t mind, take offence or even feel threatened by him. I was desperate, and he’s been surprisingly helpful behind the scenes like you a few times." “May I know who it is?” Harry stops dead in his tracks right in the doorway just as he sees Louis turning to face him. The spell is broken once Louis opens his mouth and rolls his eyes. “For fuck’s sake, Payne, it had to be him?” --- When Detective Payne calls Harry to help him catch the murderer that is killing children and vampires in their city, Harry and Louis must set their differences aside to fight against the biggest threat they have ever faced.

note: SO GOOD. I definitely hate the vampire thing (it's just not an ana thing yk) but this was so so good! i also never read 'supernatural' things and probably is because i hate how are eritten but these authors = chef kiss <3

❀ Love Mends the Pain by @justalarryblog | E | 12.7k

Marcel Twist, better known as Harry Styles, is a well-known model around the world. One day, he was invited to take part in a photoshoot for the new Olympic uniforms for the British athletes. What he didn't expect was for Louis, his ex would reappear in his life, bringing back memories and feelings that Marcel wished he'd forgotten.

note: I DIDN'T GET THE NOTIFICATION! I've waited for this fic MONTHS! and Beca knows, she knows that I'm her biggest fan tha reason is that her writing styles its just so beautiful!

❀ Caught Up in the Countryside by @cowboylarries | M | 59k

Louis tried not to think about how he got here; that would only make him angry again, and he was not about to have an angry cry on this grimy bus. He just had to accept that he was on his way to Hinckley, Utah—population: 800—with only a duffel bag full of clothes and a melted iced coffee. And a broken heart, but he didn’t like to call it that.

Louis Tomlinson had a great life, or so he thought, until everything came crashing down on him and he had to run away from his hurt. When he ends up in a little cowtown in Utah, everyone is so friendly, including Harry Styles, the hot hotel chef. Louis is welcomed into Harry's friend group but Louis isn't so sure that he can just be friends.

note: Dillon you made me cry, this fic is amazingly beautiful and well written, i think stef was the one with the 'y'all needs to read this bc dillon is so talented' and shes so right!!!! still waiting for the cowboy rides a cowboy tho hehe

❀ in a world alone by @falsegoodnight | E | 51k

Harry’s breath catches as the glow grows bigger and bigger until he’s squinting his eyes and blinking at the sudden intense brightness. He closes his eyes, rubbing at them helplessly. When his eyes open again- he gasps, grip loosening on his bow as he gawks at the sight before him.

Because the swan is gone.And in its place is the prettiest omega Harry has ever seen.

-A Swan Lake AU

note: ABO + Swan Lake = perfection!! I absolutely love this author's fics, they're always so good and well written and most of the time i want more (but it's just impossible)

❀ blue songs are like tattoos by @loubellies | E | 30K

Good morning, University of California, you’re listening to KALX 90.7 FM Berkeley, this is DJ Harry Styles. If the owner of the tapes I’ve been finding around the studio doesn’t come forward and introduce himself, I’m going to continue tossing them straight in the trash!”or the DJ Harry and Rockstar Louis fic.

note: honestly, i'm a sucker for those fics were louis is so independant and he's willing to do what's necessary to achieve your goals, also this writer 📈📈📈

❀ voicemail sings a wreck by falsegoodnight | E | 37K | ABO

Louis doesn’t have any proof, but he’s pretty damn sure that even when he’s dead and buried six feet deep, Harry Styles will still find a way to haunt him in his grave.

-Or, Louis is the president of the biggest omega sorority on campus, Harry is the president of the biggest alpha fraternity on campus, and they do not get along.

note: recently i was looking for a college au bc i enjoy them way too much, and this showed up on the ao3 results and okay i absolutely loved the enemies to secret lovers to lovers dynamics

❀ a letter for every Christmas together by @louboobear | NR | 15k | MCD

Louis and Harry have this strange tradition, where every Christmas they give each other letters, these letters tell their story over the years.

A month where Louis travels down memory lane, enjoying his late husband's favourite holiday, laughing and crying, because that's what he does every Christmas, he remembers Harry as if he had never left.

note: this is a MCD xmas fic, i had the luck to read it the draft and it's a beautiful fic, the death is not narrated which is great IMO. It's a really cute fic tho! y'all give it a try bc my best friend wrote it!!!

❀ louis' 30th birthday celebration by @laurelsmybeloved | E | 1.9k

Right when Louis heard “yes” he jumped up the stairs, rushing to the master bedroom, but stopping short at the sight.

So. This is what Harry was up to.

note: laur... she and her fics = chef kiss, new authors are everything and deserve better!

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this is a 'ana stopped reading fics for a while bc she was too busy so she's finishing her october/november/ december fic rec' lol

ps. LEFT KUDOS TO THE AUTHORS!!!

[lollypopsx]

51, 53 & 68 plz.Love ur writing so so much girl!💕

Prompt List Request

51. “Did you eavesdrop?”

53. “How was I supposed to know?”

68. “We were never prepared for this.”

Warnings: very very very brief smut

———————

Touring with your boyfriend, Harry and his best friend’s Liam, Louis, Niall and Zayn was…interesting to say the least!

The hyper boys, the adrenaline, the snoring, the pranks and the testosterone levels really tested your patience sometimes. But they were your best friend’s too, and you wouldn’t be without them for the world.

“Mmmm my baby…I saw you dancing in the crowd tonight…shaking those hips f’me” Harry pulled your hips towards his, his lips pressing gentle kisses against your neck. You couldn’t help but let out a soft squeal. Naturally, as two 19 year olds, you were unable to keep your hands off each other, especially when he was sweaty and full of adrenaline from the stage.

“Shhh, the others will hear us” You mutter, wrapping your arms around him tightly, as he shakes his head.

“Louis and Liam are in the front half of the bus at the lounge area, and Niall and Zayn went to get food” He mutters against your skin, his hands snaking under your shirt and pressing against your bare breasts. He lets out a small gasp and a smug smile. “No bra today hm? Naughty...naughty girl” He whispers, pinching gently at your nipple as you let out a gentle moan.

“Fuck...H, the others will hear” You mumble and sigh. 

“You’re wet though aren’t you” He smirks, his hand slipping gently into your joggers and his fingers pressing against your damp spot. “I knew it” His teeth gently nibble at your neck.

“Why don’t you go and get us some water from the lounge while I hop in the shower, and I’ll meet you in the bunk in 10 minutes” His boyish grin showing his gorgeous dimples.

You just nod gently, heading into the lounge and grabbing water, speaking to Liam for a few minutes as the boys came back with mountains of food...as usual!

“Hey Y/N, you want any of this?” Niall asks from the table. “Erm, yeah maybe later, I’m quite tired actually. Harry might have his, I can re-heat mine later” You smile softly. “Night boys” You call as you head to yours and Harry’s bunk.

Sex on the bus bunks was practically a no go, purely and simply because there was no way for you to have sex without banging your head...or not in any way you had yet worked out. So it was mainly saved for the hotels.

You heard some rustling around outside the bunk, assuming it was Harry, and a few minutes later Harry’s strong frame was slipping into the bunk beside you.

“Now...time to take care of my girl...” Harry smirks, pushing the duvet away and hooking his fingers over the waistband of your joggers and underwear, pulling them away slowly.

“H...what if someone-Fuck” Your thoughts were interrupted by the warmth of Harry’s tongue pressing against your wet clit. “Shhhh baby” Harry whispers softly, as you cover your mouth with your hand, your spare hand tangling in Harry’s curls.

——————

The next morning, you woke wrapped in Harry’s arms, with light chatter coming from the front of the bus, which meant all the boys were awake. You felt your stomach growl as you peeled away from Harrys arms and wandered into the lounge area.

“Morning” You greet the boys tiredly as you open the fridge, rubbing your eyes.

“Morning Y/N” The boys greet, with a slightly teasing smile.

“So...I take it you guys are pleased we’ll all be in hotels tonight” Louis smirks widely.

“What are you talking about?...” You raise an eyebrow as Harry emerges, shirtless and just wearing his joggers.

“Alright Harry...or should we call you...oh fuck Harry” Niall smirks, mocking your moans from last night.

You let out a gasp, your eyes widening. “Niall, did you eavesdrop?!”

“I wouldn’t call it eavesdrop! I was in the bunk right next to you two!” He defends himself

“What’s going on?” Harry furrows his brows in confusion.

“You. You said the boys were all in the lounge last night!” You growl, pointing your finger to Harry’s chest.

“Er yes...they were...What’s going on?!” He raises his brow.

“Er no they weren’t...Niall heard everything!” You frown, blushing deeply with pure embarrassment.

“Niall!” Harry groans.

“What?! I wasn’t purposely trying to catch you guys in the act! That would be weird!”

“You said they were all eating in the lounge!” You cross your arms over your chest.

“I thought they were! How was I supposed to know?!” He sighs softly and pulls you into his chest.

“We are never ever going to do anything on this bus ever again.” You mutter into his chest.

“Good!” Niall groans “We were never prepared for this! Now I’m going to burn my ears off.” He jokes, drinking his tea.

“Save it for the hotel room next time lovebirds!” Louis smirks.

——————

Tag List: @harryhoney-bee​ - @sunandherflores​ -  @beachwood-cafe​ - @damnasstyles​ - @awesomebooklover17​ - @hazgoldenstyles​ - @evanjh​ - @harrysbracelet

[formerprincess]

A tale written with fangs and claws || Chapter 62

Chapters: 62/? Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Liam Dunbar/Theo Raeken, Corey Bryant/Mason Hewitt Characters: Liam Dunbar, Theo Raeken, Mason Hewitt, Corey Bryant, Nolan (Teen Wolf), Brett Talbot, Lori Talbot Additional Tags: Alpha Liam Dunbar, Slow Build, Friends to Lovers, Dunbar Pack, Bisexual Liam Dunbar, Werewolf Theo Raeken, Alpha Theo Raeken, Canon-Typical Violence, Smut, Mates, Liam and Theo are mates, Top Theo Raeken, Bottom Theo Raeken, Top Liam, Bottom Liam Dunbar, Bisexual Theo Raeken, Original Character(s) Series: Part 1 of Morning Dew Pack

It's party time at the Barrett house and finally, the members of the supernatural groups all meet. New friendships will be made.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Liam tiptoed out of his room and down the stairs. Theo was still sleeping, just like the rest of the house given it was incredibly quiet. Even Koda and Aka slept in their beds. But Liam didn't mind, he couldn't sleep and so got out of bed to get dressed and walk downstairs to prepare breakfast. When his pack woke up, they could all dig in and then do whatever they liked before driving to the Barrett Pack in the evening.

To his surprise, Liam found Maya in the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of orange juice. "Hey." She smiled at her Alpha. "Hi. Already up? Special occasion or just because?" Liam inquired and grabbed himself a fresh glass. "Couldn't sleep any longer so I decided to do some yoga, shower, and get dressed. And now I'm currently deliberating what to make for breakfast so you don't have all the work." She handed the juice carton over for Liam and he poured himself a glass as well. "Ah, I don't mind, you know that." Liam enjoyed cooking, especially for his pack. "But breakfast was on my mind too." "Yeah, I know. But even you, our wonderful Alpha, deserve a break." Maya smiled placatory. "Oh hey, know what we could do? We could grab some muffins and bagels. There is a bakery down the street, I always wanted to check it out." The idea was good. Liam had not found the time to check out the stores around their new home until now. Since they had the time, he saw no problem with it. "Yeah, sure. Good idea. We'll walk?" "A morning walk never hurt anyone." Maya gave him a beaming smile and Liam laughed. He hurried after her and grabbed his wallet and phone on the way.

It wasn't too hot but you could already feel the heat starting to build up. Liam groaned. "Thank god we're having a pool when the heatwave hits." "Hm." Maya made some confirming sounds. They walked in silence for a while. It was still early morning and both were not so awake to have an intriguing conversation. "You excited about the party tonight?" Maya asked after a while. "Yeah. My pack finally meets all of the other packs, which is cool. Kinda feels as if everything comes together." Liam could not wait for the party. "I think now it's the perfect time for meeting new packs. It's time this pack puts itself out there", Maya declared boldly. Liam frowned. "What's that suppose to mean?" She explained: "We spent almost a whole year coming together and figuring things out for ourselves. So much happened already but, in my opinion, we are now at a point where we are solidified in our positions in the pack, we know where we stand. We have to get out there and socialize with other supernatural beings in a good way. The way I see it, no pack - just like no person - is an island. We have to get together with other people, have to make connections, be part of society. To do that properly you need a good base. We established that base all year long. And now, we can make go out and link with other supernaturals." "Just because we make new acquaintances does not mean we abandon the pack." "Yeah." Maya paused. "Have I ever told you my parents came from two companioned packs? That's how they met. So I know how important this is. Not for alliances, that too, still not what I'm talking about right now. But just like we make friends outside of the pack with humans, we also have to make friends outside of the pack with other supernatural beings. Feel free to correct me, you maybe see this different?" "Not really." Liam shook his head. "It's tough to express how I feel about it. In Beacon Hills, it was only us. In the beginning. Then came others, like Brett's and Lori's pack. Still, it wasn't the mass as it is here. Seattle's the bigger town, guess that's the reason. I like meeting new supernaturals, it helps me get a better understanding of this world. Beacon Hills was one horrible being after the other, barely anything nice. Right now, it feels as if I'm experiencing the bright side of this world, and yeah, I like it." "We are happy you're branching out from the pack", Maya let Liam in on a well-kept secret of the pack. Liam would love to say he understood that but not really. "Huh?" "Almost every one of us has some hobby or side activity not involving the pack. Sadie has the university newspaper, Mason has debating society, I have my protests, for example. You don't have something without any involvement of the pack and we noticed. Your Beacon Hills gang said you went to the museum back then and such. You don't do this anymore. It's a pity and we feel it might be because you're just focused on us and our wellbeing." "I don't pay much attention to that", Liam was honest. "It's not like I feel as if I'm missing out. I have a boyfriend, I can do things I like. I have lacrosse." "Where two other pack members play in the team." "I work at Ellie's." "I'm talking about free time here, Liam, and as much as you might like your job, it's still work." "Okay." Liam laughed softly. "But I didn't have many hobbies, to begin with. Lacrosse was my thing. Since that doesn't count..." he teased his female Beta. "It's great you're having so much fun with lacrosse, don't get me wrong. But when we talked about hobbies, we discovered that you don't have many without the pack. You're not the only one, by the way, Caden and Corey also." "Maybe we're just frugal", Liam suggested. Maya snorted. "Right." "Well, we are not unhappy. I know I'm not. Don't think Cade or Cor are." "We know that. It's just something that came up. Wasn't an attack or something." "Didn't think it was. And I guess you're kinda right. I focused on the pack for the last year. Not solely but a lot." Liam had to admit that to himself and anybody else. "I accepted the Alpha spark and from that point on it felt like a snowball running. Met you, Sadie, Ever, Theo got sick, Nolan came back, the wendigo, the first Alpha, and so on. Sometimes I lost track of time and when I realize I'm an Alpha for almost a year, I sometimes can't believe it. Where did the year go?" He shook his head in wonder. "And once again, I have to say right now feels like a new beginning. Like our season two, so to speak.  New challenges but also new friends and opportunities. We have to finish the semester and then spring break. Those are the next key events for me."

They arrived at the bakery. It stood in line with a butchery and a grocery store. The square in front of the stores was cleanly swept, some trees placed around strategically with some benches underneath. Liam guessed it had something to do with the neighborhood. Everything was spotless here. Neat. The houses around were expensive and he suspected this was why it looked like that. "Feels like this is a little town on its own, not part of Seattle", Maya voiced what Liam had thought. He grinned. "When I bought it, I was told the neighborhood was lovely and boomed during holidays. Around Christmas, the streets will be full of lights and decorations. I'm excited about it." Liam entered the bakery after Maya. The store was just as neat and the outside and the woman behind the counter greeted them friendly. The range of baked goods was mouthwatering and they even had a little coffee corner. "Look at that!" Maya was as amazed as Liam was. They spent the next few minutes choosing various muffins and bagels before they each got a coffee, paid, and left the store with pale blue boxes holding their loot. "Do you think summer break will be difficult?" Maya asked. Liam sipped his coffee and shrugged. He considered his answer and swallowed. "Different, not difficult. It will be strange for sure, for weeks we will only have contact over the phone not in person. But I also think it will be beneficial for all of us. Just like a child going on vacation without their parents for the first time. And once we're all back together, we have stories to tell." "I'm excited to return home. My aunt and I won't be traveling much but just coming home, to the house I left as a completely different Maya, feels good. Now I have control. I can manage. My aunt is proud of me. I never thought this day would come." "I'm pretty sure your aunt was always proud of you. But the control thing I get. And coming home, after you changed so much, I also get the feeling. I'm not sure how I would feel if I returned to Beacon Hills." Liam would spend the summer break in Hawaii. Theo came with him, of course, they would meet his parents there, but a trip to his hometown was not on the list. For the moment, he didn't need to. "Wouldn't you like it to return and meet people after you changed so much?" Maya questioned him. Liam shrugged. "Not sure. I didn't have to return home since becoming an Alpha, I don't know what to expect. I'll make my mind up about it once the occasion arises." He continued to sip from his coffee. "Maybe you have become too large for Beacon Hills", Maya mused.

They continued their walk and once they reached the house, they found Brett and Nolan on the front porch. Not that those two noticed Maya and Liam approaching, since both were wrapped around each other and more concerned with sucking tongue than watching out for anyone else nearby. "Why is it always me who stumbles over kissing pack members?" Liam joked. Maya cackled. "You two are incredibly impolite!" Brett complained after he tore himself away from Nolan. "Hey, you two were the ones blocking the front door with your making out", Liam replied without a care in the world. "Yeah, think about that!" Nolan tried to one-up him and then considered how lame that was. "Damn!" "Does that mean you two are a real couple or is this still the figuring things out stage?" Maya was not curious, not at all. "Couple." Nolan laced his fingers with Brett and raised their hands. "Not letting that one go." "You beat me to that reply." Brett smiled at his boyfriend and kissed Nolan's knuckles. "Even though I still would have loved the announcement via billboard." "You're a dork", Nolan replied fondly and kissed Brett again. Liam took that as his cue to push both out of the way and open the door.

"There you are", Theo said when he spotted him. Liam raised the boxes in his hand. "We got breakfast. Your favorite muffins are inside here as well." "Aw, I love you." Maya peaked behind Liam. "Does that also count for me?" "I love you in a completely different way than Liam. You're more of my annoying little sister", Theo replied jokingly and she gave him a playful shove with her shoulder when she brushed past him. Theo reached out to take the boxes from Liam. Liam whereas kept them and stared at his boyfriend. "Quick question, Maya said you talked about me not having any hobby without the pack's involvement. What's up with that?" To his credit, Theo looked the tiniest bit guilty. He cleared his throat. "I mean, it's true, right?" "Yeah. I'm just surprised you didn't tell me about that. Usually, you're pretty straightforward with those things." "It's not a problem. Why should I bring it up? If I feared you were unhappy, I would have said something." Theo grabbed one box from Liam when his Alpha didn't move them out of reach. "Besides, you have begun finding your own things recently." Liam squinted. "Were you worried about me?" "Sometimes", Theo confessed, "I love you and have always worried about you. We talked about you being capable. Doesn't stop me from worrying though and yes, sometimes I fear you focus too much on making other people happy and forget yourself a little bit." The worry was sweet and Liam wasn't angry. A little bit confused that his friends all seemingly shared this thought but they all looked out for each other. He as the Alpha was no exception. His Betas had his back and protected him as much as Liam protected them. A good feeling. "You're cute." He knew Theo hated this word relating to himself. "Now, why don't you run and grab Brett and Nolan. They're making out on the front porch." "They're doing what now?"

****** "According to the directions you have to take a right turn here and then follow the road. There is only one street, so I'm not sure why you want me to check with the map. What's your plan? Breach and slam your truck against a tree? Your choice. Left or right? Which tree should it be, given we're currently on a freaking road seamed by forest left and right?" Liam nagged his boyfriend. As much as he loved the older man, the ex-chimera managed to get on his nerves sometimes. If his truck was involved it was especially bad. Take right now. They were on their way to Luka's house and Theo had insisted Liam used the map from the glove department. Not that he was not using the navigation system in his truck, no he used that too but wanted Liam to double-check. "Maybe there is a junction!" "This is a forest!" Liam, Brett, Nolan, and Lori called out. True. After they left the main road (and just like Luka had described it to Liam and why would Liam doubt him? Luka knew where he lived and how to get to his own home, thank you very much, Theodore!) the paved road had narrowed and wound between trees in all shades of green. No chance at swinging off if you didn't want to crash your car. "I was just checking!" Theo defended himself and Liam snorted. His boyfriend shot him a glare but Liam ignored it as much as possible. It was one of their usual spats, without any real anger, just the two of them riling each other up. They were good at those and the better they knew each other, the more those evolved.

Suddenly a big house appeared several feet in front of them. Liam jumped in his seat, not due to the building, but due to Brett's head suddenly appearing between the driver and the passenger seat. "Sick! Are you sure you didn't miss a turn and drove us straight to Italy??" He all but yelled and Liam held his left ear. "Thanks for making me go deaf, Brett!" But yeah, Brett also had a point, The house looked straight from a travel brochure about the sunny vineyards in Tuscany. Same building style as those villas there with bright walls and red shingles on the roof. "How unbelievable pretty." Lori was quieter than her brother but also mesmerized by the appearance. "That is a house. No, screw that, that's a mansion", Theo declared. Liam nodded slowly. He had never paid much attention to his friend's monetary status but that house was bigger than theirs and now he felt kind of silly for never thinking about it before. His jaw had dropped and the closer they came, the more it dropped.

They drove through opened iron gates with some intriguing design on them (Nolan exclaimed he would like to ask what it represented) and past a small fountain sparkishly purling water. The fountain served as some sort of center for the round driveway. Theo now stopped his truck in front of the red entrance door. Liam still gaped. To the left was a garage with closed gates but from what he could see, it could hold more than three cars. A small red car was parked in front of the garage. Then came the main building with two floors and on the right side you could walk around the house. Liam would take a shot in the dark and say this led to the garden. "Impressive!" Mike commented after he got out of Liam's car. The rest of the pack filtered in from the truck, Liam's car, and Ever's car. A door in the garage gate opened and out came a tall, broad-shouldered man with dirty blonde hair. He nodded at them in a welcoming gesture. "Hello. I'm Holden. Welcome to our home." Liam's pack greeted politely and Holden nodded at Theo's truck. "Yours?" "Yes." Theo nodded. "It's in impeccable condition. This model has some problems and you rarely see them be in good repair." "I try my best. It's my truck after all and I want it to last", Theo acted as if this was nothing but Liam knew how proud his boyfriend was and how much work he had put in the car.

"They're here for five minutes and you're already talking about cars? Seriously?" The front door had opened and a brunette woman stepped out. Her wavy hair fell loosely over her shoulders and her lips curved into a bright smile. "Hi, I'm Delaney!" She introduced herself to Liam and his pack. It wouldn't have really been necessary, she had the same impish features around the eyes her brother had and the same dimples. Holden scoffed. "Cut your hair again. You are so much nicer when your hair is shorter." His tone was fond, like an older brother talking to his sister. Luka had described Holden as his brother cause they grew up together. So he also grew up with Delaney and their banter made sense. "Nonsense!" Delaney waved her arm around. "I'm a delight, all the time. Every time." "Says who?" Holden questioned sarcastically. She left him behind in favor of tending to the Morning Dew Pack. "Come inside, have something cool to drink. My brother will be with us shortly. And you, Holden, wash your hands. Why do you always have to hide in the garage when we're having guests over?" Holden mumbled something but didn't follow when she ushered the group inside.

"Your house is incredible. I really thought we were in Italy!" Mason complimented Delaney and she smiled proudly. "Italy is big in our family so my dad had it built years ago. We all love it. Some little Mediterranean flair in North America." She led them past a large staircase leading to the upper floors, and towards the right side of the building, right into the kitchen. The kitchen itself held almost the same appliances Liam had, with one kitchen island in the middle. Two other women were currently working there but quit their chatting to greet the visitors. "This is Bryn and that over there is Lynn." "Hi! So glad you're here!" Lynn waved at them and beamed. Her blonde curls bounced around her petite face and her blue eyes shone with such excitement, you immediately liked her. All in all, she looked like a doll and Liam remembered Luka saying people underestimated her. Sadie had the same problem but he knew she could kick ass. Lynn probably too. Bryn, compared to Lynn, seemed more reserved, even though her smile was warm and welcoming. She seemed shyer. Her hair was dark brown but with blonde highlights and currently put up in a braided bun, with only some curls framing her face. "It's so nice to meet you." Her voice was softer too, not as enthusiastic as Lynn's but that wasn't a bad thing. "Would you like some lemonade? I made it this morning." "Homemade lemonade is always a great thing. Know how to make homemade lemonade and you have a place in my heart," Corey gushed. She beamed at him and then proceeded to fill enough glasses with everyone. "Bryn knows how to make a ton of homemade things. She's a great baker and cook, uses a lot of vegetables and fruits she grows in the garden!" Lynn praised and Bryn blushed softly. "Stop it." "This is so cool. I thought about cultivating things in our garden but I haven't made my mind up about it yet", Liam told Bryn. She pointed outside a window. "If you want, I can give you some tips later? Even share some seeds and I can bring you a box of what I harvested. It's too much for us anyway." "If that wouldn't be much trouble, yes, please! Oh, I'm Liam. We haven't really introduced ourselves. Sorry." "Nah, don't worry. She cyber-stalked you." Delaney pointed her thumb at Lynn. "We know all of your names, Instagram is fruitful." "They both stalked you. I tried to allure them from it but what can you do?" Bryn corrected and her friends gaped at her. She giggled. "Ah, our stalking unit are these two." Mike pointed at Mason and Sadie and both protested at first but then agreed. "Not all of your pack members are on Insta, right?" Sadie inquired. "They are, but some private and some under different names", Lynn explained. Bryn distributed the glasses with lemonade to everyone. An older man approached a door from the outside and opened it. His dark blonde hair was grey in some spots, he was clean-shaven, and looked fit. "Hello, everybody. I am Simon. Welcome to our lovely home." He stepped closer and extended his hand for Liam. "You're Liam Dunbar." "Nice to meet you, sir. Yes, I am." Liam shook his hand. It was a firm handshake, Simon knew how to grab things, and Liam was almost certain that extended over other areas of his life. Luka had told him, Simon had been the advisor of the pack, after all. "And you are Theo Raeken? The second Alpha?" Simon now dropped Liam's hand and greeted Theo. Theo also shook his hand. "Indeed, sir, nice to meet you." "So you're for Liam what Sandro is for Luka. Wonderful." He also dropped Theo's hand. "If you want you can already join us outside. Unless Will manages to make the grill explode, it should be safe", Simon joked and they all laughed. "Will and Sandro are the pack's answer to the Weasley Twins from Harry Potter. You know, cheeky jokes, pranks, that type of thing", Delaney filled Liam's pack in while they followed Simon outside.

In the garden stood already a table with plates, cutlery, and glasses. Garlands and fairy lights hung above the table and between some wooden poles, a big grill was already fired up, two men stood in front of it.  They turned around when the group came closer. Both with dark hair, one just curly, the other not. They shared almost identical smiles. "Hey, our guests have arrived!" The curly-haired one said. "Astute observation, dearest cousin", the other teased him. He left the grill and waved. "Hey, I'm Will." "And I'm Sandro!" "And you're watching Disney Channel!" Delaney, Bryn, and Lynn said at the same time. Simon looked amused at their antics but then hurried over to the grill and tend to the meat already on it. He probably feared Sandro and Will would burn it. "Okay, now we're here, who is missing is my brother. Where is my brother?" Delaney looked around. "He's in the office, a contractor is causing problems. He will be with us shortly." Holden had joined the group again. "Just wanted to make sure he didn't go on a run." "He went on a run this morning, I accompanied him. Afterward, we transformed again, had a shower, and waited patiently for the party to start", Sandro defended Luka. "You showered together?" Lynn piped in. Sandro made a retching sound. "Gross. I'm gay but he's like my brother. I mean, yes, we are two attractive friends but not so much attraction I would sleep with him." "Jesus", Simon muttered. Mason and Liam looked at each other and began laughing. Mason had said the same thing about Liam at one point. "But wait, if you say transformed...Does that mean Luka can shift?" Tim had picked that up almost immediately. "We all can", Sandro said casually. Liam and his friends stared at him. What? "You all, the whole pack, can shift into actual wolves?" Lori could not believe this. "It's not clear what enables the ability to transform. But this pack managed to gather individuals with this special talent", Simon added. "So cool", Caden mumbled devoutly.

"What is cool?" Luka walked out of the house and joined them. "Our powerful Alpha! And here we thought you would never show your face", Delaney joked. "Hey, business is business. Didn't know you would miss me so much, sis. And hello, guys." He greeted Liam's pack. No time for further niceties since the doorbell rang. Luka turned around and disappeared into the house again.

And he appeared again moments later with Maddie in tow. "Maddie!" Liam greeted her happily and she hugged him. "Hey, Liam and the others." "No Asher?" Corey was a tad disappointed. Since the first meeting, Asher, Mason, and Corey had stayed in contact and even met up two more times. They had considered him being here a no-brainer. "I wanted to bring him but his father called and ugh!" She rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out in distaste. But then her face lit up again. "Yet I didn't come alone." Only now they all noticed the blonde woman who had followed Maddie and Luka into the garden. She now raised a hand. "Hi, everybody, I'm Jade." "Vampire, right?" Mason, straight to the point. "One of the ones following Meadow, yep." Jade nodded. "Fantastic. Is that everybody?" Simon had turned the meat on the grill and was only now ushered away by Will. "Sava texted me they won't make it this early but they will join us later", Luka declared. The nickname came easy, Savannah herself had texted them all days ago they could use Sava or Savi if they didn't want to say or write her whole name. "So, let's start. Please, have a seat. Who wants a drink?"

They all went and found a place for themselves on the large table. Will turned out to be a god at the grill (with Simon's help, of course) and soon they all could eat. "I hope you have the steak extra bloody", Maddie joked. Will grasped his chest. "That's the only way we werewolves eat it. I was never aware there could be other choices. Please, tell me more, lady." She laughed and was brave enough to actually try a steak. When she tasted it, she hummed. "This is good." "Will is a chef. Every type of food he touches is amazing. Thank god for werewolf metabolism", Lynn sighed and drank from her wine. Conversation flowed easily around the table after that, they all got to know each other better, just as it had been planned. Liam talked with Holden and Maya about college and expectations from life. After Liam had explained his problem with his major and what he wanted to do after college, Holden was on his side. "The same for me. I graduated with a Women's Rights major but before I even finished my college education, I knew this wasn't what I wanted. Sometimes we realize what we want to do as a job is more of a hobby and what we saw as a hobby is actually what we want to do. I get what you're saying, Liam, I made the same decision once." He was a very understanding character and Liam noticed how carefully Holden listened. He had his full attention on the other persons in the conversation, a very comfortable feeling. Maya was now highly zealous. "You majored in Women's Rights?" "Yeah. The topic is close to my heart and there is still so much that needs to be done in this world. We, as a society, have to do something and I wanted to be part of the solution." The young Alpha smiled as he watched them dissolve in a very animated discussion and turned to his other side. There sat Maddie, Mason, and Will and they talked about the general perception of vampires. "Oh please, this is the Hollywood image of us vampires. The brooding lovers, pained by the thought of their eternal love aging and dying while they stay young and beautiful. And the tantalizing choice of turning them or not turning them." She raised her hand to her forehead and acted as if she was about to faint. "Bullshit!" She sat up straight. "Over the ages vampires managed to find a solution for this problem. With the help of other supernaturals and potions, we can also age. And we can drink a certain potion to fall into a neverending sleep. Some vampires live surrounded by humans and have to fit in. Sure, some of our kind do live this Hollywood image lifestyle but most of us are actually reasonable." "This is strangely upsetting", Mason confessed. "Not that you can do that and that Hollywood lied but that there could be vampires around without any of us noticing." Maddie just gave him a cheeky grin and drank her wine. "May I ask how old you are? I have this on my list since day one but it never came up." "I'm 317...Or 318?...No, 317...316?..No, no, 317." Maddie had to actually do some math. The three guys laughed and she joined them. "Then tell me, what era did you like the most?" Will questioned and swirled the rest of his wine in his glass. "Hm, okay, let me preface by saying every age and era had their problems and never was everything absolutely fine. Modern times are fine, we don't have to boil our food anymore. But I really loved the Roaring 20's. Dancing the Charleston was so much fun and I loved the dresses there. The glamour, the parties." "The Charleston...It's been a while since I learned and danced it but might giving me a refresher?" Will put his glass on the table, stood up, and held his hand out for Maddie. She chuckled but still followed him. Bryn manned the music player and when Will told her what they were trying to do, she searched for a fitting song. Soon she found one and they started dancing while the rest of their friends hollered. "Is that the Charleston? I always wanted to learn the dance!" Sadie was amazed. Will extended his hand towards her. "Sure, the more, the merrier." She happily jumped to her feet and joined. Mason followed closeby and Maddie began explaining the steps. Lynn swarmed around them and snapped pictures after pictures. At one point during the party, she had talked about her job as a photographer and went to her room to grab her camera as well as a polaroid camera. The polaroid camera was making its way around, everybody snapped a picture at some point, some sillier than others, but always really funny.

"Hello, hello, hello. We're right in time for the part-ey!" Savannah and her Betas rounded the house, in the best party mood. Their welcoming was heartfelt and cheerful. Her black-haired Beta dashed past her. "Hello! My name is Carmen but I love this dance and have to join!" She yelled and settled next to Mason to dance with them. "Oi, Carmen, way to make an impression!" Paola laughed. "Let her be, Paola, enjoy the time. I'm Beatriz everyone. Hello." Beatriz was the oldest of the bunch but still dressed very colorful and lively. Savannah meanwhile happily hugged Luka and Liam. "Glad you could make it!" Luka greeted her and she kissed his cheek. "Grab yourself drinks and enjoy your stay at casa Barrett." "Oh, I will." She disappeared to greet everyone if they knew them or not. Luka leaned on the backrest of the chair next to Liam. "That was a good idea." Liam looked around. His friends were all laughing. He saw Caden sitting with Jade, Tim, and Delaney and they were laughing like crazy about something. Ever talked with Simon. Theo had sat next to Holden and they were involved in a conversation where sometimes Sandro joined from the other side when he wasn't talking with Mike. Brett had pulled Nolan on the makeshift dancefloor and the new couple was laughing. "Can't remember when I've last seen them so boisterous", he admitted. "Yeah, me neither." Luka had watched his pack as well. He smiled gently. "I think some new friendships started tonight. And a complete platonic crush from one of my best friends on your boyfriend's car." Liam chuckled. "Theo loves his truck and is very proud of it. I think he will entertain this crush." "Good, good." They looked at each other and laughed before Luka took the last swig from his beer bottle. "Want another one as well?" He asked Liam. "I'll come with you." Liam didn't plan on just sitting in his chair and watch the party without getting involved.

The two werewolves ventured into the kitchen where Luka pulled two beers from the fridge and handed Liam one. "I must admit, it feels good to make connections with other supernaturals again. Ones who actually live close by. Our nearest companioned pack lives in Canada", Luka let Liam know and opened his bottle. "We have the ones at the lake but that's our pack. And then maybe my old pack in Beacon Hills." Although Liam was not completely sure where he stood with Scott. They were friends and helped each other but both Alphas focused on their packs and didn't have much contact for the moment. Maybe this was also part of growing up. "I don't believe in dragging others into my fights. But it's good to know who will be by your side when push comes to shove." And could Liam not relate to that opinion. He had been through so much already and people he initially trusted turned on him, so he valued loyalty very high. He nodded.

"There you are." Maddie and Savannah walked into the kitchen. "Are you hiding from us?" "Yeah, that's the point of the whole party. To hide from you", Liam replied and Maddie gave him a playful shove. "Don't get funny with me, mister." Liam laughed and raised both hands. "Alright, alright." Savannah slapped Luka's arm hard. "How could you?" "Ow!" He stared at her with an incredulous laugh. "How could I what?" "Not tell me what a fine hunk Holden is!" He sighed. "Sava, should I ever talk about the guy I grew up with, the guy who's like my brother, as a fine hunk, please send me to the nearest asylum!" To the end of the sentence, Luka's voice had a fake pleading tone. Liam and Maddie laughed. Savannah was still on his case. "Is he single?" "Everybody in my pack is currently single. By all means, shoot your shot."

Despite his "puppy ways", Liam rarely met anybody he wholeheartedly liked and trusted after a short amount of time. It was probably his best-kept secret and he was willing to bet not even Theo knew. Liam was good at appearance, had learned it after his childhood and after his diagnosis. Living as a werewolf only solidified that. Only if you were willing to give him something significant in return, he warmed up to you faster. Byron had managed that, for example. With his open character and willingness to take Liam seriously. Mason back in the day too. Because he never shied away from Liam and didn't care what other kids said about him. And now the other three supernatural leaders as well. Maybe Maya was right when she said it was good Liam had found something not immediately pack related. No, she was definitively right.

"You okay?" Maddie gently nudged Liam's arm. "You're quiet." Her concern was touching and Liam smiled softly. "Just thinking. Maya said this morning she's happy I found something without other pack mates with you. Apparently, I focused too much on the pack and don't have hobbies without my Betas and my Betas were worried about me." Liam kept his tone light, he didn't want them to think he was complaining about Maya. Luckily his new friends didn't seem surprised. Savannah looked at Luka and Meadow. "I know I did the same, how about you?" Casual question. "Yeah", Luka confirmed. "It's what I call the Alpha hole." Maddie debated on the question a little bit more: "Liam, every leader, every good leader, of a supernatural group has done that. You have to establish things first. For yourself and the ones following you. So everybody knows which direction it's going. It's normal." "In this regard, the leader is like a parent. The kids come first", Luka chimed in, "Their happiness and wellbeing come first, then comes you." "Even if you take over from another Alpha and want to continue their type of leadership, you are your own person and you need to figure out things on your own. It's a strange sense of belonging and loneliness at the same time. You have to evaluate which way to go, which direction to take. It can feel overwhelming. The proverbial image of a hole fits very well", Savannah agreed. Liam had to chuckle at that. "I'm good at falling into holes." Yet he wondered: "So that doesn't mean I made a colossal mistake in my early Alpha life?" "No. It means you take being an Alpha seriously. A very good trait if you want to be a good Alpha", Maddie affirmed. Liam huffed. "Will this ever stop? Focusing on the pack so much?" "You will get better at balancing it more", Luka promised with a comforting smile. Liam believed him. All of them really. Savannah, ever one to use an opportunity, was already onto another thing. "But, just to ensure all of us don't get so caught up with our groups and forget ourselves, how about regular hanging outs? Just the four of us? Getting something to eat or going to the movies? Bi-weekly? At least once a month?" "I'm game. When I'm not traveling for work, I will come." Luka liked the idea. "It's a good idea. Count me in", Liam also decided. Maddie nodded as well. Savannah looked pleased.

"There's the Alpha Squad." Mike showed up in the doorway, polaroid camera in hand. "Alpha Squad? I'm not really an Alpha", Meadow corrected gently. He shrugged. "You're leading a supernatural group and you hang with three Alphas. To simplify it, we will call you Alpha as well. So Alpha Squad, say cheese!" He raised the camera and took a picture of the four persons in the kitchen. "Huh, can't really argue with that", Maddie admitted. "Well then, Alpha Squad it is." Liam thought it sounded fun.

________________________________

Author's note:

The members of the other groups in no particular order:

The werewolves:

Delaney Barrett

Bryn Yates

Holden Welling

Simon Welling

Lynn Erikson

Alessandro "Sandro" Townsend

William "Will" Murral

The were cheetahs:

Pilar Merediz

Beatriz Ramos

Carmen Diaz

Paola Catala

The vampire:

Jade

______________________________________

It's a good feeling to have them all come together. Liam found new friends without losing his old ones, I think this is important too. Right now, life is really good for the core pack. What will happen next? Did you like the chapter? What do you think will happen? I'm curious to hear from you.